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Boston Marathon: Meditate for Peace
Posted by David Wilcock | Apr 15, 2013 | David's Blog | Jump to Comments (219)
The Meditation Effect proves we can reduce war, terrorism and violence by turning within. Now is the time for us to use this science to help the planet.
A GREAT TRAGEDY — AND A SYNCHRONICITY
I just got off the air with Scout Bartlett, of KEST-Radio in San Francisco, after taping a half-hour radio show that will air later this week.
He is the Host and Producer of two shows — Life Insights Live and Spiritual Perspectives, which air on 1450 AM in the northern California region.
I called in at 11:55 AM Pacific time, and we began taping as of 12 noon — or 3PM Eastern time.
This was quite a show. I exposed the Cabal, false-flag terrorism, and sketched out the Big Picture of where this is all going.
I specifically focused on the fact that even though this appears as a global "Dark Night of the Soul," this is only one part of a larger story — with a very positive ending.
Right from the beginning, I called special attention to the Meditation Effect.
THE MEDITATION EFFECT
In this 25-minute show, which only ended a half-hour ago as I write this sentence, I described how 50 different scientific studies have confirmed the Meditation Effect is real.
7000 people get together and meditate — and global terrorism goes down by 72 percent.
Similarly dramatic decreases were seen in war, fatalities and violent crime.
Even if skeptics want to argue about whether or not this is "real," the fact is that all other variables have been ruled out — including weekends, weather, holidays, et cetera.
This effect has been documented in numerous peer-reviewed publications, including the Journal of Offender Rehabilitation.
THIS DOES NOT WORK THE SAME WAY FOR THE NEGATIVE
I just got done telling Scout that this effect does NOT work the same way for the negative.
If 7000 people thinking thoughts of fear, anger and revenge had the same effect, we'd be in trouble.
I described how a very small group of people are actually running both sides of the major wars — including World War II.
This was revealed to me in a college class in 1992 — after I had already turned off my attention to the television, and kept it off.
THIS IS A CENTRAL PART OF THE AWAKENING
Awakening to the existence of this centralized Cabal is essential to a greater spiritual realization.
Confronting your fear, moving through trauma and anguish, and ultimately renewing your faith in a loving Universe is the key to success.
The Meditation Effect proves that the Universe is biased in favor of love, peace and forgiveness.
When we practice this within ourselves, it has a collective, energetic effect on others.
The science behind this is not yet commonly accepted, but the supporting data is extensive — as I've been revealing for years now.
THIS IS ALL HEADING TOWARDS A GOLDEN AGE
In this same radio show, I explained that over 30 ancient cultures had an "encoded" prophecy in their myths of a coming Golden Age.
This was verified by Giorgio de Santillana and Hertha von Dechend, two historians at the top of their game in the 1960s.
They wrote an entire book on this subject entitled Hamlet's Mill — and made a very elaborate and stunning case.
I explained that every myth has the "Hero's Journey" story embedded in it as well.
This is ultimately a blueprint of the Universal Mind — revealing how we move through cycles of renewal and spiritual awakening in our lives.
The patterns we move through are called "Archetypes" — and one of them is the Dark Night of the Soul.
At this point, it seems that All is Lost, and there is a strong Whiff of Death that cannot be ignored — but it is not the end.
New solutions quickly follow after what seems like a point of no return.
STRANGE UNREST THIS MORNING
In this new science, war and terrorism is more likely to happen when the collective frequency of consciousness drops sufficiently.
If enough people feel anger, fear, stress and pain, these disasters are much more likely to occur.
One prominent example is the Indonesian tsunami, which occurred right during Christmas — statistically the #1 time of the year for suicide and stress.
Positive emotions protect us from these disasters — by creating a radiant effect that influences the free will of others, so they do not commit heinous acts.
Today is a very significant stress day for the American public. It is April 15th — the day everyone must pay their taxes.
It is a "deadline" — and with the economy being in the dumps, many people are feeling extraordinary stress.
This ultimately lowers our "defense shields", in terms of how this new science actually operates.
