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Scottish Tourism Alliance Autumn Conference – double discount for ASVA Members
The line-up for this year's Scottish Tourism Alliance Annual Autumn Conference on 7th October at the EICC has been announced and if you're quick off the mark, you'll get a double discount on your ticket through our membership of the STA and the Early Bird ticket offer which will end on 31 July.
This year's event has a packed programme, starting with an interview with Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs. Delegates will then hear the most up to date economic outlook for the tourism industry from one of the UK's leading financial and economic experts, Philip Bartlett, Economist at RBS Group.
We will then hear from Stephen Leckie in his capacity as Chair of the Tourism Leadership Group who will provide an update on our national Tourism Strategy TS2020 with one year left to go. Stephen will then do the 'big reveal' of the future Vision and Mission of our Tourism Strategy Beyond 2020 and will outline the priority areas of focus.
Tourism is of course all about people, and in the final session before lunch titled 'A Human Future' you'll hear four different perspectives on how we can build a stronger industry for the future through our people.
Afternoon sessions will explore topics such as improving mental health within the industry; future-proofing tourism with learnings from Glasgow's circular economy; growing profit through data and how we can deliver better quality experiences through collaboration in our destinations.
There are a number of networking opportunities throughout the day and delegates are also invited to stay on after conference for a networking and G & Tea experience (sampling the new Scottish Tourism Alliance gin!).
Don't miss the opportunity to get ahead of the curve at one of the most crucial times for our industry. The Early Bird offer ends on 31 July so make sure you grab your 'double discounted' ticket before they fly.
Secure your ticket today here.
And the award goes to…
The Scotch Whisky Experience were delighted to collect the award for Best Place for Women to Work at the Business Women Scotland Hospitality and Tourism Awards on 16th May. The awards, held at Edinburgh's Waldorf Astoria, celebrate the achievements of individuals and organisations within Scotland's booming tourism and hospitality industry, bringing together representatives from businesses across the country: from visitor attractions and festivals to accommodation providers and restaurants.
The Scotch Whisky Experience team, who were shortlisted alongside the Waldorf Astoria and Fairmont St Andrews, were praised for their positive approach to the long-term career progression of women within the organisation, and for the company's inclusive and conscientious approach to maternity leave, phased return to work, and work-life balance.
The attraction was also recognised for its commitment to accessibility, making the ceremony's first awards shortlist of the night: Accessible Business of the Year. While this award went to the team at Dundee's Caird Hall, the Scotch Whisky Experience were proud to be a finalist in this incredibly competitive category, acknowledging the many adaptations and product augmentations that have been implemented over the years to make the attraction as accessible to as many people as possible.
"We're incredibly proud to have made the shortlists for both of these awards", says Susan Morrison, Chief Executive. "The Scotch Whisky Experience is about championing inclusiveness in whisky, and we achieve that with a programme of carefully honed training sessions, tastings and events that level the playing field for our whole team. Over our 30 years in business, we've created an internal culture where all members of our team feel they have a voice, an opinion and something to offer on this amazing spirit. Winning this award means so much to the organisation, and even more so to Scotland's incredible whisky industry who we're proud to represent."
The Scotch Whisky Experience employs 90 members of staff, with a wide range of roles from operations, retail and hospitality to marketing, technical, administration and finance. The overall management roles are 59% female, with a 50:50 gender split between those in general managerial roles. In 2018, there were four female appointees to the board of directors; equating to 35% of the full board.
Located in Edinburgh at the top of the city's famous Royal Mile, the attraction opened in 1988 and in its 30 year history has welcomed over 7 million visitors from around the world, and poured over 9 million drams of Scotch whisky.
Anniversary of Jim Clark's historic Indy 500 win marked with announcement on opening of new museum
Marking the 54th anniversary of Jim Clark's historic win at the Indianapolis 500 this week, Scottish Borders Council, charity Live Borders and The Jim Clark Trust are delighted to be able to announce that the new Jim Clark Motorsport Museum in Duns will open to the public on Thursday 11 July.
On 31 May 1965, Jim Clark won the Indianapolis 500, becoming the first driver to do the double of winning the famous American race and also the Formula One World Championship. He went on to win a second World Championship in 1965, and remains the only driver to win both in the same year.
The £1.6m museum project is being taken forward by the Council in partnership with Live Borders, The Jim Clark Trust and the Jim Clark Memorial Room Trust. Funding has come from the Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Museums Galleries Scotland and The Jim Clark Trust, the latter including a grant from the Fallago Environment Fund and individual donations from around the world.
Councillor Euan Jardine, SBC's Executive Member for Culture and Sport, said: "Work is progressing well on the new museum, with Live Borders now on-site to complete the internal fit-out and prepare the exhibitions.
"This project has been almost five years in the planning and in just six weeks we will have a fantastic new museum open to the public which will really do justice to Jim Clark's incredible achievements in the racing world and also his life as a Borders farmer.
"The new museum will be a fantastic addition to the tourism offering in Berwickshire and will provide an economic boost for not just the immediate area but also the wider Scottish Borders."
Shona Sinclair, Curator at charity Live Borders, added: "Jim's replica Indianapolis 500 trophy will be on display in the new museum alongside new items, film footage and photographs to showcase Jim's inspirational career.
"A huge amount of work has gone in to researching and preparing the collection for display and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the volunteers who have assisted the Jim Clark Motorsport Museum team with this task. We can't wait to start welcoming visitors."
In conjunction with the opening of the new museum, The Jim Clark Trust is working on the development of a tourist trail around the area, taking in locations associated with Jim Clark, such as historic racing venues and his grave at Chirnside Church.
Ben Smith, Secretary of The Jim Clark Trust, which helped raise over £300,000 towards the museum project, said: "Jim's victory at Indianapolis in 1965 expanded his fan-base massively and we have no doubt that fans from across the world will descend on the new museum after it opens this summer.
"All the partners are working to maximise the impact of the interest in Jim and the opening of the new museum, and as part of that the Trust is developing a tourist and car club trail that will provide additional interest for visitors, and also bring many car enthusiasts to the museum for many years to come."
The new museum will provide an expanded and dynamic exhibition space showcasing memorabilia and the trophy collection, two of Jim Clark's race cars, new image galleries, film footage, interactive displays, technology and education zones.
Mercat Tours shows benefits of profit sharing, flexible working and the living wage
Mercat Tours was born in an Edinburgh classroom. The simple belief that fired my father's passion for teaching has been Mercat's mantra since we established our walking tours in 1985 - 'history is a damn good story, what it needs is a damn good telling'.
Since then, we've worked to keep traditional storytelling alive. This is enjoyed by both guides and visitors, who relish our rich heritage. What may be a surprise is that the majority of those we attract are UK visitors. What also may surprise is the £1million we spent on our 90-strong team in 2018. From lime-light loving guides to eagle-eyed finance, tourism is inclusive and accessible, with attitude counting for more than academic skills.
Our investment in the team is rooted in an ambition to nurture our people, because a happy, fulfilled team is loyal, and proud of giving visitors the best experience. This belief led to remodelling the business in 2017 when, following team consultation, we introduced annual contracts for all. We invested in our people, giving added securities and benefits, and removing seasonal or zero-hour contracts. These benefits ensure buy-in from our team, boosting pride in their work and encouraging skills development, resulting in a better customer experience and growth for all.
The key is flexibility. We offer our team flexible opportunities, adapting our model to accommodate early starts, late finishes and split shifts, as well as part time working. For example, in 2003 Jane joined us as a storytelling guide. When she started her family, we changed Jane's work pattern to ensure she could continue to earn. When Jane wished to pursue further education, we adapted her working week again and assisted her in gaining qualifications. This led to Jane staying with Mercat for 16 years and progressing through the business. Without our flexible approach, neither we nor Jane would have been able to grow.
Mercat is a profit-sharing company with all staff benefiting from our success. In 2017, we became the first walking tour operator in Scotland to secure Living Wage employer accreditation. Investing 10% of our annual profits in team development, we provide access to several training courses, in addition to fully funded three-month training for guides, which is accredited by Napier University.
Looking forward, we give equal consideration to the next generation of employees as the current. We're proud of our 'Day In Edinburgh' project, which aims to inspire local pupils to consider tourism as a career, showcasing the jobs available using a collaborative, practical approach. We have worked with Holy Rood High School and Craigroyston High School and have hosted 685 students and 120 staff alongside 24 organisations in Edinburgh and aim to grow this. We also offer paid placements to local University students.
Being a responsible business is not a strategy, it is in Mercat's DNA. Our ethical approach has resulted in above average success; 19.5% YOY growth, 87% staff satisfaction, 97% customer satisfaction and 100% trade satisfaction. This tells the story of a thriving company embedded in the community, respected by trade, with a fulfilled team helping happy visitors.
Sharing the tourism story is crucial. If the local authority, tourism businesses and residents work together then everyone can enjoy the benefits tourism brings. By understanding how investment in the city benefits both visitors and residents we can support each other to grow, celebrating our thriving industry, giving the warm welcome for which we're famous now, and in the future.
Kat Brogan, Managing Director Mercat Tours.
Jonnie Walker Attraction Given Green Light
Plans to create a global flagship visitor experience for Johnnie Walker have received official approval from local authorities in Edinburgh.
The City of Edinburgh Council Planning Committee formally granted permission for the project, which will transform one of the city's most important landmark buildings into a major new tourist destination.
The Johnnie Walker visitor experience is the focal point of a £150million investment in Scotch whisky tourism by leading global spirits company and ASVA member, Diageo, the biggest single investment programme ever seen in the whisky tourism sector.
The planning committee have approved the application for the venue, which is expected to create between 160 to 180 new full-time equivalent jobs and to generate in the region of £135 million in tourism spend in the wider Edinburgh economy.
The proposals would see the meticulous restoration of the building at 146 Princes Street with many of its beautiful heritage features preserved where possible and integrated into the visitor experience.
The plans include:
A multi-sensory, immersive visitor experience across three floors, guiding people through the 200 year history of the brand, the art and science of whisky-making, and taking them on a journey through the flavours of Scotland.
A flexible events space for staging music, theatre, arts and community events, making the venue part of the thriving cultural life of the city.
A training academy that will be a home for Diageo's award-winning Learning for Life programme, which creates training and employment opportunities in the hospitality industry for unemployed people, and works to improve hospitality standards and promotes the responsible serving and consumption of alcohol.
Roof-top access with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and across the city skyline to east, west and north.
At street level the plans include a significant retail space, bringing a contemporary shopping experience and interior design inspired by the Johnnie Walker retail flagship store in Madrid, which opened in November.
Construction work is expected to begin in the early summer.
David Cutter, chairman of Diageo in Scotland, said: 'This is another significant step forward in our journey to create an inspiring flagship destination for Johnnie Walker.
'We have had great support for our proposals from local stakeholders and businesses in Edinburgh and we are grateful to everyone who has helped us to get to this stage. We will continue to work with the local community as we now progress with construction and with making our plans a reality.'
Cristina Diezhandino, Diageo global Scotch whisky director, said: 'We are incredibly excited by our plans for the Johnnie Walker visitor experience in Edinburgh where people can explore, discover, and immerse themselves in story of the world's leading whisky brand.
'We have ambitious plans to make this a truly world-leading attraction, drawing people from the four corners of the globe to Scotland and to give them an unforgettable experience in Scotch whisky and Scottish culture.'
Diageo is currently investing over £185 million in Scotch whisky experiences in Scotland. As well as the Edinburgh location, the company is also investing to transform its existing 12 distillery visitor attractions across Scotland and a £35 million investment to reopen the iconic distilleries of Port Ellen and Brora.
Whisky from Diageo's distilleries all over Scotland contribute to Johnnie Walker, but four distilleries – Glenkinchie, Cardhu, Caol Ila and Clynelish – will be linked directly to the Johnnie Walker venue in Edinburgh, representing the 'four corners of Scotland' and the regional flavour variations crucial to the art of whisky blending.
Together these sites will create a unique Johnnie Walker tour of Scotland, encouraging visitors to the capital city to also travel to the country's extraordinary rural communities.
'Water' year ahead
An expanded Clydebuilt Festival, a spectacular new event at Scotland's Boat Show and a celebration of Scotland's waters and the journeys over them from the National Theatre of Scotland are just a taste of the events lined up to put Scotland's coasts and waters in the spotlight in 2020.
Launched on Wednesday 10 April at VisitScotland Expo – the Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 will inspire visitors, locals, and the tourism and events sector to get onboard and enjoy everything the year has to offer.
From water inspired myths and legends to historic harbours, sweeping coastlines to the very best in seafood, whisky, wildlife and wellness – Scotland's enviable reputation for unspoiled beaches, rich natural and cultural heritage and thrill-seeking adventure activities will be showcased through a year-long programme of events and activities.
A total of six initial events – designed to 'wet the appetite' for what's in store have been announced today with many more to be revealed later in the year. The six events supported by the Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 Round
One Events Fund include:
• Ferry Tales from the National Theatre of Scotland - an imaginative and impactful performance and community project, with the support of Caledonian MacBrayne and their ferries, celebrating the waters surrounding Scotland's waters and the journeys over them made by thousands of residents and visitors.
• Edinburgh International Film Festival presents Scotland's Shores - an exciting programme celebrating the country's coasts and waterways through unique events, classic film screenings and a special outdoor coastal experience.
• Clydebuilt Festival – 2020 will be the event's fourth year, the event will significantly expand its existing offering across the festival bringing art, music, crafts, boats, dancing, sea shanties and more to the Riverside Plaza. Castle to Crane - a major component of the festival will also be back bigger than ever in 2020 with opportunities for more participants to get involved.
• The Fife Regatta 2020 – last seen in its home waters off Fairlie in 2013, the regatta will start and finish in Largs, taking in various locations around the Clyde including Holy Loch Marina, Dunoon, Rothesay, Isle of Bute and Tighnabruaich, Argyll for locals and visitors to enjoy.
• River of Light - Scotland's Boat Show and Kip Marina will make a splash in 2020 with a brand-new event that will see Scotland's biggest boat show's programme extended into the evening on the 10 October.
• RSPB Scotland's DolphinFest 2020 - DolphinFest 2020 will help Aberdeen become recognised as a must-visit destination for dolphin watching and will provide pop-up activities across the city that will celebrate Aberdeen's dolphins; from interactive games, to conservation talks and citizen science projects.
A number of Scottish travel and tourism exhibitors at VisitScotland Expo 2019 are also making the most of the new longer-lead Themed Years opportunity to showcase their exciting products in advance of the year. These include Forth Boat Tours who continue to invest in expanding their offering; Forestry and Land Scotland who will be celebrating 100 years of the national forests in 2019; The Majestic Line who are celebrating their 15th year of operation and who will be launching their fourth ship - Glen Shiel; VisitEast Lothian who will be promoting the Go East Lothian Trail – a bikepacking route running from North Berwick to Dunbar; Glenapp Castle who will be offering their Sea Safari on the Glenapp Castle boat and recent National Scottish Thistle Award 18/19 Winners Sweeney's Cruise Co. and Cruise Loch NessForth. Visit Inverness Loch Ness will also be showcasing their new long-distance trail around Loch Ness - set to become the walkers' equivalent of the NC500.
Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: "Following on from the success of our previous themed years, I am pleased to see Scotland's natural assets take centre stage as we celebrate Scotland's Year of Coasts and Waters in 2020."
"Delivered by our skilled and passionate industry these six initial events, taking place right across Scotland, will help to promote the upcoming year-long celebration and encourage participation not only from Scotland's communities but also our visitors from near and far."
In addition to a range of new and existing events, the year will also provide the opportunity to promote and celebrate a variety of unique and authentic experiences showcasing Scotland's unrivalled coasts and waters including The Hebridean Whale Trail, the first of its kind in the UK, set to launch later this year; new road trip routes taking in Scotland's winding coastlines and characterful communities including The Coig and the South West Coastal 300, and the TS Queen Mary on the River Clyde which is getting set to be one of the UK's largest interactive maritime and social history exhibits. The year will also encourage responsible engagement with Scotland's coasts and waters.
Further investment aligned with the year includes a new state of the art visitor centre welcoming cruise ship passengers from across the world in Greenock, which will include a purpose-built gallery celebrating the work of Inverclyde resident artist George Wyllie (1921-2012) and a new restaurant with panoramic views across the Clyde.
A state-of-the-art Johnnie Walker visitor attraction is also set to be the centrepiece of an investment programme from Diageo designed to further boost Scotland's whisky tourism sector. Diageo distilleries spanning Scotland's coastlines will also receive transformational investment to create immersive brand experiences for millions of Scotch fans around the world.
The Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick, near Edinburgh, one of the UK's leading marine education and conservation charities has also reopened the doors of its 5-star visitor attraction following completion of the first stage of their refurbishment. They also plan to transform their existing Discovery Centre with new exhibits and interactive displays - opening is set to take place in 2020.
Scotland's Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 will begin on 1 January 2020 and run until 31 December 2020. For more information, visit www.visitscotland.com/ycw2020
Saving our scran with some choice solutions
A look at the fresh produce in your local supermarket will reveal the usual suspects. Familiar favourites like Little Gem lettuce, Maris Piper potatoes and Royal Gala apples dominate our shelves, but does this lack of choice really matter? A new photographic exhibition – Food Forever – at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) says that diversity is important and is putting the spotlight on the need to conserve and promote diversity in food as a source of resilience in the food system.
The exhibition, which opens on Saturday, 6 April, includes portraits of scientists, farmers and chefs working to ensure that we protect the vast colourful spectrum of diversity in our food. "In effect they are all champions of diversity" said RBGE's Dr Max Coleman. "Variety in our foods is part of the pleasure of eating, but there is also a more serious message in the exhibition about securing food supplies in a rapidly changing world'', he added.
Food insecurity is created by many factors, but changes in local climate, declines in pollinating insects and the spread of pests and diseases are among the main causes. "Factors threatening to disrupt the steady supply of food are very real. Recognising the value and role of diversity in meeting the challenges is summed up by the old saying about not putting all your eggs in one basket", Dr Coleman added.
Relying on a single crop or a very limited amount of genetic diversity is risky, and diversity in farming acts to spread the risk of failure. Extensive 'monocultures' of single crops are common in modern intensive farming and this approach does make our food system vulnerable to rapid change, such as the emergence of a new pest or disease.
As well as showcasing the work of food diversity "champions" in Scotland, and elsewhere around the world, the exhibition is part of a wider initiative led by the Crop Trust that encourages everyone to play their part. Consumer food choices make a big difference to research, innovation and what is actually being produced by farmers. "As consumers, if we stick to what we know and don't buy new or unfamiliar fresh produce it is hard for farmers to make the switch to new crop varieties that might have benefits, such as greater resilience'', said Dr Coleman.
Food Forever can be seen at RBGE's John Hope Gateway from Saturday 6 April to Sunday 9 June. Entry is free.
Website: http://www.rbge.org.uk/whats-on/edinburgh-science-festival/food-forever/
Virtual Reality in Visitor Attractions
On the back of feedback received from ASVA members, ASVA collaborated with our friends at Interface on an exciting new workshop in March, examining the use of Virtual Reality in Visitor Attractions. The workshop involved practical examples of this technology being employed in an attraction setting, expert advice from academics on the use of the technology and the opportunity for delegates to actually try out some VR equipment for themselves.
You can read more about the workshop in a blog our CEO has written for Interface, and we are pleased to attach the presentations from the event.
Blog: https://interface-online.org.uk/blog/preparing-audiences-future
