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Gardens - Garden Boundaries
( Originally Published 1901 )
" A garden fair . . . with Wandis long and small
- Kings Zubair, KING JAMES I OF SCOTLAND.
ONE who reads what I have written in these pages of a garden enclosed, will scarcely doubt that to me every garden must have boundaries, definite and high. Three old farm boundaries were of necessity garden boundaries in early days—our stone walls, rail fences, and hedge-rows. The first two seem typically American; the third is an English hedge fashion. Throughout New England the great boulders were blasted to clear the rocky fields ; and these, with the smaller loose stones, were gathered into vast stone walls. We still see these walls around fields and as the boundaries of kitchen gardens and farm flower gardens, and delightful walls they are, resourceful of beauty to the inventive gardener. I know one lovely garden in old Narragansett, on a farm which is now the country-seat of folk of great wealth, where the old stone walls are the pride of the place ; and the carefully kept garden seems set in a beautiful frame of soft gray stones and flowering vines. These walls would be more beautiful still if our climate would let us have the wall gardens of old England, but everything here becomes too dry in summer for wall gardens to flourish.
Rhode Island farmers for two centuries have cleared and sheltered the scanty soil of their state by blasting the ledges, and gathering the great stones of ledge and field into splendid stone walls. Their beauty is a gift to the farmer's descendants in reward for his hours of bitter and wearying toil. One of these fine stone walls, six feet in height, has stood secure and unbroken through a century of upheavals of winter frosts — which it was too broad and firmly built to heed. It stretches from the Post Road in old Narragansett, through field and meadow, and by the side of the oak grove, to the very edge of the bay. To the waterside one afternoon in June there strolled, a few years ago, a beautiful young girl and a somewhat conscious but determined young man. They seated themselves on the stone wall under the flickering shadow of a great Locust tree, then in full bloom. The air was sweet with the honeyed fragrance of the lovely pendent clusters of bloom, and bird and bee and butterfly hovered around,—it was paradise. The beauty and fitness of the scene so stimulated the young man's fancy to thoughts and words of love that he soon burst forth to his companion in an impassioned avowal of his desire to make her his wife. He had often pictured to himself that some time he would say to her these words, and he had seen also in his hopes the looks of tender affection with which she would reply. What was his amazement to be-hold that, instead of blushes and tender glances, his words of love were met by an apparently frenzied stare of horror and disgust, that seemed to pierce through him, as his beloved one sprung at one bound from her seat by his side on the high stone wall, and ran away at full speed, screaming out, Oh, kill him ! kill him ! "
Now that was certainly more than disconcerting to the warmest of lovers, and with a half-formed dread that the suddenness of his proposal of love had turned her brain, he ran after her, albeit somewhat coolly, and soon learned the reason for her extraordinary behavior. Emulous of the tempting serpent of old, a great black snake, Mr. Bascanion constrictor, had said complaisantly to himself: " Now here are a fair young Adam and Eve who have entered uninvited my Garden of Eden, and the man fancies it is not good for him to be alone, but I will have a word to say about that. I will come to her with honied words." So he thrust himself up between the stones of the wall, and advanced persuasively upon them, behind the man's back. But a Yankee Eve of the year i 890 A.D. is not that simple creature, the Eve of the year B.C.; and even the Father of Evil would have to be great of guile to succeed in his wiles with her.
A farm servant was promptly despatched to watch for the ill-mannered and intrusive snake who—as is the fashion of a snake — had grown to be as big as a boa-constrictor after he vanished ; and at the end of the week once more the heel of man had bruised the serpent's head, and the third party in this love episode lay dead in his six feet of ugliness, a silent witness to the truth of the story.
Throughout Narragansett, Locust trees have a fashion of fringing the stone walls with close young growth, and shading them with occasional taller trees.
These form an ideal garden boundary. The stone walls also gather a beautiful growth of Clematis, Brier, wild Peas, and Grapes; but they form a clinging-place for that devil's brood, Poison Ivy, which is so persistent in growth and so difficult to exterminate.
The old worm fence was distinctly American; it had a zigzag series of chestnut rails, with stakes of twisted cedar saplings which were sometimes " chunked" by moss - covered boulders just peeping from the earth. This worm fence secured to the nature lover and to wild life a strip of land eight or ten feet wide, whereon plant, bird, beast, reptile, and insect flourished and re-produced. It has been,within a few years, a gardening fashion to preserve these old " Virginia " fences on country places of considerable elegance. Planted with Clematis, Honeysuckle, Trumpet vine, Wistaria, and the free-growing new Japanese Roses, they are wonderfully effective.
On Long Island, east of Riverhead, where there are few stones to form stone walls, are curious and picturesque hedge-rows, which are a most interesting and characteristic feature of the landscape, and they are beautiful also, as I have seen them once or twice, at the end of an old garden. These hedge-rows were thus formed : when a field was cleared, a row of young saplings of varied growth, chiefly Oak, Elder, and Ash, was left to form the hedge These young trees were cut and bent over parallel to the ground, and sometimes interlaced together with dry branches and vines. Each year these trees were lopped, and new sprouts and branches permitted to grow only in the line of the hedge. Soon a tangle of briers and wild vines overgrew and netted them all into a close, impenetrable, luxuriant mass. They were, to use Wordsworth's phrase, " scarcely hedge-rows, but lines of sportive woods run wild." In this close green wall birds build their nests, and in their shelter burrow wild hares, and there open Violets and other firstlings of the spring. The twisted tree trunks in these old hedges are sometimes three or four feet in diameter one way, and but a foot or more the other ; they were a shiftless field-border, as they took up so much land, but they were sheep-proof. The custom of making a dividing line by a row of bent and polled trees still remains, even where the close, tangled hedge-row has disappeared with the flocks of sheep.
These hedge-rows were an English fashion seen in Hertfordshire and Suffolk. On commons and re-claimed land they took the place of the quickset hedges seen around richer farm lands. The bending and interlacing was called plashing ; the polling, shrouding. English farmers and gardeners paid in-finite attention to their hedges, both as a protection to their fields and as a means of firewood.
There is something very pleasant in the thought that these English gentlemen who settled eastern Long Island, the Gardiners, Sylvesters, Coxes, and others, retained on their farm lands in the new world the customs of their English homes, pleasanter still to know that their descendants for centuries kept up these homely farm fashions. The old hedge-rows on Long Island are an historical record, a landmark —long may they linger. On some of the finest estates on the island they have been carefully preserved, to form the lower boundary of a garden, where, laid out with a shaded, grassy walk dividing it from the flower beds, they form the loveliest of garden limits. Planted skilfully with great Art to look like great Nature, with edging of Elder and Wild Rose, with native vines and an occasional con-genial garden ally, they are truly unique.
Yew was used for the most famous English hedges; and as neither Yew nor Holly thrive here — though both will grow — I fancy that is why we have ever had in comparison so few hedges, and have really no very ancient ones, though in old letters and account books we read of the planting of hedges on fine estates. George Washington tried it, so did Adams, and Jefferson, and Quincy. Osage Orange, Bar-berry, and Privet were in nurserymen's lists, but it has not been till within twenty or thirty years that Privet has become so popular. In Southern gardens, Cypress made close, good garden hedges ; and Cedar hedges fifty or sixty years old are seen. Lilac hedges were unsatisfactory, save in isolated cases, as the one at Indian Hill. The japan Quinces, and other of the Japanese shrubs, were tried in hedges in the mid-century, with doubtful success as hedges, though they form lovely rows of flowering shrubs. Snow-balls and Snowberries, Flowering Currant, Altheas, and Locust, all have been used for hedge-planting, so we certainly have tried faithfully enough to have hedges in America. Locust hedges are most graceful, they cannot be clipped closely. I saw one lovely creation of Locust, set with an occasional Rose Acacia — and the Locust thus supported the brittle Acacia. If it were successful, it would be, when in bloom, a dream of beauty. Hemlock hedges are ever fine, as are hemlock trees everywhere, but will not bear too close clipping. Other evergreens, among them the varied Spruces, have been set in hedges, but have not proved satisfactory enough to be much used.
Buckthorn was a century ago much used for hedges and arches. When Josiah Quincy, President of Harvard College, was in Congress in 1809, he obtained from an English gardener, in Georgetown, Buckthorn plants for hedges in his Massachusetts home, which hedges were an object of great beauty for many years.
The traveller Kalm found Privet hedges in Pennsylvania in 1760. In Scotland Privet is called Primprint. Primet and Primprivet were other old names. Box was called Primpe. These were all derivative of prim, meaning precise. Our Privet hedges, new as they are, are of great beauty and satisfaction, and soon will rival the English Yew hedges.
I have never yet seen the garden in which there was not some boundary or line which could be filled to advantage by a hedge. In garden great or garden small, the hedge should ever have a place. Often a featureless garden, blooming well, yet somehow unattractive, has been completely transformed by the planting of hedges. They seem, too, to give such an orderly aspect to the garden. In level countries hedges are specially valuable. I cannot understand why some denounce clipped hedges and trees as against nature. A clipped hedge is just as natural as the cut grass of a lawn, and is closely akin to it. Others think hedges "too set" ; to me their finality is their charm.
Hedges need to be well kept to be pleasing. Chaucer in his day in praising a " hegge " said that : —
"Every branche and leaf must grow by mesure
In England, hedge-clipping has ever been a gardening art.
In the old English garden the topiarist was an important functionary. Besides his clipping shears he had to have what old-time cooks called judgment or faculty. In English gardens many specimens of topiary work still exist, maintained usually as relics of the past rather than as a modern notion of the beautiful. The old gardens at Levens Hall, page 404, contain some of the most remarkable examples.
In a few old gardens in America, especially in Southern towns, traces of the topiary work of early years can be seen; these overgrown, uncertain shapes have a curious influence, and the sentiment awakened is beautifully described by Gabriele d' Annunzio:-
"We walked among evergreens, among ancient Box trees, Laurels, Myrtles, whose wild old age had forgotten its early discipline. In a few places here and there was some trace of the symmetrical shapes carved once upon a time by the gardener's shears, and with a melancholy not unlike his who searches on old tombstones for the effigies of the forgotten dead, I noted carefully among the silent plants those traces of humanity not altogether obliterated."
The height of topiary art in America is reached in the lovely garden, often called the Italian garden, of Hollis H. Hunnewell, Esq., at Wellesley, Massachusetts. Vernon Lee tells in her charming essay on "Italian Gardens " of the beauty of gardens without flowers, and this garden of Mr. Hunnewell is an admirable example. Though the effect of the black and white of the pictured representations shown on these pages is perhaps somewhat sombre, there is nothing sad or sombre in the garden itself. The clear gleam of marble pavilions and balustrades, the formal rows of flower jars with their hundreds of Century plants, and the lovely light on the lovely lake, serve as a delightful contrast to the clear, clean lusty green of the clipped trees. This garden is a beautiful example of the art of the topiarist, not in its grotesque forms, but in the shapes liked by Lord Bacon, pyramids, columns, and "hedges in welts," carefully studied to be both stately and graceful. I first saw this garden thirty years ago; it was interesting then in its well thought-out plan, and in the perfection of every inch of its slow growth ; but how much more beautiful now, when the gar-den's promise is fulfilled.
The editor of Country Life says that the most notable attempt at modern topiary work in England is at Ascott, the seat of Mr. Leopold de Rothschild, but the examples there have not attained a growth at all approaching those at Wellesley. Mr. Hunnewell writes thus of his garden :
" It was after a visit to Elvaston nearly fifty years ago that I conceived the idea of making a collection of trees for topiary work in imitation of what I had witnessed at that celebrated estate. As suitable trees for that purpose could not be obtained at the nurseries in this country, and as the English Yew is not reliable in our New England climate, I was obliged to make the best selection possible from such trees as had proved hardy here—the Pines, Spruces, Hemlocks, Junipers, Arbor-vitae, Cedars, and Japanese Retinosporas. The trees were all very small, and for the first twenty years their growth was shortened twice annually, causing them to take a close and compact habit, comparing favorably in that respect with the Yew. Many of them are now more than forty feet in height and sixty feet in circumference, the Hemlocks especially proving highly successful."
This beautiful example of art in nature is ever open to visitors, and the number of such visitors is very large. It is, however, but one of the many beauties of the great estate, with its fine garden of Roses, its pavilion of splendid Rhododendrons and Azaleas, its uncommon and very successful rock garden, and its magnificent plantation of rare trees. There are also many rows of fine hedges and arches in various portions of the grounds, hedges of clipped Cedar and Hemlock, many of them twenty feet high, which compare well in condition, symmetry, and extent with the finest English hedges on the finest English estates.
Through the great number of formal gardens laid out within a few years in America, the topiary art has had a certain revival. In California, with the lavish foliage, it may be seen in considerable perfection, though of scant beauty, as here shown.
Happy is the garden surrounded by a brick wall or with terrace wall of brick. How well every color looks by the side of old brick ; even scarlet, bright pink, and rose-pink flowers, which seem impossible, do very well when held to the wall by clear green leaves. Flowering vines are perfect when trained on old soft-red brick enclosing walls ; white-flowered vines are specially lovely thereon, Clematis, white Roses, and the rarely beautiful white Wistaria. How lovely is my Virgin's-bower when growing on brick ; how Hollyhocks stand up beside it. Brick posts, too, are good in a fence, and, better still, in a pergola. A portion of the fine terrace wall at Van Cortlandt Manor is shown facing page 286. This wall was put in about fifty years ago ; ere that there had been a grass bank, which is ever a trial in a garden ; for it is hard to mow the grass on such a bank, and it never looks neat ; it should be planted with some vine.
A very curious garden wall is the serpentine brick wall still standing at the University of Virginia, at Charlottesville. It is about seven feet high, and closes in the garden and green of the row of houses occupied by members of the faculty ; originally it may have extended around the entire college grounds. I present a view from the street in order to show its contour distinctly ; within the garden its outlines are obscured by vines and flowers. The first thought in the mind of the observer is that its reason for curving is that it could be built much more lightly, and hence more cheaply, than a straight wall ; then it seems a possible idealization in brick of the old Virginia rail fence. But I do not look to domestic patterns and influences for its production ; it is to me a good example of the old-time domination of French ideas which was so marked and so disquieting in America. In France, after the peace of 1762, the Marquis de Geradin was revolutionizing gardening. His own garden at Ermenonville and his description of it exercised important influence in England and America, as in France. Jefferson was the planner and architect of the University of Virginia; and it is stated that he built this serpentine wall. Whether he did or not, it is another example of French influences in architecture in the United States. This French school, above everything else, replaced straight lines with carefully curving and winding lines.


