Kentish Municipality has a population of 6,056 persons and growing, which is just over 1% of Tasmania's population.
Since 1996 the population has steadily grown, and indications are that it will continue to rise at the highest rate of all the Councils on the North West Coast of Tasmania. But we have plenty of room for more as we are still have only about 5 persons per square kilometre.
About one third of the population is in the towns of Railton and Sheffield, with the balance being spread across smaller townships and farming areas.
The soils in Kentish are very productive and the rainfall is fairly predictable, consequently the main industry is agriculture; farming of beef, dairy, sheep and cropping. There is also potential to develop further as part of the North-West region as 'Food Bowl' of Australia and tourism opportunities.
The landscape ranges from lush rural farmland to spectacular mountain scenery. One of Tasmania's key visitor attractions, Cradle Mountain, is located in the municipal area, as is the world standard Lake Barrington Rowing Course.
There are a number of small localities throughout the municipality with evocative name like Garden of Eden, Gentle Annie, Paradise, Nook, Nowhere Else, and The Promised Land that are also visitor attractions.
Mount Roland dominates the landscape of the populated areas and watches carefully over the land, and is visible way out to sea many miles away. For those leaving or returning on the ferry, Roland tugs at the heart strings. In Kentish, you are almost never out of sight of Roland and its beautiful rocky outline captures the sunlight and changes throughout the day. A walk to the summit is a wonderful day walk for the fit and well prepared.
To book accommodation check out the Sheffield Visitor Information Centre website.
Sheffield - The Town of Murals
The main town of Sheffield developed as the centre of farming operations in the municipality, and has since grown to be the major shopping area, a thriving tourism area, and is the gateway to Cradle Mountain. Sheffield is known as the Town of Murals, with 55 murals (and growing) depicting the pioneer history and the people of Kentish. With it's beautiful King George V park, safe amenities and friendly people, it is no wonder Sheffield is growing.
Sheffield was named "AUSTRALIA'S TIDIEST TOWN" in 2014.
NOTE: The MuralCam is currently offline.
Kentish Council has installed a camera in Mural Park which you can access online. It allows you to view different murals in the park, live, at any time of the day or night. Try it out: MuralCam
Tip: Select 'Cancel' if your browser asks you for a username and/or password. The camera will then open up.
Railton - The Town of Topiary
Found between Latrobe and Sheffield, this industry-based township has added more than 100 imaginative topiary characters to its main street area in recent years. In 'Cradle Mountain National Paddock' visitors can photograph the only 'living' Tasmanian Tiger. Check out www.townoftopiary.com.au for more information on topiary activities happening in Railton.
Visitor attractions also include the Wild Mersey Mountain Bike Trails, Seven Sheds Brewery and the Fibre Optic Lighting and Gifts Store. The town is also equipped with several eateries, service station, pub and newsagency. The Tasmanian Trail can be accessed at Railton.
Railton (marginally smaller than Sheffield) is the next largest town in the Kentish municipality and began life as a rail head. The town was named after the daughter of a pioneering family, not the railhead as commonly thought. The wide main street in Railton indicates the space needed to turn the bullock teams and drays that were responsible for hauling Kentish produce to the railway station.
Railton is the home of Cement Australia. Cement Australia began operating in the 1920S producing the world renown Goliath Cement. Goliath Cement was used to build the Sydney Harbour Bridge. In fact, the construction industry throughout Australia has used cement from the Railton plant since the plants inception. This is testament to the purity of the limestone lode still being used to produce cement.
A limestone quarry close to town served successive owners of the cement works and the disused quarry can still be seen along the main road to Railton. Early government milled trees within the surrounding area and shipped the timber across Bass Strait to build the city of Melbourne.
Topiary locations throughout Railton can be identified by the Railton Area Tourist Information Brochure.
Wilmot - Valley of Views
Visit Wilmot and take an alternative route along the C132 to or from Cradle Mountain. Known locally as the Valley of Views, the winding roads around Wilmot offer the best panoramic outlooks over Cradle Country. Wilmot lies to the west of Lake Barrington and has traditionally been used for dairying and growing potatoes. Originally, Wilmot supplied all the seed potatoes used in southern Australia. Visitors can enjoy the stunning hinterland scenery and the quirky Novelty Letterbox Trail.
Wilmot Hills Winery has produced award winning wines being renowned as the highest altitude vineyard in Tasmania. The Old Wilmot Bakehouse uses the original wood fired oven, built in the late 1890s, to bake a delicious variety of bread and pastries. Whilst visiting Wilmot, why not step back in time and view the history of Wilmot at the Wilmot Museum.
Wilmot's General Store, the first G.J. Coles General Store was located in Wilmot until it burnt down in early 2014. The destruction of the store was a tragic loss for the community, as it was more than just a general store, but a meeting hub for the community. Currently a temporary store is on site providing fuel and basic supplies for residents.


Living in the South Peace, snow removal and salting/gravel services are a must—especially for commercial locations. Often for residential properties too, if you have a large driveway or shop! Thankfully, we’ve got you covered. Reg Norman Trucking Ltd. offers snow removal services for locations big or small. We have the equipment to make snow removal a quick and painless task.
Did you know? Approximately 80% of the commercial sites in Dawson Creek, BC are customers of Reg Norman Trucking Ltd. – Join the club!


I was sucked into Psalm 68 this morning. Part of this psalm reads:
The mountains of Bashan are mighty mountains;
high-ridged mountains are the mountains of Bashan.
Why look with envy, you high-ridged mountains,
at the mountain where God has chosen to dwell?
Bashan (including the Golan Heights and southern slopes of Mt. Hermon) stand at what was the northern boundary between Judea and the gentile world. Rising some 9200 feet above sea-level, it is a beautiful and impressive site. Well watered, fruitful plains, rugged and snow-capped mountains, clearly the type of place you’d expect to find God (think Colorado Springs).
This fertile land was assigned to the tribe of Manasseh (Joshua 13:29-31), one of Joseph’s father’s favorite sons (Jacob even “adopted” his grandsons Ephraim and Manasseh as his own sons, giving them a special blessing above their brothers) An impressive physical specimen, and the father of a valorous and fruitful people, Jewish parents pronounce a blessing over their sons that includes the phrase “God make thee as Ephraim and as Manasseh” (from Gen. 48:20).
Mount Zion, on the other hand, not so much.
Rising only 2500 feet above sea level, the Temple Mount would barely worth of the title mount, were it not for God’s presence (think West Texas and the Llano Estacado).
I love that our God chooses to dwell not in the unreachable heights of glory overlooking the richest land, but instead dwells where His people can live all around Him, where
…the just shall rejoice at the presence of God,
they shall exult and dance for joy…
- Advent and Liturgy
- Would you care to read a book by this man?


The Tower: A Chronicle of Climbing and Controversy on Cerro Torre, by Kelly Cordes, 2014
You have almost certainly seen photographs of Cerro Torre. It’s unmistakable: a narrow but very high granite tower topped by an ice formation resembling an enormous ice cream cone. But have you seen the Tower itself? I tried to in 2002, but its upper 5000 feet were concealed in cloud. This is the Tower’s normal condition. Nevertheless increasing numbers of climbers approach it every year. They may have to wait weeks for a brief weather break to try the ascent. For this is Patagonia, home of storm and wind that can actually blow you off your feet.
Mountaineering in Patagonia is recent. Its highest peak, FitzRoy, was first climbed only in 1952. And Cerro Torre? That depends on whom you believe.
In 1959 the strong Italian climber Cesare Maestri staggered off the peak, claiming that he had reached the top. His partner, the equally strong Toni Egger, had perished in an avalanche on the way down. Maestri’s account was questioned from the start. Could they have managed this extraordinarily difficult ascent in just a week, and a week of bad weather at that? There were no photographs--Egger had carried the only camera. Skepticism grew. Nobody reached the top by Maestri’s route or any other. Then, in one of the most bizarre episodes in recent climbing history, he returned to the Tower in 1970, accompanied by a 150-pound gas-powered air compressor. He and the compressor succeeded on another part of the mountain. With compressor-supplied power, Maestri drilled some 400 expansion bolts, many of them clearly unnecessary. Even then, he didn’t reach the true summit, asserting that the final ice mushroom wasn’t really part of the mountain and would some day blow away.
The summit was indisputably reached by in 1974 by an Italian party. A number of (very difficult) new routes were subsequently established; but the favorite remained Maestri’s Compressor Route. With all those bolts in place, it really wasn’t that hard. But in 2012 two young climbers made it without the aid of any of the bolts. On the way down, they removed a good many of them. The route had become hard once more. The local reaction was hostile, and the two found themselves briefly in jail.
The turbulent Cerro Torre story is far from over, but who better to present it now than Kelly Cordes? He helped edit the American Alpine Journal for many years, and he has climbed Cerro Torre. Now he has written a splendid book. The Tower is a complete history of the peak. The writing is clear and compelling. Among the book’s attractions are its photographs: many are full-page in color. An opening section of these shows the routes in all their implausible clarity. Published appropriately by Patagonia Books, this is one for your library.
In addition to being a historical account, the book is a detective story. Cordes has to confront the question: Did Maestri really climb Cerro Torre in 1959? The author is untiring in his pursuit. Like most other commentators, he answers in the negative. Maestri’s description of the route and account of the accident had a disquieting flexibility. But the most damning evidence was a lack of evidence. In 1976 a three-man party reached the summit of Torre Egger (named for Toni Egger). The first two thousand feet duplicated the route claimed by Maestri, up to the Maestri-named Col of Conquest. No one had been there since 1959. On the first thousand feet they found abundant signs of precedence, culminating in an equipment dump near a prominent snowfield. Above that, nothing: not a piton, not a bolt, no ropes, no rappel points. Maestri’s description of the difficulties below the Col were utterly inaccurate. It was very hard to believe that he had really been there. And when the section above the Col was eventually climbed, no sign of an earlier ascent was found there either.
The falsity of Maestri’s account was sufficiently established for David Roberts to include it in Great Exploration Hoaxes (1982), along with Frederick Cook’s thoroughly discredited claim to the first ascent of Denali in 1906. Maestri has poisoned his case in interviews, with vague route descriptions and a lot of anger. From a 2006 interview:
Can I ask you a specific question? How do you explain that there are no bolts on or above the Col of Conquest?
“Listen very carefully: When we attacked it in 1959, the north face of Cerro Torre was a solid mass of snow and ice. We went up it. Egger was the greatest ice climber in the world. We took advantage of this because the weather had been bad for three weeks and Cerro Torre was a sheet of ice. ... [Maestri reels off a string of obscenities.] But I don't give a [expletive] about all this. It has already been covered, goddamn it to hell! You can't understand.”
And after The Tower was published there came another revelation: a photo in a Maestri book that claimed to show Egger on Cerro Torre was taken on an entirely different peak.
The evident fakery prompts uncomfortable questions: When did Maestri decide to lie? Would he have done so had Egger survived? Even his description of his partner’s death has contradictions. Perhaps, as Maestri’s more charitable critics have suggested, he was so stunned by his own difficult descent, which included a long fall, that he really believed what he was saying. And possibly still does.
There is a resemblance to the disappearance of Mallory and Irvine on Everest in 1924. We will likely never know whether they made the top. Unlike Maestri, they did not survive to tell us. Maestri, though in his 80s and unwell, does know about Cerro Torre. But we readers will have to make our impartial guess. Cordes concludes in regretful condemnation: “They [Maestri and Cesarino Fava, who had been with him part of the way in 1959] failed themselves, they failed those who believed in them, and they betrayed the code of trust that is essential to climbing mountains.”
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Experience all the benefits of cloud services in the fastest, safest, most cost effective way by partnering with Piksel.
However, for every successful Cloud initiative, you will find two failures. Cloud Ecosystems are immense and with a little knowledge you can get a long way, but you might inadvertently create a major set of problems and unknown ‘technical debt’. This is where Piksel can help. At Piksel we have been running and providing private cloud environments to customers for over 10 years. In tandem we have also been using the behemoth Cloud platforms to deliver both our own services as well as many of our clients’.
We can help with:
✔ Cloud governance and estate management
✔ Cloud migration and transformation
✔ Cloud native design and development
✔ Cloud architecture
Liberty Global OESP system sits at the core of their multi-country Online Video platform. As the service expanded globally and with richer capabilities, the advantages of a Cloud deployment became apparent. The Piksel services team planned and delivered the migration to AWS.
The OESP Global expansion meant that the system outgrew its private hosting infrastructure. Liberty required geo-redundancy, fast and efficient scaling and a reduction in capital expenditure.
As an AWS certified expert Partner, we provided a multi-skilled services team to architect, design, plan and implement the migration to AWS. This encompassed a multi-region approach with automated build and deploy pipelines to provide cost efficient scaling for peak loads, high availability and global delivery for their global audience.
The migration was delivered within planned budget and with zero downtime for Liberty’s audience. The Cloud system supports their long-term growth as well providing efficiencies around localised capacity peaks from a global audience. The geo-redundant implementation has significantly reduced outages as well as providing enhanced user experience.