Click below to download presentations
ASVA Interface VR Workshop 7 March 2019 - Overview
ASVA Interface VR Workshop Outputs
ASVA Interface VR Workshop Tomintoul Presentation
Dr Alan Miller VR Presentation
New Lanark World Heritage Site unveils New Management Plan
New Lanark World Heritage Site is launching its five-year management plan on Monday 25 March 2019, at the New Lanark Exhibition Gallery, hosted by New Lanark Board of Trustees. The Chair, Bill Howat, will open the event and present New Lanark's ambitious vision for the historic village.
Founded in 1785 by David Dale, New Lanark became synonymous with Robert Owen and his pioneering and visionary ideology. Owen's social legacy, combined with the innovative design, rich industrial heritage and spectacular setting of the village, are evidenced in New Lanark's Status as one of six UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Scotland.
Building on the ethos of Robert Owen and those who have come before us, New Lanark Trust aims to continue to conserve its heritage, site and environs; contribute socially and economically to the area; and evolve to stay relevant to our people and the world.
World Heritage status began as a designation aimed at protecting and conserving sites of worldwide significance. Today it has evolved into a universally recognised symbol offering a diverse range of benefits and opportunities.
Scott McCauley, CEO New Lanark Trust says "New Lanark has evolved from its initial incarnation as an industrial village, to an exemplar of conservation-led regeneration, to a world-class World Heritage Site, engaging with audiences from every spectrum of life as an embodiment of the thought of the Scottish Enlightenment. We will fully utilise our World Heritage status, growing public awareness and understanding, and use it to deliver this aspirational Management Plan."
Partners to the development and delivery of the management plan for New Lanark include New Lanark Trust, Historic Environment Scotland and South Lanarkshire Council, who are committed to maintaining and enhancing the values of the World Heritage Site as defined by UNESCO's criteria for Outstanding Universal Value, Authenticity and Integrity.
Bill Howat, Chair of New Lanark Trust says, "In a period of ongoing challenges for heritage and cultural organisations, partnership working, across the heritage sector and beyond, is of vital importance to delivering the Management Plan. Whether on an international, national or local scale, partnerships allow for sharing of ideas and co-ordination of resources, helping to deliver exciting and innovative projects such as those in this plan".
He continues "We would like to thank all those who have been involved in the preparation and development of the Management Plan, including our partners, stakeholders, consultees, staff and volunteers. World Heritage status is a great honour and responsibility, and one that we as key custodians of New Lanark take very seriously. This document will play an important role in shaping the direction that New Lanark World Heritage Site will take over the next 5-10 years. It is thanks to the passion and enthusiasm shown by all involved in the development and future delivery of the Management Plan that New Lanark will be conserved for future generations, able to contribute to the economic strength of Scotland, and continue to evolve and stay relevant in the 21st century."
Website: http://www.newlanark.org
The Real Mary King's Close celebrates momentous win at tourism awards
The Real Mary King's Close celebrates a momentous win, taking home the title of Best Heritage Tourism Experience in Scotland at the VisitScotland 2019 Thistle Awards.
The five-star historic visitor attraction was honoured with two accolades at the prestigious Scottish Thistle Awards finals, winning in the Best Heritage Tourism Experience category and gaining a Special Commendation for Best Visitor Attraction.
The Scottish Thistle Awards is Scotland's premier awards for the tourism industry, celebrating success, innovation, excellence and best practice in Scotland's tourism and hospitality industry. The Best Heritage Tourism Experience award, sponsored by Historic Environment Scotland, was part of a number of accolades presented at the ceremony hosted at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre in Edinburgh on Thursday 14th March 2019.
Juliana Delaney, CEO of Continuum Attractions, which operates The Real Mary King's Close, said:
"The whole team is thrilled to receive this incredible honour. To be recognised as Scotland's Best Heritage Tourism Experience is a true testament to the commitment our whole team has for our attraction. Every aspect of our guest experience is developed with love, a sense of pride, and an enthusiasm for both our rich history, and delivering outstanding customer service. We'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of our many guests, our peers within the industry, and VisitScotland for its continued support over the years."
Eilidh Macleod, Marketing Manager at The Real Mary King's Close, said:
"It has been an incredible year for The Real Mary King's Close, and I couldn't be more proud of our team and the exceptional experiences they deliver each and every day. We love bringing Edinburgh's hidden history to life, and welcoming guests from all over the world to experience our unique city-centre attraction. The Scottish Thistle Awards represent the highest standards in our industry, so being recognised as Scotland's Best Heritage Tourism Experience really is a fabulous accolade."
The award and commendation come at the end of a record-breaking year for The Real Mary King's Close, which has grown from 60,000 annual visitors 16 years ago, to a record 256,000 visitors this year.
To find out more visit www.realmarykingsclose.com
Scottish visitor attractions record an increase in visitor numbers for the fifth year in a row
ASVA are pleased to report that visits to its member sites rose slightly in 2018, the fifth year running that an increase in numbers has been recorded.
Analysis of statistics submitted by 232 of the organisation's member sites for its annual 'Visitor Trends Report' confirms that 30,262,245 visits were made to those sites in Scotland in 2018, which represents a modest increase of 0.1% over 2017 figures. The increase comes on top of a 9.7% rise in 2017, which itself followed a 6% rise in 2016, confirming once again that visitor attractions in Scotland are enjoying a period of sustained growth.
The two top sites – The National Museum of Scotland and Edinburgh Castle – each attracted more than 2 million visits, only the second time that any visitor attraction in Scotland has surpassed the 2 million milestone.
Four additional sites attracted in excess of 1 million visitors – two in Edinburgh (Scottish National Gallery and St Giles' Cathedral) and two in Glasgow (Riverside Museum and Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum).
Sectors which fared particularly well in 2018 include castles and heritage sites (+4.2%), zoos, wildlife parks and aquariums (+4.3%), sports and activity attractions (+7.7%) and distilleries/whisky-related attractions (+2.3%).
Edinburgh continued to dominate the marketplace, with 10 of the top 20 attractions located in the city. The National Museum of Scotland welcomed the most visitors over this period, while Edinburgh Castle retained its status as the most popular 'paid' attraction.
Overall, some 59% of all visits were made to attractions that featured in the top 20 list.
Dr Gordon Rintoul, Director of National Museums Scotland said: "It is terrific that the latest ASVA visitor figures have once again confirmed the National Museum of Scotland as the most popular visitor attraction in Scotland. In addition we recorded the highest ever visitor numbers across all our sites with over 3.2 million visits.
"It has been a busy year for the Museum with the hugely popular exhibitions, Rip It Up: The Story of Scottish Pop and Art of Glass and a packed programme of activities including a Q&A with astronaut Tim Peake as he unveiled the display of his Soyuz spacecraft, Science Festival events and workshops and the sell-out Fringe showcase, Museum After Hours.
"This month we have just completed the 15-year, £80 million transformation of the National Museum of Scotland with the opening of three new galleries devoted to our outstanding collections of ceramics, ancient Egyptian and East Asian material and we look forward to welcoming visitors to these over the coming year."
Another area of Scotland which fared well in 2018 was the Highlands. RZSS Highland Wildlife Park near Aviemore enjoyed a major uplift in visitor numbers (+68%), driven in part by the birth of Hamish, the first polar bear cub to be born in the UK for 25 years, while the prehistoric archaeological site of Jarlshof in Shetland recorded a 41% increase in numbers.
Attractions in the vicinity of Loch Ness, including the medieval fortress of Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness by Jacobite, which offers scenic cruises on the loch, continued to demonstrate growth with increases in visitor numbers of 6% and 9% respectively.
Commenting on a bumper year, Daska Mackintosh, Highland Wildlife Park's Head of Operations and Visitor Services, said: "We've had an incredible year and I'm very proud of the whole team here at the Park who have worked exceptionally hard to provide excellent customer service over the course of our busiest year ever.
"As a charity, we depend on every visitor to help us carry out vital conservation work here in Scotland and across the world. Hamish's arrival has helped us to highlight the threats that many wild animals are facing and the small changes we can make to really make a big difference."
The 'Outlander' effect continued to benefit many sites featuring in the cult TV series, as well as others with Jacobite connections, with large increases in visitor numbers recorded at attractions including Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre (+ 11%), Glasgow Cathedral (+24%), Blackness Castle (+36%), Aberdour Castle (+42%), The Royal Burgh of Culross (+53%) and Glencoe (+29%).
Distilleries and whisky-related attractions also largely enjoyed another successful year, with notable rises recorded at Cardhu Distillery Visitor Centre (+14%), Dallas Dhu Distillery (+11%), Glen Ord Distillery Visitor Centre (+15%), Oban Distillery Visitor Centre (+17%) and Tomatin Distillery Visitor Centre (+13%), while The Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh welcomed 2% more visitors through its doors.
The interest surrounding the opening of the new V&A Dundee in September appears to have impacted positively on the City of Dundee and surrounding area, with attractions including Discovery Point (+42%), Verdant Works (+21%), Arbroath Abbey (+18%) and Barry Mill (+14%) recording significant increases over 2017 figures.
Welcoming the figures in ASVA's 2018 Visitor Trends Report, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop said: "It's fantastic to see the success of ASVA's iconic tourist sites attracting more than 30 million visits in 2018.
"From the new V&A Dundee and growing numbers of distilleries to our historic castles and battlefields which are benefitting from the 'Outlander effect' these figures show Scotland is a magnet for visitors from around the world.
"However with the on-going uncertainty of the EU Exit, the Scottish Government recognises we cannot take tourism success for granted. We will continue to work to support sustainable growth of the industry as it creates jobs, boosts the local and national economy and builds on our strong international reputation."
Gordon Morrison, Chief Executive of ASVA said: "Although reporting only a modest increase in visitor figures of 0.1%, it should be remembered that 2017 was something of a stellar year. To be reporting even a modest increase in 2018 visitor figures is therefore a great achievement for the industry.
"Investment in new attractions, plus attractions that have invested in their visitor offer by developing innovative new products and services and launching inspiring events and exhibitions programmes, are not only reaching new visitor markets but are actively encouraging their existing visitors to return time and again".
Gretna Green Ltd. Introduce 'Alipay'
Family run business Gretna Green Ltd. have introduced the global online payment application "Alipay" to help cater to their international customers. Alipay is the world's most popular financial application with around 400 million users and over 100 million transactions around the world.
The team at Gretna Green recognise the importance of easy payment methods for the visiting tourism market and made the decision to launch the mobile payment app this summer; creating a streamlined purchasing process and removing any issues regarding the use of cash payments by adapting their business to ensure they have the best shopping experience possible.
Alipay gives customers complete control over their finances, cutting out the need for currency conversion and use of expensive credit cards.
The new service was introduced at the award winning five-star visitor attraction in August 2018. Kevin Stewart, Head of Marketing says; "The introduction of Alipay to Gretna Green is the latest step in positioning our attraction as an international destination of choice for the visiting tourism market. We understand how important it is to cater to and meet the demands of our growing international visitor and ease of payment is so important in ensuring a seamless experience. We are always looking to improve our services on site and online and endeavour to keep up to date with the latest technological advances."
Gretna Green Famous Blacksmiths Shop Attraction currently welcomes over 800,000 visitors each year to the Dumfries & Galloway region and is the most visited, privately owned tourist attraction in the country.
David Livingstone Centre marks start of £6m Birthplace Project
Work starts on site this week on the much anticipated £6.1 million Birthplace Project to transform The David Livingstone Centre in Blantyre into a world-class visitor attraction.
Clark Contracts Ltd. has been appointed as the main contractor on the multi-million pound operation to restore and renovate the 11-hectare Station Road site which includes the iconic Shuttle Row mill-workers' tenement where the legendary explorer and missionary was born and raised.
The Birthplace Project is jointly funded by The National Lottery through The Heritage Lottery Fund (£4.1m), the Scottish Government (£1.3m) and Historic Environment Scotland (£575,000).
The funding will see David Livingstone's birthplace redeveloped to provide a vibrant new museum, setting Scotland in a global context and celebrating the inspirational story of how a poor millworker became one of the most popular British heroes of the Victorian era and a hero of some Sub Saharan African countries today. The project will include the renewal of the historic buildings, a newly interpreted exhibition which will showcase artefacts from the Trust's collection of 3000 objects and an upgrade of visitor facilities such as the café and shop.
Website: http://www.david-livingstone-trust.org/2018-08-work-starts-on-the-birthplace-project
Scottish Attraction Voted Amongst Best in World!
Landmark Forest Adventure Park, located just outside Aviemore, has once again been named in the Top 1% of visitor attractions worldwide. The Scottish visitor attraction, which first opened its doors back in June 1970, has just been awarded the very prestigious Travellers' Choice award by TripAdvisor for the second year running.
The Travellers' Choice Award is based on reviews left by visitors via the online platform and is the highest honour that TripAdvisor bestows on visitor attractions around the world. As the only travel industry award based on millions of reviews and opinions from travellers around the world, these annual awards reflect 'the best of the best' for service, quality, and customer satisfaction.
Not only has Landmark Forest Adventure Park been awarded the Traveller's Choice Award again, but they have also moved up yet another place in TripAdvisor's list of the Top 10 Amusement Parks in the UK. The family attraction is now named as one of the Top 4 parks north of London and the highest rated amusement park north of Blackpool.
Landmark Forest Adventure Park is one of many great family attractions located in the surrounding Aviemore area which make it such a popular holiday destination with families in the UK. Last year Aviemore and its surrounding area were visited by around 1.1m visitors, a testament to its high quality attractions, restaurants and range of accommodation.
Whilst the team at Landmark is understandably thrilled at their recent achievement, they are keen not to rest on their laurels. Commenting on their latest accolade, Danny Fullerton, General Manager, said "We're all absolutely delighted to have won this prestigious award! With thousands of families returning to the park every year, we recognise just how important it is for us to continually improve as a visitor attraction. Hopefully this award is a good indication that we are going in the right direction! It is hugely encouraging as we make preparations to bring even more exciting attractions to the park over the coming years."
Website: http://www.landmarkpark.co.uk/
ASVA welcomes new CEO
We're delighted to welcome Gordon Morrison to the role of Chief Executive Officer of ASVA.
Gordon is a well known face within the attractions sector in Scotland, both through his work at VisitScotland as Quality & Tourism Manager, where he was responsible for the delivery of highly regarded Visitor Attraction Grading Scheme and, more recently as Commercial & Visitor Services Manager with Museums & Galleries Edinburgh. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience of the sector, particularly in relation to quality and improvement of visitor experience, and will use this knowledge and experience to help ASVA in our mission to support and inspire Scottish attractions to deliver sustainable, world class experiences.
Gordon joined the organisation on the 16th of July. About working for ASVA, Gordon says:
'I am absolutely delighted to join the organisation. The work ASVA does in supporting the attractions sector, providing advice, statistical information and inspiration to members via our website and communication channels, our development programmes and, of course, the truly outstanding annual ASVA conferences, is very highly valued by the attractions industry and I look forward to building on the organisation's success in 2018 and beyond. I am taking over from a real institution in Eva McDiarmid and I am determined to continue her legacy, ensuring that ASVA remains one of the most respected organisations within the tourism sector.
My aim is to ensure that ASVA is truly representative of our members and is responsive in meeting the evolving wants and needs of the attractions sector in Scotland. I am determined to be an open, accessible and visible CEO and I look forward to meeting with and speaking to members and stakeholders from across the country over the upcoming weeks and months.'
LOTHIAN ANNOUNCE COACH OPERATIONS
Lothian (operators of Edinburgh Bus Tours) is expanding further and widening its portfolio with the launch of Lothian Motorcoaches, creating further jobs and boosting tourism in the Scottish economy.
From June, Lothian Motorcoaches will sit alongside and complement its Edinburgh Bus Tours operation by offering bespoke day tours to both resident and tourism markets across Scotland, as well as associated private hire services specialising in high-end corporate events and weddings.
Lothian have acquired five executive coaches for the operation. Working in close partnership with Plaxton, a subsidiary of Alexander Dennis, on both build and design; the upmarket Plaxton Panther executive coaches have been fitted to a superior standard offering customers a high quality, luxury experience featuring WI-FI, USB charging points, reclining seats with leather headrests and unique LED lighting, accented in a mild red effect to add to the interior ambience.
Richard Hall, Managing Director for Lothian said: "We are delighted to launch Lothian Motorcoaches, offering coach tours and private hire services for the residents and visitors of Edinburgh, the Lothians and beyond. Our specially trained drivers and guides aim to deliver an unrivalled customer experience, which combined with outstanding vehicles proudly built in Britain, offer a unique package for both the residents of Edinburgh and the Lothians and the important incoming tourism market that Scotland is lucky enough to enjoy. We look forward to commencing operations and welcoming the first of many customers aboard."
Paula Ward, Regional Leadership Director, VisitScotland said: "Scotland's reputation as a quality destination relies on continued investment and innovation to ensure that current provision meets future demand. The launch of Lothian Motorcoaches demonstrates a real commitment to further enhancing the tourism offering in Edinburgh and beyond.
"The new tours will encourage visitors to our capital city to visit some of the beautiful surrounding countryside and world-class attractions that can be enjoyed in Scotland. Tourism is more than a holiday experience – it is integral to sustaining communities across Scotland by generating income, creating jobs and stimulating social change."
The live-guided coach tours will take customers to various historic and picturesque locations across Scotland, including Loch Lomond, Stirling and St Andrews. Linking in with Lothian's subsidiary Edinburgh Bus Tours, visitors and residents will be spoilt for choice as to ways to explore all that Scotland has to offer.
Scottish stars back National Trust for Scotland's biggest ever campaign
Some of Scotland's most recognisable public figures have thrown their weight behind the National Trust for Scotland's most ambitious campaign ever with the aim of boosting member numbers by more than a third to 500,000, doubling paid visits to 1 million and increasing regular donors and member visits over the next five years.
An extraordinary cast from Hollywood A-listers to TV favourites and sports legends have all given their time for free to support the charity. The celebrities appear alongside less familiar faces in a film which takes the unconventional approach of asking Scots what they hate about Scotland before finding out what they love about the country. The film entitled For the Love of Scotland debuted on STV on the 29th of April, taking over the whole of a prime-time ad break. At three minutes, this is thought to be the longest Scottish TV advert ever made.
The cast includes Hollywood actors Brian Cox and Gerard Butler; sporting royalty Sir Chris Hoy, Judy Murray, Alex McLeish and international rugby players Stuart Hogg and Finn Russell; TV presenter Andrea McLean and musician Evelyn Glennie. The stars were joined by a host of less well known National Trust for Scotland supporters from across Scotland as they revealed not only what gets them down about Scotland but what fires them up about the country.
Sir Chris Hoy hates potholes but loves how Scots can be the best in the world. Brian Cox hates having to work so far away from Scotland but loves how Scots all have a sense of home. Gerard Butler loves mountains, glens and lochs and naturally, Burns, but hates midges and smirr! With a nod to her passion for tennis, Judy Murray hates when 'rain stops play' but she loves our national treasures. Scotland manager, Alex McLeish, of course, hates Glorious Defeat, but loves how Scots all pull together as a team.
Mark Bishop, Director of Customer and Cause at the National Trust for Scotland said: "Everything we do is for the love of Scotland. The hundreds of thousands of members, donors, volunteers, visitors and staff do what they do because they care about Scotland and we thought it was time to recognise that. The National Trust for Scotland isn't just here for a lovely day out, it stands for something much bigger than that.
"We're about coastlines and castles, art and architecture, wildlife and wilderness. We're here to protect our natural and national treasures for everyone to enjoy.
"We've set ourselves an ambitious target to do two things – firstly to help people better understand what we do and why we do it and secondly to protect the Trust for the future by increasing our members, donations and visitors.
"In creating this campaign, we've been heartened by the extraordinary passion we've tapped; from multi-award winning actors and sporting royalty to our hard working staff and volunteers and everyone else who champions our work. We have harnessed that support to help us shout louder about the important role we play in caring for Scotland now and forever."
The For the Love of Scotland film can be seen at the National Trust for Scotland's website
Website: http://www.nts.org.uk


