Plot One is the largest plot of 13 at over 10 acres, and lies at the main entrance to the University campus. The northern most point of the development site, this is the proposed location for a hotel development.
Access will be via the main entrance road and the site is located on the left. The School of Medicine is directly adjacent to the site as you look West.
|Plot Number||Square Metres||Square Feet||Acres|
|One - Proposed site for hotel development||44,370||477,594||10.96|


As you know, Hurricane Ian destroyed Fort Myers Beach and much of Naples. My prayers go out to the families that have been impacted by such events. Although I'm not a Florida native, I have always felt like it was home. The beautiful beaches and seascapes have captured the hearts of many and drawn them to this idyllic location. Now many are suffering as their livelihood and dreams have been swept away by the storm. May we all come together to help one another rebuild with a sense of hope and purpose.
There are several organizations that are leading the clean-up and rebuilding efforts. Please consider supporting them in any way you can.


Acknowledgement of Country
Belgravia Leisure and the City of Greater Bendigo acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the municipality.
The City of Greater Bendigo is on both Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country, whose ancestors and their descendants are the traditional owners of this Country.
We acknowledge that they have been custodians for many centuries and continue to perform age-old ceremonies of celebration, initiation and rAcknowledgement of Countryenewal. We acknowledge their living culture and their unique role in the life of this region.


Our store is located off Route 302 in North Windham, about 15 miles northwest of Portland.
From the Maine turnpike north of Gray (exit 63) remain on I-95 South until exit 63. At the end of the ramp take a left and follow Route 115 for about 7 miles. In North Windham take a left onto Route 302 / Roosevelt Trail. After 0.4 miles Levinsky's will be on your left.
From the Maine turnpike south of Portland (exit 48) remain on I-95 North until exit 48. At the end of the ramp turn right onto Riverside Street and continue straight for 1.5 miles. Take a left onto Forest Avenue / Route 302 West. Follow Route 302 for approximately 10 miles until you see Levinsky's on your right.
Ample parking is available in front of and adjacent to the store.


June 22-26, 2015 ▪ Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
Donostia-San Sebastián is located in the northeast
of the Spanish Basque Country:
110 km from Bilbao, 500 km from Madrid, and 800 km from Paris.
It is a charming medium-size city set in a picturesque countryside,
on the edge of the Gulf of Biscay and surrounded by mountains.
A city of deep-rooted international tourist traditions dating back
to the 19th century, San Sebastián offers quite a few
attractions, a varied choice of hotels and, above all, what is now
one of the most creative gastronomies in the world.
See also some suggested activities beyond the scientific program here.
The venue will be the historical place Palacio de Miramar,
built as a vacation resort for Maria Christina of Austria
who ruled Spain in the end of the 19th century.
It is located on a small hilltop overlooking the beautiful bay of San Sebastián.
There are three main airports that can be used to reach San Sebastián (zoom out in this map):
Bilbao airport, Spain (IATA: BIO, 100 km. from the city center). About 1 hour drive from San Sebastián. An international airport with connections to all major cities in Europe (London, Paris, Frankfurt, Brussels, Rome,...). The most convenient one for overseas travellers in terms of connections and air fares. A direct shuttle bus running every hour connects the airport with San Sebastián for about 17 euros. The bus time table is available at www.pesa.net (search between "LOIU AIREPORTUA" and "DONOSTIA/SAN SEBASTIAN").
San Sebastián airport, Spain (IATA: EAS, 25 km. from the city center). Next to the town of Hondarribia, about 30 minutes drive from San Sebastián. A small airport with domestic connections to Madrid and Barcelona. Iberia flies to this airport. Convenient when a connection through Madrid is possible. A taxi connecting the airport and the city should be around 30 euros.
The airport is also connected to the city center with lines E20 and E21 operated by Ekialdebus.
Biarritz airport, France (IATA: BIQ, 50 km. from the city center). 40 minutes drive from San Sebastián. Air France flies to this airport, and some low-cost airlines such as Ryanair also fly here. Convenient when flying from France or London. Public transportation is complicated between Biarritz and San Sebastián.


Our MP Daniel Kawczynski submitted the following question to Rebecca Pow, minister at DEFRA to establish the latest position regarding the flood risk for Shrewsbury:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to reduce the risk of flooding in Shrewsbury from the River Severn.
The reply is as follows:
The Environment Agency (EA) owns and operates 13 flood defence assets in the Shrewsbury area, which provide flood protection to business and communities from the River Severn and its tributaries. These existing flood risk management assets are maintained to ensure they remain operational, protecting the communities they are designed for, with dedicated teams in place to operate them 24 hours a day.
After the 2019/2020 winter foods, £605,000 was allocated to repair flood defence assets, covering both the Frankwell and Coleham flood risk management schemes which together provide protection to around 250 properties. All work has been completed and these schemes are fully operational. The EA is currently planning further maintenance work on these defences following the winter 2020/2021 floods.
Last year, the Government announced that up to £170 million would be spent to accelerate work on 22 shovel-ready flood defence schemes, to begin construction before the end of 2021/2022. This included up to £30 million for the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme located in Shrewsbury, and up to £5.4 million for a scheme combining natural flood risk management, tree planting and habitat creation to reduce flood risk and capture carbon throughout the Severn Valley.
Across the wider Severn catchment, the EA continues to progress a pilot for the government funded long term investment pathways/Adaptation Pathways, with £1.5 million secured from April 2021, for six years. This project will look ahead at least 50 years, to work out what flood defences are necessary in the long term and when they should be built to avoid unnecessary investment costs in future and missed opportunities.
The EA, along with other members of the River Severn Partnership, is currently investigating what further measures may be implemented to reduce flood risk in Shrewsbury. As well as the potential for new proposals, on which the EA is working with local partners, the role and lifespan of existing flood risk management assets with regard to climate change, is also being considered.
The answer was submitted on 06 Jul 2021 at 17:39.


We found that the organization for IP address 126.96.36.199 is Telefonica Moviles Colombia in Bogotá, Distrito Especial, Colombia.
A more detailed IP address report for 188.8.131.52 is below. At the time you pulled this report, the time zone of 184.108.40.206 is America/Bogota, and the current local time of 220.127.116.11 is 21.01.2017 12:21:35. More IP details of 18.104.22.168 are shown below along with a location of the address on a map.
|Organization:||Colombia Telecomunicaciones S.A. Esp|
|ISP/Hosting:||Telefonica Moviles Colombia|
|Local Time:||01/21/2017 12:21 PM|


Lowertown Commons & Parkside Apartments
Nestled in the heart of St. Paul's iconic Lowertown district, Lowertown Living invites you to experience a unique blend of historic charm and contemporary luxury. Comprising two landmark buildings – Lowertown Commons and Parkside Apartments – our community captures the spirit of the past while offering all the modern amenities you seek in urban living. Located just steps from the buzzing St. Paul Saints stadium, the Union Depot station, and Mears Park. Relish weekly visits to the St. Paul Farmers Market and enjoy seamless connectivity with the nearby LightRail line.
Every apartment tells a story. With 14-foot ceilings, exposed brick walls, sleek stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and panoramic windows, each space blends the old with the new. Whether you are drawn to a platform loft-style multi-story abode, or a cozy single level, Lowertown Living has the perfect home for you.
Dive into the rich history of our buildings. Lowertown Commons, built in 1905, once housed the St. Paul Rubber Company, while The Parkside, constructed in 1883, was the bustling Daisy Carriage and Buggy Dealership before transforming into a renowned Gotzian Shoe Company.


