text:
Arlington, Virginia Water Quality Report
Sources Of Drinking Water in Arlington, Virginia
Where does Arlington get its water from? Arlington's water source is the Potomac River. The water is treated and comes from the Dalecarlia Water Treatment Plant run by the Washington Aqueduct, a division of the Baltimore District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Treated water is pumped from the Dalecarlia plant in the District of Columbia to Arlington County, where it's conveyed via a network of approximately 500 miles of pipeline to homes and businesses. Is Arlington's water safe to drink?
Source: City of Arlington, VA
Contaminants Found in Arlington, VA's Water Supply
3rd party independent testing found that this utility exceeds health guidelines for this drinking water contaminant. Chlorate is a disinfection by-product resulting from the use of chlorine dioxide as a disinfectant and for odor & taste control in water. The term "chlorate" most commonly refers only to chlorine in the +5 oxidation state. Chlorate ion is a known byproduct of the drinking water disinfection process, forming when sodium hypochlorite or chlorine dioxide are used in the disinfection process. What is the risk of drinking tap water with chlorate? Impaired thyroid function. Exposure to chlorine dioxide and chlorite in excess of EPA-regulated maximum levels can have effects on the nervous system in infants, small children, and unborn fetuses. Chlorite and chlorate have been shown to affect red blood cells in animal studies, but similar results did not appear in the highest doses tested on humans (36 micrograms per kilogram of body weight). According to the EPA, long term exposure to large amounts may lead to anemia. There is currently no evidence of human carcinogenicity. Find out more about this contaminant and how to remove it here.
RO filter systems do remove a lot of contaminants. There are 5 major downsides to a Reverse Osmosis System. The first major downside to RO systems is they are expensive. Most RO Systems cost 2x to 3x more than a carbon block system and usually have 4 to 6 small filters that need to be replaced each year. This means both the upfront cost and the yearly maintenance of the RO system will be higher. The second downside is that Reverse Osmosis wastes a lot of water. Each RO system wastes an average of 5 to 6 gallons for every 1 gallon of drinking water it produces. The third downside (and biggest downside of Reverse Osmosis in our minds) is that RO water filters remove trace minerals and other beneficial substances found in water that your body needs like calcium, manganese, iron and other important nutrients. This is why RO water is considered by many in the natural health world to be dead water and it is said that demineralized water is detrimental to general health due to vitamin and mineral depletion. The fourth major downside of RO systems is that after your water passes through the filter process, it sits inside of a steel drum that is lined with a butyl rubber bladder which is made from a polyisobutylene base. The filtered water sits in this butyl rubber bladder until it is used. All rubber and plastic containers and bladders leach into water at some level. The fifth and last major downside regarding RO Systems is that because the RO filtration process strips out all of the good nutrients in water, some RO companies think they can add a "Remineralization Cartridge" at the end of the filtration process to replace all of the good stuff that nature originally had in the water (Yikes!). Also, most of these "Remineralization Cartridges" that we have seen in the marketplace come from China. Generally we have found that when scientists or business people try to mimic nature, they miss badly.
A Colorado based hiker, blogger, and water quality expert...
Washington D.C. Water Quality Report
Lynchburg, Virginia Water Quality Report


Agent Hauser and human Sam trade faces to stop a terrorist. Human Sam grows found of his new cool face so much, he refuses to give it back, and goes on the run. Also, Piper "trades faces" to find out why her coworkers avoid her game night.


CSR - Kocho Co., Ltd.
In accordance with its corporate mission, Kocho is committed to Making Kinder Products and benefiting society through our knowledge and drive. We strive to be a company needed by and essential to society. As a good corporate citizen, Kocho actively and enthusiastically works hand-in-hand with local residents and nonprofit organizations (NPOs) to help improve society.
Based on the Industrial Job Training Program developed by the Shizuoka Prefecture Fuji Special Needs School and the Shizuoka Prefecture Fuji Special Needs School Fujinomiya, Kocho gives program participants with disabilities the opportunity to gain skills, experience and employment through hands-on on-the-job training in our factories.
The Basic Sports Act, promoted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, came into effect in August 2011. One of the law's purposes is to encourage more and more people with disabilities to willingly and actively participate in sports and make available more opportunities to do so. As can be seen in major sporting events such as the Paralympic Games, the competitiveness of sports among the disabled is increasing dramatically. Therefore, there is an ever-growing need to further promote and encourage participation in sports for those with disabilities from the perspectives of both social support and competitive sports.
Sharing that philosophy, Kocho proudly supports the Shizuoka Football Federation for Persons with Intellectual Disability NPO.
Kocho empathizes with and is proud to support Tanoshiikotoyaraza NPO's mission and activities: undertaking projects to reinvigorate local communities so that local residents can live culturally active lives and take pride in themselves throughout their lives.


text:
WhatsApp will remove feature to save contact's profile picture: know details
By mohit sharma
Photo save feature for people and groups is removed in the WhatsApp beta. The information came through the WABetainfo website confirming the rumors via a post on their Twitter.
Maybe you did not know because you never tried to do this, but in the WhatsApp application, it was possible from the beginning to save the profile photo of the people and groups in the gallery of the cell phone. But this feature is about to end according to information from users of the beta version of the app.
The information came through the WABetainfo website confirming the rumors via a post on their Twitter. This way the feature was removed from the latest beta for the Android operating system (in iOS the functionality ceased to exist in WhatsApp 2.19.50.5 ).
WhatsApp has removed the possibility to save profile pictures in the latest Android beta updates and WhatsApp Business beta for iOS 2.19.60.5. You can save group icons. I do not know why they decided to remove this feature (screenshots exist ?)
Removed functionality
At the time of this publication, Whatsapp has not issued any official statement about what occurred to justify what caused the company to make such a decision. But it is assumed to be due to users' privacy reasons.
Of course, nothing prevents the person from realizing a "print screen" of the screen of his smartphone and saving the desired image. That is, it did not affect the usability of the application at all.
It was discovered a few days ago also about signs of dark mode (night mode or dark mode) that should soon arrive for Whatsapp. However, we do not yet have a date that is near or necessary for the release of the appeal to the public.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Optimizing your affirmative action and EEO compliance programs and supporting your organizational goals begin with the right solutions. Learn how Affirmity's comprehensive technology and expert consulting help compliance teams worry less and strategize more.
Build strategic value, reinforce critical business decisions, and surpass federal compliance with meaningful workforce analytics and expert support from Affirmity's team of PhD consultants.
HR professionals rely on quantitative data about employee compensation to make informed pay decisions. Affirmity's compensation analysis software gives HR professionals the power to do just that.
Capture the outcomes of your D&I efforts with diversity program benchmarking, analysis, and reporting. Affirmity's Diversity Insights solution enables teams to deliver accurate evidence of business impact to program leaders.
Manage your D&I and affirmative action programs with centralized organization to save time, streamline processes, ensure security, and maintain control across OFCCP audit activity.
D&I and affirmative action programs need efficient processes for compliance reporting and AAP management. Affirmity's CAAMS software offers a flexible solution with integrated features designed to optimize plan management for complete audit readiness.
Federal contractors can get proactive about total workforce compliance with a comprehensive pay equity study. Using an OFCCP-style analysis, Affirmity's experts ensure compliance with fair employment laws.


Babylous is a Tempe, Arizona Montessori Tri-lingual Immersion preschool opening Fall 2018. We develop and nurture young children preparing for their future by giving them an advantage of reading, writing and speaking in the world's most spoken languages, Mandarin, Spanish and English.
We teach young children when their brains are hard-wired for languages from birth to six years old. Click below for more information or get on the waitlist now.


Home All About Credit Should You Maintain Separate Accounts When You Get Married?
Along with those changes comes the possibility of combining your finances in a joint bank account. While this has long been the traditional and perhaps expected approach for married couples, you might be less inclined to pool your money together straight away, or at all (particularly if you're the kind who prefers to keep your movie collections separate). What's the best approach for you and your partner? The answer may depend on the following.
Financial Samurai's Sam Dogen writes for Yahoo! Finance that a sense of independence is one of the foremost benefits of maintaining separate accounts. Having the ability to make small splurges or impulse purchases here and there without being immediately held to account not only helps keep you and your spouse satisfied at an individual level, but it can also help minimize or eliminate potential squabbles over spending habits.
Maryalene LaPonsie writes for U.S. News & World Report that independence and autonomy might be particularly important in cases in which you or your spouse are remarrying, or if you are marrying later in life and are already set and comfortable in your methods of financial management. It also prevents one from becoming overly reliant on another managing the finances and keeping all of the gears greased and turning, which can be crucial in the event that a spouse unfortunately passes away.
Separate accounts are particularly useful when one or both partners in a relationship are coming in with considerable debt. Joint accounts are, as Bankrate's Roxanne Hawn notes, open to debt collection, liens and judgments or wage garnishments, among other things. This means that your money can be taken by a collection agency to pay against a spouse's delinquent loans or missed alimony payments. With separate accounts, you can opt to help a partner who's struggling, but it cannot be done without your knowledge.
With a joint account, one spouse does not earn the designation of money manager while the other grabs a seat on the sidelines. By pooling your income into one account, you are both responsible for managing your money and building toward your goals. The Balance's Jeremy Vohwinkle notes that both account holders will typically be provided with debit cards, checkbooks and online banking access if available. This enables both partners to make deposits, withdrawals and transfers.
Because both partners have access to their shared account, it makes it more difficult to overlook financial issues, whether it's an account being overdrawn or potential identity fraud. This is also quite useful, as LaPonsie points out, in cases where a spouse might become injured or ill and is thus unable to access money to pay for their expenses.
NerdWallet's Tony Armstrong also notes the added layer of insurance that a joint bank account provides. Both account holders are insured up to $250,000 by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or National Credit Union Administration.
Marriage is intended to be a lifetime commitment, and there could come a day where you or your spouse pass away before the other. Hawn writes that joint accounts carry rights of survivorship, which make it so that the surviving account holder can obtain the funds in an account without further action.
Whether you maintain separate banking accounts, a joint account or both, trust and honesty are essential. You and your spouse should in any case have a frank, realistic conversation about your shared and respective financial goals. No stone should be left unturned, including your expectations for how your spouse will handle saving and spending. Ultimately, this conversation should allow you to decide — as a team — which route you prefer to take together.


