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It is still time for a Galette des Rois! Why not bake one? It's child's play!
The Galette des Rois is a wonderful culinary tradition which you can experience after the Christmas treats and before the Carnival and its doughnuts!
The origins of this cake, which celebrates Epiphany, is actually Roman, not French.
The Saturnales parties were the once-a-year year opportunity to reverse established roles. Everybody (including the slaves) could become king for a day. A banquet was held and a cake hiding a lucky charm was brought to the table. The youngest person in the room would go under the table. Each time the person in charge of service wanted to offer a piece of cake, the child would give the name of one guest to whom it was to be served. . If the piece contained the lucky charm, the guest would be elected King for a day and could ask for whatever he wished. He could even choose and crown his queen!
This is how we did it when I was a kid as well! Being the youngest one in my family, I always loved this day! Depending on your home town, you could have different types of cake. In South of France, we normally have a brioche with candied fruits.
But the following is my recipe for the more common frangipani galette, which is very easy to prepare with the kids.
Galette des Rois (serves 8 kings or queens)
- 2 packs of rolled puff pastry
- 4 eggs
- 125g of ground almonds
- 125g of caster sugar
- 125g of unsalted butter
- 1 lucky charm (if you can't find a ceramic one, you can always use a bean)
- 2 home-made golden crownsDirections:
- Pre-heat the oven to 200 degrees (gas mark 6)
- Beat together the melted butter, ground almonds and sugar, with a fork, until you obtain a homogeneous dough. Add the 3 eggs to this mix.
- Separate the white and yolk of the last egg.
- Put the first round of puff pastry on a baking tray. Spread with the egg white to within 2cm of the edges.
- Spoon the mixture of egg, butter, sugar and almonds over the pastry, spreading it evenly. Now is the moment not to forget the lucky charm! If you forget it, you can still place it in the cake once it is baked by making a small hole under the pastry.
- Cover with the second piece of pastry and press the edges to seal.
- You can now draw on top of the pastry (being careful not to make a hole in it), then brush with the last egg yolk.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
It is better to eat it still warm, so you can place it back to the oven a few minutes before starting to elect the king!
Have you tried it? Who was king for a day?
And for more fun cooking activities, click here
At Family Twist, we are uniquely dedicated to providing parents and their children with fun, luxurious and hassle-free breaks in Paris, London and the Loire Valley. Build your trip now!


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Hello to our Wonderful SIP Supporters,
The 11th Annual Dinner and Auction is rapidly approaching and if you would like to volunteer in some way, give an auction item or be a corporate sponsor we would be most pleased with your contribution. Here are the details:
Date: Friday, October 23, 2015
Time: Reception 6:00 pm
Dinner 6:30 pm
Location: Sleepy Hollow Golf Club, Stouffville
Tickets: $50 per person and available at Barthau's Jewelers or Candlelight & Memories on Stouffville Main Street.
Features: silent auction, special speaker, special music by the Marion Drexler Band
Should you have any questions or would like to be involved via the opportunities listed above, please email us at email@example.com
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June 2017

subset: commoncrawl


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Underground Movement
In the early part of 1942 after a fierce battle between the Japanese invaders and the
Filipino-American forces, Cebu surrendered and was occupied by the Japanese soldiers. In
the middle part of May 1942 the first batch of Japanese soldiers entered Tagbilaran and
occupied Bohol. They established garrisons in Tagbilaran and in Guindulman as their
bases of operation.
A small group of Filipino soldiers who were in hiding in the Central part of Bohol organized a guerilla unit under the command of Ismael Ingeniero, then a USAFFE lieutenant. Another group of Filipino soldiers who were hiding in the mountains of Guindulman organized a guerilla movement under the command of Esteban Bernido. These two troops of guerilla units were merged into Bohol Area Command (BAC) under the command of the fiery guerilla leader, Major Ismael Ingeniero and Chief of Staff Esteban Bernido. Two officers from the Philippine Military Academy namely Major Sofio Bayron and Major Heracleo Alano joined the staff together with a Philippine Air force pilot Nick Torrefranca.
A civil government for free Bohol was organized and in a conference held in Batuan with the members of the Provincial Board and Atty. Conrado Marapao (who became governor) agreed that the civil government will continue to function despite the Japanese presence in Tagbilaran and Guindulman with the coordination of the Bohol Area Command. Upon instruction of governor Marapao the Bohol Bolo Batalion and the WAS (Women Auxiliary Service) were activated after it was disbanded during the occupation of Bohol by the Japanese and were affiliated with the BAC. Almost all able-bodied men and women, government officials, teachers, civic and religious organizations joined the Bolo Battalions and WAS organization. Bolo men on one hand were assigned to guard check points and outposts, relay food supply and other important matters from different detachments to the firing lines and headquarters of the BAC. The women (WAS) on the other hand did a great and noble job not only in taking care of the wounded guerilla soldiers, but also in weaving mats, preparing food, making home made cigarettes and entertaining the soldiers by presenting plays and musical programs to boost their morale. Others were planting crops and vegetables besides rice and corn which increased foodstuff stock, enough to feed the soldiers and civilian evacuees from nearby islands.
The seat of the Resistance Government of Bohol was in Carmen. Colonel W. Fertigue of the U.S. Army (Mindanao) through radiogram received confirmation of Atty. Conrado Marapao, Sr.'s appointment as governor of Free Local Civil Government of Bohol on May 21,1943 by designated President Manuel Roxas, and the authorization to print emergency notes with the appointment of Provincial auditor Dalmacio Ramos, Sr. as Chairman of the Currency Board, Treasurer Doroteo Toledo and Fiscal Jose Borromeo as members of the board. Also included were the appointment of government officials who served the Free Local Civil Government in Carmen whose appointments were all approved and confirmed by President in exile Manuel L. Quezon and General Douglas MacArthur.
The Bohol Area Command (BAC) general headquarters was in Maitum, Catigbian, a wooded area between Batuan and Catigbian that later on became "Behind the Clouds", which served as a secret guerilla headquarters where most guerilla strategic plans were decided and where the enemy soldiers and spies were tried and silenced. It was a strictly forbidden place for civilians and served as meeting place for guerilla contact boys. It was in this place where the Moalong and Ubujan ambushcades plans were hatched and decided.
Significant Historical Developments
| Historical Setting
Muslim Raids On Bohol Coastal Towns
Sikatuna, The Bohol Chieftain Dagohoy, The Celebrated Hero Of Bohol
How Bohol Got Its Name Bohol Participation in the Philippine Revolution
Christianization of the Natives Lonoy, Jagna Massacre
|Bits of World War II History
| April 1942 Bombing of Jetafe
The Moalong and Ubujan Ambushcades
June 1943 Japanese Kempatai The Bohol Liberation
Underground Movement How Bohol was Liberated
|Overview Government Community Tourism News / Info Ads Business Chat/Email/Forum Links Downloads Support Feedback
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Bob Ross's hair was actually straight
Long before ASMR and Tasty videos came along, the best Zen thing to watch with your eyes glazed over and your jaw fully slack was The Joy of Painting with Bob Ross. For 403 episodes of the PBS classic, Ross softly guided the viewer through the process of painting a blank canvas — his signature 'fro making the show as much as his deft and deliberate art skills. But it turns out it was all a lie — Ross's hair was actually stick straight.
In an interview with NPR, his business partner, Annette Kowalski, revealed that Ross initially grew out his hair and permed it to save money on haircuts when he was fresh out of the Air Force and trying to make it as a painter. But soon, he became trapped by his look.
Before he could change it back, though, the perm became his company's logo — Ross hated it. "He could never, ever, ever change his hair, and he was so mad about that," Kowalski says. "He got tired of that curly hair."
Thank you for your sacrifice, Bob. We're all happier little trees for it.


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Golf Courses
The Meadows and Village Green public golf courses
The Parks and Recreation Department operates two public golf courses, The Meadows and Village Green. Both courses are 18-hole championship level courses open to the public.
Call 218.299.PUTT (7888) for information and to book tee times, or book your tee time online!
Click on the logo below for more information about each course.
League Play at The Meadows | League Play at Village Green
Tournaments at The Meadows | Tournaments at Village Green


