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Sail from the UK
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Departure Date: 2nd August 2020
Cruise Line: Princess Cruises
Cruise Ship: Crown Princess
0800 655 6601 Call Free
Price from: £1,499pp
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Holiday Benefits
Award winning chefs onboard
Award-Winning Cuisine
Broadway-caliber entertainment
Crown Grill - Restaurant
Destination themed activities
Kids clubs from 3yrs - 17yrs
Lotus Spa
Lying near the head of Southampton Water, a peninsula between the estuaries of the Rivers Test and Itchen, Southampton is Britain's largest cruise port. It has been one of England's major ports since the Middle Ages, when it exported wool and hides from the hinterland and imported wine from Bordeaux. The city suffered heavy damage during World War Two and as a result the centre has been extensively rebuilt, but there are still some interesting medieval buildings including the Bargate, one of the finest city gatehouses in England.
The infinite variety of street life, the nooks and crannies of the medieval Barri Gòtic, the ceramic tile and stained glass of Art Nouveau facades, the art and music, the throb of street life, the food (ah, the food!)—one way or another, Barcelona will find a way to get your full attention. The capital of Catalonia is a banquet for the senses, with its beguiling mix of ancient and modern architecture, tempting cafés and markets, and sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches. A stroll along La Rambla and through waterfront Barceloneta, as well as a tour of Gaudí's majestic Sagrada Famíliaand his other unique creations, are part of a visit to Spain's second-largest city. Modern art museums and chic shops call for attention, too. Barcelona's vibe stays lively well into the night, when you can linger over regional wine and cuisine at buzzing tapas bars.
Since being designated a European Capital of Culture for 2013, with an estimated €660 million of funding in the bargain, Marseille has been in the throes of an extraordinary transformation, with no fewer than five major new arts centers, a beautifully refurbished port, revitalized neighborhoods, and a slew of new shops and restaurants. Once the underdog, this time-burnished city is now welcoming an influx of weekend tourists who have colonized entire neighborhoods and transformed them into elegant pieds-à-terre (or should we say, mer). The second-largest city in France, Marseille is one of Europe's most vibrant destinations. Feisty and fond of broad gestures, it is also as complicated and as cosmopolitan now as it was when a band of Phoenician Greeks first sailed into the harbor that is today's Vieux Port in 600 BC. Legend has it that on that same day a local chieftain's daughter, Gyptis, needed to choose a husband, and her wandering eyes settled on the Greeks' handsome commander Proti
Livorno is a gritty city with a long and interesting history. In the early Middle Ages it alternately belonged to Pisa and Genoa. In 1421 Florence, seeking access to the sea, bought it. Cosimo I (1519–74) started construction of the harbor in 1571, putting Livorno on the map. After Ferdinando I de' Medici (1549–1609) proclaimed Livorno a free city, it became a haven for people suffering from religious persecution; Roman Catholics from England and Jews and Moors from Spain and Portugal, among others, settled here. The Quattro Mori (Four Moors), also known as the Monument to Ferdinando I, commemorates this. (The statue of Ferdinando I dates from 1595, the bronze Moors by Pietro Tacca from the 1620s.)In the following centuries, and particularly in the 18th, Livorno boomed as a port. In the 19th century the town drew a host of famous Britons passing through on their grand tours. Its prominence continued up to World War II, when it was heavily bombed. Much of the town's architecture, theref
Italy's vibrant capital lives in the present, but no other city on earth evokes its past so powerfully. For over 2,500 years, emperors, popes, artists, and common citizens have left their mark here. Archaeological remains from ancient Rome, art-stuffed churches, and the treasures of Vatican City vie for your attention, but Rome is also a wonderful place to practice the Italian-perfected il dolce far niente, the sweet art of idleness. Your most memorable experiences may include sitting at a caffè in the Campo de' Fiori or strolling in a beguiling piazza.
A tourist-friendly town of about 45,000 inhabitants with a distinctly Spanish flavor, Alghero is also known as "Barcelonetta" (little Barcelona). Rich wrought-iron scrollwork decorates balconies and screened windows; a Spanish motif appears in stone portals and bell towers. The town was built and inhabited in the 14th century by the Aragonese and Catalans, who constructed seaside ramparts and sturdy towers encompassing an inviting nucleus of narrow, winding streets with whitewashed palazzi. The native language spoken here is a version of Catalan, not Italian, although you probably have to attend one of the Masses conducted in Algherese (or listen in on stories swapped by older fishermen) to hear it. Besides its historic architectural gems such as the Alghero Cathedral and Palazzo d'Albis, the fortified city is well worth a visit to simply stroll and discover local culture on narrow cobblestone streets. The city also has a reputation to serve great food at reasonable prices.
The autonomous city of Ceuta is a tiny Spanish city-enclave on the Moroccan side of the Straits of Gibraltar, separated from the Spanish mainland by just 12 miles. The city's strategic location has ensured it has endured a turbulent history, often being used as a trade and military outpost. Originally an old Carthaginian colony, it has since been held by the Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, and Arabs, and has been known as 'Abyla', 'Septem' and 'Cibta'. It was finally taken over by Spain in 1580 and has remained Spanish since then, with the name 'Ceuta'. Covering an area of just ten square miles, the enclave is dominated by the hill of Monte Hacho, sometimes believed to be the legendary Pillars of Hercules. With a fascinating mix of both Spanish and African influences and surrounded by massive 14th-century city walls, Ceuta has a charm and grandeur all of its own. As an autonomous region of Spain, Ceuta is part of the territory of the EU, but is considered a special low-tax zone. Leather g
Ship Facilities
Total Crew
From her nearly 900 balconies, you can enjoy sweeping views of romantic landscapes across the world. After experiencing the relaxed comfort of our intimate onboard venues, however, you may not want to explore the beauty ashore!
The serenity of The Sanctuary and the casual street café atmosphere of the Piazza may just reel you in for the day, while your nights might be filled with the great tasting food offered in the Crown Grill followed by a first-run film at Movies Under the Stars.
This Suite staterooms include a spacious cabin and large balcony along with special suite-only benefits. As well as a separate seating area with a sofa bed, and walk-in closet, they feature balcony furniture with room for four, two comfortable loungers, a table and two chairs, Complimentary mini-bar set-up, CD/DVD player with access to a complimentary DVD library, Comfortable luxury pillow-top mattress, Twin beds that convert to a queen-size bed, 100% Egyptian cotton linens, Upgraded bathroom amenities and hair dryer, Two flat-panel satellite TVs, Evening bed turn-down, chocolates on your pillow, Refrigerator, Writing desk and phone, 110V, 60-cycle alternating current (AC) with standard U.S. plug fittings, Daily housekeeping service, and an enhanced nightly turn-down service.
Family Suite with Balcony
This Suite stateroom includes a spacious cabin and large balcony along with special suite-only benefits. As well as a separate seating area with a sofa bed, and walk-in closet, they feature balcony furniture with room for four, two comfortable loungers, a table and two chairs, Complimentary mini-bar set-up, CD/DVD player with access to a complimentary DVD library, Comfortable luxury pillow-top mattress, Twin beds that convert to a queen-size bed, 100% Egyptian cotton linens, Upgraded bathroom amenities and hair dryer, Two flat-panel satellite TVs, Evening bed turn-down, chocolates on your pillow, Refrigerator, Writing desk and phone, 110V, 60-cycle alternating current (AC) with standard U.S. plug fittings, Daily housekeeping service, and an enhanced nightly turn-down service.
The luxurious Mini-Suite offers a separate seating area with a sofa bed for lounging or sleeping a third passenger. The bathroom offers a combination tub and shower with Shampoo, conditioner and body lotion. Other features include, a welcome glass of champagne, Balcony with patio furniture, Twin beds that convert to a queen-size bed, Evening bed turn-down, chocolates on your pillow, Two flat-panel televisions, 100% Egyptian cotton linens, Satellite TV, refrigerator, hair dryer, safe, closet, phone and desk, 110-volt, 60-cycle alternating current (AC) with standard U.S. plug fittings, daily housekeeping service. Some Mini-Suites also have a pullman bed to accommodate a 4th passenger.
Premium Balcony
The Premium Balcony and Balcony staterooms are appointed with fine amenities such as Balcony patio furniture, Twin beds that convert to a queen-size bed, Private bathroom with shower and Shampoo, conditioner and body lotion, 100% Egyptian cotton linens, Satellite TV, refrigerator, hair dryer, safe, closet, phone and desk, 110V, 60-cycle alternating current (AC) with standard U.S. plug fittings, daily housekeeping service, Evening bed turn-down, chocolates on your pillow. Premium staterooms feature a large balcony of 54 to 109 square feet and/or have a rear-facing balcony from which to enjoy dramatic wake views. Some staterooms also have pullman beds to accommodate 3rd and 4th passengers.
Featuring a picture window for memorable views, the Oceanview stateroom is richly appointed with fine amenities. Some also have pullman beds to accommodate 3rd and 4th passengers.