Antibes has a perfect location between Nice and Cannes, and is in size the second largest city on the Cote d’Azur. The city has grown with the neighboring town of Juan les Pins and is famous for its large port of Port Vauban, the largest luxury boat harbor on the whole of the Cote d’Azur and one of the largest in Europe.
The old town of Antibes is extremely charming with its small winding streets. The alleys are filled with cozy restaurants, specialty shops, small squares where you can buy anything from fresh fish, vegetables, cheeses, jewelry. Antibes has many good restaurants and cafes. They are located all over the city, but in the old town there are many smaller cozy restaurants.
Antibes and Juan les Pins are surrounded by many stunning sandy beaches, some of the absolute best on the whole Cote Just south of the port of Port Vauban is Antibes best beach. In Juan les Pins there are more major beaches and here is the range of water sports o exclusive, especially in Juan les Pins crowded many fashionable nightclubs with each other.
Within walking distance from the Le Ponteil you reach the beautiful beaches Plage du Ponteil, Plage de Salis, Plage de Gravette and Plage de la Garoye.
Pablo harbor is located at Chateau Grimaldi. In 1946, a studio was built for the famous painter Picasso, and here he has also worked with many of his masterpieces. Chateau Grimaldi currently houses a Picasso museum, where you can see a large collection of his paintings, drawings, sketches and ceramics.


Bonnechere Provincial Park
For thousands of years, the Little Bonnechere River in the Ottawa Valley has welcomed people to rest and prosper along its shores and in its forests.
Travel back in time along our Footprints in Time (FIT) interpretation trail to learn more about the natural and cultural heritage of the Little Bonnechere River from 12 000 years ago to present-day. Take part in our various guided and self-guided interpretive programs featuring ecological and cultural themes including historic archaeology, pioneer settlement, and at-risk species such as local birds and turtles. Take in a Spirits' Night at The Depot, and view artifacts recovered at various archaeological excavations on-site and up-river.
Admission: Ontario Parks Vaild Day Permit or Seasonal Pass
Season: Mid-May thru Thanksgiving
Hours: Valid Day Permit is good from 8 am to 10 pm, daily.


There are so many romantic destinations in the world, it can be hard to choose the one that’s right for you. Everyone needs romantic vacations with their significant other every once in a while. Whether your travel style is a cosy cottage in the forest, relaxed seclusion on the beach or a mountain getaway this post has something for every couple. We surely know the dilemma of picking the best romantic vacations for couples, because let’s face it, there are ‘thousands’ of beautiful destinations to choose from. Despite this, here are my favourite destinations for couples wanting a romantic getaway!
As a couple we’ve travelled to 43 countries before turning 21 years old, and we’re showing you the most romantic vacations for couples around the world.
10 Most Romantic Vacations For Couples
#1 Zighy Bay, Oman
We visited the Six Senses Zighy Bay back in June this year. To date, it is one of the most luxurious and exclusive hotels we have ever stayed in. Their attention to detail, the quality of each villa (all have their own private pools) and the professionalism of the staff here is exceptional. Without a doubt, if you’re looking for one of the most romantic vacations for couples, seriously consider the Six Senses Zighy Bay.
This hotel is also famous for it’s choice of arrivals, you can arrive by a 4×4 off-road experience, speedboat and even paragliding! So epic! Read about our Review of the Six Senses Zighy Bay here.
Hotel Booking: Six Senses Zighy Bay.
#2 Santorini & Mykonos, Greece
These two islands in the Mediterranean are (in our opinion) the most beautiful of all the Greek Islands, and perfect for romantic vacations with your partner. Both famous for their white washed roofs and incredible sunsets over the sea, make sure to enjoy a glass of bubbly from your own private balcony, avoiding the tourist crowds.
Did you know that Santorini is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the Mediterranean. You can find awesome and thematic cruise deals that will spice up your relationship. Don’t forget to find more info about your future romantic cruise.
Santorini and Mykonos are only a 2 1/2 hour ferry from one another, combining both will ensure you have a vacation of a lifetime. P.S. you may never want to leave!
Most Romantic Hotel For Couples: Grace Santorini
You probably knew this vacation was coming, so we couldn’t keep it from the list. The Maldives is THE romantic vacation for couples. With crystal clear waters, an array of world-class hotels, seclusion and tranquility, what’s not to love?
The Maldives are generally seen as an expensive and exclusive destination only for the rich, but with a bit of searching on the internet, you can find a really great deal!
Tip: Booking in off-season is the highest probability of grabbing a great deal. Off-season is generally from May to just before Christmas, with May, June, September and October usually offering the best deals. Also, there aren’t really any specific hotels to look out for, you should rather always keep an eye on everything. Sometimes there are some fantastic promotions on, and third party sites like ZenHotels or Thomas Cook often have heavily discounted rates as well. Use Trivago with a filter on Maldives and then sort by price.
We’ve seen beach villas at luxurious hotels from US$200 a night and overwater or private pool villas from US$300. At the same time, similar accommodation could be ten times that if you go in peak season without any offers on.
Most Romantic Hotel For Couples: Six Senses Laamu
Often Is Great Value For Money: Angsana Velavaru
#4 Aitutaki, The Cook Islands
Supposedly voted the ‘most beautiful place in the world’, it certainly lives up to its title. With pristine white beaches, palm trees, clear blue waters to die for and tranquility like no other, if you’re wanting seclusion this is one of the most romantic vacations for any couple. Make sure to visit One Foot Island!
The only way to get there is by plane on Air Rarotonga from the main island of Rarotonga. Flight prices aren’t cheap, generally around the NZ$600 mark (US$400) for a 40 minute flight. However, we’ll be visiting Aitutaki in a little over a month, and we managed to score flights for NZ$800 round trip for 2 people, still not cheap but definitely worth it in our opinion!
Most Romantic Hotel For Couples: Aitutaki Escape
#5 Kruger National Park, South Africa
What’s more romantic than going on safari during sunrise/sunset and seeing the beauty of nature? Not much! Kruger National Park is home to some of the most luxurious and romantic lodges in the world. We stayed at Klaserie Sands River Camp, and it certainly exceeded all our expectations! Read our Review of Klaserie Sands here.
Wake up to the sounds of nature at your doorstep, watch elephants and more drink at the waterhole infront of your own private pool villa and have dinner under the stars. These are just a few of the experiences possible when staying at a lodge and venturing on a safari at Kruger National Park.
Our Favourite & Highly Recommended: Klaserie Sands River Camp
Most Luxurious Hotel: Lion Sands Sabi Sand
#6 Cappadocia, Turkey
Cappadocia has been on our bucket-list for so long, and we’re hoping to tick it off in August/September next year, excited is an understatement! Why? Because, it’s on of the most romantic vacations for couples and one of the most beautiful destinations we’ve come across. With stunning fairy chimneys and hotels carved into the rocks and of course the infamous hot air balloons, if you’re wanting adventure this vacation is for you.
Fly in a private hot air balloon, cheers with a glass of bubbly and celebrate together from above whilst marvelling at the sunset.
Most Luxurious & Romantic Hotel For Couples: Museum Hotel
#7 Venice, Italy
Another destination that you probably anticipated that we couldn’t miss out. Even though Venice is very cliche for a perfect romantic vacation, it will still take your breath away every time you visit. Taking a ride of the gondolas through the narrow canals of Venice is like going back in time whilst gliding through the ancient sinking buildings.
One of the most romantic things to do in Venice is getting lost, quite literally. Don’t worry, it’s a small place and you’ll enjoy finding small cafes and restaurants as a result. Truly romantic and unforgettable.
Most Luxurious & Romantic Hotel For Couples: Sina Centurion Palace
#8 An Igloo/Arctic Hotel, Finland
This romantic vacation is a little different to the others, instead of a destination why not indulge in a warm igloo hotel in one of the Scandinavian countries? (most are located in Lapland, Finland). Make sure to book one with a glass roof so you can watch the aurora borealis from your bed.
Do make sure to read reviews before booking these type of hotels, as many are known to ripping guests off with their extortionate prices once there.
Most Romantic Igloo with Glass Roof: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
#9 Christmas in New York, USA
During the winter months, there is something so romantic about the Big Apple. Whether its taking a romantic stroll in central park surrounded by high skyscrapers or visiting a cute little cafe in the suburbs, you’ll surely enjoy your stay in this remarkable city over the winter months. How does ice-skating, hot chocolate, the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and snow sound? This romantic vacation is will always be a trip to remember.
Check out our guide on: How To See New York In 3 Days and How To Master The New York Subway.
Best Value For Money: Viceroy Central Park New York
#10 Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Last but certainly not least is Bora Bora in French Polynesia. It is a popular destination for honeymooners and romantic getaways, however it is more on the expensive side, and hard to find a great deal but honestly it’s 100% worth it.
From the dramatic scenery to the privacy and amenities of luxurious overwater bungalows, everything in Bora Bora equals a 10 on the romance scale – the definition of romantic vacations for couples wanting everything perfect on their trip abroad. How does breakfast brought to your overwater bungalow’s private balcony by an outrigger canoe regaled in flowers sound? Or a sunset cruise aboard a private catamaran including a four-course dinner? If that doesn’t make you want to book a flight to Bora Bora for a romantic vacation, then we’re not sure what will!
Most Romantic & Luxurious Hotel: Four Seasons Bora Bora
What other romantic vacations for couples would you suggest?
Would you plan to go to one of the destinations listed above? Or have you already been to some of them? Which ones?
Do you have Pinterest? Save it for later!
Such a great list! I just got married and I’m always searching for romantic places to go with my hubby 🙂 Oman is high on my list but I didn’t know it would make a good romantic trip! I’m even more excited to visit now. Thanks for sharing your tips!
Thanks so much! That’s amazing, congratulations 😀 Oman is beautiful, and cannot recommend the Six Senses Zighy Bay Oman enough if you’re looking for a romantic getaway/honeymoon.
I want to go to all of these right now!! I’ve only been to two of these destinations and a few are definitely on my bucket list. I would LOVE to stay at that luxury place in South Africa!
Us too! We’ve been to a few of these destinations but Cappadocia is highest on our list! Fingers crossed we will travel there in summer 2018! South Africa and Klaserie Sands River Camp was out of this world, highly recommend 🙂


