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Napster founder Sean Parker rocked the medical world last week when he pledged $250 million to fund a hand-picked cancer research team. The enormous donation puts Parker among other tech and Silicon Valley billionaires who are using their wealth to help cure the social and public health ills plaguing society.
The initiative is unique in that it's more than a donation for a good cause — it's an ethos. Through the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, the billionaire behind the file-sharing application Napster who went on to become Facebook's first president is aiming to "hack" cancer by emphasizing creativity as the key to finding a cure.
Parker's generosity is inspired by the 2011 death of his best friend and Hollywood producer Laura Ziskin, but it also follows a larger philanthropic trend of dominant industries grappling with finding solutions to major issues. Throughout history, industry titans have donated large gifts to schools, libraries, and churches. In the 21st century, it's Silicon Valley's turn.
"It's not surprising in this day and age of open source information and global connectivity that public health and specific diseases would be of interest to a generation of philanthropists who made their fortunes in problem solving," said Kelly O'Brien, Vice President of Development at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle.
Disrupting the status quo is what Silicon Valley excels at. But is scientists' lack of innovation the real reason why cancer mortality rate has been hovering around 60 percent worldwide for decades?
"Sean Parker's 'let's hack cancer' approach is very characteristic of Silicon Valley philanthropy, focusing very minutely — sometimes to the point of micro managing — on specific solutions," said Nancy Berlinger, a bioethics researcher at the Hastings Institute in Garrison, New York. "He's proposing a more expeditious model where scientists agree to collaborate instead of working in silos."
The approach assumes that scientists don't currently talk to one another, or at least don't openly share breakthroughs and tactics. Parker's new institute joins 40 labs and 300 researchers with the expressed task of finding a treatment that will cure nearly all cancer types. But Berlinger wonders whether Parker's approach is actually the right way to solve the broader issues that affect cancer mortality. "Understanding the science and biology of cancer cells isn't the same as developing a therapy," she said. "Problems of human health and human suffering are interwoven with other problems in society."
Poverty, hunger, health care access, mass immigration, and government structures, for example, all contribute to an individual's chances of surviving a chronic or life-threatening illness.
Child poverty in the United States is a growing problem: 60 percent are in households at or near the federal poverty level — less than $95,000 a year for a family of four. That means any public health solution has to take economics into account.
When it comes to solving major health crises such as cancer, money is both a savior and formidable antagonist.
On one hand, government investment in scientific work has been lagging, and researchers are struggling to get their projects funded.
"The more time a researcher is spending writing grants, trying to raise money from individuals, is time they're spending away outside their lab," O'Brien said. "The biggest barrier researchers face is funding. Until [President Barack Obama's] recent announcement of the moonshot, federal funding — while very significant — doesn't keep pace with inflation. All of the institutions that receive research dollars are really required to augment that with philanthropy and industry support."
On the other hand, personally motivated initiatives like Parker's always bring criticism of donors having too much influence over issues that ostensibly affect millions of people.
But O'Brien believes that, while caution and skepticism is healthy, there haven't been any examples to cause worry. "There's a rightful concern of influence, or lack of diversity in approaches. On the flip side, I don't think we really have examples of where that's been the case," she said. "The realities of the dangers of having a chronic disease, the stress on employment and families, the financial toxicity of disease. The good outweighs the risk. These problems are so large: More people will die from cancer in Africa than a number of diseases combined."
That problem is compounded by a disparity in care, where the amount and quality of information patients get and the tools health care providers can access differs depending on how well-funded they are. "The more research, the faster it translates into treatments, the faster it cascades out to the community. Dollars are what help drive that process," O'Brien said.
Even with mega-gifts like Parker's and successful foundations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, hundreds of millions of dollars doesn't go as far as you would think.
"When gifts of this size are announced, of the total given away philanthropically in the United States — $350 billion — the total amount that goes to health, medicine, and disease related research is about 8 percent," O'Brien said. "That is below what the impact of those issues are on our day-to-day lives…It lags behind."
Hopefully, Parker's institute will pull double duty, finding new immunotherapy treatments and also inspire others to champion a health cause, no matter how big or small the gift.


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You Are All Suspect: What Are You Going to Do?
What are you going to do about it?
The prognosis is clear now: the malignancy that Norman Mailer called "pre fascist" has metastasized. The US Attorney General, Eric Holder, defends the "right" of his government to assassinate American citizens. Israel, the protégé, is allowed to aim its nukes at nukeless Iran. In this looking glass world, the lying is panoramic. The massacre of 17 Afghan civilians on 11 March, including at least nine children and four women, is attributed to a "rogue" American soldier. The "authenticity" of this was vouched by President Obama himself, who had "seen a video" and regarded it as "conclusive proof." An independent Afghan parliamentary investigation produced eyewitnesses who give detailed evidence of as many as 20 soldiers, aided by a helicopter, ravaging their villages, killing and raping: a standard, if marginally more murderous, US Special Forces "night raid."
Take away the videogame technology of killing - America's contribution to modernity - and the behavior is traditional. Immersed in comic-book righteousness, poorly or brutally trained, frequently racist, obese and led by a corrupt officer class, American forces transfer the homicide of home to faraway places whose impoverished struggles they cannot comprehend. A nation founded on the genocide of the native population never quite kicks the habit. Vietnam was "Indian country" and its "slits" and "gooks" were to be "blown away.
The blowing away of hundreds of mostly women and children in the Vietnamese village of My Lai in 1968 was also a "rogue" incident and, profanely, an "American tragedy" (the cover headline of Newsweek). Only one of 26 men prosecuted was convicted and he was let go by President Richard Nixon. My Lai is in Quang Ngai Province where, as I learned as a reporter, an estimated 50,000 people were killed by American troops, mostly in what they called "free fire zones." This was the model of modern warfare: industrial murder.
Like Iraq and Libya, Afghanistan is a theme park for the beneficiaries of America's new permanent war: NATO, the armaments and high-tech companies, the media and a "security" industry whose lucrative contamination is a contagion on everyday life. The conquest or "pacification" of territory is unimportant. What matters is the pacification of you, the cultivation of your indifference.
What are you going to do about it?
The descent into totalitarianism has landmarks. Any day now, the Supreme Court in London will decide whether WikiLeaks' editor, Julian Assange, is to be extradited to Sweden. Should this final appeal fail, the facilitator of truth-telling on an epic scale, who is charged with no crime, faces solitary confinement and interrogation on ludicrous sex allegations. Thanks to a secret deal between the US and Sweden, he can be "rendered" to the American gulag at any time. In his own country, Australia, Prime Minister Julia Gillard has conspired with those in Washington she calls her "true mates" to ensure her innocent fellow citizen is fitted for his orange jump suit just in case he should make it home. In February, her government wrote a "WikiLeaks Amendment" to the extradition treaty between Australia and the US that makes it easier for her "mates" to get their hands on him. She has even given them the power of approval over Freedom of Information searches - so that the world outside can be lied to, as is customary.
What are you going to do about it?

subset: commoncrawl


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It is my thesis that the nouveau ultra riche in America are a source of ongoing innovation. They reinvest in the technology that made them rich.
Since I didn't know the origins of many men who made their fortunes during the Civil War, I was happy to read a recent book by Jeffry Wert on the subject.
Special thanks to Ed Squibb who purified chloroform and ether that was heavily used in the War and the purifying techniques that built his long lived company.
Same with Gail Borden who gave us condensed milk in a durable metal can and a company that lasted into our lifetime. The War soldiers thank him too. They also thank Philip Armour for similar work in pork and other meat.
John Deere vastly increased agricultural output with his special plow and all the innovations he added to it. This was concurrent with Cyrus McCormick.
The vast growth of shipping both by water and rail gave us Andrew Carnegie, Cornelius Vanderbilt, Collis Huntington and his partners Leland Stanford and Mark Hopkins (and Charles Crocker).
This is also the source of the great Weyerhaeuser lumber fortune. I gave a talk to the 110 descendents of this wealth back in the 1970's.
In each case, the innovations that these men created for the Northern Army as their powerful client generated the bases for many fortunes and a number of corporations that survived a century.
There were more and many were successful innovators whose names did not survive as corporate names. Wert covers them well.