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She's so pretty! she's by far my favorite~~
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She's so pretty! she's by far my favorite~~
i like her too and she got that not so clean side to her, she might be the one getting drunk this season
I think she's absolutely my favorite so far, pre-show. She is the one who stands out the most to me, very striking.
I think if she was blonde, everyone would be thinking differently.
Not young enough for me. :mmm
I'd like to see her hair more red! Like bright red, not orange but to bring out her face more.
Pretty eyes and lovely skin tone...
Bad choice of outfit =\.
I think she has the face, but the hair is really Commercial Loreal (the ones Natalie are in) and I think it should be a darker burgundy/brown. However she's half half on me.
She's extremely striking! I think if they decide to choose someone older, it will be her. She rocks!

subset: commoncrawl


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Summer Rae
Summer Rae
|Also known as:
|Danielle Moinet
|November 28, 1983
Manhasset, New York, USA
|Years active:
|Bra/cup size:
|5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
|125 lb (57 kg)
|Body type:
|Eye color:
|Personal pages
Danielle Moinet (born November 28, 1983 in Manhasset, New York) is an American model and former American football player who played with the Chicago Bliss of the Lingerie Football League. She also is a professional wrestler, currently working for WWE under the ring name Summer Rae.
Lingerie Football League
Moinet played with the Chicago Bliss of the Lingerie Football League (LFL) from 2008 to 2011. She played as a cornerback and was the team's captain. She was also one of the faces of the company in America and "the" face internationally. On June 30, 2011, Moinet played in the LFL All-Star Game at Copps Coliseum in Hamilton, Ontario, which was her final game in the LFL. She was one of two players in the game from the Chicago Bliss.
Florida Championship Wrestling (2011–2012)
In November 2011, it was reported that Moinet had signed a contract with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and been assigned to the Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) developmental territory. Moinet made her television debut on the December 18 episode of FCW television, appearing in a ringside promo with Abraham Washington, and the following week she managed Washington during a tag team match. She also worked as the ring announcer for FCW television show. Changing her ring name to Summer Rae, she was prevented from interfering in a match between Seth Rollins and Rae's "new client" Brad Maddox by the debuting Paige on the March 5 episode of FCW television.
On the March 11 episode of FCW, Rae became the FCW General Manager. On the March 15 episode of FCW television, Rae decided to deactivate the Queen of FCW crown, leaving Raquel Diaz as the last champion. Rae made her in-ring debut on April 6 at an FCW live event, where she lost to Sofia Cortez in an elimination triple threat match, which also involved Paige.
NXT Wrestling (2012–2014)
After the dissolution of FCW, Rae went on to become a ring announcer for the WWE NXT show in 2012. Rae transitioned into an in-ring competitor on the January 30, 2013 episode of NXT when she attacked Paige due to her jealousy of Paige's popularity and success. On the February 13 NXT, Paige suffered a shoulder injury while brawling with Rae, which Rae exploited later that episode in her first televised match to end Paige's undefeated streak. After Paige continued to confront Rae, Rae finally faced off against Paige in a singles match on the May 1 NXT, where Paige emerged victorious despite Rae's pre-match attack.
Rae competed in the NXT Women's Championship Tournament on the June 19 NXT to crown the inaugural champion and defeated Sasha Banks in the first round, but lost to Emma in the semi-finals on July 10. Rae's post-match attack on Emma started a feud between them.
Emma later defeated Rae in a dance-off to become number one contender, but Rae retaliated by injuring Emma in the storyline, then issued a title challenge which NXT Women's Champion Paige accepted. On the August 14 NXT, Paige defeated Rae in a title match to retain her title. For weeks, Rae began to influence Sasha Banks to make herself relevant leading to Banks turning heel on the September 11 edition of NXT, by attacking NXT Women's Champion Paige. On the September 25 NXT, Summer accompanied Sasha to her match against Bayley, which Sasha won. Summer then declared that her and Sasha would run the NXT Divas division. Banks and Rae now know as "BFFs: Beautiful Fierce Females" faced Paige and Emma on the October 16 NXT, where they emerged victorious after Rae pinned Paige. Rae and Banks continued to face Paige and Emma in singles matches, including aligning themselves with Charlotte. Rae continued her rivalry with Natalya, who aligned herself with Bayley, losing to both in singles matches.
Fandango's dance partner (2013–2014)
Summer Rae made her main roster debut on the April 22, 2013 episode of Raw as Fandango's dance partner. Later that night, Chris Jericho attacked Fandango following a match and proceeded to dance with Rae. On the May 13 episode of Raw, Rae along with Fandango faced Chris Jericho and Dancing with the Stars competitor Edyta Sliwinska in a dance off but Fandango's dance was cut short by an apparent injury to Rae's ankle. However, Rae later revealed that her tweaked ankle was merely a distraction to trap Jericho into Fandango's attack. On the October 25 episode of SmackDown, Rae got into a brawl with Natalya inside the ring during a match between Fandango and The Great Khali, which set up a match for the Hell in a Cell pay-per-view, where Rae made her in-ring debut, teaming with Fandango to defeat Natalya and Khali, after Rae pinned Natalya, garnering her first pinfall victory. The following night, Rae made her singles debut in a rematch against Natalya, where she was defeated.
At the Survivor Series pay-per-view, Rae participated in a seven-on-seven traditional elimination tag team match as her team took on the cast of Total Divas; she was eliminated by Nikki Bella, and her team ultimately lost the match. A rematch took place the following night on Raw, where her team was once again defeated, with Rae being the last to be eliminated. On the December 19 episode of Superstars, Rae defeated Kaitlyn, garnering her first singles match victory on the main roster.
In the beginning of 2014, Rae started a feud with Emma who was called to the main roster and the two competed in several dance-off competitions on both Raw and SmackDown, which Emma won. The two finally faced off in a match on the February 24 episode of Raw, where Emma defeated Rae. On the 27 March episode of WWE Superstars, Rae once again lost to Emma via submission. On April 6, Rae made her Wrestlemania debut, competing at WrestleMania XXX in a 14-Diva "Vickie Guerrero Invitational" match for the WWE Divas Championship, which was won by defending champion AJ Lee. The following night on Raw, Rae and Fandago once again lost to Emma and Marella in a mixed tag team match, with Emma making Rae submit.
Singles competition (2014–present)
On April 8, 2014, Fandango announced the end of his association with Rae via Twitter. On the April 11 edition of SmackDown, Fandango replaced Rae with Layla.
Feud with Layla (2014–present)
Rae returned on the May 19 episode of Raw, where she confronted and kissed Fandango and attacked Layla before their match.
Other media
On October 21, 2013, it was announced that Summer Rae would be making her video game debut in a downloadable content package, as a manager to Fandango and playable Diva in WWE 2K14. In 2014, Rae joined the cast of Total Divas for its second season, where she continued to feud with The Bella Twins and Natalya out of the ring. She will star in The Marine 4 alongside The Miz, making her the first WWE Diva to appear in a WWE Studios film.
If you like Summer Rae, you may also like
- Michelle McCool - similar body and face
- Kelly Kelly - similar body and face
- Lacey Von Erich - similar body and face
External links
- Summer Rae links at FreeOnes
- Media files at Wikimedia Commons


