text:
217-244-6863 (fax)
Motorist Assistance
Monday - Friday
8:30am - 5:00pm
Location Information
1201 W. University Avenue,
Urbana, IL 61801 (MC-241)
What do I do if I have a permit for an assigned lot, but can't find a space there?
Park at the nearest available University of Illinois parking meter without paying the meter and call 217-244-5487 to report the problem. We will note and approve your alternate location and will investigate the cause of the shortage in your assigned facility.
What do I do if I lose my permit or if my permit is stolen?
You should come to the Parking office and report the loss. There is a fee to replace your lost permit. However, if your permit was stolen, a copy of a police report needs to be submitted along with a stolen parking permit form for a fee replacement exemption.
Where can I park during basketball games?
Please see DIA.
Where can I park during football games?
Please see football parking.
Do all parking facilities have the same enforcement rules?
Some parking facility restrictions differ from others. Be sure to take note of the signs at each lot entrance.
Is there free parking on all university holidays?
All facilities are restricted from 2:00 am - 6:00 am on all days. No exceptions are made for any holiday or recess except those officially listed as
University Holidays
Please note: 24-hour rental spaces, 24-hour rental lots, and disabled parking is enforced at all times.
Can I transfer my parking log assignment or permit to a friend?
Parking Regulations
How can I place my name on a parking lot waiting list?
Faculty and staff may place their name on up to two waitlists by emailing the Parking office (email@example.com) or by calling the Parking office at 217-333-3530.
Why must employees pay to park on campus?
Illinois State law prohibits the use of state funds to subsidize parking at state universities. Parking fees therefore, are necessary to build and maintain campus parking facilities.
How is parking funded?
Parking is an auxiliary which means it is a self-supported entity. By law Parking is prohibited from being subsidized by the university. Building and maintenance of parking facilities is funded by the revenues collected from permit sales, meter revenue and citation revenue.
Who decides the annual parking fee?
The Parking Department advises the campus administration when there are needs for increasing rates. Campus administration then determines and approves any rate changes.
Why build parking garages instead of lots?
There no longer is enough open space to build parking lots. Parking lots are being removed to make room for new campus buildings. The most efficient way to replace lost facilities as well as address parking deficiencies is to build parking garages.
Why can't we park on campus between 2:00 am and 6:00 am?
This time period allows for maintenance, cleaning, and snow removal.
I displayed my permit, but I received a citation, why?
Permits must be clearly visible; any obstructions or heavily tinted glass may render the permit non-visible. Failure to display the permit properly may result in a citation.
Can citations from Urbana or Champaign be paid at our office?
There is a fine box on the east side of the Public Safety Building where you can drop citation payment to the cities of Urbana and Champaign. Citations may also be paid online for the University of Illinois, the City of Champaign, or the City of Urbana.
How many parking citations can a vehicle receive before being placed on a tow list?
A vehicle must have three or more unpaid citations or over $100 in unpaid fines to the Parking Department.
I want to appeal my citation and attend the appeals board meeting.
The Appeals Board is not set up for visitor attendees. Appeals are reviewed by an Appeal Board comprised of faculty, staff and students.
Why did my vehicle get booted or towed?
If a vehicle is parked on campus and the owner has three or more unpaid citations the vehicle will be booted and is eligible for tow until the owner contacts the Parking Department to resolve their citation debt. A vehicle may be towed for a 24-hour rental space, if illegally parked in a disabled space or access aisle, or if blocking another vehicle(s).
Winter Courtesy Parking Hours:
To assist those who commute to campus in the darker evening hours of winter, the Parking Department will implement the following enforcement policy.
Effective Monday, November 6, 2017, all university rental lots posted for enforcement from 6:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday, will be open for general public parking beginning 4:00 pm. All street meters and 24-hour parking rental areas will continue to be enforced as posted .
On Monday, March 12, 2018, enforcement will return to posted hours with the return of Daylight Saving Time.
Parking is available for all students.
What lots are available to students for 24/7 parking?
Pending availability, overnight lots include:
North Deck B04 - Level Restrictions will apply.
*24/7 Parking not available in the E14 shuttle area or for any Shuttle Permits.
See Parking Map
What parking is available to students for daytime parking?
The shuttle permit is available for students living off campus. The shuttle lot is located in the south portion of lot E14 at First and Kirby. The permit is not valid for overnight parking.
How can I purchase a permit in a housing lot?
Please see Housing at the University of Illinois.
What is the cost of a student permit?
Please see Rate Sheet.
What do I do if I park at a meter and it is broken?
If you park at a university meter and pay the meter with coins or use your CashKey and the meter is malfunctioning, call the Parking office at 217-333-3530 to provide the meter number, location and description of the malfunction. Any vehicle that remains parked at a malfunctioning meter is subject to citation, unless the meter is paid by phone app, Day Meter Permit, or Departmental Meter Permit.
Do all parking meters on campus belong to the University of Illinois?
The University Parking District is comprised of the University of Illinois, City of Champaign, and City of Urbana. Meters, signage, regulations and enforcement differ between entities. See different labels on meters. See pictures of U of I, Urbana, and Champaign logos on the Parking page.
What is going on with the CashKey service?
As of July 1, 2018 CashKeys will no longer be serviced or supported by the Parking Department and the Cities of Urbana and Champaign. The University of Illinois Parking Department stopped selling new CashKeys in 2014 when the hardware became less reliable and the vendor started phasing out support for this outdated service. Because the vendor has now completely stopped supporting the equipment, as of December 31, 2018, CashKeys will no longer be accepted as payment at campus meters.
What happens if I have a balance remaining on my CashKey?
Because CashKeys will no longer be a valid form of meter payment after December 31,2018, we advise being judicious with the amount of time added to these keys prior to June 30, 2018. You should also plan accordingly to use all pre-purchased CashKey time before December 31, 2018.
What can I do with my old CashKey?
CashKeys are not eligible for buyback. You should plan accordingly to use all CashKey time before December 31, 2018.
Can I use a CashKey in combination with coins?
While CashKeys are still in use, they can be used in combination with American quarters, dimes and nickels.
Where can I park my motorcycle or scooter?
Motorcycle and scooter parking is only permitted in designated areas displaying a "Motorcycle Parking" sign. A current parking medallion must be displayed. Motorcycles may park at metered spaces as long as the meter is paid. For safety reasons, motorcycle parking is not allowed in parking garages. See Campus Parking Map.
Why do I have to pay to park a motorcycle?
The cost of a motorcycle permit goes toward building, maintaining, and operation motorcycle parking facilities throughout campus.
Why are medallions used?
Hang tags are easily stolen or can fall off. To date, medallions have been the best type of permit for motorcycle users.
Why can't motorcycles park in car spaces if they have a car permit?
Our goal is to maximize our facility usage to help the most people get the parking they need. A designated facility for each vehicle type allows us to assist our motorcycle and car customers most efficiently.
I have a car permit, so why do I have to buy an additional motorcycle permit?
The rates charged for car permits are designed to cover the costs associated with maintaining and operating the car parking program only. Therefore, those who park motorcycles pay a permit fee to help cover the cost associated with the motorcycle parking program.
What do I do if I am leaving the University of Illinois and want to give up my parking?
If on Payroll Deduction:
Stop Payroll Request cannot be processed until the permit has been returned to the Parking Department.
If you paid cash, credit, or check:
Return permit to office to see if you are eligible for a prorated refund. If eligible a refund check will be processed. Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for receipt.
Why are there meters in disabled spaces?
During designated hours, there is no free parking on the UIUC campus. Designated disabled parking spaces provide parking in closer proximity to the desired location.
Cost for parking is independent of accessibility.
Why were meters added to disabled parking spaces?
* As of January 1, 2014, the State of Illinois updated Persons with Disabilities law as it pertains to the parking program. The new regulations no longer
automatically qualify a person with a disabled parking placard for meter-exempt parking.
* Additional information regarding the Persons with Disabilities Parking Program can be found at the Secretary of State's website - State of Illinois Disabled Parking Program.
Are there any exceptions?
* Based on certain parameters, the Secretary of State has continued to issue some meter exempt permits.
* Only valid State of Illinois issued meter exempt permits qualify for meter payment exemption.
* Additional information (how to qualify, what they look like) regarding meter exempt permits can be found at the Secretary of State's website - State of Illinois Disabled Parking Program.
How can I avoid citation if I have a disabled permit?
* If you need parking on campus on a regular basis, you can contact the Parking Department for permit purchase options - email@example.com, or 217-333-3530.
The Parking Department will also address availability based on your specific parking needs.
* If only parking intermittently, the going rate for metered parking is $1/hour.
Why isn't parking free?
The U of I Parking Department is a self-sustaining department, exclusively funded by permit, meter, and fine income (not supplemented by state or university funding).
All monies are used to fund the substantial cost for construction, maintenance, and upkeep of campus parking facilities.
Why isn't HC parking free?
Because the Parking Department is self-sustaining, the cost of any "free" parking is actually being absorbed by all other parking customers.
What does the Parking Department do with meter revenue?
As an auxiliary unit, the Parking Department is not awarded state or university funding. Parking revenue, including meter payments, funds the substantial cost to
build and maintain over 150 lots and 5 parking structures, containing approximately 16,000 parking spaces.
What's happening to CashKey? Why is that being eliminated? Is it being replaced?
As of July 1, 2018 CashKeys will no longer be serviced or supported by the Parking Department and the Cities of Urbana and Champaign. As of December 31, 2018, CashKeys will no longer be accepted as payment at campus meters.
CashKeys are no longer produced, available, nor supported by the vendor. The office equipment to manage CashKeys operates on an outdated platform that is also no longer supported. The UIUC Parking Department and the Cities had the option to wait for the equipment to fail with no notice, or to proactively phase out CashKeys.
MobileMeter does offer greater payment flexibility via the "Wallet," "Credit/Debit Card," and "Validation." We will direct more information in the coming months to campus units about how these MobileMeter options may serve as additional alternatives to the CashKey.
Will there be an option on the MobileMeter app where units can pre-load money for meters, like we do now for the CashKey, so that we don't have to reconcile each transaction?
The Parking Department has been working with campus units to implement a solution that will mirror CashKey payment by using validation codes funded by a Travel Card. This new process will be fully available shortly after the start of the Fall 2018 term. CashKey payments will be accepted at campus meters until December 31, 2018.
I have an old CashKey, is there a deposit if I turn that in? If not, do you want me to just dispose of it myself?
Customers purchased and own their CashKeys; these were not leased or rented. And because CashKeys no longer have value, refunds will unfortunately not be available. Regardless, you are welcome to put any unwanted CashKey into one of our red fine boxes or drop it off at the Parking Department office during business hours, and we will discard it for you.
Will the MobileMeter app allow us to enter a CFOAP so it can be used by multiple people?
The Parking Department has been working with campus units to implement a solution that will mirror CashKey payment by using validation codes funded by a Travel Card. This new process will be fully available shortly after the start of the Fall 2018 term. CashKey payments will be accepted at campus meters until December 31, 2018.
If there is money remaining after the December 31st deadline, what happens to the money?
We highly encourage individuals and departments to use up remaining CashKey time by December 31st. However, we will address remaining time and transfer of funds on a case by case basis, beginning in January 2019.
Where can we find information about MobileMeter?
You can find more information about MobileMeter at http://www.mobilemeter.us/
Can we use our CashKey through December 31st?
University of Illinois, Urbana, and Champaign meters will accept CashKeys through December 31, 2018.
Will MobileMeter replace the CashKey?
The Parking Department has been working with campus units to implement a solution that will mirror CashKey payment by using validation codes funded by a Travel Card. This new process will be fully available shortly after the start of the Fall 2018 term. CashKey payments will be accepted at campus meters until December 31, 2018.
Why are you switching meter payment apps?
Because MobileMeter is already in place at the City of Urbana and the City of Champaign, we can now provide a seamless metered parking experience across the community. MobileMeter also provides a more robust payment platform (wallet, credit card, vendor accounts), including important alternatives to the outgoing CashKey program.
MobileMeter will be officially in place June 18, 2018. Weather pending, all 2300 plus UIUC meters will have MobileMeter stickers in place and the PaybyPhone signage removed adjacent June 18, 2018.
How many meters will be switched?
All of the 2300 plus UIUC meters will switch to MobileMeter.
When did the University of Illinois begin using PayByPhone?
It was brand-named "Verrus" at the time, when PaybyPhone started testing on our campus October of 2010. After a successful trial, PaybyPhone was under contract as of September, 2011.


