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10 Cities with Creepiest Catacombs
What is a catacomb? The simple definition is an underground cemetery connected by tunnels. The term is derived from "ad catacumbas," meaning "near the hollows." From the Holy Grail to a gilded Titanic, catacombs around the world hold an aura of mystery and legend. Here are some of the cities with the creepiest catacombs.
Rome, Italy
There are more than 40 catacombs beneath the city of Rome. In addition to the early Christian catacombs, the city contains Jewish and pagan ones as well. Originally thought to be the burial sites of martyrs, historians now agree the more than 6.5 million burials must have been for laypeople too. Roman law required cemeteries to be outside city limits. As space ran out, corpses were moved underneath the city. Many of the catacombs contain rooms with benches where families would have meals with the dead. Here are some of the most famous ones in the Eternal City:
- Catacombs of St.Callixtus: 16 popes were buried in St. Callixtus. It was the official cemetery of the Church of Rome. These catacombs take up an area of 90 acres, with 12 miles of tunnels on four levels that are more than 20 meters deep.
- Catacombs of Priscilla: Called the "Queen of Catacombs," a great number of martyrs were buried here. It is the oldest catacomb mentioned in ancient Roman and Christian print.
- Catacombs of St. Domitilla: Rediscovered in 1593, the Catacombs of Domitilla extend about 17 kilometers on four levels.
- Catacombs of St. Sebastian: The burial of the martyr, San Sebastian, gives these catacombs their name. Both Christians and pagans were buried in the loculi wall tombs. The basilica above the burial site houses marble footsteps attributed to Jesus. In addition, the arrow that killed San Sebastian can be seen.
Paris, France
The Catacombs of Paris are famous for walls lined with skulls and bones. Similar to the Roman catacombs, these underground burials solved the problem of overflowing graveyards. Built much later, the Parisian catacombs burials began in the 18th-century. The tunnels were already in place below the city from 13th-century mining.
Prior to the catacombs, Parisian cemeteries stunk of rotting corpses. During a heavy spring rain in 1780, the walls of the Les Innocents cemetery broke flooding the streets with dead body parts. Thus, the city began moving the deceased to already existing mining tunnels. It took 12 years to move the six million bodies. Throughout the Parisian catacombs, the bones are arranged in macabre displays. Here you'll find the largest population of skeletons on display.
Sousse, Tunisia
Romans occupied Tunisia from 146 BC to 439 AD. Christianity was considered a threat to the empire. Early persecuted Christians used Tunisian catacombs to bury their dead and for hidden worship. The Sousse Catacombs contain approximately 15,000 bodies and extend five kilometers. They were discovered in 1888 on the site of the ancient, coastal city of Hadrumetum.
The Catacombs of Sousse are located west of the Medina. They are better preserved than the Catacombs of Rome. Also known as the Catacombs of the Good Shepherd, the walls of the tunnels and galleries include niches for oil lamps. Some of the graves are bricked over; others have been excavated where you can view human remains.
Odessa, Ukraine
With a total length of approximately 2,500 kilometers, the Catacombs of Odessa are the longest in the world. The oldest tunnels date from the 17th-century. Like other catacombs, the tunnels were originally constructed beneath the city for mining. Later, they were used by smugglers. During WWII, the Ukrainians used the catacombs to launch surprise attacks on Nazi invaders.
Unlike other catacombs, the Odessa tunnels were not used for massive burial, although corpses of smugglers can be found. The tunnels are rumored to contain murdered Jews, a solid gold replica of the Titanic, and executed Nazis. In 2005, a teenage girl got lost in the tunnels during a New Year's Eve Party. While her body was allegedly found two years later, there is some doubt of the veracity of this story.
Rabat, Malta
Roman laws prohibited burial within the ancient city of Melite, as was common throughout the empire, so burials went underground. The St. Paul Catacombs offer the earliest evidence of Christianity on the island. They were actively used into the 4th-century and consist of more 30 hypogea, or underground chambers. The catacombs of St. Paul are the largest catacombs on Malta with an area of 2000 square meters. They offer a wider variety of tomb architecture. For example, unique baldacchino, or canopied tombs, are prevalent in the main chamber. Pagans, Christians, and Jews were buried side by side here.
Brno, Czech Republic
The Brno Ossuary is the most recent underground burial discovery. In 2001, 50,000 skeletons were discovered beneath the Church of St. James. Piled in neat rows, the bones were thought to have been moved from above ground cemeteries to make room for new burials in the 1600-1700s. The deaths were caused by the medieval plague, cholera epidemics, and the Swedish Siege of Brno during the Thirty Years' War. The Brno Ossuary has the second largest quantity of skeletal remains in Europe behind the Parisian catacombs. Lacking tunnels, this burial site is considered an ossuary, a room that houses the dead. The Brno Ossuary consists of three rooms completely filled to the ceiling with skeletons. For preservation purposes, the bones were removed, cleaned and rearranged before opening to the public in 2012.
Lima, Peru
An estimated 25,000 to 70,000 skeletal remains line the walls of the catacombs below the San Francisco Monastery in Lima, Peru. These catacombs were in use until 1808 when a cemetery for commoners was built outside city limits. Famous for the intricate layout of bones in circular patterns, the San Francisco Catacombs were rediscovered in 1943. They connect to Lima's cathedral and other churches via tunnels under the city. The placement of the bones in mandalas and geometric designs are evidence of a mysterious, metaphysical ritual unknown to modern scholars.
Palermo, Italy
Catacombs can be found throughout Italy. Besides Rome, some of the most spectacular examples of these underground burials are found in Sicily. The Capuchin Monastery in Palermo houses the corpses of dead monks that underwent natural mummification. In 1597, new catacombs were built in ancient caves. Upon moving bodies to this new location, the monks discovered the natural mummies. The mummified friars' faces were still recognizable. Their natural preservation was considered an act of God, and they were honored as relics. Wealthy Sicilians paid for mummification by the friars until 1783. It was considered a status symbol sought by the privileged class.
Dublin, Ireland
Beneath the Church Christ Cathedral in Dublin lies the largest crypt in Ireland. Famous for a mummified cat and rat playfully named "Tom and Jerry," this medieval catacomb is the earliest surviving structure in Dublin. It houses Ireland's first copy of the Magna Carta. You can rent the crypt for your own private event or take a ghost tour at night.
Another infamous catacomb of Dublin is found at St. Michan's Church. Mummies of famous and historic figures, such as a 400-year-old nun, fill the chambers. Other mummified inhabitants include an 800-year-0ld, six and a half foot tall crusader who had to have his feet cut off to fit in a coffin, as well as a thief whose hands were chopped off. Limestone walls and methane gas from rotting vegetation maintain the perfect climate for mummy preservation. Dracula author, Bram Stoker, visited these catacombs potentially inspiring his thrilling book.
Alexandria, Egypt
In 1900, a donkey fell down a hole and discovered the Catacombs of Kom Ash Shuqqafa. This is the largest Roman burial site in Egypt. Started in the 2nd-century and considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages, the name of these catacombs translates to "Mounds of Shards." There are piles of broken pottery in the area left behind by tomb visitors. It was bad luck to bring home a clay vessel that had been used while visiting the tombs, so family members would break them upon leaving. Art found in the burial site blends ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman styles. This is the only catacomb in the world where a mix of these three cultures' art can be found.
A Festive Remembrance of Departed Souls: Day of the Dead
Originating in Mexico, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a mix of religious and cultural elements: indigenous Aztec (the festival for Mictecacihuatl, The Lady of The Dead) and Catholic (Spanish conquistadors, All saints and All Souls Day). Preparations begin October 31st, and from November first through the second, the dearly departed are honored in festive and symbolic ways.
Altars are a focal point, whether in the home or at the cemetery. Decorations – or "ofrendas" (offerings) – include sugar skulls, flowers, and candles. The ofrendas also feature favorite objects of the honoree like musical instruments, food and beverages, clothing, and books.
Families also spend hours in cemeteries tending the graves of the deceased. Weeds are pulled, grass is cut, and ofrendas – especially marigolds, which are thought to attract the souls of the deceased – are arranged. Prayers, remembrances, and laughter, accompany picnics of calabaza en tacha (candied pumpkin), tamales, and pan de muerto (a sweet bun-shaped roll with a sugar topping).
Some of the most recognizable images from Día de los Muertos are calacas (skeletons) and calaveras (skulls). These sassy bones are often living the whimsical life – hanging out with their cat, talking on their smartphone, performing as rock musicians, or drinking beer. Whether purchased in figurine, chocolate, wrestler, oilcloth, candle holder, sugar skull, or balloon form, these icons have a growing place in the mainstream North American consciousness.
An Artful Fiesta
Leading up to the holiday, we checked in with Veronica Olivares-Weber, art teacher, community organizer, and Guadalajara native, on her preparations for the annual Arts Council of Princeton Día de los Muertos celebration. When prepping for the festivities, it's all hands on deck, including Veronica's husband Oscar, along with their daughters, Valeria and Kyara.
JC: How elaborate are your plans prior to the big fiesta?
Veronica: We start the planning of activities and events months in advance. The actual preparations, and implementation of the planning stage, start three to four weeks in advance. With the support of the Arts Council of Princeton, the help of Princeton High School student volunteers, and community members, we work on the arts and crafts, make the sugar skulls, and create the decorations needed. We also work on the altar, which is the most important part of the celebrations. We make it all from scratch. I also start contacting and securing food vendors, the mariachi band, other participants, and the dancers (whenever they are available). While it is long, it is actually a fun process. I would like to thank the Princeton Shopping Center for sponsoring this event for many years now and for providing a unique venue for the celebrations.
JC: What has it meant to you, as young Mexican-American women, to be such a big part of the preparations?
Valeria and Kyara: Being a part of the preparations has allowed us to connect and learn about one of the most important parts of our heritage. It has been very important to us, especially due to the fact that we do live in a predominantly white town. It has also meant we can share our culture and traditions with our community, which is something that has always been important not only to us, but to our family. The interesting thing about Day of the Dead, is it is not a religious celebration, but instead, a celebration of life and death. A celebration consisting of colorful music, flowers, altars, food, and families. Our ancestors believed in welcoming death, and celebrating the life of those who have passed onto a better life. Something that we also really love about Day of the Dead is the fact there is the central figure of "La Catrina," otherwise known as the "Lady of the Dead." Being a part of the organization of the celebration has been an amazing experience for both of us, as well as our family.
Let's Celebrate
Día de los Muertos in Princeton, NJ takes place Saturday, November 4, 3-5pm, Princeton Shopping Center, 301 N Harrison St. The event is free of charge and family-friendly. Enjoy strolling mariachis, decorate sugar skulls, get your face painted, and snack on food from Surf Taco.
This year, the Arts Council will introduce a Catrina/Catrin Contest. Work your best version of José Guadalupe Posada's iconic "La Calavera Catrina" and you might win a prize.
From Alabama to Wisconsin, there's bound to be a celebration in your state – click here for listings of other Día de los Muertos celebrations throughout the U.S.
Stupid Scary Haunted Houses From Coast To Coast
When my seven-year-old son asked me to take him to a haunted house attraction along the boardwalk in Santa Cruz while we were on vacation, I happily obliged. That was stupid. It wasn't even *that* scary, but 1) I hate horror movies, haunted houses, and being freaky scared and 2) who even takes a seven-year old into a house of horrors? Bad decisions, Mommy. Bad. Decisions. Which further begs the question of why I would pitch this story, when researching it would mean I'd have to find the goriest, most heart-stopping, anxiety-inducing haunted houses that exist in this free country of ours? It's not like the Internet doesn't have pictures of these places posted on its pages, you know. And you can't un-see that stuff. Anyway, if you're the kind of person who likes that sort of thing, here you go. I guess I've obliged the horror-seeking once again. Whoops.
Dent Schoolhouse, Cincinatti
Charlie the janitor was not a nice guy. Legend has it he killed the children who taunted him. Now, his spirit haunts the Dent Schoolhouse, where his crazy, creepy. clown friends and other tortured teachers roam the hallways, too. This house of horrors is located in an actual school built in 1894, so the lunch room and gym are appropriately grim, but it's the basement and boiler room – Charlie's personal domain and gore factory – that will really get you screaming.
Haunted Hoochie, Pataskala, Ohio
The Haunted Hoochie at Dead Acres bills itself as a "full sensory assault," so you can expect to be literally grabbed by the throat and fully terrified. Actors, not animatronics, do the shoving and chainsawing here. According to one review, "I got a little blood on me," is a common comment during the tour.
The Mortuary, New Orleans
This self-guided haunted house takes visitors through a huge, historic, New Orleans mansion that was actually an operating mortuary for 80 years. Surrounded by real cemeteries, The Mortuary is a heart-stoppingly scary setting for the deranged mortician, vampires, witches, zombies, skeletons, and other ghoulish creatures waiting to accost you inside. Whatever irrational fears your head may harbor, this haunted mansion will bring to life. Oh, and there will be live snakes, bats, rats, cockroaches, and spiders. Also ghosts – the place is said to be crawling with paranormal activity.
Terror Behind the Walls, Philadelphia
This event is so freaky, it already earned its own article on this blog, but no respectable list of terror factories would be complete without it, so I'm mentioning it again. Terror Behind the Walls takes place in an actual abandoned prison that is, of course, said to be haunted. The hidden passages and cell blocks you'll find yourself stuck in aren't decorated to look decrepit and creepy, though – that's the actual interior of the rundown, Eastern State Penitentiary. It's a massive and intimidating. gothic complex. Better pull yourself together, though, if you're going to survive the zombie riots, jailbreaks, infirmary experiments, and general carnage going on inside.
McKamey Manor, Nashville and Huntsville, Alabama
The mother of all haunted houses, Makamey Manor, is a truly terrifying, full-immersion experience. Twenty-one and older only, please, plus a 40-page waiver, proof of health insurance, a note from your doctor (not kidding), and a background check are all required before you step inside. Once you do, expect extreme physical contact, as well as lots and lots of blood. You may be dragged, dropped, shoved, gagged, or bonded. Side effects include immense anxiety and wanting to go home. The event used to be a five-hour tour you could do with friends, but owner Russ McKamey has upped the stakes. Depending on how well you do, we're talking 10 hours or more of barely legal fun.
Stupid Scary Haunted House Locations
- Dent Schoolhouse -Cincinnati, OH
- Haunted Hoochie -Pataskala, OH
- The Mortuary -New Orleans, LA
- Terror Behind the Walls -Philadelphia, PA
- McKamey Manor -Nashville and Huntsville, AL
Halloween Bands for Any Season: Dressing Up To Get Down
When the leaves start to turn and outfits begin to start doubling in layers, we are reminded by a chilly finger tapping us on the hooded shoulder that Halloween is next up on the musical calendar. All time OG acts like Alice Cooper and KISS sliced through conventional ideology of what a concert could be back in the 70's, opening the casket lid for modern acts to shock, excite, and bring tongue-in-cheek levity sprinkled with bravado to the masses. Halloween is just about a week away and there are plenty of acts to fill that trick-or-treat vibe for you day of, but it doesn't have to end there. From the musically creative to the outright grotesque, these are some bands that won't disappoint while bringing the Halloween spirit.
Arcade Fire
Bands like Arcade Fire have no regard for calendars when decreeing a performance should be more than just showing up, listening for a bit, then going home. Arcade Fire tweeted before their Reflektor tour, "Formal attire or costume (is) MANDATORY. (Formal wear = suit, dress or fancy something…)."[1]
Richard Reed Parry, multi-instrumentalist for Arcade Fire, explained it like this:
"We're trying to make a show that feels like an event, that's fun, that people want to be at and participate in. We've found from shows that we've done that people like to dress up, people like to put on a mask. Like, people love Halloween. I wait all year for Halloween.It's great, the costume part of that and the dressing up part of that just enhances the feeling that it's a special event that you're investing it and trying to have it be an elevated experience from the every day…" says Arcade Fire.
Gwar, on the other deformed, oozing hand, want to convince you they are interstellar demons sent to earth to turn humans into sex slaves for their ultimate hedonistic desires. Audience members are subjected to gross outs and sloppy antics that set the cheese factor to full on Limburger. With band members having names like Balsac The Jaws Of Death, Oderus Urungus (RIP), and Beefcake The Mighty, Gwar brings the corny and gross to crowds all at once. Think of it as if Kiss smoked dust and co-opted Troma Studios for a schlocky outer space slasher flick.
Ghost BC
