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Working Group Participation
Gregory Canavan, Chairman
Eric J. Barron
Edward A. Frieman
Herbert Friedman
Richard M. Goody
Noel W. Hinners
Jerry D. Mahlman
Bruce Marcus
John H. McElroy
Aram Mika
Berrien Moore III
V. Ramanathan
S. Ichtiaque Rasool
Designated Federal Liaison: Chris Scolese
Rapporteur: Frank Eden
Gregory Canavan,
Gregory Canavan, Chairman
EOS's program structure and science have been significantly improved. Its research is thoroughly peer reviewed by excellent, independent academic science teams with strong inputs from a wide range of respected scientists. The results of those reviews are routinely communicated to and acted on by the appropriate levels of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP).
EOS provides unique information for the execution of required global assessments. Current sensors and platforms are appropriate and efficient. EOS sensors correctly reflect the Earth system science priorities that can be measured effectively with existing sensors and give proper emphasis to the development of sensors for other important phenomena. Areas in which change is needed are recognized and are being addressed. One is the need for properly documenting global change. Current sensors reflect an earlier emphasis on process studies. A rigorous dynamic calibration and validation program is essential for maintaining the dynamic continuity of critical long-term measurements through successive generations of sensors. Fortunately, EOS sensors are designed for high calibration.
EOS is properly configured for science and programmatic resilience. NASA has significantly increased opportunities for the introduction of advanced technology through experiments such as Lewis and Clark and through continuing science programs such as the Earth System Science Pathfinder (ESSP). It has become increasingly open to the infusion of technology from the Department of Defense (DoD) and industrial programs, which have significantly strengthened EOS.
Observing system priorities remain consistent with those of the USGCRP and the four MTPE science areas, which require ground and in situ measurements. Significant, rapid change has required and produced significant learning, but the broad, continuous EOS data sets remain relevant. The need for new measurements (e.g., tropospheric wind and aerosols, soil moisture) has become apparent and has stimulated productive thought on new means to measure them, perhaps from small satellites. It has also stimulated thought on new ways to perform key measurements such as lightweight synthetic aperture radars (SARs), hyperspectral sensors, and tropospheric chemistry sensors.
The current range of scientific uncertainties makes EOS's broad range of measurements relevant--particularly in that its sensors emphasize the validation, calibration, and continuity required for the detection of subtle climate signals. EOS supports a wide variety of societally relevant assessment programs and applications such as deforestation, agriculture, and water resources and quality. It addresses these priorities in cooperation with ground-based and in situ sensors. Current efforts include a productive mix of space, in situ, and ground measurements through a proper blend of agency contributions. The detailed correlation of space sensor capabilities with current science area priorities could be usefully addressed by a longer study.
Technological opportunities are being pursued aggressively. There is a sound process for the design of sensors with the performance and calibration required for measurements of the quality required for global change research. That process proceeds from requirements, through technology and trades, to sensor designs, in which size is properly seen as a dependent variable. EOS sensors use best current technologies and calibration methods--including those of DoD--to optimize performance. EOS is now the principal driver of sensor technology and research. Although it is fairly new and not fully activated, there is now a process for the incorporation of other emerging technologies, as well as established vehicles for the importation of technologies developed for other purposes by DoD and industry. There is adequate launch capability in existence or development for satellites of all sizes. All are affordable, although the cost per kilogram of payload is about a factor of three higher for small launchers than for launchers in the Delta class, as is designing spacecraft for compatibility with several launch vehicles to reduce sensitivity to launch losses at modest cost and performance penalties.
We can now build capable satellites of any desired size effectively; their performance domains are evolving rapidly. We now understand better when it is possible and appropriate to distribute sensors over many satellites. It is also better understood when various technologies should be used (e.g., technologies developed by DoD appear applicable to laser aerosol measurements, but not to spectral measurements, for which they currently lack calibration). It is also understood how efforts such as the New Millennium Program (NMP) can address bus costs, but not usefully substitute for operational buses or reduce system costs, which NMP does not address.
Small satellites promise low spacecraft costs and short schedules--typically one to two years from conception to flight. They provide mission and programmatic flexibility, which are important in stimulating innovation. Formation flying may also enable their use in replacing failed instruments or in maintaining dynamic continuity of measurements when introducing new sensors. Small satellites are currently best suited for focused missions of narrow scope. They are not universally applicable to the current generation of EOS sensors, many of which are too heavy or too large for small satellites. Life- cycle costs (sensors, satellites, launch, mission operations, and data acquisition) are not necessarily reduced by replacing the current multisensor medium-sized satellites with many small satellites for the deployment of a full suite of high-quality, calibrated sensors. Advances in technology, such as may come from the ESSP, NMP, and other sources, might alter this conclusion within the next few decades.
Data continuity is essential for meaningful scientific results. Space programs such as NASA's Landsat have successfully produced long-term records of key parameters, although not with the calibration desired by the climate research community. EOS will fly well-calibrated radiation, tropospheric water vapor, and aerosol sensors, as well as a series of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instruments for the cloud feedback studies suggested by the Marshall Institute and others. As the latter have, long-term programmatic stability is essential for the success of these studies. To extend the studies of physical climate effects to global change, which is more complex, requires measurements over oceans and land--hence their inclusion in EOS. It is unlikely that a narrowly focused study would provide satisfactory long-term answers to these questions.
Convergence opportunities offer the promise of reduced overlap, reduced cost, and improved science through NASA, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and DoD cooperation on weather and climate satellites. There are significant institutional barriers and technical issues that could impede such convergence, but the payoff is so great that it justifies extensive study. If operational instruments were calibrated to research standards, a wide community of users would benefit. Much the same can be said for multiuse (science, operational, military, commercial, and international) missions on common platforms. Such developments have been strongly resisted because of cost, interference, and regulatory concerns, although these arguments are becoming less relevant while the potential savings are increasing.
There is a long, successful history of international cooperation in Earth observation. Many nations are providing satellites and sensors that form an essential part of the MTPE program. European and Japanese sensors will fly on NASA satellites and vice versa. Data exchange agreements are being implemented among these partners and others to maximize their value to the overall community. Many of EOS's sensors are provided by international partners; they are coordinated through EOS-ESA (European Space Agency) sensor discussions; and Europe, Japan, and Canada will provide EOS ground segments. In operational systems, NOAA polar orbiters carry important donated foreign instruments, and Europe's EUMETSAT will assume responsibility for one of NOAA's traditional satellite flights near the turn of the century. When one of the U.S. Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) geostationary weather satellites failed, EUMETSAT provided one of its satellites to prevent data loss for the critical Atlantic seaboard.
These international arrangements are voluntary and exercised primarily through the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS). Reliance on such mechanisms leaves the United States with no fall-back position in the event of default, although U.S. reliability has been most in question of late because of issues such as Topex- Poseidon. It would be useful to isolate EOS from current political issues. At present, the United States has limited ability to affect these arrangements because of the inability to make multiyear commitments. There could be significant benefits from being able to address reliability by entering into multiyear commitments on satellites, sensors, and global observing systems.
Innovative approaches to data collection and management may offer significant savings. Data purchases still appear attractive and useful, despite recent experiences with SeaWIFS. However, the government would have to enter into long-term contracts to stabilize purchases sufficiently to secure the interest of industry. Commercial activities and opportunities for sensors on commercial constellations such as Teledesic and IRIDIUM are uncertain. There has been only limited contact and discussion, and industry reception to date has been characterized as not very positive. That is understandable. The market is very uncertain. Only the upper limit of the estimates of its magnitude would approach the cash flows involved in those systems; anything less would be viewed as a hindrance to their rapid deployment. In any case, communication satellites do not use polar sun-synchronous orbits; the radiometric correction of data taken from their orbits does not appear feasible.
Applications of EOS data are much greater than those of previous Earth sensing satellites. For agriculture, Landsat-7 offers a major improvement in the measurement of crops, and the AM and PM (morning and afternoon equator crossing) platforms will significantly improve measurements of vegetation and moisture. For land use, Landsat-7 will greatly improve surveys of biodiversity, and AM will improve the precision of maps. For seismology, AM will document changes in land surface and volcanism. For hydrology, radars will improve topography and El Ni?o/Southern Oscillation measurements; lasers will measure ice; and AM and PM will significantly improve understanding of cloud dynamics and cover. For mapping, AM will provide digital elevation; lasers will give ice and land elevation. For national security, Landsat-7 will greatly improve the type of global surveillance provided for the Gulf War; AM will improve map resolution; and PM will give the moisture measurements needed for force mobility analyses. All of these improvements will be of significance for both civil and commercial applications.
Program Impact Issues
Restructuring has protected the EOS program and increased its resilience, but that process has reached its limit. Significant reductions in annual or aggregate budgets or imposed constraints on technical options could result in elimination of key sensors or platforms, slippage of schedules, loss of continuity in data sets, or elimination of the mechanisms for promoting the innovation needed for downstream cost reductions and science improvements. A premature shift to small platforms could eliminate key measurements.
Summary EOS's science and program are valuable, unique, and resilient. It would be appropriate to reduce its reviews to regular but less frequent intervals. Its space observation program has appropriate balance internally, but needs to be balanced with ground and in situ measurement across all of the USGCRP priorities. EOS priorities are evolving and open to technological innovation. Its sensors are well designed and calibrated. Given long-term program stability, they should be able to provide the quality of continuous measurements of radiation, vapor, aerosol, and cloud feedback necessary to understand and document climate change.
EOS is open to the introduction of technology from research, DoD, and commerce. Adequate launch and fabrication capability exists for satellites of all sizes. Small satellites offer flexibility and rapid innovation--at a penalty in cost. However, it should be possible to use them effectively to perform rapid tests of new sensors for key parameters such as tropospheric winds, aerosols, and soil moisture, among others.
Convergence offers significant advantages and savings domestically and internationally. Impediments to the convergence of domestic programs, which are largely institutional, could profit from more careful study and definition. International collaboration has a long, successful history. Current impediments, which are produced in part by the voluntary nature of these collaborations, could be improved by multiyear commitments. EOS data will have significantly greater value for civil, commercial, and defense applications than the data from previous lower-resolution sensors. These applications alone could justify maintaining EOS's schedule. However, although the EOS program remains resilient, it is now stretched to its limits. Further reductions or constraints could reduce its technical capabilities and delay or eliminate those advances.


