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Event apps are useless without a good communication strategy.
Let's say you have done a thorough research. After weeks of testing and discussions your team has finally reached a decision. You are about to implement one of the event apps. At this point, the most frequent mistake is to rest on one's laurels. Buying is the first step you take in order to boost interaction between your audience. The next goal is to promote it and increase a download rate.
Thanks to the app you will be able to create an effective multi-channel communication strategy.
Our first tip is to think of your attendees as your home guests. You need to be the best host ever and act in a hospitable manner. The biggest difference is the fact that you have more people to communicate with and varied communication tools. Another one is the necessity to be more formal. Do not forget that it is, however, recommended to implement some entertaining content. You need to keep the right balance between informative and light news. Do not experiment too much with the amusing posts. This is general advice only. If you want more detailed communication tips, follow the path below.
Remember to send invitation emails to participants as soon as possible. Enclose app market links and a QR code. You should also inset a download manual as some of your attendees may be less tech savvy. Encourage participants to get the app by presenting the benefits. The best idea is to prepare a dedicated infographics. This is an example:
Promote the app benefits via all outer channels. Make use of your newsletters, social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, You Tube) and website. Moreover, most event app providers create a dedicated landing page for free. This is a place where you can upload all crucial information and present all functionalities. Your attendees have to understand why is it useful to download the app and what they can do with it.
Do not forget to greet audience when your event is about to start. Decide whether you want to be conventional or informal. The key issue above all is to be professional but friendly. Then, write the welcoming message in the news section. You can also send a similar push notification. In addition, you should publish 'hello' posts on in-app theme channels. These actions will make your audience feel comfortable. As a result they will get involved more eagerly.
Remember that your app is a highly efficient interaction channel. You can publish your unique content inside in multiple ways. You can write posts, short news, press reports, case studies, personal messages and titbits. It is a chance to stimulate your target audience with the right content. Thanks to all app tools you can build strong community with attendees and stay in touch with them even after the event.
Your app has lots of brand promo tools. First of all, you can integrate your social media channels. All posts will appear automatically in the news section. You can also create personal messages targeted only to your audience. Write about upcoming lectures, coffee breaks or special facilities. Finally, publish the best quotas from the past sessions. It is a good way to entertain, educate and inspire your participants. Thanks to social media integration you will redirect your participants to your external general channels and widen your daily average range. You can read more about this topic here.
Inform your audience about any amendments in the programme. Your app is a perfect tool for a real-time agenda management. The content is automatically updated on the users' phones. Nobody likes changing their plans at the last minute. However, problems often occur in an event reality. It is still better to update your attendees as soon as possible. It is not a good choice to to be silent about it. In the best scenario you might find a solution to the issue and please your disappointed audience.
Collecting opinions about your event is a must. Add a survey and send a push notification right to this component. It increases the number of completed surveys by over 200%. You can learn a lot about your audience preferences and evaluate whether you have made the right choices while planning. It is also an invaluable source of information for your upcoming events.
Thank your audience for coming over, exchanging knowledge and creating this unique community. Encourage them to join your future conferences. You should do this via all external and in-app communication channels.
To sum it up, a final tip is to be as hospitable as possible. You should use all different communication tools that are available to you. You never know what will be especially popular among your audience. In addition, it is important to interact with your attendees before, during and after the event. It is also recommended to use the right tone of communication. Remember that even if it is an entertainment event, you have to be quite formal. You need to, however, keep the right balance between essential and light news.
Would you like test event app for your attendees?


text: More Views Country Roads Reclaimed Wood Executive Desk Model: CR-DSKDX Availability: Estimated Production Completion 10 - 12 weeks Made In USA This item ships FREE! $3,725.00 $2,865.00 *Drawer Option -- Please Select --File Drawers on Right File Drawers on Left (pictured) * Required Fields $3,725.00 $2,865.00 Qty: Add to Cart Bread Checkout Add to Favorites WATCH NOW: Online Furniture Buying Guide Video Add to Favorites Product Description Dimensions Reviews Questions & Answers Product Description Details Rustic Weathered Reclaimed Barnwood Executive Desk from the Country Roads Collection The Country Roads Collection is made from reclaimed wood from barns, churches, school houses, and other antique structures. Handcrafted with loving care, the Country Roads Collection is built to last for generations to come! The Country Roads Reclaimed Wood Executive Desk has two file drawers, a pencil drawer, and 3 storage drawers. This rustic, reclaimed desk is sure to not only last for generations, but also offer a WOW factor that can't be beat! The rustic desk's two toned, Reclaimed Wood lends a Western style to the desk, yet the simple lines and hardware remind us of the Mission/Craftsman era. Whatever this rustic reclaimed wood desk reminds you of, it will last for generations and look great with many different decorating styles. Step back in time and enjoy this reclaimed wood executive desk, knowing that you not only helped preserve a bit of American History, but are helping to create memories that will last for generations to come! Use this Reclaimed Wood desk at your rustic retreat at your lodge, log cabin or western ranch home. Full extension drawer glides Made from reclaimed wood. Measurements: 73"w x 28"d x 35"h Made Proudly in Idaho! **All barn wood is reclaimed from 100+ year-old barns. Nail and knot holes are common and over a century of weathering the elements makes reclaimed barn wood a high character rustic furniture material** Dimensions Dimensions 73"W x 28"D x 35"H Disclaimer Due to the natural materials used in the crafting of our rustic furniture, dimensions can have up to a 2" width & depth variance. Finish No Typically Ships Via Motor Freight - LTL - Semi Truck Shipping Cost Free Shipping - Curbside/Tailgate Delivery Free Shipping Requirements Free Curbside/Tailgate Shipping within the Contiguous 48 States Availability Estimated Production Completion 10 - 12 weeks Warranty Limited Lifetime Warranty Wood Style Reclaimed Wood Wood or Material Reclaimed Wood Reviews Questions & Answers CMS tab x Add to Cart Price: Actual Price: Our price is lower than the manufacturer's "minimum advertised price." As a result, we cannot show you the price in catalog or the product page. You have no obligation to purchase the product once you know the price. You can simply remove the item from your cart. Our price is lower than the manufacturer's "minimum advertised price." As a result, we cannot show you the price in catalog or the product page. You have no obligation to purchase the product once you know the price. You can simply remove the item from your cart.

subset: commoncrawl


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Event Information
About this Event
The Annual Schnancy Dress
We thought we would take advantage of the cooler weather to completely humiliate our dogs (and ourselves) and dress them up. Time to get your thinking caps out and knock out the defending champions!!
There will be a prize for 'Best Dressed Schnauzer' and also for 'Best Dressed Schnauzer and Owner' (that's right, the dress ups are not only for the dogs).
If your 4 legged baby doesn't like clothes, don't stress they won't be the only naked one there. Please don't feel that they have to keep the costume on all day either, we will allocate a time for a fashion parade so they will only have to wear the humiliation for a short window of time.
Food and drinks will be on sale, with all the usual tasty morsels on offer. There will also be a MONSTER RAFFLE with cool prizes for hounds and humans alike.
*This year we will be adding an option to pre-purchase a tasty hamburger. AVAILABLE ONLY ONLINE - PLEASE PURCHASE WHEN BUYING YOUR TICKETS!!
It's going to be a fun day, bring your cameras and be ready for a laugh!
Once again all proceeds from the day will go to SCHNAUZER RESCUE VIC INC to help rehome and rehabilitate the breed we all love so much


