text:
My first trip to Spain #VisitSpain
The Alhambra in Granada
Las Catedrales beach
Teide National Park in Tenerife (Canary Islands)
It's always a good time to travel to Spain. That's because this country in southern Europe has all the ingredients to make your visit an unforgettable experience. Cities which bear the marks of a rich mixture of cultures, monuments and natural spaces awarded the World Heritage designation by the UNESCO, some of the world's most important museums, beaches to suit everybody, a pleasant climate all year round, the healthy Mediterranean diet, typically Spanish traditions such as flamenco and bullfighting... You'll find it very easy to get here thanks to the multitude of international connections available in Spain. Come and be captivated by the Mediterranean character and by the openness and friendliness of its people. Surrender to the magic of its streets. This is a place where life is always enjoyed to the utmost. We also invite you to share your experience on social media with the hashtag #VisitSpain
Before you come Most of the territory of Spain (over 47 million inhabitants and with its capital in Madrid) is located on the Iberian Peninsula, although the country also has two archipelagos (the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands) and the cities of Ceuta and Melilla, on the coast of Africa. All these areas are perfectly connected by means of a wide-ranging and comprehensive transport network (you can reach Spain and move around once you're there by plane, train, boat, car…) which means that in very little time you can get to major cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Seville, Cordoba, Granada, Saragossa, Santiago de Compostela, Valencia… Spain is one of the warmest countries in Europe, and has over 3,000 hours of sunshine a year. The Canary Islands, due to their geographic location, have an annual temperature of 22°C on the coast. Exceptional art and culture Centuries of history have left behind a spectacular array of monuments. It's no coincidence that Spain is the country with the third greatest number of UNESCO-designated World Heritage sites. What's more, in its over 1,400 museums you'll find masterpieces by great artists such as Goya, Picasso and Velázquez, genuine symbols of Spanish culture. There are numerous cultural sites in all the major cities which no visitor should miss. In Madrid, you should make a point of heading for what is known as the 'Paseo del Arte' or 'art walk, an itinerary which starts at one of the world's most important galleries: the Prado Museum. Barcelona (in the northeast of the country) is another key site – this city is a paradise of Modernism thanks to some of the works created here by the famous architect Gaudí, including the Sagrada Familia cathedral and Güell Park. In southern Spain you'll be captivated by the great Mosque of Cordoba, considered the most important Islamic work in the Western world, and by the gardens and palaces of the Alhambra in Granada, one of the most visited monuments in Spain. Seville and its cathedral, Valencia and its City of Arts and Sciences, Bilbao and its Guggenheim Museum… these are just a few other examples of places to take your breath away. And if you enjoy attending top-flight cultural events, then don't miss key occasions such as the theatre festivals held in Mérida and Almagro, and film festivals such as the one in San Sebastián.
Round-the-clock entertainment If there's one thing Spain is famous for, it's for the lively atmosphere to be found in its streets at any time of the day or night. During the day you can choose between enjoying a drink or snack at any of the numerous open-air cafes and bars, going shopping… The main shopping centres are open all day between approximately 10 am and 10 pm at night, and department stores and shopping centres also open on certain Sundays throughout the year. What's more, in coastal areas in the high season, most establishments usually stay open until after 10 pm. And remember, the official currency in Spain is the euro. In this Mediterranean country, and particularly from Thursday to Sunday in cities, the nightlife is particularly intense. Pubs and clubs are open until three in the morning, and in some cases through till dawn. There are also numerous other options available, such as taking in a flamenco show or a musical… And all year round, if you enjoy being part of traditional events and experiencing typical celebrations, Spain is the place to be: the carnival celebrations in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Cadiz (in February), Easter Week (in March-April), the Fallas bonfire festival (in March) and the bull-running in San Fermín (in July) are just a few of the festivities which are famous throughout the world. Spectacular landscapes Here you'll find almost 8,000 kilometres of coastline with some of the best beaches imaginable. You'll be able to bathe in transparent waters, whose quality is closely monitored and recognised all over the world. The coast will surprise you with its variety: from the peaceful sands of Andalusia and the Mediterranean, the coves of the Balearic and Canary Islands, to the natural landscapes and cliffs of the beaches in the north. Spain is also one of the countries with the greatest number of spaces holding the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation, and is home to areas of great beauty and ecological value like its 14 national parks, all containing a wealth of treasures such as marshes, volcanoes… Yes to sports Spain as a country is completely dedicated to sports, and this is the reason it hosts several international sporting competitions such as the Madrid Tennis Open, the Grand Prix motorcycle racing events in Jerez (Andalusia), Catalonia, Region of Valencia and Aragon, and the Formula 1 prizes held in Catalonia and Region of Valencia. Spain's football league is known as the 'league of stars'. What's more, Spain is the birthplace of some world's top sportsmen such as Rafa Nadal, Fernando Alonso, Jorge Lorenzo, Alberto Contador... Thanks to its love of sports, Spain offers a whole range of spaces where you can pursue your favourite pastime: nautical activities, golf (it has over 400 golf courses), skiing (Spain is the second most mountainous country in Europe), hiking…
Gastronomy Eating in Spain is a genuine privilege, as it's home to products of unbeatable quality, many of which have been awarded their own designation of origin. This country is also the cradle of prestigious chefs such as Ferran Adrià, Arzak and Berasategui, so you can be sure you'll have no shortage of restaurants to choose from. You can also visit wineries and learn all about wine tasting as you sample some of Spain's best-known wines. Remember that lunch is usually served between 1 pm and 3:30 pm, and dinner between 8:30 pm and midnight, although many establishments offer service all day long. When ordering, you can either opt for innovative new creations or typical dishes such as paella, gazpacho, Spanish omelette, octopus a feira, cocido (chickpea stew) or the famous tapas or pintxos. In fact 'going out for tapas' is a very common custom in Spain, and involves strolling from bar to bar sampling delicious canapés and the house specialities in each place. A country steeped in sensations Spain is all this and much more. A country known for its friendliness, luminosity and its good-natured high spirits. This is a country which knows how to combine tradition with modernity. This is why numerous film stars and members of top royalty have made their residence here, and why famous directors such as Woody Allen choose Spain as the setting for their films. And also why thousands of pilgrims come here every year to set out on the famous pilgrim route known as the Way of Saint James. Because Spain is the place to be. Things to remember: If you have any queries about your trip, don't hesitate to ask for information in several different languages at any of the tourist offices throughout the country. You can also obtain tourist cards which will entitle you to discounts during your stay and help you save time. We recommend checking our practical tips for more information.
Have you found this information useful?


text:
The President Buys A Building In TX, Counts 50K In Cash On Iphone In Response TO Haters + Pulls Out 713 Motorizing Custom Made Bentley & Diamond Flooded WhiteHouse Chain [User Submitted]
":"Meet The Pre$ident Tour" @thepresidentny will be
performing/Hosting (NYC) at Amnesia
1/16_CurtisEvents_*Suzie Wongs 1/16_DiddyRunTheCity_* Promenade
1/17*_CurtisEvents_420 lounge 1/18 *
_UncleCharlie Check W/Promoters/ @ceodolla for more info.
Please click the "Report" button below if the video on this page is not working properly.
Comments will only be displayed by verified emails. No Spamming or Racism.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Work halted at World Cup stadium marked by death
SAO PAULO (AP) Labor officials are halting construction in part of the World Cup stadium where a worker died this weekend, creating a problem for Brazilian organizers trying to get the venue ready for the tournament's opening match in less than three months.
Fast Engenharia, the construction company in charge of the temporary seats, said in a statement that it received the notification from Sao Paulo's labor secretariat late Monday.
The officials said the installation of the temporary seats must be stopped until additional safety measures are implemented by constructors.
Fabio Hamilton da Cruz, 23, died after falling from about 26 feet while working on the temporary structures on Saturday.
Authorities said an initial probe showed he didn't connect himself to a safety cable at the time of the accident. According to witness accounts, the worker said he only had a "quick thing" to finish at the site.
Fast Engenharia said the worker had all required safety equipment available to him.
According to the UOL website, the labor officials said protective netting could've prevented the death even if the worker didn't use the safety cable.
"Company directors on Tuesday will analyze the technical demands made by (labor officials) and then will make an announcement about the case and its consequences to the construction timetable," Fast Engenharia said in its statement.
FIFA and the local World Cup organizing committee did not immediately answer a request for comment on Monday.
Construction was already behind schedule at the Itaquerao stadium because of the damage caused by another accident that killed two workers following a crane collapse in late November. A giant roofing structure fell on part of the stadium's facade, significantly pushing back the stadium's date of completion.
The Itaquerao was one of the six stadiums that were not finished by the end of last year as requested by FIFA. Local organizers said it would be ready in April, but soccer's governing body expected the venue to be completed in mid-May, about a month before the June 12 opener.
About 20,000 temporary seats were being added to the new stadium to increase its capacity for the high-profile inaugural match between host Brazil and Croatia.
The Brazilian club Corinthians, which owns the stadium, declared a three-day mourning period after the death but didn't stop construction at the site. Constructor Odebrecht said Monday that work in the rest of the stadium will continue as scheduled.
Two other stadiums remain under construction for Brazil's first World Cup since 1950, one in the wetlands city of Cuiaba and another in the southern Brazilian city of Curitiba. Infrastructure work across Brazil remains far from completed, but authorities insist the country will be ready for soccer's showcase event.
Seven workers have died in accidents at construction sites of World Cup venues so far.
Follow Tales Azzoni at http://twitter.com/tazzoni


text:
Thought: If you're going to go to a PS4 launch event in Japan wearing this costume, you should get your console for free. What a costume! At least he didn't bring a fake machine gun to the launch.
No, that was this guy!
Both scenes are from Friday's PS4 launch event in Tokyo. Both show fans getting their PS4s as the system went on sale in Sony's home country. In the second shot, you can see PlayStation boss Andrew House (holding the PS4) and Sony's head of PlayStation business in Japan, Hiroshi Kawano, flanking the lucky first consumer. Bonus points if you can identify the man to House's right.
Photos: AP Imges/Koji Sasahara