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Where to lay your head
In Medewi it's all about proximity to the ocean, and the best Medewi hotels and homestays are spread across a couple of kilometres of oceanfront.
In a fabulous location right in the middle of verdant ricefields across the river to the west of Medewi, Brown Sugar is a complex of four two-storey wooden lumbungs each with two rooms. It's quite remote down here and you'll need your own transport if you want to go for a bite to eat in town, but you may not want to as everything is available at Brown Sugar itself including a range of learn to... Read our full review of Brown Sugar.
The tiny rooms here might be a little stuffy, but there is a fan to stir the air in the long hot nights and the windows can be opened. The bathrooms are small, but clean and are of the cold water variety. The friendly staff are right on top of cleanliness and a stay here is a pleasant one. The attached café serves the best Western fare in town and is regularly packed with those seeking... Read our full review of Mai Malu.
Set at the back of a family compound, a solid ten minute walk from the beach, Medewi Surf Homestay is a rural getaway with a two-storey wooden house, surrounded on three sides by rice fields and distant mountain views. There are three simple rooms in all, one ground floor, two upstairs, all that share a common cold water bathroom and face over a pleasant garden enclosure. Resident Ugis is a Bali... Read our full review of Medewi Surf Homestay.
The rooms are Puri Dajuma are large and all have plush four poster beds with mosquito nets, great verandas with quality furniture, hammocks, outdoor showers, indoor baths with hot water and are modern through. We were impressed by the cleanliness of the place despite there being few customers and rooms not being occupied regularly. The pool is a good one overlooking the ocean and has a good... Read our full review of Puri Dajuma Cottages.
Some would enter Homestay Gede II and use the word charming to describe the atmosphere here, but it may give the impression that it is without flaw and has some neat comforting touches. It has neither of these and the word character is more apt. The rice barn bungalows are very basic, but the additions by surfers over the years, such as old couches, makes them feel strangely less basic than they... Read our full review of Homestay Gede II.
It's apparent that someone at Hotel CSB cares enough to make sure the large rooms are cleaned properly, maintained relatively well and given a good airing. The cheapest of the 18 rooms come with hot water showers and the most expensive have ocean views and air-con. It's located 300m from the Medewi right hander on the eastern side of the river and is signposted from the main Gilimanuk road. Take... Read our full review of Hotel CSB.
At Medewi Beach Cottages you're paying for proximity to the beach and a swimming pool. The more expensive rooms are clean, but nothing to write home about at this price point. They have air-con, hot water, tastefully decorated open air bathrooms and look out onto the pretty palm trees that surround the swimming pool. Overall it is a little overpriced for the facilities, especially considering it... Read our full review of Medewi Beach Cottages.
Entering the pleasant pine tree-filled gardens of the Medewi Hotel you feel as if you are entering your own slice of paradise. Rice barns on one side and concrete monoliths on the other invite the visitor inside for a look. But horror waits as the rooms open up into desperate caverns reminiscent of a 1950s asylum. For your money, you are treated to hot water — your only luxury. The staff are... Read our full review of Medewi Hotel.
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I recently saw this opinion piece and found it provocative enough to do some fact checking on my own.
What I discovered after pulling the April jobs data is that the author is factually correct in computing the statistics presented here. While it is unclear what this actually means for Texarkana, I can tell you that our present Business Retention and Expansion Surveys are showing much more optimism. Over 3/4 of the businesses surveyed are introducing new products and are hiring new employees (or plan to do so in the next year). Very few project a decline.
While our national job picture may be in doubt, Texarkana USA is again bucking the trends and shows signs of real optimism.
- Bill
Monday, May 18, 2015
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Cisco's CEO, John Chamber's, shares about what an established company should do to maintain effective leadership. Chamber quotes, " If you're going to lead you have to listen." Chamber explains you have to listen to your employee team, your customers, you have to get market transitions right, and you have to have the courage to see things coming and make changes before its obvious to others.
Here are three reasons how company's get into trouble, according to John Chamber.
1. They miss market transition.
2. They keep doing the right thing for too long.
3. They fail to reinvent themselves either as leaders or within the company.
This is a really profound topic to think about and it could have a huge impact on the direction of your business.
Click on the link below to hear more about John Chamber's role as CEO with Cisco.
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Red River Army Depot - 2015 Veterans' Expo
In the next five years, between 1 and 1.5 million members of the U.S. Armed Forces will leave the military, according to the Department of Defense. Many of these veterans will be seeking new careers; by a great margin, veterans cite finding employment is their number-one need when returning home. Our community is fortunate to have Red River Army Depot who will be sponsoring the Wounded Warrior Expo on Wednesday, March 18 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Truman Arnold Student Center located at Texarkana College. The event will focus primarily on Wounded Warriors, AW2, soldiers under medical review, veterans, family members and caregivers. The expo will provide information regarding job opportunities, community information and support services available to them within the region. Businesses, community organizations, and area service providers are encouraged to participate. Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas will be participating in the event.
For more information, contact RRAD's LEAD Office at (903) 334-2640 or email@example.com
Thursday, March 12, 2015
How do you empower your leaders?
How much does it matter to have engaged, empowered, enthusiastic employees? Sometimes it can make the difference between success and failure. It's not about people who are good at what they do, but people you can trust. As an employer it's important to have the vision, and it's up to your employees to buy in to become a successful company. Trust comes into play when individual team members believe in that challenge and put their skills to use to meet it.
So, how do you create empowered employees?
1. Make sure they care about what you care about.
Hire people who can buy into your vision
2. Make the path to advancement clear.
If someone does their work well, will they be able to move up within your company? And if not, will you help them move on to a better job someplace else? Giving employees a career path is especially important in a small or startup company where they must regularly pitch in and do work that falls outside their traditional job descriptions.
3. Challenge them.
Give your employees an opportunity to expand their skill set, this will help your company too.
4. Tell them how they'll be measured.
You can't become better unless you're being measured. Have a conversation about what your employee's responsibilities are and how they will be evaluated.
5. Get out of their way.
If you trust your employee enough to give them a certain role give them the opportunity to fulfill that role. Give your employees general goals and let them figure out how to reach them.
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Our Downtown Matters
Hopefully we are all familiar with the recent efforts to revitalize downtown Texarkana. Thankfully we have an outstanding Main Street program who works continuously to bring back the life of our downtown area. Our Main Street has focused on the Economic Development of this area through preservation, re-purposing, education and community involvement by providing technical assistance and expertise to the Texarkana area. Our Main Street is a proven strategy for revitalization and a powerful network of linked communities. Along with Main Streets efforts they have partnered with another organization that is taking part in these revitalization efforts, Better Block Texarkana.
Better Blocks mission is to provide an experiential hands on look at what Texarkana's downtown could become. Their events are temporary in nature, but designed to create a ground swell of support for downtown in our community. Lee Medley with Better Block Texarkana wrote a blog recently, "State Line Avenue is Texarkana's GoldenGate Bridge," discussing his insight of Texarkana and our State Line. There is no denying that our State Line is one of the most recognizable things we have going for us and we need to take better care of it including our entire downtown area. Lee expounds upon the idea if we embraced the idea of interacting with the line we could receive potential benefits along the way in our city. According to Lee Medley, "State Line defines us. It is our GoldenGate Bridge, our Gateway Arch, and our Statue of Liberty." It is this type of attitude that is going to make difference in our city. There is so much potential growth for our Economic Development for Texarkana if we continue in our efforts towards our downtown. Texarkana is definitely on the highway to a better downtown area and we are fortunate to have all of the support of those who are working on these efforts.
Coming soon, Better Block Texarkana and Main Street Texarkana are bringing back "Better Block" May 16, 2015. We hope that you will take a part in this endeavor to bring more attraction to our downtown. We need your support!
For more information on how you can get involved you can visit www.betterblocktxk.com or contact Main Street Texarkana at (903) 792-7191.
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CEOs need to win trust back
CEOs need to push "the throttle just half an inch" to persuade society that they are committed to creating jobs and growth, KPMG chairman Simon Collins believes
Speaking at a fringe event at the Labour party conference in Brighton today, on business trust and responsible business practices, he said, "Something has become broken in the relationship between business and society. Yet business is a necessary engine of growth, the engine that will create jobs.
"Business must show its responsible side – not in any altruistic sense – but because we must get trust back. There is undoubtedly an issue of confidence: confidence on the part of society in business, and confidence within business itself about the fragility of the economic recovery."
Collins said that the country was in a Catch 22 situation where because society had lost trust in business, it was pushing hard for more regulation. Yet regulation itself was stifling confidence and trust. "I want to see CEOs pushing the throttle just half an inch to create jobs and create growth. Business needs to do that to demonstrate to society that job creation is across the board," he said.
Collins went on to say that rather than relying on the eurozone to help the UK out of recession, businesses should be looking to high growth markets. They should be trying to exploit new areas of consumer demand and showcase innovation and design, and they should be collaborating with companies within those markets.
Last but not least, he warned against concentrating on SMEs as engines of growth to the detriment of larger businesses. "There is increasing talk about the importance of developing a UK mittlestand," he said.
"I see no conflict between large and small business. When it works, it is about backing business. One example is how Jaguar Land Rover is creating a whole sub-region with the development of a supplier base around its core facilities."
Julia Irvine
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AutoNation Mazda Roseville serves the areas of Roseville, Sacramento, Citrus Heights, Folsom, and Rocklin and not only provides new and pre-owned vehicles for your viewing pleasure, but also maintenance and repair services and financing. We are dedicated to having the Mazda you want, such as the Mazda3 Sedan or Mazda3 Hatchback for your daily commute, or the Mazda CX-5 or Mazda CX-9 for cruising around with the family. Spend your time well with our knowledgeable sales force and know that you'll walk away happy.
New Mazda Dealer In Roseville
Explore our expansive selection of brand new Mazda vehicles with no hassle or hurry. AutoNation Mazda Roseville strives to make every customer experience pleasant and successful. Looking for a new Mazda for sale near you? Our vast inventory of new Mazda models is sure to have one that you'll fall in love with and ultimately drive around Rocklin, Liberty Lake, Folsom, Sacramento and Roseville for many years to come. From new models such as the Mazda MX-5 Miata, Mazda CX-3 or Mazda6, AutoNation Mazda Roseville has you covered.
Pre-Owned Mazda Dealer Serving Roseville
Since all of AutoNation Mazda Roseville pre-owned cars are processed through a certified Mazda automotive specialist department, you know that you're getting a great pre-owned Mazda in the Roseville area. Each used car is also given a multi-point inspection, and many are certified pre-owned. Looking for a used Mazda for sale near you? AutoNation Mazda Roseville has an extensive pre-owned Mazda inventory including many used Mazda specials. Check out AutoNation Mazda Roseville to find the perfect pre-owned Mazda for you.
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Dropping off your Mazda for maintenance or repairs at AutoNation Mazda Roseville is a breeze. Looking for Mazda service near you? This dealership has only factory-trained professional technicians on hand as well as an extensive selection of OEM Mazda parts and Mazda accessories. AutoNation Mazda Roseville will cover all of your Mazda service needs in the Roseville area. Schedule an appointment today and get back out on the road in an efficient and timely manner.
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The California Political Almanac once wrote of Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., that she is "a bundle of angry energy" equipped with "a voice that could open a wall safe."
Unfazed by a House Ethics Committee probe, the scrappy veteran congresswoman from south-central Los Angeles is sounding off. The latest thing to get Waters boiling is the Tea Party movement.
"I'm not afraid of anybody," she told a California forum on Sunday. "This is a tough game. You can't be intimidated. You can't be frightened. And as far as I'm concerned, the Tea Party can go straight to hell."
The Tea Party Patriots responded with uncharacteristic restraint in a statement.
"The president and all leaders of the Democratic Party, who have called for civility in the past, are neglecting to censure their own. Is civility only required for their opponents?
Along with other members of the Congressional Black Caucus — and a few populists like Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore. — Waters has begun to prod President Obama. It's a risky business. The latest ABC News/Washington Post poll shows the 44th president with an 86 percent approval rating among African-Americans.
"We're getting tired, y'all," Waters told a meeting last week in Detroit. "We want to give him every opportunity. But our people are hurting. The unemployment is unconscionable . . . When you let us know it is time to let go, we'll let go."