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Drought - long-term lack of sufficient rainfall. It has no specific start, it slowly evolves and that is why there is not much to personally do for preparation. But, communities and state governments can and should prepare by putting water usage guidelines in place and enforcing water restrictions during stretches of low rainfall.
On a personal level, the general conservation of water use is the best thing to do. Plan drought tolerant landscaping, take shorter showers, fill the dishwasher and clothes washer completely before running, water yards minimally and at the most efficient times of day, wash your car efficiently.
Heat Wave
A heat wave is just an extended period of exceptionally high temperature for a location. It's a simple thing and easy to ignore, not like a tornado or flood. That is why so many people are caught unprepared when a heat wave creeps up on them. About 175 people die from summer heat each year in the USA. In 1980's big U.S. heat wave, over 1200 people died. In 1995, Chicago lost 739 people in just a few days. In 2003, Europe's heat wave killed over 35,000 people. Annually in the U.S., heat kills more people than floods, earthquakes, lightning, tornados, and hurricanes combined.
Extreme heat poses a risk in many different ways. High heat coupled with high humitidy causes the human body to overheat since its natural evaporation of water through sweating is slowed down. High heat in a dry climate is much more tolerable because sweat evaporation helps cool the body. Other environmental conditions such as stagnant air, smog, and general poor air quality further increase the risk of a heat-related illness. Personal conditions such as your body structure, physical shape, age, ancestory, and normal environment determine your risk of being effected by high temperatures - someone from Houston can handle higher temperature and humidity than someone from Calgary for example.
Cities are the worst place to be during a heat wave. Reasons for higher risk from heat are:
Heat disasters will most likely become more and more common over time as the average temperature around the world rises. In the past 25 years, that average temperature has risen 1 degree Fahrenheit. Expanding cities, expanding populations, reduction of green cover all are contributing to the increased risk and we will see more heat related deaths in the coming years.
Heat Illnesses
As your body succumbs to the heat hazard, and your body temperature rises, the following symptoms will occur:
People that are in poor physical shape, the elderly, small children, or are not used to hot environments are most susceptible to heat-related illness. You should evaluate your risks and prepare accordingly. The early signs of heat exhaustion will continue to progress to heat stroke if the victim does not recognize the problem and get treatment. Treatment may be simply retiring to a cool place, resting, and drinking water but that simple treatment is crucial.
Before a Heat Wave
The most important planning step to take is to recognize the truth that high temperature events will occur and they are dangerous. You don't need a survival kit or special plans, but there are some preparations you can make to help minimize your exposure.
During a Heat Wave
It should be obvious that the most important thing to do is stay cool. And, that's not in the 'cool dude' meaning. That's literally keep your body temperature down by:
A good trick to help keep your house cool during a heat wave is to cut pieces of cardboard the size of each window. Wrap the cardboard in aluminum foil and then set it in place against the window. This will reflect heat back outside the house and is a cheap bit of help.
Hot Cars on Hot Days
If you have ever left a person or a pet in a car, you should read this.
General Motors of Canada funded a study and determined that a car parked in the sun on a 95F degree day would have an inside temperature of over 120F within 20 minutes. And, in 40 minutes it would be over 150F. This was a small car that had the air conditioning going before stopping.
Heatstroke occurs when a person's core temperature reaches 105F. The smaller the person, the more quickly the heat can raise their temperature, causing death. That means leaving your child in a carseat for even less than 20 minutes may kill the child - even if it is only 5 or 10 minutes, heatstroke is a possibility.
Don't fool yourself into thinking that there will be no problem on cooler days. Cars are insulated ovens and even on moderately warm days can have an inside temperature 50 degrees or more higher than the outside in just a half hour.
Don't fool yourself into thinking that leaving the windows opened an inch will help. Studies have shown that the temperature still soars and reaches deadly levels at nearly the same rate.
An average of 30 children a year die in the U.S. trapped in their carseats sitting and waiting for mom or dad. That has to be one of the saddest statistics ever. Love your kid enough to bring him with you from the car or leave another adult with him. And, love your pet enough to leave it home if you can't leave someone with it in the car.


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Jeff McAndrew: Is the joke supposed to be that the kid doesn't know how to use the vacuum? Or are those feathers on the ground? Did he just run over a bird and the cat wants it? I really have no idea.
July 27, 2007
Blow, Cat, Blow
7 Comments »
The cat is on the power cord; apparently it is electricity the boy doesn't understand. Other than that, I'm stumped.
Comment by Steve — July 27, 2007 @ 11:02 am
The kid and the cat seem to be combining their limited understanding of household appliances to clean up a mess on which they may or may not have collaborated. They are also communicating telepathically, evidently. When did Kit 'n' Carlyle turn into Marvin? And why, when it sucked enough to begin with?
Comment by Mollie — July 27, 2007 @ 1:33 pm
Children can concoct some strange notions of how common things work – especially if something really abstract (like electricity) is involved. He made a mess, he needs to clean it up, vacuum cleaner cleans it up, vacuum cleaner works by blowing air around, cat can blow air, stick hose into cat and tell it to blow – makes sense if you're 4.
Comment by ctdonath — July 27, 2007 @ 6:47 pm
Where this breaks down is the kid thinking that blowing into the cord will make the vacuum cleaner suck stuff up. Would have made slightly more sense if it had been an electric fan…maybe.
ON the other hand, if he's seen his mother use it, he must have seen her plug it into the wall outlet…
Comment by Jim Moore — July 27, 2007 @ 8:13 pm
Wouldn't it have made more sense if the boy thought, "Maybe you're not sucking enough" to the pussycat? A friend of mine had a young son who thought that vacuum cleaners worked because an outlet provided suction through the electrical cord.
Now that I think about it, if the boy told a pussy to suck, this comic would find its way to the Arlo page.
Comment by craigharris.com — July 28, 2007 @ 9:03 pm
Asking my 10 year old nephew, he mentioned something new for this discussion.
(to rephrase) You and I know that a vacuum "sucks", but visually what happens is that the bag gets puffed up and the floor gets clean. For a balloon to get puffed, you blow into it. Here the vacuum bag is not getting puffed, so the cat must not be blowing enough.
Makes sense to me.
Comment by Rammy M — July 29, 2007 @ 10:27 am
There is no one, anywhere on earth who has ever, even once, gotten a cat to come that close to doing what a human wants it to do.
Comment by Molly — July 29, 2007 @ 4:54 pm
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Orca Women's Alpha Wetsuit
One, Ein, Un, Ichiban - which ever language you speak, the Orca Alpha is simply number one. The new generation Orca Alpha offers a wetsuit swim like you've never experienced before. The Alpha's design has been refined and re-engineered in conjunction with the world's best triathletes, including double Ironman champion Craig Alexander and ITU world champion Emma Moffatt, to provide even greater levels of performance.
Having introduced the open water swimming world to the superior buoyancy of Aerodome, Orca has once again raised the bar with the new Exo-Cell Buoyancy System. Exo-Cell is an innovative new material that is more than 25% more buoyant then Aerodome - it is used in a system of key areas on the rear area of the wetsuit to help optimize the swimming position, without affecting stroke and kick power.
The Alpha retains the FreeStroke 3 system of Nano SCS-coated 1.5-2mm #40 Cell panels through the arm, shoulder, chest and back areas. These lightweight panels are ergonomically crafted to provide unrestricted range of motion - so much so many people say it doesn't even feel like they're wearing a wetsuit. By combining the swim position achieved by the Exo-Cell Buoyancy System with the unparalleled flexibility of the FreeStroke 3 System, the Alpha is the ideal wetsuit for those looking for a swim advantage without compromise.
Other new features for the Alpha include the comfortable low profile neck seal, designed to sit flat against the neck, limiting water entry and reducing the incidence of chafing. The molded neoprene Aquatread forearm panel has been enhanced to provide increased stroke power in the catch phase, whilst remaining easy to remove during transition. The high stretch nylon 4 Way Free Stretch inner lining is mated to the FreeStroke 3 System panels to allow dynamic movement, while the Exo-Cell panels are lined with a smoothskin neoprene for comfort and water resistance.
- Yamamoto # 40 cell neoprene provides maximum wetsuit stretch and comfort
- Unique shoulder and arm panels provide Orca's lightest, most flexible wetsuit ever
- Innovative new Exo-Cell buoyancy system sets new benchmark for wetsuit buoyancy
- Preferred choice of the world's fastest open water swimmers


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Rajveer Basra
Rajveer is a Solicitor who works in the Employment team.
She advises employers, senior executives,…View Profile View all
The Court of Appeal upheld an Employment Tribunal's decision in City of York Council v Grosset where an employer dismissed a disabled employee for misconduct caused by his or her disability. The dismissal can amount to unfavourable treatment because of something arising in consequence of disability (under Section 15 of the Equality Act 2010) even if the employer was not aware that the disability caused the misconduct.
The Claimant, a senior teacher, suffered from cystic fibrosis which is classed as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. The Claimant was employed in one of the Council's schools and reasonable adjustments had been agreed, however these were not recorded properly. Following the appointment of a new head teacher the Claimant's workload increased.
The Claimant became very stressed because of the increased work load. During this period, he showed an 18-rated film to a class of 15 and 16 years olds without the school's approval or permission from parents. As a result, the Claimant was summarily dismissed for gross misconduct.
During the disciplinary proceedings, the Claimant accepted showing the film was inappropriate. He claimed this had happened due to the high level of stress he was under at the time; as a result of his disability. The School did not accept the Claimant's explanation and the Claimant's appeal against his dismissal was not upheld.
In the Employment Tribunal, the Claimant's claim for unfair dismissal was unsuccessful, however the Tribunal upheld the Claimant's discrimination arising from disability claim under Section 15 of the Equality Act. The Employment Appeal Tribunal ("EAT") did not change the Tribunal's findings.
The Council appealed further to the Court of Appeal. Section 15 of the Equality Act provides that discrimination arising from disability occurs if:
Section 15 does not apply when an employer did not know, and could not reasonably have been expected to know that B had a disability.
The Court of Appeal held it did not matter that the Respondent did not appreciate the Claimant's behaviour in showing the film was caused by stress arising from disability. This was an objective assessment for the Tribunal to make. The Tribunal had found the Claimant's dismissal was due to him having showed pupils an inappropriate film as a result of the exceptionally high stress he had been subject to, which arose from the effect of his disability.
As the Respondent had not implemented the reasonable adjustments they could not objectively justify the unfavourable treatment. As a result, the tribunal was entitled to take the view that the incident would not have occurred if reasonable adjustments had been made; as the Claimant would not have been subjected to the same level of stress.
Employers should bear in mind that if they do not know and cannot reasonably be expected to know that the Claimant suffers from a disability, then they have a defence. Despite this, employers should be careful. If there is concern that an employee may be disabled, the employer should look into this further before deciding to take any action, such as in this case. If an employer is aware that an employee has a disability, then they need to look into matters much more carefully before deciding to take action such as the above. It would be sensible for an employer to obtain medical evidence before deciding to take any action against the employee and also consider whether any reasonable adjustments may result in any improvements.
If you are having a similar issue and would like some advice, our Employment team would love to talk to you. Please call them on 0113 849 4000 or email email@example.com.