The qualities of a good manager include giving flexibility to the employees, investing in their development, and offering equal opportunities, among others.
Today, a significant change is taking place: the "extinction" of the traditional manager and the birth of the modern manager. The things that were highly valued in the past years like bureaucracy, individual performance, and tight control are now slowly becoming a part of history. The modern management values trust, teams, and communication. Its main driver? Autonomy, mastery, and purpose!
A new style of leadership is emerging and employees are over the roof with joy. These contemporary managers take a more open approach at the workplace. From growth opportunities and remote work to open communication and creativity, the modern manager is born to increase employee engagement, motivation, and retention.
Create diversity in the workplace.
Think differently about locating talent.
According to a study by Harvard Business Review, 96% of employees said they need flexibility at the workplace. However, only 47% said they have access to the types of flexibility they need. This is a gap of 54%. To make things worse, the gap is wider for women. Although men and women had equal needs for flexibility, only 34% of women said they have it.
Part-time option: employees want to work on a part-time schedule.
Remote work: employees want to have the flexibility to work remotely. They want to be able to work from anywhere and to attend occasional in-person meetings.
TimeShift: employees want to work unconventional hours. This unconventional schedule can boost their productivity and performance.
DeskPlus: employees want to have location variety. They are based out of a company office but can work at a place of their choosing for some portion of their time.
TravelLite: employees want to have minimal to no travel. The TravelLite option gives them the opportunity to travel only for 2-4 days per month and communicate via virtual meetings.
MicroAgility: employees want to have the freedom to adapt. For example, they want to be able to step away from their work to accommodate small unexpected tasks.
Offering flexibility to workers is one of the most sought-for traits of a good manager. The benefits will be major and will include a boost in employee satisfaction, but a drop in employee disengagement.
Today's qualities of a good manager and a leader include being a coach and encouraging development and growth. Investing in employees is investing in the organization. Employees want to work for companies that care about them and help them reach their full potential.
When a leader invests in an employee's growth, that employee feels empowered, flattered and motivated. By actively choosing to develop, invest and foster growth in your employees, you'll create a workforce of highly skilled employees who boast higher engagement and productivity.
94% of employees said that they would stay at a company longer if it invested in their career.
The #1 reason why employees skip on learning is because they don't have the time.
Another major challenge is getting managers involved in employee learning.
When asked, 56% of employees said they would take a manager's suggested course. For this reason, one of the traits of a good manager should be playing a proactive part in the employee's growth. They need to support their employees with their learning ambitions and make the experience easier for them.
In the past years, awareness around diversity and inclusion has grown. Diversity at the workplace is now highly important for talent acquisition and a company's reputation. Not only that the public keeps a close eye to how companies adopt diversity, but employees are also expressing stronger views on this matter. Companies like Facebook and Salesforce are promoting gender equality and setting a strong example.
The major reason why diversity is so popular nowadays is because there are indications that diverse teams outperform homogeneous teams. Inclusive companies generate up to 30% higher revenue per employee and greater profitability than their competitors.
Only 3% of female students would consider a career in technology as their first choice.
Nearly 40% of women who earn engineering degrees either quit or never enter the profession.
Women hold only 25% of computing jobs. Nearly 16% are white women, 5% are Asian women, 3% are African American women, and 1% are Hispanic women.
This report and many more show that diversity and inclusion in the workplace are still challenging for many companies around the world. What can modern management do?
Contemporary managers must see diversity and inclusion as a long-term strategy for enhancing employee engagement, improving brand, but also for driving performance. The qualities of a good manager incorporate closing the diversity gap and offering equal opportunities to every employee.
In the space of only a decade, there has been a significant shift from a traditional to a modern form of talent sourcing. Today, there's a major innovative world of advanced techniques that companies use to find and retain the best talent.
What are some of the best game-changing talent sourcing techniques modern managers can use?
Recruitment software: HR software accelerate the process of recruiting and attracting top talent within a company. They streamline the entire hiring process to make it easier for companies to screen and hire workers. From posting jobs and reviewing resumes to interviewing candidates and background checking, the software does all the work for you. There's a wide selection of software to choose from, including JobVite, Zoho Recruit, BambooHr, and RecruiterBox.
Events: events are a great place to be seen, meet new people, and also to promote your brand. Different conferences such as Web Summit and Startup Grind are a fun way to network and broaden your talent pool. If you consider yourself a modern manager, make sure you attend these different events, even if it means taking the extra mile.
Third parties: In order to hire the best talent, many companies worldwide also rely on third parties to screen and vet employees ahead of time to make sure they're getting their time and money's worth. Companies like Adeva help startups and enterprises hire world-class talent from around the globe. Using unconventional approaches for sourcing, screening and evaluating engineers, Adeva strives to bring untapped talent to hyper-growing tech companies and help them launch international careers.
Currently, all aspects of our lives are under development. The way we communicate with each other, the way we love, travel, run business, and educate ourselves. We might not see it because we're standing too close to it.
The way managers recruit, hire, and retain their employees is also experiencing a change. An increased emphasis is placed on open communication, employee flexibility, life/work balance, and diversity. If every manager who has set on the path to becoming a modern leader incorporates these strategies into their company's vision, the world will certainly become a more bearable place to live and work.
With one step at a time, every modern manager is steadily changing the course of history.
Offering flexibility to workers is one of the most important traits of a good manager and leader. The benefits will be major and will include a boost in employee satisfaction, but a drop in employee disengagement.
Today's qualities of a good manager and a leader include being a coach and encouraging development and growth.
The qualities of a good manager incorporate closing the diversity gap and offering equal opportunities to every employee.
In order to hire the best talent, modern managers need to incorporate game-changing talent sourcing techniques in their strategy in order to stay competitive and relevant.