If the darkness is what calls you to the ceremony, then groups like Ghost BC, Portal and Sunn O))) may be your siren's call. These bands take themselves more seriously in regards to power riffs and the occult flowing deeper and darker throughout their song catalogues. Ghost BCs lead singer, Papa Emeritus, rocks a skeleton priest get up reminiscent of a satanic pope from Bizarro World. While the music itself leans more towards poppy, accessible metal, the spectacle created by band members named "Nameless Ghouls" and decked out in cloaks and faceless masks is enough to satiate even the most hardcore fans of Beelzebub.
Portal and Sun O))) both represent downtuned groups that create a true sense of aural horrorcore. Portal, an Australian black/death metal band, doesn't attempt to scare the audience. They outright succeed in frightening crowds with deep guttural grunting and sound effects in place of lyrics, all the while donning wizard hats and executioner's masks, obscuring their faces, adding to the cacophony of uncomfortable confusion.
Sunn O)))
Sunn O))), a Seattle outfit that creates a doomy, dark ambient drone, tops the list as the most competent musicians when talking about a theatrical horror group. The band is famous for monolithic soundscapes, lack of percussion, and wearing robes whilst surrounded by fog. They're easily one of the loudest bands performing today, which completes the brutal assault on all of the senses.
It doesn't have to be All Hallows' Eve to shake the devil's hand; you can find the haunting fun of autumn any time of year. So whether you're looking for a fun jaunt into escapism through a musical costume or want to become someone else for a night by wearing a literal costume, any one of these bands can bring Halloween to you regardless of the weather.
7 Incredible Pumpkin Festivals to Celebrate Nature's Greatest Gourd
Harvest season yields the sweetest crops – and the best festivals. We recently told you about our favorite spots for leaf peeping and eating throughout the Northeast; now, we're spreading the love a little wider. Fall means pumpkins, and pumpkins mean fun, so here are our top picks for festivals that pay homage to these plump, happy gourds from coast to coast. From good eats to spooky treats, there's a little something for everyone.
Circleville, Ohio Pumpkin Show (October 18–21)
Just 25 miles south of Columbus, Circleville, Ohio hosts a stunning fall festival that draws 400,000 visitors each year. Dozens of amusement rides, arts and crafts, and amazing fair food are all part of the draw. But the seven parades – focused on babies, pets, bands, and more – are all worth watching, too. Who will be crowned Miss Pumpkin and Little Miss Pumpkin this year? And how much will th elargest pumpkin weigh? You won't know, unless you go.
Great Pumpkin Farm, Clarence, New York (through October 31)
The Great Pumpkin Farm's first claim to fame came in 1996, when its inaugural World Pumpkin Weigh-off landed it in the Guinness World Book of Records for the first 1,000-pound pumpkin. Since then this festival has continued to grow with rides and events. It's the perfect place for some wholesome fun, fresh cider, and warm donuts. If that doesn't sound good enough, head over to Oinktoberfest, a barbecue cook off and beer garden, or enter one of the farm's wacky contests.
Pumpkintown U.S.A., East Hampton, Connecticut (through October 31)
Pumpkintown U.S.A. is cheerful village of pumpkin people with painted faces full of personality. Open for six weeks each fall, this totally non-scary spot is fun for families or curious visitors – who now come from all over the world to visit. Stroll through this old-fashioned country village, which includes a restaurant, saloon, jail, and church, then hit the Harvest Shop for handmade butters, spreads, candles, and more. Kids will also love the games, face painting, and bounce house.
Siegel's Cottonwood Farm Pumpkin Fest, Lockport, Illinois (through October 31)
Good old-fashion fun is what you'll find at Cottonwood Farm's Pumpkin Fest. This fourth-generation family farm in Lockport, Illinois offers hayride tours of the farm where you can hop off and pick your own pumpkin right off the vine. Dozens of other attractions include zombie paintball, a 15-acre corn maze, a haunted barn, a massive trampoline field, and a visit with farm animals, plus tons of seasonal food.
Craven Farm, Snohomish, Washington (through October 31)
In 1983, Craven Farm created the first pumpkin patch in their region, with a vision of helping kids and families understand the importance of farming. Since then, their fall festival has developed into an agri-entertainment business that has kept the farm economy sustainable, even in uncertain times. Today, the 20-acre pumpkin patch, multiple corn mazes, mini-golf, and loads of other fun and games have delighted locals and tourists alike.
Jack-o-lantern Spectacular, Providence, Rhode Island (through November 5)
This incredible spectacle brings 5,000 carved pumpkins to the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island. Artfully and intricately designed, collections of pumpkins are grouped into themes such as dinosaurs, the ice age, Egypt, Rome, and the history of technology. New this year: A soaring zip line that takes you 115 feet in the air to view the entire event.
Autumn at the Arboretum, Dallas, Texas (through Nov 22)
The Dallas Arboretum is a gardener's dream, and this stunning fall show has become a nationally acclaimed event, with 4,500 chrysanthemums and 150,000 other fall-blooming plants. This year's theme, "The Wonderful World of Oz" brings Dorothy and her friends to the arboretum's Pumpkin Village, with fantastical houses and displays made from more than 90,000 pumpkins, squash, and gourds.
5 Spooky, Must See London Museums at Night Events
From Jack the Ripper to the Tower of London, the city along the Thames has a long, sordid, haunted past. In October, museums in London, England celebrate their ghostly heritage by opening after hours. The 2017 Museums at Night events are filled with spooky activities like mummy unwrappings and canal rides by torchlight.
Twice a year the United Kingdom's museums, historical sites, and galleries participate in after-hours events for the "culturally curious." The 2017 fall Museums at Night takes place October 26-29. There are 33 events in London. Here are five spine-tingling activities, workshops, sleepovers, and mysteries not to be missed.
The Amazing Halloween Experience-London Canal Museum
Located near King's Cross, the London Canal Museum hosts a frightening trip in a narrowboat. During the Amazing Halloween Experience, a witch tells spine-chilling tales on the 50-minute ride through the Islington Tunnel. In the museum, explore the Corridor of Fear, listen to ghost stories, and enjoy special kids' activities. This family-friendly event costs £11 for an adult and £8 for a child, including the boat trip and the museum. Advanced booking for the boat trip is recommended.
Dickens After Dark: A Halloween Special-Charles Dickens Museum
For one night only, on October 26, you can visit the townhouse of renowned storyteller, Charles Dickens, for Dicken's After Dark: A Halloween Special. To celebrate All Hallow's Eve, a night dedicated to telling stories of the dearly departed, explore where Oliver Twist, Pickwick Papers, and Nicholas Nickleby were written. In this classic Victorian home, a housemaid will read your fortune, a magician will entertain you in the parlor, and adults can "ward off the chills of this dark and mysterious night" at a candlelit bar. This all-ages event costs £16.
London's Night Owls Halloween Sleepover-Museum of London
Spend the night in one of London's most popular museums featuring the city's history from Roman to modern times. On October 27, the Museum of London asks, "Are you brave enough?" to join in London's Night Owls Sleepover? This family-friendly, costume-wearing sleepover includes trick-or-treating. Children answer historical questions as they wander by candlelight through the galleries. Infamous, frightful London tales, like "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" and "The Barber of Fleet Street," are told. Gothic masks are made before bedtime. After breakfast, enjoy a screening of Hocus Pocus. Advanced booking is required. The fee is £60 for children and adults.
The Case of the Missing Monsters-Dorich House Museum
What happens when monsters jump out of their stories? Running all three nights of London's Museums at Night Festival, the Dorich House Museum hosts The Case of the Missing Monsters, a combined theater and monster hunt. The museum was the home of Russian sculptor, Dora Gordine. It currently promotes and supports women's creativity, including spooky stories. This Halloween family adventure begins with the telling of haunted tales, but there is a hitch. The monsters escape from the books! Search all over this unique museum to recapture them. Children are encouraged to come in costume. Advanced booking is required. Discounts are given for families.
Archives at Night: Cabinet of Curiosities-The National Archives
On October 27, the National Archives will open their Edwardian Cabinet of Curiosities as part of Archives at Night. Inside the cabinet, you will find Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's letters on mediums, as well as learn about witch trials and sorcery history. The Cemetary Club will provide talks on the Three Curses of Tutankhamun, Witchcraft and the King in Medieval England, and the Second Pendle Witch Scare. Perhaps the most exciting event at the Archives at Night is the unwrapping of a mummy! During this re-enactment of a mummy unwrapping party (no mummies will be harmed), Egyptologist John J. Johnston will perform the operation and instruct viewers on how mummies were procured for such events in the 19th century. Additionally, you will learn about which guests would attend the unwrapping, what they saw, and what happened to the remains afterward. This event costs between £17.60 to £22, advanced booking is required, and is for adults only (18+).
5 Must See London Museums at Night Dates
- Dickens After Dark: A Halloween Special-Charles Dickens Museum; Oct. 26
- The Case of the Missing Monsters-Dorich House Museum; Oct.26-28
- Archives at Night: Cabinet of Curiosities-The National Archives; Oct. 27
- London's Night Owls Halloween Sleepover-Museum of London; Oct. 27-28
- The Amazing Halloween Experience-London Canal Museum; Oct. 28-29
Great New Orleans Ghost Tours For All Scare Levels
New Orleans is a city filled with history, and some say many historical events left behind evidence of the paranormal kind. In the French Quarter, the cemeteries, and just about every corner you turn in The Big Easy, ghosts abound. So do ghost tours, but not all tours are for all people. To find the tour that's right for you, check out these options.
Good for Families with Younger Children
The Cemetery and Voodoo Walking Tour from Gray Line goes easy on the scares. A climate-controlled bus transports guests to St. Louis Cemetery #1 for this two-hour, daylight-only tour. During the drive, a guide tells tales about people from the French Quarter's long ago past who may still be hanging around today as ghosts (but there are no ghosts in the bus, of course). At the cemetery, a professional, licensed guide continues the stories with tales of the famous and infamous people who are buried there, as well as the evolution of Voodoo.
When guests get to the tomb of New Orleans Voodoo Queen, Marie Laveau, they'll learn how she was able to be in two places at once. They'll also be able to make a wish or cast a spell at her tomb. A little history lesson happens, too, when the guide explains the above ground burial customs of the region and the origins of some of the tombs.
Guests walk away with a souvenir "Gris Gris" bag containing a Voodoo amulet.
- Tour departs from the Gray Line "Lighthouse" Ticket Office at Toulouse St. & the Mississippi River at the Steamboat Natchez Dock
- Price: Adults $27.00; Children ages 6-12 $15
- Dates and times vary depending on time of year – confirm with website
- Reservations are recommended 24 hours in advance
Good for Families with Older Children
The Ghosts of New Orleans Tour from Ghost City takes guests on a tour in hopes they will encounter a ghost along the way. Guests visit the most notorious haunted locations in the famous New Orleans' French Quarter on this 90 minute tour. The tour visits haunted restaurants, hotels, and more. Along the way, guests will hear the true story behind the haunted LaLaurie Mansion, home to many tortured ghosts, and also visit sites of grisly murders and crimes where the victims are said to still haunt the living.
- Tour departs from 798 Chartes Street
- Price: Ages 12 and up $19.95; Children ages 6-11 $9.95; 5 and under are free
- Tours begin nightly at 6pm and 8pm
- Advance ticket purchase is required
Good for Giving You Nightmares
The 4-in-1 Ghosts,Voodoo,Vampires and Witchcraft Walking Tour from Witches Brew Tours encourages guests to take multiple pictures with flash photography because more often than not, something inexplicable finds its way into a photo during this dark-of-night ghost tour. The tour leads guests through the historic French Quarter and stops at buildings well known for paranormal activity and tragedies.
What makes this tour especially scary is that many of the stories told on this tour are true, so it may not be suitable for kids under 10. Tour guides take guests to the location where one of the world's oldest vampires spent time in New Orleans in the 1920s. They also visit New Orleans' most haunted house, the residence of Madame Delphine LaLaurie – the inspiration for Kathy Bates' character in American Horror Story. In between there are stories of hauntings, spirits, and paranormal activity that have happened over the centuries in New Orleans.
- Tour departs from the corner of Royal and Conti Streets, directly across from Latrobe's restaurant
- Price: Adults $25; Students, military with I.D, and seniors $20; Children ages 6-12 $12
- Tours begin at 5pm and 8pm
- Advance ticket purchase is recommended; walk ups are welcome to stand by
Good for a History Lesson
Saints and Sinners Walking Tour from French Quarter Phantoms doesn't water anything down when it comes to the colorful history of New Orleans. This tour takes guests through the best and worst of the strange city with a dark, dark past. Not so much a ghost tour as it is a tour through the city highlighting the unique and interesting rumors of conspiracy, witchcraft, and vampires. It also highlights the truths of a Voodoo priestess and other historical figures through the centuries in this city that has had more than its fair share of saints and sinners.
- Tour departs from 718 N Rampart St. at the corner of Orleans Street and Rampart Street
- Price: $20 ages 17 and up. No one under 17 is permitted on this adult-themed tour
- Tours begin at 1pm daily
- Advance ticket purchase is recommended
Remember, no matter which tour you take, tour guides work hard to learn the history of New Orleans so they can pass on the information to you in a fun, educational, and a little bit spooky way. They always appreciate a tip at the end of the evening if you appreciated their expertise.
We Dare You to Enter This Haunted House in a Real Prison
If being terrified brings you joy during the Halloween season, head to Philadelphia immediately to experience one of the scariest seasonal haunted attractions in the country. Terror Behind the Walls invites thrill seekers into the abandoned Eastern State Penitentiary, believed by some to be haunted by many of the prisoners who died there, to experience six separate scary attractions – all for one admission price.
Once inside the Fairmount neighborhood's gothic-like prison built in 1829, brave guests will find themselves wandering through 10 acres of the old penitentiary for six different nightmare experiences.
- The Lockdown: Rioting zombie inmates have taken over the penitentiary. The zombie guards have lost control. Visitors may just become the next zombies.
- The Machine Shop: This interactive attraction takes visitors into cellblocks that the public has never been in before. Hidden deep inside the cellblocks is a long-forgotten machine shop. Evil pervades this space – an evil with one mind but with many bodies.
- The Infirmary: The Infirmary takes the fear of hospitals to a whole new level. Visitors discover the world of prison medical treatment, including shock therapy, hydrotherapy, and other torturous experiments gone wrong.
- Blood Yard: Visitors go deep within the prison to find a colony that leaves behind a trail of gnawed bones and decaying flesh. It's hunt or be hunted. The carnage sends a clear message: you could be next.
- Quarantine 4D: This attraction takes a look into the world of prison medical treatment. Visitors experience mind altering effects and blurry vision. Flat walls appear to have depth, creatures emerge from nowhere, and fears will be faced.
- Breakout: Visitors find their own way out of Terror Behind the Walls, surrounded by inmates who may use them in any way imaginable to gain their freedom.
Prison History
One of the scariest things about Terror Behind the Walls may be learning about the treatment of the former prisoners. After finding their way out, visitors have complimentary access to the no-contact visiting rooms for inmates where they can watch a video about the penitentiary's history and also read about its past.
To Touch or Not
Everyone who enters Terror Behind the Walls gets the option to go through the attraction untouched by the actors or to get marked as someone who is willing to be fully immersed in the experience. Those who chose the mark may be grabbed, taken into cellblocks, separated from their group, and possibly become part of the show itself.
VIP Experience
Those who want to be treated more importantly while they're having the pants scared off of them can pay for one of these extra experiences.
- The Quick Pass: Gives guests front-of-line access at their appointed time. Without the quick pass, the wait me be half an hour to get in.
- The Hex Challenge: Before entering each of the six attractions, Hex challengers enter a secret room where they step further into the story, become part of the action and join forces with the zombies. It's a physically challenging extra with requirements to crawl and fit into tight spaces. Those who aren't up to the physical challenge or pregnant women are not permitted to participate.
- Fright and Bite Dinner Packages: Make a reservation at one of the participating neighborhood restaurants for a Halloween-themed meal, and the Terror Behind the Walls tickets are delivered with dessert.
- After Dark VIP Tour: Before entering the attractions at the front of the line, the tour is an hour-long, guided flashlight walk through the penitentiary that may include cellblocks, underground punishment cells and the operating room.
All proceeds from Terror Behind the Walls goes to the Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, Inc., a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit that helps operate and preserve the penitentiary – a National Historic Landmark.
Terror Behind the Walls runs on select evenings between September 22 and November 11, 2017. Tickets vary depending on the day and time. General admission tickets range from $19-$45 online ($25-$50 at the door). Weekends are more expensive with the three weekends leading up to Halloween are the most expensive and mid-week visits the least expensive.


