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Hockaday event Thursday rocks Ward 4.
The home, where Hockaday has lived since 2001, is a warm and inviting presence in the heart of the 4th Ward for supporters of the Democratic nominee.
Attendees got to hear from the Mapp team -- Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, who is seeking re-election; Hockaday, and Joylette Mills-Ransome who is running for the Wards 2/3 at-large seat -- talking about the progress Plainfield has made under Mapp's leadership and the need to keep moving Plainfield forward.
Hockaday told of encounters with residents who shared with him surprising things they are doing in their neighborhoods. One story was told of a resident telling a canvasser how happy they were to see them, saying "No one ever comes over here (meaning the 4th Ward)."
Emcee for the evening was Hockaday's campaign manager, Derel Stroud, who noted he was using his "indoor voice" for the event.
Also on hand and making brief remarks were Wards 1/4 at large Councilor Barry Goode; Citywide at-large councilor (and Council President) Rebecca Williams and Ward 3 councilor Charles McRae.
Hockaday drew the program to a close with a call to "Vote Column A all the way ... to Hockaday" -- bringing laughs from those present.
Attendees were reminded of opportunities to help the candidate by walking with him door-to-door and spending time at headquarters making phone calls to neighbors.
Plainfield's Democratic headquarters is at 31 Watchung Avenue (next to Antojito's restaurant). The phone number is (908) 561-5038. Headquarters is open daily from Noon to 8:00 PM (Sunday opening is 1:00).
-- Dan Damon [follow]


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Even Florida has been colder this winter. Amy opened a window of sunshine to bring hope..
This post is dedicated to my Mom and to MichelleMarie. Mom and MichelleMarie, I Love you both so very much!!
Hold tight to Hope
on dreaded days
of deepest dark.
MF Macro Photography/ "Hold Tight" 2016©AmyRose
Photograph of Daffodils taken 4-15-15 in my gardens.

subset: commoncrawl


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- Description
DetailsHigh Performance Greenworks 24v 57cm Hedge Trimmer Lithium-Ion Battery Powered. Lightweight De-luxe Hedge Trimmer With 57cm Double Sided Blades. Capable of cutting up to 20mm branches, fitted with a Rotating rear Comfort Grip handle for operator comfort and usability. Perfect for all your Garden areas.Remember- No Trailing leads required, just pull the trigger and start cutting.Compatible with G24B2 2.0Ah battery, G24B4 4.0Ah battery and G24C battery charger*.*Battery & Charger to be ordered separately.
- Additional Information
Additional Information
Brand Greenworks Power Source Cordless / Battery Power Details 24v LITHIUM-ION BATTERY Starting Method Push Button Start Handle Type Swivel Long Reach No Cut Size 55 cm Blade Type Double Sided Fuel Type Lithium-ion Battery
- Reviews


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When you become our patient at Dentist Santa Barbara CA | Family Dentistry | Mesa Dental, we will make sure that you stay informed of your appointments and prepared to meet with our dentist in Santa Barbara, California. We offer several patient resources to help you receive the quality care you need, including:
We are excited for your appointment with Dr. Walter Dukes, and look forward to meeting you soon. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 805-963-1222. We are dedicated to providing you with the highest quality of care in all aspects of our practice, and will be happy to address all your questions and concerns so that you can feel comfortable and at-ease in our office.


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Can Goodness impact team engagement, culture,
retention, and results?
The answer is yes, and Paul Batz teaches leaders and organizations how Goodness Pays, and how to leverage goodness to improve teams and their results.
Here's what we mean by Goodness Pays: When everyone works together with good intentions, we can all thrive and get great business results.
Does that sound like a fairy tale or a dream? That statement may seem fictitious, but it's not. People, our relationships, and how we work together are one of the greatest challenges any organization faces.
Paul Batz is challenging the belief that we need to settle for the status quo, or compromise to "win." As a highly regarded speaker and presenter, Paul is bringing to life the transformational idea that Goodness Pays, teaching leaders and teams how to work together and harness goodness for amazing results.
Paul's message comes from an aspirational thinking model that sparks "What's Possible?" in every leader and team, even in the most difficult situations. Conventional leadership development thinking doesn't work because whether it's a team or an individual, no one likes to be labeled "with" or "as" a problem. When people progress in their career and rise to new levels, and they need stop pointing out problems and build something special.
There's a better way. Paul Batz shows you how to pave a path to motivate people to change in grow in more sustainable ways.
His events are packed with energy, thought-provoking stories, positivity, and practical advice. Clients have referred to Paul as quick-witted, articulate, insightful, and highly engaging.
"Paul Batz is world-class speaker who speaks the truth about good leadership – goodness pays! His work has transformed me as a leader, and he's shaping a path that will help us all be the leaders we know we need to be."
– Kevin Warren, COO, Minnesota Vikings
"The world needs more thought-leaders like Paul Batz. He turns our heads around to see the most obvious reason for leadership – Goodness pays! I just love his energy, how he tells stories, and how he makes the most important lessons come alive in my leadership."
– Kathi Tunheim, SVP of Strategy, Gustavus Adolphus College
"The Good Leadership movement is thriving because focusing on goodness and the Seven Fs really works. Only the most hardened cynics can argue with Paul's methods – it is easier to just get on board and ride the momentum. You'll be a better leader, with better results, guaranteed."
– Paul Hillen, Cargill, VP of Corporate Brand and Marketing
"Paul Batz is changing the conversation
about leadership, and thank heaven's for that.
He's charming, dynamic and changing the world!"
– Jeri Meola, CEO, SMS Research
"Paul's insights about The Seven Fs are a foundational component of the cultural improvement movement we have going at United Healthcare. He's a terrific speaker whose positive energy is contagious."
– Dave Sparkman, Chief Culture Officer, United Healthcare
"Paul Batz is a master of his craft – truly one of the most important thought leaders on leadership of our time. His ideas are transformation, both personally and professionally. He's a terrific speaker and the best executive coach I've ever seen."
– Dan McGinty, CEO, FSCCM
Keynotes and Workshops.
Learn how these topics can be customized to your specific industry or group, as a keynote or a 3-hour interactive workshop.
With Paul, no keynote, workshop, or retreat is ever cookie cutter. Every event is customized with a unique blend of fun, inspiration, and strategies that meets the audience where they're at. Each includes research-based ideas for both personal and professional growth, including proprietary coaching tools that show the next step for creating immediate transformation.
Speaking Events May Include:
All-Employee Meetings
Annual Conferences
Rewards Trips
Leadership Strategy Days
Goodness Pays for Your Culture and Your Results
Businesses struggle with culture, retention, morale, and results. Can goodness impact these things? The data says yes… Goodness Pays. What is it going to take to transform your organization or business, confront the stress and apathy, and embrace the change that will propel you to the next level? Could goodness be the answer? We think you'll see that it is.
Leaders today face the pressure to perform and sometimes feel like they need to be a superhero to lead, but the reality is that superhero leadership only works in a crisis. (And, if you and most people around you are living each day as if it's a crisis, we definitely need to talk.) The highest performing leaders today reject the idea of superhero leadership. Instead, they are choosing to create cultures of encouragement fueled by goodness where the people around them thrive together.
In this engaging keynote, Paul will:
Reframe the conversation on what it takes to create real, sustainable success that everyone embraces.
Share the outcomes of the Epoxy Theory – a strategy that builds strong connections where people care about one another both professionally and personally.
Unveil the ultimate "Why?" to help people solve difficult problems together.
Combine research, helpful takeaways and action items.
Inspire people to create a specific plan for how they can improve the workplace culture.
How Aspirational Thinking Gets You Unstuck Every Time
Change, and the hard work you do to make it happen, sometimes attracts resistance, and resistance often drains our energy. On our worst days, the resistance creates a downward spiral of problem-hunting and finger pointing that chokes off time for dreaming and planning for the future. This presentation and interactive workshop will show how aspirational thinking can help you cut through three common scenarios for how you might get stuck:
1. Worn down from too much fire-fighting
2. Bored and searching for "what's next?"
3. Superhero efforts are no longer sustainable
This presentation will include hands-on tools, techniques, and coaching advice to spark new growth and help you get UNSTUCK.
Paul will teach you:
How having a Big Hairy Audacious Goal, a Personal Mission Statement, and a Bucket List can help your life and your professional development.
How Aspirational Thinking is the key to create transformational business results.
How a culture of encouragement where people can thrive together will create positive momentum in your business, team and personal life..
This keynote is easily customized for events where spouses, partners and families may attend.
When You're Running Out of Options, Choose a Goodness Moment
What will be your finest hour? The reality for most people is that their finest hour is a vivid moment where their goodness came alive to benefit others. It is likely a moment where a difficult challenge was faced, and you decided not to compromise or settle, where you embraced "What's Possible?" instead of what's not.
In this insightful keynote, Paul will share:
The research gleaned from hundreds of interviews around that gut-check, game-changing moment, the finest hour.
How nothing significant ever happens alone.
The ways you can rally people around a single mission where the team creates an outcome everyone feels good about.
The four-step formula for embracing challenges and making goodness pay.
This keynote is specifically powerful for:
Teams and organizations who are undergoing a lot of change
Merging companies or divisions
Companies or divisions facing a difficult challenge
Are You Getting Ahead, or Falling Behind?
What if you were told that work/life balance was a myth that did not exist? We're all seeking some sort of balance, but the notion implies that we need to sacrifice one thing for another. We either focus on our work, or on our personal life, but in either case, one suffers at the expense of the other. When you feel like you can't keep up, what do you do?
Paul Batz does not believe in work/life balance. Instead, he will show you how to Blend the Seven Fs: faith, family, finances, fitness, friends, fun and future into everything you do – at home and at work.
In this thought-provoking and motivating keynote session, Paul will explain:
How intellectually honest self-reflection with the Seven Fs Wheel is one of the most powerful motivators for success.
How to create an actionable answer to the question: "Am I getting ahead, or falling behind?" through humor and interactive coaching tools.
The success habits for how the Seven Fs can help goodness come alive in your life.
This keynote is specifically powerful for:
Motivating all employees and especially sales teams in a wholistic way.
Those that need to learn that we all perform better when we bring our whole selves to our jobs.
The Goodness Pays Data, Stories, and Takeaways
Businesses struggle with culture, retention, morale, and results. Can goodness impact these things? The data says yes… Goodness Pays. What is it going to take to transform your organization or business, confront the stress and apathy, and embrace the change that will propel you to the next level? Could goodness be the answer? We think you'll see that it is.
In this highly interactive keynote, Paul will share:
Facts that debunk the idea that goodness is too soft or squishy to create real impact.
His data from an 18-month research project that defines goodness in the workplace.
Testimony from some of the highest performing small, medium and large businesses in America who practice these techniques and the changes they've seen.
Four specific ways to channel sharp decision making and create a culture of teamwork based on goodness where great results are possible.
This keynote is specifically powerful for:
Leaders and teams in the technical fields or professions where being an expert has gotten you far, but not far enough
Those who need to see that data that proves soft skills make a difference in the bottom line