Personally, I know I just could not sleep this morning. I was bolt-awake at 5:30 AM. Then I got up again at 8:30. It was very difficult to stay asleep.
I was not nervous about the radio show, and could not understand where all of this was coming from.
ACTIVATING THE ALLIANCE
As soon as I looked online after my show, the bombing had occurred. I immediately saw the connection with the show I had just finished up with.
I do absolutely believe there is an international alliance that is seeking to defeat the Cabal.
There is extensive evidence that the Cabal uses terrorism to meet its needs.
Though none of the media outlets are speculating on this just yet, these two explosions at the finish-line of the Boston Marathon have all the indications of a deliberate attack.
It was also timed on an important day — right after the Cabal bank accounts will be replenished.
Part of the Cabal is in America, and relies on stealing our tax revenues for its survival.
It is time for the Alliance to step up and take more definitive action. We've been hearing for over a year now that they were ready to move.
By not moving yet, and taking their time, terrible losses have been suffered.
I UNDERSTAND THE STRATEGY
I do understand the strategy behind waiting. Even with fatalities like this, the Cabal is a menacing adversary with control of much of the media.
This is something we only get one chance to do properly. It has to be done right the first time.
In my radio show today, I explained how a small group of about 3000 people are really the key — and within that group, there are only about 100 or less who are the top managers.
By simply nullifying their influence, such as through mass arrests, the entire command system could be changed.
The media could begin singing a different tune — very quickly — once this managerial shift is enacted.
THE ALLIANCE SAID THEY WOULD MOVE IF THINGS GOT TOO SERIOUS
Insiders have told me the Alliance — which includes a majority of the US military, who wish to defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic — is prepared to act if the Cabal pushes it too far.
This cowardly and treasonous act of false-flag terrorism will undoubtedly be used in the media as a provocation, attempting to incite much greater hostilities.
Will the Alliance finally get the job done? Will this finally be enough?
And here's the thing. I don't have to merely hope.
We can use the new science to help change the outcome — and finally end this global nightmare.
YOU CAN CHANGE THE OUTCOME
This is a pivotal moment in history.
YOU have the power to change the outcome.
You can choose to obsess on this, feel fear, worry, anger and pain, and drown in hours of footage of atrocities from the scene.
You can also choose to use the Meditation Effect, and enact thoughts of peace, love and happiness — and realize the greater Unity we all share.
We have more than enough people in our audience — which reaches millions, in potential — to make this happen.
VOTE FOR PEACE
YOU can begin voting, right now, for peace and positivity.
We cannot change that this event has happened. We can, however, steer the narrative away from greater violence, and towards greater peace.
It is a remarkable synchronicity that I spelled all of this out on the radio, BEFORE the event actually happened.
I am sure Scout will gladly testify to the fact that we did that entire show before this happened. Otherwise, he would obviously have mentioned it.
I do not believe we are going to stay in darkness forever. Peace is possible. Peace is attainable.
We have the power to create the future we seek. A future of prosperity, goodness, abundance and mutual respect.
LET'S DO THIS RIGHT NOW
Even if you are not sure if this really works, I ask you to please join us now in seeking that place of Pure Consciousness in yourself.
Look to the positive. Reflect on the little things. Breathe in. Breathe out. Feel the love that is always there.
Know in your heart that you are a being of infinite worth, that the Universe is a loving and peaceful place, and that the way you feel, right now, can control the outcome.
I thank you for caring enough to do this.
3:33 PM AT THE EXACT MOMENT THIS UPLOADED
Please note: I just realized I uploaded this at 3:33 pm. That was NOT intentional. I noticed it immediately after checking the front page.
It further confirms that writing this post was the right move — and we do have the power to change the outcome.
ANOTHER BIZARRE SYNCHRONICITY LAST NIGHT — STILL THERE TODAY
Last night, I finished writing the Captions Log for my new book, The Synchronicity Key.
This was a list of all the images that will be in the final version of the book, as well as the written captions that will go underneath them.
Several of these images were geometric illustrations — including the Platonic Solids. It is the very, very last stage of the process of writing the book, except for one final edit.