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Just a word of warning:
I will be using the term "bodybuilder" or "bodybuilding" to refer to anyone who wants to build lean muscle and burn bodyfat in this article.
That means you.
Yep… you are a "bodybuilder." That does not mean you want to look like a monster on stage and pose in front of thousands of people wearing nothing but your undies.
That means you want more lean muscle and less bodyfat — that's it.
With that in mind, here's something you have to know:
Bodybuilders do not "lift weights" — we "train" with weights.
We use weights as a tool like a sculptor uses a hammer and chisel.
The object of the game is not to lift some heavy weight from Point A to Point B and back. That's weight lifting. "Bodybuilding" is about making the muscle you want to change do all the work.
Here's two ways to do it:
1. Lower the weight and focus: Most people are just concerned with the lift itself. "Get this weight off of me!" seems to be the unconscious mantra. This will not get the job done. In fact you may end up looking bulky rather than sleek… or just not change at all. Instead, lower the weight slightly, slow the pace down (especially on the descent of the movement) and picture the muscle in your mind doing ALL of the work. Literally put your mind in the muscle. You will be amazed at how different the same exercise feels with this degree of concentration,.
2. Contract, hold, release: At the top of any movement, contract the muscle hard. Hold that contraction for a second or two, then release it and lower the weight slowly. This will not only cause faster muscle growth (that is a good thing) but also demand that you use less weight to get the job done. This means your joints — shoulders, knees, elbows — will last a lifetime. At 45 my joints are in perfect health. Protect yours at all costs.
Just remember: You are not just lifting weights when you train for muscle shape and "tone" — you are a sculptor. Treat your tools and your body with that degree of care.
I cover many more tips on how to build lean muscle and burn bodyfat faster in my book "7 Minute Muscle".
Read more here: more muscle in far less time
[ Editor's Note: Fitness author Jon Benson shared this letter with me and gave me permission to share it with you. ]

