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I work a full time job (four 10 hour days a week Monday through Thursday) and work with my business partner on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Every time I get to the precipice of personal financial collapse, I find a way to come up with the money either through bonuses, negotiations, loans or creative due date movements. Every time I get to the precipice of business collapse, my business partner and I also find a way to get a customer to pay in the nick of time or we use our own money (which leads back to the personal side issues) to save it. It's been a balancing high wire act for sure.
The nightmare started when I was laid off in 2011. The four months I was out of work due to the Obama recession nearly cost me my house. But I saved it. Having been back to work since December of 2011, it's been one long two year game of playing catch up.
When things were at their darkest and I thought I wouldn't be able to make a mortgage payment or when things were at their darkest and I thought the business would have to shut down leaving me with tens of thousands of dollars in debt, I turned to the Lord in prayer and asked Him to take my burden from me; and if it was His will that I should succeed or fail then so be it. I asked Him to give me the strength and I promised Him I'd do the work.
The Lord provided me in my faith. He allowed me to help my business partner grow in his faith. I don't know exactly how I'm still surviving because it's all been a blur. But, some how some way I've been able to keep it together with spit and glue.
Today, my business partner and I are working on obtaining business lines of credit. Pray this works. We have the potential to take on a fairly large sized client by the end of the year. We have an investor who is involved in another line of business with us now. Things are starting to look up. But, we are in no way out of the woods yet. Our server blew up yesterday, so now we are going to be set back more time and more money to get that up and running. It's one thing after another. Most people would have quit and gone on welfare by now. But this mouse still believes there's cheese in the maze somewhere.
It never used to be this way. The capital markets flowed with cash. Businesses expanded regularly. New small businesses popped up everywhere. Many of those grew into large companies. Yes, you always had to pay the price for success. Entrepreneurs have always succeeded and always failed. But today, the success to failure ratio is nowhere what it was in the years past when we were creating record numbers of millionaires in this country. What I just described were the Reagan years (and it spilled over into the Clinton years). We are now in the Obama years. Conservative, free market approaches to how our country was run made us the greatest nation on Earth. Today, liberal, collectivist approaches are destroying us.
My business partner and I believe we will be successful despite the collapse of our once great nation. If we were willing to endure five years of this stuff (that's how long we've been in business) and we have the perserverence to make it work and never quit, we should reap rewards beyond our wildest dreams. But unlike the way it would have been had this been the Reagan years, it will take twice as much hard work, twice as much suffering and twice as much sacrifice to make it happen. The reason it has to happen: we have no choice. If our business fails, we are destroyed financially.
Our country is over $17 trillion in debt. If our government was a business, it would be the most incompetent business ever run and the free market would have destroyed it years ago. Both my employer and my own business has to comply with ridiculous Orwellian regulations that are imposed upon them by this gargantuan government gone mad. If my business extorted money from people using the law or if it printed its own money, we'd go to jail. But the government? No, they actually can do all the things that their regulators and the statutes tell us we can't do. I'm not saying we should be allowed to extort and counterfeit. I'm just saying the government shouldn't be allowed to either.
If we have become the nanny state, then the nanny is a very abusive one. She beats us. She destroys us financially. She keeps the poor pinned down in poverty. She rewards bad behavior and punishes good behavior. She suspends kids from school for using their fingers to play a wholesome game of cops and robbers, but she'll take the gun out of your hand before you shoot the person robbing you. She takes God out of school, but puts sex education (some of it deviant sexual education) in.
If our government was a private business, it would be forced into bankruptcy. Its executives would go to jail for mismanagement of funds. Its customers would suffer because the product and service they would get would be piss poor. Websites wouldn't work and the price of the product would sky rocket. If our government was a private business, it would be run out of business. If USA, Inc. was ever audited by its own regulators, it would be shut down. If USA, Inc. was ever indicted for fraud and misuse of money, its executives would go to jail.
If I ran my business like the government runs its, I'd be in jail and be completely destroyed financially. Try to find a private business that's $17 trillion in debt and see if it can just raise its debt ceiling or get a triple AAA credit rating. Logic and common sense no longer applies!
The whole flipping thing is upside down. What's right is wrong and what's wrong is right. Life in America is like one big acid trip. Only the hallucinations are real.
So what's the reason I work like a dog? I'm broke. If I am ever to survive this nightmare we call America, I'm going to need lots of money. Becoming wealthy isn't about the mansions, the yachts and the strings of polo ponies. It's about survival! It's about being able to take care of your family and inner circle while the ship we call America goes down. It's about doing God's will and having the means to help others. I'm not interested in luxury. I'm interested in financial self defense. Wealth is to the individual what national defense is to the nation.
The arduous sacrifices and the prices that had to be paid by those who have become successful were voluntary. Read Napoleon Hill, Andrew Carnegie, Robert Ringer or any other book written by a successful person and you will find the keys to success. The reason why it doesn't work for everyone is that most people won't do the things necessary to become successful. And, that used to be okay. Success is hard. It's unconventional. It goes against the grain of everything we were taught. It wasn't for everyone.
We had a country where if you worked hard, you earned enough to raise a family and enjoy a comfortable middle class life. Surely, the extravagances weren't necessary and the problems like car repairs and home appliance repairs were setbacks, but for the most part, you could have a family and enjoy weekends. Those that wanted more were blessed to live in a country that gave them the environment to work harder and make the sacrifices for the bigger and better things. Those who wanted to make the extra sacrifices lived in a country where they were free to do so.
Today it seems most households are in distress. The family is being torn apart. People are working twice as hard just to stay afloat. Weekends off? What's that? Family time? What's that?
We have come to the days Ronald Reagan told us about. We are in the days where we are telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free. We are in the days where we are telling our children and our children's children what it was like to earn what you have.
We no longer have that choice of being middle class or working harder to move up. The middle class is the toy boat about to get sucked down the whirlpool in the drain. The sacrifices, the price that once was only required for the successful are now required of us all. The weight that has to be lifted now is much heavier than the one our last generation had to lift. Unfortunately folks, the sacrifices are no longer voluntary. We all have no choice now but to do it
Welfare and food stamps is not the answer. Obamacare is not the answer. All of that is going to implode. If you're not ready financially when that happens, your screwed. Just as I am a prisoner to my business (it's either get it profitable or else die financially), we as Americans are prisoners to this great experiment gone bad. If we don't get it back in line with the tenets of our founders, your grandchildren will be telling their grandchildren about how America fell.
It may cost tens of thousands for me to get out of my business. But it will cost America tens of trillions to get out of whatever this is now. Call it socialism, call it secularism, call it progressivism. But most of all, call it garbage.