Home Decor. Antiques. Fashion. Furniture.
Through the vision of its founder, the distinguished Fort Worth businessman and philanthropist Holt Hickman, the Historic Camp Bowie Mercantile opened its doors in March 2007 as a traditional antique mall with over 100 local dealers selling antiques and art to the Fort Worth community. Known simply as "The Mercantile," today we are proud to offer a carefully curated marketplace of 200+ dealer booths that connect the past with the present through an impressive collection of gifts, home décor, antiques, fashion, furniture, and so much more!
Hours: Mon. – Sat. 11:30 – 3:30, Sun. 12:00 – 3:30.
The Rose Garden Tea Room will be closed on all major holidays. In inclement weather, the Tea Room follows FWISD guidelines for closures. For more information on the Tea Room, call 817-731-ROSE (7673).


text:
Plans for 51 new homes in Broughton near Preston are refused
This is why police were pulling over vans on the A59 Liverpool Road outside Preston this morning
Preston mum speaks of ordeal as it emerges her son's murderers are among 70 Lancashire killers facing release this decade
"It's hard knowing they will be released because to me it's like it happened yesterday."
By Stef Hall
Tuesday, 9th February 2021, 7:22 am
Those were the words of bereaved grandmother Susan Splatt, whose son was savagely beaten and left to die in a brook.
His murderers are among almost 70 Lancashire killers set to be released onto the streets in the next decade, it can be revealed today.
A study of the newspaper archives of the Post and the Gazette back to 2000 has shown several people jailed for murder, manslaughter, and causing death by dangerous or careless driving could be released between 2020 and 2030.
Susan Splatt with letters about her son's killers (PIC: Neil Cross)
The figure is only a ballpark one because many have already been released early. Conversely defendants who may have been given hospital orders, or indeterminate jail sentences - given to dangerous offenders with no fixed length of time before they were abolished in 2012 - may not have been released if deemed unsuitable by the Parole Board.
Almost 70 Lancashire killers are set to be released onto the streets in the next...
Preston great grandmother Susan's life changed forever when her son David was brutally murdered 11 years ago.
David, a father-of-three, now has five grandchildren he never got to meet.
Left to right: Connor Gibson, Kieran Walmsley, Andrew Shacklady, Liam Cromie, Ashley Charles, James Majury, James Bellass, Mohmed Patel, David Bullman, Kevin Gracia, Christopher Carrington, Keith Peel, David Carroll, Michael Casey, Lauren Coyle and Reece Hitchcott.
The 35-year-old was found floating in a brook near the Grange estate in Ribbleton, Preston, in December 2009.
Michael Casey, then 19, David Carroll, then 21, and Keith Peel then 27, had befriended him in a Lancashire pub, before later turning on him and beating him to death.
They were convicted of his murder,and the minimum term of theis life sentences means they could potentially be released in 2026.
Susan, 65, of Derry Road, Ribbleton, said: " I had to fight for one letter a year to tell me what was happening with David's killers.
Susan Splatt is dreading the release of her son's killers (PIC: Neil Cross)
"The authorities said at first we were entitled to know and be kept informed about them, but all I've had is a one liner every year, every time saying the same thing, just the date they are due to be released. There's no information about how they are responding in prison, or if they have been rehabilitated.
"I want to know what is happening to them inside.
"I dread it, because Casey's mum still lives up the road from where I am on a different estate so for all I know he's going to be coming back to see his mum. He shouldn't be allowed to come back to Preston.
"It's been 11 years and it's as if people think I should have got over it but I'll never get over it. I live that day over and over, what they did to him.
David Splatt with his mum, Susan
"It's so raw, no matter how long it is you never, ever get over it.
"Families are promised lots of things but we have had no support whatsoever. If you want help you have to look for it, it isn't really offered and it's not easy to get.
"I've never had any counselling. If it was there when I needed it I would have taken it."
The Parole Board, an independent body sponsored by the Ministry of Justice, has around 200 tasked with determining if an offender can be released into the community safely.
Decisions are made by a panel of typically three members, but the board is only involved in the release of certain offenders - the early release of prisoners serving fixed length sentences of four years or more, those serving life sentences or indeterminate sentences for public protection, and the release of prisoners who had been released from life or indeterminate sentences but were then re-imprisoned.
Criminals handed life sentences do not usually spend it all in jail.
A judge will set a minimum term or tariff to be spent in prison before becoming eligible to apply for parole.
They remain subject to licence conditions for the rest of their lives, meaning they can be recalled to prison if they break them.
The panel will consider a combination of documentary evidence, such as victim impact statements, what they hear at in person meetings, such as the impact and nature of the crime, the inmate's behaviour since they have been in jail, and factual information about accommodation on release in order to make their decision.
Their options include release, transfer to open conditions, no direction to release, or they could defer their decision.
The Parole Board operates independently but there have been calls for the process to be more open and transparent.
The Lancashire Post is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism. For unlimited access to Lancashire news and information online, you can subscribe here.


text:
Trending NowBiden Document Scandal Joe Biden border crisis Greg Abbott Matt Gaetz house Judiciary Committee Ted Cruz Covid-19 Andy Biggs Alejandro Mayorkas 2024 Nikki Haley
CALIFORNIA CATASTROPHE: 77 Dead, 1000 Missing, 10K Homes Destroyed in West Coast Wildfires
posted by Hannity Staff - 11.19.18
The official death count in California's devastating wildfires rose to 77 people Monday, with over 1,000 people still missing as first responders rush to towns and communities totally destroyed by the inferno.
According to Reuters, 77 people are confirmed dead, approximately 1,000 people are missing, and over 10,364 homes have been totally destroyed in the wildfires.
"We have been told we're to look as hard as we can, but it's still possible we may not be able to find something left of someone," said one volunteer. "If the fire stayed long enough and burned hot enough, the bones could, at a minimum, be fragmented down to such a small amount that we couldn't see them, and it's possible that even the dogs might not be able to detect them."
Local officials urged residents to examine the current list of missing persons; hoping family members and friends could notify authorities should they have information that any of those individuals are safe.
Read the full report at Reuters.
CALIFORNIA CATASTROPHE: At Least 66 Dead, 600+ MISSING as Wildfires Rage
The historic wildfires ravaging northern and southern California claimed their 66th official victim Friday, with state officials confirming at least 600 people remain missing as first responders struggle to reach survivors.
"The number of people missing in California's wildfires has soared to over 600, and the death toll has risen to 66. In the Camp Fire in Northern California, 631 people were unaccounted for after officials on Thursday added more than 500 names of people reported missing," writes CBS News.
Thousands of people are homeless and living in "tent cities" across the state waiting to return to towns and communities under mandatory evacuation orders; prompting FEMA to set up relief centers throughout the region.
"I lost everything that I received from my mom, from my grandparents from the baby grand piano to china," said one resident. "I lost my wedding album. I lost my children's baby albums."
"I'm trying to stay strong as possible for my family and my friends. And I'm trying to look at everything as positive as I can in these types of situations," added another.
MAXINE ERUPTS: Rep. Waters Tells President Trump to 'Keep his Mouth Shut'
Firebrand Congresswoman and anti-Trump crusader Maxine Waters trashed the Commander-in-Chief over the weekend; demanding the President "keep his mouth shut" on issues "that he has no knowledge of."
Waters was speaking with MSNBC's Joy Reid when she was asked to comment on the President's response to the deadly wildfires ravaging her home state of California.
"The President of the United States attempts to talk about things that he has no knowledge of. He doesn't even understand what goes into fighting a fire, and for him to come out talking about poor management is just another indication that the president is not willing to learn anything," ranted Waters.
"He does not really care about others, and he's on the attack all of the time. We wish he would keep his mouth shut. California does not need him to be talking about things that he does not know," she added.
ANOTHER EXCUSE: Bill Nelson Claims 'Voter Suppression' Behind Florida Election Loss
BALDWIN'S BAD DAY: Actor Formally Charged in Halyna Hutchins' Death on 'Rust' Set
THIS IS THE WAY: Project Veritas Parks Van With Latest Video Outside Pfizer Headquarters in NYC
THIS IS TRANSPARENCY?! FBI Searched Penn Biden Center After Docs Found, New Info Shows
'HANDS OFF OUR CHILDREN!': Watch Trump's Video Attacking 'Left-Wing Gender Insanity'


Currently, care in a nursing home costs an average of $269 per day, so it is a good idea to review all the possible payment options to determine if your loved one is eligible for any third-party coverage. If not, then paying directly for care may be the only option, unless and until your loved one becomes eligible for third-party coverage.
If you plan to pay privately during any part of the stay, make sure you review the admission contract carefully and be sure you understand what is included in the daily rate and what charges are extra.
Also, remember that the extent of personal and out-of-pocket medical expenses will depend on your loved one's needs and desires.
Most freestanding nursing homes in Maryland accept Medical Assistance funding, as do some nursing homes that are part of retirement communities. To be eligible for Medical Assistance funding for nursing home care, an individual must meet medical and financial requirements.
Financial eligibility for Medical Assistance is based on one's income and assets. In the case of a married applicant, eligibility is determined by combining both spouses' income and assets.
things that could be converted to cash (for example, stocks, bonds, real estate and the cash value of life insurance policies).
Tax tip: If a resident is paying for nursing home care privately, the cost is deductible as a medical expense on state and federal income tax returns. Check with your accountant or attorney for details.
Statewide, the local Department of Social Services processes all applications for the Maryland Medical Assistance Program. In Baltimore County the Towson office handles these applications. Call for an appointment.
Medicare Part A covers the cost of skilled care in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) for a limited time. Most people are medically eligible for skilled care for only a limited period of time. Eligibility for Medical Assistance varies by state. If your loved one lives outside of Maryland, check that state's requirements to learn about eligibility. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has information about each state's eligibility requirements.
The Medicare benefit covers 100 percent of the cost of skilled care for up to the first 20 days. If skilled care is still required for days 21-100 (or any portion thereof), the resident will be responsible for paying $167.50 per day. There is a limit of 100 days of Medicare Part A SNF coverage in each benefit period. A benefit period begins the day one goes to a hospital (or skilled nursing facility) and ends when the resident has not received any hospital or skilled nursing facility care for 60 consecutive days.
Long-term care insurance can help pay for nursing home care. This insurance may also cover the cost of in-home care, adult day care, assisted living and services provided in continuing care communities. The amount of coverage and the eligibility requirements may differ. If your loved one has a policy, read it carefully. Some policies may specify that they will pay for services only in some state-licensed facilities. If a person is in need of nursing home care now, he or she will not be able to purchase long-term care insurance.
A veteran with a service-connected disability rated at 70 percent or more or a veteran whose service-connected disability is clinically determined to require nursing home care, may qualify for care in a Veteran's Affairs (VA) nursing home or a nursing home that has an ongoing contract with the VA. The Department of Veteran Affairs details information about nursing home eligibility and other benefits for veterans.
There are a number of expenses a nursing home resident may incur that are not covered by any insurance. Personal expenses (such as clothing, telephone and television) and out-of-pocket medical expenses will vary depending on your loved one's wants and needs.


