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Jairet Crum
Mental Health
Public Speaking Anxiety
It's not just you. Presentation anxiety stems from one of Americans' most common fears — fear of public speaking. But you have decided that it's a hurdle you are ready to jump.
You don't want clients (or potential ones) losing confidence in you because of your inability to deliver a concise and clear presentation. Less sales means less money for you and your company.
That's why it's essential to give yourself the tools and knowledge to reduce and control presentation anxiety before your hard work falls flat.
No matter the setting, you want to deliver a great presentation that leaves clients craving more of whatever you're talking about — and, hopefully, whatever you're selling.
These five tips are designed to put you in control and help you deliver with confidence before you step to the front of the room.
Practice does not make you inauthentic or robotic
Public speaking coach Ellen Finkelstein says that you've only got to hit three main points in your introduction to grab your audience's attention:
Who are you?
What are you talking about?
Why is the topic important?
Finkelstein recommends writing out each answer, then revising, and practicing your delivery repeated. Off-the-cuff introductions can leave questions of what to say bouncing in your head at a moment when your trying to make a good impression. It's best not to leave decisions for the last minute.
Chief executive of communication training provider Communispond, Bill Rosenthal, says rigorous practice will make you a more confident presenter than a inauthentic one. Ever heard of an expert that practiced too much?
From sports to art, seasoned pros are the ones that improvise the best, making the most difficult actions look easily executed. Without practice, you can kiss that level of dominance goodbye.
Make Your Thoughts Your Allies
You're likely to think you will give a bad presentation instead of the value your audience will get, which only causes further anxiety. But you have the power to direct your thoughts.
Positive reinforcement and visualization are two ways to control the direction those thoughts go.
Communication coach Cher Gunderson explains that positive reinforcement is one of the best mindset shifts you can take on. When start having thoughts that don't support your success, reframe them to ones that do.
This goes along with visualization techniques that many sales gurus teach — visualize yourself nailing your presentation, or making the sale. Research shows that visualizing an action increases your ability to do it.
Aside from supporting yourself with positive reinforcement, visualizing the outcome that you want from your presentation can help manifest it.
Imagine hearing applause or receiving congrats and thanks yous at the end of your presentation or pitch. These positive images help manifest a positive attitude, which will come out during your presentation. Similarly, if thoughts of worry and fear of failure fill your head, it'll show.
Studies have shown that visualizing an activity can have the same effect as real-life practice. Moreover, if you visualize and practice in real life, the effect is compounding.
Know When To Lean On Support
In moments of anxiety, wouldn't it be nice if you had your own personal therapist during moments of distress? You could review your issue without having to book an hour, wait for the day, find parking, and deal with any of the other hassles of a trip to a therapist.
Well, now you can. Youper is an emotional health assistant you can use to analyze your thoughts and anchor them in reality and facts, not false expectations.
The app uses science-based therapies, like CBT, ACT, and Mindfulness, to support you with an interactive AI-emotional health assistant. The assistant is always learning from you, and customized your therapy sessions to fit your personal needs.
In just a few minutes, a micro-therapy session provides you healthy perspective about your mood, trigger situations, and thoughts. Users report that the tool is just like interacting with a therapist.
Show up a little early
Unfamiliar locations can make you more susceptible to anxiety. If you know this is an issue that affects you, then it's critical to get comfortable with the location before your delivery. You will feel more comfortable because the initial tension of being in a new place evaporates.
If possible, take some time to sit and observe the space, walk around, pay attention to the layout of the room, and look for things that could potentially distract you.
Are there things on the walls? Are the walls made of glass, allowing you to see passersby circulating outside the room? Think about things that distract you while your presenting and look out for red flags. Knowing these distractions are there is better than finding out at the moment all eyes are on you.
Remind Yourself Fear Is Normal
Fear is normal and helps us avoid danger. That's great! But is giving a presentation dangerous? While that might be debatable, it's definitely not life threatening.
As I've said before, fear of public speaking is high on the list of Americans most common fears. Giving a presentation puts you in a vulnerable position where you can be judged, which is another thing humans are not comfortable with.
Remember that everyone feels anxious before they present, and you feel this way because the presentation is important to you. The more a person practices and delivers presentations, the more comfortable they become.
The same goes for you; the more you do it, the better and more confident you'll become.
BONUS: Support Yourself With Substances
It's important to make sure you get enough water and air before a presentation (what kind of substances did you think I meant?).
Keeping yourself hydrated during a presentation is important because dehydration can trigger anxiety symptoms. Grab a bottle or get a cup before your presentation starts. Don't be afraid to pause and take a sip of water during your delivery, it gives you a moment to pause and reset if you notice yourself rushing.
When you get anxious, your breathing speeds up. Breathing calms anxiety by guiding you back to a slower rhythm, calming you down in the process. For those that find it difficult to focus on their breathing, a guided exercise with audio or a visual guide will help you focus on your breath through an entire cycle.
Research indicates that breathing exercises are an effective way to lower anxiety levels.
Nail Your Next Presentation
Overcome the obstacles that get in the way of your goals and achievements is as simple as arming yourself with the right tools, methods, and tactics. If anxiety about a presentation or public speaking engagement is weighing on you, it's essential to take the necessary steps to facilitate your success.
Your career is important to you, which means so is being effective and efficient in your work. Lost sales and unimpressed clients are potential consequences of not taking the reins of the difficulties you face with presentation anxiety.
The above tips are proven to help reduce anxiety and increase confidence before you need to deliver a presentation. Next time you are looking down the barrel of a public speaking engagement, reach for these tried and true tips to decrease anxiety and ensure you don't miss an opportunity for growth.
Greg Bianchi
Fitness Tips
How to create a workout plan for work travel
Work and personal travel disrupts our routines throughout the year. I've written thousands of workouts that have gone ignored due to unplanned meetings, dinners, cocktail parties, hangovers, delayed flights, etc. Working out is one of the best ways to be kind to yourself and your body. All it takes is a plan. Listed below are 5 successful travel workout tips.
Find the love - do exercises that you love. You know what you like to do. Plan out a routine that you like.
Go fast and hard with the exercises you choose to do. 10 burpees per minute for 10 minutes will get you breaking a sweat!
Reward yourself! Reward yourself with a treat. Motivational treats may be enough of an incentive to stick with your routine. I love to indulge after a tough sweat. Sometimes the thought of a big lunch is enough of a perk for me to get through the workout.
Schedule your workout! Pencil in 20 minutes or an hour, set the time for you. Remind yourself why it's important. What is important to me is how good I feel once I complete a workout. I am worth the workout! Plan accordingly making the time for you.
Make your workout an adventure. Travel for work or play is an opportunity to explore. Mapping out a walk or a run, dropping-in to an outdoor fitness class or running group, or walking to your meetings are good exploring options while in a new city. For example, near the SFO, the Bay Trail is a good paved pathway along the SF Bay waterfront that also connects several hotels and restaurants.
A quick recap to create your travel workout plan. 1. Find the love. 2. Go hard. 3. Incentivize 4. Schedule 5. Adventure. If you desire a prescribed workout plan, I would love to write one up for you as well. What do you love to do?


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Ronald Summers
Ronald Summers
Executive Director, Palmetto Agribusiness Council
Ronald L. Summers presently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Palmetto AgiBusiness Council (PABC) after retiring at the end of 2016 with over 35 years of service with AgSouth Farm Credit. His education includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from Clemson University. He has served in his current PABC role since January 1, 2017. His over 35 years within Farm Credit included roles as a loan officer, branch manager, credit manager and manager of the commercial lending unit of Edisto Farm Credit and its successor, Palmetto Farm Credit. At the time of his retirement from AgSouth, Summers served as its South Carolina Regional President, a role he held for 13 years.
Mr. Summer's educational background after graduation from Clemson includes graduating from the Georgia Southern Agribusiness School, the University of South Carolina Banking School and three years participation in the National Farm Credit Leadership Development program where he served for two years on the task force preparing the curriculum. He also participated in numerous other professional training programs relating to finance and leadership over the years.
A native of the Branchville area of South Carolina, Mr. Summers grew up on his parent's part-time farm and working with both of his grandfathers. He still resides on the farm where he assists on an "as needed basis" with the family's small beef cattle herd, hay crop, pasture and timberland. Ronnie's wife of 37 years, Lanee, is also a native of this area of SC. The Summers have two children, Ashley (Adam) Murray 30 and Cullen 26, and one grandchild, Anaston Murray 5. Mr. Summers is a member of Mt. Tabor Baptist Church, the Fellowship of Christian Farmers and the Gideons International. He previously served on the board of the Palmetto Agribusiness Council and is a former chairman of the board. He currently serves as president of the SC Advocates for Agriculture, on the SC 4H Foundation, SC Fix Our Roads, Center of Heirs Property Preservation, and CAFLS Alumni boards of directors, and on the advisory boards for the Rural Resource Coalition, Clemson Timberland Legacy Program, Palmetto Green and South Carolina State University Business School. He is a former board member of the SC Forestry Association, SC Cooperative Council and the SC Poultry Federation. For numerous years, this staff member has been actively involved in the Colleton Investment Association and Colleton Realty, LLC of which he is a charter member and has served in officer roles. Ronnie enjoys traveling, playing golf, boating, hunting and fishing when his schedule will allow.