Hurricanes Threaten Many U.S. Coastal Hospitals With Serious Flooding
THURSDAY, Sept. 29, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- As Hurricane Ian slams Florida, a new study finds that many hospitals positioned near the Gulf and East Coasts are vulnerable to severe flooding from such storms.
Ian struck the West Coast of Florida Wednesday and careened toward the East Coast. It's then expected to veer north.
Researchers found that even relatively weak hurricanes pose a serious threat of flooding to hospitals along the two coasts. While a Category 1 storm produces minor damage, including to trees and power lines, a Category 4 storm causes catastrophic damage to homes with winds strong enough to tear off roofs. Click here for more on hurricane ratings.
The expected rise in sea levels due to climate change makes hospital flooding 22% more likely than in previous years, according to the report published Sept. 29 in the journal GeoHealth.
“We now have a better sense of which hospitals are likely to flood from a hurricane today and those that need to prepare for greater risks in the future,” said study co-author Dr. Aaron Bernstein, from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, in Boston.
“Hurricanes are expected to get more severe and may strike regions further north than in the past due to climate change," Bernstein said in a school news release. "In places like my hometown of Boston, we can avoid crises that other hospitals have had to endure by learning from their experience and creating plans that build on best practices. But we must act now, before disaster strikes.”
For the study, the researchers identified 682 acute care hospitals in 78 metropolitan areas within 10 miles of the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the United States. These areas are home to just under 85 million people, or about one in four Americans. The investigators found that a Category 2 storm could flood half or more of the hospitals in 25 of the 78 cities they looked at.
The 10 areas most threatened by a Category 2 hurricane are:
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, Fla.
New York-Newark-Jersey City, N.Y.-N.J.-Pa.
New Orleans-Metairie, La.
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Fla.
North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, Fla.
Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Fla.
With sea level rise expected this century, the number of hospital beds at risk of flooding from a Category 2 storm has gone up by more than 90% in Baton Rouge, Virginia Beach, Corpus Christi, Philadelphia and Boston, the research team reported.
Recent storms damaged many hospitals. This study shows that even if hospital buildings aren't flooded, the roads around them might be, making it harder or impossible for people to get care, or provide it. In 18 metro areas, a Category 2 storm could flood at least half of the roads within one mile of hospitals.
The study authors pointed to a New Orleans hospital as an example of how coastal hospitals and health systems can become more resistant to hurricanes. The Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care Center opened in 2016 to replace the VA Hospital and Charity Hospital after Hurricane Katrina. It was designed to keep running for seven days even if the city's utilities and infrastructure were damaged. It has backup fuel supplies, on-site sewage treatment facilities, and enough space for up to 1,000 staff members and patients to stay inside during a storm.
The Climate MD program at Harvard Chan C-CHANGE offers more on how hospital health care providers reduce risks to patients.
SOURCE: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, news release, Sept. 29, 2022


GREAT FLAVOR DOESN’T HAPPEN OVERNIGHT.
How your order will arrive.
The way we pack your order depends on the following: transit time, the products you ordered, and the time of year (warm or cold months). We do use a styrofoam container and ice packs if your order needs it. However, not every order requires this special type of packaging, especially during the colder months. We do not use dry ice.
Since our products are shipped as fresh as possible, even if items defrost during transit, there is no harm in refreezing them upon arrival. See the storage information located on each product page for more specific storage instructions.
Shipping rates and regional information.
Prices listed on individual product pages do not include shipping rates, which are determined by the total dollar value of your order and the shipping destination. Please refer to the map below to see how your shipping rate is calculated.
During the warmer months of March – October, we must use 2nd Day Air to ship to Region 2. During the colder months of November – February, we are able to ship to all connecting 48 states using ground shipping with a transit time of 3 to 4 days for Region 2.
- Region 3 states include AK, HI, and PR.
- We must ship 2nd Day Air year-round to HI and PR.
- Alaska customers: From November – February, we ship ground to Alaska using USPS, which can take up to 4 days.
- Florida and Texas customers: From March – October, it may be possible to ship ground to parts of Florida and Texas if the transit time via ground is 2 days. If this occurs, we will issue a credit for the difference in shipping charges.
- We ship using UPS, FedEx or USPS.
Region 1 - Ground
Region 2 - 2nd Day Air
Region 3 - 2nd Day Air
|Dollar Value of Products||Region 1 - Ground||Region 2 - 2nd Day Air/USPS||Region 3 - 2nd Day Air/USPS|
|up to $38.00||$18.00||$50.00||$66.00|
|$38.01 to $52.00||$23.00||$70.00||$82.00|
|$52.01 to $68.00||$28.00||$76.00||$87.00|
|$68.01 to $80.00||$30.00||$82.00||$93.00|
|$80.01 to $95.00||$32.00||$86.00||$98.00|
|$95.01 to $120.00||$34.00||$92.00||$108.00|
|$120.01 to $140.00||$38.00||$96.00||$114.00|
|$140.01 to $160.00||$40.00||$102.00||$118.00|
|$160.01 to $180.00||$42.00||$106.00||$134.00|
|$180.01 to $200.00||$46.00||$112.00||$144.00|
|$200.01 to $250.00||$52.00||$126.00||$164.00|
|$250.01 to $300.00||$56.00||$142.00||$174.00|
|$300.01 to $500.00||20% of total||49% of total||59% of total|
|$500.01 and over||20% of total||49% of total||59% of total|


Thane –The upcoming Hub & The Need of The Hour for Investment.
In the last few years, with the paucity of places in Mumbai, Thane has emerged as the next big neighborhood in Maharashtra. It has seen considerable growth and flourished and how!
A few years back, Thane was considered as one of the last options for buying a home or keeping it in a way that someone could afford a budget home. Thane was considered a place of factories and industries. Now in recent years, with the paucity of industries and factories, huge vast lands were made available to developers, who took no time to realize the potential investment in Thane.
With a number of new and developing projects from reputed developers, great infrastructure along with classy houses, mini complexes are the talk of the town. Top malls from reputed and renowned developers with excellent connectivity to major parts of Mumbai, Thane with the introduction of new projects has emerged as one of the most happening parts of the city. The ideal floor plans available include 2, 3, and 4 BHK in Thane
Residential property in Thane has grown by 6.2% in the last 3 years and with the upcoming proposed metro projects, the percentage is going to increase by leaps and bounds. With per sq ft rates still in the affordable range, Thane offers connectivity to Ghodbunder Road, JVLR, SCLR, Mumbai Nashik Highway, NH 8, Eastern Expressway, and Western Express Highway via Thane-Belapur.
Moreover, the Central Harbor line and the Thane Panvel rail line prove to be suitable means for office goers and the upcoming proposed metro line will be an added bonus for the residents of this affluent city.
Thane already has quality schools, colleges, and hospitals in GB Road, Majiwada, and Kasarvadavali, Viviana Mall, Eternity Mall, R-Mall, Supermarket, and Hypercity is already a shopping and entertainment haven.
Also known as the City of Lakes, Thane has many attractive vacation spots like Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Masunda Lake, Upvan Lake, and Kelwa Beach.
Thane has become a prized place and target market for many renowned real estate developers Lodha Amara, Mahavir Anmol, Lodha Upper Thane are some of the most popular projects here.
Most of these projects offer quality accommodation in both affordable as well as luxury segments that meet the right requirement and matches the needs of the modern homebuyer.