I've had a chance to try a lot of new shoes over the past year, and while this is usually great, it sometimes compromises how much time you can get in each shoe. The following shoes are all trail models currently on the market that I ran in last summer and fall but never got the chance to do a full review of. There were some redeeming qualities in each of them that I felt were noteworthy enough for a post, so what follows is more of my impressions of the shoes rather than full reviews. All specs via Running Warehouse unless otherwise noted. Disclosure: These shoes were provided free of charge by their respective manufactures.
Great midsole and ride on these – vastly improved over the Fluid Flex II. Upper is a solid design, but high volume.
The Fluid Flex ST was a big surprise for me and has one of the best dry trail rides of all the shoes I tried last year. It was a surprise because I really wasn't fond of the original Fluid Flex, which was too soft and unstable on technical terrain. With the Fluid Flex ST, Montrail added their Fluid Guide feature to the midsole where they put denser foam in the midfoot in a graduated way so it blends more than a traditional post. Additionally, the fluid guide is on both sides of the midfoot, and even extends to parts of the heel and forefoot so it is not like a medial post but more for overall stability and structure.
Montrail also added a very minimal rock plate to the forefoot and simplified the upper. The result is a shoe that runs very precise for how forgiving it is, and feels a lot lighter than its weight would suggest. The only issue I have with this shoe is that the upper has way too much volume in the midfoot, and the heel collar was too high for my foot, so it feels a little too loose overall. I'll probably do a little modifying to the lacing to try to snug it up a bit, but mostly I'm hoping the recently-released Fluid Flex FKT, which has the same midsole/outsole setup, will address the issues I had with the upper. All in all, the Fluid Flex ST is a fantastic trail shoe and one at a fairly rare $95 price tag.
Very minimalist design overall, and great last shape.
The Scarpa TRU is my first experience with Scarpa trail shoes other than trying on the Spark a while back. The TRU has a great minimalist design, and the fit is very nice with a medium/wide forefoot and snug midfoot/heel. The outsole is also designed well with low profile lugs, and reminds me a lot of the New Balance MT101. It has a nylon fabric rock plate in the forefoot and a very firm midsole so that it comes across as fairly protective from rocks, but also not very cushioned. If you liked the ride of the MT101 or MT110v1 this is right in the same vein and quite minimalist feeling, but with a better fit than either of those. The outsole is also a very hard rubber compound which should hold up very well over time, although it also contributes to the super firm ride. The TRU mostly has me really excited about the potential of the forthcoming Scarpa Atom and Neutron which have Vibram rubber and are 4mm and 6mm drop.
Altra's most nimble trail model. Best Altra ride to date for me, and interesting mix of design.
The Altra Superior 2.0 is by far my favorite Altra that I've tried. It has a nice, responsive ride with what feels like a blown rubber outsole that adds to the springiness. The upper fabric is more effective at holding the foot than most other Altras since it has very little stretch to it (unlike the Lone Peak 2.5). This is a good thing since it seems that Altra avoids putting overlays on their trail shoes (the Lone Peak 3.0, thankfully, appears to change that trend). The fit is also much lower volume than most other Altras, and fits my foot much better volume-wise. This let me really appreciate the wide toebox rather than feeling like it comes at the cost of midfoot security like some other Altras. The shoe even runs well on the road, and I've really enjoyed it overall. I prefer it over the Lone Peak, and oddly enough I actually feel they offer similar protection levels (not as odd when mine weight only 15 g or .5 oz different).
All that said, there are still some things I hope they change in the future that could improve upon what is a decent shoe. First, I don't like the outsole cutouts at all. It exposes too much midsole to rocks, which puts the foot at more risk and damages the foam prematurely. The added flexibility (what little it adds) is not worth the trade off in my opinion. Second, I also don't care for the removable-rock-plate-under-the-footbed concept. It adds a lot of weight, messes with the volume of the fit if you want to take it out, and would be more effective between the outsole and midsole rather than under the footbed. I know Altra likes to sandwich the rock plate up higher in the shoe like in the Lone Peak so it deflects the rock into the midsole before it hits the plate, but I don't think the design makes sense. I don't find my foot pivoting in shoes with regular rock plate placement like they claim (especially on lower stack shoes), and you lose a lot of precision in the ride and the protection the rock plate gives to the foam so it doesn't get beat up as quickly. Lastly, the heel collar is too wide and padded for what is necessary for this type of shoe. This is typical of most Altras at this point so not specific to the Superior, but I just don't think the shoe needs it and could be lighter and snugger fitting with a slimmer heel collar.
Also of note with the Superior 2.0 is that I had to go with a size 14, which is probably 0.5 size too big for me in the end because of a sizing issue with the first round of the 2.0. The new colors launching this spring will have the sizing issue fixed, which should result in a lighter shoe that fits the same (since I could run a 13 instead of 14). Overall, I really like the feel of the shoe and hope to see an update soon since there is much potential already there. I like the wide toebox concept, and I appreciate how Altra listens to feedback and improves their shoes like they seem to be doing season after season.
The Altra Superior 2.0 is available for purchase at Running Warehouse.
Fantastic Vibram Megagrip outsole on the MT, and rock plate in the forefoot are highlights.
The North Face hasn't been in the shoe game for that long, but are starting to build some momentum with recent and forthcoming offerings. The Ultra MT is by far their best to date (among those that I've tried), and has a unique mix of quality materials and design that set it apart in the current market.
First, you've probably heard of Vibram's new Megagrip rubber, which is very sticky, but also durable at the same time. So far, I have no reason to doubt those claims and the rubber has been fantastic on this shoe (so far it is the only shoe with Megagrip that I've run in). The last is decent on the MT – fairly roomy in the forefoot, while providing a nice lockdown in the midfoot. The heel is probably overly padded, but I didn't feel it ruined the shoe. The midsole is firm but offers a nice pop. It runs smooth on hardpack trail, while the outsole and rockplate offer great coverage on technical terrain. The ride is precise and close to the ground, but still quite protective (rock plates win again!).
Overall, a great design, and there will be a forthcoming winter version (see pic 8 in Brian's great preview post) next summer that adds an integrated gaiter much like the discontinued New Balance MT110 winter, but with the much better suited MT platform has me pretty excited to use them next winter (yes over a year away :)). Overall, no major issues with the shoe other than a minor gripe with the tongue being a tad short for some reason. It will be a shoe I have in my rotation for the foreseeable future.
The North Face Ultra MT is available for purchase at Running Warehouse.
The classic Cascadia in its 10th version; my first time trying it.
Although I've seen many trail runners using the Brooks Cascadia over the last 5 years, I've never had the chance to try one, and never looked into them personally because of their heavier weight and higher drop. Brooks offered to send them, and I thought it was a shoe I should at least run in for reference because of how popular they seem to be.
The Cascadia 10 receives a more seamless upper design, and slightly different outsole lug pattern, but is on the same midsole as previous versions. Overall, my impression of the shoe was that it will be super durable, never let you feel under protected, less tank-like than I expected, but, in the end, still a pretty heavy feeling shoe. The ride is fairly firm, but with gobs of protection and some forgiveness. I can see the appeal it has for many for longer races, or if you only want to buy one shoe. The fit is better for me than the Pure Grit (which has too much midfoot volume), but still a little tapered at the big toe (like most Brooks seem to be). Overall, it is definitely a work horse trail shoe that would take a ton of abuse, handle most trail conditions, and it even ran fine on some short road sections for me.
Because we are spoiled these days with tons of options and I have shoes that are designed specifically for certain tasks, the all around nature of the Cascadia doesn't grab me in any way. However, if you could only have one trail shoe (heaven forbid!), the Cascadia 10 would fill a lot of roles and provide a great value.
Nice reviews and a nice mix of shoes, David. I've loved the Montrail FluidFlex II's since they came out and a few months ago they had a few of our size 13s on sale for $27 on Amazon so I snagged a couple more pairs. If the ST and new FKTs are even better I'm looking forward to trying them out when the time comes.
Don't you feel the Superior has limited vertical toe room because of the extended toecap over the toes?
These are some good shoes David. I ran a handful of shorter races late last year in the Fluid Flex ST, and I liked the lighter feel about the shoe, and was thoroughly impressed with the outsole – it gripped the ground well.
The Superior is a good shoe too, but I believe that the removable rock plate can be left out for future updates. And I'm glad you were able to try the Cascadia. Based on your reviews here for the Runblogger site, I have the sense that you prefer lighter, more minimal footwear, but the Cascadia is a well-liked, solid trail shoe by many.
I've been running in the Hayate 2 lately. Unlike many trail shoes, this one actually does not have a rock plate up front, but it has done well on fairly technical terrain. Version 2 is drastically different from the original, but the update was a good one.
hi david– thanks for the interesting updates. could you compare the fluidflex st (and fkt) to adizero xt5 and NB MT101?
thanks, david. so you don't see any real advantage to xt5 or mt101 over FF ST, aside perhaps from weight?
thanks for laying it all out for me, david.
have you tried NB 1400v4? supposedly increased stack height, for better or worse. if you have, how does it compare to v3? did midsole change at all from v1 to v2 and v3? (i only had v1.) v1 fit me very well in my typical size. v2 seemed to run short. what about v3 and v4?
and fwiw, does shoefitr exist anywhere anymore?
I actually tried the 1690 back when it came out and I just don't have good luck with NB's PL last which the 1690 was on. I agree that overall design was solid, which is why it caught my attention, but I could jive with the fit.
I've tried on the 1400v4 but haven't run in them. Fit is right on with previous models and it did seem like there was just a bit more shoe, but I would guess it wouldn't run substantially different. I'll probably try it down the road when I can find it cheaper sometime.
RE: Shoefitr, I don't know what happened to it…I used to use it on Running Warehouse, but since they stopped having it, I haven't come across it elsewhere.
did v4 and v3 seem true to size to you? as i mentioned, i found v1 true to size but v2 a bit short.
Yeah they seemed true to size to me…at least true to my NB size…I do fine NB runs just a bit shorter (like 1/4 size) than many other brands.
thanks again. sorry, one more–have you tried sense pro 2 yet? i've seen a couple people saying that while it's more cushioned than the original, it's also (even) stiffer.
Hi David, i waited for the Dynafit vertikal pro but they never came to stores here with my big size so I bought the Altra superior 2.0. I have revaluated the tight toe box as my problems with the toes has improved with a bigger toe box though IT tok some time to get used to it.. Overall I really like the concept of Altra with wider toebox and zero drop, it feels more natural and i can run a lot longer without getting burnt out in my legs. I hope they improve the heel cap to the next version to be deeper or higher, I run without the rock plate doesnt feel I need It!