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Director of Marketing and Communication, Blue Lagoon
Margret Stefansdottir is the director of marketing and communication at Blue Lagoon Iceland. Before she started working for Blue Lagoon she was head of communication at Siminn, one of the largest telecommunication companies in Iceland. In the past she also worked as a television journalist and a morning show host for the Icelandic Channel 2. Margret is a mother of three girls and her bachelor degree is in education from the University of Iceland; she also studied journalism.


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When I was young and single, my roommate made some sourdough starter. When I got married and moved out, I took some of her starter with me. I had it for a couple of years but then we moved from Washington, DC to New York.
I lost the starter in the move.
No fear, though, because my brother had some, and he gave it to me. It had been given to him by a friend who turned out to be headline-worthy batshit crazy*, and that's a long story unto itself, and one that I can't talk about but hopefully he will put it in the comments somewhere.
When we moved to New Hampshire, I lost the starter in the move. That's probably a good thing, because I'd always feel a little off about using sourdough starter that once belonged to a headline-worthy, made-for-tv-movie-worthy convicted murderer.
No fear, though, because in New Hampshire, a friend gave me some sourdough starter.
Then we moved to Japan and I could not take it with me.
In Tokyo, a couple of friends who were bakers gave me a start of sourdough. I did not lose it in the move, but in the pregnancy, when I could not even think about looking at it.
I've lived in Dallas for over a decade. I've tried to start my own sourdough several times, but instead of a bubbly sponge, I get a putrid mess, and flies, or just a whole lot of nothing.
This morning, a new friend stopped by with a jar of her sourdough starter.
This is a huge deal to me.
Thank you.
*Not in the legitimate mental illness way but in the criminal way.
I took my older kid to see Deadpool today. She's not seventeen, but a couple of good friends whose judgement I trust saw it and said she would love it as long as I made her cover her eyes for the sexy bits.
Per our agreement, during the sexy scenes, she covered her eyes and then we had to talk about it — the settings, actions, and morals thereof which is more embarrassing for me than it is for her. Turns out, her friends had also seen the movie and she had some specific questions, which I answered honestly: "OMG no, no and no."
This article from today's New York Times about dreams of the dying, as well other pieces both in the Times and other media outlets, seems to be signaling the beginning of a discussion we all need to have with each other, and with ourselves, about dying.
It's not something to be afraid of. Or, rather, it should not be.
I took a quick trip back East last week, to visit one of my brothers. My visit was longer than anticipated because of a massive storm that blanketed the entire Eastern seaboard. On my eventual flight home, I wound up sitting next to a woman in a face mask. No, not the Mexican wrestler kind (although that would have been fun) and not a religious face covering either. Just the kind you get at the drugstore, to keep you from breathing in germs.
My doctor had suggested that I wear one, and I bought some, when I was going through everything, because cancer treatment annihilates your body's ability to fight off germs — your bone marrow, which creates among other things, white blood cells and other antibodies, is composed of rapidly dividing cells, the kind that are targeted by chemotherapy, so colds and things are a bigger deal for us. I vaguely remember wearing a mask but I was not as diligent about it as the woman next to me. It made me feel bad about the way I looked, which, in retrospect, is a funny point of view from someone with no hair and no eyelashes or eyebrows and flesh the color of death.
My seat mate had all of her hair. She looked normal except for that certain unholy pallor that I recognized all too well. You would never guess that she had cancer, unless you had been there. Because I have learned, over the years, not to be a complete jerk, I didn't pipe up with, "Tell me about your cancer," but instead I smiled and we talked about the weather, and of course she told me all about her cancer.
There's cancer, and then there's cancer, and this woman had a rare blood disease that wasn't easily treatable. She's been following her doctor around the country for a decade, first at NIH, now at Sloan-Kettering while he does one experimental treatment after another on her, funded by research grant money, keeping her alive and using what he has learned from her to figure out how to keep other patients alive.
"That's wonderful," I said. "You know, these studies make a huge difference." I told her about the study that I was recruited for, but wound up being ineligible for since my cancer was too advanced. My doctor told me that they'd had to discontinue it because the experimental treatment was making patients too sick. I told her about the study, finished just a few months before my diagnosis, in which my own doctor figured out how to cure cancer like mine that, until his research, had been considered terminal. Evidence-based medical research is why cancer survival rates within the past decade have skyrocketed, and why we're starting to talk about cancer as a chronic illness rather than a mortal one.
Then she pulled out her dinner, with profuse apology. She had picked up Chinese food at the counter by the gate, and brought it with her. She knew, as well as I do, how people feel about food with strong flavors on an airplane.
"Don't worry about it. You've got to eat, and if that is what works for you, then go for it." I said it, and what's more, I meant it.
Mostly, I was curious to see how she would eat with a mask on, but she took the mask off to eat and then replaced it. I guess after a decade, she knows how to handle it.
Over the years, I've heard and read many people say things like, "Cancer doesn't define my life," and "I'm just a regular person, but with an illness that happens to be cancer."
When I was going through treatment and recovery, I couldn't do or be that, or even think or say it. I still can't.
Everyone is different.
This woman was really lovely. I don't think her illness affected it one way or another. If I hadn't been down my own road, I would not have even known about hers, and I might have silently judged her for the Chinese food.
Everyone is doing the best they can at any given time.
You know when you make the tech start crying and run from the room in tears that your cancer is bad.
That's how I knew it at any rate. The radiology tech was running an ultrasound wand over my collarbone and neck and she gasped.
Up until then, she and I had been chatting, about our children (adorable), about Texas, (hot, but friendly), about whether MD Anderson would be able to cure my cancer (absolutely!) when she saw something.
She tried to cover it, but she couldn't, and I pretended that I didn't know. She finished her scan without saying a word and ran out of the exam room, almost hiding from me that she was about to burst into tears.
It's gotta be rough, that job. The young woman obviously liked me. We had a lot in common. It's not often that I meet an insta-friend, but this woman was certainly on that exclusive list, and then she found something that she knew, even though she was a technician and not a radiologist, was very, very bad.
As it turns out, the story has a happy ending. The radiologist who came in to explain to me that my cancer had spread to the fixed lymph nodes above my collarbone told me that I would be okay, that they could treat it with radiation at MD Anderson, but not necessarily anywhere else, and he was right.
Eight years later, I want to go back to that woman, meet up with her for a sandwich, and tell her that I'm okay, but I bet she checked up my medical file. I bet she was one of the many, many people who added their prayers to the miracle that is me. I bet she knows.
The fact that she was wearing a hijab is in no way relevant.
Guys, this isn't the post I intended to write this week.
Last week, I had a quick errand. It was to the Container Store, to buy a belt-hanger for my closet if you must know. And yes, I went in, bought the one thing, and got out of there.
That's not the point.
The point is that the errand was quick. I didn't want it to fill my day, or even my morning.
I drove there, parked my car in the parking lot, locked the car, and started walking toward the store. I was in the middle of fumbling with my purse to put my car keys in my purse — it's one of those purses with fiddly toggle-closure pockets on the outside for my phone and lipstick. I was walking, fiddling with the key pocket, when I stopped.
No. Not like that.
I paused.
I thought about what I was doing, looked at the keys in my hand, looked at my purse, undid the toggle, put my keys in my purse, and redid the toggle. It took five seconds.
I went into the store, went straight to what I was looking for, bought it, walked out, went straight to my car without having to search the parking lot for it, and unlocked it without searching for my keys in my purse.
30 minutes, there and back, including drive time. Not the whole morning.
I made space to do what I really meant to do, which was to clean up the shelf in my closet where all the purses I have ever owned were cram-jammed on top of each other, clean the trash out of each and every purse that I do use, get rid of the ones I never use, and make it so that I can change from one purse to another depending on my mood and what shoes I'm wearing.
I'm not the lady with 100 purses; I have seven or eight that I really like including a few fun bags a friend gave me a while ago when she knew I was in desperate need of a pick-me-up. Being able to swap them out easily is a small thing, but it's also a big thing.
I also found out what happened to all my lipsticks.