The 31st annual Peony Festival opened in Luoyang on April 1st 2013. This ancient city, located in the center of Henan province, about 500 miles southwest of Beijing, served as the capital of China during many dynasties. At Cricket Hill Garden, we have imported some of our tree peony stock from Luoyang since the late 1980s, and have benefited enormously from the willingness of growers there to share their expertise in the cultivation of these spectacular plants. We hear from our friends there that the weather has cooperated this year and that the natural bloom of peonies in the field will be from April 10th to 25th. In 1999, 2000, 2005 and 2008 we were extremely fortunate to be able to see the tree peonies in full bloom in Luoyang. We hope that you will enjoy the pictures of our trips there and that it serves as a tantalizing preview of the peony bloom to come closer to home.
There are several public tree peony garden in Luoyang. Perhaps the most famous is the Wangcheng Park. This formerly private garden is said to be built on the site of a prince’s ancient palace.
Over the last decade many new peony gardens have been constructed in Luoyang.
The spectacular Longmen caves outside of Luoyang were carved by Buddhist monks beginning in the 5th century CE. A visit to Luoyang must include some time at this awe-inspiring site.
Though this year only marks the 31st anniversary of the modern Peony Festival in Luoyang, tree peonies have been grown there for over 1400 years. Tradition tells us that peonies first arrived in Luoyang in the Tang Dynasty during the reign of Empress Wu (690-705 CE). Remembered even today as a mercurial ruler, she is said to have ordered all of the flowers to bloom for her birthday. The tree peonies alone disobeyed her edict, and for that offense were banished from the splendors of the Imperial Gardens in capital Chang’an (modern Xian). As punishment, the tree peonies were exiled to Luoyang. There, in continued defiance of the imperial will, they flourished. Improved breeding and cultivation techniques over hundreds of years led to the development of hybrids in the multitude of colors and shapes that are still grown today.
When we fist visited Luoyang, we were very surprised to see how little organic matter there is in the soil. In fact, peonies thrive in this highly mineral loess soil, composed of silt deposited from flooding of the Yellow River. The samples we took from peony growing fields had a pH of 7.2 and were very high in calcium as well as other minerals.
When we first visited Luoyang, the color and size of flowers astonished us. We still strive to match such bountiful blooms in our own garden.
In the Song Dynasty, about a hundred and fifty years after Empress Wu banished the tree peonies to Luoyang, the scholar and official Ouyang Xiu wrote a treatise on the unsurpassed beauty of the peonies there. His Tree Peonies of Luoyang deals extensively with the methods of cultivation of the merits of named cultivars grown there.
Using technology not much changed since the time of Ouyang Xiu, a worker uses a cultivating tool constructed out of an old bicycle to cut up small weeds in a nursery bed.
Luoyang continues to be an important center for tree peony research and breeding. Shown here is the ‘gene bank’ of the wild species Peonia ostii.
In China, peonies are often planted in blocks by cultivar. This produces a striking visual effect.
Ouyang writes that “in the spring all the residents of [Luoyang], whether high-ranking or lowly, wear them in their hair. Even laborers carrying things through the street on poles do this. When the flowers first blossom, gentlemen and commoners alike rush to go view them.” We easily recognize this infatuation with the flowers. Each spring, the peonies cast this irresistible allure on all who behold them.
Peony princess of Luoyang.
The Peony Festival is a very festive time with young and old all reveling in the beauty of the flowers.
Trying to capture the essence of an ephemeral flower, while also avoiding the hot spring sun of north China.
The flowers are also shaded from the strong spring sun to prolong the bloom.
Ouyang Xiu describes in his treatise Luoyang as a city in the grips of peony mania, where intoxicated residents were willing to pay exorbitant prices for highly prized cultivars. Today tree peonies are still known in Luoyang as ‘bai liang jin’ or ‘one hundred ounces of gold,’ the price for the most sought after varieties during the height of the peony mania of the Tang dynasty. Unwitting out-of-towners, unfamiliar with peony growing, but also under their spell of their blossoms, paid enormous sums of money for dead plants which had their roots boiled. This was done to ensure that Luoyang would continue to have a monopoly on the beauty of these flowers.
Cricket Hill Garden’s David Furman with Luoyang peony grower Wu Jingxu in his growing fields.
The people of Luoyang no longer so jealously guard their peonies, which are rightly, still held in such high regard. Many of the classic varieties of Chinese tree peonies originate from Luoyang. Perhaps most famous is ‘Luoyang Red’, one of our all time favorite varieties. Today, the main boulevard of downtown Luoyang is planted with spectacular specimens of ‘Luoyang Red’. We take great pride in the fact it also flourishes in our garden as well as in those of hundreds of our customers in America.
‘Luoyang Red’ blooming in our Peony Heaven at Cricket Hill Garden.
Over the next few weeks as the tree peony bloom begins in China, we will be posting new pictures of various gardens and sites of peony cultivation there, so be sure to check back soon.


Another Announcement // Pacific Northwest Lifestyle Photographer
So I have some unexpected news to share today...
We're moving. Again! (For those of you who might be counting... this will be our fourth move since I started my business six years ago!) This coming January my family will be relocating to Anchorage, Alaska due to Avram's job. Surprise, right?! It was a bit of surprise for us as well. :) We just moved to Washington last summer and we really love it here, but we're trying to make the best of everything. We hope to move back in the next year or two, so I wanted to let everyone know that for the next couple of years I will be booking sessions and weddings in both Alaska and Washington!
Right now I'm planning on coming back down to Washington at least twice a year and will be booking sessions during those visits (probably once in the spring/summer and once in the fall). Of course, I will always offer sessions if I'm coming back for a wedding or if there's enough interest for a particular time frame! Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date on travel announcements. I'm also going to be sending out occasional email newsletters to announce travel plans and information, so if you'd like to subscribe to that list, click here.
I will continue to book sessions and weddings here in Washington and Oregon until December 2017. My calendar is currently open for fall family sessions and I will be scheduling those on weekends from September to December. If you're interested in booking your fall family pictures with me this year before I move, please let me know as soon as possible! I anticipate that these prime dates will book quickly and I would really hate to not be able to fit someone in. I'm also currently booking sessions in Alaska for January 2018 and into the spring.
I'm going to work super hard to accommodate both my Alaska and Washington clients during the next couple of years, so please don't hesitate to contact me to book a session even after I move. I will be traveling back and forth often and would be so excited to arrange a special trip for any of my amazing clients. :)
Anyways! I'm so thankful that I was able to capture your memories this year, and I hope to have the privilege of photographing your families again this fall or next year. Thank you so much for making this short year in Washington truly amazing, and please don't hesitate to contact me for anything at all!
Also... if you know anyone in Alaska, please please share my information with friends and family so I can make this transition as smooth as possible! I look forward to meeting new friends up in Alaska and I can't wait to make beautiful pictures there. :)


Exploring The Solar System: Fascinating Facts About Each Planet
The solar system is a vast and intriguing expanse of space, home to a diverse array of celestial bodies. Among the most captivating of these are the planets that orbit the sun. From the scorching inferno of Mercury to the icy desolation of Neptune, each planet possesses its own unique characteristics and secrets waiting to be uncovered. In this article, we embark on a journey through our solar system to discover 5 facts about each planet.
Mercury: The Sweltering Furnace
Our journey begins with the closest planet to the sun, Mercury. This rocky world is a scorching furnace during the day, with surface temperatures that can soar above 800 degrees Fahrenheit (430 degrees Celsius). However, Mercury also has a stark contrast in temperature, as its nights can plunge to a bone-chilling -290 degrees Fahrenheit (-180 degrees Celsius) due to its lack of a significant atmosphere to trap heat. Interestingly, Mercury has a surface scarred by countless impact craters, a testament to its tumultuous past.
Venus: Earth’s Evil Twin
Venus, often referred to as Earth’s “evil twin,” is our next destination. This planet is home to a runaway greenhouse effect that has caused its surface temperatures to rise to a blistering 900 degrees Fahrenheit (475 degrees Celsius). Remarkably, Venus has a thick, toxic atmosphere composed mainly of carbon dioxide, which traps heat and contributes to its extreme temperatures. Its surface is adorned with volcanoes, and its crushing atmospheric pressure is more than 90 times that of Earth.
Earth: Our Blue Marble
Earth, the only planet known to support life, is our cherished home. It’s remarkable for its diverse ecosystems, life forms, and moderate climate. Earth is the only planet in the solar system with liquid water on its surface, thanks to its ideal distance from the sun. The presence of a protective atmosphere and a magnetic field shields our planet from harmful solar radiation, allowing life to thrive. Earth’s vast oceans, towering mountains, and lush forests make it a true gem in the solar system.
Mars: The Red Planet
Mars, often called the “Red Planet,” has long fascinated astronomers with the possibility of past or present life. One of its most striking features is the largest volcano in the solar system, Olympus Mons, which stands nearly three times taller than Mount Everest. Mars also boasts a massive canyon known as Valles Marineris, which dwarfs the Grand Canyon on Earth. In recent years, robotic missions to Mars have uncovered evidence of water beneath its surface and the potential for microbial life.
Jupiter: The Giant Of The Solar System
Jupiter, the largest planet in the solar system, is a true giant. Its mass is more than twice that of all the other planets in the solar system combined. One of Jupiter’s most captivating features is its intricate system of colourful cloud bands and swirling storms. The most famous of these is the Great Red Spot, a colossal storm that has raged for centuries. Jupiter is also home to a diverse family of moons, including the fascinating Io, which is the most volcanically active body in the solar system.
Saturn: The Lord Of The Rings
Saturn, often referred to as the “Lord of the Rings,” is known for its stunning system of rings. These rings are composed of countless particles of ice and rock, ranging in size from tiny grains to several meters across. Saturn’s rings are not solid but rather a collection of orbiting particles that create a mesmerizing spectacle when viewed from space. The planet itself is a gas giant, primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, and it boasts a complex and beautiful system of cloud bands.
Uranus: The Tilted Ice Giant
Uranus stands out among the planets for its dramatic tilt. While most planets in the solar system have relatively mild axial tilts, Uranus is practically lying on its side. This unusual orientation results in extreme seasonal variations, with each pole experiencing prolonged periods of darkness and daylight. Uranus is an ice giant with a predominantly hydrogen and helium atmosphere, but its striking blue-green colour comes from traces of methane in its upper atmosphere. It’s also the only planet in the solar system that rotates in a retrograde direction, opposite to most other planets.
Neptune: The Windy World
Our journey through the solar system concludes with Neptune, the eighth and farthest planet from the sun. Neptune is known for its fierce winds, with some gusts reaching speeds of over 1,500 miles per hour (2,400 kilometres per hour). These powerful winds create dark storm systems, including the famous Great Dark Spot. Beneath its thick atmosphere of hydrogen, helium, and traces of methane, Neptune likely has a hot, rocky core. This distant planet is still a subject of ongoing study, with much left to discover about its mysteries.