subset: commoncrawl


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This section features lots of ideas for FREE family days out and walks across North East England. I am always looking for recommendations from other parents and if you're reading this and would like to add your own review, please get in touch and I'll talk you through the process. You don't need any experience! Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
North East Attractions with FREE entry
- 20 FREE Days Out in Northumberland
- 10 FREE Days Out in NewcastleGateshead
- Great North Museum, Newcastle
- Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle
- Arbeia Roman Fort
- The Word, South Shields
- The National Railway Museum, Shildon
- Angel of the North
- A Guide to Visiting Every Castle in Northumberland
The Best Parks & Play Areas across North East England
- Free outdoor activities & classes with Park Lives
- Shiremoor Adventure Playground
- Ridley Park and Water Play Area, Blyth
- A Guide to Outdoor Paddling Pools & Splash Pads across North East England
- Richardson Dees Park
- Whitley Bay Park
- Exhibition Park & Railway
- Saltwell Park
FREE North East Farms/Animal Corners
North East Family Walks & Country Parks
- Geocaching for beginners
- 11 Woodland Walks to try across North East England
- Derwent Park Country Park Free Sculpture Trail
- Junior Park Run at Exhibition Park
- 10 Picnic Spots in Newcastle
- A Selection of the Best North East Dog Walks
- Druridge Bay Country Park
- Rising Sun Country Park
- Hardwick Park
- A circular walk around Durham riverside
- Newcastle Upon Tyne Walking Tour with Honestly Helen
- Auckland Castle Walk
- The Big Spoon Cramlington
- Barnes Park, Sunderland
- Mowbray Park, Sunderland
- Herrington Country Park, Sunderland
- Plessey Woods FREE Arts Trail
- The Stickman Trail at Hamsterley Forest
- Gruffalo Spotting at Kielder
- Northumberlandia, Cramlington
- Warden Hill Circluar Walk
- Fiddlers Green, Tynemouth
- Hareshaw Linn Waterfall
- Causey Arch, Durham
FREE North East Events


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Registration is Closed
BBI Autosport in conjunction with Speed District will be hosting an event at Buttonwillow Raceway on Friday– Feb 8, 2019. Limited spots available so get signed up now!
What do you get?
Reserved pit area with BBI Autosport, park with like minded enthusiasts and other BBI customers.
Track side support. Have questions about tire pressures? Suspension set up? The fastest line around the track? We are here to help!
Sign up for in car instruction. (additional fees apply)
Free in class sessions to discuss things like, Safety, safety equipment, vehicle maintenance, on track awareness, licensing for local club racing programs.
7-8 sessions of track time separated into 3 run groups. (Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced).
Personalized photo CD provided for all registered drivers.
For any additional questions, please email email@example.com


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DES MOINES, Iowa -- At least one Iowa man thinking he's getting health insurance has fallen victim to what the Federal Trade Commission calls a "deceptive scheme".
According to the FTC, a Florida operation called Simple Health Plans LLC was temporarily halted by a judge on their behalf. The group allegedly collected more than 100 million dollars in health insurance plans that effectively left patients uninsured.
A Clarion man has filed a complaint with the Consumer Protection Division of the Attorney General's Office.
According to the complaint, he started a health insurance plan with the company for $352 dollars a month in December, but when he tried to cancel, no one would pick up or return his calls. The AG's office forwarded the case to the Iowa Insurance Division.
"What I would ask consumers to do, is if they have purchased an insurance product through Simple Health LLC is contact our insurance division because we'd be pretty interested in the details of that transaction" said Bureau Chief Jared Kirby.
Simple Health LLC allegedly brought in consumers through fake websites like trumpcarequotes.com and simplemedicareplans.com.
If you think you've been scammed, you can contact the insurance division at 515-810-5705.
The division also says you can check if an insurance provider is accredited in Iowa through their website.


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Let's Be Real Change & Growth Is Tough & Kinda Scary
So we have a pretty big construction project coming to a close here at the agency. I know it seems like we just finished our last project well...because we did :). Ha! Last year one tenant in our building moved out so we rearranged our current tenants around which opened up some space for us. We spent time and money creating this new space and opening up areas that were once closed in. We also now have two separate dedicated areas...a conference room and break room space. See my past blogs for more info.
Even with this change it still left us with a vacancy. After several months without any leads and lowering the price of the rent we decided we would take over the space. In all honestly why didn't we think of this sooner #changeistough! BIG step well HUGE step for us. This would mean more expense and less rental income for the building and us. It would also mean that our sales team including Will would have their own space all together instead of being spread out in our current condition.
This is just straight up rad for them. I'm super stoked because I think being all together they can all work as a team. It gives everyone easier access to their mentors as well! They can listen and learn from one another and Will is right there not down the hall and farther away from them. This new space also has room for us to grow and add additional sales staff. That was something that worried me because I know what our 5 year plan is and so does Will and I wasn't sure where we would put people. You can't have your sales team sitting on top of one another in a space that's too small. It's just not cool!
So we put in a door from the break room into the new space with a pocket door and wide open spaces! Seriously though as soon as we opened up this space I could feel the spirit of the Dixie Chicks "Wide Open Spaces" take hold as we walked into the new sales team space. Will's office is just off that space with his own pocket door!
On a side note pocket doors is where it's at! I love them!! They are such a great space saver and at least ours our beautiful. They look amazing and then they tuck quietly away when we don't need them! It's just flat out a major win for the remodel! I think if I could I would have pocket doors everywhere! Watch out regular doors the pocket doors are taking over.
Sorry about the tangent this space is super large so Chris Cook and Justin Madar now have more space to stretch out a bit more then what they had before in the back of the office.
We for sure have everyone moved in and we still have to install some storage for Chris and Justin but for being less than a week into their new space I think we are doing pretty well :). If you're in the area come on over and stop in and see the redesigned spaces! We'd love to have you! #mllins


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EVT_WDFDEVICE_WDM_IRP_DISPATCH callback function
[Applies to KMDF and UMDF]
A driver's EvtDeviceWdmIrpDispatch event callback function receives an IRP before the framework processes the IRP.
EVT_WDFDEVICE_WDM_IRP_DISPATCH EvtWdfdeviceWdmIrpDispatch;
NTSTATUS EvtWdfdeviceWdmIrpDispatch(
WDFDEVICE Device,
UCHAR MajorFunction,
UCHAR MinorFunction,
ULONG Code,
WDFCONTEXT DriverContext,
PIRP Irp,
WDFCONTEXT DispatchContext
A handle to a framework device object.
One of the IRP major function codes that are defined in wdm.h.
One of the I/O IRP minor function codes that are defined in wdm.h for the MajorFunction code.
Specifies an I/O control code value. This parameter is valid only if MajorFunction is set to IRP_MJ_DEVICE_CONTROL.
An untyped pointer to driver-defined context information that the driver provided when it called WdfDeviceConfigureWdmIrpDispatchCallback.
A pointer to an IRP structure.
An untyped pointer to the framework's dispatch context information. The driver must provide this parameter when it calls WdfDeviceWdmDispatchIrp.
Return Value
The EvtDeviceWdmIrpDispatch callback function must:
- Return the value that the WdfDeviceWdmDispatchIrp method returns, if the callback function calls that method.
- Return the value that the WdfDeviceWdmDispatchIrpToIoQueue method returns, if the callback function calls that method.
KMDF only
Set the IoStatus.Status member of the IRP to STATUS_SUCCESS or another status value for which NT_SUCCESS(status) equals TRUE, and return the same value (after calling IoCompleteRequest) if the callback function successfully completes the received IRP.
KMDF only
Set the IoStatus.Status member of the IRP to a status value for which NT_SUCCESS(status) equals FALSE, and return the same value (after calling IoCompleteRequest) if the callback function detects an error.
KMDF only
Return STATUS_PENDING if the callback function calls IoMarkIrpPending.
The EvtDeviceWdmIrpDispatch callback function should only be used to select a specific queue for an IRP. To do so, the driver calls the WdfDeviceWdmDispatchIrpToIoQueue method from within the callback function.
If, after examining an IRP in this callback function, the driver does not know how to dispatch the IRP, the driver can call WdfDeviceWdmDispatchIrp to return the IRP to the framework for default handling.
A UMDF driver must call either WdfDeviceWdmDispatchIrp or WdfDeviceWdmDispatchIrpToIoQueue from this callback function. A KMDF driver has the additional option of calling neither, and instead completing the IRP or marking it pending.
To register an EvtDeviceWdmIrpDispatch callback function, your driver must call WdfDeviceConfigureWdmIrpDispatchCallback.
In its EvtDeviceWdmIrpDispatch callback function, a driver should not set a completion routine. If a completion routine is needed, a KMDF driver can provide a EvtDeviceWdmIrpPreprocess callback function instead of EvtDeviceWdmIrpDispatch.
For more information about specifying queues for IRPs as they arrive, see Dispatching IRPs to I/O Queues.
To define an EvtDeviceWdmIrpDispatch callback function, you must first provide a function declaration that identifies the type of callback function you're defining. Windows provides a set of callback function types for drivers. Declaring a function using the callback function types helps Code Analysis for Drivers, Static Driver Verifier (SDV), and other verification tools find errors, and it's a requirement for writing drivers for the Windows operating system.
For example, to define an EvtDeviceWdmIrpDispatch callback function that is named MyDeviceWdmIrpDispatch, use the EVT_WDFDEVICE_WDM_IRP_DISPATCH type as shown in this code example:
EVT_WDFDEVICE_WDM_IRP_DISPATCH MyDeviceWdmIrpDispatch;
_Use_decl_annotations_ NTSTATUS MyDeviceWdmIrpDispatch ( WDFDEVICE Device, UCHAR MajorFunction, UCHAR MinorFunction, ULONG Code, WDFCONTEXT DriverContext, PIRP Irp, WDFCONTEXT DispatchContext ) {...}
|Target Platform
|Minimum KMDF version
|Minimum UMDF version
|wdfdevice.h (include Wdf.h)
See Also
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Research Project
Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
We set up a database of strategic and organization changes for Japanese retailers, financial institutions, and automobile companies during the period of 1980 and 1997. The basic data for this database consists of the universe of accounts published in newspapers, magazines, and annual reports. Fine-grained text analysis was used to uncover the key characteristics of the changes actions, auch as type of change, location of change, location of change within the organization, outcomes, and espoused goals and rationales. In addition, measures of strategy type, strategic intent and organizational structure were capture. Using this database, we investigated the following topics :(1) the impact of OEO succession on strategic and organizational changes in Japanese companies : Overall OEO succession was not associated with radical strategic and organization changes. The governance structure moderates organization changes (independent of OEO succession) in particular when the firm was affiliated with a main bank and the firm was experiencing severe financial pressure. (2) the consequences of IT for organization design in US and Japanese retailers : In US, IT did predict structure when other variables were controlled, and is strongly associated with increased centralization. In Japan, IT modestly predicts structure in the absence of controls, and is associated with increased decentralization. (3) the framework for understanding changes in marketing practices by European, Japanese and U.S. companies in Sotheast Asia after Economic Crisis : We classified changes in marketing practices into two types : exploration and exploration. We found exploitation more frequently than exploration. Also, the nation state form of capitalism affected the type and direction of changes.
Published: 1997-04-01
Modified: 2016-04-21
User Guide
Terms of Use
Attribution of KAKENHI