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Remember Harvey's? Known around the world for having practically free drinks practically all the time? Well know it's called The Ugly Mug, and the drinks (whatever you want from the well, plus a good list of microbrews) aren't free, but with a different special each night, they get pretty close.
Claim this listing: firstname.lastname@example.com

subset: commoncrawl


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In the city of San Francisco, there are a few things you're supposed to do when you open a business: 1. file a business registration so the city can collect taxes from you 2. File your fictitious business name so they know where to send your tax bill. The fictitious business name filing makes sense, after all I am certainly not Mr. Blackbird nor has anyone ever addressed me as such and looking up Blackbird will certainly not produce my address or reveal who I am. Filing a fictitious business name entails that you go to city hall and research through their records to ascertain that no on is using that name. If no one is using it , you're good to go. In practice does that work? Yes and No. I am filed as one word: Blackbird. Not Blackbird Lutes, not Blackbird music or Blackbird Sofas , Blackbird Movers, Blackbird Chinese Food to go. Therein lies the problem . See the news clipping above ? Blackbird Guitars. And what do they make? Carbon fiber Guitars. I got no knocks on that. Notice they were astute enough to say Blackbird Guitars. But what about Apple? We all know they make computers and they call them whatever they want but the company is still Apple. It's not Apple Tablets, Apple Phone company , it's Apple , right? So, can anyone start a company and call it Apple Guitars? or Apple Radios? or Apple Exterminators?
More on a name later.


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CurlTalker CSteen85 describes her method for getting clumpy curls—something many curly girls are definitely looking for:
So, I don't know if I invented a new technique or what, but I figured out a way to achieve clumps for myself—and they're good ones, too!
I did my normal routine with No Poo and One Condition, which I don't rinse out all the way, so it makes that squinchy sound when I scrunch and it's still dripping and I add AnGel.
But here's what I do. I coat my hands with the gel and then scrunch, but each palmful of hair that I cup, I squeeze and pump eight times for each section.
As long as I can hear that sound and it feels squishy when I pump my hand open and closed, I know it's working.
When I take my hand away, I'm left with a really soft-looking clump!
I did this all over my head to apply the gel and diffused and got gorgeous clumps!
I really find that the pumping helps distribute the product really, really well—especially for my super-dense hair.


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Now back to this polish. I'm going to be honest with you guys. I do love this film, but I haven't seen it in YEARS. I'm going to blame it on the fact that I own a copy of this film on VHS*. I have a VHS player but it's annoying. Woe is me. But I really want to watch it again in the next few days.
Hail Yeezus and bless the interwebs.
So Deadly Nightshade is what Sally put into Doctor Finkelstein soup in order for him to fall asleep and her to escape(He made her, she a rag doll). The polish is a purple pink, with super fine green shimmer. In the bottle it reads more purple than pink but when you put it on your nails you for sure get purple pink. It was also more sheer than what I expected looking at it in the bottle, but at the same time it surprised me by only needed 3 coats for opacity. I also layered one coat over a dark purple(China Glaze Urban Nights). When you layer it over a darker colour the green for sure takes center stage.
If you would like a bottle of this you can head over to LynBDesigns Etsy shop. Polishes retail from between $8-$10USD. And if you order now through Sunday, and use the code CHICAGO you can get 50% of your purchase of $16 or more.
Onto the photos! I actually found the green to be the hardest to capture. You can see it in the photos but it's a bit more green in real life. And the last photo is over the purple. Not only that but I used flash to show you exactly what the shade of green looks like. Know that the flash makes all those streaks pop out. It does not look streaky in real life.
abbreviation for
(Electronics) video home system: a video cassette recording system using ½″ magnetic tape
*Product sent for honest review
*Product sent for honest review


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I have two johnson and one evinrude motors manufactured in the early sixties & one 1972 50 HP evinrude. My question is; are they all required to have lead additves with the oil and gasoline mixture?
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Topic - what years 2cyl motors require lead additves - FORHOUSE46 21:57:52 08/23/03 (1)
- Re: what years 2cyl motors require lead additves - gaineso 12:40:51 08/24/03 (0)
You can not post to an archived thread.


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Free shipping in the USA (lower 48) when your order is over $89 (excluding gift certificates and sales tax, if applicable).
In Stock. The Grand Duke was the last of the Savoy operas by Gilbert and Sullivan. The plot hinges on the misinterpretation of a 100 year-old law regarding statutory duels, decided by drawing cards. The baffled central character, Ludwig, becomes engaged to four different women before the plot is resolved.
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Cryptography & Network Security
- - Brand: Gate Academy
- - Product Code: ISBN:9789384000325
- - Availability: Out Of Stock
Ex Tax: 150.00 ₹
Ex Tax: 150.00 ₹
|This book is For The Seventh Semester Engineering Students. This Book Is Based On New Syllabus Of CSVTU. This Book Contains Quite Sufficient Details On Every Topic In A Very Systematic & Organized Manner. Each Chapter Is Well Explained With Necessary Examples. All Chapters Are Arranged Topic Wise As Given In The Syllabus And Numerical Problems Are Incorporated To The Relevant Topic. At The End Of Each Chapter Important Definitions & Multiple Choice Questions With Answer Are Also Included.


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Rainbow actually has a few idols that could make an impression as solo artists. Of course, Kim Jae-kyung is a great singer, and other members like Jisook and Hyunyoung are both cute and sexy, but what Woori has that sets her apart is an edge. Even when she's smiling you know that she's a badass. She's a fantastic rapper and commands attention anytime she's on stage, even when she's not singing. Woori also has a large range, from cute to sexy concepts, then back again (Rainbow's all over the place). Team her up with some star cameos and have her do a rap mini-album, and we think she'd go far.
Lime can do it all: rap, belt out ballads, dance. She has charisma, the looks, stage presence, and a smile that can save the world. She made that clear just from Hello Venus' debut song (See: Hello Venus) and has been a standout since. Though it's probably too early for her to go solo, we can't help but hope she gets the chance. She has so much talent that it's almost frustrating to see her share time with other Hello Venus members (talented as they are), which makes us really believe she would flourish under a spotlight made for one. Mark our words: Within five years, Lime will be a superstar.
Sojin is a Kpop veteran. She's weathered years of middling disappointment before finally reaching the top with Girl's Day. And yes, we've heard, a long while ago now, that fellow member Minah is preparing for a solo debut. But we really think that Sojin could be a killer solo star too. She has what many idols don't have, a mature, adult sexiness, and a confident drive that's built on experience. She also has an amazing voice that she can belt out with the best of them. We're big fans of Sojin. She's a fighter that has earned respect from the fans. After everything she's sacrificed, wouldn't it be fitting that she became the next breakout solo artist?
Amber may be the easiest person to justify on this list. Kpop fans fell in love with her boyish charms and stayed in love with her because she's not just talented, she's maybe one of the most down-to-earth stars in the industry. Maybe any industry. With the right promotion and concept, a solo debut from Amber could be HUGE. And we're thinking even beyond Korean shores, to America, LA born Amber could become a crossover star. F(x) has long been underutilized by SM Entertainment, and still, they're a major force in Kpop. With the amount of time between comebacks the group has (which is a crime), there's no reason that Amber shouldn't get a chance to break out with a solo hit between the long breaks. But would SM ever let her?
Ga Yoon
Hyuna may be the biggest star of 4Minute, but we've always thought Ga Yoon had more talent. Though it'd be almost impossible for her to accomplish the same success Hyuna has, we still think that Cube Entertainment would do well to give Ga Yoon her own solo venue. 2Yoon was great, but not enough! If you teamed Ga Yoon with stars of the caliber of Hyunseung and PSY, she'd be a household name too. She has the vocals and the talent, and there's more than enough room in Cube Entertainment for another big solo act. Isn't there?
Well, there's our list! We know that you must have someone in mind that we didn't think of! Sound off in the comments! Let your opinion be heard!


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"Israel has broken my heart: I'm a rabbi in mourning for a Judaism being murdered by Israel," reads the devastating headline in Salon.com. But it turns out the author is not really a rabbi. He is Michael Lerner, a lifelong radical activist who was ordained by no seminary but who calls himself a "rabbi" in the same sense that Al Sharpton calls himself a "reverend." He has spent the last decades in homespun clerical garb, relentlessly bashing Israel and debasing Judaism.
Starting as a founder of the violent "Seattle Liberation Front," he moved on after 1960s radicalism petered out to declare himself a "psychotherapist," pursuing the same political agenda by analyzing the "psychodynamics of American society" and founding the "Institute for Labor and Mental Health."
When this iteration grew stale he reinvented himself as a "rabbi," but his goal remained the same, and he formulated a "spiritual progressive version of religion" in which no observance or rite was too sacred to be reduced to a political slogan. He used Yom Kippur to "atone for the pain we have inflicted on the Palestinian people [through] brutal occupation," sponsoring a diatribe by anti-Israel crusader Cindy Sheehan in lieu of a sermon. Even more breathtaking in its callousness was his decision to devote Yom HaShoah, the solemn commemoration of the Holocaust, into a day of campaigning for "a new Marshall Plan."
In his campaign against Israel, he has embraced not only Sheehan, but Rachel Corrie, the "peace activist" who lost her life in a tragic accident while abetting Hamas military operations—as I explain in my new book, Making David Into Goliath: How the World Turned Against Israel—and authors Stephen Walt and John Mearsheimer, proponents of the idea that America supports Israel because it is in the grip of a nefarious "Lobby."
That Lerner, an unrepentant former student radical, has spent his latter years as an Israel-basher is reflective of a larger transformation of leftism in recent decades. Once, that faith revolved around the moral drama of class struggle, but it has come, instead, to focus on national/ethnic struggle, "the rest against the West." In the Middle East, Israel is Western, at least in culture (for example, women's rights are acknowledged there), while its enemies are part of the righteous "rest." The toll of death and destruction is far greater in Syria, Iraq, Congo, Sudan, and other such places, but without a Western party to these conflicts they offer no frisson of righteousness for the left. And therefore no declarations of "mourning" by "rabbis" whose métier is politics, not God.