The National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, the largest science research centre in Greece, Koinos Topos Institute, and DISSCO l Dissemination Science Communication, an organisation specialising in science communication and creative citizen-led projects, launched an exciting new partnership in Kalavryta, in October, 2020. “H2C2, Hike to Hack Climate Change” will use NCSR Demokritos’ research station at the top of Helmos Mountain (2314m) as a focal point in order to create new educational activities that will give local citizens and visitors alike the opportunity to learn more about cutting-edge climate change research and how it may impact citizens’ “lives”.
The project will include two key activities:
- A walking tour: the partnership is working with local organisations to develop and test a route for a new educational mountain tour. It will take visitors on a complete journey of the mountain: they will learn how local stories and past mythologies can help us understand our relationship with the environment, and how research leads to a better understanding of the mountain and how the mountain, and our wider world is changing. In order to bring these stories to life, the tour will also include information on the mountain flora and fauna.
- Citizen-Scientists: the partnership will create a local group of citizen-scientists who will participate in a project of measuring local air quality. With adequate support by scientists, along with the necessary scientific instrumentation, participants will learn how to plan a science experiment, collect data and present results back to the community and relevant science networks.
This project is funded by the Green Fund and will run from 14th September 2020 until 12th March 2022.
Project Coordinator / Contact person: DISSCO – Evgenia Tsianou, firstname.lastname@example.org www.helmos.cc


Minutes to Riverbend! – ** SEE RATES & MAKE RESERVATIONS HERE **
4004 Williams Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45255
Toll Free Central Reservations (US & Canada Only) 1(800) 780-7234
Hotel Direct Number +1 513-528-7702
The Best Western Clermont is located just minutes from downtown Cincinnati and offers unbeatable value and premium accommodations near the River bend Music Center and Coney Island Amusement Park.


Breaking News from CNN|
Reported at 5:38 PM CDT: At least three tornadoes touched down in two states on Sunday afternoon as severe weather swept the region. [ See More ]
The twisters are part of a severe weather outbreak that is sweeping through parts of Kansas, Oklahoma, and possibly Iowa and Missouri.
A large "violent and extremely dangerous" tornado was spotted on the southwest side of Wichita, Kansas, the National Weather Service said.
A second confirmed tornado was seen near Edmond, Oklahoma, said the weather service.
A third tornado touched down near Wellston, Oklahoma, taking out power lines and damaging several homes, according to video from CNN affiliate KFOR. [ Hide ]


Getting married on safari is wonderful, but an extended stay for your honeymoon is unbeatable. Flying out to the peace and harmony of the Bush is the perfect counterpoint to the whirl of activity that accompanies a wedding.
Here at Serengeti Bushtops you will find the ideal oasis of calm in which to breathe deep, relax and ease into married life.
Our safari honeymoon experts would be thrilled to compile a bespoke itinerary for you, perhaps including a trip to Roving Bushtops, our sister camp in the Serengeti, or a split stay in Mara Bushtops, where the added delights of our award-winning spa can be added to excursions into our own Conservancy and the magnificent Masai Mara.
Alternatively, we can arrange for you to visit one or more of the sun-drenched resorts along the coast, or hop over the ocean to exotic Zanzibar.
Whatever your preferences, we are here to make dreams come true, introducing you to our unique brand of Wild Luxury.
Serengeti Bushtops is the ideal place from which to start the biggest adventure of all: married life!
As newlyweds, we make sure you experience ‘red carpet’ care and attention, including butler service, in your specially-appointed honeymoon tent. A bottle of bubbly awaits you on arrival, easing you into a slow but spectacular way of life.
The longer you stay, the more you will see, enjoying a private Bush breakfast and the endless array of wildlife that surrounds our camp. And by the time it is time to say goodbye, your hearts, minds and cameras will be filled with unforgettable memories.
So whether you choose to come as a couple, or bring along your family, the vast expanses of the Serengeti await you, easing you gracefully into married life. Bliss!


Loft apartment in the center of Vitoria. Accommodation in apartment of 45 square metres located in the centre of Vitoria (Rioja street).
Fully furnished and suitable for two people. Located in the main area for tapas, bars and restaurants in the city. Within 5 minutes walking distance from the Virgen Blanca square, the medieval town, La Florida Park and the Artium museum. 10 minutes walking distance from the historic cathedral of Santa María.
Perfect as a base for getting to know both the city and the Basque Country. 40 kilometres from the Rioja Alavesa (winne museums, visits to wine cellars and the Hotel-cellar Marqués del Riscal designed by the architect, Frank Gehry), 60 kilometres from the Guggenheim Museum of Bilbao, 110 km. from San Sebastian and 92 kilometres from Pamplona, city that hosts the famous San Fermin festival in July


Minnitte's Kennel is owned by Ralph and Barrie Minnitte. Gerlach is located 100 miles north of Reno, Nevada on Hwy 447.Our home is right on the edge of the Black Rock Desert. The Black Rock Desert is a vast alkali salt flat once part of the ancient Lake Lahonton. The desert is famous for the Lassen-Applegate immigrant trail and for being where the world’s land speed record was set. More recently, the Black Rock Desert has been in the news for the site of the annual “Burning Man Festival".
The surrounding area is high desert terrain with sage and rabbit brush. A few juniper trees grow on some of the mountains. Granite mountain rises 10,000 feet behind Gerlach. Big game hunters find bighorn sheep, antelope, mule deer, and mountain lion while bird hunters chase chukar, sage hen, geese, ducks, quail, and doves.


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REFERENCE BOOKS & SITES
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ONTARIO DECOYS III
This website, by Ernie Gates, has an extensive photographic archive of Ontario decoys and their carvers. It is an excellent online resource tool.
Ontario Decoys Some Carvers and Regional Styles by Bernie Gates, published 1982. Highlights a few of Ontario's select decoy carvers. Out of print and a collector's item.
ONTARIO DECOYS II
Ontario Decoys II Some Carvers and Regional Styles by Bernie Gates, published 1986. Black and white photographic illustrations of Ontario decoys.
Waterfowl Decoys of Southwestern Ontario and the Men Who Made Them by R. Paul Brisco, published 1986. A comprehensive reference book that focuses on Ontario counties of Wentworth and Kent, with research based on interviews. Over 60 carvers are profiled. This book is hard to find, and a collector's item.
DECOYING ST. CLAIR TO ST. LAWRENCE
Decoying St. Clair to the St. Lawrence, by Bernard W. Crandell, published 1988. This book covers identification of antique decoys of Michigan, U.S.A., and Ontario, Canada. Most of the photographs show the straight side view of the decoys.
DECOYS OF MARITIME CANADA
Decoys of Maritime Canada by Dale and Gary Guyette, published 1997. The Guyette name has been associated with decoy knowledge for a long time. The book covers the decoys of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and the Atlantic Flyway.
PETER M. PRINGLE MASTER DECOY MAKER
Peter M. Pringle Master Decoy Maker by William C. Reeve, published 2002. Pringle began carving decoys in 1898 and set himself the goal of producing the best decoys in the world. Using skill and accuracy, his decoys are considered to be among the finest. He carved about 120 decoys exclusively for his own use and made only a few for close friends.
THE COUNTY DECOYS
The County Decoys The Fine Old Decoys of Prince Edward County, Ontario by Jim Stewart, published 2004. The decoys of Prince Edward County, located along the north shore of Lake Ontario, are among the oldest, most unusual and finest carved decoys in North America. Many date back to the nineteenth century. They are prized for their splendid folk-art qualities, often selling for thousands of dollars. Ten years of detective like research by Stewart has set a new standard for decoy books.
DECOYS OF THE THOUSAND ISLANDS
Decoys of the Thousand Islands by Jim Stewart and Larry Lunman, published 1992. Through colourful carver profiles and detailed examinations of important birds, the authors, avid hunters and collectors Jim Stewart and Larry Lunman (himself a carver), bring to life a century of Thousand Islands decoy carving. The Thousand Islands region possesses a rich and unique heritage of decoy carving, yet more than half of the carvers featured in this book have not been previously documented.
DAVID W. NICHOL & DECOYS OF RIDEAU..
David W. Nichol and the Decoys of the Rideau Canal Waterway by Larry Lunman, published 2009. Lunman’s goal was to create a pictorial record of the exceptional decoys that have been made along Ontario’s historic Rideau Canal waterway, and he has truly succeeded. The book is filled with history and great pictures. It is a good reference book for any collector of Canadian decoys.
NICHOL DECOYS THE SMITH FALLS SCHOOL
Nichol Decoys The Smith Falls School of Carving by Bernie Gates, Jeff Mewburn and William C. Reeve, published 2009. A history of the Nichol family of decoy carvers and the Smiths Falls school they inspired. Based on the colourful autobiography of D.W. Nichol, this book presents the life, times, and achievements of one of the most accomplished and influential families in the annals of North American decoy carving in the 20th century.
The Rivermen Echoes of Lake St. Francis, by Roy Lefebvre and Norman Seymour, published 2007. Written for the Cornwall Historical Society, this book celebrates the history and folklore of people living along the widened stretch of the St. Lawrence River known as Lake St. Francis. One comprehensive chapter is dedicated to the decoy carvers of this area.
SCULPTEURS D'APPELANTS DU QUEBEC
Sculpteurs d'Appelants du Quebec by François St-Onge, published 2008. The author is the curator of the decoy collection exhibited at the Vaudreuil-Soulanges Museum. The book brings together 135 carvers from Quebec, with 400 photographs. Text is written in French.
GREAT LAKES DECOY INTERPRETATIONS
Great Lakes Decoy Interpretations by Gene & Linda Kangas, published 2012. A large full color book depicting the many decoys of the Great Lakes region. From their history to how they were carved, with additional chapters on fish decoys and folk art. This book has five different cover designs.
HUNTING & FISHING MAGAZINE
Hunting & Fishing Collectibles Magazine, is a subscription based bi-monthly publication for collectors of antiques from North America's hunting and fishing tradition. The magazine focuses on artifacts such as old wooden duck decoys, ice fishing decoys, fishing tackle, hunting, and sporting equipment.
Decoy Magazine is a subscription based bi-monthly publication that serves the interests of decoy collectors world wide. Information is provided on decoy makers, auctions, shows and events.


