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Daily Camera File Photos
Daily Camera File Photos
Daily Camera File Photo
In 1969, long before climate change was a major political issue, a 20-year franchise agreement between Boulder and the Colorado-based electric utility known as the Public Service Company was set to expire.
Public Service was discussing placement of a new excise tax on the ballot, revenue from which would pay for the installation of utility lines underground. The city feared that in the event the tax didn't generate as much money as the company expected, Boulder would be on the hook for remaining costs of undergrounding.
"Why should the city have to bear this burden?" then-City Manager Ted Tedesco said at the time.
"What bothers me," said then-Councilman Ray Joyce, "is they won't pay for the undergrounding, and they'll benefit just as much or more than the average electric user who will have to bear the burden of the cost."
Many in the city were already discontent with Public Service, and believed that the company's local earnings were too high. A consultant for the city found that the company was netting 7 percent profits statewide, but taking 8.2 percent profits out of Boulder.
Later in 1969, the city received what was then a highly anticipated report on the feasibility of municipal ownership of the electric utility. It was done by R.W. Beck & Associates — the same firm that would work with Boulder again 40 years later, during exploration ahead of the current municipalization bid.
The original report said net revenues of a municipal distribution system would be adequate to pay off debt incurred in relatively short order, and that the city could use surplus revenues to slash customer rates.
It was heavily challenged by many who felt there were too many unknown costs that the city would incur in the process of separating from Public Service, and believed that Beck's report was somewhere between optimistic and delusional. The same disagreement remains at the center of Boulder's municipalization debate today.
Emboldened by those 1969 findings, though, and frustrated by the issue of undergrounding and perceived gouging of local customers, the city considered pursuing a municipal electric utility — something to which it had been legally entitled since an 1893 state statute placed the authority to regulate, operate and set rates for electric systems locally.
For the next three years, the city delayed votes on a new franchise over and over again, before finally settling on a new franchise agreement that was put to a vote in 1973. The city had taken a long look at municipalization, but ultimately felt it had neither the time nor the absolute confidence to pursue a public power utility.
Meanwhile, by 1974, 29 cities in Colorado had already succeeded in municipalizing.
At the time of the 1893 statute, feasible electric distribution was still only about a decade old, and the economics of the industry were still very much in question. The state had few electric utility systems then, and governments in rural areas of Colorado used their statutory authority to introduce electricity in their communities.
"In a lot of these communities, municipalization evolved with the beginning of electricity itself," said Daniel Hodges, executive director of the Colorado Association of Municipal Utilities. "Some towns just said, 'Hey, we're already doing water and sewer. Why not light?'"
By 1910, CAMU reported, Aspen, Fort Morgan, Gunnison and four other towns were offering municipal electric service. Longmont and two others would follow suit by 1920.
Another bumpy franchise renewal
When it came time to talk franchise renewal in 1990, Boulder again looked into municipalization, and again agreed to a franchise agreement after several years of negotiation.
But during those talks, rates remained a topic of interest, as Boulderites observed customers of municipal utilities in peer cities such as Fort Collins and Longmont were paying at least 25 percent less on average.
Undergrounding was of even greater concern then, as many citizens organizers had grown deeply opposed to the construction of overhead power lines in the city. Many Boulder officials entered negotiations with Public Service thinking this grassroots opposition would give the city the upper hand in franchise talks.
The franchise agreement was renewed in 1993, though, and five years later, Public Service merged with Northern States Power, of Minneapolis, and Southwestern Public Service, of Amarillo, Texas, to form Xcel Energy.
Today, those behind the municipalization effort in Boulder harbor many of the same concerns that their counterparts in 1970 and 1990 did. Undergrounding and Xcel profits continue as talking points in the checkered relationship between city and company, which haven't agreed to a franchise renewal since the 1990 deal expired.
But a lot else changed between then and now to stoke interest in municipalization.
In 2002, Boulder formed its first working group on renewable energy and energy efficiency, then committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions as part of the Kyoto Protocol — an international agreement to fight global warming, with reductions targets the city would ultimately fall short of.
The city commissioned R.W. Beck to conduct another municipalization feasibility study in 2005, and a year later approved the country's first carbon tax.
Municipalization supporters in Boulder were, by 2008, motivated not only by the decades-old disagreements that highlighted the 1970 and 1990 discussions, but by a new urgency to decarbonize the city's electric supply.
But establishing a local electric utility was much easier to do in the years immediately following the mainstreaming of electric distribution. It's no mistake that no place in Colorado has municipalized since 1974, or that the few towns and cities that have recently tried elsewhere in the country have described the separation as being very difficult.
"As any industry matures and establishes itself, the norms and the structures sort of settle into place," Hodges said. "And it gets harder to change as time goes on. Especially if the incumbent is profitable. You just can't overlook that."
A different approach?
Depending on the starting date from which one calculates, Boulder's current municipalization effort is anywhere from about 5 to 13 years old. But one could also argue that the bid — or at least the sentiment — never died after 1969.
If there's one detail that's remained the same throughout the years in the debate over whether to form a local utility it's that Boulder does have a right to do so. The question has always been how. And at what cost?
The city may be primed to finally get an answer — if only, perhaps, to the question of how.
Barring a rescheduling, the city will head to trial in July before the state Public Utilities Commission. It's not clear that Boulder's plans for acquiring Xcel's local system will be approved there, because the city hasn't had much success on that front in recent memory.
Reasonable minds in Boulder and beyond disagree on why it is that the city's latest and most legitimate stab at municipalization has made up such little ground in court to date. But one possible explanation is that while the state constitution gives cities the right to municipalize, there's nothing in state statute that actually lays out how to achieve that end goal.
The Public Utilities Commission, seemingly as a result of that, has struggled at times to agree on where its authority over the case begins and ends. Boulder's constitutional right has proved elusive, to say the least.
"I think in all three of those situations over the years in Boulder, the very specific complaint is different each time, but at the end of the day the theme is the same: communities actually don't have a choice," said State Sen. Steve Fenberg, of Boulder.
"They're told that they have a choice, but we're seeing now that the option of municipalization really isn't easy. Every community's needs are different and the complaints and requests are going to be a little bit different, but at the end of the day they all want to control their own destiny. And they don't know how."
At a lengthy public hearing on municipalization Monday — after which the City Council rejected settlement offers from Xcel and decided to press on in court — Fenberg introduced that Boulder might have more success winning the rights it seeks by amending the state constitution, or somehow clarifying in the legislative process of how it is a city that votes four times in favor of municipalization, and taxes itself to the tune of $2 million a year to achieve that goal, can actually win.
Councilman Matt Appelbaum said he thinks Boulder should consider looking in that direction should things go poorly this time around at the PUC, or if voters decide not to extend the municipalization tax after it expires later this year.
"If people see the constitutionally guaranteed option doesn't exist in reality," he said, "the path you're on then is working at the Legislature or perhaps working on a statewide ballot issue."
Whether or not the constitutional right is false in practice will be tested in the coming months, Appelbaum added.
"If Boulder can't do it," he said, "we'll know that nobody can do it."
Alex Burness: 303-473-1389, firstname.lastname@example.com or twitter.com/alex_burness


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Broken Mile
A drug addict (Francesco Filice) awakens to find the girl he is with is dead, and must rush to escape the consequences. Along the way, he seeks the help of his ex-girlfriend (Caleigh Le Grand), while dodging a mysterious figure (Patrick McFadden) who has started chasing him around the city with a gun. A tense real-time thriller presented in a single, unbroken take.
"Literally a non-stop thriller…. the increasing intensity of a ticking-clock narrative… a seamlessly well-constructed thriller."
- Sarah Gopaul, Digital Journal
"Justin McConnell is a filmmaker who uses tension marvellously…… he breaks personal ground by using time to intensely disorient the audience." - Addison Wylie, Wylie Writes
"An interesting look at guilt and grief… proves to be more than its single-take selling feature."
- Courtney Small, Cinema Axis
"So much of the film is compelling and suspenseful….. the sense of naturalism here is dramatically palpable and damn entertaining. This is one solid picture and I'm certainly looking forward to seeing more from this do-it-all dude." - Gregory Klymkiw, The Film Corner

subset: commoncrawl


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Order over $799 in Vancouver
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The sectional sofa features an end chaise that, from the seat, lifts to reveal hidden storage. With the pull of a tab, the lower front of the sofa pulls out flush to the chaise, creating the ultimate platform for relaxation.