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Looney Tunes Active Fun Run
Here we go again! My kids missed last year's Looney Tunes Fun. I told myself that i will make sure my 4y/o will be able to join the next one and I'm so excited to find out that it's back!
The Looney Tunes Active Fun Run will be held in two separate venues and dates – one here in Manila (SM Megamall) on May 29 and one at Cebu on June 5 with Coach Rio dela Cruz and Ironman Noy Jopson as race directors, respectively. Registration supposedly ended yesterday, May 22 but was extended until Thursday, May 27.
Register in Timex, SM Megamall, from April 26 to May 27, 2010, for the SM Megamall race; and Timex, Ayala Center Cebu and Watch Republic, SM Cebu, from April 26 to May 30, 2010, for the SM Cebu Race. Registration fee is P350.
Want a free race singlet? Simple! Purchase a minimum of P500 worth of Looney Tunes products in all SM Department Store Character Shops from April 26 to May 30 and get yourself a free Looney Tunes Active race singlet!
Hurry and let your kids experience the wonderful world of running! 🙂


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Why Are Mink Lashes Better Than Normal False Lashes?
It is stated that the charm of a female depends on her eyes. You can get rid of any scenario with that gaze just. Females like to earn their eyes extra beautiful whenever they head out. Eye liner, mascara, eye-shadows, eyebrow pencils, and so on are have to items in the makeup kit. However, currently, false eyelashes are stealing the show. You do not need to obtain upset now if you have little eyelashes. With the false one, you could have those lovely and large eyes to make you ready for any celebration. The interpretation of makeup is transforming each day. Earlier, there were synthetic eyelashes. But, today, you can change to mink eyelashes as those are getting extremely attractive to females of all age. Let's know extra about it.
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Hate flies? We do too! That's why we spend millions of dollars developing a game that really sticks it to them. Or rather knives into them.FEATURES:
In throw the knife you try and save Buddy, an adorable little creature that for some reason attracts hundreds of pesky flies. Your job is to grab the sharpest object your money can buy and hurl it at the flies and mosquitoes who just won't leave Buddy alone.
- Beautiful, fun, quirky artwork and sounds!
- Endless hours of fun - the better you play, the more you play.
- Lots of sharp objects to hurl at those pesky flies! (Plus a secret one hidden somewhere in the game!)
- Big selection of fun costumes to dress up your knife throwing buddy!
- Many types of background boards to choose from!
- Different types of game modes, including a "Bloody Mode" - it's exactly how it sounds.
Learn More: Google Play
APK Link: Download Now
Comments - a nice dart like game, works pretty well with any android phone.
Disclaimer: please refer to DCMA & Privacy if you like this app, please support the original author or developer, furthermore for any game related issue, please visit FAQ. Thank you.


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Samode Palace, a heaven in tranquility is an hour drive away from Jaipur in the hushed Aravalli Hills of Rajasthan. I got to visit this 500 year old heritage while on an assignment, documenting Philip's and Feriel's wedding for them. The Wedding itself was a Wedding Photographer's dream assignment. Set in this enchanting palace they had a pool party, followed by a Christian Wedding ceremony and sit down dinner, followed by a traditional Parsi Wedding ceremony and ending the whole affair with HARLEM SHAKE! The whole event was managed by Garima (The Shaadi Company). Here are a few photos i made of the beautiful Samode Palace and surroundings ... an absolute delight for people looking for a couple of days in of serenity and peace while enjoying the over-the-top Rajasthani hospitality.
The guests receive a warm welcome to the tunes of a soulful Sehnai with garlands and a warm Namaste!
Peace and the bird song intermingle so beautifully here... its hard to tell the difference between the two at times...
And the Aravallis play hide and seek with different parts of the palace... also, this is the part of the palace where the Parsi Wedding Ceremony took place...
The royal interiors of the palace just leave you in awe.
I don't know if its a good thing that i get to visit such awesome places as a part of what i do... or is it bad that i visit such good places but never get to relax as i am almost all the time on my toes, doing what i am here for. But i try and find a little time for myself on these crazily hectic shoot schedules too... helps me focus.
Thank you Phil and Feriel again for making me a part of your Royal Celebrations!


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Webster's Dictionary defines sin as "an offense against religious or moral law." The framework for this show, the medieval "sevel deadly sins," consistutes an effective way of encapsulating the spectrum of making's foibles into second categories: gluttony, pride, anger, list, greed, jealousy, and sloth.
Each artist, through the use of collage, paint, pencil, and various other media, seeks to come to grips personally with the various corrupting agents of the human soul, which, no matter how hard we try to supress them, will always remain a part of us.
The Second Story Gallery is pleased to present a Gallery Talk with Kevin Kurytnik on September 22nd at 2:00 p.m., who will be discussing with gallery visitors the various pieces in the exhibition.
Kevin D. Kurytnik
Kevin Kurytnik was adopted in 1966. Two years before, he was born at the General Hospital in Norquay, Saskatchewan. He has only recently found out that his mom who he has lived with until he went to The Alberta College of Art to study Visual Communications in 1982 is biologically his Aunt and that one of his Aunts on his Father\'s side is his mom. Undoubtedly this will be great fodder for an autobiographical film some day.
Until the inspiration for that film hits he keeps himself busy making other independent short animated films and teaching animation to all ages, mostly through the Quickdraw Animation Society.
Mark Lang
Mark Lang graduated from the Alberta College of Art Visual Communications department in 1987. He is the recipient of a number of awards and scholarships. In September of 1988, Lang will attend the School of Visual Arts in New York City to study Editorial Art and Visual Journalism.


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Tackling her first day of production on her latest project, Chloe Moretz was spotted arriving on-set of the new remake of "Carrie" in Toronto, Canada on Monday (June 25).
With her cell phone in her hand, the 15-year-old actress climbed out of a black van and made her way to the filming location wearing grey sweatpants and a black tee-shirt.
The north of the border workday comes as Chloe recently told Vanity Fair how she's preparing for her role as Carrie White, saying, ?I am changing everything about me?my hair, my look,? adding, ?I?m doing my own take on [the character]. The script is totally different from the [original]. It?s more like the book. It?s a more Black Swan version?it messes with your mind. You?ll see things, and you don?t know if you?ve seen them.?
Based on the novel by Stephen King, the 1976 film re-make follows Carrie White (Chloe Moretz) – a shy high school student raised by a frantic religious mother ( Julianne Moore) who uses deadly telepathic powers when some of her high school classmates push her over the edge by bullying her.
Talking about working with Julianne, Chloe joked, ?I don?t know if we are supposed to bond [because of our characters? relationship], but I feel like we both will because we?re both cool".
Also featured in the film – which is expected to hit theaters on March 15, 2013 – is Gabriella Wilde as Sue Snell, Portia Doubleday as Chris Hargensen, and Judy Greer as Miss Desjardin.
Source: http://celebrity-gossip.net/chloe-moretz/chloe-moretz-kicks-filming-carrie-re-make-684633
Zooey Deschanel Aaliyah Abbie Cornish Adriana Lima Adrianne Curry Adrianne Palicki Aisha Tyler Aki Ross Alecia Elliott Alessandra Ambrosio