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Official Global Network of Former & Current FDA Employees
Serving Those Who Have Served
About FDAAA
History of FDA
FDAAA "Newsletter – Updates"
FDAAA Meeting Minutes
Programs/Jobs
FDAAA / FDA James Benson Scholarship Fund
FDAAA Awards
Current Job and Project Opportunities
FDA Alumni Advisor Program (FDAAAP)
Volunteer Needs – Opportunities
Dr. Hamburg announced the appointment of Howard Sklamberg as Deputy Commissioner for Global Regulatory Operations and Policy, effective January 13, 2014.
FDAAA Luncheon with FDA Chief of Staff Lisa Barclay »
Over recent years, globalization, scientific innovation, the increasing breadth and complexity of the products that we regulate, and groundbreaking legislation have created great challenges and opportunities for us. We are rising to these challenges in many ways, including making our decisions more risk based, increasing specialization and the vertical integration of our programs, deepening our collaboration with our global and state regulatory partners, and implementing our new authorities. The Office of Global Regulatory Operations and Policy, which consists of the Office of Regulatory Affairs and the Office of International Programs, will be vital to implementing these changes. I am confident that Howard will provide the strong leadership needed for the Office of Global Regulatory Operations and Policy to seize these opportunities and advance our mission to promote and protect the public health.
Howard's experience is well suited to this position. For the last year, Howard has served as Director of CDER's Office of Compliance, where he has played a key leadership role in implementing parts of the generic drug user fee program, the development of new drug quality compliance policy, oversight of pharmacy compounding, defending against threats to the drug supply chain, expanding cooperation with international regulatory partners, and implementing provisions of the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act and the recently enacted Drug Quality and Security Act.
Prior to joining CDER, Howard served in the Office of Regulatory Affairs, first as Director of its Office of Enforcement and then as the Deputy Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs. Howard's efforts within ORA contributed to improvements in federal-state relationships for the Foods program, streamlining of the Agency's approval process for seizures and injunctions, and development and use of the Food Safety Modernization Act's new enforcement tools. He also enhanced coordination between criminal and regulatory enforcement and oversaw ORA's work with CDRH on the Case for Quality Initiative to foster medical device quality.
Howard has a B.A. from Yale University, a J.D. from Harvard Law School, and an M.A. from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. Before coming to FDA, he was a federal prosecutor, serving as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia and as a Trial Attorney in the Justice Department's Public Integrity Section. He also served as Deputy Chief of the Fraud and Public Corruption Section of the U.S. Attorney's Office. Since 1999, Howard has been an adjunct professor at American University's Washington College of Law, where he teaches courses on Congressional investigations and white collar crime.
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EGYPT: Trial
It was announced in Cairo that the trial will begin of six prisoners, arrested in connection with the murder of the Sirdar of the Anglo-Egyptian Army in the Sudan, Sir Lee Oliver F. Stack, the attempted murder of Captain T. K. Campbell, aide-de-camp to the Sirdar, and Fred Marsha, the Sirdar's chauffeur (TIME, Dec. 1 et seq.).
The six accused are Abdua Fattah Anayat, law student; Abdul Kami Ana yat, brother of Abdua, a student; Ibrahim Musa, railway employe; Mahmud Rashid, railway engineer and member of the "Society of Vengeance"; Ali Muhammed Ibrahim,...