subset: commoncrawl


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You know, it seems like I always have overripe bananas. Seriously, I guess I need to start buying 2 at a time. However, on that same note, I wouldn't have found my new favorite banana bread recipe if I hadn't had these overripe bananas to use up.
This bread is so stinkin good.
My daughter is always my toughest critic in the house, and she loved it! The bread was very moist, dense, and had a good dose of both banana and chocolate flavors. Perfection!
My new favorite banana bread recipe!
My new favorite banana bread recipe!
Chocolate Banana Bread
Recipe from Two Peas and Their Pod
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 3 large (1 1/2 cups) bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 1/4 cup canola oil, vegetable oil, or melted coconut oil
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
- Preheat your oven to 350º
- Spray a 9x5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt.
- In the bowl of your stand mixer, add the slightly cooled melted butter, the oil and brown sugar. Mix until smooth.
- Add the slightly beaten egg and mix, then add the vanilla.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients and mix on low until smooth. Add in 3/4 cups of chocolate chips and mix briefly.
- Pour the batter into the prepared dish and sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of chocolate chips over the top.
- Bake for 60-65 minutes. Use a toothpick to determine if it's done.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes after removing from the oven. Then run a knife around the edges and remove from the pan, let cool on a wire rack and then slice.


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I hope you had a great 4th of July and if you were in the Midwest, you survived the heat! Oh my - it's been hot!
We held our Executive Cloud Computing Webinar a couple weeks ago, many of you were able to attend and others have gone online to watch the webinar posted online. We've gotten a great response and your questions continue to come in so today I thought I'd cover a couple of the most frequently asked questions we get from business owners about cloud computing.
Q: If I move to the cloud will everything be slower?
Answer: In the cloud you will get a higher grade server so usually it is your internet connection that is causing your network to be slow. The good news is this can get beefed up. Graphic intensive applications or big files may not work well in the cloud but every situation is unique so if you're considering moving to the cloud it is a good idea to get an assessment first to make sure you'll have a good user experience.
Q: Is the cloud not right for someone in particular?
Answer: Not every situation is right for the cloud. You may have a specific line of business software that is not right for the cloud. For example some Blackberry applications do not work in the cloud. You may need a commercial grade, beefy broad band connection which may make it more expensive to be in the cloud or perhaps there may be some specific security requirement that cloud providers can't meet.
Q: For a very small office with 10 pcs and a server does the cloud make sense for them?
Answer: It's possible but it depends on what application your business relies on. If you're just accessing files or quick books, cost wise it may not be cheaper but you may benefit because you don't need initial capital expense of buying a server or housing it in your office, plus you access to most recent software, and better availability since you'll be able to access it from any device, anywhere.
Q: How do you transition a network to the cloud?
Answer: To minimize downtime and avoid problems we run a simultaneous cloud environment during the transition and don't "turn off" the old network until everyone is 100% confident that every-thing has been transitioned and is working effortlessly. You don't want someone to switch overnight without setting up a test environment first.
If you have any questions about cloud computing send them to [email protected] and we'll get back to you with an answer and possibly include them in our blog.


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Product details
This pyjama-style silk shirt is made to smarten up relaxed Sundays. Slim lapels frame the relaxed V-neck, while the semi-fitted shape takes full advantage of the fabric's fluid drape. Tuck the curved hem into pin-sharp trousers or leave loose over jeans. Either way, the result is elegance with a lounge-worthy finish.
- 100% silk
- Hand wash or dry clean
- Relaxed fit
- Length finishes at top thigh
- Full length sleeves with functional cuffs
- Curved hem
- Fabric covered buttons
* Imported
Shipping & Returns
Shipping Standard
FREE (On Orders Over $49)
7-14 Business Days Standard
$5 (On Orders Under $49)
7-14 Business Days Expedited
2-3 Business Days Express
Temporarily unavailable
We operate a 365 no-quibble return policy. However, If an item is returned within 90 days of purchase, we will refund the full amount or offer an exchange.
We are happy to exchange any item within 90 days of receipt, no questions asked. However you may have to pay for returns postage.