The Orr Springs 600K is a 380-mile clockwise loop from San Francisco to Ukiah, in Mendocino County, and back. It explores remote roads—some of them unpaved—in the Mendocino Range and the Mayacama Mountains, and accumulates over 29,000 feet of climbing. This course challenges even strong riders, but it rewards with fantastic scenery and uncommon isolation. It is a colossal experience, possibly closer to a 1200Km grande randonnée than to a traditional 600Km brevet.
The GPS claims 383 miles and 29,029 feet of climbing, but the numbers are reductive. The Orr Springs 600 is much more: three-hour stretches without a car in sight; ripe blackberries by the fistful; long dirt climbs in the shadow of Douglas firs; the Milky Way aglow over a pitch-black landscape; dawn over the Mayacamas; the feeling of coming home after having been far, far away.
We start in darkness, at 4am, to make the most of the first day of riding and improve the chances of overnight rest in Ukiah. From San Francisco to Tomales we retrace the return leg of the Old Cazadero 300. The road feels very different in this direction and so early in the day: the air is cold, the ocean dark beneath the cliffs. We ride twenty or thirty miles between car sightings. The only downside is that Point Reyes Station (mile 35) is still asleep at this hour—no pastries to be had from Bovine Bakery.
The wide-open views and rolling farmland of coastal Marin end near Freestone. We enter redwood forest and climb the gentle grades of Bohemian Highway to the first control in Occidental (mile 67). It's wise to keep this stop short—the legs are still fresh and the climbing has hardly started.
Redwoods shade a fast descent to the Russian River, and before long we're in the hamlet of Cazadero, a crossroads of the SFR adventure series brevets. For the next 25 miles we retrace one of the most scenic sections of the King Ridge 400. King Ridge Road follows Austin Creek at first, then rises steeply via a series of tight turns. The redwoods of the valley floor give way to stands of oak and laurel, which in turn give way to open meadows as we climb. The road clings to a ridge barely wider than the pavement itself, and sublime views open up in every direction. To the west, ocean meets sky in a pale blue haze. To the north, serrated ridges recede into the distance, foreshadowing the road to Ukiah.
A steep, sometimes hair-raising descent on Skaggs Springs Road drops us to within a stone's throw of the surf at Stewarts Point. Ten miles further north we cross the Gualala River and enter Mendocino County. The Gualala control (mile 120) makes a great lunch spot.
Now comes a highlight of the course: Fish Rock Road, a rarely used and largely unpaved connector between the Mendocino coast and Anderson Valley wine country. Steep asphalt climbs from sea level to 1300 feet before dropping back down to 800. Then the pavement ends, and it's 3.8 miles of loose gravel at 9% average grade, with ramps in excess of 15%, to the top of the ridge. The dirt continues for five more miles before reverting to rough pavement. Much of the road is wooded, but the occasional lookout reveals how far we've climbed. A corkscrew descent with a posted 5mph speed limit makes for a memorable photo. Eventually we emerge onto Highway 128, dazed by the sudden presence of cars and armed with a renewed appreciation for the capabilities of the bicycle.
Boonville (mile 160) is a fine choice for an early dinner and also a good place to stock up on food for the road. There are no reliable services until Ukiah, 56 miles (and approximately 6000 feet of climbing) away. After a brisk run down the Anderson Valley, we turn right onto Flynn Creek Road, where lush forest, silken pavement, and low traffic create perfect cycling conditions.
For most of us, night falls somewhere on Orr Springs Road between Comptche and Ukiah. The Orr Hot Springs were part of the inspiration for this route, but sadly, their pricing and reservation policies make them unsuitable for a brevet control location. However, the road is remarkable in its own right. It consists of two climbs totaling almost 4000 feet of elevation gain, separated by a descent deep into the South Fork Big River valley, where the hot springs lie. In many places the road is barely wider than a pickup truck, and the pavement is marginal at best. Darkness in these parts deprives us of grand vistas, but the night sky makes up for that loss: there is no light pollution here, and the stars seem close enough to touch. Consider stopping, turning off all lights, and admiring the universe for a minute.
Ukiah's brightly lit main drag makes a jarring contrast to these mountain roads, but the local Safeway (mile 216) is a welcome sight after so many hours on the bike. There are also several motels nearby; it's not a bad idea to get some rest here.
To achieve the time limits of upcoming controls, it is advisable to leave Ukiah before dawn. River Road at this time is deserted, and the flat miles pass quickly. To the east, lightening sky reveals the sharp profile of the Mayacama Mountains. Near Hopland we turn left, directly into the hills. Old Toll Road is 16 miles of well-packed dirt and gentle grades. Oaks festooned in Spanish moss arc over the road, and the glow of sunrise bathes rugged hills of chaparral. There are no cars.
The ridge now behind us, we ascend from the flats of Lake County to Cobb Mountain, the highest summit in the Mayacamas. The paved road up the north side is long but never steep. The top of the climb is the highest point of this ride, and it provides the potential energy for a fabulous high-speed descent into Middletown (mile 276). Breakfast at Hardester's feels well-earned.
Two miles out of town comes the final major challenge of the ride. Western Mines Road is a twisty 3-mile strip of loose dirt that climbs 1500 feet over the eastern shoulder of Mount St Helena. It's not the longest climb of our ride, but it feels like the toughest. There's no shame in walking some of the steep turns. Pavement, however rough, resumes at the summit, and in short order we emerge from tree cover to admire sweeping views of Napa wine country and the western side of Mount St Helena. On a clear day we might see Mount Tam.
The longest continuous descent of our ride takes us into the Napa Valley, and from there it's less than 30 miles, mostly on flat or rolling roads, to lunch and the penultimate control in Sebastopol (mile 319). This is Gravenstein apple country—although many of the orchards, sadly, are being replaced by more profitable vineyards—and the smell of hay and apples fills the air on Pleasant Hill and Bloomfield Road.
The final 50 miles to San Francisco are familiar territory for local riders. Marin welcomes us with its pastoral scenery and—quite possibly, in the afternoon—a solid tail wind. The road is rarely flat, but the long grinding climbs of Sonoma and Mendocino are behind us. The biggest remaining obstacle is Wilson Hill: take a moment to look back from its summit to the distinctive profile of Mount St Helena on the horizon, and consider how far we've traveled. It's not quite all downhill to San Francisco from here, but it almost could be.Some perspectives on the Orr Springs 600
This is an uncommon 600K, and most cyclists will be close to the brevet time limits for much of the ride. Here are some ways to think about this ride if you are a randonneur or endurance cyclist:
- If a 1200K event is too much or simply won't fit into your schedule, the OS600 is a worthy stand-alone season goal. We recommend preparing for it by riding a full “Super Randonneur” series of 200-600K brevets.
- If you are riding a 1200K later in the summer, the OS600 makes for pretty good training—especially if you're planning on a hilly 1200.
- If you simply want to absorb a great variety of California scenery in one weekend, this ride is just the ticket.


Real Estate in Cooper City, Broward County, Florida
Cooper City is a city in Broward County, Florida, United States. The city is named for Morris Cooper, who founded the community in 1959. The city's population was 28,547 at the 2010 census. Cooper City is part of the Miami metropolitan area, which was home to an estimated 6,012,331 people in 2015.
In 2006, with the annexation of the Waldrep Dairy Farm, Cooper City started construction on the first major new home construction project within the past few decades. It was expected the addition of the 530-acre (2.1 km2) property would add upwards of 4,000 new residents through 2011.
In 2007, Cooper City was rated as one of the Best 10 Towns for Families by Family Circle magazine.
This Real Estate IDX is (c) Diverse Solutions 2020.


Our clients were in search of the perfect family getaway. After spending a weekend in Central Oregon, they abandoned plans for a new build at the coast and set their sights on this townhouse on the banks of the Deschutes River in Bend, Oregon. Since Bend is all about the nature and the outdoor playground it offers, we wanted the inside of this family retreat and the finishes to feel as laid-back as its surrounding environment. With a focus on organic textures and materials that highlighted the clients’ incredible art collection, we let the abundant Eastern Oregon sunshine in and made room for the property’s incredible river views to take center stage. The goal was to create a relaxed and comfortable retreat with little fuss and a fresh and inviting interior.


Looking for a professional drone pilot in Rotorua? Look no further! Digital Elements is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and technical expertise to capture stunning aerial footage of Rotorua's beautiful landscapes and tourist attractions. From the majestic Redwoods Forest to the sparkling lakes and geothermal wonders, our team will take you on a breathtaking aerial journey like no other. We are fully licensed and insured, and follow strict safety protocols to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Contact us today to learn more about our drone services and how we can help you showcase the beauty of Rotorua from a unique perspective.


Logan Square is my home.
Chicago is the city I love.
My clients are everywhere.
For clients outside of Illinois, we meet via Skype. I travel often to the east and west coasts for conferences and client appointments.
Khloé U. Karova holds Series 7 and 66 and is registered for securities in the following states: Illinois, Indiana, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Texas, and Alabama
Modern Capital Concepts, Inc. is Registered Investment Advisor in the states of Illinois and Texas.
Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor, member FINRA /SIPC


A Catholic Parish
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church is located at the corner of Blue Ridge Boulevard and East Gregory Boulevard in Raytown, Missouri. Parish office hours are 9:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Thursday.
Sunday Mass is celebrated: Saturdays: 5pm; Sundays: 8am, 10am, 5pm
Daily Mass is celebrated Monday through Thursday at 9am in the St. Pope John Paul the Great Perpetual Adoration Chapel.
Our Lady of Lourdes Parish • 8812 East Gregory • Raytown, MO 64133


The right bank of Isonzo river has gravelly and warm soils, which are crucial to gain greater structure. As for climate, it is characterized by wide changes of temperature due to winds coming from the Balkans and by Mediterranean influxes from the nearby sea. These aspects put together create in this area the right conditions for a “Friulian style of Sauvignon Blanc”.
Typology: White Dry
Grape Varieties: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy
Pairing: Perfect with rich fish dishes and fresh cheese.
Allergens: Contains Sulphites
Item Code: LIS0006


As Australia's only island state, access to Tasmania is by air and sea only.
Regular flights depart from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane and fly direct to Hobart and Launceston.
Direct flights are also available from the Gold Coast, Adelaide and Perth to Hobart, and from Adelaide to Launceston.
Direct flights are also available from Melbourne to Wynyard (Burnie), Devonport, King and Flinders Island.
Link Airways are also now operating direct flights from Canberra to Hobart.
Alternatively many visitors travel to Tasmania from Melbourne by sea on the Spirit of Tasmania. Departing from Melbourne and arriving in Devonport, this has the added benefit of letting you bring your own car and make the most of Tasmania's touring potential.
Still curious about Tasmania? Click here to uncover more detail on our enchanting island.