Right as I was looking for an image online to complete the collection, I was stunned by Google's front page illustration. It's still there right now:
The spherical "coordinates" in the center rotate. Notice that we see drawings of the icosahedron, the tetrahedron and the octahedron all in this illustration — three out of the five Platonic Solids.
I could hardly believe my eyes, given that I was literally doing the last move I needed to make to illustrate how this geometry is the basis of the Universal Mind.
SPECIFIC LINKS
This is the link that Google made over the above illustration:
https://www.google.com/#q=Leonhard+Euler&oi=ddle&ct=leonhard_eulers_306th_birthday-1573005-hp&bav=on.2,or.r_qf.&bvm=bv.45175338,d.cGE&fp=7d82feac077739c2&biw=1376&bih=751
Here are three article excerpts that explained why they did it. Today is the 306th birthday of Leonhard Euler.
The Guardian on Leonhard Euler Honored by Google Doodle
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2013/apr/15/leonhard-euler-honoured-google-doodle
The birth of the Swiss mathematician Leonhard Euler has been celebrated by Google with the publishing of an interactive Google doodle.
Euler was arguably the most important mathematician of the 18th century and one of the greatest of all time.
He introduced most modern mathematical terminology and notation and was also renowned for his work in mechanics, fluid dynamics, optics, and astronomy.
NDTV on Leonhard Euler Google Doodle
http://gadgets.ndtv.com/others/news/leonhard-eulers-360th-birthday-marked-by-a-google-doodle-354185
Leonhard Euler, one of the most greatest mathematicians of all times, is the subject of Monday's Google doodle.
Leonhard Euler is know for introducing much of the mathematical terminology and notation that is used today, such as the notion of a mathematical function.
Euler also made important discoveries in the field of calculus and graph theory.
This last excerpt from the Times of India explains how Euler contributed to the geometry they illustrated on Google.
Times of India on Leonhard Euler Google Doodle
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/tech-news/internet/Google-doodle-commemorates-Leonhard-Eulers-306th-birth-anniversary/articleshow/19553883.cms
NEW DELHI: Today Google, the search engine giant, celebrates Leonhard Euler's 306th birth anniversary with an animated Google doodle.
Leonhard Euler (15 April 1707 – 18 September 1783) born in Basel, Switzerland, was a physicist and mathematician whose contribution and discoveries are considered to be significant in the fields of infinitesimal calculus and graph theory.
His area of work included continuum physics, algebra, lunar theory, trigonometry, geometry, infinitesimal calculus. And his work is used as references to explain a large number of topics.
IT'S OUT THERE IF YOU LOOK FOR IT
I really did feel like Neo in that scene in The Matrix where he says "My computer is talking to me!" This was another example of many synchronicities that have happened over the years.
This is why we named the book The Synchronicity Key in the first place. This geometry shows up everywhere — from the quantum to universal level.
The new, unified science reveals how this geometry shapes and molds reality as we know it.
In truth, there are always going to be places where you can see fear, doom, death and destruction.
You can focus on those things, and become convinced that this is all there is.
You can also focus on life, love, peace and laughter — and find abundant proof of that reality around you as well.
Choosing to focus on the positive is not naive, it's not ignorant and it's not superstitious.
From a scientific perspective, you are helping all of us. And you may just save innocent lives — and cast your vote to help defeat the Cabal.
ANOTHER WEIRD SYNCHRONICITY JUST NOW: JFK LIBRARY
Here's another very strange synchronicity I just noticed after posting this article.
The picture I was actually looking for on Google last night, when I saw the geometry, was a diagram of the "magic bullet" theory for JFK's assassination.
This was one of two images I found — and ended up deciding not to use in the book. Here is the other one.
THIRD EXPLOSION AT THE JFK LIBRARY
I just found out that a third explosion is now being reported — at the JFK Library.
Horrific Attack in Boston at JFK Library, Boston Marathon
http://tv.msnbc.com/2013/04/15/watch-officials-say-at-least-one-homemad-bomb-in-boston-marathon-explosions/
Boston Police Commissioner Edward Davis said two "simultaneous explosions" occurred 50 to 100 yards apart near the finish line.