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Blood Tribe actor from Alberta speaks Blackfoot language in Wonder Woman movie
Canadatrendolizer
Eugene Brave Rock, actor from Kainai First Nation, appears in Wonder Woman, speaking his mother tongue.
HOLLYWOOD, CA-"I'm so grateful to represent my people, my culture and my language," says Eugene Brave Rock
Eugene Brave Rock has been travelling the world, chasing his dream of making it big in Hollywood since he was 17. Now, with a role in the box office smash Wonder Woman, Brave Rock is breaking new ground in his career.
He's also become a hometown hero for the Blood Tribe in southern Alberta, where he was born and raised.
"It's overwhelming, but it's great," said Brave Rock, 39. "I'm soaking it in. It's wonderful. I'm so grateful to represent my people, my culture and my l...
"Slapstick" violence versus "sledgehammer" message about race
Two films that insult our intelligence
Story of memory, identity, and trauma
Double Feature: Animation verges on the miraculous and an action flick that's everything it should be
Violent portrayal about how terrible violence is Hacksaw Ridge


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Mrzlica zika (znana tudi kot vročica zika, virusna bolezen zika ali preprosto zika) je nalezljiva bolezen, ki jo povzroča virus zika. Večina primerov je brez simptomov, ampak če so prisotni,  so običajno blagi in lahko spominjajo na dengo. Simptomi so lahko med drugim vročina, pordelost oči, bolečine v sklepih, glavobol in makulopapulozni izpuščaj. Simptomi običajno trajajo manj kot sedem dni. O smrtnih primerih med začetno okužbo ni poročil. Okužbe med nosečnostjo lahko povzroči mikrocefalijo in druge malformacije možganov pri nekaterih dojenčkih. Okužbe pri odraslih so bile povezane s  Guillain-Barréjevim sindromom.