As part of our series on Indigenous languages (and their importance in the fight against climate change), I want to share with you all this powerful spoken word poem.
RISE: From One Island to Another
I don't want to write much on this as I would so rather you listen, feel, and interpret these words in the way that feels most genuine to you. What I will say, is that in the fight against the undeniable climate crisis, language plays a vital role. The interplay of climate science and linguistics is called ecolinguistics and the below poem is one of the many examples of what this field is all about.
To keep temperatures from continuing to rise, we need scientists, politicians, and engineers. But we also need writers, thinkers, and artists. We need new ways of disseminating and demystifying the threat of climate change, the dangers we are all facing and will continue to face if we do nothing, or even if we do too little.
These women give us two new voices making an attempt to do exactly that. They are sharing their story. Will you listen? Will it change you? What is your story and what is keeping you from telling it?
Though I strongly recommend watching the video and listening to the women speak their words, especially the words of their native languages, you can find the lyrics typed out in full below.
Sister of ice and snow I’m coming to you from the land of my ancestors, from atolls, sunken volcanoes–undersea descent of sleeping giants
Sister of ocean and sand, I welcome you to the land of my ancestors –to the land where they sacrificed their lives to make mine possible –to the land of survivors.
I’m coming to you from the land my ancestors chose. Aelon Kein Ad, Marshall Islands, a country more sea than land. I welcome you to Kalaallit Nunaat, Greenland, the biggest island on earth.
Sister of ice and snow, I bring with me these shells that I picked from the shores of Bikini atoll and Runit Dome
Sister of ocean and sand, I hold these stones picked from the shores of Nuuk, the foundation of the land I call my home.
With these shells I bring a story of long ago two sisters frozen in time on the island of Ujae, one magically turned into stone the other who chose that life to be rooted by her sister’s side. To this day, the two sisters can be seen by the edge of the reef, a lesson in permanence.
With these rocks I bring a story told countless times a story about Sassuma Arnaa, Mother of the Sea, who lives in a cave at the bottom of the ocean.
This is a story about the guardian of the Sea. She sees the greed in our hearts, the disrespect in our eyes. Every whale, every stream, every iceberg are her children.
When we disrespect them she gives us what we deserve, a lesson in respect.
Do we deserve the melting ice? the hungry polar bears coming to our islands or the colossal icebergs hitting these waters with rage Do we deserve their mother, coming for our homes for our lives?
From one island to another I ask for solutions. From one island to another I ask for your problems
Let me show you the tide that comes for us faster than we’d like to admit. Let me show you airports underwater bulldozed reefs, blasted sands and plans to build new atolls forcing land from an ancient, rising sea, forcing us to imagine turning ourselves to stone.
Sister of ocean and sand, Can you see our glaciers groaning with the weight of the world’s heat? I wait for you, here, on the land of my ancestors, heart heavy with a thirst for solutions as I watch this land change while the World remains silent.
Sister of ice and snow, I come to you now in grief mourning landscapes that are always forced to change
first through wars inflicted on us then through nuclear waste dumped in our waters on our ice and now this.
Sister of ocean and sand, I offer you these rocks, the foundation of my home. On our journey may the same unshakable foundation connect us, make us stronger, than the colonizing monsters that to this day devour our lives for their pleasure. The very same beasts that now decide, who should live who should die.
Sister of ice and snow, I offer you this shell and the story of the two sisters as testament as declaration that despite everything we will not leave. Instead we will choose stone. We will choose to be rooted in this reef forever.
From these islands we ask for solutions. From these islands
we ask we demand that the world see beyond SUVs, ACs, their pre-packaged convenience their oil-slicked dreams, beyond the belief that tomorrow will never happen, that this is merely an inconvenient truth. Let me bring my home to yours. Let’s watch as Miami, New York, Shanghai, Amsterdam, London, Rio de Janeiro, and Osaka try to breathe underwater. You think you have decades before your homes fall beneath tides? We have years. We have months before you sacrifice us again before you watch from your tv and computer screens waiting to see if we will still be breathing while you do nothing.
My sister, From one island to another I give to you these rocks as a reminder that our lives matter more than their power that life in all forms demands the same respect we all give to money that these issues affect each and every one of us None of us is immune And that each and every one of us has to decide if we will rise


Departs Canada 21May and returns 3Jun
(B)-Breakfast — (L)-Lunch — (D)-Dinner
- Day 1 (21May)
- Day 2 (22May) arrive Lima and flight to Cuzco
- Day 3 (23May) (B,D)
- Day 4 (24May) (B)
- Day 5 (25May) Sacred Valley / Ollantaytambo (B)
- Day 6-9 (26-29May) Inca Trail (3B, 3L, 3D)
- Day 10 (30May) (B)
- Day 11 (31May) (B, D)
- Day 12 (01Jun) (B) Group Dinner
- Day 13 (02Jun) (B) Fly to Lima
- Day 14 (03Jun) early morning flight home 2:15am
In Cuzco meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. The day is free to relax and explore
the fascinating city of Cuzco, and to acclimatize to the altitude. Cuzco is the continent’s
oldest continuously inhabited city, and the hub of the South American travel network.
The city attracts travellers who come not just to visit a unique destination but also to
experience an age-old culture very different from their 20th century way of life; one
could easily spend a week just in and around the area. Inca-built stone walls line most of
the central streets and you don’t have to go far to see other major Inca ruins. It is a city
steeped in history, tradition and legend.
Every year Cuzco attracts thousands of travellers who come to delve into its noble but
tragic past. It is the perfect base for optional explorations around the city and area as well
as a range of outdoor activities. Relax and explore this fascinating city, and take time to
acclimatize to the high altitude.
Cuzco’s numerous colonial churches are one of the city’s most common sights. The
Cathedral houses a small art museum, the Regional History Museum and the Religious
Art Museum. Our best advice for exploring Cuzco is to wear a comfortable pair of shoes,
arm yourself with a city map and set off to explore!
Today is a free day to relax and acclimatize until meeting for a welcome dinner in the
Today is a free day for additional acclimatization, explore or book an optional excursion.
Travel with our local guide through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. An important source
of food for the Inca, the Sacred Valley is a lush agricultural region that continues to
supply the city of Cuzco with much of its produce. Visit the impressive Pisac ruins and
the colourful artisan market (market days only). The day trip finishes in the picturesque
village of Ollantaytambo, site of another large Inca ruin. Here we catch our breath and
prepare for the hike ahead. Ollantaytambo is your first taste of what lies ahead on the
Inca Trail. The town and fortress of Ollantaytambo are strategically situated overlooking
the beautiful Urubamba River Valley. This major ruin site is known as the best surviving
example of Inca urban planning and engineering. It is admired for its huge steep terraces
guarding the Inca Fortress and for being one of the few places where the Spanish lost a
major battle during the conquest. We spend the night in this small town before heading
out for the start of the hike the next morning.
The 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is physically challenging but worthwhile, and the
excursion is within the ability of most reasonably fit. It is a 44-km (27 mile) hike, with 3
high passes to be crossed, one of which reaches an elevation of 4200m (13776 ft). The
trail is often steep, and it may rain even during the dry season. The temperatures at night
may fall below zero, so it is important to come prepared.
Depart Ollantaytambo for 82 km drive where we begin our walk in the footsteps of the
Incas. Our local crew of porters, cook and guide look after us well for the duration of the
hike. Porters carry the majority of the gear for the hike, so those passengers doing the
hike only carry a small daypack with water, rain gear, snacks, a camera, etc. As you walk
the trail that linked this ancient empire, admire breathtaking views at every step as we
move from high plateau areas to dense cloud forest. Depending on the season, you may
see a great variety of flora, including miniature and large orchids, and fiery rhododendron
bushes.You pass several smaller ruin sites, the first of which is Llactapata.
The second day climb the long steep path to Warmiwañusca, or Dead Woman’s Pass. At
4198 m (13769 ft) above sea level, this pass is the highest point of the trek. The second
pass of the hike is at 3998 m (13113 ft) where on clear days, we enjoy superb views of
the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba.The trail goes through some beautiful cloud
forest on the gentle climb to the third pass, where you will walk through a causeway and
a tunnel, both original Inca constructions. The highest point of the third pass is at 3700m
On clear days you are rewarded for all this work with beautiful views of the Urubamba
Valley below. Soon you reach the serene ruins of Phuyupatamarca, or the ‘Town above
the Clouds’, at about 3650 m (11972 ft) above sea level. We will camp either here or an
hour and a half further along close to Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young) ruins, a grandiose
terraced hillside site, with panoramic views of the valley below and just a short hike from
Machu Picchu. On the final day of the hike we climb the steps to the Sun Gate
overlooking the peaks that surround Machu Picchu. When the morning is clear, there is
no way to describe the feeling of the first views of Machu Picchu, as the mist rises off the
mountains early in the morning and the famous site appears in front of you.
Machu Picchu is both the best and the least known of the Inca ruins. It is not mentioned
in any of the chronicles of the Spanish conquistadors and archaeologists today can do no
more than speculate on its function. The local Quechua farmers in the area knew of
Machu Picchu for centuries, but it was not until an 11-year-old boy led the American
historian Hiram Bingham (who was in search of Vilcabamba) to the site on July 24, 1911,
that the rest of the world became aware of its existence. At that time the site was covered
in thick vegetation, and Bingham and his team returned in 1912 and 1915 to clear the
growth. Over the years, much work has been done on excavating and studying the
site.Despite these efforts, many unanswered questions remain.
Distances of the Inca trail:
|Approximate distance||Estimated hiking time|
|Day 1||82 Km to Wayllambama||11 km||5-6 hrs|
|Day 2||Wayllabamba to Paqaymayo||12 km||6-7 hrs|
|Day 3||Paqaymayo to Wiñaywayna||16 km||8 hrs|
|Day 4||Wiñaywayna to Intipunku (Sun Gate)||4 km||1.5 hrs|
|Intipunku to Machu Picchu||1.5 km||45 mins|
Today is a free day to relax, explore or arrange an optional excursion
Another day to enjoy the city.


Stormwater pollution makes water look bad and smell worse. For drinking water, filtering out pollutants and contaminants increases treatment costs, so we all pay higher water bills or our water is not as clean. When reservoirs fill up with sediment, reservoir capacity is reduced because they are full of silt, not water.
Polluted runoff can damage streams, rivers, lakes and ponds. Excess nutrients can cause algae blooms and fish kills, muddy water keeps fish from feeding and breeding, and excess bacteria can harm both wildlife and people. If pollutants reach high levels, the water can be unsuitable or even dangerous for humans and animals. These conditions are unsafe for swimming and even recreational use that does not involve direct contact with the water, such as boating and fishing.
When beaches close or fishing is restricted due to water pollution, recreation is impossible and nearby towns and businesses lose money. When shellfish waters are closed because the shellfish are unsafe to eat, some people may lose their jobs and everyone pays more for seafood.
One problem associated with excessive quantities of stormwater is urban flooding due to increased runoff. Flooding can damage property and can result in death and injury to people in harm’s way.