If we don't have a revival from the grass roots on up, we're doomed. This isn't about religious zealotry or traditional evangelization. This is about life and death. It has to start in the house, then on the block, then in the neighborhood, then in the town, then in the county, then in the churches and the boardrooms. It has to start from the bottom and grow its way up. Right now, we are being run by a top down model that is a complete failure. It is controlled by government and it is controlled by elites in both political parties. It's time to put an end to that.
If the bubble gum machine is filled with black licorice bubble gum (you know, the kind everyone hates), you can't fix it by smashing it. And, you certainly can't fix it by adding more black bubble gum to it. The way you fix it is to put a penny in, take out a piece, open the top and add a red one in its place. The pennies are the price. The pennies are our hard work at self improvement and re-prioritization. It took the progressive movement nearly 100 years to get us to where we are. Replacing the bubble gum in the machine is going to take time and effort - one red one in and one black one out at a time. But it must be done. There is no choice.
When everyone asks generations from now where America has been since we last heard from her, let's hope the country can explain its absence the way I've explained my absence from blogging.
Pray for strength and do the work. God bless you all.


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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at California State University, Fresno, is a program created for adults age 50+ who wish to continue learning and exploring for the sheer joy of it. Renew your enthusiasm for learning in a relaxed atmosphere, without entrance requirements, grades or exams.
Supported by the Bernard Osher Foundation, the OLLI is a vibrant learning community offering a rich array of workshops, short courses, and field trips of particular interest to retired or semi-retired adults.
Our Spring 2020 catalog (PDF, 1.4MB - click to view) is now available.
To view past semester activities, click on the link for Resources and scroll to the bottom of the page, where you can download a PDF version of previous brochures.
To register for OLLI activities, complete the Registration Form in the brochure and return it with your payment (check or money order only; no cash is accepted) to Fresno State, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, 5245 N. Backer Avenue, M/S PB5, Fresno, CA 93740. You may also bring your registration form to the University Business Center, located in the Peters Business Building, on the Fresno State campus (enter campus on Woodrow Avenue). UBC office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm during the spring and fall semesters, and 7:00 am to 3:30 pm during the summer.
Contact Information
Fresno State's OLLI is part of the Division of Continuing and Global Education.
Scott D. Moore, Ph.D., Dean
Jill Wagner, Executive Director
Deni Dukic, Staff
Office Location
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
5245 N. Backer Avenue, Room PB182
Fresno, CA 93740
Phone: 559.278.0008


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Huzur delivered his Friday Sermon today from Hamburg in Germany. Huzur said he has already inaugurated a mosque in Germany and shall inaugurate another tomorrow. Therefore Huzur gave a discourse on the significance of mosques. Huzur said the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) had said that wherever an introduction of the Jama'at is needed, a mosque may be built. This is a source of Tarbiyyat for us and also facilitates Tabligh.
Huzur briefly explained the history of mosques in Germany and said that it was Allah's grace that every time we make a leap and build a large mosque Allah increases our requirement [for a larger still mosque]. Citing (7:30) from the Holy Qur'an Huzur said this verse draws the attention of every worshipper who comes to the mosque to be fair and just. Huzur cited (4:59) and said that this explains that the real standard of a believer's sense of justice is established when he/she honours the dues of Allah. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said that we are not real servants of God unless we are able to return or are prepared to return all that God has given us. This glorious trait was found in its most supreme excellence in the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) and we too should strive according to our capacities to follow this blessed model. The 'trust' as stated in (4:59) may be established in two ways; by paying the dues of Allah by using His favours and blessings to attain His pleasure and by creating justice and fairness among people. Huzur said when we come to mosque we should pray that we are enabled to honour our dues, then only will our worship be sincere. Allah is Al Baseer (All Seeing) and is aware of the inner most recesses of our heart and is aware of the intention we may have when returning His trust only for the sake of attaining His pleasure and while fulfilling the requisites of justice and fairness.
Once someone asked the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) what should one have in view when saying Salat to which the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) replied that one should remember Allah with sincerity and remember His favours. The most excellent example of offering Salat is found in the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) and such lofty was his station of devotion to Allah that he was made to declare in (6:163) 'Say, 'My Prayer and my sacrifice and my life and my death are all for Allah, the Lord of the worlds'. Huzur said when a person will strive to be completely devoted to God with this blessed model in mind then there can be no other conclusion but this that such a person would be a true servant of God and would fulfil all requisites of fairness among people. Such a person also attains high standards of purifying of the 'self' and continues to make progress. Indeed, the Holy Qur'an states the means to acquire this station in (16:91). The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) explained this verse and said that we should have a regard of fairness and justice with our Creator and consider only Him to be worthy of worship, love and trust and not associate any partners with Him. Once one has fully comprehended that Allah alone is one's Lord and one has established justice (adl) with regard to Him one can move on to the station of 'doing of good' (ehsan) whereby one is completely devoted in the love of God, this is followed by the station of 'giving like kindred' (itai dhil qurba) that is one's love and devotion of God is free from all pretence and one remembers God as unconditionally as a child remembers his mother. On a human level the first station would be having sympathy and a sense of justice for mankind, develop this further to a station where one would return a bad deed with a good deed and return pain with happiness and then in 'giving like kindred' do good to others without any expectation of a return. This is the height of high morals when one does good to others cheerfully and without any expectation of gratitude.
Huzur said this is the commentary of the verse (16:91) that the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) has given us. As his followers we claim that we aspire to tread the path that is enjoined, we need to ensure that we do not simply make a claim and that we actually strive to put it all in practice. The second half of the verse, Huzur said mentions three evils, which are not expected of those who worship God with sincerity, as these ills take one away from worship of God. While the verse draws attention to adopting one after another piety in order to spiritually develop with the aim of attaining the pleasure of God it also draws attention to do a Jihad against evil. It enjoins to avoid 'indecency'. Huzur said 'indecency' signifies that evil which only the person who commits the ill knows about. When one turns to Allah as a true servant, first and foremost one supplicates for the removal of one's evil, only then does one do justice and fairness to oneself. Before fulfilling the external requisites of fairness and justice one should hold one's self to account. Next one is enjoined to avoid 'manifest evil'. Huzur said at times these unfavourable matters may not cause any damage but they lead to bad habit forming, for instance using abusive language. Huzur said those who worship God with complete sincerity should not have this evil. The third degree of evil to avoid is 'transgression'; creating disorder in society and usurping others' rights. Fundamental to all this, Huzur said, is that we introspect and examine our 'self' and purify it. If these efforts are not made, one may get distant from the Jama'at and distant from obedience of Khilafat which leads to deprivation of worship of God. One who transgresses does not fulfil the requisites of justice, a transgressor is entangled in egotism and therefore cannot be humble and one who cannot be humble cannot worship God with sincerity. Huzur said if we are to derive benefit from our mosque, as a true servant of God, we need to avoid evil and adopt piety to which our attention is drawn. Huzur prayed that may Allah enable us to fulfil the requisites of worship of God with sincerity, to fulfil the rights of creation, to be drawn to purify our 'self' and may we always supplicate to Allah, begging Him for acceptance of these matters.