text:
Ethics, responsibility, and marketing: nowhere to hide If 2020 did anything, it increased consumer scrutiny. 2021...
Lucy Lomas
Luma Marketing
Salford's £6m affordable housing scheme completes
Developer Investar Property Group has completed 58 affordable homes in a scheme known as Melody Gardens, set to be managed by Places for People.
Work began on the site on the corner of Liverpool Street and Weaste Lane in August 2018.
It was previously home to All Souls Roman Catholic Church before its demolition in 2011.
All of the 58 homes are being allocated by Places for People via the local authorities choice based lettings system.
Melody Gardens is comprised of nine three-bedroom and four-bedroom houses, one two-bedroom bungalow, and 48 apartments.
Salford-based contractor Watson Homes completed construction in late November, which was two months ahead of schedule.
Michael Dong, chief executive of Investar, said: "Melody Gardens is a new community that meet the needs of Salford families who require high quality social housing. We'd like to thank all of our project partners for helping us deliver this much-needed development with time to spare."
Mike Watson, director of Watson Homes, said: "Our team has worked hard on every aspect of this build programme to ensure that Melody Gardens would be ready for Places for People and their customers well ahead of schedule."
It's a good place, nice area to live, thanks to the Landlord and people who made it possible.
December 10, 2019 at 7:02 pm By Kaffy Dauda
i live near this and its definately one for a ugly building award absolutely no thought gone in to the design and bring nothing to the area
December 10, 2019 at 9:52 pm By bob rolfe
Can i get a 3 bedroom flat for rent ? I am desperately in need of apartment .
December 11, 2019 at 9:07 am By Josephine
Hiw much does one have to pay for a two bedroom flat.
December 11, 2019 at 6:49 pm By Yvette longville
How do I go about getting 1 of these houses please
December 11, 2019 at 7:53 pm By John foster


At the end of TIMELESS, Michele sees Philip at her school in the present, an unexpected surprise. But this Philip isn't her Philip: he looks and sounds like him but he doesn't remember his relationship with Michele or anything about his previous life. It's a really neat twist and I thoroughly enjoyed watching Michele deal with this situation. Modern day Philip is an enigma while past Philip was an open book by the end of TIMELESS; this adds a nice romantic conflict to the story.
My favourite part of the story, however, was learning more about the Time Society and about Michele's father, Irving Henry. The book is no longer just told from Michele's point of view -- it also contains chapters written in Irving's voice -- and I really enjoyed them. I was a little nervous the first time I saw one of these chapters since books with multiple points of view sometimes lose their punch but Alexandra Monir has done a wonderful job of giving Michele and Irving distinct and appropriate voices. I found myself looking forward to the next Irving chapter since I learned so much about the Time Society and what it means to be a Timekeeper. There's even a handbook, so we ge to see the rules that govern this hidden society. We also get some neat reveals about Michele's abilities, which are quite special since she's time-crossed.
On the whole, I really liked TIMEKEEPER but there was one aspect of the book that I wasn't fond of: Rebecca. She's one of Michele's ancestors and she's also capable of time travel. Unfortunately, she wants to kill Michele for a variety of reasons, which I won't get into here to avoid spoiling the book for you. Rebecca is consumed by jealousy and hatred and she adds some menace to the story but I didn't find that plot line very engaging.
TIMEKEEPER ups the stakes from TIMELESS, adding a twist to Michele and Philip's romance, revelations about how time travel works, and, unfortunately, a character I really didn't enjoy. While I would have preferred a Rebecca-free book, the introduction of this character does help us learn more about Michele's family and her father's relationship with the past and present Windsors. I'm not sure if there's another book in the works but I do like how TIMEKEEPER wraps up. Michele has some amazing powers and I do hope that there's another book in the works, so that we can see more of this wonderful Timekeeper world.


Nov 28, 2016 Ball mill for gold ore processing and India small gold ore gold mining small gold crushing and mill plant in south africa-Stone Crusher and Aug.
Coal crusher in south africa; Coal beneficiation plant in india; CEMENT. Afria is widely used in gold ore mining process , South Africa Manganese crushing .
Nov 25, 2016 Primary crushing plant with maximum capacity of 100 t/h acquired from Ltda (a subsidiary of Gold Fields South Africa) and Western Mining.


text:
Altan: The-Poison-Glen
By Tara Dougherty, Music Editor
A look at recently released music of Irish and Irish-American interest.
Altan • The Poison Glen
In their newest album, The Poison Glen, Altan reverts to the sound that their fans initially fell in love with. Transforming from a virtually unknown duo in the mid-eighties to the six-piece band they are now, Altan is a band that has never really stopped growing or developing. It is clear from the jump with this effort that the intention was to take Altan back to the stage, to recreate their intoxicating live sound. Their more recent work has stood atop very large production, which at times would only water down the atmosphere that has made Altan unquestionably the next legendary name in Celtic music.
As a whole, The Poison Glen is a more somber album than Altan is known for, the tracks unfolding slowly with Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh's crystal clear vocals very much at the helm. Her harmonies on "Caitlin Triall" harken back to a sound that listeners yearn for in Celtic music. Her vocal tracks, stripped bare of effects, seem to echo across centuries. Altan's more playful side emerges in "Tommy Pott's Slip Jig." The Poison Glen is a diverse album; it is complete, polished and raises the bar for future Altan albums.
Moya Brennan • Heart Strings [Live]
With her many years of captivating audiences with her voice and harp, Moya Brennan is Celtic music royalty. In her more recent effort with Cormac de Barra, the pair set new standards for Irish harpists. With the release of her newest album, a live recording titled Heart Strings, Brennan will decidedly convince listeners that they haven't heard her play until they've heard her live. The album, recorded during her live performance with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, features string arrangements by the lovely Julie Feeney and was recorded over two performances, one in Liverpool and one in Germany.
The energy in Heart Strings is palpable, with de Barra offering backing vocals on several of the tracks. The album really comes alive with "Sailing Away" when Feeney's string arrangements take over to provide a thrilling departure from the very sweet vocal ballad "Molly Fair" preceding it. "Against The Wind" is another highlight, which seamlessly blends an Irish accent with the power of the Liverpool Philharmonic. Heart Strings [Live] is mesmerizing from start to finish.
Brock McGuire Band • Green Grass Blue Grass
Brock McGuire Band is refreshingly authentic. Garnering praise from Martin Hayes who called them "a showcase of tastefulness that combines the highest level of musicianship in Irish music and a seamless collaboration with some of America's finest musicians," Brock McGuire Band could well be on their way to becoming the definitive Celtic-bluegrass crossover band of this decade. Green Grass Blue Grass is packed with riveting sets that blend the twang of a banjo with the swing of Irish fiddles.
Guest appearances from Ricky Skaggs, Bryan Sutton and Mark Fain lend credence to Brock McGuire Band's presence in the bluegrass community. Paul Brock (button accordion) and Manus McGuire (fiddle) are both County Clare natives whose ear for traditional Irish music comes through best in the medley "Johnny Will You Marry Me/Phil the Fluter's Ball/The Rookery." County Galway's Enda Scahill's tenor banjo and mandolin as well as Tipperary's Denis Carey on keyboards combined with Brock and McGuire create a sound on the album like a bizarre seisiun one might stumble upon in an Irish pub in Nashville, delightfully bizarre.
Hall of Fame:
Dancer, Choreographer, Teacher Jean Butler
A few years back, the Irish dancing community was dealt a series of devastating losses. Four celebrated dance masters...
Hall of Fame: Judy Collins
Singer, Songwriter, Social Activist
It is difficult to define or to encapsulate Judy Collins in under 2,000 words. Ironically though, perhaps just two...
Tourism Ireland hosted a stellar event at The Lotte New York Palace Hotel in New York City last night, Jan. 28, to...
℘℘℘ The 2020 Irish America Hall of Fame dinner and inductions will be held in New York City on March 12,...