The Interior staterooms are richly appointed with fine amenities such as Twin beds convertible to a queen-size bed, Private bathroom with shower, Shampoo, conditioner and body lotion, 100% Egyptian cotton linens, Satellite TV, refrigerator, hair dryer, safe, closet, phone and desk, 110V AC electrical outlet with U.S. plug fittings, daily housekeeping service, and nightly turn-down service. Some also have pullman beds to accommodate 3rd and 4th passengers.
Deck 9
Princess Cruises largest theatre yet, with sophisticated architectural lighting. West End-style shows are on every cruise, with more than one performance each evening allowing passengers the flexibility to see a show before or after dinner. With lively music, stunning choreography and some of the largest casts at sea.
The 300 square foot outdoor movie theatre offers a unique opportunity to enjoy blockbuster movies against a backdrop of twinkling stars. Personal touches include comfortable chaise lounges, complimentary popcorn, warm cookies and milk, with cosy blankets in the evenings.
Gatsby's Casino
Choose from 17 table games in this spacious casino, located on Deck 6.
Featuring games tables including roulette, poker, craps and blackjack it also hosts a range of slots and video poker machines as well as the ships daily bingo sessions.
Complimentary gaming sessions are available for newcomers. The Casino also has its own bar and is open to over 21's only.
Explorer's Lounge
Explorers Lounge is one of the ship's three main entertainment venues.
Located midship on the 7th Deck, events held here range from Princess Pop Star, liars club game show, themed nights, art auctions and trivia competitions to cocktails and dancing and karaoke.
Skywalker's Nightclub
A popular, top-deck nightclub- During the day its location makes it an ideal observation lounge to sit and enjoy the ever changing scenery.
Crooner's Bar
The Crooners Lounge and Bar, located midship on deck 7 opens from 1pm onwards and is reminiscent of a classic Martini bar.
Evening entertainment features live piano music with requests and name that tune elements. Here they also offer an enticing menu of 75 martinis, plus entertainers at spectacular duelling glass pianos.
Speakeasy Cigar Lounge
The designated cigar lounge where guests can relax with a premium cigar and cognac and enjoy sporting events aired on the TV screens within the bar.
It is located on the 6th Deck outside the lower level of the Princess Theatre.
The internet is available onboard the ship either in the Internet Café on Deck 5 or via passengers' personal wi-fi devices. Charges apply.
The boutiques onboard offer more than just accessories and sundries you may have left at home. Shop onboard and benefit from incredible tax-and duty-free savings off suggested U.S. retail prices on fragrances, cosmetics, jewellery and gifts, apparel and liquor.
In addition to everyday savings, they bring you special promotions throughout the cruise.
Platinum Studio
The Platinum Studio, located on the 19th Deck in between the sports court and Princess Links mini golf, provides guests with the opportunity to have natural black and white portrait pictures taken using creative lighting.
The sessions are free with no obligation to purchase the photos which guests can look through and select their favourite if they do wish to buy it.
The Mermaids Tail bar serves the Neptune pool area and is located forward of the 14th Deck.
It also sells a small selection of sweets and chocolates, for guests to purchase whilst watching the movies under the stars at night on the large overhead TV screen.
The Oasis Bar serves the Sports Deck (16) and is located aft of the deck in between the two hot tubs.
Outrigger Bar is an outside bar aft of the 14th Deck serving the Horizon Terrace sundeck and pool below.
Calypso Bar serves the Calypso pool midship on the 14th Deck also.
Tradewinds is an outdoor bar serving the 17-18th Deck.
The ship's library is in the multi purpose internet cafe and library room on the 5th deck, featuring a range of books from fiction to reference along with audio books and board games for guests to use.
Club Fusion Lounge
Club Fusion on Deck 7, offers a range of activities for guests to participate in including trivia quizzes and dance classes during the day and, from 7.30pm onwards, karaoke and music from a variety of eras from 70's disco to 50's and 60's dance music.
With plenty of seats, guests can also opt to sit and enjoy the entertainment with a drink from the bar.
Adagio Bar
The Adagio Bar is found next to Sabatini's Italian Restaurant on deck 16 and offers stunning views, making it the the ideal place for pre and post dinner drinks after eating in Sabatini's.
Open from 6pm onwards it serves up Italian inspired cocktails accompanied by complimentary olives and an extensive wine list with live musical entertainment from classical piano recitals to jazz.
Passengers eating at Sabatini's can retire to Adagio's to enjoy their desserts and Italian style coffee and liqueurs.
Princess Cruises believe learning is fun. Through their exclusive partnership with the California Science Centre, their Youth Staff are trained to deliver exciting interactive science activities for kids ages 3-12. Whale watching, roller-coaster building, chemistry experiments, and squid dissection are just some of the activities that may be offered.
Also on offer is the Pete's Pals Program as a way for Princess kids to learn more about threatened and endangered species in the areas in which Princess sails. Children participating in this program will receive a limited-edition plush animal to take home as a souvenir.
ScholarShip@Sea
Expand your mind with an array of engaging Scholarship@sea opportunities. There are up to 40 classes on every cruise. Tantalise your taste buds on the Culinary Arts course or take a Wine Tasting seminar. Discover your crafty side and create a wonderful holiday keepsake.
Fancy a little enlightenment on your holiday? Learn to navigate a cruise ship at an engaging presentation. Embrace the digital age and tackle technology at one of the
Art Collections, Galleries and Auctions
Princess Fine Arts auctions* are fun, fast-paced, and offer an exciting opportunity to collect exceptional works of art. You'll find some of the art world's biggest stars, from Picasso, Chagall, and Rockwell to Peter Max, all represented, with hundreds of works available from contemporary art's most popular figures.
Any purchased pieces from new collections are shipped to your door.
Sometimes floating serenely just isn't enough - splash around, ride the waves, swim against the current or take a dip in one of this ship's seven bubbling hot tubs.
Pools to visit include the Calypso Reef pool, Neptune's Reef Pool, the Terrace pool and the Lotus Spa Pool.
A retractable roof provides protection from the elements, so despite the weather, the pool areas are always accessible.
Sports & Fitness Centre
This ship will keep you on the run, literally, with basketball, paddle tennis, jogging tracks and state-of-the-art gyms equipped with machines that'll keep your heart rate pumping. If that isn't enough, there is also a nine-hole putting course for guests to use.
The Fitness Centre pairs a state-of-the-art gym with spectacular ocean views. This multi-tiered facility offers something for all fitness levels, so everyone from beginner to expert can find challenging exercise options.
Passengers can use the latest in exercise equipment like treadmills, recumbent bicycles, elliptical machines, strength equipment, as well as a selection of free weights.
Most equipment features personal TV screens, and some even offer an interactive, virtual experience that makes exercising a bit more fun and engaging.
Leave stress at the door when you enter this blissful signature haven exclusively for adults. Perfect for that al fresco massage, feel the gentle breeze on your skin and listen to the ocean waves wash your cares away as you enjoy refreshing drinks and healthy snacks settled on a comfy lounger.
This oasis of tranquility includes all the special touches that have made The Sanctuary so popular since it was first introduced in 2006, plus a number of new features. The Sanctuary has Cabanas for more luxurious experience, plus two Lotus Spa Cabanas offering an elegant private space for a range of spa treatments.
Featuring the air of a romantic hideaway under its distinctive white canopy cover, The Sanctuary design includes strategically placed rock gardens and special topiary planting with atmospheric lighting. These elements create an inviting path leading to a new central pavilion. Passengers can relax on luxurious plush lounge chairs or circular daybeds, while Serenity Stewards provide healthy refreshments and music players with peaceful music. Space in The Sanctuary can be reserved for $20 for a half day/$40 for a full day, per person.
Adjacent to The Sanctuary, the Retreat Pool provides an exclusive area for adults to relax and rejuvenate. The Retreat Pool is open to all adults, and Retreat Pool Cabana rental is available beginning at $50 for a half day. At night, this area turns into the "Chill Lounge," offering passengers a relaxed outdoor space to enjoy the night with drinks and music.
In the Lotus Spa, cruisers will find a welcoming feel and contemporary, sophisticated décor, New features include private Couples Villas and The Enclave thermal suite. Here passengers can totally decompress with new relaxing options such as the Hammam (a Turkish-style steam room), the Caldarium (an herbal steam room), the Laconium (a dry heat sauna) and the hydro-therapy pool.
The Lotus Spa provides guests with everything from facials, massages and scrubs to body wraps and acupuncture.
Within the spa, there is a unisex beauty salon offering a range of services from hair cuts and styling to manicures, teeth whitening and barber services.
Princess Links
Princess Links, located on deck 19 is the ship's 9 hole mini golf course.
The Princess chefs are true culinary artists who insist on serving the very finest cuisine – and it shows. The entire fleet has been inducted into the prestigious Chaîne des Rôtisseurs gastronomic society. Each chef's menu is creative and the selections change every day. Pair that with impeccable service and you're in for an unforgettable gourmet experience.
Traditional Dining Room- Botticelli Dining Room
Experience: complimentary
Food: classic
The Botticelli Dining room is the ship's traditional dining room allowing guests to eat at the same time and table each evening with either an early option of 6pm or late option of 8.15pm.