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About Diwali: Diwali is one of the biggest, brightest and most important festival Celebrated by Indians. The most spiritual significance behind Diwali is the awareness of the inner light. Light over Darkness, victory over evil is the main essence of this festival. Every house is illuminated with lamps and lights during Diwali night.
There is an ample amount of excitement in the air during Diwali. I know you all must be eagerly waiting for Diwali to come. You all will have some plans to do on this Diwali, But we present you the special things to make your Diwali a memorable one.
Unique Way To Celebrate Diwali 2015
1. Go Green , Go for Eco-Friendly Diwali
When the Whole world is facing the problem of pollution, this is the Unique Way to Celebrate Diwali to go Green because it might be the one day for you to burn crackers but the effect last for a long time. Let fill our homes with Prayers and lights but not with fumes and crackers. Our environment already got enough problems to deal with, let's not make the it more problematic. Abolish crackers and Go for traditional diyas which are biodegradable and cost effective. you can also use paper lamps. It make your home look beautiful and Different. Respect all the creations of God and nature your earth.
2. Decorate your home
It is not every day you decorate your home. when Diwali is around the corner there is a festive mood in the air. So, De-clutter all the things which are not essential in your home, clean it up and decorate in your own style light up the house with beautiful diyas.Drawing rangoli is considered a good omen. The intricate designs of rangoli near the main door can give it a traditional look. It is believed that decorating home on Diwali is considered to very positive,spiritually therapeutic and Goddess Lakshmi also visit your home to give blessings.
3. Plan something for the Diwali night
You can plan out a delicious family fare at your house with your relatives, by inviting them at your house for pooja and a big joint family dinner. If you are good at cooking then put on your apron and prepare the delicious dinner for your family. It will make their day and it is the best and Unique Way to celebrate Diwali. Take family photographs to capture these beautiful moments.
4. Do Pooja
Diwali is also known for its Pooja and rituals. Pooja is performed during the five days of Diwali period. It is said to be the most important thing to do. It brings positivity to your home. A strange kind of tranquility dawns.
5. Do some Noble deeds
This Diwali, make a promise to help the needy People By doing this you will definitely get Inner peace and in this way you will Celebrate Diwali in a Unique Way. Distribute sweets to the underprivileged children. Be kind, humble and nice to all. Spread love and happiness. Do charity,not only will this help the poor but also create good karma for you. Donate to the poor or deprived children . You can take a visit to orphanage and spend your day in bringing smile to the children. and also we all have piles of old clothes in our home that can be given to the needy. This Will be your Unique Way to celebrate Diwali in real terms.
6. Spread awareness about Eco-friendly Diwali
What can be done to spread awareness among youth and children . Start from the root level. Visit schools and spread the message of crackers-free Diwali to children. children can play most important role in this because their parents will be obliged accordingly. Start a campaign with children to plant more and more trees. Start sending Green Diwali Messages to Friends and relatives.
7. Give up your Bad habits
This is the great time to leave your bad habits like smoking and drinking. Make a vow to care about yourself and your health. Your family will get so happy knowing it.


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For Try it on Tuesday. "This time we would like you to make something that measures no more than 4 inches [10.16cms] square"
Thank you for looking.
Life is a journey - Pion Design
vor 5 Stunden
Fiery nice design Rosie
Love Chrissie xx
Einfach wunderschön Rosie! Danke ür's Mitmachen bei Try It On Tuesday!♥♥♥AntwortenLöschen
Total schön ...
Liebe Grüße
von Anke
Its a wonderful card Rosie, lovely details and design.
Thankyou for sharing it with us all at TioT's.
Beatiful small piece Rosie I adore the lovely colours and layers. xAntwortenLöschen
this is darling! xoAntwortenLöschen
Adorable piece of art!!!AntwortenLöschen
Beautiful and abstract too - love it!
Gill x
Wunderschönes Teil!!AntwortenLöschen
A gorgeous piece Rosie, such lovely colours.
Thanks for sharing with us at TioT
Avril x
Beautiful card and pleased that you joined us at Try It On Tuesday! ChrisxAntwortenLöschen


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Next airing Thu Mar 29, 1 p.m. ET
Freaks in the Ocean
Sea slug orgies; hermaphrodite flatworms; fish that walk on land and lizards that walk on water' dive in with the World's Weirdest underwater creatures. Flounders have a migrating eye that moves to one side of their face, enabling them to lie flat on one side for hunting. And a mimicking octopus not only changes colors but can emulate anything from rocks to snakes.