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1. Mr. Ki-tack Lim (Republic of Korea) elected as IMO Secretary-General
Mr. Ki-tack Lim (Republic of Korea) has been elected as the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), with effect from 1 January 2016, for an initial term of four years.
The vote took place during the 114th session of the 40-Member strong IMO Council, which is meeting from 29 June to 3 July 2015. To read more on the newly elect SG please visit: http://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/PressBriefings/Pages/30-SG-election.aspx
2. Kazakh President Hails Completion Of WTO Accession Talks
Kazakhstan is to formally become the WTO's 162nd member in December after the nation's accession package won members' final approval in Geneva on June 22. Membership of the WTO would "provide our enterprises with access to foreign markets, and consumers with a wide selection of goods and services." The government would continue supporting agriculture even after the country becomes a WTO member. To read more please visit: http://www.rferl.org/content/kazakhstan-nazarbaev-wto-talks-completed/27086687.html
3. ICAO and International Transport Forum to co-operate on aviation issues
ICAO and the International Transport Forum (ITF) have signed an agreement aimed at increasing cooperation. Under the terms of the three-year memorandum of collaboration (MoC), the bodies will undertake joint research, host events together and exchange information and staff.
Mutual interests identified in the MoC include: the liberalisation of global air transport; the security of air travellers; and aviation infrastructure investment. To read more please visit: http://www.mro-network.com/news/2015/06/icao-and-itf-further-collaborate/5623#sthash.iaU7lvsx.dpuf
4. GLOBAL TRADE DEVELOPMENT WEEK (GTDW) 2015 – Oct 27-29 2015
The GTDW is a major international forum committed to increase knowledge, capabilities & dialogue between government & private sector trade leaders to deliver international trade development. Held Under Patronage of Minister of Economy, UAE and partnered by Dubai Customs & Dubai Economic Council.
The ambitious programme hosts 150 leading speakers and includes The Ministers & Trade Leaders Plenary, 5 concurrent major trade summits, site tours, networking receptions and a leading trade exhibition - Attendees can select a programme that addresses their specific requirements and interests as well as opting for workshops & tours. If interested to know and would like to participate, please visit: http://www.kwglobaltrade.com/register.html
5. Transport ministers approve Quality Charter for road freight
A Quality Charter for international road haulage operations has been approved by the transport ministers of the European member countries of the International Transport Forum at the OECD. This is a major step towards harmonisation of conditions in the Pan-European road haulage market.
The ITF will monitor the implementation of the provisions of the Quality Charter by the member countries through its European Road Transport Group. It will also define follow-up actions for the further development of the Multilateral Quota system. To read more please visit: http://www.internationaltransportforum.org/Press/PDFs/2015-06-22-MQ-Charter.pdf
6. IMO adopts IGF Code
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has adopted the International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code), which aims to minimise the risk to the environment.
The Code addresses all areas that need special consideration for the usage of low-flashpoint fuels, taking a goal-based approach. To read more about the development please visit: http://www.greenport.com/news101/Regulation-and-Policy/imo-adopts-igf-code?mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRohvarMZKXonjHpfsX86ugsWrHr08Yy0EZ5VunJEUWy3IECSNQ%2FcOedCQkZHblFnVQASa2xS7kNoqwE
7. Implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement: The Potential Impact on Trade Costs
The 2015 OECD Trade Facilitation Indicators (TFIs) find that the implementation of the TFA could reduce worldwide trade costs by between 12.5% and 17.5%. Countries which implement the TFA in full will reduce their trade costs by between 1.4 and 3.9 percentage points more than those that do only the minimum that the TFA requires.
The 2015 OECD TFIs cover 152 countries across different geographical regions and levels of development. Using cost estimates from the updated ESCAP-World Bank Trade Costs Dataset, they provide the most current assessment of the potential impact of implementing the measures included in the WTO TFA. View the complete analysis at: http://www.oecd.org/trade/tradedev/WTO-TF-Implementation-Policy-Brief_EN_2015_06.pdf
8. ICAO Confirms New E-Cigarette Restrictions
ICAO has amended the 2015-2016 edition of its Technical Instructions prohibiting passengers and crew from carrying e-cigarettes and other battery-powered portable electronic smoking devices in checked baggage.
ICAO first advised its Member States of electronic smoking device safety issues in December 2014. To read more please visit: http://www.icao.int/Newsroom/Pages/ICAO-Confirms-New-E-Cigarette-Restrictions.aspx
9. Botswana ratifies Trade Facilitation Agreement
Botswana has become the eighth WTO member to ratify the new Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The WTO Secretariat received the country's instrument of acceptance on 18 June.
Keep in mind that the agreement will only enter into force once a full two-thirds of the WTO membership, 108 members, formally accept it. So far, it has been ratified by Hong Kong, China, Singapore, the U.S., Mauritius, Malaysia, Japan and Australia, representing 6 % of the total needed, according to the WTO. To continue to follow up on developments please visit: https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news15_e/fac_18jun15_e.htm
10. Greece Willing to Raise Taxes on Merchant Ships
Greece's government is willing to implement a higher tonnage tax on its giant merchant shipping industry, meeting its international creditors half way in their demands that the country does away with lucrative tax breaks for shippers.
International creditors have asked Athens to impose higher taxes on its mainstay shipping sector—a move the government has long been loath to do for fear of sending shipping companies fleeing Greece. For further information on the topic please visit: http://www.wsj.com/articles/greece-willing-to-raise-taxes-on-merchant-ships-1435342393
11. Airports Commission recommends third Heathrow runway
A new runway at Heathrow, with a ban on night flights, is the best way to boost Britain's economy and secure the UK's future in global aviation, according to the independent Airports Commission. That is the long-awaited judgment from the panel led by Sir Howard Davies, the economist, set up by David Cameron in 2012 to settle decades of political controversy over airport expansion in southeast England.
A third runway could generate up to £147bn for the economy over 60 years and 70,000 new jobs by 2050, he said. To read more please visit : http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/1dd2c860-1fb3-11e5-ab0f-6bb9974f25d0.html#axzz3ek12b3e6
6 July 2015


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ACE Connector® with ENFit® Technology
The new Dale ACE Connector supports a closed enteral system fully compatible with the ENFit® ISO 80369-3 standard.
- New auto seal syringe medication port – utilizes new 80369-3 compatible med port technology, while incorporating our split septum syringe seal technology from our time-tested original ace connector.
- New ENFit compliant distal (female port) and proximal (male port) – will connect to all 80369-3 compliant enteral tubes including PEG/PEJ, balloon replacement peg, most GJ tubes, small bore feeding, and feeding administration sets and ENFit compliant syringes.
- New purple color to coincide with most other ENfit enteral products in the market today
- New integrated crossbar molded into the handle to prevent erroneous mis-insertions of ENFit syringes into the handle top in low light hospital environments
- Slightly smaller footprint than the original ACE but ergonomically appealing to clinicians
Same Great Features as the original ACE
- In-line feeding, irrigation, gastric residuals and medication delivery without the need to disconnect
- A simple ON/OFF handle
The FDA Encourages the Use of Enteral Device Connectors
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is concerned by continued reports of misconnections with enteral devices. To reduce the risk of misconnections and patient injury, the FDA recommends hospitals and clinicians use enteral devices with connectors that meet the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 80369-1 or ISO 80369-3 standard, or that are otherwise designed to reduce the risk of misconnections. There are currently marketed enteral connectors that meet the 80369-3 standards, many of which are identified by the tradename ENFit. Today the FDA is providing recommendations to support the transition to enteral devices with 80369-3 compliant connectors.
Patents • All trademarks are the property of their perspective owners
Medicare Reimbursement now available
Uses the same codes as the Original ACE Connector
The Dale ACE Connector is not currently available for sale in Canada
|Product Numbers
|One Size Fits All
|50 per box


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Wiring Accessories
The wiring system of a building ensures that the distribution of the power supply functions correctly and that there are the necessary outlets for appliances to access it. However, wiring accessories are essential for the whole system to work. They can be basic components or they might be safety devices to protect from shocks. There are a wide variety of wiring accessories, which vary in size and function. Some of them are anything to do with the appliances themselves. They might need plugs, connectors and terminals. To access the supply in outside areas, extension cords and other types of cable might be needed. For purposes of personal safety, accessories include plug covers, fuses and all of the components in the consumer unit such as circuit breakers. The lighting system needs specific parts like the variety of switches though toggle switches tend to be the most popular. Timers and power relays are also necessary wiring accessories. Wiring accessories are found wherever there is a power supply. Because of their greater power needs, factories might not need the same wiring accessories as homes. Although many of these devices or fittings are only of interest to the professional electrician, many are purchased by people interested in home maintenance or improvements.
Looking for a quote? Let Applegate do the hard work
Wire Connectors- 8 Suppliers 960 Products
Wire connectors attach wires to each other or attach circuits directly to the power supply. They prevent short circuits and electric shocks. There are a wide range of connectors with different methods of attaching them. Some are used in special circumstances but all should be used with the correct wire gauge.
Wire Terminals- 4 Suppliers 311 Products
Wire terminals are any fasteners that are used to attach electric machines to the power source or to each other. There are a wide number of such connectors and many have a specific purpose which is obvious from their configuration. They are found in all homes and businesses.
Other- 0 Suppliers 118 Products
Other products that didn't quite fit into any of the above categories.


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An amazing cross-cultural find from the most famous department store in Mexico City - Sanborns (see below). Created in the 1940s, this Mexican sterling silver humidor is bejeweled with a 19th century Chinese rendering of a junk boat carved in red jade. The setting is exquisitely intricate and another perfect example of East-Meets-West design.
box measures 3.5" x 6" and 1.25" high


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Among of 4 bloggers (at the time) that collaborated with Memebox, I personally love Dayeong the most. Not only because she's so effortlessly beautiful, but because she's also have similar preferences to me when it comes to beauty product.
For example, she hates the fact that BB creams are commonly too light for most people, she's fair, but she usually still goes for the darkest shade because she believes foundations and bb creams should match one's skin tone! And she hates sticky, over dewy finishes, and guess what? ME TOO.
Sadly because of her specific preferences, she trusts western brands face products more than Korean's. I know how she feels because I feel like it's super hard for me to find a non-dewy, not too bright face product on Korea brands. Only recently, Dayeong also started to branch her collection into the drugstore priced product, which is great!
One of her HG product is Bobby Brown Stick Foundation, in which she used it in most of her videos at the time. And when she announced that she'll do a collaboration with Memebox I'm really, really excited about her product.
When I saw there's a stick foundation in her collection, I thought she must be trying to recreate that HG foundation she likes - lol. However, I'm still interested to purchasing her product only to found that her foundation is like KRW 25.000 (Now is discounted to KRW 10.000 in the website). Grah. Too expensive!
Fortunately I made a good choice to wait because when I finally made the purchase, I got a discount and a free brush from the collection! 아싸!
The packaging itself is soo unique, with squared shaped boxes, I can't say 3CE can't even compete with that chic packaging! :D
Dayeong XO Black Stick Foundation
type of product
stick foundation
#23 Natural
Dayeong XO Black Stick Foundation
type of product
stick foundation
#23 Natural
The stick foundation is retractable and surprisingly contain much more product than I expected it to be.
One of the reason why I haven't had the courage into purchasing stick foundations is that I'm not sure about the creaminess of the product. I don't really want to drag a chunk of foundation across my face! And this foundation? It's so creamy I can't even! It glides on perfectly and evenly on the skin.
For the finish, the foundation is definitely dewy-er than I expect it to be. And the lasting power is definitely longer for something as creamy as this one. Either with primer or using it alone, the lasting power is way longer than I expect. Still prefer to use this without primer for more natural look - it looks too cakey when combined with primer and that I don't have any idea why.
I tried to reduce the dewyness with loose powder, but because the first layer is already dewy, I can't make it into super matte - which is different from what I usually prefer to. But, I got most compliments when I used this foundation - strangely enough. I mean I probably look like tempura just got out from the fryer by the end of the day day but they still compliment my skin! :o
Mostly people said my skin looks like porcelain, well that's a compliment right? :D
Coverage wise, this foundation have a light-medium coverage. It's definitely not heavy on the skin and I assure you your skin could still breathe under this. The shade matches my skin tone too perfectly, more than other brands and product's 23 - this is perfect! :))
For the brush, the brush is not as dense as I thought it would be. Great for evening out this stick foundation, but I'm not sure about liquids as it can absorb too much product (since it's not as dense).
If only this brush is a taaaad bit shorter, it'll definitely works better! I used this foundation on my tutorial :
Where to find me :