Examples of evening meals include poached seafood and avocado, vegetarian spring rolls or blue crab cake quiche for starters, grilled vegetables on lettuce salad or tortellini and spinach soup, New York strip with peppercorn sauce, lobster or spaghetti carbonara for mains and pistachio ice cream, chocolate cake or fresh fruits for dessert.
Vegetarian options such as aubergine lasagne and fettuccine alfredo are also available along with Lotus Spa healthy options.
Sabatini's
Experience: cover
Food: italian
This Italian restaurant is a refined yet casual dining establishment rich in atmosphere, showcasing an Italian and Mediterranean menu with a heavy emphasis on premium seafood. Sabatini's is open for dinner from 6pm until 11pm.
Crown Grill
Food: surf_turf
Recently voted one of the "Best Cruise Ship Steakhouses" by USA Today, the Crown Grill features premium beef and seafood items, plus up-scale appetisers and special desserts. This unique concept offers a show-place eatery with an open, theatre-style kitchen where chefs custom-prepare steamed shellfish such as lobster, scallops, clams and mussels and cooked-to-order steaks and chops.
Anytime Dining- Michaelangelo & Da Vinci Dining Rooms
Just like a restaurant at home, Anytime Dining enables guests the freedom to dine when and with whom they wish..
The Da Vinci Dining Room on Deck 6 is open for breakfast, served between 7.30am and 9.30am, afternoon tea from 3.30 to 4.30 and Princess' Anytime Seating Option for Dinner from 7.30pm to 10pm.
The Michelangelo Dining Room on Deck 5 of the ship is open for dinner only between 5.30pm and 10pm with anytime seating arrangements allowing passengers the flexibility to select a dining time to suit each day, seated either with other guests or at a table for two.
Breakfast options range from cereals, bagels with smoked salmon and cream cheese, eggs cooked in a variety of ways, fresh fruit, pancakes, muffins and pastries, cold meats and two specials each morning such as Alaska scrambled or eggs Florentine.
Examples of lunch choices include chefs salad, hamburgers and chicken burgers, tortilla soup, roast beef sandwiches and fried catfish.
Afternoon tea offers finger sandwiches, pastries, scones and cookies served with white-glove service accompanied by a wide selection of premium teas or coffee and music for entertainment.
All main dining rooms tend to offer the same four course dinner menu with set choices on one side of the menu and nightly changing themed selections on the other side. The option of an 'always available menu' is also provided including steaks, chicken breast and salmon.
Experience: snacks
Food: pizzeria
Want to maximise your pool time and minimise your mealtime? Get a quick and satisfying bite whenever you like at our Casual Dining eateries, or get take-out and dine by the pool.
Trident Grill– The Grill overlooks the pool deck and offers an array of burgers, hot dogs, kebabs and pies amongst other choices.
Pizzeria– A perennial Princess passenger favourite, here they serve up freshly made Italian-style pizza by the slice, featuring classic flavours and a daily special.
Sundaes Ice cream bar – Passengers can enjoy a refreshing soft-serve cone complete with dipping sauces and sprinkles or splurge on other ice cream treats.
International Café- The International Café is the place for an ever-changing array of snacks and coffee selections from cappuccino to café au lait. Guests may enjoy freshly baked croissants or beignets in the morning, gourmet paninis and salads at lunchtime, or homemade gelato in the evening. Coffee lovers will find an expanded coffee program featuring a variety of specialty coffee drinks made from a selection of six different coffee beans.
Horizon Court Buffet
Food: buffet
An expanded top-deck buffet featuring multiple live stations, Horizon Court offers a wide selection of buffet meals or snacks. A primary feature of Princess ships, the top-of-the-ship restaurant features floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning sea views as a backdrop for a quick breakfast or casual dinner.
At night, the Horizon Court becomes Café Caribe. This themed buffet captures the flavours of the Caribbean. This elegant but casual dining option presents a changing menu of Caribbean themes with specialties such as Paella-Style Prawns, Whole Roast Suckling Pig, Jerk Chicken, Guiana Pepperpots and Curries, and many more local favourites. The buffet court features an open kitchen where guests can order their meal cooked to their specifications.and offers a casual, self-service buffet.
Food: tapas
Casual Dining at its best, a Wine, sushi and tapas bar. Voted one of the 'Best Wine Bars at Sea' by USA Today!
This wine bar offers an extensive menu with more than 30 wines available by the glass plus a series of wine flights. Wine lovers can pair their selections with fresh bites including seafood treats, tapas and artisan meats and cheeses. On some vessels, the adjacent wine shop offers guests the opportunity to purchase their favourite bottle.
Ultimate Balcony Dining
Food: room
Choose a luxurious breakfast or experience the "ultimate" romantic dinner at sea: a sumptuous four-course meal, including succulent lobster tail and juicy steak, your beverage of choice, hors d'oeuvres, all served right on your balcony served by our dedicated waitstaff!
Food: british
All ships offer Princess' trademark British-style afternoon tea daily, complete with tablecloths, gleaming Samovars, easy listening music in the background, and tea boxes for herbal and specialty teas. Guests can enjoy freshly prepared finger sandwiches, cookies, biscuits and cakes served by white-gloved waiters in smart, formal attire.
Tea service can also be enjoyed al fresco on the Promenade Deck as waiters stroll the deck with a fully stocked tea cart.
The International Café, located on the 5th Deck, is open 24 hours a day and serves a selection of teas and coffees along with a range of pastries, doughnuts, cakes, desserts, sandwiches, salads and soup which are complimentary.
Its location by the central plaza area with its own entertainment makes it a good place for a drink and light snack during the day and night.
The Chef's Table experience provides the chance to tour the ship's busy galley during dinner service, where the ship's executive chef previews the evenings menu with a selection of hors d'oeuvres and Champagne for guests to enjoy.
Guests are then taken to a private table in the main dining room to enjoy a specially created multi-course menu accompanied by selected wines to complement each course.
During the dessert course the chef re-joins the table to discuss the evenings menu and share their culinary knowledge.
Wheelhouse Bar
Several times throughout the cruise, The ships' Wheelhouse Bar is transformed into an authentic English-style pub, serving a selection of traditional dishes.
A range of British favourites (displayed on chalkboards and counters) from bangers & mash, fish & chips and Ploughman's Lunch to cottage pie, complement a selection of traditional pub drinks such as Stella Artois, Bass Ale or Guinness.
Pub lunch meal service is free of charge and opens between 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Princess Pelicans
Ages 3-7- There's an exciting toddler area, a mini air hockey table, great arts and crafts stations, plus a space for group activities like movie nights.
Offering dance parties, movies and cartoons, along with ice cream and pizza parties, your little ones can enjoy t-shirt colouring, theme nights and getting creative with art projects.
Ages 8-12- Offering games and activities like air hockey, skeeball, and video game stations – not to mention a dedicated lounge with a giant TV and arts and crafts tables.
There are plenty of exciting activities for older kids to enjoy, including kids-only dinners, movies, PS2/PS3, Wii (and all the latest games), along with scavenger hunts, talent shows and sports tournaments. California Science Centre workshops and junior chef@sea educational classes are also on offer.
Ages 13-17- Featuring a new lounge area, perfect for meeting new friends, with skeeball, foosball, and great video games. In the teen-only exclusive lounges, junior cruisers can come and go as they please.
Make new friends whilst enjoying PS2/PS3 and Wii games, football tables, sports competitions and late night movies. Take part in the shipboard Olympics, mocktail parties, DJ workshops, or check out the hot tub parties and formal dinners.
Wheelchair users will find access-friendly design across most of the Princess fleet, making it easy to enjoy each vessel's restaurants, theaters, spas, lounges and open deck space. Elevators have generous 36- to 42-inch doorways, and wheelchair seating is available in show lounges and other public spaces.
Guests with sight and hearing disabilities will find vessels equipped with such helpful features as Braille elevator call buttons, audible arrival sounds and infrared listening assistance systems in the Princess theatres. ADA "all in one" kits are available upon request -- featuring telephone amplifiers, visual smoke detectors, door knock sensors, text telephones (TDD) and other aids.
Princess ships also welcome service animals, and have hosted a variety of such special helpers, including seeing-eye dogs, hearing-assistance dogs, and even a "helping hands" monkey.
Special Dietary Requirements
Princess Cruises are happy to meet your request for low-sodium, low-fat, low-sugar and vegetarian diets. Kosher meals and baby food are available upon advance written request. Any other special diet requests must be authorized in advance by the Princess corporate office.
You or your travel agent must advise Princess in writing of any special diet, allergies or medical needs. Requests must be received no later than 35 days prior to departure for cruises to Alaska, Canada/New England, Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico, Panama Canal and Coastal Getaways. For all other cruises, requests must be received no later than 65 days prior to departure. Once onboard, please check with the Maitre D' to confirm your request.