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The Hotel Tintoretto is located on a typical Venetian square on Strada Nuova, behind the Santa Fosca Church, easily accessible, only about ten minutes walk, to the train stations of Santa Lucia and Rialto.
From Rialto, where you can view the famous bridge and market, walk a few minutes along the Mercerie, through the boutiques and stores, to San Marco Square and discover the splendor of its basilica and Doges Palace, former seat of the government of the Republic of Venice.
The Hotel Tintoretto is near the Venice Casino and just a few vaporetto stops along the Grand Canal from the bus terminal at Piazzale Roma to see the Lido di Venezia, home to the prestigious Venice International Film Festival.
The Venice Ghetto is also near the hotel. The Ghetto is the oldest Jewish quarter in Europe – vibrant and unique – with its kosher restaurants and historic synagogue. One of the most interesting areas of Venice.
One of the truly uniquely Venetian districts, Cannaregio has beautiful and quiet corners mixed with vivacious tourist areas, where the soul of this great city is still in-tact. The Hotel Tintoretto is behind the 16th century Santa Fosca Church (restored in the 18th century) which is behind a monument to Paolo Sarpi, the 16th century Italian theologian and scientist.
The Ghetto, the bacari (Italian style pubs) and Mr. Rioba
The Cannaregio District has the most authentic Venetian atmosphere: Intersecting alleys, quaint stores and bacari (Italian style pubs) often frequented only by the Venetians. Among its charming hidden, patchwork corners rests the statue of Signor Rioba in dei Mori. Rubbing Signor Rioba's nose is said to bring good luck. At the bottom of the Mori you will find the house of Tintoretto, one of the greatest painters of the Italian Renaissance. o.
Less than 250 meters (a quarter mile) a walk along the Fondamenta degli Ormesini leads to the historic Jewish Ghetto, where a very different Venice can be found, in its tall houses with low ceilings, synagogue and excellent Jewish restaurants that serve kosher cuisine.
How to reach us
From the "Santa Lucia" train station, take vaporetto Line 1 to San Marcuola. After getting off, follow the directions for the street Strada Nuova, turn left and then right. Upon arriving at Strada Nuova, walk toward the Rialto Bridge for five minutes and you will find the Hotel Tintoretto on the left. If you prefer to walk, from the station turn immediately left and follow the directions for Lista di Spagna and then for Strada Nuova. You will find the Hotel Tintoretto on the left, after the third bridge, behind the Santa Focsa Church.
From the Venice International Airport, you can reach Piazzale Roma with the ACTV bus on Line 5, the Atvo shuttle (30 minutes) or by water taxi (40 minutes). From Piazzale Roma, take vaporetto Line 1 and get off at the San Marcuola stop for the street Strada Nuova. Turn right and continue 5 minutes. The hotel is on the left side of the street.
At the Mestre Venezia exit, follow the signs for Venice and park at Tronchetto Island or in one of the Piazzale Roma parking garages. Continue with vaporetto Line 1 (from Piazzale Roma) or Line 2 (Tronchetto) and follow the directions below, "BY TRAIN".
From the port, take the People Mover train directly to Piazzale Roma. Then follow the directions above, "BY CAR".


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I would be a very bad geek columnist if I didn't touch on this week's biggest and most shocking bit of news: Disney, purveyor of all things cute and cuddly, just purchased Marvel, the studio behind some of the most bad ass superheroes, as well as their comic books movies, video games and action figures).
Holy cannoli, Batman! (I can say that because Bats is a DC character, and hence immune to the whole deal.)
There's certainly been a big geek response on Twitter. Many fans are not happy about this particular arrangement. Disney has that family image that say, Wolverine fans aren't taking too kindly to.
In the immortal words of Douglas Adams (he of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy fame): "Don't panic." Disney is probably (well, hopefully) smart enough to know that mixing Mickey Mouse with Magneto is a bad idea. Just look at the way that Pixar operates largely independently, and produces consistently excellent films, many of which are bona-fide geek favorites. (Wall-E, anyone?)
If you need a salve, take heart — you can watch the first episode of the Spider Woman motion comic right on Marvel's site for free.
In funnier news, Urlesque's Kelly Reeves is actually calling for a daylong boycott of cat-related internet humor on September 9. If you can go 24 hours without a "LOLcat "or opening that new video that your mom thought was "hysterical," then you can show support for "A Day Without Cats on the Internet."
Lesbian stereotypes need not apply — this is not a call for cat-hate, merely an acknowledgment that kitties doing cutesy things online has just gotten out of hand. The poor dears need a break.
OK, so it may not be as important a cause as say, The Human Rights Campaign, but this is an event guaranteed not to depress you. Unless, of course, you can't make it through the day without a dose of feline humor. In that case, indulge.


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You can read the full interview I had last week with The Orange County Register, along with photos and a happy couple's story of how I introduced them. They are now on their third year of marriage and a second child on the way.
Read it all here: http://www.matchbyjulia.com/OCR/people-502948-know-someone.html
And don't forget to send your single friends to me, I have implemented a referral program as well as a FREE month for those who refer! Like us on Facebook and Twitter as well.


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First of all, let me just say that I started out the year doing A LOT of QR codes. I wanted my students to have fun using the iPads while getting used to scanning things. I didn't want to worry about downloading so many apps from the start.
Since I was new to third grade, I didn't really have all of the chapter books in my classroom library that my students wanted to read. I used GoogleDocs to create a form for my students to fill out about their favorite books. It's pretty easy to make one. You just need a google account (which I have through gmail), click on the drive tab which used to be the documents tab, click create, and then click on form.
Here's what my students filled out:
In the end, I got a spreadsheet that I could print and take with me to Half Price Books!
I have an iPad cart that I was provided to keep the iPads in order and charged. Of course it wasn't staying as organized as I would have liked, so I used this super cool app called skitch to put text and arrows easily over a picture I had alread taken on the iPad.
Seriously, this is a really neat app and the possibilities are endless!
- students could take pictures and then use Skitch to point out shapes they find in the real world
- they could point out landforms in a picture you send to their iPad
- they could take pictures of commas or another type of punctuation and point it out in the picture
We are studying place value in math, and I found a neat app that covers lots of math subjects called Splash Math. (I know that they also have it available in the app store for 1st and 2nd, so if you teach either of those grades, you should check it out.)
If students just press play, the app will take them through any math subject, but I created directions (with the help of taking screen shots and the app skitch) to create picture directions for them. If you would like to use them, feel free to download it below.


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Issue #1
The Project Superpowers heroes came from the past, now they have to prove their relevance in the modern world. A 21st Century threat is coming for us all. What dread secrets does The Death Defying Devil hold? The Lighthouse will rise and the Spirit of The American Flag will take on a new host. But will it be enough? Can superheroes still save the day?
Featuring an introductory story leading right into the all-new #1 next month, Project Superpowers #0 is action-packed and introductory priced. Includes bonus materials and 16 pages of original story."
Dark Horse Digital is proud to present Dynamite comics; two great publishers in one amazing store!
- Writer:
- Rob Williams
- Artist:
- Sergio Fernandez Davila
Next Issue
Issue #2


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Zen Meditation Class and Tour
9:00 - 10:30 (available)
10:40 - 12:10 (canceled)
On Nov. 4th, we have only one meditation class and tour at 9:00 - 10:30. No reservation is required. The donation is 2,000 yen/person.
Also, you can just join our meditation class (60 minutes and 1,000 yen/person).
Shunkoin Temple Today is a blog page of Shunkoin Temple. This page provides you Zen mindfulness schedule and the information about the temple guesthouse, Buddhist style wedding service,tea ceremony class,and Japanese style hospitality class (for corporations and business schools). All services are provided in English and Japanese. We promote the marriage equality in Japan. For detailed information visit http://www.shunkoin.com
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Temple Schedule of Nov. 4th
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Visit of the ruins of Pompeii, buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D. and brought back to light nearly intact. With this day tour from Naples, you'll also stop at a local manufacturer of cameos and corals, and enjoy a Panoramic Tour of the Amalfi Coast, to see the beautiful towns of Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi.
Excursion guaranteed every day, except January 1 and December 25.
Pick up and drop off at meeting points are a complimentary service, at the following times:
- Hotel Holiday Inn: 7:45 am
- Hotel Ramada: 7:55 am
- Hotel Terminus: 8:00 am
- Hotel Cavour: 8:05 am
- Hotel Jolly: 8:20 am
- Hotel Royal: 8:30 am
- Hotel Santa Lucia: 8:30 am
- Hotel Vesuvio: 8:30 am
- Hotel Excelsior: 8:30 am
- Molo Beverello: 8:45 am
Upon request: pick up/drop off in other hotels not mentioned.
> Schedule might change because of traffic or meteorological conditions.
> Duration 8 hours.
> Languages: English and Italian
> Tour price includes: bus transportation, guide (or audio guide), and lunch (drinks excluded).
> FREE for children up to 3 years of age.
Pompeii & Amalfi Panoramic Drive
Visit of the ruins of Pompeii, buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D. and brought back to light nearly intact. This day tour from Naples will show you something about the lifestyle of the ancient inhabitants of the town, and you'll be amazed by the number of well-preserved villas, shops and public buildings that archaeologists have brought back to light. Also, you will stop at a local manufacturer of cameos and corals, an ancient craft tradition of this area. After lunch you will continue with the driver (without guide) for a Panoramic Tour of the Amalfi Coast, to see the beautiful towns of Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi.
Booking Conditions & Cancellation Policy
Please Note:
During the tour we recommend to always follow your guide, especially in crowded places and to follow his/her instructions. It is essential to notify the guide if you do not wish to continue the tour until you return to the hotel in order to avoid the rest of the group travelling with you to be waiting unnecessarily. The company is not responsible for participants or objects getting lost during the excursion.
Cancellation Policy:
- Once a confirmation code has been assigned to the reservation, total cost of unused tickets will be refunded in case of cancellation at least 2 business days before the departure.
- No refund will be issued for cancellations occurring less than 2 business days before the departure and for no shows.
Booking Conditions:
- The tour company reserves the right to modify schedules and itineraries for circumstances beyond its control and without notice.
- The tour company also reserves the right to cancel the tour in case of force majeure, in which case a full refund will be issued.
- The tour company will not answer for delays, strikes, traffic, irregularities or damages caused by a third party or by circumstances beyond its control.
- The tour company is not responsible for the costs of entry to the sites or the tickets of the hydrofoils.
- The company is not responsible for participants or objects getting lost during the excursion.
- Clients must notify the organization of any complaint regarding the tour or services, as well as with any complaint regarding the organization itself or its failure to provide any aspect included in the tour/service description in writing and within 7 days from tour/service.
Before You Book
PLEASE NOTE: Immediately after submitting an order, you will receive two emails. The first email contains your order summary (this one you receive immediately after placing your order), the second email confirms your successful payment (one business day after placing the order). In order to receive these two emails, please make sure that you enter your email address correctly and check that antispam or antivirus filters do not block emails from our [email protected] address. Users of AOL, Comcast and Sbcglobal.net need to pay special attention to this, please. Vouchers will also be available, one business day after the request, at your dashboard.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The time you select on the order form is your preferred time. The closest available time, which can be anytime during opening hours on the selected date, will be automatically confirmed if your preferred time is no longer available.


