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The Role of Executive MBA Programs in the Professional Development of Managers in the Baltics
By Evita Lune, Partner, Country Manager Latvia
This article discusses the role of Executive MBA programs in managers' professional development in the three Baltic countries: Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. An Executive MBA program is a professional Masters Degree program, which enrols managers with a minimum of five years working experience and a previous University degree (not necessarily economics or business). This part-time two years modular program involves international faculty and interactive teaching methods.
This article analyses why it is relevant for managers, who are successful in their careers, to come back to school again.
Learning and Education Gap
Currently, executive positions in the three Baltic countries are, to a large extent, occupied by managers, who are 35 to 45 years old, and who have not had a chance to receive the education that is appropriate for today's market economy, since they attended University under the previous political regime.
For the generations of executives who are 35 years of age and older, the most typical education obtained during the previous political regime was that of an engineer for men and of a philologist for women. This is a generalisation, of course, but it indicates a pattern in the societies of the post socialist countries.
Some of these former engineers are currently working as directors or board members in local and international companies. They manage their companies by demonstrating their strengths in logic, planning, systematic thinking and interest in technologies. Typically, financial management, marketing and legal issues related to the business environment are weaker areas for these managers.
Many philologists, in their turn, have switched to service industries or have developed as marketing managers. Communication skills, command of foreign languages, ability to network and develop contacts has ensured their success. This group of executives is weaker in financial management, IT issues and strategic planning.
In addition to specific gaps in the professional skills, Baltic managers often have never had the opportunity to place themselves in real learning environments outside their day-to-day job. The changes that the Baltic managers have implemented in their firms in the last fifteen years are huge. They have considerable operational and day-to-day management skills, but to become visionary, strategic, creative, it is often beneficial to be in a different learning environment, such as an Executive MBA program.
Back to School Again
Some of the EMBA program participants have highlighted that besides development of general management skills and knowledge, these programs have shaped them into different personalities, stronger leaders, who are interested in and able to inspire and persuade their colleagues with examples and cases from other global and local companies, which they discuss during classes.
Development of a strong network of contacts with managers from various industries in the Baltics is another relevant aspect beyond the curriculum. This is interesting for Baltic nationals as well as foreigners, who come to the Baltics for medium or long-term business activities. They can get a high quality education and develop their network at the same time.
The question arises why these executives need to participate in such a program if they have managed to successfully build their companies and delegate or subcontract specific professional duties (e.g. finance, IT or marketing) to their colleagues our outsourced companies. This is due to another category of relevant skills that are useful to highlight:
- Ability to see the big picture – the role of the company on a global arena - and to switch to the details whenever necessary. For example, they are able to assess the feasibility of introduction of a new IT system, the accuracy of an accountant's work or efficiency of a marketing manager,
- Once their companies have reached a certain level of development, besides the basic skills of business development, more sophisticated knowledge in financial management, people management and corporate governance is required.
Participant's quote: "Participation in an EMBA program gave me a new perspective in terms of team work and team management. I was delighted and interested to develop coursework together with the senior managers from other industries in the Baltics." Ainars Ozols, Vice President of SEB Unibanka.
Participant's quote: "I found it very useful to come back to the same school. Although my first education was very good and some of the courses delivered were similar, coming back to the same issues with my current working experience gave me a completely new and different understanding of the same concepts. In addition to that, studying in a group of 20 executives is completely different from studying in a group of 120 secondary school graduates." Roberts Stugis, Head of Financial Analysis Department, Parekss Bank, alumni of BSc and EMBA Programs at the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga.
Henry Minzberg and other researchers have highlighted that management subjects can hardly be taught to people without significant working experience. They even compare teaching management to a person who has never been in business with teaching psychology to someone who has never met a human.
Some of the Executive MBA program participants already have one or even two master degrees (e.g. economics and law); some of them are partners in global consulting firms or have experienced international careers with multinational corporations. Still the interaction with professors and the group, and systematic and high quality discussion of all relevant management subjects is a lifetime experience for them.
Last, but not least, the executives who have been going through an Executive MBA, do not stop there. They become far more aware of their own limitations and the need for continuous learning and development as a leader and manager. As one of my experienced executive search colleagues from Pedersen & Partners expressed it: "Once a CEO looses his passion and enthusiasm for learning and making his team learn, the count-down has started".
Experienced managers benefit from enrolment in Executive MBA program in the following ways:
- development of general management knowledge and skills,
- ability to differentiate their company and ensure its sustainability,
- development of a network of contacts with executives in a range of industries,
- development for leadership potential and communication skills, and command of the English language,
- ability to see "the big picture",
- strengthen existing position or create a good ground for one's career development,
- positive personality change and life time experience.
Pedersen & Partners is a leading international executive search firm. We operate 43 wholly owned offices in Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Iran, Israel, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Nigeria, Poland, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan. Our values Trust - Relationship - Professionalism apply to our interaction with clients as well as executives.


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Auctiva Commerce merchants can now customize nearly every aspect of their shops with the new Auctiva Commerce Store Designer.
The much anticipated feature, released earlier this month, gives store owners a simple drag-and-drop way to customize category trees, page layouts, image support and e-mail subscription sign-up widgets, among many other things. But it also rolls in some advanced options, such as custom CSS, for users who are technically inclined.
The project had been in the works for months, and sellers were eager to have access to it, says Product Lead Chris Eckland.
"Many months ago we asked Auctiva Commerce merchants what features and enhancements they most wanted. The resounding response was a desire for greater control over the look and feel of their stores," he explains. "A well designed and professional-looking store can be the tipping point in a buyer's purchase decision."
One of the unique features Eckland says he's most proud of is the ability to create and preview up to three storefront designs before publishing them. This allows merchants the freedom to transition to a new store design at their own pace—and even create and save different themes for special promotions or holidays.
Auctiva Commerce will also keep its original library of store templates, but rename these "Classic," so sellers can continue to use these if they wish.
Although Auctiva Commerce is continuing to develop features that will make the Store Designer even more robust—such as the ability to import custom pages that were built using a Classic theme—users have thus far been pleased with the capabilities and ease-of-use of the design tool, Eckland notes.
"I've received several e-mails from Auctiva Commerce merchants that were very complimentary—especially regarding the drag-and-drop feature," he says.
For more information about the latest Auctiva Commerce release, please read the Auctiva Commerce Blog.
Auctiva staff writers constantly monitor trends and best practices of those selling on eBay and elsewhere online. They attend relevant training seminars and trade shows and regularly discuss the market with PowerSellers and other market experts.

subset: commoncrawl


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Most of our Democratic candidates for the state legislature are running using the Maine's Clean Elections Program.. They need $5 donations to qualify for the program.
Keep special interests out of our State Legislature.
Please help our Democratic candidates in your districts.
Go to:
and donate $5 to help each of our candidates.


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- Events
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"The Butterfly Joint is a woodworking and design studio for children of all ages (and adult classes are offered as well!). When students walk through the doors of the Butterfly Joint, they are transported into a woodworking studio designed just for them. They clock in with their very own punch cards, put on their work aprons, and get started on their projects after hearing the sound of the steam whistle.
The Butterfly Joint focuses on teaching children traditional joinery techniques—he use of dovetails, box joints and loose tenons in place of screws and nails. Lead by Danny Montoya, a credentialed early-childhood educator with more than a decade of experience in the classroom, The Butterfly Joint offers classes, camps, birthday parties, workshops and activities that instill the importance of focus, problem-solving, resilience, determination and responsibility through the timeless art of woodworking.
The Butterfly Joint also has a retail component, both in-store and online, offering take-home projects, completed pieces perfect for gifting and specialty items such as child-sized aprons, work gloves and age-appropriate tools. We hope you can come for a visit!"
— Erin Feher and Danny Montoya, Owners
The Butterfly Joint
2640 Mission St.
San Francisco, Ca 92110
Phone: 415-894-2685
Online: https://www.facebook.com/thebutterflyjoint
We'll be in touch shortly!


text:
Jessica Tunon is the only business coach who provides unique ways to master the critical skills needed for effective networking. Her program is tailored for social impact leaders who understand relationships are 24/7 and must be cultivated through networking.
Her Netwalking expertise piggybacks on your wellness goals by fitting in productivity-boosting walking breaks into your daily life with the huge benefit walking side by side brings in creating a more welcoming environment.
Business Coaching Packages:
- Netwalking Coaching sessions are hosted live and video conferencing. (Additional fees apply for live coaching sessions in cities outside of the District). All coaching sessions begin with a 90-minute complimentary introductory call to discover your specific needs.
- Month to Month Program – Three one hour sessions per month. The first session is hosted live and the other two sessions are through video conference.
- Customized coaching packages are available for commitments 3-months and beyond.
Key Skills:
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- Art of Presenting Your Ideas and Being Heard
Relationships are key to success. Jessica Tunon is the only business coach to take your networking to the next level. Here's my calendar link to make finding time easy.


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text: The European Law Students' Association (ELSA) Aberdeen will host a panel discussion event tomorrow (26/10/17) on the topic of 'Terrorism in the UK'. The event will be held in New Kings (NK6) at 7pm and entrance is free. for more information and to note your interest, visit the ELSA Aberdeen Facebook page.