The legal drinking age of 21 years is always observed on-board all ships and proof of age may be required. All on-board staff are trained to take their responsibility to not serve alcohol to under-age passengers seriously. The age restrictions are clearly posted in the bars.
Entry into the disco is limited to passengers 18 years and older. Be sure to check with the child and teen centres, however, for special disco events designed just for kids. Children under the age of 18 are welcome in the gymnasium, spa and jacuzzi; and also in the evening entertainment show lounges when accompanied by a parent or guardian.
In line with domestic age limits, as well as Princess' company policy, the casino is reserved for passengers 21 years and older. Additionally, only those passengers 21 years and older will be allowed to purchase or consume alcohol. For those whose age is questionable, picture identification may be requested.
You should dress for a cruise with Princess the same way you would for any stylish land-based resort.
Casual sportswear, including shorts, lightweight pants and jogging suits, is the order of the day both at sea and ashore in hotter climates.
Princess recommend you bring a sweater, a jacket or an all-weather coat for cool evenings, and for shore excursions, depending on your destination. Due to unpredictable weather, don't forget a hat or visor and a collapsible umbrella. Please be sure to bring proper clothing for visits to religious sites. You'll also want low-heeled, rubber soled shoes for strolling on deck, as well as comfortable walking shoes or sandals to wear.
Princess makes it easy to know what to pack and what to wear when you're dining on-board our spectacular ships. There are two designations for dress codes: Smart Casual and Formal.
Smart Casual:
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Thatching Info.com Navigation
Thatch Timbers & Features
A Beginner's Guide
How to Thatch a Roof; Materials and Tools; Introduction, to 10 further pages
Water Reed
Harvesting Cereal Thatch
Long Straw Thatch
Combed Wheat Reed
Other Thatching Materials
Fixing Single Layered Thatch
Fixing Multilayered Thatch
Roping Down; Fixing with Ropes etc.
Turf. The Multipurpose Thatching Material
Thatching Tools & Equipment
How to Thatch a Roof; The Technical Stuff; Introduction, to 10 further pages
Preparing a Roof for Standard Thatching
Laying Standard Thatch Coatwork
Thatched Features Introduction
Thatching Straightwork Features
Thatching Turning Features
Thatching Other Standard Features
Ridging a Thatched Roof
Dressing a Thatched Roof; a Final Finish
Thatched Porches and Walls
Non Standard Thatching
Maintaining a Thatch Roof
Living with a Listed Thatched Property
Thatch Fires and Other Nuisances
Getting the job done…Thatchers and their Quotes
A Brief History of British Thatching, over the last Ten Thousand Years; an introduction to 12 further pages
Thatching in Prehistoric & Roman Britain
Thatching in the Early Middle Ages
Thatch in Early Names and Places
Thatching in the Later Middle Ages
Henry Best's Guide to Thatching; in 1641
Thatching in British North America
Thatching in Georgian Agricultural Reports
James Sparshott, Thatcher; 1746-1837
Photographic Days Out in the 1860's
Historic Fires & Nuisances
Water Reed Thatching via Road & Rail
Women & the Craft of Thatching
Thatching Ricks & Stacks, in Britain
Thatching Around the World… in around 1900
Thatching in Ireland
Thatching in Ireland; Ulster
Thatching in Ireland; Connaught
Thatching in Ireland; Leinster
Thatching in Ireland; Munster
Thatching on some Atlantic Islands
Thatching in Canada, United States & Mexico
Thatching in West Indies & Central America
Thatching in South America
Thatching, Australia, New Zealand & Oceania
A Complete Guide to British Thatching; an introduction to it's 5 Traditions
The 'Highland' Traditions of British Thatching; an introduction to 6 further pages
Thatching on the Shetland Islands
Thatching on the Orkney Islands
Thatching in the North & West Highlands
Thatching the Inner & Outer Hebrides
Thatching in Inverness-shire, Argyll & Bute
Thatching on the Isle of Man
The 'Northern' Traditions of British Thatching, an introduction to 15 further pages
Thatching; Moray Firth to the Firth of Tay
Thatching; Perth, Kin., Clack., Stirling & Fife
Thatching in the South Eastern Lowlands
Thatching in The South Western Lowlands
Robert Burns & Ayrshire's Thatch
Thatching in Northumberland & Co. Durham
Thatching in Cumber., Westmor. & Furness
Thatching in Lancashire & Cheshire
Thatching in Shropshire & Staffordshire
Thatching in Flintshire & Denbighshire
Thatching in Angl., Caerns., Merion. & Montg.
Thatching in North & East Ridings of Yorks.
Thatching in Derby Notts W. Riding of Yorks.
Thatching in Rutland & Leicestershire
Thatching in Lincolnshire
The 'Eastern' Tradition of British Thatching; an introduction to 8 further pages
Thatching in Norfolk
Thatching in Suffolk
Thatching in Hunts. & Cambs.
Thatched Churches in East Anglia
Thatching in Essex
Thatching in Beds. & Herts.
Thatching in Middlesex
Thatching in the City of London
The 'Southern' Tradition of British Thatching; an introduction to 11 further pages
Thatching in Northants. & Bucks.
Thatching in Warwickshire & Worcestershire
Thatching at Anne Hathaway's Cottage
Thatching in Glos. & Herefordshire
Thatching in Berkshire & Oxfordshire
Thatching in Kent & Surrey
Thatching in Sussex
Thatching on the Isle of Wight & Hampshire
Thatching in Wiltshire
Thatching in Pembs., Cards. & Carms.
Thatching in Radnor, Brecon and Monmouth
The 'South Western' Tradition of British Thatching; an introduction to 9 further pages
Thatching in Dorset
Thomas Hardy and Dorset's Thatch
Thatching in Somerset
Thatching in Glamorgan
Thatching in Devon
Devonshire Thatching in 1901
Thatching in the Channel Islands
Thatching in Cornwall
Thatching on the Isles of Scilly
Glossary of Thatching Names and Terms
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Tom Reeves and The White Bear & The Oldfield Brother's Cat
Traditional one man band... An Edwardian thatcher off to work, with his long straw thatch. However not every thatching business was run on similar lines...
The Arts and Crafts church, above at Brockhampton in Herefordshire, now sports a faithful copy of the original thatch; first completed in 1902. This was and is first class work. But it does not follow the local thatching tradition, either in material or style; of plain, long straw work. And thus begs the question, of where did the thatch and the thatchers come from to carry out this job; in 1902?
From its style, it would seem that this work was carried out by some long distance thatchers; from East Anglia, close to the Norfolk Broads; making use of that resource for their thatching material.
In 1916 the author and architect Charles Innocent, called such workers 'Capitalist Thatchers'; who were found: 'working in any part of the country'. And assumed these were a fairly recent novelty. But it appears non local work was being done for Queen Victoria, at Kew at least forty years before this. And possibly a century before, at Windsor; for her uncle the fourth King George.
The skill and reputation, of the craft in East Anglia and especially the ornate work carried out there; obviously had many admirers. As nearly all the old images, of this long distance work, are of water reed; with an ornate ridge.
This early, long distance travelling may come as a surprise to many, even those in the trade. Perhaps believing that easy communication, of people and goods, is a recent development; especially for an obscure craft such as thatching. But from Victorian times, an extensive railway system carried both materials and thatchers anywhere they wished to go; with ease. .
Royal thatch...The image above, from around 1870, depicts the Queen's Cottage, in Kew gardens;showing a water reed roof, with a fashionable 'saw tooth' ornamental ridge. This was almost certainly carried out by thatchers from East Anglia… Opposite is the spectacular Royal Lodge at Windsor; the creation of the Prince Regent, later king George IV. Once a smallish cottage, he had the building enlarged several times, employing a favoured architect John Nash. There is less detail shown here but this 1824 print does not show the edging, typical of long straw thatching. Thus perhaps Norfolk reeds were used. What suits one king, may not suit another, thus in 1830, when George's brother William became king, he had virtually all the building demolished…
Tom Reeves and the White Bear...
Away from home… Seventy two year old Tom Reeves. Thatching the 'White Bear,' at Knutsford in Cheshire; in 1947. With his son Leslie, he travelled from their home in Norwich, to work all over the country, using their own lorry. Until Tom got to work, this well known inn had been covered with long straw for centuries. Still under water reed the White Bear is still going strong...
Out of Style & out of Favour...
Out of Style…The left photo shows 'The Thatched Cottage Tea House', at Herne Bay in Kent, around 1905. No Kentish long straw thatching here; but water reed, probably from a hundred miles up the coast; from the Norfolk Broads. The right image dates from 'August 22nd 1937' and shows All Saints at Church Stretton in Shropshire. At this time the church was thirty five years old. And it looks as if the water reed thatch had just been replaced.
Snapped... The driver has left the two passengers in the car and captured a water reed job in progress; at Stanton in Gloucestershire. This Cotswold village is a long way from any reed beds... There seems to have ben a lot of building restoration hereabouts, the same photographer snapping the newly thatched barn, below, in the same location. The passengers cloche hats date this to around 1930... Below right is a thatcher's card from around the same period.