text:
Head Coach Fran McCaffery
Hawkeyes in the Pros
Contact the Program
Recruits Info
Big Ten Standings
Big Ten Statistics (PDF)
Previous Season Stats
2020-21 Media Guide
Basketball Autograph Policy and Procedures
Men's Basketball / November 25, 2020
Hawkeyes Stand for Equality
A lot will look familiar when the nationally-ranked University of Iowa men's basketball team tips off the 2020-21 season Wednesday. The Hawkeyes return 11 players from last year's 20-win squad.
However, there will also be a new look as the team takes a stand against social injustice and inequality. Student-athletes will have the word EQUALITY on the back of their jersey, underneath the number, and PEACE, LOVE, EQUALITY on the front of their pregame shooting shirts. Coaches and staff on the bench will rotate wearing ANTI-HATE and ANTI-RACISM lapel pins each game.
Junior Joe Wieskamp credits one of the team's seniors in leading the charge of taking action.
"Luka was one of the main guys that wanted to get this started with us," Wieskamp said. "I think having equality on the back of our jersey is a good simple word that means a lot and sends a powerful message."
Garza says he has seen positive change since this summer, but there is still a lot that needs to be done.
"The most important thing for me is learning and educating yourself on what you can do to help make this world a better place," said Garza. "It's obvious there needs to be change. We can't get comfortable. We have to keep pushing so there is social justice and equality."
Sophomore Joe Toussaint, who is one of seven players of color on the roster, said his teammates' stance on systematic inequality has been uplifting.
"Hearing them express how much they cared about (social inequality) really touched me," said Toussaint. "Knowing that I have people that have my back that aren't my color means a lot to me."
Redshirt senior Jordan Bohannon agrees that it is important for he and his teammates to use their voice as college athletes because they have a large audience.
"It is important for us to continue to stand for what's important in life," said Bohannon. "It's not just basketball, there are more important things throughout life. We want to stand up for everyone no matter your race, where you are from, or where you grew up. It's important for us to continue to stand for those things."
Redshirt junior Connor McCaffery, who is one of 10 University of Iowa representatives on the Big Ten Anti-Racism and Anti-Hate Coalition, said that he has been outspoken about social injustice.
"This is something I feel strongly about," McCaffery said. "With everything that is going on you need to recognize and be there for people who are hurting and for people who feel affected. Having EQUALITY and PEACE, LOVE on our team gear are the messages we want to spread."
Head coach Fran McCaffery echoes his players' comments emphasizing that as a society we must stand together for equality and human rights.
"Positive change only takes place through action," McCaffery said. "I am proud of our guys in how they are using their platform to better society."
Prior to the national anthem of Wednesday's game, the Iowa basketball team took a knee in solidarity and had the following statement read over the public address system.
For too long, systemic inequality has created segregation and widespread inequity. We cannot remain silent.
The Iowa basketball program stands in solidarity with those fighting for a more just society. We strive to be allies to communities of color, including using our platform for good.
In doing so, we must challenge ourselves to understand and correct any inequities we may discover. This requires difficult conversations. It requires course-correction. It requires getting uncomfortable. Only in doing so, will we create lasting, sustainable change.
We are on this journey together as a team and in our community.
Sleeveless & Effective
Men's Basketball / January 20, 2021 Sleeveless & Effective
Game Notes: Back Home to Host Indiana
Men's Basketball / January 19, 2021 Game Notes: Back Home to Host Indiana
No. 5 Iowa Routs Northwestern for 5th Straight Win
Men's Basketball / January 17, 2021 No. 5 Iowa Routs Northwestern for 5th Straight Win


text:
Review: Revenge (2018)
Directed by: Coralie Fargeat
Premise: A mistress (Matilda Lutz) vacations at a secluded home with her lover (Kevin Janssens). Two of his friends (Vincent Colombe and Guillaume Bouchede) crash their getaway. When one of them assaults her, all three men turn on the lone woman who must fight for survival.
What Works: Among the many different genres of film, few have been debated as fiercely as the rape and revenge flick. Movies like I Spit on Your Grave and Ms. 45 have been denounced by moral watchdog groups across the political spectrum and even respectable mainstream films like The Accused are debated for their representation of sexual violence. Revenge is a stylish and provocative take on the genre. The filmmakers appear fully aware of the history of the rape-revenge film as well as the ongoing debates about it and they engage with those ideas while making a wild and visceral movie. Revenge centers upon a woman, played by Matilda Lutz, who is the mistress to a wealthy man. He takes her to an isolated vacation house where they encounter his creepy friends. The setup of the movie is explicitly sexual and it establishes Lutz's character as a woman with her own sexual agency but also as someone who caters to male sexual desire, at times taking pleasure in teasing the men. In these early sequences the filmmakers engage with the debates about the rape-revenge genre, specifically the charge that these films sexualize victims, but also the broader debates about sexual violence such as the suggestion that men are somehow provoked by displays of female sexuality. Perhaps most interesting is the way the filmmakers deal with the assault itself; the sequence builds slowly and it is staged in a way that avoids exploiting the attack while still conveying the trauma. From that point, Revenge becomes a survival film with this woman stalked in the desert by the three men. This portion of the story is inventive with Lutz's character proving herself smart and resourceful. There is a creative tension in Revenge between the picture's slick filmmaking style and its visceral images. The movie is well paced and crackles with energy but it also has a grotesque showmanship that gives the violence its impact.
What Doesn't: Revenge isn't for everybody. It is in many respects an unpleasant film. Its subject matter is inherently disturbing, the male characters are repugnant, and the movie includes considerable violence and gore. In the current cultural environment this film is also likely to find itself upsetting a lot of different political constituencies. That is actually part of the point of the movie and key to its subversiveness. In that respect, Revenge is exactly what it intends to be and it satisfies all the requirements of its genre. But Revenge is not the sort of film that is going to win over any converts or transcend its genre. The film does suffer from some big implausibilities. Several of the characters, but especially the woman played by Matilda Lutz, suffer injuries that should be debilitating and then carry on running and fighting. There's also some inconsistencies with the makeup effects as wounds disappear or heal overnight.
DVD extras: Trailers.
Bottom Line: Revenge may not be a film for everyone but it is provocative and well-made. The movie deals with tricky subject matter in a way that shows thoughtfulness and craft and the picture delivers on the attractions of its genre in a way that makes the audience think about what they are watching.
Episode: #718 (September 30, 2018)