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I only manage to see Red Kite twice a year, and most of those sightings are along the motorway between Dublin and Wexford. This morning while travelling the road between Rathdrum and Avoca, through the Vale of Avoca in Wicklow, I counted 12 individuals. The majority were wearing wing tags as you can see from these shots, but one bird in Avoca village had clear wings and no tags.
Red Kites, Wicklow John N Murphy


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Jake is a young man who loves music, his friends, his Vespa and his favourite sport. In the gym he goes to in Milan, he will discover something that he would never have imagined: his Masters are not who he thought they were, and more importantly, the weapon he uses for light saber combat can actually be activated, turning into a lethal weapon. Which of his course mates knows the secret of Polaris? But above all, what do the Masters and their most loyal followers have in mind? Together with his friends, Jake will go on a journey to discover the truth, meeting adversaries and allies, and will discover that it is not always easy to know the difference between them.
"A Story of Light: Polaris" is a comic book that speaks about real people that we may meet in the street or – in this case – in a gym. These people however, live in a world very similar to ours, where some elements are new and mysterious. A world where we will find aliens, monsters, incredible technology and superhuman threats that can only be faced with a legendary weapon… In this world we will also find friendship, value, courage, compassion and so much adventure.
"A Story of Light: Polaris" is a meta-dimensional comic as it allows you to know (and recognise) the protagonists and places where Light Saber Combat is fought in the real world.
Una delle tavole del numero 1 della prima Stagione.
Giovanni Gualdoni, Valeria Favoccia, Daniele Rudoni, Simone Spreafico and Gianluca Longo
Gianluca Longo, Simone Spreafico
The LudoSport Founder Masters developed the heart of a story years ago when the real and imaginary planes merge, where real people could move from one plane to the other via sports competition.
Giovanni Gualdoni
One of the leading comic authors in Italy, Giovanni has worked for years at Sergio Bonelli Editore where he developed stories for Dylan Dog, Martin Mystère and many others. After several experiences as producer of comic series, he contributed to the creation of the "A Story of Light: Polaris" universe, together with Gianluca and Simone, who have also collaborated with him as consultants for combat scenes.
Valeria Favoccia
With her great talent of dynamic portrayal and in creating combat scenes, Valeria was recruited by the "Assassin's Creed" franchise to visually develop the comic book "Assassin's Creed: Reflections". She then joined this project and helped the authors to materialise the world that they had imagined and made it unique and fascinating.
Alessandro Musumeci, Daniele Rudoni
With long-standing experience as a professional colourist, Daniele and his team have coloured for the big names: Marvel, DC comics, Image, Penguin, Devil's Due, Sergio Bonelli, Soléil and several others. Their careful, vivid touch further embellishes each storyboard of "A Story of Light: Polaris".
"A Story of Light: Polaris" contains a "special feature": each issue hosts a single lightsaber combat technique developed by the LudoSport Masters and practised within the network. A special illustrated insert by the artist Anna Diaz will describe the technique in detail to satisfy the curiosity of even the most careful.


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TULLY LOU is a sports luxe, street wear brand that Spa it Girl loves.
Tully Humphrey, founded TULLY LOU in 2013 as a way to motivate and empower woman to get up and live healthier, happier lives, so naturally Spa it Girl wanted to find out this inspiring #GIRLBOSS own healthy, happy lifestyle tips.
Here is our exclusive Spa it Girl #GIRLBOSS interview with TULLY LOU:
Can you tell us a bit about yourself? I am the designer/founder of sports luxe/street wear company TULLY LOU.
I have always had a passion for fashion, health/wellness and wanted to create a brand that would inspire and empower woman to live the best lives possible.
I am also a yoga teacher. I love giving back and really enjoy teaching yoga, I live a pretty busy life so I really love teaching – it keeps me grounded.
What Inspired you to start TULLY LOU? I wanted to create an active wear brand that would inspire woman to look good and feel good especially when working out!
When I created TL in 2013 there was a huge niche in the market for fashion forward sportswear, everyone was wearing black baggy tees + pants to yoga or the gym. It doesn't really make you feel good about yourself. I wanted to create a brand that really inspired you and made you happy.
Was it a dream come true seeing your TULLY LOU, United Collection on the catwalk at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Australia? Yes, it really was, ever since I was a little girl I dreamed of being a designer + having a label on the runway as an active wear designer.
I never ever thought that this dream would actually come true so I am very happy + proud. Words actually can't even describe how I felt on the day.
Healthy body || Healthy Mind || Healthy spirit 🙏🏾 at my happy place @fightfitboxing 👊🏾 come join us this Sunday @ 1030am for another one of our YOXING events. Boxing//HIIT//Yoga with a bunch of legends. Goodie bags provided and guaranteed a killer sweat sesh. 👊🏾 boxing with @fitept HIIT with @brigxx Purchase tickets via our website link in my bio x TL
How do you keep Healthy & Fit? I make sure I work out every day and even if it's a walk, just to move my body. I will always try and have a balanced died of 80/20. 80% of the time I will eat really well and then the 20% I will eat what I feel like.
I usually don't craze fast food or sugary foods but it might be eating out and having foods that I wouldn't usually eat + not feeling guilty or obsessing over it.
What Makes You Happy? Spending time with my family and friends.
Right now what is your TULLY LOU look? At the moment I am loving the Maverick leggings + Taipans crop – Oh and the blazers sweater because its damn cold in Melbourne at the moment.
How do you stay motivated to workout? I will always schedule in my workouts at the start of the week for motivation and make gym session appointments with friends so you don't bail. I also lay my acitvewear out next to my bed at night so in the morning I don't have to think.
What Activewear Shoes are you wearing right now? At the moment I am obsessing over my new NIKE VAPOURS.
What's your Skincare Routine? I am a made Sunday Riley fan – Clay cleanser, followed by the GOOD genes + daily moisturiser all by SUNDAY RILEY, at night I use the same however replace with the LUNA NIGHT oil. – ITS LIFE CHANGING!
Do you have a Favourite Spa/s that we should know about? Aurora spa if you are in Melbourne. I also LOVE Five Elements in Ubud bali… it's a little more holistic + Ive had some of the most amzing treatments there.
We have finally confirmed a date for our next YOXING event at the new @fightfitboxing Collingwood. 🔛 This one is going to be BIGGER and BETTER!! If you haven't been to one of our YOXING events now is the time. MIx a boxing session with @fitept + HIIT with @brigxx and then finish off with some yoga to balance everything out with me! 25 minutes of each. Epic gift bags + post smoothies healthy treats post workout! Sunday 7th May 1030am come and get sweaty with an inspiring bunch of peeps. Purchase your tickets online at our website link in my profile. X 👊🏾👊🏾
Favourite Workout Studio, to wear your Tully Lou at? Soul cycle + BARRYS in the USA, UNITED RIDE + FIGHTFIT boxing Melbourne.
What's Your Favourite Holiday Destination? Greece.
Who Inspires You? Anyone who is giving life a crack.
❤Self-Care Sunday is the NEW Sunday Funday. I have reached a point in my life where I recognise the need to take a holistic approach to taking care of myself. I've started a new little project one that prioritises self-care. Today was a long book reading session ..curled up on the sofa with my blanket all whilst my hair was drinking up my fav @labangbody hydrating oil treatment. Now I am ready for a huge week ahead!! Use my code TULLYLOU at checkout for a cheeky 15% discount off the entire @labangbody range. #hydrating #nourishing #labangbody #tlad
Do you work all the time? do you ever have any down time? I do work out a lot. I just love the feeling and it makes me a better person to be honest. I also do make sure though I have down time.
I never used to do this, if my body is feeling sore or I am tired or maybe just not feeling it I will take it easy or have some well needed rest and focus on maybe having a bath, reading a book or mediating
What's Your Favourite Quote? "STOP COMPARING YOURSELF TO OTHERS… YOU CAN ONLY CONTROL ONE LIFE, AND THAT IS YOURS!"
Why did you want TULLY LOU to give back from every TULLY LOU sale to the Charity i=Change? Everyone deserves an opportunity for a better life – for health, education and human rights, I want to help empower women to live their best lives – so they can flourish and make an impact on their communities and the world + if we can help make this happen by donating from TL we are stoked!
Does anyone else get called The bag lady?!? 😂 This is what my friends call me! I'm always carting around my workout gear, laptop and general crap with me. Recently I found this Sammy Tote gym bag + what I love is that you can throw it in the washing machine easily + it keeps it smelling super fresh.. for a gym bag this is a must!#coretraineraustralia #coretraineraustralia #gymbag #tlcollab
What do you never leave home without? Phone, Diary and a protein bar oh and wallet!
As a #GIRLBOSS do you have any tips for girls starting out? Always follow your heart it always knows the answer every time. Take a risk and just do it.
What's next for TULLY LOU ? Continue to Expanding internationally + hopefully bringing out some accessories mid to end next year 2018.
How can we stay in contact with you? Instagram @tullylou + @tullylou_team
TULLY LOU www.tullylou.com
photo credits: Instagram @tullylou
Yvette Le Blowitz, Founder of Spa it Girl also shares this:
"I love TULLY LOU always have and always will"
"Ever since TULLY LOU launched onto the Activewear Scene, I knew this was one sports luxe brand that was going to go on to great things"
"I wrote about TULLY LOU on my very first blog back in 2013, fast forward to 2017 and I am still writing about TULLY LOU and wanting to share TULLY LOU with my readers, followers and audience"
"I have loved watching TULLY LOU grow and grow, this growth has been fuelled by so much love, passion and hard work and it truly shows"
"TULLY LOU is all about empowering other girls to feel good within through healthy, happy living and this is also my own Spa it Girl beliefs"
Yvette Le Blowitz, Founder of Spa it Girl @Spaitgirl