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This is no Team Edward or Team Jacob here. This is Team BLUE or Team PINK. Everyone having a baby wonders if it's a boy or a girl. They wonder if they'll be surrounded by all things blue or pink, pink everywhere. I'm no different. I want to know.
Check that, I wanted to know. I know now. We had our ultrasound Monday afternoon. I was all remember-y and drank some orange juice before so Baby #2 would be bouncing around everywhere, which is possibly annoying for the tech who is trying to take all sorts of measurements, but almost guarantees we'll get a glimpse of the goods.
It worked. We had a shot of the bum with the legs splayed open and didn't see any boy bits. People, we have a little GIRL in there!
It was so unlike the ultrasound with Baby J when I was convinced I was having a girl and in total shock when the tech showed us boy parts and then blatantly told us what we were looking at because we couldn't tell. I was so surprised. This time I knew not to trust whatever instinct I had, not that I had any beyond a few dreams about twins early on, and went in just hoping to find out.
So it wasn't a big relief or a big let down. It was just another piece of the puzzle that is this little baby growing inside of me. This little baby girl.
Now that I've had some time to get used to the idea and heard J say "she" over and over when telling our families the news, it's real. I'm having a girl and I'm excited!
I think Baby J will be an awesome big brother and Baby #2 will be the prettiest girl dressed all in blue.
Go Team PINK!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Which team?
Labels: pregnancy
5 comments:
Yeehaw!!! Go blue girl! Yay!ReplyDelete
I'm SUPER excited for you and J and baby J. Exciting to know. Congratulations!
yay a girl!!! She'll be lucky with a big brother! Super excitingReplyDelete
- AnonymousSeptember 22, 2010 at 5:00 PM
The quintessential family! Congrats. :)ReplyDelete
Congratulations! Our son and daughter are 21 months apart and it's been a blast so far :) I had no idea how different parenting a daughter would be until she was born - and I love it!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousSeptember 22, 2010 at 8:26 PM
Hurray! Congratulations! A little girl - and she will be perfect just like Baby J.ReplyDelete
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
Me: Maybe we should do a CSA share this year. [Where you pay money up front to have produce once a week from a local farm.]
SH: Maybe.
Me: Wait. Wow. That's expensive. It's $420 for a half share.
SH: What's that?
Me: Thirteen boxes, one every other week for the season.
SH: We could feel superior.
Me: Yes, but I am looking at a sample box. Last summer, in one box, they had
- 1 lb. asparagus
- 1.5 lb. rhubarb
- 1.25 lb. spinach
- red leaf lettuce
- arugula
- radishes
- button mushrooms
- green garlic
SH: This doesn't sound like the sort of decision you make using objective decision criteria.
Me: What? I always use objective decision criteria!
SH: That's what I mean. It doesn't make financial sense to do this. So the reason to do it is to feel good about ourselves.