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Derek Norris Makes Amazing Catch on Foul Tip
Strikeout saved.
Oakland A's catcher Derek Norris made a spectacular catch on a ball fouled off by Toronto Blue Jays OF Colby Rasmus. With two strikes on him, Rasmus got a piece of the delivery from Scott Kazmir. The ball tipped off Norris' glove and sprung up into the air. However, Norris was able to locate the ball and make the catch before it hit the ground to secure the strikeout.
The A's have been involved in incredible plays all season, but this one is especially outstanding:


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DD1352 High Speed Rail (London to West Midlands) Bill – Mayor's Petition
Executive summary
In May 2014, the Mayor (on behalf of the GLA) and TfL deposited separate Petitions against The High Speed Rail (London to West Midlands) Hybrid Bill ("HS2 Bill").
Petitions on the HS2 Bill are currently being heard in the House of Commons by the HS2 Select Committee. Items relating to London will be heard by the Committee from summer 2015 onwards (both before and after the Parliamentary recess). Since the deposit of the two Petitions, discussions have taken place and continue with the DfT and HS2 on how to best resolve various Petition items.
Good progress has been made and a number of draft undertakings proposed to be given by the Secretary of State to the GLA (and separately to TfL) are in an advanced state. Negotiations continue however over the final form of these undertakings. The GLA and TfL will appear before the Select Committee in respect of any unresolved matters.
The Executive Director, acting under the Mayoral Scheme of Delegation, is asked to approve the final form of any undertakings to be given to the GLA and, consequently, the basis on which the GLA appears before the Select Committee.
That the Executive Director of Development, Enterprise & Environment approves the form of any undertakings to be given to the GLA by the Secretary of State for Transport and consequently the basis on which the GLA appears before the High Speed Rail 2 Select Committee (as set out in Appendix 1).
Part 1: Non-confidential facts and advice
1.1 On 16 May 2014, the Mayor and TfL deposited separate but complementary Petitions against the HS2 Bill. The Mayor's Petition focused on development and regeneration, while the TfL submission was more closely concerned with transport matters. A copy of each petition is at Appendix 1.
1.2 Since the Petitions were deposited, GLA and TfL officers have been working closely with the DfT and HS2 Ltd to resolve as many of the Petition items as possible. Progress has been made on a number of items, and a number of draft undertakings are being developed.
1.3 A Select Committee is now considering Petitions made against the HS2 Bill, and can recommend changes to the Bill based on petitioner concerns.
1.4 The Committee will consider Mayoral and TfL petition items from summer 2015 (before and after Parliamentary recess) and work is ongoing to prepare evidence for Committee appearances.
2.1 The expected outcome of petitioning is that Undertakings will be secured, satisfactorily addressing petitioning items, and/or the Select Committee may recommend changes to the HS2 Bill. Any changes to this proposal will be subject to further approval via the Authority's decision making process.
3.1 The GLA is subject to public sector equality duties, and the changes they are seeking are consistent with the Mayor's strategies and plans, including those identified at para 4.2 below with associated equality impact assessments.
3.2 Overall, no adverse impacts are identified; and it is expected that positive contributions to equality will be incorporated into any new transport services that become constructed and operated and through any improved access arrangements; improved compensation and mitigation package; and other impacts that may arise, as a result of the Mayoral and TfL petition items.
4.1 Key risks and issues: The outcome of the Petitioning process is uncertain; there is a risk that some or all of the changes to the HS2 Bill that it proposes are not forthcoming. The Mayor and TfL would therefore need to continue to lobby the Department for Transport as sponsors of the scheme, as well as the Secretary of State for Transport, to ensure the delivery of a scheme that best secures a quality outcome for London.
4.2 Links to Mayoral strategies and priorities: The Petitions are linked to 'The London Plan, 2011' (and 'Draft Further Alterations to the London Plan, 2014') – and to associated documents, including 'Draft Old Oak and Park Royal Opportunity Area Planning Framework, 2015' and the Euston Area Plan. In addition, there are links to the Mayor's other strategies including 'The Economic Development Strategy, 2010' and 'The Transport Strategy, 2010'
4.3 Impact assessments and consultations: Impact assessments have been undertaken for the Mayor's strategies. Consultation was undertaken with the London Assembly on the Petitions.
5.1 The cost of preparation for the next stage of the HS2 petitioning process is to be funded from budget allocated for HS2 petitioning approved under MD 1392. Of the original budget of £190,000 allocated to planning team for this (from Contingency budget) there now remains £169,000 to be spent on HS2 legal and consultant costs in 2015-16.
5.2 Transport and Planning Teams within GLA's Development, Enterprise & Environment Directorate with Old Oak and Park Royal Mayoral Development Corporation and Transport for London will be responsible for work in relation to this petition.
6.1 Under Section 77 of the GLA Act 1999, the GLA may oppose any local Bill in Parliament which affects any of the inhabitants of, or any part of, Greater London. The HS2 Bill is such a Bill and the power to oppose it is exercisable by the Mayor on the Authority's behalf.
6.2 Under the Mayoral Scheme of Delegation, the Executive Director of Development, Enterprise and Environment may exercise any statutory power (Mayoral Power) exercisable by the Mayor, including any power exercisable by him on the Authority's behalf, which has not been reserved to be personally exercised by him under the terms of the Scheme. The power to oppose a local Bill under section 77 of the GLA Act 1999 is one that the Scheme authorises the Executive Director to exercise.
6.3 The Executive Director acting under the Mayoral Scheme of Delegation and, as part of the overall process of the GLA opposing the HS2 Bill, is asked to approve the final form of any undertakings to be given to the GLA and, consequently, the basis on which the GLA appears before the Select Committee in respect of petitioning items. The GLA may be asked to give a commitment not to appear on issues in respect of which a satisfactory undertaking has been agreed in final draft form, in effect as consideration for the Secretary of State proceeding to execute that draft.
6.1 A summary of the parliamentary process for the HS2 Bill is available at http://www.hs2.org.uk/developing-hs2/hybrid-bill/the-parliamentary-process.
6.2 The various stages for passage of a Bill starting in the House of Commons are set out at http://www.parliament.uk/about/how/laws/passage-bill/.
6.3 Consideration by Select Committee is anticipated as follows:
Consideration by Select Committee – Old Oak Common Overground Connections, Station Access, Over Station Development, Compensation and Mitigation
1 July 2015
Consideration by Select Committee – Euston Station, the Crossrail 1/West Coast Main Line link, the HS2 to HS1, and the Heathrow Express (HEX) relocation
Estimated September 2015
Supporting papers:
(b) Mayor of London Petition: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cmhs2/petitions/0491.pdf
(c) TfL Petition: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cmhs2/petitions/0497.pdf


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In October of 2017 Niger became one of three new Twende Mbele collaboration partner countries. Niger has historically been one of the front-runners in African national evaluation systems, hosting the 4th African Evaluation Association conference in 2007. A draft national evaluation policy was written in 2008, however, this is yet to be approved and implemented.
The Niger Government's interest in M&E lies mainly in its adoption of Results Based Management principles and its determination to respond effectively to the main challenges facing the country. To this aim, the country seeks to continually develop and use good governance methods and tools to support its strategic choices. Within this framework, the Government has drawn up an Economic and Social Development Plan (ESDP), which remains the fundamental tool used in developing economic and social policy of the country, and is seen as dynamic, ambitious and well-intentioned.
In addition, with the support of partners – including the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Niger has developed a draft national evaluation policy document which is awaiting adoption.
At the Executive level, the Prime Minister has mechanisms to address this issue in accordance with the vision of the Head of State, including the Center for Policy Analysis and Evaluation of Governmental Action (Centre d'Analyse des Politiques et de l'Evaluation de l'Action Gouvernementale – CAPEG) and the High Council for the Modernization of Niger (Haut-Commissariat à la Modernisation de l'Etat du Niger – HCME). The Minister of Planning, who is responsible for M&E at the executive level, oversees an M&E unit, although it is still not operational. In all the sectoral ministries, there are Departments of Studies and Planning (DSP), which each house an M&E Cell, and the Departments of Statistics (DS), who represent the true anchors of the existing M&E system.
Twende Mbele is working closely with the HCME to revise and implement their national evaluation policy, and to build the evaluation capacity of its staff.
Key Players
The Centre dÁnalyse des Politiques et de lÉ valuation de lÁction Gouvernmentale (CAPEG) which operates under the Prime Minister, monitors Government actions and produces periodic performance reports (quarterly and annually) on actions taken within the country's Economic and Social Development Plan (ESDP) This report is a compilation of performance monitoring reports developed by the DSPs of sectoral ministries.
The office of the HCME is an interface between public service providers (State Structures) and users, and plays a facilitation role. The office tracks all problems and solutions by the State to improve overall performance of its planning system. It remains the cornerstone of Niger's current national M&E system.
Ministry of Planning
The Ministry of Planning is a vital link for planning at the national level. It elaborates a multi-annual programming document, the ESDP, with its monitoring mechanism. The Ministry is currently conducting the technical and political process of preparing the National Evaluation Policy (NEP) in Niger.
Niger hosts an active National Network of Monitoring & Evaluation (Réseau Nigérien de Suivi Evaluation – ReNSE), a civil society organization. The network supports the Government with advice and advocacy in the practice of evaluation and in capacity building.