How about a journey on the UK's longest heritage railway? All ages will enjoy the trip through the beautiful countryside of the Snowdonia National Park.
St Helen\'s Road, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL55 2YD
Tel: 01766 516000
Gardens and Open Spaces, Historical Sites, Indoor Activities, Trips and Transport
Ages 5 - 12, All ages, Schools and Groups, Teenagers, Under 5s
(based on family of 4; fares vary)
Planning kids days out in Gwynedd? Include a ride on the UK’s longest heritage railway. The Welsh Highland Railway runs from Caernarfon to Porthmadog through the stunning scenery of Snowdonia. There are several stops enabling visitors to break their journey and enjoy the Snowdonia National Park.
Stay safe. Coronavirus advice is being updated daily and most attractions are closed. Feel free to browse for future trips. Let’s Go with the Children is still open and are here to help and support families with ideas and information to keep you safe and your kids entertained at home.


Harlingen lost and found pets
Harlingen, Texas, is a city where history and modernity blend seamlessly, creating a unique environment for its residents and their dogs. As a hub of culture and commerce in Cameron County, Harlingen is home to a vibrant community that deeply values the well-being of its four-legged companions. From the sun-kissed streets of its historic downtown to the lush green spaces of Victor Park, Harlingen offers diverse experiences for pets and their owners.
Peeva's Mission in Harlingen
In Harlingen, where the community spirit is as warm as its subtropical climate, Peeva’s Lost Pets Database brings a tech-savvy approach to pet safety. Our system is specifically tailored to cater to the needs of Harlingen’s pets and their owners. Whether your furry friend has taken an unscheduled stroll around the Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum or decided to explore the vast agricultural fields that dot the city’s landscape, Peeva’s database is your first stop for reuniting with your beloved pet.
Post a Lost or Found Pet
Submit your post for approval and we will publish it on our website. In the post title field, specify if the pet is lost or found. In the post content field, include:
- Pet name
- Location last seen (e.g. Buffalo, New York 14202)
- Date last seen (MM/DD/YYYY)
- Type of pet (dog, cat)
- Are they microchipped?
Microchipping: A Must in Harlingen's Climate
The humid subtropical climate of Harlingen makes microchipping an essential aspect of pet care. Here’s why: Weather-Proof Identification: Harlingen’s climate can lead to unpredictable weather patterns. A microchip ensures that your pet can be identified and returned to you, regardless of the weather conditions. Vital for a Transient Population: With a significant number of “Winter Texans” and a dynamic population, keeping your pet’s microchip information updated is crucial in a city like Harlingen. Whether you’re a long-term resident or a seasonal visitor, updated microchip details ensure that your pet can be safely returned to you. Community Cooperation: Harlingen is known for its community-driven initiatives. A microchipped pet means that anyone in the city – from a neighbor to a local vet – can quickly become a part of your pet’s safe return journey.
Peeva in Harlingen: More Than Just a Database
Peeva’s presence in Harlingen goes beyond a mere database; it’s a community resource reflecting the city’s commitment to its pets. Our services, including the $5/month pet protection plan, offer peace of mind and a comprehensive approach to pet safety. With Peeva, lost pet alerts, universal microchipping, and an efficient pet recovery system are all at your fingertips, ensuring that the pets of Harlingen can safely enjoy the city’s rich cultural and natural offerings.
A Call to Action for Lost Pets in Harlingen
If your pet goes missing in Harlingen, taking immediate action is key. Start by submitting a listing to Peeva’s Lost Pets Database. This platform swiftly circulates your pet’s information within the Harlingen community, increasing the chances of a quick reunion. Additionally, reach out to local animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and pet-related community groups. Given Harlingen’s diverse landscape, from residential areas to agricultural fields, spreading the word across a wide range is crucial. Remember, in a city as dynamic and culturally rich as Harlingen, a combined effort from the community and technology like Peeva’s can make all the difference in finding your lost pet.
Conclusion: Harlingen's Commitment to Pet Safety
If you’ve lost your pet in Harlingen, it’s important to take immediate and proactive steps. Start by searching your immediate area and places your pet frequents. Notify your neighbors and local community groups, as they can be crucial in spotting your lost pet. Posting flyers in key areas around the city, such as parks, community centers, and local businesses, can also help. Additionally, check with Harlingen’s animal shelters and veterinary clinics, as lost pets are often brought to these locations. Using social media platforms to spread the word can also be an effective way to reach a larger audience in Harlingen. In Harlingen, where the past and present converge to create a uniquely vibrant community, ensuring the safety of our pets is a shared responsibility. With Peeva’s Lost Pets Database, we embrace this responsibility, offering advanced technology and community support to keep our pets safe. Let’s work together to make Harlingen not just a great place for people, but a safe haven for every pet that calls this city home.


Joan and Monty: Sharing Their Quest for Knowledge and Understanding
For Joan and Monty, travel has always been a big part of their lives together. In fact, they had to travel just to meet one another. Joan grew up in Massachusetts (in a household that watched and supported public television) and enjoyed touring New England and Canada with her family. Monty hails from Connecticut and spent summers camping and enjoying the beaches of the northern Atlantic. They met in Rhode Island, after which Monty's career with the Department of Veterans Affairs brought them to North Carolina. They have called North Carolina home for more than eighteen years.
Both retired now, Joan and Monty decided to spend some time exploring new destinations and experiencing different cultures. Their first trip abroad took them to England, followed by excursions to places like Switzerland, Italy, Tanzania, and the Galapagos Islands.
When Joan and Monty travel, they do so with the intention of learning as much as possible about the history, people, and cultural nuances of the many and varied places that make up our world—and PBS NC has served as a reliable and ready resource for just that. Joan and Monty are avid viewers of PBS NC's many history, travel, and lifestyle programs (and particular fans of UNC-EX) as well as PBS NewsHour and the BBC News, gleaning guidance and insight into the locations they visit and the complex interrelationships of the global community.
Joan and Monty support PBS NC as members of the Producers Circle and the Legacy Society. While they continue their ongoing and generous annual support, they have also made provisions for PBS NC's future by including a gift to PBS NC in their will. "PBS NC is a wonderful source for information and ideas. We have learned so much from watching it, and we want to do what we can to make sure it is available for a long, long time," Monty explains. "As a teacher, I appreciate and value public television's advocacy of knowledge," Joan adds. "PBS NC programming is a treasure, and it should not be missed by future generations."


Asirgarh Fort is located 20 kms from Burhanpur of Madhya Pradesh. It is situated on Satpra range. The beauty of the location is further intensified by the accompanied Narmada and Tapti river valley. The fort is located at a very strategic location between North India and south India, and hence it is also called as "Door to South India" or "key to the Deccan". In Mughal era it was believed that Deccan starts from here and the kingdom from Asirgarh to Delhi was called Hindustan. The fort was built by Ahir dynasty king Asa Ahir.
Origin of the name
The fort was built by Ahir dynasty king Asa Ahir. It was previously known as Asa Ahir Garh, later on the name was changed to Asirgarh Fort.
Historical Accounts of Asirgarh Fort
The fort was built by Ahir dynasty king Asa Ahir. The Mughal emperor in 1536 after the conquest of Gujrat visited Asirgarh. It is believed during medieval period Asirgarh has been conquered by many kings. Akbar has asked Raja Ali Khan to submit himself, the later dropped his royal title of "Shah" and pledged suzerainty to Akbar. Raja Ali khan has also built many buildings like Jama Masjid in the upper portion of the fort of Asir in 1588, Idgah at Asir. Bahadur Khan (1596–1600) who was a successor of Raja Ali Khan denied to pay homage to Akbar, which enraged Akbar. He conquered Burhanpur without opposition and stayed there for four days. Mumtaj Mahal, wife of Khurram later crowned as Shahjahan died here while delivering her 14th issue.
Architecteure of Asirgarh Fort
The fort is made up of Stone, lead and limestone. The architecture resembles Mughal architecture which is a mix of Islamic, Persian, Turkish and Indian architecture. There are also tombs, balcony’s, tombs showcasing royal medieval Indian architecture.
Places of Interest in Asirgarh Fort
There is a Temple, a Masjid and a Gurudwara (Sikhs worshipping place) inside the Fort which are largely used for religious purposes. There is also a place inside this Fort. Opposite to Shiva temple is a place where criminals were hung and later on were thrown over the cliff. The Shiva temple is believed to be very old. It is believed that Ashwathama (character from Mahabharat) used to come to pray to Lord Shiva daily. Inside the fort are also graveyards of many Britishers with some intact tombstones. There is a huge natural water tank inside the Fort, which is believed to be the source of water for the residents of the Fort.


Flagler Beach, FL (August 30, 2022) – Former Fitness One Gym across the street from Old Kings Elementary School is transitioning to AQUAfin Swim School, North Florida’s premiere swim school led by two-time Olympian Nimrod Shapira. The facility at 250 Old Kings Road South, Flagler Beach, FL 32136 is anticipated to open October, 2022. This will be the swim school’s fourth location in Northeast Florida.
With a minimum of 10 drownings in the U.S. each day, this facility will not only bring more than 30 jobs to the community, it will provide a family-friendly environment to teach countless children to be safer around the water. “When I was seven years old, my uncle saved me from drowning,” said Founder Nimrod Shapira. “The statistics for drowning in the U.S. are overwhelmingly high, especially here in our sunshine state where we are surrounded by water. I want to play an active part in lowering these statistics and make Florida’s communities safer to live in.”
The state-of-the-art facility will have a heated indoor pool and high-quality purification system to provide year-round lessons, seven days a week, rain or shine. Lessons are progress-based starting with a 1-instructor-to-4-student ratio as young as two months old, with parent and tot classes (1:8), and go up to adult.
Now through the end of September, AQUAfin is offering a Pre-Opening AQUAfin Founders Special for the first 50 registrants who purchase a 3, 6, or 12 month package. The annual registration fee ($35) for the first year will be waived and registrants will receive a free swimming cap and pair of goggles. More information can be found at aquafinswimschool.com/flagler or by calling (904) 775-9400.