The Jumu'ah (Friday) prayer is one form of congregational worship in Islam. It takes place every Friday. Regular attendance at the Jumu'ah prayer is enjoined on the believer. According to a Saying of Muhammad(sa) this congregational prayer is twenty-five times more blessed than worship performed alone. (Bukhari)
"O ye who believe! When the call is made for Prayer on Friday, hasten to the remembrance of Allah, and leave off all business. That is best for you, if you only knew." more
"… (He who) offers the Prayers and listens quitely when the Imam stands up for sermon, will have his sins forgiven between that Friday and the next" (Bukhari)


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All OK at home, Gomez's head back in game
PITTSBURGH -- Brewers center fielder Carlos Gomez reported for duty Saturday with a clear head after struggling to concentrate Friday night because of complications on the home front, illustrating the challenges that sometimes face foreign-born players and their families.
Gomez received urgent messages from his wife, Gerandy, after a visit in Milwaukee with a new pediatrician. Their baby boy, Yadiel, had been given a clean bill of health when he was born March 29, but the doctor on Friday was concerned about Yadiel's right hip. An X-ray confirmed that the joint was loose, a common problem with newborns, Gomez learned, known as developmental dysplasia.
Doctors told him the issue often resolves itself with time. Sometimes the baby is fitted with a brace. In the worst case scenario, surgery is necessary.
Gerandy Gomez heard "surgery" and grew very concerned. It wasn't until the middle of the Brewers' win over the Pirates -- after Carlos had struck out twice, snapped a bat in half by slamming it into the ground and committed an uncharacteristic bobble in center field -- that he learned her concerns had been eased.
"Our pediatrician in the Dominican explained to my wife exactly what it is," Gomez said. "It's not bad. It's nothing, like, I'm going to be worried about. A lot of babies are born like that.
"But yesterday was a tough time. My wife was in tears, she's thinking and crying, and I can't do anything because I'm here."
Gomez collected himself enough to hit a booming home run in the fifth inning and a run-scoring single in the sixth.
"It's because he's so darn talented," manager Ron Roenicke said.
But Roenicke could tell something was wrong.
"Before the game, I watched him and I knew something was different with him," he said. "I can see that. He hasn't been doing that stuff [with the broken bat]; all of a sudden it comes out and it's like, 'Wow.'"
Roenicke added: "When you're talking about your little baby and you hear some news that's pretty upsetting, I understand why you get upset about it."
The language barrier can be particularly difficult in medical matters, Gomez said, but "you get used to it when you know you are in good hands. But if you have kids, when kids have something, you get upset. Like, 'Give it to me.' The most important thing for me is my family. When I'm not at my job, I give my complete time to my family. … The only things that I love are my belief in God, my family and my work. Those are the only things that make me happy, and when something is wrong with that, it drives me crazy."
By the end of Friday night, Gomez had his peace of mind restored.
"I called her, she was calm, the baby was fine," he said. "It's all good."


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#pear channel-discover roojs.github.com/pear-channel
#pear install roojs/PDO_DataObject-0.0.1
I'm sure I've mentioned on this blog (probably a few years ago), that we spent about a year developing a very good anti-spam tool. The basis of which was using a huge number of mysql stored procedures to process email as it is accepted and forwarded using an exim mail server.
The tricks that it uses are numerous, although generally come from best practices these days.
The whole process starts off with creating a database with
If an email / server / domain combo is new and not seen before, then apart from greylisting, and delaying the socket connections we also have a optional manual approval process. (using the web client).
Moving on from that we have a number of other tricks, usually involving detecting url links in the email and seeing if any of the email messages that have been greylisted (with different 'from') are also using that url.
On top of this, is a Web User interface to manage the flow and approvals of email. You can see what is in the greylist queue, set up different accounts for different levels of protection (either post-delivery approval, or pre-delivery approval etc..)
This whole system is very effective, when set up correctly. It can produce zero false negatives, and after learning for a while, is pretty transparent to the operations of a company. (email me if you want to get a quote for it, it's not that expensive...)
So after having created the best of breed anti-spam system, in typical fashion, we get asked to solve the other end.. getting large amounts emails delivered to mailing lists.
If you are looking for help with your mass email marketing systems, don't hesitate to contact us firstname.lastname@example.com
Read on to find out how we send out far to many emails (legally and efficiently)
As we are not so crazy busy this month, I finally get time to write about one the key tools that we developed to enhance our development process.
Back in 2010, We built a desktop application called app.Builder.js, written in seed (webkit+gnome). It's main purpose was to enable the rapid development of RooJS applications (a fork of ExtJS). It worked wonders over the years, enabling us to build and prototype applications quickly, and continually improve on them.
While it worked well, due to the nature of Javascript bindings into C, the occasional code problem would cause a complete crash. As most of the code is dependant on the javascript bindings, and gir files that define them. It also became a little troublesome to maintain, extend as it was dependent on the availability of gir bindings for new widgets.
Around mid 2014, It was decided to port the code from Javascript to Vala. Being a relative new-commer to Vala, we first tried porting our Gitlive application, which monitors the filesystem for changes and instantly commit's and pushes all changes. This relatively small project gave us the skills set ready to rebuild application builder in vala.


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Bullied Greenwich High boy commits suicide
A Greenwich High School sophomore who for years was relentlessly bullied by his peers committed suicide after the first day of classes Tuesday.
Bartlomiej "Bart" Palosz, 15, shot himself to death Tuesday night at his family's home in the Byram section of Greenwich, police said.
First Selectman Peter Tesei said he has been told by people in the community who knew Palosz that bullying might have contributed to his decision to take his own life.
"It's just a really horrific tragedy, and I'm deeply saddened to hear of it," Tesei said. "I extend my condolences to the family."
The circumstances that precipitated Palosz's suicide are under investigation by Greenwich police, who were reported Wednesday to be probing the bullying allegations and planning to interview students.
A preliminary investigation into Palosz's death has revealed the shotgun used in the suicide was family-owned and had been stored in a gun locker inside the home, Greenwich Police said.