Out of favour… Opposite,'The Bungalow', at Rivington, near Chorley in Lancashire. This was one of a set of buildings created by Lord Leverhulme, the soap magnet; when he acquired this area in 1900. He was obviously rich enough, to transport thatchers and reed two hundred and fifty miles across England, probaly from Norfolk. But this roof lasted only a few years. As it fell prey to an arson attack, by a leading local suffragette; Mrs Edith Rigby doing the deed in July 1913. This building should not have been a target; as his Lordship supported their cause…
Petrol & Thatch... Don't really mix; however at least two sets of pumps were roofed with Norfolk reed in the 1930's. The top set, at Benson in Oxfordshire date from 1934. Once on the main Oxford to London road, this village was chosen as a site to build a KCB (Keep the Countryside Beautiful) Roadhouse, in operation until the Second World War. The cafe and petrol pumps did not succumb to their most obvious fate; but were demolished, when the runway at the adjacent airfield was extended in 1941… The 1930's also saw a similar but larger thatched cafe and petrol station, at Haldon Hill near Exeter, on the main road to Plymouth and Torquay. The cafe being thatched with local combed wheat reed in a Devon style... But not the pumps.
Tay Reeds not Norfolk...
The deceptively modern looking, immaculate thatch above, is in fact around the same age as the Brockhampton church at the top of this page. House and thatch dating from the first years of the last century. A difference being that the above property lay at Troon in Ayrshire and is almost certainly coated with reed from the River Tay; a hundred miles or so on the far side of Scotland...
Another difference is that this thatch was topped with a mortar ridge; showing it was more than likely coated by thatchers near the Tay, in Fife or Perthshire... Not from East Anglia.
Thus like their English counterparts, it appears thatchers from near the abundant Tay reed beds, were employed to work on roofs well away from home. The Brough family being recorded working from around the time of the First World War, at Forthingall in Perthshire; to helping renovate cottages at Swanston and on thatch associated with Robert Burns, in the 1950's.
Above Swanston... In 1867 the Stevenson family took 'Swanston Cottage'; on the southern edge of Edinburgh. Here their son Robert Louis, spent many happy summers, exploring the nearby seventeenth century, thatched hamlet. The cottages here were renovated in the mid 1950's, with what remained of the straw and turf ridged roofs disappearing. The modern thatch still consists of Tay reeds, with a mortar topping. The original Tay reeds, for the cottages, in the opposite picture, of Fortingall, were hauled fifty miles up the Tay valley; well over a century ago. Fortingall was built in 1890-91 by shipowner and MP, Sir Donald Currie, who bought the village in 1885. The thatched cottages are good examples of the 'arts and crafts' style. But hardly traditional for central Perthshire... Click Here to view a page on thatch associated with Robert Burns.
Norfolk or Tay?... Bolton Muir in East Lothian. It's rare to find such architecture in this area…. This splendid building was designed by D.P. Hepworth, for a Colonel Thompson in 1929. This late example, of the 'Arts & Crafts' genre, gave the colonel many modern benefits, including a double thatched garage. The old image above shows the original thatch, newly completed. Possibly with Tay water reeds; but the extra decoration in the coatwork and the ornate ridge hints at work by East Anglian thatchers... Three likely suspects are found below.
Just telephone Soham 016...
Mr J. G. Cowell, ran a sizable building buisness as well as a thatching one. The family firm thatched both in around their Cambridgeshire base and further afield; had a telegraph address and were on the telephone; in the days when this was a rarity.
The 'Garden City', mentioned on the above card, is the world's first, at Letchworth, Hertfordshire. Begun in the first decade of the last century; many of its homes followed the 'Arts and Crafts' style and were thatched. Work that involved an eighty mile round trip, for these thatchers. The building on his card, originally the architect's office, still stands as an attractive cottage… The cards below explain themselves; depicting long distance work in Sussex and Hampshire…
Plain & Fancy Thatching...
More Cards… This time from thatchers willing to carry out 'Plain and Fancy' Thatching. The late Victorian premises, shown opposite, state this on the sign; along with the other side of the business, basketmaking. The two strands of the firm lasted until at least the 1950's; with some high end work, more fancy than plain, dipicted for both…
Images courtesy of North Walsham & District Community Archive.
The Oldfield Brother's Cat...
The Oldfield family, shown above in around 1925, practiced their craft hereabouts from at least the early eighteenth century. Then the huge Whittlesey Mere had extensive reedbeds; used by this family until it was drained in the 1850's. This was a good material, in a 1932 newspaper interview, the Oldfield brothers stated they knew of extant roofs coated by their grandfather's generation. Norfolk Reed was now used, laid for £5 a square.
With the acquisition of a motor lorry, the family firm started taking jobs far and wide, 'from Devon to Lancashire to Kent'. Evidently the family cat decided to join one trip, enjoying a cosy ride to Sussex; hidden in the water reeds. Then having to be sent home, by train from Chichester….
Work on the Royal Estate at Sandringham in Norfolk, brought a Royal Warrant to this firm; as it often does today for modern thatchers… The premises, shown in the image, were occupied by this family firm, from around 1850 to the mid 1970's…
Much of the above information, was gathered from a article by Geoff Oldfield, who sadly died in 2015.
The downside to all this travelling, now and in the past, has been the spread of the 'Eastern' thatching style and working methods; at the expense of more local traditions. And the creation of the myth, that all work in water reed, has to be done in this way…
To see the process of harvesting water reed down through the years click Here
Visits to Thatchinginfo.com
THATCHING INFO.com
E: hangstraw[at]thatchinginfo.com
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Posted by admin on Nov 30, 2016 in News | Comments Off
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Undisclosd 2009 :: Managed by Undisclosd


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Venezuela Failed Raid: US Has a History of Using Mercenaries to Undermine Other Regimes
ANGLO AMERICA, 25 May 2020
Andrew Thomson | The Conversation - TRANSCEND Media Service
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro holds up the passports of two Americans detained in Venezuela in early May. Handout/EPA
18 May 2020 –Members of the Venezuelan opposition have been accused of conspiring with an American private military company, Silvercorp USA, to invade Venezuela and overthrow the government of Nicolás Maduro.
In early May, the Venezuelan military intercepted a group of dissidents and American mercenaries. The Venezuelan military said it killed eight of the insurgents and captured many others. It also arrested two men it claims are former US Special Forces soldiers. No evidence has surfaced to link the US government to the recent attempted invasion – and it has denied responsibility for the incident.
Juan Guaidó, the Venezuelan opposition leader, has also denied involvement in the thwarted coup attempt. Some of his advisers who were allegedly involved in planning the mission have resigned.
The Washington Post subsequently published an agreement between members of the Venezuelan opposition and Silvercorp, including signatures of two of Guaidó's advisers, though not Guaidó, and the chief executive of Silvercorp. The US$1.5 million (£1.2 million) contract outlined Silvercorp's role in the invasion. One of the detained Silvercorp mercenaries made a televised confession (possibly under duress) that he was hired to capture Maduro and bring him to the US.
The incident has worsened relations between the US and Venezuela, which were already tense. In March 2020, the US charged Maduro with "narco-terrorism" and offered a US$15m reward for his capture. The Trump administration has also previously considered military options to remove Maduro from power.
These events in Venezuela echo past US secret sponsorship of private armies to overthrow governments elsewhere. The US has an extended history of sponsoring insurgents and mercenaries to undermine unwanted foreign regimes.
From Guatemala to Indonesia
In 1954 the US supported ex-Guatemalan military officer Carlos Castillo Armas in his efforts to overthrow Guatemalan leader Jacobo Arbenz. Armas was the leader of a guerilla army that was trained by the CIA of Guatemalan to invade from Honduras and Nicaragua. The CIA also hired a US company called Civil Air Transport to bomb Guatemala. Arbenz resigned under pressure and went into exile. Armas became president of a new authoritarian regime.
Similarly, President Dwight Eisenhower authorised the CIA to subvert the Sukarno government in Indonesia in 1957-58. The CIA supported local insurgent factions to carry out guerrilla attacks and also hired mercenary airline companies for logistics and combat missions.
The American role was exposed in 1958 when the Indonesian authorities downed the aeroplane of Allen Pope, a contractor for Civil Air Transport, the company that had been involved in Guatemala. The US government tried to deny involvement, stating Pope was a "soldier of fortune" motivated by profit. But the US later quietly withdrew its plans for the forced removal of Sukarno.
Allen Pope on trial in Jakarta in 1959. Wikimedia Commons
Bay of Pigs and Nicaragua
In 1961 the CIA tried to overthrow Fidel Castro's government in Cuba by organising an invasion of Cuban dissidents and mercenary forces in a notorious incident known as the Bay of Pigs. According to US government documents, the CIA sponsored Cuban exiles that opposed Castro to "avoid any appearance of US intervention". The CIA trained a Cuban insurgent force called Brigade 2506 and also hired mercenary airline companies for airborne attacks. Castro's military defeated the US-sponsored invasion.