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"The world is so full of a number of things,
I'm sure we should all be as happy as kings."
Robert Louis Stevenson
Montessori education encourages exploration and tries to open up a child's horizons by encouraging a positive and curious spirit. The world around us contains wonders for students to explore at many levels, from the microscopic to the universal.
Foreign languages and cultures can provide rich and varied experiences for young people through new words, new places, new traditions, new food, new music, new art, new fashion, and many other cultural components. So, whether your students will start by learning more about their own family heritage or will be introduced to a completely new culture, there is literally a whole world of potential adventures for students studying other languages and cultures.
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For almost 40 years, François Thibaut has been teaching young children to speak new languages, using immersion, visual cues, and humor. His highly-acclaimed Professor Toto programs are designed for children from ages 2 to 8, and they are available in French, Spanish, Chinese, Italian and German. Visit the Professor Toto website to view excerpts from the instructional videos, read reviews of the program, and find out more about their 30-day risk-free guarantee. http://www.professortoto.com
You can also read the personal impressions of a teacher and grandmother when she tested out the Professor Toto system with her 27-month-old English speaking Chinese granddaughter. https://montessori21stcentury.wordpress.com/2009/03/20/adventures-in-chinese-for-children
Reading, Writing and Spelling in Spanish helps you build customized, creative Spanish lessons for students 3-11 years old, with grammar, vocabulary, number, time, geography and many more resources. http://www.amonco.org/montessori_spanish.html
Foreign countries can provide an interesting basis for unit studies. Most of us have worked with unit studies before; but if you are not familiar with them, you will find a good overview here: http://www.examiner.com/homeschooling-in-albuquerque/benefits-of-homeschool-unit-studies
This unit study guide for Italy provides many ideas and resources, and might also inspire you to design your own unit study for a country or region that you feel would engage your students. http://www.amonco.org/montessori_italy.html
For more great Italian unit studies ideas, be sure to peruse "Oh, How I Love Italy" from Marjorie Kiel Persons at Classical Magic, Inc. http://www.amonco.org/summer4/montessori_summer4.pdf
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For more on the benefits to children of learning a foreign language, read this interesting interview article from The Duke University Talent Identification Program. http://www.actfl.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=4724
Also, review this analysis from the NEA. http://www.ncssfl.org/papers/BenefitsSecondLanguageStudyNEA.pdf
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Find out more about how childhood varies in selected countries, with articles for students and by students. http://library.thinkquest.org/CR0212302/akidslifein.html
To explore more about both multiculturalism in the United States and world cultures, check out this extensive resource: http://www.everyculture.com


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In the cities and the towns
The word is coming down
No more doubt, no more pain
There's been a dragging of the chain
Now there's a price we gotta pay
No way out, no way round
Where is the town that we lived in, brother?
Where is the sound of the church bells, sister?
Now is the time to heal
You keep running from the wheel
But there?¦? ?? nothing left to feel
Empty heart down and out
Now the writer?¦? ?? can?¦? ?° explain
Why we?¦? ?®e playing up again
No way out, no way down
Where is the hope of a clean tomorrow?
Hope only offers when justice is coming
Now is the time to heal
Where is the ground, the beloved country?
Women and men who have fallen silent
Where are the words that can speak forgiveness?
Now is the time
Now is the time
Now is the time to heal


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Battle Tested
Beretta's Rack-Grade GI 92FS/M9
The USA's First Fight Winning 9mm — Still Performing 30 Years Later.
I like the 9mm M9 service pistol. It's been in GI holsters now for over 30 years, it's fought wars and pacified the streets of many of our cities in civilian dress. It groups quite well for a duty pistol and has an excellent track record in reliability. It now holds every record in the CMP Service Pistol events at Camp Perry. It's had its share of problems along the way (more on that later), but the Beretta 92FS/M9 has paid its dues.
History & Problems
The US military had been trying to get rid of its .45s since the early 1950s. Because of the costs involved—plus the large number of 1911 and 1911A1's in the system after WW II—it didn't happen. Fast-forward to the '70's…by then, 1911 stocks were depleted due to combat and attrition, and the issued ones left in inventory were in pretty sad shape. Most had gone through at least one rebuild. I've seen some 1911A1s with four rebuild stamps.
In 1979 the JSSAP (Joint Services Small Arms Program) started looking at a replacement. The 1911s and A1s were nearing an end to their service lives. The Army and Marine Corps were short thousands of pistols to arm all its pistol-packing troops. These shortages were partially filled by arming some aviation, CID and MP units with a mishmash of .38 revolvers in 2″ and 4″ barrel lengths. The Air Force used S&W revolvers as their standard sidearm. Spare parts, repair and ammunition requests were becoming a logistical problem throughout the services. It was envisioned one pistol would become the issue sidearm for all the military, not just the combat arms. It would replace the revolvers and ancient .45's and streamline repair and ammo requests.
In 1985 the Beretta 92SB-F was adopted as the US M9 service pistol. It was a contentious process, with the Army refusing at first to accept the Air Force finding that the Beretta was the superior handgun. In 1982 the testing was re-done, this time by the Army. All entries flunked, including the Beretta. Testing was resumed again in 1983 and '84, with Congress denying funding for 1911 parts and .45 ammo until the Army got its act together and picked a new 9mm pistol. The new tests — called the XM-9 Pistol Trials — resulted in the Beretta and SIG contestants passing all accuracy, endurance, environmental and reliability tests. Beretta eventually won the bidding war over SIG for the initial M9 contract. Another round of tests was held in 1988 (XM-10 trials) and the Beretta won again.
After initial adoption, there were several catastrophic slide failures (one resulted in a soldier being injured during a demonstration in front of visiting Army dignitaries) traced to improper heat treatment of initial batches of slides and early, very hot M882 GI ammo. Pressures and velocity were dialed back on issue ammo and slide heat treatment was more closely monitored. In extensive testing, Beretta was unable to replicate any slide or locking block failures using 9mm ammunition falling within the normal pressure range of commercial ammo. Just to be safe, the military mandated all Berettas had to have a "slide catching device" added to the inner slide rail of all military pistols. This would stop pieces of a separated slide from coming back into the shooter's face if the slide failed during firing. The civilian 92 with the new slide retention catch was renamed the 92FS.
The main problem I've encountered with the M9 is locking block failure. The blocks tend to crack after firing lots of rounds, using GI ball ammo. Not much you can do, except pound the slide off with a rubber mallet to get at the broken locking block. Beretta re-designed the block and hardened it, cutting down on the problem, but it still happens occasionally. Best cure is regular replacement after a few thousand rounds of M882, whether it needs it or not. When I was the NCOIC of the USAR Small Arms Instructor Academy (SAIA), we went through one or two blocks per class, every class. Fifteen school-issued pistols were fired for 6-700 rounds per cycle. After replacement with the newer, hardened locking blocks, our failure rate was down to one or two broken blocks per year.
Civilian 92FS pistols don't experience the locking block problem—our commercial ammo is pretty mild stuff and doesn't put as much strain on the pistol. My own 92FS has had in excess of 30,000 rounds through it, still with the original locking block, barrel and extractor.
What gave the M9 an undeserved black eye in combat were malfunctions caused by low-bid magazines issued to troops in Iraq. Two million new magazines — with a better phosphate finish that doesn't attract dust and sand — have since been purchased and issued. Like many soldiers, I took six of my own Beretta-manufactured magazines along on my Iraq tour and didn't have any malfunctions.
Shooting Impressions
I've shot a bunch of Berettas, both civilian and military. Without exception they were reliable if properly lubed and fed clean factory ammo, loaded in Beretta or newer GI contract magazines.
Beretta M9s have good fixed sights and a smooth, albeit somewhat heavy double-action trigger pull. If the pistol is being issued to me, I'll blacken out the white dots on the front and rear sights with a magic marker. Plain black sights work best on a service pistol. I've found most Beretta sights shoot to point of aim at 15 yards, which is good enough for a duty pistol.
Check issued magazines over carefully, clean and reassemble them without using any oil and ensure the magazine spring hasn't been reversed (a common mistake guaranteed to cause malfunctions later). Load and carry your magazines to full capacity — the magazine spring can take it. I always carried five, fully loaded magazines and left the sixth one empty. I changed out every 2-3 weeks or so, which was probably over-doing it, but it's not a bad idea in a combat zone.
Accuracy-wise, the standard M9 will shine in the hands of an accomplished marksman. Hand-held groups of 2″ at 20 yards are common, and some pistols with good ammo (like Atlanta Arms 115-grain match ball) will do considerably better. Accurized M9 National Match pistols, built by Marine and Army Marksmanship Unit armorers, are shooting 10-shot 1 to 1.5″ groups at 50 yards from a machine rest. Not bad for an aluminum-framed combat pistol!
The M9—hated by some and liked by others—is approaching four decades of military service. It's had a few teething problems, long-since resolved. It's accurate, low recoiling, very reliable, easy to shoot well and a proven combat veteran. With more than a half-million serving, it's a sure bet the M9 will see a fifth decade or more of military duty.
New & Improved: Beretta's M9A3
The M9, like all US military weapons, is a work in progress. All have had issues (including the M1, M14 and the M1911) problems were addressed, and all were updated and improved over time. The M9 is no different. Beretta has responded to criticisms of the M9 over the years by constantly upgrading the pistol. The 92SB-F became the 92FS; the Marine Corps replaced the M9 with the M9A1.
The M9A3 is the best version yet of the M9 series. Most noticeable is the grip, which is borrowed from the earlier Beretta Vertec. The M9A3 is really a 92 Vertec, with a few added features like a threaded barrel and a different finish. The grip is thinner and easier to control for shooters with smaller hands. The mag well is beveled and the front and rear straps are aggressively checkered. Despite being noticeably thinner, the new M9A3 magazines hold 17 rounds compared to earlier issue M9 mags which top out at 15. Older 92/M9 mags are also interchangeable with the new ones and will work with both the M9A3 and M9.
The Beretta M9A3 comes with factory-installed Trijicon night sights and a removable dovetailed front sight. A threaded barrel, requested by the military, is part of the improvement package. Not really needed by most civilians, but nice to have anyway. The A3 can also be easily converted to decock-only, like the Model 92G.
I shot a new sample Beretta M9A3 during several range trips using GI M882 ball, Atlanta Arms match and some older Federal commercial flat-nosed stuff I had. All loads grouped very well and to point of aim at 7, 20 and 25 yards. Beretta 92s have always been noted for accuracy and the A3 is no different. Grip comfort was excellent — I really like the flat Vertec backstrap. Double and single action pulls were smooth and light — transition from double to single action was effortless. I had no malfunctions with any of the loads tried. As is the case with all Berettas, proper lubrication of the slide rails guarantees reliability. Despite the cool-looking and very rugged finish (Cerakote earthtone), the M9A3 thrives on liberal amounts of oil applied to the rails.
Beretta has been trying to interest the Department of Defense in adopting the A3 by submitting an M9 ECP (engineering change proposal) without too much success; the Army wants a new pistol. I wouldn't count Beretta out yet, though; the M4/16 series is still around after several new service rifle trials and tests. There are now over a half-million M9s in US military arms rooms, with more being produced under the latest contract. The M9A3 would make for a seamless logistical transition that is cost-effective without any additional troop training necessary.
US Pistol, M9
Manufacturer: Beretta USA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 15
Weight: 34 oz.
Barrel length: 4.9″
Overall length: 8.5″
Action type: Short recoil semi-automatic, double/single action trigger pull
Sights: Fixed, high-profile 3-dot
Finish: Black "Bruniton," non-reflective and corrosion resistant