South East England
The below events are occurring in South East England:-
- Sleepover at Perivale Wood
30 May 2015 - 31 May 2015
Perivale Wood Local Nature Reserve, Perivale, UB6 7PE, UK.
- Wild About Mid Sussex 2015
06 June 2015
St John's Park, Park Road, Burgess Hill, RH15 8HG, UK.
- Bug Club Day at Dinton Pastures 2015
27 June 2015
Dinton Pastures Country Park, Davis Street, Hurst, Berkshire, RG10 0TH, UK.
- Gatton Country Fair 2015
05 July 2015
Gatton Park, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 0TW UK.
10 July 2015
Imperial College, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, UK.
- AES Annual Exhibition and Trade Fair 2015
03 October 2015
Kempton Park Racecourse, Sunbury-on-Thames, TW16 5AQ, UK.
These events are also available as a regional iCal feed allowing you to import them directly into your own personal calendar.
You can also search the events listings.


A significant erosion zone observed along the downstream side of the toe berm of the embankment at a hydroelectric dam raised concerns regarding the potential infiltration of erosion through the embankment dam from the upstream side.
The dam structure comprises a 4,500-foot-long rock embankment complemented by a concrete gravity dam section. The water depth along the embankment section is measured at -110 feet. Glenn Industrial Group (GLENN) was assigned the responsibility of conducting an inspection utilizing leak detection equipment to ascertain the origin, if any, of the erosion downstream.
Given the substantial water depth and expansive surface area inherent in the embankment section, a departure from conventional diving methods is imperative. GLENN has deployed its remotely operated vehicle (ROV) equipped with dye release and positioning systems to meticulously inspect 100% of the submerged areas of the east embankment, totaling 22,000 square feet. Notably, GLENN’s dye release system is capable of dispensing dye under pressure, with a capacity of up to 68,000 gallons per mixture before requiring replenishing.
The inspection outcomes conclusively established the absence of any discernible leakage through the dam. A subsequent in-depth analysis identified the erosion as a consequence of an extraordinary volume of rainfall and substantial runoff. Upon reflection, the owner recognized the instrumental role played by GLENN’s ROV leak detection system in facilitating a thorough analysis of the event, leading to substantial cost savings for the project—an impressive amount exceeding $300,000


After getting settled in Siem Reap our first night, we were ready the next morning to hit the ground running and see the magnificent temples of Angkor Archeological Park. It is helpful to have a good map of the main temples when reviewing the post below and preparing for a visit. I thought the map referenced here was excellent. Listed below are the sights we visited on the first day:
The Royal City of Angkor Thom (Big Angkor).
Angkor Thom covers a large area (3 km2) and contains many interesting structures and is second only to Angkor Wat in terms of priority to visit. It is just north of Angkor Wat and as I suggest below, bypass Angkor Wat (for now) and head directly to Angkor Thom. Angkor Thom was a walled and moated royal city, the last capital of the Angkor Empire. Most of the buildings date from the late 12th century to the early 13th century. You can spend much of the day just exploring the structures here:
Bayon. One of the most famous temples in Angkor Thom. Its configuration represents a stone mountain and it served as the state temple of King Jayavarman VII.
A view of Bayon Temple.
One of my favorite views of the towers at Bayon temple.
A passageway at Bayon.
There are 37 existing towers (out of 49 originally), most of which are carved with 4 faces, or in some cases 2 or 3 faces.
A closeup of the faces at Bayon.
It underwent several renovations under later kings.
Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King. The Elephant Terrace is 300 meters long and dates from the 12th century. It derives its name from the carved elephants on part of the walls. It fronts the Baphoun Temple and provides the backdrop for an impressive Royal City thoroughfare.
The Terrace of the Elephants.
The elephants from which the terrace derives its name.
The Terrace of the Leper King is just north of the Terrace of the Elephants and contains intricate carvings, many found on a hidden double wall that was just excavated in the late 1990’s.
A close-up of the double wall at the Terrace of the Leper King.
Close up of a carving at the Terrace of the Leper King.
Just east of these terraces are other small towers lined up in a row whose purpose is not clear. To the west of these terraces are the following temples:
Baphuon. Another state temple, and an earlier (mid 11th century) construction than Bayon. This pyramid temple underwent major restoration and rebuilding over almost a 40 year period.
A view of Baphuon and the causeway leading up to the temple.
The restoration was interrupted during the Khmer Rouge dictatorship years in the 1970’s, and records regarding the restoration were unfortunately lost, leaving a huge pile of blocks!
A view from the top of Baphuon.
Phimeanakas. Close to Baphuon, this pyramid temple dates to the mid 10th century, and sits on the site of the Royal Palace, which no longer stands. However, there are enough remnants including walls, gates and pools to give an idea of the grandeur of the palace grounds.
A view of a gate, wall and pool on the Royal Palace grounds near Phimeanakas.
Outside of Angkor Thom.
Just to the east of Angkor Thom are two small but well restored temples, both similar in style to Angkor Wat. Both temples have Hindu and Buddhist themes in their carvings. They also look very similar to each other, but were actually built in different periods. The best news is that they don’t receive a lot of visitors, so they make a peaceful and pleasant stop and a good place to get photos without crowds.
Thommanom. This is the older temple of the two. Built in the 11th century.
Chau Say Thevoda (or Chao Say Tevoda). Directly opposite of Thommanom on the south side of the road leading out of Angkor Thom. From the 12th century.
Chau Say Thevoda Temple.
Ta Keo. Ta Keo is just a bit further east of the two temples above, and different in style from the examples above. Ta Keo was constructed out of sandstone and very plain, without much decoration. It is an older temple, originating in the late 10th century.
Ta Keo Temple–the red sandstone is apparent.
Ta Prohm. Perhaps the most romantic and mysterious temple in the Angkor area, and definitely one of the most famous, having been a filming location for the movie Tomb Raider starring Angelina Jolie.
Entrance to Ta Prohm.
The famous “Tomb Raider” door.
A panorama of the interior courtyard of Ta Prohm.
This temple has purposely been left more or less in its natural ruined state to show what the temples looked like during their rediscovery in the 19th century.
Another personal favorite view of Ta Prohm.
One more view of Ta Prohm. Almost every inch of this temple is a postcard image.
Ta Prohm was built between the mid 12th century and early 13th century. It was a Buddhist monastery, and a very wealthy one at that – controlling 3000 villages and known for its stores of jewelry and gold. Definitely a must-do on any itinerary. Hint: Ta Som, a temple we visited on our 2nd day (my next post), was almost as stunning and far less busy.
Angkor Wat. The granddaddy of them all and the world’s largest religious monument. We saved a visit to this temple until the afternoon and we were glad we did for two reasons: a) Fewer tourists. Since this is the first temple one comes to after the ticket entrance, most tours stop here first. We came back in the afternoon, and while there were still some tourists, there were no where near the crowds we saw in the morning. b) The view. The typical morning haze and clouds in this region dissipate by the afternoon, and we were left with a glorious temple bathed in perfectly positioned afternoon sunshine.
A perfectly blue sky in the afternoon at Angkor Wat.
A panorama of Angkor Wat.
Angkor Wat was a temple-mountain dedicated to the Hindu god, Vishnu. It dates from about mid 12th century. The towers are 65 meters high and it has an unusual western orientation (rather than eastern, as most other temples in Angkor).
One of the courtyard and towers of Angkor Wat.
A worship service at Angkor Wat.
Its large moat, enclosures and towers represent the Hindu universe. One could spend days exploring all the carvings and symbolism of this magnificent temple.
A view from the southeast corner of the Angkor Wat temple – almost no one goes out here.
Phnom Bakheng. The last temple we visited on our first day is pretty close to Angkor Wat, and required a 20 minute hike up the hill on which it is located. The temple itself is difficult to get a picture of, due to its orientation on the hill–it’s hard to step back and get a good view, and we found it a bit less impressive than the others.
Phnom Bakheng temple.
A view of Angkor Wat from the Phnom Bakheng temple.
The main reason for climbing the hill (and then climbing up the temple) is for the views overlooking the whole Angkor area and especially Angkor Wat. Many people (like us) make the hike up in the afternoon or right before sunset for the views. This temple is the oldest at Angkor, dating from the late 9th century and was the first state temple as Angkor became the capital city of the Khmer Empire. This temple is also undergoing restoration work.
More to come in my next post!


The Tyne Rivers Trust has added an important new Patron to its list of supporters in the form of the City of Newcastle. The Lord Mayor, Councillor Diane Packham, made the announcement that the City would lend its support to the Trust at the World Environment Day exhibition in Newcastle.
“We are very pleased that the City of Newcastle has chosen to support the Tyne Rivers Trust to demonstrate its commitment to World Environment Day”, says Trust Chairman Andrew Davison. “It is a validation that our approach to working for continuing improvement of the Tyne and safeguarding its health for future generations is gaining support by more and more interested parties.”
The City of Newcastle now joins Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council as a Patron of the Trust, bridging both sides of the Tyne as it makes its way through the urban part of the region. Other Patrons include fishing and canoeing organisations as well as a number of prominent local individuals including the Duke of Northumberland.
The Tyne Rivers Trust is a registered charitable trust established in March 2005 and works impartially to promote the health of the River Tyne and its tributaries and to complement the work of statutory and other bodies. Its aims parallel that of river trusts set up over the past decade to carry out similar projects on other major rivers around the UK.
Tyne Rivers Trust Project Manager Archie Ruggles-Brise and Lord Mayor of Newcastle Diane Packham at the World Environment Day Exhibition celebrate Newcastle City Council joining the Trust as a Patron.