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Great Moments in LA Kings Regular Season History (part three)by Staff Writer / Los Angeles Kings
With the 2013-14 regular season opener tomorrow, here is a look at some of the most memorable moments in LA Kings Regular Season History:
Check back to LAKings.com/news throughout the week for more highlights!
- Wayne Gretzky set the NHL record for career points (October 15, 1989).
- Luc Robitaille set the NHL record for most points in one season by a left wing (April 15, 1993).
- Marcel Dionne became the first player in Kings history to record 100 points in a season (1976-77 season).
- Wayne Gretzky recorded four points in his first game as a King as he passed 83 Kings on the franchise's all-time scoring in a home win (October 6, 1988).
- Bernie Nicholls scored 70 goals in one season (April 1, 1989).
- Butch Goring became the first player to score 250 goals in a Kings uniform (1978-79 season).


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What to Expect at VBC
You can't miss our beautiful property on Airport Road, near the Aldis Grocery Store and Burger King. Our parking attendants will help you find a place to park if needed, and as you approach the main building one of our hospitality greeters will meet you and direct you to the right classes and services.
What to expect
Service TiMES & LOCATION
sUNDAY school classes for all ages
click here for more info on classes
Adults have the opportuntiy to pick from two Sunday school classes. The classes are smaller group settings, where you are invited to meet people, hear teaching from God's Word, and enjoy a delicious breakfast. The best way to get to know people at Valley Baptist Church is to join us for one of the adult classes.
Teen Classes
We have and exciting program here at Valley for our teenagers. Each Sunday teens gather to enjoy fellowship with teens their age, and hear an in-depth lesson from Gods Word that is applicable to their lives at this time and to prepare them for the future. Teens attend Sunday school for one hour and then the preaching service with their parents.
Children's Classes
For ages 4 through 6th grade we have exciting sunday school classes for your child to attend. For one hour they will learn memory verses, hear from Gods Word, play games and much more. During the 11:00 preaching service, we have a Childrens Church staffed by friendly, well qualified teachers that will make your childs visit to Valley most exciting.
Here at Valley we have highly staffed nurseries for ages 3 and under. During every service there are clean, safe facilities for you to bring your child. Even at a young age they will hear Bible lessons and sing God honoring music. For the infants,each mother will need to provide a cell phone number so that the nursery attendants can contact you if there is a need. These classes are staffed with trained, friendly, and well qualified teachers who will make church exciting and memorable for your child.
Service Times
Sunday school 10 am
sunday morning 11 am
sunday evening 5 pm
wednesday evening 7pm


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BOSTON, MA – 10/20/2016 (PRESS RELEASE JET) — The National Tay-Sachs & Allied Diseases Association (NTSAD) will honor Lysogene CEO Karen Aiach at Imagine & Believe, NTSAD's annual Boston fundraising event to be held Thursday, November 10, 2016 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, Cambridge, MA. Proceeds from the benefit will fund rare disease research and provide support for families affected by Tay-Sachs, GM-1, Canavan, and Sandhoff diseases.
Lysogene, a clinical stage biotechnology company, focuses on finding a treatment for MPS IIIA, also known as Sanfilippo syndrome, a rare neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder marked by progressive motor and intellectual decline in affected children like Karen's daughter, Ornella.
"Karen is a tremendous inspiration to our large community of patients, families, supporters, researchers, and scientists," says NTSAD Executive Director Susan Kahn. "She embodies the passion, determination and resourcefulness required to bring a treatment to market. We honor Karen as a mother, entrepreneur and humanitarian."
In collaboration with long-time NTSAD research partners Miguel Sena-Esteves, PhD, and Doug Martin, PhD, Lysogene is also supporting GM-1 gangliosidosis preclinical studies. NTSAD shares and supports Karen's interest in advancing gene therapy for GM-1.
The nation's longest-standing rare disease advocacy organization, National Tay-Sachs & Allied Diseases Association (NTSAD), founded in 1957, funds research toward treatments and a cure for Tay-Sachs and related genetic neurodegenerative lysosomal storage diseases and leukodystrophies. NTSAD also provides comprehensive support to affected families worldwide. Having pioneered community education about carrier screening that became a model for all genetic diseases, NTSAD's education initiatives promote screening and prevention to the public and healthcare community.
For more information or to RSVP, click here or contact Joan Lawrence at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Full News Story: http://pressreleasejet.com/news/national-tay-sachs-allied-diseases-association-to-honor-lysogene-ceo-karen-aiach-at-annual-benefit-event.html
Distributed by Press Release Jet
Media Contact
Company Name: NATIONAL TAY-SACHS & ALLIED DISEASES ASSOCIATION, INC.
Contact Person: Joan Lawrence
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Country: United States
Website: https://ntsad.org/


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Complete Headshot Course: Stunning Images Fast
MP4 | Video: AVC 1280x720 | Audio: AAC 44KHz 2ch | Duration: 32M | 602 MB
Genre: eLearning | Language: English
MP4 | Video: AVC 1280x720 | Audio: AAC 44KHz 2ch | Duration: 32M | 602 MB
Genre: eLearning | Language: English
You'll learn a simple but effective lighting technique, see how to use reflects to mix with off camera flash, and you'll even see a few new editing tools you may have never seen before. You'll have a solid foundation so you can start shooting head shots and learning from experience.
More than anything else, this course will give you the confidence to step behind the camera and try knowing you're doing it right. Please take a moment to look at the student projects that have been submitted already if you have any doubt about what you'll learn in this course. The proof is in the student results. I LOVE WHAT STUDENTS ARE DOING HERE! Their projects are amazing which tells me we're on to something.
If there's anything you're unsure of after you've finished the course… send me a note or post a discussion - your answer will show up before you know it.
This is a positive only course. There is no negative feedback in this course so join us with confidence knowing you'll be treated with respect.
In addition, you'll learn to create professional headshots with great light, pro editing, and a fast workflow for your photography. Create photos worth printing as you learn the art of headshot photography. See the magic of getting a glowing white background that's not to dark and not overpoweringly bright.


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So..... Howie Carr and his idiot parrotheads are busy having a chuckle at the Occupy Boston arrest as their mortgages continue to submarine upside down and U.S. Bankers and their lawyers continue to lie, cheat, steal and create their own bogus evidentiary trails. Some people are just so damn stupid it hurts.
Read it.
Watch it at Fein, Such, Kahn & Sheppard, Fein, Such & Crane, etc.


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Macbeth should not kill Duncan to try and assume position as the King. For one Duncan is Macbeth's cousin. "O worthiest cousin", states that not only that Duncan considers Macbeth worthy, but it's not an unknown fact that they are cousins. There is a difference between being a blood cousin or being a blood but a recognized cousin. The crown is already spoken for anyways, "Our eldest, Malcolm, whom we name here after the Prince of Cumberland." So even is Macbeth does kill Duncan, Malcolm would get the throne. Macbeth's grand ploy may not be as great as he thought. Then again the original idea started with the witches getting this horrid idea into Macbeths head. The witches are evil. Hence why would the 3 weird sisters try and give good advice or thoughts to Macbeth? Their evilness is shown throughout the play a number of times. Act One, scene three "Where hast thou been sister?" "Killing swine."
Those lines just prove that they are and care about nothing but there selves. There is no nothing good going to come for Macbeth out of this idea. This is why Macbeth should not try and kill Duncan to assume the position of King.