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One year ago, I made a huge decision to embark on an unknown journey. I decided I was going to give notice at my gym of 10 years and do something new. I wasn't sure what the new was. I was only certain that I wanted to continue training boxer Jen Hamann and that I wanted to continue to be a boxing coach for a living.
I had very supportive roommates and a few supportive friends. Most of all, I had the belief and support of Jen. With her in my corner and my internal drive, I knew something would work out and show me the way to go. And after a million ups and downs and passionate experiences, here we are…….at Arcaro Gym getting ready for 2014.
I put in my notice and was scared to death of the unknown, but I knew that if I trusted myself and stayed open to the support of others that my path would be revealed with each decision and step I took. I knew that if I trusted Jen and her ability coupled with mine that we could be successful no matter what difficulties we encountered. Very much like a boxing match, each move reveals the next.
The holidays are a mix of experiences for athletes and coaches. Last year Jen and I were buckling down to train for nationals in March while going through the duress of immense change. This year, we are preparing for Nationals at the end of January. That means making weight during a time period when most are celebrating by eating, drinking and being extra social. Elite athletes must apply incredible discipline and focus no matter the outside distractions and this Christmas and New Year is no exception for Jen and myself.
As a coach, I of course don't have to make weight or train, but I like to put myself in the same position to support the boxer. I like to fully be in her corner so I can share in the difficult experience. There's really nothing we don't do 100%. It's this effort combined with others that help us function as a solid team. We have a handful of other coaches and trainers who are also supporting us and I am extremely grateful for the community we have cultivated in our endeavors. Thank you to Chris Solorzano of Team Underground Fight Center in Colorado Springs for allowing us to have a home away from home. Emily Edison of Momentum Nutrition and Fitness for keeping our nutritional focus on track and helping Jen to fuel her body for optimal performance. Thank you to Golazo for the proper hydration needs during training. Thank you to Philip Palaveev for his consistent support and tireless efforts to help Jen and I reach all of our goals. Thank you to Lori Steinhorst who always comes through on any request we have.
Jen and I will be training, getting our family visits in, coaching and a million other things. We invite you to follow us and support us on our way to Nationals in Spokane January 19th-25th. Let us know what type of training you are doing through the holiday season and what your goals are as we turn the corner of another year. It's your shared experiences that make this boxing journey that much more fulfilling. We will keep you posted through our blogs and facebook and you can interact with us anytime you like!
Thank you for your continued support.
And most of all, thank you Jen for making this whole year a rich and diverse experience. I have grown leaps and bounds because of our efforts to work through all kinds of situations and I'm looking forward to the coming year.
Until the next blog or post, happy training holidays to you all.


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La Fonda
When Santa Fe was founded by the Spanish in 1607, official records show that an inn or "fonda" was among the first businesses established. Since then, there has always been a fonda on the Plaza to host traders, politicians, celebrities, and travelers of all kinds. In 1821 when Captain William Becknell completed the first successful trading expedition from Missouri to Santa Fe–-a route which came to be known as the Santa Fe Trail--he enjoyed the hospitality at the historic inn at the trail's terminus, the town's central Plaza.
The current La Fonda was built in 1922 on the site of previous inns. In 1925 it was acquired by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad which leased it to legendary hotelier Fred Harvey who operated it as one of his renowned Harvey House Hotels for more than 40 years. In 1968, the property came under local ownership and remains so today. Throughout its history, La Fonda has been synonymous with Southwestern hospitality and is still the true heart of Santa Fe for visitors and locals alike.
La Fonda, a member of Historic Hotels of America since 1991, dates back to 1922.


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Trócaire has worked in Israel and the OPT since 2002. Trócaire seeks to build a lasting and just peace in the region based on respect for human rights, international law and the dignity of all.
We provide protection and support to people affected by conflict and human rights violations. We work together with both Israeli and Palestinian partner organisations to build peace, raise awareness, and challenge human rights abuses.
As well as providing emergency aid and supporting communities on the ground, we advocate and campaign in Ireland and the EU to take stronger action to protect the rights of Palestinian communities and for Israel to uphold international law.
We provide support on two programme areas:
This programme aims to challenge the violation of human rights in OPT. We do this by monitoring and documenting human rights violations, and by providing legal and psychosocial support to communities.
We support women in Gaza to assert their right to access legal and psychosocial support and to ensure women and men in Gaza have increased knowledge and awareness of gender inequality and women's human rights.
We also carry out international campaigns and advocacy to change the political environment which has allowed the breach of human rights to continue in OPT.
At an international level, we encourage businesses to make ethical choices relating to business links with illegal Israeli settlements.
We provide support to those affected by conflict at times of immediate crises. We have provided emergency aid, including medical supplies, food and blankets.
We are also working with our partners to provide psychological care to children who have experienced trauma during the violent conflict.
Furthermore, we support Israeli and Palestinian peace and human rights organisations working for peace.
Trócaire's current programmes in OPT & Israel are supported by Irish Aid.
Deirdre O'Kane video diary from Palestine & Israel
You can listen to our pod cast with Deirdre O'Kane here.
WATCH: 'This is Palestine' documentary follows John McColgan's trip around the West Bank and Gaza with Trócaire. It features very powerful interviews with people who have lost homes, land and family members as a result of the occupation and ongoing conflict. As we mark the 50th anniversary of the occupation, this film gives an insight into the daily lives of people in the West Bank and Gaza, as well as providing an understanding of the programmes Trócaire funds in the region. Produced by Tyrone productions in association with Trócaire.
WATCH: 'Stolen Land' a film about a Palestinian farming family whose land was forcibly taken from them
WATCH: 'Signs from the West Bank' on growth of Israeli settlements on lands confiscated from Palestinians
View other Trócaire videos related to our work in OPT and Israel (YouTube)
Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR): 'Justice and Accountability in Gaza' (YouTube)
Gisha – Legal Centre for Freedom of Movement: 'Gaza Reels' (YouTube)
B'Tselem: Aid for women cancer patients, some denied care outside Gaza (B'Tselem website)
Al-Haq: How natural resources fuel the Israeli-Palestinian conflict (Medium)
Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR)
The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) is an NGO based in Gaza City. The Centre is dedicated to protecting human rights, promoting the rule of law and upholding democratic principles in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT). PCHR is a recipient of the many international human rights awards.
BADIL - Resource Centre for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights
Badil is an independent, community-based non-profit organisation mandated to defend and promote the rights of Palestinian refugees. Badil seeks to advance the individual and collective rights of the Palestinian people on the principles of international law, in particular international human rights law.
Al-Haq is a Palestinian Human Rights organisation that documents violations of the individual and collective rights of Palestinians in the OPT, irrespective of the identity of the perpetrator, and seeks to end such breaches by way of advocacy before national and international mechanisms and by holding the violators accountable.
B'Tselem (The Israeli Information Centre for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories)
As an Israeli human rights organization, B'Tselem acts primarily to change Israeli policy in the Occupied Territories and ensure that its government, which rules the Occupied Territories, protects the human rights of residents there and complies with its obligations under international law.
Breaking the Silence
Breaking the Silence is an organisation of veteran Israeli soldiers that collects testimonies of soldiers who served in the Occupied Territories during the Second Intifada. Breaking the Silence voices the experiences of those soldiers, in order to force Israeli society to address the reality which it has created.
Gisha – Legal Centre for Freedom of Movement
Gisha is an Israeli not-for-profit organisation, founded in 2005, whose goal is to protect the freedom of movement of Palestinians, especially Gaza residents. Because freedom of movement is a precondition for exercising other basic rights, Gisha's work has a multiplier effect in helping residents of the occupied territories access education, jobs, family members and medical care.
Who Profits
Who Profits from the Occupation is an Israeli research project dedicated to exposing the commercial involvement of Israeli and international companies in the continuing Israeli control over Palestinian and Syrian land.
Caritas Jerusalem
Caritas Jerusalem is a humanitarian and development organization that represents the socio-pastoral services of the Catholic Church in the Holy Land. It was founded in 1967 in the aftermath of the Six Day War. Caritas Jerusalem beneficiaries number over 30,000 individuals from all religious backgrounds in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Caritas Jerusalem is a member of Caritas Internationalis, a confederation of 165 Caritas organizations operating in more than 200 countries.
Gaza Community Mental Health Programme
The Gaza Community Mental Health Programme (GCMHP) is a Palestinian non-governmental, non-profit organization established in 1990 to provide comprehensive community mental health services - therapy, training and research - to the population of the Gaza Strip.
Women's Affairs Centre (WAC)
WAC is an independent and non-profit Palestinian NGO with the purpose of empowering women and advocating women's rights and gender equality through capacity development, information and innovative research and advocacy programmes. While implementing its strategy to fulfil its vision, WAC is guided by international human rights principles including empowerment and participation; equality and non-discrimination; and accountability to ensure justice and dignity for women. Through its programmes the organisation seeks to change the culture of violence against women in Palestinian communities.
Haqel - Jews and Arabs In Defense of Human Rights
The objectives of Haqel are to protect the rights of Palestinians and prevent human rights abuses, to employ the use of legal and educational tools to help achieve greater protection for human rights and to improve the status of Palestinian women through the use of international law. Haqel provides legal assistance for Palestinians that have been displaced from their homes or are threatened with the demolition of their homes. The organisation also conducts advocacy work in relation to the unrecognised Bedouin villages in Negev, by increasing awareness of difficulty that the people in the villages experience.
Society of St. Yves
The Society of St. Yves is the Catholic Center for Human Rights of the Latin Patriarchate in the Holy Land. The Society of St. Yves was created with the aim of providing legal support to the marginalised Palestinians in the occupied territories. St. Yves works to promote the rights of the Palestinians in the West Bank, to ensure fairness for all and to seek justice for Palestinians who have suffered due to the occupation of their lands. Advocating for the right to be treated with human dignity is at the heart of the organisation's work.
For almost half a century, Israel has maintained a military occupation of the OPT (the West Bank and Gaza). Israel continues to displace Palestinian communities by force and confiscate their land, a practice which has been ongoing for over six decades. Israeli settlements, which are illegal under international law, have been established on Palestinian land.
Palestinians remain without a state, and human rights violations such as house demolitions, land confiscation, forced displacement, restrictions of movement and violence against civilians occur on an almost daily basis.
In 2014, entire neighbourhoods in Gaza were destroyed in the third Israeli military operation in six years. Almost 1,500 Palestinian civilians and four Israeli civilians were killed. At time of writing, over 100,000 Palestinians remain unable to return home, as their houses were destroyed or damaged. Water and electricity networks remain extensively damaged.
Combined with the blockade of Gaza, in place since 2007, there is a widespread humanitarian crisis. As a result, 80% of the population of Gaza are dependent on aid.
Violence targeting Israeli citizens is also an abuse of human rights. The security of both Israelis and Palestinians are dependent on each other.
Peace for Israelis and Palestinians cannot be achieved without justice and the realisation of human rights for all.