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Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa Rates and Deals
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa Atlantic City Reviews
3 reviews
The Borgata Casino & Spa Dec 18, 2011
THE BEST CASINO IN ATLANTIC CITY!! GREAT LOCATION, FOOD, NIGHTLIFE, CONCERTS, COMEDY SHOW, ETC. ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS ASK FOR AN UPGRADE WHEN CHECKING IN!! 9 TIMES OUT OF 10 IT HAS WORKED FOR ME :-). THEY HAVE A TON OF RESTAURANTS THERE AND RANGED FROM AN AFFORDABLE BURGER (OLD TIME DINER) JOINT TO A VERY EXPENSIVE STEAK & SEAFOOD RESTAURANT. THERE IS ITALIAN, CHINESE, AMERICAN, DINER, COFFEE SHOPS, AND ANYTHING IN BETWEEN. ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS CHARGE (ROOM SERVICE, RESTAURANTS, ETC.) EVERYTHING TO YOUR ROOM AND WHEN YOUR CHECKING OUT, ASK TO SPEAK TO A HOST AND SEE WHAT THEY CAN PICK UP (CHARGES) BASED ON YOUR PLAY. LET THEM KNOW OF MULTIPLE PLAYERS (SPOUSE, ETC). THEY ARE VERY GOOD WITH PICKING UP (COMPING) A DECENT AMOUNT. i SUGGEST LETTING THE LADY SPEAK TO THE HOST (MALE) LOL
1 / 1 TravBuddies found this review helpful/trustworthy
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2 reviews
Upscale hotel in boring city Mar 16, 2011
Best view of AC, all comforts....best restaurants and clubs are within the hotel.
Did not like casino service...waitress not always around while gambling
there are 2 clubs, it's worth checking it out.
1 / 1 TravBuddies found this review helpful/trustworthy
17 reviews
Excellent Stay! Jun 17, 2009
The hotel is decorated beautifully - ornate chandeliers, fresh roses, well lit, and very inviting. The rooms are very comfortable and I truly wish I could have taken the pillows home with me. The shower has plenty of room.
We did get to try out the indoor pool area which was very nice as well. It's open from 6am to 8pm and they offer free towels so you don't have to worry about bringing your own. The whirlpool jets feel great on your lower back :)
This is my second stay at the Borgata. The main reason why I chose this hotel was because I received an offer from the Player's Club (comped room with slot and dining credit). For only one night I couldn't pass it up. On that note, I will say that they do offer great deals to those with the player's club card. That comp deal was from one previous stay there over a year ago.
I do wish it was a little closer to the ocean/boardwalk area as some of the other hotel/casinos; but since it was cool out, and we were only staying for one night, we didn't make it anyway.
Overall, it's a great hotel and I hope everyone enjoys their stay there as much as I did!
3 / 3 TravBuddies found this review helpful/trustworthy
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa Overview
The world famous Boardwalk stands all around the Borgata Hotel Atlantic City, giving guests here a good starting point for jaunts of all types throughout the city, amidst the entertainments and the natural surrounding areas. For those who must work while visiting beneath the Atlantic Seaboard sunshine, the important business and government districts of the city, as well as the Atlantic City Convention Center, are within a few short minutes of the lobby. Area points of interest for the leisurely guest include the Trump Taj Mahal, Noyes Museum, Ripley's Believe It or Not, Steel Park Amusement Center, Cape May Zoo, Cape May, Gardeners Basin, Lucy the Elephant, and many local golf courses. The airport is less than twenty minutes from the Borgata Hotel Atlantic City, and car parking is offered onsite.
Guests of the Borgata Hotel Atlantic City are offered high speed Internet access, satellite television, luxury appointments, room service, valet laundry, and many executive suites.
Business services and meeting spaces are available at the Borgata Hotel Atlantic City, as are a swimming pool, 24 hour front desk service, a Jacuzzi, multiple dining and lounge options, theaters and clubs, a casino, and countless other luxury appointments.
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa Amenities


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Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) came out the winner in the second quarter fundraising battle in the Wisconsin Senate race, bringing in $2.2 million.
Baldwin raised significantly more than her four GOP rivals, who are competing against each other for their party's nomination. The primary election is set for Aug. 14.
Former governor Tommy Thompson, who has long been the frontrunner in the race, brought in $834,000, according to WisPolitics. Former congressman Mark Neumann -- who has the support of high-profile conservative lawmakers and the deep-pocketed Club for Growth -- brought in $733,000. Businessman Eric Hovde raised nearly $240,000, although he is a millionaire and is self-funding his race. State Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald has not yet released his fundraising figures.
Hotline's Sean Sullivan notes that Thompson's fundraising total is "disappointing," writing, "A former four-term governor and cabinet secretary who has spent his post-government career on the lobbying circuit should be able to crack $1 million for a Senate race."


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From breaking news to debate and conversation, we bring you the news as it happens
Watch the brand new video for Toy Love's Swimming Pool, directed by Jeff Smith.
Latest NZH Video
John Bolton, US President Donald Trump's incoming national security advisor, speaks about America's defense needs. Video/AP
A look inside the new Qantas lounge at Perth.
Michele A'Court answers questions about love. / Greg Bowker


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Betamore's Advisory Board is an extended network that serves Baltimore's entrepreneurial community. Working through our staff, this network may provide introductions, advice, or other relevant resources to members in order to break down barriers to entrepreneurship in Baltimore.
The Advisory Board is designed to focus on individual issues communicated to Betamore's staff, while Mentors are generally matched based on member preferences and/or needs.


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FFS, how long does it take to piss in a pot! Time to race but not time to piss?!
He's almost certainly clean, but the controls are vital to the sport and it is right that the automatic ban is there. Such a shame because he is a great rider who has been exciting to watch this season. I hope he does return to pro-racing, but given the length of ban and the financial impact this will have I am not hopeful. Poor guy, but apalling decision on his part
Belgian born rider, Marcel Six has been sacked by the Metaltek Scott racing team following the 18 month ban he received last week for refusing a doping control, due to a family emergency, at the Canary Wharf round of this year's Tour Series.
Six's dismissal is pretty much a formality given the length of his ban, even so team manager Andy Swain told the Melton Times that it had been a hard decision to make, like UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) Swain said he didn't believe that Six had actually doped.
"We have dismissed him because we need to be seen to be doing the right thing for our sponsors and suppliers.
"It was a tough decision to make and a rough week for the team, but we will still be going strong next year, hopefully learn from it and move onwards and upwards."
As we reported last week Six, whose racing career was described "as a bone of contention' between him and his wife was called up to race as a last minute replacement for the Canary Wharf race and even before it had started was receiving phone calls and text messages from his wife telling him that she was locked out of the house and that there son was ill.
Finishing the race in 11th place, Six was selected for a random doping control – only riders from the top 12 finishers faced the prospect of such a test - Six however refused and made straight for the car park to leave the event, on the way signing a document acknowledging that his failure to take a test could constitute an anti-doping violation.
Commenting on the situation Swain said: "If you know Marcel, what happened was perfectly legitimate, but it was a massive error of judgement."
While missing an out of competition test is a serious matter missing an in competition test counts as an automatic fail and carries a two year ban unless the athlete can establish that they had compelling justification to miss the test. Six failed to do this, but had his two year ban reduced by six months because of the circumstances - he also passed the doping control when it was administered 12 hours later.
Whether the rider will ever return to cycling is open to doubt, his former manager thinks it unlikely: "I'm not sure Marcel would want to a ride a bike anymore when you look at what some people have said.
"Some have got him down as being as guilty as Lance Armstrong which is crazy, but it would make it difficult for him to come back."
Plucked from the obscurity of his London commute back in the mid-Nineties to live in Bath and edit bike mags our man made the jump to the interweb back in 2006 as launch editor of a large cycling website somewhat confusingly named after a piece of navigational equipment. He came up with the idea for road.cc mainly to avoid being told what to do… Oh dear, issues there then. Tony tries to ride his bike every day and if he doesn't he gets grumpy, he likes carbon, but owns steel, and wants titanium. When not on his bike or eating cake Tony spends his time looking for new ways to annoy the road.cc team. He's remarkably good at it.
12 comments
FFS, how long does it take to piss in a pot! Time to race but not time to piss?!
FFS, how long does it take to piss in a pot! Time to race but not time to piss?!
I think the hint is in the article about his wife ringing him before the race even started and that him racing is a bone of contention between them.
I bet UKAD on his case is nothing compared to his wife!
How long does it take to piss in a pot? Probably the same as a length of string. Its usually at least a couple of hours after a race that I need to go to the toilet. Shame the don't do it before hand, I'm like a fountain up until the gun goes.
I can imagine the situation with an agitated wife and not being able to piss in a sufficient quantity (two samples) was a hard one to make the right call in. Some things are bigger than bikes. Usually an angry wife.
FFS, how long does it take to piss in a pot! Time to race but not time to piss?!
I think the hint is in the article about his wife ringing him before the race even started and that him racing is a bone of contention between them.
I bet UKAD on his case is nothing compared to his wife!
I think it was the multiple calls during the race and his ill son stuck in the house alone, so you can imagine when he got the msg after the race going home immediately was his only thought.
I think in light of everything that's going on at the moment the length of his ban seems a bit ridiculous.
He made a mistake in refusing the test, but 18 months seems a bit much for a rider everyone seems to agree is clean. He probably would've got a shorter ban for a failed test...
I hope the decision is appealed and overturned, there should be some punishment but it should befit the circumstances. 6 months and a fine maybe?
On the other hand you could have argued that if it was such an emergency then she could have called the firebrigade, hotel manager,neighbour or police for assistance. Or he could have sent his set of home keys down by taxi or one of the staff in the team cars. It was not like it was his only option!! He could then have expedited the drug test and followed on shortly afterwards. Maybe there is more to this story then what we have been informed by the media. When he left without taking the test he resigbed himself to the consequences. Sounds very suspect!!! 18 months does seem harsh but they are sending a clear message in relation to doping
From what Ive been reading, I dont think he disputes the issue, regrets the 'misjudgement' or is unhappy with the ban....he accepted the outcome of his own decision in an honest way.
The issue here is more personal due to the reaction of some people within the UK cycle scene that he wouldve expected better from.
There is clearly some personal difficulty in his life and this has put him under pressure and stress with the result being him throwing away 18mths of a career to salvage more personal goals....consciously or not.
Really feel for him on a personal level but even more so with the reactions of those he was surrounded by and trusted.
Dont think the team had any choice and I doubt he would disagree with that on its own either, he wouldnt have wanted the team to suffer any negative effects of his decision, im sure.
Just one thing for the reporter, if you check the rules before making statements, nowheere is there a word about "only testeing from the top 12". This is not correct - every rider in a race is subject to random testing. We must believe that the testers had made their random draw based on placings, which could equally have included someone finishing 40th or lower.
You should correct this as it gives a false impression about how thorough the people from UKADA are.