text:
Me and Mr. Jones
Hot Spots to Visit
Wandering Words
Favorite RV Parks
Handy Lists
Food Stops
Road Recipes
Artists on the Road
Travel Scrapbook
TOP 5 Tombstone Tourist Tips
May 18, 2018 Comments 2 comments
Perhaps the closest you will ever get to the rough and tumble, wild and woolly days of the Old West is a visit to Tombstone, Arizona. The dusty streets and wood-planked sidewalks make you feel as if you've been time-warped right back into the days of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. The town is full of shops, restaurants and attractions that strive to bring the 1880's era of western history to life. Having visited this frontier town several times in my life, here are my top FIVE favorite things to see and do while visiting Tombstone.
O.K. Corral and Historama
Streets of historic Tombstone
Big Nose Kate's Saloon
Bird Cage Theater
Boot Hill Cemetery
O.K. CORRAL:
If there is only ONE thing synonymous with Tombstone, it would have to be the O.K. Corral. Home to the infamous gunfight that left three outlaw cowboys dead and two of the Earp brothers wounded – the O.K. Corral is an excellent first stop while visiting the old west town. Located on historic Allen between 3rd and 4th Streets, a ticket to see the actual location includes a reenactment of the shootout, a presentation about the history of Tombstone at the Historama, a free tour of the Tombstone Epitaph newspaper (including a souvenir reprint of the 1881 newspaper documenting the shootout) and more.
Here it is … the O.K. Corral
I love to watch the Historama (located inside next to the ticket counter) the very first thing. It sort of gives an overview of the "who, what, where" of Tombstone and prepares you for what is to come. Presented every half hour, on the hour, this very hokey multi-media show is the exact same one that I first watched as a child in the late 1960's. That is a fact! It has not been updated since it began and at this point – it would be a supreme disappointment if it were to change!
And HERE is the Historama.
Narrated by Vincent Price, it tells the story of Tombstone's early years – first it's Apache history and then it's mining history when Ed Schieffelin first discovered silver in a nearby mine and named the town Tombstone. It tells about the fires that nearly destroyed the town. And it tells about the unrest and lawlessness that abounded – the outlaws of the day, leading to both the gunfight at the O.K. Corral and later Morgan Earp's murder. All of which earned the town its reputation as "the town too tough to die". (You can buy a T-shirt that says that right there!)
The robot version of the famous gunfight.
After the Historama, make your way through the souvenir shop to the back of the building that leads into the corral itself and an outdoor theater. Here there are actually two reenactments. The first one features life-sized statues that come to life when you push a button. I like this one because it goes right along with the hokey charm of the Historama. The gunfighter's arms robotically swing into place as they shoot their guns. Their voices and the zing of gunfire echo from a speaker hidden somewhere behind a rock. (I remember this from my childhood too.) Although pleasantly cheesy, they are in the exact location where all the gunfighters stood during the actual onslaught – so it's historically cheesy accurate!
Wyatt Earp – layin' down the law …
The second reenactment features live actors at the Streets of Tombstone Theater located across from the corral in the back of the property. These actors depict Deputy Town Marshal Wyatt Earp along with his friend, Doc Holliday, and brother's, Virgil and Morgan Earp. The drama features the historical disagreements leading up to the deadly encounter, as well as pop, pop, pop of gunfire depicting the 30-second duel itself, with the outlaw McLaury's and the Clanton's. Coupled with a bit of comedy and narrated by Doc Holliday, the presentation interacts with the audience while educating the crowd about the events that took place that fateful day.
The Earp Brothers
There are many historical items on display to explore before or after the presentations too. Several exhibits including C.S. Fly's Photographic Studio featuring portraits of early Native Americans, including Geronimo, who allowed Fly to photograph him while still at war with the United States. A blacksmith's stable, period buggies and saddles are also on display. And don't forget to stop in at the Tombstone Epitaph newspaper office/museum down the street for a free souvenir reprint of the edition featuring the article about the O.K. Corral gunfight. Contact Info: 326 East Allen St., Tombstone, AZ 85638 / 520 457-3456 / www.okcorral.com
STREETS OF HISTORIC TOMBSTONE:
After watching the gunfight and learning all about the history of Tombstone you'll probably have a "hankerin"' to "mosey" down the sidewalk and explore the town. You might be in the mood to dress up in legit western garb for a picture to commemorate your visit. Or maybe it's always been your dream to kick up dust while riding through the streets in a stagecoach.
Allen Street in Tombstone, Arizona
You'll probably have to stop in one of the many shops lining both sides of the street where you'll find everything from real-deal western wear, to beautiful turquoise and coral jewelry, to cheap souvenirs … and everything in between! (Mr. Jones really, really wants one of those long, duster Western coats like Kurt Russell wears in the movie Tombstone – but just where to keep it in the RV, right?)
Lots of places to spend your $$$
I love all of the signs and historical plaques you find mounted here and there telling about random things that took place in this rowdy western town – many of the locations now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Even many of the shops where you might be shopping for T-shirts or turquoise were once locations of events we've always learned about in history books and the movies.
It happened right here, where these T-shirts now sit …
BIG NOSE KATE'S SALOON:
After all that shopping, I reckon you've worked up a mighty thirst and need a little something to wet your whistle! While there are a several places to grab a snack or a meal along Allen Street, my very favorite place to belly up to the bar is Big Nose Kate's Saloon.
The saloon is named after Doc Holliday's longtime companion Mary Katharine Horony-Cummins, aka Big Nose Kate, who was a prostitute and his common-law wife. The saloon offers a full bar, soft drinks and a pretty good menu with items like Pistol Pete's Pastrami Sandwich, Curly Bill's Brisket Dinner, or Goldie's Famous Overstuffed Reuben – it's the Reuben that "won the west".
Whistle wetting available here.
There are loads of interesting pictures and art lining the walls (some that will make you blush) and if you want you can dress up like a dance hall girl for a souvenir picture on the bar or atop the piano. There's live music every afternoon sure to get your toes to tappin' and plenty of rowdy good times wholesome enough for the young'uns too.
Waitin' on their sarsparilla.
And before you go, take a trip downstairs to check out not only the gift shop, but to see the "Swamper's" secret bedroom. The Swamper – a janitor – back when the saloon was the Grand Hotel, lived in the dark basement and in the privacy of his room, secretly tunneled his way to a nearby mine shaft that ran beneath the building. He squirreled away treasure from a rich vein of silver and his sparse living quarters are on display in the gift shop today. Contact Info: 417 East Allen St., Tombstone, AZ 85638 / 520 457-3107 / www.bignosekates.info
Home of The Swamper
BIRD CAGE THEATER:
(May/2018 – Permission required and granted by Billy Hunley/Bird Cage Theater to use my own photography on my own website)
The famous Bird Cage Theater is located at the corner of Allen and 6th Street and houses some of the most historic and most interesting items in Tombstone! While a free pre-show is available in the lobby of the theater, with several interesting artifacts on display including several bullet holes dating back to the 1880's, by all means, pay the $12 bucks to see what lies beyond. That is where you'll find the good stuff!
Bird Cage Theater – Tombstone, Arizona
Once you fork over your cash you are escorted to enter the rest of the building through a curtain. You immediately find yourself in the auditorium of the theater where patrons enjoyed shows and theater while drinking, played games of chance and purchased the services of the "soiled doves" who served drinks, among other things. Ahem. The girls escorted their customers to "cribs" located on the second floor overlooking the theater and stage.
Those are "cribs" up there …
The Bird Cage opened in 1881 and did not close until 1889 when the mines dried up. And when I say "did not close", I mean it was open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This grand piano (below) was hauled to the theater by mule train and has been in this exact same spot since 1881! It was used for all the musicals and theater productions performed during that time. Remember the raucous scene from the movie "Tombstone" when the outlaws shot guns inside the theater during the performance? The scene was supposed to have been in this famous venue.
Hasn't been moved since 1881!
Faro was a game of chance that was popular and played during the late 1800's and early 1900's in North America. Not related to poker, it was an easy, fast-action game with better odds than most other games of chance. It is played with one deck of cards and winning or losing occurs when cards are turned up by the dealer/banker and match cards already exposed. This Faro table is the actual table where Doc Holliday played and dealt Faro.
Faro table made famous by Doc Holliday
Not only did the working girls entertain gentlemen in their cribs in the theater itself, but there were two private rooms in the basement for the more popular girls. The room below belonged to Sarah Josephine Marcus also known as "Shady Sadie". She was portrayed by actress Dana Delany in the motion picture "Tombstone", however, there was no indication in the movie that she was a prostitute. She entertained Wyatt Earp in this very room and later became his third wife, known as Josephine, and they were married for 47 years. Contact Info: 535 East Allen St., Tombstone, AZ 85638 / 520 457-3421 / www.tombstonebirdcage.com
"Shady Sadie's" private bedroom
BOOTHILL GRAVEYARD:
After having a rootin' tootin' good time in Tombstone – you have to make one last stop at the Boothill Graveyard. You actually pass the graveyard as you are coming into town but I like to leave it for the end of my visit. It costs $3 and that gains you entrance to the cemetery as well as scores you a guidebook that describes who is buried where and just exactly how several of the deceased ended up there.
The famous Boothill Graveyard
The area was laid out as a burial plot in 1878 and was originally called the Tombstone Cemetery. It was used as the burial place for the town's first pioneers until around 1884 when the community cemetery was opened in town and it was then renamed Boot Hill.
The famous headstone for Lester Moore of "four slugs with a .44" fame can be found here, as well as the graves of numerous others who died of various maladies including meningitis, pneumonia, Indian attacks, and of course, "hangin's".
No Les, no more.
Also buried here are the notorious outlaws Billy Clanton and the McLaury brothers, Tom and Frank, who were murdered on the streets of Tombstone at the O.K. Corral in the bloody battle with the Earp brothers and Doc Holliday.
Final resting place of the Clanton's and McLaury's
A visit to the Boothill Graveyard is the perfect way to wrap up a day in Tombstone and pay those last respects to the citizens that helped tame this real-deal wild west area of the U.S.A. Contact Info: 408 AZ-80, Tombstone, AZ 85638 / 520 457-2540 / www.tombstoneboothillgiftshop.com
So if you find yourself in southern Arizona – be sure and make a detour to Tombstone. There is truly something to please everyone from history to shopping to good old-fashioned fun. Ya'll come back now, ya hear?
Click HERE to check out some travel scrapbook pages featuring Tombstone, Arizona.
Have YOU ever visited Tombstone, Arizona? What is your favorite thing to do while in town? Let us know in the comments below!
Food, Hot Spots to Visit, Restaurants, Travel, Uncategorized
Arizona, Big Nose Kate, Bird Cage, Boothill, cemetery, cowboy, graveyard, O.K. Corral, Saloon, theater, Tombstone
Step-by-Step Guide to Boston's FREEDOM TRAIL
The RedByrd Coffee Shop – "Serving up JOY with a side of COFFEE"
2 thoughts on "TOP 5 Tombstone Tourist Tips"
We were near Tombstone last year but since it was literally 120 degrees, we didn't go ahead and go there so really enjoyed all the pics you shared. We just watched the movie Wyatt Earp a while back so makes this interesting.
jjones5996@aol.com says:
Whew – 120! Yes, Tucson is best visited in the winter months. Happy you enjoyed the pictures.
Hello! My name is Jeanie and the "me" behind Me and Mr. Jones. Join us as we explore tourist destinations, try new restaurants, meet new people and basically encounter all this crazy USA has to offer as we live our lives traveling here and there – by plane, train or automobile. And sometimes on a cruise ship. And often in our RV! We would love for you to KEEP UP WITH US!
Requests??
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore – incredible beauty!
The Belle Meade Plantation & the Run for the Roses!
The American Prohibition Museum – You BOOZE, You LOSE!
The HISTORIC TRIANGLE of VIRGINIA – Jamestown, Williamsburg & Yorktown
Favorite Parks


Facebook has acquired facial recognition technology company Face.com for an undisclosed amount of money. Such a deal was rumored to be in the works last month for around $100 million, making Face.com the first post-IPO acquisition by the social networking giant.
Based in Tel Aviv, Israel, Face.com was created in 2007 and specializes in facial recognition using photos. The company's KLIK app for smartphones allows users to automatically tag their friends in photos uploaded to Facebook. Third-party tracking software AppData reports that KLIK has 40,000 active monthly Facebook users.
Face.com claims to be serious when it comes to user privacy as they require customers to feed information before they can use the software to recognize faces. Furthermore, only contacts that are on a person's friends list can be recognized and tagged.
Since Face.com already works closely with Facebook, some feel that the purchase was more of a staff acquisition than anything else. What still remains unclear is how this will affect Yandex, the Moscow-based search engine that purchased an 18.4 percent share of Face.com for $4.3 million in late 2010. They weren't mentioned in the blog post on Face.com regarding the buyout.
Stock in the social networking company is up $1.54 as of writing and nearly $3 since opening trades on Friday. The deal is still pending but is expected to close in the coming weeks.


text:
Hulya Levent
Nina Monteiro
Adam Kornas
KAMAL SINGH
Kamal Singh was born in New Delhi, India. He received his early training on a scholarship at the school of the Imperial Fernando Ballet Company, (IFBC), under the direction of Maestro Fernando Aguilera, an Argentine ballet dancer from the Colon Theater, Buenos Aires.
During his time as a student at IFBC, Kamal performed in ballets such as The Nutcracker (as the Nutcracker Prince), Sleeping Beauty (as Blue Bird), Spartacus (in the title role), Romeo and Juliette (as Benvolio), Giselle (as Albrecht), and The Legend of Love (as Ferkhad).
In July 2019 he attended the Russian Masters summer program, at the Vaganova Academy, St Petersburg, Russia. He was chosen to perform as Armen, a soloist role in the ballet Gayane at the final Gala Performance, after which he was offered a full scholarship to return the following year.
In 2020 he was selected by Viviana Durante, the Artistic Director of the English National Ballet School, to join the Professional Trainee Programme. There he performed in Not So Strictly choreographed by Didy Veldman and God's Away on Business choreographed by Morgann Runacre Temple. During his time at ENBS he was also selected to perform in a production of Cinderella with the Birmingham Royal Ballet.
After graduating from ENBS, he was invited to train at the Akram Khan Company and was also invited by Kevin O'Hare to attend company classes at the Royal Ballet in
London. He was subsequently selected to perform alongside Sergei Polunin for the SkyArt television special Play in a Day at the Alexandra Palace Theatre.
Kamal excels in both classical and contemporary roles, combining expressive talent with technical skill. He has been the subject of news features by a range of outlets, including The Guardian, The Telegraph, CBS News, TV 9, India Today, New Delhi TV, BBC News, ITV, The Times of India, Forbes India, La Prensa Latina Media, and the BBC World Service. He was also chosen as a Forbes "30 under 30", Asia 2021 honoree.
contact@newcreationscollective.com
New Creations Collective Ltd.
Proudly supported by The Princes Trust, Kent County Council & The Golsoncott Foundation