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Summary of key issues:
- During the past week rainfall between 50 to 300 millimetres was received across the tropical north of Australia. Widespread rainfall was also recorded along most of the eastern seaboard and across Tasmania.
- In the coming week, significant rainfall is forecast along the coastal top end and adjacent inland areas. Rainfall is also forecast for coastal New South Wales, Southern Queensland and south west Tasmania.
- The Bureau of Meteorology's latest seasonal outlook suggests a higher than average chance of hotter and drier conditions during the December 2013–February 2014 period for north-eastern Australia.
- Water storage levels in the Murray–Darling Basin decreased by 331 gigalitres this week and remain at 78 per cent of total capacity.
- The world wheat indicator price (US No. 2 hard red winter, free on board Gulf ports) averaged US$314 a tonne in the week ending 26November 2013, slightly higher than the average in the previous week.
- The world canola indicator price (Rapeseed, Europe, free on board Hamburg) averaged US$517 a tonne in the week ending 26 November 2013, compared with US$512 a tonne in the previous week.
- The world sugar indicator price (Intercontinental Exchange, nearby futures, no. 11 contract) averaged US17.4 cents a pound in the week ending 27 November 2013, around 2 per cent lower than the previous week.
- The Queensland young cattle indictor price (330 – 400 kg live weight C3) increased by 2 per cent in the week ending 22 November 2013 to 328 cents a kilogram.
- occurred in New South Wales where the indicator price (18–22kg fat score 2–4) fell by 4 per cent. In Victoria and South Australia, the indicator price fell by 2 per cent and 1 per cent respectively. In contrast, the indicator price rose by 10 per cent in Western Australia.


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Robert Schier
Robert is a Senior Life Science Manager with a uniquely balanced expertise and experience in Business and R&D Management, a strong R&D background with pharmaceutical & biotechnological education projects, a deep understanding of all aspects of financing and running biotech companies.
He currently is Founder/Managing Director at Bridging Minds, a management service company.
He is also Coach-Mentor at CTI and co-inventor & co-author of several patents and scientific publications.


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Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.) on Sunday said North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was trying to be a "tough guy" and expressed fears his recent provocations could spiral out of control and spark conflict.
"Kim Jong-Un is trying to establish himself. He's trying to be the tough guy. He is 28, 29 years old, and he keeps going further, and further out, and I don't know if he can get himself back in," said King on ABC's "This Week." "So my concern would be that he may feel to save face he has to launch some sort of attack on South Korea, or some base in the Pacific."
King's comments come after North Korea again ratcheted up its rhetoric on Saturday, declaring that it was in a "state of war' with the South and threatening to "dissolve" the United States in an "all-out" war.
The rhetoric was the latest salvo from North Korea which has raised tensions on the Korean peninsula in recent weeks, cutting off its sole military direct line with the South and declaring the armistice halting the 1953 Korean War null and void.
Kim assumed power in late 2011, and many Korea watchers believe he is attempting to consolidate his power and rally hardline elements in Pyongyang behind him. Earlier this year North Korea conducted its third nuclear test, inviting heightened UN sanctions and international criticism.
The White House on Saturday said it was taking those threats "seriously," but cautioned that Pyongyang has a "long history of bellicose rhetoric."
"It's not an empty threat," said King on Sunday.
"I wouldn't be that concerned about them hitting the mainland U.S. right now, even any U.S. territory," he added. " I think the real threat is to what North Korea might be boxing itself into."
King, though, also ruled out the prospect of direct talks between the U.S. and North Korea instead of multi-lateral talks including Japan and South Korea.
"I don't see any purpose in that. As far as I see, this is not even a government. It's sort of like an organized crime family running a territory," said King.
"They're -- brutal, he's brutal, his father is brutal, his grandfather was brutal. I don't see any purpose at all in doing that at all. So I think it would marginalize our allies in Asia, certainly in South Korea and it would serve no constructive purpose whatsoever," he added.


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My place of work is in a well-established business park, featuring a campus that is lined with majestic elm trees and pines. The maturity of the landscape is one of the drawing features for new tenants. I have enjoyed many a pleasant morning stroll between buildings; allowing my mind to clear as the refreshing power of nature reinvigorated me. For me, it is a place of harmony and peaceful reflection.
I have often looked up to the towering elm trees that line the perimeter of the interlaced sidewalks connecting the four buildings in the office complex. Most of these arborous wonders rise upward at least fifty feet, if not higher. In the summer, I have rejoiced at the refreshing shade that the leaf-filled branches have been kind enough to share with me. In the autumn, I have enjoyed the sharp sound of crunching leaves underfoot, as I craned my neck upward to see if there were any branches still bearing yellowed or crimson foliage.
My office window looks out into the quadrangle that forms the inner courtyard setting of the campus. It is always nice to look out and give my eyes a break from the tediousness of the computer screen that holds me captive at least eight hours a day. I always have to resist the urge to gaze outward for too long. It would be all too easy for me to lose an entire afternoon contemplating the wonders that nature has repeatedly blessed me with. Alas, the curse of the hopeless philosopher chases me even in the corridors of the corporate world!
This past Monday found me coming into the office once again. I would have preferred to awaken to a sunlit cay on St. Thomas; the temperate tropical breeze blowing in through the patio screen door. Given no immediate sign of an early retirement; the view out my office window was a more than adequate second choice. I glanced out the window at the courtyard and immediately felt my body relax. As I sat down in my office chair and fired up the laptop computer; a sense that something was wrong erratically crossed my mind.
As I looked back out the window, I played grudging witness to the horrible scene of devastation. One of the majestic elm trees at the far end of the quadrangle had toppled over! I could clearly see that the entirety of the massive tree was now lying horizontally across the manicured lawn. The midsection of the thick trunk had shattered a picnic table under its colossal mass. Hopefully the tree had dropped sometime over the weekend; when there was minimal likelihood that the picnic table had been in use!
Mid-morning, I decided it was time to stretch my legs. I went outside and walked slowly towards the site of the fallen elm. I noticed that my stride was exaggeratedly slow, almost as if I was approaching the natural calamity in reverence. It was interesting to see that all of the great branches were filled with dark green leaves. There was not a dead or dying limb to be observed. This tree had been healthy for all visible purposes.
Then I took in the part of the tree that had been below ground. We have been taught that the depth of a tree's roots go down as far as the tree rises above ground. That meant I should have seen some fifty or so feet of root structure. Instead, I was perplexed to see that the roots extended only about six feet. Looking down into were the tree had been planted, I could see a tangle of roots down in the six foot deep crater below. Turning back to the base of the trunk, I could see where the roots had rotted out. They were splintered, dried, and black in color. Some illness or a colony of insects had eaten away at the roots. Small wonder that the elm had toppled down!
Over the course of day, a landscape crew was dispatched to the scene of the travesty. Using chain saws and a chipper; they quickly cleared the mammoth tree. For good measure, they also cut up the splintered picnic table and tossed the remnants into the back of an already overloaded trailer. Two laborers scooped up the dirt around the hole where the tree had stood. Soon the cavity was filled and patted down firmly. That was it! There was no sign left of the great tree's prior existence!
All of us are rooted in the ground, in some fashion. We each have our families, friends, coworkers, congregants, and neighbors to hold us in place. With that foundation, we are able to grow strong and flourish. As time marches by, we become taller; and yes our trunks happen to thicken too! Our life accomplishments spread out as mighty limbs and the good that we do in this world is reflected in countless leaves filling the skies.
But we too are susceptible to root rot. When we live in fear or anger, it weakens our roots and threatens our foundation. When we fail to show compassion, when we lose sight of our humanity; the insects begin to bore at our roots. When we forget that we were put on this earth to know joy and to share happiness, to better and enrich the lives of all we meet; the roots of our life begin to turn black. If we allow negativity, doubt, insensitivity, or complacency to enter our roots; it is only a matter of time before we too topple. At that point, our foundation, that in which we are rooted, cannot save us!
I will miss that magnificent old elm tree. It is as if I have lost an old friend. I wonder if anybody was around when it took its plunge to the ground. If not, did it make a sound? I only wish I could have been there to know what its final words were!