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Robotics and .NET Fundamentals - Part 5 of 5
In this final installment of the series, we will build on Part 4's VPL project, but we will add a greater degree of autonomy to the robot by making it somewhat smart. When it encounters a wall, it will back up and turn around without any input from us, using the bumper sensors on the robot.
Again, no code written, only pretty diagrams drawn. You'll need Microsoft Robotics Studio (free download) and a robot or the simulation tools included with MSRS to follow along.
Download the source and more from here.
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The unimaginative might have thought there was no room for a new soccer stadium at St. John's University, but the school rose above its space issues—literally—and built this state-of-the-art facility on top of a parking garage. Completed in time for the 2002 season, this 2,300-seat stadium is one of the nation's best, and a fitting home for the Red Storm men's and women's soccer teams.
St John's University campus, 8000 Utopia PkwyQueens, NY 11439
(888) 467-8676


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One of the worst things that can happen to you as a website owner is to suddenly discover that you have broken the law. If your website doesn't comply with laws designed to protect the rights of consumers, you're breaking the law. Being non-compliant puts you at risk of suffering significant financial losses and the loss of your reputation. Why risk your money and your business reputation, when you can protect yourself so easily and inexpensively? In this article, we review a simple and
Need WordPress Tutorials? Go here: PremiumWP.Services – Expertly-Written WordPress Tutorials Done For You


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By: Lauren O'Neil
A forthcoming residential building along the Humber River is promising that, when complete, it will be the first-ever completely smokeless condo building in the GTA.
Vaping is cool though, for the most part.
Non-profit developer Options for Homes told Metroland Media this week that its new 22-storey residence at Weston Road and Lawrence Avenue (called "The Humber") is being built with a smoke-free policy already in place.
Unlike most condo buildings, where the decision about whether or not to smoke rests with each individual unit owner, smoking both tobacco and cannabis will be strictly prohibited within The Humber.
Those who wish to consume tobacco or cannabis can do so using a vaporizer, but not in any common areas such as lobbies, stairwells, elevators, hallways, parking garages, laundry facilities and outdoor spaces.
Growing cannabis will also be forbidden on balconies and in homes, according to the developer, which is in line with its stated mission of creating a family-friendly building.
A total of 232 suites will be available at The Humber when sales launch, at least two-thirds of which will be two or three bedroom units.


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JioPhone Booking Now Open: Documents, Price and more
I am eagerly waiting for the JioPhone, and so is everyone else in India. The smartest feature phone ever is nearing its promised release date. Officially the JioPhone Booking will start on August 24, in both online and offline stores. But certain offline retailers in Delhi-NCR region have already started taking pre-orders for the handset. This means that […]Read More


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Even if you consider yourself intelligent, you have likely been struck by the next-level intellect of some people in the world. There are famous examples - Einstein, Oppenheimer, Clarke - but looking around the tech and science industries, its hard not to feel that the world is full of intellectuals possessing mental faculties beyond our comprehension. Within the gaming industry, these kinds of thinkers include John Carmack, Mark Cerny – and within recent years, indie developer Jonathan Blow.
Blow's latest title, The Witness, is clear evidence of his genius. Though at first sight the game may appear like an average puzzle game, the deeper you dive, the more it seems like a higher intelligence had a hand in its creation. However, the truly remarkable feat of The Witness isn't in how smart it makes Blow look, but in how playing it brings you to understand this higher plane of thinking, and even to feel like you might have the capacity to think on a similar level.
The Witness is an exploration puzzle game set upon a mysterious island, which itself is not an original premise. Nor is the fact that completing puzzles unlocks aspects of the mystery. However, despite how cliched the overarching premise maybe, what is wholly original are the 600 or so puzzles, and the tone with which the mystery is delivered.
At its simplest, The Witness presents its puzzles as grids in which you must create a line from a start point to an end point along a predetermined path. It's not easy to communicate this idea through the written word, but it's very easy to understand in-game – at least initially. As you explore the island, the basic formula stays the same, with each puzzle presented through gridded screens. However, each area expands the puzzle system in different and mind-bending ways. For example, one early concept introduces black and white squares onto the grid, which you quickly understand must be separated by your line.
The introduction of each idea is communicated through a series of increasingly difficult, side by side terminals, which introduce a principle and escalate the complexity of its implementation until you are well-acquainted with its underlying rules and conventions. These tutorial terminals follow into an area in which the new element is explored in increasingly complex ways.
Be prepared to get frustrated, for the puzzles were designed by a savant, apparently designed specifically to push your mind to its limits and challenge it to think in new ways. As long as you understand the underlying principles, the solution is always just a matter of persistence and perspective. Given time and focus, you can almost feel your mind clicking into a higher gear and deducing new, sophisticated ways to look at these problems.
There are exceptions, however, as frustration occasionally arises from simply having missed a tutorial section. Almost the entire island is open for exploration from the outset, which means you can easily miss a tutorial and encounter puzzle mechanics completely foreign to you. Some areas lack tutorial areas entirely; the challenge is discovering what the concept is and what its rules are. These factors can make you second-guess why you're having trouble solving a puzzle. Though the open world gives a sense of freedom, perhaps a more linear approach would remove some of this uncertainty. As is, you're often unsure if the challenge is intentional or due to missing information.
However, when you are in the zone and starting to click with a puzzle type, The Witness is an experience like no other puzzle game. It feels like you are being invited into a secret society for geniuses – and having solved such incredibly complicated puzzles, you feel like you've earned it.
The narrative adds to this sensation, with many allusions to and outright demonstrations of high-concept philosophy and psychology. Without spoiling anything, the game's narrative has an academic tone that challenges you to think about broader notions of humanity and science. The way these ideas combine with the puzzles is fascinating; listening to the various monologues, I felt like the puzzles had opened up my mind, allowing me to consider things in ways that I previously would not have.
On top of these narrative and gameplay successes sits the beautiful majesty of the island. The art style, environmental design, and architecture combine in some truly sublime ways – so much so that if you ignored the puzzles and simply explored the island, you would still be guaranteed a good time sightseeing. On top of the gorgeous views are the narrative touches built into the world, with many sights and sounds subtly or blatantly hinting at the island's history and secrets.
The Witness is not an easy game. In fact, it numbers among the more challenging games I've ever played. However, the flipside is that it's also among the more rewarding gaming experiences I have had. I truly believe that this game made me smarter. Whether that is a placebo effect or not is going to require some research, but regardless, the sensation itself is worth the effort.
Review scores are provided as a rough guide only. Read the Gameplanet review policy


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The sun shone down on the North Harris Show in East Tarbert this afternoon.
Hundreds made their way to the show site at Oban, near Urgha, where they enjoyed sizzling temperatures and a vast array of things to see and do.
This year's show was opened by Angus Macleod MBE, former Head of Construction and Forestry at Inverness Technical College.
Tomorrow night, the venue will host the Show Dance, featuring music from Adam Johnson and the Cast Ewe Ceilidh Band.