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Educational Background
Mississippi State University (Distance Learning)
Master of Science in Applied Meteorology, 2013
Kean University, Union, NJ
Bachelor of Science in Earth Science/Meteorology, 2008
Ocean County College, Toms River, NJ
Associate of Science in General Education (Science concentration), 2005
Forecasting Experience
WICZ-TV(Fox 40), Binghamton, NY November 2016-November 2017
Weekend/Fill-in Meteorologist
Prepare and deliver forecasts live for weekend ten o'clock news using Weather Central 3D:LIVE Fusion; also helped out in the control room when needed(telepromter, audio, etc.). Filled in for weekday six and ten o'clock news when main weather person was on vacation
Examiner.com December 2010-July 2016
Philadelphia Weather Examiner
Top-10 ranked weather blogger focusing on Philadelphia's metropolitan area(including Northern Delaware and Southern New Jersey)
Brief daily synopsis, almanac breakdown, and discussion on the next seven days of weather for the region with custom-made Photoshop graphics
Merlin Media, New York City, NY July 2011-July 2012, October 2012
Chief Meteorologist
Main in-house meteorologist at FM News 101.9(WEMP-FM) in New York City and IQ 106.9(WWIQ-FM) in Philadelphia(via ISDN in New York City studio)
Provided live and pre-recorded weather forecasts every ten minutes on the 5s(New York City) and 10s(Philadelphia) during morning and afternoon drive times using Burli, RCS NexGen, Audacity, and Adobe Audition.
On-call 24/7 for live in-house/phone updates during breaking weather events (hurricanes, snow storms, tornadoes, etc.)
Made public appearances at local events to help promote the station
Skills & Strengths
Weather graphics systems(WSI WeatherProducer, TruVu Max, ShowFX, Photoshop)
ENG systems(Comprompter NewsKing, Burli, RCS)
Linear and nonlinear editing(Burli, Adobe Audition, Final Cut, Adobe Premiere)
Basic web page development/design, FTP file transfers
Microsoft Office Suite(Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook)
For a more complete resume & references please email me and I will forward it to you ASAP !


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The threat of robot guards is not enough to stop people stealing
IF PEOPLE stealing food right under the eyes of a bot is anything to go by, RoboCop is still a long way off.
In a twist on a psychology experiment in which seeing a picture of eyes makes people behave more honestly, Guy Hoffman at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, and his colleagues put a robot with moving eyes in a student common room to guard a table of snack food labelled with a reserved sign.
A hidden camera captured what the hundreds of passers-by did. Seven per cent helped themselves to food, only slightly fewer than the 8 per cent who did when the table was unguarded. Just 2 per cent pinched a snack when a human was sitting at the table.
Many seem to have been testing the robot's capabilities, curious about whether it would stop them or if they could outwit it. One student told his friend to turn the robot around so he could take the food. Another was recorded saying, "It's not listening. It's a robot, we could take a cookie."
Sean Welsh at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand isn't surprised. He says that unless a robot intervenes, we should expect people to ignore it. "The robot is no more a moral agent than the sign," he says. "I'd like to see the robot look disapprovingly and make some protest noise at people reaching for the snacks."
This article appeared in print under the headline "Robot guard powerless to stop food thieves"


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Creative Writing Inspired by a Photograph: The Wasp1 Share Tweet
I recently took this photo of the cute little vampire puppet and the caring wooden puppet. I wrote a short story based on the concept it depicted and decided to share it with you guys! And the concept… "evil creatures" are not as tough as they look; they need love too.
I don't suffer from insomnia. Still last might I just couldn't sleep. Maybe it was because of the intermittent mosquito buzz, or probably it was the hot dry air of my room that kept me up. Whatever the reason, it was certain that I stared at the ceiling the whole night; my only companion being the voice in my head singing repeatedly, obsessively even, one of Norah Jones' songs. I didn't even know the lyrics… but somehow my brain didn't care.
I waited until I saw the sun. I got up. I was still in Constanta. Looked in the mirror: my eyes swollen; nothing a couple of ice cubes wouldn't fix. Went to the fridge took them. Half an hour later I was in top shape, I couldn't close my eyes. I couldn't even blink. Good. But I couldn't say the same when I went to my room. It was a dump. I couldn't even see my desk. And I was wondering why I couldn't sleep properly…
Hadn't cleaned my room for an entire week so my "memories" were fresh, just the way I left them. There was the giant wasp under a jar on which was written: "Do NOT throw me away" message for my mom. It invaded my room two days ago. I was sitting relaxed in front of my computer talking to my friends. I was home alone like I am now. I screamed with fear and ran out of my room banging the door shut. After talking to my dad on the phone I followed his instructions: "Calm down. Take the bug spray. Open a little bit the door. Gas the bastard. It will die in a few minutes. If it comes towards you shut the door. It might be dangerous." My dad was making fun of me. More than that he was laughing his head off. Good for him. He was not the one whose privacy was invaded.
It was only when I heard my friends desperately beeping me on yahoo messenger that my courage went up a few notches; took the spray and poisoned my enemy. In a few minutes it was lying down near my desk. It was almost dead like my father predicted. The next thing I did was to phone the entire family to let them know of my success: I killed a 10cm wasp all by myself. By the time I finished talking it was dead and it was looking not that harmful. I was surprised. It was smaller a lot smaller, 5 cm smaller and a lot more beautiful. That makes me think… Do I have problems seeing things? I should go check my eyes. It's been years since I paid a visit to my ophthalmologist. Or is it all a mind game that helps us all to see things more clearly. For a person like myself it takes some kind of a shock to see things how they really are, to realise that people and even giant insects are not as tough as they look.
written by lucretia on 2011-06-11 #music #lifestyle #giant #puppets #photograph #short-story #wasp #inspired #creative-writing


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Etudes balkaniques (Sofia) Issue 2016 N 2
Stefka PARVEVA, Creating and preserving the collective memory of war conflicts in the Ottoman border periphery: the battles of Michael Viteazul with the Ottoman Empire during the War of the Holy League (1593-1606)
Abstract: This study focuses on some aspects of the ways and mechanisms for preserving the memory of traumatic events during military conflicts among the subjects of the Sultan. These aspects have to do with the functioning of the Ottoman bureaucratic, judicial and military institutions on local and central level, and with communication with the local population. For this purpose, the study looks at the townsmen of Silistra and their conduct, as well as that of the Ottoman authorities, during and after the war with the Holy League in 1593 -1606 and the late 17th century. The analysis of the sources reveals that the process of preserving and passing on the information involved agents from all levels of the Ottoman hierarchy and various administrative practices were applies related to the registration and taxing of the population, and to the creation of formal and informal archival collections. The preserving and passing on of the memory was effected both by means of written communication among the institutions (through the document flow toward the centre and back) and by oral communication within the discussions among the representatives of the authorities and taxpayers in the kadı court, and among the members of the community and its elders who attended the court sittings.
Written evidence of the war events, or more specifically, of the feelings that overwhelmed the people and the disturbing thoughts that haunted them in those troubled times were left by a number of literate Bulgarians in the margins of liturgical books and even on the walls of the churches. These short marginal notes testify that the clash between the warring armies did not bring any hope to the Christians, but only fear in people's souls and awareness of the trouble that had befallen them in those "severe and turbulent times".
And finally, the folklore also provides information about the war, transforming in a specific way the memory of the events and people, berhyming the attitude of the Bulgarians to the afflictions that befell them.
Keywords: Michael Viteazul, War, People's Conduct during the War, Collective Memory, Folklore


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How to Flower "Martha Washington"
and Scented Geraniums
Joy Logee Martin loved her scented geraniums and was quite successful at flowering them. Her cold bay window in her family Victorian house was just what the geraniums needed in the winter. And then, by the time the days got longer in March, her geraniums burst forth with springtime color. The trick was that her windows remained cool while the days got longer. The right balance between day length and nighttime temperature stimulates flowering.
Growing Tips
• Grow below 60° F and above freezing during the winter months at night.
• Last pruning performed in December.
• Keep in full sun.
• Cold stimulates bud formation.
• When day length increases in March, blooms appear.