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Copyright © 2005-2020 CoolBlades.


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Tuesday, February 28, 2012
A Couple of Ryoji's Pots
Having made a number of Oke, or buckets, I was interested to see how a Japanese potter went about making one. The Sake cup is now in my posesion - it was all I could manage to carry home. There were many lovely pieces in Ryoji's show room.
Posted by Bruce Martin at 11:01 AM No comments:
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Kanayama Pottery
The main organiser for the 2002 Wood Fire Festival was Ryoji Matsumiya. His pottery at Kanayama was the venue for many of the activities of the Festival including meals, entertainment and kiln firing. His showroom was this lovely two story building shown here and among several kilns was this anagama which was later fired.
Posted by Bruce Martin at 9:49 AM 1 comment:
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
In Japan 2002
In 2002 I was invited to participate in the Aomori International Wood Fire Festival held in Goshogawara in Northern Honshu. Over the next few blogs I will show some pictures about the festival and the surrounding area. The activities were centered around this sports stadium with its fantastic opening roof. Sadly it was not until the last day of the ten day festival that the weather was good enough for the roof to be opened.
Posted by Bruce Martin at 8:46 AM No comments:
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Ohara Village
The lovely village of Ohara, near Kyoto, has some wonderful old houses with thatched roofs. When we were there the rice was almost ready to be harvested.
Posted by Bruce Martin at 9:11 AM 1 comment:
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Lovely Gardens
A short bus ride into the hills from Kyoto takes you to Ohara Village and the Sanzen Temple. Even though it was raining lightly at the time I was able to take these photographs of the verdant moss and trees. It was very tranquil and relaxing.
Posted by Bruce Martin at 8:42 AM No comments:
Monday, February 13, 2012
Imperial Palace, Kyoto
The top image is of the Princesses rooms at the Imperial Palace. We could only look from outside but the quality of the paintings and woodwork were outstanding. The gardens were also very beautiful and we spent quite a long time looking at them.
Posted by Bruce Martin at 1:31 PM No comments:
Friday, February 10, 2012
Kyoto Images
Wandering through some of the back streets of Kyoto is a very rewarding experience. These old houses with their wooden shutters were real treasures. The Imperial Palace is worth visiting as well. The gravelled area outside the main building seems rather uninteresting but must be spectacular when all the costumed officials are assembled here.
Posted by Bruce Martin at 9:44 AM No comments:
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
More Kyoto Images
Following the other two pictures of the Hongashi Temple this view is looking out from the entry towards the lovely lantern and bell tower. The Kenzan dish was another in the collection of the Kyoto National Museum. There is an image of a more colourful Kenzan dish in Edmund de Waal's "The Pot Book", along with many other lovely, interesting and definitely weird pieces of ceramics.
Posted by Bruce Martin at 11:24 AM No comments:
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Higashi Honganji, Kyoto
When we first saw this temple we could not believe the huge size of the pillars, the lovely details in the fine woodwork, or the high sheen on the polished entrance. No shoes are allowed onto this wooden entrance and the many stocking feet have worked this miricle.
Posted by Bruce Martin at 9:55 AM 1 comment:
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Two Pots
The blue and white dish is by Prof. Zenji Miyashita of Kyoto. When he came to New Zealand he demonstrated this technique which, as you can imagine, was very time consuming but facinating to watch. The cut out vase is by Sanyo Fujii and was made when he was with us in 1983 and fired in our anagama. It was one of the first pots to sell at our joint exhibition in Osaka in 1984.
Posted by Bruce Martin at 10:01 AM No comments:
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In this week's Chef and Tell interview, I chat with Jonah Munson, chef of the Walnut Room, a restaurant and bar that's popular for its pizzas. Munson, who makes his own dough, also bakes desserts, a skill he learned at an early age, when he started baking cakes from scratch, forgoing the boxed cakes, he says, because they were too expensive to buy. "From what I remember, it was way better than a box cake, and good enough that I figured I'd make baking my hobby," Munson told me.
In his spare time, he bakes pies, too, including this peach pie that he recently created at home with his daughter Abigail. "I love peach pies, and we made the dough from scratch from my favorite Betty Crocker cookbook," says Munson, who shares the recipe -- photos included -- on the following page. Palisade peaches are perfect for this recipe and available at markets and fruit stands across the Front Range.
See also: - Jonah Munson, exec chef of the Walnut Room, on yard sales and mixers - Jonah Munson of the Walnut Room: "You're no better than your kitchen staff" - First look: Humble Pie opens in Baker
Peach pie
For the pie crust
2/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons shortening 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 4 to 5 tablespoons ice water
In a mixing bowl, combine shortening, flour and salt and mix until clumps are the size of small peas. Sprinkle in water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix with a fork until flour is moistened and pastry almost cleans side of bowl (1 to 2 additional teaspoons of water can be added if necessary). Divide dough into two balls and flatten into disks. Wrap dough balls in plastic and refrigerate for thirty minutes.
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5 cups Palisade peaches, sliced 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice 1 cup sugar ¼ cup all-purpose flour ¼ teaspoon cinnamon 2 tablespoons butter
Assembly Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
1. Add peaches and lemon juice to a bowl and toss gently. 2. Add sugar, flour and cinnamon to the peaches and blend. 3. Roll out 1 dough disk on a floured surface until it's 12 inches in diameter. Trim dough overhang to 1/2 inch. Roll out second dough on floured surface to 12-inch round. Using a large knife with a fluted edge, make slits in the dough. Transfer filling to dough-lined pie dish and dot with butter. 4. Cover with top crust that has slits cut into it, seal and flute. You can cover the edge with a 2-inch strip of aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning on the edges. Remove foil during last 15 minutes of baking. 5. Bake until crust is golden and juice begins to bubble through the slits in crust, 35 to 45 minutes. If you want a shiny top crust, brush with an egg and milk mixture.


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concentration homework clipart
What is in the blog
The best decoration of your life is you. Watch Yourself
We need to take care of ourselves and as we get older we realize this more and more. Luckily there...
Creatively decorate the tree in your yard
There are tons of ways to decorate trees. Let's show you a few of them You can use any sort of...