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Home pioneers feedback app
Appleby Care Home in North Shields is one of the first in the country to use a new app-based feedback system that gives the leadership instant information about the quality of the home.
The feedback is shared immediately with members of the operating company's senior management team, so that positive comments can be passed on to staff and calls for improvement can be acted on straight away.
Appleby, which is operated by Larchwood Care, has introduced the How did we do? app to enable families to raise concerns, or praise excellence, simply and effectively.
Home manager Edzon Estudillo said: "By introducing this easy-to-use app that prompts an urgent response from our senior managers, we feel that we are pioneering a new way for care homes to continuously improve.
"Feedback from the people who live in our services and their families, whether positive or negative, is one of the best ways to ensure that standards are kept high.
"For people to know their comments are being treated seriously and dealt with at a high level gives extra peace of mind.
"The app is free to download and we have a tablet in the reception area to encourage any visitors to give instant feedback, even if they do not wish to download the app themselves.
"We hope that by doing this, we will be able to reward our staff who do a fantastic job and quickly rectify any issues that may arise."
Don Tatham, whose mum is a Larchwood Care resident, was delighted to have a call from the CEO just minutes after submitting his feedback.
He said: "The first time I used the app to highlight a concern, I was called by the chief executive personally on a Saturday afternoon.
"He said someone would be at the home on Monday to resolve the matter and that did indeed happen.
"I've used the app to feedback once more and I'd say to anyone use it because things do get done."
Alison Forsyth, whose mum also lives in a Larchwood Care home, said: "The app doesn't take away the communication or need to talk to the manager and staff, but gives an added dimension to enable you to give some feedback."
How did we do? is available from the App Store for iPhones and iPads and the Google Play Store for Android phones and tablets. It is free to download.


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Chapter 408 Exit.
Chapter 408 – Exit
After experiencing a full ten months in the Divine Phoenix Mystic Realm, the current Lin Ming looked like an utter mess. He was in rags, almost completely naked. Lin Ming had originally brought several sets of clothes to change into in his spatial ring. When his clothes were all torn apart in battle, he would switch them for new ones. Soon, all of them were torn. Lin Ming just left a single set of relatively complete clothes for the time that he would leave this place. Thus, that was why Lin Ming was left but nothing but his body and some rags.
Lin Ming's hair had originally been long. But now it was scattered and messy, and it had grown longer, reaching just past his waist.
The Palace Spirit floated in front of Lin Ming like a wisp of ghostly fire, and then condensed into a white human face. It had a somewhat surprised expression.
"I passed the smelting trial?" Lin Ming asked the Palace Spirit.
"All that remains before you is the last smelting trial. Before, I had said that if you are still alive by the time you complete the fifth smelting trail, then you would be able to obtain a midway reward, and that I would awake at that time."
Lin Ming was surprised for a moment, and then remembered that the Palace Spirit had spoken such words at the very start. However, he had been in an incredibly tense and difficult situation where he had slaughtered countless enemies. Because of this, he had already mostly forgotten these words and relegated them to the back of his mind.
"The fifth smelting trail. I've only completed the fifth smelting trial?"
"Yes. Every stage of the smelting trial is very long. You have only one last smelting trial left – the sixth smelting trial. It is the shortest, but it is also the hardest. If you can complete it then you may leave. And at that time… I shall give you the blood of the Ancient Phoenix!" The Palace Spirit deeply and solemnly looked at Lin Ming. If Lin Ming could do so, then he would be the first person who wasn't from the Royal Family that would have completed this general level smelting trail within a year!
Lin Ming was overjoyed. He finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel! Although his strength had progressed quickly here every day, after going through endless battles and endless trials, all he felt was endless loneliness. Lin Ming had nearly become nothing but a killing puppet. If this continued, there would definitely be a problem with his mental state.
"Now, I shall grant you the reward for passing the fifth smelting trial. Since you have completed it in 10 months, you can obtain the highest rewards. You may choose from the Vermillion Bird blood essence, a cultivation method jade slip, as well as a fire-attribute miracle medicine. Of these three, you may choose one."
Vermillion Bird blood essence, a cultivation method jade slip, as well as a fire-attribute miracle medicine!
Lin Ming first eliminated the Vermillion Bird blood essence, since he wanted to fight for the Ancient Phoenix bloodline and also because the Vermillion Bird blood essence would only have a limited effect.
Then, he also removed the cultivation method jade slip. Lin Ming didn't lack any sort of top quality cultivation method.
The fire-attribute miracle medicine seemed to be the best bet. If this was a medicine from the Ancient Phoenix Clan, it definitely wasn't ordinary. Perhaps it might be able to enhance his Tempering Marrow boundary by another 20 to 30%. If that happened, then his Tempering Marrow would be 80 to 90% complete, and he would be close to Perfection.
However, just to be prudent, Lin Ming asked, "What sort of cultivation method jade slip and fire-attribute miracle medicine is it?"
This was just a random question, but the response of the Palace Spirit caused Lin Ming's heart to nearly jump out of his chest, and to have a shortness of breath. The Palace Spirit said, "The cultivation jade slip is the first eight layers of the 'Vermillion Bird Forbidden Divine Chronicle' cultivation method manual. The fire-attribute miracle medicine is the 3000 year Nine Revolution Fire Lotus Grass…"
The first eight layers of the 'Vermillion Bird Forbidden Divine Chronicle'!
Lin Ming was beyond shocked.
That's right, he should have realized this sooner. Divine Phoenix Island's 'Vermillion Bird Forbidden Divine Chronicle' and 'Blue Luan Abstract Phantom Code' were both obtained by the founder after she went to the Divine Phoenix Mystic Realm. That he would be able to obtain the 'Vermillion Bird Forbidden Divine Chronicle' within the Divine Phoenix Mystic Realm was only natural!
The Divine Phoenix Island founder's 'Vermillion Bird Forbidden Divine Chronicle' that she had obtained was riddled with flaws. According to Lin Ming's knowledge, there were only the first five layers of the cultivation method!
Even with so many flaws, the 'Vermillion Bird Forbidden Divine Chronicle' was no worse than cultivation methods from fifth-grade sects!
It had to be known that the higher one went in a cultivation method, the more terrifying its power was. A true and complete 'Vermillion Bird Forbidden Divine Chronicle' would be a top cultivation method even within the Realm of the Gods. Within the legends of the Ancient Phoenix cultivation methods, it was said that after completely practicing it, one could bathe in the fires of nirvana and rebirth themselves, becoming endless and immortal!
If one could really achieve this effect, then he feared that this cultivation method might even surpass the Heretical God Force.
The 'Vermillion Bird Forbidden Divine Chronicle' was extremely significant to Lin Ming. Within the memories of those Supreme Elders from the Realm of the Gods, there were many different types of cultivation method manuals. However, not all of them were suited for Lin Ming to cultivate. For instance, 'Golden Roc Shattering the Void'. Lin Ming had practiced this for such a long time, and yet had only been able to touch the second layer, and he still struggled. In terms of speed, Lin Ming wasn't some monstrous genius. Back during the Seven Profound Valleys' Total Faction Martial Meeting, he had even by suppressed by Jiang Baoyun in speed.
Ultimately, 'Golden Roc Shattering the Void' simply wasn't a suitable technique for Lin Ming. Much less, Lin Ming didn't even have wind-attribute true essence fusion compatibility.
But, the 'Vermillion Bird Forbidden Divine Chronicle' was different. With the support of the Heretical God Force, when Lin Ming practiced the 'Vermillion Bird Forbidden Divine Chronicle' he was even quicker than Mu Qianyu.
This miracle medicine would only benefit Lin Ming by himself, and there would always be chances to obtain more rare medicines in the future. But, the 'Vermillion Bird Forbidden Divine Chronicle' was actually very difficult to find. If he could obtain the 'Vermillion Bird Forbidden Divine Chronicle' jade slip, then not only would it help Lin Ming, but it would also help Mu Qianyu, and eventually even Divine Phoenix Island would benefit.
If he took out the first eight layers of this cultivation method, then it was likely that many people of Divine Phoenix Island would go crazy for it!
Lin Ming took a deep breath and then asked, "How many layers does the complete 'Vermillion Bird Forbidden Divine Chronicle' have?"
"Nine layers! However, the final layer is only for the Royal Family; it cannot be rewarded. Therefore, you cannot obtain it."
Lin Ming felt this was a touch tragic. But still, just the first eight layers was incredible in itself!
"I want the cultivation jade slip!" Lin Ming said without any hesitation.
"As you wish!"
A red light flashed, and then a crimson blood-like jade slip appeared in Lin Ming's palm. When it touched his palm, it was very warm. It was twice the size of a normal jade slip, and very heavy in his hand.
Lin Ming casually swept through it with his sense, and suppressed the impulse to immediately read it. He first stored it in his spatial ring.
Since there was only one stage left and it was also the shortest, Lin Ming had to rush past it with overwhelming force. Now, he didn't have the time to practice the 'Vermillion Bird Forbidden Divine Chronicle', and his heart wasn't calm enough to do so.
At this moment, the smelting trail array began to revolve once again!
With a rumbling sound, the earth split and a massive blood red demon with a huge axe appeared, crawling out of the earth.
This demon was 20 feet high, and had chains wrapped all around its body. Its face had two large fangs just like a wild boar, and its fiery crimson hair wantonly hung all over it.
Lin Ming looked in shock. This demon… actually looked very much like the Netherworld Great Emperor!
It was only that this demon was twice the height of the Netherworld Great Emperor, and its skin was a deep red as opposed to the Netherworld Great Emperor's blue.
"What's going on here?"
Lin Ming had some suspicions in his mind and wanted to ask the Palace Spirit. But at this time, the white light flashed and the Palace Spirit had already disappeared.
Lin Ming also didn't bother to think about this. In short, this was an enemy, and he would do everything he could to defeat it!
He wasn't in a hurry to go onto the battlefield. First, he controlled his breathing and sat down in meditation. He mixed the Shattered Demon Heart Crystal with his own blood essence and swallowed it.
Lin Ming could now absorb an entire Shattered Demon Heart Crystal with ease. He had long gotten used to suppressing the remnant will of the Netherworld Great Emperor. He began the familiar and easy technique of directing the crystal's energy to temper his marrow……………..
Half a month later, within a remote mountain of Divine Phoenix Island, there was a deafening explosion. Rocks cracked, dirt flew everywhere, and an vortex appeared that had enough strength to send an early Xiantian realm guard flying away!
"Enemy attack!"
"The South Sea Demon Region has arrived!"
It was a scene of chaos. This was a sacred ground of Divine Phoenix Island, and also the fundamental basis for the existence of Divine Phoenix Island that it relied on – the Divine Phoenix Mystic Realm. For them to encounter the enemy attack here was terrifying.
"You… you are…" The Xiantian realm guard's mouth dropped down, slack jawed as he stared disbelieving at this youth in front of him. This youth was tall, straight, with a handsome and delicate appearance. His face seemed to have been hewn by sabers, and his two eyebrows were straight and slanted upwards. There was a very clear flame mark between his eyebrows that looked like a natural scar.
This person's hair was a mess. In comparison, his clothes were fairly clean. The more the guard looked, the more this youth seemed like…
How… how was this possible!?
Dust rose from everywhere. The youth had actually flown into the sky and soared away. His speed was fast enough to shame every Xiantian master present.
"I… I'm not wrong!"
"That youth, didn't he look like Lin Ming?" The guards present had all seen Lin Ming before when he had first entered the Divine Phoenix Mystic Realm.
"That's right. That youth was just a bit taller than Lin Ming, and also has those flame marks between his eyebrows."
A year ago, Lin Ming was a handsome, somewhat pretty boy. Now, Lin Ming had become a heroically handsome young man.
"Could it really be…"
The complexion of everyone present change.
Lin Ming was alive!?
They hurriedly took out a sound transmitting talisman to report such a massive matter.
Lin Ming's speed was extremely fast. Before the several guards had passed out the sound transmitting talismans, he had already arrived at Divine Phoenix Island's Vermillion Bird Main Hall. His speed was amazingly fast, and this was not just because of his outstanding movement technique. I was also because his true essence was too thick; it was thick to the point that even Xiantian masters couldn't compare to it!
"Who are you? This is a restricted area…halt! You may not enter!" A young woman cried out. She was the guard of the Vermillion Bird Main Hall's entrance. She drew her sword to block Lin Ming, but a sudden gust of wind stopped her, forcing her back. In the blink of an eye, Lin Ming had already entered the Main Hall.
Lin Ming was incomparably anxious at this moment. He didn't know what had happened while he was in the Divine Phoenix Mystic Realm. But, as he listened to the surprised words from the guards, he was able to discern that the South Sea Demon Region had already started its war with Divine Phoenix Island.
First he hurried over to find Mu Qianyu or Mu Yuhuang, to understand out what the present situation was.
Also, Lin Ming worried over another matter, and that was whether or not his parents had received news that he had died. Lin Ming was their only child, and also their only hope. If something had happened to his parents because they thought that he had died, he would never be able to live with the consequences!
By the time Lin Ming entered the Main Hall, the sound transmitting talisman flame had just extinguished in front of Mu Yuhuang.
Mu Yuhuang had learnt what had happened from the guards. Still, she could not believe her own eyes as she watched a 17 year old Lin Ming walk through the entrance!
Looking at the heroic and comely youth that seemed to shine with inner spirit, Mu Yuhuang, who could watch a mountain collapse without blinking an eye, was completely and thoroughly shocked.
Lin Ming had stayed within the Divine Phoenix Mystic Realm for a full 10 and a half months, and he had actually survived and come out! Not only that, but his cultivation had actually reached the late Houtian realm!
A 17 year old with a late Houtian realm cultivation!?
Even when Mu Qianyu was the same age she was only at the early Houtian realm!
"Honorable Sect Master." Lin Ming was in too much of a hurry to bow, "What is the situation now? Do my parents think I have died? How about Senior-apprentice Sister Mu?"
Mu Yuhuang was stunned. She caught her bearings and said, "Yu'er… has gone to the battlefield. As for news of your death, it has already spread…"
Lin Ming's mind sank, panic almost setting in. He could not imagine what condition his parents were in now. First, he had to immediately find Qin Ziya and see his own parents.