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One of the most exciting and prolific bantamweight fighters in the divisions history is returning to action this November. For WEC champion Miguel Torres will be back in the octagon at UFC 139 in San Jose, ready to do battle against Tiger Schulmann Fight Team member Nick Pace.
Both fights have confirmed the bout via their twitter accounts.
After losing the WEC strap to Brian Bowles in August 2009, Torres has struggled to find consistency in the cage, going 2-2 in his last four bouts. Torres changed up his training after back-to-back losses to Bowles and Joseph Benavidez, fighting a bit more conservative and abandoning his wild and aggressive style. Those changes were apparent in his bouts against Charlie Valencia and Antonio Banuelos, as he used his reach to stifle his shorter opponents and picked up two much-needed victories. He had won 17 straight bouts prior to being KO'd by Bowles. In his most recent bout against Demetrious Johnson at UFC 130, Torres was out-wrestled, controlled, and on the wrong side of a unanimous decision.
Pace can sympathize a bit with Torres as Johnson was the man who handed him his first career loss back in September 2010. He will have no sympathy for the former WEC champion in November though. Coming off a loss to Ivan Menjivar at UFC 133, Pace is in need of a victory in order to avoid losing three of his last four bouts and possibly find himself unemployed. The New York native is most famous for choking out Will Campuzano last December with a choke that has been dubbed "The Pace Choke" by many.
UFC 139 is scheduled for November 19 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California. The night will be headlined by former UFC light heavyweight champion Mauricio Rua taking on Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Dan Henderson. Also on the card will be the UFC debut of Cung Le as he takes on Wanderlei Silva.


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Tunch Benovenli
Cell: firstname.lastname@example.com
Tunch Benovenli was born and raised in the country of Turkey. In search of a better lifestyle and brighter future, he made his way to Brooklyn, New York at the age of 18. There, he spent the next four years working in tech sales for an audio store before moving to New Jersey where he spent the next 24 years.
Throughout his career Tunch worked for Rickel's Home Improvement Center, as a salesman for Frito-Lay, and in ice cream supply sales. During his time in Jersey, Tunch met his life and business partner, Linda Vance who owned an ice cream shop, Dairy Delight. Together they decided to sell the business and relocate to SW Florida to truly experience the Florida lifestyle they were dreaming of. In 2015, both Tunch and Linda joined Miloff Aubuchon Realty Group in hopes of helping others find their piece of paradise in SW Florida- the same way they did.
Tunch specializes in new home construction sales while Linda focuses on residential resales. They are the perfect duo to help you achieve your real estate goals, whether you're looking to buy, sell or build.
When not in the office, they enjoy kayaking, biking, boating and having a good time with their friends, coworkers and beloved cat, Pete.
Contact Tunch, 239.910.5056 or via email, email@example.com.


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When I lived in Hyderabad and Bombay, a lot of bakeries and groceries carried these theplas in packets of 5 with some green chilli pickle and it was an excellent option to keep in my fridge for breakfast or as roti substitutes for lunch and dinner, especially since I hated the washing up that came with making rotis for one or 2 people and hated the effort involved in making rotis for a whole load of friends. As is clearly evident, I come from a rice eating family :)
My mum gifted my husband a roti maker for his last birthday with admonishments to ME to use it and make the poor deprived North Indian guy rotis, with every meal. Well this gadget really has helped, as I just make the dough and the little dough balls for 2-3 days, then I put the dough ball into the roti maker. A litle pressing and flipping and the roti is ready. Nice and evenly circular. Rotis I can put pictures of here on my blog without praying for at least one tocome out perfectly shaped. No chakla, belan, tongs, tawa and a mess of flour to clean up after each meal. Its a real blessing and now that I've got the hang of it, I'm experimenting with varieties of rotis.
Remembering the theplas I enjoyed, I decided to try to make them myself using a friends recipe I had written down ages back, but never got round to trying..
2 cups wheat flour
1 cup methi leaves ( I used half a cup of kasuri methi and rehydrated it) - coarsely chopped
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 tsp jeera powder
1/2 tsp corriander powder
1 tsp chilli powder (you can adjust this for taste if you like)
salt to taste
2 tsps oil for the dough (you can use olive if you prefer)
oil for frying - optional
Mix all the ingredients including the oil for the dough.
Add enough water to make the dough - same consistency as rotis (I also used the water in which I rehydrated the methi)
Make dough balls, roll into rotis and fry on both sides till golden brown spots appear.
You can use oil when frying to make it more authentic :)
I prefer to fry without oil in a non stick pan and our roti maker is also non stick, so I don't use any additional oil.
Theplas can be served hot or at room temperature with pickles.
They can be packed in foil for picnics or journeys and enjoyed later.
I served the theplas with pickle and aloo bhartha (Indian mashed potatoes)
I'm submitting this recipe for the Roti-Bhakhri-Poli-Thepla-Puri-Rotla leg of Joy of Cooking's Complete My Thali - Event


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We are two stay-at-home moms who met through crafting. We initially bonded over our shared love of knitting and spinning – in fact, Diane was instrumental in teaching Wendy to spin. We also both love digital scrapbooking. Diane is a total foodie who loves both baking and cooking, and Wendy is a long-time baker who is slowly learning to cook a few things despite her innate hatred of cooking.
We have been sharing our mutual love of crafting, scrapping and baking for years with each other. When Wendy mentioned she was starting a new blog where she could document and talk about all the different crafty things she loves (not just knitting), Diane was interested in blogging too, and we decided to try sharing this blog.
If you are interested in reading posts by a specific author, just click on her name in the category cloud. You can also search by topic. We plan to blog about all of the crafty rabbit holes we fall down, so you never know what topic will come up next.


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Farhad Majidi Grew In a noble family with good financial and social prestige . Gradually became interested in football.He Has been interested in Football Since Childhood . Began His Football with Basic Teams . Although his mother was opposed to his presence in football , But his father was his Companion and supporter heartily . Farhad Majidi was the most popular soccer player of " Esteghlel Tehran Football Club "
Who said Goodbye to the football with this Team . His First official Team was "Young Farmers( Javanan Keshavarz) " Which was faced with a shortage of facilities , However, this problem didn't Lead him to abondon Soccer . After progress in the adult team of Bahman joined "Esteghlal Tehran " He became the main and key player of "Esteghlal Tehran " . His Ultra talent for scoring goals and intelligence Led him to be one of the most successful and most popular players of "Esteghlal Tehran " . Majidi Played in Esteghlal Tehran For years and Even now , He is so popular among the Fans of this team .His Ability and innate talent of Football Caused him to have Suggestions From the club Rapid Vienna of Austria . Although his presence in the Austria wasn't so dreamy and with success But Farhad always referred to it as a golden experience. Farhad Majidi did not progress in the national level But in the category of Club Football teams , He was the most successful players . His Successful presence in the the UAE club Football Team Led him to be one of the richest footballers in Iran
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Fancy meeting you here!
Walking up a mountain path on a remote Greek island, I bumped into a Greek guy I knew from my local pub - we both happened to be visiting the same place. "Well, fancy meeting you here!", we said. No doubt many have had the same experience, but Praia da Luz was full of such strange coincidences. Take Jane Tanner and Russell O'Brien; they bumped into Charlotte and James Gorrod; their neighbours and acquaintances from Exeter. Charlotte does not have appear to have mentioned that she owned an apartment in the resort and that they would be going on holiday there. I wonder if they said FMYH!?
Nicole Cox and Emma Berry; partners, respectively, of Raj Balu and Neil Berry had never met before the holiday, but discovered they had both worked for the same company.
Well, fancy that!
Then there was Philip Norman Allen, an officer from Thames Valley Police - on secondment to the Criminal Investigation Support Dept.- whose family happened to be staying with the Eveleighs at their Salsalito guest house, shortly after Madeleine's disappearance. Salsalito would later be searched by the PJ. Would you credit it? Philip had some interesting conversations with Robert Murat. He later explained to the PJ that his superiors knew he was staying in PDL. He had met Robert Murat previously, to discuss the purchase of an apartment. However, the holiday apartment he had bought three years ago at the Vila Baia wasn't yet ready for him to stay in. This property was part of the Oceanico Group's portfolio, which just happened to be the same group who owned the Estrela da Luz, where strangely enough, the Smith family had an apartment.
The Smiths came from Drogheda, County Louth, where Gerry Fagan, owner of the Ocean Club also came from. I wonder if they ever bumped into each other and said "Don't I know you from somewhere?" Drogheda - "Well, how's that for a coincidence!"
I wonder how many other FMYH moments were there in April/May 2007 in PDL...
The video:
And the lyrics:
"Didn't I say?
Didn't you say?
Didn't we say?
Didn't who say?
Didn't you say you were off to China?
Fancy meeting you here!
Yes, and didn't you just board an ocean liner?
Fancy meeting you here!
Didn't we agree that our affair was too frantic,
And we'd both feel good divided by the wide Atlantic?
Weren't you yachting off the Riviera?
With Onassis!
Fancy meeting you here!
Was it jolly roaming the Sahara?
Dry, but laughs!
Fancy meeting you here!
If you don't think I have missed your lovin',
Let's get this clear, dear!
I just think it's fancy meeting you right here!
Did you say that you enjoyed Alaska?
Loved it, loved it!
Did I get a note from Madagascar?
Wrote it!
You're a good girl!
Didn't we divide our little world into sections?
A clean break!
But love has sure affected both our senses of
Say, tell me somethin', how did you ever lose that
Wealthy, that big fat Persian?
'Twasn't easy!
Fancy meetin' you here!
Did you take that African excursion?
I blew it!
Yeah, for the local zoo here!
If you don't think it's a kick to see ya,
Let's get this clear, dear!
From the way my heart is wildly beating,
What we had is more than worth repeating,
My arm, girl!
And it's more than fancy meeting you right