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Brian Wilson's ability to pitch on opening day is in significant doubt after the Giants' right-handed closer had his throwing session cut short Wednesday – his first time picking up a baseball since straining his left oblique six days earlier.
"It didn't feel as good as we hoped, so we backed him off," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said.
Wilson sounded less discouraged, saying he threw at "a high level" and wasn't surprised to feel some discomfort in the area on his left side. But significantly, the black-bearded closer with the playfully rebellious persona said he wouldn't fight Bochy if he was told to begin the season on the disabled list.
"I'm an employee. I'm not an investor," Wilson said. "They do what's necessary and I follow orders. There might be disagreement, but whatever they feel is necessary has to be right. I'll agree with whatever they want to do.
"I don't own teams. I throw a baseball. If they say, come game time, that I'm not ready, then I don't have the right to argue. That would do no good."
Wilson didn't call Wednesday's 7-8 minute session a setback, though. He threw out of his windup and advised reporters to ask his catch partner, Taira Uematsu, how his thumb was feeling.
"It's unheard of for someone to be six days out, play catch and feel amazing," said Wilson, who threw out of his windup. "Maybe it's frustrating to others that it wasn't the most perfect catch session known to man, but for me, I'm just one step closer to getting healthy and we'll just keep reevaluating."
Wilson said he might try to play catch again Thursday, if trainers give him the go-ahead. "The ideal progression is catch, long toss, light bullpen, get-after-it bullpen, game time," he said.
That's a lot of progress to make in just eight days before the Giants' opener March 31 at Dodger Stadium. Wilson already missed the first three weeks of the spring with lower back soreness; he has made just five appearances this spring and hasn't built up to a high pitch count or tested himself by working back-to-back days.
"I'm not worried," Wilson said. "I know my body. I know what I'm capable of doing. I'm not worried about what others are thinking. I guess everybody wanted me to be healed the night I was injured.
"I mean, I'd like to feel superhuman. Correction: I am superhuman. But at the same time, to be realistic, at six days out, I'm not going to feel 1000 percent."
One other pregame note this morning: Mark DeRosa was scratched from the travel list to Tempe today because he's got an upper respiratory ailment. "The crud," as Bochy calls it. DeRosa hit in the cage and said his wrist responded well. He plans to be in the lineup tomorrow.
Today was the much-awaited day in which players received huge plastic bags to throw in all their belongings to be transported to San Francisco. It's called "Happy Bag Day" or alternatively, "Murph Day." It means the spring monotony is almost over.
There was one huge omission this year: Clubhouse manager Mike Murphy. He had to return to San Francisco because he was subpoenaed to testify in the Barry Bonds trial. Happy Bag Day, indeed.


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Look Who's Talking With InfoSpace...
Page 1 of 1
InfoSpace announced that it has completed its acquisition of Montreal-based Locus Dialogue Inc., a developer of speech recognition-enabled applications.
According to company officials, the move was made in to position InfoSpace to speech-enable a wide variety of its existing wireless offerings, such as personalized information, location-based services, and mobile commerce services.
In addition, officials believe this will allow InfoSpace to develop other unique mobile applications, such as speech-activated dialing.
"We are delighted to add Locus Dialogue's best-of-breed speech recognition technologies to InfoSpace's wireless platform, as there is considerable value in our being able to offer speech-enabled applications to InfoSpace's growing base of wireless carriers and other customers worldwide," says Arun Sarin, InfoSpace CEO. "We are also thrilled to add Locus Dialogue's world-class engineering team, as we share highly compatible visions and together will lead the development and distribution of the world's leading speech-enabled applications."
They also support grammar object framework, which provides solutions based on alphanumeric data, including dates, times, monetary values, zip codes, and telephone numbers.
Locus Dialogue will continue to be based in Montreal.


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Theres an advantage to having a head start in the Florida House.
Legislators are limited to four full terms in the House but they also can serve a part of a fifth term. This extra time for redshirt freshmen can help them rise to prominence in Tallahassee. Redshirt freshmen, from Tom Feeney to Marco Rubio to Jose Olivia, have often proven some of the most prominent members of the Florida House.
Just look at a recent battle for an open legislative seat. In April and May, campaign dollars flew into the Panhandle where seven candidates battled it out in a special election for the Florida House seat vacated by the death of Rep. Clay Ford. When the dust settled and Republican Mike Hill prevailed, more than $375,000 in cash had been raised by the candidates in what is one of the less expensive media markets in Florida. That figure doesnt include in-kind donations and expenditures from outside groups.
Quite a bit of money to be sure -- but theres a reason for that. The movers and shakers in Tallahassee and across the state know that whoever emerged to win the seat would have a head start in the House. Hill wont face term limits until 2022 -- giving him a good deal of seniority over new freshmen who wont win their seats until November 2014.
Being a redshirt freshman not only gives a legislator more time in the House, it also gives them a bit more seniority. More than a few of the leading figures in the House won special elections and used that extra time to move up the legislative pecking order.
Take the longest serving current member of the Florida House -- Speaker Pro Tempore Marti Coley, R-Marianna. Elected in the summer of 2005 after the seat became open with the death of her husband David, Coley used her extra time in the House to move up the ranks. She served as deputy majority whip and led the Postsecondary Education Committee after less than two years in the House. She also used the extra time in the House to secure a seat on the powerful Appropriations Committee. Theres a temptation to write off the speaker pro tempore as holding a merely symbolic position, but there is power and prominence to be had there and the opportunity could arise to move up to speaker. Just ask Larry Cretul who moved up to speaker of the House after Ray Sampson resigned.
There are three House members who won special elections in 2007 and 2008 and face term limits in 2016: Rep. Matt Hudson, R-Naples, Rep. Charles McBurney, R-Jacksonville, and Rep. Darryl Rouson, R-St. Petersburg.
After winning a special election in 2007, McBurney rose through the ranks and he now chairs the Justice Appropriations Subcommittee. He also holds seats on the Appropriations and Judiciary committees and sits on the Joint Legislative Budget Commission and the Select Committee on Gaming. While he lost out to Rep. Steve Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island, to become speaker of the House after the 2014 elections, McBurney remains fairly prominent.
Elected to the House in a special election in November 2007, two months after McBurney won his seat, Hudson has also been a prominent Republican in Tallahassee. Hes one of the Republicans leading legislators on health care and Medicaid. Hudson chairs the Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee and is the No. 2 man on the Select Committee on PPACA (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act). With additional seats on the Appropriations Committee, the Economic Development and Tourism Subcommittee and the Joint Legislative Budget Commission, Hudson can influence a wide array of issues. Being a redshirt freshman helped Hudson make his mark on Tallahassee even if he never came close to being House speaker.
Winning his seat in April 2008, Rouson had less of a head start than McBurney or Hudson but he has used his time wisely. Despite a close contest against Rep. Mia Jones, D-Jacksonville, Rouson is in line to become House Democratic leader after the 2014 elections. He also is the ranking Democrat on the State Affairs Committee and the Business and Professional Regulation and Justice Appropriations subcommittees and sits on the Appropriations Committee. With his head start, Rouson has done as well as any member of the minority party can in the Florida House.
Two redshirt freshmen won their seats in 2010 -- Rep. Janet Cruz, D-Tampa, and Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Shalimar.
Cruz quickly rose up the Democratic ranks, serving as deputy whip from 2010 until 2012 and gaining a seat on the Appropriations Committee. Shes also the ranking Democrat on the Ethicsand Elections Subcommittee and the Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee. With the Legislature continuing to focus on gambling, Cruz, as a member of the Select Committee on Gaming, can flex her muscles on that issue. Being a redshirt freshman gave Cruz a boost over her fellow Democrats who face term limits in 2018.
Gaetz has gone a different route. As the son of Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach, Matt Gaetz was going to get attention from the moment he entered the Florida House. But Gaetz has also gotten notice for his colorful personality and his use of social media. While Gaetz has won some prestigious assignments, including chairing the Criminal Justice Subcommittee and serving with Cruz on the Select Committee on Gaming, his eye has clearly been on the Senate seat his father holds for some time. Instead of facing term limits in 2018, Gaetz has already set up his campaign for the Senate in 2016 where he will face Rep. Jimmy Patronis, R-Panama City, in what is expected to be a high-profile Republican primary.
There are two redshirt freshmen who face term limits in 2020 -- and one of them stands ready to win the ultimate prize in the Florida House.
Rep. Jose Olivia, R-Hialeah, won a special election to enter the Florida House in June 2011. During his two years in the Legislature, he has clearly made the most of his chances. Olivia is scheduled to become House speaker after the 2018 elections. While Olivia was helped as some of his rivals in the Republican caucus lost their seats in 2012, namely Alex Diaz de la Portilla and Frank Farkas, he used his extra time in the House to give himself a head start and, less than a year and a half after winning his seat, Olivia was already a speaker in waiting.
Rep. Barbara Watson, D-Miami Gardens, was also elected in a special election in 2011. While not as prominent as the other redshirt freshmen currently in the House, Watson is the ranking Democrat on the Rulemaking Oversight and Repeal Subcommittee.
Looking at past members reveals a host of prominent redshirt freshmen. Marco Rubio, now a U.S. senator and prominent national figure, is the best example. Rubio won his House seat in a special election in 2000 and used his extra time to propel himself up the ranks. After becoming House speaker after the 2006 elections, Rubio won a U.S. Senate seat in 2010.
While he lost his seat in 2012, former Rep. Chris Dorworth won his House seat in a special election in 2007. Dorworth used the extra time in the House to secure the votes needed to be House speaker after the 2014 elections -- had he only kept his House seat.
Tom Feeney won a special election in 1996 to win a Florida House seat and served as speaker of the Florida House from 2000 until 2002. While he had served in the Florida House for two terms in the early 1990s, Feeney did not seek another term in 1994. Instead he was Jeb Bushs running mate, but they failed to defeat Lawton Chiles. After his tenure as Florida House speaker, Feeney served three terms in Congress before losing his seat to Suzanne Kosmas in 2008. He currently leads the Associated Industries of Florida (AIF).
There are certainly some redshirt freshmen in the House who dont make much of a splash in Tallahassee -- Ron Schultz comes to mind. But those are the exceptions to the rule. Many redshirt freshmen rise to prominence in the House and move over to the Senate or local office -- JD Alexander, Thad Altman, Greg Evers, Ellyn Bodanoff, Oscar Braynon, Darren Soto, Ken Littlefield, Susan Bucher, Denise Lee and Ken Gottlieb, while Mack Bernard came close to winning a Senate seat. Another redshirt freshman moved up to the executive branch. Republican Jennifer Carroll won a special election to the House in 2003 and became lieutenant governor after the 2010 elections.
Being a redshirt freshman doesnt mean Hill is guaranteed success. But his extended time in the House gives Hill the opportunity to move up the ladder and become more prominent. Being a redshirt freshman clearly gives members of the Florida House a good position to propel their political careers to the next level.
Reach Kevin Derby at email@example.com or at 904-521-3722.