Palosz's death is the latest tragedy in what has become a heartbreaking consequence of bullying in America.
Earlier this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention assembled a panel of experts to address bullying and its impact on young people. Among the panel's findings: "There is a strong association between bullying and suicide-related behaviors"
Similarly, in a landmark study by Yale University in 2008, researchers found "signs of an apparent connection between bullying, being bullied and suicide in children, according to a new review of studies from 13 countries published in the International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health."
The anecdotal evidence speaks for itself.
In 2008, 14-year-old Alexa Berman, of Brookfield, hanged herself three days before the start of high school after being cyberbullied by kids who used to be her friends.
In 2010, six teenagers were charged in a bullying campaign that led to the suicide of a 15-year-old Massachusetts girl, Phoebe Prince. They later negotiated a plea deal.
Also in 2010, Rutgers University freshman Tyler Clementi jumped off the George Washington Bridge to his death after his roommate posted a video of Clementi in a romantic situation with another man.
And yet, for those who knew Palosz, there is little comfort in these shared tragedies, only an all-consuming desire to learn from them.
Lisa Johnson, whose 13-year-old son, Izzy, was a close friend of Palosz, said Palosz had been bullied since he moved to Greenwich from his native Poland when he was in elementary school.
"He always was kind of awkward in his body and kind of clumsy and how he carried himself," she said. "He didn't exude confidence but he was a total sweetheart of a guy. But kids never appreciated that."
She added, "He was really polite and one of those people who always said `What can I do to help you?' He was above a lot of the pettiness. Adults appreciated that, but his peers didn't see that. They just saw him as different or weak."
Palosz had a close and loving relationship with his sister, Beata, who graduated this year from Greenwich High, Johnson said.
"They used to eat lunch together at school," she said. "She was one of his allies. She was like his protector."
School crisis teams on Wednesday convened at Greenwich High, Western Middle School and New Lebanon School, the schools Palosz attended. Mental health personnel are providing counseling to anyone in need.
"We are looking very carefully at what has happened over the last number of years here," Superintendent of Schools William McKersie said, "so we can make sure that all our students going forward do not have to face the kind of decision that Bart made (Tuesday)."
Kim Eves, director of communications for the public school district, said the school system takes seriously the importance of fostering a positive school climate.
"Any indications that a student is experiencing significant mental health distress is addressed at the school level by personnel trained to recognize and respond to these concerns," she said. "Importantly, if any staff member believes that a student poses a danger to him/herself, or others, parents are notified and the student is immediately referred to outside supports and providers."
Growing up, Palosz became active with the Boy Scouts. He liked to play video games and volunteer at tag sales and the Byram Shubert Library. He was also an active social media user.
Palosz's Google+ page tells the story of a lonely kid suffering from frequent, often violent, suicidal thoughts. In between posts about anime characters and hunting for pheasants, he discussed his failed suicide attempts and the relentless bullying that precipitated them.
"Hey if I were to stab my eye out due to school caused insanity, who would miss me?" he wrote July 3 beside a photo of himself holding the tip of a knife to his pupil.
Four days later, Palosz posted a goodbye note on the social network.
"I have chosen to go with 3 peoples advice and kill myself," he wrote July 7 after telling his friends on the network that he had swallowed pills. "I just wish it was faster ."
When other Google+ users in his network assured him his troubles would subside, he replied that he had been bullied at school every day for the last 10 years.
"I'm still alive," he reported the next day, "never trust my mind."
He then agreed with a user's request that he never attempt to kill himself again.
It seemed like Palosz's disposition had brightened last month when he offered his own advice to a Google+ user on how to stop bullies: "talking out of experience all you can do is ignore them and remember when your in the darkest part follow a small light and ignore the demons that keep you in the darkness," he wrote.
It was through social media that one of Palosz's friends learned of his death.
"He was my son's best friend," said a woman who visited the Palosz family's home Wednesday in hopes they would be there. "He was just at my house for a sleep-over this week."
Fighting back tears, the woman, who would not give her name, said she was in shock and did not believe it when her son told her Tuesday night that Palosz had killed himself. She visited the family's home Wednesday because she wanted proof that he was really dead, she said.
The family was not home, but a worker from Aftermath Services who was sanitizing the home told the woman it was true.
Johnson, whose son met Palosz when they were both students at New Lebanon School, said Palosz never fought back against his bullies. Instead, she said he tolerated the torment and hid under a happy disposition.
"We just saw Bart walking in the neighborhood the other day," she said. "He was by himself, with his headphones on. I think he was more in another world."
Palosz seemed overcome with the darkness in his world when he replied to a YouTube user who said she would like to get to know him and become friends.
"not much to know," he wrote a week before taking his own life. "I do most things alone, most people I ever met hate me and yeah thats pretty much it, any questions feel free to ask I have nothing to hide."
Staff writer Daniel Tepfer contributed to this story.


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Driver Dies In Prince George's County Accident | News
RIVERDALE, Md. (WUSA9) -- A driver died after crashing into the back of a tow truck in Riverdale on Wednesday night, police said.
It happened at around 8:34 p.m., on the southbound shoulder of Kenilworth Avenue, near Paint Branch Parkway, police said.
The tow truck was loading a vehicle, when the car crashed into the back of the tow truck, police said.
The driver of the car did not survive. There were no other major injuries in the accident.


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Police patrols to focus on distracted driving
Harford Co. officials say distracted driving can get worse during holidays
Maryland State Police in Harford County said they'll be stepping up their patrols and increasing their focus on cellphone violations while driving during the holiday season.
Police at the Bel Air barracks said they're reminding motorists of the dangers of distracted driving after they've had to investigate 11 traffic crashes this year that resulted in the deaths of 16 people.
Officials are reminding people that the need to stay in touch is nowhere near as important as staying focused and driving safely.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a texting driver is 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash than a non-texting driver. Also, the use of a cellphone while driving, regardless of whether it is handheld or hands-free, can delay some drivers' reaction times as much as someone who has a blood-alcohol level of 0.08, the legal limit in Maryland.
"Reading a text message while driving causes drivers to take their eyes off the road an average of five seconds," said Lt. Michael Wann. "That is enough time to drive the length of a football field and can obviously have devastating consequences for a driver traveling at any speed."
Troopers have been directed to increase their focus on cellphone talking and texting violations during the next few weeks, with special enforcement patrols specifically looking for those types of violators, as well as drunken drivers, speeders and aggressive drivers.


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We liked Gary Ross' movie version of The Hunger Games — but it could always have been better. And here's one example of how: Director Kevin Tancharoen's video pitch, from when he was gunning for the job.