text:
Tiny Raw Freshwater Pearl Crystal Nugget Necklace
- Handmade using a raw crystal nugget that has securely wirewrapped to the chain
- The raw crystal nuggets measure approximately 6x10mm
- Choose for your jewellery to be made with bronze, gold or silver plated, sterling silver or 14k gold fill
- Made order from Gold Coast, Australia
- The necklace length is 16-inches (40cm) long from clasp to closure with a 2-inch (5cm) long extension chain
- It is adjustable to fit 16-18-inches (40-46cm) long
About Pearls
- Pearls are formed within the shell of an oyster, mussel, or clam.
- They are the only gemstones to be created by a living creature.
- Ancient folklore believes that the pearl was created when a drop of rain fell from the heavens and became the heart of an oyster. They're also believed to be the teardrops of the moon.
- They are the gemstone of purity and innocence.
- Pearls bring happiness, wisdom, and truth.
- It is the birthstone for June and the zodiac stone of Gemini (May 21 - June 20) and Cancer (June 21 - July 22).
View more pearl jewellery
What material to choose?
Not sure what material to opt for out of bronze, silver plated, gold plated, sterling silver and 14k gold fill? These facts might help:
- Sterling silver and plated chains will tarnish over time. We recommend choosing bronze, 14k gold fill or 14k rose gold fill if you do not want your jewellery to tarnish.
- Sterling silver and gold filled jewellery is hypoallergenic. This means it is wearable for people with sensitive skin.
- Tarnish on sterling silver can be cleaned off of sterling silver with a silver polishing cloth.
- All plated chains have brass as their base metal. Eventually the plating will rub off over time exposing this material.
- Gold filled jewellery is an affordable alternative to solid gold that is durable, tarnish resistant and wearable for people with sensitive skin.
What is the difference between plated, sterling silver and gold fill jewellery?
- Plated jewellery is a thin layer of sterling silver or 18k gold metal plated over a brass metal base.
- Sterling silver is .925 silver with a .075 copper additive. It is a affordable version of real silver. Sterling silver is suitable for people with sensitive skin and when it does tarnish, it can be cleaned to restore it back to it's original quality (unlike plated jewellery).
- Gold fill is a thick layer of gold that has been bonded over a base metal. The thick layer will never wear off. I strongly recommend 14k gold fill over the plated options if you want to wear your jewellery every day.
Jewellery Care
All jewellery is delicate, so please handle it with care.
Store your jewellery in the box and zip lock back it arrives in. This will protect it against damage, moisture and UV rays (which can affect certain crystals).
To keep your jewellery looking its best please do not get your jewellery wet. Avoid wearing with creams and perfumes and always take off before showering. Jewellery can be cleaned by gently polishing with a dry cloth.
Jewellery care instructions are also included in the box.
All orders are made to order and shipped from Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. Sometimes we have ready to ship stock of some designs available in the UK & USA and in those cases we'll ship the item from the warehouse closest to you.
Get free standard shipping on all orders, and free express shipping on orders over $150. Discount is automatically applied at checkout.
Standard shipping parcels are sent via Australia Post that takes 1-8 business days from dispatch date depending on how remote you are and 3-21 business days* for international orders.
*Can sometimes take longer due to custom delays which are out of our control.
Processing time:
Most orders are made and send out within 1 business day. If you need your order ASAP please let us know in the message box on checkout and we'll do our best to make and dispatch your jewellery as soon as possible.
Estimated shipping times:
Free standard shipping:
Australia: 1-8 business days
Everywhere Else: 3-21 business days
Express shipping:
1-4 business days
We'll do my best to meet these shipping estimates but can't guarantee them. Actual delivery time will depend on the shipping method you choose.
Customs and import taxes:
Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. We're not responsible for delays due to customs.
We want you to love your new jewellery, but if you change your mind we gladly except returns on any item subject to the following conditions:
- Jewellery must be returned with 30 days of purchase
- Jewellery must be in original condition (unworn, unused and unwashed in original packaging)
- Earrings are exempt from being returned for hygiene reasons
- All sale items and giftcards are final and are exempt from being returned.


text:
The ''hero cop'' whose explosive claims about NSW Police handling of Catholic Church child abuse helped spark a royal commission, has been branded a liar in a report handed to the state government on Friday.
Detective Chief Inspector Peter Fox claimed that a police investigation into child sexual abuse allegations in the Catholic diocese of Maitland-Newcastle was a ''sham'' and asserted there was a ''Catholic mafia'' in the NSW Police that covered up crimes.
He also claimed he was forced to ''stand down'' from the investigation into allegations surrounding two paedophile priests who had abused children in the Hunter area for decades.
The Special Commission of Inquiry into whether the Catholic Church covered up or NSW Police failed to properly investigate paedophile priest activity found there was no evidence to support Chief Inspector Fox's claims.
It also found the response by senior church officials into abuse claims made against Father Denis McAlinden and Father James Fletcher, both now dead, was ''inexcusable''.
The 750-page report by Commissioner Margaret Cuneen found that Chief Inspector Fox had ''developed what amounted to an obsession about both the Catholic Church and alleged conspiracies involving senior police''.
It found that evidence he provided to the commision was ''implausible'' and ''deliberately untruthful''. It also found that he was prone to ''exaggerate aspects of his evidence''. ''The commission formed the view that Fox had engaged in conduct that was inconsistent with the integrity required of a police officer,'' the report noted.
Chief Inspector Fox, who is overseas, has vigorously defended his actions, saying he would ''walk the same path'' if such matters came before him again.
In an exclusive interview with Fairfax Media, Chief Inspector Fox took a swipe at the commission, suggesting much of his evidence had been distorted and that the commission served more as a witch-hunt against him than an investigation into the cover-up of child sexual abuse.
''I am saddened by the process and findings, but do not shy away from my comments of 2012,'' he said. ''Throughout the special commission I felt more like a criminal on trial than a witness.''
Central to the inquiry was Chief Inspector Fox's claim that Strike Force Lantle, established in 2010 to investigate alleged concealment by church officials of child sexual assault by clergy, was a ''sham'' that had been ''set up to fail''.
The commission found the investigation was of a ''high standard'' and the officers assigned to the task were competent in their duties. It also found no evidence of a ''Catholic mafia'' within NSW Police that was obstructing the investigation of claims against clergy.
''The commission finds no credible evidence to support the notion that there are senior police … who were prepared to take steps to try to ensure that alleged child abuse offences involving Catholic Church officials were not investigated or not properly investigated,'' it noted.
However, the commission described the conduct of senior clergy, including the late Bishop Leo Clarke, former head of the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese, and the late Monsignor Patrick Cotter, as ''inexcusable''.
It found that information supplied to the police by Bishop Michael Malone, head of the diocese from 1995 to 2011, was both ''late and inaccurate''.
General secretary of the Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference, Brian Lucas, was found to have failed to protect children in attempting to have McAlinden resign from the ministry rather than reporting him to police.
The commission also found there is sufficient evidence to warrant the prosecution of a senior church official.


text:
Blacks and Latinos seek mental health care less often
Blacks and Latinos receive less adequate mental health care than Whites, finds a new study in Health Services Research.
"We found that Blacks and Latinos [remain] in care, including using outpatient services and filling psychotropic drugs, for a shorter time than whites," said lead study author, Benjamin Le Cook, Ph.D. M.P.H., assistant professor in the department of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. "Furthermore, since Blacks often wait longer to get help, they are more likely to end up in a psychiatric ER or psychiatric inpatient facility to treat their mental illness."
The study also found significant differences in how people seek mental health care. "For those who do make it to care, African-Americans and Latinos have episodes of care that are shorter in duration," said Le Cook.
Le Cook and his colleagues analyzed data from the responses of 47,903 White, Black and Latino adults age 18 and over to mental health questions in the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) regarding probable need for mental health or substance abuse care.
They found that while 40 percent of Whites with a probable need for mental health care sought treatment, only 27 percent of Latinos and 24 percent of Blacks did. Efforts to reduce disparities in seeking care might focus on improving identification of clinical need among minorities, access to mental health systems of care in minority communities, and initial engagement in treatment by minorities, the researchers suggest.
"Access drives quality of mental health care, and improved quality is needed, but education and engagement are vitally important," comments Erica Ahmed, director of public education at Mental Health America in Alexandria, Virginia.
Mental health literacy is complex and engagement is contingent on many factors like poverty, citizenship, race and isolation, said Ahmed. "You can live in an urban area but you can still be isolated when it comes to accessing mental health care."
When the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is implemented, Le Cook said better insurance coverage will likely help Blacks and Latinos, but there are still disparities.
"While insurance increases mental health access, adequacy of care is low for those with and without insurance and a number of insured individuals fill and refill psychotropic medications without any patient follow-up," he noted. "These problems are not likely to be eliminated after insurance coverage expansion."
Explore further


text:
Monday, Oct 21st
Last update:10:52:35 AM GMT
Remember Me
JEvents v1.5.3
Copyright © 2006-2009
Only registered users are allowed to post
Developed by Third Quarter Technologies, Powered by the Boorhaanol Islam Movement. Living Islam is offered as a free service to the muslim community.
This site is best viewed in Internet Explorer 7+ or Firefox 3+ - Flash Player 8+ required.