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Revel in your red carpet moment for 4 days and share your insta-worthy sparkle with #FlingWithMyBling
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On the final day of your rental, use the prepaid label and drop your jewelry off at a FedEx location.
Rental Perks
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We've got all your RSVP'S covered.
Why you'll love renting, too
It was SUCH an EASY process. I'll DEFINITELY be renting again!
— Jessica DeLuise
It's the best version of "Thank you, Next" I can think of.
— Stacy London
Even more gorgeous in real life—I highly recommend Red Carpet Rocks to all future brides.
— Molly Daly
I'd never choose something for such a big event without first seeing/feeling it, but it really paid off!
— Kalyani Iyer


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Creating a Flat Business isnt't just going online with your business. A flat business, in a flat world, takes a good idea and a good preparation. On this page, I'll try to point out a few strategies, specifiactions, …which can help set up your flat business. But for starters a brief presentation on the future of work/business!
First of all, I want to make clear that a flat business is not only about e-commerce, or setting up an online business/shop/commercial site/… A flat business is a business where you use the flat world as a integrated part of your business. If not on the commercial site, maybe on the back-office or processing side….there are many ways in yout business can be a flat business. A flat business uses new technologies, communications and media to set up or change their business idea.
It helps to create a flat business if you look at trends for the future. Try to select 5 trends/challanges for the future which will have an impact on your business or have an impact on your business idea. For each challange/trend you give 5 short/long term ideas (these can be specific for your business unit).
Try to work out a draft of the business model. Alex Osterwalder has created a canvas to work out your business model and idea.
Look if your idea/canvas matches these 8 criterias:
- a clear strategic vision based on a radically different way of meeting a large, previously unsatisfied customer/employer/supplier/stakeholder need.
- a set of highly distinctive capabilities – technological, marketing and logistical – tailored tot the needs of the market.
- value propositions that are so compelling that they change the customer/employer/supplier/stakeholder behaviour.
- an entrepeneurial but disciplined orginazation that balances creativity with practicality, is innovative but pragmatic, and creates effective teams
- a robust, radical business model that is not easily imitable
- genuine concern for the quality and consistency of the customer/employer/supplier/stakeholder experience
- leadership that ensures the clear communication of strategic direction and consistent implementation
- sharp on focus on the chosen market.
If your business canvas (which is based on your idea) fits the 8 criteria's then you can start implementing the business model.


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September 04, 2018
First off, thank you ISA Edmonton section members for electing me as President for the 2018/19 term!
As members WE are ISA. Without our members, the ISA does not exist.
We all have our own reasons for being part of ISA and that is what I want to focus on this year. Whether it's standards and professional development, networking or gaining experience through volunteering on our boards and committees, I want to ensure that every member is aware of and has access to everything that ISA has to offer.
Come out to our events, meet other members, get involved and talk to myself (or any member on our volunteer board) about what ISA is for YOU. I want to hear from you so that we can ensure that the voice of our members is considered and provide the most value possible.
I look forward to serving our members for what is sure to be another great year for ISA Edmonton!
Craig Keating
ISA Edmonton Section President
Learn about ISA Edmonton Section member benefits and sign-up to become a member online…Read More
Knowledge is power. Sign-up for our ISA INSIDER e-newsletter and receive the latest news delivered directly to your inbox.


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Richard Rogers: No need to fix a retirement plan that's working
The state of North Carolina has one of the strongest retirement systems in the country. However, it has become apparent that some substantial changes may be coming to our system. Both the House and Senate are considering changing the Teachers' and State Employees' Retirement System from a defined-benefit system to a defined-contribution system, a change that would ultimately affect all state and local governmental employees and retirees.
North Carolina Retired Governmental Employees' Association, the organization that advocates for over 60,000 employees and retirees, is questioning the need for such an overhaul.
Our strong retirement system has provided pensions for government retirees for more than 75 years. The current defined-benefit system ensures that our vested state and local governmental retirees who contribute 6 percent of their salaries to the pension plan will receive the pensions they have worked so hard for. We cannot afford to lose this benefit that attracts top employees to our state.
The defined benefit system implemented by North Carolina's retirement system is comparable to other retirement systems across the United States. A 2011 study by the Program Evaluation Division of the N.C. General Assembly provided an analysis of the TSERS retirement system compared with over 80 government retirement systems across the U.S. Key findings indicated:
▪ The majority of states have defined-benefit retirement plans for government employees.
▪ Michigan and Alaska are the only states that require all new hires to participate solely in defined-contribution plans.
▪ Four states offer hybrid plans, requiring new hires to participate in both defined-benefit and defined-contribution plans.
▪ Choice plans are offered in a handful states, allowing the employee to choose between defined-benefit and defined-contribution.
We should not spend time trying to fix a system that is working. A change could lead to retirement uncertainty for hundreds of thousands of state and local government employees, and this has the potential to undermine our state's economy.
All current retirees' pensions should continue throughout their lives; however, if the legislature changes to a defined-contribution plan, future employees will be subject to a much less certain pension.
NCRGEA will continue to monitor this issue and support the continuance of a defined-benefit plan. In the end, we work to provide peace of mind for our teachers, police officers and state employees.
Richard Rogers
Executive Director, NCRGEA
Read more here: http://www.newsobserver.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article62022137.html#storylink=cpy