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Miami Springs city leaders voted 3-2 at last Monday's council meeting for artists Alfredo and Pavlina Alea to develop site-specific artwork for the new $5 million pool scheduled to open next summer.
"You only have two people," City Manager Jan Seiden said. "Make a motion to one or the other."
However, instead of publicly stating which of the two finalists each cast votes for, council members wrote their choices on a piece of paper and passed them down to the city clerk.
The two finalists were not mentioned by name during the vote but rather as "No. 1" or "No. 2."
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"When you have to decide issues of public art, it is almost impossible to, you know?" said Councilman Bob Best, who was reminded to put his name on the "ballot."
All council members were asked to write his or her name on the ballot for the "public record" though no names were mentioned at the meeting. The City of Miami Springs has not immediately responded to a public records request by the Miami Herald to determine who council members voted for.
"Secret ballots violate the Sunshine Law," said Barbara A. Petersen, president of the Tallahassee-based First Amendment Foundation. "Commissioners are allowed to use written ballots but they must put their names on the ballots, the votes have to be read into the record, and those written ballots are a subject to disclosure under the public records law."
"Three No. 1s and two No. 2s," said Seiden, who announced the final tally.
Afterward, "No. 1" was decoded as two Aleas, who submitted artwork entitled "fluid dynamics."
The duo was inspired by the natural movement of water and the optical effects its transparency creates, according to a city press release. The design includes an aluminum wall sculpture, four decorative fence panels and six hand-glazed tile wall murals in vivid primary colors.
Before the vote, council members spent weeks extensively studying the artwork and developing questions.
"The one that is going on the outside of the building kind of looks like a male figure," said Councilman Jaime Petralanda. Is there any way we can have a female – or make it unisex?"
The Aleas proposed having a male and female together.
Complete copies of each artists' submissions can be viewed at www.miamisprings-fl.gov.
Thirteen artistic renderings were reviewed and scored by a committee last September. The final five artists presented their work to the city Nov. 17. Of the five, only two artists presented at Monday's council meeting.
The goals of the arts program include enhancing the artistic heritage of Miami-Dade County and promoting awareness of the visual arts.
The "art in public places" program requires that 1.5 percent of government building construction costs, within the county, is set aside for the commission of site-specific artwork.


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Why so many organisations fail at Facebook
By Beate Sorum
On March 2, 2015 At 2:00 pm
Category : Best posts Q1 2015, communication, Latest posts, new media, social media
Responses : 9 Comments
If you find Facebook is not really working for your organisation, I am willing to bet that it is not Facebook's fault – it's yours. Too many take too lightly on their social media work – and get the results to match it. No such thing as a free lunch guys!
When I work with charities and businesses to improve their social media returns, there are some mistakes nearly all of them make. Fix these things, and I guarantee you will get more return for your efforts.
The 10 reasons your Facebook channel sucks:
1. You don't plan the work
If you post whenever you feel like it, with no plan for growing the stories over time, how can you expect effect? Social media has to be meticulously worked with like any other marketing. You need a detailed publishing plan to make sure you have balance in content and frequency, and that important stuff is published at the right time.
2. You post without a goal
Just posting for the sake of it does nothing for you. Every post should have a purpose and a goal. Only then can you write something that will fulfill your goals, and measure wether you reach them, and adjust accordingly.
3. You write like a bureucratic press release
It's no problem writing like you when you post to your personal accounts. You know who you are, what words you use, what your humour is like and what angers you. When writing on behalf of an organisation however, you don't know these things unless you've taken the time to write them down. Too often, we just put our "I am very official"-hat on, and write in a way that will make people fall asleep at the third word. Making a good style and tone guide gives you a coherent personality.
4. Your posts are too long (also known as: you are giving me the Blue "See more" Link of Death)
Facebook is not a blog. I understand that you have a lot to say, but sorry kid – I'm not going to press that "see more"-link (unless you're saying something unbelievably interesting. But, see point 2.). If you can't write it in under 200 charachters, it should probably not be in just one post. Hat tip: if you feel the need to use paragraphs, write a blog post instead.
5. You're posting the first draft
You would never send out the first draft of your direct mail appeal, right? So don't do that on Facebook either. Your first draft is bound to be written chronologically the way it comes out of your head. Meaning, the most important things are probably last. Make sure you write a second time to restructure. Then a third time to shorten and sharpen. Then a fourth time to put that personality in there. Then maybe even a fifth, when you think of a genious new way to say it.
6. You're using the wrong format
Facebook's changing algorithms have people chasing different post types to try and find the one with the most organic reach this week. Stop that. Example: links posted in photos are bound to deliver fewer clicks, even if you get lucky and it spreads to more people. Think about what you want the post to achieve, and use the apropriate format for that. Want clicks? Use a link post. Want views and engagement? Use a photo. Want to just say something, or ask a question and get feedback? Use a text update.
7. You are not thinking about your audience
If you want people to respond to your stuff, you have to actually write it in a way that's interesting to them.
8. Your posts photo have nothing to do with the thing your saying
So you listened to a social media expert who said you should use eye catching photos. Well, if the photo in question has nothing to do with your link or your message, it's not going to work no matter how eye-catching. The photo you use has to tell my eye very quickly what this message is, so that I may stop to read more. If the photo lies to me, I'm going to move on very quickly.
9. Your posts are devoid of emotion and stories
Please don't bore people to death. Remember you show up in between their friends' baby photos, last weekend's parties and next weekend's weddings. Tell stories! And if you will be making an appeal – make sure the problem is well known before you ask. Don't be afraid to be personal. Use emotions.
10. You don't ask
The number 1 reason organisations don't raise money off of Facebook, is that they simply do not ask for it. It's perhaps an idea that Facebook should be all "nice" and not be used for direct marketing. I vehemently disagree. Fundraising rules are equally important here folks; if you don't ask, you don't get.
So those are my two (ten) cents. Now I want to hear from you. What about your organisation, have you found that Facebook and other social media help your work? Are you guilty of any of the above fails? Ever raise money from Facebook?
Beate is a well known international public speaker. She runs fundraising consultancy b.bold out of Norway, but works globally. Beates particular passion is everything digital - she loves to design a donation form just right and watch the money roll in. Before starting b.bold, Beate worked on fundraising and digital communication for the Norwegian Cancer Society.
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Great tips Beate.
You say why orgs 'fail at Facebook'. Assuming I did all your tips – what would success look like? Do you mean it would just be better comms? Or do you mean it would be more money?
Check out Soi Dog on Facebook for what I think is the charity with the most financial success from Facebook (about $5m this year – 75% from regular givers/sustainers).
Although their success is drive by Facebook, it is their follow up by email, web and phone that has made all the difference.
Hi Sean!
I mean both in terms of money and better comms. Basically, better at whichever goal you set for your organisation. Soi Dog does an amazing job on Facebook! Although I don't think their approach would work for everyone – an ask in every update would probably put people off for most charities, animal charity supporters are a breed of their own in that way. The lesson to be taken away from them though, is that everyone could probably ask a lot more than they do! I think we are often afraid to use Facebook for blatant marketing – we only use it for "nice" communications. But that just gets toothless and un-interesting.
And yes, you are completely right of course – they key to maximising the value of donors from any channel really, will be in the follow up :)
Liked this article, so much so that I am going to share it on behalf of @Causeview, the company I market for.
One comment – there's a study by TrackMaven that actually proves that longer FB posts do better. I will concede that posts shouldn't be the length of a blog post, but people shouldn't be afraid to go into some detail on Facebook.
Thank you for the nice words Jenna! I'm glad to hear it :)
I'd be interested to see that study – that's the first time I've heard that. Of course, the way people use Facebook (and other social media) is constantly changing, so longer posts might be doing better now than they did before. I still see shorter posts working better though, both with clients and in my personal use.
I think the key is in what the message is, and wether it's captivating enough for people to read the long text. The problem I see is that posts are usually long due to laziness, rather than because they are telling a captivating story. And THAT is not good either way :)
Great advice Beate. I wonder if part of the problem is because we are so familiar with Facebook on a personal level – ie we treat our business/non-profit pages like we do our own (which is not strategic in any way shape or form)? I wonder too whether non-profits are often lost in the stream of sponsored business posts etc. that fill up everyone's home page? It would be good to hear if anyone has had any real success with Facebook – beyond Soi Dog, who have nailed it. And whether or not that success has come as a result of paid promotion rather than organic.
Many of my clients (often small non-profits) would read the above list and think 'I don't have time to do all of that' closely followed by 'Will it bring in any money anyway?' so examples of success would be really useful. Will keep an eye on the comments…
Hi Heather,
Yes – that is my theory anyways. We all think we "can do" Facebook, because we do it personally .
I also think where organisations and businesses get lost is when they start trying to game the system and figuring out the algorithm and how to trick it, rather than focus on what they SHOULD be doing – creating good content. That will always be rewarded.
I know of several charities, big and small, that have had great success with Facebook, both organic and paid. And while organic is nice, I have to say that it is the advertising opportunities that Facebook deliver that I'm really wild about. Amazing return on investment, unlike anything I've seen ever before (if done right, that is).
I believe the best thing to do is to make sure you have an overall good presence, and spend advertising money when you have something you want everyone to know / do.
While the list seems long, it's really not that time consuming work. Yes, you might have to set aside a couple of days in workshops to get properly started, deciding on your goals, on your voice and tone etc. But after that, it is really not that much time. Creating a bi-weekly scheduling plan takes thirty minutes. Writing a status update based on the plan, and sending it to some colleagues for review takes 3-5 minutes. Finding a good photo might be another 5. And everyone has that kind of time :)
Interesting CHECK POINTS and ten at that However the act of being charitable and doing the fund raising activity is by the "commoner(s)" with good intent getting together for a cause. I liked all 10 points, but how do I fathom each without experiences and writing /conveying skills. How do I know the right from wrong and effective verses ineffective. I keep on sharing https://www.smore.com/cfmk- like throwing stones to bring one fruit down. It is strange also how sports, cncerts and such get millions while orphans and the neglected get pittance.
Pingback: Fundraising Friday | August 19, 2016 | Pamela Grow
good advice Beate.. I've had to learn the hard way and still learning. guilty of post being too 'wordy' I'm open to your critique
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Tomorrow night we'll take to the Greenway again. I ran the length between Price Street and Golden Ponds and am pleased to report the greenway is open for business. On the return route folks can stop at Lefthand - if you plan to do so bring water or juice for the kiddos. The lefthand offers Izzes and water but that's it.
I'll take those wishing to continue, back to Old Town.
Social Calendar!
Tonight: the Concert in the Park series continues at Roosevelt Park
Tomorrow: Bike Night is on - We'll take to the Greenway out to Golden Ponds and back along the Greenway - Unless anyone has a better option - Bring water or juice for the kiddos. It's gonna be hot.
Thursday Night: The Fourth Avenue Concert series continues in Downtown Longmont
Friday: Rest and Recovery
Saturday: Movies in the Park - The Longmont Film Society plays movies at Thompson Park at dusk - cost is free
Sunday: I heard the Jazz Festival will be playing at Roosevelt Park
Wooo - then we're back to Monday....