Calumet City Limo Service and Party Bus Rental is located in Calumet City, IL and have been proudly serving Cook County and the surrounding South northeastern Illinois, area and Northwest Indiana for over 30 years. As the official Cal City Limousine Company all of our vehicles are top quality models that are well maintained to guarantee a dependable and wonderful experience. Our chauffeurs all have years of experience in the transportation industry and are courteous and friendly.
We have established a reputation of providing first class service to all of our clients. With knowledge of all the Chicagoland area we provide service to all the major airports and cities surrounding Cities: Burnham, Hammond, IN, Dolton, South Holland, Lansing, Phoenix, Thornton and East Chicago, IN For travelers, we work with all the major hotels and wedding venues in the area. You can just sit back and relax knowing you will get to your destination safely and in style.
Once you’ve experienced our level of Calumet City chauffeured cars and limousine service, you will realize you have made an excellent choice in selecting us as your ground transportation provider. While our company is young, all of our chauffeurs have a minimum of 15 years of experience, all with immaculate safety record. We had implemented strict hiring procedures to make sure our employees records are thoroughly checked with federal and local state agencies. We utilize latest technological advances and make them available to our chauffeurs to make sure our on time record for pick up as well avoiding traffic while en route with passengers is second to none.
Whatever the occasions from corporate travel to a romantic evening on the town, we have a knowledge and experience to make every event a special one. Better yet, our pricing structure is very aggressive, you will be hard pressed to find better rates for luxury limo transportation anywhere within Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana area.
We offer party bus rental for special events including Weddings, Prom & Homecoming, Quinceanera, Birthday Party, Bachelorette Party, Shows, Concerts and Sporting Events transportation to White Sox stadium - Guaranteed Rate Field, Arlington Park, Soldier Field, Wrigley Field, United Center, Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, Notre Dame, University of Notre Dame, South Bend.
At Calumet City Limousine we offer our shuttle service to and from any airport in the Chicago Metropolitan Area including O'Hare Airport (ORD), Midway Airport (MDW), Gary Airport (GYY) and Rockford Airport (RFD). We also provide 24/7 VIP limo service to all private jet terminals Signature Flight Support, Atlantic Aviation and Gary Jet Center.
Calumet City Limo Service
Call Us Now
We are open 24/7
1888 Sibley Blvd Calumet City, IL 60409


Loughborough Riders welcome back to the UK Newcastle native Chris Linsley following a year overseas in Portugal at Sunlive and Sangalhos.
Linsley returns to the UK following one season with Sangalhos in Portugal as part of Sunlive Basketball academy after developing through the Newcastle Eagles junior programme, earning a Deng Top 50 invitation.
“I chose the Loughborough Riders programme because I believe it will be the best play for me to develop,” commented Linsley.
“This season will be the first time I have committed to a team long term outside of Newcastle. I’m excited to learn and adjust to a new culture and methods.”
Head Coach Mark Jarram is looking for impact on the defensive end to compliment the sharp shooting of Linsley in the upcoming seasons.
“Chris joins us after a year in Portugal. We hope to see Chris make an impact at both ends of the floor as a 3 and D guy and we’re really looking forward to supporting him through his journey over the coming years.”
Linsley and Loughborough take the floor against the Nottingham Hoods as the L Lunch Trophy gets underway in Loughborough this weekend and games will be available to watch online.


Darwin explored Chiloé between 1834 and 1835, and recorded his experiences in the
famous journal “The Voyage of the Beagle”. Amongst many other observations he made,
he visited the Valdivian Rain Forest (a humid temperate rain forest) and wrote
extensively about the Geology of the archipelago.
On the 21st November 1834, the Beagle entered the harbour of San Carlos (Ancud) and
Darwin disembarked and went by horse to Chacao where he planned to start the excursion
along the east coast of Chiloé . Darwin collected many fossils that along with the
elevation of the island showed that Chiloé was once part of the great North-South
Andean mountain range.
Darwin praised Chiloé, saying that the scenery was “exceedingly picturesque” with
“beautiful cleared spots” and a magnificent forest path road to Castro, as well as
majestic views of volcanoes like Osorno. It erupted in all its splendour just eight days
after the Beagle left the islands to Valparaiso.
At the time of the Beagle’s surveys of Chiloé, it had only been released from Spanish
rule for eight years, and many native Chilotas were unhappy with the Chilean
governance, even so far as to hope that the Beagle had come to remove the Chileans!
We are sure now that Chileans are happy that never happened!
Adapted from: http://darwin-online.org.uk/EditorialIntroductions/Chancellor_fieldNotebooks1.8.html


The full Century course continues eastward from the Metric route, through rural King County into the Snoqualmie valley and north into Snohomish County. The Century course has 14 hills, with about 7,000 feet of climbing. It has the following climbs in addition to the Metric climbs:
• Union • Stillwater • High Bridge • Maltby •
There are 3 ways to register for the 7 Hills of Kirkland.
- By Mail
- Day of event at Kirkland Marina Park.
Show up at Marina Park on the Kirkland waterfront on Memorial Day and register between 6:00AM and 9:00AM.
See the Registration page to register.
This popular event is growing! Invite your friends, co-workers, and ride team! Registrations are limited to 1,500.
Start / Finish
All ride routes begin and end at Kirkland’s Marina Park, 25 Lake Shore Plaza, Kirkland, WA. Click Here for a map.
From I-405 take exit 18 SR908 (NE 85th St), heading west. This becomes Central Way. Turn left at the light onto Lake Street. At the next light, turn right on Kirkland Avenue. Marina Park is at the end of Kirkland Avenue.
Ride start and day of registration will begin at 6:00AM. Riders registering on the day of the event can pay with credit card, cash, or check.
Departure times for each route:
Century – depart between 6:00AM and 7:00AM
Metric – depart between 7:00AM and 8:00AM
Traditional – depart between 8:00AM and 9:00AM
The course officially opens at 6:00AM. Please start early, as all support services end at 4:30PM. Support stop hours are timed to the above departure times for each route.
At the Marina Park finish line, present your rider number for a serving of strawberry shortcake, freshly prepared and served by our smiling volunteers.
There is limited parking around the marina. Parking is generally available in the surrounding area. However, check to make sure you’re not in a restricted space or zone. If you park on adjacent streets, please respect private property and driveways.
Carpooling and transit use is highly recommended.
Need a ride or want to provide a ride? You can reduce carbon footprints and ease parking congestion through carpooling. Here are some available resources.
Visit King County Metro’s Trip Planner at tripplanner.kingcounty.gov to location transit information. For the trip destination use “Kirkland Transit Center.” Marina Park is approximately two blocks west of the Transit Center.
To find out more about parking in downtown Kirkland see the City’s Parking webpage. Be careful when parking in the City’s parking garage, the low ceiling won’t accommodate roof-top racks.
Thanks to our in-kind partner Woodinville Bicycle, who will be taking event pictures of cyclists! Smile — or grit your teeth if you must — up that hill, and check after the event for your fabulous look in your 7 Hills of Kirkland jersey. Photos are free and will be available Tuesday after the race at www.woodinvillebicycle.com.
Helmets are Required
HELMETS APPROVED BY CPSC ARE REQUIRED!
There are support stops every 15-20 miles along all ride routes. All support stops have food, water and electrolytes, first aid kits, and restrooms.
The 7 Hills of Kirkland travels on open public roads. The routes offer fantastic scenery but are also narrow and winding in many places. All riders are required to follow traffic rules.
- Be courteous to local drivers and traffic
- Stop at all stop signs and traffic signals
- Ride single file
- Announce “on your left” when passing other riders
- Control your speed when going downhill
- Move completely off the roadway when stopping, do not block intersections or driveways
This is, as all major rides, a self-supported ride. Riders need to be prepared to manage minor repairs on their own. While we will have limited tech support (bike techs at support stops, roving vehicles, and volunteer support bikers with basic tools), riders are encouraged to ensure their equipment is in top working condition prior to the event.
Remember, this is a ride, not a race. There isn’t a mass start and there is no time clock. For your safety, avoid pace lines, respect traffic laws, be considerate of vehicles, pedestrians, dogs, cats, etc. Have fun, smile, create friendships, and enjoy the day.
Kirkland is a vibrant waterfront destination on the shores of Lake Washington. With an unparalleled blend of outdoor recreation, art, dining and boutique shopping, Kirkland makes a perfect weekend destination.
Just east of Seattle, Kirkland’s charming lakeside downtown is home to award-winning hotels, wineries and restaurants. Throughout the year Kirkland hosts a dynamic repertoire of events spanning art openings and performances to athletic events, festivals and outdoor concerts.
Make a weekend out of your visit to Kirkland! Plan your stay at www.explorekirkland.com.


This program is part of Netpbm.
pamshadedrelief creates a shaded relief image from an elevation map. A shaded relief image is a visual image of terrain, showing the terrain as if illuminated by oblique light and viewed from above, so that the brightess of each spot depends upon its slope. A common example of a shaded relief image is a relief map of the Earth, which shows mountains and valleys.
The image pamshadedrelief creates is as if illumated by a light source from the left.
The output image is a PAM with tuple type GRAYSCALE.
The program pamcrater is a good thing to use to demonstrate the function of pamshadedrelief. It generates a terrain map of a cratered landscape.
$ pamcrater | pamshadedrelief | pamx
All options can be abbreviated to their shortest unique prefix.
Note that this is separate from the gamma correction that is part of the definition of the PAM GRAYSCALE format. The image pamshadedrelief generates is a genuine, gamma-corrected PAM GRAYSCALE image in any case. This option simply changes the contrast and may compensate for a display device that does not correctly render PAM GRAYSCALE images.
pgmcrater, from which this is derived, was written by John Walker:
John Walker Autodesk SA Avenue des Champs-Montants 14b CH-2074 MARIN Suisse/Schweiz/Svizzera/Svizra/Switzerland Usenet:kelvin@Autodesk.com Fax:038/33 88 15 Voice:038/33 76 33
Permission to use, copy, modify, and distribute this software and its documentation for any purpose and without fee is hereby granted, without any conditions or restrictions. This software is provided "as is" without express or implied warranty.
pgmcrater was split into pamshadedrelief and pamcrater in Netpbm 10.68 (September 2014). See the history section of the pamcrater manual for details.