Mrzlica zika se širi v glavnem prek pikov komarja rodu Aedes. Lahko jo tudi spolno prenese moški na svoje spolne partnerje; širjenje prek transfuzije krvi je prav tako možno. Okužba pri nosečnicah se lahko prenese na otroka. Diagnoza se opravlja s testiranjem krvi, seča ali sline obolele osebe na prisotnost RNK virusa zika.

Bolezen se preprečuje s preprečevanjem pikov komarjev na območjih, kjer se bolezen pojavlja, in s pravilno uporabo kondomov. Ukrepi za preprečevanje pikov komarjev vključujejo uporabo odganjal, zakrivanje čim večje površine telesa z obleko, mreže proti komarjem in tako dalje; poleg tega je treba zagotoviti, da se odstranijo stoječe vode, v katerih se komarji razmnožujejo.  Učinkovito cepivo ne obstaja. Zdravstveno osebje ženskam na območjih, ki jih je prizadel izbruh mrzlice zika v letih 2015 in 2016, priporočajo, da z nosečnostjo počakajo in da nosečnice po teh območjih ne potujejo. Čeprav ni posebnega zdravljenja, lahko paracetamol (acetaminofen) pomaga pri simptomih. Sprejem v bolnišnico je le redko potreben.

Virus, ki povzroča bolezen, je bil prvič izoliran leta 1947. Do prvega dokumentiranega izbruha pri ljudeh je prišlo leta 2007 v Federativnih državah Mikronezije. Januarja 2016 je do bolezni prihajalo v dvajsetih regijah obeh Amerik. Pojavila se je tudi v Afriki, Aziji in na Pacifiku. Zaradi izbruha, ki se je začel v Braziliji leta 2015, je Svetovna zdravstvena organizacija februarja 2016 bolezen razglasila za resno mednarodno zdravstveno nevarnost.

Sklici

Virusne bolezni

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Jennifer Lawrence Was Peak Jennifer Lawrence at the Oscars
Actor Jennifer Lawrence attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood.
Kevin Winter—Getty Images
By Lena Grossman
March 4, 2018 9:57 PM EST
Jennifer Lawrence was in fine form at the 90th Academy Awards. The actress was spotted taking a creative shortcut to her seat—all while holding a full glass of wine. She climbed over the back of another a chair while making her way to her spot at the Oscars.
The Red Sparrow, who wore a gold sequined Dior dress, was also seen making the rounds talking to fellow actors Meryl Streep, Salma Hayek and Woody Harrelson—all with her wine glass in tow.
Lawrence wasn't the only actor seen indulging at the Oscars. Earlier in the night Helen Mirren took a shot of tequila on the red carpet before joining Jimmy Kimmel on stage during his monologue.
Lawrence sat next to best friend Emma Stone during the awards ceremony. She laughed and mocked Stone when host Jimmy Kimmel mentioned last year's best picture mix-up during his monologue.
It remains unclear if she will climb over chairs in order to present the Best Actress award alongside Jodie Foster. Lawrence and Foster are replacing Casey Affleck, who dropped out of presenting and attending the Oscars.
Tiffany Haddish Asked Meryl Streep to Play Her Mom in Girls' Trip 2 at the Oscars


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Royal Commissions Amendment (Protection of Information) Bill 2021
legislation/amend/s1293_amend_0e896ee1-026b-4539-bed9-1817d073c941
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The Parliament of the
Commonwealth of Australia
THE SENATE
(Government)
(1) Schedule 1, page 4 (after line 5), after item 5, insert:
5A After section 6O E (1)
Insert:
(1A) The following are also not admissible in evidence against a natural person in any civil or criminal proceedings in any court of the Commonwealth, of a State or of a Territory:
(a) a statement or disclosure made on behalf of the person at a private session;
(b) the production of a document or other thing on behalf of the person at a private session;
(c) a statement or disclosure made on behalf of the person to a member, or member of the staff, of a Royal Commission for the purposes of a private session (whether or not a private session was, or is to be, held for the Commission).
5B Subsection 6O E(2)
Omit "Subsection (1) does not", substitute "Subsections (1) and (1A) do not".
[admissibility of evidence]
(2) Schedule 1, item 6, page 4 (lines 14 to 16), omit paragraph 6O P(1)(b), substitute:
(b) the information contains any of the following:
(i) an account of the natural person's, or another person's, experiences of violence, abuse, neglect or exploitation;
(ii) an account of the natural person's, or another person's, experiences of systemic violence, abuse, neglect or exploitation; and
[systemic violence, abuse, neglect or exploitation]
(3) Schedule 1, item 6, page 4 (line 17), after "information", insert "directly or indirectly".
[identification of natural person etc.]
(4) Schedule 1, item 6, page 4 (lines 23 to 25), omit subsection 6O P(2), substitute:
(2) Section 6O E applies:
(a) in all cases—in relation to the natural person who gave the information to the Commission, as if the information were a statement or disclosure made by that person at a private session for the Commission; and
(b) if the information was given to the Commission on behalf of another natural person—in relation to the other natural person as if the information were a statement or disclosure made on behalf of that other person at a private session for the Commission.
(5) Schedule 1, item 6, page 4 (after line 28), after subsection 6O P(3), insert:
(3A) Section 6O J applies in relation to the information as if it were information obtained at a private session for the Commission.
[confidentiality]
(6) Schedule 1, item 6, page 4 (after line 31), at the end of section 6O P, add:
(5) A reference in subparagraph (1)(b)(ii) to experiences of systemic violence, abuse, neglect or exploitation is a reference to experiences, or an awareness, of a policy, procedure, practice, act or omission that contributed, or may have contributed, to a natural person experiencing violence, abuse, neglect or exploitation.
(7) Schedule 1, item 8, page 5 (after line 10), after subitem (1), insert:
(1A) Section 6O E of the Royal Commissions Act 1902 , as amended by this Schedule, applies in relation to a statement or disclosure made, or a document or other thing produced:
(a) on or after the commencement of this item, at, or for the purposes of, a private session for a Royal Commission that is established on or after that commencement; or
(b) before, on or after the commencement of this item, at, or for the purposes of, a private session for a Royal Commission that:
(i) is established before that commencement; and
(ii) conducts all or part of an inquiry after that commencement.