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The Education Alliance is dedicated to providing effective mentoring programs for public schools, along with tools and resources for communities interested student success. Below you will find resources to implement programs in your county.
Innovation Showcase STEM Toolkit
The Innovation Showcase STEM Toolkit enables local schools and districts to design and implement an Innovation Showcase in their communities. The process supports educators as they teach students about the Design Process and guide them in developing their showcase presentations. Along the way, we provide examples and strategies to engage community members in providing feedback to students and spotlighting positive school outcomes. Finally, the Toolkit serves as a roadmap for inspiring students as they deepen their thinking, develop 21st century skills, and learn about career opportunities for a brighter future.
Innovation Showcase STEM Toolkit
Computer Science Report
On February 2, 2018, nearly 100 education, business, and community leaders from across the state examined ways to increase access to Computer Science education in West Virginia schools. The computer science convening results highlight important recommendations and next steps.
STEM Forward: Building West Virginia's Capacity Through Computer Science
STEM Toolkit: Guide to Innovative Learning Through STEM
The STEM Toolkit is designed to implement STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) projects to students around the state of West Virginia. This toolkit has been implemented with The Education Alliance dropout prevention programs such as the AmeriCorps on the Frontline It has many projects from Multiplication Dots to Communication is Key.
Comprehensive Analysis of Summative Assessments Report
The Education Alliance released the Comprehensive Analysis of Summative Assessments (CASA) report in January 2017. The CASA report provides policy makers with objective information and an analytical framework that can be used to evaluate potential state assessments. The report identifies the key assessment criteria valued by West Virginia stakeholders and analyzes available tests' strengths and weaknesses based on those criteria.
Comprehensive Analysis of Summative Assessments Report
West Virginia STEM in Afterschool Report
The Strategic Plan for Support and Sustainability was developed by the West Virginia Statewide Afterschool Network (WVSAN)as the product of a planning grant from the NOYCE Foundation. The Afterschool and STEM System Building planning grant focused on the development of statewide partnerships and needs analysis to support quality informal Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) learning in afterschool. TheWVSAN acknowledges the collaboration of The Education Alliance, which partnered with WVSAN to convene stakeholders and gather their input throughout the planning period.
STEM System Building: A Strategic Plan for Support and Sustainability
West Virginia Council on STEM Report
The West Virginia Council of STEM report is the product of many hours of research, collaboration, and dialogue by members of the WV Council on STEM. Established through Executive Order N. 3-14 on April 24, 2014, the Council was developed to enhance STEM education and experiences for West Virginia students. The WV Council on STEM makes three strong recommendations: 1) Develop local capacity for STEM education across the state by establishing 3-5 Regional STEM Network HUBS; 2) Strengthen the public's awareness of STEM as a vital economic development advantage for quality job growth through an aggressive public engagement plan; and 3) Establish a virtual STEM clearinghouse to review current STEM resources and assets across the state to ensure alignment and eliminate redundancy.
West Virginia Council on STEM Report
Frontline Network
The Education Alliance created Frontline Network to mobilize communities to answer the question, "What will we do to ensure that more of our students complete high school ready for college and careers?" Frontline Network recognizes that though the drop out issue is linked to the same issues in every community (student school attendance, behavior or course performance), every community must design its own innovative prevention plan. The resources below will help communities conduct community forums to discuss what their young people need most, and how best to deliver solutions.
DVD: How Can We Help More Students Finish High School?
Dropout Prevention in West Virginia: A Guide for Community Dialogue
Dropout Prevention in West Virginia: A Guide for Moderators of Community Dialogues
Dialogue to Action Initiative: A Guide for County Leadership Teams
Walk the Talk
The transition between middle school and high school is a pivotal point in students' lives. They must adapt to new environments and a variety of life changes in order to persist to graduation. A committed adult mentor can make all the difference between success and failure for young people at this critical time. Walk the Talk is a mentoring curriculum that can serve both middle and high school students in a variety of settings. This model pairs caring mentors with young people to help create relationships to support students learning about college and career opportunities and becoming re–engaged in the learning process. Walk the Talk is designed to encourage self-advocacy skills which will prepare the students for their future.
Mentoring Matters: In Their Own Voice (DVD)
Skills for Student Success Curriculum: Mentor Guide
Skills for Student Success Curriculum: Student Notebook


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One of the big events at a festival like this is the eating--everyone gathers around and eats together under a specially constructed eating "tent". And there's usually a really unique, traditional meal one night--where they break out all of the "special" foods. This time, they also lit the thing with traditional "lamps" (see below for more info on that).
Pa'Upan is a beautiful little village located in the Krayan highlands near Malaysia. The air is pure and clean--it's not as hot there as it is in Tarakan, and the skies are usually a beautiful deep blue, when it's not raining. It's really beautiful!
We love hanging out interior!
We're blessed to have many great friends in Pa'Upan and many other villages interior. This time our group was hosted by Pak Ajang and his wife, and Pendeta (Pastor) Benjamin and his wife (pictured below, along with Joy and the Rietvelds. We're always so humbled and blessed by their generosity and kindness! They're really, really great folks!
And there's never a shortage of friends for the kids!! Can you spot Hudson? He's such a great kid--so easy going and fun-loving! These are all his newest friends, hanging out with him waiting for dinner to be served in the food tent.
Speaking of dinner, remember those traditional lamps I talked about? Well, these are those lamps, being lit. They're made entirely from bamboo, and the fuel source is a lump of special tree sap that burns for quite a long time. It looks like that lump of hardened sap in Jurassic Park, that holds the mosquito. It comes from a certain tree in the jungle, that when injured (on purpose by machete-wielding men, or naturally) will "bleed" the sap down the bark, where it then solidifies and can be broken off in chunks. I've seen it out and about when hiking on my various treks.
So, when they were ready for the traditional feast, they lit all the bamboo lamps and then killed the generator lights (first photo at the top), and then they talked about how much the elders mean to them, and they honored the elders by having the whole village go through and greet them, and then they let the elders get their food first (below). It was all very respectful and sweet.
There was a wide variety of traditional foods--starting with a ton of pork (one of whose heads was roasted below, with fancy curly, decorations coming out the snout). They love the pig fat, so there were bamboo trays upon bamboo trays of nothing but pig fat. There were also plenty of grubs, and soups made from various organs, and vegetables of various kinds, and several kinds of rice, prepared in a variety of ways and fried things, and the list goes on and on. As usual, we took some of everything and immensely enjoyed the experience.
What a fun and festive time--crowded into that tent with hundreds of other people, all talking and having a great time! In the evenings, after dinner, there were church services and more singing, that went late into the night. Most nights, since I was flying the next day, I had to cut out early and go to bed.
Here's a random shot...the last night, as we were eating dinner, I received word of a giant moth in the house next door. So of course, the boys and I headed over to have a look. It was HUGE! This is Wilbert's hand, next to the moth. He's a very tall guy, and has a very big hand. The moth was probably about 8 inches long from wingtip to wingtip--only a tad bigger than the HUGE cicada we found later that night in the house we were staying in. But that's a story for another day.
Life is always an adventure here! We're so thankful to be serving Christ through MAF in Indonesia. We're thankful for another great year here and we look forward to what God has in store for us and for His ministry in 2013!