text:
Child Support Collection Companies Not Complying With the Law
The Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs (OCA) is cautioning parents about engaging private companies to collect outstanding child support. "Before contracting with a private collection agency, make sure the company is legitimate," urges Joe Doyle, OCA's Administrator. Mr. Doyle wants parents to be aware of a new Georgia law, effective July 1, 2009, which requires private child support collection companies to register and post a bond with the Secretary of State, and to file with the Office of Consumer Affairs a sample copy of any contract they use in the State of Georgia. OCA will maintain a list on its website – www.consumer.ga.gov – of all private child support collection companies that have filed the required documentation with the State. If a company is not listed on OCA's site, it has not complied with the law. As of this writing, no private child support companies in Georgia have filed contracts with the Office of Consumer Affairs.
The new law states that there must be three months of child support arrearages before a private collections company can contract to collect past due amounts. In addition, the law puts a cap on the fees that private collection companies can charge, limiting such fees to one-third of the total amount of child support payments collected. Consumers should also be aware that a private child support collector cannot charge a client for collecting anything other than the amount that is past due as of the date of the contract, together with any statutory interest owed on the past due amount. Thus, the current monthly payments that the custodial parent receives should not decline as a result of the new law.
Georgians are also reminded that the Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) provides enforcement services to consumers at little or no cost. This state agency provides assistance with locating non-custodial parents, confirming paternity, establishing and enforcing child support and medical support orders, and collecting and distributing payments.
For more information, contact Bill Cloud, Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs, at 404-656-3790.


text:
'"The small poems… slowly build up to a much larger narrative; a narrative of time and memory, of thinking and looking and being in the world, a kind of history that is happening on the sidelines." —Fiona Wright
'"Sceptical as I am about anti-poetry, of which there is a lot around and which can assume many different forms, the fully formed poems are not the only writing I can value in a book like this. There is too much wit, absurdity, and sheer verbal craft to be ignored." —Peter Riley
'"How ferociously Duggan attends both to the there of the world ('burnt patches amid pine') and the here of writing ('I ran out of town, meaning / there was no town left') …a kind of anthropological omnivorousness, all senses extended and out moves the piece along, using (including) everything, signs petering out or not." —John Latta
'"The upside-down peppershaker reflected on a metal table top; the note that 'the small gnats/ have ceased to wail'… and underneath a muffled drum-beat of persistent protest at the corrupt carelessness ruling so much of our planet. We called computer memory sticks thumb drives in my office. These poems have a similar function." —Martha King' (Publication summary)Bristol : Shearsman Books , 2014 pg. 49


text:
Story highlights
- Becoming grandparents can urge baby boomers to adopt new technology
- Pew study finds 53% of American adults over 65 are online
- A balance between traditional means of communication and newer methods can be key
When my parents bought their first mobile phones about 10 years ago, I didn't think they'd ever get the hang of using them. Mom would answer my call from the front of the line at Starbucks and say, "Hello darling, yes I'll take the tall thanks, what is it, James do you have any cash?" all in one breath. My favorite were the random, cryptic one-word text messages like "I" or "soon" or "shirtt."
But things have changed. These days mom sends texts saying: "Video chat in 5?" (insert smiley face).
Of course it's not me she wants to see in the chat window on her computer screen. It's my 2-year-old daughter, Kylie.
Video chats have become routine when my parents are at their home in Maryland. Dad will pick up colorful objects -- a Buzz Lightyear figurine, a sombrero, a bird feeder -- and move them toward his laptop's tiny camera lens, making Kylie squeal or say, "What's that funny thing, Granddad?" And mom will hold up an outfit she bought for her granddaughter to see if it meets our approval (it usually does).
My in-laws are slowly getting into it, too. Unable to attend Kylie's first birthday party, they watched us from laptops we set up on top of bookshelves. From their homes in Victoria, British Columbia, and the remote Pender Island, they watched Kylie slap her teeny hand into her cake's white frosting as everyone sang happy birthday. Every now and then, we'd look up and wave or raise a glass of champagne.
Becoming grandparents isn't the sole reason my parents have become technically savvy -- mom had a Kindle before Kylie came along -- but it has likely sped things up. They were quick to take on Google+ Hangouts when my husband (who, full disclosure, works for Google) suggested it as an easier option for us to chat face to face online. They now school their fellow baby boomer pals in London and Australia on how to use it, to varying degrees of success.
And mom is now more adept at navigating Apple TV than I am -- when she's babysitting Kylie and a request (read: demand) comes down for the YouTube rendition of "Twinkle Twinkle" featuring the little owl, mom will bring it up on the TV screen quicker than you can say, "Holy diaper rash."
(Mind you, Kylie is figuring all this out just as quickly. She knows that slamming a laptop shut concludes a chat she deems to be getting dull -- adorable when you're in the room with her, not so funny if you've been hung up on.)
For grandparents who are online -- and a recent Pew study suggests 53% of American adults over 65 are, with one in three of those seniors using social networks -- living apart from grandkids doesn't mean never seeing them.
Margie Tucker, 62, of Voorhees, New Jersey, says she feared she and her husband, Steven, would be strangers to their 4-year-old grandson because he lives in Denver. So she got into Skype.
"My family would laugh at me, because when (my grandson) was just beginning to move around, I was happy just to sit and watch him without any dialogue going on," Tucker says. "We've watched him learn to ride his bike, play ball, learn to write his name, play with his trucks. ... We often eat together, although they are two hours behind us."
And let's not forget the wonders of virtual babysitting.
"My daughter is a single mom, so I have even kept (my grandson) 'occupied' for a few minutes while she got dinner started or put a load of laundry in," Tucker says. "I like my iPad because it's so portable and easy to use. I have shown him an interesting bug on our deck, what the new carpet looks like, and how high the snow is at our house. My own kids were raised with long-distance grandparents, and there is little comparison to the advantages we have now."
Kathryn Barker, 65, from Redding, California, is active on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and has her own blogging website. And in spite of her initial reluctance, she's taken to texting as a way to stay in touch with two of her out-of-town grandchildren, who are 8 and 10.
"I cannot quite get the hang of abbreviating words, and incorrect punctuation is difficult for me to ignore," she says. "But I am giving in to not capitalizing words. My thumb dexterity is still lacking."
Barker has also tried Facetime for video calls and notes that her grandchildren never comment on her tech willingness. Likely, she says, they expect everyone to know as much as they do or more.
"I think I'm just your average grandma in awe of the ease with which these kids have transcended a world I came to know later in life."
I sometimes wonder if it's odd for my parents to see their granddaughter expertly scroll through photos on my iPhone with her miniature finger. After all, it freaks me out. While the Internet has held my hand through my adult life, my childhood was devoid of doodads (unless you count the portable Pac-Man console my brother and I used to fight over).
Lance Ulanoff, editor-in-chief at Mashable.com, refers to the key generation in technological proliferation as "digital natives."
"These are the people who over the next five years will enter adulthood, who know nothing but the digital experience," he says. "It's completely natural for them to share everything. It's natural for them to expect whatever they can see on a big screen they can see on a small screen, to have access to every bit of information they need in the palm of their hands. They don't even imagine anything other than that. Those are the people that are going to transform society."
For now then, grandkids and parents would do well to take advantage of something the baby boomers still seem to hold dear -- balance.
While they might embrace technology to stay in the mix and because they enjoy it, they're also big fans of powering down.
Tucker says she still occasionally writes letters on paper to post to her grandson in Denver and visits whenever she and her husband can. And when my parents are spending time in New York, they bring Kylie Play-Doh, crayons and books. Granddad takes her to the park and pushes her on the swing, her hair blowing in 10 different directions.
You know ... stuff that doesn't require an on-off switch.
Has having grandchildren spurred you to improve your grasp of new technology? Share your experience in the comments section below.