Sure, this video is merely stitched together footage from Doomsday, X-Men, The Book of Eli, among others — but this one short clip does something that the movie does not. Explains things. Seriously was the name Effie Trinket even said once in the movie? Oh also, there's actual violence in this pitch.
Tancharoen (Fame, Mortal Kombat: Rebirth) has released his movie pitch to Slashfilm (who also has a great interview with him about the movie pitching process). Ah well, perhaps the sequel will have more bloody, science fictional elements.


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Get over the wall for a life-changing adventure through China's awe-inspiring interior. Explore the unforgettable city of Beijing and meet pandas at a breeding centre in Sichuan. Discover daily life in Tibet and cruise the incredible Yangtze River on a riverboat. Cycle atop the city walls of Xi'an, and face its standing army of terracotta warriors before eating lunch in the local farming village where they were discovered. Get into China's very heart and it will most certainly get into yours.
What's Included
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Temple of Heaven Tai Chi, Beijing
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Chinese Shadow Puppetry, Xi'an
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Tangka Painting demonstration, Lhasa
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Dumpling-Making Lesson, Lhasa
Your Discover Moment: Shanghai. Arrival transfer. Tour of Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. Visit the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Bike ride along the Xi'an city walls. Orientation walk through Xi'an's Muslim Quarter and street markets. Tour the museum of the terracotta warriors. Orientation walk in Barkhor square. Tour of Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace, and the Tibetan Medicine Institute. Sera Monastery visit. Visit a panda breeding centre. Yangtze River cruise. Three Gorges Dam tour. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Enjoy a performance of shadow puppetry, learn how to make Tibetan momos (beef dumplings), get up close and personal with pandas at a Sichuan breeding centre, take in Thangka art at a Tibetan academy in Lhasa, cruise the mighty Yangtze River on a luxury riverboat
Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Important Notes
There may be a weight restriction for the internal flights on this tour. Each passenger is allowed one checked bag with a maximum weight of 20kg (44 lb) and one carry-on with a maximum weight of 5kg (11 lb). Additional bags or excess weight charges may apply. These charges are the responsibility of the passenger.
Group Leader Description
Your G Adventures group trip is accompanied by a G Adventures Chief Experience Officer (CEO) in China. The aim of your CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. G Adventures CEOs are experts in their region with a broad, general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local expert guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
Group Size Notes
Max 15, Avg 10.
Meals Included
14 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each others company. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Vegetarians will be able to find a range of different foods, although in some areas the choice maybe limited. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Train, minibus, cruise boat, small canal boat, ferry, bicycle, plane, walking.
Local Flights
All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.
Solo Travellers
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Hotels (10 nts), soft-sleeper overnight train (1 nt), Yangtze riverboat (3 nts).
My Own Room Exceptions
Night 3; Sleeper Train
Joining Hotel
For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.
Joining Instructions
An arrival transfer is included when you arrive on Day 1, or if you arrive up to three days prior provided that you have booked your pre-accommodation through National Geographic Journeys in our joining hotel. Due to customer experience and quality considerations, all services related to the tour must be continuous.
Our driver will be waiting for you with a National Geographic Journeys sign with your name on it, and they will be waiting for you outside the luggage hall. There most likely will be many signs, so please check carefully for your name.
Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned, so you may arrive at any time. Similarly the last day is a departure day in which no activities are planned.
Your CEO will contact you at the hotel on Day 1 and make sure you are settled comfortably. If you arrive late, they will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning. Your CEO will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip.
Arrival Complications
We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, please see our Emergency contact details below.
As a last resort we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Taxi Instructions below. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
A. Taxi: Follow the signs to the taxi ranks once you have come out of the baggage hall. The ranks are clearly defined, and traffic guards will systematically put you into a taxi. Print out the name of your hotel in Chinese. A taxi ride will take between 34-45 minutes depending on traffic, and should cost between 95-120 Yuan (plus an extra 10 for the tollway).
Emergency Contact
Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Representative (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, we will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer however we cannot guarantee this. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel
If your call is specifically concerning Beijing Airport Transfer complications please call our local G Adventures Transfer provider directly at: +86 1391 0388 356 –Ms Xiaofeng Chen (Beijing)
Beijing Airport Transfer Assistance:
+86 1391 0388 356 -Ms Xiaofeng Chen
G Adventures Local Tour Operator (China):
During office hours, Mon-Fri 9:30-18:00 Local Time
+86 199 3740 7980
After office hours emergency number: +86 187 0058 2383
If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.
Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
What to Take
We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as your are expected to carry your own luggage. As a rule we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 mintues with your bags which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 10-15kg/22-30lb. Most travellers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size (no XXL ones please!) as they need to fit under the beds when travelling on sleeper trains. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like ipods and mobile phones.
There may be a weight restriction for the internal flights on this tour. Each passenger is allowed one checked bag with a maximum weight of 20kg (44 lb) and one carry-on with a maximum weight of 5kg (11 lb). Additional bags or excess weight charges may apply. These charges are the responsibility of the passenger.
Do not bring any knives or swords into China (gifts or otherwise). If they do make it into the country, they will not be permitted on trains. If you purchase a knife or sword while travelling elsewhere before arriving in China your best option is to post/mail it home before entering the country as no post/mail companies in China will accept it as a parcel.
Packing List
Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Light Hiking:
• Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes
• Hiking pants (Convertible/Zip-off and quick dry recommended)
Smart Dress:
• Smart outfit (For evenings out)
Train Travel (Optional):
• Slip-on shoes
• Small container with lid
• Travel cutlery
• Travel or camp cup
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
Note: from Apr-Aug is rainy season for most of Southern China, so please ensure you have some waterproof clothing. From Nov-Apr weather can be cold, so please pack warm clothing.
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Visas and Entry Requirements
Please note that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change. It is important that you check for yourself with the embassy of each country. Your travel agent can assist. Please, keep in mind that all countries require passports valid for at least 6 months from the moment of departure from the country.
CHINA: all nationalities require a visa to visit China
Most nationalities also need an official Letter Of Invitation (LOI) before they can apply for their Chinese visa.
You can obtain the LOI through our visa support agent in China. The visa support link you need to complete will be sent to you or your travel agent by email when you confirm your booking. You must read the instructions carefully and fill out all the details.
When filling out your Chinese Visa Application form, Please ensure that you list the same details as appear on your LOI when filling out your Chinese Visa Application form.
Passengers traveling to Tibet:
As Tibet continues to be a sensitive area for travel to the Chinese government you must refrain from listing Tibet as one of the places you are going to visit as your application form or your Visa will be denied. We will provide you with the necessary documents to obtain your Chinese Visa, please use the details provided when filling out your Chinese Visa application form. Please submit a copy of your Chinese Visa to us once you receive it in order to arrange your permit for Tibet.