The Drift Farm provides a variety of altitudes, slopes, aspects and soil types; all which add to the complexity of the wine we make, but it is the extreme weather, bitterly cold in winter and astonishingly cool in summer that creates the real edge.
Our vineyards are straw-mulched to retain moisture in the soil, resulting in a saving of up to 40% water usage as well as suppressing weeds in the vineyards. We do not use any chemical fertilisers or pesticides on The Drift Farm, rather preferring compost as a fertiliser.
To take advantage of specific soil types, angle and aspect of slope, etc. we have planted small, irregular shaped vineyards of various sizes. These are not what one would consider “commercially viable” either in size, or layout. However, if you want to make amazing wine, it starts with where and how you plant the vineyard.
As an example, we make a single-vineyard Rosé from an obscure Port variety called Touriga Franca. This entire vineyard only produces around 2000 litres per year. Here, as with all the vineyards, our intention is to make an exceptional wine – a true reflection of the vineyard site.
Each vineyard is fermented, and matured, separately before being blended together to craft the final wine.
Each vineyard has been given the name of a maternal ancestor in our family tree, starting with my wife, Penelope whose maiden name was Passmore.
Our vineyards are root-fed with earthworm water from our own earthworm farm, and we make extensive use of compost and mulch to suppress weeds and create a naturally cool and moist environment for earthworms. The earthworms not only aerate the soil, but bring life into the soil.
Healthy, life-enriched soil makes for healthy vines – and in these extreme growing conditions, the vines need to be strong to survive. We never use chemical fertilisers, as this unbalances the inherent chemical make-up of the soil and we would then not get a true reflection of the land in the final wine.
We also have an agreement with neighbouring farms not to use chemical sprays on the adjoining wheat lands. Although we have irrigation in all the vineyards, this is really only to get the vines established for the first three to five years of their life. Thereafter, irrigation is used sparingly, and only to enhance quality – never for quantity. We are not after quantity at all.
We want small, intensely-flavoured berries that will help us make complex wines of outstanding quality.
Each marriage of vineyard site to variety has been carefully planned to provide us with a myriad of subtly different wines, which when blended will contribute to layers and layers of complexity. Each vineyard’s character adds another nuance to the overall effect.
Tannat – flatter aspect, warmer vineyard site, stonier soil, robust tannin, tiny berries
Shiraz – on top of the hill, extremely windy, very cool, shy bearing, intense, small berries
Pinot Noir – field planting of three different clones – steep, decomposed shale soil
Touriga National – Rocky, sandy, well-drained soil over decomposed granitic sub soil
Chardonnay – low yielding, steep slope, high clay content with stone and shale
Fraser Munn Vineyard
Malbec on Richter 99 rootsock – small berries, steep slope, high clay content (young Malbec)
Shiraz – very stony soil with decomposed granite, up against the mountain surrounded by Protea and other fynbos
Malbec on Richter 110 rootstock – intense colour, mulberry flavour, steep slope with high clay content (original Malbec)
Touriga Franca – a lessor known Port variety that we use to make a very special single vineyard Rosé.Rocky, sandy, well-drained soil over decomposed granitic sub soil
Shiraz – extremely low yielding, very rocky soil (on entrance on left) – surrounded by renosterveld fynbos
Barbera – flatter aspect, warmer vineyard site, stonier soil, wonderful high natural acidity, complex, layered characters
Tinta Barocca – Rocky, sandy, well-drained soil over decomposed granitic sub soil
Content credit: The Drift Farm


Highlights from CODATA, 2006
Krishan Lal, CODATA President
As newly elected President of CODATA I would like to draw your attention to some of the highlights in 2006. This was a special year in CODATA's history as it marked our 40th anniversary.
It culminated in the celebration of the 20th International CODATA Conference that took place in Beijing in October 2006. This was indeed the biggest and most successful conference in the 40 year history of CODATA, with over six hundred participants from all over the world attending. Participants came from academia, industry and government. Our keynote speakers included:
For more information see http://www.codata.org/06conf/index.html
25th CODATA General Assembly
The conference was followed by the 25th CODATA General Assembly. I was elected president at the meeting. I am also very pleased to announce the board members who I will work with and who will be responsible for shaping and implementing the exciting CODATA Strategic Plan for 2006-2012 that was presented to the Delegates in Beijing:
President: Krishan Lal (
Secretary General: Robert Chen (
Executive Committee 2006-2008
Jean Garnier, IUPAB;
More Information can be found on http://www.codata.org/about/executiveboard.html
CODATA Task Groups 2006-2008
The 2006-2008 Task Groups as approved by the 2006 CODATA General Assembly are:
Information on each of these will be available shortly on our website http://www.codata.org
CODATA Prize Winner, 2006
CODATA is delighted to announce that the 4th CODATA award winner recipient is
CODATA DataScience Journal
The CODATA Data Science Journal is a peer-reviewed electronic journal publishing papers on the management of data and databases in Science and Technology. In January
CODATA takes the lead on Furthering the Application of the Agreed GEOSS data sharing principles
Agreement for a 10-year implementation plan for a Global Earth Observation System of Systems, known as GEOSS, was reached by member countries of the Group on Earth Observations at the Third Observation Summit. CODATA and GEO organized a meeting on the 22nd of October 2006 in Beijing. See http://www.codata.org/GEOSS/index.html
This meeting focused specifically on Task DA-06-01: Furthering the practical application of the agreed GEOSS data sharing principles. CODATA is now taking the lead on furthering the application of these data sharing principles. This Task has been included in the GEO Draft Workplan for 2007-2009. We look forward to working with GEO on this task.
Global information Commons for Science Initiative, GICSI
Following on from the World Summit on the Information Society in Tunis in November 2005, at which CODATA launched its Global information Commons for Science Initiative, http://www.itu.int/wsis/tunis/statements/docs/pe-codata/1.doc, CODATA held a series of meetings in 2006 on the initiative-Dublin, Brussels, and Beijing. The Initiative is part of the CODATA Strategic Plan in and we hope to commence implementation of same in 2007.
The foregoing are just a few examples of some of the highlights in 2006. As incoming President I must acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the outgoing President, Shuichi Iwata over the last four years. It is thanks to his work and that of the out-going board that these activities were generated.
2006-2008 promises to be an exciting period for CODATA as we embark on formalizing the Strategic Plan as discussed in Beijing and initiate steps to implement it. As President of CODATA, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to you for all of your support. Without your support none of these activities would be possible.
Finally, I wish you, your family, friends and colleagues the warmest holiday greetings and the very best for 2007 and beyond.


Located just west of the Twin Cities, Lafayette Club covers 38 rambling acres of trees, hills and sweeping lawns on the shores of Lake Minnetonka. We are a private club with a rich history that includes a Spanish-style clubhouse built in 1924 featuring a large ballroom, meeting and hotel rooms, fine and casual dining, indoor pool, and fitness center. Our grounds include a 9 hole lakeside golf course, outdoor pool, patio, docks, and tennis facility. We offer a variety of memberships that cater to varying lifestyles and a diverse membership. We also offer non-members a premier venue for hosting their special events. Members and guests alike continue to be drawn to this special place, enchanted by its enduring beauty. It is a unique retreat for all seasons and occasions.
To request more information, click here.


Situated in Stateline in the Nevada region, Rim Trail and Relax by Lake Tahoe Accommodations has a balcony. The accommodation is 42 km from Virginia City, and guests benefit from complimentary WiFi and private parking available on site.
The holiday home features 3 bedrooms, a kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 2 bathrooms. South Lake Tahoe is 9 km from Rim Trail and Relax by Lake Tahoe Accommodations, while Carson City is 23 km from the property.
The nearest airport is Reno-Tahoe International Airport, 59 km from the accommodation.


Mike Richards, aka The Travelling Ape, is on a mission to visit all 195 countries of the world, and to document his adventures in his travel blog.
“My experience with Wildheart Media was fantastic. I was a bit stuck on the direction of travel for my travel-focused website. However, the Brand Strategy Meeting was very insightful, and offered me a whole new insight into the different possible directions I could take it in. It left me with plenty to think about, and excited about where I will be able to take it in the future”. – Mike Richards
Read the case studies for this client:


We ship regularly, in Sweden, Europe and overseas. Please inquire for quotes!
Shipping in Sweden
Since we are based in the medieval town of Visby on Gotland we do most of the shipping to the mainland by ourselves. Shipping to Stockholm – Uppsala is 950 SEK per adress. Shipping to the rest of Sweden (from Dalarna and downwards) is 1 250 SEK. Copenhagen is 1 500 SEK. Please enquire for more details.
For shipping to north and central Europe we use affordable carriers and offer a flat rate of 350€ for larger items. This covers Denmark, Germany, Holland, Belgium and France. For rest of Europe and smaller items please ask for a quote.
Rest of the world
We have experience of shipping all over the world. For over seas shipping we have cut out the middle hands and do all the shipping details by ourselves. Thus can we cut shipping costs over seas with 50%. In 2019 we sent two easy chairs by boat from Sweden to Australia for a total of 750 €. We shipped two easy chairs to California in January 2017 for $ 500 and 2 lamp tables to New York in March for $ 330. We pack everything thoroughly and ship in custom made boxes. Please enquire!


www.duoc.cl is a subdomain of the domain duoc.cl within the top level domain cl.
According to Alexa duoc.cl has a global traffic rank of 30,727 based on pageviews and visits within the past month. The website inicis.com is ranked higher, and filmux.org ranks lower than duoc.cl.
IP Addresses and Server Locations
www.duoc.cl resolves to 188.8.131.52. According to our data this IP address belongs to Claro Chile and is located in Santiago, Region Metropolitana, Chile. Please have a look at the information provided below for further details.


The AAYP agenda include a session titled The Impact of financial technology and innovation on Africa and the Arab region. The session tackles financial technology and finding means to enhance talents to reinforce financial technology solutions. The session also tackles the possibility of depending upon investment and finance to make a huge impact in the region. Also, the session discusses the efforts exerted in mutual ecosystems that are needed to support fintech and other digital financial services within the region and whether digital illiteracy constitutes a barrier to financial technology and how to overcome it.
The platform will be held under the auspices of HE President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, President of the Republic of Egypt, for three days, from 16 to 18 March 2019, in the city of Aswan, the capital of African youth. It is considered one of the platforms of the World Youth Forum (WYF), which aims at providing the Egyptian and world youth with the opportunities to exchange ideas in all fields.
The platform agenda tackles a number of topics relevant to the Arab and African region, in light of Egypt’s chairmanship of the African Union in 2019. The activities ranges from discussions panels to workshops to roundtables, where the youth leaders and decision makers meet together to exchange ideas and to discuss the concerns and the interests of the youth in the Arab and African world.
The platform constitutes a number of cultural and entertaining events, whereas touristic tours will be held to the participants in the city of Aswan – Egypt’s gate to Africa.


Experiential activities offer participants the opportunity to explore effective ways to set and achieve goals, solve problems, communicate with peers and teachers and build productive class teams.
Annual Leadership Retreat
Every fall, students and their teachers travel to the beautiful Rocky Mountains to participate in an extraordinary retreat.We create a safe and stimulating environment where new and returning students can discover and practice the skills they need to be successful students, friends, and leaders.
Aspen Academy sponsors annual leadership trips to various locations throughout the United States -
- 5th Grade - Moab, Utah
- 6th Grade - Washington DC
- 7th Grade - San Francisco, CA
- 8th Grade - Participate in a service and cultural immersion trip to Costa Rica