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|IAHSA and its chapter in China, the China Association of Homes and Services for the Ageing (IAHSA-China) are pleased to announce the joint sponsorship of IAHSA's 10th International Conference.
The conference theme, Connecting our Global Community, provides an excellent opportunity to showcase the most diverse programmes from around the world, along with an exciting forum for the exchange of both practical knowledge and new strategies focused on the provision of care and services for older adults.
The conference will take place in Shanghai, a bustling international city, full of multicultural flair. Shanghai also offers exciting travel opportunities and cultural attractions. From historic landmarks like the Yuyuan Garden and the Jade Buddha Temple to modern marvels like the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and Jinmao Towere, there is something for everyone.
Faced with a fifth of its population that is 60+ years old, Shanghai has been developing its nursing home care industry rapidly. The country itself is at a climactic point in understanding and deciding how to manage population ageing, housing and pensions for their greying population.
This is a great opportunity to showcase your interest areas, learn about innovations, technology, research, design and practices from around the world and to interact with care models in ageing care from around the world.
Dates To Remember:


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Call us now on our Dedicated Disney hotline 01 435 0085
Valid for bookings up to 01 Oct 2019 and for arrivals from 07 Nov 2019- 30 Sep 2020.
If you stay at Disney's Davy Crockett Ranch, Disney's Hotel Santa Fe or Disney's Hotel Cheyenne, you will get a meal voucher "Standard" which is valid in: Plaza Gardens Restaurant, Restaurant Agrabah Café, Restaurant des Stars, The Grange at Billy Bob's Country Western Saloon, Chuck Wagon Café, La Cantina, Crockett's Tavern. If you stay at Disney's Sequoia Lodge, Disney's Newport Bay Club, Disney's Hotel New York, you will get a meal voucher "Plus" valid in the restaurants listed above plus: Blue Lagoon Restaurant, Silver Spur Steakhouse, Café Mickey , The Steakhouse, Manhattan Restaurant, Parkside Diner, Yacht Club, Cape Cod, Hunter's Grill, Annette's Diner, Bistrot Chez Rémy. If you stay at Disneyland Hotel, you will get a meal voucher "Premium" which is valid in all the restaurants listed above plus: Auberge de Cendrillon, Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, Inventions, California Grill and Walt's American Restaurant.
Breakfast vouchers are accepted in a selection of restaurants in your Disney Hotel and in the Disney Parks and Disney Villages for the monetary value for breakfast only. Disney's Davy Crocket Ranch is a takeaway breakfast. You can use your lunch or dinner voucher for its face value for brunch (including in the restaurants listed in the section above) or for lunch or dinner in any of the other restaurant in the resort (except Earl Of Sandwich - Planet Hollywood - Rain Forest Café - King Ludwig - Starbucks - McDonald's – Five Guys - Vapiano) for an all-you-can eat buffet or a set menu (starter, main course, dessert) or 'a la carte choice' (starter, main course, dessert) + 1 soft drink. Meal vouchers may not be combined with another voucher in the Table service & buffets. No change is given if the total is less than the value of the voucher. The difference must be paid at the cashier desk if the total exceeds the value of the voucher. Limited to 1 meal voucher per person per meal. Subject to availability. Some restaurants may be closed at certain periods.
Full Board meal plan includes lunch, dinner and breakfast, per person, each night of stay and comprises 3 meal vouchers. If you stay at Disney's Davy Crockett Ranch, Disney's Hotel Santa Fe or Disney's Hotel Cheyenne, you can upgrade to a Full Board Meal Plan prior to arrival for €19 per adult per night and €11 per child per night for all arrival dates. If you stay at Disney's Sequoia Lodge, Disney's Newport Bay Club, Disney's Hotel New York, you can upgrade to a Full Board Meal Plan for €20 per adult per night and €11 per child per night. If you stay at the Disneyland Hotel, you can upgrade to a Full Board Meal Plan for €33 per adult per night and €19 per child per night. The upgrade applies to all members of your party.
Terms & Conditions
*Save up to 25% off Hotel & Park tickets + Free Half Board Meal Plan" is valid for new bookings made by 01 October 2019 for arrivals from 07 November 2019 to 30 September 2020. Your Half Board Meal Plan will include two vouchers per person per night of your stay. (For children under 3 years please contact us). One voucher will be valid for breakfast at your hotel and one meal voucher is valid for lunch or dinner in a selection of buffet or table service restaurants. The Lunch/Dinner voucher includes an all-you-can-eat buffet or a set menu (starter, main course, dessert) or "à la carte" choice (starter, main course, dessert) + 1 soft drink and is valid in one of the restaurants listed below depending on your hotel. These restaurants are located across the resort (in Disneyland® Park, Walt Disney Studios® Park, your Disney hotel and Disney Village).
**€267 price is per person based on family of 2 adults + 2 kids under 12 for Sun - Thur arrivals in early December 2019. Includes 3 nights Disney's Hotel Santa Fe, 1 Free breakfast voucher and 1 free lunch or dinner voucher per person for each night of your stay and 4 days park tickets (excludes flights & transfers). Subject to availability, terms & conditions.


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Founded in 2005 by Sylvain and Dominique Lévy, the DSL Collection constitutes one of the rare Chinese contemporary art collections in France. In truth, Sylvain and Dominique Lévy have been collecting since the past twenty-five years: they were first interested in contemporary European artists and design. In 2005 while they were travelling to Shanghai they had the chance to visit the abstract painter Ding Yi's studio. This journey plunged themselves into a fervent passion for Chinese art.
This nonstandard couple has dedicated its life to collecting Chinese contemporary art in order to make it accessible to everyone thanks to the use of new technologies (such as virtual exhibition on the Internet or iPad application). Sylvain and Dominique Lévy are aware that a virtual experience cannot replace the direct contact with artworks; hence they also have always been willing to loan their masterpieces to museums and other cultural institutions.
The DSL Collection is now deliberately composed of less than two hundreds artworks, ranging from performance to painting, from video to installation. In addition to these mediums, Sylvain and Dominique Lévy also own some of the biggest names in Chinese contemporary photography, such as Miao Xiaochun, Rongrong, Sheng Qi, Shi Guorui, Wang Qingsong, Yang Yongliang, and Zhang Dali to mention just a few examples.
Mingling the desires to democratize art and to adopt an institutional approach (which shares the same values of conservation, transmission, education, and exhibition), the DSL Collection is a powerful enterprise that constantly renews itself and impacts on a wide international audience. On Tuesday 9 April 2013, shortly after the end of the brand new art fair ART13 London, Sylvain takes the time to answer my questions.
You were members of the Advisory Board for the first ART13 London fair. What were your impressions?
I think this art fair went very well. According to what I have heard a great number of visitors came, and as usual some galleries sold many artworks while other sold less. The most important thing was to prove an art fair can exist without the need to have big names in contemporary art, and to pinpoint that people are looking for something else.
Miao Xiaochun, Rongrong, Sheng Qi, Wang Qingsong among many other notorious names belong to your rich collection. Among the above-mentioned photographers, is there any that you like particularly?
I do not have any preference. What is important is that the artwork speaks for itself, that it conveys the artist's courage, his/her creative capabilities, and the artwork's relevance within the whole collection.
In your opinion, does Chinese photography play an important role in the art market?
I think that for now Chinese photography does not have much of an impact on today's art market.
Do you believe that Chinese contemporary photography is characterized by certain peculiarities?
I do. In the beginning photography in China was used in order to record performances, which were very often imbued with political or social commentaries. Then photography evolved into aesthetic, which in my opinion is less powerful.
A fair number of personalities of the art world told me that Chinese contemporary art still needs time to reach its maturity. What do you think about this viewpoint?
I think it is true. Chinese contemporary art as we define it is less than thirty years old. This is a very complex art that mingles tradition and modernity, cultural specificities and globalisation. Besides, you have to take into account that Chinese contemporary art occurs in a highly difficult socio-political context.
What are DSL Collection's prospects?
We are currently writing a new publication of the collection. It will highlight not only renown artists but also the young generation. Besides, we will do our utmost to remain as active as possible in social networks.
More information
• DSL Collection
• KOLESNIKOV-JESSOP, S. 2013. "La Collection DSL accessible à tous grâce aux nouvelles technologies." Blouin Art Info.
• WHITTAKER. I. 2012. "The Unfinished Collection." Iona Whittaker.com


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Cycle of Mating by the Lovebirds
The cycle of mating, laying eggs and incubating happened over and over but their eggs never hatched. Once I removed the eggs, Freda would be back to her normal ways. She and Pete would chirp and sang attracting other birds outside.
As time went by, Freda became really mean and I could no longer touch her without being bitten. Her beak was so sharp that it drew blood when she bit. Pete, on the other hand, was same playful lovebird.
I never got to tame him the way I tamed Freda. He playfully bit my hand, when I tried to touch him.


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The Life and (Finishing) Times of Tyler Underwood
For me, it all started long ago in a far off land called Tennessee. My dad was a very gifted and hard working runner and all-around athlete in his day. He would say that he was more "gifted" than I am, but I am a lot "smarter." (Thanks Dad!) I'm not sure who said it first, but I've heard the quote many times: "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard." I'm not saying my dad didn't work hard, but I'd rather be a "smarter" runner than a "gifted" runner any day.
As a kid, I began to follow in my dad's footsteps running XC and track, but took off my running shoes to pick up a tennis racket every day for four years of high school. In college, with competitive tennis at an end for me, I began running again just for fun and fitness. This long, untimely break in competitive running has made my approach to running very unique. I didn't have the years of coaching in high school and college to develop my fitness level, running economy, or knowledge of the sport. I didn't start running competitive road races as a recent college graduate as most runners at my current level. I started like everyone else, from the middle of the pack. Slow. Worried about completing, not competing. I was an average runner, with average goals, but they were my goals and that made them important. Those goals, the goals after that, and the goals after that, eventually led me to where I am now- looking to chase down a qualifying time for the Olympic Trials Marathon.
I ran my first half-marathon my sophomore year of college, in the spring of 2007. That day I decided I wanted to be a marathoner as soon as possible, so I signed up for a marathon and ran it a month later. It took me 4 hours 12 minutes… I'm almost ashamed to say it out loud (or in print). Fast forward a year later, same marathon, 3:25. And less than a year later, 3:07. Fifteen months after that in 2010, a 2:55. After a move across the country and no marathon in 2011, I ran 2:53 in 2012. The slowing progress was a reflection of my lack of dedication.
I was in the best shape of my life in the fall of 2012 and set to run the New York Marathon before it was cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy. I was so upset to not get the chance to race, but it left me motivated and hungry for a PR. I went back to NYC the next fall and ran a PR of 2:36. So much for slowing progress! In Boston the following spring, after hitting pace for a 2:30 finish for 21 miles, I hit something else… THE WALL. One long year later with a few ups and a handful of downs I made the trip across the Atlantic for the London Marathon. Once again in the best shape of my life, I was looking to redeem myself, surpass my dad's marathon PR (I was less than a minute off at NYC), and come away with a huge PR. And that I did. I fell just short of a lofty goal of sub-2:25, but still PR'd by almost 10 minutes. 2:26:23. I'm more motivated than ever to see how much I can improve and how far I can push my limits.
My running history is unique. Few people have had personal experience pushing themselves to reach such a variety of running goals. I've never had a coach. I've never followed someone else's plan. As I've progressed, I've gained more and more knowledge of how to run faster, be more efficient, and train harder- all while avoiding injury and maintaining a love for the sport. My degree in Exercise Science has given me valuable knowledge about the body and how it functions. While 5 years in running specialty retail has taught me about the running community and what it lacks: knowledge. The biggest thing stopping us from being fit (or fitter) is a lack of knowledge. Knowledge is power. With the right knowledge, you can train to reach goals you haven't even made yet...


text: Yesterday, the early morning news was that Carnage had been arrested for going over Club Cinema's curfew. He ended up saying that didn't happen, but drops some news that's even bigger a day later: he's planning on dropping an album this year. We had Carnage pegged as one to watch for 2013, and he definitely had a breakout year. It looks like he's planning on excelling past that, calling his album "the most beautiful piece of art ever dropped [b]y a human." He also details that the project will come with a documentary which will detail his life behind-the-scenes. It'll be like an aftermovie, but for a year in his life.