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We have usually seen the couples deciding suitable destinations for honeymoon but now the planning begins even before, destinations for proposing loved ones are being decided too. Many couples have taken the saying " Well begun is half done" very seriously. Most of the couples decide to spend quality time abroad neglecting the romantic locations of India. We present some suggestions for you all to initiate your love life at some beautiful destinations. Proposing the love of your life at a beautiful location adds cherry on the cake. Lets discuss the top 7 destinations to propose in India.
1. Epitome of Love ~ Taj Mahal, Agra
Every action shall take place at an appropriate place and time, its consequences are always positive when both time and place are blend together. Taj Mahal is one of the seven wonders, each one longs to visit and explore it. The perfect time of your life to visit Taj Mahal is the time when you are all set to express your feelings to your loved one, yes it is one of the most appropriate place to propose your beloved. Taj Mahal is a mausoleum built by Shah Jahan as a token of love in memory of his favourite wife 'Mumtaz Mahal'. It not only serves as a monument but a monument of immeasurable beauty and love. It makes their love timeless and inspires the lovers to a large extent. A location echoing the fable of love with beautiful surroundings of shimmering water,greenery and the purity of whiteness of Taj Mahal makes it the best place to spend time with loved ones. Purity and positivity flow in its surroundings developing the bond of timeless love, its phenomenal beauty leaves everyone mesmerized.
Taj Mahal has inspired various artists especially love poets, who indulge in comparing unconditional love with that of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz.
2. Paradise on Earth ~ Kashmir
If there is paradise on earth, it is Kashmir, we all have been hearing this saying from elderly people and other sources.Have we ever wondered why is Kashmir called so ? Well the answer lies when you visit Kashmir. In the lap of Himalayas residing at a houseboat in Dal Lake, exploring the beauty in shikhara, each thing about Kashmir makes you feel closer to spiritual love.
Proposing your beloved in a shikara with colorful flowers surrounded by sparkling water and tranquility, it will make your beloved speechless. Moments of love are always better when spent near nature.Exploring the floating gardens feeling like a Mughal Emperor may make it easy for you to find the day of your love. Natural beauty and pleasant weather brings out the best in a person and Kashmir is the right place to initiate the bond of love.
3. Scotland of India ~ Coorg
If you love lush green surroundings,you will love Coorg.Vibrant coloured flowers,chirping birds,path covered by trees, sunrays finding their ways in between the leaves, such is the beauty of Coorg. This is one of the most beautiful hill-station in southern India, a place one must surely visit to obtain the essence of beauty. Beauty tastes best when with dear ones, proposing your beloved in the midst of brightness of the colors of leaves and flowers will surely bear positive results. Coorg is not disturbed by the rush of city life and over urbanization, it is a destination which ensures solitude and togetherness away from noise and pollution.
Taking a leisurely walk in hilly heavenly pathways can give rise to a subtle and beautiful relation in a beautiful manner.
4. Land of Royalty ~ Rajasthan
If you are fond of royal lifestyle and desire to be a part of it, Rajasthan is the place.
The land of royalty,bravery,love and colours, is an amazing destination for expressing love in a very different way. Rajasthan is one of the most colourful states of India and the colours turn even beautiful with perfect company. Splendid palaces, magnificent forts and havelis, add to the richness of the place.Proposing your beloved at ancient palaces can prove to be a gesture of lifetime togetherness.Royal splendours fascinate the couples, the luxurious heritage adds pleasure to the mood.Exotic sand dunes, exciting desert safari, camel rides are few activities to relax and cherish the moments. Sitting under the dark sky gazing sparkling moon and glittering stars bears the essence of sweetness in love.
5. Beach and Adventure ~ Goa
Are you a adventurous couple? How about proposing your beloved while jet skiing in Goa. Goa is one of the most thrilling places to visit. Relaxing at a beach with thirst quenchers to cool oneself.Dinner at beach side, celebrations on a cruise, what can be as romantic as a candle light dinner at the cruise. A perfect place to express what you feel, the ambience of Goa is playful as well romantic.
6. Snow-caped Mountains ~ Gulmarg
Snow and love both are beautiful and when clubbed together gives perfect results.
Gulmarg literally means meadow of flowers. Its lush green surroundings,beautiful landscapes and serene lakes are symbols of purity,hope and positivity. Proposing your beloved in between the Himalayan ranges in so romantic and pleasing. This is one of those destinations in India one must not skip to visit. It also provides amazing winter sports that attracts most of its tourists.
7. Andaman & Nicobar Island
Visiting the island is a mesmerizing experience, surrounded by coconut palms gives a fairy-tale experience.Couples can spend excellent time by deciding to visit these islands.These islands are covered by dense forests and appear as sparking gems when seen from height. Love relations can easily blossom at such beautiful location.
Lovers shall take the advantage of the romantic atmosphere and give a meaning to their relationship, proposing here is an amazing idea. The scenic beauty creates infinite romantic impact and give a lifetime cherishing experience.


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We welcome bookings at our bars at the Harbour view.
Groups of patrons are welcome to reserve a space at any of the Hotel bars, including the cocktail bar on the top floor, without charge.
Food can be pre-ordered in advance. Food platters need to be ordered at least 5 days in advance. Food ordered must be paid for at ordering. A credit card is usual. Alternatively you may order off our menu on arrival.
All bar areas are open to the public so we cannot guarantee for example seating or a separate area. We will endeavour to assist you by identifying your table with signage with the booking name. Priority and assistance will be given to you in extremely busy periods.
You might consider using our seperate Pool Room for a pool party, or to watch a sporting event with your friends. Foxtel is available.
Book on 92524111 with our Function manager 9-5 or use our booking form and we will be in contact.
We have available for your patronage
- Terrace with Harbour and Bridge Views
- Pool Room for pool challenges
- Oval Bar, with a Baby Grand piano for musicial evenings (subject to our assessment)
Areas will not be for your exclusive use. Seating and tables will be provided to the best of our ability. We do not guarantee seating for all patrons. We can provide,including on our terrace, a separated area, roped off, with private access to a bar. Bar tabs are available in all bars. ALL beverages will be at our standard competitive bar prices. There is no minimum spend and only In exceptional cases is there a fee.
If it's your intention to stay for some time and require food, small bookings (2 -10) ; which are our majority of guests, order from the menu and food and will be delivered to your table.
The best solution for larger bookings, are platters of finger food, in bar areas. They need to be ordered in advance, our function manager will assist you in this task.
We may ask for a holding deposit for larger groups 20+ which can be used for food or beverages, or refunded to you, providing the area we have set aside for you, is patronised, within reason, in the manner of your booking.