Norwegian nationals travelling to Tibet:
Please be advised that starting in 2018, travellers from Norway are now eligible to apply for a permit to enter Tibet. However, please keep in mind that applications made by Norwegians are being reviewed very carefully by the Tibetan authorities. If you are planning to travel with a Norwegian passport, please ensure that you have appropriate travel insurance in case your Tibetan Permit application is unsuccessful.
As Chinese visas are dated specifically for entry and exit, please ensure you enter the correct dates as per your flights entering and exiting China. Please remember to put exactly the same dates when you fill out the application at the Chinese embassy. You will need to provide additional documentation to the consulate (i.e. flights tickets, hotel reservations) if these dates fall outside the duration of the tour.
Please do not submit the below application until 3 months prior to your entry into China. The details will be forwarded to our local agent in China and you will be emailed your Chinese Invitation Letter (With day by day Itinerary) only once we are within 60 days of the trip start date.
Once you have received your LOI you can apply for your visa by going to the nearest Chinese embassy.Please, remember that it is your responsibility to check whether passport details, name spelling and dates on the LOI are correct.
As of April 3rd, 2018, all Chinese visa application forms must be typed. Handwritten forms will no longer be accepted.
Following the successful implementation of their 144 hour visa free program for the Shanghai district, The Ministry of Public Security of China have announced the extension of the 144 hour visa free program for provinces of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei. As of the 29th of December 2017, over 50 foreign nationals can now enter or exit via one of the following ports:
- Beijing Capital International Airport
- Railway West Railway Station
- Tianjin Binhai International Airport
- Tianjin International Cruise Homeport, or
- Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport in Hebei Province and Qinhuangdao Harbor.
Detailed Trip Notes
Due to Internet restrictions, some popular websites and applications – including social media sites like Facebook and email services like Gmail – may not work in China. If you think these restrictions may affect you, we suggest you do research before your departure in order to be prepared. Bear in mind the availability of websites and apps can change without notice at any time.
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Money Exchange
As currency exchange rates in Asia fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com.
As of March 2014 the exchange rate for China was 1 USD = 6 CNY (Chinese Yuan).
Cash (Chinese Yuan) is the best method of money in China. There are some ATM machines at international airports and major cities that accept Visa and debit cards but these should not be relied on as a source of funds. We recommend the use of cash and traveller's cheques in major currencies (USD, CAD, GBP, EUR, AUD, HKD) as a backup. Major credit cards are accepted in a few shops (except for AMEX and Diner's) but they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee.
Emergency Fund
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Departure Tax
Departure Tax is included in all International and Domestic tickets in China.
Traditionally in China tipping is not expected and thus there is no need to tip in restaurants and your general interaction with locals; however, tipping is customary – though not compulsory – in the tourism industry and not only shows an expression of satisfaction it may also be of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your CEO may offer to collect the money and tip as a group.
Recommendations for tipping is 3 USD per person per day and depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. A suggestion would be for each group member to contribute anonymously by putting their tip into an envelope. This often works the best and the group as a whole should gather to present the gift to the recipient(s), offering their thanks and showing their appreciation. This method brings the action out into the open, allowing for a friendly and appreciative interaction between the group and the recipient(s).
Tipping for service staff on the River cruise is included in the price of your trip. This however, does not include a gratuity to the river guide or cruise director, which may be given at passengers' discretion based on their satisfaction with services received, as can gratuities for additional special services requested by passengers to individual service staff.
Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $5 USD per person, per day can be used.
Optional Activities
- Beijing Kung Fu Show
- Toboggan at Great Wall (100-120CNY per person)
- Cable Car at Great Wall (100-120CNY per person)
- Big Goose Pagoda Visit (50CNY per person)
- Tang Dynasty Dinner (88-158CNY per person)
- Shanghai Acrobatic Performance
- Shanghai Museum (Free)
- Yuyuan Gardens (45CNY per person)
- Oriental Pearl Tower (220CNY per person)
Please note that Lhasa is at an altitude of over 12,140 ft (3,700 m). You may experience headaches, nausea, lethargy on arrival in Lhasa. It is important to be aware of the affects of altitude on one's tolerance. We recommend that you consult your doctor at home for any altitude sickness medication.
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical information pertaining to the country you are traveling to well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as a full supply of any personal medical requirements. In Asia, you will not find the same drugs as you get at home. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities. Also note that for legal reasons our Leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. For travellers over 70 years a completed Medical Form is required. Discovery Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if, in the reasonable opinion of the CEO, they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
Safety and Security
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home – you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your CEO has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your CEO will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.
Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.
Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).
Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.
We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety. For ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling, please visit:
Trip Specific Safety
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home – you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
A Couple of Rules
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation
The Planeterra Foundation planeterra.org is a Canadian non-profit organization that helps empower local people to develop their communities, conserve their cultures, and create humane and supportive systems for their endeavours. Planeterra provides capacity building and catalyst grants to get community social enterprises off the ground. These businesses address local challenges by providing benefits for indigenous people, empowering marginalized women, and granting disadvantaged youth access to education, employment, and brighter futures. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating programs into G Adventures' itineraries globally.
G Adventures is Planeterra's largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.
Dollar-a-Day Program
G Adventures' Dollar-a-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar for every day you are on trip. 100% of these donations go directly to support community development projects worldwide that are implemented by Planeterra.
Local Dress
When packing be aware that dress standards are conservative throughout Asia. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means covering shoulders and no short shorts. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate. Shorts should be knee-length.
In Tibet, often times you should cover your arms and legs, especially when entering a monastery.
After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at email@example.com and we will send it on to you.
Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G Adventures, subscribe at www.gadventures.com/newsletters/
Stay current on how our company invests in our global community through our foundation – Planeterra. Sign up for Planeterra's monthly news to learn more about how to give back and support the people and places we love to visit.
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
International Flights
Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Max Pax
Group Leader
Chief Experience Officer (CEO), local guides.
Day 1: Beijing (1D)
Spend the day resting or taking in the local surroundings. In the evening, there will be a welcome meeting with the tour leader and fellow travel companions, followed by a scrumptious Peking Duck dinner.
Included Activities:
Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting
Airport Transfer
Day 2: Beijing (1B)
Delve into the history of Beijing, visiting the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Hear tales emperors and their concubines, a long crafted culture and rich tradition. Witness how ancient Chinese customs are still valued today, but also blended with modern technology and western influences. Also visit the Temple of Heaven and its surrounding grounds, where locals are whiling the hours away, practicing water calligraphy and Tai Chi, playing cards, and walking pet crickets, all with the colourful Temple of Heaven in the background.