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Whimsy 60th Birthday
I created this cake for Clara's 60th Birthday. She is a family friend and her sister in law, Lorelle, surprised her with this cake. Inspiration for this design came from a gift bag I had. I just loved the vibrant colors and whymsical design. The bottom cake was a chocolate chocolate chip cake filled with alternating layers of vanilla and mocha buttercreams and also caramel rum sauce and chocolate ganache. The top was also chocolate filled with chocolate chip cookies cream. Yum!!


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zvook (sound)
"звук" (sound) takes place in elevators, public halls, and bathrooms. It is both an emphasis on the sounds of the everyday and the paroxystic activities of objects. The organization of material shifts from an open public location to a personal muted one.
-Program notes from Maksym Prykhodko's "a-radio-with-guts" Senior Composition Recital 2016.


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The Camera Padded Pouch is the ultimate solution for professional photographer and serious amateurs who are looking for a multifunctional pouch to be used either as a transport bag or as a functional pouch.
FROG.PRO designs and makes its new pouches in a double layer of 500D CORDURA® fabric paying particular attention to seams, reinforced and sewn in a single layer to make them invisible and securely protected. These technical solutions guarantee the highest possible resistance to wear and consequently a longer life cycle for the product. In addition, these FROG.PRO pouches are equipped with the new exclusive WTFix attachment system!
Our attention to detail, combined with personalized design, offer a unique product that reflects our commitment to "state of the art" military equipment.
Weight: 230 g
Dimensions: 17,5x16x12 cm
Available in Black, Tan 499, Coyote 498, Ranger Green, Vegetato EI, Multicam®, Multicam® Black.
Black, Tan 499, Coyote 498, Ranger Green, Vegetato EI, Multicam, Multicam Black


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German with English subtitles
Embattled by the embarrassing symptoms of Tourette's Syndrome, Vincent (Florian David Fitz) has just lost his mother. His burdened father (Heino Ferch), an ambitious politician running for office, sends him off to a rehabilitation clinic where he will learn how to manage his twitches, tics, and ill-timed, but unpremeditated verbal outbursts. At the clinic Vincent finds solace in Marie (Karoline Herfurth), a feisty anorexic whose partiality for spontaneous adventure happens to coincide with Vincent's objective of getting to the Mediterranean Sea to spread his mother's ashes and fulfill her last wish: to see the water one last time. Along for the ride is Alexander (Johannes Allmayer), an obsessive-compulsive whose only contentment comes in the form of expensive, stolen cars, dapper dress, and Johann Sebastian Bach. What follows is a hilarious road movie with the trio cruising down the autobahn without the slightest concern for the inconveniences they cause people along the way. While Vincent's father and Dr. Rose (Katherine Muller-Elmau) bumble along in pursuit of the escaped patients, Vincent, Marie, and Alexander enjoy a reprieve from the dolor of the clinic and experience a surrealistic journey that liberates them from their afflictions.
Find Captionfish on Facebook and Twitter.
© 2009-15 Questions? Check our FAQ or contact us.


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Our Kenilworth bicycle shelter is an an attractive, modern style, curved design, popular with schools and colleges. It offers floor to roof level protection from the prevailing elements. It's a tough and robust structure with vandal resistant features.
*not included
excl. VAT free shipping to selected countries
The premier cycle shelter has a more curved, contemporary design that is intended to blend in both traditional and modern environments. It also features an integrated twin-level bike rack, suitable for holding 8 bikes. Popular with schools and call centres, it provides a tidy and secure storage of cycles on any site.
All dimensions shown are in mm (H x W x D)
excl. VAT free shipping to selected countries


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If you've ever had a dry or damaged lawn, you know it can be an eyesore. From over-fertilized burnt patches to snow mold, there are a variety of reasons why your lawn might not be up to your standards.
Maybe you had planned to have company over and don't have time to wait for your lawn to green up. That's why we're introducing a new service - Lawn Painting.
We've developed a patent-pending lawn paint formula that's semi-permanent, breathable, and non-toxic. In addition, it acts as a slow-release fertilizer to help nurse your lawn back to life. Our unique polynitrogen blend is the key to giving your lawn the green hue you want and the nutrients your grass needs.
Simply give us a call the week of your big event and schedule a time for us to apply the treatment. The paint takes around 2 hours to fully dry, so keep that in mind when booking the treatment.
We look forward to helping you green up your lawn, one way or another, this spring!
Oh, and in case you forgot what days it is..........Happy April Fool's Day!