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The last 48 hours I've spent on the Streets of Hong Kong... Well not really, I did get a hotel room for my 2 night stay!
After New York, Hong Kong is probably the best city for good old street photography!
Since I got my Sexy-1 (officially the FujiFilm X-E1), I kind of rediscovered the art of street photography. Most of my Street Photography work is in Black and White, however sometimes colour seems to work just better. A typical example is this shot of a student walking home in front of a HKG Fire station.
Even though the British gave Hong Kong back to China in 1997, this vibrant city in the Far-East, still feels very different from mainland China.
The image above of people waiting at a tram station, was shot at night from across the street on Hennessy road in the Causeway Bay area of Hong Kong island. I was especially attracted to the background of the hundreds of small portraits.
Image details:
Sexy-1 (Fujifilm X-E1) with the 18-55 lens
ISO 640, 49mm, f3.6, 1/50s
Lightroom 4.4. RC for RAW development
Nik SilverEfex 2 for Black and White conversion
My full "The Streets of Hong Kong" series can be found here.
Lastly for all of you shooting with any of the FujiFilm X series (X-Pro1, X-E1, X-100...); Adobe just released the Lightroom 4.4. RC. This version of the software now supports the X-Trans sensor 100%. The update is a must have for all you X-series fans out there! A download link can be found here.
Remember; "What I like about photographs is that it captures a moment that is gone forever, impossible to reproduce" - Karl Lagerfeld


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Oftentimes, the reasons a film becomes memorable are the dramatic acting, a gorgeous soundtrack, beautiful cinematography or even simply the amazing stunts; but there are rare occasions when an inanimate object actually steals the show. Could a ring, watch, or necklace have more star power than Brad Pitt or Jennifer Lawrence? Well, probably not, but there are many famous accessories to have appeared in popular movies which cinemagoers have discussed long after the credits have rolled.
Harry Potter's glasses
Those perfectly round glasses have arguably become more representative of Harry Potter than his famous lightning-shaped scar. Harry's glasses have been broken/repaired and lost/found more times than perhaps even he would care to admit, but despite all the battles and dramas that the Chosen One has been through during each movie, his frames have managed to stay on his face and helped him win the fight against his nemesis, Voldemort (primarily by letting him see correctly).
Indiana Jones' hat
It is honestly impossible to picture Indy without his trademark hat, and even though his trusty whip is a bit more important in terms of saving his life, that hat just feels more seminal. In The Last Crusade, we discover that a young Indy received the hat from another treasure hunter. He evidently liked the spirit of the plucky kid, saying, "You lost today, kid, but that doesn't mean you have to like it" while placing the famous fedora on Indy's head. It's also hard to forget the legendary scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark, where Indiana dashes through a rapidly closing door, only for the hat to fall off and, when you think it's just a hat, we see Indy's hand poke out and grab it just before the door closes. Amazingly, work has begun on a fifth Indiana Jones movie, although it's said to be actor Harrison Ford's final performance in the role.
James Bond's watch
Despite the much grittier and badass version of Bond that came with the Daniel Craig-era, there will always be a place for expensive watches in the 007 films. What started out as simply a handsome accessory for the secret agent to wear in the early films, quickly shifted to a genuinely useful gadget in later entries to the franchise, with the watch being able to cut handcuffs, explode on cue, shoot a grappling hook and also be used as a laser. Although Rolex was the supplier of Bond's watch for a long time, Omega took over the reins in 1995's GoldenEye. Since then, the watch on-screen has always been the latest Omega Seamaster, and, if you're a collector of all things Bond, we're 100% sure there are some decent vintage models up for grabs if you look online.
Frodo Baggins' ring
Of course, the most important accessory on this list would have to be The One Ring – the one to rule them all. Although created by Sauron, and worn by both Gollum and Bilbo Baggins, it's Frodo who has to take the hard, dark path to Mount Doom and destroy the cursed ring once and for all in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Other than turning the wearer invisible, the ring also provides unnaturally long life to its owner and, perhaps most devastatingly, has a particularly strong hold that makes giving it up easier said than done.


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Yesterday, I reviewed the 1990 film, The Handmaid's Tale, which at its best, introduced us to a very intriguing question revolving around society and how we treat women in a potential future world where fertility is dropping exponentially. At worst, it was 1990, and everything was light, innocent, and even maybe too focused on romance. I mean, have you even seen that movie poster? It looks like a romance novel. Anyways, this TV show was much more the speed of what I was looking forward to. It's 2017 now, and no one is afraid of being too blunt or dark anymore – which is what this story should contain. So, I'll borrow my plot outline from my review yesterday, since it is the same story.
The Handmaid's Tale is ultimately about the fertile women left in the world…which isn't many. Throughout the years, sexually active women went from relationship to relationship, causing their fertility to slowly die out. Only a handful of women still has the ability to reproduce, which causes the nation to take the future of the human race into their own hands. The government falls apart and what they have left is a systematic process of forcing fertile women to become pregnant…whether they like it or not. We're not talking about in vitro here. These people hate everything unnatural, as that was "part of the problem" in the first place, so we're talking about rape while they attempt to say it's the lord's purpose for them, and what they are doing isn't a sin, but god's work.
I watched the movie first before watching the show, which was probably a good call, because the general consensus is to save the best for last, and the Hulu series is most definitely "the best". As I said before, it is now 2017, and no one really feels the urge to censor everything anymore. The writers of this TV show knew exactly how to make this show feel the way it should – and how should it feel? Modern, relevant, dark and disturbing. While a bunch of other adjectives could probably work as well, I think those four are probably the most prominent for The Handmaid's Tale.
While this show holds the same story intact, it decided to take some creative liberties as well. Most obvious is the constant flashbacks to modern day. The flashbacks go through how society crumbles and what that means for everyone, but most importantly, women. I'm sorry to the folks that like ignorance and bliss, but this rings true for a lot of topics going on right now for the downfall of some basic women's rights under the Trump administration. Imagine if we really had a major problem with fertility and someone told Trump to watch this show that basically gives men the opportunity to be legal serial rapists in order to further the population of this "great" country. Trump would try to make it sound like it was his idea. Not only that, but in the show, the congress was attacked and people outside of the government took over. You know, like radical Trump supporters that he still hasn't spoken against? Yes, the show is way over the top, but politically speaking, it is believable…well, as believable as The Hunger Games is when it comes to the push for edgier media as media becomes more important in people's lives.
It's a clear commentary on the direction society is headed, and the mere idea that something like this could happen should absolutely be dark and disturbing. Hearing a concept like this, you almost immediately think of it as a thought-provoking psychological thriller…and that's how the TV series operates as. The whole show has an eery, dark tone that follows the girls wherever they go. The more you wish them well, the more ridiculous the turmoil they go through, and a lot of that has to do with hardcore religious belief. You can just see it in these people's heads that they don't necessarily like what they are doing, but they used desperation and religion to try to fool themselves to the point that they're actually doing something good, something helpful.
It's definitely a pretty good show that took a while to perfect and write. This isn't episodic as everything is pertinent to the rest of the story. I do know what'll happen next, based off of the film, but you never know how many liberties a show will take, and I'm ready to see where this show goes, as it is not done airing yet. So far, I'd consider this show one of Hulu's best shows, and they've had some decent ones, like 11.22.63. The next Hulu show I'm really gearing up for is the only Marvel comic series that I read religiously – Runaways. I'm insanely ready to see that one, but that's not the point. The point is, this is a very intriguing show that you should take the time to watch!