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Archives for Australia
If you have never been to Parramatta before, it's probably well-known for having a rugby league team named after a slimy river and being Sydney's Western Center Business District. There are so many constant discoveries that Parramatta brings such as hundreds of high towers and Powerhouse Museum. However, it would always be the little things that make this part of the city a wonderful place to live.
The city of Parramatta is filled with diverse population composing of almost a quarter of a million people. Although, the central area is busy with the bustle of building, shopping, and dining, just five minutes out of the heart of Parramatta is a quiet suburbia. Here are some of the top seven things you can also love in Parramatta like how Australians also do.
1. Near to Sydney CBD
Parramatta is not really that far away from the city and there are different modes of transportations that can take you there. The easiest way is the 25-minute express train that leaves Central half an hour.
If you ever miss the train, don't worry because it will only take five minutes for the next train to come. If you plan to drive your way there using your car, it's just as bad as anywhere else during peak hours. Most Australians take the Parramatta River Ferry which will take you on a smooth and fun journey from Darling Harbour to Parramatta Wharf in just over an hour.
2. Great Food
Parramatta truly has some great eats that every first-timer should try. Look for Church Street and you'll find two yummy restaurants. First one is the Singapore institution, Temasek, which is great if you love seafood and spicy foods. You should try their mountain of chili crab with a loaf of white bread on the side to sweep up the sauce. The other one is, Honey Persian, home to a fantastic biryani!
Want great coffee? Visit Circa Espresso. Also if you're looking for great top pho, look for Pho Pasteur. For a fancy menu, then head over to Courtney's Brasserie. Of course, after trying that fancy menu, you might want to try some legendary street food destinations such as Cabramatta, Fairfield, and Canley Vale which is a 20-minute drive away.
3. Cool Off at Parramatta Lake
Australia is already known for its pristine shorelines, so why not try taking a nice swim on a man-made lake? Hunts Creek was dammed in the 1850s for the area's water supply but good thing is you can now swim in Parramatta Lake when the heat is scorching.
This is a great place to take your family with you. Most Australians, enjoy long walks and meaningful picnics with their loved ones here and they also roast some great BBQs as they admire the beauty of the lake on a hot day.
4. More Parks
This is the reason why most Australians are fit! Most of their houses are just a 20-minute walk of about 10 different ovals. Most of North Parramatta's public parks have a range of various sports taking place every evening. If you simply enjoy nature and love being outdoors, you must visit the one and only Parramatta Park itself composing of 85 hectares of trees just next to the Parramatta CBD, together with the World Heritage-listed Old Government House in the middle and a modern unique playground next to Domain Creek.
5. Fun Community Events
There have been numerous times that Vivid and Sydney Festival shows and exhibitions take place in Parramatta. Also, the city also showcases the amazing Parramatta Lanes food and cultural festival, which is packed with the city's smaller streets with foods trucks, pop-ups, and music. When winter is out, they would set up an ice skating rink in the park and a number of nights and weekends celebrating the multiculturalism of the city, including the energetic Parramasala.
6. Easy to Find Colonial History
Parramatta is Australia's oldest inland European settlement which just makes colonial history easy to learn and discover. The Elizabeth Farm is must-visit for every tourist that visits the country, plus Parramatta is rich with various heritage-listed cottages, cathedrals, and hospitals throughout town.
There are multiple churches in the city–there's also Buddhist, Hindu and Murugan temples and the local mosque. Parramatta is a great city that openly celebrates multiculturalism by having many fantastic excellent food options, diverse people and culture that every Australian is proud of.
The post is by Ivandrea Ollero is a resident writer for Holiday Inn Parramatta, one of Australia's contemporary luxurious hotels that also offers a great historical experience for tourists. Ivandrea provides hotel tips and hacks for a blissful best vacation.
The Australian Outback offers backpackers, adventurers, and campers with numerous choices of activities such as trekking, hiking, wildlife watching, birdwatching, kayaking, or just breathing in the beauty and splendour of valleys, tropical beaches, gorges, rock formations, riversides, and creeks.
The vast continent features natural wonders such as the Ayers/Uluru Rock, Kalbarri, Bamurru Plains, Booderee National Park, Jervis Bay, and hundreds of other sites. You may want to plan camping or backpacking for your next vacation, but before you leave for the trip, make a list of the camping gear you will need.
Aside from the usual tents and sleeping bags, you should also bring simple and portable cooking equipment which will help you whip up simple dishes to satisfy your hunger while in the wild.
Before camping
Make a list of camping equipment to bring that includes cooking supplies such as the following:
- Chopping board;
- Portable stove with a Butane canister;
- A set of cooking saucepans;
- Mixing bowls;
- Paring knife;
- A set of cutleries;
- Travel picnic set;
- Scissors;
- Large knife; and
- Dutch oven
Here are some simple recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner that you can make under 30 minutes on your next camping trip.
Breakfast Recipe
Stuffed Croissants
- Croissants;
- Cooked bacon or ham;
- Filling (A choice of spread: Cheddar cheese, Dijon Mustard, or fruit jam);
- Slice the croissants in half.
- Add the cooked bacon or ham.
- Spread with a choice of filling.
- Cook over the coals until the cheese melts. Be careful not to burn the croissants.
- Add some greens if desired.
Campfire Pancakes
- 1 box of 500 grams of ready- to- use Pancake flour;
- 2 to 3 eggs;
- 1 bottle of maple syrup; and
- Canola oil;
- Mix the readymade Pancake flour.
- Add the egg.
- Whisk thoroughly until it reaches a thick consistency.
- Pour canola oil in a non-stick saucepan.
- Use a plastic measuring cup to portion the pancake mixture.
- Cook in moderate heat. Flip the pancakes when it turns slightly brown.
- 7 eggs;
- Salt and pepper;
- 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley;
- 50 grams of grated cheese; and
- 2 slices of tomatoes;
- Crack the eggs in a bottle and store for camp use.
- At the campsite, pour the ingredients in a microwave steam cooking bag. Use only cooking bags that have patented steam vents that allow the bag to maintain optimal steaming pressure so the food retains its moisture.
- Mix the ingredients.
- Put the bag in boiling water.
- Open the bag to release the steam.
One pot chilli con carne
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar;
- 1 crushed garlic clove;
- 500 grams of canned kidney beans;
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar;
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano;
- 500 to 1000 grams of ground beef or pork;
- 400 grams of canned chickpeas;
- Olive oil;
- ½ teaspoon cumin;
- 1 to 2 beef bouillon cubes; and
- ¼ tsp chili powder
- Toast the cumin, crushed garlic, dried oregano and chili powder in a saucepan to extract their oils.
- Set aside for later use.
- Add the beef and sauté until they are brown and add the toasted spices, cumin, garlic and chili powder.
- Add the beef bouillon dissolved in water and sugar.
- Boil and simmer until the sauce gets thick.
- Adjust the flavour if desired such as by adding more water and spices.
- Add the can of kidney beans.
One pot macaroni with cheese
- 500 grams of Macaroni;
- 250 grams of Cheddar cheese;
- 1 can of evaporated milk;
- 1 cup of water;
- 1 chopped garlic and onions; and
- 1 chicken or beef bouillon cubes
- Boil the macaroni in water with olive or canola oil and a pinch of salt until it becomes al dente which is an Italian term meaning "cooked as to be still firm". Pasta is usually cooked under eight minutes to be al dente.
- Rinse in cold water to avoid overcooking the pasta.
- Sauté the garlic and onions.
- Add a can of evaporated milk and the bouillon cube.
- Simmer and add salt to taste.
- Garnish with grated cheddar cheese.
Salad in a jar
- Chopped parsley;
- 1 sliced onion;
- Five cherry tomatoes (sliced in halves);
- 1 cup of corn;
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced);
- 1 romaine lettuce;
- 10 Olives (sliced in halves); and
- 1 cup of dressing (d lemon juice mixed with olive oil or balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper to taste)
- Place the ingredients layer by layer in a jar.
- Pour the dressing.
- Seal the jar and refrigerate in a portable cooler.
Note: You could add more ingredients such chicken or tuna flakes and change the dressing.
Hawaiian Kebabs
For the skewer
- ½ kilo chicken breasts (portioned and diced into medium cube pieces);
- 1 large onion (diced and separated into square and thin pieces);
- 1 can of pineapple titbits;
- 2 green and red bell peppers (thinly sliced and deseeded); and
- 2 large tomatoes (sliced in halves)
For the sauce or marinade
- ½ cup of ketchup;
- 2 teaspoons of sesame oil;
- ¼ cup of pineapple juice;
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar;
- ½ cup of soy sauce;
- 2 pinches of salt and pepper;
- ½ cup of pineapple juice;
- 1 sliced lemon as a garnish; and
- Olive oil
- Skewer the chicken bell pepper, pineapples, onions, and tomatoes.
- Marinade the skewer.
- Grill the skewer for five minutes on each side.
- Garnish with olive oil and lemon wedges.
How can OutbaxCamping help?
Outbax Camping can help you find outdoor gear and camping accessories which include handy cooking equipment like a camping grill and other cooking tools. Since 2012, Outbax has been providing campers everything they need to enjoy a hassle-free visit to the Outback. For more details, visit outbaxcamping.com.au.
The idea of being fit and healthy is slowly but surely permeating the way of life of modern man. Health-club industry's global market size has seen a sharp increase in revenue, rising from 67.19$ billion in 2009 to 83.15$ in 2016, a staggering increase of 15.96 billion U.S. dollars in only half a decade. This increase in fitness-related activities has resulted in more and more people seeking active vacation options, which is reflected in the growing number of tourist destinations that not only enable such activities but use them as their main advertising point. Which begs the question, what are the best destinations for health and fitness enthusiasts around the world?
1. Cas Gasi, Ibiza
People associate winter with very cold temperatures and an abundance of snow. However, winter in Ibiza is described by people as delightfully silent and often quite sunny. The White Isle's Cas Gazi offers a whitewashed and secluded 12-bedroom retreat perched on top of the Santa Gertrudis hills. Visitors are encouraged to try out the famous vinyasa or "flow" yoga or simply lay back and enjoy a soothing delight that is La Biosthétique massages and facials. Add cycling, walking and personal training to suit, as well as healthy meals made using local fruits, vegetables and olive oil and you'll instantly fall in love with this little slice of heaven.
2. Crete, Greece
Crete boasts an amazing fitness retreat nested beneath the mountains in the form of an eco-village called Milia. A redecorated farm building and breathtaking rock dwellings set inside the White Mountains National Park offer a one-of-a-kind culinary experience and an abundance of outdoor activities including climbing, hiking, running and enjoying the gorgeous view. The resident chef will tell you all about where the local food is grown, how it needs to be prepared and what type of impact it will have on your body.
3. Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Australia's Gold Coast is home to a number of well-known retreats where you can try out the ancient, yet quite wonderful art of qigong while enjoying the unforgeable sunrise over the Pacific Ocean. You can explore numerous walking trails, try out your luck with various dancing classes or hit the local open gyms and break a sweat using the more traditional exercise equipment. After a tasty, organic lunch, you can swim in the warm waters of the Pacific or one of many private plunge pools of your choice.
4. Koh Samui, Thailand
Thailand might be famous for its natural wonders, but tourists from around the world are flocking to the island of Koh Samui to give the holistic boot camp a try. All your physical, psychological and social needs will be met during the, now famous fitness programs aimed at helping people lose weight and achieve an unprecedented clarity and peace of mind via indoor and outdoor fitness sessions that include cardiovascular workouts, exercises on the beach, Pilates, Muay Thai kickboxing and even weight training.
5. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Hidden inside the lush green tropical rainforests of Kuala Lumpur lies the world's first organic wellness retreat. Malaysia is the go-to destination for those who need to relieve stress and re-energize their bodies. Your physical and psychological shape will be evaluated in order to help you pinpoint the exact triggers of stress and provide you with different means of alleviating it, including mounding biking, trekking, organic farming or playing a relaxing game of golf.
Getting into the fit mindset can be rather difficult, considering our everyday commitments and work-related obligations. Taking a retreat far away from the stresses of the modern world is not only recommendable but necessary if we wish to preserve our health and much-needed peace of mind. Fortunately, these retreats offer both recreation and active relaxation in order to cater to our growing fitness needs and allow you to do more than simply waste our days lying in the bed.
If the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word "vacation" is coast, you need to branch out! Campervan vacationing is an excellent alternative here – it can be a very exciting, educational and fun experience. However, going from the habit of enjoying relaxing beach or resort vacations to all the challenges of outdoor tourism is quite a leap forward, so you should definitely get familiarized with a couple of essential tips before making the decision. We're going to use Australia as our campervan adventure destination due to its vastness, variety and beauty.
Selecting the van
Unlike the traditional vacation types, your campervan is literally going to be your home for the duration of your excursion, so picking the perfect one is of the absolute essence. Start researching, get familiarized with various vehicle models and their amenities and add-ons. For instance, a mini fridge, running water and a gas stove are absolutely necessary. On the other hand, depending on the size of your family, you might need a rooftop sleeper. As a rule of thumb, the bigger the van, the more gas it will guzzle, especially on camping trips, so carefully consider how much space you need – camping trips weren't made for luxury; on the contrary, you're supposed to reimagine your life in the humble confines of nature.
Pick your destination
The very point of your campervan trip is being mobile, and it would be a shame (and very boring) if you were to stay in a single spot during the entirety of your vacation. Driving a campervan across Australia is a unique experience; there's a reason why every year, thousands of STA travelers explore the Aussie land using vans as their homes. Here's a list of neat locations to get lost in if you decide to take your camping vacation to this gorgeous continent.
- Grampians National Park, Victoria – If breathtaking views of towering summits, mighty waterfalls and vast forests are your thing (of course they are), there is no place like the Grampians National Park. Some three hours' worth of driving north of Melbourne, this national park offers you a chance to park your van and take a walk around, soaking in all the gorgeous sights that surround you.