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It likely goes without saying that an overabundant love of Disney and its parks are incomprehensible to most people. The majority of us have experiences of being looked at from down someone's nose as they mutter something about us going to a Disney park (again) or, in my case, proposing to my fiancée in one. Doubtless many of us are equally familiar with the self-appointed critics who live in a state of utter exasperation that anyone could like a Disney park when there are other amusement parks with newer, larger, and more expensive rides out there.
|"Totally Lame."
|"That horse isn't even a 3D projection! Way to drop the ball, Disney!"
As incomprehensible and exasperating as our love for Disney may be to them, the inverse is often a more vexing problem to the mouse-eared faithful. What is wrong with these people who don't love Disneyland? Why don't they "get it"? It doesn't help that this "it" that other people don't get is very difficult for Disney fans to explain. More often than not, it devolves into platitudes about Disney's special "magic", how it is the "happiest place on earth" and where "dreams come true"... All the advertising slogans invented by the company marketeers.
It is true that the majority of Western kids cannot make it to their teen years without acquiring at least a passing familiarity with Disney's films and images. Most love it in its various manifestations, whether growing up in the 50's to the Disneyland television show and the Mickey Mouse Club or in the 80's to Ducktales and Chip and Dale's Rescue Rangers or in the 2000's to Pirates of the Caribbean and Phineas and Ferb. Growing up - at least prior to the welcome mainstreaming of geek culture - many teenagers shed their childhood interests in a desperate attempt to act as though being cynical and contrarian made them something approximate to adults. Disney becomes lame kid's stuff, Disneyland a nightmare of endless garish horrors that one is forced to endure with their families (who are also, of course, lame). If they have to go to an amusement park, at least let it be somewhere with great roller coasters and no gross princesses.
Eventually they grow out of this phase into actual adulthood, and from there divert into a number of different streams. Some get over their contempt for Disney altogether and embrace it anew. Some trade in Disneyland, which is still considered for kids, for the PG13-rated versions like Las Vegas and all-inclusive resorts in the Bahamas. Some translate their thinking Disneyland is lame into thinking that Disneyland is dangerous, symbolic of all that is evil in American transnational corporate conglomerates. It's not difficult to find books like Lane Crothers' Globalization and American Popular Culture, which use Mickey and Minnie as markers for a world brought under the thumb of greed and consumer monoculture... A benign Satan compared to the likes of oil companies and the military-industrial complex. Disney peddles in images, and so its images become easy symbolic targets even if it's a relatively ill fit.
Walt Disney's vision was not without its own and very real faults. With a new awareness of technology and the distance of time and sober consideration, it is easy enough to see where some of Uncle Walt's socio-technological ideas were, in fact, quite dangerous. Consider the kind of centralized authoritarianism and ecological holocaust required to create a highway in which all the cars drove themselves, utilize rockets to change the weather, or build an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow without a single thought given to concepts of due democratic process. It's easy, though, to pick on the undelivered pie-in-the-sky ambitions of a man who passed away 50 years ago, and unless their names are Meryl Streep, most prefer to leave him gently buried.
Instead, a frequently heard refrain is that Disneyland is fake... Its rides are cheap and its food is not. It's a sham, a lie, an illusion masquerading as hyperreality, a dream machine engineered to separate the gullible from their money. It suffers that most dire sin of a pre-postmodern society wrapped up in existential navel-gazing: Disneyland is inauthentic.
|This is not a real dragon.
Ironically, authenticity is an inauthentic concept. Almost entirely unique to the socially-collapsing West, authenticity and the quest for it is an extremely fluid, negotiable quantity. As Erik Cohen notes in his insightful essay Authenticity and Commoditization in Tourism,
The vast majority of tourists do not demand such a "total authenticity." Even "experiential" tourists, though seriously concerned with the authenticity of their experience, and entertaining strict criteria for judgments of authenticity, will often focus in such judgments on some traits of the cultural product and ignore others.
He is reacting against one of the most popular narratives of the travel industry: that there is a fundamental qualitative difference between the authentic traveler and inauthentic "mere" tourist. Even the most respected and otherwise insightful thinkers fall into this trap. For instance, Daniel J. Boorstin says "The traveler was active; he went strenuously in search of people, of adventure, of experience. The tourist is passive; he expects interesting things to happen to him. He goes 'sight-seeing.'" Even the mighty Edwardian Catholic apologist and social commentator G.K. Chesterton does, declaring that "The traveler sees what he sees. The tourist sees what he has come to see."
The ultimate truth is that both are tourists, whether they like it or not. The only difference is in what "traits of the cultural product" they consider critical for authenticity. Cohen asks,
Which are the diacritical traits which, for a given individual, in particular a tourist, make a cultural product acceptable as "authentic"? The question is not whether the individual does or does not "really" have an authentic experience... but rather what endows his experience with authenticity in his own view.
Why the distinction? Because authenticity is necessarily individualistic, as it is rooted in the relative disenfranchisement (or lack thereof) of the individual from the society of which they are a part. It is the Holy Grail of their own search for meaning in the world and in their engagement with alternative cultures. Often, it is negotiated with utter obliviousness to "which traits of their own culture [the tourees themselves] consider to be 'authentic'", which is an issue that "is rarely, if ever raised." Some of the most stringent searchers for authenticity can be the most damaging, arrogantly expecting "traditional" cultures around the world to stay in a kind of anthropological purity as defined by them for their benefit, rather than embrace the practices and products of the "inauthentic" Western world. Consider the forthcoming addition of Avatar to Animal Kingdom and the film upon which it is based, with its narrative of protecting an "authentic," earthy, exotic culture from the corrupting influence of Western colonial-commercial-military powers… As rendered in 3D CGI to be shown in air-conditioned, plush-upholstered cinemas. Authenticity in the matter of personal experience, then, is subjective. Any attempt to discuss it "objectively" is necessarily going to be inadequate and result in faulty conclusions, a pretension to making one's own subjective criteria of excellence into something more authoritative-sounding than it is or ever can be.
If authenticity is in the eye of the beholder, what is it that people are seeing when they look at Disneyland? I would argue that it is a confusion of form and content. When critics argue against Disneyland on the grounds of authenticity, they essentially argue that the park's content are cheap rides, expensive food, gaudy souvenirs and rampant corporate consumerism while its form are the jungles of Adventureland, the Old West of Frontierland, the fairy land of Fantasyland and the outer space of Tomorrowland. In making this argument, they might as well insist that a novel's content are words printed on bound paper and it's form are the dramas of Captain Nemo and Tom Sawyer, or the content of a human being is water and genetic matter while its form are its thoughts, feelings, spirit, ambitions, actions, relationships and everything that we classically consider to be what makes us humans.
The critic has it completely reversed. The form of Disneyland is the amusement park with its rides and trinkets and screaming children and sunstroked adults. The content, that which can inspire such a love of subject as enjoyed by true believers young and old, is the jungle, the Old West, outer space, fairyland. This is amplified in the Disney park by virtue of the fact that a Disney park does not exist in isolation. In a previous column, I observed that Disney parks are one part of a larger mental landscape created by the entire enterprise of Disney's various divisions. The visitor grows up with attachments to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs or Beauty and the Beast, and is engaged by New Fantasyland because it immerses them in that imaginative world. The critic who virulently disdains Disney for creating a "kiddie coaster" is not merely missing the point, but has actively embraced being as completely wrong as they could possibly be. Form serves content. Any ride that calls attention to its form has failed as a themed attraction. The purpose of a theme park attraction is to draw us into the environment it sets about to create, not impress us with its ride mechanics. If it does, that's great, but it should always be incidental.
|That said, an actual paddlewheeler is way cool.
The theme park is a wonderful type of experiential media. It's not "new" insofar as people have been manipulating the environment to evoke emotions and inspire imagination since we painted woolly mammoths on cave walls. Ancient Egyptians retold their creation stories as one walked through their temples. Gothic architects drew the eye piously to Heaven by their magnificent arches and buttresses. Exhibit designers lit on something profound when they started designing their museums to replicate the rainforest, log cabin and undersea grotto. Disneyland follows in a long tradition of manipulating our environment to satisfy our imaginations. It exists to envelop the guest in sensations and experiences that might not otherwise be possible, invoking emotions and aspirations at every stage, by using whatever means suitable to achieve that effect. Whether an E-ticket simulator (but since when did simulators deserve the title "E-ticket"?), or a classic dark ride, or a simple walkthrough, the only judge of a theme park attraction's success is its ability to imbue a sense of authenticity in the guest's own view.
|New Orleans 100 years ago, or something close enough.
For example, the best non-Disney theme park I have ever visited is the former Bedrock City in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada (definitely not the version in Valle, Arizona, which is ridiculously bad). It was but one of the ubiquitous roadside attractions peppered throughout the interior of the province, and only had five attractions to speak of: a paddleboat canal, a peddlecar course, minigolf, a train (running on tires and an internal combustion engine), and a "Rock-See Theatre" showing old episodes of The Flintstones. What set it apart was its dedication to replicating the aesthetics of the cartoon upon which it was based. It was like stepping into a perfect simulacrum of Fred and Barney's hometown. Every fibreglass building, every dinosaur sculpture, every costumed character, and every concrete mountain looked like it was transmuted directly from television. I grew up with Bedrock City in the Eighties, and it took until my first visit to Disneyland in 2005 to encounter anything that surpassed it for successfully rendering such an environment of the imagination.
As Cohen notes, what projects the air of authenticity for the largest number of tourists is what the great travelers may consider its direct antithesis: verisimilitude, a recreation of "what it must be like" to visit a caveman city or ride a paddlewheel steamer down the Mississippi of a century ago or careen through space in an out-of-control spaceship. There are parts of Disneyland which, it could be argued, the "real life" version would be better. Why take in the sham artifice of Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye when you could fight equally large throngs of tourists at a mutually acknowledged "authentic" temple somewhere in Southeast Asia? Unless the point is to go along with Dr. Jones in that romantic period of the 1930's. The whole premise of my blog implicitly advocates going beyond the park to experience as closely as possible the factual inspirations, be they the words of the Brothers Grimm and Charles Perrault or the landscapes of the American Southwest and African rainforest. The truth is that Disney shines its brightest when it takes the visitor to those places that no longer exist or never did exist in real life. At no point in time or space can one walk into a Hawaiian hut overflowing with singing orchids and chanting tiki statues, tour a decrepit New Orleans plantation teeming with frolicking ghosts, fly a pirate ship over midnight London and celestial Neverland, or sail beneath the waves in a cast-iron Victorian submarine.
All these things can be done at Disneyland, at least through the springboard that the theme park provides for the imagination. Like a novel or a film, Disneyland is the medium which inspires the participant to invest themselves in an imaginative flight of fancy. A fibreglass pirate ship suspended by wire from a rail, hovering over a blacklit miniature model of London is a convincing enough means for the guest to take the next leap in imagining that "this is what it must be like" to fly with the boy who never grew up. This is ever more thrilling for those who grew up with that story and retain those fond attachments to this day. Reading it is one thing, seeing it on film is another, doing it yourself, as closely as is possible in this world, is the best of all.
Perhaps this is what the cynical, contrarian and critical don't quite "get" about the whole thing (and some, of course, don't want to "get" it... the opportunity to harass and offend Disney fans is its own reward). They fundamentally misunderstand the medium of the theme park. Form and content are confused so that one sees contrived artifice and C-ticket carnival rides where one is meant to see an endless ocean of stars, and wish upon them.