In two weeks I will be attending Droidcon Berlin. There I will offer a slightly shorter version of my "Framework Design" talk (from Mathema Campus) at the Barcamp. I really enjoyed Droidcon London earlier this year, so I am sure the event in Berlin will be great.
If you want to meet me at (or near) any of these conferences, just drop me an email, ping me on twitter or greet me there.


work food co-ops are doing in communities across the country.
The MoCo Board Meeting takes place the 4th Wednesday of the month in the Community Room of the Tegu Building.
The MoCo Board Meeting takes place on the 4th Wednesday of the month in the Community Room of the Tegu Building.
Join us as we sample out delicious wines with Dave from Vermont Wine Merchants Co., paired with a variety of Raw Milk Cheeses in honor of Raw Milk Cheese Month!
Organization and Keeping of Board Documents – Tricia (5:15-5:30).
Laurie Woods' one minute $1,175 dash through MoCo – Mike (5:30-5:40).
Taste different samples from the store. Something different every week!
You may drop your knives off from Monday, March 18 thru Saturday, March 23 and pick them up after the event. You must include payment in the envelope when you drop off your knives.
Join us as the herbalists from Rogue Herbalist sample out their wonderful tinctures and remedies and share their knowledge of their natural healing properties.
Join as we sample out some great beers from Vermont WIne Shepherd and some tasty soft pretzels from Mansfield Bakery. Just in time for St. Patrick's Day!
Scott from Vt Beer Shepard will be here to sample out West Coast beers and we will have soft pretzels for tasting too! Come get ready for St. Patrick's Day!
MoCo will host Pete's Green Farm Manager, Taylar Foster on Wednesday, March 13. Taylar, MoCo supporter and volunteer, has been a putting her hands in the dirt since she was a child in Wisconsin with her mother and has been been playing in Vermont's soil for the past 8 years. She took employ with Pete's Greens 2 ½ years ago and is the Manager+. Her daily tasks involve everything from managing the CSA program, overseeing the farm kitchen, coordinating the annual open farm day, creating a social media and website presence, and still keeps her hands in the dirt! Please join us at MoCo at 5:30pm on Wed., March 13 to learn how Pete's manages to grow and store crops year round and get some tips for your home gardening practices, too.
The Community Committee meets the first Monday of the month in the Cafe area of the store.
Join us as Lauren from Jeff's Cheesecake will be here to sample out the delicious, creamy, decadent New York Style cheesecakes we will be carrying in the store!
Join us as Jacquelyn Rieke & the Chocolate Goddesses of Nutty Steph's share the story of Nutty Steph's and chocolate inspiration just in time for Valentine's Day. Enjoy samples and conversation about this small, local, women-owned business.
The MoCo Community Committee Meeting takes place on the first Monday of the month in the Cafe area of the store..
Please join us as Dave from Vermont Wine Merchants Co brings us delicious wines to taste!
Join us in the store every Tuesday from 3:30-5:30 as we sample out treats and snacks from the shelves. A great way to try before you buy and talk with our chef and our vendors about new recipes and ways to incorporate new items into your menus!
MoCo Board Meeting takes place the 4th Wednesday of the month in the Tegu Building Community Room.
Bring your knives to MoCo and get them professionally sharpened for the holidays. Jim Cunningham will be here to sharpen! Knives can be sharpened while you wait, or you can drop your knives off starting December 11, and pick them up after any time during regular store hours. The cost is $5 for regular knives and $6 for serrated knives. Cash or check only. If dropping off, you must include payment with your knives.
Join us as representatives from local, Stowe Cider, sample out their delicious varieties of hard cider. Come join the fun!


Order sushi delivery near you.
Here at Delivery.com we value the service of our restaurants towards customers—and it is for you, dear readers and patrons, that we took it upon ourselves, we interns, the great task of ordering lunch: a great hardship, yes, but a grand experiment. And we live to serve — do you know how hard it is to wait while someone photographs your lunch?? All you want to do is eat it! And one can't eat and write notes at the same time—you're forced to put down whatever utensils your using to write about the food you are now no longer to shove into your mouth! It's difficult. And yet, we are here to review, for you, one of our many fine vendors at Delivery.com: 9 Edo Sushi and Grill.
We here at the office love us some sushi: if we go out to lunch as a group, or order together, sushi's always a good bet since basically everyone loves it. And located at 9 East 17th, Edo delivers right to us in Gramercy! Needless to say, there was no debate. Between myself and Ezra, we ordered the three roll lunch special (Ezra), plus the pan-fried pork gyoza and the "I Need That" roll (Ada), and could barely wait the twenty minutes it took from the on-line delivery form to our office.
The three roll lunch special includes three rolls of your choosing, plus a choice of either miso soup or salad: for me, it included the chicken tempura roll, crunchy spicy tuna roll, crunchy spicy salmon roll and the miso soup. The chicken tempura portion was very generous, and is a great deal because usually tempura rolls aren't included in lunch special deals. The chicken tempura was tasty and crunchy, although it could have been a little more flavored (I think a teriyaki sauce would of worked well.) I would order the chicken tempura again because it was good, only next time I'll ask for some teryaki sauce on the side. The crunchy spicy tuna roll was really tasty and fresh. I could taste just enough of the crunch without it overbearing the rest of the taste of the spicy tuna. The spicy salmon was similar to the spicy tuna. The fish tasted fresh and the rolls were nicely put together. The miso soup was tasty also, with little cubes of tofu and slices of seaweed mixed in. Overall I was really satisfied with the meal and I would definitely order it again. For $12 I got three rolls of good sushi and a miso soup. It's hard to find a better deal in New York City for such high quality food.
The six pan-fried pork gyoza (I prefer fried to steamed gyoza) were light–not heavy with grease like other fried gyoza can be. The sauce that came in a cup on the side was absolutely delicious: it, too, was light, but decidedly spicy (for me, the spicier the better). It was actually one of the tastiest gyoza sauces I've had in a while…I'd dunk my dumpling in it and just kind of let it drown there for a couple seconds before eating it! However, maybe it was because the actual taste of the gyoza was a little bland: yeah, it's just pork, but I didn't detect any hint of spices, and there were maybe only a couple pale-green flakes of veggie in each dumpling. But, all things aside, these were definitely much lighter than the grease-laden dumplings that can come out of many cheaper sushi joints.
In the list of creative and enticing rolls on the Edo menu, I chose the "I Need That" Roll — because who am I to disagree with a name like that? Besides, it's only been a year since I've discovered the joys of eel, so I did "need" this roll with King crab and cucumber, topped with eel and avocado! What struck me first was the meaty taste of eel and the fluffy and light texture of the roll: it was actual crab! Unlike fake stick-crab, you could actually picture someone taking these bits of crab from a shell, probably only a couple hours ago. The meatiness of the eel and the smokiness of the sauce on top really went nicely with the softness of the crab. Although, at times, it seemed like the eel was a little bit overpowering, there was enough crab in the roll to make a difference so you could really taste it. Although I'd have liked for there to be enough cucumber and avocado to make a difference in taste, the seafood was fresh and tasty! I'd eat here again in a heartbeat, but next time I'd try another one of their specialty rolls.


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New Iphone 6S hit stores in China
Sep 29, 2015 The new iPhone 6s and 6s Plus recently hit stores in China. According to analysts in China, which is the world's biggest smartphone market, about 12 to 13 million phones will be sold in the first weekend.
After a dramatic redesign last year, Apple enlarged the iPhone's screen and added mobile payments, the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus boast of improved cameras, 3D touch and a display technology that responds according to how hard the users press their screens.
In Beijing, 24-year-old Zhang Yubo from Inner Mongolia, expressed his excitement while queuing outside an Apple store.
"I have been very excited at every (new products launch) press conference as all the new products every time released by Apple have something that attracts me. I have been queuing here for over one hour. I'm very excited as I'm about to go in right now. I hope I can get the new Apple phone as soon as possible,"
35-year-old Hao Ran, who was among the first to get the new device said:
"I got here very early, but there were already nine people ahead of me as I'm standing at 10th in the queue. But still I'm in the first batch, so I'm very happy. I have been using every generation of Apple phones, which is a very good phone,"
Egypt president pardons 100 prisoners, including Al Jazeera journalist →← Wing-walking performances thrill 2015 Zhengzhou Air show


MADD Goes To Washington D.C. MADD and GSHA have joined forces. They want more funds to support a program that prevents drunk driving, distracted driving and increases motorcycle safety.
The Most Dangerous Roads In Louisville, Kentucky Louisville, Kentucky attorney Mike Schafer reports on dangerous roads in the Jefferson County area.
Streetsense In Kentucky Attorney Mike Schafer outlines the Streetsense campaign designed to keep the roadways safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
New Auto Designs May Help Reduce Pedestrian Injuries This is an article outlining the recent and potential changes in automotive design to help reduce injuries and fatalities in pedestrian accidents.
Are Elderly Drivers As Dangerous As We Think They Are? Seniors are known for driving slow but with more safety features in cars and seniors monitoring their driving, they are not as dangerous as we think they are.