Ecological restoration, when implemented effectively and sustainably, contributes to protecting biodiversity; improving human health and wellbeing; increasing food and water security; delivering goods, services, and economic prosperity; and supporting climate change mitigation, resilience, and adaptation. It is a solutions‐based approach that engages communities, scientists, policymakers, and land managers to repair ecological damage and rebuild a healthier relationship between people and the rest of nature. When combined with conservation and sustainable use, ecological restoration is the link needed to move local, regional, and global environmental conditions from a state of continued degradation, to one of net positive improvement. The second edition of the International Principles and Standards for the Practice of Ecological Restoration (the Standards) presents a robust framework for restoration projects to achieve intended goals, while addressing challenges including effective design and implementation, accounting for complex ecosystem dynamics (especially in the context of climate change), and navigating trade‐offs associated with land management priorities and decisions.
The Standards establish eight principles that underpin ecological restoration. Principles 1 and 2 articulate important foundations that guide ecological restoration: effectively engaging a wide range of stakeholders, and fully utilizing available scientific, traditional, and local knowledge, respectively. Principles 3 and 4 summarize the central approach to ecological restoration, by highlighting ecologically appropriate reference ecosystems as the target of restoration and clarifying the imperative for restoration activities to support ecosystem recovery processes. Principle 5 underscores the use of measurable indicators to assess progress toward restoration objectives. Principle 6 lays out the mandate for ecological restoration to seek the highest attainable recovery. Tools are provided to identify the levels of recovery aspired to and to track progress. Principle 7 highlights the importance of restoration at large spatial scales for cumulative gains. Finally, ecological restoration is one of several approaches that address damage to ecosystems and Principle 8 clarifies its relationships to allied approaches on a “Restorative Continuum”.
The Standards highlight the role of ecological restoration in connecting social, community, productivity, and sustainability goals. The Standards also provide recommended performance measures for restorative activities for industries, communities, and governments to consider. In addition, the Standards enhance the list of practices and actions that guide practitioners in planning, implementation, and monitoring activities. The leading practices and guidance include discussion on appropriate approaches to site assessment and identification of reference ecosystems, different restoration approaches including natural regeneration, consideration of genetic diversity under climate change, and the role of ecological restoration in global restoration initiatives. This edition also includes an expanded glossary of restoration terminology. SER and its international partners produced the Standards for adoption by communities, industries, governments, educators, and land managers to improve ecological restoration practice across all sectors and in all ecosystems, terrestrial and aquatic. The Standards support development of ecological restoration plans, contracts, consent conditions, and monitoring and auditing criteria. Generic in nature, the Standards framework can be adapted to particular ecosystems, biomes, or landscapes; individual countries; or traditional cultures. The Standards are aspirational and provide tools that are intended to improve outcomes, promote best practices, and deliver net global environmental and social benefits. As the world enters the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030), the Standards provide a blueprint for ensuring ecological restoration achieves its full potential in delivering social and environmental equity and, ultimately, economic benefits and outcomes.
Read the article: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/rec.13035


Thursday, Sep 14, 2017
SOUTH AUSTRALIA – GREAT WINE CAPITALS
Diverse Travel Australia joins Great Wine Capitals Global Travel Network
Diverse Travel Australia was recently appointed the Booking Agent representing South Australia’s membership of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network.
This appointment sees Diverse Travel Australia join the Global Travel Network of the Great Wine Capitals along with the other international regions and their Agents, including Bilbao | Rioja (Spain), Bordeaux (France), Cape Town | Cape Winelands (South Africa), Mainz | Rheinhessen (Germany), Mendoza (Argentina), Porto (Portugal), and Valparaiso | Casablanca Valley (Chile).
As part of this appointment Diverse Travel Australia will travel to Chile later this year to attend the Great Wine Capitals Global Network AGM, and to fly the flag for South Australian wine tourism.
DTA Director Caroline Densley said, “The GWC AGM in Valparaiso, Chile is an amazing opportunity for Diverse Travel Australia to network with the other eight international travel partners to educate them about the fabulous touring experiences available in South Australia. We look forward to further promoting South Australia’s wine tourism to a global audience.”
Contact: Caroline Densley or Diana Maschio on 08 8234 8324