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Last book finished: Rise by Mira Grant. I've already squeed a fair bit about this, but it's worth squeeing again. The Newsflesh books are great–fun, intelligent books about the post-zombie apocalypse rather than the actual zombie apocalypse. Rise is a collection of short stories set in that world, and they're terrific gap-fillers. The stories set during the Rising are amazing–heart-wrenching and real, in a way I didn't expect because they're about ordinary people rather than the superheroes. Or about ordinary people and the way they become heroes. Grant examines the mythology of a hero in most of these stories, which is fascinating to me.
Many of the other stories examine the recovery process and the ways having zombies as a constant threat changes society. The story that breaks my heart every time is "The Day the Dead Came to Show and Tell", because it's about schools, and somehow, that cuts even deeper than the story of the final San Diego Comic Con. It's not a story for the fainthearted, and you won't be able to sleep easily after reading it, but it's important for too many reasons to count. Reading all those stories in one swoop, instead of bit by bit as they were released, made the breadth of what Grant has done really stand out.
There are two never-published-before stories in this collection, too, and they're both terrific. Oddly, it was the story about the elder Masons that caught me the most. I expected it to be the story about Georgie and Shaun, the protagonists from the original trilogy, which really got me, but no. It was Michael and Stacy Mason, recovering from everything they'd had to do to survive Berkley during the Rising. They'd been characters I actively disliked in the original books and although this story doesn't make them nicer, better people, it makes me understand them and feel sympathy for them. That's an impressive feat and may be why I took more out of "All The Pretty Little Horses" than I did from "Coming to You Live". Not that Georgia and Shaun's story was bad or weak–far from it–but I didn't feel I learned anything new about them, while I did with Michael and Stacy Mason.
This is definitely a book where you need to read the original trilogy first, but I highly recommend it, which means you probably need to get onto the Newsflesh books if you haven't already.
Current read: Still working on Russian History: A Very Short Introduction. This will always be my status. I'm setting myself a deadline: must finish it before I go to England next month. Argh, only a week to go!
I'm in kind of a fluffy phase right now, and simultaneously reading two books by the same author: Class and Sweetshop of Dreams by Jenny Colgan. Hugely enjoying both of them.
And like the rest of the world, I'm also clued to The Cursed Child, which I was lucky enough to score from the library on release day. I'm going to need my own copy…
Next read: I have Imprudence by Gail Carriger sitting on my coffee table. As soon as my current library read is done, it's mine!
What are you reading this week, and would you recommend it?


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Some ideas for a few lovely autumnal woodland walks in Flanders province, Belgium
You can't beat a woodland walk, can you? The crisp air, the crunch of the leaves beneath your feet, and the beautiful colours at this time of the year. Mind you, any time of the year is great for a woodland walk.
But where to wander? In recent posts I have been extolling the wonders of the forests of Wallonia, so I thought it would good to focus on Flanders. It doesn't have the huge expanses of forests that you can get lost in, that Wallonia does, but it does have a number of smaller woods that are worth exploring and enjoying. Here are Ten Woodland Walks in Flanders; two per province, so wherever you are, there's one near you.
Flemish Brabant
Averbode Woods and Heath
From Averbode's famous abbey there are paths leading off in all directions, not just through the woods but also covering the heaths, grasslands, marshes, and even a few lakes. You can start here and follow the routes on Walking around Averbode.
Situated in the pretty area of Hageland, this small wooded area is on an iron-sandstone hill, from where you can explore the IJsbeek valley and the Schollenkot. A good starting point is the Domein Tienbunders; and here is a map of the Tienbunderbos.
Variety is the spice of life, so a walk through the Munsterbos will certainly spice up your life. It has a bit of everything: old oak forests, birch coppices, ponds and pastures, with a few picturesque chapels thrown in too. You can start from the village of Munsterbilzen and then follow the routes on this Munsterbos map.
I love the Voerstreek; one of the most picturesque regions of Flanders. I guarantee that you will also love this area too, with its pretty villages, undulating fields, peace and quiet, and miles and miles of footpaths and cycle routes. Start from the village of 's Gravenvoeren and pop this map into your back pocket.
This little wooded area can be a bit muddy, so take your boots, but walking through the Molenbeek valley with its winding stream, marsh vegetation and willow trees is worth the effort. Start here and follow Lovenhoek.
The remains of a much larger woodland, the Waverwoud is now cut up into smaller woods. There are many starting points, such as from the Markt in Sint-Katelijne-Waver, but as you can see from this map of Waverwoud, you can start elsewhere to cover different areas of it.Â
East Flanders
If you don't know the Flemish Ardennes, you could be in for a bit of surprise. In contrast to the flatness of many other places in Flanders, it has gentle slopes, as well as some steep climbs. Enjoy the dense forests of the Raspaillebos, broken up by some scenic views over the surrounding countryside. Start from the De Helix nature centre, and you won't get lost with this map of the Raspaillebos.Â
Bos t'Ename
Another walk to enjoy the hills of the Flemish Ardennes, and even the steep edge of the Scheldt valley. Bos t'Ename is an attractive forest, made even better by some outstanding views over the valley. You can start your walk from the village of Ename and continue along this footpath.
West Flanders
If you thought that West Flanders was totally flat, a walk through the woods of the Heuvelland will make you think again; the well-known Kemmelberg (Mount Kemmel) is at 156 metres one of the highest spots in Flanders, from where you can enjoy views of Flanders Fields. Start from Westouter; here's a map of the Heuvelland.
De Vaanders
A short walk through a varied landscape of woodlands, grasslands, and a few lakes. Start here and follow this footpath.
All these walks are through Natuurpunt nature reserves (the Flemish nature conservation organisation), who also made the maps.
Categories: Antwerp, East Flanders, Flemish Brabant, Limburg, West Flanders


text: The settlement of Aliki lies on a beautiful peninsula with a few houses, where the inhabitants of Theologos stayed during the olive gathering. Aliki is one of the most picturesque areas of Thassos. It is a significant archaeological area in which there are a lot of ancient and middle age monuments. This area used to be a very important ancient settlement, right behind the houses that today lay aside Aliki's seashore. This settlement experienced days of great wealth, fact which arises from today's monuments such as the sanctuary, the worshiping cages and the marble pits.