TUESDAY evening last and the grassroots of the Kildare GAA were in situ at the Birds' Nest at St. Conleth's Park, Newbridge, for the July meeting of Kildare County Board, writes Tommy Callaghan.
Treasurer, Martin Whyte, informed delegates that the fall out from Kildare's defeat by Meath, from a financial point of view, would be considerable and again appealed, as did County Board Chairman, John McMahon, along with Club Kildare committee member, Joe Fox, for clubs and individuals to support the annual Club Kildare Raffle which takes place this week, along with new upcoming initiatives.
Mr. Whyte said that a sum in the region of E48,000 was expected from Croke Park 'in the next few days' from the Allianz Football and Hurling Leagues which would be slightly up on last year's allocation.
Patsy Power reminded one and all that the Annual Golf outing for the Michael Osborne Memorial Trophy takes place at The Curragh on Monday, July 23 and urged all clubs (and individuals) to support it.
John McMahon said the Siopa Cill Dara continues to be a big success and said the County Board, in conjunction with Club Kildare are looking at various other fund raising activities including a possible Breakfast Morning, a County Board lotto, a church gate collection, a night at the dogs and possibly a 'Mock Wedding' evening.
Eadestown delegate, Pat Doyle, asked for a detailed report on the financial state of the board and Martin Whyte confirmed that that would be available at the August meeting.
The draw for the Senior Reserve Football Championships were made but not before Raheens delegate, Patsy Power said he was unhappy with the placing of certain clubs in some grades of the championships.
Following a brief discussion, Ger Donnelly, Vice Chairman and boss over the fixtures admitted that the grading of each club may not be perfect but that it was nearly impossible to please everyone and he proposed that the draw go ahead as planned, which it did.
Central Council delegate, Marty McEvoy confirmed that attendances at the various provincial championships were up and said that Croke Park had worked hard at this and are very happy with the way things are progressing at the moment.
He informed delegates of a new venture entitled 'The Gathering' which is an initiative to host a World nine-a-side competition, the finals of which would be held in Croke Park and would involve players and officials who have emigrated throughout the world qualifying for the finals which would be held in Croke Park in 2013.
Hurling Board Chairman, Eddie Lawlor, expressed his disappointment that the senior hurling championship was used to qualify Seanie Johnston to play county football for Kildare. He expressed his annoyance that the Coill Dubh Club had been put "under enormous pressure" to play Johnston (albeit for less than a minute) and said the entire episode did nothing for hurling in the county and it should not have happened.
PJ Doyle (Grangenolvan) also expressed his disappointment and said he fundamentally disagreed with what had occurred.
Chairman John McMahon, admitted that there was a major divergence of views on the entire episode but reminded delegates that Kildare had adhered to all regualtions, had broken no rules at any stage of this entire process.
Marty McEvoy reminded the gathering that it was not Kildare that granted the transfer but a committee in Croke Park but added that from the human side of things what Seanie Johnston was put through was above and beyond what any other player had been subjected to, adding that while many people in Kildare disagreed with what had gone on, it was not a good day for Croke Park the way the entire process had been handled.
Sarsfields delegate, Camillus Walsh (aka Camillus Breathnach) asked that in keeping with the ethos of the GAA that all delegates would 'sign in' to the monthly meeting as gaelige!


If you have scrolled through my blog, you have surely noticed that my iPhone and Instagram are my best friends when it comes to taking pictures. This is not for lack of trying or wanting to post lame photos, oh no. It is all because a) I am not very good at taking photos and know close to nothing about angle, light, exposure etc, b) I tend to bake (late) in the evening so the light is mostly horrible, c) I don't have a great spot/table for nice arrangements, d) I often forget to take pictures or am in such a rush that taking out the proper camera is a mission, e) Food is probably one of the hardest things to photograph, f) Need I go on?
Admittedly, it is difficult to overcome some of these challenges. I won't become a photographer overnight. I don't want to / can't quit my full time job to bake when the light is right. Refurbishing a rented flat to make a good spot for pictures is a bit far fetched. But it is a fact I can do baby steps in the right direction without really going out of my way too much.
So pretty, don't you agree?


been receiving from all of you.
Kerala Relief Fund and humanitarian assistance.
diversity, and the latest happening and business updates across all SUEZ in India offices.
We hope you enjoy this edition of the newsletter!


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Are you worried that your ideas may be too over the top? Stressing about your friends and families reaction to your 'save the date' announcements? You're talking to the gal who flew to Paris for Valentines Day with her partner, got engaged at the top of the Eiffel Tower during an exclusive degustation event, then flew home like it was all just totally normal. Got big plans? Lets make it happen!
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Utah and Arizona Birdwatching Tour
When: Wed 8 May - Thu 23 May 2019
Leaders: Chris Doughty and Mark Stackhouse Utah and Arizonia Birdwatching Tour
Melbourne/Melbourne (16 Days) $9,820
Single Room Supplement $800
Ground Content (ex Salt Lake City) $8,420
The southwestern United States is a region of breath-taking landscapes; vast treeless plains, deep, river-cut canyons, high, forested plateaus and huge expanses of colourful sandstone, cut and carved in amazing fashion by wind and water. It is, without doubt, one of the most scenically varied and spectacular regions on earth. Featured in dozens of' 'westerns,' the rugged landscape epitomises the 'Wild West.' On this unique tour, we have combined exciting birding, epic landscapes and countless photographic opportunities. Despite an unforgiving climate of scorching heat, bitter cold, and very low rainfall, these deserts harbour an abundance of both animal and birdlife, which have successfully adapted, in order to survive in such harsh terrain. The tour coincides with the optimum season for birding, many birds will have reached their nesting territories and will be in full song, while a multitude of others, will still be on migration, heading for their breeding grounds, farther to the north. Our journey begins in Salt Lake City, on the shores of the huge Great Salt Lake, an absolute paradise for wetland-birds, situated at the foot of the snowcapped Wasatch Mountains. We then head south towards the canyons of the Colorado Plateau, visiting the awe-inspiring, brightly coloured rock pinnacles, canyons and ravines of Bryce Canyon National Park, the first of eight national parks and monuments we will visit during the tour. We will then enjoy Zion National Park, a magnificent chasm with vertical red and white walls, wooded canyon bottoms, and oddly sculpted sandstone buttes. Here we will have our first of several chances, to see the recently reintroduced California Condor. Leaving the canyons of southwestern Utah behind, we continue southwards into Arizona, where we will stand on the spectacular rim of the famous Grand Canyon. In the Ponderosa Pine forests that predominate along the rim of the canyon, we may find Steller's Jay, Pygmy Nuthatch and Grace's Warbler. We then visit Monument Valley, which was featured in many western movies, home to Rock Wren, Black-throated Sparrow and House Finch. Returning to Utah, we will visit some fascinating Anasazi ruins at Hovenweep National Monument. We will then visit two of the true marquee Utah parks, Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. We will be astounded by spectacular sandstone formations, unlike any other in the world, and Turkey Vultures, White-throated Swifts and Common Ravens circle above the rock formations and Dark-eyed Juncos and White-crowned Sparrows forage amongst the scrub. We then reluctantly return to Salt Lake City. Birds are plentiful in both Utah and Arizona, and mammals are also well represented; we have a good chance of observing Desert Cottontail, Black-tailed Jackrabbit, Yellow-bellied Marmot, North American Red and Abert's Squirrels, White-tailed Prairie-Dog, Uinta Ground Squirrel, White-tailed Antelope Squirrel, Coyote, Red Fox, Pronghorn, American Bison, Mountain Goat, Bighorn Sheep, Elk, Moose and Mule Deer.
Home Bird Tours Tour Reports by Continents Chris Doughty Contact us


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Welcome to 4Biddenknowledge.TV created and funded by CEO 4biddenknowledge.com Billy Carson. Billy Carson, the founder of 4biddenknowledge Inc. Coach, Researcher in Ancient knowledge and Neuroscience, Chief Executive Officer at First Class Space Agency, and Philanthropist. Billy Carson is the Best Selling Author of 'The Compendium Of The Emerald Tablets' and is an expert host on Deep Space, a new original streaming series by Gaia. This series explores the Secret Space Program, revealing extraordinary technologies and their potential origins. Billy Carson also serves as an expert host on Gaia's original series, Ancient Civilizations, in which a team of renowned scholars deciphers the riddles of our origins and pieces together our forgotten history documented in monuments and texts around the world. Mr. Carson appreciates the dedication and hard work it takes to accomplish great things. Recently, Mr. Carson earned the Certificate of Science (with an emphasis on Neuroscience) at M.I.T. Among his most notable achievements, Billy is the CEO of First Class Space Agency based in Fort Lauderdale, FL. 4BIDDENKNOWLEDGE is now the leading frontier of concious streaming knowledge available for the entire family, in the comfort of your own homes. Providing leading information and footage collected from across a wide range of subjects hidden from mainstream media or public access. Some of the Worlds most leading alternative researchers, archaeologists, anomaly hunters, theorists, entrepreneurs, public speakers and presenters in the field of 4biddenknowledge. Our aim is to deliver content of a higher conciousness to be reached globally. The conscious content delivered on this platform is for the benefit and use of raising the frequencies of our human exsistence and evoloution, reaching forwards positively towards becoming a safer planet with our environment self sustainability ecologically and economically, for our Planet and our future generations to come. Billy Carson has built a Team of dedicated individuals from across the Globe on various Social Media Platforms, he has successfuly founded and set foundations for future generations to continue the quest for the TRUTH. The Team of conscious individuals, who have with their network of sources and contributors, are now able to deliver this exclusive streaming platform, with the full dedication and aim to assist our expanding knowledge and understanding of our human existence revealing our past, bridging the GAP progressing forwards towards the disclosure of the existence of Life beyond our Universe. They are all decicated to present the best high quality content directly available from our fast growing team of contributors, viewers and supporters. They collect content from all sources that varies alonside delivering information, footage, presentations and evidence. Some unique access to RAW, REAL and ORIGINAL exclusive content, some of that content is sometimes low quality that is cleaned up by dedicated proffesionals. The dedicated individuals are from global sources and backgrounds of indepth 4biddenknowledge. We are transitioning towards change at high speed, learning and educating each other. Love and Grattitude to you all - #4BKTV - Subscribe Now and get full unlimited access to exclusive content alongside Billy Carson's work, videos, conferences and discover the very best of 4biddenknowledge hidden in our Ancient past and present History today.
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Did Mount Sinai Actually Exist
Movies & Documentaries • 11m
The location of Mount Sanai remains to be somewhat of a secret. It location could be one of a handful of places. Egypt, Iraq, Saudi Arabia etc. Though the Bible mentions Sania there are also references to Mount Horeb. Some would have you believe these two location is the same place, just as Google Earth does, but nothing could be farther than the truth. Hoeb and Sania are two completely different mountains. According to biblical scriptures Sanai could have been volcanic, putting it in a different location again. Has this mountain been hidden from us and if so, why?
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