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Famous Aborigines
Aborigines and Heroes
These are eight Australian and Tasmanian Aboriginals that have made a lasting impression on me with their determination to pursue reconciliation of Aborigines and whites through government, first contact interactions, sports, music, fine arts, writing, and acting.
Emily Kame Kngwarreye - Fine Artist
b. 1910 - d. 1996
Emily Kame Kngwarreye was born in Alhalkere and grew up in an isolated desert town among the Aborigines. In the late 1980s she began to paint on canvas and contained the rest of her life. Previously, she had mastered batik and had worked as a livestock hand
As an artist, she worked in her remote region of Central Australia, very hot and dusty, surrounded by camp dogs. She often painted their paw prints in her works. She quickly became a Senior in the Utopian Art Movement, Utopia being her community that produced many Aboriginal artists.
Emily had only a crude studio, under a piece of corrugated steel or a lean-to of tree branches. Self-taught and a primitive style painter, she had been compared to the great masters of fine arts. She painted from her experience and her own particular Dreamtime. In 1993 she won the prestigious Australian Artists Creative fellowship.
When asked to describe her mystic-looking pieces, she said that they were "everything." The style is adapted from sand and body painting used for ceremonies.
The Utopian Art Movement
- Aboriginal Paintings from the Central Desert
Anmatyerre and Alyawarre living in the Utopia region are the first inhabitants of Australia, living there for likely over 40,000 years.
Neville Bonner - Statesman
b. 1922 - d. 1999
Although Mr. Neville Bonner completed only one year of formal education, he was elected Senator to the Federal Parliament of Australia for Queensland in 1971 and served through 1983. In this position, he strove tirelessly for reconciliation between Aboriginals and other Australians.
In 1979, Senator Bonner became one of three Australians of the Year.
Bonner worked for social reforms and civil rights as soon as he was able to do so. He had lived 16 years on the Palm Island Aboriginal Reserve as an adult. Earlier he lived under a shrub with his mother at his grandparents house and had left as a teenager that was looking for a better life after the female heads died. In the era in which he was born, Aborigines legally had to be out of the city by sunset and back on the reserve and this was repressive.
Aborigines could not vote legally until 1967 and had not been counted in the national census up until that time.
Mr. Bonner crossed the Parliament floor and voted against his own party 23 times for the greater good of the people and finally became an Independent. After serving in congress, he became a board member of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. His written works include Black Power in Australia; Equal World, Equal Share; and For the Love of Children.
Ernie Dingo - Actor
Bron in 1956, this gentleman is form the Oondamooroo tribe in Australia, Ernie Dingo's grandfather was called Dingo Jim, because his occupation was dingo hunter. The whole family decided to take Dingo as their family name.
Dingo began a professional career in the Middar Aboriginal Dance Theatre in 1978 and in television, including comedy, beginning in 1985. He is the Recipient of the Banff Television Festival special prize and the Australian Film Institute Award for 1990.
Mr. Dingo was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1990 for his work.
Ernie Dingo's Major Films:
- Tudawali, 1985;
- The Fringe Dwellers, 1986;
- Crocodile Dundee 2, 1988 (as Charlie);
- State of Shock, 1989;
- Until the End of the World, 1991;
- Blackfellas, 1993;
- Mr. Electric, 1993; and
- Bran Nue Dae, 2010.
Cathy Freeman - Athlete
b. 1973 as Catherine Astrid Salome Freeman
Track star Cathy Freeman's grandfather, Frank Fisher, had been a rugby player. This set a precedent for sports competition that she pursued with vigor and determination. She was a winner on and off the track, pursuing her dream even though she was plagued by prejudice for her Aboriginal heritage. Cathy had been jeered in school when she won track events against white participants. When She worked for the postal service, some people refused to let her serve them, because of her race. This was the 1980s, but sounds like 1950s America. However, Freeman persevered.
Despite these racially-based atrocities, Freeman pursued track and field and made the Australian Olympic Team. She went on to win the 2000 Sydney Olympics Gold Medal in the 400m track event. Thus, not only did an Aborigine light the Olympic Torch, an Aborigine won a Gold Medal for Australia.
Previously, she won the 100m at the 1990 Commonwealth Games at about age 17 and the 200m at the 1994 Commonwealth Games. In the Atlanta Summer Olympic Games in 1996, she garnered Silver in the 400m. Cathy won two World Championships for the 400m in 1997 and in 1999. She ran again for Australia in the Commonwealth Games in 2002, winning with her team in the 4 x 400 relay and retired in 2003 around the age of 30.
In the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Cathy ran in a blue body suit with shoes in the official Aboriginal colors as a statement. Previously, in the 1994 Commonwealth Games, she took a victory lap, carrying the Aboriginal flag over her shoulder first and later adding the Australian flag. Audience reaction was most positive and she received 5000+ faxes of praise, one from the Australian Prime, Minister Paul Keating.
Freeman next ran a victory lap with the Aboriginal flag at the 1997 World Championships. In the following year, 1998, she was named Australian of the Year. At the 1999 World Championships, she took her victory lap with the Australian flag.
Cathy carried the Olympic Flame into the Stadium during the Opening Ceremonies of the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics and lit the Cauldron. She did this despite some mild protests globally from those prejudiced against Aboriginal Peoples. Freeman's successful delivery of the flame into the stadium and to its final repository in the Olympic Cauldron marked the beginning of a new respect for Aborigines in Australia.
Mandawuy Yunupingu - Singer and Principal
b. 1956
Lead Singer for the popular band Yothu Yindi since 1985 when he founded the group. The band combines Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal members with success and harmony. Yothu Yindi is a kinship term representing mother and child.
Mandawuy Yunupingu was the very first Australian Aboriginal to become a school principal. He was named Australian of the Year in 2007 for his efforts to reconcile Aboriginals and whites, and performed at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Racism is a disease in society. We're all equal. I don't care what their colour is, or religion. Just as long as they're human beings they're my buddies.— Mandawuy Yunupingu
Oodgeroo Noonuccal
b. 1920 - d. 1993
Oodgeroo Noonuccal used the English name Kath Walker until 1988, when she had become a successful poet, author, painter and political activist. She became an advcate for Aboriginals.
In 1964, Oodgeroo Noonuccal published her first book of poems as "Kath Walker", calling it We Are Going. An accomplishment worthy of recognition by any woman in the turbulent 1960s and the fight for human rights and civil rights globally, Oodgeroo Noonuccal had become the first Aboriginal woman to ever be published anywhere.
I'm for all humankind, not colour gibes;
I'm international, and never mind tribes.— Oodganoo Noonuccal in "All One Race"
Evonne Goolagong - Tennis Star at WimbledonClick thumbnail to view full-size
Goolagong was born in 1951 in Griffith, New South Wales into a family that was good at sports. At age 5, her first tennis racket was made from wood from a fruit crate. She stated at age 10 that she was going to win Wimbledon as an adult and she did - twice.
Evonne's Awards
- Australian of the Year 1971
- Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year 1971
- Member of the British Empire 1972
- International Tennis Hall of Fame 1988
As an Aborigine, Goolagong was not permitted to play on tennis courts in Australia. However, someone at a court saw her staring watching games the bushes and invited her in. She was immediately discovered by two tennis coaches as she began playing well that day. Moving to Sydney, she lived and worked with her coach, Victor Edwards, in order to become a champion.
Evonne won a total of 7 Grand Slams: The Australian Open in 1974, 1975, 1976,and 1977, the French Open in 1971, and Wimbledon singles twice (1971,1980); along with other competitions, and retired after 13 years in 1983. All of her trophies are in the National Museum of Australia, Canberra in a special exhibit.
Queen Truganini of Tasmania
Truganina (or Truganini) lived form 1803 through 1876. This Tasmanian was from the Bruny Island tribe south of Hobart. From 1803, the year she was born, until 1830, whites slaughtered 5,000 Black Tasmanian Aborigines and left only 75 remaining. Then she was an aide to the explorer G. A. Robinson, known as the Protector of Aborigines. She helped him to make peaceful contact with the Tasmanians from 1830-1835.
Soon afterward, Truganina traveled with Robinson to Port Phillip to accompany him as he accepted the office of Protector in 1838. After this, she lived in Flinders Island, Oyster Bay, and Hobart, where she died in 1876.
Truganina is rumored to have had five husbands and have outlived them all, indicating a matrilineal society in which heritage is traced through the female line (similar to tracing DNA through female lines).
In the 20thcentury, anthropologists considered Truganina to be the last full-blooded Tasmanian Aboriginal alive. However, there was discovered at least one other, per Richard Overell, Monash University, Fanny Cochrane Smith, who lived from 1834-1905.
However, data in the 21st century account for a total of 10,000 Tasmanian Aborigines descended from full-blood women from the Wybalenna people and others. Additional reports of 150,000 Tasmanians include descendants from mixed marriages, according to DNA testing.
Some scientists have believed that Tasmanians were first inhabitants of Australia.
The Tasmanian Aborigines sometimes confuse anthropologists, because they are/were different from Australian Aboriginals and certainly different from New Zealand Maoris and Papua New Guinea Natives.
The Tasmanians, now seemingly extinct in the 21st century, varied in appearance significantly from the mainland Australian Aboriginals. In fact, Tasmanians were thought to be more closely related to the Melanesians.
Considering several other human migration theories, the African group that journeyed across South Australia apparently did not cross the water to Tasmania and their genetic markers have not appeared on that island nation thus far.
Some scientists have believed that Tasmanians were first inhabitants of Australia that were forced off their land by peoples invading from the north. These northern tribes or nations were either descendants of Africans that migrated southeast across India to Oceana or they may have been southern Indian Dravidians, or an intermix of the two peoples and cultures.
During the era in which a land bridge connected Tasmania and Australia, the first Tasmanians, whatever their descent truly was, may have retreated from attacking invader peoples and gone for refuge to Tasmania.
Who the original Tasmanians were is still not fully known.
Questions & Answers
© 2008 Patty Inglish MS
Some great examples there... I would add Woollarawarre Bennelong, Trugaini, William Lanne, Faith Bandler and Professor Patrick Dodson to my list.
Thanks for giving recognition to the Aborigines and their diversified talents.
Hello Patty, thanks for a fascinating hub. I, like many, thought the Tasmanian Aborigines had been exterminated by British Settlers. It is good to know that this is not the case. Thank you for a great list. Thought David Gulpalil might have made it too?
i think that these people are so kind hearted cause of the things there've done to help there country and for sticking up for them
this is cool info
I learn so much from your hubs and this one is very inspirational. It's true what they say about the resilience and triumph of the human spirit!
another great hub.
To be compared to master artists is extraordinary with simple tools. Imagine what they could do with modern tools, paints, canvas, watercolors, acrylics, and oils. They do so much with so little. Bless them. Wonderful hub. And God Bless You. And Happy New Year Precious Heart.
thank you soo much this really helped me with my layered assignment!... :) i enjoyed reading ...
there is a giant crocodile in the desert 125 miles long the bones are still there find them if u can look for yourself
i helped yothu yindi to place the corner stone for the garma and have not been there yet i hope to one day good luck mandawuy
This is a really great website and I
What a great hub.
I had no idea that Evonne Goolagong was an aborigine. She was a great tennis player. I don't really follow tennis but I remember she was a big hit.
Nice to see positive images of this much maligned nation.
You have inspired me to do a hub on a similar group that are now fighting for their very existence.
I want to do a good job on it, so it may be a little while coming.
Thanks for sharing your talent with us all.
I was not aware of that ..Thanks
The most important and at the same time the most neglected fact about the Australian Aboriginals of Australia is that they have been shown by DNA evidence to be the descendents of the lost tribes of Israel, namely the tribe of Reuben. They also traveled to South America in Ancient times. a good website about this is israelite dot net.
this site was awesome thanks it realy hrlped
Who ever made this is a life saver this will Help me with my project on the Aboriginals of Australia
I like what you have written your posts are well arranged and beautiful, congratulations!
Earnie should have whacked twice as hard ,and two times more.
know of one during early colonisation?
A tremendous ode to the tribal people of Australia and Tasmanian love it. Great success despite adversity tales, I especially was drawn to artist Emily Kame Kngwarreye and her corrugated steel studio.
jackavc, i get the feeling Ernie Dingo punching someone in the face might be some kind of repercussion of being part of the stolen generation.
Also the pressures of being a celebrity.
Speaking of Aborigines, let's not forget the unintentional scientific contribution of Mungo Man, from New South Wales. An amazingly well-preserved snippet of the mitochondrial DNA in his 40,000-year-old remains, which is considerably different from mDNA found in any modern people, pushed back (or at least should have pushed back) the date for the Mitochondrial Eve of all anatomically modern humans.
Unfortunately the Nobel Committee does not award posthumous prizes. :-)
Re: Tasmanian Aboriginal people
Not sure what DNA tests you are referring too?? I certainly haven't had one. And Im not extinct.
Truganina story is amazing. She was not the only Aboriginal person to accompany Robinson in Tasmania or Victoria. Robinson was not all he seemed to be. I understand he was awarded a 'trophy' by the white settlers for removing Aboriginal people from the mainland Tasmania. I understand that one of the well respected Aboriginal leaders - Mannalagena thought that he was negotiating a land settlement in assisting Robinson.
Truganini travelled with other Tasmanian Aboriginal people to Melbourne with Robinson. There was a conflict with white settlers. It is thought that they saw what was happening in Victoria, and tried to engage in 'war' and to engage Aboriginal people in Victoria in fighting the white settlers. However, Truganini and the other Tasmanian men were arrested. Truganini escaped execution, but the 2 Aboriginal men with her were the first men to be hung at Melbourne gaol.
My mother tells me there were many Tasmanian Aboriginal people in early Melbourne. Many Aboriginal people in Victorian know that they are descendents of Aboriginal people from Tasmania.
This was on a subject that I wasn't to clued up on and it was a real gem.
I vote it up and I also look forward to reading more of your hubs.
Take care
Excellent job. I don't know much about the Australian and Tasmanian Aboriginals and found the article very informative.
Nice list. Although Ernie Dingo is not what i would call great. he is currently up on assult charges for punching a young boy in Katherine N.T
this page has helped me heaps with my homework... thanks!!! :)
There is a great exhibition at the Queenland Museum in South Bank, Brisbane. It is a wall of photos of inspirational Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including a short biography of each. I think that exhibition is permanent.
So many unsung heroes in the world...thanks for the research and telling of their stories. I've been fascinated by the Aboriginies ever since the 60's and 70's -- didn't they help by lighting big fires when Apollo 13 was coming back to earth damaged? Anyway, they are an 'specially strong people!
Very interesting and amusing. Well done.
Your hub has inspired me to find out more as the only two on the list I had heard of are Evonne Goolagong and Cathy Freeman. Thanks for a great read.
Great hub. Could I add to your list Albert Namatjira (1902-1959), outstanding indigenous artist, and Lionel Rose MBE - first Aboriginal World Boxing Champion (Bantam weight 1968).
this is really helpful for my assignment:) thankyou
This is hands down one of the best articles I have ever read about the aborigines. I love it, I hope you write more.
It is wonderful to go through the success stories of these Aboriginal people. I think this is too motivating to read out their journey to success.
Great to see this hub,Patty
I agree with your last comment!
There must be an equivalent hub for the American Indians
all this wonderful people as our roll models
as an Aboriginal myself reading about these successful people I'm very inspired and they now motivate me to persue and reach my dream which one day I'd love to be a successful professional dancer. God bless to the successful Aboriginals you guys are an inspiration to all of us Aboriginals in Australia and we are very thankful and proud:) thank you so much
can you help me with a take i have to say aboyt a fomous aboriginal
Hello, I am trying to find information on a family of Aboringinal descent by the name of Wellington. As far as I know my great great grandfather was from around the Melbourne area and was educated in England and was successful with postal delivery in rural Victoria.
this is awesome
Dear Patty Inglish, MS
Nice way of remembering the real people of land. They need some one like you to write and research about them. You have done A very welcome work. Thanks
A magic hub.
I always find it amazing when some one can find or extol on a subject right under one own radar.
Tha names you have mentioned are household names in Australia. (Or they should Be)
Thank you for giving me thepportunity to rethink your Heroes
Why Patty,You are a gift,people should know this.
Please do not ever stop your creative writing for the Aboriginal Peoples of the world.We need you to keep Shining the light on us!Love and Appreciation to you.
There are a huge range of successful Aboriginal people, often unsung.
The Deadly Awards (deadly means "really good" in the modern Aboriginal community) are held every year in Sydney.