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Cooks Removals, Cranleigh have been providing house moving services to the people of Cranleigh and surrounding towns and villages for over 65 years. A family run business we appreciate the importance of good service to our customers. Indeed we have a wealth of positive reviews from customers in Cranleigh and beyond. The towns and villages around Cranleigh are renowned for their winding country lanes and cobbled streets, which can mean access difficulties for some removal companies. However, Cooks have a fleet of modern vehicles that can accommodate every type house move whatever the location.
If you're looking to move to Cranleigh or indeed out of Cranleigh then you need a local yet professional removal company. We will undertake a free, no obligation survey and quotation for your move.
The sections below provide further information on the house moving services we provide:
Contact us to learn more about our moving house services Cranleigh
Here is what some of our customers said about moving house in the Cranleigh area:
15th July 2017 - "A completely painless experience – thanks" Mrs G, Client ID:28418 removals and storage in Cranleigh.
15th July 2017 - "Many thanks, to you and everyone who helped us last Friday - especially with the dog! What could have been a stressful day ended up being a very pleasant one. I look forward to my next Cook's encounter! Best wishes." Mr M, Client ID:22258 moving via store to Shamley Green 15/7/2017
8th May 2017 - "I just wanted to personally thank you all for for moving me to Dorset. Your team were exemplary in their handling of everything for me and I felt very safe and relaxed on the day. I have no hesitation in recommending Cooks of Cranleigh to my friends should they need your services." Mrs S, client ID:33770 moving from Rudgwick to Dorset.
12th April 2017 - "Brilliant guys! Polite, efficient, a pleasure!" Mr G, client ID:29749 house removals from Holbury St Mary to store then deliver to London.
11th April 2017 - "Fantastic service, great help. Thanks for making today more bearable!" Mrs W, client ID:33726 house removal within Cranleigh.
13th February 2017 - "The team that we had to pack us for storage & then move us were fantastic. They were efficient, friendly, & hard working. From first contacting the office I was helped with professionalism & always the staff were courteous & efficient whenever I called. Cooks took the stress away & worked well. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone. Thanks very much indeed!" Mrs C, Client ID:33261 removals and storage in Cranleigh.
8th February 2017 - "Great bunch of gentlemen – couldn't fault any of the removal men." Mr B, Client ID:31129, house removal service in Cranleigh.
20th December 2016 - "Great service from the guys collecting and dropping off". Mrs B, client ID:33305. Removals and storage in Cranleigh.
2nd December 2016 - "Couldn't ask for better (far too much in too small house). All patient". Mrs T, Client ID:33180 moving house within Cranleigh.
19th July 2016 - "Brilliant job!" Mrs G, Client ID:29965, moving house from Cranleigh to Somerset.
8th July 2016 - "Punctual, Polite and Professional – very helpful all along, many thanks" Mr F, Client ID:29859, moving house from Shere to Cranleigh,
4th April 2016 - "Speedy service, with great friendly guys – Thank you. Will use you again for our return".
Mrs B, client ID:29466 moving house from Cranleigh to Ewhurst
28th May 2015 - "We would like to send our thanks for the efficient and friendly service provided by your staff on our moving day, recently. We would certainly consider using you again in future and recommend you to others." Mr & Mrs W., Client ID:28650, house removal in Ewhurst, near Cranleigh.
28th January 2014 - "Very pleasant guys did the move, professional and accommodating." Mrs H, ID: 26869 house removals in Cranleigh.
Cooks is a family removal company with over 65 years experience and reputation for quality.
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Cooks Removals offer a range of professional, safe, secure and convenient self storage solutions
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reviews.cnet.co.uk »
If you want an all-round traveller's camera, you need a long zoom, decent resolution and built-in GPS. The Samsung WB850F has them all, and the addition of Wi-Fi helps it stand out from the crowd, while justifying the slightly high price. It's well built, good looking and certainly one for your shortlist.
Read the full review »


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Written on: 03/01/2014
This was a Christmas present to my three grandsons, ages 10' 8 and 6. They absolutely loved
It and I saw their 45 year old father playing guitar as part of the trio on several occasions.
This is a good quality set...well worth the money. I can see them using this for so e time.
" Love this Game " Read More
Written by Bayoadamu
" The best film " Read More
" Happy " Read More
" Great Music! " Read More
Written by ChrisWhite08
" Would buy again if update become available " Read More
Written by TedTHEbear


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Tuning in to SciFi TV #288
Feedback Call our voice-mail line anytime at (206)202-4182 Water Cooler Enter our Saturday B Movie Reel contest to possibly win Night Of The Comet On DVD/Blu-ray Combo Pack. Tuner Minute: Interchangeable Parts Join in the forum discussion here. Back Porch 37:13 Arrow 2.22 Streets of Fire 47:08 Once Upon A Time 3.20 Kansas 52:26 Continuum […]
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | Google Podcasts | RSS


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Introduction: Making Hemp-type Jewelry Cord
Make your own hemp-like jewelry cord from dead plant fibres. Ok, I know someone else posted a similar topic, but my process is different and I focus more on using this cord for making jewelry or weaving so you can scoff at all the silly hippies that buy that expensive hemp cord at corporate craft stores. So I'm a little bit sycophantic, so what? This is also my first instructable. please read the note on the pic before you start.
Step 1: Soakin'
Soak, 'em in hot water till the get smooshy. approx. 1/2 hour
Step 2: Peelin'
Peel the fibrous outside off the cattail.this is the part you will be using.
Step 3: Loopin'
Loop the fiber in half around something stationary. Remember, you have to be able to take it off when you're done.
Step 4: Twistin'
Twist the right-hand strand 2 or 3 times and then cross over the left hand strand.
Step 5: More Twistin'
I apologize for my crappy camera. basically, do the same thing with the left hand strand (twist to the right, cross over to the left.
Step 6: Beadin'
keep going.... slide beads, charms or whatever on.
Step 7: Finishin'
When you get a long enough piece of cord, tie a knot in the end and slip the knot through the loop you made at the beginning. The cord will tighten and stiffen as it dries, so it's ok if your twisting is a little loose. You can then cut off any sticky-outey pieces. Now, don't you feel special?
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7 Discussions
Hemp chord is the best
'tonka' lol nice
I weave hemp in alot of things if anyone ever waits to know more message me. i can make and remake broken hemp jewelry. i also have worked on paracord projects for some customers. hope to hear questions soon...
How about woven hemp shoes?
this looks really cool. i'm ganna try it
Actually, it is the process of twisting and crossing over that makes ALL rope so strong. Although hemp is admittedly the toughest(ok, it's cheap,too, but this more fun)this cord and cord made of other stuff will not break easily at all.
hemp is one of the strongest known fibers for making rope and string, thus why it was and still is used on sailing vessels, a lot has been replaced by wire cables but still.. this would break if you got it caught on something. Also hippie hemp cord is cheap as hell...


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Dr. Bernard Fialkoff is a dental specialist who has been delivering Dental Implantology, Non-Surgical Laser Gum Treatments.
Bayside, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/19/2013 -- Queens, New York-Dr. Bernard Fialkoff, Queens Periodontist and Dental Implant Specialist for more than 30 years and Valedictorian of SUNY at Stony Brook Dental School 1980, presented at the New York State Academy of General Dentistry's Summer Meeting and the Puerto Rican Dental Society's Quarterly Event this past week. Dr. Fialkoff presented, "Treating Hard and Soft Tissue, Defects of Oral Cavity, What Predictable Result can be Achieved." As a Cuban American, Dr. Fialkoff is a member of the Puerto Rican Dental Society and Spanish American Medical Dental Society, delivering presentations for both memberships on numerous occasions in the past decade. Dr. Fialkoff is also founder of a Queens-based study club which provides Continuing Education Credits to AGD and ADA members. Both organizations requested his expertise when inviting him to speak at their meetings this summer and fall.
The seminars consisted of a clinical review on less invasive sinus grafting techniques, extractions of fractured and endodontically failed teeth with membrane guided osseous grafting for immediate implants, soft tissue grafting of recession and mucosal defects, cosmetic gingival contouring and tooth exposure. Dr. Fialkoff dedicated a portion of the seminar to discussing how the dentists' purpose to aid his patients to achieve their goals of confident smiles, youthful facial contours and ability to enjoy savory and nutritious foods can be achieved utilizing these periodontal techniques.
Dr. Fialkoff has presented at various community events over the years. Interfaith Medical Center honored Dr. Fialkoff with the "Leadership in Dental Education" Award at a 2011 meeting for his years of educational programs / mentoring of dentists / raising treatment standards throughout the NY area. Dr. Charles Grannum, DMD, Director of the Department of Dentistry, and Dr. Ingrid Dowrich, DDS Chair presented the plaque to Dr. Fialkoff. It read, "In recognition of your unselfish commitment to educating and mentoring in the field of Dental Implantology and Periodontics." Interfaith Hospital's Dental program doctors and residents are frequent attendees of the Fialkoff Dental Study Club. Dr. Fialkoff founded this educational group and the Implant Certainty Training Program in the mid '90's training 300 or more dentists in the field of dental implantology. The monthly Study Club has an audience of 60-80 dentists each month, focusing on raising dental excellence, standards and camaraderie in the New York boroughs.
A Queens Council Member submitted an award to Dr. Fialkoff at an August Oral Cancer Course in 2012 to acknowledge his work in raising educational standards and awareness on Oral Cancer. The award read, "...such service, which is truly the lifeblood of the community and the city, so often goes unrecognized and unrewarded." The American Dental Association published an article showing this award for dental educational excellence.
About Dr. Bernard Fialkoff
Dr. Bernard Fialkoff has practiced periodontal, dental implant and cosmetic laser surgery at his Queens office for more than 31 years. (56-03 214th Street in Bayside, NY) The office procedures available include: Immediate Same Day Implants, Replacement of Fractured Teeth, Non-Surgical Laser Gum Treatment, Sinus Bone Grafting, Cosmetic Jaw and Tooth Rehabilitation, Bone Grafting / Augmentation, Extractions, Dental Implants, Gum Regeneration and Grafting to repair receded / ugly looking gums, Periodontal Treatments to eliminate bleeding / sore /sensitive gums, Crown Lengthening to allow salvage of decayed teeth, Cosmetic Laser Surgery to eliminate gummy smiles and free tongue tie, Periodontal Maintenance, Scaling / Root planning, Night Guard Appliances, Oral Cancer Consultation and Bite Adjustments.
Dr. Fialkoff's web site has videos on certain procedures as well as a plethora of information about dental techniques and his office's community service work at: www.baysidedentist.com . For more information and to book a consult, please email email@example.com or call 718-229-3838. Study Club newsletters, community events and other dental health information are also available for viewing at www.facebook.com/DrBernardFialkoffDDS . For more information, please contact firstname.lastname@example.com .
For Additional Information Visit the Website at: http://www.baysidedentist.com
For Media Contact:
Dr. Bernard Fialkoff DDS
56-03 214th St
Bayside, NY 11364


text: The best on Waikiki Beach. Alohilani Resort is located right in the middle of the action on Waikiki Beach, but has no problem shining all on its own. (Which makes sense. "Alohilani" is Hawaiian for "heavenly brightness.") The Pacific Ocean follows you into the lobby where tropical fish weave a colorful rainbow in the 280,000-gallon oceanarium. Chic, new accommodations offer stunning mountain and ocean views. When you're not out discovering the island's incredible history or natural wonders, you can kick back at the saltwater infinity pool in a private cabana overlooking Waikiki Beach. Refresh with a cold one at the tropical beer garden, and then polish off your appetite at one of the two restaurants from Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto.