text:
Ivan Franko National University of Lviv is looking for partners to cooperate under Erasmus+
The Ivan Franko National University of Lviv is one of the oldest Universities in Ukraine, established in 1661. The University is one of the leading national Universities in training experts for education, research and industry in Ukraine.
Interests for cooperation:
Curricula development, Modernization of curricula, Development of Joint Master Degree Programs, Quality Assurance, Development and introduction of common scientific projects and networks, International student and staff mobility
IFNUL is currently involved in 3 Erasmus Mundus Action 2 projects:
1. Erasmus Mundus Action 2, Strand 1 for Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan (Lot 5) MID (2012), Grant Agreement no 2742/001-001-EMA2, project 372359-EM-1-2012-1FI-ERAMUNDUS-EMA211, Coordinator - University of Turku, Finland, Co-coordinator from Third-countries – IFNUL, Ukraine - http://www.utu.fi/mid/
2. Erasmus Mundus Action 2, Strand 1 for Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine (Lot 8) BMU-MID (2011), Grant Agreement no 2011-2570/001-001-EMA2, Coordinator - University of Turku, Finland - http://www.utu.fi/bmu-mid/
3. Erasmus Mundus Action 2, Strand 1 for Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine (Lot 7) BMU, European Commission Grant No 2010-2320/001-001 EMA2, Coordinator - University of Deusto, Spain - http://www.embmu.eu/en/partners.html
Previous Erasmus Mundus Projects:
1. Erasmus Mundus External Cooperation Window for Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine (Lot 6), European Commission Grant No 2007-1245/001-001 MUN-ECW, Coordinator - University of Deusto, Spain
2. Erasmus Mundus External Cooperation Windows for Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine - Lot 6 BMU, Grant Agreement (SGA) No 2008-1962/001-001 MUN-ECW, Coordinator - University of Deusto, Spain
Currently at IFNUL there are 7 ongoing Tempus projects:
1. 543802-2013-UK-JPHES-ESTABLISHMENT OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY INNOVATIVE CENTRES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF VIRTUAL LABORATORIES (MICVL) IN BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE, University of Westminster, Great Britain
2. 543990-2013-DE-JPCR-TRAINING ON ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION AS AN APPROACH FOR ENSURING OF HUMAN RIGHTS – University of Potsdam, Germany
3. 530181-TEMPUS-1-2012-1-DETEMPUS-SMGR INTEGRATED UNIVERSITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: EU EXPERIENCE ON NIS COUNTRIES' GROUND; University of Koblenz-Landau, Germany
4. 530360-TEMPUS-1-2012-1-GE-TEMPUS-JPCR DEVELOPMENT AND INTRODUCTION OF MULTILINGUAL TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAMS AT UNIVERSITIES OF GEORGIA AND UKRAINE; Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Georgia
5. 530391-TEMPUS-1-2012-1-SI-TEMPUS-JPCR EUROPEAN NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICY LAW AND GOOD GOVERNANCE; University of Maribor, Slovenia
6. 530534-TEMPUS-1-2012-1-UK-TEMPUS-SMGR IMPROVING THE EFFICIENCY OF STUDENT SERVICES; Northumbria University, UK
7. 530601-TEMPUS-1-2012-1-PL-TEMPUS-SMHES INFORMATICS AND MANAGEMENT: BOLOGNA-STYLE QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORKS; Universitet Marii Curie-Sklodowskiej, Poland
About the university:
Students can obtain academic degrees offered by the University's 18 Faculties. The University staff is engaged in academic, research and educational activities in 134 departments, 48 research laboratories and the Computer Centre (http://lnu.edu.ua/).
Active international contacts are an integral component of the University activities. The Ivan Franko National University of Lviv established cooperation and signed Bilateral Agreements with 98 educational institutions from 34 countries (Poland, Hungary, Germany, USA, Canada, France, Great Britain, Austria, Czech Republic, Belgium, Bulgaria, Portugal, Romania, Moldova, Russian Federation etc.). Staff members, scholars and post graduate students of the University receive grants and scholarships for education and training abroad, participate in various international projects.
At present, the amount of students is 30,000. There are many foreign students, who come from Poland, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Germany, Russian Federation, China, Canada, Vietnam, Nigeria, Moldova, Georgia, Turkey and other countries. In 2012/2013 academic year we had 167 full-time foreign students from more than 32 countries. There are also many exchange students for one or two semesters in the framework of bilateral agreements with different Universities and programs such as Erasmus Mundus External Cooperation Window Lot6/7, Erasmus Mundus Action 2 Lot 7/8/5, Visegrad Fund, Baltic University Program etc.
More than 900 staff members and students of the University are annually sent on the out of state business trips, research and scientific training, to participate in international conferences, seminars and symposia. The University lecturers deliver lectures at the higher educational institutions in Poland, the USA, Germany and Austria.
OeAD Cooperation office, British Council, Centre of Italian language and culture, Nordic Centre, Arseniy Elassonskyy Greek language and culture centre, German centre and Spanish Centre are created at the University. These Centres have modern audio and video equipment, libraries, where lecturers and students can use scientific and methodological literature, periodicals, study foreign languages.
Prof. Volodymyr Kyrylych, Vice –Rector for International Affairs (kyrylych@franko.lviv.ua), Dr. Oksana Krayevska – Coordinator of Erasmus Mundus and Tempus Projects at IFNUL (oksana.krayevska@gmail.com)
Universytetska str. 1, r. 209, 79000 Lviv, UKRAINE


text:
5 apps to build English vocabulary and learn how to use new words in speech
by James · November 2, 2022
It is estimated that the English language contains approximately one million words. It would be nearly impossible to know them all, but these apps and websites make it easier to build your vocabulary, whether you're learning English or already fluent.
The internet offers various ways to learn and speak English, from free courses to cute apps that slowly improve your skills. This article will look at practical ways to build your English vocabulary and learn how to use these words in everyday speech.
1. VocabTube (Web): Build vocabulary while watching YouTube videos
2. YouGlish (online): Pronunciation and common use of words through YouTube
3. Burning Vocabulary (Chrome, Edge): Look up words anywhere, add your Flash cards
4. WordUp (Android, iOS, Windows): Learn the most practical words in English
5. Time words (web, mobile, desktop, browsers): Learn 24 new words every day
Practice your vocabulary while you speak
Language learners are often advised to watch films and TV programs to pick up words from everyday speech. Since YouTube has a large collection of free English videos, it's a great resource for expanding your vocabulary while watching something fun and educational.
VocabTube recommends several videos from fascinating and educational YouTube channels like TED and Kurzgesagt by default, but you can copy and paste any video with subtitles to use in the app. When it starts playing, you can click on any word in the text to look up its meaning. By default, the video pauses while a small bubble displays the dictionary definition.
Moving forward, VocabTube plans to introduce the ability to save words as flashcards and create decks to revise your vocabulary. But for now, it's still a neat and unobtrusive way to watch YouTube videos and find meaning.
If you look up a word on the best dictionary and vocabulary apps to learn how to pronounce it, you'll find the meaning and an audio clip. But if you plan to use it in everyday speech, you need to know how real people use it. YouGlish can help with that.
When you search for a word on YouGlish, it finds the word used in YouTube videos and chooses three random videos. The idea is that YouTube videos will demonstrate common language usage rather than someone trying to teach you how to use the word. Plus, with three different uses by different people, you'll get a better idea of the different contexts for using that word and how it's pronounced.
You can also quickly look up the meaning of the word or other words by clicking on the subtitle. YouGlish will also give you tips on how to make it easy to pronounce that word and show nearby words. You can also choose between American, British and Australian English.
Burning Vocabulary looks like a simple browser extension, but it has a lot of cool features that make it better than it looks. At the basic level, it allows you to look up the definition and pronunciation of any word in your browser. It even works with words on social media, Netflix video subtitles, and anywhere you can click and highlight a word.
The definition appears on a card next to the word, along with an automatic pronunciation read aloud. The word is also added to your personal dictionary, which you can check in the dashboard. If you ever come across the word again in other articles, you will find that it is already underlined to indicate that it is one of your saved words.
In the dashboard, you'll see a day-by-day list of words you've added. Burning Vocabulary also saves a snapshot of the original sentence you read the word in. You can also test your memory through flashcards, which can be asked in order or randomly.
Download: Burning Vocabulary for Chrome | Edge (Free)
WordUp analyzed over 600,000 movies and TV shows to come up with a list of the most used words in the English language, and is on a mission to help you know and remember them. When you set up the app, you will first be asked to take a test to determine your current level of knowledge, so that the app can then recommend words for you.
Each word comes in a card, which you have to swipe up or down in a Tinder-like fashion to indicate whether you know it or not. The words you don't know will be added to your personal dictionary so you can look them up again.
Every word in your dictionary includes all its meanings, clear pronunciations, as well as places it has been used. WordUp mixes clips from movies and TV shows, news broadcasts, YouTube videos and online articles to show you different ways the word is used in common language.
WordUp then uses the time-tested method of spaced repetition to improve memory by asking you for these words at regular intervals. If you do it right, the period extends over days, weeks and months. If you are able to remember a word more than a year apart, you have committed it to memory.
Download: WordUp for Android | iOS | Windows (free)
As the name suggests, Time of the Hour helps you learn a new word every hour of the day. You will find several definitions of the word, as well as translations in several different languages (hopefully one that you already know well).
What we particularly liked is how it ensures you don't miss a new word. Word of the Hour has extensions for all popular browsers, where you can quickly check the new word. It's a phone app and desktop software that sends a notification with the last word. You can even install it on Roku TVs or add it to Slack for regular updates in the chat app.
Building vocabulary is often simply a matter of being asked to read more, and Time of the Hour does that brilliantly. You can also check all past words on the Word of the Hour subreddit, as well as participate in the community.
Download: Word of the Hour Mobile for Android | iOS (free)
Download: Word of the Hour Extension for Chrome | Firefox | Opera (free)
Download: Time Word for Windows | macOS | Linux (free)
So you have all these different ways to build your English vocabulary, but remembering these words takes practice. But that doesn't mean writing them in the next task, but actually saying the word out loud. Language tutors recommend using the words in your normal speech as much as possible. You can try online English conversation tutors or talk to someone in your regular life, just make sure you consciously try to use the new words in your vocabulary and it will help make them stick.
GSK puts a 'force majeure' on the production of a pain medicine in Pakistan – Endpoints News
Shiba Eternity and how it works
Google Wallet vs Google Pay: What's changed?
See also How a simple security flaw became a 'master key' on campus • TechCrunch
The benefits and risks of using a password manager to protect your online identity – NBC Bay Area
No. 6 Iowa women cough up late lead in loss at Kansas State
900 Chinese Accounts Removed by Meta Due to Hacking Issues | Technology news
Next story Cisco at Hawley, Timpson at Garrison, Farwell at Panhandle and more!
Previous story Signalis: How to solve the Astrolabe puzzles and access the mineshafts
Over 1,800 Android and iOS apps have been found to leak hardcoded AWS credentials
Vewy Scawy games to play on PlayStation Plus this Halloween
5 Fun Ways to Unlock Your Cyber Security Skills
Your Android phone may have stalkerware, here's how to remove it • TechCrunch
Serious LastPass breach, Inglis resigns, Xfinity accounts hacked
10 video games with unique PvP
OnePlus 8 & 9 Users Complain of Bluetooth Issue; Showing wireless settings keeps stopping
10 Video Game Series With No Bad Entries
Mayor admits Tories were "hacked" by government – but backs Prime Minister to turn things around
Festive frugality in 2022 as consumers walk a fine line between splurging and saving
How to cook pasta in the microwave: 'Simple' method that is 'far more efficient' than a stove
Kerry Katona's ex-fiancé David Cunningham gets hacker compensation
2022 is going to be the biggest year for crypto hacks
BharOS is India's own rival to Android. But how have Android competitors fared in the past?