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Brantwood Camp Alumni Day
Sunday July 22, 2018
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Schedule of Alumni Day
10:00 registration at BWC & BFG
11:00 Chapel at either camp
12:00 Alumni Meeting BWC
1:00 Lunch at either camp
2:00-4:00 Activities at either end
Places to stay in the Monadnock Region
With thanks to the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce. If you prefer, camping may be reserved at Greenfield State Park (603-547-3497) or Monadnock State Park (603-532-8862).
|Apple Gate B & B
|199 Upland Farm Road, Peterborough NH 03458
|Auk's Nest B & B
|Lunt RFD#1, Wilton, NH 03086
|Benjamin Prescott Inn
|433 Turnpike Rd., Jaffrey, NH 03452
|Birchwood Inn
|Senator Tobey Highway, Temple, NH 03084
|Cathedral House B & B
|63 Cathedral Entrance, Rindge, NH 03461
|Highland Inn
|634 Francestown Rd., Bennington, NH 03442
|The Grand View Inn and Resort
|580 Mountain Rd., Jaffrey, NH 03452
|Greenfield Inn B & B
|PO Box 400, Greenfield, NH 03047
|Hancock Inn
|33 Main St., Hancock, NH 03449
|Inn at Crotched Mountain
|534 Mountain Road, Francestown, NH 03043
|Inn at Jaffrey Center
|379 Main St., Jaffrey Center, Jaffrey, NH 03452
|Jack Daniels Motor Inn
|80 Concord Street, Peterborough, NH 03458
|Little River Bed and Breakfast
|184 Union Street, Peterborough, NH 03458
|Maplehurst Inn
|PO Box 155, Antrim, NH 03440
|Monadnock Lodging Association
|PO Box 1088, Keene, NH 03431
|Peterborough Manor (hostel)
|50 Summer St., Peterborough, NH 03458
|Three Maples Bed & Breakfast
|Rte 123 & Mountain Rd, Sharon, NH 03458
|Stepping Stones B & B,
|6 Bennington Battle Trail, Wilton Ctr, NH 03086
|Westwind Bed and Breakfast
|260 Bennington Road, Hancock, NH 03449
|Woodbound Inn
|62 Woodbound Rd., Rindge, NH 03461
|Wooden Josh Bed & Breakfast
|Main St., PO Box 3, Dublin, NH 03444
The Latest Book on Brantwood History
The new Brantwood History, To Honor The Trust, researched and written by Camp historian and current trustee Nick Noble is available for purchase. To order your copy of the most recent history book please contact us.
The complete Brantwood Archives are now part of the Peterborough Historical Society's Permanent Collection (19 Grove St., www.peterboroughhistory.org). Special credit goes to Honorary Trustee Jim Jenkins for his pioneering work in this regard and for his continued devotion to Brantwood and its Archives. Also thanks to everyone who helped with the Archives during their travels, especially Tony and Elsa Hill at St. Mark's School, former PC Tim Barton, the Gurney family, Ms. Willey, current St. Marker Lindsey Gurian (the 2003 recipient of the John Elliot Seager Cup as the summer's best shack counselor at Brantwood for Girls), and several folks at the Fay School. Finally, much appreciation and gratitude to everyone at the Peterborough Historical Society for their welcoming hospitality and generous patience.


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I remember vividly when Mel Gibson's The Passion of Christ came out. The violence and the blood and the gore was almost overwhelming for me. I really didn't feel that I needed to see that, although since it came out during Lent it did serve the purpose of setting up one of my sermons. Chapter 27 contains all of the scenes from that movie that were the most disturbing and the most gruesome. You have a Pilate who is very conflicted especially with his wife who is telling him to let Jesus go. Keep in mind that people back then were very wary of the gods coming back in human form so his question: "Are you King of the Jews" is more a question related to are you one of us or are you one of the gods come to rule over us? Because if you are one of the gods I'm not dealing with you. Certainly his wife thought Jesus was one of the gods.
The dramatic washing of his hands and the response from "the people as a whole" that Jesus' blood would be on them and their children has been used for centuries to point the finger at the people of Israel as "Christ killers". This phrase has been seen as perpetrating an anti-semitic sentiment that was carried out fully by the Nazis and others in history both before and after WWII. As we mentioned last chapter, who was it that betrayed Jesus? It wasn't just the mob, it wasn't just Pilate, it wasn't just the disciples, it was all of us. Lent is a time that we remember the suffering of Jesus and our complicity, even our daily participation, in his betrayal. The solution is not Judas' action, but rather what Joseph of Arimathea and the women do at the end. They do not abandon Jesus, even in death, even when things seem completely without hope, but rather stay by his side and tend to the details.
Once again Caravaggio depicts a scene from the Bible that is so alarming that you almost feel as if you are there. You find Joseph and the women taking Christ down and placing him in the tomb. It seem as if they are standing on a cliff and lowering Jesus into an abyss.
A trip to the Garden tomb is a must for those who visit Israel. It is so dramatically different from the Church of the Sepulcher where the traditional sight of Jesus' burial is thought to be. Normally we will have communion together at the Garden tomb and it is powerful to see the opening of the tomb, the face of the skull on Golgotha, and know that this just could be the place where Jesus was laid in the tomb.
That's probably enough pictures for today, but it truly is a powerful experience to be able to be there and think…this could be the place.


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Contact Us:
Plymouth and Devonport Circuit,
Stoke Methodist Church,
Devonport Road,
(01752) 551514
(Mon-Thu, 8.30am-12.30pm)
Remember in an emergency to protect a child or vulnerable adult, phone 999 and ask for the POLICE
Plymouth City Council child and adult safeguarding:
01752 668000
Children's Safeguarding in Cornwall:
0300 123 1116
Cornwall Adult Safeguarding:
0300 123 4131 or 01208 251300 (out of hours)
Plymouth and Exeter District
Safeguarding Officer:
Mrs Chrissy Slaney 07794 133797
Safeguarding line:
01392 214239
Plymouth and Devonport Circuit
Safeguarding Officer:
Revd Simon H Leigh 01752 335773/01752 551514
mobile 07814 027354 (emergency only)
Devon Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub:
(For use beyond Plymouth City Council area)
0345 155 1071
Social Services emergency out of hours:
0845 600 0388
0808 800 5000
Police enquiries and reporting concerns (non emergency):
Welcome to the Plymouth and Devonport Circuit
Dear One and All,
Welcome to the Plymouth and Devonport Circuit website. We are part of the Methodist Church of Great Britain and the Plymouth and Exeter District, which comprises almost 300 churches in the District and about 9000 members.
The Plymouth and Devonport Circuit stretches from Ivybridge and Bittaford along the A38 to the East of Plymouth, through the City of Plymouth and across the Tamar into Cornwall to Torpoint and Millbrook. Our Circuit serves rural communities, the suburbs of Plymouth together with industrial and military installations in the Devonport area. Our Circuit is as diverse as the City and locality we seek to serve in the name of Christ Jesus.
It is serving the Lord Jesus Christ which the Methodist Church in this Circuit is really all about. It's not just a Sunday thing, but a 24/7, 365 total commitment thing! It's a way of life. So, in the Methodist Church across the City you will find people doing all kinds of things in the name of Jesus. People will be involved with Street Pastors, the health and healing ministry, schools' ministry, chaplaincy in our hospitals at Mount Gould, Derriford, St. Lukes' Hospice and the Devon and Cornwall Police. There will be people working with young people in the uniformed groups and the Boys and Girls Brigade. There will be Bible studies and Christian courses, and people wishing to explore Christianity through courses like Alpha and Disciple. And of course we worship together in styles which range from the traditional to modern and contemporary, from Messy Church to Celtic. You will also find, being the Methodist Church, we eat a lot together – the Methodist gift to the World Church.
It is my hope that in our churches you will find a welcome. It is my hope too that you will be able to make a spiritual home with us; where the life of prayer, the life of faith and life transformed by living it with Jesus will be a great joy and hope to you.
So welcome again, in the name of Christ Jesus our Lord!
Every blessing,
Revd Simon H Leigh
Superintendent minister.
Latest News from the Circuit:
Dec 2018-Feb 2018 Circuit Plan
- (Added: 02 November 2018)
The circuit plan for December 2018 to February 2019 is available on the website - please click here to download the file as a PDF documents. The lectionary for the same period is also available here.
September-November 2018 Circuit Plan
- (Added: 01 August 2018)
The circuit plan and lectionary for September to November 2018 are now available on the website.
DOWNLOADS (PDF format):
Circuit Plan
- (Added: 27 June 2018)
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018 came into force on 25th May 2018.
There is a significant amount of information available on the TMCP website and the Data Protection Responsibilities in a Nutshell leaflet summarises the steps that volunteers, ministers and staff within the Church need to take to protect each other's privacy and keep personal information safe.
Our privacy notice can be found by following the link below


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From Das Aquarium, one of the books I'm plodding through at the moment:
Sie war blond, langhaarig, wirkte sportlich and ein bisschen so, wie jemand, der die Love Parade für eine tolle Sache hält.
For the uninitiated, the Love Parade is an annual orgy of exhibitionism, music, and drug use. It started in Berlin in 1989, but now moves to a different city each year. The last one, which was held in Essen this past August, was attended by several of my fellow PPPlers--some blond, some with long hair, and all who evidently regard the Love Parade as a cool thing.