Included Activities:
Temple of Heaven Tai Chi
Temple of Heaven
Tiananmen Square
Forbidden City Tour
Private Vehicle
Day 3: Beijing/Xi'an (1B)
One of the greatest structures ever built, the Great Wall was constructed in stages over 2,000 years ago. It stretches 6,000km (3,728 mi) westwards from the sea to western China. The section we visit is called Mutianyu and is one of the best preserved Ming Dynasty sections reachable from Beijing. Arrive at the wall, walk up and explore a stretch by foot while taking in the spectacular views as it winds along the mountain ridges.
Afterward, prepare for our overnight sleeper train journey to Xi'an, which we will board in the evening.
Additional Notes:
Accommodation this evening will be in Soft Sleeper train cars which have 8-9 compartments per cabin. One compartment includes four beds (two upper and two lower) and a sliding door which can be locked. Beds include a quilt, pillow, sheet, and reading lamp with space for luggage in each compartment.
Included Activities:
Great Wall Mutianyu Visit
Private Vehicle
Basic overnight train (beds) (12.00-15.00 hours)
Day 4: Xi'an (1B)
Arrive in the ancient Chinese capital and traditional silk road terminus, Xi'an, in the morning. We will be met and transferred to our hotel. After settling in, gather for an inner city bike ride along 14km (9 mi) of ancient city walls.
In the evening, explore the multicultural feel of the Muslim Quarter, with shopping lanes and street-side food stalls selling naan, kebabs, and a fine array of sweets. Opt to try some of the best street food in China – the spicy beef and lamb kebabs are always a favourite.
Included Activities:
Cycling Xi'an City Walls
Muslim Quarter Orientation Walk
Chinese Shadow Puppetry
Day 5: Xi'an (1B, 1L)
Visit the famed Terracotta Warriors — an archaeological wonder built over 2,000 years ago to protect the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. After, visit a local village for lunch. End the day by sampling the local fare or exploring on your own.
Included Activities:
Terracotta Warriors Guided Tour
Village visit and lunch
Day 6: Xi'an/Lhasa (1B)
Take a spectacular morning flight over the Himalayas to Lhasa, Tibet, the roof of the world at an altitude of 3,700m (12,140 ft). Enjoy a relaxed pace in the afternoon as we adjust to the altitude, and take a leisurely orientation walk with our local guide.
Additional Notes:
Lhasa is at an altitude of over 3,700m (12,140 ft). You may experience headaches, nausea, and lethargy on arrival in Lhasa. It is important to be aware of the affects of altitude on one's tolerance. We recommend that you consult your doctor at home for any altitude sickness medication.
Included Activities:
Barkhor Square Orientation Walk
Plane (4.00-5.00 hours)
Day 7: Lhasa (1B)
Enjoy a guided visit to the Jokhang Temple and the Tibetan Medicine Institute to learn more about Tibetan spirituality and culture. Also visit a tangka academy to observe this ancient and intricate art form, considered sacred to Buddhists. The works usually depict a deity, scene, or mandala and are tied directly into Buddhist teaching and meditation.
Included Activities:
Tibetan Medicine Institute Visit
Jokhang Temple Tour
Tangka Painting demonstration
Private Vehicle
Day 8: Lhasa (1B, 1L)
Visit the breathtaking Potala Palace and the historic Sera Monastery, one of the great Tibetan Universities famed for its open debates among monks on the Buddhist doctrines. Later take a cooking class with a local chef and make (and eat) Tibetan momo beef dumplings.
Included Activities:
Potala Palace Tour
Sera Monastery Tour
Dumpling-Making Lesson
Private Vehicle
Day 9: Lhasa/Chengdu (1B, 1D)
Fly down into the Sichuan Valley, leaving the arid Tibetan plateau behind. Be prepared to try some of the spiciest food in all of China in Chengdu. Our tour leader will take us straight to spice-lovers heaven! Sichaun is also famous for its opera, and, as a direct influence from the food- its spicy ladies. Enjoy a traditional hot pot meal for dinner.
Included Activities:
Orientation Walk
Plane (2.00-3.00 hours)
Day 10: Chengdu/Chongqing (1B)
The majority of the world's remaining pandas live in the mountains of Sichuan. Early in the morning we'll visit the Breeding Center to see the pandas stretch after a long night's slumber, then dig in to a healthy bamboo breakfast. At this hour the pandas should be their most active, as they romp in their playground environment.
Later we'll head to Chongqing, where our Yangtze River cruise boat is docked. We'll enjoy a brief visit to the city of Chongqing, then board our vessel and settle in for the upcoming cruise.
For our river cruise we use Victoria Cruise lines. Onboard facilities include a single-seating dining room, atrium lobby, two lounges, three bars, a gym, lecture room, library, beauty salon, massage room, and gift shop. All cabins are outside and have private balconies and bathrooms with bathtub and shower. All ships are fully air conditioned and have the latest satellite communications, HBO, CNN, and internet access.
Important note: The cruise company is subject to change at any time and without notice.
Additional Notes:
While on the cruise, any bar purchases, items of a personal nature such as gifts, laundry, internet, telephone, medical services, spa and beauty services are not included and are payable by the passenger. There is no cash flow aboard, you will simply sign for purchases made and your final bill may be settled during your last night or last day on board, in any major currency, major credit card, or travellers checks.
Do not drink the tap water on board. One bottle of spring water is provided per person per day in your cabin. You may also request boiled water. All water and ice in the Yangtze Club and Dining Room is safe to drink. The water is boiled, treated and filtered. Voltage on board is 220 volts (110 volts in the bathroom).
Casual attire is recommended on board and ashore. For the captain's cocktail party and farewell banquet, we suggest bringing a dressier outfit.
Included Activities:
Giant Panda Breeding Center
Private Vehicle (4.50 hour(s))
Cruise boat
Day 11: Yangtze River (1B, 1L, 1D)
The mighty Yangtze River splits China into north and south, and runs all the way from Chongqing to Shanghai. We cruise through one of the most geographically dramatic sections of the river, called the Three Gorges. Here, the scenery is impressive, and we see the rock formations change as we pass village after village.
While on the boat, enjoy one of the several activities planned, or just laze the days away taking photos.