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Second person with measles confirmed in San Antonio area
A second case of measles has been confirmed in the San Antonio area, the Metropolitan Health District said Wednesday.
Anita Kurian, head of the Communicable Disease Division at Metro Health, said the case was confirmed by state laboratory testing and involved a person in their 20s who was immunized against the highly contagious virus. The vaccine is not effective for a small percentage of people.
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The person is no longer infectious, she said.
The newly diagnosed case is related to another case of measles confirmed in the area earlier this month. That person was an adult visiting Guadalupe County from the Philippines, where there was an active outbreak.
The visitor exposed the Bexar County resident after visiting two health-care facilities in San Antonio, Kurian said. The traveler was diagnosed as an outpatient by University Health System, and the case was confirmed by state health officials March 6.
The last time Bexar County had an officially confirmed case of measles was 2007, when three people were infected, according to state data.
Lauren Caruba covers health care and medicine in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | email@example.com | Twitter: @LaurenCaruba


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Mar 9 14 members were in attendance. The lip reading session was dominated by a story of the life of a famous person whom we had to determine by reading the clues given to us without voice. This was followed by the AGM, which will be separately minuted.
Feb 24 23 members attended. The lip reading session covered the letter "L" not so much a lip shape as a tongue movement. This was folowed by a talk on specila images of Sri Lanka.
Feb 10 23 members attended the meeting which showed great dedication as storm Caira was in attendance. The lip reading covered the shapes of "sh"."ch" and "g". This was followed by a slide show talk covering the Pyrennees; land of the Lammergeyer
Feb 3 was a committee meeting the minutes of which are issued elsewhwere. This was followed up by some members attending a Tinnitus forum at G Live where the Group had a stand.
27 Jan 22 people attednde the meeting. The lip reading lesson this time covered finger spelling both practise and examples of how it can assist. This was followed by a talk on scams that members are likley to experience and how to avoid them.
13 Jan This was our first meeting of the year. The weather was really wet but still 22 people attended which included 4 new members. Kay's lip reading session concentrated on the lip shape of the letter "w". This was followed by a social gathering over a cup of tea as because of the time of year the Group does not have a speaker or formal activity after the first meeting..
9 Dec As always the culmination of the year was our annual Christmas Lunch. This was held in the Yvonne Arnoud theatre dining room this year and was attended by 34 members and their guests. It was an excellent lunch much enjoyed by all of us and our Chairman is congratulated on finding such a good venue following the closure of the Millmead Centre. This may be the last entry on this web site as there are plans affoot to expand and update it. However next years programme is shown for convenience so that members are aware of the future.
Nov 11 24 members were present. Having just past BonFire night the lip reading lesson concentrated on words and phrases beginning with the lip shape for B and F (fuff). This was followed by a very interesting talk on ballooninng.
Oct 28 As the author was away information on this meeting is awaiting
Oct 14 20 people were in attendance. The meeting was a change to that originally programmed as it was felt that we should get used to the premises before inviting Alison Ellman- brown to give us her annual lesson which this year covered our Judo Gold Medalist who has Ashers desease and is an example to all of us who are disabled..
September 23 Once again attendance at the new venue was in the twenties. After the lip reading session we had an intteresting talk on sine language which covered both the history, finger spelling which both the hard of hearing and deaf use and some of the basic signs.
September 9. 22 members attended our first meeting at the new venue, St Catherine's Village hall. The lip reading session brought us back to basics by reminding us what lip reading was all about. This was followed by a beetle session which fittingly was won by Martyn who had done so much to ensure that the loop system installed was compatible with our needs. The Chairman won the booby prize which was unfair after all her work to ensure a smooth move!
August 12. 29 members attended what was planned as a social event. The meeting commenced with a presentation by our Chairman on the results of the questionaire which had been circulated regarding our web site. Members were then consulted on the plans being made for its upgrade. This was followed by a tea which gave members a chance to chat amongst themselves.
July 22 Unfortunately the Group outing planned for this date had to be cancelled
July 8 27 members attended the meeting. Kay's presentation covered the vowel shape "air". This was followed up by a talk on Marriane North her travels and paintings. As this was our last meeting at Millmead due to refurbishment we took the opportunity to make a presentation to the caretaker Rod and his coleagues who have done so much to ensure all our meetings ran smoothly.
June 24 20 members were present for Kay's lip reading session concentrating on the importance of context when trying to understand what is being said. Given how much we also have to take in on facial expressions and body language it is no wonder we find lip-reading so challenging. Wendy Scott then talked to us about the work of Sight for Surrey for those who have some hearing loss or are profoundly deaf. Her colleagues also brought along their Sensory Bus so that we could experiment with a number of technological aids.
June 10 24 members attended. Lip reading covered the vowel groups "ee and oo" which were illustrated in a shopping list which in turn would have caused some confusion were the items actually purchased from the list lip read by some members! This was followed by a very interesting talk on the Kent,Surrey and Sussex air ambulance.
May 13 As the compiler was on holiday and is gathering information about this meeting he has no detail available at present.
Apr 8 28 members attended. The lip reading session was particularly challenging as it covered "s" and "z" both lip shapes that are difficult to distinguish. This was followed by a talk on the origin of the Streets of Guildford.
Mar 25 27 members attended. The lip reading session practised members ability to lip read by presenting them with six words in "lip speak" all of which were associated with an occasion from which members were invited to say what was the occasion. This was followed by a presentation from Vanessa Scott with her hearing support dog Ellis outlining what he does for her and the training of the dogs.
Mar 11 Only 16 members were able to attend the AGM though many apologies were given details of which will be recorded in the minutes. Prior to the AGM the lip reading lesson covered much used phrases and the difficulty to lip read "n,t,and d".
Feb 28 26 members attended. The lip reading consolidated on the last lesson adding "ge" "ion" and "su" to the "ch" sound all of which are similar as a lip shape. This was followed by a talk on China Beyond the wall.
Feb 11 27 members attended the meeting. The lip reading class covered "ch" "g" where g is soft and the affect of having "r" after thees lip shapes. These lip shapes are so similar the need to "read" the rest of the sentence before being sure of what the lip reader saw was emphasised. This was followed by a talk on "the life of Grime" which covered the life of an Health inspector in the mid part of the 1960's.
Jan 28 32 members attended the meeting. The lip reading revised the pbm lipshapes and finger spelling from last week and covered "r" both as a stand alone letter or coupled with p&b. This was followed by an excellent presentation from Dr Anna Peplar Deputy head of RSCH audiology answering the many general queries members had submitted regarding hearing aids and the decision to issue Phonak though Oticon aids will still be avilable and supported.
Jan 14 The first meeting of the year was attended by 26 people including 3 new members. The meeting openned with quite a lot of notices of which the most important was an appeal to help with running of the the tea roster. It was followed by a lip reading lesson which included a considerable amount of class activity and finger spelling. After a tea break members had a chance to catch up with one another on their Christmas break activities.
Dec 10 Christmas lunch was attended by 42 members and their guests. Official Guests included the Mayor, Mike Parsons,Tracy Wade and partner Simon plus our two resident lip reading teachers. In his welcoming speech the Deputy Chairman explained that this lunch was a celebration of the Groups 70th year during which time much support had been given to us by the Mayor's office. The Chairman closed the lunch by thanking the Chef on behalf of us all for yet again cooking an excellent meal.
Nov 26 22 members attended the meeting. The lip reading continued with the "fuff" lip shape. This was followed by short stories made up of photographs of wild life supported by music.
Nov 19 The fifth lesson of the Hearing loss manament course covered the vowel grouping
Nov 12 32 members attended the meeting. The lip reading covered "f and v" the "fuff" lip shape. This was followed by an excellent talk on computer security which did much to spell out the precautions members can take to ensure they are not easily compromised.
Nov 5 the fourth course lesson which covered the various agencies whom the hard of hearing can contact for help and advice. Also the Chairman explained the roups library and its function.
Oct 29 The third of the course lessons which covered equipment.
Oct 22nd 26 members attended. The lip reading session covered further work on "pbm". This was followed by a talk o collecting "Treen". The heading itself caused cofusion amongst members some of whom initially thought it was a misprint in the programme!
Oct 15 The 2nd session of the Managing Hearing loss course covered travel which was appropriate as the train to Guildford was delayed causing significant difficulty for our lip reading teacher.
Oct 9 23 people were in attendance. The lip reading session covered the confusion caused when lip reading "pbm" with particular emphasis on words using "p". This was followed by a beetle session which was won by the Chairman.
Oct 1 The first lesson of the annual Managing Hearing loss course commenced today. The course was attended by 6 new membesr plus 3 existing members who were attending the course again and providing assistance.
Sep24 27 members were in attendance including 2 new people. The lip reading lesson was a revision based on the holiday activities that members might have undertaken during the summer teaching break. This was followed by a very interesting talk on the Topuddle Martyrs.
Sep 10 24 people attended. In her introduction to the meeting the Chairman drew member's attention to "Stories forlipreading.org.uk" which enables people to practise lip reading at home. The entire session was then taken by our guest lip reading teacher who based the lesson around reading "p,b,m" lip shape and the Charity "Big Issue"
Aug 13 20 people attended.There was no lip reading this time as the teachers were on a well earned holiday. Instead we had a session on looking at how we who are hard of hearing can help ourselves.
July 9 29 people attended despite the heat. The lip reading concentrated on the lip shape of "Eye" and was folowed up with some revision of finger spelling. After the tea break the talk was on Pollen and it's various shapes depending on the source.
June 25 22 people attended on one of the hottest days of the year. The lip reading lesson revolved around the the lip shape "SEE". This was followed by a talk on "the Victorian Gardener".
June 11 25 people were in attendance. As Kay our teacher had just return from a holiday the lesson revolved around lip reading the items she had packed of which undoubtably 'American Currency' proved to be the hardest to lip read. This was followed by a talk on travel in a camper van around Australia.
May 14 21 People attended. Our resident teacher Kay was away celebrating her 70th. Tracy Wade kindly stood in for her. The lip reading exercise covered colours. This was followed by a talk on the history of weather forecasting.
23 April 30 people attended. The lip reading covered the sound of a soft "C"letter actually spelt by the letter "S" also when the same letter appears at the end of a word and is sounded "Zzz"! This was followed up by a talk on the Guildford's "Rock and Roll Years".
9 Apr 22 people attended.The lip reading session covered the sound "Huh" (letter H). This was followed by a beatle drive.
26 March 24 people attended. The lip reading lesson covered the sound "CUH" - (letters hard C G CK) . This was followed by an interesting talk on the Venetian connection.
12 March 31 peole attended. The lip reading lesson concentrated on the value of body language and jestures when lip reading. This was followed by the AGM which was marked by the deputy Mayor of Guildford making a presentation to the out going Group Secretary and Chairman..
26 Feb 19 people braved the cold weather and snow showers. After the lip reading session they were treated to a talk covering "songs of the sea" which proved to be a lively session with audience participation.
Feb12 23 people attended the meeting. The lip reading covered the lip shape of the sound "L" depending on the position of the letter within the word. This was followed by a talk from the Oticon rep based around the quetsions the Group had submitted to her prior to the meeting.
Jan 22 27 members attended the meeting which continued from the last lesson by exploring the lipshape of the letter "W". This was followed by a talk illustrated by slides covering wild Surrey.
Jan 11 Another New year! 22 members attended the meeting which was confined to the lipreading session followed by a social chin wag afterwards. This was to enable members to get home before the worst of the dark night falls. The lip reading covered the lip shape formed by "wh" and "qu" which though sounding different have an identical lip shape. The lesson further explored the new words now coming into the English dictionary. Many of these have grown up by usage within the youger generation and without knowledge of there existance it will prove even harder for the older generation who are hard of hearing to use the context to help understand a conversation.
Dec11 36 members attended the Christmas lunch which this year was held at the Riverside sweet in the Millmead Centre. Everyone really enjoyed the meal which despite limited facilities in the kitchen was served hot and was beautifully cooked. It was a really fitting end to the Groups year and our thanks go out to all those who contributed.