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Check out our Buick Regal photo gallery with HQ pics. Last update in Regal gallery: 2018-08-01
The forthcoming Buick Regal Wagon is mostly a relaunch of Opel Insignia Sports Tourer released in Europe. At the 2017 New York Auto Show the new wagon Regal TourX might appear in the United States. Before then, we will get an insight into what the Opel Insignia Sports Tourer will bring public in March at the Geneva Motor Show.Read more 2017-02-08
We select only big size buick regal photos for our photogallery.


text: Welcome to my newest auction! This is for the lovely pin 97415 Disney store Europe The Reluctant Dragon limited edition 300 brand new on original card. This auction ends March 6th at 11.15 pm UK time. My pinpics name is butterbear . Pins don't need to be from my wants list if you don't have anything,I don't know all the lovely pins out there. Some of the lovely new WDI pins and other pins aren't on pinpics. Pins I'd like if possible please , ANY PIN TRADER DELIGHTS OF ANY CHARACTERS I COLLECT DSSH DSF WDI DUFFY SHELLIE MAY GELATONI LIMITED EDITIONS ANY PINS ON MY PINPICS WANTS LIST ROBIN HOOD CHARACTERS SCROOGE MCDUCK GLITTERY PRINCESSES OR PRETTY PRINCESSES ,ANY PRINCESSES REALLY , CUTE ANIMAL PINS GLITTERY ANIMALS FOX AND THE HOUND THE RESCUERS THE RESCUERS DOWN UNDER GREAT MOUSE DETECTIVE ALICE IN WONDERLAND [ NOT THE TIM BURTON ONE ] OLIVER AND COMPANY DISNEY AFTERNOON CARTOONS WINNIE THE POOH AND FRIENDS FAIRIES CHIP AND DALE HKDL TOKYO pins I don't want please FAB 5 HIDDEN MICKEYS ANY TIM BURTON MOVIES INCREDIBLES TRON ROGER AND JESSICA RABBIT STITCH WITH TEETH SHOWING BLACK CAULDRON PRINCESS AND THE FROG BRAVE HOME ON THE RANGE PIXAR DAMAGED SCRAPPERS PINS WITH SCRAPPER WARNINGS STARTER DATED YEAR PINS NO CHARACTERS ON IT THANKS FOR LOOKING AND HAPPY BIDDING, Sabrina .


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Latest News on Christopher Wylie
Showing of 0 - 10 from 16 results
Christopher Wylie - Total results - 16
May 18, 2018
Cambridge Analytica files for bankruptcy in US after it failed to recover from Facebook data scandalCambridge Analytica would close and file for bankruptcy in Britain and the United States after failing to recover from the Facebook data scandal.
May 03, 2018
Cambridge Analytica declares bankruptcy, is shutting down blaming 'unfairly negative media coverage' over Facebook data scandalCambridge Analytica, the Trump-affiliated data firm at the center of Facebook's worst privacy scandal in history, is declaring bankruptcy and shutting down. The London firm blamed "unfairly negative media coverage" and said it has been "vilified" for actions it says are both legal and widely accepted as part of online advertising.
Apr 17, 2018
Cambridge Analytica's former CEO Alexander Nix refuses to testify at upcoming session on fake news in UKThe chair of the British Parliament's media committee says that Cambridge Analytica's ex CEO, Alexander Nix, says he will no longer testify at a session.
Apr 10, 2018
Facebook to notify users if their data was scraped in Cambridge Analytica scandalThe 87 million users who might have had their data shared with Cambridge Analytica were supposed to get a detailed message on their news feeds starting on Monday. Facebook says more than 70 million of the affected users are in the U.S., though there are over a million each in the Philippines, Indonesia and the U.K.
Apr 08, 2018
Cambridge Analytica whistleblower explains his motivations and why privacy is essential to a democracyChristopher Wylie's documents and subsequent revelations placed the spotlight on the frivolity with which user privacy is treated.
Mar 30, 2018
Data of 50 million Facebook users still out in the open despite Cambridge Analytica's claim of deleting it: ReportCambridge Analytica has been accused of influencing the result of the United Kingdom's 2016 Brexit referendum and of the 2016 American presidential election
Mar 29, 2018
British lawmakers publish written evidence provided by Cambridge Analytica whistleblower Christopher WylieA committee of British lawmakers on Thursday published written evidence provided by a whistleblower who says information about 50 million Facebook users ended up in the hands of political consultancy Cambridge Analytica.
Mar 28, 2018
Cambridge Analytica row: Whistle-blower Christopher Wylie says firm worked with Indian political parties since 2003Cambridge Analytica (CA) director and whistle-blower Christopher Wylie said that the firm had worked with Indian political parties since 2003.
Mar 28, 2018
Cambridge Analytica whistleblower reveals that a Canadian firm built software to profile voters for 2016 US electionsChristopher Wylie gave evidence to a British parliamentary committee over the scandal, minutes after Mark Zuckerberg declined to appear before the legislators.
Mar 28, 2018
Mark Zuckerberg plans to testify before US Congress in the aftermath of the Cambridge Analytica scandalFacebook said the company had received invitations to testify before Congress and that they were talking to legislators.