Meal times will vary depending on the schedule of excursions and activities; times will be posted daily. Meals are served in the single-seating Dynasty Dining Room. Sumptuous western and Chinese buffets are offered at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Additional Notes:
All shore excursions and gorge visits will depend on the season and river conditions
Included Activities:
Yangtze River Cruise (Comfort)
Cruise boat
Day 12: Yangtze River (1B, 1L, 1D)
The mighty Yangtze River splits China into north and south, and runs all the way from Chongqing to Shanghai. We cruise through one of the most geographically dramatic sections of the river called the Three Gorges. Here, the scenery is impressive, and we see the rock formations change as we pass village after village.
While on the boat, enjoy one of the several activities planned, or just laze the days away taking photos.
Meal times will vary depending on the schedule of excursions and activities; times will be posted daily. Meals are served in the single-seating Dynasty Dining Room. Sumptuous western and Chinese buffets are offered at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Additional Notes:
All shore excursions and gorge visits will depend on the season and river conditions
Included Activities:
Yangtze River Cruise (Comfort)
Cruise boat
Day 13: Yangtze River/Shanghai (1B)
Enjoy a tour of Three Gorges Dam (dependent on river conditions) before flying to Shanghai.
Included Activities:
Three Gorges Dam Tour
Cruise boat
Private Vehicle
Plane (1.50-2.00 hours)
Private Vehicle (1.00-1.50 hours)
Day 14: Shanghai (1B)
Enjoy free time to explore this vibrant city on your own. Opt to visit Yuyuan Gardens, the Shanghai Museum, or catch the famed Shanghai acrobats in performance this evening.
Day 15: Shanghai (1B)
Shanghai is a fascinating city – we recommend booking a few extra nights at the end of your tour to better explore the it.
Included Activities:
Departure Day


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FARMINGTON — The Farmington High School girls basketball team got back on the winning track Thursday with a 50-39 win over Sanborn in Division III action.
The Tigers jumped out to a 20-3 lead after the first quarter and led 31-9 at the break before Sanborn (1-2) came roaring back to cut the lead to eight in the fourth.
McKenzie Lloyd led Farmington with 16 points and nine rebounds, while Kelsey Gregoire added 10 points. Shannon Cardinal chipped in with eight points, Emily Squires had five and Kayla Squires pulled down nine boards.
Farmington hosts Laconia next Friday, Dec. 14.
Men's hockey: DeNiro rolls past Towle
ROCHESTER — DeNiro Development jumped out to a 7-0 lead en route to a 7-3 win over Towle Pallet in Rochester Men's Hockey League action Monday.
Tom Breslin had a hat trick for DeNiro (4-2-3), while Peter Clark, Hans Carbonneau (assist), Tom Gillum and Mike Mahan also scored. Pat Giguere made 44 saves.
For Towle (3-5-1), Casey Goodell scored twice and Josh McGilvray added the third goal. Matt McGilvray had two assists. Dan Trepanier stopped 23 shots.
RSA Realty and Finishing Touches played to a 4-4 tie.
Craig Gwynn, Matt Enman, Jon Ellis and Pat Rahn (assist) scored for RSA (3-3-3), while Paul Trepanier added two assists. Derek Colwell stopped 22 shots.
Nick French had two goals and an assist for FT (5-2-2). Tom Tabb added a goal and three assists, Tad Smith had a goal and an assist and Ethan Baker made 28 saves in goal.
Merrimack Mortgage dominated Seacoast Kettlebell, 8-5.
MM (2-5-2) led 3-0 after the first period and 5-1 after two stops. Seacoast is 4-4-1.
AJ Lane had four goals to lead MM, followed by John O'Brien with two. Doug Colwell and Mark Lawrence (3 assists) also scored. Derek Colwell, pressed into double duty once again, made 35 saves.
Zach Cobb scored four times for Seacoast. Ian Duffy had a goal and an assist. Keith McKenzie stopped 23 shots.
Tigers named to D-VI all-state football team
FARMINGTON — The Division VI All-State Football Team was released Tuesday and four members of the Farmington-Nute team were picked.
Junior linebacker Tyler Smith was picked to the first team on defense, while Dakota Heon was named as the punter and Austin Healey was selected as a kick returner. Senior lineman Robbie Shepardson was named to the second team on offense.


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Buy Nothing DayFriday, November 23rd, 2012
Buy Nothing Day was launched by Vancouver's Adbusters Magazine.
"The journey towards a sane sustainable future begins with a single step. It could all start with a personal challenge, such as this: make a vow to yourself to participate in Buy Nothing Day this year. This November 23rd, go cold turkey on consumption for 24 hours … see what happens … you just might have an unexpected, emancipatory epiphany!


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Furnish the home you never want to leave
Issue 18, Autumn 2017
Price includes VAT
Free Delivery
This stylish armchair is made up of structural components that represent elements of great aesthetic value!
"Poltrona Frau are an international design brand of 'Made in Italy' perfection and excellence. Since 1912, the general public have associated the name Frau with the idea of quality and design furnishing and seating in particular. The company's founder, Sardinian-born Renzo Frau has successfully taken the 'Made in Italy' style and quality beyond national confines."
view more Poltrona Frau
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The Brooklyn Armchair is made up of structural components that represent elements of great aesthetic value. The steel supports with a ruthenium finish combine great visual lightness with extreme sturdiness. The cushions are upholstered in tobacco coloured Pelle Frau® leather and are embellished by an elegant metal detail. Strips of leather are attached to the centre of the belts using a special technical insert that increases their resistance.
H 70 x W 77 x D 74 cm
Seat Height 41 cm
Cushion Exterior: Leather
Finish: Ruthenium
This item is made to order. Please allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery. Free UK mainland Delivery. International Delivery Available T&C Apply
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This item qualifies for our Free White Glove Delivery Service. Your item will be unpacked and assembled in your home or office and our expert delivery team will even take away the packaging.
This item qualifies for our payment plan. Pay 50% deposit and 50% prior to delivery. Order over the phone on 0207 349 9057. Excludes international delivery. See our payment terms and conditions for full terms.
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TM5 Horizontal 30" x 24"
7 Adjustable Shelves
Post & Packaging is charged at £30.00
PLEASE NOTE: Online payments will be taken through Paypal. If you do not have a Paypal account already you will be invited to set one up.
For alternative payment options or more information on any of our cabinets, please feel free to email us...


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Thank you all for being a part of AMC community, for supporting our shows and each other. We are grateful for all you do, and we hope to keep connecting you with the shows you love going forward.


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"Turtleback" Grip Handle for the Braille Lite M20 Notetakes
This is a 3/4 inch Strap that can be use for the M20 Notetakers. Comes in Small 8" and 12" lenghts, it has a 8" rubber handle and at the end of the strap are two metal swivel clips that secure to your Notetake.
These handles can be used with the Braille lite M20
With further modifications by Electron Jungle LLC.