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How do you feel when you see the Fair Trade aisle at the store?
If you're like most people - you feel guilty. At best, you buy something to expiate your sins. More likely, you steer your cart the other way while momentarily feeling bad for the nine year-old who assembled your iPhone. After an extensive research we discovered the following:
The audience needs education - even savvy consumers have a hard time finding us - but they do not need, or want, a lecture. The tendency in this category is to scold or to scare. It can be effective, but it can also be a turnoff. The conversation tends to skew toward telling consumers all the things they shouldn't be doing, as opposed to telling them all the things they could be getting.
So. Instead of telling our audience about impoverished farmers or corporate frankenfoods - something they're already aware of and quite likely desensitized to - we invited them to celebrate fair trade.
When you buy yourself higher quality (and, yes, more expensive) fairly-traded products, you feel good. And you should feel good. You're helping real people in a real way. And you're getting better value for your money. That's worth celebrating.
The overall strategy is highly conducive to inclusiveness and participation at every level. From inviting artists to design point-of-purchase collateral to sponsoring a fairly-traded cotton fashion design competition, everything we say and do is couched in the language of festivity. (What a great phrase. Wouldn't you like to be couched in the language of festivity? Sure beats a lecture.) The point is - this work changes the conversation from "Do this or else you'll feel bad," to "If you do this, you'll feel good."


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FREE Drink or Food Item at 7-ElevenPublished: Nov 12, 2017 10:29am | Comments 0 | MOBILE FRIENDLY
If you have a smartphone, you can get a FREE Drink or Food Item at 7-Eleven with the 7Rewards app. Click this link then download the 7-Eleven app or open it if you already have it installed and accept the new terms for their rewards program to get 800 points. That's enough points for a free Big Gulp, Medium Coffee or Hot Beverage, Ring Donut, Brownie or 2-pack cookies, Taquito, Single Serve 7-Select Chips, Medium Slurpee, or Medium Chillers Iced Coffee.
Offers you might like:
Remember: VonBeau.com does not send out free samples or free products. Follow the instructions provided above to request the listed item.


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Thomas Bjorn fired a 5-under 66 Thursday to take an early lead at The Barclays Singapore Open, where play was suspended mid-way through the first round due to weather.
Bjorn, who served earlier this year as a vice captain for the European Ryder Cup squad, carded six birdies against a lone bogey at Sentosa Golf Club. A winner three times on the European Tour in 2011, the Dane is in search of his first win this year.
'I came here and saw the golf course, and knew that everything was about driving the golf ball well,' Bjorn explained to reporters after the round. 'I did that very well today. It's only one round though, so we'll work from here.'
Bjorn's lead is currently one shot over a group that includes Simon Khan, who seemed poised to take the first-round lead before bogeys on two of his final three holes left him with a 4-under 68. Englishman Paul Casey and former PGA Champion Y.E. Yang are among those at 3 under, two shots off the pace after their opening rounds.
Play was suspended Thursday due to inclement weather with 78 players yet to complete their first round. That group includes World No. 1 Rory McIlroy, who is even par through eight holes of his opening round. Playing alongside McIlroy, South African Louis Oosthuizen finds himself at 2 over with 10 holes still remaining.
Among those that completed their first round Thursday, Phil Mickelson started well before running into trouble on the back nine, playing holes 14-16 in 4 over en route to a 2-over 73 Thursday. Paired with Mickelson, Adam Scott managed an even-par 71 while Irishman Padraig Harrington did not make a birdie during his opening round of 3-over 74.
First-round play is scheduled to resume at 7:30 a.m. local time Friday.


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Spencer West não tem as pernas.Ele subiu com suas mãos o Monte Kilimanjaro na Tanzania,o ponto mais alto
da África.Algo simplesmente incrível.Quase 6 km de altura!!!
Spencer West has no legs, so he walked on his hands. All the way up Mt. Kilimanjaro! Word came last night that West has reached Uhuru Peak in Tanzania, the highest altitude in Africa.His climb was not only a personal accomplishment, but it raised funds for West's charity, Free The Children. Link -via The Daily What