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Christmas is my favourite time of year but I especially enjoy the 3 main days of Christmas with my family. It's definitely the 1 time a year that we truly get on and put our differences behind us. My mum really tries her hardest every single year to make Christmas the most perfect time of year and without fail she always does.
Her every effort during November and December is to make sure that her family, our family, receive the best Christmas ever. She never fails us. With that in mind, my mum begins to prepare for Christmas in September, which might seem crazy but her first wages in September contributes towards gifts, decorations and food to help us have the most incredible Christmas ever.
For those 3 days, we have the most incredible time. Don't get me wrong, as a I child we did experience it differently but as an adult, I'm so grateful and appreciate everything at Christmas time and it does help me to realise everything that I am grateful for throughout the year.
Christmas Eve in our house is generally pretty chilled, from the early morning mum will be preparing and start cooking the meat for our rather large Christmas dinner. Generally, each year we have turkey, beef and chicken to see us through Christmas Day and Boxing Day (you'll learn why). This might seem a lot but we have a large family and really, can you over eat at Christmas?
Once I'm finally awake I'll help mum prepare vegetables, sort out the chocolates, crisps etc. For as long as I can remember, mum has always put out chocolates, crisps, nuts and Bombay mix as snacks around the living room and kitchen area. We don't get to eat these until Christmas Eve afternoon as technically, this is when we start celebrating our Christmas. We also make sure the house is fully clean by the afternoon and perfect ready for when we finally settle down.
By the afternoon when we have finished preparing, we all try and settle down in our Christmas Eve pjs, after having showers and baths, to a Christmas film. My mum visits our neighbour to wish him and his family a merry Christmas so my brother and I like to hang out together, eating snacks and starting celebrating our Christmas.
Mum always works either Christmas Eve morning or Boxing Day morning (sometimes the afternoon) as she works in a residential home. Therefore, we don't open any gifts until mum comes in from work. So for the morning my brother, sister in law, niece and nephew will go and visit Jade's family before finally coming to our family home around 11am with some of the kids toys for us to play with them. They're always so excited so we like to do everything we can to help them have the best Christmas too. We have either Christmas music playing or a Christmas film at all times during December and we try and make sure we don't eat too much food so we can indulge during the afternoon.
We also like to go and visit my nan whilst mums in work to make sure she's OK, give her our gifts and spend some time with our relatives! It's one of my favourite parts of Christmas Day as I'm so grateful that the family all come together. A few minutes before mum comes home I'll put the vegetables on the hob and start cooking and once mum comes in she'll take over, the woman is an absolute god.
Then we finally get to open our gifts together and we always let Gracie and Ethan dig in as soon as she gets home as they do get inpatient. Each year we all have our own little corners of the living room and every year, Gracie (my 7 year old niece) and I share a corner because we just love to open our gifts together and we love to see what each other received. Once everybody has opened our gifts we generally just chill, watch a film and look at all the wonderful things we received before having the most incredible dinner.
We don't own a table so I always eat my food sat on the floor with the kids but I wouldn't have it any other way. We all make such a mess of ourselves because well, they're children and at Christmas, there are no rules. So whether they manage to throw mashed potato everywhere or pinch each other's food. We don't mind, as long as they're happy. Once our food has settled, we don't stop there.. dessert is everybody's favourite in our house. Mum always has a massive selection from chocolate cake, cheesecake, profiteroles or fruit bowls. Whatever we want, we get and it's incredible. After a few hours of lounging around, playing with the kids and enjoying each other's company (more than likely a little bicker here and there from my brothers and I, we start to play games for the rest of the evening before finally settling down for bed. The kids, Jade and Kyle do go home around 7/8pm to settle the kids down because it will have been a long day for them.
However, Boxing Day in our house is our absolute favourite! At some point during the day we manage to see every single member of our huge family, all our relatives stop by ready for mums infamous homemade chips, cold meat and salad. We love it, it's a total win in our house and every year the house is filled with love, happiness and total manic. It's incredible. The kids have the best day spending time with each other (there are many, many children. We have music playing, games going, laughter spreading throughout the house and so much love like you can't imagine.
Honestly, I couldn't ever imagine not spending Christmas with this crazy bunch. Most importantly, I'm so incredibly thankful for my mum who every year, manages to make Christmas in the Davies residence an absolute dream.
With love, Beth x