- Coober Pedy, South Australia – If you and your family are history enthusiasts, then you'll love visiting this 80-million-years-old view. This historic opal-mining center offers awesome desert landscapes, but its main feature is quite a strange one. This town is mostly situated underground!
- Cape Le Grand National Park, Western Australia – What good would an Australian camping vacation be if you weren't able to catch some sun on this continent's gorgeous sandy beaches. If you happen to find yourself anywhere near Esperance, take a 45-minute drive to the Cape Le Grand. Set up camp at the Lucky Bay to go snorkeling and swimming, and perhaps even see a kangaroo or two!
Preparation is essential
The preparations are just as important for a camping trip as for any other type of trip. Your itinerary is most likely to include wildlands and, especially in Australia, this means potentially hundreds of miles without a living soul around.
Every good preparation process starts with making a list long before setting off. Imagine your journey – think about everything from the bare necessities such as food, water, money, medicine, warm/light clothing, maps, flashlights and devices, to cards and board games for when the weather turns treacherous. Even a DVD player might not be such a bad idea!
If you're planning on visiting national parks and other vehicle-inaccessible sites (which Australia is full of), think about bringing along bicycles, especially if you have enough space to store them!
Here's a pro tip: the pros at Shimano offer high-quality spare parts and maintenance equipment that might turn out essential for your biking excursions.
The campervan experience offers a unique opportunity for cooking while on the road. On the other hand, the fact that you're frequently moving around means that you should definitely not miss out on some of the local delicacies. The trick is walking the fine line between the two. Oh, and steer clear of high-sugar snack foods, take advantage of the local markets and make sure that each family member plays their part in meal preparation.
An Aussie campervan adventure offers a myriad of interesting opportunities, and without proper research and preparation, you might miss out on a whole lot! Although selecting the perfect van is the most important factor, there is a lot more ground to be covered – from packing and destination picking, to eating and having fun inside the campervan. Prepare yourself properly and you're in for an unforgettable experience!
You'll be hard pressed to find a child that doesn't enjoy bike rides. It's the coolest and the most accessible way to travel. More often than not, this love of cycling continues into their mature years. It's a fun way to stay healthy. Even though your children and you enjoy cycling for different reasons, you can double down on this hobby and turn it into a holiday activity. If you want to go travelling with your children, there is no better way to strengthen the bonds than interesting bike trails for the entire family.
Prince Edward Island is the smallest province in Canada. If you take only a short glance at it, you'll notice it's a perfect playground for fun family activities and cycling. The location is flat and renowned for its fresh produce. Furthermore, motor vehicles are banned on the island. Have you ever wanted to show your children the home of Anne of Green Gables? You can take them on the 470-km long Confederation Trail that cuts through the heart of the island. Don't forget to drive around Basin Head and enjoy the sight of the expansive sand dunes in the Prince Edward Island National Park. If you decide to stay on the island to enjoy every aspect of its biking potential, rent rooms in one of the best hotels the location can offer – the Inn at Saint Peters – every room offers a view of the bay and the restaurant food is renowned for being absolutely amazing.
If your children are over 10, hop on a plane ride to Cuba. After you've landed, take 2 weeks to enjoy every aspect of Viñales, the adventure capital of Cuba which stands as a gateway to the Sierra de los Organos mountains. The fact that this region has not become so deservingly popular makes it a perfect opportunity for a family that wants to enjoy a quaint cycling holiday. There's a rustic, rugged charm to the region that just can't be compared to anything else. Make sure to stop at the restaurant named "Balcony of the Valley". It overlooks tobacco fields, vintage houses and rocky, green landscapes in a way that will leave your fidgety children gob-smacked.
Jordan hides one of the best family-friendly bike routes in the world. The road from Mount Nebo to the Dead Sea runs for nearly 30 km, and it's downhill all the way, really easy for children to navigate without spending too much energy under the scorching desert sun. Just make sure everyone is wearing caps and sunglasses. Every member of the family needs to apply sunscreen to the sensitive areas like the shoulders, neck and back before you embark on this journey. The plains you'll drive through are a spectacular sight and the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth, is one of those regions that glow in ancient wonder. It's an adventure your kids will remember for a lifetime.
The land down under offers an incredible variety of landscapes. Naturally, people have blazed bicycle trails through some of these sights for the sake of everyone's enjoyment. As far as family-friendly bike trails go, the one cutting through Kings Park, in the vicinity of Perth, Wester Australia, might be the perfect pick of the litter. The twisting bike paths will lead you through dense greenery and man-made botanical gardens. You can always stop to marvel at amazing city views and natural landscapes. It's not a particularly challenging route. If you or your younger family members are not in top-form, the Bosch eBike system offers a variety of options and it is very popular on the Australian continent.
The Red River District of Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is the only region of this urban area that was untouched by the war. The streets are quiet and charming, and it's twisting passages filled with people make it a perfect location for bike riding. The amalgamation of architectural designs that draw influence from Southeast Asian, Chinese and French cultures is captivating, and the entire family is bound to enjoy it.
By no means are any of these bike rides leisurely and they are not supposed to be – this is meant to be a rollicking adventure for the entire family. However, all of the above-mentioned parts of the world are quite safe and you won't have to look over your shoulder for any excessive dangers throughout the trip. Just make sure everyone is properly hydrated and well fed, and this should be a holiday to remember.
A small touristy town with sunny cheer all around is just what the young at heart looks for in an ideal vacation spot. Broadbeach Queensland offers you just that and much more, that writes 'fun' in bold letters on the few pages of your life that you dedicate to it. Therefore, whenever you plan to indulge in the enjoyment of Gold Coast tourism, don't miss on the opportunity to enjoy Broachbeach.
Sure, you can't just take your decision by reading our fancy adorations of a place we love some much. So, to convince you to visit Broadbeach, we list down a few of its lovely attractions that promise joy for all!
1) The Divine Beaches!
With a long, long coastline adorned with lovely golden sand, and waves perfect for a joyous surfing sessions, the divine beaches of Broadbeach attract countless tourists in every season. The Kurrawa beach is pretty popular; it has play areas for kids and amazing shops and cafes all round it.
Volleyball, sand surfing and kite surfing add to the amusements of this beach. Another striking feature about the Gold Coast beaches is their exceptional lifeguards who keep you safe while you forget all your cares in soaking fun in the heavenly waters!
2) Shopping
Pacific Fair is a mammoth shopping center, certainly the most exciting place to shop and spend time in all of Gold Coast. Besides offering some of the best brands and best varieties under a single roof, Pacific Fair also has amusement options for kids and adults alike; and not to forget, the food is drool-worthy!
Next on list, very predictably, has to be the Oasis Shopping Center with nearly 100 specialty shops that are bursting with discounts and delicacies. "Art and Craft on the Coast" markets are held every Sunday, and they offer some lovely handicrafts and locally-crafted products at affordable prices.
3) Out of the World Movie Experience at Birch Carroll and Coyle in Pacific Fair
After a delightful shopping spree, you have an excellent amusement option available to you right there at Pacific Fair. Featuring all the latest flicks in 2D and 3D on 12 gigantic screens and enormous sitting areas brimming with lovely, lively viewers, Birch Carroll and Coyle is one place you cannot miss to pay homage to. It will give you a never-before movie experience, and for young couples out there, it is the perfect place to get cozy!
4) Therapeutic Massages and Beauty Treatments
Luxury, rejuvenation, pleasure, and beauty – Broadbeach has very intelligently created spa centers and world-class beauty salons for men and women like yourself to indulge while on vacation. The city has some truly awesome spas that cannot be praised enough.
The ambience, warmth and hospitality you get to enjoy in Broadbeach spas and salons are incomparable. Harbour Day Spa, for instance, has the looks that will stun you the instant you move into it; its design is inspired by the Italian Riviera, and all the services are steered towards sending you back calm, relaxed, happy and bubbling with positive energy.
5) Great Food
Broadbeach is loaded with eateries, cafes and restaurants serving delicious food. This is one of the places that offer authentic cuisines from the world over. Be it in Pacific Fair, Oasis, or one of the big names like Jupiter's, the food will always get your taste buds in the mood for more.
6) Thrilling Performances
If you love live performances, Broadbeach will thrill you. There are numerous concerts and live shows happening in the city every evening. Dracula's Cabaret Restaurant hosts spellbinding shows that will get your nerves racing; it takes you on a ghost train ride inside the Vampire's theatre where even the waiters look like fantasy creatures from one of those movies!
Spend a few idle hours on golden sand under the golden sun, play some fun sports, shop in one of the best shopping centers of Australia, and dine in some exotic holiday restaurant in Broadbeach to make your Queensland experience worth the while.
There are times when you could no longer handle boredom, or might be like you wanted to take a good break out from work, or needlessly coping with breakup that you suddenly yearn for a good and fun-filled trip far from aches and life's stressful hangups. Cheer up and heed no delays because au.hotelscan.com has its carefully arranged hotels, resorts and travel pleasures all packed up in a list that will surely serve you best even at the last minute!
Treating yourself in the wilds is as good as taking your most splendid trip in Australia. It is a home to a lot of famous beaches, spectacular sceneries and beachfront hotels with interesting views which make the vigorous travelers to enjoy every beauty that Australia has. It is a truly magnificent haven that suits all your needs and whims.
For a sun-soaked adventure, break away through the incredibly fantastic beach hotels of Australia and get a taste of sweetness and delight as you see its enchanting wonders with great forms and grandeur. These beaches known for its excellent hotel accommodations are bound to give you the most exciting, breathtaking and memorable experience you could ever have! These attractive spots offer everything that you need, from white crystal clear waters by the powdery coastlines to the native bushland.
Kooljaman camp, Cape Leveque, Kimberley
Leave your troubles at home and spice everything up by going north of Western Australia where Cape Leveque lies. It can be travelled at around 220 kilometers from Broome and is highly acclaimed as an award-winning camp owned by Aboriginal communities of One Arm Point and Djarindjin. You will be amazingly mesmerized by the Kimberley's radiating red landscape. It sunset and swimming are awesome that you can never afford to miss it. If you choose to stay relaxed and unmindful of any vigorous activity there is, you can simply prefer whale watching and go on to nature walks. The accommodations serve excellent amenities that it will suit all comfort levels and budget. You may want to experience staying in the campground or a basic cabin.
Swiss Grand Resort & Spa
If you want to dig into a luxurious set-up, jive with Swiss Grand Resort & Spa's irresistible offerings. It is a 4.5 star hotel situated in the heart of the most famous Bondi Beach, making it very accessible to other must see attractions like Paddington and Moore Park Golf Course, Sydney-Jewish Museum, Powerhouse Museum and University of Sydney. It is of high maintenance with rooms well-equipped with a safe, mini-bar, television set, telephone and laundry service and rooms with private balconies and beautiful beach views. It is also footsteps towards infinite relaxation and food trip having a functional spa, restaurant, grill, pizza point, bar and an ocean deck. Additionally, guests are also guaranteed with a high-speed Internet access and housekeeping services.
Qualia Resort
Qualia Resort in Hamilton Island, Australia is believed to grant you with a perfect Aussie getaway. It is a stunning and private location with comfortable rooms and amazing pools with lovely views. They serve tasty foods. The Windward Pavillion is a great highlight offering 180 degree views of the Northern end of Hamilton Island. The services are very attentive and efficient, and the entire setting are carefully planned, designed and decorated. The wholeness of the hotels will make you feel like it could never be anywhere else. It is a perfect spot in terms of ease of access, interesting activities, the splendor of Great Barrier Reef and the hospitality of the folks.
Bay Village Tropical Retreat
Situated right in the heart of Cairns where lush tropical gardens nestle is the outstanding Bay Village Tropical retreat Cairns. You will greatly enjoy the comfort and the perfect location of this boutique hotel. It is accessible because it is located within easy walking distance to the Cairns City Centre, the Cairns waterfront and the central business district. Moreover, this hotel offers authentic Balinese cuisine in Bayleaf Balinese Restaurant, a huge swimming pool, laundry services, cocktail bar and vibrant gardens. It guarantees comfortable and relaxing amenities where exotic Balinese belong. The entire establishment ensures security and the hotel is easy to find from the airport even if it is on the edge of the tourist portion of Cairns. You can take pleasures by having a walk towards the main part of the town either along the boardwalk on coastal park or by the streets. There are also beach volleyball courts and playgrounds on the Esplanade so it is easy to think of joyful activities to create and enjoy.
Martinique Whitsunday Resort
Giving off a wide array of brilliant sea and island views is one of Martinique Whitsunday Resort's most extreme assets. It is a 250 meters walk from the center of Airlie Beach Township which has four three Bedroom Penthouses, five two Bedroom villas and ten one Bedroom suites. Majority of its style and design are adopted from Classical French Caribbean architecture highlighting its swimming pool and surrounding decking area. It consists a three-storey building which is built into the hill over two underground levels. One of its sturdy features is the external lift from level one to level three which grants a breathtaking view overlooking the turquoise waters and a walking bridge crossing above the large tiled pool. To grace it more are the two spa pools which are both on the main leisure deck.
Author: Alice Mayer, Australian traveler and freelance writer.