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Every parent's wants that their children could be getting the chance to take education from the international school. As we all know the method of the teaching and the circumstances Wholesale Aaron Judge Jersey , development of the students are very well. So if they get the chance to take admission, then no one denies. But they are charging huge amount of money. But some parents are not able to pay that amount of money. So, they are preferred to national school. But migrate the students from the national school from international school or vice-versa, is very problematic for the students as well as for the parents. Some of the students are going under the stress during the session. In the international school the students are getting the quality education along with the overall development with proper training to walk with the norms of the society. In case of traditional schools, they are providing the education is a monotonous way, spreading the lectures to the students hour by hour. This type of education does not nurture's the students ability and creativity. If the teachers are fail to create the interest then it would be no longer stays in the evolution. We all know the today's students are tomorrow's future of the nation. If they deliver the proper education to the students, build in them to take decision, confident enough then we will sure they will survive in the advancement of the technological era.
People are generally tends to do what others are doing in the society. But choosing the right thing for us is difficult as we are not able to make decision about ourselves. The lack of confident is one of the other points which are work behind the decision. In the curriculum of the international school the students are able to make decision of their own with the help of the teachers. They are minimally asked their parents to agree with. In the secondary school students are also able to measure their own psyche. This type of facilities we can get the International Private School in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The common thing is that after getting the educations from the international school students are not only shine in their future as they are passed with the flying colors. But also they are shine in the extracurricular activity like, sports, swimming, dance, music etc. IT is therefore concluded that the all round development is possible through this international school.
They can easily get participate in the international based competition like chess, billiards Wholesale Dellin Betances Jersey , swimming, gymnastics etc. To make your child sharp in all the direction, it is recommended to taken admission in the Secondary International School in Abu Dhabi. The students who taken education under the international circumstances is able to survive in the international field and the International Private School in Abu Dhabi, UAE is deliver the exact amount of education to compete in the international level examination. The students of this type of schools always hold the top position in the world's international market.
The world economy is not really very encouraging nowadays and this is not a new thing. This is going on for a decade now. To cope up with this change, the finance industry has changed as well. Payday loan companies and other short-term loans are now mainstream. These options are availed by many Americans. Despite of the poor track record of pawnbrokers, they are becoming popular among UK citizens. Pawning personal belongings to get quick cash is becoming a common practice. Not all pawnbrokers are cruel and ruthless and not everyone will rob you off of your valuables.
Struggling to fight the image of miserly and shady dealers, which is generally associated with local pawn shops, they are catering to upscale clients who have been hit hard by the economic recession. These companies are offering large loans of up to hundreds of thousands and also offering electronic fund disbursement. They are opening up websites and listing themselves on online directories. They are also being transparent about the pawning and repayment policies. These steps are also helping them to clean their image. As a result, many middle class are opening up about taking a loan from these agencies. The new look and feel is really helping the pawnbroking business to grow. They are seeing increasing footfalls in their physical establishments and many people are using their online services.
These shops take gold, branded handbags and costly watches as collaterals. So, if I have a costly watch, I might want to pawn my watch online to get quick money without even leaving the comfort of my house. They are offering comfortable repayment options and asking for bearable interest rates.
Another benefit of these agencies is that they do not report to the credit rating bureaus. Thus, if you fail to pay the instalments on time, it will not reflect on your credit report. The worst case might be you losing your watch. But this will not hamper your chances of getting future loans as it is not recorded by any central agency. Thus Wholesale Sonny Gray Jersey , you can simply choose not to pay the instalments if you are ready to lose the item without digging a financial grace for yourself. However, not all are the same and thus we would advise you to do your homework before you pawn your valuable. You should do business only with a pawnbroker who has earned the faith of their clients.
It's a different world, where the concepts of design, manufacturing, architecture, furnishing have a new approach and style, which are quite dissimilar to erstwhile conventional approaches. Today there are lots of services, which were not at all existed in earlier days, are considered as the frontrunner in the business arena and serve millions of people across the world with a satisfactory note. The furnishing; homes, shops, auditoriums, corporate offices etc. are having a new make. Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap Jerseys Wholesale Jerseys Wholesale Jerseys Wholesale Jerseys Wholesale NHL Jerseys Wholesale Jerseys From China Cheap Nike NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Wholesale NFL Jerseys Free Shipping


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image source: pixabay.com
I have to admit, I hate reading long articles or wordy manuals. I just don't have the time. So, what do I do? I go in search of a video that will show me the same information. It's usually a condensed, more visually appealing way to get the information I want, and therefore I retain the information more easily.
There are many stats that show the rising popularity of online videos, which we'll cover below. Some research indicates videos account for three-fourths of all internet traffic. More than half of us are searching online for videos.
What does this mean for your business? It's important to think critically about how you can include video into your online marketing efforts. Let's cover some basics this month, to get you started. Here are some stats you may find interesting:
- YouTube has over a billion users.
- 8 billion video views from 500 million Facebook users occur on average daily.
- In the US, on average, people will watch 1 hour worth of video on digital devices daily.
- About half of the videos are 2 minutes or less.
- Most common topics are how-tos, testimonials, demos, and explanations.
- More than three-fourths of viewers will finish an entire video.
No matter the size of your business, it's worth your while to include video into your online marketing strategy if you want to get more traffic. Thanks to more readily available tools, they can be produced at a reasonable to no cost. Like any other online content, however, it will take your time and effort, and creativity, to be successful.


text:
https://www.businessfwd.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Carbon-Pricing-1.png 1283 1920 Shumway Marshall https://www.businessfwd.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo.png Shumway Marshall2017-09-22 19:23:192017-10-27 06:01:53Gregg Sherrill on carbon pricing
Gregg Sherrill on carbon pricing
Gregg Sherrill discusses how a carbon fuel fee would work and how it would affect American companies' bottom lines.He is executive chairman of Tenneco, an $8.6 billion global manufacturing company and immediate past chair of the National Association of Manufacturers.
If Congress and the White House want to reform the tax code without increasing the deficit, we will need additional revenue to offset cuts to the corporate rate. One possible solution is a fee on carbon. Proponents say a fee on carbon fuels would generate $1 to $2 trillion over a decade, allow for substantial deregulation, and provide a market-based solution to reduce the leading cause of climate change.


text:
Change Home Insurance - Warren Buffett Quotes On Life Insurance 44billionlater
Home Insurance Quotes - pardon home insurance quotes - are they worth the upset or complete you get what you pay for? Actually, you can find an excellent homeowners policy by going online for a forgive quote.
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Home Insurance Quotes - Home Insurance Reviews
Home Insurance Quotes - More Tips for Getting the Best Rate
Some supplementary ways to help yourself to the best rate upon your homeowners insurance are to ...
* raise your deductibles to as tall as you can afford. The far along you can set your deductible, the demean your premium will be.
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InsuranceBenefits, Changing HealthInsurance Companies, MedicalInsurance, HealthInsurance, InsuranceCustomer Service


text: Episode 265: Listener Favorites 2017 – Lilly Hiatt, The National January 22, 2018January 22, 2018RTS Comment Two listeners picked the same song as their favorite of 2017 — a poignant tune by Lilly Hiatt. Plus, enjoy a great guitar riff by the National. Thanks to Kevin Bartlett and Phil Ingrassia for the calls.


text:
JUNE 4, 2018 - VOL. 54 No. 8
Chair's Column
New Members
Member Anniversaries
Cover Story
Other News
Faces & Places
Ribbon Cuttings
Print Advertisers
Selling Sioux Falls
For more than 40 years, the Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau
has promoted Sioux Falls to the masses — helping sell and market the
city to group tour operators, meeting planners, tour guides, journalists
and visitors alike.
National Travel & Tourism Week is celebrated May 3-11, with a goal of
recognizing the impact travel and tourism have on the economy. Each
year the CVB hosts its annual visitor industry luncheon to celebrate
the local hospitality industry; it will be held this year on May 13 with
Captain Mark Kelly as the keynote speaker. ...Read Full Story
Telling the Sioux Falls story
Telling the Sioux Falls story never gets old. We have so many exciting things taking place here that it's a privilege to talk about our community and to share the ways that we have overcome obstacles and come together for the greater good.
This past week our Chamber leaders had the opportunity to visit with our counterparts from Billings, Mont., as part of a leadership exchange they called an "Aspirational City Visit." Billings is a smaller city than Sioux Falls and their leaders wanted to come here to learn about our successes. Just some of the things they learned about or saw on their whirlwind tour included the upgrades to the Sioux Falls Regional Airport, the new facilities in the Sports & Entertainment District, the improvements made at our Great Plains Zoo, and how our community is able to rally public and private support to get things done.
...Read Full Story
Voter turnout strong for April 8 municipal/school election
GOED sponsors summer IT certification program
Workforce Summit June 17
Leadership Sioux Falls graduates 28th class
Copyright © 2019 Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved. Use of this site signifies your agreement to the Terms of Service.