text:
1. Pickpocket: The oldest trick in the book and really requires no explanation. The mark would be released of the inconvenience of carrying anything of value not nailed down. From rings, necklaces, bracelets and, of course, their wallet/purse/pouch.
Additional Ideas (4)
31-Swampland Sale
The PCs are offered some land to build on/mine in for a high price, but in fact they lack the permit to do anything with it, as it's National Parkland/ royal land /owned by someone else/too close to where a fully grown dragon lives.
An expansion of #27 "Salting the Mine". See the the use of gemstones (link: The Great Diamond Hoax" of 1872.
An expansion of #20 "Prize Package Soap Sell Swindle". The well known swindler that made this con famous is known as link: Soapy Smith. Additionally, when brought up on charges (as related to me by my father) Mr. Smith offered to show the judge how his business worked and that it was legit. He produced a bar of his famous soap and when the judge, tearing open the wrapper, noticed it contained a $100 bill(a large sum at the time), he gaveled yelling, "case dismissed", while pocketing the bill and returning the soap.
An expansion of #6 "Horse Hustler". This could be done with any store owner that goes to his backroom, falls asleep, has to attend to a real or con emergency. Additionally, products for display outside of the store can be quickly 'sold' for dirt cheap by the con. A bit embarrassing when the proprietor demands to know why they are hauling off that piece of fine furniture.
An expansion of #18 "Melon Drop". Instead of an item it's a double jointed street urchin and your wagons wheels or horse just broke a child's leg or arm. The guardian is noticeably upset and demands money for medical, and to avoid calling the guards. Perhaps the boy or guardian is dressed in such a manner to indicate he is of nobility or of a fearsome religion, cult, clan or guild.
Some additional entries (with made up names)
32. Twice robbed
The PCs horse or vehicle is stolen during the night. The next morning it is returned with a note, or a street urchin relates the following but denies knowing the identity of who instructed him. The theft was unfortunately required due to the circumstances(GM can embellish with particulars such as wife fell suddenly ill as they were walking) as it was a life or death emergency. Profuse apologies as they have never had to do anything of this nature before and are too fearful, ashamed, or too high status to personally apologize. To offset the inconvenience, attached are valuable tickets(possibly forgeries?) for a grand ball, private showing of rare item, whorehouse event, or audience with nobility at a particular time. While the PCs are enjoying the free entertainment their place of stay is ransacked. Suspicious PCs may wonder how this individual knew how many tickets to proffer, assuming that was the case.
33. Shame on me (Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me)
A valuable item is stolen from the PCs. When word gets out that the PCS are looking to recover it a man appears offering information as to it's whereabouts in exchange for monies. The man says he has handled the item and can detail features not described by the PCs to others. The fellow does not want to get involved and his identity must be kept secret. In addition for extra monies perhaps he reveals where the thief keeps his other bounty. He could further embellish his trustworthiness by adding how much he loathes or fears the thief, or how that thief is cutting into his territory, or not a guild member and if the PCs maim him or end his life he will reward them. Of course this fellow is the very same thief or an accomplice who slips away…again.
34. An antidote for your ills
A poison is introduced to one or all of the PCs perhaps the meals got switched and it was meant for another or it was intentional. None other near enough have the antidote except the one that offers it in exchange for your prize magical item. The poison could be real (causing death, strange ailments, simply an stomach upset or perhaps it's a placebo). Alternately, the PCs have a perceived limited time window in which to reclaim the antidote by other means leading to an adventure. An additional possibility is there are two providers of the antidote in town in collusion. The players are initially approached by a seedy individual who will sell then the antidote for a unreasonable sum or prized PC item. The players learn of the local friendly alchemist and pay a visit only to find his price is far more outrageous. He gives greater worry to the PCs verifying 'independently' that the poison is real and the PC indeed is affected and further refines the hideous effects it will have. Discouraged the PCs head back to the first contact only to discover he has apparently fled town. The clock is ticking…
35. The plant
An item be it playing cards, crooked dice, a money pouch, jewelry, scroll or whatnot is planted on the person or their effects and is soon discovered to the shock of all (some may be in on it and some are unaffiliated witnesses). A return of the 'stolen' item and a payoff to all so wronged is required or bodily harm/jail time shall ensue. Note that generally the con artists really won't want guards or the authorities involved as they might be recognized or at least remembered limiting further opportunities in the town.
36. Sticky fingers
A con artist my father related to me (no reference found on the web): A fellow who would rub a bit of honey in his reddish hair in the morning before setting out to work…as a gold assayer. As he handled the gold to be weighed from the miners he would slick back his hair or sooth the occasional itch on his scalp. Each night he would rinse out his golden locks.
Thanks Strolen, that was my first submission to your excellent site, here is my second :) Yet more cons...
37. Bait and switch An item of quality is shown to the PCs, the price is quite reasonable or even dirt cheap (seller needs money badly for gambling debts, mafia, or whatever reason if even asked). The GM could pretend to roll to see what price the fellow is asking and then look disgustedly at the roll result, reflecting the merchants seeming lack of desire to sell at such a fire sale price. The PCs will naturally be suspicious (well, some will) and want to test the item. "But of course", says the merchant, and it will indeed perform as advertised. However, once price is agreed upon the merchant will switch it for a fake item under the guise of packaging it, refilling the charges, tuning it, removing the curse that activates on theft etc.
38. Guaranteed return A product is sold that appears to have merit but once examined is found in fact to have none. Perhaps it's a fake magical item. The one the PC's examined was real enough but a switch is made (see #37) when packaged up. Ahhh, not to worry it's "guaranteed or your money back". And with the town seal of assurance, you know they will! Alas, there is only one slight problem, it appears return address differs from the sales address, it is in a frightful place in town where you hardly dare enter in broad daylight(maybe only those of a certain faction live there). They are conveniently open on particularly bad days of the week(riot or sewer overflow days) from 2 am to 5 am :) By now you would think my father was a con artist. Hmmm, do mathematicians count? Anyway, this and the next con are come from him as well. In the case of the actual con it was a mail order product targeted to the elderly or the devout. A check was always promptly sent out for all requested refunds of the worthless product. The registered name of the company was something on the order of "I worship Satan with a big …. in my mouth". Folks were too embarrassed to go to their local town bank to cash the modest refund checks.
39. Works as advertised A full refund was presumably offered if this product sold during the great depression failed to perform as advertised. This was yet another mail order product, "guaranteed to kill roaches if used as advertised or your money back". The expectant buyer would open his package to find two small scraps of wood marked 'A', and 'B', and some simple instructions: Place board 'A' on the floor, place roach on board 'A'. Place board 'B' on roach over board 'A'. Step on board 'B'. In the PCs case perhaps it's a magic wand that is guaranteed to kill monster XXX. Instructions read: "Strike monster XXX repeatedly in the head until death ensues, always works, never fails". Well, someone's going to die, true enough. Or it's advertised as having a, "Powerful spell of XXX. Contains 50 charges!". No falsehood there as it contains 3 charges of spell XXX(good for a test or two) and 47 of some 1st level spell. Perhaps the item does function as advertised, however the curse or side effects have slipped the purveyors mind (or he was unaware). The fancier the (paste?)gemstones and engravings the less the PCs will question the quality of the product. If the vendor seems wavering whether to even sell his prize the PCs will be in a greater rush to buy it.
40. 5 star seller How many pieces of the true cross were sold in the middle ages by 'clerics'? Enough to make dozens. How many eBay venders pumped up their rating selling cheap wares and then bailed after getting paid for(but not shipping) an excess of expensive items all offered on the same day? If the seller has been around forever, is vouched for by someone trusted, or is convincing(but he had a guild badge) that does not mean that they will be there tomorrow when you find out that "orb of dragon disintegration" fails to perform. Obviously, this is only true if you are being sold something of notable value, making it worthwhile for the merchant to pack up and leave town. Similarly, if the PCs are flouting their connections to a noble that uses their services, a group of cons might take advantage of this. Dressing as guards they tell the PCs that that the noble requests their immediate audience for a 'job'. They might as well leave their weapons behind as they are not to be brought within the nobles grounds. Guards will stay behind to make sure none enter their place of stay. The guards may even enter the lords grounds turning the PCs over to confused resident guards (are they on the take as well?) for the nobles audience. Admittedly, this is an elaborate scam, simpler ones are fake or real servants who case their property, someone disguised as someone they trust, or a ruse that splits up the PCs so they are easier to attack.
41. Dead end A thief steals something from one of the PCs (or fakes it, running off with something that cursorily appears like it may have come from the PCs pack). The thief seemingly has bungled the job alerting the PC. He runs off, hopefully with the PCs in hot pursuit. The thief ducks into a hole or through a door quickly locked behind. Now the PCs are trapped in a dead end alley!
42. Uncanny resemblance Thieves having spotted an item in the PCs possession commission a replica to be made. Using one of the con methods above a switch of items is effected. Servants can quickly make impressions in clay of PCs keys for casting. The servant when alone can repeatedly test and refine the key key until it works properly. The actual robbery happens later, usually by someone else entirely, the trusted servant seemingly having no connection to the crime.
Other notes: Once a con always a con. If a con is caught they are probably going to try to con again to get out of it. They will state that they were conned too!
He will put up half the money if the PCs will put up the other half to hire someone (an accomplice) to correct this wrong.
Oh his reputation, you must tell no one! Oh dear, that Orb of Dragon disintegration didn't work, that can't be!! Tell me what you said to trigger it. No, no that's "Rabbracadabra", not "Abracadabra". It will work for sure if said properly.
So sorry for your losses, but less loot to split next time you travel to "Dragons Maw" I suppose. (a diversion).
OK, say it again, lets make sure! Perfect! You know, I lined up a seller a month ago for that Palantier, he really wants it and was going to pay XXX!! (a diversion) He will be very angry at me for not producing it, but I'll manage somehow. (sympathy)
You know what he told me! That very same dragon might have the "Extenze loincloth", a gift that was being couriered to King Petite in 1247(details indicate authenticity).
Entire party never arrived, presumed lost. He showed me on some old scroll of his, couldn't read it myself, seemed kind of excited about it.(more diversion more details)
Kings would empty their treasure chambers and give their first borne for such a thing!(greed overcomes PCs anger, builds more trust)
Um, by the way, you know I have this cloak of dragon fire protection you may be interested in...(can't resist another con).
It's easier to shoot, trap, or mind control the PC's horse to buck and run away with stored gear than the PC directly. Consider the PCs actions as seen from the locals point of view, and consider what opportunities are afforded the thieves guild, street urchins, whores, hirelings, friends, lovers, local merchants, nobility, kings, evil observers, enemies, minions and others.
Do you have coexisting planes with creatures that can sense a powerful item, passing along someday the information to those that seek it? Who might want to teach them a lesson? What items have they brandished about? What businesses have they damaged? Do I see gems sewn in those fine robes, on the hilt of that sword?
In Westerns, gunslingers are always being tested by some upstart trying to make a name for themselves, or take their loot. However, the enemies should only know what is witnessed (or scryed) and so may be unprepared for what the PCs can counter with. High end items are usually very ornate, even the scabbard, with embedded gems, etchings, leather work (all subcontracted out to experts) as they were made for someone in power, (for themselves or often as gifts to curry favor) who usually wants to project that power.
Perhaps the scabbard is required as it charges or maintains the item, no hiding in a plain scabbard. Do powerful items emit a strong aura that PCs have to spend a lot of money or manna or concentration to dampen? Are these items are easily identified as being of valuable on sight(maybe identifiable as an item of legend due to poem or song). Valuable information in the right ears indeed.
Often an ancient item will have parts that have rotted away, broken, cracked, gems pried out, rusted, drained of all charges or whatnot. All this needs repair, probably from more than one craftsman who will tell other craftsmen, etc. Perhaps the item was discarded due to damage, it's repairable at least in part, but at a high cost and only a particular fellow can do it, finding out who is an adventure in itself, getting to that craftsman is another. A master craftsman is proud of his work, and wants his wares to impress the buyer.
Of course items found and bought could be forgeries or flawed. Art forgery is quite common, anything of value is usually forged, magical items would be no exception. Failed magical items and potions should be common as well. The failure might be subtle and unrealized at the time. What is the failure rate of magical item creation? %
That will give you an idea of the ratio of failed items out in the world. A failed item need not be be an utter failure and so may still have worth and be sold in the marketplace for what it is or as a con, these items might be stripped of gems as would damaged or seemingly spent items that might still be salvageable.
Perhaps it appears salvageable but after much money spent and months of waiting for the repairs it still does not function (say a 15% chance of successful repair each attempt, although PCs should not be told the risk in percentages, the repairmans estimate would never be spot on anyway, perhaps he is overconfident and eager to get the work). The repair could be only partially successful (only takes 2 charges others are wasted, leaks charges over time, backfires 20%, heats up possibly shattering, applies effect to wielder sometimes, fails to work half the time, internal crack widens with each use), not that the craftsman or PCs may know of the new or preexisting flaw(s).
43. I'm Not Sure How It's Done
This con usually involves a laborer who deliberately is doing a shoddy job at a task, making an obvious display of frustration and struggling to get it "right." Upon noticing their plight a sympathetic mark will usually be eager to show them how to "get it right the first time" and start doing the job for them.
The con itself comes when the trainee pretends to continually struggle at the task still not grasping the instruction, hoping for the "skilled teacher" to either finish the task while trying to show them how to do it, or getting fed up and doing it themselves as an example of "how easy this is."
When confronted with someone who seems as if they are about to walk away from assisting the con will often beg for help and site the painful unjust punishments that will await them if they don't finish the task on time in the correct manner.
When done right this con can get an otherwise difficult (or boring) task done by another saving them the labor, while letting them keep the profit and gain the praise for doing the job. A skilled con will offer up a small portion of copper, (usually a fraction for the jobs actual pay) as "thanks" for saving from unemployment often claiming it to be the full payment for the job itself.