During the 1980s, the US also secretly hired mercenary forces to support the Contra insurgency against the socialist Sandanista government of Nicaragua. The CIA mobilised mercenaries to sabotage oil refineries and Nicaraguan ports. Later, the International Court of Justice ruled against the US for employing mercenaries to place underwater mines in Nicaraguan ports. The CIA also asked a company called Keenie Meenie Services to conduct "sabotage operations for the resistance" against the Sandanista government.
In October 1986, Eugene Hasenfus, a pilot hired by the CIA, was captured when the Nicaraguan military shot down his plane. His confessions exposed secret US arms shipments to the Contras and also helped unravel the Iran-Contra scandal, which revealed secret weapons sales to Iran in order to fund the Contras in Nicaragua in violation of US law.
Irregular war on terror
More recently the US has renewed its commitment to what it calls "irregular warfare". This includes supporting insurgents, militias and mercenaries to weaken unwanted governments, as well as in its counter-terrorism efforts.
The US has covertly supported private armed forces in countries across the Middle East in the "war on terror". For example, in 2001 the CIA and Special Forces paid warlord factions to help remove the Taliban from power in Afghanistan. Before the US military invasion of Iraq in 2003, the US also supported militias fighting against the regime of Saddam Hussein. The US secretly trained insurgents in attempts to oust President Bashar al-Assad in Syria.
Of course, an extensive record of supporting insurgents and mercenary forces is not evidence that the US was involved in the recent events in Venezuela. But it does demonstrate that there are precedents for such activities.
Andrew Thomson – Lecturer, Politics and International Studies, Queen's University Belfast
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under Creative Commons license.
Go to Original – theconversation.com
Tags: Anglo America, Conflict, Coup, Democracy, Geopolitics, Guaidó, Imperialism, Journalism, Latin America Caribbean, Maduro, Media, Politics, Power, Silvercorp mercenaries, Trump, USA, Venezuela, Violence, West
ANGLO AMERICA:
The Fascist Coup of 6 Jan 2021
Violence in the Capitol, Dangers in the Aftermath


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Sermon Audios
First Presbyterian Church, Greensboro, AL
First Sunday after the Epiphany, 10 January 2021. The texts used are not from the lectionary. Given the events of the week, the sermon addressed the lunacy we have brought on ourselves and the difficult days we'll face ahead. Sermon: If You Claim the Name. Scripture reading: Ezekiel 22:23-31. Sermon text: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21.
Second Sunday of Christmas, 3 January 2021. Sermon: Where Is Our King? Responsive reading: Jeremiah 31:7-14. Sermon text: Matthew 2:1-12.
First Sunday of Christmas, 27 December. Sermon: The Son Sent Forth. Responsive reading: Isaiah 61:10-62:3. Sermon text: Galatians 3:23-4:7.
Christmas Eve Service of Lessons and Carols. This service, which began at Cambridge University following World War I, has become a tradition throughout the world.
Fourth Sunday of Advent (Christmas Readings), 20 December. Sermon: Unto Us a Child Is Born. Responsive reading: Isaiah 9:2-7. Sermon text: Luke 2:1-20.
Third Sunday of Advent, 13 December. Sermon: Sent for the Gospel. Responsive reading: Luke 1:46-55. Sermon text: Isaiah 61:1-11.
Second Sunday of Advent, 6 December. Sermon: Here Is Your God. Responsive reading: Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13. Sermon text: Isaiah 40:1-11.
First Sunday of Advent, 30 November. First Presbyterian celebrated our annual Hanging of the Greens service.
Last Sunday of Pentecost, Thanksgiving Sunday, 22 November. Sermon: Let Us Give Thanks. Responsive Reading: Psalm 40:1-10. Sermon text: Leviticus 7:11-16.
Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost, 15 November. Sermon: The Coming of the King. Scripture reading: Psalm 100. Sermon text: Matthew 25:31-46.
Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost, 8 November. Sermon: "As for Me and My House." Responsive Reading: Psalm 78:1-7. Sermon text: Joshua 24:1-15.
Sunday of All Saints, 1 November. Sermon: For All the Saints. Scripture reading: Revelation 7:9-17. Sermon text: 1 John 3:1-3.
Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost, 25 October. Sermon: From Age to Age.
Scripture reading: Deuteronomy 34:1-12. Sermon text: Psalm 90.
Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost, 18 October. Sermon: Render to Caesar. Scripture reading: Psalm 99. Sermon text: Matthew 22:15-22.
Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost, 11 October. Sermon: Transforming the Mountain. Scripture reading: Exodus 32:1-14. Sermon text: Isaiah 25:1-9. This is the link to our Facebook Live broadcast.
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost, 4 October. Sermon: The Words of the LORD. Scripture reading: Psalm 19. Sermon text: Exodus 20:1-20. This is the link to our Facebook Live broadcast.
Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost, 26 September. Sermon: In Whose Name? Scripture reading: Philippians 2:1-13. Sermon text: Matthew 21:23-32.
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, 20 September. Sermon: Paid in Full. Scripture reading; Jonah 3:10-4:11. Sermon text: Matthew 20:1-16.
Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost, 13 September. Sermon: Gathered in Christ. Scripture reading: Romans 13:8-14. Sermon text: Matthew 18:15-20.
Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost, 6 September. Sermon: He Could Not. Scripture reading: Psalm 105:23-39. Sermon text: Exodus 12:29-41.
Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost, 30 August. Sermon: The I AM Has Come. Scripture reading: Matthew 16:21-28. Sermon text: Exodus 3:1-15.
Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost, 23 August. Sermon: A Living Sacrifice. Scripture reading: Romans 12:1-8. Sermon text: Romans 12:9-21.
Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost, 16 August. Sermon: What Will We Give? Scripture reading: Psalm 67. Sermon text: Matthew 15:21-28.
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, 9 August. Sermon: Calming the Storm. Scripture reading: Romans 10:5-15. Sermon text: Matthew 14:22-33.
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, 2 August. Sermon: Feed Us, Lord. Scripture reading: Psalm 145:8-9, 15-21. Sermon text: Matthew 14-13-21.
Eighth Sunday after Pentecost, 26 July. Sermon: Inseparable. Sermon text: Romans 8:26-39.
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, 19 July. Sermon: Who Comes to the House of God? Sermon text: Genesis 28:10-19.
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, 12 July. Sermon: Sowing the Word. Sermon text: Matthew 13:1-23.
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, 28 June. Sermon: Living under Grace. Sermon text: Romans 6:12-23.
Third Sunday after Pentecost, 21 June. Sermon: Fire in Our Bones. Sermon text: Jeremiah 20:7-13.
Second Sunday after Pentecost, 14 June. Sermon: Peace, or a Sword. Sermon text: Matthew 10:24-39.
Trinity Sunday, 7 June. Sermon: "And God Said." Sermon text: Genesis 1:1-2:3.
Pentecost Sunday, 31 May. Sermon: A Time-changing Visitation. Sermon text: Acts 2: 1-11.
Seventh Sunday of Easter, 24 May. Sermon: It's Time. Sermon text: Acts 1:1-14.
Sixth Sunday of Easter, 17 May. Sermon: A Scandalous Truth. Sermon text: Acts 17:16-34.
Fifth Sunday of Easter, 10 May. Sermon: Show Us the Father. Sermon text: John 14:1-15.
Fourth Sunday of Easter, 3 May. Sermon: The Joy of Worship. Sermon text: Acts 2:42-47.
Third Sunday of Easter, 26 April. Sermon: Walking with Jesus. Sermon text: Luke 24:13-35.
Second Sunday of Easter, 19 April. Sermon: Do You Believe? Sermon text: John 20:19-31.
Easter Sunday, 12 April. Sermon: A Fearless Faith. Sermon text: Matthew 28:1-10.
Good Friday, 10 April 2020. Sermon: Behold Your King. Sermon text: John 18:1-19:37. This is the traditional text read in the Good Friday liturgy.
Maundy Thursday, 9 April 2020. Sermon: "Why?" Sermon text: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.
From Palm Sunday to Maundy Thursday: Holy Week according to St. Matthew. This presentation takes us from Palm Sunday through Maundy Thursday in Jesus' last week before His crucifixion on Good Friday.
Palm Sunday, 5 April 2020. Sermon: Your King Is Coming! Sermon text. Matthew 21:1-11.
Fifth Sunday of Lent, 29 March 2020. This video is on Youtube.
Fourth Sunday of Lent, 22 March 2020. Sermon: A Shepherd You Can Trust. Sermon text: Palm 23.
Third Sunday of Lent, 15 March 2020. Sermon: Peace for All Time. Sermon text: Romans 5:1-11.