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Matthew 27:45-56 English Standard Version (ESV)
The Death of Jesus
45 Now from the sixth hour[a] there was darkness over all the land[b] until the ninth hour.[c] 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" that is, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" 47 And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, "This man is calling Elijah." 48 And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine, and put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink. 49 But the others said, "Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him." 50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit.
51 And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. 52 The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, 53 and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. 54 When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, "Truly this was the Son[d] of God!"
55 There were also many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him, 56 among whom were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.
Cross references:
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
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Leeds United tracking Japan midfielder Yosuke Ideguchi - report
Leeds United are on the trail of young Japanese international Yosuke Ideguchi, according to reports in Tokyo, with the Championship club ready to offer around £700,000 to trigger the midfielder's release clause.
Ideguchi hit the international headlines on Aug. 31 with a spectacular strike -- his first goal for his country -- to give Japan a 2-0 win over Australia in Saitama that sealed a place in the 2018 World Cup.
Sports Nippon reports that there is a high possibility of the deal going through...


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Good day everyone, I want to show some pics of my project. All credit goes to anyone who has built something I am using, the only thing "original" I hope to create is 30th street. Since this is my first try, my goal is to eventually release a 30th street station for everyone to build their routes from. If this is too unfinished to start showing, then I apologize. If there is interest, I'd be happy to update this when I have something to be shown, I have plenty of pics, unfortunately, the stars of those pics is mostly the track work, very little scenery yet while I learn how best to do them. I just was inspired seeing new photos of the NEC, Tons of work still to be done:
Thank you for your time, I only seek to add to the community that has given me tons of enjoyment through this simulator.


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Tim Middleton describes some of the fieldwork for his PhD, sampling and mapping fault scarps from the 1739 Yinchuan earthquake in northern China.
The terrain is hard-going. An undulating surface of large boulders stretches for kilometres in every direction; the vans are back by the main road. There is no vegetation and though it is still only March the sun beats down on this barren landscape. In the distance, large, triangular mountains loom out of the haze—the Helanshan are the final frontier before the emptiness of the Alxa desert beyond. Snaking its way across this landscape is a small escarpment. It varies in height but continues for a total distance of about sixteen kilometres, tracking the edge of the Yinchuan basin. It's this escarpment we're here to study.
On 3rd January 1739, disaster struck; an earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 8.0 shook the entire Yinchuan basin. Temples, pagodas, offices, houses and city walls all collapsed and the major cities of Yinchuan and Pingluo were severely damaged. Eyewitness reports describe cracks in the ground up to 100 metres long. In total, an estimated 50,000 people lost their lives. Subsequent urban development in the towns and cities of the Yinchuan basin has obscured much of the evidence for the 1739 earthquake, but out at the base of the mountains in this arid, desert-like climate evidence of this and older earthquakes remain preserved in the landscape.
We want to use the clues in the landscape to try to understand more about what happened in 1739. But time is of the essence if the earthquakes preserved in this landscape are to be recorded. The provincial authorities in the Yinchuan basin are embarking on a major new project. The market for western-style wine in China is ballooning and, as a result, these dry, alluvial fans are to be turned into vineyards. Progress is in its early stages. So far a curious, red-brick road, which meanders across the fault scarp, is the only sign of change. But major earthworks that would destroy these historic and prehistoric fault scarps are clearly in the pipeline.
Our approach is twofold. We have acquired high resolution images of the region from the Pleiades satellite, which can be used to map the ruptures. Also, by combining two images taken from different angles we are able to build a three-dimensional model of the topography enabling us to measure offsets at different points along the escarpment. The maximum recorded slip in the 1739 earthquake was 5.3 metres, but much of the escarpment is taller than this; these taller scarps therefore represent previous earthquakes. From our maps of these scarps we are able to distinguish at least three separate events.
The second step is to investigate the scarps in the field. We visited the Yinchuan basin in March 2014 and collected various samples for dating. These dates will enable us to say when these three earthquakes took place. Radiocarbon samples from soils that have accumulated against the escarpment should post-date the most recent earthquake, whilst sediment samples from within the escarpment itself should be older than the earthquake in question. By building up a chronology for the previous earthquakes on this fault we can suggest roughly how often earthquakes occur and when we might expect the next one to be.
At another field site, 60 kilometres to the north, it appears as though part of the Great Wall of China was destroyed in the 1739 event. This particular section of the wall was built in 1531, during the Ming Dynasty, and is made of adobe bricks. No other major earthquakes have occurred in the Yinchuan basin since 1531 and so it is highly likely that the 1739 event was responsible for the damage.
Since 1739 the population of the Yinchuan basin has increased dramatically and the area is now home to around three million people. Major infrastructure projects, including the new vineyards, are taking shape at a rapid rate. Understanding the earthquake risk in the region is clearly of vital importance.
With thanks to Qiyun Lei, Zhikun Ren, Xiaogang Song, Wuxiong Cheng, Zhigang Ma and the Institute of Geology at the China Earthquake Administration in Beijing for all of their assistance in the field.