text:
- Research
- Open Access
Mosquitoes infected with dengue viruses in Brazil
© de Figueiredo et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. 2010
- Received: 6 April 2010
- Accepted: 12 July 2010
- Published: 12 July 2010
Dengue epidemics have been reported in Brazil since 1985. The scenery has worsened in the last decade because several serotypes are circulating and producing a hyper-endemic situation, with an increase of DHF/DSS cases as well as the number of fatalities. Herein, we report dengue virus surveillance in mosquitoes using a Flavivirus genus-specific RT-Hemi-Nested-PCR assay. The mosquitoes (Culicidae, n = 1700) collected in the Northeast, Southeast and South of Brazil, between 1999 and 2005, were grouped into 154 pools. Putative genomes of DENV-1, -2 and -3 were detected in 6 mosquito pools (3.8%). One amplicon of putative DENV-1 was detected in a pool of Haemagogus leucocelaenus suggesting that this virus could be involved in a sylvatic cycle. DENV-3 was found infecting 3 pools of larvae of Aedes albopictus and the nucleotide sequence of one of these viruses was identified as DENV-3 of genotype III, phylogenetically related to other DENV-3 isolated in Brazil. This is the first report of a nucleotide sequence of DENV-3 from larvae of Aedes albopictus.
- Dengue Virus
- Dengue Fever
- Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever
- Dengue Outbreak
- Dengue Vaccine
Dengue viruses (family Flaviviridae, genus Flavivirus), serotypes 1 to 4 (DENV-1, -2, -3 and -4), are responsible for large urban outbreaks. Infection with any of the four dengue virus serotypes can lead to acute febrile illness and to the severe, sometimes fatal, dengue hemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndrome (DHF/DSS) [1].
DENV are transmitted to humans mainly by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which acquired the infection through blood-feeding on infected individuals or by transovarial transmission [2]. Besides, in Africa and Asia, DENV have been reported in sylvatic (enzootic) cycle involving non-human primates and various species of Aedes mosquito (such as Ae. furcifer, Ae. luteocephalus and Ae. taylori) [3].
The first viral isolation in Brazil was reported in 1981 in Roraima Sate, Northern Brazil, where DENV-1 and DENV-4 were isolated and associated with dengue cases. DENV-1 and DENV-2 were introduced in Rio de Janeiro, in 1985 and 1990, respectively; then, both viruses co-circulate for 10 years causing several outbreaks in the country, including many cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever. In 2000, DENV-3 was introduced in Rio de Janeiro State and then spread to all the country, co-circulating with DENV-1 and DENV-2. Finally, DENV-4 was isolated from dengue fever cases in Manaus at Amazon State, in 2005, suggesting its circulation in that City [4, 5]. Actually, Brazil is facing a hyper-endemic situation with increase number of DHF/DSS in children and fatal cases [6, 7].
Herein, we report results of dengue virus surveillance in mosquitoes using a RT-Hemi-Nested-PCR assay.
Origin and number of Culicidae (Diptera) collected for the study.
Collection places
Number of pools
Coribe County
Psorophora albipes
Coribe County
Psorophora albigenus
Coribe County
Psorophora ferox
Coribe County
Haemagogus jantinomys
Coribe County
Haemagogus leucocelaenus
Coribe County
Haemagogus spegazzinii
City of Foz do Iguacu
Aedes Aegypti
City of Santos
Aedes aegypti
City of Santos
Aedes albopictus
32 (6 of adults and 26 of larvae)
Mosquitoes and larvae were identified in CO2 atmosphere, based on morphologic characteristics [9] and those from the same specie or genus, captured in the same place, were pooled (~10 adult or larvae mosquitoes/pool) based on day of collection and stored at - 70°C (Table 1). To each mosquito pool, 1.5 ml of 4% bovine albumin in PBS (pH 7.8) were added. The specimens were crushed using grind and mortar, and centrifuged at 2500 × g, for 30 minutes, at 4°C. The supernatants were split in two aliquots and stored at - 80°C until use [10].
Information on 6 mosquito pools having flavivirus genome amplified by RT-nested-PCR [11].
Collection places
Date of Collection
Amplicon size
Coribe County
H. leucocelaenus
~472 pb
City of Foz do Iguacu
Ae. Aegypti
~316 pb
City of Santos
Ae. albopictus
~628 pb
City of Santos
Ae. albopictus
~628 pb
City of Santos
Ae. albopictus
~628 pb
City of Santos
Ae. Aegypti
~472 pb
All procedures were performed in order to avoid any type of contamination; different rooms were used for RNA purification, NS5 protein gene amplification and PCR products analysis.
The RT-Hemi-Nested-PCR method used in this study has been shown previously to be a reliable diagnostic tool to detect flavivirus infection in humans [16]. We were able to obtain amplicons of putative DENV-1, DENV-2 and DENV-3, and one of the amplicons was confirmed to be DENV-3 by nucleotide sequencing.
A putative DENV-1 was detected infecting females of Aedes aegypti captured in Santos in 1999, at the same time of an outbreak with 4685 reported cases [17].
In addition, a putative DENV-2 was also found infecting the same specie of mosquito captured in Foz do Iguaçu and a putative DENV-1 was detected infecting the same mosquito species from Santos. Aedes aegypti, an anthropofilic and urban mosquito, is the most important dengue vector in the Americas and is present in practically all Brazilian cities [18].
Interestedly, we have found putative DENV-1 infecting females of Haemagogus leucocelaenus collected in a rain forest of the Northeast of Brazil. This finding might suggest a sylvatic cycle of the virus as previously reported in Africa with DENV-2 and in Asia with DENV-1, -2 and -4, involving non-human primates [3, 19]. This may also represent the beginning of sylvatic adaptation of a virus circulating in the urban area. A similar phenomenon has previously occurred with the African YFV, which lead to urban epidemics after its introduction in the Americas, but then, suffered a processes of adaptation to a sylvatic cycle in Haemagogus janthynomis, leucocelaenus and Sabethes spp., and non-human primates [20]. Equally, the sylvatic DENV in Asia is maintained in an enzootic cycle, mainly circulating in canopy-dwelling monkeys, with infrequent spillover to human populations via Aedes spp. that feed on both upper and lower canopy primates [21]. Besides, the four serotypes of DENV have been recently reported in French Guyana infecting rodents, marsupials, chiroptera, and showing that sylvatic cycles are occurring in South America [22]. It is known that sylvatic strains of DENV are genetically distinct of the endemic viruses [21]. However, it was not possible to obtain the nucleotide sequence of the amplicon of the putative DENV-1 infecting Haemagogus leucocelaenus. Further studies are necessary in order to confirm that DENV-1 is infecting Haemagogus in Brasil.
Putative DENV-3 was found infecting 3 pools of Aedes albopictus larvae collected in 1999, in Santos City, at the coast of São Paulo, the most populated state of Brazil. The sequence of one of these viruses was identified as DENV-3 of genotype III, phylogenetically related to Brazilian isolates. As far as we know, this is the first nucleotide sequence of DENV-3 ever reported from larvae of Aedes albopictus. DENV-3 of genotype III was firstly reported in Brazil in 2000 in Rio de Janeiro [23]. However, based on our data, we can suppose that DENV-3 genotype III was introduced in the Brazilian Southeast coast before 2000. It was also recognized another introduction of DENV-3 genotype III at the North of the country [8]. This finding also suggests that Aedes albopictus could have participated as vector in the huge dengue outbreaks occurred in the Brazilian coast. Furthermore, the infection of larvae of Aedes albopictus is an evidence of transovarial transmission of DENV-3, as previously reported with DENV-1 [24]. Aedes albopictus is a mosquito from Asia that was introduced in Brazil by merchant ships. This mosquito is not as antropophilic as Aedes aegypti and can be found in both urban and rural areas [25]. The vertical transmission of DENV ensures presence of the pathogen in mosquitoes independent of their feeding upon an infective human blood carrying DENV. This virus retention across mosquito generations may serve to keep DENV in nature during inter-epidemic periods of the disease being a possible cause of reemergence of dengue in areas previously exposed to the virus. It also may have importance for amplifying an ongoing disease outbreak [26, 27].
Laboratory-based mosquito surveillance is important to provide an early warning of dengue fever epidemics, to furnish information on who are the vectors carrying DENV in nature and what is happening in terms of virus transmission during these outbreaks. This knowledge is crucial for vector control measures since we still do not have a dengue vaccine. The RT-nested-PCR used in the present study allowed a fast detection and typing of DENV and other flavivirus in the mosquitoes.
We acknowledge the Research Council of the State of São Paulo (FAPESP) and the Research Council of the Brazilian Federal Government (CNPq) for supporting this research.
Authors' Affiliations
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- Cardosa J, Ooi M, Tio P, Perera D, Holmes E, Bibi K, Abdul Manap Z: Dengue virus serotype 2 from a sylvatic lineage isolated from a patient with dengue hemorrhagic fever. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2009, 3: e423. 10.1371/journal.pntd.0000423PubMedPubMed CentralView ArticleGoogle Scholar
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- Figueiredo R, Naveca F, Bastos M, Melo M, Viana S, Mourão M, Costa C, Farias I: Dengue virus type 4, Manaus, Brazil. Emerg Infect Dis 2008, 14: 667-669. 10.3201/eid1404.071185PubMedView ArticleGoogle Scholar
- San Martín J, Brathwaite O, Zambrano B, Solórzano J, Bouckenooghe A, Dayan G, Guzmán M: The epidemiology of dengue in the americas over the last three decades: a worrisome reality. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2010, 82: 128-135. 10.4269/ajtmh.2010.09-0346PubMedPubMed CentralView ArticleGoogle Scholar
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- Aquino VH, Anatriello E, Goncalves PF, da Silva EV, Vasconcelos PFC, Vieira DS, Batista WC, Bobadilla ML, Vazquez C, Moran M, Figueiredo LTM: Molecular epidemiology of dengue type 3 virus in Brazil and Paraguay, 2002-2004. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 2006, 75: 710-715.PubMedGoogle Scholar
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- de Morais Bronzoni R, Baleotti F, Ribeiro Nogueira R, Nunes M, Moraes Figueiredo L: Duplex reverse transcription-PCR followed by nested PCR assays for detection and identification of Brazilian alphaviruses and flaviviruses. J Clin Microbiol 2005, 43: 696-702. 10.1128/JCM.43.2.696-702.2005PubMedView ArticleGoogle Scholar
- Thompson J, Gibson T, Plewniak F, Jeanmougin F, Higgins D: The CLUSTAL_X windows interface: flexible strategies for multiple sequence alignment aided by quality analysis tools. Nucleic Acids Res 1997, 25: 4876-4882. 10.1093/nar/25.24.4876PubMedPubMed CentralView ArticleGoogle Scholar
- Tamura K, Dudley J, Nei M, Kumar S: MEGA4: Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis (MEGA) software version 4.0. Mol Biol Evol 2007, 24: 1596-1599. 10.1093/molbev/msm092PubMedView ArticleGoogle Scholar
- Lanciotti R, Lewis J, Gubler D, Trent D: Molecular evolution and epidemiology of dengue-3 viruses. J Gen Virol 1994,75(Pt 1):65-75. 10.1099/0022-1317-75-1-65PubMedView ArticleGoogle Scholar
- Amarilla A, de Almeida F, Jorge D, Alfonso H, de Castro-Jorge L, Nogueira N, Figueiredo L, Aquino V: Genetic diversity of the E protein of dengue type 3 virus. Virol J 2009, 6: 113. 10.1186/1743-422X-6-113PubMedPubMed CentralView ArticleGoogle Scholar
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- SUCEN: DIRXIX, Santos, Ministry of Health of the State of São Paulo. 2000.Google Scholar
- Gubler D: Resurgent vector-borne diseases as a global health problem. Emerg Infect Dis 1998, 4: 442-450. 10.3201/eid0403.980326PubMedPubMed CentralView ArticleGoogle Scholar
- Wang E, Ni H, Xu R, Barrett A, Watowich S, Gubler D, Weaver S: Evolutionary relationships of endemic/epidemic and sylvatic dengue viruses. J Virol 2000, 74: 3227-3234. 10.1128/JVI.74.7.3227-3234.2000PubMedPubMed CentralView ArticleGoogle Scholar
- Vasconcelos P, Bryant J, da Rosa T, Tesh R, Rodrigues S, Barrett A: Genetic divergence and dispersal of yellow fever virus, Brazil. Emerg Infect Dis 2004, 10: 1578-1584.PubMedPubMed CentralView ArticleGoogle Scholar
- Pepin K, Hanley K: Density-dependent competitive suppression of sylvatic dengue virus by endemic dengue virus in cultured mosquito cells. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2008, 8: 821-828. 10.1089/vbz.2008.0016PubMedPubMed CentralView ArticleGoogle Scholar
- de Thoisy B, Lacoste V, Germain A, Muñoz-Jordán J, Colón C, Mauffrey J, Delaval M, Catzeflis F, Kazanji M, Matheus S, et al.: Dengue infection in neotropical forest mammals. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2009, 9: 157-170. 10.1089/vbz.2007.0280PubMedView ArticleGoogle Scholar
- Nogueira R, Miagostovich M, de Filippis A, Pereira M, Schatzmayr H: Dengue virus type 3 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2001, 96: 925-926. 10.1590/S0074-02762001000700007PubMedView ArticleGoogle Scholar
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This article is published under license to BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.