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Investment Management is one aspect of financial planning. Cardinal Retirement Planning provides our clients with professional money management through independent custodians. By leveraging our independent relationships, Cardinal can pass on the cost savings to our clients.
- We utilize nationally-recognized custodians: Charles Schwab
Diversification and asset allocation does not assure or guarantee better performance and cannot eliminate the risk of investment loss. Before investing, you should carefully read the applicable volatility disclosure for each of the underlying funds, which can be found in the current prospectus.
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text: Tom182 5 Report post Posted January 13, 2017 (edited) Hi everyone. It's been a fair while since I last posted on here and I didn't think I would return but here I am. I would really appreciate the feedback as this is the only place I feel comfortable talking about this. I need to get it off my chest. Here is some backstory. I have been going on holiday each year since 2010 (except for last year due to their career commitments) with my two female cousins and their parents and my parents. I am 25 and she is 24. Ever since I met them from the first holiday, (I've known them since I was little but I don't remember any of it) I instantly had a crush on the younger cousin and since then with every holiday and going round their house now and then my feelings towards her have intensified. I have never felt this strongly towards any other girl in my life. Period. I was under the impression (although I could have been reading her wrong) that during these holidays she did feel something towards me. I could make her smile and laugh easily, there was a lot of physical contact, playing with her hair, long eye contact etc. Again, this is just something I picked up on and does not signify anything absolute. Nevertheless, I always think about those moments. I typed out a long word document on what I would say to her (obviously I would never show her that) but I just use it as a guideline to how much she means to me and how much I care for her. I don't tend to look at it a lot as it makes me feel sad (I have been trying to move on) I digress, sorry if I'm rambling on here. I'll get to the point. Initially, I wasn't going to even contemplate saying anything when we go away in the summer this year because she was bringing her boyfriend along (she has been seeing for over a year) but I was told recently she decided against bringing him for whatever reason. Leads me to my next point. Now I know she is in a relationship and it would be out of order but if I could be allowed to be selfish for a moment I really want closure after several years. I love her so much. Everyday I wake up she's on my mind without fail. Yeah, there's a chance she might hate me and it could be awkward but on the other hand she is the most kind and beautiful girl I know, inside and out and I'm positive she feels something for me and she'll understand and not hate my guts. I can't bottle this up for another year. I might have to drink a few to give me some confidence but if there's ever a moment where it's just me and her alone during the holiday I might just end up saying it. We're getting older so we may well stop going away together real soon. Am I in the wrong here? Over and over I visualise in my head *that* moment when I tell her. Just three words. It's a mighty big three words but there's nobody more deserving than her. Edited January 13, 2017 by Tom182 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


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McGard produces the highest quality products at the most reasonable cost to meet our customers' needs. We strive to continually improve ourselves and our products while targeting our 'zero defects' goal.
McGard is a manufacturer of high quality security products, wheel locks and chrome plated lug nuts. Our customers include some of the finest North American, Japanese and European automotive manufacturers, as well as government agencies, the military, municipalities, and the fuel industry. Since 1966, McGard has become known for its unique product designs and comprehensive service programs in these and other areas where security and safety are top priorities. Consistent high quality that insures the greatest value for our customers is the foundation of our business, and is evident in every McGard product on the market today.
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Welcome to the Prairie Schooler SAL blog. This is a blog to celebrate our stitching of the wonderful designs from the lovely ladies of Prairie Schooler. Pamela and Nancy are retiring to take a well deserved break after 32 years of giving us cross stitchers the most wonderful designs and so much pleasure. The rules of the blog are simple: post a progress pic or a finish whenever you like, as long as it is a Prairie Schooler Design.
Friday, 28 August 2015
December so far!-August15
As August is coming to its end I am posting now my PS stitching so far.
I didn't manage much as I had gall bladder surgery and also because I had other things to finish.
It helps that I am stitching on a big count aida!!!! I did all the frame around and the black on two squares, well almost !
9 comments:
- Bette said...
At least you have started yours. I think I'll head downstairs and start mine. Nice work!
- 28 August 2015 at 08:47
- Annie said...
Well done on your progress, considering what you have been through lately! I love stitching on big count aida - it really is comfort stitching:))
- 28 August 2015 at 11:40
- Ariadne said...
Well since I want to finish it by December I have to!
- 28 August 2015 at 13:15
- Ariadne said...
Yes it is comfort stitching, isn't it? It makes you feel you are accomplishing something!
- 28 August 2015 at 13:15
- Linda said...
Nice start and progress Ariadne. Hope you heal quickly.
- 28 August 2015 at 16:08
- Ariadne said...
Thanks so much Linda!
- 28 August 2015 at 23:30
- Brigitte said...
You made a good start on your SAL piece. I haven't even started mine, some other small projects have to be stitched first.
- 29 August 2015 at 01:21
- Ariadne said...
I am sure you will manage to start soon!
- 30 August 2015 at 08:15
- Stitching Noni said...
Great start! Well done :o)
Hope you're recovering well from your surgery :o)
- 1 September 2015 at 00:20


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Pregnant and professional – your new working wardrobe
A working wardrobe can be tricky enough without having to accommodate a growing bump. Thankfully, most maternity ranges now stock workwear so you can still look professional when you're pregnant. Here's how to style out the next nine months in the office…
Stall on maternity clothes
For the first three months of your pregnancy you can probably get away with your normal work clothes, opting for looser fitting tops and trousers. Zip and button extenders will allow you to loosen waistbands for a good few weeks, in the "barely-there" bump phase.
Dress to impress
Gone are the days when women wore big tents with bows on to distract from their bumps. A close-fitting soft jersey dress will expand with your bump and create a clean, professional silhouette while above all being comfortable. Invest in a smart dress from a higher end label and it will see you through the next nine months in style.
Sharpen your silhouette
Throw a structured jacket over softer jersey dresses to give your look a sharper more formal line. A smart tunic top over black slim-fit maternity trousers is another way to work comfy-but-chic.
Treat your feet
You may find you go up at least half a shoe size during pregnancy, so lace-up brogues or Chelsea boots (both very on-trend right now) are both good options – particularly for long commutes. High-heel junkies may find themselves thrown off balance as their bump grows, so a sturdier mid-heel might be preferable.
Don't break the bank
There's no need to spend a fortune on maternity clothes. You're only going to be wearing them for the next nine months, after all. Most high street retailers do great maternity wear for reasonable prices.
Work your accessories
Even though you might not be able to fit into all the latest fashions right now, you can still update your look with a new leather tote or some statement jewellery. Treat yourself!


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Film, 2016: Quotes, Thoughts
Among the PC reproaches to Damien Chazelle's La La Land, the one that stands out for its sheer stupidity was that there are no gay couples in the film which takes place in LA, a city with a strong gay population… How come those PC Leftists who complain about the sub-representation of sexual and ethnic minorities in Hollywood movies never complain about the gross misrepresentation of the lower class majority of workers? It's OK if workers are invisible, just that we get here and there a gay or lesbian character. — Slavoj Žižek (Source)
To [La La Land director] Chazelle's credit, for both of them [Mia and Sebastian] luck will play an important role in their successful careers. But this career-wise luck will be combined with the breakdown of their relationship and this is another departure from conventions associated with backstage musicals. The successful career is not combined with an idealised heterosexual romance. If one of the charges pressed repeatedly against Hollywood is that it blissfully disregards labour relations in its portrayal of characters, La La Land dexterously avoids this pitfall by showing how labour relations and aspirations may come at the expense of love and private life. There is significant emphasis on labour conditions throughout the narrative, showing the characters doing all sorts of crappy jobs hoping that one day they will make it. — Angelos Koutsourakis (Source)
In response to Tuesday's [Academy Award] nominations announcement, Washington Post film critic Ann Hornaday wrote, "It's clear that, unlike recent years when the red carpet looked lily white, this year's Oscars will resemble the outside world much more vibrantly." But this is not true, or true only in a secondary or superficial sense (a greater range of skin tones). For filmmaking truly to "resemble the outside world much more vibrantly," or simply accurately, is not a racial or ethnic question, but a social one. Films would first of all need to take on, through artistic means, the realities confronted by tens of millions of people: the sharp decline in conditions of life and growing social wretchedness, the bleak future facing young people, the growing and immense danger of war and dictatorship. They would have to reflect life in general "more vibrantly," and not simply the concerns of self-centered layers of every ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation. More than 40 million people in the US work in the 25 occupations with the largest employment. Those occupations range from clerks and nurses to truck drivers and teachers, sales representatives and carpenters to team assemblers and receptionists. Is the artistic representation of their lives, the exploration of their thoughts and feelings, a worthy undertaking? At present, they are almost totally excluded from filmmaking and art generally. (Source)
But to think of diversity purely in racial and gender terms is not sufficient. Yes, we need more candidates of diversity, but we also need candidates — no matter what race or gender — to be fighters for the working class and stand up to the corporate powers who have so much power over our economic lives. We need all of our candidates to have the courage to stand up to the Koch Brothers, Wall Street, drug companies, insurance companies, oil companies, and fight for working families — not just the top one percent. — Bernie Sanders (Source)
- Isn't the "light escapist romp" and "crowd-pleasing Hollywood confection" La La Land, which shows characters whose choices are limited because their money is limited, more realistic than films such as Moonlight (where poor people seem to have money for everything but drugs) and Manchester By the Sea (where an apartment building factotum can afford to take off work for months without worrying about money)?
- I wonder how many of the people who complain about "privileged" people in La La Land are in fact well-to-do, that is, privileged, in a way the financially challenged characters in the film are not. My guess: lots.
- Why does talk about diversity begin and end with sex, gender, and race? Isn't it possible to have a room full of people who represent every gender, sexual orientation, and race lack true diversity? George W. Bush's cabinet included Latinos, women, and Blacks. Diverse, right? Or was it? Does a struggling plumber have more in common with Bill Gates because his skin is white like Gates's, or with a plumber whose skin happens to be black?
- This diversity we've been talking about is a diversity of experience. But what about a diversity of ideas? Ideas of all kinds. As the man said (sort of), "Let a thousand flowers bloom." Or a hundred thousand, a million, a billion… Or 7,489,381,257 (as of Wednesday, March 8, 2017, 9:43AM Pacific Time.)