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Summer means road construction
Summer won't officially begin for another two weeks, but road construction is in full swing. Summer as Midwesterners know it truly is here.
These road and bridge projects, such as the St. Croix Crossing bridge between St. Joseph, Wis. and Stillwater, Minn., not to mention will create occasional headaches for the impatient and patient alike — frustration and exhaustion that can't be blamed on the arrival of summer heat. But each of us would do well to remember that delays, detours and dust are part of the package.
There are immediate gains, of course, including employment for laborers. In addition to jobs on actual the construction sites, hundreds of jobs associated with road construction — trucking, engineering and excavating — pump money into the local economy. Plus, the hospitality industry sees gains as some of these construction workers eat in local restaurants, stay in local motels four or five nights a week.
Follow the construction signs. Slow down in work zones. Give these workers who are working to improve our infrastructure the room to do their jobs efficiently and well. The more we cooperate, the quicker they can finish.
Remember, the end results will be worth it. Our roads will be safer, our vehicles will last longer and people will get where they need to go in good time.
Projects in the region to be aware of include:
• Replacing the Highway 128 bridge over Interstate-94, reconstructing the ramp and widening Highway 128
• Reconditioning a 7-mile segment of Highway 128 in Pierce and St. Croix counties between Highway 29 and Elmwood.
• Upgrading operations and safety of I-94 in Hudson by adding additional lanes between Highway 35 North and U.S. Highway 12-County U interchanges and additional lanes on ramps at Highway 35 South interchange.


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on December 1, 2007 by in Uncategorized, Comments (0)
Daniel's Robinson named area's Coach of the Year
CENTRAL — When Randy Robinson took over as the Daniel High School football coach last season, the school celebrated as one of its most popular teachers took over the reigns after serving as assistant coach since the 1995 season.
Things got off to a rocky start, however, as the Lions stumbled out the gate to an 0-4 ledger, but late in the season the tide turned as they piled up four region wins to earn a playoff spot.
It quickly showed Robinson could get the job done at Daniel, and that season was just a precursor to one of the Lions' most successful seasons in recent memory that wrapped up just two weeks ago.
For his accomplishments this past season, Robinson has been named the 2007 Daily Journal/Daily Messenger Golden Corner Coach of the Year.
But the ever-humble Robinson, known as Coach Rob to his students and players alike, quickly deflected the credit to everyone but himself.
"It's a reflection on the guys around me and I appreciate the honor, but it's about the kids and the coaches around me," he said. "Our assistant coaches work real hard, we always had good defensive game plans, and the offensive coaches kept working and we steadily improved every week."
The Lions captured the Western AAA region title for the first time since the 2001 season, and reached the third round of the playoffs for the first time since 1999 to finish with an 11-2 record, including an unblemished 7-0 record in region play.
This team dwelled up some favorable comparisons to Daniel teams of the past, including the 1997 team, which nearly made it to the state championship games as they flew under the radar, much like the 2007 squad.
"I really thought all year long that this team had fun playing together, they were all buddies, they pulled for each other and it was just one of the years where no one expected a lot and the kids accomplished it," Robinson said. "This group reminded me of them because they just had fun this season."
All season long, Robinson said the excitement around this team began during the summer, when the Lions had high attendance for voluntary workouts and weight sessions. It was unlike anything he had seen in recent years, and he knew his second season could be a special one because of it.
"You never realize how much of an effect it has on a team to build that confidence in the summer," Robinson said. "All of a sudden we see guys hanging out together and the offensive and defensive guys were pulling for each other. Then after the first game, you never saw any finger pointing from there on out and they played together."
Robinson will return the majority of his team next season, and they will be expected to contend for the school's first state title since 1998.
But regardless of whether or not the team brings home that title, the seniors of this year's team will always standout to Robinson for their role in getting the Lions back among the elite teams in the state.
"Even though my seniors last year had only four wins, they were special," Robinson said. "I sat them down and told them they'd always be my first group, and they were. But I think this is the first group that got us on top. We won a region championship, which is what we expect at Daniel, and we got deep in the playoffs. That's something we can always look back to those seniors and we can appreciate their sacrifice to get us there."
And Robinson will use them as motivation for next season, which has the potential to be a banner year for the Loins.
"I've already challenged the underclassmen," he said. "I told them the seniors took us from the first round to the third round, and we challenged the rising group to take us from the third round all the way. I think those guys will always be remembered as the guys who got us back to the top."


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New research suggests we are a nation addicted to smartphones.
More than half of adults and two thirds of teenagers say they have used their smartphone while socialising with others.
Nearly a quarter of adults and a third of teenagers have used them during mealtimes and over a fifth of adults admitted using or answering their handset in the bathroom.
The research found that the line between work and social time is also becoming increasingly blurred with 30% of smartphone users saying they regularly take personal calls during working hours and work calls while they are on holiday.
James Thickett, Director of Research with the media regulator Ofcom says this is has affected the type of contracts that phone companies offer.
via BBC News – Are we addicted to smartphones?.
Related articles
- Smartphone 'addiction' revealed (mirror.co.uk)
- Third of adults 'use smartphone' says Ofcom report (textually.org)
- Smartphone users admit addiction (independent.co.uk)
- Report: Teenagers 'addicted' to smartphones; Parents almost as bad (zdnet.com)


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In the heart of the Highlands surrounded by mountains, lochs, and sea, The Gyrocopter Experience Inverness at Highland Aviation invites you to enjoy some of the most amazing natural scenery available in the UK.
A popular tourist destination for both national and international visitors, Inverness offers a wealth of visitor attractions to keep even the seasoned traveller entertained.
With daily national and international flights from destinations all around the UK and beyond, you can bring your family for a holiday whilst you continue your Gyrocopter pilot training.
We are based at Inverness Airport, so you are right on our doorstep when you arrive. All visitors are encouraged to drop in to see our facilities and have a chat.
Inverness airport is around 15 minutes drive from the city, and we make the journey daily. So are very happy to collect and return student pilots from their lodgings.
Our Introductory flights are the perfect unique and exhilarating gift for yourself, your friends and your family. We offer three different lengths of flight, of 30, 60, and 90 minutes. We are happy to tailor each flight and consider any requests based on previous flying experience. The Gyrocopter is equipped with dual flight controls front and rear to allow you to confidently learn to manoeuvre the aircraft whilst the Instructor remains in control.
Whether you know these amazing aircraft as Gyrocopters, Gyroplanes, Autogyros, or just simply Gyro's, the 30 minute Experience Flight is our most popular and the perfect introduction. Your experience starts with a safety briefing and a tour of the aircraft. You will gain an understanding of how a Gyrocopter works and why they are now considered the safest way to fly. We will then spend around 30 minutes flying around Inverness, where (if you are willing) you will get your hands on the controls and fly the Gyrocopter for yourself!
Buy 30 min Flight Voucher here
This is particularly suited to people who already fly other types of aircraft or who want to understand more about the unique characteristics of a Gyrocopter. This experience includes a more detailed understanding of the controls. It is generally more "hands on" than "hands off" the controls.
The 60 minute Flight is also good for people who want to enjoy the view but want to fly further than the local area, perhaps you want to fly close to your house? Come on down!
Buy 60 min Flight Voucher here
This just has to be the best flight that you can have around Inverness. It lasts around 90 minutes and it generally has a theme:
Whatever you want to do, we are sure you will never forget your Ultimate Inverness Gyrocopter flight.
Buy 90 min Flight Voucher here
If you would like to buy someone a gift of a flight, buying a Gyrocopter Experience Giftpack with flight voucher is the easiest way to proceed. The person receiving the gift can then book a specific time and date at a later stage. If you already have a voucher and would like to book a time and a date Redeem your voucher here
Alternatively if you want to book a date and time now then you can Book Direct Here. Go on...treat yourself...you wont regret it!
For those of you that have decided to take the plunge and gain the full Gyrocopter Private Pilot Licence PPL(G), you have chosen the right place to learn. Our personal and professional flight training programme in alliance with the International Association of Professional Gyroplane Training (IAPGT), offers the very latest in worldwide best practice, with a fully integrated e-learning platform. The Gyrocopter Experience has taught hundreds of pilots over the last 10 years, and remains the world leader in Gyrocopter Flight Training.
Student pilots are usually booked in for weekly intensive courses (Monday to Friday), with an expectation to complete around 10 hours of flight training plus classroom briefings. The benefit of this structure enables students to make large advances in their understanding and skill level in a relatively short period of time.
Flying from Inverness International Airport gives you the unique perspective of the professional pilot. You will learn to become confident speaking to Air Traffic Control, and flying into commercial airports. You will also have the benefit of landing away at General Aviation Airfields as well as Farm Strips. The versatility of the Gyrocopter, along with the professional outlook of the Gyrocopter community has quickly allowed us to access the full range of flight services in the UK. The aircraft might be small, but we are making a big impact within the aviation community.
Due to the placement of Inverness within its mountainous surroundings and the sea, we enjoy a surprisingly pleasant micro-climate. We receive far less rain than usually expected across the Highlands, which allows us to fly for most of the year.
We have recently seen the introduction of the Gyroplane Night Rating and the Commercial Pilot Licence CPL(G). Gyrocopter Experience instructors are the first in the country to gain these qualifications, and are leading the way in its development.
Moving forward, there are a number of advanced courses for existing gyrocopter pilots under development, and at Inverness we are working towards offering specialist Mountain Flying and Beach Landing courses.