- Climate change is the biggest threat to agricultural production, caused by natural variability or human activity.
- It affects agricultural practices through variations in temperature, rainfall, extreme weather events, pests and diseases, atmospheric carbon dioxide, nutritional value of foods, growing seasons, and sea levels.
- Climate change leads to decreased crop yields, lower nutritional quality, changes in growing seasons, water availability and drought, extreme weather events, changes in pests and diseases, soil fertility changes, erosion, lengthened growing seasons, and increased carbon dioxide levels.
Food safety knowledge is for all!
Every consumer deserves to have high quality and safe food. …Read more!
The relationship between climate change and agriculture
Climate change is recorded globally as the biggest threat to agricultural production. It is defined as any change in climate over time, due to natural variability or as a result of human activity. The main course of climate change is mainly greenhouse gases (GHGs) accumulation in the atmosphere, hence an increased greenhouse effect. It has a wide range of impacts on agricultural practices, including variations in average temperatures, rainfall, and climate extremes, such as floods and droughts; variations in pests and diseases; variations in atmospheric carbon dioxide; variations in the nutritional value of some foods; variations in the growing season; and variations in sea level. Crop yields vary depending on plant development stages during extreme weather events and show a substantial association with temperature change and the length of heat or cold waves. In order to produce the food and fiber required to sustain human life, agriculture is highly reliant on weather and environment.
Impacts of climate change on crop production
Climate change has the potential to significantly impact crop production worldwide. Changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, extreme weather events, and rising levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) can affect various aspects of agricultural systems, leading to both direct and indirect consequences for crop yields and food security. Here are some key impacts of climate change on crop production:
- Decreased crop yields and lower nutritional quality – The effects of climate change are making it more difficult for agriculture to supply human needs. Additionally, due to variations in temperature, precipitation, and atmospheric carbon dioxide levels brought on by global climate change, the effects are unevenly spread around the planet. Rising temperatures, heat waves, and variations in precipitation (including droughts and floods) are all direct effects of shifting weather patterns.
- Changing Growing Seasons – Shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns can alter growing seasons, affecting the timing of planting, flowering, and harvesting. This can disrupt the synchronization between crops and pollinators, reduce yields, and potentially affect crop quality.
- Water Availability and Drought – Changes in rainfall patterns can result in more frequent or prolonged droughts, leading to water scarcity for crops. Drought stress can reduce crop productivity, impair nutrient uptake, and increase susceptibility to pests and diseases.
- Extreme Weather Events – Climate change is associated with more frequent and intense extreme weather events, including storms, floods, and heatwaves. These events can damage crops, destroy infrastructure, and result in soil erosion, leading to reduced yields and increased economic losses for farmers.
- Changes in pests, plant diseases, and weeds – Lower agricultural yields and nutritional value may also be a consequence of changes in pests, plant diseases, and weeds brought on by the climate. A side effect of climate change is the loss of agricultural land owing to sea level rise.
- Soil fertility changes, erosion, and lengthened growing seasons – As the temperature rises, fungi that produce mycotoxins and bacteria like Salmonella cause more harm to food safety and losses, adding to the associated cost pressures.
- Changes in Pest and Disease Dynamics – More harmful locust swarms may occur when hotter and rainier weather patterns are brought on by climate change. For instance, large locust swarms that were seen in the east African region in 2020. These insects may harm crops, reducing yields and endangering food security. Once more, climate change may have an impact on the fall army worm invasion of crops.
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Levels – Elevated atmospheric CO2 levels, associated with climate change, can affect crop physiology and productivity. While higher CO2 concentrations can stimulate photosynthesis and increase crop growth rates, the benefits may vary among crops and depend on other factors such as nutrient availability and water availability.
Effects of climate change on livestock farming
Changes in climate result in raised temperatures which causes heat stress impacts an animal’s ability to grow, reproduce, and consume food. This in turn has an impact on meat and dairy product output. Heat stress causes a reduction in food intake, a slowdown in activity level, and a loss of weight.
Animals must have easy access to water and their feeding schedules must be changed to cooler hours of the day in order to reverse the reduction in livestock productivity. Additionally, a well-ventilated shelter can assist prevent heat exhaustion. The capacity of livestock of diverse species to withstand heat stress varies.
Climate change and fisheries
Climate change poses significant threats to fisheries on top of many other concurrent pressures such as overfishing, habitat degradation, pollution, introduction of new species and so on. Here are some key ways in which climate change affects fisheries:
- Ocean Warming: Rising global temperatures result in ocean warming. This can lead to changes in the distribution and abundance of fish species. Some species may move to cooler waters, affecting the composition of fish populations in different regions. This movement can also impact the livelihoods of fishing communities that depend on specific fish stocks.
- Altered Ocean Currents and Upwelling: Changes in ocean currents can affect nutrient availability and the process of upwelling, which brings nutrient-rich waters to the surface. Upwelling supports the growth of phytoplankton, a crucial food source for many fish species. Disruptions in upwelling patterns can impact the entire food web and result in changes in fish abundance and distribution.
- Coral Reef Degradation: Climate change contributes to the bleaching and degradation of coral reefs due to increased ocean temperatures and ocean acidification. Coral reefs serve as important habitats for numerous fish species, and their decline can disrupt fish populations and reduce fishery productivity.
- Ocean Acidification: Increased carbon dioxide emissions lead to ocean acidification, causing the pH of seawater to decrease. Acidic waters can adversely affect the development and survival of many marine organisms, including shellfish and coral reefs. These changes can disrupt the structure and function of marine ecosystems, impacting the availability of food and habitat for fish.
- Changing Productivity and Trophic Interactions: Climate change can alter primary productivity in the oceans, affecting the availability of food resources for fish. Changes in the timing and magnitude of plankton blooms can impact the growth and survival of larval fish, which rely on specific prey during critical life stages. Disruptions in trophic interactions can have cascading effects on fish populations and the overall productivity of fisheries.
- Increased Extreme Weather Events: Climate change is associated with more frequent and intense extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and storms. These events can damage fishing infrastructure, disrupt fishing operations, and impact the safety of fishermen. They can also lead to changes in the distribution and abundance of fish stocks as habitats and ecosystems are altered by extreme weather events.
Food waste and its contribution to climate change
The climate change dilemma is made worse by food loss and waste because of the large greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions it produces. Food-related activities including production, handling, and transportation emit a lot of carbon dioxide (CO2), and when it ends up in landfills, it releases methane, an even more potent greenhouse gas.
According to the EPA, the yearly carbon dioxide emissions from 42 coal-fired power plants are equal to 170 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent GHG emissions from food loss and waste in the United States (Research | US EPA). The considerable methane emissions from food waste that is decomposing in landfills are not taken into account in this estimation.
Reducing and eliminating food waste can improve economic efficiency, productivity, and climate change mitigation. It can also address resource and energy conservation and reduce climate change-related shocks to the supply chain.
Sustainable farming practices to mitigate the impact of climate change
- Use of efficient irrigation schemes – Any farm must minimize its usage of water, especially during droughts. However, since groundwater pumping consumes the majority of the energy used on farms, irrigation efficiency is also essential for cutting back on fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Use of energy and water-saving techniques, including drip irrigation, cover crop planting, and dry farming, among others.
- Reduced use of fossil fuels in farming practices can significantly reduce the general effect on the climate. Alternatively, one may use solar energy, wind turbine as sources of energy. By transitioning to cleaner energy alternatives, such as solar energy and wind turbines, farmers can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting a more sustainable agricultural sector. Embracing solar energy systems can harness the power of the sun to generate electricity for various farm operations, including irrigation, lighting, and machinery, while wind turbines can efficiently convert wind energy into usable power. These eco-friendly energy solutions not only reduce the carbon footprint associated with farming but also provide long-term benefits by minimizing reliance on fossil fuels, increasing energy independence, and potentially lowering operational costs for farmers.
- Embracing organic farming practices to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emission – Embracing organic farming practices can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Organic farming improves soil health, increasing carbon sequestration and mitigating emissions. By avoiding synthetic fertilizers and chemical pesticides, organic farming reduces emissions associated with their production and use. Water conservation techniques in organic farming reduce energy consumption and emissions from irrigation. Promoting biodiversity and adopting sustainable livestock management practices further contribute to emissions reduction. While organic farming alone cannot solve climate change, it is an important component of a comprehensive strategy that includes other sustainable practices to achieve significant emissions reductions.
- Championing for reforestation in lands hence keeping agriculture green – Reforestation in agricultural lands plays a vital role in keeping agriculture green and sustainable. By planting trees and restoring forested areas, reforestation helps mitigate greenhouse gas emissions through carbon sequestration. It also prevents soil erosion, supports biodiversity, regulates water resources, and creates microclimates beneficial for crop growth. Reforestation efforts promote environmental resilience, protect soil health, and contribute to climate change mitigation in agricultural landscapes. Collaboration among farmers, governments, and environmental organizations is essential to champion reforestation and ensure a greener future for agriculture.
- Proper farm plans that include decomposition of animal waste could help reduce the percentage of methane emissions to the atmosphere. One way of achieving this is by installation of biogas plants to produce cooking gas.
- Reducing the pressure of developmental projects on farm lands. The vast growth in urbanization greatly contributes to reduced arable land for food production and increases human activity which in turn increases emission of the greenhouse gases.
- Formulation of environmental protection policies. The formulation of environmental protection policies is essential for addressing environmental challenges. These policies should take a comprehensive approach, grounded in scientific research, and involve diverse stakeholders. Clear goals, regulations, and enforcement mechanisms are necessary, along with incentives and support for sustainable practices. International cooperation is crucial for tackling transboundary issues. By implementing effective policies, governments can promote sustainability, conserve natural resources, and protect ecosystems for a greener future.
- Government policies and international efforts to address food security and climate change – Government policies and international efforts are essential in addressing the interconnected challenges of food security and climate change. To achieve sustainable agriculture and mitigate climate impacts, governments can implement policies that promote practices such as agroecology, organic farming, and precision agriculture. They can also support climate-smart farming techniques like conservation agriculture and agroforestry. Research and innovation play a crucial role in developing climate-resilient crop varieties and sustainable farming technologies. Additionally, governments should prioritize climate adaptation measures by providing support for farmers to manage climate-related risks. Climate finance is crucial in mobilizing funds for climate-resilient agriculture and supporting small-scale farmers. International cooperation and agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, provide frameworks for collective action and collaboration. By combining effective government policies, research, and international cooperation, we can work towards resilient food systems and address the challenges of food security and climate change.
- The Government supports efforts to increase agricultural productivity through development and application of technology and strengthening of extension services.
- The Government supports purchase and storage of Strategic Grain Reserves (SGR).
The role of technology in promoting sustainable farming and food security
Technology plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable farming practices and enhancing global food security. Precision farming, drip irrigation, mechanization, and other developments in agricultural technology have all contributed to higher agricultural output, lower prices, and better food quality.
For instance, precision farming uses technology to monitor and control the various factors that affect plant growth, such as soil moisture, temperature, and nutrients, in order to maximize crop yield. This technology helps to boost crop yields, decrease environmental impact, and use fewer pesticides and fertilizers. Here are some ways in which technology contributes to these efforts:
- Precision Agriculture: Technologies such as remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and global positioning systems (GPS) enable farmers to collect data on soil conditions, crop growth, and weather patterns. This data-driven approach helps farmers optimize the use of resources such as water, fertilizers, and pesticides, leading to improved efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced crop yields.
- Smart Irrigation Systems: Advanced irrigation technologies, including soil moisture sensors, automated irrigation systems, and drip irrigation, help optimize water usage by delivering water precisely where and when crops need it the most. By minimizing water wastage and ensuring efficient water management, these systems conserve water resources and enhance agricultural sustainability.
- Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering: Genetic engineering techniques, such as genetically modified organisms (GMOs), allow scientists to develop crop varieties with desirable traits like resistance to pests, diseases, and extreme weather conditions. These genetically modified crops can increase resilience, improve productivity, and reduce the need for chemical inputs, thus promoting sustainable farming practices.
- Data Analytics and Predictive Models: Big data analytics and predictive models help farmers make informed decisions based on historical and real-time data. By analyzing weather patterns, market trends, and crop performance data, farmers can optimize planting schedules, manage risks, and enhance overall productivity. These insights also support early warning systems for pest outbreaks or disease epidemics, enabling timely interventions.
- Vertical Farming and Hydroponics: Vertical farming involves cultivating crops in vertically stacked layers, often in urban environments, using controlled environments and artificial lighting. Hydroponics, a subset of vertical farming, utilizes water-based nutrient solutions instead of soil. These technologies allow year-round cultivation, efficient space utilization, reduced water consumption, and minimal pesticide use. They offer opportunities for localized food production, especially in urban areas, improving food security and reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation.
- Blockchain and Supply Chain Transparency: Blockchain technology enables secure and transparent recording of transactions and data sharing across the agricultural supply chain. This enhances traceability, ensuring the authenticity and safety of food products. By tracking the origin, production practices, and transportation of food, consumers can make informed choices and support sustainable and ethically produced goods.
- Farm Management Software and Mobile Apps: Farm management software and mobile applications provide tools for planning, record-keeping, and decision-making. These digital solutions assist farmers in optimizing resource allocation, monitoring crop health, managing inventories, and accessing market information. By streamlining operations and facilitating access to critical information, technology improves efficiency and productivity in farming.
Individual actions to promote a sustainable future
When considering trends in food security and climate change, it is only fair for everyone to take a moment and reflect on the situation and envision what it might look like in the near future. Individual actions play a crucial role in promoting a sustainable future.
If no action is taken to reduce harm to the atmosphere, what kind of life will future generations be forced to live?
Making safe decisions when exploiting resources such as land, energy and waste production and disposal can significantly change the narrative. Here are some actions individuals can take to contribute to sustainability:
- Reduce Energy Consumption: Conserve energy by turning off lights and appliances when not in use, using energy-efficient appliances, and opting for renewable energy sources where available.
- Minimize Water Usage: Practice water conservation by fixing leaks, using water-efficient fixtures, collecting rainwater for plants, and being mindful of water usage in daily activities.
- Adopt Sustainable Transportation: Choose eco-friendly transportation options such as walking, cycling, carpooling, or using public transportation. If feasible, consider switching to electric vehicles or hybrid cars.
- Embrace Sustainable Eating Habits: Reduce the environmental impact of your diet by incorporating more plant-based meals, choosing locally sourced and organic foods, and minimizing food waste.
- Practice Responsible Waste Management: Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Opt for reusable items instead of single-use plastics, compost organic waste, and properly dispose of hazardous materials.
- Support Sustainable Products and Businesses: Purchase products from companies that prioritize sustainability, ethical practices, and environmental responsibility. Encourage businesses to adopt sustainable practices through your consumer choices.
- Educate and Advocate: Raise awareness about sustainability and climate change by sharing information with others, engaging in discussions, and supporting policies and initiatives that promote a sustainable future.
- Conserve Natural Resources: Be mindful of resource consumption. Use resources like paper, electricity, and fuel responsibly, and choose products that have minimal environmental impact throughout their lifecycle.
- Engage in Sustainable Gardening: Plant trees and native plants, practice organic gardening methods, and avoid the use of harmful pesticides or herbicides.
- Promote Environmental Stewardship: Get involved in local community initiatives, volunteer for environmental organizations, or participate in clean-up campaigns to contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.
When food security and climate change is mentioned, individual’s contribution should come to mind. What is your contribution towards this issue. Are you worsening the situation or you are making precautionary steps to protect the atmosphere. How much food waste are you producing, what energy source are you using in your farm, how are you disposing animal waste? All these if critically addressed at an individual level the world would witness a positive impact when it comes to effects on the atmosphere.