Dec 4 This was the last lesson in the Management of Hearing Loss Course which covered the vowel greouping.
Nov 27 21 members attended the meeting. The lip reading session covered "th" a tongue movement rather than that of the lips. This was followed by a slide show supported by a commentary on how the many beautiful shots of wild life, which have been seen in previuos talks, have been taken by Geoff Lunn.
Nov 20 The formal lesson on 6 Nov did not take place due to disruption of rail travel. The lesson this time covered equipment available to support those who are Hard of Hearing and where both to view or purchase ones needs.
Nov 13 27 members attended. The lip reading lesson covered the two almost identical shapes of "f" and "v (verf)". It was followed by a talk given by a Water aid volunteer who had carried out a parachute jump to help raise funds for the cause.
Oct 30 Panic set in at the start of the 3rd lesson as it appeared that only 5 of us were in attendance. Fortunately very quickly we increased to 8 and later a new member arrived having had difficulty finding the Centre. The lesson covered agencies available to provide us with support and how best to handle ourselves when in a group.
Oct 18 The second lesson of Managing Hearing Loss course covered the problems for the hard of hearing when travelling and various ways of overcoming these. All 9 members who had signed up to the course were present.
9 Oct 19 people attended. The lip reading session continued on from the last lesson covering the "pbm" group of letters and included a visit to Kay's cafe where members were invited to take orders from one another from a menu all including "pbm" inclusive food. Great fun and instructive. This was followed by a "Beetle" session.
2 Oct The Managing Hearing Loss Course commenced with the first lesson covering the Lip speak alphabet. Disappointinglyonly 7 people were able to attend due to some students who were away on holiday.
25 Sep 22 people attended. The lip reading session commenced with the group lip reading the various items stocked in a french super market as "what was essential to the British". This concentrated on the PBM lip shape. It was followed by lip reading the history of Big Ben. After the tea break a talk was given on the loss of the Submarine Affray.
Sep 11 25 people attended. The session in Sep is always taken by Alison Ellmer-Brown as our regular teacher is away. Her lesson this year ranged around a picture painted by Morgan Penn of seven elderly men who had served in the second world war. The groups task was to read the description of each and their exploits as Alison mouthed them. As usual it became an interesting and entertaining lesson.
Aug 14 26 members attended what was a social meeting only. This enabled us to have six tables of Beetle. After each game winners and loosers moved table so ensuring good contact. It was a much enjoyed afternoon.
July 19 This was our annual group outing. 28 members had booked on the trip unfortunately one had a fall 2 days beforehand and had to call it off and one felt that the intense heat would be too much so in all 26 attended the trip to Hever Castle. We were very lucky as it was the first day that the heat wave broke leaving us with cooler but dry weather. Hever Castle offers something for every ones taste whether it be viewing the old castle building, the gardens or just chilling out in the cafes. As a result all enjoyed the visit.
July 10 . 26 members attended. The lip reading session practised the class working in pairs. This was followed by an interesting talk on the history of books covering the methods of binding used throughout the ages.
June 26 21 people attended. The lip reading session covered numbers of which 8 and 9 on the lips are almost indistinguishable. This was followed by a talk on cochlea implants given by Lisa for whom it transformed her quality of life. Hopefully her experience will encourage some of our members who though advised that an implant is their next option are reluctant to undertake the operation.
June 12 17 members attended. The lip reading lesson covered colours many of which are different when spoken but alike on the lips eg Red/Green/Grey. This was followed by a beetle drive which was much enjoyed. Margaret won and also had the best picture of a beetle, not a prerequisite for the winners prize!
May 22 21 members attended. The lesson covered the sound of the letters "s" "z". This was followed by a most interesting talk on Tudor palaces.
May 14 6 members took part in the annual Sponsored charity walk run by Guildford Rotary and the Surrey advertiser. This year we entered two teams one tackled the 10K walk and the other the new 5K walk. This annual walk is one of the most important funds raising events for the Group.
May 8 28 members attended. This week Kay covered the letters c,k,g. This was followed by a talk on the weather which as illustrated with some excellent slides of cloud formation and sunsets.
April 27 24 members attended. Kay addressed the problem of lip reading homophone words which like the previous lessons covering letters that can be read in more than one way emphasised the importance of looking at the context of the rest of the sentence to deduce what was said. The lesson was followed by a talk on local Surrey villages illustrated by early picture post cards compared with todays photographs.
Apr 10 26 members attended same number as before but not all the same people! The lesson this time covered H another letter of the lip reading alphabet which does not have a readily described shape. The lesson was followed by a talk on the design of the Issigonis Mini.
Mar 27 26 members attended. Kay followed her lesson on the invisible letters T D N by demonstrating how difficult they were to read when used at the end of a word such couldn't. Her lesson was followed by a presentation by Bob Hughes the CEO of Sight for Surrey on their new role of administrating the SCC contract for support to Hard of Hearing.
Mar 13 30 people met for the AGM which was held post the lip reading session where Kay practised the Group on how to overcome the difficulty of reading the 3 "invisible" letters in the lip reading alphabet, D N and T.
Feb 27 27 members attended. Kay's lesson was rather different this time. We were asked to lip read various connecting items with the view to recognising the importance of using one item to help clarify what you thought you had read previously. This was followed by a talk on Ethyl Smyth the composer, author and musician who was a local to Guildford.
Feb 13 37 members attended the meeting. The lip reading was taken by Anita who carried on from Kay's lesson covering the "r" sound. This was followed by a talk from Oticon (who supplies hearing aids to our local trust) which explained what we can expect from our aid and what is available now if we have wireless compatible aids fitted. We have agreed that it should be followed up next year probably with a question and answer session.
Jan 23 The meeting was attended by 30 people which included a new member. Kay our lip reading teacher was unable to take the class so the Chairman practised the class in finger spelling thanks to a lesson plan provided by Kay. This was followed by a talk on Alan Turing entitled "Guilford's best kept secret".
The first meeting of the year was on January 9th when 27 members attended. This included three new members who were made welcome. The lip reading revolved around the word Fare and the many other words that appear the same without context. It was an enjoyable wake up session!
12 Dec 38 members including guests sat down for our Christmas lunch at Weybourne House which proved to be a very enjoyable way of ending the year.
5 Dec 10 members attended the last lesson of the course which covered positioning ones self in a room.
28 Nov 28 members attended.The Chairman opened the meeting by informing members that Councilor Goodwin had agreed with SCC that a grant of £348.00 should be paid to us to cover the cost of the Managing Hearing Loss course. This was much appreciated. This was the last meeting before Christmas and Kay went through her shopping list to exercise us on the "ch" sound.
21 Nov The fifth lesson covered advice about travel. It was attended by 10 members. As the Chairman apologised in advance for his absence from the next lesson the Group were ask for comments on the syllabus. The general opinion was that it was about right.
14 Nov Have you noticed the change in our Logo? Julian opened the meeting by thanking Heather for her work on the Logo which was has been incorporated into the reprint of our welcome pack. 19 members attended the meeting.
24 members attended. Kay started the lesson describing without speech an item she had brought along with her for the meeting. The only clue we had was that it was topical. She gave us about ten facts describing the item. Most of us identified it prior to the final clue. It was a poppy. The lesson ended with us working in pairs to practice lip reading someone other than Kay.
7 Nov The fourth lesson of the course covered vowel grouping. Due to illness of 2 new members only 9 attended this session.
31 Oct The third lesson of the course covered aids and organisations providing support for hard of hearing. 11 members attended.
24 Oct 24 members attended Kay's class which consolidated on her previous lesson covering recognition of words with pbm in them. This was followed by an interesting talk on edible food found in the countryside. It did contain a health warning that you need to know what you are picking!
17 Oct The second lesson of the course covered equipment and was attended by 14 members
Oct 10 19 people attended on what was a perfect, beautiful marvelous autumn day. This time the lesson practiced the problem of recognising the words with pbm all of which have the same lip shape.
Oct 5 The Hon Chairman attended the Volunteer day at Surrey University with Sight for Surrey. Our aim was to recruit a host/ess for the Deaf Social Group which meets at the Keep every last Wednesday of the month. (See Link). There was some interest in the display but time will tell whether we obtain a volunteer!
Oct 3 Was the first lesson of our managing Hearing Loss Course which was attended by 14 members. The lesson covered the lip reading alphabet.
Sep 24 24 members attended the meeting. Kay started the meeting by asking us what we most associated with autumn. Many of these used the lipshape f and v recognition of which was the subject of the lesson.
Sep 10 8 members attended the "national Tea party" hosted by the Epsom Group. This was a gathering of the remaining group members of our founders the Middlesex and Surrey League.
Aug 8 20 members attended attended. The first half of the meeting was devoted to OJT of finger spelling. It was easy for some and new for others. This was followed by an excellent talk on the history of Heathrow. Little did the speaker and chairman know when they planned the talk last year that we still would not know it's future!
July 20th 30 members and friends visited Greys Court on what was one of the warmest days of the year. Despite the heat the general verdict was that it is a lovely venue which everyone enjoyed.
July 11 21 members attended the meeting which was taken by Anita Cooper as Kay our regular teacher was away. Anita consolidated the last series of lessons on vowels. Tony Edens followed with a talk on A history of aids to hearing which illustrated that the problem went back to BC.
June 27 26 members attended including one new member who visited us following the street collection. The lip reading session studied the lip shape "a" and then drew together all the other vowel shapes we had covered in previous sessions. This was followed by an interesting talk on the charity work being done to rescue dogs within Romania
June 17. Some members took part in our annual street collection in Guilford High Street. Thanks to the generosity of the town we raised £134.08 which will help toward the cost of running the club. In addition we were able to promote our work to members of the public which resulted in a new member attending the meeting on 27 June.
June 13 25 members attended the lip reading session which cover the phonetic sounds of the letters "ou" and "o". After the break for tea we had an interesting talk entitled "Round the world in a Vulcan Bomber".
May 23 24 members attended the lip reading session which after having to read some phrases "out of the Blue" then concentrated on the letters "ou". This was followed by an interesting talk on the history of water cress from a local grower.
May 15 7 members took part in the Surrey Advertiser and Rotary sponsored walk, which due to the efforts of members resulted in us raising some £426 for the Group.
May 9 27 members attended. Following last weeks study of a vowel the letter O was covered this time. This was followed by a presentation on the activities of Kent Surrey Sussex Air Ambulance which was given by Bertie Newton. The talk generated much interest and many questions.
Apr 25 24 members attended. The lip reading session covered the lip shape of the letter E to celebrate Queen Elizabeth's 90th birthday. This was followed by an excellent talk on "bottle and bygones" given by the local historian David Rose
Apr 11 25 members attended in our temporary new location at the URC Guildford. The lip reading revised lip shapes and practised finger spelling. This was followed by a Video made by Geoff Lunn of Gambia which contained some fantastic wild life photography.
Mar 14 24 members attended the AGM which followed lip reading tuition covering the "th" lipshape. In addition the Group had an interesting discussion on how to react to someone who was not prepared to recognise that they were talking to a person who was hard of hearing a condition which was aptly described as a "hidden disability".
Feb 24 Meeting of the Guildford Hard of Hearing Committee, after which some members joined others in the Keep Pub for the last Wednesday of the month social gathering. (see link: "Meet at Keep")
February 28 28 members attended. The lip reading session covered the "CH" sound after which the Group had a very interesting talk on the History of Weather Forecasting.
February 8 24 members attended this time. After our lip reading session they received an interesting talk on the Rural life at the start of 20th century, which was illustrated by early picture postcards.
27 January As this was the last Wednesday of the month some members of the Group joined others in the Keep Pub Castle Street Guildford for a social gathering (see link; "Meet at Keep).
January 32 members met for the lip reading session covering the letter "W" which was followed by an interesting talk on the "history of Bavaria and Germany" which was given by a member of the group.
11 January was the first meeting this year. 23 people attended the lip reading class which after tea was followed by a social gathering to enable members to exchange their memories of Christmas and the New year
2015 Year End
The year 2015 ended with an excellent Christmas lunch in the Park restaurant at the Guildford Technical College which was attended by 43 members. The meal was cooked and served by the students at the College.