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Graham Beck Wine Estate
The Game Reserve Varietals
As one of South Africa's champions of farming in harmony with nature, Graham Beck Wines is committed to conserving, protecting and rehabilitating this country's precious indigenous fauna and the unique habitats that sustain them. The Game Reserve range of wines celebrates this passion for sustainability and caring custodianship by offering wine lovers an opportunity to share in this exciting concept.
A ground-breaking collaboration between Graham Beck Wines and the Wilderness Foundation will see even greater strides being made towards conservation, upliftment and education.
Our Robertson Estate
Graham Beck's Robertson estate, Madeba, is situated in the breath-taking Breede River Valley bordering the semi-arid Little Karoo region. The farm is located on the famous Route 62, a meandering country road which takes visitors on an unforgettable tour of the region's plentiful attractions. At our Robertson Cellar we focus on minimal intervention, allowing instead the authentic essence of the fruit and terroir to shine through in the final wine.
Here at Madeba an extensive vine renewal programme has yielded outstanding results with both our red and white varietals. Great care is taken to match the unique micro-climates and diverse soil types to the most suitable varietals. The unique dry, cool climate of the Robertson region combined with the rich limestone soils produce wines with universal appeal and star quality.
Our Stellenbosch Vineyards
They say great wines are made in the vineyard. Nothing could be truer of the superb calibre of fruit from our two premier Stellenbosch sites – highlighting our aim to constantly raise the bar in terms of quality and consistency.
Newer plantings of varieties such as Petit Verdot and Grenache offer the building blocks to enhance our blends and exciting opportunities to diversify and extend our portfolio. We're extremely excited about the fantastic quality we're seeing from these unbelievable vineyards.
Our Wine Philosophy
The two adages: 'great wine is made in the vineyard' and 'focus on getting the basics right the first time' are what guides us in our quest to craft highly individual wines of exceptional quality and universal appeal.
In the vineyards we continuously strive to follow the optimal practices to ensure total balance, as far as possible avoiding additional stress factors and ensuring by all means possible that we harvest at optimal ripeness – a task made easier with the wonders of modern technology at our disposal.
Once in the cellar the grapes are coaxed into displaying their authentic essence through minimal interference, gentle extraction and judicious use of oaking. Each wine is made with the intention of creating a symbol of fresh, concentrated fruit expression with a succulent, soft tannin structure.
It is our hope that in each and every glass of Graham Beck wine you will savour our intense commitment to creating world class wines of unparalleled distinction and inimitable character. It brings us joy to give you pleasure.
Graham Beck wines available:
Rays of tropical fruit makes for a grand entrance. Layers of guava, kiwi, green melon and hints of grapefruit paints the palate.
Soft aromas of dried apricots and ripe tropical fruit, with an oak and vanilla undertow on the nose
Flavours of caramalised black cherries, hints of dark spice and dark chocolate.
An abundance of cassis and black cherry with concentrated oak aromas of toast and pencil lead.
Delicate, fruity and lively Sauvignon Rosé, with distinctive Sauvignon Blanc aromas of passion fruit and lime, with hints of the cherry and strawberry flavours of Cabernet Sauvignon. A balanced palate with crisp acidity and fruity undertones.
The Matys Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot is a popular, modern-style and easy drinking wine that shows aromas of red ripe berries and hints of dark chocolate. It has a medium-bodied feel on the palate with subtle tannins. Spicy undertones complete this well balanced, well defined, fun and fruity wine. This wine will partner any occasion.
This 100% Simonsberg Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon shows a rich ruby colour with cassis, plum and black berries on the nose
A positive bouquet of aromas comes forth from this fortified wine, with floral notes of violets, perfume and rose petals vying for space with the ripe black cherries, dark chocolate and sweet spice. A seamlessly-integrated port which marries alcohol, fruit and acidity into a delicious bundle of flavour – expect plum cake, sloes, mulberry fruit and a generous seasoning of perfumed spice.
Breathe in the heady scents of caramelized pineapples, hazelnuts, citrus fruit and cream before taking a mouthful of ripe, yellow tropical fruits, marmalade and lemon meringue pie flavours supported by creamy spice and vanilla all of which linger together into an endless finish.
Brilliant gold colour. A kiss of Muscat raisins and honeyed spice, supported by an ever so faint oak toastiness. Silky smooth on the palate with layered flavours of aromatic dried pears and subtly caramelised sugar.
A full flavoured dry sparkling Rose made according to the traditional Methode Cap Classique including a second fermentation in the bottle. Careful blending by our experienced winemaker creates an elegant and classy Rose with a youthful berry fragrance and striking finesse on the palate.
A full bodied wine with typical Chenin Blanc characteristics of orange peel and citrus aromas. A rich palate with hints of honey and ripe fruit – the perfect food partner.
The Shiraz grapes from Simonsberg-Paarl showcases violet and plums, whilst the Elgin grapes brings in a darker character with spicy notes and black pepper. Smooth tannins on the palate confirms the promise of this elegant wine. Velvet textured layers follows through to a juicy mouth-feel.
This wine has a dense opaque colour. High notes of black berries and black cherries express the seductive notes of cedar, pencil shavings and traces of fynbos. The youthful yet tame tannins create a dry finish filled with black berry fruit pockets.
Platter's rating:
The wine shows a deep plum colour with attractive notes of blackberry and cherry. Notes of carnation intertwine with the well grafted tannins expressing layers of spice. A repetition of succulent blackberries and cherries reflects on the finish.
This youthful wine with its vibrant prune colour showcases an array of sweet red berry fruit. Layers of strawberry and cherry are coated with a touch of cinnamon spice. The palate portrays soft tannins resulting in a juicy and delectable finish.
This wine displays a vibrant ruby colour. Youthful notes of sweet primary red berry fruit. The tannins are young but polished and well integrated and express the fruit flavours of mulberry and raspberry on the palate. A finishing touch of subtle oak notes lingers on the aftertaste.
With a Persian red colour and youthful aromatics of maraschino cherries and fynbos. Fine grained tannins boosts the sweet fruit flavours into a lingering youthful finish.
The characterful Chardonnay with its bright straw colour showcases an abundance of white and yellow peach, quince and hints of citrus blossom. A seductive creaminess coats the palate, lending complexity and structure. The wine has a well-balanced acidity with beautifully integrated oak and hints of nuttiness.
With a brilliantly clear colour the 2015 Sauvignon Blanc express flavours of concentrated tropical fruit and gooseberries with nuances of green fig and green pepper. The tapestry of flavour saturates the mouth feel while the crisp acidity refreshes. The unique balance between the two elements equals pure Sauvignon Blanc satisfaction.
Elegant medium straw colour. Rich tones of granny smith apple, and citrus elevates and unites with the red berry flavours of its blending companions. Dancing pearls of fine mouse creates an ambiance of magical aromas. On the palate the refined acidity captures the aromas of secondary yeast flavours with a twist of berry and apple flavours. A top class sparkling wine that resembles elegance and finesse.
Sweet red berry fruit flavours and spiciness with layers of subtle fruit tannins on the palate. A cheerful and juicy red wine with lively drinkability.
Platter's rating:
This seductive Sauvignon Blanc oozes gooseberry and passion fruit, with notes of ripe figs, lemongrass and capsicum. Following through is a delicious concentration of tropical fruit, nettles and cut grass flavours on the palate. A versatile wine with crisp, lively acidity and a dusty pebble finish.
Platter's rating:
Aromas of zesty citrus fruit, lemon curd and a hint of crushed oyster shell follow through to a palate redolent of fresh lemons, limes and grapefruit. The finish has a chalky minerality complemented by elegant, creamy oak tones.
Platter's rating:
The nose shows aromas of fresh cassis, black plums, violets and a minty character. Succulent berry fruits and plum pudding nuances supported by spice and cedar wood flavours on the palate. A medium structured wine with elegant ripe tannins on the finish.
With its full aromas and nevertheless elegant body, this wine is a wonderful example for this still young grape variety. Plum and strawberry notes define scent and flavour of this red wine; noticeable yet simultaneously soft tannins can particularly be detected during the finish of the Graham Beck The Game Reserve Pinotage.
Platter's rating:
The Game Reserve Shiraz is reminiscent of ripe, luscious berries like mulberries and cherries. On the palate, a pleasant spiciness of white pepper reveals, paired with sweet spice. The tannins are by all means noticeable yet rather adorn the tongue than being rough. A harmonious and rich red wine from South Africa.
The wine has a great complexity of black berry fruit, dark chocolate, plums and tobacco spice on the nose. This wine has a rich, juicy entry supported by a dense fruit core and firm tannins. An elegant creamy palate leads to a long lingering finish.
This fashionable wine balances concentrated spicy aromas with fresh fruit flavours. The nose is elegant, with the richness of the fruit enhanced by apple and sweet melon aromas. Nuance of limes on the palate combine to offer you a delicious, flavourful wine with a creamy taste and lingering aftertaste.
This vibrant, classically styled Sauvignon Blanc presents a brilliant lemon-lime colour. The nose is complex with an array of tropical fruit, ripe figs and gooseberries. These crisp flavours repeat in the mouth, along with a mineral character followed by a long fruity finish. The distinctive aromas support a wonderfully balanced palate, presenting purity of ripe fruit, coupled with a lingering harmonious finish.
The wine has a complex nose with overtones of black and white pepper, pomegranate, cigar box, cloves and spice. On the palate there is vibrant red fruit, blackcurrant and dark chocolate flavours, under-pinned by well integrated oak with a long spicy finish.
This wine shows a good structure and will develop for years to come.
This wine shows a complex nose of red fruits, vanilla, exotic spices, and rich dark chocolate aromas. The palate is full flavoured and smoothly textured with oriental spice, chocolate and roasted banana flavours. Our Pinotage is ready to drink, but will also benefit for another 5 years' cellaring.
The nose seduces with beautiful ripe blackberry and dried fruit aromas along with
spicy undertones. This wine is well structured with elegance and mouth filling fruit
flavours. Hints of cedar wood, mint and spice flavours follow through on the palate.
This is a rich wine that is ready to be enjoyed now, but will last with years to come.
Deep Ruby Red lightening to Magenta at the edges. Cigar box aromas with rich Cinnamon and Nutmeg spice with underlying black Berry fruit and a touch of mint. Intense Ripe Black Cherry and Cranberry fruit with firm but rounded tannins. A wine that opens up in the glass to reveal savoury and spicy flavours some liquorish and robust but youthful Cabernet Sauvignon concentration.
Inky ruby and opaque almost black in the centre. Youthful and bright with a purple rim. Just a little closed but with hidden power and showing blackcurrant and blackberry fruit and a hint of white pepper and spice. Velvety spiced plum and berry fruit perfectly with Oak and ripe dry tannins. Excellent balance and structure with a long savoury finish.
Black Cherry and Plum with coffee aromas. Juicy red fruit flavours with smooth tannins are initial impressions but chocolate and coffee add to the taste.
Very Young and vibrant with pleasing ruby hue. Plum with raspberry and inviting olive and mocha as well as coffee aromas make up this complex nose.
Juicy Luscious red fruit flavours with soft smooth tannins are initial impressions but chocolate and coffee add to the taste of this wine.
Very Young and vibrant with pleasing ruby hue. Plum with raspberry and inviting olive and mocha as well as coffee aromas make up this complex nose. Juicy Luscious red fruit flavours with soft smooth tannins are initial impressions but chocolate and coffee add to the taste of this wine.
Lovely straw colour wine. Upfront tropical and butterscotch flavours on the nose with hints of sweet melon. This wine has full ripe developed Chardonnay flavours, creamy, butterscotch supported by tropical dry fruit flavour. Experience the full, rich palate and lingering after taste.
Light straw colour, with a faint green tint. Fresh tropical and grassy flavours with a hint of green pepper. Full upfront tropical fruit, with an underlying green pepper and grassy flavour. Acid is well balanced, crisp, clean and fresh on the palate.
Rich ruby red colour. Ripe dark fruit flavours with hints of earthy tones and blackberries. Upfront dark fruit flavours with a touch of spice typical of the variety. A well balanced, full bodied wine with a good tannin structure.
Intense ruby red colour. Lots of ripe cherries and red berry flavours on the nose. A lovely fruity Pinotage with hints of brambles and strawberries. This Pinotage is medium to full bodied and well balanced on the palate with a lingering plum aftertaste.
Rich ruby red colour. Fruit driven with inviting raspberry, cherry and other ripe red berry flavours on the nose. The palate is soft and well balanced with lots of fruit and berry flavours. Medium bodied with lingering aftertaste.
Rich, red colour. Lots of chocolate and ripe plum flavours on the nose complemented by dark fruit. The chocolate and dark fruit flavours carry through on the palate. This fruity wine is well balanced with a good tannin structure.
Pale straw, brilliantly clear and bright. This wine has a beautiful, forthcoming and complex nose with guava, ripe figs and passion fruit aromas, as well as hints of flowery peach and zesty lime. Ready to enjoy, this fresh and zesty dry white wine is complex and fruity with guava and ripe figs on the palate, as well as floral tones and a hint of lime. It has a fresh and delicious finish, a summer sipper.
Bright red with pink rim. Medium density. A wonderfully complex and forthcoming nose with dusty, earthy tones. Aromas of forest floor, crushed leaves and dark ripe fruit such as black cherries, plum and raspberries, as well as a hint of vanilla. Earthy and spicy flavours, as well as plum and other dark, ripe fruit flavours. Medium firm tannins and good wood integration make for a balanced wine. Soft finish.
Dark ruby colour with purple hint, medium density. The wine has an earthiness to it with a dusty nose, red berry flavours and a hint of eucalyptus. It's complex and forthcoming. This juicy wine has earthy flavours, backed by red berry fruit, spices and vanilla. It's a medium full wine with soft, well-integrated tannins. It's a well-balanced wine with a beautiful, long and smooth finish.
A ruby red wine with light rim which gives an indication of a younger wine. Medium density. Clear and bright. A forthcoming nose with farmyard aromas, earthy dusty tones and a rich spiciness backed by red berry fruit. The nose follows through on the palate to give a medium to full bodied wine with red berries and plums supported by good wood integration. A well balanced wine with firm tannins. Ready to drink now.
Rich ruby red colour. Fruit driven with inviting raspberry, cherry and other ripe red berry flavours on the nose. The palate is soft and well balanced with lots of fruit and berry flavours. Medium bodied with lingering aftertaste. Enjoy with variety of meats like veal, meat loaf, Italian-style sausages, roast lamb or beef stews, baked/grilled chicken or pork or a BBQ sauce and pastas with basil/pesto.
A medium intense wine with ruby red centre and a light rim indicative of a young wine. Clear and bright. A complex nose with aromas of eucalyptus, mulberries and blackcurrants, spices and a wonderful earthiness. The nose follows through onto the palate with rich blackcurrant tones, as well as spices and forest floor flavours. This is an intense, complex wine, but well-balanced with medium to firm tannins and excellent wood integration. A classic, full and rich wine with a creamy palate and long aftertaste. Enjoy it now.
Platter's rating:
Inviting aromas redolent of mocha and chocolate with elegant flavours of prune, bananas and blueberries finishing with spicy undertones on the palate.
Deep burgundy red in colour with inviting aromas of vanilla and mocha. The palate rewards with lingering flavours of liquorice and ripe black cherries, supported by soft spicy tannins.
Brimming with abundant blackcurrant aromas, this full-bodied wine is a mouthful of juicy plum flavours. Delightfully versatile, it makes a delicious partner to a wide variety of foods.
Succulent flavours of ripe plum & blackcurrant, enhanced by hints of coffee and chocolate. Soft tannins lend a firm structure and long soft finish.
Yellow green in colour. Complex green grassy nose with passion fruit, guava and pear aromas. Gooseberry, capsicum and tropical on a full, rich palate with a long sweet-fruited finish.
Predominant flavours are those of tropical fruit with herbaceous overtones, whilst the overall impression is of elegance and delicacy with a long flavoursome finish.
Medium intense colour with plum red and crimson hues. Lifted aromas of dark ripe fruit, pepper and spice are complimented by plummy notes. Well balanced oak supports flavours of cherry, plums and fruit cake with sweet mid palate on the finish.
A rich and complex wine with earthy and quince characteristics, elegantly balanced with lingering mineral notes. A classic blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc makes this wine the perfect food partner. We suggest seared tuna or sashimi.
An elegantly styled wine with aromas of violets, concentrated red fruit followed through with a soft, juicy palate and well rounded tannins.
Coffee and mocha with cherries, abundant red berries, mulberry, blackberry and an explosion of fruit on the palate make up this fun filled wine. Silky smooth. Medium bodied and produced in a youthful style.
The wine shows upfront flavours of mulberry and violets complimented by delicate fennel and white pepper notes. Cherry and pepper flavours compliment the complex palate that leads to smooth, dense tannins.
Beautiful integration of oak delivers a rich wine with good balance and fine tannin. There is a great concentration of dark fruit – black plum in the centre supported by red cherries and allspice.
An Infusion of blackcurrant, dark spices and cedar introduces a well balanced and structured wine. The wine is young and firm with a dense palate that brims with aromatic flavours, supported continuing to a tight, lengthy finish that will benefit from decanting.
Aromas of strawberries and yellow apple, with a crisp fruit finish.
Intense aromas of gooseberries, passion fruit, green and yellow peppers and hints of tropical fruit on the nose. Medium bodied good balance between fruit and acidity on the palate.
Platter's rating:
This classic South African Pinotage has generous red berry fruit and soft tannins.
Flavours of spice and ripe plums on the nose and palate with an undertow of bruléed sugar. Gentle soft tannins and a creamy aftertaste.
Ripe red and black berries, plums and an undertow of eucalyptus and mint. This Merlot has sappy fruit, mint and soft tannins.
Ripe fruit, cherries and oak spice that follow through from nose to palate.
A bouquet of ripe cherries and banana on the nose with whiffs of spicy notes. Good follow through to palate with cherries, sweet red plums and raspberries with a soft tannin structure.
A medium-bodied wine with aromas of tropical fruit and citrus that follow through to a well-structured palate. Fresh, flavourful, easy-drinking, un-wooded.
Blackberries and tobacco on the nose with layers of dark berry fruit combined with subtle oak flavours, plums and hints of liquorices, ending off in a reasonably soft palate with a savoury finish.
Fresh, crisp, unwooded, a medium bodied wine with tropical fruit aromas on the nose with subtle hints of green pepper and grassiness. These fresh and crisp flavours carry through to the palate. A well-balanced and structured wine.
Fresh, fruity, quaffable, unwooded. Tropical fruit on the nose; pink and red apples on the palate.
A bouquet of lovely ripe cherries and banana on the nose with whiffs of spicy notes. The palate is bursting with cherries, sweet red plums and raspberries finishing with a soft tannin structure and hints of spice.
An accessible and fruit-driven wine. Plums and raspberries on the nose, with layers of red berries and a hint of spice on the palate, supported by a soft tannin structure.