The Harnett County Animal Shelter is located at:
1100 McKay Place, Lillington, NC 27546
Please visit the Harnett County Animal Services website and check out the great animals they have available for adoption!
Our shelter takes in an average of 5,000 companion animals per year. It is our goal for Harnett County Animal Control shelter to be the preferred adoption venue of our residents. To help achieve this goal, we will be actively promoting our shelter to our residents, promoting our shelter’s animals in a positive light, and helping to create a welcome environment. If you’d like to help:


$6200 per month. May consider less for a longer-term rental.
Fully-furnished 4 bedroom, or 3 bedroom with office, 3 1/2 bath executive home in Sandy, Utah. This home has it all. Twenty minutes to downtown Salt Lake City and the ski slopes of the Wasatch Range. Amazing views of the city and mountains. Forbes ranked Salt Lake City the #4 best city to live. A quick and easy commute to "Silicon Slopes" the region just west and to the south. Snowbird, Alta, Solitude & Brighton ski resorts beckon the winter and summer sports enthusiast. Park City and Deer Valley a quick 35 minute drive away. Hikers and nature lovers will enjoy Donut Falls, Bells Canyon Trail, Cecret Lake Trail, and Guardsman Pass. Here, the breathtaking beauty of the snow covered peaks, amazing fall colors or the emerald green summer mountains are just outside the front door. Soccer fans can watch Real Salt Lake of the MLS at Rio Tinto Stadium or visit the Living Planet Aquarium in town. Hidden Valley Golf Club, a private premier club, is just two minutes from this furnished rental. If you’re bringing the family, this home happens to be in the best public school district in Salt Lake City, also within close proximity to the highly regarded Waterford and Juan Diego K-12 prep schools.
Nestled on a 1/2 acre lot in the foothills, this home greets you with impeccable landscaping, design and decor. The patios and three furnished decks afford breathtaking views of the city and mountains. Inside, professional design and refined décor will WOW you. A formal sitting room with cowhide rug and baby grand piano sets an impressive precedent and entry. The main floor family room features multiple armchairs in leather and fabrics, colorful patterns and an exquisite fireplace. There’s a wall-mounted big screen tv above to entertain you. Across the wood floors you'll find, multiple seating areas, including a chaise lounge with a panoramic bay window view for relaxing. Floor to ceiling windows surround the entire back of the home. From the family room you can enjoy indoor/outdoor living with an elevated and private main patio balcony with gas barbecue, umbrellas, outdoor heaters, fire pit and city views. The kitchen is stunning with a huge granite topped island with floating gas range and oven coupled with bar counter seating for six. In addition to the custom built cabinetry, you’ll find high-end appliances with everything you need to prepare gourmet meals in an elegant setting. If you choose, serve your friends and family in the adjacent dining room with seating for eight on hand-carved dining chairs and solid wood table.
Upstairs, the master bedroom suite is a sight to behold. A king leather sleigh bed, settee facing a wood fireplace or walk out on to another private balcony overlooking the city. The master bath is fit for a queen with a clawfoot, hand-painted tub along with beautifully designed vanities and bronze bowl sinks. Move through an all- tiled arch way into into a master closet that rivals the bedrooms in size, complete with another private vanity and large window. A laundry room is also upstairs for your convenience. The second furnished bedroom is at the other end of the third floor allowing for privacy. It's complete with a queen bed, city and mountain views and next to a full bathroom with dual sinks. A third room currently serves as an office or bedroom. The above grade walk out basement features a fully mirrored exercise room, large windows offering views of the back yard, patio, stone walkways and fountain. An additional bedroom, full bath, family room, built in office and gaming area featuring both ping pong, foosball and a wide screen tv can also be enjoyed.
Available for a long term lease only, you’ll love this beautifully designed and appointed home.
Cross streets: Wasatch Blvd and Hiddenbrook Blvd
City, St, Zip: Salt Lake City, Utah, 84092


Kauai’s Wailua River is a special place. The only navigable river in the state, the Wailua was once the home of ancient Hawaiian royalty. Today it is an adventurer’s playground, snaking through waterfalls, a lava rock grotto and lush jungle forests. The river itself is wide and tranquil, which makes for ideal terrain forstand-up paddleboarders of all experience levels. And with Kauai SUP’s expert arsenal of stand-up paddleboard rentals, you’ll be gliding the river way in style. We recommend getting an early start so you’ll have ample time to enjoy the Wailua and the exciting destinations along its riverbanks.
Let us take care of the hard part, all Wailua River Rentals come with free shuttle to river where we will load the board into the water for you and set you on your way. If you plan to hike to Secret Falls, you may also want to bring hiking shoes in tow. Once you seal your dry bag shut and attach the leash to the board and your ankle, it’s time to get on the water. CAUTION: Do not walk into the water via the boat ramp, which is very jagged and slippery. Instead, we recommend that you walk down to the water’s edge and enter the river from the spit of sand to the west (right) of the ramp. This makes for a safe and easy launch.
When navigating downstream, it’s important that you stay within 25 feet of the north river bank (the same side as the boat ramp), so as to keep a safe distance away from the boats that frequently travel through the middle of the river. When you reach a destination that you’d like to explore on foot, you will need to park your board. We recommend that you tie the leash to a branch or root and then leave your board floating in water as you exit the river. Alternately, you can lift the board up onto the riverbank.
As you approach the two-mile mark, just before the fork in the river, you will come across Kamokila Hawaiian Village. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Kamokila offers cultural tours of an authentic model Hawaiian village, complete with thatched-roof homes and many of the native plants on which early Hawaiians survived. On most days, there is a food truck at the village where you can purchase a bite to eat, a cold beverage or even a fresh coconut! Remember to bring $5 in cash ($3 for children) if you would like to take the tour of this four-acre property where King Kaumauli’i, the last reigning king of Kauai, once dwelled.
Upon departing the village on your paddleboard, you will immediately arrive at a fork in the river. The north fork (on the right) will take you to the trail head to Secret Falls. The south fork (on the left) will take you to the Fern Grotto and Kauai SUP’s favorite Wailua River destination: The Swimming Hole. Depending on your stamina, it is possible to visit all of these sites, or pick and choose one or two. Keep in mind that the return paddle will be more difficult because you will be fighting the wind. Don’t deplete all your energy trying to see every site along the river.
Once you have found parking for your paddleboard, you are ready for the hike to Secret Falls, a 120-foot waterfall set in a tranquil, jungle-like landscape. The hike is a flat and relatively easy one-mile jaunt along a beautiful stream. If you find yourself uncertain as your traverse the trail, simply follow one of the many kayak tour groups coming and going to the falls. Depending on the trail conditions, it will take about 30 minutes until you arrive at the waterfall. You’ll know that you’re almost there when you arrive at a fork in the trail. Both directions will take you to the falls; however, if you don’t mind making a few stream crossings, we highly recommend that you opt for the right or lower route, which follows the stream and brings you to several spectacular photo ops, such as King and Queen’s Bath. When you reach the falls, take time to enjoy a swim and a streamside picnic — but be sure to conserve some time and energy for other adventures along the river and the return paddle back to the marina.
Should you choose to explore the south (left) fork in the river, you will find yourself in a more quiet and peaceful environment due to the fact that none of the guided kayak tours traverse the south fork. Yet it’s here that you will find the Fern Grotto — a romantic lava rock cave that’s overgrown with gorgeous greenery. There are boat tours that frequent this spot, but if the dock is empty you’ll have the grotto all to yourself! Park your board at the sign that reads, “kayak parking,” and tie your leash onto one of the exposed tree roots. There is a paved walkway that will bring you to the grotto in less than two minutes. Prepare to be awestruck!
At Kauai SUP, we consider The Swimming Hole the crown jewel of the river. If you only visit one spot, make it this one. From the Fern Grotto, The Swimming Hole is located about a 10-minute paddle upstream through a low jungle canopy that opens into a sunny sliver of paradise. Here you can bask in the sunshine or jump off your board and enjoy a dip in the water. You can also get off your board and climb a 15-foot cliff that’s safe for jumping. CAUTION: Before you jump, be sure to check that the coast is clear of shallow boulders and other jumpers. If the coast is clear, then bombs away!
your return journey, you will be paddling against the wind. It will be the most difficult leg of your adventure, so be sure to conserve enough energy for an enjoyable glide back to the boat ramp. To make for an easier, more leisurely paddle, remember that you can always kneel or sit down on your board as you paddle back toward the rivermouth.
Upon returning to the boat ramp, we ask that you please clean your board by using the river water and your hands to remove any mud or debris that might have affixed itself to your board over the course of your adventure. Remember that the boat ramp itself can be jagged and slippery, if no one from Kauai SUP is at the ramp waiting for you please just give us a call you come pick you up.


Sam Knob Summit
Located near milepost 420 on the Blue Ridge Parkway lies the spectacular Sam Knob Trail. With the summit reaching just over 6,000 feet, expect incredible panoramic views in every direction.
To get here, take the Black Balsam Road exit and head all the way up to the parking lot, where you will find the Sam Knob trailhead directly to the right of the restrooms. The location is important to note as there are several trailheads in the area. This exit is also home to the Art Loeb Trail and others, so weekends are likely going to be challenging when it comes to parking. There’s a good reason for this though, so inch your way into a spot and get ready for a fantastic adventure.
Sam Knob Trail to summit and back is 2.5 miles of stunning scenery. The hike begins along a gravel path, and soon you are wandering through a grassy meadow with majestic mountain views everywhere you look. Each season presents a unique, beautiful landscape, with muted tans and browns, crisp white snow, or colorful wildflowers.
Eventually, you are led out of the meadow and into a dense mountain laurel tunnel. This spot is where you will come across a fork in the path - go right to reach the summit. The trail twists and turns up the mountain until finally reaching the top, where breathtaking views surround you. At this high of an elevation, everywhere you turn is awe-inspiring.
The summit features exceptional views of the Pisgah Ranger District, including Black Balsam and Devil's Courthouse, along with many other peaks. Pack a picnic, sit back, and relax as you take in the soul-soothing gift of nature.
During your hike, be sure keep an eye out below. You may catch backpackers hiking in and setting up camp along Flat Laurel Creek. If you plan on camping yourself, be sure to pack your bear canisters, as they are required here. Be bear aware! Otherwise, get ready to catch incredible sunrises and sunsets amidst beautiful scenery. There’s nothing quite like it.
The Blue Ridge Parkway. 469 miles of stunning views and incredible hikes. Near Sam Knob Summit on the Blue Ridge Parkway is another must-see - Graveyard Fields. Be sure to check it out - it’s a whole different experience not to be missed. What’s your favorite hike along the Blue Ridge Parkway? Let me know!