text:
A little Christmas treat from popular young Scottish singer Dionne Hickey.
The singer-songwriter, a former winner of the Voice of Fife competition, has had a great 2015, which included singing the theme song, and appearing in, the recently released Scottish film 'The Last Love Letter'.
This upbeat, fun track was written by Dionne herself and is a great alternative to all the well-worn Christmas songs we hear at this time of year!


text:
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
In the past my rules on murdering another character has required the permission of the other user. As far as player conflicts go it depends on the situation. Most conflicts come down to the opinions of the princess they are fighting over, or the rep they are trying to get approval of. So really it depends on the character. If two characters decide to fight or fight to the death i think it'll be fairest just to resort to the fighting system and allow things to act accordingly. Though keep in mind murder is illegal, no one has immunity from the law. Does that make sense? Or is there a more specific scenario you're thinking of?
Page created in 0.046 seconds with 27 queries.


text:
Final Fantasy 25th anniversary Ultimate Box collection announced
Compilation to feature original PlayStation versions of Final Fantasy I, II, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, UMD of III, PS2 versions of X, XI, XII, PS3 version of XIII.
Square Enix just announced during the Final Fantasy 25th Anniversary gallery opening ceremony that it will be selling the Final Fantasy Ultimate Box collection.
The first game collection, which is meant to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the series, will feature original PlayStation versions of Final Fantasy I, Final Fantasy II, Final Fantasy IV, Final Fantasy V, Final Fantasy VI, Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy VIIl, and Final Fantasy IX. Final Fantasy III will appear on the PlayStation Portable UMD. The PlayStation 2 versions of Final Fantasy X, XI, and XII will also be included. Final Fantasy XIII for the PlayStation 3 will cap off the anthology.
This set will also contain a video disc housing an anniversary celebration video montage, an art book called Crystal Artworks, a Final Fantasy XIV item code for in-game "mogu mogu" earrings, a mini replica of the Final Fantasy 25th Anniversary visual logo drawn by Yoshitaka Amano, and a two-disc music CD featuring songs from the series.
The collection will be out on December 18 in Japan, which is the release date of the original Final Fantasy on the Famicom system in its native country. There is no word on whether this collection will be on sale in North America, Europe, or the rest of Asia.
[CORRECTION]: This story originally stated Final Fantasy III for PS1 and Final Fantasy XIII for PS2 are part of the anthology. They are actually on the PlayStation Portable UMD and PlayStation 3, respectively. GameSpot regrets the error.
Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email email@example.com


text:
Haider al Abadi named to replace Maliki as troops take to Baghdad's streets
Iraq's political crisis deepened Monday, with Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki ordering military units to take up positions in the capital while the coalition his political party belongs to nominated a rival to succeed him as head of the government.
President Fouad Massoum selected Haider al Abadi, Parliament's deputy speaker, to replace Maliki as prime minister, asking him to form a new government within 30 days.
Maliki, however, showed no sign he intended to give up his grip on power, and it was difficult to predict how the power struggle would end.
Maliki's government will remain in place until Abadi announces a new one and receives approval from Parliament.
Maliki's Dawa political party appeared split on whether to continue backing him _ Abadi also is a member of Dawa _ but the expected delay in naming a government and then winning Parliament's approval, perhaps as long as six weeks, could provide Maliki with time to win support from other Shiite Muslim factions and thwart Abadi's efforts.
Abadi "only represents himself," Khalaf Abdul-Samad, who like Maliki and Abadi is a Dawa member, told a televised news conference.
Dawa allies from the Badr Organization, another Shiite political grouping, said they, too, had opposed Abadi's selection. Badr's leader, Hadi al Amiri, told Iraqi media he did not sign on to Abadi's nomination.
Abadi pledged to move quickly "to protect the people."
The National Iraqi Alliance, a coalition of Shiite political parties that includes Dawa, chose Abadi as prime minister less than a day after Maliki announced that he would take Massoum to court over alleged constitutional violations.
Maliki late Sunday also consolidated elite Iraqi troops around the sprawling government complex known as the International Zone. Soldiers and police stood guard at many street corners, some on foot and some in trucks mounted with machine guns.
To outsiders, the troop movements looked suspiciously like an effort to intimidate Maliki's opponents, and the United Nations issued a statement urging the soldiers not to disrupt the political process.
Maliki opponents decried the troop deployments. "The prime minister is getting kind of crazy," said Kurdish lawmaker Serwan Abdullah Ismail.
But others saw nothing nefarious, including Abadi, who described the deployments on Twitter as "in anticipation of security threats."
Western leaders embraced Abadi immediately. At a news conference at Martha's Vineyard, Mass., where he is on vacation, President Barack Obama praised Massoum for naming a new prime minister, calling the move a "promising step."
"The only lasting solution is for Iraqis to come together and form an inclusive government," he said.
Later, the White House said that Obama had spoken directly with Abadi, and that "both leaders agreed on the importance of forming an inclusive government representative of all communities as soon as possible."
Vice President Joe Biden called Massoum to congratulate him on the appointment, then spoke with Abadi. "The vice president relayed President Obama's congratulations and restated his commitment to fully support a new and inclusive Iraqi government, particularly in its fight against ISIL," a White House summary said of the call, using the U.S. government's preferred acronym for the Islamic State.
Earlier in the day, Secretary of State John Kerry said Maliki's actions could lead the U.S. to withhold further military assistance just days after American jets and drones began launching airstrikes against Islamic State positions in northern Iraq.
"One thing all Iraqis need to know, that there will be little international support of any kind whatsoever for anything that deviates from the legitimate constitutional process that is in place and being worked on now," he said.
Fighting between the Islamic State and Iraqi government forces continued Monday. The Islamic State claimed to have captured the town of Jalawla in Diyala province, pushing Kurdish peshmerga militia from the town just one day after Kurds reclaimed two Christian villages near Irbil that the Islamic State seized last week.
Farther north, American jets destroyed an Islamic State convoy that had been moving to attack Kurdish forces near Irbil, according to the U.S. Central Command.
For months, U.S. officials have urged Maliki to step down, contending that his divisive leadership stood in the way of unifying the country against Islamic State militants who since June have seized territory in Iraq's northern and western regions.
Maliki maintained he was best qualified to lead the country in its war against the militants, after serving as prime minister for the past eight years and building the nation's security forces around his own leadership.
Maliki's allies held their ground after Massoum's televised address announcing Abadi's appointment. They called the decision illegal, arguing that the nomination should have come specifically from Maliki's State of Law coalition, a smaller grouping that includes Dawa and the Badr Organization. Instead, the nomination came from the broader National Iraqi Alliance, which in addition to Dawa and Badr includes other Shiite Muslim political factions.
"Haider al Abadi was not nominated by State of Law and nominating him has no legal value," Maliki's political adviser, Maryam al Ries, told al Sumaria TV.
Four years ago, Maliki made the opposite argument to Iraq's supreme court after State of Law came in second place in national elections. Back then, Maliki argued that the broader coalition was the one whose seats should be taken into account, and the court agreed _ allowing him to be named for another term as prime minister.
Shiite lawmakers who've broken with Maliki believe the court will uphold the precedent of the 2010 decision and allow Abadi's government to move forward.
"Today was a very big step forward," said Hamid al Khudhari, an alliance lawmaker from the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq.
Abadi has held positions in the Iraqi government since just after the U.S. invasion. He was the communications director for the Iraqi Governing Council in 2003 and once was a key adviser to Maliki. Both have their political roots in the Dawa party, which long challenged Saddam Hussein's Baath Party government and whose leaders, including Maliki, found refuge in Iran.
By tradition since the U.S. occupation, Iraq chooses a Kurd to be president, a Shiite lawmaker to be prime minster and a Sunni to be speaker of Parliament. Massoum, a Kurd, asked the National Iraqi Alliance to nominate a prime minister but the broad coalition failed to settle on a candidate until Monday. The deadline was Sunday.
Maliki on Monday submitted his complaint about Massoum to Iraqi's supreme court. Conflicting reports emerged through the day on whether the court agreed with him.
Baghdad was tense. The government closed main roads and positioned gun trucks at intersections. Groups of soldiers and police clustered on street corners.
Thousands of young men marched through central Baghdad, carrying signs bearing Maliki's image and chanting their support for him. They were dropped off in buses and protected by police and soldiers.
"All of the nation is with you, Nouri al Maliki," they chanted.
Contributing to the report were McClatchy special correspondent Laith Hammoudi in Baghdad and Anita Kumar in Washington.