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Travelling is so common these days with many of us living away from our countries of birth. There are also those of us that travel with work, or just move every couple of years. As much as these freedoms can be exciting, I think we are really missing out on the beauty of intimate relationships with the Spirits of Place.
We don't necessarily know the history of a place, especially if it is a place that has been colonized. We may know what happened there from a certain time, but we don't know the mythology, the stories, or the happenings on a deeper level.
I have lived on the same land now for eleven years, and in the same area for about fourteen. I was married at a place by the ocean near our place, and my daughter's welcoming and naming was held in the same place. I gave birth at home, and on the third day after her birth, I took my daughter out to the woods to introduce her to the Spirits of the land there. These relationships are rich and intimate.
Like any friendship you might have with someone for eleven years - the more time you spend together, the more you get to know each other and the more intimate the connection.
Interestingly, returning home to Australia has sometimes been a bit spiritually discombobulating for me. There is so much that I recognise and so much that recognises me, and yet it can take some time to settle in and become attuned to the rhythm and language of the Land once again. Here on the east coast of Australia, I am staying in Newcastle. The Aboriginal holders and caretakers here are Awabakal whose totem is the Wedge Tailed Eagle. Interestingly, when my parents moved here three years ago, the wedge tailed eagle became my power animal for some time. This visit however, I was acutely aware of how disconnected I was feeling which caused an overwhelming feeling of melancholy that I knew to be spiritual in nature. I knew it was more than just the jetlag, and so I made a point of getting outside very early in the mornings to see what this melancholy was all about. I soon became aware that although I was born here and lived here for 30 years, I was not brought up to have a spiritual relationship with the land.
I certainly had a love relationship and deep respect for the Land here as I grew up in a family with a deep love of Nature, however, I was not taught to communicate, pray or listen to the Spirits of the Land. I was taught to pray and communicate with a God outside of myself. And so as much as I loved the ocean or the trees, as I became older, I stopped talking to them, and I certainly stopped listening.
Prior to this visit, I had pondered for some time about what offerings I might bring with me from Canada for the Land Spirits. In the end, I chose some rose petals from two old rose bushes that I planted many years ago to honour my grandmothers. My hope was that as I gave the offerings, I would be introducing (or re-introducing) myself, as well as my lineages.eaglewt3
That day when I gave the offerings and began speaking with a beautiful old Fig tree, the melancholy lessened, lifted, and I was able to settle. I realized that travelling and holidaying in places away from home, is just like going to stay at a friend's place. The least we can do is acknowledge the generosity and hospitality or our hosts.


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Sir Kenneth Branagh isn't just squaring off against Chris Pine in Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit; he's also the film's director. The legendary Shakespearean actor and respected film director opened up to us about adapting Tom Clancy's cold war hero for the modern age, why Chris Pine is perfect to follow in the footsteps of Harrison Ford and Alec Baldwin and why he goes out of his way to work with actors like Tom Hiddleston before they're big stars. Jack Ryan first appeared on movie screens in 1990's The Hunt For Red October and since then the character has been played by Alec Baldwin, Harrison Ford and Ben Affleck.
Though a franchise about a winsome CIA analyst fighting Russian communists might not seem like a natural fit for today's world, Branagh thinks it's perfect. Branagh described the tensions between the United States and Russia as "an elemental stand off" and points out that "modern tensions have not gone away."
More importantly, though, Branagh thinks that people can't get enough of Jack Ryan. "This character speaks to people in some way that is very intriguing to them," Branagh explains. "There's a kind of simplicity to Jack. You know that he's a modest man…but he has got this brilliant mind."
Star Trek star Chris Pine seemed like a perfect fit for Jack Ryan because "Chris [Pine] can play that kind of normality, but he happens to look like our kind of movie star." He not only shares Jack Ryan's "heroic attributes," but is also, according to Branagh, "a natural gentleman."
"I find her an adventurous and ambitious actress," Branagh said. "She brings this feisty, fiery passionate intelligence to the role. She can play a full-blooded passionate woman."
Branagh points out that Cathy is more than just a placid love interest in the film. "She could go out and be in a movie on her own where she's the heroine, you know? Be an action hero herself."
In addition to his work on stage and screen, Branagh is also something of a star-maker. He cast then unknowns Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston in Thor. He says that the benefit to working with younger actors is that "they're still very open and prepared to listen."
Branagh was actually knighted during production of the film, and by "during production," that is in the middle of an actual shoot day. He shot one scene in the morning at Pinewood Studios, got knighted, and then returned for more work.
"When I came on set, I did show [the cast and crew] the actual award itself and everybody gave a round of applause. After that, I was just plain old Ken as I'd ever been."
Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit opens in theaters today.


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St Peter's Diary
Worship Team – meets once every two months to plan our services.
Church Vestry – meets the 3rd Sunday of every month at 9am.
Prayer Group – meets on 1st and 3rd Mondays at 10am. (Currently in recession, individual prayer chain still operating).
Continuing Care Unit (CCU) – monthly service on 3rd Wednesday at 11am.
Men's Group – Meets every Friday at 2pm at the Dundas St Church.
"Knit For A Purpose" Knitting Group – meets at 10am 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month in the Dundas St Church.
Sewing Group meets at 10am on 2nd Friday of the month in the Dundas St Church.