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Dinosaur of the day Zuniceratops, a ceratopsian that was discovered in New Mexico by an 8 year-old.
Interview with Jingmai O'Connor, professor at the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences who recently described the first ever fossilized dinosaur lung remains.
In dinosaur news this week:
This episode is brought to you in part by TRX Dinosaurs, which makes beautiful and realistic dinosaur sculptures, puppets, and animatronics. You can see some amazing examples and works in progress on Instagram @trxdinosaurs
And by Permia, makers of the coolest prehistoric clothing and collectibles this side of the Holocene! Their scientifically accurate t-shirts, hoodies, stickers, and figurines are available now. Get $5 off orders of $35 or more with the promo code IKNOWDINO
To get access to lots of patron only content check out https://www.patreon.com/iknowdino
For links to every news story, all of the details we shared about Zuniceratops, more links from Jingmai O'Connor, and our fun fact check out https://iknowdino.com/Zuniceratops-Episode-206/


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Last weekend I went to visit my daughter and son-in-law. She is due to have a baby, our first grand child, in October. I went out to have a look at their house just before their one-year warranty expired and to do some remodeling in the house. And I can tell you, I was busy all weekend!
First order of business was the baby's nursery. Not knowing the gender (even the doctor does not know, by choice, and a choice I agree with!) the walls are painted blue. I had a dream that the baby is a girl, but who knows!? Except for the little bit of chair rail toward the window and the corner molding, we got all three walls done, skipping the wall with the door and closet. We ran out! And I did NOT do all the work. I did a lot of showing, advising and measuring, and doing, but David knows how to use all his tools and we all three worked to get it done. All that is left now is the painting. I think it will look good when finished!
In between the nursery and visits to the hardware store, we all worked on some ceramic tile for the kitchen wall. It was just the one wall behind the range.
We bought it, and all the materials, and installed it.
And again, you are looking at the effort of all three of us. The same showing and advising went on, but they both now know how to do this.
And we got it done!
I also looked around the house and did some infrared thermography. And there were some things to identify and some work that was not done professionally, but overall the place is in good shape!
And better now that this work is done. Both rooms really look finished off!
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC
Based in Bristow, serving all of Northern Virginia.
Office (703) 330-6388 Cell (703) 585-7560


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Steve Strawn
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Next Episode of Lady Blue is
not planed. TV Show was canceled.
Detective drama dubbed "Dirty Harriet" by many critics about a hard as nails Chicago police detective who happened to be a female. Jamie Rose starred in the series as Detective Katy Mahoney. It aired on ABC and got the axe after half a season and tons of panning by critics.
Looks like something went completely wrong!
But don't worry - it can happen to the best of us,
- and it just happened to you.
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Renewal of Permits for Trike Drivers in Dumaguete
One of the main local and public transportation in Dumaguete City is the tricycles or trikes. According to city records, there are about 2,500 of these tricycles/trikes and an estimation of 5,000 drivers. Out of these 5,000 drivers, less than half have acquired to renew their Mayor's Permit. Thus, endangering the safety of the public.
Trikes in Dumaguete
Trikes, tricycle or pedicab is a basic local transportation consisting of a normal motorbike with a sidecar attached to it. Four persons can be seated inside the sidecar and another three passengers behind the driver (maximum eleven person inside trike-including the driver).
According to records there about 5,000 trike drivers in Dumaguete City. But out of these 5,000 only 2,500 drivers bothered to secure and renew a mayor's permit.
What is a Mayor's Permit?
A mayor's permit is a piece of paper that is either displayed or kept inside the transportation to ensure that the driver has underwent the different seminars made by the Traffic Management Office (TMO). This is also to secure that the driver has no criminal records and made their fair share of paying government taxes.
Trike Drivers in the City
Dumaguete City councilor Alan Cordova will be addressing this alarming news with appropriate punishments and penalties. As of today, only 491 drivers have renewed their mayor's permits.
Tricycle drivers with sidecar number ending in 2, 3, 4 are not due to renew their permits until the end of February, while those with sidecar number ending in 5, 6, 7 must get the permits on March, and sidecar number ending in 8, 9, 0 are supposed to get permits on April.


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Winter Olympics Photo of the Day: Speed Demons
Life moves pretty fast, especially if you're an Olympic speed skater.
Friday's Photo of the Day captures the breakneck speed of Russians Denis Yuskov, Ivan Skobrev and Aleksandr Rumyantsev during the men's speed skating team pursuit quarterfinals.
See also: 32 Glorious Faces of Olympic Victory
The deliberately blurred shot was captured at the Adler Arena Skating Center by award-winning Getty photographer Quinn Rooney, who is covering his fourth Olympics. He believes it serves as an accurate representation of the skaters' abilities.
"This pan blur of the Russian team pursuit team makes for a very bright and vibrant picture that gives the impression of just how smooth and fast these skaters are," Rooney said. "The effect is created by shooting at a slow shutter speed and panning the camera with the skaters."
But an image like this also depends on just a little bit of serendipity.
"It's not easy to move the camera at exactly the same pace as the athletes and it takes practice," Rooney added. "Even with practice, it's no guarantee that you'll come away with a picture like this every time."
The Netherlands will take on South Korea for the event's gold medal Saturday.
BONUS: 20 Fun Figure Skating Moves Debuting in Sochi