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My magnetic 'job' board in my office was just a plain white, very task orientated place of orders, ideas and things to follow up on (or things that haven't yet been filed!) Pretty much paper stuck to bulldog clips. So, today I've got a little something to make your office or work space a little brighter with the help of some bright twine!Twinery Blog today. You can download the free printable in my freebies section of my website. It helps bring a little bit of sunshine even when doing paperwork!
Happy Garland making!


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This year has been marked by a lot of cloud evangelism to our customers, partners and field, but what I frequently find is that in evangelizing cloud and our corresponding products, I am talking about what cloud is not. In the purist sense of "cloud," I talk about cloud as 3rd-generation apps and platforms: the collective data center as the computer. For cloud-native apps and stacks, nothing need be server oriented anymore.
I was maintaining this summary list of the right and wrong ideas about cloud in my Google Keep notes, but I have decided to turn it into a blog: shared, referenceable, crowd sourced - yes please, add what I'm surely forgetting to the comments below.
As I said above, I'm often describing what cloud is NOT, and hand in hand with that go the wrong ideas about cloud.
You Have the Wrong Idea About Cloud If…
- You want better economics without change – A common mistake is thinking that you can replace a few components with the software the cloud pioneers are using and you instantly save money. "OpenStack is not a cheaper VMware," is a good one to repeat over and over to anyone falling into this trap, but you can generalize this advice too. If you don't get your head around the fact that cloud is a whole new IT paradigm and 3rd-gen cloud platforms are the epitome of that, then you're missing the point.
- You want better economics from open source – Similar to the last point. This is a common mistake. For most cloud builders, you're still going to need a vendor backing the OSS components, particularly mission-critical components like orchestrations systems such as Openstack or Kubernetes, and many Enterprises will opt for support in smaller components as well like for Linux, config automation, databases, troubleshooting tools, logging, monitoring, billing, analytics, etc. The point is that for production systems, you'll probably want a lot of vendor support or support from an integrator, and while you may have a lot less lock-in, and more scale, there is still a substantial investment to build and support a stack these days. You can get better economics from cloud, but not strictly because you choose open source.
- You think open source software is DIY – If you've just read the previous point, you know vendors support OSS and many integrators have businesses around OSS components. Open source can be DIY, but there are often a plethora of sourcing options for these that offer fully turnkey deployments, some even with the hardware as well. Choosing open sourced software, you get all the benefit of traditional support, plus the benefit of a community that can support you and offer you additional services and tangential products or customizations. It's all upside, in general, but caveat emptor: that doesn't mean you can adopt OSS willy-nilly. Today there are a lot of competing/overlapping projects and communities to carefully choose from. Many vendors will partially partake in some project, which is very different than productizing the core open source software itself.
- You think cloud is less secure – Security doesn't come your 4 walls. Public clouds have a lot of security baked in because they have had to thanks to being huge attack targets. They arguably had the smartest security talent design and validate it. When it comes to private cloud you have more security vendors (a lot of startups) providing you solutions than ever before. Microservices are inherently more secure by design when microsegmented into lightweight containers and virtual networks as well. A breach's impact is getting ever smaller and unlikely if you follow 3rd-gen cloud architecture and employ the tools at your disposal.
- You think the chasm is too wide a jump to cloud for your IT dept. – Today it is entirely possible to federate networking and data across your 2nd- and 3rd-generation platforms, and technology like Docker have really leveled the hybrid cloud playing field for compute as a sweet spot between IaaS and PaaS.
- Your "Hybrid IT" strategy is to do everything – Sure there is a right tool for every job, but every good CIO values standardization and consolidation. The benefit of those principles hasn't changed. You need to exercise restraint in choosing/building a 3rd-gen cloud stack, and get to something that can be as homogenous as possible across multiple DCs, public and private, and let you write once and run anywhere for apps and devops.
- Shiny new object syndrome – If what you have today is working fine, refrain from wasting a lot of energy on the new shiny object. Run IT like a business and justify value in change.
- You think cloud will solve all your problems – You'll just have better ones, and have to be even smarter and more resourceful to solve them.
You Have the Right Idea About Cloud If…
- You need better/newer/choice technology – Just like if you're running Android version X and the app you want is only available or supported on >X, you need to upgrade; or you're running iOS and the app you want is on Android, you need to change. Likewise, apps/tools/middleware/etc. can be a good impetus to move/upgrade to cloud too. The case with a lot of cloud software is such that a lot of open source tools are made to work well with other open source systems, and 3rd-gen cloud systems and tools are primarily open source. Maybe it's a choice middleware platform, or a big data system, or a config automation tool, but if you find yourself needing software from some Apache project, Hashi Corp, or some popular open source project, chances are it probably won't work on or work too well with your legacy Microsoft, VMware platforms, but I bet you can find good integrations with OpenStack, Docker, or some public cloud.
- You need better economics – With respect to public cloud you get to choose opex over capex which is often preferred. With respect to building your own private cloud stack you build smarter cloud-native applications and infrastructure layers that often let you spend less on the proprietary and expensive infrastructure solutions that were previously relied on to scale and provide HA. As above, that's not to say openness directly derives better economics. The model of a smarter, more automated stack should help you do that, along with scale-out applications that provide a better and cheaper way to get scale, performance and HA. Better economics also comes from deriving more new value faster, which is a byproduct of innovation agility (see below).
- You need scale – Hopefully this one is pretty obvious. The Internet giants pioneered 3rd-gen cloud stacks because it was the only way to scale their apps. 3rd-gen cloud platforms let you manage more with less. This smarter architecture is akin to using a lever instead of more force.
- You need innovation agility– 3rd-gen cloud platforms cater to the developer and the application. The applications are elastic and portable across data center resources and geographies to suit the business. The developers have more conducive environments for CI and CD, and with Docker containers they have a level playing field of packaging, distributing, and running their app with all its dependencies. With PaaS and middleware platforms there's often more ease and agility, but there is some degree of total flexibility traded. In any case with 3rd-gen cloud, time to market and to any necessary pivots is greatly reduced as compared to traditional siloed DCs and even evolving SDDCs. Avenues for business, process and product innovation are all amplified.
- You have a mandate for openness – This is sort of a corollary from needing IT agility (which should be a consequence of needing business agility). The general allergy to IT lock-in is usually helped by the great degree of open source projects and open standards bodies/projects focused on making 3rd-gen cloud stack components clearly defined and interoperable. The best clouds are inspired by the same principles of as UNIX components: small, simple, reuseable, composable parts with clean interfaces, and as few dependencies as possible.
- You have no technical debt / You are building new – If you are a startup you should use SaaS for your staple IT applications and otherwise start from scratch with modern IT cloud-native apps and cloud. New infrastructure for new apps, dev/test, etc. is a green-field, and you should be growing with modern choices.
- You want to attract new IT talent – Another gimme. Legacy technology is an oxymoron because technologist and technicians alike love what is novel and remarkable.
- You want to get teams smaller toward DevOps – Sure, on cloud, you can do more with less, including fewer people if you're operating at massive scale, but on any scale the main "people" benefit is actually a better-working well-oiled IT team culture. Some companies' idea of DevOps is no change at all – maybe Dev meets with Ops every month – dev talks to ops :/ A 3rd-gen cloud stack forces the DevOps culture of teams working together by means of programming and debugging each others' subsystems in times of development, testing, troubleshooting, and operations. Much like the microservices architecture, devops and 3rd-gen cloud caters to small nimble teams if you follow the masters like the internet giants' two-pizzas rule.
Again… please, add what I'm surely forgetting to the comments below.
This blog was originally posted on the Juniper Networks blog.