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ABC, Desperate Housewives, Fox, Heroes, House M.D, Lost, NBC, Prison Break, The Office, TV shows, Veronica Mars
I created a discussion on BlogCatalog for the past week and polled on a couple of friends asking people to name the fake people you want in your life for real — here, your (sometimes very weird) answers.
By far the most popular response…
We would have so much fun pulling pranks on Dwight and Andy and we'd go to baseball games and he'd never leave me at a fountain in NYC. Of course, I'd have to pull an Eternal Sunshine on him to erase all memories of that Pam person, but I know people, and that can be arranged. — Red
I'm sure everybody thinks to themselves, "Oh my god, I am SO Jim/Pam! I'm so cynical, and everybody else at school/work are just a bunch of Kellys/Phyllises/Stanleys!" But, like, for me, it's REALLY true. So I'm sure Jim would fall madly in love with me. — Emily R
LOGAN ECHOLLS (Jason Dohring) and VERONICA MARS (Kristen Bell)
He's fiercely loyal, witty as hell, and pretty much awesome in every way. To quote Veronica, he's "ownage." Sure, he used to arrange bum fights and screw his friend's stepmother, but when you think about it…he's had the most f'd up life ever (girlfriend brutally murdered, dad arrested for sleeping with/killing said girlfriend, mom commits suicide, etc.) yet he still manages to love with his whole heart. — Melissa
Some folks have mentioned the boys from Veronica Mars, but no man has stepped up to the plate to take V herself. I heartily volunteer. She's smart, hilarious, and a sassy lady. What's more to ask for, oh wait she's a bombshell. Annoy me, tiny blonde, annoy me anytime! — Seth
He's ridiculously attractive, I like ridiculously attractive guys…He likes to save people, I frequently need saving…He's usually pretty stubbly, I like stubble…it's clearly a match made in heaven. — Cara
This is a good question as there are a lot of TV characters I have a "crush" on…I wouldn't actually date them (i.e. Logan Echolls). I love the idea of them…not actually them. Jack Shephard, on the other hand…We share the same sense of morality, which I think is the most important thing in a relationship. Also, there is nothing sexier than someone who does the right thing simply because it's right. Goodness & morality are the ultimate turn-on. — KrisEric Taylor. He's not perfect and he doesn't claim to be, but he's a decent man who loves his family, is a loyal friend, and cares very much about doing the right thing. He's funny and smart and loves what he does and there is just no man who has ever cooed at a baby sexier!…Sadly I can't even begin to compete with Tami Taylor's awesome hair [but] I'd be more than willing to help him get that bratty teenage daughter of his under control. — Melissa
I'd have to go with Tim Riggins…He's not averse to dating older women, and do I really need to say it? People, he's HOT. — Alison
I usually dig the older bad boys, like House and Sawyer, but I think Smash Williams is the guy for me right now. With all that self-righteous, brash, reckless charisma behind that handsome face, Smash got it going on. — K
I have SUCH a soft spot for Landry…I'm a geek, he's a geek…. — Kari
My heart belongs to the ENTIRE cast of Friday Night Lights. I'd marry them all in a big polygamous to-do. I'll even take Buddy, just for kicks. Now, the fight for 1st wife though comes down to Coach and QB 1…. — Anonymous
BREE VAN DE KAMP (Marcia Cross)
I sorta dig that neurotic obsessive compulsive thing she's got going on. As long as I use a coaster, I've got it easy…. — Darma Boy
I've been told I'm crazy for wanting to be with him (by almost everyone I know), but I don't care. Sure, he's a Vicodin-popping, fortysomething, sarcastic doctor with a limp, but who cares? He's smart, speaks his mind, and is very witty. As I love to argue, this works out perfectly. We could go back & forth for hours on a number of topics, from religion to celebrities. Plus, he plays the piano and a mean guitar. So hot!! — Frances
PAM BEESLY (Jenna Fischer) and KAREN FILIPPELLI (Rashida Jones)
From the male perspective, Pam Beesly. She is very cute, without being high-maintenance, growing in her confidence and is artsy. We share a similar light, yet sarcastic sense of humor. — James
Wow, so it's mostly female posters lusting after all the terrific male characters out there…I'll mix things up a bit and put in my vote for Karen Filippelli of The Office. She's smart, funny and enjoys practical jokes, but works hard when she has to (like me). Not to mention she's unbelievably beautiful (some might say "exotic looking"). She's a risk taker and willing to make big changes in her life for someone she cares for (I like to think I'm the same way). Hey, if Jim doesn't want her…. — Ceballos
HIRO NAKAMURA (Masi Oka), SYLAR (Zachary Quinto) and CLAIRE BENNET (Hayden Panettiere)
Hiro Nakamura!! We share many interests — I would go comic shopping with him, I wouldn't gripe if Ando hung out all the time, I'd ask him to teach me some samurai moves, and I'd take care of him after a time-hopping jaunt to save the world. Oh yeah — and I'd make him waffles. — Kathleen
I have a HUGE crush on [Sylar]. I have no superpowers he'd want to steal, so I'm safe. I'd be understanding and love him for the slightly creepy, super-smart weirdo that he is. I would make him happy, but it wouldn't be enough. He'd break, kill someone; I'd cry, then leave him. He'd apologize and ask for forgiveness. I would go make out with Nathan Petrelli (ignoring the last episode) and then take him back. It'd be a huge messy deal but the make-up sex would be awesome. — Susie S.
Claire Bennet. A little young, I know, but it's been a goal of mine to date a cheerleader. I'd threaten to expose her to the entire school if she didn't go out with me (teens hate that)! — Rob Grizzly
MICHAEL SCOFIELD (Wentworth Miller)
I know he's on the run from the law and a shadowy evil corporation that murdered his last girlfriend, and that he is seriously on the rebound after losing said girlfriend, but look at the guy — he is incredibly hot, sexy, vulnerable, smart…how can I not go for that? Besides, he hasn't been intimate with a female for months so I know that whatever time we spend together on a secluded Central American beach would be…uh…memorable to say the least. So hands off, girls, this fugitive is mine! — anne


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Besides belonging to a country, all Hattrick clubs belong to a region as well.
In Sweden, for example, all regions correspond to a provinces and there's a region for the cities Stockholm and Gothenburg. The point is to select a region to which you feel you belong. It's probably the one you actually live in, or then again, you may have some other reason for choosing it. You don't have to consider if it's smarter to choose one region over another - all regions are, and will stay, equally good.
Function of Regions
The most important feature related to the regions is the concept of derby games. Whenever you play a team from the same region, the team playing away will get half of the bonus to midfield given to the home team.
The other important function has to do with the weather. All matches held in the same region will have the same weather. Each region has its own weather, which is updated every day. At the "Region" caption you can see what the weather is like today in your region, and a weather forecast for tomorrow. As we all know, the weather forecast isn't always entirely accurate, but they get it right quite often. The weather isn't selected completely at random every day. It's connected to what the weather was like the day before. If there was rain today, there's a greater probability of rain tomorrow as well, compared to other types of weather.
The chances are exactly the same for rain, sunshine or anything else regardless of which region you choose. No regions have better weather than others. No region is better than any other region.
The regions are also meant to be "fun", so a person belonging to one area can check out how many people from the same area are participating, how many are logged in, etc. Possibly, being the best club in your region might become a challenge, or trying to get as many players from your own region into the national team. There are also regional conferences to discuss all topics concerning the regions, although many of these are inactive.
If a team wants to change region (the coach might be moving?) then you have to pay US$ 10,000 and 3% of your supporters will leave your team.
Longitudes and latitudes may be subject to rounding errors. They are also chosen arbitrarily from within the region. Should you notice a region in the wrong place, please contact the Game Masters.
A list of all HT regions is found here: Category:Regions


text:
The first time we met
dirtyblonde curlyhaired locks
with the widest ocean blue eyes
I may have ever seen just beaming
childlike and heavy
You chainsmoked camels
like you were nervous, excited,
or just happy to be talking art
which was plastered all over every inch of your walls & ceiling
The passion was there but the style & mastery
had yet to be developed—
You were from Jersey and couldn't say orange,
always looking like a fairy with your thrift store dresses & jewelry—wearing daisys in your hair—you would giggle like a jitterbug at everything and it was contagious—we loved you for it—except maybe some of the other girls
It was just who you were—I remember you took a class
on how to weave baskets with a bunch of old ladies—it was a dying art soon to be forgotten you said—
we'd drive to the beach or chug wine out on the kayaks on the Manatee just shooting the shit watching the sunsets looking for the green flash—
I'd see you on rollerskates at Sonic smoking blunts in the back
waiting to get off so we could listen to the Pixies
& smoke more blunts or sometimes floral smelling goo—
We didn't know what we were doing
you said you saw circus bears sorta dancing in the ceiling
and I'd really never seen anything more
than a cloudy veil of flowing golden faces at that point
I was never really attracted to you either
but we fucked one night when we were drunk anyway just for the hell of it—
pissed your ex off when he found out—my friend at the time—you must have told him deliberately—he told us
we didnt know what we wanted, hell, he was right
You would talk about your family problems
and although it seemed kinda shitty we didn't know
just how bad it was for you—you befriended Gypsy
this old crackhead in the jungle behind kmart who used you to get her things yet you adored her for a while
I'd been gone five years off and on since then
when you visited Amber and I in Santa Cruz during your road trip across the states
the jealous cunt hated you for being an old female friend
and I hated her for that at the mexican restaurant
where we both began to realize the dude that you were with
was a bit of a wingnut
you wanted to camp in a park
I asked if you were ok or needed a place to stay
you said you were maybe going to Mexico with him
and I sometimes almost hate myself for letting you go
but what the fuck was I supposed to do?
You went to Ireland and hung out with a bunch of old dudes for a while you said—I could see it on your facebook—which I never did—not that I didn't want to
Like a year after I got a call on my phone late one night
still with a Florida number after all those years
I would change it not long after
But it was my brother—not really—who
I'd not seen in forever having gotten lost among the hedgewalls of my life closing in on me again—
he said he'd been trying every combination of numbers until it worked for an hour not even knowing if it would be the same—he was out of his mind—said he knew she was crazy, but not that crazy, you know?
Shitfaced & alone sitting in the upstairs attic-loft of my shack in Scott's Valley with a Sierra Nevada and a spliff is how I found out you left your car burning on that bridge—I miss you, I wish, and I wonder all the time