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28. The Brain
Yesterday, as Fellish and I were gearing up for our morning run out in the courtyard, I looked up from stretching to see a figure approaching through the mist, her movements accompanied by a steady thud as her staff fell, with each step, against the ground. My heart jumped up into my throat, and I ran forward to see.
It was her. She had kept her word.
Fogwillow had come to visit.
At breakfast that day, she sat across the table from me, unable to keep the smile off her face. She looked the same as she always had, the same as an old tree always looks from year to year. Her skin was just as weathered, her long gray hair just as knotted. She still smelled of mud and steckleberries.
"You look well," she said, watching me scarf down my food.
"It's because you're here," I said. "You wouldn't believe how much I've been moping around the place."
"Are you not enjoying your time here?"
"No, no," I said lightly, pausing as I swallowed. "It's fine."
"Nova, have they been good to you?"
"It's fine."
Her smile slipped, her face settling into its usual lines, as she cocked her head and stared at my chin. The swelling and bruising had gone down, but there was still evidence there if someone cared to look. And Fogwillow cared.
She reached a hand out to touch my chin. "What's this?"
"It's nothing," I said. She reached again and I leaned back out of the way. "Nothing."
Fogwillow's frown deepened. I dropped my utensils and looked away. We sat there in an uncomfortable silence, which was broken by Dean Enislen's arrival.
"Fogwillow!" she said with a strained smile, approaching the table. "How nice. We didn't expect you. You didn't send word."
"Do I need to?"
"No, no, of course not." Then she sucked in through her teeth. "However, in the future, it would be so helpful if you did. We could have had a room prepared."
"I won't be staying the night."
I looked up, disappointed. "What?"
"Oh," Dean Enislen said, her mouth twitching. "Well, in that case, I suppose… "
"I'm just here to see how Nova's getting on. As per our last conversation, I don't want to interfere."
There was an uncomfortable moment as all three of us avoided each other's eyes.
Finally, Fogwillow continued, "I thought perhaps I would sit in on one of Nova's lessons. If it's all right with the Academy, that is."
"Yes. Of course. It's just… " Dean Enislen cleared her throat. "You came on a mildly strange day, Master Fogwillow. I'm afraid we'll be deviating from the established curriculum. Moving into new territory, so to speak."
"What do you mean?" I asked, my heart leaping when I realized I may not need to see Starmine today.
But Dean Enislen was too busy muttering to herself to answer. "Of course, we could put it off, but no, the plan was today, Marewill said, and we must stick to the plan. It's all in place… " She trailed off, blushing a little bit as she caught my eye. It was an unusual reaction for her, and I tilted my head. She composed herself quickly. "Nova, you remember the Wizard Edel?"
I did, vaguely. Of the four wizards I had met on my first day here—Starmine, Ketchling, Fellish, and Edel—he was the only one I hadn't had any training with, yet.
"Well," Dean Enislen continued, seeing me nod, "we thought we might start you off with him today. Get the ball rolling on some things. Are you feeling good?"
I was wide awake and ready after my morning training with Fellish. I had finished my breakfast. I may not have to deal with Starmine today. "I feel much better now that Fogwillow is here," I said, smiling at Dean Enislen.
She gave a quick, high-pitched laugh, her cheeks flushing again, and I gave her another curious look. "Good," she said, running a hand along the side of her head to smooth her hair. "Yes. Perhaps it's for the best, then." Then she frowned. "Nova, what is that on your robes?"
I lifted my chin. "Ink."
"Do you need clean clothing? We can provide you with—"
"No," I said. "It's fine. I like it like this."
Dean Enislen narrowed her eyes at me and my ink-stained robes, her lips pressed tightly together. I met her gaze unwaveringly.
"Right then," she said. "If you're finished… "
She stepped to the side and motioned to the door. I nodded and stood. Fogwillow snuck a few granola clusters from the table and tucked them into her robe, then rose with me.
We went to Dean Enislen's office. There were two silver-cloaks standing outside the door, and inside—through the glass wall—I could see a tall man with his back to us, looking down into the equatorial room with his hands held behind him. He was bald and thickset, and though his skin was dark, his clasped hands were patched with early signs of vitiligo, the skin pale and spotted.
When we opened the door, he turned, saw me, and smiled, his teeth revealing themselves from within a bushy, neatly-trimmed beard, where they were buried like eggs in hay.
"Nova Scratshot," he said, watching me, Dean Enislen, and Fogwillow file into the room. He had a wide, round voice, and eyes that turned downward at the edges, as if he were sad.
"Nova, this is the Wizard Edel," Dean Enislen said, taking her seat behind her desk.
"An honor," Edel said, giving me a small bow. He turned to Fogwillow. "And Fogwillow, too, how lovely to finally meet you in person. You must accept my thanks for your handling of the reneskopsis in Denroven last winter. Saved my team quite a bit of headache."
He reached out a hand to Fogwillow, who took it with an uneasy expression on her face. As they parted, she cast a hasty glance my way.
"Shall we?" Edel said to me, motioning to the far side of the room and two low, comfortable chairs. There was a coffee table between them with a silver platter on it, and on the platter, a lumpy object covered in a blue cloth. We sat down in the chairs on either side of the table.
Watching from her desk, Dean Enislen cleared her throat at Fogwillow, who slowly settled into a chair along the side of the room.
The Wizard Edel sat on the edge of his seat, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees, and stared at me with a thoughtful expression. I sat as far back in my chair as I could, trying to create distance. There seemed to be deep thoughts spinning slowly within Edel's eyes, but whatever they were, he didn't share them with me.
Finally, I cleared my throat and said, "What kind of—"
The office door opened, and Marewill poked his head in. We all turned to look at him, and he froze.
"I'm sorry I'm late," he said. "Very—ah—yes, very sorry."
He slid into the room and shut the door behind him, hurrying over to stand behind Dean Enislen's desk with his clipboard. Dean Enislen took a sharp breath in through her nose. Marewill gave me a weak smile.
The smile eased me a little bit, but when I turned back to Edel, I saw that he had returned to staring at me, and my guard went up again.
He seemed to be, as best as I could guess, building a picture in his mind of what I was like, how I behaved, and how he should interact with me. I fidgeted in the chair, turning away, then looking up, knowing that with every anxious movement I was giving him more information, but unable to stop.
Eventually, he seemed to arrive somewhere in his head, and spoke. His words were clear and calm.
"What were you going to ask? Before we were interrupted?"
"I was going to say—what kind of teacher are you?
"I am not a teacher," Edel said. "I'm a doctor."
Something clicked.
"I've heard of you before," I said. "Bartholomew Edel. My friend Candle's mentioned you a few times."
"Candle? Yes, she would know about me. Good on her." When I looked confused, he added, "I've read your ticker."
"She seems like a smart young woman. I can see why you like her." He gave me a smile that seemed to say too much and too little all at the same time. "And it makes sense that she would have heard of me. My life's work is studying wizards and the way they interact with magic, which often branches off into the intersection of magic and technology. How do we bring the connection between wizards and the Crystic to the common people?"
"I bet you get along well with Starmine," I said.
Edel laughed and threw a look over to Dean Enislen before turning his attention back to me. "I have only had the very great pleasure of meeting the Wizard Starmine twice, and between the two of us, yes, we are not entirely compatible."
"Best not mention what we're doing today to Starmine," Dean Enislen said from her desk. "She already knows, but further discussion will only make her angry."
I didn't need to be told twice.
"What are we doing here today?" I asked.
"Let's talk about your brain," Edel said, and brushed the tips of two spotted fingers against his forehead. Across the room, Fogwillow shifted in her chair. "What do you know about how your brain connects to the Crystic?"
I gave him a blank look. "I don't… nothing."
"Understandable," he said. "Not many wizards care much for this sort of thing. But your brain is why you are a wizard, Nova. Over the last several years I've come to believe that magic enters your body through your head. What is magic?"
"Magic is connection," I said, almost on impulse. It was becoming a meaningless phrase by this point.
"Yes!" The Wizard Edel's eyes lit up, a grin spreading in his beard. "And so is your mind. The brain is like lightning." He snapped his fingers in quick succession. "Sparks pass back and forth inside of it, carrying thoughts and feelings, and you are made out of these points of connection, these sparks. When you link into the Crystic, you open your brain up and out—" He gestured up and out, "—and those self-sparks jump, not just between spaces in the brain, but between the brain and the Crystic itself. Your inner mind links up with the mind of the Ferren, passing impulses and energy—magic—into the world."
He lowered his hands and gave me a humble look.
"These are all very recent theories, mind you, but they have enabled us to experiment with things no one would have thought possible as little as ten years ago. Take, for instance, a prism."
He rifled in one of his pockets and pulled out a small pink prism, no larger than a fingernail.
"They're like a small brain," I said.
"Spot on," Edel said, beaming at me. He set the prism down on the coffee table, next to the silver platter. "When they get recharged, they link into the Crystic in much the same way that your brain does, opening up to the web of magic all around us. As they lose their charge, they close off to the Crystic. Lose their connection."
He stared at me, still beaming, as if waiting for the ball to drop, for me to erupt with excitement at everything I was learning. I furrowed my brow and picked up the prism, turning it over in my hands. "So," I began, slowly, "when we talk about the three points of connection that make up the Crystic, we should really say terminals, prisms, and brains?"
Edel swung his arms together and clapped loudly, giving a deep-bellied laugh. "I don't think we'll be changing that one anytime soon. Not quite as appealing as terminals, prisms, and wizards, is it? Anyway, this is all academic. It's not why we're here."
He reached down and pulled the cloth off the silver platter.
I went stiff. I forgot about the prism in my hands as a slow, prickling sensation began to eat its way up from my gut.
On the silver platter was another glowing pink prism, a bit larger than the one I was holding, about the size of a walnut. It was set into a silver ring that was edged with jagged teeth. On the other side of the ring, trailing out the back of the prism like the tail of a kite, were thread-thin wires, as long as my forearm, steely and coiled.
"Yes," Edel said in a suddenly soft voice. "Now, I think, you are getting it."
I set the smaller prism down on the coffee table and rose to my feet, unable to tear my eyes away from the thing on the platter.
"No," I said.
From her desk, Dean Enislen spoke up. "Nova, you must reframe this in your mind. This is so exciting. We are pushing the frontier of magic."
"Fogwillow," I said, turning to look at her. She wouldn't meet my eyes, and this made me angry.
"You are talented, Nova," Edel said, coming to his feet as well, "but the Ryvkk is a force of evil unlike anything we have ever seen, and we—the Advance Academy, the Assemblage, the entire Ferren—want to make sure you are prepared. That you have every advantage modern technology can afford a hero. We are not wizards of the Lorn."
He bent down and lifted up the device with his thumb and forefinger. The wires unspooled toward the ground.
"I won't lie to you," he continued, "this is experimental, but it is entirely safe. To succeed against the Ryvkk, you will need a power far greater than any that has been seen in the Ferren. It is in the best interest of everyone to… give you a boost."
The silence that fell was so thin that it tingled.
"What happened," I said after a moment, "to my traditional training? Aren't I supposed to be getting stronger, more connected, like a real wizard? Isn't that the point of all my time with Fellish? And Starmine?"
"This is the entire philosophy of the Advance Academy," Dean Enislen said. "We must build our heroes. Not wait for them."
"And don't think of this as a replacement of your traditional training," Edel said. "Think of it as a supplement. They will work in balance, magic and technology."
I looked around the room. Dean Enislen had her hands laced on her desk, her quiet fervor thrumming behind her eyes. Marewill was writing on his clipboard. Fogwillow still wouldn't look at me.
I turned back to Edel, and nodded to the device.
"How does it work?"
Edel's shoulders relaxed. He was back where he was comfortable. "Think of it as a magic amplifier. This prism—" he touched the prism lightly, "—gets planted at the base of your neck, just above your shoulder blades, and these wires—" he ran a hand down the wires, "—are surgically woven into your spinal cord, connecting the power source—the prism—to your mind. The entire procedure will take three hours, and you won't feel a thing. When you wake up, it will be like having—"
"Another brain," I said.
Edel smiled again. "Good." He let out a small sigh, and threw Dean Enislen a relieved look. "And this is just the first. In the end, you will have seven of these guys embedded down the length of your spine. But for today, just this one."
I stared at the device in Edel's hand, and my gut twisted sickeningly. I tried to imagine the cut crystal prism, the pink glowing glass, nestled into my skin. I tried to imagine those spider-thread cords needling up and down my spine. And my head suddenly felt very light, and the world shifted for a moment. I grabbed hold of the back of the chair behind me.
"Do I… do I need them?" I said.
The Wizard Edel frowned, looked at Dean Enislen, then back at me. "I hear you haven't reached your staff yet, Nova."
It was like a punch in the gut. Shame welled up inside of me, and I nodded.
"Okay," I said in a small voice.
Everything happened very quickly after that. Edel gave me a hospital gown and I changed in one of the observatory bathrooms. When I emerged, I was led down the halls in my bare feet, the gown fluttering at my shins. Dean Enislen walked ahead with Edel. Two silver-cloaks took up the rear. And Fogwillow followed, far behind. We walked as if in a dream.
The room they put me in was low-ceilinged, dingy, and cold. The light was flat and harsh from the rows of florescent bulbs. Across the back wall was a mirror. We gathered inside, and I was led to the middle of the room. As I stood there, I wiggled my toes against the scuffed vinyl tile.
"I'm so proud of you, Nova," Dean Enislen said, almost touching my shoulder, but withdrawing at the last moment. "So proud." Eoea's staff, she looked like she was about to tear up. She wiped a finger under one eye. "Listen to me, I want you to know, you see that mirror? That's a one-way mirror. We will be just on the other side of it, not so far at all. Okay?"
I nodded slowly. "Okay."
Dean Enislen and the two silver-cloaks went through a doorway into the darkened room behind the mirror. Fogwillow followed after them, but paused on the threshold, looking back and meeting my eye. I tried to give her a comforting look, but I don't think I succeeded, because her frown only got more severe. Then she withdrew and shut the door softly behind her.
And I was alone with the Wizard Edel.
I could see him behind me in the mirror. He was arranging the device that would soon be piercing my spine on a metal cart. When he was finished, he drew a line through the air and summoned his staff. It was cobalt blue, with a knob on the end as if it had melted like wax.
"Are you ready?" he said.
The room buzzed quietly. I stood in the middle of the room, facing the mirror, and tried to smile again at Fogwillow, beyond, but felt a little silly. All I could see was myself, staring back. It was a little unnerving. The person in the mirror, seen from this distance, wasn't as skinny as he had been when he sat bent in front of his lightscreen in Blush. His posture was better, his shoulders broader. His hair looked curled, clean, and tidy. But there were also deep bags under his eyes, and a weary curve to his brow. A droop in his eyelids.
I didn't look like myself.
"Ready," I said.
Edel tapped his staff against the floor. My stomach lurched as my feet suddenly lifted off the ground and my body swung forward in a graceful arc, as if a pivot had been hooked somewhere behind my navel. I rotated into a horizontal position, facing the floor, hanging in mid-air.
"I'm going to put you to sleep, now, Nova," Edel said. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the device float into the air. "You won't—"
And that was the last thing I remember.
Sometime later, I woke up in my bed. My head felt shriveled and dry, my throat parched, and it took me a while to remember where I was and why I was there. I tried to sit up, but found I didn't have the energy, and then, all at once, every sensation began crashing back at once.
It was as if my spine had turned into a burning rod of fire. The heat seared up through my neck and ended somewhere at the base of my skull, where a button sized pool of energy was piercing my brain, sending wave after wave of scalding force rushing up into my medulla and beyond. I twisted in pain, but that only made it worse.
Digging my fingers into the mattress, I stared up at the ceiling and focused on taking deep breaths in through my nostrils. It didn't help the pain, but it did help calm my mind.
After a time, I raised one hand behind my shoulder and felt, with trembling fingers, the hard, unforgiving sharpness of the prism, nested at the base of my neck. The skin around the edge of the hooped metal setting was bunched and tender. When I drew my fingers away, they were spotted with blood.
I started to panic. It was like someone had dug a hole in my back and stuck their thumb inside of me, where it stayed, even now, wiggling under the skin.
"Nova," said a voice, and I snapped my head to the side, not realizing anyone had entered. It was Fogwillow. She was standing over my bed, leaning on her staff with both hands, her expression distant and sad.
"Fogwillow," I pleaded. "Help me."
Fogwillow turned away, ashamed. "I can't."
She left later that day.