text:
Free shipping over € 149
Free shipping over € 149
Minimal but elegant, the design of Jasper Morrison draws attention to every detail, giving sophistication to seemingly simple shapes. The Glass Family glass for red wine is designed for everyday dining, for those who do not miss accompanying each meal with a good glass of wine. It is made of crystalline glass which becomes progressively thinner towards the opening, thereby making its use enjoyable.
Born in London in 1959, he studied design at Royal College of Art and at the HdK in Berlin. Editor of the Design Year Book 1999 with a passion for the history of design, Morrison designs for Cappellini, Vitra, Magis, Flos, Rosenthal and Sony.


text: Today, Nissan posted a few images of the production 2013 Pathfinder crossover to its Facebook page, and, surprise, it looks identical to the concept the company showed off in Detroit this year. The new Pathfinder makes the switch from a body-on-frame SUV to a unibody crossover, but until now it had only been previewed by a realistic styling buck. The photos Nissan posted to Facebook, however, are of the real deal (or at least renderings of what appear to be the real deal) which goes on sale this fall. Look for more details closer to the new Pathfinder's on-sale date, but until then, you can play the super-fun game Spot the Differences Between the Pathfinder Concept and the Real Pathfinder. Seriously, the kids love it even more than that Selena Bieber, or whatever.


text: Ralph Lauren's Dapper and Divine Fall – On the final day of New York Fashion Week, Ralph Lauren presented a fall 2012 collection of refined glamour inspired by English aristocrats in autumn hues of navy, black, grey, plum and gold accents. The first section focused on menswear inspired pantsuits with dapper tailoring and newspaper boy hats softened by feminine curves and eclectic patterns. As the show progressed, the garments became more feminine featuring slinky gowns in long and fluid shapes of satin and velvet. A bit of glitz appeared in the form of sparkling sequins and ostrich feathers, culminating in a stunning finale gown of gold lamé worn by model Olga Sherer.


text:
Vivo Community Play Ambassadors - Panorama Hills
- 405 Panatella Boulevard Northwest Calgary, AB, T3K 0P3 Canada (map)
This calendar lists community events related to the First 2000 Days Network. Any event related to improving the early childhood development landscape, or events directly related to the First 2000 Days Network can list their events here.
To add an event, please fill out the form below the calendar.


text:
London escorts - London escort agency - Bestescort4U
About London escorts
There are many London Escorts Agencies which provide more then ten years the very best London escorts companionship in the UK but only a few remain at the very top and supply a five star service to a five star clients.
The aim of these agencies are quality escort services provision for gentlemen and they know that every client has his own requirements. So, if you let them know exactly what you want they will send you exactly what you ask for. That is why they are called Best London escort agencies. Check their escorts London gallery, select a lady and make a booking. If you would like to have an all night girl-friend experience - check their Overnight escorts gallery. Also you can check separate galleries of blondes, brunettes, latinas, ebonies, redhaired and busty girls.
Selected London escorts
Top escort agencies in London select every girl carefuly because every expectant needs to understand the job and make the perfect companion for every gentleman or lady. Some of their female escorts provide also Massage services.
The good reputation agencies never post fake, touched up or out of date pictures of London escorts. What you see is what you get - all models are 100% genuine. The best reputation agencies must have a perfect website prudoced by a professional escort web design company to represent them as a reliable company.
If you did not find the information you require about our services please email us and we will try to put an article regarding your question on the website.
Escorts rates
The rates are called for the time and companionship in the London escort agencies policy.
You can make a date with any escort from the Top London escort agencies and have an unforgettable time.
If you are travelling in Wales and want to have a great time there we suggest you to book Swansea escorts.
However if you are travelling to Middle East and have no clue whereto find some companionship services we have an advice for you - visit Dubai escorts at Terra International models.
Search London escorts by location


text:
Franciscan friar accused of molesting students at schools decades ago stabs himself in the heart after leaving a suicide note apologizing for his actions
A Franciscan friar accused of molesting students at schools in Ohio and Pennsylvania decades ago stabbed himself in the heart after leaving a note apologizing for his actions, a coroner said today.
The note left by Brother Stephen Baker, whose body was found on Saturday at the St Bernardine Monastery in Hollidaysburg, was 'not addressed to anyone specific', Blair County Coroner Patricia Ross said.
'The note was an apology for his behavior,' Ross told the Altoona Mirror, without offering specifics about the note, which was just a few lines.
Brother Stephen Baker, 62, was named on January 16 when the diocese announced 11 legal settlements stemming from his alleged abuse of students at John F. Kennedy High School in Warren, Ohio, three decades ago
Baker, 62, was named on January 16 when the Youngstown, Ohio, diocese announced 11 legal settlements stemming from his alleged abuse of students at John F. Kennedy High School in Warren, Ohio, three decades ago.
Since then, Mitchell Garabedian, a Boston attorney involved in the Ohio cases, said former Kennedy students have come forward to allege abuse by Baker.
Garabedian and other attorneys said about 20 several former students at Bishop McCort High School in Johnstown, also have come forward with similar accusations against Baker, who was a teacher and trainer with the school's baseball team.
The former Pennsylvania students allege that Baker assaulted or molested students under the guise of providing therapeutic treatment or medical care for sports injuries, said Michael Parrish, the Johnstown attorney representing some of those students.
Baker taught and coached at Kennedy from 1986 to the early 1990s and was at Bishop McCort from 1992 to 2000.
One expert on clergy abuse said the suicide and note may not have much impact on future lawsuits.
Brother Baker was found in St Bernardine Monastery in Hollidaysburg on Saturday after the abuse allegations came out a few weeks ago
Marci A. Hamilton, a professor of law at Yeshiva University in New York, wrote in an email that the note 'makes it easier for plaintiffs in the sense that it is an admission to some wrongdoing'.
But she added that's not necessary when a number of unrelated victims say that the same person abused them, because 'they are corroborating the claims of wrongdoing with even more specificity'.
Father Patrick Quinn, the head of Baker's order, the Third Order Regular Franciscans, has said it's not clear what impact, if any, the death would have on the claims that have surfaced.
In the Kennedy case, mediation settlements involved the school, the Third Order Regular Franciscans and the Youngstown diocese, which said it was unaware of the allegations until nearly 20 years after the alleged abuse.
Youngstown Bishop George Murry said on Monday that when he was informed sometime in 2011 about the alleged abuse at Kennedy, he called Franciscans and was told Baker had already been removed from public ministry to keep him away from children.
Because of statute of limitation issues, the cases were resolved without criminal charges or lawsuits, Garabedian said.
It was not immediately clear what may become of the Pennsylvania allegations.
One attorney representing three alleged victims has already filed a notice that she intends to sue Baker's order, Bishop McCort and the Altoona-Johnstown diocese, which used to run the school.
Bishop McCort's board has also announced it is investigating the students' claims.
Most watched News videos
- Move-in-Martha stops two people from helping a friend move
- Toddler can't believe mom went to work without KISSING HIM GOODBYE
- Porn star Valentina Jewels is verbally abused by Miami Dolphins fan
- Putin gifts the Saudi King gyrfalcon before it excretes onto the floor
- Piers Morgan slams gay activist as transgender debate continues
- Motorcyclist has death-defying crash travelling at high speed
- The struggle is rail! Drunk guy running from cops floored by handrails
- In full: Emotional Prince Harry gives speech in which he chokes up
- Prince Harry does adorable jiggle as he encourages winners on stage
- Simone Biles's boyfriend goes crazy celebrating her victory
- 'I'm just a humble broccoli': Piers Morgan argues with vegan on GMB
- Prince Harry chokes up when remembering Meghan's pregnancy
The comments below have been moderated in advance.
The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.
We are no longer accepting comments on this article.