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On Global Cultural Jihad
The following was at one time posted at A Newt One, now removed from the internet.
I have long written on this subject of Global Cultural Jihad and have long been criticized, castigated, ridiculed and experienced being a target of the most intolerant people on the face of the planet because of it. I have often asked myself why that is, knowing the answer long before I ever uttered the question. The attacks stem from not having the slightest concept of the threats our culture faces, our culture being Traditional Americana. Many people understand the threats "radical Islam" presents yet are painfully silent not wanting to make waves and they themselves being the brunt of intolerant rhetoric. So be it...they have fallen prey to the cancer of political correctness.
Recently, in an article in the Washington Times, I read the following:
"U.S. officials are being advised in internal government documents to avoid referring publicly to al Qaeda and other terrorist groups as Islamic or Muslim, and not to use terms like jihad or mujahedeen, which "unintentionally legitimize" terrorism."
This is nonsense coming from the US State Dept disguised as rational thought. I can understand the mindset of not wanting to legitimize terrorism but I don't have to accept the premise and neither should anyone else that understands the mind set of a terrorist and the leaders of such groups. It doesn't matter how you perceive them. They are what they are and diplomatic psycho-babble will not diminish the terrorists that have proclaimed that their end result and goal of their international Jihad is to wipe out Britain and the United States.
"We want to eradicate Britain and America, and to shatter the arrogance and tyranny of the infidels. We pray that Allah will enable us to destroy the White House, New York, and London. We place our trust in Allah. Soon, we will witness the miracles of jihad. I myself have experienced many miracles. Every time I was determined to do something, I prayed to Allah, and he made it possible. Our jihad is defensive jihad. Our determination is great, and it is directly entirely against Britain and America. The soldiers of heresy who have come here to oppress the Muslims - we will respond to their injustice and tyranny. One of the miracles of jihad will be that sooner or later, we will destroy their countries."
The very fact that we are embroiled within a war with "radical Islam" legitimizes their very existence. When the leaders of these groups, and there are quite a few of them all intertwined and networked one with another, call for the destruction of entire nations, how can we not take them seriously? All of the poli-speak known to man cannot take away from the fact that Islamic Jihad does in fact exist and has existed for as far back as I can remember in my lifetime. Also, from my studies in American Studies and from American History, America faced the Islamic Jihad during President Jefferson's Administration. The war involving the Barbary Coast is a matter of historical record and fact.
"When Jefferson became president in 1801 he refused to accede to Tripoli's demands for an immediate payment of $225,000 and an annual payment of $25,000. The pasha of Tripoli then declared war on the United States. Although as secretary of state and vice president he had opposed developing an American navy capable of anything more than coastal defense, President Jefferson dispatched a squadron of naval vessels to the Mediterranean. As he declared in his first annual message to Congress: "To this state of general peace with which we have been blessed, one only exception exists. Tripoli, the least considerable of the Barbary States, had come forward with demands unfounded either in right or in compact, and had permitted itself to denounce war, on our failure to comply before a given day. The style of the demand admitted but one answer. I sent a small squadron of frigates into the Mediterranean....."
Prior negotiations with Islamic Jihad in the late 1700s and early 1800s clearly did not work and there weren't any politicians demanding that we don't legitimize them by calling them what they were...Islamic Jihad Pirates. As then, so it is now, today in 2008. One cannot negotiate with "radical Islam" anymore than one can negotiate with a rabid hyena. They see that as a sign of weakness and capitalize on it for as long as anyone will let them.
Doug Ross writes at Director Blue:
"Did you know that -- during World War II -- the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF) banned the use of the words Nazi, Reich and Führer when describing the enemy?
I'm guessing you never heard of such a thing. Because it never happened.
In today's politically correct environment, however, identifying the enemies of civilization is verboten."
Thus my theme of Global Cultural Jihad gains merit and credence and validity. When the enemy can create such a media coup as to force a Super Power to try and be nice by "not calling them names", they have won a battle. The first order of battle is to identify one's enemy. The enemy has our State Department pegged as soft and afraid of public opinion. They have us identified and know that politicians are gutless and live in fear of being considered as intolerant.
The enemy we are fighting at this moment of time had been, at one time, referred to as enemy combatants. Apparently, that was quite unacceptable to someone because we no longer hear the reference. We hear terminology such as "radical extremists" like that doesn't legitimize the enemy in some magical context.
What do you call an ideology that believes that it is quite natural and acceptable to strap on explosive vests on adults, children and indigents and instruct them to walk or drive into a populated area of non-combatants and self-detonate? What do you call the people that believe in and accept that ideology as the norm and a natural way of life - or death? How does one not legitimize the enemy when we are at war with terrorists and the terrorist ideology? The concept of not calling or labeling the enemy for what they are escapes myself and others capable of rational thought processes.
Last week, President Bush rendered a Press Briefing and after some reporters tried to team up on him and corner him, he himself used the term "jihadists" and I was pleased that he did because someone in a leadership position must inform the general public just who and what it is we are at war with.
The United States and the Western World whether they like it or not are at war with Islamic Jihadists. Not all Muslims are of this mindset but the ones that are have become capable of international operations due to years of regarding them as a backward people that are merely a nuisance in some other far away place. That all changed on 91101...lest anyone forgot.
As Andrew McCarthy once said, you cannot take Islam out of Islamic terrorism. Politically correct fought wars are not winnable - the Korean and Vietnam Police Actions being the shining examples. I have spoken to many a warrior still fighting and those not and they have told me that calling them Islamic Jihadists is being nice.
Robert at Jihad Watch is perplexed by these new internal guidelines at the State Department as well and he writes:
The argument, of course, is the old Streusand/Guirard claim that by using the word jihad, we're validating the jihadist claim to be waging jihad. Of course, it's ridiculous to think that the U.S. State Department carries any validating authority within the Islamic world to determine what is Islam and what isn't. This would be the first time that unbelievers have set the meaning of Islamic theology for Muslims.
As the enemy wages Global Cultural Jihad, our leaders are playing political football with our very way of life - our culture - in order to curry favor with our enemies. Political Correctness will be the death of us all. My eldest son now waiting for transport back home from Iraq after serving with the 101st Airborne has often asked me what our politicians back stateside are doing. I have no answers for him and he and his comrades are not pleased with them. Being the brunt of political correctness and playing nice with the enemy is unacceptable.