text:
The media has a keen ability in making a good man look wicked and a wicked man look good.
Sadly, most of us as American citizens readily embrace what we see and hear on television and on the Internet without doing further investigation.
Some of us mock or tease others who jump on the bandwagon after a certain team wins a championship yet in our hypocrisy we allow this government's opinion of world leaders to give us our full perspective on them—even if it is outright lies.
Therefore, we have continuously jumped on America's bandwagon. Sorry to disappoint you, but many of us can't go along with it. Never have, never will.
There is a long list of good works that was done by Muammar Gadhafi that we have chosen to ignore and has been underreported. Yes, good works.
Have you ever heard of journalist Gerald A. Perreira from Guyana? He was an executive member of the World Mathaba based in Tripoli and also served in the Green March, an international battalion for the defense of the Libyan revolution.
What makes the reporting of Perreira so valuable is the fact that he lived in Libya and wrote extensively about the good works of Gadhafi. In a press conference at the UN on June 15, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan quoted from Perreia's article titled "In the Theatre of the Absurd, Libya Now Takes Centre Stage."
According to this article, some of the good works of Gadhafi, not known by most, included:
- Gadhafi nationalized Libya's oil reserves and used the oil revenue to build schools, hospitals and repair infrastructure for the Libyan people.
- Money from Libya's oil revenue was directly deposited into the bank account of every Libyan.
- He raised the life expectancy from 44 years to 75 years.
- He raised the literacy rate from 20 percent to 83 percent.
- All people in Libya had access to doctors, hospitals, clinics and medicines. And it was free!
- Basic food items were subsidized and electricity was made available throughout the country.
- Gadhafi set up huge irrigation projects in order to support agricultural development and food self-sufficiency.
- Gadhafi spent billions on the Great Man Made River project where his engineers brought water up out of the desert for the people. Would a 'madman' do that?
- Any Libyan who wanted to become a farmer was given free use of land, a house, farm equipment, livestock and seed.
- Under Gadhafi, women had full access to education, employment; and Gadhafi enabled them to serve in the armed forces.
- Gadhafi was the first and only leader in the Arab world to formally apologize for the Arab role in Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.
- Gadhafi put up a 21st century communications satellite—the first in Africa. This upset European companies who now lost a stream of income that came from their outrageous fees imposed on Africans.
- Gadhafi vowed that his own parents, who lived in a tent in the desert, would not be housed until every Libyan was housed. He made his word bond. Under Gadhafi, Libya attained the highest standard of living in Africa.
- Gadhafi started and financed the African Union with the purpose of developing the "United States of Africa." This was and is something the Western world did not want.
Wait, there is one more thing. We say we love Nelson Mandela, right?
When Mandela visited Gadhafi, he was quoted as saying "Those who object to my visiting Libya have no morals, and I will not join them because I have morals. Qadhafi is my friend. He helped us at a time when we were alone. And the ones who are stopping us from coming here were helping our enemies at that time."
Gadhafi wasn't perfect but who is? When analyzing his life, I think about a few tweets that Minister Farrakhan posted on Aug. 30. He tweeted "There is no leader in this world who was or is loved by all. Allah puts on His Scale the weight of our good and our evil. This is how He judges and He is judging today."
There is much more good that Gadhafi did, but the question is do you really care?
(Brother Jesse is a staff writer for The Final Call Newspaper and an award-winning blogger. Follow him on Twitter @BrotherJesse. This article originally appeared on GlobalGrind.com)


text:
Case background
The family that built and lived in the home was, William and Elisabeth Lawrence.
Elisabeth Lawrence Died 1940. William Lawrence Died 1922, their children were Ralph, Wilber, Edger.
The Lawrence family was a prominent family that lived in Sarnia Ontario and owned much of the logging industry in the area. The home in its era was a true show place and was a home of prominence in the area. After the owners donated the home to the city it fell into much disarray until grants were established to return the great home to its original splendor. There are many reports of activity in the house from seeing shadow people hearing voices and footsteps to the elevator going up and down between floors for no apparent reason. Elisabeth Lawrence Died 1940, William Lawrence Died 1922 both rare the primary spirits believed to still be in their old home. The Lawrence home is currently being used as a beautiful art gallery.
- Investigators present: John M., Sue M., Tim W.
- Outside Temperature: 34˚
- Humidity: 66%
- Winds: 5mph West
- Weather: Clear/Dry/Cold
- Inside Temperature: 66˚
- Humidity: 30%
- Air Particle Count: 68753 @ .3uf
- BaselineEMF: 4.4
Equipment Used
- Sony 8 mm W/Night shot and IR
- K2 meters
- Paracorder
- EMF Pumps
- Trigger Objects
- Trifled Meter (Natural)
- Mag Lights
- Air Particle Counter
- Motion Detectors
- Various Audio Recorders
- ES emf speaker w/IPod
7:30 pm – MCGH Team Arrived at the Lawrence House in Sarnia, Onterio and meet up with our friend Founder of Beyond Ghosts Canada and MCGH Associate Team Member Bert Richards who was sponsoring the investigation as a fund raiser for the Building. Bert gave a brie history of the home and then teams were dispatched to different areas of the home to investigate.
8:30 pm – We started our investigation in the basement receiving high EMF readings from the wiring. While Tim was asking for spirits to make contact our MEL ADD sounded frequency change. This happened a few times during the night as questions were being asked. The K2 also lit a few times to questions being asked by our team.
8:50 pm – The team moved to the Kitchen area which was located on the first floor. He we continued to try and contact members of the Lawrence Family. During this time Tim and Susan were sitting at the kitchen table while John was recording video. It is believed the we made contact with Mrs. Lawrence and her son during this time. Also once again John's MEL ADD Meter responded signaling a frequency change in the room during this contact time.
9:50 pm – We relocated to the lobby area located on the first floor to continue their investigation. Tim was sitting on the stairs and Susan and John sat at the kitchen table during this session. Not much activity happened during this time.
11:00 pm – We ended our investigation in the attic area where we believe that we made contact with a male servant possibly named Philip. We received K2 hits and also flashlight responses at this location. At one point Tim reported feeling a cold spot.Tim also believed he seen a shadow.
EVP's captured during investigation:
"Harder" EVP class b: As John and Tim are getting set up on the 1st floor a male voice whispers what sounds like "Harder" and then "No"
"HI" EVP class C: As John is introducing himself and others in the room a female voice can be heard whispering "Hi John"
"John…Help" EVP class C: Tim is heard asking if the spirit present could say their name. A voice whispers very quietly "John … help"
"Walnut" EVP class C: Tim can be heard asking the spirit present what his/her favorite type of wood is. As voice whispers very quietly "Walnut". Tim is then heard asking "Oak?" and John says "Walnut"
This Canadian landmark is very rich in history and still extremly active. It is the belief of MCGH that some members of the Lawrence Family and their staff still reside in the older majestic home.
We would once again like to thank our friend Beyond Ghosts Canada for the invitation and honor of investigating such an amazing building.