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Joe Preston returns tomorrow night at Spaceland with his one man musical project, THRONES. Mr. Preston's resume speaks for itself. He doesn't need us singing his praises. But we are interested in whose praises he's singing. And we're pretty intrigued that he has selected true metal band CHRISTIAN MISTRESS to support him on this tour. We first heard of CHRISTIAN MISTRESS from HUNTRESS drummer Sean Ford (headlining a free Three Clubs show Saturday night), who shared this digital copy of their demo cassette release on his blog, Illogical Contraption, that has a knack for digging up the good shit. In a series of posts about the incestuous metal scene in Olympia, Washington (aka Oly-metal), Sean gave us the story behind the formation of CHRISTIAN MISTRESS:
The wailing female singer of Buried Blood hooked up with the young punks of Funerot to start an incredible traditional metal band called Christian Mistress. Now we get to the point of this whole post (finally). CHRISTIAN FUCKING MISTRESS. No myspace, no twitter account, just tape trading. My buddy Rubin plays drums in this band and he sent me this tape in the mail 2 years ago. It warms my heart every time I put it on, I cant even tell you.
A few months later NPR (WTF?) dug on their 7":
With twin lead guitars and a raspy female vocalist, Christian Mistress unleashed a faithful genre exercise on its debut 7" from 2009. "Mother of Mercy" is so true to the style, you'd swear fingerless gloves were employed in those guitar solos. The band and vocalist Christine Davis could almost be dead ringers for our German witch hunters in Warlock, but there's a bit more punk snarl to this A-side. After a few sets of one-handed push-ups, you'll cry "Mother of Mercy," too, and beg for the B-side.
And now their coming to town on the heels of releasing their first full-length via 20 Buck Spin, Agony and Opium. By then, CHRISTIAN MISTRESS was getting love from another reliable source of goodness, Aquarius Records:
The debut from Olympia's Christian Mistress, actually looks more crusty punk than heavy metal, and comes out on a label better known for doom and sludge than "True" heavy metal. Yet this is true all right. Not only boasting shredding twin guitars, but melodies and SONGS, and a singer, Christine Davis, who not only can sing but has a "VOICE". Sorry for the all caps, and quotes, but we're excited. What we mean is, she's got a voice that is unique and memorable, as well as being able to carry a tune. Pretty special in this day and age. We'd probably have to compare her, among female metal vocalists, to Kate De Lombaert from '80s Belgian band Acid, not that we expect everybody to know who that is... Davis could also appeal to fans of Hammers Of Misfortune, and Jex Thoth, though she doesn't sound like those female singers, her voice much more raw, deeper, with a slight rasp in fact. But sweet enough for us! It's powerful yet melancholic character goes well with her lyrics, serious ones about such subjects as love and (we think) addiction, she stays away from trite metal cliches. Meanwhile, musically, the band shows itself to be steeped in the "old ways", dedicated students of Judas Priest and early Iron Maiden, the NWOBHM, Metallica, Megadeth, etc... plugging into the timelessness of the best traditional metal, while still sounding fresh and vital. Exciting, and emotional.
But even with all these accolades for its recorded music, those in the know tell us that full appreciation is not realized until you've been to a live show. Your opportunity for that is tomorrow, but here is a beautifully raw practice session to whet your appetite.
And we've got tickets for you. To be in the running, enter by tomorrow at noon with your full name by contacting us here or emailing firstname.lastname@example.com. The good ol' boys (and frog leg eating maniacs) from GYPSYHAWK open up the show in what will be the debut LA performance for drummer Ian Brown.


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Contributed by: AnonymousThose looking for a house today will have to face the new reality, a smaller and more expensive home. The price of a house or an apartment, within the middle class, has increased by 20% over the past eight years.
There are several factors currently affecting the rising cost of houses. Within the total cost of a home, the price of materials is the most influential in this price scale.
According to figures from the Authority for Consumer Protection (Acodeco), in 2009 you could buy a block of 4 inches at $0.79, but today its value is $0.92, representing an increase of 16.4% over the past four years.
On the other hand, 6-inch blocks, used to build foundations in constructions, cost $0.89 in 2009, and nowadays its price in the market is $0.99.
This represents an increase in 11.2%, comparing 2009 with 2013.
This is why the cost of materials is directly related to the constant changes in prices for acquiring a house or an apartment.
The president of the Panamanian Chamber of Construction, Enrique Asensio, said in the past six months, the price of those houses valued over $150,000 has gone up less than 4%.
The cost per square meter of apartments in San Francisco, Betania and Carrasquilla is between 1,300 to 1,500 dollars, and in the last two years there has been an increase, but less than 10%, said Asensio.
However, the manager of CAPAC believes the cost of construction materials has affected the increase in home values, and states that one of the reasons is the increasing supply and demand of them.
The same dynamics of the industry and the good performance of the economy have contributed to this rise, said the experts in this topic.
One example, said Asensio, is the demand for cement currently experienced by the country.
For this reason, cement companies have increased the cost of this material. In 2009, the price of a cement bag of 94 pounds ranged between $7.95 and $8.02, and then in 2010, it dropped to $7.25, in 2011 it went up to $7.85, and it continued increasing by 2012, until it reached $8.65.
Today, a bag of cement costs between $8.95 and $9.15, which results in an increase of approximately 15% in the last four years.
The architect José Batista, advisor of the Board of Directors of the Panamanian Society of Engineers and Architects (SPIA), attributes this type of increase to the inflation experienced by the country.
"Before, we had no clue what inflation was in Panama, and now we are experiencing a marked inflation of 6%", said Batista.
For the architect, there are increases of up to 50% in some areas.
Meanwhile, Victor Aguilar, an architect who has been involved in several construction projects, said that between the years 2005 and 2009 there was an average increase in the price of materials, of about 7%, and between 2009 and 2013, the increase was approximately 13%.
For the expert, the most significant increases have been recorded in recent years.
According to data from the Acodeco, the 30-foot section of the steel bar of half an inch in diameter, another important material in construction projects, costs between $5.65 and $6.70 in 2009.
Currently, it costs between $7.80 and $8.48. The increase in price of this material represents a 26%.
On the other hand, the 30-foot section of the steel bar of three-eighths in diameter, which is used a ring for steel beams and columns, cost $3.88 in 2009, and now it has a value of $4.81.
During the last years, this material has had an increase of approximately 23%.
The department of information and verification of prices from the Acodeco also refers to the value of the foot of galvanized zinc.
In contrast, this material's price has decreased in 1.3%. In 2009, the value of zinc was $2.28 per foot, and by March of this year it cost $2.25.
For the economist Victor Cruz, the prices of imported materials are difficult to control because their behavior obeys exogenous factors.
The rise in prices of locally produced materials is due to the level of economic growth of the country, said the specialist.
According to other experts on the subject, the cost of housing is not only affected by the price of materials.
This is the case with Andres Quintero, a construction worker, who said the high cost of materials is not the only factor affecting the prices of houses.
Some experts say the increase in labor and land costs also influenced the value of homes.
For economists, one must also take into account the price of fuel and transportations, which influences not only the cost of materials of construction, but also any other product or service.
This increase may reflect more on imported goods, as the economy of many industrialized countries is going through a bad time.
For this reason we are looking for alternatives to lower costs, like using new building systems.(Panama America)
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Panama Guide


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Many people believe that traffic violations are a minor problem that they can handle themselves, and sometimes they can be. However, traffic violations can accumulate fees, increase insurance costs, stay on your record for an extended time, cause your driver's license to be suspended, or in some rare instances, result in jail time. Whether you have never had a previous traffic violation, or even have been labeled a habitual offender, consulting an attorney can help you minimize the repercussions.
If you need representation for a traffic ticket in the state of South Carolina, please give us a call at (803) 400-3765.
Our Philosophy
At the Hobbs Law Firm, we operate with an understanding that dealing with difficult legal matters is rarely a welcome circumstance for our clients. For that reason, it is our goal to handle your case with an intense focus on achieving your desired outcome in the most efficient manner possible. We will always strive to expeditiously maximize your results while minimizing your costs.


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Jeff Tweedy Defends "Dad Rock" Tag
Published Oct 03, 2011While the music of Wilco has touched countless age groups and types of people, one common thread through every live performance of the band is most certainly the hip dad, all socks with sandals and freshly updated iPhone apps. While the term "dad rock" is thrown around as a sort of joking diss, frontman Jeff Tweedy has decided he likes it.
Speaking with Men's Journal, Tweedy decided to embrace the term with the following statement:
I recently had a revelation about it: When people say dad rock, they actually just mean rock. There are a lot of things today that don't have anything to do with rock music, so when people hear something that makes them think, "This is derived from some sort of continuation of the rock ethos," it gets labelled dad rock. And, to me, those people are misguided. I don't find anything undignified about being a dad or being rocking, you know?
Tweedy continued by explaining that he'd rather age gracefully than try to be a youthful rocker forever. "If I picture what playing well into my 60s or 70s would look like, it would be more like John Prine or Leonard Cohen -- people who have been allowed to grow old. The Rolling Stones haven't been allowed to grow old. Their fans demand that they continue to live up to that spectacle all the time. But they're all freaks of nature, you know?"
Wilco's The Whole Love is available now. Maybe your dad will lend you his copy if you do your chores.