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The Muzungu's top 10 reasons for visiting #MagicalKenya
I LOVE Kenya – for a hundred – THOUSAND – reasons! But let's just start with ten …
- – 1. Kenya is the home of the classic African safari and the Big Five
- – 2. Kenya is a vast country of contrasting landscapes
- – 3. Kenya has 48 national parks, reserves, marine parks and private sanctuaries
- – 4. Kenyans are world-class leaders in wildlife conservation
- – 5. Kenya has 400 mammal species and 1132 bird species, the most of any country in Africa
- – 6. The Great Migration passes through Kenya's Maasai Mara
- – 7. Kenyans are proud of their 42 tribal cultures, who play a big and colourful part in welcoming tourists
- – 8. Kenya offers an unmatched range of beach holidays, think: sunbathing, snorkelling, scuba diving, SUP Stand Up Paddling, kitesurfing, sailing
- – 9. English is widely spoken throughout Kenya. Swahili is the official language
- – 10. The East Africa Tourist Visa makes travel to Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda even better value
Famous as the birthplace of the African Safari, you can never tire of Kenya's limitless attractions for visitors and incredible diversity of landscapes and natural diversity.
Kenya's world-famous wildlife is exceptional by any standards, and is protected in 48 national parks, reserves, marine parks and private sanctuaries, although many say that it is outside Africa's national parks that the majority of wildlife still resides (meaning those animals need greater protection too).
Hot air ballooning safari: the sun rises over the Maasai Mara, Kenya – the GoPro view! from @CharlieBeau Diary of a Muzungu on Vimeo.
Kenya offers visitors an infinite array of authentic wildlife experiences, on land, on the ocean, and even from the air!
Kenya is most famous for the million and a half Wildebeest (and other four-legged friends) that, twice yearly, traverse the Maasai Mara in the epic migration.
Cheetah with three cubs, Maasai Mara safari, Kenya from @CharlieBeau Diary of a Muzungu on Vimeo.
Lesser-known ecotourism attractions include the Marine Big Five: sea turtles, dolphins, whales, whale sharks and billfish.
The highest point is the snowcapped peak of Mount Kenya, the intersection of the Equator and the Great Rift Valley.
Kenya is a geographer and naturalist's dream: a country the size of France and Spain combined, featuring mountains, extinct volcanoes, soda lakes, Equatorial rainforest, alpine glaciers and arid deserts.
On the Indian Ocean coast, the white sandy beaches of Watamu, Malindi, Lamu and Mombasa, and the Swahili coast's blend of African and Arab cultures, add an extra dimension to this must-visit country.
When it comes to food, I can't think of any better combination: crab samosas, fresh fish and lobster, with a Swahili twist (washed down with an ice-cold Tusker beer, of course!)
Kenya is famous for her colourful human culture, notably the Maasai, the Samburu and the Turkana, just three of the country's 42 tribes.
Kenya's rich heritage can be traced back a staggering 4.5 million years. Didn't we all come from Africa once?
I love Nairobi more every visit. The streets are becoming more familiar to me now: I LOVE this incredible video!
Nairobi- A Timelapse Portrait from xixo collective on Vimeo.
The capital Nairobi is the only African city with a national park in its centre. Even if you don't get a chance to leave the city perimeter, it's still possible to go on a game drive if you are visiting Nairobi. Read my blog all about Nairobi National Park: the muzungu's first city safari!
Did you know…? The new East Africa Tourist Visa makes it easier and cheaper to combine a trip to Kenya with a visit to Uganda and Rwanda. Read the Muzungu's definitive guide to the East Africa Tourist Visa here.
I've only just skimmed the surface of what Kenya has to offer as a tourism destination but the country has blown my tiny little mind, I can tell you!
If you are travelling between Kampala to Nairobi, you might enjoy reading my cross-border bus journeys.
Travelling between Nairobi and the Mombasa coast? Try the Lunatic Express train! A real highlight of my travels across East Africa.
For more Kenya travel ideas, read Kenya – my Kenya by Biko Zulu, an award-winning travel blogger.
Keep reading Diary of a Muzungu for more travel tips and adventures from across Kenya and East Africa.


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I have become kind of a health nut in the last year. It started off as a mission to lose weight, but now a year later I don't think I'll ever stop my exercising routine. It relieves stress and makes me feel so much happier!
If you live in Nashville, one of the most fun ways to exercise is the Richland Creek Greenway! It is a 3.8 mile loop that has a golf course, biking trails, pretty creeks and homes! You even get to walk past little league games on your walk.
Nashville is so pretty this time of year and it's easy to be so busy that you don't notice. Here are some pictures I took of The Greenway during my walk yesterday:
Pretty homes that remind me of the beach
Uh oh... A Tree Down!!
What is your favorite place to exercise??