Three Days Celebrating Mountain Biking in Edmonton
See all that Edmonton's Mountain Biking Community has to offer from group rides to races to arts & entertainment to fun mountain bike events events to demos & sales and more! Come explore the trail networks in the Edmonton river valley.
About Edmonton's Trails
Edmonton's River Valley is a hidden gem for mountain biking in Western Canada, with an extensive network of trails maintained exclusively by volunteers through a number of local trail organizations. Explore the area through Bike YEG, and come join the community for a weekend of riding, fun, and exploring Edmonton's mountain biking!


Enhance your Romance Package
Enjoy a one night stay in a spa suite with a queen feather bed, fireplace, & a large spa tub for two with bubble bath & scented candles, soft fluffy robes, a chilled bottle of champagne or sparkling cider in your room upon arrival. A rose bouquet, a box of Bernstein's chocolate truffles. Basket of snacks, stocked refrigerator, hot tea and fresh baked pastries are available throughout your stay.
When you cross the threshold of Westport Bed & Breakfast, you will at once enter into the luxurious world of Midwestern Aristocracy. Experience hospitality amidst the luxurious comforts, both of yesterday and today. Settle in, leave your auto behind, and meander the charming downtown streets of Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Upon returning to our Inn, settle into your cozy guest room, most of which feature in-room double whirlpools and gas fireplaces. Unpack your bags in the Serenity Suite, Grandma’s Suite, Bess’ Chamber, or The Liberty Retreat, then relax and make yourself at home at our cozy Bed and Breakfast. You’ll feel as if you’re settling in for a restful getaway at your Grandmother’s house. A four-course candlelight breakfast is served in the dining room each morning of your stay at our delightful Manitowoc Inn.
While you’re here, take the opportunity to venture into our beautiful flower garden, which is buffered from traffic by protective hedges all around. It’s as if you have your own private oasis to enjoy as you see fit. Feel free to play a game of Croquet on the lawn, or watch the passersby while gently rocking in the swing on our exquisite wrap-around porch.
The Westport Bed and Breakfast is a convenient lodging location, situated just a few blocks north of the Manitowoc shopping district. Nearby is Milwaukee, just 1 hour away. Chicago is 3 hours south, Ludington, Michigan via S.S. Badger is 4 hours, and Door County and Green Bay are only a short hour’s drive away. Manitowoc makes a great home base for your travels in the beautiful state of Wisconsin.


Ireland is a small island republic off the coast of North West Europe. It lies about 100km from its nearest neighbour, the United Kingdom, across the Irish Sea. It has been a member of the European Union since 1973 and plays a very active part in all the activities of the Council and the Commission. It is approximately 500 km from Paris and Amsterdam by air.
The population of Ireland (north and south) is around 5 million. In the past many Irish people emigrated to the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand and this means there are strong social and cultural bonds between Ireland and these countries. For more information see https://www.ireland.com/
Why is Ireland a good study destination for overseas students?
- Its main working language is English.
- Its educational system is well respected and leads to qualifications which are recognised and valued worldwide.
- Higher education has played an important role in the economic success of the nation.
- Universities and colleges are relatively small and can give students good personal attention.
- The climate is mild, the environment clean and healthy and it is safe, having relatively low crime levels.
- While it has a vibrant modern economy with access to the full range of information technologies and other services, Ireland also has a long history and a unique culture with its own language, literature, music etc.
- Irish people are warm and welcoming to overseas visitors.


This past weekend was my final weekend abroad, this weekend I will be heading to Florence to catch my plane back to Seattle. Fortunately, time and money permitted me to visit many places while I’ve been studying. My original plan was to stick to Siena, and only travel with the AHA program for pre-planned excursions. But, I’ve been blessed to be able to make it to my top three European countries. I’ve been studying in Italy, I traveled to Spain only a couple of weeks ago and this past weekend I made my way to Dublin, Ireland.
Weekend trips aren’t enough time to fully enjoy a city, but going for two days is better than none. The trip was short, but extremely sweet. I went with a few friends of mine and we all had the same agenda: eat good food, visit the Guinness factory, visit the Jameson factory and see what the Dublin night life is all about. I am proud to say that in two days, we accomplished all of these tasks and more.
Day one, we settled into our hotel and headed out early to catch a nice Irish breakfast. Let me clear something up before I go into detail about our delicious meal; I love Italian food. However, being American, I’m a big fan of large breakfasts, I’m talkin’ sausage, eggs, biscuits, potatoes, the works. In Italy, the daily coffee and small pastry really doesn’t cut it.
We found a little hole-in-the-wall restaurant with a delicious spread of breakfast foods: meat, potatoes, and sweets lined up in a buffet style. This wasn’t your average, run of the mill buffet where most everything tastes like the grease and preservatives that the food has been swimming in, on the contrary this food was very fresh and palate pleasing. I’m craving it now as I type this. My plate included some classic sausage links, potatoes, scrambled eggs, some thick cuts of homemade Guinness breads, some English tea and these little dark patties that I was told was bread pudding. Everything looked phenomenal, the boys and I were in an Irish-breakfast heaven. The place was so good, that we made sure to wake up early the next morning to try it a second time before leaving.
Next on our agenda was a quick train ride to the coastline in a small port-town called Howth. It’s a beautiful little salty sea town. It reminded me of the Puget Sound back home, the smell of the northern coast, seagulls flying every which way and the sound of boats rumbling by. It was beautiful. Luckily there was a Saturday market happening this weekend, so we made a quick stop to check things out. Although we had just stuffed ourselves at breakfast, we found enough room to buy a couple of these delicious hand-made cupcakes, I bought the sinfully good red velvet cake one and Michael got himself a coconut vanilla raspberry one. With our desserts in hand, we walked out to the boardwalk to stare out into the water and soak up the sights and smells. We only stayed a couple of hours but after snapping a few pictures and walking around we had taken full advantage of the time we had.
Our last obligation was to head to the Guinness factory. When we arrived, I seriously felt like Charlie when he spotted the gates into Willy Wonka’s factory. I could barely contain my excitement. Guinness is my favorite beer, and I’ve waited over six months to even have one, just so I could try the real thing in the factory. We easily spent several hours touring the factory, learning about all of the ins and outs of the company; from its history, to its influence and importance to the city of Dublin. It was all very interesting and the tour was very interactive and modern. My favorite part of the tour –besides the free pint of Guinness at the 360 degree bar at the top — was probably the advertising and marketing section. Guinness has had some of the most influential marketing campaigns in ad history and it was very cool to get an inside look at all of these tactics at the source.
The night was coming to an end, but we still needed to finish off strong. We made our way downtown to a stretch of pubs and clubs that we wanted to see. The first pub we went to was straight out of a movie. It was a small little pub with a group of old men and women playing fiddles and flutes in the corner, singing Irish drinking songs, while the bartender stood on the bar screaming out orders and collecting money. The place was perfect, everyone was cheerful and the mood was just right. We even had a chance to meet a group of people, around the same age as us, that were doing their own sort of pub crawl. They called it the “12 pubs of Christmas”. They all dressed up in ugly Christmas sweaters and were making their way through 12 different pubs, grabbing a Guinness in each one and making sure to make themselves known along the way. It was a memorable night that I will cherish.
The second day, after eating breakfast, we headed to the Jameson factory. It was in the early afternoon, but we had a game plan to stick to, and besides, when in Dublin! So we made our way to the factory, took the tour, had a nice Jameson tasting session which was very interesting and it all ended so quickly! At this point we had the rest of the day to make a plan, we made our way to Europe’s largest park, Phoenix Park, where we walked and talked enjoying the scenery. Eventually we made our way to a restaurant to get a late lunch. We were welcomed into the place with smiles from the bartenders. We placed our orders, and were lucky enough to get the bartenders to dial the TV’s onto all the soccer games playing that day and even the American football games. We ended up staying there for nearly five hours, eating, drinking, playing darts and watching sports. It was one of the highlights of my trip abroad. It was so simple but it really encompassed everything that I loved about this trip. The sweetness of doing nothing, really staying in the present moment, not worrying about what’s coming next but just enjoying the ride along the way. We had plenty of laughs and made some great memories here.
The next morning we were headed on our Ryan Air flight back to Rome to make our final stay in Siena. The Dublin trip did not disappoint. Every time I go to a new city it seems like it always one ups the one before. But truthfully, Dublin was my favorite city of all the major ones I visited. Mainly due to the people. The people there are so ridiculously friendly, helpful, and caring. We were often asked by random people if we needed any help getting around — because for some reason they thought we looked like a bunch of tourists, I wonder why — and whenever we asked for help or directions, people were always so kind and patient. The city wasn’t the most active, and didn’t have the most elegant buildings or fancy museums or anything, but it was just right. It is how it is, it’s beautiful in its own way, it’s fun, the food is great and the people really make the difference. I can’t wait to go again. I think that the next time I’m in Europe, Ireland will be my main destination.
Only one week left, but I’m glad I’ve been able to see and do all of the things I’ve done while I’ve been in Europe. Cheers.


One thing I have learned is that great photos are often about timing. Being at the right place, at the right time is half the formula for capturing a great photograph. So here is my tip: Do a little research before going out to shoot.
The photo above is an example of the benefit of such research. On a recent trip to Washington, D.C., I knew that I was going to have the opportunity to shoot some of the iconic locations and monuments on the National Mall. Wanting to make the most of the opportunity, I did a Google search on photography in Washington, D.C. It was very helpful. There is a wealth of information out there ranging from the rules of taking pictures on Federal properties to tips for getting the best pictures.
One insightful tip I read was related to the time of day. A writer stated that the Lincoln Memorial (as well as other monuments and attractions) is usually jammed with people. Getting a clean photo of the memorial is difficult due to the throngs of tourists pressing in for their opportunity to photograph the monument. However, in the early morning, the monuments are often deserted. They suggested that the combination of the low early morning sun shining into the chamber through the columns of the memorial and the absence of tourists make shortly after sunrise the perfect moment to shoot the Lincoln Memorial.
As a result of that tip, I woke up way too early, walked miles on the national mall almost by myself, and snapped some great photos of many of the monuments on the national mall. Researching where you are going may help inform your plan and help you be in the right place at the right time.
Photo taken with a Nikon D70, 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5, 1/20s f/6.3.0 at 18mm, ISO 200