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"..There is one spectacle grander than the sea, that is the sky;
there is one spectacle grander than the sky,
that is the interior of the soul…"
―- Les Misérables
"..There is one spectacle grander than the sea, that is the sky;
there is one spectacle grander than the sky,
that is the interior of the soul…"
―- Les Misérables
"…It's dark because you are trying too hard. Lightly child, lightly. Learn to do everything lightly. Yes, feel lightly even though you're feeling deeply. Just lightly let things happen and lightly cope with them. I was so preposterously serious in those days, such a humourless little prig. Lightly, lightly – it's the best advice ever given me. When it comes to dying even. Nothing ponderous, or portentous, or emphatic. No rhetoric, no tremolos, no self conscious persona putting on its celebrated imitation of Christ or Little Nell. And of course, no theology, no metaphysics.
Just the fact of dying and the fact of the clear light. So throw away your baggage and go forward. There are quicksands all about you, sucking at your feet, trying to suck you down into fear and self-pity and despair. That's why you must walk so lightly. Lightly my darling, on tiptoes and no luggage, not even a sponge bag, completely unencumbered…"
–- Aldous Huxley
"…While it is well enough to leave footprints on the sands of time, it is even more important to make sure they point in a commendable direction…"
— James Branch Cabell
"In one drop of water are found all the secrets of all the oceans;
in one aspect of You are found all the aspects of existence."
— Kahlil Gibran
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice.
meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.
Be grateful for whatever comes.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
— Rumi
"…Many people seem to think it foolish, even superstitious,
to believe that the world could still change for the better.
And it is true that in winter it is sometimes so bitingly cold that one is tempted to say, 'What do I care if there is a summer; its warmth is no help to me now.'
Yes, evil often seems to surpass good.
But then, in spite of us, and without our permission,
there comes at last an end to the bitter frosts.
One morning the wind turns, and there is a thaw.
And so I must still have hope…"
— Vincent van Gogh
Hello everyone and welcome to another week. 2018 is whizzing by…is that because I am getting old, or has time actually sped up?
I didn't think I was going to be happy with this piece but, in the end, I was quite satisfied with it and glad that I didn't give up on it (which, I confess, happens a lot with me…). The little bird-man was originally holding a letter in his right hand, but I cut that out and replaced it with a heart. Off to the right hand side of the photo, you can see a "dud" heart that didn't work out, complete with the little notch cut out of it for the bird-man's thumb. Sometimes it takes me a few goes to line things up exactly right 🙂 I think it's worth the effort – the end result looks pretty good, like the heart was always part of the picture. I added an extra little one on the parcel too. So now he looks like he is going somewhere, with plenty of heart 🙂
Hope you're having a wonderful day today x


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THY ART IS MURDER – Posts New Song "No Absolution"
Australia's premiere incendiary extreme musical export, THY ART IS MURDER, is pleased to announce the return of vocalist C.J. McMahon. To cement McMahon's return to his rightful throne, the band has released a brand new song entitled 'No Absolution'. Check out the song here:
#nuclearblast #thyartismurder #darkartconspiracy #metal #news


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Hello Rising Seventh Graders,
I hope you are enjoying your summer. As you explore, relax, have fun, and visit friends and family, tend to your seventh grade work. Spend a few minutes each day, or several minutes over a few days, but don't wait until the last minute! If you have any questions about seventh grade or the upcoming school year, do not hesitate to contact me.
For English - Ms. Munoz
When you click the link below, you will find the criteria for the book project for Ms. Munoz. Remember, the idea is to read something that you like. Reading can take you to places that nothing else can. Fall into a book, and travel far!
Welcome Letter/Supply List/


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A rustic getaway for 2 at the quaint Pebble Bay Bed & Breakfast
At a Glance
Climb dunes, take photos where the two oceans meet, explore lime caves, and buy fresh fish straight off the boat.
This is the deal:
- A 2 night stay for 2 people
- Breakfast with coffee available for an additional R45 per person
Pebble Bay Bed and Breakfast is located in the heart of the Agulhas National Park. Here, you'll have the ideal breakaway from technology, where you can focus on yourself and enjoy nature with your partner. Nearby is the stunning pebble beach and the southernmost tip of Africa, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet.
To get there, you'll probably pass through:
- Grabouw
- Houwhoek
- Caledon
- Bredasdorp
- Napier
- Struisbaai
- L'Agulhas
Towns of interest nearby:
- Arniston/Waenhuiskraans - 63km from L'Agulhas
- Bredasdorp - 39km from L'Agulhas
- Elim - 66km from L'Agulhas
- Napier - 54km from L'Agulhas
- Struisbaai - 7km from L'Agulhas
Stop at Houwhoek or The Orchard Farmstall in Grabouw for padkos - they sell home-baked, farm-style pies and local wine and produce.
Merchant Details
Nitty Gritty
- Expires: 30 September 2019
- Deal is valid for 2 people
- Please note: extremely limited availability over weekends
- Breakfast and coffee available at an extra R45 per person
- Rooms applicable: self-catering rooms
- Child policy: deal is valid for two people only (children can be accommodated at an extra fee, enquire with the merchant directly)
- Available until time indicated or until sold out
- Limited to 5 deals per customer
- Unlimited deals as gifts, however, at a limit of 5 per gift recipient
- Subject to availability, bookings are essential
- EFT payments: please note that you have 24 hours after placing your order to pay for your EFT.
- Present printed deal to redeem
- Please note, images may be a representation
The Details
Do something different and forego modern conveniences - go back to basics, where you and your partner will enjoy a rustic, peaceful and restful seaside stay in Suiderstrand, L'Agulhas.
From Cape Town, you'll drive on the N2 and pass through small sleepy farm towns such as Grabouw, Napier and Bredasdorp. Don't rush the journey to get to your destination, take it easy and stop at farm stalls such as The Orchard in Grabouw and Houwhoek, for padkos.
Where you'll be staying
Pebble Bay Bed and Breakfast is located in the heart of the Agulhas National Park. Here, you'll have the ideal breakaway from technology where you can focus on yourself and enjoy nature with your partner. A stone's throw away is the stunning pebble beach, and nearby is the southernmost tip of Africa, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet.
Pebble Bay Bed and Breakfast is the ideal accommodation for those seeking solitude, space and peace away from the city.
About Agulhas National Park
What sets Agulhas National Park apart from other South African parks is the rich diversity of flora and archaeological significance. You'll discover old shipwrecks, signs of ancient settlements, and national monuments. For ardent nature lovers, there are plenty of hiking and walking trails in the area.
Places to discover:
Arniston is the only town in South Africa that has two names, its other name being Waenhuiskrans.
Don't miss the opportunity to take a drive to Arniston where you can find fresh fish to braai in the evening, if you catch the fishermen coming back from sea at the right time. Arniston also has a limestone sea cave (Waenhuiskrans Cave) which is worth visiting during low tide.
Struisbaai is a little more developed than the other towns in the area, yet still retains its fishing village charm. Struisbaai has a beautiful natural harbour and has a few leisure activities such as fishing, horseriding, hiking, paintball, quadbiking and diving for holidaymakers to enjoy. Struisbaai also sports the longest natural beach in the Southern Hemisphere, which stretches for a total of fourteen kilometres.
L'Agulhas is steeped in history and is where the two oceans meet. Originally named Cabo dos Agulhas by the Portuguese, meaning "Cape of Needles," it was later changed by the French to L'Agulhas. A must-visit is the Agulhas Lighthouse, the second oldest working lighthouse in South Africa.
Something you might notice when you drive into L'Agulhas is the signboards, rocks and lamp posts that have ghosts painted on them. Don't be alarmed, these are pointers for the Ghost Trail (Spookdraai Trail), a hike that you might consider doing.
If you're in need of groceries, you'll have to stop at Bredasdorp before reaching your final destination, as this is the last stop where you'll find a Pick n Pay. From Bredasdorp, it's about 40km to L'Agulhas, where you won't find any shops. Bredasdorp has a Wimpy where you can get yourself a takeaway coffee to see you through until you reach Pebble Bay Bed and Breakfast.
Attractions in the area:
- Agulhas National Park
- Bredasdorp Shipwreck Museum
- Arniston Caves (visit at low tide)
- De Hoop Nature Reserve (Bredasdorp)
- Most Southern Point of Africa (L'Agulhas)
- Cape Agulhas Lighthouse
Hiking and walks in the area:
- Heuninberg Nature Reserve (Bredasdorp)
- Sterna Route De Mond Nature Reserve (Bredasdorp)
- Interpretive Marine Walk De Hoop Nature Reserve - 2 hours (Bredasdorp)
- Agulhas National Park Two Oceans Hiking Trail (Struisbaai / L'Agulhas)
- Spookdraai Circular 4km (Struisbaai / L'Agulhas)
Give their Facebook page a like.
Call them on: 061 095 3322 OR email: [email protected]
395 Mark Ave
Cape Agulhas
Author: CS
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Scam is an attempt to get money out of other members of online dating websites. Scammers are people who create fake profiles with aim to get in touch with other members and to get money out of them.
Here are the typical signs that you should put your attention to:
Never send money to other members for whatever reason!
Follow this rule: unless you meet him/her in person, never provide any financial aid!
Always have a phone call or live video chat session before meeting another person in real. Make sure this is a public place with many people around if this is your first date with a new person!


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J. Wilkes Santa Maria Pinot Noir - $24.00
(No rating yet)
From the cool Central Coast bringing ripe red raspberry and strawberry, tart cherry pie, white pepper, and clove with a lovely, earthy complexity. Great now but even a couple years should show increasing depth. A prime example of Santa Maria's potential and one of our favorite CA Pinots.