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Craig, D. M. (2007) 'Robert Southey and romantic apostasy : political argument in Britain, 1780-1840.', Woodbridge: Boydell & Brewer. Royal Historical Society studies in history., 59
Like William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Robert Southey has been remembered not just as a romantic poet but also as a political apostate. In the 1790s he was fired by enthusiasm for the French Revolution, and was known as a radical and a republican. By the 1820s, however, he was not only the poet laureate, but a fierce conservative who opposed the reform of Church and State. Yet at the same time his reactionary politics were mixed with anxiety about the effects of industrialisation and the growth of poverty, leading some commentators to view him as a precursor of socialism and collectivism. This book charts the development of Southey's social and political ideas in order to throw light on the problems generated by the concept of 'romantic apostasy'. It draws on his poetry, histories, journalism and letters to show that his intellectual evolution was more complex than has previously been thought. In so doing it touches on numerous themes: theological politics, national character, the 'social question', providence and history, questions of race, empire and civilisation as well as the nature of republicanism and the evolution of conservatism. As such it is an important contribution towards the wider understanding of the intellectual aftermath of the French Revolution in Britain.
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Amy Alkon's Advice Goddess Radio: "Nerd Your Way To A Better Life!" with the best brains in science.
There's something major missing in our understanding of how we succeed, and that's the biological side of things.
That's what my guest tonight, John Coates, is going to provide -- fascinating biological nuances that explain how to approach risk, manage stress, use our gut feelings, and optimize ourselves to achieve even the loftiest goals.
Coates is now senior research fellow in neuroscience and finance at the University of Cambridge, but he came to that after a very successful career on Wall Street where he ran the trading desk at Deutsche Bank. His terrific book is "The Hour Between Dog And Wolf: How risk-taking transforms us, body and mind."
Stick with us and find out about how you can train yourself to manage stress rather than being crushed by it and actually toughen yourself both mentally and physically so you can be at your fittest to reach your goals.
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Posted On: 08/01/2012
Orbit Pinball Lounge
7401 Hazel Ave., Maplewood, 314.769.9954
Theres a certain kind of twisted satisfaction to be found in the strict entry policy at Orbit Pinball Lounge, the swanky new Maplewood arcade that forbids minors. So, to all those under 21 clamoring for a seat inside, let me be the first to offer a Nelson Muntz-esque, ha, ha! Maybe well see you at happy hour in a few years, junior.
The History: Still a newbie to the St. Louis social scene, the lounge (which hung up its shingle this May) has yet to be entirely swamped by the crowd of regular neighborhood bar-hoppers. Set away from the nearby Manchester strip, down the more subdued side street of Sutton Boulevard, Orbit has taken the commercial space formerly occupied by several never-done-well coffee shops. The spot was eagerly snatched up by Michael Stivers, a former bartender at Herbies in the West End, who wanted to provide Maplewood with an after-hours arcade stocked with vintage toys and reinforced with quality booze. After a string of delays over naming disputes and legal/coding issues, Orbits doors have finally burst open. The games have begun.
The Décor: Not what youd expect. People throw that term around a lot, but its especially true here. Upon hearing that youre going to a bar dedicated to pinball and Skee-Ball, its hard to block out grungy images of fantastically seedy venues. Orbit couldnt be more of the opposite. Rather, the space is sharp, minimalist, almost polished. The pressed-tin ceiling and dark-wood interior throws off a classic barroom feel. High-end lanterns hanging over the main bar fire streams of light across the space, lighting up in alternating colors and gently flashing as if the entire bar was the inside of a pinball machine itself. The front room is lined with a number of booths with tabletops smartly constructed from old pinball machines. There is ample seating throughout, but the action is in the backroom, which holds 10 or so weathered pinball machines from the 1990s The Simpsons, Starship Troopers, Judge Dredd and (my personal favorite) Tales From the Crypt along with three Skee-Ball lanes, each just 25 cents a game.
The Scene: What youd expect. During the week, a neighborhood crowd shuffles in and grabs a few cocktails and maybe a few games. Hipsters, disillusioned grad students, struggling tattoo artists all vie for a spot at the lounge, while weekends pack in more of the young, Midtown, urban professional crowd and some spillover from nearby bars. Orbit caters mainly to 20- and 30-somethings, both singles and groups of friends. The atmosphere is extreme casual, and dress is denim and T-shirts. No smoking.
The Booze: Nothing to gripe about but not much to praise, either. The staff mixes strong, classic cocktails from a shelf of nominal favorites. Specialty cocktails were entirely absent on my visits but no doubt on the way. No draft selection yet, either, only bottles: A-B products, Heineken, Stag, PBR, New Belgiums 1554, OFallons 5-Day IPA and a number of Schlaflys. Likewise, there is a short list of wines by the glass starting at $6.50 ($6 during happy hour). As Orbits management is apparently keen on offering locally based products, hopefully they will expand the beer menu to include a few more members of our burgeoning craft beer scene (i.e. Civil Life, Cathedral Square, Urban Chestnut).
The Verdict: After a few visits, its safe to say that this is one playhouse that was worth the wait. With an interior almost too gorgeous for a pinball joint, Orbit seems to be a lounge first and an arcade second. But Stivers is doing well to focus on the basics and set up Skee-Ball leagues to ensure return action as well as continued exposure. Will Orbit stand the test of time? Id have to say yes. A cold cocktail in hand, a backroom chock-full of toys, a great atmosphere and pockets full of quarters. Game on.
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Protect eyes from UV rays 07-17-09
Herald Staff Writer
Published 7:00 pm, Monday, July 20, 2009
By TOMMY YOUNG
Herald Staff Writer
With all of the summer-related outdoor activities, many people know the risks associated with being in the sun and take precautions to protect their skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.
What many people don't consider, however, is the damage UV rays can do to their eyes.
"UV radiation, whether from natural sunlight or indoor artificial rays, can damage the eye's surface tissues as well as the cornea and the lens," Dr. Michael Kutryb, an ophthalmologist and clinical correspondent for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, wrote in a recent article. "Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the dangers UV light can pose."
Local ophthalmologist Dr. Doug Kopp agrees with Kutryb's article that it is never too early to protect eyes from the sun's harmful radiation.
"If you are going to slather sunscreen on because you are going to be outside long enough to worry about getting sunburn, then you should consider protecting your eyes as well," Kopp said. "Just as you would be concerned with your child's skin being exposed to the sun, you should be concerned about the exposure of their eyes."
Kopp noted most damage done by UV rays is not immediate, but gradual and cumulative.
Exposure to UV light can contribute to the formation of cataracts - the clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye - age-related macular degeneration or Pinguecula - tiny yellow bumps that begin on the white of the eye and may eventually disrupt vision or even cause cancerous lesions on the eyelid.
Kopp said he sees many patients with the cancerous lesions.
"It's a pretty big procedure that requires surgery," Kopp said of removing the cancer on the eyelids. "You don't just have to protect the eye ball, the lid needs protection as well."
To that end, Kopp recommends wearing wrap-around shades and wide-brimmed hats to help protect the entire eye.
"You need more than a regular baseball cap when you are out in the sun a lot," Kopp said. "That only provides limited protection. It's like a lot of old farmers around here that are missing chunks out of their ears because they wore the old 'gimmie' ball caps, but nothing to protect their ears, and they developed skin cancer on their ears."
Kopp said due to lack of pigment, people with lighter-colored eyes are more susceptible to sun damage, the same way for fairer-complected people's skin.
He said the most important thing about sunglasses is not the color of the lens but the coating applied to the glasses that is meant to block UV rays.
"The most important thing to do when considering sunglasses is to check the label and make sure the glasses offer the full amount of protection from both UV-A and UV-B rays," he said.
Kopp noted the only difference between UV-A and UV-B rays is the length of the light wave.
He suggested prescription sunglasses would be optimal for those who spend extended periods of time outside, especially around water, snow or pavement. UV rays reflect off those surfaces, intensifying the amount of rays that hit the eye.
Bill Wertz, independent optician and owner of EyeWear Outlet in Plainview, explained that most regular prescription glasses come with a UV coating.
"We UV coat every pair of lenses we sell at no additional cost," Wertz said. "That filters out 99 percent of UV rays. Normal plastic lenses filter out 70-78 percent of UV rays."
Wertz said the benefit of sunglasses is they also block out the glare when sun reflects off other objects.
"Regular sunglasses are tinted and filter out the glare, but polarized sunglasses block out glare from all angles," Wertz said.
For more information on sunglasses and UV safety, visit the American Academy of Ophthalmologists' Web site at www.medem.com/eyemd.com.


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As approach the final days of 2013, we look back on the biggest winners and losers of the past 365 days. Sorry, there will be no twerking.
1. 2013 winner Shakira
Winner: Shakira
The Colombian superstar was the main reason NBC's music competition show, The Voice, beat out American Idol, for the first time ever. Shaki's tender approach to coaching and advising young talent made everyone root for her team to be the victor. When she wasn't on The Voice, or recording her highly anticipated album, she was taking care of her baby boy, Milan. And about that baby…
2. 2013 winner Baby Milan
Winner: Baby Milan
Shakira and soccer superstar Gerard Pique's baby boy, Milan, is so adorable he'll make you feel all warm and fuzzy on a chilly New York City day. Thanks to social media and his mami, the whole world is able to get their Milan fix on a daily basis.
3. 2013 winner Miguel's Career
Winner: Miguel's Career
The Mexican and African American singer, once regulated to only R&B platforms, broke out with his sophomore album, Kaleidoscope Dream. His Prince-esque "Adorn" got him a Grammy and helped plenty of couples get pregnant.
4. 2013 winner Instructions Not Included
Winner: Instructions Not Included
The Eugenio Derbez-led comedy, about a ladies man who is raising the daughter he never knew he had, shattered box office records. As of now Included is the highest grossing Spanish language film in the U.S. with over $40 million.
5. 2013 winner Bruno Mars
Winner: Bruno Mars
The Puerto Rican and Filipino pop singer owned the Billboard charts this year. His Unorthodox Jukebox hit No. 1, has sold 1.8 million to date, totaled three top 10 singles, and his Moonshine Jungle Tour has grossed over $40 million. How will he start off 2014? Oh, performing at this little shindig called The Super Bowl.
6. 2013 winner Naya Rivera
Winner: Naya Rivera
The Glee actress turned her attention music this year. With the release of her flirty, catchy single "Sorry," Rivera set herself up for a big 2014. Oh did we mention the huge ROCK she's flaunting on her left hand; courtesy of rapper fiancé Big Sean.
7. 2013 winner Jennifer Lopez
Winner: Jennifer Lopez
You know the resume: actress, singer, dancer, and producer. This year as Chief Creative Officer at Nuvo TV she re-launched the Latino cable network in her vision and also took cellphone venture Viva Movil to the masses. She's not a businesswoman, she's a business, woman!
8. 2013 winner Selena Gomez
Winner: Selena Gomez
Buzz worthy movie: Spring Breakers (Check!)
Hot New Album: Stars Dance (Check!)
Fashion Icon: Various shoots (Check!)
Transformation from Disney star to A List star: complete!
9. 2013 winner Marc Anthony
Winner: Marc Anthony
The salsa king is back! Anthony returned to his throne with 3.0, his first collaboration with producer Sergio George in almost a decade. It spawned the smash "Vivir Mi Vida" and numerous classic Marc Anthony salsa moves.
10. 2013 winner Juanes
Winner: Juanes
The Colombian rocker's Loud & Unplugged Tour not only gave his fans a taste of his biggest hits but he also gained more American fans. Entertainment Weekly even took note, naming it one of the coolest tours of the summer.
11. 2013 winner Larry Hernandez
Winner: Larry Hernandez
With his hit reality show, Larrymania, regional Mexican artist Larry Hernandez broadened his fan base. His show also helped mun2 through the tremendously difficult transition of losing the late great Jenni Rivera.
12. 2013 winner Fifth Harmony
Winner: Fifth Harmony
The former X-Factor contestants are all the buzz in pop music circles. With their bubbly, radio candy EP, Better Together, and their social media numbers in the millions, Fifth Harmony is poised to take over the charts.
13. 2013 winner Demi Lovato
Winner: Demi Lovato
The superstar singer delivered another splendid season on X-Factor, had a great stint on Glee, gained another massive hit single with "Heart Attack," wrote her first book, Staying Strong and was named one of Latina's Women of Year. Your move, everyone else.
14. 2013 winner Alfonso Cuaron
Winner: Alfonso Cuaron
The Mexican director crafted one of the most awe-inspiring films, Gravity, to ever grace the silver screen. Next up: collecting awards.
15. 2013 winner Diversity on TV
Winner: Diversity on TV
Netflix's Orange is the New Black showed American TV executives the power of diversity. OITNB featured moving, entertaining stories of women of all races, creeds, and sexual orientations devoid of stereotypes. After watching the first couple of episodes of Lifetime's Devious Maids you they're housekeepers. The five leading Latinas are more than maids, they're women with their ambitions and dreams. And they're both hella funny!
16. 2013 winner Prince Royce
Winner: Prince Royce
The Dominican American heartthrob hit the ground running with his chart-topping Soy El Mismo, which included the hits "Darte Un Beso" and "Te Me Vas." He also lent his bachatero falsetto as a coach on La Voz Kids.
17. 2013 loser Miguel's Stage Show
Loser: Miguel's Stage Show
While Miguel's career was on the rise, his stage show took a dive…literally. With an impromptu stage dive during his Billboard Awards performance, he accidently landed on the head of a fan. Say no to YOLO.
18. 2013 loser A-Rod
Loser: A-Rod
Did he? Didn't he? The Yankee slugger once again wound up in a PED scandal. When your boss tells you to publicly, "shut the f**k up," it's a problem. Yet, the biggest problem with A-Rod is A-Rod.
19. 2013 loser Aaron Hernandez
Loser: Aaron Hernandez
The much-maligned former New England Patriot football player has the worst possible year ever. He was charged for first-degree murder, subsequently all Patriot memorabilia removed from stores, and could face life in prison.
20. 2013 loser George Zimmerman
Loser: George Zimmerman
Knucklehead, knucklehead, knucklehead. Zimmerman is the poster boy for why guns should not be easily accessible.
21. 2013 loser Ryan Lochte
Loser: Ryan Lochte
His E! reality show, What Would Ryan Lochte Do?, got cancelled quickly. Was it his chiseled abs? No way? His iced out grills? Maybe? What it his personality? Bingo!
22. 2013 loser Racist Twits (marc anthony anthem)
23. 2013 loser Washington Heights
Loser: MTV's Washington Heights
After the Jersey Shore came to an end, the cable network scrambled to see whom else they could exploit? Dominicans!!! Wrong! While Washington Heights didn't attain Jersey ratings, it did feature aspirational young Latinos. It was canceled after one season. It's a blessing in disguise, mi gente. Just look at The Situation now.