text:
Be a part of one of Australia's most thriving and vibrant automotive events!
Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge Sydney has grown over the last ten years into the world's biggest time attack event and the flagship event at Sydney Motorsport Park.
WTAC has cemented its position as the country's premier motorsport event. With participation, attendance and media coverage rivalling many mainstream events, WTAC has redefined the way motorsport events are run and promoted. With a string of track records under its belt, a thriving competitor and fan base, WTAC is a truly international event, respected and recognised by the racing fraternity all around the world.
In 2018 fans from around Australia and around the world converged en-masse on Sydney Motorsport Park to be a part of the WTAC spectacle. This was matched with impressive spectator numbers and record live stream viewership.
But the Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge is no longer just a niche motorsport event. With more media covering the event than ever and being recognised in 2016 by the Sport NSW as the Event of the Year (tied 1st place with the HSBC Rugby 7s), WTAC continues to grow and reach a larger audience each year.
With a constant stream of active and interested spectators walking through the trader alley during the event, exhibiting at WTAC puts your brand front and centre in front of a massive targeted audience. Time after time we had many exhibitors and spectators commenting that WTAC is the not only an awesome motorsport event but one of the best aftermarket parts trade shows in Australia! We also have many opportunities from global brands to advertise on our livestream and reach an extremely attentive and targeted audience directly relevant to your product.
We have an extremely limited number of sponsor and exhibitor packages available and as with previous years these will all sell out many months in advance so get in quick!
Book your Package!
In 2019, we've introduced a faster system to request your trader space at the Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge. Here's how to use it:
- View available spaces on our 2019 WTAC Exhibitor Map.
- Check out our 2019 WTAC Exhibitor Packages.
- Log in to our WTAC Exhibitor Booking Form.
NOTE: Please select 'Yes' if you are a non-exhibiting sponsor, all other enquiries select 'No'.
- Fill in your preferred trader area, upload your documents and submit your EOI. Don't forget to add your items to cart! You will receive a confirmation email and a WTAC team member will be in touch within 1-2 working days to confirm payment details and area!
For any general enquiries or corporate sponsorships and hospitality packages, please contact:
WTAC Sales and Partnerships
Phone: +61 2 9638 4643
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
5 reasons why WTAC is the place to be seen!
1. WTAC Social Media during the 2018 event reached over 4.3 MILLION people. (Google, Facebook, Instagram)
2. WTAC Live Stream broadcast reaches 48 countries and more than 1.2 MILLION viewers.
3. WTAC Highlights on SBS Speedweek was watched by 409,591 viewers
4. In 2018, more than 18,000 spectators walked through our gates.
5. WTAC is covered by publications in Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, UK, Japan, Malaysia, Finland and many, many other countries!


text:
We examine the near-IR light-matter interaction for graphene integrated cavity ring resonators based on silicon-on-insulator (SOI) race-track waveguides. Fitting of the cavity resonances from quasi-TE mode transmission spectra reveal the real part of the effective refractive index for graphene, neff = 2.23 ± 0.02 and linear absorption coefficient, αgTE = 0.11 ± 0.01dBμm−1. The evanescent nature of the guided mode coupling to graphene at resonance depends strongly on the height of the graphene above the cavity, which places limits on the cavity length for optical sensing applications.
© 2014 Optical Society of AmericaFull Article | PDF Article
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text:
the guardian)
Advances in clean energy expected to cause a sudden drop in demand for fossil fuels, leaving companies with trillions in stranded assets
Mon 4 Jun 2018
Advances in clean energy expected to cause a sudden drop in demand for fossil fuels, leaving companies with trillions in stranded assets
Plunging prices for renewable energy and rapidly increasing investment in low-carbon technologies could leave fossil fuel companies with trillions in stranded assets and spark a global financial crisis, a new study has found.
A sudden drop in demand for fossil fuels before 2035 is likely, according to the study, given the current global investments and economic advantages in a low-carbon transition.
The existence of a "carbon bubble" – assets in fossil fuels that are currently overvalued because, in the medium and long-term, the world will have to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions – has long been proposed by academics, activists and investors. The new study, published on Monday in the journal Nature Climate Change, shows that a sharp slump in the value of fossil fuels would cause this bubble to burst, and posits that such a slump is likely before 2035 based on current patterns of energy use.
Crucially, the findings suggest that a rapid decline in fossil fuel demand is no longer dependent on stronger policies and actions from governments around the world. Instead, the authors' detailed simulations found the demand drop would take place even if major nations undertake no new climate policies, or reverse some previous commitments.
That is because advances in technologies for energy efficiency and renewable power, and the accompanying drop in their price, have made low-carbon energy much more economically and technically attractive.
Dr Jean-François Mercure, the lead author, from Radboud and Cambridge universities, told the Guardian: "This is happening already – we have observed the data and made projections from there. With more policies from governments, this would happen faster. But without strong [climate] policies, it is already happening. To some degree at least you can't stop it. But if people stop putting funds now in fossil fuels, they may at least limit their losses."


text:
By Suki
Is echinacea a natural doping agent?
Echinacea is a beautiful bright flower, a member of the daisy family and native to North America. Although it's recognized for its immune supporting benefits, this pink petalled flower may also be the ultimate doping agent.
Doping (short for blood doping) is the process of increasing red blood cell count in the human body. In doing so, more oxygen is delivered to the muscles, thereby increasing aerobic ability and endurance. Simply put, doping enhances athletic performance.
Doping is banned in professional sports because illicit drugs are used to activate such an effect. In 2012, cyclist Lance Armstrong was charged by the USADA for doping, and subsequently stripped of all seven of his Tour De France titles.
Enter mother nature
According to Craig Dinkel, founder of Biotropic Labs, there may be a natural solution. The former NCAA swimmer believes doping can be achieved with echinacea supplementation.
Echinacea increases macrophage activity. Macrophages are a type of cell which stimulates the production of Erythropoietin Hormone (EPO), which, in turn, produces red blood cells. EPO in synthetic form was the drug of choice for Lance Armstrong.
If echinacea can upregulate EPO activity with the same end result as a synthetic drug, the implications for professional athletes are potentially huge.
Does it really work?
This is where things get murky. Despite uptake across endurance athletes, studies looking at the efficacy of echinacea do not support its case.
So if it doesn't improve fitness, why in the pink petal are athletes using it?
For one, studies are few and far between, and two, every one of us is different. What works for one person, doesn't necessarily bode well for another. The key takeaway is to try it out for yourself and see.
Echinacea is perfectly legal and a widely available supplement. Other benefits include:
- Anti-cancer properties
- Painkiller
- Laxative
- Anti-inflammatory agent
- Skin healing properties
- Mental health benefits
- Respiratory Aid
Check out Biotropic Labs for up-to-date products, or do your own independent research – quality is key.
As always, pushing for health.
Photo Credit: healthybutsmart.com


text:
Gallus brewing were looking to launch into the crowded market of Glasgow craft brewing and mark themselves as different from the 'establishment' of Drygate and Brewdog. Gallus wanted to throw out the artisanal, delicately crafted rubbish that other brewers talk about. They simply aimed to make tasty beer for tasty people. Gallus brewing is a Glasgow company that does craft brewing differently: Bold, brash, Gallus!
Featured on AIGA – Eye On Design's instagram.
We aimed to match Gallus' 'anti' approach to brewing with an 'anti' approach to the tropes of craft brewing design. A lo-fi treatment and monochrome palette were chosen to stand out from the mess of colour on the shelves. With a bold name like Gallus we weren't aiming for constraint on all fronts. We threw out the intricate illustrations and threw on a Gallus scribble. A mark that says: I know best.
We then developed simple brand guidelines to future-proof Gallus and encourage endless variety and exploration which can grow as the company does.
"With so much choice available now in craft beer, it's difficult to visually stand out. The guys have nailed it time and time again. With this branding and the label designs; I usually end up with more praise for the packaging than the contents!"
Ben Kassous —Owner


text:
Thursday, 7 January 2010
Sweet & Sour Chicken
I didn't think home made sweet and sour could be as good as what you get from the take aways, but this recipe was a success in our house, not only with me, but with my fussy hubby who'll only ever order sweet and sour chicken from the Chinese! This one's definitely going on the list of things to make again!
Rob gave me Tana Ramsay's 'Real Family Food' book for Christmas so one of the first things I did was to go through it with the post it tabs and bookmark everything I want to try out. Amongst those that were tabbed was her recipe for Chicken Skewers with Sweet and Sour Sauce. I've used this as a basis for this sweet and sour chicken dish and adapted a bit to make it more of a cantonese style dish instead of skewers with dip.
Sweet and Sour Chicken
Serves 2
2 skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
Handful of chopped red pepper
3 limes, juiced
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp plain flour
150ml water
2 tbsp sugar
3 tbsp rice vinegar
3 tbsp ketchup
1 tsp salt
Handful of pineapple pieces from a tin (with natural juices)
1 tbsp juice from tin of pineapple
2 tsp cornflour mixed in 2 tsp water
1. Mix together the marinade ingredients then add the chicken strips. Leave to marinate for 2 hours or overnight.
2. Heat a little oil in a pan and add the chicken and pepper (do not add excess marinade) and cook through for 5-10 minutes stirring often.
3. Mix together the ingredients for the sauce (except the cornflour in water) and bring to the boil. Stir in the cornflour mix and simmer for a few minutes.
4. Stir sauce in with the chicken and peppers and serve immediately.
Posted by Ruth Strong at 20:13
Labels: - Difficulty 2/5, 0120-0180mins (2-3hrs), Chicken
2 comments:
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