Hi everyone I hope that you are all well and happy. Welcome to my little piece of blogland .
Today sees the very first challenge over at Karleigh Sue and I am delighted to announce that I have been asked to be the Karleigh Sue coordinator which of course i said yes!
Karleigh Sue digis are hand drawn creations by the super talented Cheri Lyn Shull. Her designs are amazing and I know she is going to do extremely well in digi world!
Base: 5x7 textured card blank covered with marble paper, foiled butterfly card, purple mesh and flower cut paper from my stash.
There is an amazing prize up for grabs for the challenge , Use pink ribbon anywhere on your project and enter for your chance to win.
We have lots of fun things planned for the facebook group and would love to see you there to join in the fun!
This is fabulous I love the image and design. Congratulations too on your new DT position.
Hello Tina, A beautiful card and image for a good cause. I like the colours you have used.


Great way to enhance your wine or beer. Add 2-4 oz. per 5 gallons after fermentation. Blueberry Extract 4-oz bottle is a great way to enhance your wine, beer or cider!
Product tip: Blueberry is very versatile and can be used in white and red wines. Try it in a Pinot Noir for some fun twist. Blueberry Extract also goes great in wheat beers like the awesome Blueberry Wheat from Ellicotville Brewery.


For the marinade: Combine the garlic, ginger, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, orange juice, orange zest and sugar in a medium bowl.
For the steak: Marinate the steak in the marinade mixture for at least 15 minutes or up to 1 hour.
Set a wok over high heat and add the peanut oil. Stir-fry the beef until it is slightly caramelized and has taken on some of the smoky wok flavor.
For the sauce: Place a small wok or skillet over high heat, add the chile sauce, light soy sauce and orange juice, and allow to bubble away until thickened.
For the slaw: Mix the cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise and hoisin sauce.
For the cucumber pickles: Dissolve the sugar into the vinegar. Add in the cucumbers.
For the jalapeno pickles: Dissolve the sugar into the vinegar. Add in the jalapenos.
On a potato bun, add some mayonnaise, a few slices of the steak, some sauce, pickles and slaw. Serve with tempura sweet potato fries, wonton chips or an egg roll on the side.
Leftover quick pickles can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.


text:
Parcel lockers and collection points are on the rise, but why are S'poreans slow to use them?
Loraine Lee
In 2010, Singapore's Parcel Post Centre cleared 1.5 million parcels. Fast forward to 2020, that number has increased to over 6.1 million parcels.
This is no surprise, considering how e-commerce platforms often boast about their sales numbers increasing year-on-year as more of us snap up online deals during mega-sales like 11.11 and 12.12.
However, during these periods, you might have also noticed a fine warning to expect shipping delays as demand for logistic services soar to get your shopping delivered to your doorstep.
To meet the demand, several logistics companies in Singapore told Vulcan Post that they are finding respite in parcel pick-up points, which provide a one-stop solution by removing the hassle of stopping by each individual household.
Yet, for consumers, direct delivery options still reign as the supreme choice despite the frequent delays. Does this mean that alternative delivery options like parcel pick-up points and parcel lockers are redundant? Also, what more can be done to encourage users to tap on these services?
Recipient not at home? "Just leave it in the dry riser"
Work-from-home arrangements has made direct deliveries more convenient for 34-year-old Samantha Lee as there is always someone at home to pick up parcels on her behalf.
While the nearest parcel locker is about five minutes away, she would rather opt for the convenience of getting her parcel delivered straight to her house despite paying extra for shipping fee. "It's more convenient (that way)," she quipped.
The marketing manager was one of seven people that shared that they would rather opt for direct delivery services, citing reasons such as being home more, and that the added convenience outweighs the cost of delivery.
Image Credit: Pick
"Even if nobody is home, it's relatively safe to just leave (the parcel) outside my door. I'll usually just tell (the delivery personnel) to put it in my dry riser if asked," shared 31-year-old Brandon Ong.
For student Lee Pei Yi, she used to opt for e-commerce platform ezbuy's neighbourhood collection point, but has since stopped using its services since the Covid-19 pandemic started in 2020.
"I always opted for it because it was cheaper, but more people (were buying online) so the queue would take too long… and I needed to walk for about five minutes to reach (the collection point). I'd rather just pay extra (for direct delivery)," said the 22-year-old.
Logistics players still pushing for pickup services
Image Credit: Parcel Santa
Jim Huang, CEO of local parcel startup Parcel Santa, shared that it saw a large spike in deposits into its lockers in 2020 thanks to the pandemic.
For residents in condominiums, which Parcel Santa exclusively serves, lockers are a safer alternative with less face-to-face interaction.
"Residents understand that the parcel locker improves condo security, as well as promotes safe distancing measures, particularly in a post-COVID reality," said Jim.
However, it saw a slight dip in 2021 — from 675,000 deposits in 2020 to 654,000 deposits in 2021 — owing to the reopening of physical retail outlets.
"I actually expected the negative impact (of retail stores reopening) to be even more pronounced, but our statistics show that Singaporeans are more used to online shopping and have retained this habit even after circuit breaker ended," said Jim.
Beyond the convenience and safety provided by lockers, Jim shared one more draw: "There is a certain sublime joy in opening the locker and receiving the product securely which you have been expecting."
"This saved our couriers a lot of time, but also made the community safer as a result."
While the number of locker players has increased, the additional competition has also helped increase the acceptance of Parcel Santa's services.
The increase in other parcel lockers in public housing areas such as the PICK Network lockers are truly complementary and speaks volumes of the sustainability and value of the lockers in the residential environment.
Residential lockers checks all the boxes in terms of security, safe distancing measures and convenience. So it has been a welcomed development for us and it has helped us secure more interest from other private residential communities to invite us into their estates.
– Jim Huang, CEO of Parcel Santa
Image Credit: Pickupp
Meanwhile, another logistics provider Pickupp, started offering service points this year, allowing consumers to collect or drop off their parcels at a more affordable rate compared to its direct delivery option.
From the consumer/recipient's perspective, many may already be used to the convenience of having items delivered to their doorstep.
As such, one of the challenges (in encouraging people to use collection points) would be ensuring that this self-pickup option is just as convenient for consumers such that they will be encouraged to opt for this service in exchange for a small saving on their end.
– Lee Chee Meng, Co-COO of Pickupp
However, Chee Meng said that these service points — which double up as satellite warehouses — help the company maximise their delivery efficiency and shorten delivery distances for their delivery agents.
Unlike pickup lockers, he said that their service points also value-add as warehouse storage and fulfilment.
"As there are actual personnel manning these warehouses, users who face difficulties can pose questions to our staff at any time," he added.
"We also have plans to use these warehouses as a self-collection point for our e-commerce platform, Shop On Pickupp, where consumers can have the option of opting out of our delivery fee to self-collect their items or even walk-in to purchase these items."
While the company did not provide any figures of its usage as the service is relatively new, he shared that they see mostly small-scale business owners in F&B, e-commerce, fashion and retail industries using the services, and expect to see more individual users in the future.
Additionally, Lee Ghim Hock, the Chief Operations Officer of Ninja Van Singapore, shared that the number of deliveries to parcel lockers has been low, but it is seeing "some growth".
"The vast majority of shoppers are still opting for doorstep delivery, but we hope that this will change as consumer mindsets adapt to picking up at Ninja Points and PICK lockers," he said.
"Not only will consumers get to enjoy increased convenience and accessibility, but the lockers will also increase productivity as it allows consolidation of deliveries and prevents wasted trips when consumers are unavailable. This is especially important as e-commerce grows, there is a finite number of delivery couriers and vehicles in Singapore."
Some are warming up to the idea of parcel lockers and pick up points
Image Credit: IMDA
For avid online shopper Shannon (last name has been omitted upon request), who is in her 20s, she shared that parcel lockers have become her go-to when purchasing things online discreetly.
"My parents always open my deliveries, so there's no privacy. Plus, parcel lockers are cheaper and I can just collect it while on the way home from school," said the student.
For 53-year-old Ang Wei Ming, parcel lockers have helped his family stay safe as an extra precuation during the pandemic. He started using his condominium's lockers since the circuit breaker to reduce contact with others as he lives with his mother who has a medical condition.
"We don't need to make contact with anyone and can disinfect everything before entering the house. Also, it's more convenient to pick up things than to constantly run to the door when it rings while working from home."
Based on these responses, it's heartening to see that some Singaporeans are warming up to the idea of alternative delivery options such as parcel lockers and pick-up points.
Such services have definitely seen growth in recent years, albeit shadowed by the bigger demand of direct-to-door delivery services.
Furthermore, such services also help logistic companies cope with the surge of parcels from increased online shopping. However, perhaps, more discounts are needed to be introduced to help make parcel pick-ups a more attractive alternative for consumers.
Additionally, as more lockers and pick-up services make its way around Singapore, its increased convenience will hopefully attract more users to opt to pick up their own parcels.
Featured Image Credit: blu
1,000 Parcel Lockers Will Be Deployed Near Every HDB Flat In S'pore By End-2022
Categories: Singaporean, Editor's Picks, We Ask, E-Commerce, Premium