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While I have incorporated fairy tales into teaching genre in a composition course, below is an excellent "genre activity" that pulls from my field of 19th century British literature. It is an actual competition, if you are interested in writing for Dickens' Household Words, but the instructions seem to also fit a writing assignment emphasizing genre, audience, and publication format. It also encourages the use of technology and the exploration of Victorian culture and literature. Moreover, at least until Nov. 15, 2014, it is a real-world writing assignment, writing that serves a purpose outside of the classroom. I could envision using this writing assignment in a general composition course, but also in an introduction to literature or 19th c. survey course. Has anyone taught a similar assignment? If so, was it successful?
Competition Announcement–Deadline Extended!
Written by John Drew
We are delighted to announce our first LITERARY JOURNALISM COMPETITION. Write an article (reportage, sketch, exposé, informative factual account, digest, etc.), short story, instalment of serial fiction, or poem(s), suitable for publication in a weekly number of Household Words or All the Year Round. If you are not sure what to write, browse the contents of either journal, using the navigation tools above. Minimum word-length is 1,500 words/60 lines of poetry; maximum word-length is 2,000 words. No author's name should appear on the pages of your entry: name and contact details should be supplied as a separate final sheet, to permit anonymous judging.
Send your entry to email@example.com as an e-mail attachment, by midnight on Saturday, 15 November 2014; at the same time, make the minimum donation using the 'Charities Aid Foundation' widget on the right of our homepage, to cover entry costs. Once your entry and your donation have been matched up, your entry will be passed to an expert panel of judges. Short-listed entrants will be informed by the end of November; winners will be announced during the Festive Season Details of prizes given on website; winning entries will be typeset in an 'Extra Twenty-First-Century Number,' available by Christmas. We hope you enjoy participating!
via Welcome to DJO.


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Order in the next
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This month I haven't experimented much with makeup because I've been trying hard to use up what I have so I don't waste.
So instead of doing my monthly beauty favorites (which would be a bunch of repeats) I thought I'd do something different: my UN-favorites for the past month or so.
Actually, most of these are products I've tried throughout the year that just didn't work for me.
Without further adieu:
1. Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua (in shade 10)
I really really wish this one worked for me! (I even talked about it in my everyday makeup!)
Overall, I actually adore the foundation. It smells nice, but not overpowering, it blends easily and feels like you don't have anything on your face at all. So why is it an Un-favorite, you ask?
My only issue with this is that it oxidizes so badly on my skin. If you don't know what that means, basically the foundation goes on one color, but as it sits on the skin, it turns darker or more orange. Initially, it looked wonderful on my skin, but about 15 minutes after I'd apply it, it looked like I had these horrible orange splotches all over my face. Like I said, I'd absolutely love this foundation if it didn't oxidize on me (and wasn't $45).
2. Bobbi Brown Extreme Party Mascara
I got this mascara in a sample and was so excited to try it, as I've never tried anything by Bobbi Brown before. It so disappointed me! It did absolutely nothing to my lashes even after several coats. If you want a natural lash, go for this, but if you want so high impact (I do!) then skip it.
3. Mabelline 24 Hour Color Tattoo Cream Gel Shadows
After all the hype these received, I wanted to try them. I loved the idea of just quickly swiping this over the lid and going. Not only do they go on splotchy, they are hard to apply and dry up so quickly! I was so disappointed that after only a few uses, they dried up (yes, I screwed the lid on tight). With the extra time it took me to attempt to blend it out, and how fast they dried up, I got about one use out of it. Bummer.
4. Philosophy The Microdelivery Exfoliating Face Wash
Again, I got a sample size of this just to try it out. The purpose for me was to be able to use this once or twice a week to exfoliate and really get off dead skin. This product is barely gritty at all and barely even cleansed my skin. Normally, products like this are very gritty to get in deep in your pores. I wouldn't even call this an exfoliater, but more of a face wash.
5. Mabelline Volum' Express The Rocket Mascara
Oh man, I have an immense hatred for this mascara. Not only is it grey (not blackest black like the tube says), but it leaves my lashes so hard and crunchy that it literally pains my eye to blink. When I go to remove it, I end up losing more lashes in the process. It doesn't add any volume and clumpy. I hate it. Period.
Do you have any beauty products that you dislike? Let me know!


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This classic spaghetti Bolognese recipe is given a Slimming World twist. Low on calories but certainly not on flavour! Slimming World's spaghetti Bolognese takes only 20 mins to cook and serves around 4 people.
Slimming World's spaghetti Bolognese is the perfect family meal you can make over and over again. This recipe shows you how to make a low-calorie Bolognese sauce from scratch using extra lean mince and plenty of vegetables too. This mouth-watering pasta dish is rich in flavour, with a tangy tomato sauce, infused with garlic and is best served with fresh pasta. Any leftover Bolognese can be frozen until needed. Leave to defrost in the fridge over night before reheating thoroughly to serve with fresh pasta.
- Ingredients
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 large garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 small carrot, diced
- 1 small red pepper, deseeded and chopped
- 1 small yellow pepper, deseeded and chopped
- 113g/4oz mushrooms, sliced
- 4 large sticks celery, chopped
- 227ml/8fl oz stock
- A pinch of dried chilli
- 283g/10oz extra lean minced beef
- 1 397g/14oz can chopped tomatoes or passata
- 4 level tbs tomato purée
- 1tbs chopped fresh oregano
- Balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper
- 400g cooked, wholemeal spaghetti
To make the Bolognese: Fry chopped garlic, celery and onion using a low calorie oil spray, until soft.
Add extra lean minced beef (or Quorn if you want a vegetarian option) and brown in the pan.
Add chopped mushrooms, peppers, canned tomatoes or passata, oregano, thyme, carrots, tomato puree, dried chilli and a drop of balsamic vinegar if you like.
Simmer until sauce is thickened.
Season to taste. Pour over spaghetti and serve with a green salad on the side.


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painter and fashion designer geova comes from a very large brazilian family with 13 brothers and sisters. his mum used to take his sisters old dresses to remake them into shirts for the brothers. geova's style is spontaneous with a hand-finished touch. he recycles and mixes fabrics reminiscent of working with a paintbox. geova also produces accessories for designer colleagues. visits only by appointment.
geova atelier
Your voice on geova
chris garcia
"sorry posted twice "
chris garcia
"i was actually on this episode hoping to see it never did can you guys help thanks "
chris garcia
"i was actually on this episode hoping to see it never did can you guys help thanks "
"i didn't realize this was actually the first place the Barnstormers started? god and to think i found it accidently! lol check it out..oh and your security code thing is jacked"
"I found one location by accident on a Sunday drive, total suprise and i think it's amazing how they made these awesome old NC relics come to life. Check out my facebook email@example.com to see the pics i captured or visit stanton hill st /red hill st junction... 1 mile from camron off of us 15-501 in NC baby ;)"
"wink goes in"
gary turnbull
"One of best on bikes "
brian sheppard
wink you a dam fool man j.brit cant fuck wit you you make that shit look like you on bmx bike keep it in the air wink..."
"wink you are the sickest on a motorcycle me and my man are name the srad boyz can u give us a shout out"
damian (producer)
"turn a rubber band into a must-have. beat that."
Sebastian (Producer)
"Most impressive was Lenny's toy collection partly stored in the backroom of the studio he shared with Stash. They were mostly US and Japanese classics collected in multiple numbers and still in their boxes."
damian (producer)
"beck was an enigma. none of the jounalists at the junket could figure him out. a true musicmastermind though."
damian (producer)
"guru (r.i.p.) at first looked like he would eat denise for breakfast. turns out he was your perfect gentleman. mass appeal for real."
© Urban Canyons 2019


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Review of Joss Whedon's The Avengers
I've enjoyed the Marvel films. They've been, with the exception of the plodding Iron Man 2, dependable, enjoyable popcorn flicks. The appealing presence of Robert Downey Jr. helped make an A-list character out of Iron Man, I have a soft spot for The Incredible Hulk, Captain America was a little forgettable but bolstered by a great cast and Thor, despite my initial scepticism, turned out to be my favourite of the lot. There was never anything in this line-up likely to challenge the more cerebral and serious The Dark Knight but that's ok; Marvel comics have always had a lighter tone than DC, and it's a testament to Marvel that they resisted the urge to Nolanify most of their properties. →


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Taylor Swift Releases 'New Romantics' Video on Vevo - Watch Now!
Taylor Swift has finally released her latest music video for "New Romantics" on Vevo!
The 26-year-old superstar had previously only made the music video available on Apple Music, much to the disappointment of many fans who did not have the subscription service.
The video highlights some of the best moments from last year's 1989 World Tour.
"The fans are the best part of this tour," Taylor can be heard saying at the beginning of the video, and now the video will be available for all fans to watch!
Check out the entire video below…
Taylor Swift – "New Romantics"


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Carhartt Ripstop Cargo Work Shorts
Item # 086H13
- Carhartt Ripstop Cargo Work Shorts
- Item # 086H13
$39.99 Online Price
Additional Information
Product Features & Description
Carhartt knows what the hard-working man needs and wants! These Carhartt work shorts feature a traditional 5-pocket construction. Shorts sit slightly below the waist. Gusseted crotch for freedom of movement. Multiple utility pockets. Shorts are made of 100% cotton ripstop. Imported.
- Made of 9.25-ounce, 100% cotton ripstop fabric
- Cell phone pocket & three utility pockets to store small items or tools
- Reinforced Cordura nylon panels
- Durable work shorts by Carhartt
- Cordura lining featured in front & back pockets


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Over the past thirty-four years, four hundred and fifty-one extraordinary young women have embraced the legacy founded by The Debutante Program of Sarasota and Manatee Counties, and all have gone on to establish remarkable legacies of their own in the fields and professions of medicine, law, engineering, business, education, journalism and the arts. Being a part of this network of women is like none other, and is truly a lifelong asset to all Debutantes.
Our Network of Notable Women
These "snapshot bios" represent just a sampling of the notable young women who have been part of the Debutante Program over the past thirty-five years.


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Points.com is offering 5000 American, USAirways, or Alaska miles for upgrading to a 'Gold' membership for $49.95. The membership isn't worth much, but buying miles at one cent apiece is generally a good deal.
There's no clear expiration date on the offer, so verify that your mileage choice is available before offering up payment.