text:
AUD $2281total per person
Aurea Experience Balcony CabinBalcony cabins approximately from 17 sq.m to 42 sq.m.(* This size range includes both standard cabins and...
Aurea Experience Balcony Cabin - Category B3B3
AUD $2,281total per person
AUD $3761total per person
MSC Yacht Club - Deluxe SuiteDeluxe Suite approximately from 26 to 39 sq.m. with balcony Double bed which can be converted into two...
MSC Yacht Club Deluxe Suite - Category YC1YC1
AUD $3,761total per person
Aurea Experience Balcony Cabin
- Balcony cabins approximately from 17 sq.m to 42 sq.m.(* This size range includes both standard cabins and cabins for guests with disabilities or reduced mobility,which are larger. )
- Double bed that can be converted into two single beds (on request).
- Air conditioning, spacious wardrobe, bathroom with shower or tub, interactive TV, telephone, wireless internet access (for a fee), mini bar, safe.
Exclusive Aurea Experience
In addition to all the features of 'Bella' and 'Fantastica', our 'Aurea' fares offer a series of relaxing benefits for body and soul.
- Embark smoothly with priority boarding then relax in an elegant cabin where you'll find a set of free wellbeing products as well as a complimentary bathrobe and slippers. Dine at the time of your choice in a reserved area of the restaurant, enjoying 24-hour unlimited drinks.*
- Bask in the exclusivity of a private sun deck. Best of all, take advantage of a fantastic Spa package including a spa welcome cocktail, one massage of your choice from the spa menu, tanning shower, private wellness consultation and unrestricted use of the Thermal Area throughout your cruise (available only for adults). Set sail for pure relaxation.
* The drink package refers to Allegrissimo or More For Less (Starting from summer 2017 these packages will be re-named ALL-INCLUSIVE RESTAURANT & BAR DRINK PACKAGE and ALL-INCLUSIVE CLASSIC DRINK PACKAGE), following cruise destinations. Please refer to the Special Packages section for further details.
MSC Yacht Club - Deluxe Suite
- Deluxe Suite approximately from 26 to 39 sq.m. with balcony
- Double bed which can be converted into two single beds (on request).
- Air conditioning, ample wardrobe, bathroom with bathtub, interactive TV, telephone, wireless internet access (for a fee), mini bar, safe.
- Premium Internet Package*, up to 4 GB (depending on the length of the cruise)
- Lavishly fitted suites offering outstanding comfort located in the upper decks of the ship
- Dedicated exclusive Sun Deck with pool, whirlpool, solarium and bar
- 24 hours butler service and dedicated concierge
- Complimentary access to the Thermal Suite in the MSC Aurea SPA
- Unlimited drinks in all MSC Yacht Club areas including mini bar
- Entertainment activities for adults, infants and children
*Included for cruises starting from May 2020
Multiple Decks
Aurea Experience Balcony Cabin - Category B3
Multiple Decks
MSC Yacht Club Deluxe Suite - Category YC1
Please note: All prices featured are per person (unless otherwise stated), and include non commission fares (taxes, fees and port expenses). Prices and availability are subject to change due to changes made by the Cruise Companies. Prices quoted are based on payments made via BPAY or bank transfer. Visa and Mastercard payments incur a 1.5% transaction fee.
Day 1Rome (Civitavecchia) Depart: Sun, Oct 20, 2019 @ 19:00
Day 2Palermo
Arrive: Mon, Oct 21, 2019 @ 10:00
Depart: Mon, Oct 21, 2019 @ 18:00
Day 3Cagliari
Arrive: Tue, Oct 22, 2019 @ 09:00
Depart: Tue, Oct 22, 2019 @ 17:00
Day 4Palma De Mallorca
Arrive: Wed, Oct 23, 2019 @ 13:30
Depart: Wed, Oct 23, 2019 @ 23:59
Day 5Valencia
Arrive: Thu, Oct 24, 2019 @ 08:00
Depart: Thu, Oct 24, 2019 @ 16:00
Day 6Marseille
Arrive: Fri, Oct 25, 2019 @ 12:00
Depart: Fri, Oct 25, 2019 @ 20:00
Day 7Genoa
Arrive: Sat, Oct 26, 2019 @ 08:00
Depart: Sat, Oct 26, 2019 @ 18:00
Day 8Rome (Civitavecchia) Arrive: Sun, Oct 27, 2019 @ 07:00
Onboard experience
Bars and Lounges
The drinks list of The Golden Jazz Bar is inspired by jazz music: rare whiskies, cognac, aged grappa, the best brands of vodka and gin, and aged tequila.
Stage Shows
Kids Club
Ship info
Look out for MSC Cruises' new goddess of the seas. MSC Divina, named in honour of screen legend and MSC Cruises "godmother†Sophia Loren, will be christened in Marseille in May 2012. Modelled on her sister-ships, MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia, she features some remarkable enhancements.
The gorgeous Infinity Pool in the aft of the ship, with its "beach zone†adjoining the glass balustrade, offers a unique view of the ship's wake fading into the sunset. And if you're travelling in the expanded MSC Yacht Club, you can relax in style in the Top Sail Lounge.
Your cruise ship is your first and last destination each day. As well as a hotel, spa, sports club, shopping centre and entertainment complex, it should also be a place where you can enjoy a cosy coffee break, a quiet stroll or a romantic drink beneath the stars.
Does that sound too good to be true? Discover MSC Cruises' pioneering new generation of cruise ships, created together with MSC Cruises' award-winning partner, De Jorio Design International. On every vessel in MSC Cruises fleet, you'll find a unique and carefully crafted environment, a floating holiday destination to rival the best resorts in the world.
Experience the glamour of the past with all the comforts of the 21st century, thanks to the unique Italian style.
- Vessel: MSC Divina
- Year: 2012
- Casino : 1
- Crew: 1,388
- Gross Tonnage: 139,072 tons
- Onboard Currency: Euro
- Passenger Capacity: 4,345
- Total Cabins: 1,751
- 24 Hour Room Service
- All Main Meals Included
- Duty Free Shopping Area
- Infinity Pool
- Internet Facilities
- Kids Club
- Sports Arena
- Whirlpool Bath
MSC Divina - Deck Plans
Cruise code: DI20191020CVVCVV
7 Nights
Mediterranean Cruise
- Departing from Rome (Civitavecchia)
- MSC Divina
- Private ensuite
- Flat screen TV for in-cabin entertainment
- In cabin safe
- All main meals
- Musical stage shows and entertainment
- Special guest entertainers
- Latest release movies (in cabin and on big screen)
- Choice of Bars and Lounges
Frequently asked questions
Cruising is such a great value holiday as your fare includes accommodations, all main meals onboard ship, onboard daytime activities, and night-time entertainment including live stage shows. One reason cruising is good value is because you'll know what most of your holiday will cost before you go. Generally your only extra onboard expenses could be your beverages (though these are sometimes included on luxury ships), optional shore excursions, personal services such as spa treatments, and any purchases at the gift and duty free shops.
All your main meals are included on a cruise. Typically for breakfast, lunch and dinner there is an a la carte option (order from a menu) or a buffet option. There is so much choice available, and the food is excellent. However, your cruise doesn't always just include these 3 main meals. You can in fact eat non-stop for 24 hours a day if you like.
Most cruise lines also offer specialty dining as an alternative option to the main restaurants. There is typically a small cover charge for this. However, the food is well worth it, and the specialty restaurants are normally smaller and more intimate than the main restaurants so they make for a great place to celebrate a special occasion.
The entertainment on board comes in many different styles and formats but is always included in the cruise fare. In the evening there are shows in the main show lounge (except small ship cruising). Typically there are two sessions a night so, depending on your dinner time, you can always catch the show. The style of these shows changes daily. Some nights it will include all of the ship's entertainment crew with a Las Vegas style production. Other nights there may be a guest entertainer or comedian. There is something for everyone.
The entertainment doesn't stop with the nightly performances. Each night the ship provides a newsletter detailing all the activities that will take place the following day. These activities may include dance classes, arts and crafts, table tennis, live music, tournaments, trivia quizzes, recent release movies, and other deck games and deck parties. The great thing about a cruise is that you can do as much or as little as you like. If your idea of a holiday is sitting back with a good book, you can do that. If you like to be entertained there is no shortage of entertainment.
One of the main reasons for a cruise making such a great family holiday is the "kids club" facilities offered on board, and they are all included in your cruise fare. Typically the kids clubs are broken into 3 different age groups - 3 to 6 years, 7 to 12 years, and 13 – 17 years. In these dedicated children's facilities they are looked after by trained staff and the facilities are open from 9am – 10pm. Parents can check their children into the "kids club" whenever it suits them. Children love these facilities as it is "their space" aboard the ship.
NB Each cruise line has limited space on board the ship for children as the kids club facilities can cater for a limited number of children, and any child booked onto a cruise has access to the kids club. If you are planning on taking a cruise during the school holidays then you need to book early as the children's space will sell out. Also, while most cruise lines have kids club facilities there are some exceptions (not common) so you should check this at time of booking.
The chances are you will not get seasick. On a cruise most people do not suffer from motion sickness. However, if you are going to get seasick then it is likely to happen in the first 24 hours. If you limit the amount of alcohol you consume and activities you do in the first 24 hours you can reduce the chance of this happening. Another thing you can do is select a midship cabin on a lower deck. A cabin in the middle of the ship (midship) will experience the least amount of movement.
There are a number of other precautions/medications you can take, and these can be purchased before you travel at a pharmacy or health shop. Otherwise you can buy them on board.
The best thing you can do if you feel seasick is visit the ship's doctor. They can give you an injection that will give you relief from your seasickness within 30 minutes. You have planned and saved for your holiday, don't ruin it by feeling sick. Visit the doctor for the injection and get it treated straight away. If you have travel insurance then you can claim this back.
IMPORTANT: A visit to the doctor on board will cost you money so we strongly recommend you get travel insurance before you depart on your holiday.
Terms and conditions for this cruise
Frequently Asked Questions
Shore excursions are pre-organised tours & sightseeing options that you purchase on board for when your ship is in a port of call. Every ship has a "Shore Ex" desk with qualified staff who can advise you of different excursions available, what's best to do and generally help you with information on the particular region your ship is visiting.
Shore excursions can be booked on board your ship however some cruise lines allow you to pre-book and pay for excursions online. If there is a tour you really want to do then we recommend you pre-book it as popular tours do sell out.
Shore excursions are not compulsory, you are free to go ashore and return to the ship as many times as you like.
When you go ashore it is important to note:
You must take your cruise I.D. card (ticket) as proof for re-embarking.
The city or town you are visiting may not be close to the port where the ship is docked, cruise lines normally organise shuttle buses (at a minimal charge) throughout the day to and from the city centre.
You must return to the ship at the stipulated time as the ship WILL NOT wait for late passengers.
Tour costs vary depending on the activity, itinerary and inclusions. There is always a wide variety on offer for all age groups and abilities that can start from as little as $25.
Sometimes you can book your tour, when you arrive at your port, direct from the operator at a much cheaper price. However, this comes with a buyer beware warning. The operators used by the cruise line are trusted professionals so you will not be ripped off. Also, if something goes wrong on your tour, the cruise line knows where you are and will take the necessary steps to pick you up if your vehicle has broken down. In extreme cases they will even hold the ship's departure for you if you are late returning from a tour booked through the ship. They will not wait if you go direct through the operator, as they will not know where you are.
Unlike airlines, there are no luggage restrictions on a cruise. However you need to consider that you need to store it in your cabin for your holiday. There is plenty of storage space in your cabin but if you are travelling in a quad cabin you may want to impose your own restrictions.
NB It is important to remember that airlines have different luggage restrictions, so if you are flying either pre or post cruise then you may want to keep within their allowances.
Cruise lines around the world do not all operate using the same onboard currency. The currency varies from cruise line to cruise line with the most common currency being US dollars. P&O Cruises Australia, Carnival Spirit and the Sun and Dawn Princess all use Australian dollars as their onboard currency.
Cruising is a cashless society which means when you purchase anything on board you do not pay for it in cash. When you board the ship it is like checking into a hotel, you can either give a credit card imprint or the cruise line will take a cash deposit of approximately $300. You are then given a "cruise card". Your cruise card is your door key (on most ships), has your dinner table number on it (for traditional dining), and it is used for making any purchases aboard.
When you make a purchase with your cruise card, it is swiped and a receipt is printed that you will need to sign. The cost of the purchase is then added to your onboard account which you settle at the end of your cruise.
Many cruises on our websites come with onboard credits. This could be from a special promotion that is being run by the cruise line or because of the relationship we have with the cruise lines that allows us to select certain cruises to receive onboard credit. The amount of onboard credit does normally depend on the length of the cruise.
If your reservation receives onboard credit we will confirm this with you in writing and then your onboard account will automatically be in credit for the amount we have confirmed to you. This credit can be used towards any onboard expenditure that is charged back to your cabin. It is important to note that if you do not spend all of your onboard credit it will not be refunded to you in cash so it is best you spend it all while on board.
Tipping/gratuities are a big issue for a lot of Australasian cruise passengers as it is not our custom to reward good service in this way. What cruise passengers need to consider is that outside of Australasia, the remuneration for personnel in the service industry is quite low. Hence, to keep up a high standard, employees have the incentive of earning additional income via the tips they receive. At the end of the day, how much you tip is up to you.
The most common way cruise lines suggest tipping, is that they add a suggested amount to your daily onboard account. You can choose to keep that on your account or you can ask the purser to remove it. This suggested amount is divided out amongst your cabin steward, your dinner waiter, your assistant waiter, your wine steward, and maitre d'.
Some cruise lines ask passengers to wait until the end of the cruise and they discreetly leave an envelope in your cabin in which to place the appropriate amount. Some cruise lines state that the fare you have paid includes gratuities. Some cruise lines ask that you pre-pay the gratuities with your cruise fare prior to your holiday departure.
Again, the amount you tip is up to you (unless it is prepaid) and it isn't intended to have a negative impact on your holiday. Do what feels most comfortable to you.
The rules surrounding where you can smoke on board a cruise ship vary from cruise line to cruise line. However, none have taken steps to ban smoking completely. Most only allow smoking in designated areas on the open decks. Many have banned smoking on cabin balconies as this poses a fire risk.
Many cruise lines have rules restricting you from taking your own alcohol on board your cruise ship. If you have pre purchased duty free alcohol the ship will take it off you when you board and store it away for you. This alcohol will be delivered to your cabin the night before you disembark. The same applies if you purchase it when you are in port. Any purchases made on board will also be delivered the night before you disembark.
However, Princess Cruises will allow you to bring a bottle of wine aboard which you can drink at dinner or in your cabin.
These restrictions were put in place to create a safer environment on board your cruise ship, where people drink within a controlled drinking environment.
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MP3's Family Roots | Discs One & Two | Still Smokin'! & Extended Stay (DOUBLE DISC)
MP3's Family Roots | Discs One & Two | Still Smokin'! & Extended Stay (DOUBLE DISC)
Thank you to my wonderful family, for supporting this project and helping it come to life, especially my Father, Victor Wainwright Sr. (Executive Producer), for having the vision and passion to capture our family on record together and then getting this record out to all of you, for everyone to enjoy. I have the best father in the world. Thank you, Dad. I love you! I would also like to thank: My Grandfather Jesse Wainwright (For his support and love, and for still giving me piano and voice lessons in every single way), My Mother & Sister (For their love and never ending support), My Road Band and musical family (Nick Black, Billy Dean, Will Hanlon), Dawn Hopkins, Josh Roberts, Reba Russell, Greg Gumpel, Rick Jones (Rick Jones Pianos), and Chris Sabie. THANK YOU!
Track Lists:
Still Smokin'!
1. Jesse Wainwright Intro
2. Got Me Runnin'
3. Lonesome 77203
4. Help Me Make It Through the Night
5. Invitation to the Blues
6. Four Hand Boogie #1
7. Nightlife
8. Sweet Little Sixteen
9. Am I Losing You
11. Trouble In Mind
12. Rockin' My Life Away
13. For the Good Times
Extended Stay
1. Buzz Me
2. Minnie the Moocher
3. Bo Diddley
4. Get Behind the Mule
5.Wine Spodie Odie
6. Rubies & Diamonds
7. Gospel Medley
8. Same Old Blues (Live from the 2013 BMAs)
Includes PDF Album Artwork
Digital Download MP3 Format