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- Home
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Enjoy the convenience of this downtown hotel situated on the waterfront just steps away from shops, dining, and entertainment venues. Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego offers spectacular city views, a picturesque marina, and the relaxing sounds of the San Diego Bay. And yes, you can even open your room window to let in the fresh sea breezes!
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
1 Market Place
San Diego, CA 92101
Tel: +1 619 232 1234
There are eight on-site dining options at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, plus a 24-hour fitness center, rooftop pool decks, and fire pits. Still not enough, then stroll through the adjacent Seaport Village filled with shops and restaurants, take a bike ride using the on-site rental option, or make your way to the Gaslamp Quarter or Petco Park. There is also easy access to the trolley and rail station that will quickly take you to more adventures.
Click here to watch a Manchester Grand Hyatt hotel video.
We look forward to seeing you at JAM 2019!
Attractions & Things to Do
Within walking distance from hotel:
Other local attractions that require trolley, rail, or auto transportation are Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, Old Town San Diego Historical Park, and Sea World San Diego.
Transportation & Parking
Manchester Grand Hyatt is located 2.9 miles from San Diego International Airport (SAN).
Airport taxi, rental car, shuttle, and public transportation options are listed here.
Parking is available at the Manchester Grand Hyatt at the rates of $35 for self or $49 for valet per day (rates subject to change).
Hotel Reservation Procedure
When you have successfully registered for JAM, you will receive a confirmation email along with a link and access code to reserve a room at the Manchester Grand Hyatt hotel at the JAM discounted rate. This new procedure will make it easier for registered attendees to book their stay at the conference hotel.
We strongly encourage you to register online early in order to receive your hotel reservation code; the conference hotel historically sells out during JAM! A special nightly rate for a standard room is available for $199 + taxes.


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Okay, I'm sorry that I haven't made a post recently. School is what has been causing this. Anyways, today I'm gonna be reviewing the Xenomorph POP figure. Now this is the new version of the Xenomorph, the old one was from the original movie Alien (1979). I love how much detail is in this figure. One part that shocks me is that it can balance without it's tail touching the ground! This shocks me because of how huge its head is. By the way, if you are wondering if this is a small, normal, or large POP then its actually quite small! So due to all the detail, the amazing balance, and accuracy I absolutely have to give this a 5/5. But let me know what you think! Thanks! -Roag
Let's Talk: Alien Covenant: Xenomorph


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Recoloring our fence this mid year was a major need for a couple of distinction reasons, 1) gives it a cleaned look and 2) it shields it from the rain and other climate. Considering how much rain we get in Seattle, it was extremely imperative that we completed this before the fall and winter (as though we haven't had enough rain this late spring!).
Dark colored Horizontal Fence with LandscapeI'm quite minimal amazed exactly the amount of a distinction the stain made! It extremely made the fence pop and resemble an expansion of our home.
Level Fence Design and Landscape
It is safe to say that you will recolor your fence this mid year? I will take you through the procedure we utilized when recoloring our fence. There are a couple of various courses however here is the thing that worked for us.
Tips for Staining a Fence – Supplies
Semi-Transparent All Weather Fence/Deck Stain
Paint Sprayer
4″ Staining Brushes
Plastic Sheets
Outside Tape
Before FenceHere is the thing that our fence looked like previously. Normally, you need to give your fence a chance to dry out for no less than 24 hours before you recolor it. However, our fence is somewhat unique. Rather than conventional fencing sheets we really utilized decking for the even braces which is a great deal thicker. So we let our fence dry out for 5-7 days before recoloring it.
Preparing the fenceThe initial step is prep work. We needed to shield our home from overspray so we hung plastic sheets utilizing outside tape. Since we were taking a shot at a fresh out of the plastic new fence we didn't have to prep the wood, however in the event that you were taking a shot at a more established fence you may need to weight wash it. Simply do your own examination on what works best for your kind of fence.
Showering Stain On
Much the same as any undertaking I take a shot at, selecting the ideal shading can at times be the hardest part. When chipping away at a fence, it's extremely essential that you get a stain that is particularly made for recoloring a deck or a fence. We ran with a Semi-Transparent All Weather Fence/Deck Stain with an inherent acrylic sealer. This had a huge effect. I could differentiate from simply utilizing my commonplace stain that I use on furniture and DIY Projects.
I've very utilized a paint sprayer to recolor previously so this was a smidgen of a learning background. It took us a couple of times to discover our score and find what worked best for us as far as the settings on the sprayer. The hardest part was dealing with the overspray (more on this later). We found that dealing with three lines at any given moment worked best. We utilized a light shower setting and remained around 12-18″ away. You likewise need to shower with the grain of the wood.
Brushing On StainMy spouse would shower and after that I would rapidly take after with a recoloring brush and work the stain into the wood. This progression should be done truly rapidly. The wood ingested the stain super-quick, so on the off chance that we didn't work it in immediately we were left with spots. These were less clear once we connected the second coat, yet despite everything you need to be cautious.
Over SprayThere were times when we would get overspray onto territories that we weren't taking a shot at, similar to the photo above. In the event that we brushed them in rapidly enough it wasn't an issue, yet you will need to watch out for them each time you splash. It truly had two of us brushing in the meantime.
Recoloring the fence
This is simply to demonstrate to you what a distinction two layers of stain make! The second coat just includes so much wealth.
one long brush stroke
When we connected the second coat, we would complete one long dismiss stroke to complete each board. This helped smooth out the stain.
Thanks so much to the best deck builders in West Palm Beach for sponsoring my blog.


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POSE: Seated Forward Bend
SANSKRIT NAME: Paschimottanasana
BENEFITS: Improves flexibility of the hamstrings and the spine, massages internal organs, alleviates menstrual cramps, gas and bloating, calms an anxious mind.
HOW TO: With legs stretched out in front of you and feet flexed, first sit up nice and tall, reaching through the entire spine. Draw the lower belly in as you tilt the pelvis forward to create length in the back legs. Slowly walk your hands forward, keeping your back flat as you fold over your legs and reach for the feet with your hands. Do not compromise the straightness of your spine in order to come closer to your legs. Doing so may strain the lower back, which can be very sensitive. As long as you continue to practice, the flexibility will come.
Practice this pose for ten breaths or longer if part of a yin or restorative practice.
Contraindications: Herniated spinal discs or other back injury, diarrhea.
MODIFICATION: Seated forward bend with folded blanket under hips.
BENEFITS: Adding a blanket here elevates the hips, tilting the pelvis forward, which will help create length in the backs of the legs and allow you to go deeper into the posture. Feel free to add extra blankets to create a slightly higher rise if needed.
MODIFICATION: Seated forward bend with blanket rolled under knees.
BENEFITS: Adding a rolled blanket lessens the intensity of the hamstring stretch and may allow you to go deeper into the posture.
MODIFICATION: Seated forward bend with yoga strap (or a scarf or belt).
BENEFITS: If you are unable to reach your feet with your hands, utilizing a strap will help you to maintain alignment and deepen your forward fold practice.
HOW TO: See above. Keeping the arms straight, refrain from pulling yourself further forward than your body is ready to go. If you notice you've started to hold your breath or clench your jaw, those can be signs you've gone too far.
Feel free to combine any of these modifications to achieve your ideal stretch.


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(That title's just for Jeff Lester) I woke up late, so you probably already know that the new Tilting at Windmills is up at Newsarama.
I generally don't wade in to Newsarama threads, so post here, if you are scared of them, too.
Mm, and Augie? Once is an accident, twice is avoidable, week after week after week is a pattern.
(More comic reviews later tonight, I hope -- most everything is read)


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We will certainly make sure that every workstation and counter is taken down and also re-configured properly at the brand-new premises/office. From little nuts/screws to cables, heavy server shelfs, board tables as well as other goods, we offer to remove all of it. We provide a team to take apart, rebuild, disconnect and also reconnect any workstations, computer systems or servers that need removaling. We utilize specialist relocating crates, computer bags and a whole selection of purpose built relocation tools, which will dramatically reduce the moment of your relocation.
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My Take
DiVoran Lites
Psalm 91:5
In the darkness of the night,
I awaken, filled with fright.
I get out of cozy bed,
Bugs a buzzing in my head.
All my joy is left behind.
Where can I find peace of mind?
Oh, what if…my worry cries
What if someone precious dies?
What if I am all alone?
How, for that, could I atone?
"Come to Jesus," says a voice.
You will always have a choice.
Will you hand to me this knot?
I will calm you on the spot.
Can you praise and thank me now,
Knowing I will act somehow?
Where could I go?