text:
First-time Seabourn Cruiser - Page 4by Paul Motter | 10.28.11
My first sailing experience with Seabourn Cruises finally filled a gap in my cruise experience that has haunted me for the last five years. So, how did it go?
|Caviar Hors D' Oeuvres on Seabourn
Seabourn Vs. Crystal
Crystal Cruises is another luxury cruise line with a very ardent following. The differences between Crystal and Seabourn are vast, however. Crystal ships are over two times larger in size and guest capacity. However, they are very spacious on a passenger/space ratio basis (number of square meters per guest) (much more than the small seabourn ships, slightly less than the bigger Seabourn ships). At least one thing that has probably kept some Seabourn cruisers away from Crystal is that it has not been an inclusive cruise line; alcohol and gratuities were charged separately. That is changing as of January 1, 2012. Crystal will become as inclusive as Seabourn and Silversea.
Now, one thing about luxury cruisers that I find somewhat profligate is their obsession with not signing for drinks. Doing the math shows including drinks in the cruise fare is not a value proposition; one obviously pays more in total on inclusive lines than if you order and pay separately. However, it is more civilized to receive discrete wine refills throughout dinner without ordering and signing, and it is liberating to have a cognac or espresso afterwards simply because there is no reason to decline. So, while I don't see it as cost effective, I understand the attraction. My surprise is that, "I like not having to sign for things," was always one of the top reasons mentioned by people who love Seabourn, even with people who don't drink alcohol.
The 2011 Condé Nast poll results were tallied by averaging the percentage of people who rated the line as "excellent" or "very good" in seven different categories and then averaging the categories. Seabourn won the contest with a total score of 93.4. That includes food, service, itinerary, staterooms, etc. As I said, once you get into the category of luxury cruises the differences get far smaller, so winning as the "best" is barely a tick away from "also ran."
|Cruise Line
Once Crystal becomes all-inclusive the service perception could change dramatically. As I said, that niggling preference, "I just don't like to sign for things," is overwhelmingly important to Seabourn cruisers, but it will no longer be a deterrent to Crystal Cruisers.
I have sailed on Crystal, and it has wonderful food. Here is a picture of the "premier" buffet on Seabourn, the "Galley Market Luncheon"...
Seafood on the Seabourn Galley Market Luncheon
And now here is a picture of the premier buffet event on Crystal...
Lobster on Crystal Buffet
Shrimp on the Crystal Buffet
Now, also as I mentioned before, Seabourn does not supply butlers to anyone, Crystal supplies them to the penthouses, and our butler, "Papa," was smart enough to see when we were bored and come up with a distraction for us. One night we were just sitting around, and he said, "Why don't I set up a table for you on the verandah and serve you a lobster dinner?" That night I had one of the best lobsters I have ever seen on a cruise, well over 1 lb., and I had it al fresco on my own verandah.
I have also mentioned caviar service. I love caviar. I have had it on Silversea, Seabourn and Crystal. Seabourn is the cruise line with that trademark image of butlers in tuxedoes wading into the surf to serve you caviar. (Ironically, Seabourn doesn't have butlers), but just for comparison, here is the picture of what I got when I actually ordered caviar on Seabourn delivered by room service. It was delicious, but the portions were a bit askew, I recall I ran out of some things. But it was still delicious.
Caviar as delivered by room service on Seabourn
Here is what our butler brought to us when we requested caviar service on Crystal. All we asked fro was caviar, but Papa knew what we wanted. And for the record, in the penthouse we were in the wine was complimentary, even back in 2006. I will never forget this day, Papa kept bringing us more wine and caviar until we were fully sated – he was like the caviar devil, and we were giving our souls over to caviar sin. In the end, we were so full we couldn't eat dinner.
Our caviar feast on Crystal as arranged solely by our butler
Because Crystal is a larger ship I did not get the "yacht" feeling onboard. I got more pampering and truly excellent service in my stateroom. And outside my stateroom Crystal also has a movie theater, piano and language classes, computer skills classes, arts & crafts classes and on our cruise we had 16 different enrichment speakers (four of them NFL coaches and players including Don Shula and Marty Schottenheimer).
Bottom line – Crystal is certainly not a "yacht" experience s if that is what you love most then stick with Seabourn. But I personally prefer the bigger ships because it means there is far less chance my wife will have to take a Dramamine.
Seabourn VS. Regent Seven Seas
I have not sailed on Regent in many years, since they were acquired by Prestige Cruise Holdings. But to put things into perspective I just spoke to the PR representative for PCH, and he told me Regent is having its best year yet in sales, except that 2012 is shaping up to be even better.
Here are the main things you need to know about Regent; The ships are bigger than Seabourn's, so you do not get that "yacht" feeling. But if you don't like to sign for things you should be happy to hear that Regent also includes many of its shore tours in the cruise fare. As I said before, the value proposition is not there (you pay for what you get) but you also get the opportunity to take a shore tour in every port on a whim – it's there if you want it. If you don't want it then don't go.
I admit I am different from many cruisers in one respect. I don't fully agree with people who say they "need sea days" because they are quiet and relaxing. Want a really relaxing day on a ship? Stay on board while it is in port. It's like a sea day with discounts in the spa and most of the ship's population absent. You get the whole movie theater, hot tub, thermal spa; whatever you want, to yourself. I have never understood people saying they "need a day at sea." They need a "rest," so just don't go on a tour.
If you have doubts about Regent's cuisine, here is a story. Their food operations were revamped completely by Frank Del Rio, the CEO of Oceania Cruises who also happens to be a "foodie." a few years ago. To be clear, Jacques Pepin is the executive consulting chef for Oceania Cruises, and he is very involved, much more so that Charlie Palmer for Seabourn (more on that later).
I just sent my culinary reviewer, Janice Wald Henderson, on a cruise on Oceania's Marina, and she reported that she feels it has the best food she has ever tasted on a cruise ship; better than Crystal (her previous favorite), Seabourn or Silversea. There is a reason why Regent's sales have been going up – better food and that "I don't like to sign" thing being expanded to tours. Yes, it is funny, but Seabourn cruisers understand this… they know they are really paying for it, but when it comes included in the fare, it just adds to the pleasure.
Now, I said Jacques Pepin (a famous French chef who once shared a PBS cooking show with Julia Child) has a starring role with Oceania Cruises – he put his first ever namesake restaurant on Marina – "Jacques." But when it comes to executive consulting chef Charlie Palmer's role on Seabourn this is what Sojourn head chef Andrew Soddy told me, "Charlie Palmer will come on board and give us his ideas on what he thinks we should do, but then we chefs onboard get together to work over his ideas and adapt them to what we know will really work on the ships." It's an honest remark and I felt Seabourn's Chef Soddy was extremely talented.
Back to Top of Article >> First-time Seabourn Cruiser (Page 1)


text:
This fall, residents of Fairfax County will have an unprecedented opportunity to offer input on one of the principal policy issues facing the County—whether we should assume a greater role in secondary road maintenance and construction. I urge all County residents to take advantage of this important opportunity.
The state owns almost every road in Fairfax County, and every one of us has seen what years of state cutbacks in road maintenance have wrought. Our already awful congestion will get worse as the state has stopped, permanently, all secondary road construction. Secondary roads are those like Braddock and Guinea (not interstates or those with route numbers under 600, such as Little River Turnpike and Ox Road). With a quarter of a million new residents expected in the coming 20 to 30 years, continuing to ignore our road maintenance and construction needs will have a devastating impact on our County.
County staff believes we need $8 billion to meet our principal transportation needs in the coming decade (this includes items like new construction, road widening and transit—but not maintenance). At current rates, state and federal funding will cover about $5 billion, leaving a gap of $3 billion, or $300 million per year. Should the County ask the General Assembly for authority to raise new funds for transportation? That is the question before us.
County transportation staff has already begun conducting a number of town hall meetings to lay out our needs and the options before us, and to solicit input. Braddock's meeting will be held on Oct. 11, at 7:30 p.m. in the Kings Park Library Meeting room and will also serve as the first quarterly meeting of my new Transportation Policy Advisory Forum. The public is welcomed and encouraged to attend.
There is not a consensus on the board. While some members have expressed a preference for continuing to "demand" a state solution, they ignore the fact that such "demands" have failed for 25 years. The political reality in Richmond is that the rest of the state is not going to send their money up here for our roads. In addition, as I have repeatedly pointed out, a state solution means our money goes to Richmond first, where much of it will be passed around, with only pennies returning back home. Consequently, I have suggested we consider taking control of the roads. If Fairfax County is going to pay for the roads, we ought to own and control them. Most board members, however, would prefer not to have that responsibility.
What do you think? The Fairfax County board and staff want to know. This is your chance for input—take advantage and be an engaged citizen.


text:
The Liberals have come out against the Conservative government's plans for warrantless surveillance of Canadians, with the party's science and technology critic calling it a potential "slippery slope" to unchecked police surveillance.
In doing so, the opposition party joins the New Democrats and Canada's privacy commissioners in expressing concern about the government's plans to loosen the laws surrounding how police gather information online about suspects.
But it is a far cry from the party's position on the subject less than a decade ago, when the previous federal Liberal government flirted with similar warrantless surveillance proposals.
Liberal MP Marc Garneau, the party's science and tech critic, has issued an open letter declaring that "judicial oversight (issuing of warrants) should be required in virtually all circumstances before a permit is issued for the gathering or sharing of an individual or organization's information."
Under a set of proposed bills tabled in Parliament during the last Conservative government, police would be able to collect emails, addresses, phone numbers and other basic information about Internet subscribers without a warrant. But they would still need a warrant to access the content of those communications.
Internet service providers would also be required to retrofit their networks with technology that would allow real-time monitoring of targeted individuals' online activities.
Critics have said the "lawful access" proposals, as they are known, would severely undermine judicial oversight of police investigations online.
Garneau told the Huffington Post Tuesday he would like to see the rationale behind the provision to remove the need for warrants.
"I can't think of any circumstances where a warrant would be required" where police couldn't get one, Garneau said, but he conceded police may be frustrated at the length of time it can sometimes take to obtain a warrant.
He suggested the bill may be a "precursor" to allowing police unlimited access to the content of online communications -- something that, were it to happen, would essentially remove all judicial oversight of online surveillance.
Garneau suggested that any bill modernizing online surveillance include sunset clauses -- provisions that would see the law expire, should politicians decide it did not work out as planned.
The MP for Montreal's Westmount--Ville-Marie riding also said any tapping-into of Internet users' online activities should have a time limit, so that police cannot simply carry on monitoring individuals indefinitely.
It's unclear whether such provisions will be included in the government's bill, as the Conservatives have not yet tabled the bill in the current parliament. The bill was conspicuously absent from the omnibus crime legislation tabled earlier this fall, but Public Safety Minister Vic Toews has said the government plans to proceed with it.
The latest lawful access legislation comes after several aborted attempts at expanding surveillance powers under the previous Liberal government. The last such effort was the Modernization of Investigative Techniques Act (MITA), tabled in 2005, which would have required warrantless disclosure of subscriber information. The bill, like earlier attempts at surveillance law reform, was controversial within the party and it died when the Liberals were defeated by Stephen Harper's Conservatives in early 2006.
Liberal MP Marlene Jennings has put MITA forward as a private members' bill several times over the course of the Harper government, though her bills never went past first reading.
Several of Canada's privacy commissioners have recently added their voices to the criticism of the bill.
"No systematic case has yet been made to justify the extent of the new investigative capabilities that would have been created by the bills," federal privacy commissioner Jennifer Stoddart wrote. "Canadian authorities have yet to provide the public with evidence to suggest that CSIS or Canadian police cannot perform their duties under the current regime."
Ontario privacy commissioner Ann Cavoukian added her voice to the criticism as well.
"In my view, it is highly misleading to call it 'lawful,'" Cavoukian wrote in the National Post. "Let's call it what it is — a system of expanded surveillance."
Her criticism drew a sharp rebuke from Toews, who wrote in a response that "no legislation by a Conservative government will create powers for police to read emails without a warrant."
Critics accused Toews of confusing the issue, noting the proposed law would not allow police to read emails -- only to find out who sent what emails to whom, and when.
"Consider just one of the new threats to our fundamental freedoms," Cavoukian wrote in her response to Toews. "Police could force telecoms to provide the name, address and unique device number of people (enabling online tracking) who posted comments on newspapers' websites under pseudonyms -- without a warrant, without explanation and in secret. ... This is unacceptable: 88 pages of new powers, without matching judicial safeguards."
A poll done for the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada earlier this year found eight in 10 Canadians oppose allowing police to track online activities without a warrant.
Also on HuffPost


text:
The automobile industry is a steadily growing sector with an impressive history. Its early achievements in automation exerted a powerful influence on other industries.
Technology for the automobile industry
- We supply the automobile industry with process automation and control systems.
- Software solutions are also part of the Meyer Burger product portfolio. Meyer Burger sells solutions for automation, controls of system component groups, interfaces and machine data collection. It also offers a development platform for creating automation software.