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BACK in the day it was an exclusive venue for the city's nobility, a prestigious by-invite-only landmark most 18th century Edinburgh folk would never have had the chance to explore.
But in the 200 years of George Street's spectacular Assembly Rooms, thankfully things have gradually moved on, with the venue now open to everyone, for weddings through to conferences.
If only walls could talk. Only then would the extent of the impact this iconic building has had on the lives of locals be truly known, from those who met their future husbands or wives there, to those who launched amazing careers amid its ornate and grand architecture.
Of course, its walls are keeping tight lipped about the events they have witnessed, so staff at the city's museum and galleries service are asking for the public's help in spilling the beans.
"The Assembly Rooms has seen all sorts of people who have come and gone over the years and we want to get a real sample of what the building meant to these people," says Laura Bennison, heritage and outreach officer. "And we want to share these memories with the people of Edinburgh."
The aim is to compile a "people's history" of the Assembly Rooms, an archive for Edinburgh museums which will also be used as a school resource. Already on board is retired teacher Elizabeth Cormie, from Fairmilehead, who got more than she bargained for when she signed up to a prestigious summer waitressing job at the venue in the late 1950s.
"I was training at Atholl Crescent at the time," Elizabeth explains. "I was about 17 and was asked to waitress at the Assembly Rooms when the Festival Club used it as a meeting place.
"I remember the manager on my first day telling me about a lot of the regulars, including a 'poor student' called Alastair who would come in and order nothing but a biscuit and cheese. Well, that said Alastair became my husband."
For two summers the teenage Elizabeth worked in the Assembly Rooms, often socialising at its many dances with Alastair, before going on to train as a teacher.
"I thoroughly enjoyed working there, but I do remember one time someone left without paying and I had to pay for their bill. I think it cost me the best part of a week's wages," she says.
"It's been more than 50 years since I waitressed there and met Alastair – who did indeed order some Camembert cheese and a biscuit."
Love was also in the air at the Assembly Rooms for city couple Robert and Elizabeth Blance – affectionately known as Bob and Elma to friends and family – who held their wedding reception at the venue back in November 1953.
Life during the post-war years could be "dull and drab" recalls Bob, but when the young couple stepped into the George Street building to celebrate their marriage with loved ones the "magical" glittering chandeliers and open fires transported them to a "fairyland".
And although 60 years have passed since the pair took to the Edinburgh Suite to mark the occasion, Elma can still remember the sheer excitement of the day.
"I remember a dear friend saying, 'Well, I don't think I've ever seen a couple enjoy their wedding day so much Elma'."
There was no such romantic attachment at the Assembly Rooms for Marchmont producer Kate Craik, but working there for nine years she definitely formed a bond with the building which proved hugely important in the development of her career.
"It was around 1985 when I was asked to go to work at the Assembly Rooms as its manager," she explains. "Labour had just taken over power from the Conservatives at the council and there were new ideas about the provision of culture and arts in the city."
Armed with the task of making the venue a year-round centre for entertainment, packed with concerts and shows outside festival season, Kate jumped at the chance.
"I was in my 30s and very enthusiastic," she laughs. "I remember when I first started the staff there comprised cleaners and some handymen and that was about it. I think I was a bit of a novelty at the start and not taken that seriously. It was such a warren of a building that I could never find the handymen so I could never get things done. It took me quite a bit of time to realise that occasionally they sneaked out the back and nipped off to the pub!
"It was a fantastic building, but very spooky at times, especially as I was quite frequently the last person to leave and I was based at the old caretaker's flat right at the back. There were rumours of a ghost, but I have to admit I never saw it.
"I would often be the person to lock up the front door on George Street at 3am, which is strange to think of now."
Kate signed many big names to the stages of the Assembly Rooms, including the likes of Deacon Blue and The Proclaimers, as well as organising the hugely successful Commonwealth Arts Festival in 1986, before going on to found DanceBase, the national centre for dance. Do you have a story to tell about the Assembly Rooms? Contact 07971874711 or email firstname.lastname@example.com


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Pad thai at Prik-Pow Thai Cuisine
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MatchesAll times
Mooney leads Australia's surge to the Ashes
Beth Mooney hit an unbeaten 86 off 56 balls as Australia retained the Women's Ashes in emphatic style with a six-wicket victory in the first T20I at North Sydney Oval
England women to host South Africa, New Zealand in 2018
Following victory in this year's World Cup, the ECB has announced an expanded programme for 2018, which will also see an increase to the Kia Super League fixture list
Ashes edginess highlights change of fortunes
The Women's Ashes is set to begin on Sunday with England aiming to maintain their World Cup-winning form, but the weather may yet scupper the opening match
The lowdown on the Women's Ashes
The Women's Ashes begins on Sunday in Brisbane. Here is a reminder of how the format works and how the two squads shape up
What women want
A wishlist from players from each of the top eight teams after a very successful World Cup
Taylor, Dottin repel England to level series
West Indies produced an inspired defense of a target of 149 to secure a 38-run win over England, leveling the five-match series 1-1 on Monday in Jamaica
England fight back to secure five-run thriller
England's bowlers produced a superb collective effort to lead a stirring fightback and secure a five-run victory in the first ODI against West Indies in Jamaica
Prolific Beaumont and Winfield secure clean sweep
Another match, another rout. At least for Pakistan they can leave this one knowing home is not too far away. It has been a tour to forget
Shrubsole, Edwards win England awards
Anya Shrubsole, the right-arm medium pacer, has been named England Women's player of the year for the first time after leading the attack through what has been a difficult year for the team
All-round Sciver secures consolation win
It was a game too late to change the outcome of the Women's Ashes, but England finally produced the run-chase they required to defeat their Australian counterparts
Perry six-for helps blow away England
Australia completed a comprehensive victory in the sole Test match to take an 8-2 lead in the women's Ashes series
Jonassen impetus leaves England chasing history
Barring an unlikely procession of wickets, England will have to dig deep to make history to win the Women's Test match
Lanning and Perry earn Australia Ashes lead
An all-round display from Ellyse Perry earned Australia the lead in the Women's Ashes as they claimed the one-day series 2-1, giving them a 4-2 points advantage on England
Lanning masterclass draws Australia level
It was one of those days - one of those days that happens with alarming regularity - on which Meg Lanning made cricket look so much easier than everyone else she shared the field with
Shrubsole blows New Zealand away
Anya Shrubsole blew away the New Zealand middle order with four wickets as England Women levelled the ODI series with a remarkably straightforward victory after the tourists set only a modest target
Grundy, Marsh return for New Zealand tour
England Women welcome back Rebecca Grundy and Laura Marsh for their tour of New Zealand next month.
Surrey appoint women's director of cricket
Women's cricket has taken big strides towards a fully professional setup in the past few months and Surrey have got on board by appointing a director of women's cricket for the first time.


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Juan Antonio Pizzi was "ashamed" of how Valencia played in their 3-0 defeat to Basel in the Europa League quarter-final first leg.
A first-half brace from Matias Delgado put the hosts two up at the break and although Valencia improved after the interval, Valentin Stocker's stoppage-time chip put the Swiss outfit in complete control of the tie heading into the second leg in Spain next week.
"I have no explanation of how we went out to play," Pizzi confessed. "I am ashamed of the way we played in the first half.
"I do not understand why we didn't play the first half as we did the second. At the break all we did was correct what is wrong because we did not do anything at all right in the first half."
In a clear warning to his players, Pizzi threatened to axe those who had let him down as well as demanding a significantly better showing in the home leg.
The Argentine added: "We are aware how difficult qualification will now be. I will try to find answers individually or from the whole the group that allows us to be closer to what was done in the second half rather than the first.
"If I cannot find the balance with these players, I'll go searching and modifying options with the squad I have. I do not want to be represented by this form of playing football.
"We must hold on to the fact of playing at home, although it is very difficult to reverse this result. We will do everything possible to show that we want to overcome the tie."