text:
Dominant free-exciton recombination radiation in chemical vapor deposited diamonds
Hiroshi Kawarada, Takahiro Tsutsumi, Hiroki Hirayama, Akira Yamaguchi
Dominant free-exciton recombination radiation has been obtained from chemical vapor deposited diamonds. The crystals are formed in a microwave plasma using the mixtures CO and CO2 diluted with hydrogen. The concentration of CO2 and the position of the samples in the plasma affect the crystallinity of the samples. The peak emission intensity ratio between the free-exciton recombination radiation and the band A emission is more than 20 in the samples formed at the edge of discharging area and with the optimum concentration of CO2. The value is the highest ever reported in diamond.
https://doi.org/10.1063/1.111126
crystallinity
Kawarada, H., Tsutsumi, T., Hirayama, H., & Yamaguchi, A. (1994). Dominant free-exciton recombination radiation in chemical vapor deposited diamonds. Applied Physics Letters, 64(4), 451-453. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.111126
Dominant free-exciton recombination radiation in chemical vapor deposited diamonds. / Kawarada, Hiroshi; Tsutsumi, Takahiro; Hirayama, Hiroki; Yamaguchi, Akira.
In: Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 64, No. 4, 1994, p. 451-453.
Kawarada, H, Tsutsumi, T, Hirayama, H & Yamaguchi, A 1994, 'Dominant free-exciton recombination radiation in chemical vapor deposited diamonds', Applied Physics Letters, vol. 64, no. 4, pp. 451-453. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.111126
Kawarada H, Tsutsumi T, Hirayama H, Yamaguchi A. Dominant free-exciton recombination radiation in chemical vapor deposited diamonds. Applied Physics Letters. 1994;64(4):451-453. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.111126
Kawarada, Hiroshi ; Tsutsumi, Takahiro ; Hirayama, Hiroki ; Yamaguchi, Akira. / Dominant free-exciton recombination radiation in chemical vapor deposited diamonds. In: Applied Physics Letters. 1994 ; Vol. 64, No. 4. pp. 451-453.
@article{c9cbd84706fb4880b1e2742a47aa252b,
title = "Dominant free-exciton recombination radiation in chemical vapor deposited diamonds",
abstract = "Dominant free-exciton recombination radiation has been obtained from chemical vapor deposited diamonds. The crystals are formed in a microwave plasma using the mixtures CO and CO2 diluted with hydrogen. The concentration of CO2 and the position of the samples in the plasma affect the crystallinity of the samples. The peak emission intensity ratio between the free-exciton recombination radiation and the band A emission is more than 20 in the samples formed at the edge of discharging area and with the optimum concentration of CO2. The value is the highest ever reported in diamond.",
author = "Hiroshi Kawarada and Takahiro Tsutsumi and Hiroki Hirayama and Akira Yamaguchi",
doi = "10.1063/1.111126",
T1 - Dominant free-exciton recombination radiation in chemical vapor deposited diamonds
AU - Kawarada, Hiroshi
AU - Tsutsumi, Takahiro
AU - Hirayama, Hiroki
AU - Yamaguchi, Akira
N2 - Dominant free-exciton recombination radiation has been obtained from chemical vapor deposited diamonds. The crystals are formed in a microwave plasma using the mixtures CO and CO2 diluted with hydrogen. The concentration of CO2 and the position of the samples in the plasma affect the crystallinity of the samples. The peak emission intensity ratio between the free-exciton recombination radiation and the band A emission is more than 20 in the samples formed at the edge of discharging area and with the optimum concentration of CO2. The value is the highest ever reported in diamond.
AB - Dominant free-exciton recombination radiation has been obtained from chemical vapor deposited diamonds. The crystals are formed in a microwave plasma using the mixtures CO and CO2 diluted with hydrogen. The concentration of CO2 and the position of the samples in the plasma affect the crystallinity of the samples. The peak emission intensity ratio between the free-exciton recombination radiation and the band A emission is more than 20 in the samples formed at the edge of discharging area and with the optimum concentration of CO2. The value is the highest ever reported in diamond.
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10.1063/1.111126


text:
COVID 19 News FightagainstCorona
Good news! Harsh Vardhan makes big announcement over availability of COVID-19 vaccine in India
October 13, 2020 The India Wire Team
In a good news for millions of Indians, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Tuesday said that vaccine against coronavirus COVID-19 is expected in India by early 2021. The Union minister added that experts are currently busy chalking out plans on how to roll out the distribution of the vaccine in the country.
"We're expecting that early next year we should have vaccine in the country from maybe more than one source. Our expert groups are formulating strategies to plan on how to roll out the distribution of the vaccine in the country", said Harsh Vardhan during Group of Ministers meeting.
Harsh Vardhan made the statement at a time when India's COVID-19 caseload surpassed 71 lakh-mark. As per the Ministry of Health data released on Tuesday, the coronavirus cases in India stands at 71,75,881 including 8,38,729 active cases, 62,27,296 cured/discharged/migrated cases & 1,09,856 deaths.
Meanwhile, the coronavirus cases in India recorded its lowest number on Tuesday (October 13, 2020) after a period of nearly two months. The number of positive cases recorded in the last 24 hours stands at 55,342. In the fast few weeks India was consistently recording cases above 70,000 mark.
India recorded around 55,000 cases on July 31 (55,078), August 4 (52,050) and August 18 (55,079). India is showing a trend of declining average daily cases over the past five weeks. On October 9, active cases fell below the 9 lakh mark and the number of fresh cases has been declining ever since.
Also read: India sees sharp decline in COVID-19 cases, records lowest fresh cases in 63 days
Maharashtra continues to be the worst-hit with a total of 15,35,315 cases including 40,514 deaths; followed by Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.
Total number of samples tested up to October 12 is 8,89,45,107 including 10,73,014 samples tested on Monday alone as per the Indian Council of Medical Research report.


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Securities Act Conviction Upheld; Computer Search OK'd; Various Booker Issues Addressed
U.S. v. Wenger, 2005 WL 2767182 (10th Cir. Oct 26, 2005)
In securities fraud conviction 10th rejects claim that D's radio show and newsletter wherein he touted stocks in which he had an interest, in violation of the Securities Act disclosure requirement, were protected non-commercial speech under 1st Amend. 10th applied commercial speech analysis and found no impermissible burden; Securities Act provision not unconstitutionally vague. Opinion includes 404(b) analysis.
U.S. v. Brooks, 2005 WL 2767185 (10th Cir. Oct 26, 2005)
Issue I: Search of computer for kid porn not beyond scope of consent. Cops had warrant for search of computer, asked D for consent to search for images using automatic search disk. Disk did not work, and they conducted a manual search for images. Though a different method of search than what cops told D they would use, manual search did just what auto search would have done, and cops searched only for images. 10th distinguished Elliot and stated D could not supply any reason for why the manual search was more invasive than the auto search. Issue 2:Police obtained another warrant after this for a lab search of computer. 10th held that though warrant could have been better worded, it was sufficiently particular, not over-broad, distinguishing Campos and Carey. A must-read for a computer search issue.
U.S. v. Muessig, 2005 WL 2767188 (10th Cir. Oct 26, 2005)
It seems there is a lot of targeting of Vietnamese convenience store owners on psuedoephedrine (PE) sales. In this case, big targeting of 2 stores, wired undercover dick buying boxes and boxes over the course of a year. Three co-Ds. Issue in defense was intent: distributing PE "with reasonable cause to believe" it would be used to manufacture drugs/meth. Held: evidence sufficient to show intent (see opinion). Issue with "Notice"coming into evidence, which was sent to one D by manufacturer warning against sales of multiple boxes of PE because means illegal activity. Trial court ruled Rule 16 violation by government for failing to disclose Notice and sanctionedgovernemtn by barring it from evidence, but D opened door by cross-ex of agent, so agent could testify to it on re-direct. Notice exhibit went inadvertently to jury. Harmless, because lots of evidence that D had knowledge the PE could be used illegally. Harmless as well to co-D who was wife. Court not resolve two different standards ( Smith v. Ingersoll-Rand Co., 214 F.3d 1235) to assess harm done by extraneous material going to jury, because in this case the error was harmless. No plain error in non-constitutional Booker error at sentencing.
U.S. v. Corchado, WL 2746732 (10th Cir. Oct 25, 2005)
Because evidence of guilt was overwhelming (tape recordings, cop's testimony), not plain error for government to cross examine D with his prior drug conviction in drug prosecution, even though it was contrary to court order to get permission to do so first. Also, no constitutional Booker error when judge imposed alternate sentence in anticipation of Booker.
Booker Relief for Drug Defendant; Gov't Denied A Second Chance to Prove Quantity
U.S. v. Spencer, 2005 WL 2651377 (10/18/05)(unpub'd) - The 10th overturns a drug quantity determination on constitutional Booker grounds. Most importantly, the 10th prohibits the government from presenting additional evidence on remand to support the quantity determination because the defendant gave the government plenty of notice that its evidence was inadequate and the government didn't do anything to supplement its evidence.