text:
Talk to residents about the new online collection calendars, signing up for automated pickup reminders, general waste prevention and recycling at the Washington County Solid Waste & Recycling Program booth. Talking points and messages will be provided. Learn more at www.WashingtonCountyRecycles.com. Staff from Washington County will set up and take down the booth and be present for some shifts.
Contact: Brian Stafki, 503-846-3651


text:
Jack Lehr Heating, Cooling & Electric Has Offered Duct Sealing throughout the Greater Lehigh Valley for Over 40 Years.
With energy prices rising, now is the time to make your home more energy efficient. But where do you start? Jack Lehr Heating, Cooling & Electric offers duct sealing for Pennsylvania homeowners who are not getting the most of our their heating and cooling systems. According to ENERGY STAR®, up to 20 percent of the air moving through your ducts can be wasted due to leaks and gaps.
To schedule duct sealing for your Greater Lehigh Valley area home, contact Jack Lehr today!
Signs You Need Duct Sealing
You may consider duct sealing as a way to maximize your home's energy efficiency and cut down on rising energy costs. Call a professional today if you're experiencing any of the following issues:
- Rising energy bills
- Difficulty maintaining a comfortable temperature from room to room
- Stuffy, uncomfortable rooms
- Ductwork that is located in your attic, crawlspace, or garage
Benefits of Duct Sealing from Jack Lehr
Our NATE-certified technicians are indoor air quality specialists and can determine what level of duct sealing is best for your home. Regardless of the condition of your ducts right now, our process can:
- Increase overall comfort in your home – the immediate benefit of duct sealing is a more comfortable home. Rooms should be less stuffy, and the temperature should be the same throughout your home. No more putting up with a drafty guestroom or stuffy family room.
- Lower your monthly energy bills – simply put, less energy wasted through duct leaks and gaps means less money wasted on your monthly utility bills. Your furnace or air conditioner will not have to work as hard to circulate comfortable air through your home, and you won't have to work as hard to pay off that bill each month!
- Improve indoor air quality – leaks and gaps in your ductwork can also lead to debris and particles coming into your ductwork. Dust, fumes, and bacteria may enter your ventilation system after the filtration phase and could be circulating through your home. Properly sealed ducts ensure that the air you and your family breathe in is safe and harmless.
- Help contribute to a better environment – less energy used (and wasted) helps the environment and cuts down on greenhouse gases and air pollution. While the contribution may be small, it adds up to decrease the carbon footprint of your home.
Home Energy Assessments
Duct sealing is just one step that many Pennsylvania homeowners take to improve the indoor air quality of their homes and increase energy efficiency year round. Jack Lehr offers comprehensive home energy assessments by one of our Building Performance Institute (BPI) certified energy analysts.
How much could you be saving?
When you schedule your energy assessment, you'll become eligible for a $150-250 rebate from your utility company, and you could also qualify for additional rebates if you choose to implement any of our energy-saving home improvements!
During your home energy assessment, our analyst will perform tests on your heating and cooling system to determine if any air is leaking from your home. Once your assessment is completed, we will recommend any energy saving measures you should take and give you an idea of the savings you can expect. In addition to duct sealing, we often recommend:
- Air sealing
- Insulation
- HVAC upgrades
- And more!
Why Choose Jack Lehr for Your PA Duct Sealing?
Jack Lehr is a certified Building Performance Institute building analyst located in the PPL Electric Utilities' service territory, making us your go-to choice for duct sealing and home energy assessments in the Greater Lehigh Valley.
For over 40 years, your neighbors have chosen Jack Lehr. When you choose us for your duct sealing services, you'll benefit from our:
- Years of experience
- BPI certified building analysts and on-staff professional engineer
- 100 percent satisfaction guarantee
- Top-of-the-line products
- Respect for your home or business
- Financing options
- And more!
Call us today to see how much you could be saving on your energy bill. We look forward to serving you!
Our Service Area: Alburtis, Allentown, Bath, Bethlehem, Breinigsville, Catasauqua, Center Valley, Cherryville, Coopersburg, Coplay, Danielsville, Easton, Emmaus, Fogelsville, Germansville, Hellertown, Lehighton, Macungie, Nazareth, New Tripoli, Northampton, Orefield, Pennsburg, Phillipsburg, Quakertown, Schnecksville, Stockertown, Trexlertown, Whitehall Township, Wind Gap, Zionsville, and the surrounding areas


text:
When you need that important item delivered safely today
Our Sameday™ courier service guarantees delivery of urgent items on the same day almost anywhere in the UK. Our prices are competitive and it takes just seconds to get a quote and book your delivery.
- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
- online, real-time satellite tracking
- email delivery confirmation
Call 03300 885 522 for an instant quote.
Get a quote and book your Sameday™ courier delivery
Call 03300 885 522 or use our online calculator for a quote or to book your Sameday™ courier delivery.
The prices provided by the online calculator are for dedicated, sameday courier services. They are based on the mileage between the point of collection and point of delivery.
Prices start from £1.10 per mile + vat
Choose your options
Services tailored to your needs
Using satellite technology, we assign the nearest driver to pick up your parcel. For complete flexibility, we offer three different levels of Sameday™ service.
Sameday™ On Demand
For ad-hoc and urgent deliveries.
Sameday™ Scheduled
For regular daily or weekly collections and deliveries.
Sameday™ Multi-drop
A special service for regular collections of large consignments that need to be delivered within a defined area.
Evening Delivery
When your customers expect the convenience and security of an evening courier service.
Choose Sameday™ and get automatic compensation cover for loss or damage up to £2,500. For an additional fee, you can extend this cover to £20,000. Standard compensation does not cover valuables such as money, jewellery or antiques. Prohibited and restricted goods conditions also apply.
Find out more about Restricted goods.
Read our Terms & Conditions.
- Sameday™ On Demand
With Sameday™ you only book for the distance between pick up and delivery. We charge on a loaded mile basis.
Get a quote online for Sameday™ delivery.
Or, give us a call on 03300 885 522 - our operators are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you are already a Sameday™ account customer please log in to Sameday™.
How to buy
By phone
Call our dedicated service team on 03300 885 522. Lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Non-account customers can pay by debit or credit card.
Call me back or request information
If you would like a Royal Mail advisor to call you back, or if you simply want to obtain more information about Sameday™, leave your contact details and we'll do the rest.
Real time tracking
When you set up an account, or request a Sameday™ collection, we'll provide you with a unique username and password. You can use this to log in and track your item on our website. It's easy and gives you information in real-time.
Email confirmation
We'll send you an email when your item is delivered and can provide you with the signature of the person who accepted your item.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim compensation for lost or damaged items?
All items sent via Sameday™ are automatically eligible for compensation up to the value of £2,500 for any loss or damage in addition to the fee you paid for the service. You can increase your compensation up to £10,000 for an additional fee, at the time of booking. Please note that this cover is only for loss or damage to the item sent and does not cover consequential loss. If you wish to make a claim, please call us on 03300 885 522.Back to top
What happens if no one is available to sign for the item?
If we are unable to deliver your item, we will contact you immediately to find out what you want us to do. We can:
- deliver the item to a neighbour and leave a card
- return the item to you
- post the item through the letterbox. If you choose this, we would be unable to get a signature and compensation for any resulting loss or damage would not be payable.
How do I track my parcel?
When you set up an account, or request a Sameday™ collection, we'll give you a unique username and password. You can use this to log in and track your item on our website.
We'll also send you an email when your item is delivered and will be able to provide you with the signature of the person who accepted your item. Learn more about our terms and conditions.Back to top
Is there anywhere you can't deliver to?
We don't offer the Sameday™ service to The Isle of Man, the Isles of Scilly and the Channel Islands.
There are also a small number of postcodes that are subject to availability when you use the Sameday™ service. These are: ZE, IV, KW, HS, IM, TR, JE, GY and AB (apart from AB1-4, which we can deliver to), PO30-41, PA and PH.
If you need to deliver an item to one of these postcodes, just call us on 03300 885 522.Back to top
Is there anything I can't send with Sameday™?
There are very few restrictions on what we are able to deliver. However, if you're sending valuable items such as money, jewellery or antiques, we suggest you use a more specialised security service such as Special Delivery™.
We are unable to carry items covered under our conditions for prohibited, dangerous or restricted goods.
Find out more about what we can't carry.Back to top
Product documentation
Contact us
Lines open 24 hours a day, seven days a week
03300 885 522
Request callback
Complete our online form and we'll be in touch.


text:
stevez wrote:Charlie Trotters?
razbry wrote:Good Lord...what is THAT?!
razbry wrote:Knowing very few restaurants in Chicago I'll just take a whack at it and guess the Chicago Art Museum dining room. Reminds me of something I saw on Check Please.
BuddyRoadhouse wrote:Shot in the dark based on the above clue; does the MCA have a restaurant?
gleam wrote:It's Ria, like Fujisan said. Hammond tags his flickr photos too diligently.


text:
Like most websites we use cookies to help us give you the best experience. By using this site you agree to our use of cookies. Read cookie policy.
Fiji Experiences
For golf lovers, you won't do better than Fiji. Our courses are among the most beautiful in the world, offering views of glistening lagoons, luscious rain forests and powder-puff beaches. Don't pass up the opportunity to play a round and take in some of the country's breath-taking scenery at the same time.