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Movie Talk: Maleficent10:00 AM
Salam and hello!
Last two weeks me and my family went to GSC Bintang Megamall to watch this movie - I have been bugging my mum to go watch it and when my siblings are back for holidays we finally went! Heheh :p
In case you are wondering here's is the summary of the movie:
From Disney comes "Maleficent"—the untold story of Disney's most iconic villain from the 1959 classic "Sleeping Beauty." A beautiful, pure-hearted young woman, Maleficent has an idyllic life growing up in a peaceable forest kingdom, until one day when an invading army threatens the harmony of the land. Maleficent rises to be the land's fiercest protector, but she ultimately suffers a ruthless betrayal—an act that begins to turn her pure heart to stone. Bent on revenge, Maleficent faces an epic battle with the invading king's successor and, as a result, places a curse upon his newborn infant Aurora. As the child grows, Maleficent realizes that Aurora holds the key to peace in the kingdom—and perhaps to Maleficent's true happiness as well.
Bloobs Blurbs says:
- Did not expect the twist to be like this as much! Love love love the movie effects and all~ so pretty :3 The story for me is half expected as the original ones, but you will be fooled for sure at some part. Hehehe.
I don't know about you, but I am not a fussy person on movies unless it is really bad or boring. So far this isn't :D I don't want to spoil a lot, you have to watch it yourselves!
Til then blurbers :)


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The association management industry started at the turn of the century. During the past 112 years, more than 600 companies worldwide managed association budgets ranging from $50K to $16M. This collectively represents over 3 million association members.
Hawaii's association industry started on Oahu's North Shore in 1960. Since then, nearly 1,800 associations have been developed throughout the state. Hawaii's association laws evolved from East Coast, Florida and California homeowner association statutes.
H U A K A I Management is Hawaii's newest and most technologically advanced management company.
With over 30 years in the business, H U A K A I's managing principal has more industry experience than the presidents of 98% of Oahu's property management companies. Experience makes the difference when it comes to fresh innovative management solutions to old lingering problems.
© 2003-2019 Powered by Buildium® Online Property Management All rights reserved.


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Help Desk Specialist
Offered at the Following Campuses
Program Overview
The Help Desk Specialist program teaches how to maintain and troubleshoot computer hardware and software and be a support person to handle calls from customers.
The standard curriculum for the Help Desk Specialist certificate program is designed for the semester system. Students may enter the program any semester. The Help Desk Specialist certificate program can be completed within 2-3 semesters. To graduate, students must earn a minimum of 26 credit hours.
*Approved Electives: COMP 1000, CIST 1130, CIST 1305, CIST 2126, CIST 2127, CIST 2128, CIST 2129, CIST 2120, CIST 2411, CIST 2412, CIST 2413, CIST 2414, CIST 2452, CIST 2453, CIST 2454, CIST 1510, CIST 1530, CIST 1540, CIST 2510, CIST 2991
Entrance Requirements
- Submit a completed application;
- Be at least 16 years of age;
- Submit official high school/high school equivalent transcripts;
- Submit official college transcripts, if applicable;
- Satisfy Placement Testing requirements.
- This link found at: http://www.southeasterntech.edu/admissions/placement-testing.php
Course Overview
(Prerequisites: None) This course provides an overview of modern operating systems and their use in home and small business environments. Activities will utilize the graphical user interface (GUI) and command line environment (CLI). Topics include using the modern virtual operating systems and cloud environments.
(Prerequisites: Program Admission) This course provides students with classroom and laboratory experience in current and emerging network technology. Topics include basic network concepts, basic network device configuration, network protocols and models, network access, Ethernet and access control, end to end communications, IPv4 and IPv6 addressing and subnetting, fundamental application services, security, and network performance.
This course introduces the fundamental concepts, terminology, and operations necessary to use computers. Emphasis is placed on basic functions and familiarity with computer use. Topics include introductions to computer and digital terminology and usage, operating systems, Internet and digital communication, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, database applications, and presentation applications.