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Jesse Jackson. It's a name that could go down in the history books when they write about the 1984 presidential election. Within the next few days, Mr. Jackson - a controversial and eloquent civil rights leader - is expected to decide whether to enter the Democratic race. If the answer is ''yes,'' it could send shock waves through several campaigns, especially that of Walter Mondale.
Huddled with aides this week in a Washington hotel room, Jackson was taking one last look at the things he needs to make a race. He calls them the three M's - money, machinery, and masses.
Jackson wants at least $3 million in contributions, a top-flight campaign team, and enough indications of popular support to ensure that his race will be more than symbolic.
If the pieces come together, experts here say it will bring about several things:
A setback for Walter Mondale. In the South, and in several major industrial states, Mr. Mondale is relying on overwhelming black support to gain the nomination.
His strategy in the South, where he faces a stiff challenge in the early primries from John Glenn and Reubin Askew, could be upset. A recent ABC News poll shows that with Jackson in the race, Mondale draws only 37 percent of the black vote.
A split in the black community. Jackson has enthusiastic support among many blacks.
But the black leadership is generally cool toward him. They see him as too ambitious, too self-centered, a loner. They also worry that if Mondale is elected without solid black support, he will feel that he owes blacks nothing.
A boost for other Democrats, especially John Glenn. By splitting Mondale's vote, a Jackson candidacy could help Glenn or another Democrat edge past Mondale in the early primaries. Jackson is aware of this, but considers Glenn just as acceptable to blacks as Mondale.
How much appeal does Jackson have?
Pollsters have been probing that question as Jackson stumped the country in search of support.
There is little doubt that if Jackson announces, he would immediately move up to third or fourth in the polls - ahead of such longtime candidates as Alan Cranston, Reubin Askew, Gary Hart, and Ernest Hollings.
Two recent surveys by The Garth Analysis, a New York political research outfit, found Jackson drawing from 7 to 10 percent of all Democratic voters. Most of that strength is in the black community.
Jackson aide Frank Watkins says the campaign, to reach its full potential, would attempt to draw together a ''rainbow coalition of the rejected.'' In this group, Jackson includes in addition to blacks, American Indians, Hispanics, peace activists, Pacific Americans, and others who feel left out of the American mainstream.
Jackson's campaign would be precedent-setting for black Americans. Yet many leading black Americans are urging him not to do it. They concede that they would like to see the big crowds, the press coverage, the black face on TV. But in the long run, as one veteran civil rights leader told the Monitor, ''we recognize that Jackson will not be the Democratic nominee.''
Another well-known black leader, who asked that he not be named, says:
''We want to be part of the real show, and not a sideshow. Most blacks really prefer to support a major candidate, one who has a chance of going all the way to the White House.''
Officials of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People feel so strongly that Jackson should stay out of the race that the board of directors passed a resolution urging that all blacks avoid any action, ''however symbolically attractive,'' which might ''dilute'' the black vote.
The reasons go deeper than that, however. Jackson isn't very popular with many leading blacks who have worked closely with him. Jackson, a protege of civil rights champion Martin Luther King Jr., even managed to upset Dr. King at times, according to those who knew both men.
None of this seems to have dampened man-in-the-street enthusiasm for Jackson. He repeatedly has won polls among blacks as the ''most admired,'' ''most effective,'' ''most popular.''
Jackson hopes to turn that popularity into a drive that will excite blacks and other minorities in record numbers. His goal goes beyond his own campaign, he says.
He predicts that his effort could result in registering 3 million more black voters - a 25 percent increase over present levels.
Further, with Jackson in the race, all candidates, Democrat and Republican, will be forced to the left, forced to deal with the issues of race and discrimination. Thus, no matter who is elected, blacks will be better off after 1984, he argues.
All those newly voting blacks, he says, would also boost the number of elected black officials - and it's the sheriffs, the school board members, the city councillors who can really turn things around for minorities in America.
Jackson has shown that he knows how to turn things around in his own life.
Born in poverty in Greenville, N.C., Jackson had a difficult early life. Taunted by other children because his mother and father were unwed, Jackson made up his mind early that he would prove himself.
A three-letter athlete in high school, Jackson was offered a contract with the baseball New York Giants.
But he turned it down to go to college. He graduated with a sociology degree from the Agricultural and Technical College of Greensboro, N.C., and then went on to become an ordained Baptist minister before going to work for Dr. King.


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Are there really doctors this crooked? And do the pharmaceuticals really pay the bribes?
Another development in the Avandia story is the claim that Dr. John Buse was improperly pressured by GlaxoSmithKline to keep quiet about his concerns about the drug. The entire article at the NY Times is worth a read, but the portion below really jumped out at me:
"In a recent interview, Dr. Peters said that she had previously received money from Glaxo as a speaker on behalf of Avandia, but had resigned because she was worried about the drug's risks.
About five years ago, she said, she helped change the formulary — or list of preferred drugs — for Los Angeles County so that patients in her clinic would get prescriptions for Actos rather than Avandia.
"The Avandia people, it was just so surprising, they asked me what I wanted to keep Avandia on the formulary," Dr. Peters said, recounting events that occurred sometime in the 2000-to-2002 period. "They asked me, "What can we give you that will have you keep it on the formulary?' "
Dr. Peters said that she asked the company to establish a database at the clinic that would track the outcomes of patients on both drugs.
When she asked for the database, which would have cost several thousand dollars, she said, a company representative replied: "That's all you want? Other doctors ask to go to the Caribbean."
Dr. Peters said that Glaxo representatives first asked her to write a proposal, then asked her to go to Philadelphia to meet with company officials before the database could be approved. She decided to purchase it herself." (Emphasis added.)
Source: Doctor Says Drug Maker Tried to Quash His Criticism of Avandia - New York Times
If it's true that doctors ask for and receive "free" vacations to lie about the safety and efficacy of drugs, we need to put concerns about medical liability aside and focus on medical reliability. If this practice is occuring, I hope it's investigated and those involved see actual jail time. And when I say "those involved" I don't just mean the sales rep, but I mean the executives who approved the purchase orders.
Cross-posted to TortDeform


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Travile will give you quick access to some of the major functions of Travian Legends game: farm lists, building, researching, training, reading reports and messages, reply to messages, send hero on adventures, view players details, alliance informations, marketplace.
You will get Local Notifications for buildings and troop movements.
You can manage multiple accounts.
The application interface will be translated in the language of the server you play on.
To be able to use Travile you will need a Travian account. Only servers that use Travian 4 will work with this application. You can find the list of incompatible servers right here.
Travile does not provide any automatic tasks. Using Travile you will not brake any Travian rules.
Resources, movements, army, constructions.
Qucik access to everything.
What makes your hero to be a hero?
Larger than a hamlet but smaller than a town.
Learn to fight and win with.
Don't hate the game hate the player.
Together forever and never apart, maybe in distance, but never in heart.
The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.
After you install the application, for the first time, you will have 48 hours full access to try it.
After than you can only see the overview of your villages for any account. Nothing else can be done until you purchase the full version from inside the application!
Do you have other questions? Don't worry, there aren't any dumb questions.
Just fill out the form below and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.


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A breeze is sweeping through Mzansi's entertainment landscape, and with a name that means 'she who must be admired', Miranda Mokhele Ntshangase is on a meteoric rise to the top. Blessed with a smooth, unmistakably captivating voice, she's set to take the music and acting industry by storm. Not a new comer to the entertainment field, having bagged acting and presenting roles on: SABC 1's Tshisa, Sokhulu and Partners, E-TV's Rhythm City, Soweto tv's Ziyamporoma, 1 Gospels "The story of", SABC 1's new youth Programme Walala Wasala, 7de laan, as well as the day time soaps on Mzansi Magic Zabalaza and most recently as Joy on The Queen. Miranda has also featured in publications like Drum Magazine, Move Magazine, Zikhiphani, Just Curious, Juicy, FRO CHIC, Times Live,The Sunday Sun and Daily Sun newspaper, she is already being hailed as Mzansi's rising talent.
This comes as no surprise, given that the 30-year-old A.F.D.A graduate has let nothing stand in the way of pursuing her dreams. From as far back as she can remember, Miranda always had a passion for music. Whether it was listening to the tranquil sounds of classical music from her dad's hi-fi or when she started pressing the record button on her tape recorder in the laundry room back at boarding school, the passion has been consistently there. "Music has always been something I can always go back to, it makes the world right" says the songstress. During her time at the Lady Grey Arts academy Miranda surprisingly soon became a choir soloist and voice group leader. Passing her final year theory and light music singing exam with distinctions was the turning point in her life. Now firmly rooted in her pursuit of a career as a musician and actress; Miranda matriculated and enrolled for her B.A. degree in live performance, majoring in music at AFDA.
Today is no different, the songstress writes and sings her own music, while juggling a successful career as an actress and running her well known acting agency and school, Star Quality Management. With musical icons, such as Mama Miriam Makeba, and Thandiswa Mazwai and Mam Letta Mbulu as her inspiration, her goal of becoming South Africa's next musical sensation, is no pipe dream nor far. In 2014 Miranda was given the opportunity to open for Thandiswa Mazwai and The Soil alongside Bongeziwe Mabandlaat at Bassline in Newtown. She was also given the opportunity of replacing Malehas a vocalist during her time with the Afro pop group sensation Khaya and her music was soon picked up for the series "Tshisa" on SABC1 and most recently a Mzansi magic film "Black Rose" in 2014 and on "the Queen". No stranger to the stage, this songbird has performed at events such as the Lady Grey arts festival, The Umgungundlovu arts festival, Ko'Spotong, Berlin, Music in JOZI and various corporate and municipal events. This rising star has proven to be unstoppable as she has collaborated with the likes of Kanivo, DJ Franky and Romz Delux.
She prides herself in working hard and this goes without saying seeing as she has built up her reputation in order to have loyal followers and supporters across most media platforms. On Facebook Miranda has 2 pages, her personal page boasts 5000 followers, her Fan page boasts 4800 followers and growing, her twitter page boasts 2115 followers and her instagram page boasts 9709 followers.If her zest for life and unyielding determination is anything to go by, this musical maestro, actress and businesswoman is one to take note of as she prepares for the take over!


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Are you ready for your perfect retreat experience?
At Oxygence it is our mission to understand your retreat wishes and create your personal & customized retreat program. Considering your personal wishes with regard to activities and diet wishes. In small groups you will enjoy meals prepared by our passionate chefs and experience yoga, pilates, aqua fitness, hike & bike tours, horseback riding and much more. We welcome you on the luxurious and amazing island Spetses in Greece.
Contact Emily van der Sluis
Phone: 00972586226444
Location : Spetses, Greece


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Prior to Sabana REIT recent rights issue, I have always kept a watch on it. Although I always understand how lousy the Sabana REIT management team is, I still feel there is always a price for Sabana REIT.
Furthermore, I am always trying to be contrarian. Thus, with Sabana REIT having so many empty units, dividend will shoot up if part of these empty units were rented out.
Thus, when Sabana REIT announced the rights issue, I decided to purchase some of its "mother shares" (Actual Sabana REIT shares, not the right issue shares). This is the start of my roller-coaster ride...
With the confirmation of my purchase of the mother shares, I started to feel nervous as I saw the price keep dropping.
Then stupidly, I bought more at the lower price to average down.
Soon, the news and comments on Sabana REIT started to flood the internet. After reading these posts from Investment Moats and BullytheBear, in addition to all the negativity on facebook and InvestingNote, my heart took over. I reduced my Sabana REIT holdings at an EVEN LOWER PRICE.
This was the point where I started to ignore all the news on Sabana REIT and then I saw the price stabilizing at a HIGHER PRICE THAT I SOLD.
At this point, I have no idea whether I should be sad or happy. Nevertheless, I decided to wait till my CDP account being credited with Sabana REIT (the mother shares), so that I can go and apply the rights issue immediately.
On Saturday, I happily went to the ATM and tried applying for the rights! Then, this appears.
I got the shock of my life and started to message my broker (Yes, on Christmas Eve, Thanks for replying!) as well as blasting my questions on InvestingNote.
Luckily, bgting replied my questions on InvestingNote and gave me all the information I believe I need from now till the end of rights issue. THANK YOU bgting!
With that, I decided I will just rest and relax during this holiday period and ignore the stock market.
In conclusion, I knew this was a bet and I might need to pay some school fees. But after this incident, I will have learnt enough to understand the effects of rights issue and emotional mental consideration of this journey.
Do note that I have yet to talk about any of my intended strategies of buying of Sabana REIT and its rights issue. This is because I am not confident of this effectiveness and sharing on an "assumed" strategy may not be ethical at this point in time. Thus, I hope you will understand.
Nevertheless, after this, I went on to spent more money on this:
and downloaded this:
This will be my first ever console and the 1st game I downloaded on my handphone since June.
I decided I need some time on the sidelines to enjoy the holiday season a little.
With that, I wish all the readers, a belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Oh... and do remember, please like our Facebook page (T.U.B Investing) and follow me on InvestingNote.


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All Films.All Above Board.NOW INCLUDES TV SHOWS & TV LISTINGS
Producer Stephen Woolley's directorial debut is based on Terry Rawlings' notorious book about the death of Brian Jones, who was considered more than just a 'Rolling Stone', he was their founder member, their leader, their visionary and their most gifted musician. The face of the sixties revolution, his blonde ambiguous style and considerable talent inspired enormous curiosity. Woolley spent ten years researching events surrounding Jones's suspicious death, and this film charts the rise and eventual fall of one of Britain's original rock stars.


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It's A Bird... It's A Plane... It's Superman. Since making his first appearance in 1938, Superman has been one of the top superheroes of all time. And guess what? This isn't going to change anytime in the near future.
It can be hard to get children to read, but not if Superman is the main character. Once you hand over our 5 Superman Random Comic Collection to your child, he or she will be immersed in the fun and excitement for hours on end.
You can expect a lot from this collection: no duplicates, titles spanning from the 1980's through today, condition ranging from good to near mint, and best yet, five titles anybody can enjoy. Don't be surprised if you receive the likes of Adventures of Superman, Superman Man of Steel, and Action Comics.
Collectors have fallen in love with Superman, and parents remember the days when Clark Kent was their hero. Why not share this excitement with your child? Along the way, he or she will become a more skilled reader (without ever knowing it)!
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I saw a brief presentation at RootsTech yesterday by John Sumsion regarding The Next Generation (TNG) genealogy software. It is very similar to the open source PHP software which we are already using at http://halefam.org/FamilyHistory/. He mentioned that he had recently installed it and uploaded a GEDCOM file and within seconds he had a nice looking, dynamic web site with all of his genealogy data. $30 seems like a very reasonable price for what it seemed to give him. (He didn't have time to go into very many of the features)
I'm not ready to rush out and replace our own software, but I find it interesting to see new and improved offerings in the market, whether open source or for a fee… much more than what was available when I searched through the options and chose PhpGedview for our own Hale Family Organization. I don't know how many of you might remember that our first web site had static HTML pages that were generated from PAF. It was such a pain to work with and had to be recreated each time that the data changed. Things have certainly improved, but still have room for improvement.


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My Weekly Pick ... 50% off
My Pick ...
Crazy as it may seem to those who aren't closely associated with fashion's retail production cycle, I'm in the process of designing Bustle's Fall-Winter 2014 collection.
In reviewing the FW14 shirting fabric options - whether it's from the Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, or Brazilian mills - I'm consistently drawn to the softer, more flannel-like finishes. Maybe it's the weather.
With the onset of our current cold weather in Toronto, I'm now looking in my own closet for this kind of soft-hand shirt. Hence, my weekly pick ...
Check out our weekly feature: The double-face cotton flannel shirt (50% off - this week only). Classic grey flannel on one side of the fabric; grey/purple plaid on the other side of the fabric.
This piece looks great under almost any jacket, and worn casually on its own with the sleeves rolled up, adds a little pop of contrast/colour. And it's cotton flannel - this baby keeps you cozy and sharp at the same time ... what more do you want?!
Shop here


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August 28th, 2011, 12:00 pm
News For This Month
At September 5 Chapter Seven will come to an end and I will be taking a month break, I'll return with Chapter Eight in October 3. In the mean time you can follow me on Tumblr or Twitter to know whats going on and how much I got planned for Chapter Eight planned. Make sure to check out my gallery on DeviantART to see some posts RE-Prologue. Well that's all I have to say, I hope you enjoy your September!
See ya soon!


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Food for thoughts. Tomorrow morning, Barack Obama will be on "This Week with George Stephanopoulos", John McCain will be on "Face the Nation", Joe Biden will be on "Meet the Press". Sarah Palin? The McCain campaign is so convinced they are winning this election, they already sent her to Dick Cheney's bunker.
Category Archives: politics
Palin is qualified to be VP
I have a feeling whoever is usually writing the talking points took the weekend off.
CNN entertainment is proud to report the GOP will have its own share of stars during its convention including Rage Against the Machine. I hope someone gave them the heads up because here is the beginning of their performance for the DNC in 2000.
The same nice guys who brought you "Testify", making clear at the time, they didn't see any difference between Bush and Gore.


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It just seems its never enough.
And as such, if it IS just a choice, why should the majority be forced to not just accept your 'choice' but CELEBRATE it...
That's why i am fully against the LGBTQ movement.
Last edited by Rainmaker; 05-16-2016 at 07:51 PM.
It just seems its never enough.
And as such, if it IS just a choice, why should the majority be forced to not just accept your 'choice' but CELEBRATE it...
That's why i am fully against the LGBTQ movement.
Because, they knew that it just opened us up to this "Door in your face technique" insanity from the Leftists, who view the Military's primary purpose to be serving as a Social Engineering lab and really couldn't give two fucks about fielding a combat-capable force.
The whole thing is preposterous. But, it goes on because we have no opposition to this twisted and dangerous agenda and it's been really sad to watch the decline of the American Military play out exactly the way the cynical old bastards of our generation said it would.
Please show me an example of how the repeal of DADT was "disastrous" or "destroyed military cohesion" or made the military less capable. The only thing causing problems to the military is putting the reigns on drill sergeants (in the Army) and not allowing NCOs to do our jobs.
The Military as an institution has been killed from the inside like a cancer. The damage to morale is hard to measure and is not being accurately portrayed in the media, because the military has now become a 'politically correct institution' (with Hundreds of Generals, Flag officers and Senior officials having been removed).
The historical recruiting base for actual combat forces is not the Rainbow Push Coalition of cross dressing, high heel wearing, progressive shock troops. It is overwhelmingly White, middle class, southern good old boys (with Hispanics are also being overrepresented in the USMC). We are running the risk of fracturing that relationship and make no mistake about it these good people "ain't gonna keep sending their boys to get killed for no queers".
Up until now, we've been able to sputter along since, pretty much all of the fighting has been done by SOF (against goat herder guerilla forces with no tech). But, cracks in the armor are starting to show. The Russians did more battle damage to ISIS in the first 10 days of their campaign than our "Coalition of the Willing" did in a year.
The USA has really become a joke Nationally & internationally. SOF recruits from the underlying services and can't be quickly mass produced, so if you weaken its underlying recruiting ground (as we've done), then ultimately we will be paying the terrible price in the first couple of weeks of a conventional war.
Last edited by Rainmaker; 05-17-2016 at 06:11 PM.
And now the Goldman Sachs "advisor" pretending to be a SECDEF goes in front of the AFA class of 2016, and announces that we're going to take in these mentally unstable gender benders and the services can just work out any "practical issues" later.
That's the epitome of absurdity.
Last edited by Rainmaker; 05-17-2016 at 08:58 PM.
Last edited by USN - Retired; 05-18-2016 at 06:28 AM.
As Libertarians, we seek a world of liberty; a world in which all individuals are sovereign over their own lives and no one is forced to sacrifice his or her values for the benefit of others
My son was getting ready to commission thru an Army ROTC program at the time. I actually sent an email to the Commanding General of the Army Cadet Command, telling her that as both a parent and a veteran it was particularly disturbing and asking her if anyone was going to be reprimanded for encouraging those male cadets to Publically disgrace and humiliate themselves and the Army by marching around the Temple University Campus in ACU's while wearing women's pumps. I Never received a response.
Last edited by Rainmaker; 05-18-2016 at 09:06 PM.


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To purchase tickets, call the Admiral Theatre Box Office at 360.373.6743 or click above. For show questions, please call PDT at 360.377.6214.
Peninsula Dance Theatre presents Cinderella
Saturday, April 22 @ 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 23 @ 3 p.m.
Tickets $14 - $27 (plus processing fee)
Child (2 & under free)
Balcony Child (Ages 3-10) $14
Balcony Student (Ages 11-18) $16
Balcony Adult $20
Balcony Senior (65+) $16
Main Floor $27
Peninsula Dance Theatre presents the timeless classic fairy tale, "Cinderella". Prokofiev's score comes to life with the story with an unexpected comedic twist. Reacquaint yourself with the charming character of Cinderella, her Prince, and Fairy Godmother. You will fall in love with this enchanting performance, Just as Cinderella falls in love with her prince.


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Lately I've been going back to my culinary roots while in the kitchen and have been rediscovering some of the simple flavors that got me so interested in cooking when I was just a pup. One of the first things you learn to cook when in the restaurant or in culinary school is a roast chicken. It's one of the simplest things you can make but man is it just so good with only few ingredients. This Baked Chicken recipe literally consists of the whole chicken, cut in half, seasoned with Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper and then baked. I know, I know, it's nothing but once you take that first bite with that crispy delicious skin on the outside and that moist juicy tender meat underneath, it's just phenomenal. Again, it's one of those simple culinary pleasures that requires nothing but time.
Roasting a chicken is so simple that once you do it for the first time, you'll never buy one of those rotisserie ones from the grocery store ever again. To cut back on cooking time, as well as allowing for every square centimeter of the chicken skin to brown, I prefer to cut it in half. You can either cut it right down the center using a cleaver or really sharp kitchen shears. Once the chicken is separated then you want to season all sides very well with Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper. It is important to season the chicken well as the chicken is thick and you have to make sure the salt can penetrate the skin and run through flavoring the meat. Often times I don't season well enough and while the food is good, it would have been that much better with a little more salt and pepper. Once it is seasoned then place the two halves skin side up in a large sauté pan and bake at 400° for 50 to 60 minutes or until the skin is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. From there you want to rest the meat on a cutting board, but keep the pan nearby.
Keeping balance of flavors is also incredibly important to me when creating a meal for my family and I. There is no way around learning how to balance flavors other than spending time in the kitchen cooking and learning what you or your family likes. There are some resources that can help you with which foods go well with which, but you'll only really figure out what you like by doing. I wanted to add a tasty compote like sauce to compliment the savory and salty baked chicken so I thought what better than a combo of apples, onions and dried plums (prunes). If I can get a nice sweet compote, then it would marry well with the flavors of the chicken. When creating the compote, I looked no further than SunSweet® prunes, not only because they're delicious but because you can buy them diced, halved or whole, and I love options! They are delicious sweet and go so well in a myriad of recipes from on top of ice cream, to in salads and even in this tasty Baked Chicken Recipe with Wild Rice and Apples and Plums.
Once the sauce ingredients are prepped you next want to roast the items in the pan that the chicken was roasted in. When making sauces to accompany a protein, always try to use the pan that the meat was cooked in for more flavor. When the apples and onions are caramelized then it's time to add in the julienne dried plums. I deglazed with a little brandy and then added in some stock and simmered it until it became thick. WOW is it delicious! This sauce would also go amazing on pork and fish so it's no one trick pony. Be sure to finish it up a bit with some unsalted butter, salt, pepper, fresh thyme and a little chopped chive.
To ensure that I made a well-balanced meal I added some green beans, waxed beans and wild rice to accompany my tasty Baked Chicken Recipe with Wild Rice and Apples and Plums. Everything from the rice, to the chicken to the sauce of this recipe is honestly so dang good and it took just over an hour to make it. Can't beat that!
Baked Chicken Recipe with Wild Rice and Apples and Plums
For the Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken cut in half
- 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 3 cored and large diced fuji or gala apples
- ½ thickly sliced red onion
- ½ cup of thinly sliced whole SunSweet prunes
- 1 cup of beef stock
- 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon of sliced chives
- Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste
For the Accompaniments:
- ½ pound of picked wax beans
- ½ pound of picked green beans
- 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
- 4 cups of cooked wild rice
- optional feta cheese crumbled
- optional yogurt and orange zest to mix with rice
- Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste
- fresh herbs for garnish
- Preheat the oven to 400°.
- Chicken: Season the chicken on all sides with salt and pepper and cook in the oven at 400° for 50 to 60 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through out. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Next, add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan and place it over medium heat until melted. Add the apples and onions and cook until browned and caramelized, about 15 minutes.
- Add the sliced prunes to the pan and saute for 2 to 3 minutes and then add the stock and cook over low heat until it thickens. Finish with the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, thyme, chives and slat and pepper. Keep warm.
- Beans: Add the wax and green beans to a large pot of boiling salted water and cook until tender, about 4 to 5 minutes. Drain and then toss in butter, salt and pepper.
- Serve the whole chicken over the cooked rice and alongside the cooked beans and apple-plum compote. Add the optional garnishes on the side.


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For all the past seasons that I have been invited to the presentation of Defined Moment, I have been unable to go, and have had one of my contributors attend. Finally this season I was free, and am so glad I got to see this collection for myself. It was breathtaking! Titled « White Moment », this collection was entire dedicated to… Read more →
Étiquette : mariage
The Wedding Tea Room : DIY Atelier
Frédérique, my dear friend of The Wedding Tea Room is taking reservations for an all day workshop for wedding DIY decorations and krafting. Ma chère copine, Frédérique of The Wedding Tea Room prend des réservations pour un atelier DIY (fait-soi-même) pour les décorations de mariage. Read more →
The Wedding Tea Room « Gourmandise » shoot
So you all remember the Marie Antoinette shoot I did about a year ago right? Sadly Sonia Akono of SGA Events, for whom we did the shoot had stalled her wedding planning business for the time being, but Frédérique Sivadier of the Wedding Tea Room has been building hers! (She did the decoration on the Marie Antoinette shoot). Lucky me… Read more →
Paris Wedding Wednesday : the DIY address to remember!
Planning a wedding in Paris France is full of obstacles. How MANY times have I heard the phrase, « oh we just don't do that here ». This is from the mentality here that one that offers a product or service for what most « normal » people do or get for their wedding. There seems to be a sort of cultural agreement that… Read more →
Sugarplum takes the cake at the Salon du Mariage
The Salon du Mariage gave me this uneasy feeling that I was walking into the realm of that horrible reality TV show Bridzillas. It is a venue that perhaps useful to some, I found to be an atrocious institution of grotesque commercialization of what should be one of the most special days of your life : your wedding. It seems to… Read more →


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MEC Trail Run Crew - Wednesdays - Sep11
MEC Trail Run Crew – Barrie Chapter
The MEC run crew is a nation-wide pack of everyday athletes with local chapters from Victoria to Halifax. Our mission is to enable runners of all ages and abilities to get outside and get running. We'll run an average distance of 8-10km, with a focus on fun over speed. It's a no-drop run, so no runner gets left behind.
On Saturdays we cruise through the city. On Wednesdays we set up track workouts, interval sessions and hill repeats, or run through the Ardaugh Bluff trails. Sometimes we go on scavenger hunts, partake of destination runs and deliver goods to those less fortunate. We participate and cheer on Race Days, we eat yummy food, but most importantly, we have FUN! Join us, it's free!
Runner Requirements
• Appropriate footwear
• A bottle of water
• A snack
• Proper clothing for weather conditions
• Health Card / Photo ID
This meetup runs all year long, rain or shine.
On Wednesdays we run in the Ardagh Bluffs trails. We meet at the back entrance of the Holly Rec Centre and head into the trails together for a fun and friendly run. We have two run crew leaders at each run. Everyone is welcome and nobody gets left behind!
Please contact our Regional Community Connector if you have any questions via e-mail at firstname.lastname@example.com


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Project Life layouts - February 2016
One of my favorite ways to scrapbook is using the Project Life App by Becky Higgins. It is soooooo easy to put together scrapbook pages this way and I just love being able to document our lives on the go using my iPhone or iPad.
If you want to read more about how I use Project Life, be sure to check out my bio feature page on Becky's blog. I'm having so much fun as a Project Life creative team member for 2016. Yay!
I've been sharing several of these layouts on Instagram & Facebook throughout the month and some have also been featured on Becky's blog. I thought it would be fun to share them all in one post here on my blog each month so you can find all of them in one place with the credits.
One of my favorite things about Project Life scrapbooking is that it is so much fun to mix cards and photos together on a page. It feels like an easy puzzle to just play with different images in each space.
Just a happy page from spring of 2014. 💕 The top left photo was edited with Instaplace app to add the title. Blossoms courtesy of Gardner Village last March. 🌷 I can't wait for Spring to come again! Oh, and that's my cute mom in the white cardigan!
I love color so much that I rarely scrap in black and white, but these pictures felt like they were meant to be b&w. I love how the page turned out! I edited all my photos with the A Color Story app.
My hubby and I watched all the televised Utah Jazz games we could during the month of January. They were our date nights and a great way to spend time together. I wanted to include these in our album so I saved the ending score images from the official Utah Jazz Facebook page from each game. I used template design P in the Project Life app and a few minutes later I had a complete page of memories documented.
I love getting pages done!