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PITTSFIELD — By the time you're reading this, the chances are very good that Peyton Steinman has become the all-time leading scorer in Pittsfield High School Girls Basketball history.
She entered Thursday night's contest against Taconic with 1,489 points, just nine shy of Courtney Shepard's 1,498 mark. The last time Steinman was held to single-digits was in a 20-point playoff win over North Middlesex her sophomore year, so it's safe to say the Generals jersey No. 1 is now No. 1 in the PHS record books as well.
Unfortunately, given our production schedule, Thursday nights are very difficult to get content in before our Friday morning release. So, I was fortunate enough to chat with the name which Steinman will be sliding above on Thursday on her view of the current PHS star.
That view is a good one, it comes from alongside head coach Joe Racicot on the Lady Generals bench.
Courtney Shepard was a name I was somewhat familiar with, only from scanning banners and talking to Steinman about her college decision and who she turned to for advice. Shepard was a big influence and sounding board for her throughout her AAU experiences and the recruiting process that ultimately landed on St. Anselm.
Shepard graduated Pittsfield High in 2002 as the leading girls basketball scorer, playing under Coach Bob O'Neil. She then went on to play collegiate hoops at Union before taking a job in the Boston area. Six or seven years later, she opted to move back home to the Berkshires and started working at the student support center at PHS. She was looking to get into coaching and Racicot was more than happy to have her.
She started four years ago on the Generals staff, the same year a young, quiet dead-eye shooter named Peyton joined the squad.
"I didn't know her really, just knew the name mostly. Before moving I worked at the Boys & Girls Club some and remembered Peyton playing in the house league with boys two or three years older than her," said Shepard.
Shepard knew almost right away that her record may not stand through the next four years. After Steinman hit 1,000 early in her junior campaign, the assistant coach told her it was coming, even though it still seemed so far away for the player.
When Steinman started to get recruited by colleges, Shepard was a natural source of advice.
"Our personalities are somewhat similar, but it is hard for her to make decisions some times. She really leans on family and I just tried to be one of those people she could come to," said Shepard. "I just encouraged her to keep her options open. At first it can be exciting, but you can't get lost in the big picture."
Shepard warned her about letters from big schools, and encouraged her with information about the conference St. Anselm plays in. She believes that there she can excel, not just do all the work and sit on the bench. Despite being more of a post player in her own time, Shepard has been able to lend advice and coaching on situational basketball, as well as leadership and knowing when to take over games.
"I think it was probably her first AAU tournament, she texted me saying she thought she did OK and took a couple of shots," said Shepard. "I told her that's not who she is. She had the ability to play at those events the same way she plays at the high school level. Next thing I knew, she was texting me from Chicago saying she made six threes in a game."
The landscape of Berkshire County Basketball has changed quite a bit since Shepard was in uniform. There were a lot more basketball players 15 years ago, whereas the girls now are more athletes. Pittsfield won a pair of Western Mass titles with Shepard in 2001 and 2002, so getting the chance to work with Steinman was important and brings back a lot of those memories.
Together, along with Racicot and the entire roster of Generals, the goals go a lot farther than a scoring record and a Thursday night in January. Pittsfield has finished Division II runner-up each of the last two seasons and there's a lot of work to be done to get back into that title game once more.


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Due North
When I was growing up, I knew exactly which way was due North. It was the direction our house faced: towards the Mountains, which I greeted every morning when I opened my blinds, and stared at through the window as I ate my breakfast cereal very, very slowly.
Also, when I stood with Dar Dar at the top of the second story of the house on Sinclair Avenue, due North was the direction of the City, which for some reason I could only see on overcast days, like faint finger marks on a watery horizon. When Dar Dar was living the last hours of his life, I went to the end of the pier at Albert Park, and looked due South – back across the water, to wave goodbye.
I used to be confounded when I heard about people getting lost in the bush. Didn't they know which way North was? I knew – and I could work the other ones out just by saying 'Never Eat Soggy Weatbix'. I would never get lost in the bush.
So it came as quite a shock to me when I found out that our house didn't face North at all, and that my bedroom window opened out in some odd non-direction, somewhere between North and East. When I think about it, I really should have twigged earlier. After all, the sun always set behind the house, closer to the direction I had assumed to be South. The power of denial is an amazing thing.
I count that moment – of discovering the truth about which direction our house faced (or didn't face) – as one of those pivotal points on the way to Growing Up. As a child, there were certain Truths that I just took for granted: that we would always go to Rye for the holidays; that Gran and Dar Dar would always be able to take us down the beach; that there would always be a million of us doing the present-opening frenzie on Christmas morning; that we would always be together. That North was the direction our house faced.
It's not like I ever really thought about these things. They were deepest, base-level Truths for me – known realities, as solid and reliable as concrete.
There is a point in our lives where we find cracks in the concrete. Cracks that have always been there, but that we never took notice of, as we chalked our hopscotch lines and skipped back and forth.
Grandparents get frail. We go to the beach on our own. A tree that has been there all our lives falls down. Friends perish in a bushfire. A brother dies. Soon my grandfather is gone: the one who taught me that I'd be okay, just as long as I never turned my back on a wave. I took his advice, and I've not yet drowned at sea. But I'm still not quite okay.
I look to Gran and hope to God she is smiling, because if she is then things are still Alright. Gran is sort of smiling, so I'm feeling a bit better, for now.
But the house I grew up in no longer faces due North. Its windows glint towards some strange, in-between, unfamiliar direction, which up until that moment I never even knew existed.


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As society becomes more accustomed to getting its news online via websites, video, or broadcast TV or radio, the Army National Guard needs Public Affairs Broadcast Specialists to tell the Guard's story. Broadcast journalists write, produce, and present digital and broadcast news, entertainment, and music programming.
You will learn how to operate a video camera, program a disc jockey show, and put on a live-to-tape television newscast in all positions (anchor, control room operator, director, and camera person). You may also participate in and supervise the operation of radio or television broadcast teams or the Armed Forces Radio Television Service.
Job Duties
• Research, prepare, and disseminate information through news releases, radio, and television products
• Perform as writer, reporter, editor, videographer, producer, and program host in radio and television productions
• Maintenance of assigned equipment, vehicles, and generators
Some of the Skills You'll Learn
• Videography and video editing
• Voice skills for anchoring television news and performing as a disc jockey
• Writing news, feature, and sports copy for radio and television
• Radio and television programming and production
• Public speaking
• Media relations
Helpful Skills
• Interest in English, journalism, communications, computers, and photography
• Ability to speak clearly in front of an audience
• Detail oriented
• Enjoy researching facts and issues for news stories
• Can write clearly and concisely
Plus, you'll be building a better future. The skills you learn as a Public Affairs Broadcast Specialist will help prepare you for a future with wire services, as well as radio and television stations. You'll be qualified to pursue a career as a journalist, newscaster, disc jockey, writer, director, producer, editor, or correspondent.
Earn While You Learn
Instead of paying to learn these skills, get paid to train. In the Army National Guard, you will learn these valuable job skills while earning a regular paycheck and qualifying for tuition assistance.
Job training for Public Affairs Broadcast Specialists consists of 10 weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and up to 12 weeks of Advanced Individual Training. Training consists of both classroom and field work.
Requires military enlistment. Programs and benefits are subject to change. Ask your Army National Guard recruiter for the most up-to-date information. Actual MOS assignment may depend on MOS availability.


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Admittedly not the best beach in Vietnam--that title belongs to the beaches on the list and interactive map--Back Beach is the place to go for some much needed sun and surf.
And as someone who has never been spoiled for choice, I feel particularly blessed to live 10 minutes away from swimmable saltwater. People used to the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, or Indonesia may want to pass on Vung Tau. But someone who has recollections of wicked undertows, hypothermia inducing temperatures (even in summer), and the lurking fear of great white sharks under the opaque surf, welcome to paradise.
Let the beach do its magic on you. The sun and waves and wind may not dominate an already crowded head space, but slowly I notice a pleasant effect on how I notice time passing. The sounds of the beach wash away the regular noise that makes up a regular day. The gritty sand softens my skin. The smell of the salt is a mild tranquilizer. A late morning at the beach sets the rest of the day right.
Mostly crowded with city slickers from Ho Chi Minh City, I've seen on-line reviews of Back Beach complaining about garbage left on the sand and even plastic bags floating in the water. I have personally seen remnants of picnics and it is unfortunate but not a deal breaker for me.
Though Back Beach is crowded on the weekends with out-of-towners, locals wish to enjoy the beach while avoiding the browning of the afternoon sun. They opt to visit the beach in pre-dawn or in the early evenings. There is a lot of activity and general fun at the beach at those times of day. I have not visited the beach much then. In the future I will just to photograph the festival-like atmosphere. Personally I much prefer tanning on my days off during the week when it is quiet and I feel that I have a large stretch of beach to myself.
I was told to avoid Back Beach because of water pollution. On the other side of the peninsula, off shore, are platforms drilling for oil. Still, I see no evidence of oil washing up on Back Beach. I do see brown-jellied discs in the waves. Could those be drops of oil? Well, they do not stick together. When I pick them up, they do not break apart. The surf doesn't carry them in clumps onto the beach leaving a slick layer. I figure they are a type of jellyfish. I have seen the mature version of them wash up on the beach. They most certainly become food for the colonies of crabs that peek out of their sand caves when they think that I am not watching.
Sometimes those jellyfish are quite big but I am also reminded that if the water was really polluted with industrial waste or crude oil, I would expect to see all kinds of sea life washing up dead on the shore from time to time. Besides for only a very few jellyfish, seashells and crab shells, I have see no other animal remains.
With miles of coastline and unmarked sections of beach named one thing of another, you should know that Back Beach is marked by the public square where the enormous Vietnamese flag flies.
Facing the sea, if you walk to the left you get to less populated sections of the beach where the restaurants and resorts are found. Sometimes you can get lunch there. It has a smaller draw because beach chairs and umbrellas cost slightly more, 100,000VND ($5 US) for two people compared to 40,000VND $2 USD).