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Being from NC makes me a little partial to the way things 'ought to be...but even the hills and weather cooperated to welcome a man back to the earth and then to heaven. Our family was there today, in those beautiful mountains with smoke on the tips, and rain clouds hovering, billowing and puffing up like sails just waiting until the funeral was over.
There's something about a North Carolina funeral that makes you feel like all will be right with the world even if the world doesn't feel right, right now. We said good bye to a good man today. He was a handsome, loving, generous family man who loved a wife and his children the way that storybooks have to write it for us to believe it is real. It hurts. So much...and we'll miss him but God knows he had a NC send off that would make other states jealous.
But it wasn't the beautiful sermon, or the flowers, or the goosebumps raised from his grandchildren singing Amazing Grace. It wasn't the home cooked meal or the full church of well wishers. It wasn't the full military honors complete with Navy men in white folding a flag or the 21 gun salute. No, what made this NC send off memorable, was something so simple, so understated that had you not been paying attention, you might have missed it.
As the funeral procession left the church and reached the bypass heading to the cemetery, we watched a 1/4 mile of road construction workers stop, remove their hard hats and stand stoically by the side of the highway until we passed.
That, my friends, is a North Carolina send off.
Rest In Peace Lawrence. Say hi to Mary Lou.
We love you.


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How To Start Running | City Fit Girls Running 101
By Takia McClendon
Running. All of your friends are doing it. All of your co-workers are talking about it. You can't walk from the subway to the office without seeing someone zooming past you and even though it looks dreadful, you're intrigued. Maybe it's officially time for you to become a runner...but what does that mean? How can you start running? Are you thinking about running a 5k or a marathon? Do you want to run on the treadmill, the beach or through the trails? Do you have the right socks, shoes, gear, etc? Although this may seem intimidating, it doesn't have to be! We created City Fit Girls Run Club for women --- all over the country --- who want to take a shot at running but may not be sure where to start. Although this postmay seem a little lengthy, we recommend you read it in it's entirety to help you get started. Let's begin....
1. Getting Started: You want to start running, now what? Let's start by discussing what it means to "become a runner". This guide is by no means designed for intermediate or experienced runners. This guide is for City Fit Girls who are on the fence about taking their first few laps around the block or for runners interested in running their first organized race.
Set a Goal: It's ok to set short term and long term goals. An example of a short term goal may be to run 1 mile without stopping while an example of a long term goal is to run a 10k or half-marathon. Whatever you choose, make sure your goals are attainable. Setting the bar too high too early could lead to trouble.
Your Pace, Your Race: Whether you're running your first race or hitting your local trail, you'll notice runners going much faster than you. Trust us, there's no way to avoid this. Great thing none of those people will have an impact on YOUR running. With practice and strength training, you'll increase speed over time. For now, imagine all the other runners in their underwear and focus on accomplishing your goal.
Get access to our free 5k & half-marathon training program by signing up here.
Getting started will require you to get the right gear. We don't anticipate you to drop $500 for your first 3 mile run, but there are a few things that you have to do before you start taking this running thing seriously.
2. The Right Gear: The run specialty store can be a scary place. With hundreds of gadgets, shoes and apparel to choose from, it's easy to feel defeated before you even hit the road in a new pair of running shoes. Before you go crazy, make sure you cover the essentials:
Running Shoes: No matter what anyone tells you, you need a pair of running shoes if you plan to do long distance running. We won't budge on this one. Running shoes come with a hefty price tag, usually around $120, but this is an expense that you DON'T want to bargain shop for (unless you have to). There are many different types of running shoes to choose from. Reading the shoe guide in Runner's World may help you learn what's out there but don't let it be your deciding factor. Head to your local running store (or sporting goods store that specializes in running) to have an expert analyze your gait and recommend a great pair of shoes for YOU (not the shoes that works well for your best friend).
Key Tips: The average shoe lasts about 300-500 miles or 6 months so you may need to replace your shoes two times/year to prevent injury (more on that later)
Do socks really matter? Yea, they do. Buying a good pair of shoes and not getting good socks is like buying a Lexus and filling the tank up with olive oil. Probably not a good idea. Running socks should be 100% moisture wicking - meaning that moisture from sweat will wick away and prevent blistering and chaffing.
Treat yourself - A good sports bra and BodyGlide: Add another $65 to your budget and grab yourself a good sports bra. Our favorite brand is Moving Comfort. Be sure to get a "high impact" bra. We love Nike Pro Bras as much as the next girl but save them for cross training days - yoga, CrossFit and spin class - or really short/easy runs. If you experience chaffing, skin peeling/rubbing during your runs or workout, you'll want to give BodyGlide a try.
Eventually, you'll want to buy a moisture wicking shirt and bottom to keep your running clothes from sticking to and rubbing against your body. Here are a few of our favorite brands:
New Balance: Not just awesome running shoes, but awesome running apparel. Cute gear designed for the millennial woman
Oiselle: Super cute running and fitness clothing for women
Athleta: A little pricey, but worth it. Think yoga meets Gap (literally, that's what it is)
Nike Women: When it comes to apparel, Nike has the most selection/variety to accommodate ALL of your fitness needs.
Nathan Sports: Not really an apparel line, but Nathan Sports is your go-to place for hydration, safety lights, and cases.
Once you have your gear, it's really time to get rolling. You've already set a goal, now it's time to train towards it.
3. Choosing The Right Training Program: A common mistake that many new runners make is increasing milage too quickly. Relax, this isn't the olympic trials. Your training program should increase mileage gradually, allow ample time to rest, and include strength building workouts in your routine.
Which program is right for me? It's completely up to you! Our favorites are listed here:
We teamed up with Coach Marcy Gialdo to create an all-levels 5k and half-marathon training program. Get access to our programs by signing up here.
Couch-To-5k: This two month program will lead you from couch potato to 5k runner in two months. Find out more here.
Hal Higdon Training Programs: For those looking to go beyond beginner's level Couch-To-5k, check out Hal Higdon's training programs.
Cross-training is VERY important: If you're just getting started, check out this link: Strength Training for New Runners (Runners World)
Switch it up: Not only will you want to switch up your activities by adding other workouts to your training program, you'll want to switch up your running route. Running doesn't have to be boring. Use Map My Run to find local running routes to keep your training fresh.
Eat The Right Food: There's a diet for everyone. Be sure to consult with your doctor before trying any new diet program. Nutrient-rich foods are very important for building strength and refueling/recovering after your run.
If you don't remember anything else, remember this: carbohydrates, protein and fats fuel your run!
Recover, recover, recover: Your body needs rest! Be sure to take it easy a few days each week.
4. Common running injuries: Although we'd love to impress you with a few technical injury terms, we'll try to keep these as simple as possible.
Shin splints - Can be caused by overpronation, inadequate stretching, worn shoes, or excessive stress placed on one leg or one hip. It involves shin pain and can be eased with icing, rest, and getting the right shoes.
Plantar facetious - caused by drastic or sudden increases in mileage, poor foot structure, and/or inappropriate running shoes.
Runner's knee - Is your knee killing you? It may be runner's knee. To prevent runner's knee, run on softer surfaces, keep mileage increases less than 10 percent per week, and gradually increase hill work in your program.
Other things that we don't classify as "injuries" but still suck: blistering, chaffing, and losing toenails.
Interested in learning more about common running injuries, check out these FREE resources:
Runner's World: Injury Guide
Athletes Treating Athletes: (Our favorite) A database for common run injuries, how to recognize them and how to treat them.
Let's recap: We covered a lot of material in this post. Here's a recap of what you need to know to get started - 1. Get a pair of great running shoes, 2. Eat a balanced, nutrient-dense diet to fuel your runs and 3. Follow a training program to help you become a better runner.
Add Confidence: Don't be so hard on yourself. You ARE a runner. Don't be afraid to join a run group, sign up for your first race or increase your mileage - slowly (see above). If you're looking for a Run Club, ask us how to start a City Fit Girls Run Club in your area! City Fit Girls Run Club is an all-levels group for runners of all paces!
Like this article? Get more posts, resources and training tips delivered to your inbox every Monday morning. Sign up here.


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The Fellowship of Christian Athletes engages coaches and athletes to grow in their faith and sport.
The 2017 Jim Sundberg FCA Golf Classic was a great success, raising a record amount of support for DFW FCA! Thank you to our sponsors and all who participated including our special guest, TCU Coach Jim Schlossnagle and Q&A Host, Talmage Boston.
And congratulations to the following top teams who will advance to the FCA Championship Playoff to compete with the top teams from the Tom Landry Open on November 8th at Trinity Forest!
1st place:Angel BazanNathan SchneiderAdam SmithScott Adams
2nd place:Will ClarkSarah KisnerScott KisnerFred Maldonado
3rd place:Travis MeasleyMike KaighanCraig RosengardenDave Schmertz
Top Low Gross:Kevin EvansBrenden PalmerKeith KirklandBJ Warren
See you next year!
© Copyright 2019, Greater Dallas/Ft. Worth FCA. All Rights Reserved. Login. Site Map.


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Biological control of Australian acacias
John Hoffman- University of Cape Town
Biological control is being used against 13 species of invasive Australian acacias in South Africa with agents compromising two gall midges (Cecidomyiidae), two gall wasps( Pteromalidae), several seed beetles (Curculionidae) and a rust fungus (Basidiomycetes).
The fungus is the only agent that damages the whole plant. The insects are all associated with the flowers and seeds on the plants.
It is 40 years since the first agent was released, the bud gall wasp Trichilogaster acaciaelongifoliae on Long-leaved wattle (Acacia longifolia).
For more information see the fact sheets below: