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Three years ago, I created this little theatre publication. I was 20 years old, a second year Journalism/Arts student and had a strong desire to showcase all of the incredible talent that I saw in the Australian theatre industry.
In these three years, this little publication that could kept reaching more and more people through all of the reviews, interviews and articles published. It shone the spotlight on so many upcoming artists as well as those already well-established in their careers.
However, as things inevitably grow and change, so do people, including myself. It is with this post that I am announcing an indefinite hiatus for Theatre Buzz AU. The works published will always remain on the site and the social platforms will still always be there for your enjoyment.
I would like to thank all of the writers, reviewers, performers, interviewees, publicists and PR agencies for all of their support in providing valuable content for our readers.
I would also personally like to thank everyone who ever read, shared, liked or commented on any Theatre Buzz AU content.
Here's to the Australian theatre industry and may it continue to grow and change for the better.
With many thanks,
Jackie Turner Editor-In-Chief/Creator of Theatre Buzz AU


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You May Purchase Tickets . . .
ONLINE: You must place your order, for online tickets, at least three days prior to your arrival date. You may pick up your tickets at the WILL-CALL window at the Tommy Bartlett Show ticket office – open 9:00 a.m., Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend and 10:00 a.m., fall, winter, spring. ID required. All Sales Final. No Refunds.
IN PERSON: Tickets are also available for purchase daily at the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory ticket booth (year-round), Tommy Bartlett Showsite ticket office or any Wisconsin Dells Passport to Savings ticket location (summer only).
Receive a 30% discount if you purchase tickets to both the Tommy Bartlett Show and the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory.
Exploratory Hours
Open daily, year-round (except Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Years Day)
|9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
|Spring, Fall and Winter:
|10 a.m. – 4 p.m

subset: commoncrawl


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Hello, my name currently is Meta Nuva, but I'm more known as TN:TS, author of The Adventures of Tahu. To find out more about me, read on!
|Meta Nuva
Part 1: Before Becoming a Member (2010-Mar. 2011)Edit
In 2010, I found the BZP site and, being a fan of Bionicle, was instantly attracted to it. I was excited by all the news, all the reviews, which I mostly read (and still crave for more), etc. However, (in January 2011) what attracted me to the forums, the comedies, and overall becoming a member was, on the Hot Topics list (which I crave to see again) an interesting topic: Tahu vs. Tahu. Curious, I clicked on the link. I wasn't exactly happy to see that the topic wasn't what I thought it was, but only a couple of sentences hooked me onto it. Within a day, I had read all of Civil War and Chapter 1 of Invasion. I couldn't wait for more.
Soon, a new chapter came on, and I read it, still craving for more. I started coming to the comedies forum daily, but I of course only cared about TvT. It wasn't long before I saw how fun it was to be on a forum: to be able to post your thoughts, get to stardom, and just simply feel awesome. On March 19th, 2011, I joined BZP.
Part 2: The Short Beginning (Mar. 2011-Apr. 2011)Edit
Tahu was my favorite character, so my profile name was Toa Tahu Mata (with Tahu Stars as my profile picture, which unintentionally referenced TvT, Tahu Mata vs. Tahu Stars). I started looking at TvT, but was seemingly unable to post. Soon, though I got the hang of it and posted away.
I soon got hooked onto other comedies, such as The CCC Awards and Choose Your Own Stupid Bionicle Adventure. I loved the forums, and yet I never even thought of starting my own comedy, or even creating a topic. Before I had the chance to, however, on the night of April 26th, the forums were taken offline. I attempted to return, and there was no luck. My connection to the world of BZP had been severed, and I was left longing for its return.
Part 3: The Wait (April 26, 2011-October 13th, 2011)Edit
I was completely lost. The main news page was still up, but I had been hooked on reading BZP since 2010, and was completely shocked to see it gone. I checked BZP each day to see if it was back, but to no avail. The BZP downtime would be over when it was over.
During the downtime I went on BZP Comedy Wiki, and actually got in touch with ibrow at times. I also looked at HiPor and Eurobricks. If it wasn't for Eurobricks, I would not be a LEGO fan to this day (most likely) however I never joined the site, keeping my loyalty to BZP. I still look at the site to this day for my other LEGO needs, but BZP is where I go for my action figure needs.
I waited, and I got more and more annoyed, wondering if I should give up on BZP. The frontpage went down in July, and I had a spark of hope; however, the frontpage returned, and not the forums. I waited, waited, and waited.
Thankfully, on October 10th, the archives (old forums) came back. It was a sign a hope, a chance. But I did not expect to get the news from EB that BZP was back. I froze. I rushed back, and it was official. The new forums were awesome. I notified ibrow and all the other comedy writers, and changed my name to Tahu: Toa of Gold. A new era of BZP had begun.
Part 4: The Adventures of Tahu (March 26th, 2012- Late 2012)Edit
For the rest of the year, I did nothing but read ibrow's comedies. I also got into Lewa0111 slightly, but only during the holidays. I soon wondered: Could I create a comedy?
The Adventures of Tahu went through many different stages. Originally, Tahu was supposed to buy a comedy from Helryx, but I didn't think I could go far with this. I went through other ideas, until I finally settled on the idea that the comedy is set in an alternate universe, where Mata Nui died (?), but the universe has not been destroyed, thanks to a partnership between Helryx, Makuta, Axonn, and The Shadowed One. Together the group forms the Orderly Empire and sends the Ignika out and away from the Matoran Universe. They capture the Toa Mahri and ingect shadow into them, making them become evil. The MU is led by an empire, until a brave fire Toa asks one simple question: to leave the MU.
The first season, or the intro season, had only 5 chapters, and got a reasonable amount of replies; but when the second season came, there were fewer and fewer replies, until only few were left. I soon hesitated to post another chapter, and eventually did, but ended up losing another follower. Desperate to keep my comedy alive, I got a CCC review and started to PM some of my other followers, and one finally commented on the comedy again, prompting me to continue writing it. I finished Season 2 soon enough, and started Season 3. The comedy finale came after Chapter 3.8, and the finale was split into three parts. After this, the Epilogue, and then TAoT was over.
Part 5: The Fire Chronicles (November 5th, 2012 - November 29th, 2013)Edit
I, trying to get more popularity and hype for TAoT's sequel, The Fire Chronicles, signed up for the CFE 2012. I also had another comedy up my sleeve, but I really cared more about TFC (which led to its downfall). The CFE 2012 was a success for all authors, so I was excited to see how far it would go.
And then, I lost power.
I ended up not being able to post TFC when I wanted to, which probably made me lose some popularity. When I did post TFC, I got a fair share of replies. The same could not be said for my spinoff, HEWS. Complaints were made that it was more like a teaser, and I redid the second chappy. But I realized that no one really cared much, so I shut it down.
Currently, the second season of TFC is completed, with the final season to be released after my appearance in the Spring 2013 Comedy Expo.
Early 2013 I decided to release another prequel to the series, this time about the BIONICLEs in the House. Currently it is up to Chapter 6 in S1, although I have taken a hiatus from the comedy in order to prepare for the expo.
During the summer, I continued to update The Fire Chronicles as it headed into its third season, Terror. On October 23rd, 2013, the one-year anniversary since TAoT's ending, BZPower was hacked and TFC lost three chapters. In addition, a whole slew of formatting errors occurred, and I eventually pronounced the comedy dead, as its popularity had faded, anyway. As a new chapter in life was beginning for me, I began a hiatus from BZP, one that lasted for almost three years...
Part 6: The Hiatus (December 2013 - October 2016) Edit
I'm not sure if my hiatus was ever officially a hiatus (I think it was?) but I did have some unofficial breaks in said hiatus. In April 2014, I released The Ashes, which was the third installment in TAoT series. It quickly died after I realized it would never make sense after not finishing TFC (plus, the writing really wasn't good.) In May of 2014, I concluded the first season to The Anniversary Edition of Tahu, but never got to release the second season. My hiatus extended through the entirety of G2 of BIONICLE, which saw the comedy forum surge and crash within a short amount of time, as did the entirety of BZP. As G2 ended, I looked to my old drafts for the anniversary edition, and, seeing as October 23rd was nearing, I began to brainstorm. I felt in my heart that it was time to return to the website that I loved, the people I'd missed, and the work I'd toiled on so much. It was time to justify The Adventures of Tahu.
Part 7: |Tahu| (October 23rd, 2016 - ?) Edit
On October 23rd, 2016, I released the prologue to Tahu's Transport, which was the remade Season 1 of TAoT. I was officially an active member of the forum again, and it really felt good. Season 2's remake, Tahu's Consequence, is nearly complete months later, with The Hero Tahu releasing on the horizon in July 2017. I plan to be active on the site as much as possible in the coming months, and bring justice to the series I have held close to my heart for so long.
The WorksEdit
Here, we have the stories I've done! Bold text means completed, underlined means in progress, and
strikethrough means cancelled. Italics mean in the planning stages.
The Adventures of Tahu: The first installment in the TAoT series, Completed
Ackar and the Hot Hand: LSO entry, completed
TAoT: How it All Began: Prequel to TAoT, cancelled at Chapter 1
The Fire Chronicles: Sequel to TAoT, Currently finished with Season 2
How to Escape the Wig Salon: Spinoff to TAoT, cancelled at Chapter 2
Before the Madness: Prequel to TFC and TAoT, Currently at Chapter 6
Bionicle/Star Wars spinoff (2013 Spring Expo)
Drama spinoff (2013 Spring Expo)


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Pico de Orizaba
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Pico de Orizaba Trip Report (#1137)
- Signed By: Doug Churchill
- Date submitted: March 23, 2001
The only thing I have to add to Carl Corneliuson's summit day report - 08 December 2000
Come on people pack out your trash. We cleaned up the Piedra Grande hut and carted down 3 Large bags of trash.
Also if the lovely outdoor toilet is too gross to use and you are forced to shit outside. Please, please use your ice-axe to dig a hole to shit in, and pack your used toilet paper into a ziplock baggie and take it out with the rest of your trash.
I am embarrassed for the climbing community for trashing this sacred mountain and it's 'emergency huts'.


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Consultation responses 2012
We regularly respond to consultative documents on behalf of our membership. The archive of our responses is available for you to download documents you require in pdf format. Click on the relevant links below to view the available documents.
FRC Exposure Draft AS TM1 SMPIs V3.0
FRC Exposure Draft - AS TM1: Statutory Money Purchase Illustrations, Version 3.0 12 December 2012
Pensions Regulator Consultation - Maintaining Contributions
The Pensions Regulator Consultation - Maintaining Contributions 5 December 2012
ONS consultation on options for improving RPI index
Office for National Statistics consultation on options for improving the Retail Prices Index 30 November 2012
DWP Consultation OPPS Misc Amdnts No 2 Regs 2013
DWP Consultation - Occupational Pension Schemes (Misc Amendments No 2) Regs 2013 14 November 2012
Auto enrolment earnings thresholds review and revision
DWP Consultation: Automatic enrolment earnings thresholds review and revision 2013/14 10 October 2012
DWP Consultation on GMP Equalisation
PMI's response to DWP's proposals
Inquiry into Best Practice in Workplace Pension Provision
PMI response to Parliamentary Work and Pensions Committee inquiry
Scheme Return Frequency – Change to Primary legislation
PMI's response to the Pension Regulator
DWP Consultation on Transfers from Small Pots
Response to DWP Consultation
Occupational Pension Schemes (Misc Amendment) Regs 2013
PMI's response to DWP Consultation: The Occupational Pension Schemes (Miscellaneous Amendment) Regs 2013 7 September 2012
FRC Consultation: Pension Scheme Incentive Exercises
Response to FRC Consultation: Pension Scheme Incentive Exercises - 7 September 2012


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Does depression cause pessimism?
Or is it the other way around? Can pessimism lead to depression?
There is such a strong relationship between depression and pessimism, that people often argue that pessimism is a hallmark of depression. It is important to appreciate that pessimism is not one of the symptoms of depression, but a major factor that contributes to depression.
For this reason, one of the most powerful things you can do to become and remain depression-free is to be optimistic instead of pessimistic.
Indeed, the placebo effect for depression proves how powerful optimism can be, since it demonstrates that just the slight hope that a person can stop being depressed is the most important and powerful factor for eliminating depression.
Right now, you're going to learn more about why optimism benefits you so much, as well as how to develop optimism the smart way, so that you find it easy and natural to more optimistic in life.
How does pessimism lead to depression?
It's very simple: when you're being pessimistic, you're ruminating and dwelling on negative value, which is one of the biggest factors for stress, anxiety, and depression. After all, you're focusing on negative things, and the likelihood they will happen, which naturally makes you feel miserable.
The good news is that optimism has the opposite effect, which is why there is such a strong relationship between optimism and happiness, and which is also why optimism is so powerful for eliminating depression.
Think about it: when you're being optimistic, you're focusing on good, positive things, and the likelihood they will happen. For example, you're focusing on the possibility you will become happy and depression-free, and the likelihood it will happen if you improve your thinking and lifestyle.
Seeing this positive value naturally makes you feel happier and better, and it makes life more meaningful, worthwhile, and enjoyable. And believing that you can achieve and experience this positive value naturally makes you more self confident and increases your self esteem.
So when you stop being pessimistic and start being optimistic, you create a huge, big positive difference in your life. The effect is so strong that some people claim you can cure depression by being optimistic.
It's important to appreciate that it's neither right nor wrong to be either optimistic or pessmistic. Instead, it's just smarter to be optimistic, since it benefits you so much, and since you have a choice in how you think about things.
To appreciate this, consider how you can see a glass as half empty or half full. These are both equally valid views, so neither one is right or wrong.
However, if you learn that seeing the glass as half empty naturally makes you feel depressed and creates a great deal of stress and anxiety, while seeing the glass as half full makes you feel fantastic and happier, then it makes no sense at all to see the glass as half empty.
Instead, it's much smarter and makes complete sense to see the glass as half full, which is a valid view that benefits you, rather than hurts you.
Once you appreciate this, it's much easier to be optimistic rather than pessimistic. So this is how to stop being pessimistic and become more optimistic quickly, by understanding that it's the smarter, better choice in every way.
To further appreciate how optimism is beneficial and useful, consider how a baseball player can be optimistic that he will get a hit when it's his turn to bat, or be pessimistic about it.
If he's optimistic about getting a hit, playing baseball is naturally much for fun and enjoyable for him. Also, he's more energized and motivated to focus on hitting the ball, since he thinks he's got a chance to get a hit.
The result is that he is more likely to swing and get a hit with this optimism.
On the other hand, if the baseball player is pessimistic about getting a hit, playing baseball is naturally less fun and enjoyable for him, and can even be frustrating and depressing. Furthermore, he's less energized and motivated to focus on hitting the ball, since he's pessimistic about his chances.
The result is that he is less likely to swing and get a hit with this pessimism.
The lesson, here, is that optimism not only immediately affects your experience of life and how much you enjoy it, but it can also affect outcomes and how successful you are achieving things you want to achieve. So choose to be optimistic for your own good.
The difference between a pessimist and optimist is simply the difference between a pessimistic thinking style and an optimistic thinking style. That's it.
The trouble with pessimistic people is that they tend to think they're smarter for seeing things pessimistically. Indeed, they often think they're seeing things objectively or "realistically", and they think optimists are delusional people who don't see things the way they really are.
This idea is often expressed by saying that optimists see the world through rose-colored glasses.
Fair enough. Optimists do subjectively view the world in a positive way. They focus on things of postive value, rather than negative value, which is why they see a glass as half full rather than half empty.
But guess what? Pessimists see the world through dark-stained glasses. Their glitch in thinking is that they think they see the world the way it "really is", without appreciating that they are wearing their very own glasses, which completely distorts their experience of life in a negative way.
The smart way to stop being pessimistic is to appreciate that pessimism is just a subjective choice that isn't good or beneficial in any way. Even when a pessimistic viewpoint is valid or understandable, there is still always a much better way of thinking about things.
To appreciate this, consider how pessimists or "realists" will say that a baseball player probably won't get a hit when he goes up to bat. After all, the statistics are on their side.
This might be the case, and an entirely valid view, but choosing to focus on the probability that a baseball player won't get a hit is a clearly subjective choice. It is just as valid to focus on the possibility that he will get a hit, even if that likelihood is not as great.
In other words, pessimists and "realists" are never being objective, although they often trick themselves into thinking they are. They are just being subjective in a different way, and when you consider that their type of subjectivity works against them, it's not nearly as smart as they think it is.
Once you appreciate this, it's much easier to let go of pessimistic thinking. So this is how to overcome pessimism faster and easier by appreciating that it's just a subjective way of seeing the world that works against you.
The smart way to be optimistic is to be optimistic for your own good. Once you appreciate that pessimism is valid, but useless and counter-productive, while optimism is valid, useful, and beneficial, it's easy and natural for you to be more optimistic.
After all, optimism is just the smarter, no-brainer choice, especially when you appreciate that it naturally helps eliminate stress and anxiety, and helps you become and remain a happier, depression-free person.
To make it easier to remain optimistic, focus on good things you want to happen, knowing that you can accept and handle other situations and outcomes if they occur. This makes it easy for your mind to not bring alternate, distracting, "what if" scenarios to your attention.
For example, the smartest way for a baseball player to remain optimistic is to focus on the possbility of getting a hit, knowing that he can accept and handle any other outcome.
By doing this, he doesn't worry about a possible strike out, or the opposing fans jeering him, and so on. Even if he's aware of these possibilities, they aren't important to him or a concern, so it's easy for him to remain optimistic and focused on getting a hit.
So starting today, start developing this type of intelligent optimism, where you focus on good, positive things you want to achieve and experience, knowing that you can definitely accept and handle other situations and outcomes.
By doing so, you'll find it much easier to remain optimistic, which in turn makes it easier for you to remain happier and depression-free.
Free Positive Thinking Webinar


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Miscellaneous Services
For when you need something beyond brakes, batteries and mufflers...
We are happy to serve you for all of the typical auto repair and preventative maintenance services you may need over the life of your vehicle and when you need a service that falls outside the traditional auto repair service list, call us anyway!
It may be a service we provide and if it's not--we'll be happy to recommend a trusted local business who can help.
- Windshield Chip Repair
- Hot Rods & Custom Cars
- Windshield Replacement
- Serpentine Belts/Tensioner
- Bulb Replacement
- Generator Fluid Service
- Truck/RV Service
Tuffy Papillion in Papillion services the needs of Omaha, Papillion, Millard, Springfield, Plattsmouth, Council Bluffs.
Tuffy Papillion
714 N Washington St.
Papillion, NE 68046


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B: Breakfast | L: Lunch | D: Dinner | SD: Special Dinner
Day 1**Jun 08 | Honolulu –> Los Angeles
We start our vacation by boarding a domestic flight to Los Angeles and staying there overnight.
Hotel Accommodations: Los Angeles Airport Hotel
Day 2**Jun 09 | Los Angeles –> Casablanca
Today we will fly from Los Angeles to Casablanca, the economic and cultural capital of Morocco. Overnight onboard.
Day 3**Jun 10 | Casablanca|(D)
Casablanca is not only famous for the movie Casablanca, but it represents Morocco on the move. It is where the money is being made, where the industry is, where art galleries show the best contemporary art, and where fashion designers have a window to the world. The old pirate lair is looking towards the future, showing off its wealth and achievements. Upon arrival in Casablanca, an Air & Sea Travel representative will greet and escort us to our hotel. A Welcome Dinner is arranged at our hotel tonight.
Hotel Accommodations: Movenpick Hotel Casablanca or Similar 5*
Day 4**Jun 11 | Casablanca | (B, L, D)
After breakfast, we begin our sightseeing in Casablanca. First of all, we will have a photo stop at Hassan II Mosque which was built to commemorate the former king's 60th birthday. It is the largest mosque in Morocco, the 7th largest in the world, and stands on a promontory looking out towards the Atlantic Ocean. Then we will do some shopping at the Bazaar and Habouss Quarter, the main shopping areas in the city frequented by tourists seeking souvenirs. We can find traditional clothing, jewelry, antiques, rugs and other local merchandise. After lunch, we will visit the King Mohammed Square V, which forms the central hub of Casablanca's new town and is home to some of the city's most striking architecture. Next, we will make a photo stop at the Royal Palace, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. Tonight, a Dinner Show featuring Moroccan Belly Dancing is arranged.
Day 5**Jun 12 | Casablanca – Rabat – Fez | (B, L, D)
This morning, we will transfer to Rabat, Morocco's political and administrative capital since its independence in 1956. Although it has not established itself as a tourist destination, visitors who do go there find a gem of a city. Our tour in this UNESCO Heritage City includes the Hassan Tower whose construction began in 1195 and was intended to be the largest minaret in the world; the nearby Mausoleum of Mohammed V, built in traditional Moroccan style where the current king's father and grandfather are buried; and the Udaya Kasbah, built in the oldest part of the city by Muslim refugees from Spain. Before we head to Fez, we will view the Royal Palace and Mechouar. The palace, designed with French formality, traditional Arabic motifs and local horticulture in mind, sits at the end of the mechouar, which is used for large public assemblies, such as Muhammad V's return from exile in 1955. Fez is the spiritual heart of Morocco and the greatest, most ancient of the country's imperial cities. After dinner, we will transfer to our hotel.
Hotel Accommodations: Riad Palais Ommeyad or Similar 5*
Day 6**Jun 13 | Fez – Tangier | (B, L, D)
We begin our morning with a tour in Fez, one of the undisputed highlights of any visit to Morocco. We will first make a photo stop at the Royal Palace (Dar El Makhzen). It is strictly closed to the public, but even from the outside the Royal Palace is an impressive sight. Our next stop is a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Medina. Home to the oldest university in the world, The Medina of Fez is a jewel of Spanish-Arabic civilization. After that, we will visit the Attarine Souk, a narrow and very lively street for shopping. A few rustic clothing shops add a dash of bright color among the spice stalls. Then we will visit the Bou Inania Mederssa, a good display of the classic Moroccan decorative styles – the zellij base, delicate stucco midriff and carved olivewood ceiling. In addition to its traditional character, Fez is also famous for its leather products available in the Tannaries, or leather bazaar (souq). After lunch, we will transfer to Tangier and end our day in this fascinating Moroccan city. Tangier has many of the things that travelers love – a sense of exotic mystery, interesting history, beautiful vistas, and unspoiled beaches.
Hotel Accommodations: Golden Tulip Farah Hotel or Similar 5*
Day 7**Jun 14 | Tangier | (B, L, D)
After breakfast, we begin sightseeing in Tangier. First of all, we will view the Caves of Hercules. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions near the summer palace of the King of Morocco. After that, we will visit the Cap Spartal, which is above the Caves of Hercules. The Cap Spartal, known to Romans as Ampelusium ("cape of the vines") is a fertile area that sits high above the rocky coast. After lunch, we will visit the American Legation, the first American public property outside the United States that commemorated the historic, cultural, and diplomatic relations between the United States and the Kingdom of Morocco. It is now a cultural center, museum, and a research library, focusing on Moroccan Studies. Then we will visit Sultan's Palace (Dar El Mekhzan), the historical residence for the Sultans of Morocco when staying in Tangier. This former apartment is used as a museum for Moroccan art. Its displays are from all over Morocco, such as firearms decorated with marquetry, carpets, silks from Fez, manuscripts, and so on. After visiting the art museum, we will do some shopping at the Socco Market, the colorful square where vendors offer a variety of second-hand goods, fruits and spices.
Day 8**Jun 15 | Tangier – Tarifa – Ronda – Malaga | (B, L, D)
This morning, we will say goodbye to Morocco and take a High Speed Vessel to Tarifa, the "tip of Spain", and then transfer to Ronda. This city is a great place to relax and has been described as a romantic place in Spanish folklore. In the past, Ronda has fascinated travelers like Dumas and Hemingway. It is also a great introduction to bullfighting. At the Bullfight Museum, we will learn about the Institution of the Royal Cavalry Order of Ronda and its influence on the development and evolution of the art of bullfighting. Among the three bridges that divide the city of Ronda, the Puente Viejo (Old Bridge) is the oldest and smallest and the Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) is the newest and largest. After a glimpse of a Romantic's favorite city, we will transfer to Malaga. Enjoy our dinner at our hotel.
Hotel Accommodation: The Hilton Garden Inn Malaga or Similar 4*
Day 9**Jun 16 | Malaga – Granada – Malaga | (B, L, D)
Malaga is a briskly modern yet historic city that still has the atmosphere and swagger of a Mediterranean port. First, we will visit The Picasso Museum which has an enviable collection of 204 works, including some wonderful paintings of the Picasso family such as the heartfelt Paulo con gorro blanco, a portrait of Picasso's eldest son painted in the 1920's. The Alcazaba of Malaga is the best-preserved alcazaba (palatial fortification) in Spain and dates back to the 11th-century Moorish period. After lunch, we will head to Granada where the 1996 World Ski Championships were held. Today's highlight is Alhambra Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in the 14th century and a magnificent example of Moorish architecture. Admire the ancient filigree, quiet courtyards and colossal walls. The name Generalife means "garden of the architect". It was probably an architect's house that was passed on to the Arab kings and remodeled. The most beautiful and striking features in the Generalife gardens are the plants, the water with its continuous interplay with light, and its sounds. After this exciting day in Granada, we will head back to Malaga and enjoy our dinner.
Day 10**Jun 17 | Malaga – Cordoba – Seville | (B, L, D)
After breakfast, we continue our journey to Cordoba, the capital of an Islamic caliphate in the Middle Ages. Córdoba became the intellectual center of Europe and was also noted for its predominantly Muslim society that was tolerant toward its Christian and Jewish minorities. Today it is a moderately-sized modern city and its historic center was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will visit Mezquita de Córdoba, whose ecclesiastical name is the "Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption". It is the most decorated art and architectural work of Islamic architects who built it as a mosque in the 8th century. The intricate ceiling and delicate art work displayed in the Cathedral is not to be missed. Journey to the top to catch a stunning view of the city. We will then transfer to Seville, the fourth largest city in Spain and home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Hotel Accommodation: Melia Sevilla or Similar 4*
Day 11**Jun 18 | Seville | (B, L, D)
Today, we will tour Seville. Like all great cities, Seville has historical layers. Plaza De Espana has been used as a filming location, including scenes for Lawrence of Arabia, the Star Wars movie series, and The Dictator. It houses government departments and we can use the "Alcoves of the Provinces" as a backdrop for our photo taking memories. After viewing this splendid plaza, we will take the Paella Cooking Cruise, enjoying a Paella demonstration class and lunch on board. Paella is a Valencian rice dish with ancient roots and widely regarded as Spain's national dish. After lunch, we will explore one of the most visited UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Seville when we enter The Cathedral and Giralda Tower, the final resting place of Christopher Columbus. One of the largest Christian churches in the world, it is awe-inspiring in its scale and sheer majesty. It stands on the site of the great 12th-century Almohad Mosque, with the mosque's minaret (the Giralda) still towering beside it. We will visit the Museo Del Baile Flamenco, an impressive venue for some of Seville's best flamenco. A one-hour Flamenco Lesson is arranged as well. Tonight, we will enjoy a Flamenco show and dinner.
Day 12**Jun 19 | Seville – Evora – Lisbon | (B, L, D)
This morning, we will transfer to Evora, Portugal. It is a UNESCO World Heritage City because of its well-preserved old town center that is still partially enclosed by medieval walls and a large number of monuments from various historical periods. It is ranked number two as the most livable Portuguese city according to a survey of living conditions published yearly by Expresso. After lunch, we will enjoy our photo stop at Roman Temple. Today's highlight is Wine Tasting at Enoturismo Cartuxa, the best known winery from Portugal's Alentejo wine region and whose history goes back 700 years. After that, we will continue our journey to Lisbon, the capital and largest city of Portugal and the westernmost city in continental Europe. It has a population of 2.7 million people making it the 11th most populous urban area in the European Union. Lisbon is recognized as a global city because of its importance in finance, media, entertainment, international trade, and tourism.
Hotel Accommodation: Lutecia Smart Design Hotel or Similar 4*
Day 13**Jun 20 | Lisbon – Cabo Da Roca – Lisbon| (B, L, D)
After breakfast, we will view The Bridge 25 De Abril, Europe's longest suspension bridge. Then we will have a view of the Padrao Dos Descobrimentos Monument, located along the Tagus River where ships departed to explore and trade with India and the Orient. The monument celebrates the Portuguese Age of Discovery during the 15th and 16th centuries. We will then head to a UNESCO World Heritage Site — the Belem Tower. Because of its role in the Portuguese Age of Discovery, the tower was commissioned by King John II and built in the early 16th century. After enjoying a delicious Pastel De Nata, we will continue to another part of the joint UNESCO World Heritage Site: Jeronimos Monastery. Located in the Belem Neighborhood, the Monastery was built to commemorate Vasco da Gama's resting place. His tomb along with those of many other notable poets and authors are there. The church interior is spacious and richly decorated and the outside garden is laid out with hedges cut in shapes of several coats of arms of Portugal. The center showcases a large fountain also decorated with coats of arms. After lunch, "where the land ends and the sea begins", we enter Cabo Da Roca, the westernmost cape in Continental Europe with an amazing coastline. We will be able to take home a certificate as a souvenir of our visit. We then continue to our last stop, Pombaline "Baixa", an elegant district that is a potential candidate for a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation because it is one of the first examples of "earthquake-resistant construction". It is also famous for tailor shops and cafés.
Day 14**Jun 21 | Lisbon – Fatima – Salamanca | (B, L, D)
After breakfast we will transfer to Fatima, a civil parish in the municipality of Ourem in the Portuguese region. The name of the town and parish evolved from the Arabic name "Fatima", a Moorish Princess. We will visit The Basilica of Our Lady which is a primary building of the Shrine of Our Lady Fatima. At the entrance to the Basilica is a mosaic representing the Holy Trinity crowning Mary. Its creation was ordered by the Officials of the Vatican. Many of the events of the Marion apparitions are shown in the stained glass windows and the fifteen alters in the church are dedicated to the fifteen mysteries of the Rosary. After lunch, we continue to Salamanca, Spain. It is located in northwestern Spain and is the capital of the Province of Salamanca in the community of Castile and León. Its Old City was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.
Hotel Accommodation: Hotel Dona Brigida or Similar 4.5*
Day 15**Jun 22 | Salamanca – Segovia – Madrid|(B, L, D)
There are many monumental highlights in Salamanca, and the Plaza Mayor is unforgettable. Not only is it one of the city's most beautiful locales, but it is also considered one of the most beautiful plazas in all of Spain. Other historically important sights include the House of Shells and the Universidad de Salamanca (University of Salamanca). The former was constructed during the 15th century in Gothic, Moorish and Italian styles. The approximately 400 shells on the exterior of the building are said to be a symbol of love. The Universidad is the oldest university of Spain and an excellent example of the Spanish plateresque style. After lunch, we continue to the historic old town of Segovia. One legend says the city was founded by Hercules; another by the son of Noah. Both the city and its Roman Aqueduct were declared UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1985. The aqueducts moved most of Rome's water supply and sustained their population of over a million in a "water extravagant economy". Next we will visit Alcazar, which was said to be Walt Disney's inspiration for his "Cinderella Castle". From here we will transfer to Madrid.
Hotel Accommodation: Courtyard by Marriott Madrid Princesa or Similar 4*
Day 16**Jun 23 | Madrid – Toledo – Madrid | (B, L, D)
No city on earth is more alive than Madrid, a beguiling place whose sheer energy carries a simple message: this city really knows how to live. The Royal Palace of Madrid (Puerto Del Sol) is the former home of the Spanish royal family. Built in classical Italian Baroque style in the 18th century on the site of the ancient alcazar (Arab fortress), it is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved palaces in Europe. Next we head to the Plaza de Espana bordered by Madrid's two most prominent and tallest skyscrapers. We then leave the capital and go south to Toledo, the "Imperial City". It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage City in 1986 for its extensive cultural and monumental heritage and historical co-existence of Christian, Muslim and Jewish cultures. We will visit the Toledo Cathedral and the beautiful Santo Tome Church. The cathedral reflects the city's historical significance as the heart of Catholic Spain and is one of the most extravagant cathedrals in the country. The latter is known for its Mudejar tower and large paintings of the Burial of Count Orgaz by El Greco. We then head to Puerta Del Sol, the eastern gate of Madrid in earliest days; and Puente Del San Martin, a medieval bridge across the river Tagus. After that, we will head back to Madrid.
Day 17**Jun 24 | Madrid – Zaragoza – Barcelona| (B, L, D)
Today we will transfer to Zaragoza, where we will visit the Basilica Del Pilar. Zaragoza was an ancient city for more than 2000 years in a valley with a variety of landscapes, ranging from desert to thick forest, meadows and mountains. The baroque style Basilica – Cathedral of Our Lady of the Pillar is a Roman Catholic Church. It venerates the Blessed Virgin Mary, under her title Our Lady of the Pillar and praised as Mother of the Hispanic People by Pope John Paul II. It is reputed to be the first church dedicated to Mary in history. Then we will transfer to Barcelona, the capital of the autonomous community of Catalonia in Spain and the country's 2nd largest city. It is the 10th most visited city in the world and the third most visited in Europe after London and Paris, with several million tourists every year. Barcelona is ranked the most popular city to visit in Spain and the boulevard Las Ramblas is often the first landmark that most tourists identify with the city.
Hotel Accommodation: Melia Barcelona Sarria or Similar 5*
Day 18**Jun 25 | Barcelona | (B, L, D)
After breakfast, we will start our journey by visiting the Gothic Quarter. Sagrada Familia is a large Roman Catholic Church in Barcelona designed by Gaudi. His original design called for a total of eighteen spires. Although incomplete, the church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Church will have three grand facades: the Nativity facade to the East, the Passion facade to the West, and the Glory facade to the South. Sagrada Familia Visiting Certificate will be provided. After lunch, we will visit Park Güell – which was built in the years 1900 to 1914 and is one of the largest architectural works in south Europe. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Works of Antoni Gaudí". Afterwards, we will transfer to Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, which was the last civil work designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi. In 1912, Gaudí and Milà i Segimon signed the contract of completion of the work of the Casa Milà. In 1984, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Batllo House, built by Antoni Gaudí in 1904, also known as the "Block of Discord" was declared a World Heritage of Site by UNESCO in 2005 for its beauty and its spectacular and colorful undulating forms. This is a must for any visitor to Barcelona and a great photo opportunity. Tonight, a Farewell Dinner is arranged.
Day 19**Jun 26 | Barcelona –> Los Angeles | (B)
Today, we will say Adiós to Spain and take a flight to Los Angeles.
Day 20**Jun 27 | Los Angeles –> Honolulu
After an overnight stay in Los Angeles, we will take a flight back to Honolulu, taking home lasting memories of this magnificent trip.
We wish you a safe journey and many wonderful memories to share with family and friends! ☺
Payment Policy:
CHECK OR CASH PAYMENT ONLY. A deposit of $1,500 per person is required at the time of application. The balance is due on Mar.8, 2020. In the event balance payment is not made within the required time period, Air and Sea Travel Center reserves the right to cancel reservations and charge a service fee for cancellation.
Cancellation Policy:
Written notice is required for any cancellation. The cancellation fee will be as follow:
** Feb. 23 to Mar. 7, 2020, $1,500 deposit per person is non-refundable.
** Mar. 8 to Apr. 5, 2020, 50% of total price plus any other service fee caused by the cancellation;
** From Apr. 6, 2020 to departure or withdrawing during the tour shall be regarded as willingly giving up all rights concerned, 100% of total price, and request for other services as a substitute shall not be accepted.
** We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance when you make your reservation**
Price from: $7,588.00
Includes: Tax and fuel surcharge


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I finally went to an allergy specialist( last ditch effort to find help) fluoride in our water, chlorine in our pools, etc. should be outlawed – I've never heard of anything good coming from these kinds I cant do as much at home or attend all the family functions I want. I cant do many
Formaldehyde & formalin contact allergy. Chlorine-resistant finishes Stiffening on lightweight nylon knits Medications including wart remedies, anhidrotics, medicated creams, orthopaedic casts and root canal preparation disinfectant
As well as home care measures. There are Table I: Self-care remedies for nasal congestion and sinus headache Avoid chlorinated pools, as chlorine may irritate the nasal passages. 2 SA Pharmacist's Assistant [ Summer 2011] Clinical
Someone at Home has the Flu Follow us on: facebook.com/nysdoh twitter.com/healthnygov youtube.com/nysdoh Please, keep your germs Mix ¼ cup of chlorine bleach into one gallon of hot water to disinfect surfaces. Disinfect doorknobs, light


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Music Unlocked Orchestra
Music, Disability and Technology REDEFINING the sounds of the orchestra.
The Music Unlocked Orchestra (or MUO) is a brand new, inclusive music group. Young people who are disabled and/or face obstacles to participate in other music ensembles will have the opportunity to take charge, creating new and unique music in a supportive, safe and creative environment.
The MUO welcomes young people ages 8+ with all abilities and provides:
MUO musicians will be empowered to redefine the traditional idea of 'The Orchestra' – inspiring new musical instruments and creating new and exciting musical sounds.
The MUO meets every Saturday during term time from 11:15-12:45 at St Luke's Primary School, Ruscoe Road, Canning Town, E16 1JB.
Join us for a FREE taster session! Email on email@example.com or call us on 020 3598 6260 for more information.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our mailing list using the buttons below.


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I was actually pretty shocked to receive an email at almost midnight the day before one of my new hires was supposed to come in for their second day of work. The message was professional of course but I was shocked because they only worked on my team for one day. I actually made his […]Continue reading
Are you an agent that's trying to figure out the best way that you can have your phone lines set up? You're probably thinking, should I put my personal number out there or should I get a separate phone? I'm going to tell you how I have I have my phone systems set up for […]Continue reading
These are 5 reasons that Leadpages is great for real estate leads. If you know anything about internet marketing or digital lead generation, you know that it's almost a necessity to create a sales funnel. A funnel is a series of steps that take a prospect from a lead to a closed client. The series of […]Continue reading
Following up after an open house is a necessary step to try to convert an open house visitor into your next buyer. There are several strategies to follow up with open house visitors. Those strategies could include calling them, sending them a video message, or even handwriting and mailing them a card. One quick and […]Continue reading
I've been a real estate agent for 6 years now and I have realized that prospecting is one of the most important things a real estate agent can do. It was one of those agents that was taught that "listings give you leverage" It became my mission to make sure I always carried a good […]Continue reading


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Campfire eliquids currently feature a snacky and smorey marshmallow chocolate treat, and aim to recreate the essence for an outdoor camping trip. Campfire is available in strengths of 0mg, 3mg, and 6mg, and in a 70%VG strength.
2 Items
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- £16.99Campfire E-Liquid by Campfire 50ml Graham Crackers, Marshmallow, Milk Chocloate, Strawberry 70% VG 50ml 0mg
- £4.99Campfire E-Liquid by Campfire Chocolate, Graham Crackers, Marshmallow 70% VG 10ml 0mg, 3mg, 6mg
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Summertime Grilling
from Nutrion and Wellness Solutions by Heather Fink, MS, RD, CSSD
Summertime is a celebration of warm weather, outdoor exercise and fresh foods! Cooking fruits, vegetables and a variety of meats on the grill can be a fun and nutritious way to refuel from long workouts. Whether you are preparing a meal for yourself, your family, or your entire training group, review the following tips for keeping your outdoor kitchen safe and healthy.
Prepare to Grill
Grilling meat or fish may require you to plan 24-48 hours in advance of your meal, in order to prevent food borne illnesses. Always thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator or microwave, not on the countertop in your kitchen. Marinating your meat or fish should also take place in the fridge. Before you cook your thawed and marinated foods, wash your hands, grill and cooking utensils. Check out Homefoodsafety.org for a 45-second video on the four simple steps you can take to avoid food poisoning this summer.
We value the advice of experts in the health profession. From time to time, we ask them to share with us their insight on popular questions that are asked from us. Have a question? Email us: firstname.lastname@example.com
February 2018


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22 December 2016
Mike Arand / Business Development Advisor / China
A forum in Auckland in 2016 explored the growing Chinese commerce channel known as daigou. Literally translating to "buying on behalf of", a daigou is a shopping agent buying products to send back to clients in China, and there are opportunities for New Zealand companies and daigou to work together.
Keynote speakers at the China Digital Forum, as well as a group of panellists representing New Zealand brands and daigou wholesalers, shared their expertise on navigating the daigou channel.
Livia Wang, CEO of ACCESS CN, a Chinese marketing firm based in Sydney, has been active in the daigou space and recently organised the Daigou Expo in Australia. At this week's forum Livia focused on how to reach and engage Chinese consumers. Her biggest piece of advice? "Think about your brand story, how you position daigous in your whole export journey, and give the daigous information and collateral that will help them run their business effectively."
Watch highlights from the event here:
Jerry Clode is Director of SMART@Resonance, a social media and strategy company based in Shanghai working with some of the world's top luxury and lifestyle brands. Jerry zeroed in on how companies can build a strong brand story in China at last week's forum: "The most important thing about building a brand story is that it's truly differentiated from others. Quite often brands are focused on the idea of pleasing their consumers but they need to do be doing that from their own unique starting point."
Daigou is just one part of the e-commerce system in China and shouldn't be used in isolation. Instead, New Zealand brands wanting to connect with consumers in China should take the lead in building strong brand stories in China. Finding reliable partners and establishing the supply chain are just the first steps; regulation compliance and smart marketing strategies are also needed.
New Zealand brands also need to ensure their IP rights are well secured, including a Chinese name to use in brand messaging. Also, think about the consumer –what are their needs, wants, desires, now and in the near future. Ask yourself, how can you satisfy these needs better than my competitors?
How ready are you for the China market?
Here are 20 things that ACCESS CN recommends you do to prepare:
- The China market - to go or not to go?
- Is your brand story related to Australia / New Zealand?
- Search your products on Baidu, Taoboa and Tmall. How many merchants are selling products like yours?
- Invite 10 Chinese daigou agents to trial your products and listen to the feedback.
- Choose 1-3 products / SKUs from your portfolio.
- Write down your points of difference compared to your competitors. Identify those items that are the most unique.
- Get legal advice about your products and IP protection.
- Understand how new policies could affect you.
- Consider the products' capacity and determine exactly how much you can sell.
- Consider the seasonal impact.
- Plan your marketing calendar. All cross-border activities require 3-6 months preparation, e.g. 11.11 registration starts six months early in May.
- Find potential distribution partners in Australia / New Zealand.
- Follow your successful competitors and find which merchants are currently selling their products in China. Those merchants are your potential partners.
- Go to a daigou storeand get an idea of the shipping costs related to your products, including packaging.
- Prepare 30 questions and answers for your products.
- Create 360 degree product views.
- Prepare the pricing structure.
- Write five sets of the WeChat moments assets (<100 words with nine pictures)
- Consider how you would distribute your content and use social media.
- In terms of the Baidu basic package, what is the result of your search in China?


text: Squishee® Mita II - Large tote of vented Squishee®- Magnetic snap closure- Calf leather shoulder straps- Detachable novelty Feather ornament dangles from strap- Dual Hanging patch pockets inside- Clip out zipper cosmetic/swimsuit case lined in vinyl- Protective bottom feet- Holds a laptop- Lightweight and durable- 16"L x 11"h x 8.5"w Handle drop: 9"Details + Man-made fabric with partial recycled plastic resembles genuine raffia straw. It will not crack or melt when wet and is more durable and lightweight than natural fiber straw. This product expresses love for the environment by reducing waste. The most sustainable products are those that we treasure forever $495.00 Availability: 48 In Stock Sku: 23192-RASBRY Raspberry - $495.00 USD Peanut Mix - $495.00 USD White Mix - $495.00 USD Add to Cart


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Recreational drug use is a reality in our city's nightlife and entertainment industries. And the Global Drug Survey wants to have a honest conversation about it.
For more than five years the Global Drug Survey (GDS) has been asking people to share their recreational drug habits by filling out a confidential and encrypted online survey. Because recreational drug use is illegal in many countries, it can be hard to get accurate and honest information on the issue. The survey is privately commissioned by a group of international experts in drugs, health and public policy – so you don't need to fear being contacted by the feds.
This year the GDS is asking questions like:
- Have you tested your pills?
- How much do you trust the police?
- How much do you trust your dealer?
- Would you pay more for fair trade cocaine?
- What's the deal with microdosing?
- Would you take a trip to heal your mind?
- Have you tried any edibles lately?
Since 2011 the GDS has received responses from more than half a million people, making it the largest drug survey in the world. By taking the survey you'll be helping to make recreational drug use safer and create policy that focuses on drug use as a health issue. The survey also unearths some very interesting factoids that make you sound really smart – for instance, the 2017 survey revealed that Australia is the third most-expensive country in which to purchase MDMA.
Ready to spill your guts? Head over to the Global Drug Survey website to make your submission.


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Contextual Design WorkshopHugh
Open workshop on Contextual Design - sign up now!
I'm back from Agile 2011. Another week spent in one of the most beautiful parts of America, with sunny days in the 70's—spent in windowless, air-conditioned rooms with a bunch of computer geeks. I wouldn't have had it any other way. The Agile conference continues to be one of the more exciting conferences around, and
Hugh will be presenting at the Agile conference again this year, talking about basic techniques for getting users involved in your Agile sprints. From the conference program: One of the difficult problems faced by an Agile team is that of getting reliable user input. Since Agile projects depend on minimal up-front planning and specification, user
Moving the industry to an effective integration of Agile development with UX and the larger product development practice is going to take a lot more education, promotion, and repetition of the basic message: giving the UX designers their rightful place at the Agile table.
Hugh provides the technical expertise to support InContext's design solutions. His extensive understanding of the unique and varied capabilities of a wide range of technical platforms enables InContext to design innovative solutions in virtually any development environment. He works closely with clients' engineering teams and developers to mesh often opposing points of view to build
Here's the story: I'm at a meeting hosted by another company. A bunch of us walk into their team room, talking, and I wander over to the table in the center of the room and touch the keyboard laying there. Then I start swearing. I swore because Apple did it again. The keyboard was one
"Agile is just a fad." Somebody said that to me the other day, and I'm sure you've heard the same if you're involved in Agile development at all. I had the usual half-defensive, half-annoyed reaction one has when on the receiving end of such a remark. But then I started to mull over the question.


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You are here
Load-separation curves for the contact of self-affine rough surfaces
Antonio Papangelo1, Norbert Hoffmann1,2, Michele Ciavarella3
1Technische Universität Hamburg, 2Imperial College London, 3Politecnico di Bari
There are two main approximate theories in the contact of rough solids: Greenwood-Williamson asperity theories (GW) and Persson theories. Neither of them has been fully assessed so far with respect to load-separation curves. Focusing on the most important case of low fractal dimension (Df = 2.2) with extensive numerical studies we find that: (i) Persson's theory describes well the regime of intermediate pressures/contact area, but requires significant corrective factors: the latter depends also on upper wavevector cutoff of the roughness; hence, (ii) Persson's theory does not predict the correct functional dependence on magnification; (iii) asperity theories in the discrete version even neglecting interaction effects are more appropriate in the range of relatively large separations, also to take into consideration of the large scatter in actual realization of the surface.
Load-separation curves for the contact of self-affine rough surfaces. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318793449_Load-separation_curves_for_the_contact_of_self-affine_rough_surfaces [accessed Aug 1, 2017].
- Antonio Papangelo's blog
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Windsor 'still has a laugh' as she battles Alzheimer's
London, Aug 13 (IANS) Actress Rita Simons says that her former "EastEnders" co-star Barbara Windsor is "having some really good days" while coping with her degenerative ailment.
"Just because she's got this terrible disease doesn't mean she's locked up in her flat all the time. She still has a laugh and having some really good days," Simons told mirror.co.uk.
She also praised Windsor's husband Scott Michael for taking care of her.
"She's got Scott who is amazing. That is commitment. Without Scott, Windsor would be lost. He's the most wonderful husband to her," added Simons.
Windsor was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2014 and has spent the last four years being treated for the condition. She has retired from charity work as well as acting as a result of the disease.


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Decades of experience makes all the difference!
Our production capabilities are founded on our decades of experience as an international mechanical engineering company. Our focus is fixed on the continuous development of individual production processes bolstered by the addition of the latest processing tools, such as CNC lathes.
Our modern inventory of equipment and high-performance production and assembly concepts enable us to assemble individual parts, component groups and complete machines. We are set apart by the cost-effectiveness of our work, even for custom-built equipment.
Our production capabilities are further enhanced by our highly specialized and reliable suppliers.
Made in Germany


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Total Excellence Centre have been in business since 1992. In that time they've established an enviable track record, providing solutions both nationally and internationally, for a diverse range of clients. We believe that's because they approach business with a different attitude to most. They tailor Training or Recruitment solutions that's perfectly suited to the client - the new website needed to reflect this and represent the unique nature of TEC.
An experienced business like Total Excellence Centre, who are very good and successful at what they do, understood they were behind the times in terms of Branding and Web Design. It was our challenge to inspire and educate Michelle and her team that a new approach was needed visually, to set them apart form competitors and break the 'standard' mould of Training Provider websites.
It's very easy for businesses to look at competitors and stay within a comfort zone, to not push boundaries and be safe. Total Excellence Centre were very receptive and the new brand now reflects exactly what they offer as a service and how good they are at doing it.
Total Excellence Centre are a local business to Manchester, based in Bolton. This meant that we could work closely together and communicate throughout the project. Michelle let MadeByShape take the lead on the project but provided opinions as and when needed. We are flexible with this approach and understand some clients would like to be involved more than others.


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Easton, PA 18042 Easton, PA 18042
In this Forklift role you will use a Combilift Forklift to ship and receive industrial pipes. Shipping includes loading flatbed trucks with product safely with the forklift. Receiving includes taking pipe off the flatbed truck and staging it for put away. Will also be responsible for picking/scanning/banding and material handling as needed.
Forklift Operator candidates must have forklift experience, Combilift experience is helpful. A high school diploma/GED and pre-employment drug screen are required. Our client's warehouse is NOT climate controlled so you must be comfortable working in both hot and cold environments.
In this forklift role you will be required to wear steel tip boots and a hard hat. Hours for this temp to hire position are 7a-330p. Pay is $16.00/hr. Qualified candidates can apply by emailing a resume to firstname.lastname@example.com or by texting Forklift to 610-253-9779.
752 Union Boulevard
Allentown, PA 18109
Phone: (610) 821-0220
101 Larry Holmes Drive, Suite 305
Easton, PA 18042
Phone: (610) 253-9779


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Archive for category Commentary
Planks and splinters
Posted by Dave Kirby in Challenge, Commentary on August 11, 2011
I got a question from someone who read one of my recent posts called "I'm going AWOL." I thought his question was a good one, it made me think a little and pray a lot about my answer. And I think it's an important enough issue to answer his question publicly and give all the readers of this blog a chance to be in on the conversation. (By the way, he actually agrees with me, so I'm not "calling him out" publicly or anything.)
Here's his question:
In the epistle to the Ephesians is written: "and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of the darkness, but rather reprove them." (Ephesians 5:11 KJV) That "reprove them" could mean that we as God's children are entitled and exhorted to confront the ungodly in his/her unrighteousness?
I gave him my short answer on the blog post, but here is the more complete answer. As always, I'd love to hear from anyone on your thoughts as well.
It's the sin, not the sinner
The first thing that strikes me about this scripture in Ephesians is that it refers to the "unfruitful works of darkness," not the "unfruitful workers of darkness." The focus is on the sinful acts, not those who commit them. It seems to me, our focus these days is more on the sinners around us than the grace of God that has freed us from the bondage to sin. This idea of "taking a stand for God" has consumed us, and has only served to erect a wall between God and those who need Him most.
It's me that has to change
The next thing about this scripture is that word "fellowship." My study shows it would probably be better translated as "participate in." This is an encouragement to believers not to participate in the works of darkness that are practiced by those in the world around them. "Don't live like them, don't behave like them. You have been redeemed by Christ, everything should have changed. Desires, focus, passions should be directed toward Christ and not pleasing yourself."
This is not a fight
Then there's that word "reprove." Again, I think a better translation would be "expose." I don't think this is an invitation to do what we've done many times. It's not permission for us to fight and picket and protest those with whom we disagree. It's not an encouragement for us to point our bony fingers of judgment at others. Rather, I think it is a challenge for us to live our lives in such a way that, by contrast, the works of darkness around us will be exposed for the evil they are. By doing so, we earn the right to speak into the lives of others. When we live lives ruled by love, not judgment, those around us become much more receptive to what we have to say.
The bottom line
Look, I know we are called to "come out from among them and do not touch the unclean thing." But that command has nothing to do with "them", it has everything to do with me. I do not have to shake my fist at the world. I just stop acting like them. I don't have to point out the sin in those around me, that's the Holy Spirit's job.
The weapons of our warfare are not of this earth. Our enemy is not of this earth. Our battle is not with the sinners, the gays, the atheists or anyone else. We belong to the Kingdom of Heaven. That's a Kingdom that has no end. And it's a Kingdom that aims to change me first. It's a Kingdom that requires me to lay down my life, my dreams, and my hopes before its King. It requires me to start with my own planks, not their splinters.
The path of love is a slower, more deliberate pace. It's a journey, not a sprint. It's a lifestyle, not a marketing ploy. It takes commitment, patience, and…well…love.
If it is a battle, and we're going to fight against the sin around us, I think love and mercy are much more effective weapons anyway.
Maybe that's why Jesus used them.
Death to Jesus
Posted by Dave Kirby in Challenge, Commentary on August 9, 2011
Jesus met a man on the Sabbath who needed healing. The Pharisees gathered around Him to see if He would dare violate their rules in order to have mercy on a poor, suffering soul. He looked with sadness at the hardness of their hearts, then healed the man. He dared.
"Then the Pharisees went out and immediately plotted with the Herodians against Him, how they might destroy Him." Mark 3:6
There are two institutions that are directly opposed to the work of Jesus and His kingdom: Religion and government. The kingdom of God is the most subversive movement in the history of mankind, because it stands as a threat to both.
Most of us know the Pharisees, the religious leaders of Jesus' day. These leaders were so immersed in their own religion, so intoxicated by their own power over others, that Jesus' work was viewed by them as a direct threat. Why? Because He operated outside of the neat little box in which they had placed God. THEY were the experts in who God was and how He worked. THEY were the voice of right and wrong, based on their own interpretation of the rules. Jesus didn't operate with deference to their authority. He healed on the Sabbath, spoke words of mercy to the sinners, and had the audacity to forgive sins.
Many of us may not know the Herodians. Little is know of this group, other than the fact that they were a religious sect and political party. It is thought that they used support of Herod as a means to usher in theocracy. Some scholars think they even presented Herod as the Messiah in order to establish his political power. Jesus' pure teaching about the Kingdom of God would have stood in direct opposition to their political aspirations.
The Kingdom, it turns out, is a threat to just about everyone.
Those who operate in the Kingdom seek humility and not power. Those who live in the kingdom serve the poor instead of sucking up to the rich. Those who live in the Kingdom experience the freedom of the Spirit instead of the rules of religion. Those whose hearts are consumed by Jesus seek His glory and not their own. The Sermon on the Mount is the most religiously and politically revolutionary teaching in history because it places the Kingdom of God directly in my heart, and outside the influence of religion or political authority.
Both religion and politics are threatened by Christ's teaching. But there is nothing more dangerous to the Kingdom than when the two combine together. There can only be one end to the mixing of politics and religion, and that is death to Jesus. Entanglement with religion, politics, or both simply chokes out the true work of Christ. And just like the Pharisees and Herodians, those who choose His Kingdom choose to operate outside the scope of either, and dissidents must be eliminated. In the early days of the church, these two groups joined forces to kill the followers of Jesus, just like they did Him. Jesus' warning, "They hated Me and they will hate you too" turned out to be deadly accurate.
And so it is today.
Those who choose not to submit to religion are deemed troublemakers. Those who choose to ignore the political climate of the day are labeled as liberals. Those who seek the Kingdom instead of earthly power or wealth are viewed as irresponsible.
The problem with the world today will not be fixed by more religion or more law. It won't be fixed by a political or Herodian messiah. And it certainly won't be fixed by a mixture of the two. The problems that surround us will only be repaired when those who follow Christ understand that the Kingdom He established transcends religion, government, and any other contrivance of man. His Kingdom on earth is not established at His return. It was established at His resurrection, then turned over to His body the church to fill the whole earth.
How could a Kingdom whose sole commandment was to love on another become so filled with condemnation and judgment? How could a Kingdom whose sole duty is care for the poor so abdicate our calling? It is because we have forsaken that Kingdom for our own.
Until His people abandon the ways of religion and government in favor of the personal, simple, revolutionary life of the Kingdom, we'll just see more of the same. And the church of Jesus Christ will continue its slide into irrelevance and contempt in the world around us.
I'm going AWOL
Posted by Dave Kirby in Challenge, Commentary on July 29, 2011
In case you hadn't heard, there is a culture war raging around us these days. Orthodox vs. Secular. Conservative vs. Progressive. Call it what you will, we see two distinct world views battling it out in the court of public opinion. And this culture war has tainted almost every area of our society: our news media, politics and, yes, Christianity.
There are certainly elements of the Christian world who feel it is their God-ordained duty to fight the culture war. They see America abandoning the "Christian values" they believe have guided our nation since its inception, and are committed to fighting to preserve those values. They organize and protest, criticize and argue with those whom they feel are leading the nation astray. I say these words with great care, because for most of my life I have belonged to this group.
On the other side of the table are Christians who equally love God, yet equally fight the culture war in a different way. They too have a list of morals and ideals they see as eroding, and they blame the "religious right" for leading America down a path of destruction. Again, I say this with caution and respect, because I have good friends who fall into this group.
Sure, my descriptions are over-simplified and excessively broad. But they are sufficient for me to make my point. Actually, it's more of a question (or series of questions.)
When did God ever call us to fight a culture war?
When did He ever ask us to defend Him to the world around us? When did God tell us to argue and protest and defend our position? When did He tell us to marginalize and demonize those with whom we disagree?
Even if we think they are ruining our culture and even if we are convinced the other side is destroying America, where did we ever get the idea that we were to engage in a culture war to defend our beliefs, morals, and traditions? Have we become so engulfed in politics that we cannot separate them from our faith in Christ?
And since when was Christianity ever intended to become a culture in the first place? It seems to me it happened about the same time the Roman Empire adopted Christianity as its official religion. Since that day Christianity has enjoyed a place of cultural and political power that has been relatively unchallenged. And even when questioned, it wielded enough influence to quickly eliminate its detractors. This marriage of politics and religion has been a long time in the making.
So here we are. The gospel of our Lord Jesus has been reduced to a series of rules and regulations. The good news of God's grace on sinful man has been tarnished by our lack of grace for one another. The One who spent His whole life on earth criticizing religion has become the foundation of yet another religion. We fight and argue, criticize and divide. And we do it all in the name of the One who said, "they will know you are my disciples by your love."
If there is any culture at all to Christianity, it is love.
If there is any moral ethic which we should strive to uphold, it is love. Mercy, grace, forgiveness…all can be summed up in that one word, love. Yet our culture war is the antithesis of love. It's hard to love someone when you are telling them they are ruining the world. It's hard to love someone when you constantly criticize their deeply held values. It's hard for them to feel loved when they are always wrong and you are always right.
What have we gained? Have we really changed anything? It seems to me all we have accomplished is driving a wedge between God and those we think need Him most. Most people probably wouldn't have a problem with Jesus if they didn't feel so beaten down by His followers.
So I quit. I'm going AWOL. I'm resigning my post in the culture war. I will no longer fight against flesh and blood, doing battle with those who are not my enemies. If there is warfare to be waged, I will fight it in prayer. And I will love those with whom I disagree. I will be merciful to those who I think have gone astray. I will leave the culture up to the one who transcends nationality, creed, culture and tradition.
He is big enough to defend Himself anyway.
My way or the highway
Posted by Dave Kirby in Challenge, Commentary on July 7, 2011
Have you ever noticed how the church talks about the concept of "absolute truth?" For the most part, we use that term as a weapon. We wield it like a giant spiritual baseball bat to bludgeon anyone who does not agree with us. If you think differently than what our doctrine clearly states, you are wrong. And we wast no time or effort in quickly convincing you of that fact.
The funny thing is, I always think of what I believe as absolute truth, not what you believe.
I never stop to consider that those who disagree with me feel as strongly about the "absoluteness" of their truth as I do of mine. So we let something that should unite us divide us instead. Instead of rallying around what should be obvious to all, we instead polarize, demonize, and politicize.
It seems we Christians love to look backwards. We look at the way things have always been done and elevate our traditions to the level of absolute. Then when anyone dares disagree with us, they become an enemy who must be silenced. Our truth is better than yours, so we protect ours by eliminating yours.
Why do we have to proclaim truth in such a negative way?
The good news seems more like bad news when it makes you right and me wrong all the time.
In John 14:6 Jesus proclaimed Himself to be the "…way, the TRUTH, and the life…" So, as His follower, my definition of truth must begin and end with Jesus. His words, His actions, His example gives me a road-map to follow in my pursuit of truth. If it looks and sounds like Jesus, then it is truth.
Jesus certainly didn't beat people over the head with doctrine or dogma. He didn't use the truth of who He was as a weapon against the infidels. The Pharisees did that. They were the ones excluding and judging, condemning and executing. They were the ones enforcing every letter of the law, while forgetting mercy. The Pharisee's concept of absolute truth said the woman caught in adultery should be stoned. But Jesus – the truth in human form – said, "neither do I condemn you."
So what am I saying? Am I saying we are wrong to believe in absolutes? Have I become some sort of relativist? Some postmodern who believes that all truths are equally valid? No, I believe in absolutes. I believe in the absolutes Jesus taught, and they are not that complicated:
I believe that love overcomes evil.
I believe that mercy triumphs over judgment.
I believe we will be judged by how we treat the poor, the oppressed, and the helpless.
I believe "love your neighbor" transcends race, creed, nationality, and bigotry.
I believe loving our enemies is better than hating them.
I believe in returning good for evil, love for hatred, mercy for wrongdoing.
I believe we are never so tall as when we stoop to embrace a leper.
Yes, I believe in absolute truth.
I believe we are all absolutely depraved, and that Jesus came to absolutely redeem all of us to Himself. And I absolutely don't get to decide what that looks like. He is the Redeemer, He gets to decide. He has redeemed even people I might not like, agree with, or understand. He is more than capable of revealing the truth of His love to the world He came to redeem. He doesn't need me to swing Him around like a blunt object used to beat sinners into submission.
Besides, love is a much more effective weapon anyway, and that's the truth.
I am a failure at Christianity
Posted by Dave Kirby in Commentary, Encouragement on June 30, 2011
I wrote a post a couple of weeks ago called "What if you feel like quitting?" I wrote it after I saw someone arrive at my blog after typing these words into a search engine: "what to do when you feel like turning away from Christianity?"
Well, the other night I noticed another search that resulted in a visit to this blog. This time the search was this: "I am a failure at Christianity."
The emotion and hopelessness of those words have haunted me for three days now. Someone, somewhere sat down at their computer in a moment of despair and typed those words, hoping to find some solace or comfort. I have tried to imagine what prompted their resignation. What failure or sin caused this sad admission? I have prayed for that person in the days following, and I feel like I must respond.
There are two emotions that hit me as I think about that sentence, "I am a failure at Christianity."
The first is compassion on the precious person who wrote it. I pray you will find hope and forgiveness. I hope you will find a way through Christ to get back up and keep going.
The second emotion I feel is anger. I am angry at a church culture that has made it possible for someone to feel like a failure at Christianity. I am angry that we have reduced the incredible grace of God, his undeserved favor, into a set of rules to keep and sins to avoid. I am angry that we have created an atmosphere where those who have trouble keeping our rules feel less than worthy of Christ and less than deserving of His grace.
You see, it's actually impossible to fail at Christianity. If it were possible to fail, that would mean we have something to do with our own redemption. If it were possible to fail, that would mean there is something more than the cross that is necessary for salvation. If it were possible to fail, that would mean my salvation has more to do with me than it does with God.
None of those things are true. We are saved by grace alone, through faith in Jesus Christ. We most definitely do not deserve it. God has acted completely out of His own love for us. He has offered us forgiveness completely apart from anything we can do to earn or deserve it. The Bible tells us in Romans 5 that Christ died for us "while we were yet sinners." That's the good news, plain and simple. And the love and grace that saved you once is the same love and grace that continues to save you every minute of every day.
The only way we could ever fail at Christianity would be to not accept it. It's a free gift, and the only way to fail with a gift is if we will not take it.
So to the person who wrote those words, I encourage you to believe. You are actually at the very place God wants you to be. We are all failures, and it's only when we are finally able to admit that fact that we are able to receive His mercy. When you confess your failure and cry out to God, that's when forgiveness starts to flow.
And to the rest of us, I encourage us to evaluate what we believe. Do we really believe in grace? Do we really believe salvation is a free gift from God, and that there is nothing we can do to earn it? I think many of us in the church see the sin and degradation around us and feel like we need to take a stand against it. But look at how Jesus treated sinners. It was always with love, mercy and compassion.
Unfortunately those things seem to be in short supply to far too many "sinners" today.
For further reading, check out this post as well: Being disillusioned is a good thing
Who is calling the shots?
Posted by Dave Kirby in Challenge, Commentary on June 28, 2011
There is a principle in the U.S. legal system called "precedent." It's a rule of law where a court defines a set of principles in deciding a case that can be referred to by other courts in deciding similar cases in the future. Its official name is the Latin phrase stare decisis et non quieta movere – "to stand by and adhere to decisions and not disturb what is settled."
I'm no lawyer, but it seems to me to be a bit of a legal shortcut. Jurists standing on the work of others instead of thinking things through for themselves. And I'm not the only one. Justice McHugh of the High Court of Australia once remarked about precedence, "That is the way of the common law, the judges preferring to go from case to case, like the ancient Mediterranean mariners, hugging the coast from point to point, and avoiding the dangers of the open sea of system or science."
My question is this: What if the precedent, the original decision, is wrong? What if subsequent courts are basing decisions based on erroneous reasoning? I wondering how many courts upheld the legality of slavery simply based on the principle of precedent?
I wonder also, how much of the faith we call Christianity is based on precedent? How much of what we practice has little or no basis in scripture, but instead in "how it's always been done?"
Christianity is not like the court system. Precedence doesn't exist. Just because something has been practiced for centuries doesn't make it right, permanent or holy. Just because you've been told something is a certain way for your whole life doesn't make it so.
The only precedent that is absolutely essential to the follower of Christ is Scripture. The Bible. The words of God's prophets. The doctrine of the Jesus and His Apostles. And that Scripture is clear: the Holy Spirit is able to lead YOU into all truth. You don't need centuries of popes and preachers telling you what the Bible says. You only need the Bible and a willingness to hear the voice of God for yourself. There is only one head of the church, and that is Jesus. He said, "My sheep hear MY voice, and they know me."
Let me be clear. I am not telling you that everything you have ever been taught is wrong. I am not telling you that all the doctrine of the church is wrong. Tradition and doctrine are an important part of our faith. But they are meant to guide us, not dominate us. They are meant to provide a blueprint, not a mandate. Doctrine is not the end, it's the means. All too often doctrine has been used as a club to beat people into submission or eliminate those who disagree.
Too many of us are like those ancient mariners, clinging to the coast, hopping from port to port, too afraid to launch out to the danger of the open sea. It has been easier to let others tell us what to believe than to search the scriptures for ourselves. It has been easier to allow traditions, rules and dogmas dominate us than to strike out into uncharted territory, following the words of Jesus as heard by our own ears and not by the ears of others. Religion doesn't like rebels. It prefers those who are willing to accept the box into which God has been neatly placed.
But the Bible is full of examples of men and women who broke with tradition to follow God: Abraham leaving his father's house, Gideon tearing down and burning his father's idols, the prophets who spoke against corruption in the house of God. All were called to abandon the safety of the status quo in favor of a new thing God wanted to do through them. There are many heroes of church history, like Martin Luther, Jan Hus and George Fox, who were willing to break off from the pack in favor of God's truth. Our Lord Himself is our greatest example of one who had the courage to stand against tradition when it was immoral, arrogant and destructive.
Do we have the fortitude to follow their example?
In these days, God is looking for a people who are willing to strike out with boldness for His kingdom. He is looking for those with the courage to reject the selfishness and materialism that has gripped so much of modern Christianity. He is looking for men and women who are willing to follow His lead and show mercy instead of judgment, love instead of hatred, grace instead of condemnation.
There's a vast ocean out there, but you have to be willing to leave the shore to explore it.
It's not about the dollar
Posted by Dave Kirby in Challenge, Commentary on June 16, 2011
I live in Nashville, TN. Over the last couple of years, I have noticed a new development. We have homeless people at many intersections selling a "homeless newspaper" called The Contributor. I don't know much about this newspaper, who puts it out, what the purpose is, or where the money goes. Frankly, I've never bothered to find out.
I must admit my reaction to these guys has been, "Well, they found a new way to panhandle." I have given them a dollar a couple of times, but most of the time I just look the other way or drive on by. Why? I ask myself, "How do I know where the money goes?" or "How do I know the guy isn't just going to buy booze or drugs with the money?" And I guess on the surface those are legitimate questions. I don't want to be guilty of blindly supporting something that is only enabling their dysfunction and addiction. I generally do want to give money to a place where I know it's going to be used wisely, and that's why I support my local rescue mission.
But I've been thinking and questioning my heart lately. It's only a dollar. I won't really miss it. And what if the money is going to something legit? What if the money is really helping to develop productive work in those who would otherwise be standing on a corner with a "will work for food" sign? What if it's really helping homeless people overcome their dysfunction and return to society? I wouldn't know because I've never bothered to ask. It's been easier to just look the other way and be safe in my assumptions.
You see, it's not really about that homeless guy selling The Contributor. It's not about the principle, and it's not even about the dollar. It's about me. It's about how easy it is for me to write something and someone off that I don't know anything about. It's about my safe zone. I'm willing to live with my preconceptions because they protect me from having to climb into the world of a homeless guy and find out what he and his newspaper are all about. It's easier to drive on by than to recognize that it's not just a homeless guy holding that newspaper, it's a human being. A human being Jesus died for.
Maybe I'm right. Maybe The Contributor is just another clever cover for panhandling in 2011. Maybe the guy is going to take my dollar and go buy something cheap and numbing. And maybe I've been hiding behind words like responsibility and accountability so I just don't have to get involved. Maybe this is what God told Israel in Zechariah 7,
Execute true justice, show mercy and compassion, everyone to his brother.
So I'm not going to stop making excuses. I'm going to give the guy a dollar any time I have one in my wallet, then I'm going to pray for that guy and trust that God will use my dollar to make an impact in his life. If I'm going to be wrong, I'm at least going to do it with my eyes and heart open, my head upright and not buried in the sand.
After all, maybe it's Jesus standing on that corner.