Prior KS Drug Conviction Not A Felony for Sentencing Enhancement
U.S. v. Plakio, 2005 WL 2420965 (10/3/05)(unpub'd) - In a divided decision, the 10th holds that a prior drug conviction was not a felony under USSG § 2K2.1(a)(4) because the maximum punishment for someone with his criminal history was less than a year under the Kansas sentencing guidelines and after Apprendi the Kansas S.Ct. prohibited upward departures from the guidelines.
posted by Shari Allison at 4:21 PM 0 comments
Although Apprendi Applies, No Relief for Petitioner
Allen v. Reed, 2005 WL 2697246 (10/21/05) - Ultimately, another example of how unfair habeas law is. The 10th holds the d.ct. was wrong to determine Apprendi did not apply to the petitioner's case. Apprendi applied because, although the petitioner was sentenced before Apprendi, the petitioner's state appeal was not decided until after Apprendi. BUT, this procedural victory does the petitioner no substantive good. The state court's decision that the Colorado sentencing statutes [that are like New Mexico's in that a judicial finding of aggravating circumstances allows the court to increase a sentence above the base sentence] were okey-dokey under Apprendi was not unreasonable. That was so because it was just like the decisions federal courts were making before Blakely about the guidelines. That the Colorado S.Ct. has now held that the state's sentencing statutes violate Apprendi as explained in Blakely and Booker doesn't matter. What matters is what was the "clearly established" law when the petitioner's case was final in 2002 before Blakely.
Capital Conviction Affirmed
Malicoat v. Mullin, 2005 WL 2503817 (10/11/05) - Another Oklahoma death sentence affirmed. Trying a capital case in a courtroom with the "eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth" carving behind the judge did not render the trial fundamentally unfair. It was not a violation of due process to refuse to instruct on an offense with a less-than-death maximum penalty because that offense was not a lesser-included offense under state law. The defendant could be constitutionally killed even though the jury did not necessarily find he intended to kill the child because it was enough that the defendant himself willfully committed an act which produced an injury that resulted in the death. The requirement of intent to kill only applies in felony-murder cases. The following prosecutorial conduct did not warrant overturning the conviction or death sentence: conducting closing in the voice of the child victim; arguing it was the jury's civic duty to convict; calling the defendant a monster; referring to the mitigation evidence as excuses; expressing a personal belief in the death penalty; stating without evidence that the child was named after a character in the TV show "Touched by an Angel." It was harmless to introduce into evidence an irrelevant photo of the child months before her death. It was not unreasonable for counsel to fail to give an opening statement or to introduce psychological testimony that didn't go to a relevant issue and it was not prejudicial for counsel not to investigate the defendant's history of seizures. In the course of the decision, the 10th made some observations interesting to habeasphiles about when de novo review is appropriate where the state appellate court applies a state standard different from the governing S.Ct. law.
Indictment Reinstated Over Commerce Clause Objections
U.S. v. Jeronimo-Bautista, 2005 WL 2542883 (10/12/05) - The 10th reverses a d.ct. dismissal of an indictment. It was not a violation of the Commerce Clause to prosecute the defendant for coercing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct to produce child porn under 18 U.S.C. § 2251(a), even though the defendant kept the resulting photos to himself and the only interstate connection was that the camera was manufactured outside the state. The 10th decided the situation was just like that in Gonzales v. Raich, 125 S.Ct. 2195 (2005), where the S.Ct. found constitutional the prosecution of the woman who produced marijuana only for her own medical needs. Congress made a rational determination that the defendant's local production of child porn constitutes an essential part of the interstate child porn market.
Objected-to Booker Error Results in New Sentencing
U.S. v. Austin, 2005 WL 2600621 (10/14/05) - The 10th discusses at length its case law and other circuit's case law regarding whether sexual contact of a minor is a crime of violence under various definitions. So, if you have a similar question, this case has already done all the research for you. After all that discussion, it decides it is bound by prior precedent to hold that, where the defendant admitted as part of his guilty plea that he touched an "intimate part" [not over clothing] of a girl under 15, when he was 19, for his own sexual gratification, while the girl was over his house participating in his sister's slumber party, the defendant's prior Colorado attempted sexual assault of a minor conviction was for a crime of violence under § 2K2.1(a)2), which uses the career offender definition under § 4B1.2. The act could not be considered consensual because the girl was under the age of consent in Colorado. The defendant did get a remand for resentencing due to an objected-to non-constitutional Booker error that the government conceded it could not prove was harmless.
No Booker Error Where Defendant Made Virtually No Sentencing Argument
US v. Jones, 2005 WL 2563061 (Oct. 13, 2005).
No plain error for non-constitutional Booker error (applying guidelines in mandatory fashion). The 10th once again refused defendant's argument based on the 4th prong of the plain error test (defendant could not show an error that seriously affected the fairness, integrity, or public reputation of judicial proceedings). There was nothing to show that the judge would not impose the same sentence on remand.
TRIAL PRACTICE NOTE: One thing the 10th noted in support of its rejection of Defendant's argument was that he "made no objection at sentencing to the presentence report, he disputed no facts, he presented no mitigating evidence, and he did not argue for a downward departure. His only request, which the district judge granted, was that his sentence run concurrently with the remaining two months of a state sentence he was serving".
Denial of Suppression Motion Affirmed
U.S. v. Gregoire, 2005 WL 2422788 (10th Cir. 10/3/05) - affirmance of denial of motion to suppress. Mr. Gregoire, an African-American driving an older van with out-of-state plates, was pulled over by a state trooper--who was part of a drug enforcement team--for failing to signal that he was merging onto the interstate from the entrance ramp. After the trooper gave him a warning and returned his documents, the COA finds, Mr. Gregoire was free to leave, but instead chose to converse with the trooper and later consented to a vehicle search, which turned up cocaine. The COA finds it a close question, but concludes the district court did not clearly err in its factual finding of the applicability of the state statute requiring Mr. Gregoire to signal. The trooper's observations afforded reasonable suspicion for the stop and his subjective motivation for the stop is not pertinent. Mr. Gregoire waived his claim that he was stopped because he fit the drug profile because he did not develop it at the suppression hearing or in his opening brief.
Felon-In-Possession Sentence Affirmed Despite Subsequent Repeal of Relevant Definition
U.S. v. Whitehead, 2005 WL 2422484 (10th Cir. 10/3/05) - Mr. Whitehead pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. At the time of his offense, the firearm he was convicted of possessing fell within the 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(30) definition of a "semiautomatic assault weapon." Shortly before his sentencing, however, that § was repealed. COA holds that what counts under USSG § 2K2.1(a)(4)(B), which sets a base offense level of 20, is the status of the firearm when the offense was committed, not at the time of sentencing.
posted by Shari Allison at 8:50 AM 0 comments


text:
Frank Lampard defends injured Chelsea centre-back Andreas Christensen
Frank Lampard, left, has leapt to the defence of centre-back Andreas Christensen, right (Richard Heathcote/PA)
Frank Lampard has lamented the "typical modern-day reaction" that accompanied Andreas Christensen's knee injury.
Denmark defender Christensen was expected back in training on Saturday but will not be ready to face Morecambe in Sunday's FA Cup clash.
The 24-year-old took a heavy bang to the knee in a clash with Jack Grealish in Chelsea's 1-1 Premier League draw with Aston Villa on December 28.
Christensen was left in a heap on the ground as Villa pressed on and capitalised to level through Anwar El Ghazi.
In response to questions about Villa playing on with Christensen injured on the field, assistant coach and ex-Chelsea skipper John Terry posted on social media: "He should have got up."
Andreas Christensen in action against Aston Villa in December (Catherine Ivill/PA)
Now Blues boss Lampard has confirmed Christensen's injury as a direct result of that clash with Grealish, revealing his frustrations with criticism of his defender.
"I'll set the record straight on that one – Andreas' injury was absolutely from that moment in the Villa game," said Lampard.
"It's probably a typical modern-day reaction where Andreas has taken stick. He's out but the injury isn't too bad which is good news for him. He'll back in training with us on Saturday."
Chelsea will host League Two side Morecambe in Sunday's third-round FA Cup clash, bidding to hit back to winning ways after the chastening 3-1 loss to an inspired Manchester City last weekend.
Lampard will make a host of changes to take on Derek Adams' Shrimps, with the Blues having had a clutch of academy stars training with the first team this week.
Edouard Mendy, left, has been ahead of Kepa Arrizabalaga, centre, in the pecking order (Catherine Ivill/PA)
Spain goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga could be primed for a rare start if Lampard opts to rest in-form summer signing Edouard Mendy.
Kepa looks set for an extended stint behind Mendy in Chelsea's pecking order whatever happens on Sunday, and Lampard has refused to rule out letting the 26-year-old leave Stamford Bridge in the January transfer window.
Asked whether he sees Kepa's future as a Chelsea player, Lampard replied: "Well at the moment he's our player and I think the situation is clear, Edou (Mendy) has come in and he's been playing regularly as the number one for us.
"And when Kepa has come in he did well, and he's trained really well. His attitude around the place has been brilliant.
"So I won't be drawn on that one at the moment, he's our player and we'll see how January goes, but I don't want to be alluding to what might or might not be."
Frank Lampard heaps praise on Mason Mount as Chelsea beat Fulham
Frank Lampard frustrated by 'inconsistent' scheduling rules
Danny Drinkwater poised to join Turkish club Kasimpasa on loan
Frank Lampard keen to stop celebrating in training for preparation of matches