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The Three Cities and Wine Tasting Tour - Guided Tour
Guided tour including tasting of wine and local savouries at Marsovin Cellars.
Visit three fortified cities of Cospicua, Vittoriosa and Senglea!
Tour available in English, Italian, French and German.
The three cities is a collective description of the three fortified cities of Cospicua, Vittoriosa and Senglea. First you will visit Cospicua which is a double-fortified harbour city. You will then arrive in Vittoriosa, which over time has developed a very long history with maritime, mercantile and military activities. The third city you will visit is Senglea. The name Senglea was given by the grandmaster who built it, Claude De La Sengle. During this tour you will walk through the various narrow streets shaded by many historic churches and buildings.
Later you will drive to the Marsovin Cellars in Marsa. The wine tasting tour starts with a historical introduction, followed by an explanation about the process of how the locally grown grapes are pressed, fermented and eventually transformed into wine. The wine sampling is held in the Marsovin wine bar, where trained staff guide guests through a wine tasting session to sample different Marsovin wines accompanied by a selection of local savouries like Maltese cheese and bread.
Price includes
- Half day tour to the Three Cities & wine tasting
- Tasting of Wine and Local Savouries
- Tour guide is available in the following languages: English, German, Italian, French
- Kindly contact the supplier to confirm the pick up time after receiving the voucher
Meeting point
- Valletta, Malta; departure at: 08:40
- Sliema, Malta; departure at: 08:55
- St. Julian's, Malta - Golden Tulip Vivaldi Hotel; departure at: 09:10; In St. Julian's the main pick up point is Golden Tulip Vivaldi.
- St Paul's Bay, Malta; departure at: 09:00
- Bugibba, Saint Paul's Bay, Malta; departure at: 09:05
- Qawra; departure at: 09:10
- Golden Bay, Mellieħa, Malta; departure at: 08:50
- Xemxija, Saint Paul's Bay, Malta; departure at: 08:50
- Mellieħa, Malta; departure at: 08:40
- Cirkewwa, Mellieħa, Malta; departure at: 08:30
Additional directions
Pick-up time is approximate and depends on your exact hotel location. Please note, that delays up to 15 min due to the traffic may occur. If your hotel is not accessible by bus you will be provided with the closest to your hotel meeting point.


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Dr. Lisa Dabney is originally from Staunton, VA and received her Doctor of Medicine degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia. After serving as a General Surgery intern at the Charleston Area Medical Center in Charleston, WV, she transferred to Pitt County Memorial Hospital and served two years as a general surgery resident. She later completed her Family Practice residency at the Medical College of Virginia Blackstone Family Practice.
Dr. Dabney is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine in Family Practice. Prior to joining Carteret Health Care Medical Group in 2016, she worked in Richlands for 18 years. Dr. Dabney is an avid sports enthusiast as well as former college athlete having been inducted into the Chowan College Sports Hall of Fame. She loves boating, cycling, reading and spending time with her dogs and family.
American Board of Family Medicine Family Practice
Eastern Virginia Medical School
Internship at Charleston Area Medical Center


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Game of Thrones (2019)
Genre: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Drama
Casts: Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Sophie Turner, Maisie Williams, Liam Cunningham, John Bradley, Conleth Hill, Gwendoline Christie
Last Air Date: May 19, 2019
Quality: HD
Release: Jan 01, 1970
View: 8542


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Posted on Monday, October 22nd, 2018 at 4:16 pm.
The Chapin Ruritan Club is celebrating 70 years of service this year, established in November 1948. Through the years, the club has been involved in many endeavors in the interests of fellowship, goodwill and community service.
These decades of service to the Chapin community will be celebrated this coming Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m. at Mt. Horeb Lutheran Church on East Boundary Street. All members, former members and their families, and friends of the Chapin Ruritan Club are invited.
Chapin Mayor David Knight has proclaimed Saturday as "Chapin Ruritan Club 70th Anniversary Day. He is shown in the photo with Club President Carl Connelly.
Also pictured are members of the club preparing table decorations.
Here's a look back at the Chapin Ruritan Club as we celebrated their 45th anniversary in 1993. At that time, J.B. Addy was the only charter member still active in the Club. He cut the 45th birthday cake.
There were 24 active Chapin Ruritans in the club's 45th year. They were: J.B. Addy, Albert Amick, J.C. Amick, Vernon A. Amick, John C. Anderson, Ronnie Boland, Dale Cook, Dr. Ronald Crawford, Michael O.W. Edens, Kenneth Frick, Danny Johnson, James Mills, Hershel Murry, Evans Proctor, Billy Sellers, Curtis M. Shealy, David E. Shealy, G. Melvin Slice, Gerald Steele, Paul Summers Jr. Richard Thirlwell and Dick Weldon. Honorary members were Carl B. Chapman, Charles LaRosa, Richard Corley and William Collins.
Among the Chapin Ruritan endeavors in 1993 were: fundraisers to support Chapin High School scholarships, Little League baseball, Boys State representatives, the Newberry Boys Farm, the Greater Chapin Chamber of Commerce, the Labor Day Festival Car/Truck show and the Ruritan National Foundation.
Today the Chapin Ruritan Club continues its active community involvement. In 1993 membership was men only. Today, the Club invites men and women into membership. Ruritans meet on the fourth Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. Guests and prospective members, and those who just want to know more about Ruritan, are always invited.
For more information, contact 2018 Ruritan President Carl Connelly at 513-1049.


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how it works
We meet in a convenient location where we both talk, where the discussion is open and your issues are explored.
This is a secure and private discussion the one you may not be able to share with family and friends.
This is where the discussion is about you, at this time in your life – this is not the normal conversation where stories are swapped and each take a turn.
This is for you, about you and to support you. The aim here is to find that light bulb moment when you realise, that yes you know the answer you just needed someone to help you find it, think of your keys!
This can and may be confronting and will make you think and consider however, remember no one is going to make you feel bad, only you can do that and . . .


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It was the end of the 60s and a new championship title game with a grand sounding name—the Super Bowl—was just starting to get attention. One team, the Green Bay Packers, was lead by a head coach named Vince Lombardi, who would be on his way to becoming the league's most famous sideline leader.
Years later, Kevin Cashman, global leader for CEO and Executive development for Korn Ferry, would be working with two CEOs from that very team. He describes here a surprising leadership lesson they shared from the coach.


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No Events Today
Help with our next Party!
The Anniversary Festival began today and runs to the 9th of May.
Please say here what day/time would be the best for you for a party and what you would like to see us do.
Don't leave us in the cold. Let us know what you think! ;)
A Friday or Saturday evening should work for me. I do have to help my sisinlaw move the next two weekends but hope to be back in time.
So, maybe leaning to the Fri or Sat before the 9th, from what folks have said ingame too....
Also, just brain storming... we could do a party/raid and all be on the same layer for the fight & get some tokens for folk & hug the little ugly thingys from the treasure hunt I forgot to use last party & fireworks & maybe some music....
where is everone?
directly above the center of the earth, as usual


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It has taken Mother Nature's volcanoes 12 million years to build the stunning island of Tenerife.
Did you know Teide is the third biggest volcano in the world, from the sea bed to its summit?
Born from fire Tenerife is an extraordinary place, full of breathtaking landscapes and incredible endemic vegetation.
The island is a biodiversity hotspot with over 800 species of plants and animals living here that are unique in the world.
Thought the Canaries were just about sea and beaches? Think again!
We work with the best guides and companies to bring the most dramatic aspects of this volcanic landscape to life.
We have handpicked the best experiences that range from easy, family outings to extreme adventures for adrenaline junkies.
Join in underwater, underground, along its hidden trails, and in the air!