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CHARLESTON S.C. (Reuters) - The South Carolina Supreme Court ordered state judges on Thursday not to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples until a federal court rules on whether the state can continue enforcing its ban on such marriages.
The state Supreme Court's instruction came after Charleston County Probate Judge Irvin Condon accepted marriage license applications from 19 gay couples on Wednesday.
Condon had indicated he would begin issuing the documents after the state's mandatory 24-hour waiting period for marriage licenses, citing U.S. Supreme Court action this week that ended bans on same-sex marriages in five other states including Virginia.
South Carolina is bound by the same regional federal appeals court ruling that struck down Virginia's ban. So is North Carolina, where gay couples on Thursday anticipated that federal judges would strike down its same-sex marriage ban.
Elsewhere, efforts to block an appeals court ruling that allowed gay marriage to go into effect in Nevada appeared to be at an end. Gay marriage opponents filed papers with both the U.S. Supreme Court and the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals withdrawing stay requests they had filed on Wednesday.
Litigation over Idaho's ban, which was struck down as part of the same appeals court ruling, was set to continue. In the meantime, marriages will not go ahead in that state.
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, a Republican, asked the state Supreme Court to block Condon from issuing licenses, arguing a U.S. district court judge had yet to determine whether the state's voter-approved ban was legal.
Justices said they agreed the issue should be resolved by the district court that is hearing a pending challenge of the ban.
Earlier on Thursday, Condon said he would refrain from releasing the licenses in light of a request by the state Supreme Court but would continue to accept applications.
Some of the gay couples gathered at the Charleston courthouse on Thursday said they were disappointed by the delay but remained confident they would soon be granted the right to marry in the state.
"It's making history in South Carolina that applications are even being accepted," said Jennifer Rose, 28, who was seeking a marriage license with her fiancée, Sara Meadows, also 28.
The probate court in Richland County, South Carolina also was accepting applications from gay couples, said marriage license supervisor Meria Foster.
Additional reporting by Lawrwence Hurley in Washington; Writing by Colleen Jenkins; Editing by Will Dunham


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Home Care Assistant- Bray
Comfort Keepers
HOME CARE ASSISTANT/CARER. Home Care Provider of the year 2017. €11.50 per hour €8 per 30 minute visit. €10 per 30 minutes visit on Sundays and Bank Holidays. With an ageing population, the need to care for older people is an important part of every community. As a Home Care Assistant with us, you can expect a demanding but rewarding career, and, with both part-time and full-time jobs available. Duties of Home Care Assistants include but are not limited to providing personal care, mobility assistance, light house work, medication prompting, meal preparation and companionship and will vary based on the needs of your client. We are now recruiting Home Care Assistants in your area. What we are looking for: • Ideally have QQI Level 5 Care Skills and Care of the Older Person. • Ability to work independently or as part of a team. • Have a caring and empathetic nature. • Enjoy working as part of the community. • Be comfortable working in a sometimes challenging environment. What we can offer you: PAY: • Highly competitive hourly rates of pay: € 11.50 per hourly visit and € 8 per 30 minutes visit. Sundays and Bank holidays rates apply. • Flexible working hours. BENEFITS: • Free Garda Vetting. • Free Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) – gloves, aprons etc. • Open door policy with your supporting office. • Split shifts with varying times between 07.30am and 11pm. RECOGNITION: • Career progression: opportunities to progress with both office and reviewer positions. • National Carer of the year Award. • Local Carer Social events. • Regular Feedback. • Refer a Friend bonus. TRAINING & SUPPORT: • On site classroom based training for carers who need to attain the two QQI Level 5 modules ; discount on Comfort Keepers run courses. • 2 day induction training program inclusive of patient and manual handling. • Intellectual Disabilities Modules also offered. • 24 hour support from office and on-call team. • Employee Representative Committee. • State of the art log-in system in place for carers with regular updates. • Regular Carer Newsletters with updates. HEALTH AND WELL BEING: • Reduced Private Health Insurance Scheme. • Employee Assistance Programme which offers an advice and counselling service available for carers and their immediate families.
375 days ago


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I was in Karachi just before New Year's Eve and I wrote this piece as an experiment, to see what I could write, after arriving in a city I had been away from for a long period.
When I recently arrived for a break from studies abroad, a group of us decided we should eat out. Since one of our number just had her birthday, days before I arrived, it was decided that a suitable place needed to be found. The decision was made to choose the Marriott, a place with many wonderful memories. From milky Rooh Afza iftars, to a bookstore that monthly would stock my childhood library for a few years, the Marriott seemed like a nice place.
And so we drove there under the darkening evening to a place we considered we knew. As the barriers approached, it seemed like a usual enough sight, but the twists and turns once we crossed the crash beam barrier were a minor adventure all to themselves. We went through one lane, twisted in a u-turn and then entered the parking lot. All the while we passed over at least three speed bumps, saw the car checked by a sniffer dog at the lesser barrier, merely a rope strung between two ends of the lane, themselves bordered by blast walls. It was interesting.
Parking the car, we got out and walked towards what was clearly an outer security room. The X-ray machine into which people had to drop their purses, briefcases, handbags, was worthy of any international airport. Passing through the metal detector, I was fortunate enough to not set it off and was spared a wave with the wand. Our audience with this semi-effective show of security theatre complete, we were cleared to walk the rest of the way to Marriott. That was at least a pleasant experience, a return to the Marriott of half a decade ago; when I had been under order to go to a seminar chaired, by a person who I think was a closet ex-Jihadi. This time the run in with religion in the interior of the Marriott was even stranger. There were two ladies standing as greeters. One was a lady in a respectable pantsuit, and I must commend Pakistan, or at least its major cities for now tolerating adult women who may wish to wear jeans. I guess a country's beating hand can only harm so many women before it tires out. The other lady was a display of corporate religious confusion. Like a caricature from Arabian Nights, she had a hijab on that tightly covered her ears and hair, leaving her face and neck uncovered, which I think goes against Muslim regulations, since she didn't have a chador wrapped on. However from the waist down she had a flowing smock in peach and the colours of the rainbow draped on. It looked like something a Hollywood costumer would dream up for a female character on 1001 Arabian Nights, crossed with whatever monstrosity a repressive Gulf Monarchy would toss out trying to look "modest but modern".
It wasn't the religious and clothing disaster, but rather the display of confused religious appeasement by the Marriott that looked strange to me. Here was a hotel that had instituted a minor labyrinth of security procedures that its customers had to enter, and simultaneously to protect the Marriott from attack by religious madmen, had one of its most famous branches attacked and destroyed by religious lunatics, and if we weren't all used to so much security theatre by now, we would find the experience degrading. Yet to go to such lengths of behaviour to find one normal lady greeter, and one dressed to "appease" what should be clear by now is a bottomless pit of religious demands, is breathtaking as a corporate policy. I guess it shouldn't surprise us that a literal bastion of the Pakistani elite, which has constituted fortress style defences to keep an enemy out, would still throw sops to that enemy in a confused attempt to maybe ideologically buy it off. Whilst protecting oneself from religious madmen, why not at least try not to care what they think about you, since they do seem determined to bump your hotel and its staff off.
After observing this weird display of confused religiosity at the door, the rest of the Marriott thankfully looked the same as I had seen it in the past two decades.
There was the usual reception area and its restaurant, with the lobby musician singing quite sweetly to the crowd. We passed by the bookstore, which was closed since it was after its hours. We walked to the restaurant, were seated and served. One must commend the waiters for their attentiveness to the guests and the food was scrumptious. One cannot be as effusive about some of the guests, as one particular gentleman on his phone seemed to loudly want the entire restaurant to know that he was making a VERY IMPORTANT deal. A teenage couple seemed to be sitting quite bored at their separate seats, obviously there unaccompanied, making one wish that I had the resources and initiative to take a date as a teenager to the Karachi Marriott.
We had our dinner, paid and headed for the exit, stopping for a group photo in the lobby. At that time we saw entering the building, one more display of weird religiosity. With a white flowing gown, a head covered with a hijab so tightly you could bounce a coin of it, and arms and chest covered tightly in bright white cloth. With the flowing gown nearly a cape, she looked like a villain from the later Thundercats. So there was good reason for the Marriott to appeal to the religiously confused segment of the elite.
This whole cycle of supply and demand of religious pretension, especially amongst the Pakistani elite might be part of the problem for the baseline existence, tolerance or acquiescence to religious terror. And when I walked out of the lobby I was greeted by the sight of the huge mosque that stands in front of the Marriott. The black comedy of its placement was darkly ironic. Definitely that outsize and very obvious mosque had been put up as some sort of sop or appeasement to religious irrationalism. Fat lot of good that did the Marriott people with their Islamabad branch destroyed, their parking lot turned into a fort's maze and even the public display of their hotel front's Bauhaus architecture blocked.
Appeasing irrational religious urges does not seem to help much in cooling that irrationality or burning it out. It seems particularly pointless when the religious irrationality is melded to elite opinion, especially an elite that is targeted for assassination or elimination by religious revolutionary groups as stated by Al Qaeda and its fans within Pakistan. And no amount of kowtowing to religious strictures can protect someone from being a victim of terrorism if they are in the wrong place at the wrong time. It's best to dispense with ornamental religiosity when everyone has been a target.