Davis would not say whether the explosions were the result of a terrorist attack, "but you can reach your own conclusions based on what happened."
"A third incident has occurred at the JFK Library," he said.
Davis said: "We are not certain these incidents are related, but we are treating them as if they are."
The fire resulting from the explosion at the JFK Library was put out by 5 p.m. Monday.
INTUITIVE PERCEPTION
I do believe these are not coincidences. On an intuitive, subconscious level, I saw this coming — and it all came together on the radio show.
I also saw some very grisly images of JFK's corpse after assassination in the morgue while doing this search. It opened my heart to these problems even more.
My point in the book regarding the "magic bullet" theory is that no one really believed it.
In time, it will be seen as a major tipping-point in the Cabal's eventual defat.
We've been taught to keep our heads down, ignore the wolf circling the herd, and hope that he won't come after us.
In truth, we are not sheep. They are not wolves. We are human beings. We are much more powerful than they are — as soon as we begin claiming it.
I urge you to do this with me now. Pray for peace. Open your heart. Relax your mind. Let's co-create a better future for everyone — using the new science.
PreviousBig Announcement: David Wilcock's Weekly TV Show!
NextThe Storm of Disclosure is About to Hit…
EA	on June 20, 2013 at 9:10 pm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waco_siege
http://history1900s.about.com/od/1990s/qt/waco.htm
http://photos.denverpost.com/2013/04/19/photos-20th-anniversary-of-raid-on-branch-davidian-compound-in-waco-texas/
Feb. 28, 1993, leader David Koreas—April 19th, 2013 (Patriots Day Week)
In the 1993 the Waco Texas Bombing repeated (an anomolous event due to synchronistic connections, possibly…?) nearly 20 years later in Boston.
I intuitively feel the 2013 Waco Texas bombing was associated with petroleum and gasoline resources being stock piled underneath the factory. It wasn't due to "fertilization i.e. a composting plant". My second intuitive hunch, is that it associates with the legalization of cannabis/hemp. Hemp isn't just for clothing or materials. Hemp/cannibus is one the first "plants" living organisms that 'they' have been able to "hook up and connect to" musical-like computers.
Cody Bonnet	on May 23, 2013 at 12:28 am
Great article! I've been feeling the nudge about what I can personally do to bring about any significant change in these times and I have been led to start meditating/praying for peace and harmony in this world. Then, I come to this site and read this article about praying for peace! Another synchronicity! Thanks David!
Pamela Melcher	on May 15, 2013 at 1:01 am
Excellent. I'm in. Keep drinking green juice Love and Blessings. I do hope the Alliance moves SOON!
Kaya	on May 9, 2013 at 12:28 am
Roy	on April 29, 2013 at 7:15 am
This link is very relevant to meditation for World change
http://galacticchannelings.com/english/visualization_action.html
Mathew	on April 27, 2013 at 11:22 am
[Quoting "Joe Bloggs"]Cabal my arse. The Boston bombers were two disaffected and radicalized young Chechen immigrants. The JFK library incident was an unconnected fire. This is a website for the paranoid and delusional. And you wonder why President Obama wants to ban you form possessing guns? I wouldn't even let you play with scissors!
Sorry David, looks like we have a vastly more reliable source here.
Oh well. DC was fun while it lasted….
MindQuandary	on April 27, 2013 at 8:54 am
Hello Divine Cosmos readers and Mr. Wilcock. A friend of mine gave me a link to a very interesting article on Rolling Stone's website. Brings it back to "Financial Tyranny" territory, but important nonetheless.
Everything Is Rigged: The Biggest Price-Fixing Scandal Ever
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/everything-is-rigged-the-biggest-financial-scandal-yet-20130425
The Illuminati were amateurs. The second huge financial scandal of the year reveals the real international conspiracy: There's no price the big banks can't fix.
Conspiracy theorists of the world, believers in the hidden hands of the Rothschilds and the Masons and the Illuminati, we skeptics owe you an apology. You were right. The players may be a little different, but your basic premise is correct: The world is a rigged game.
Namaste everyone.
mec	on April 27, 2013 at 7:11 am
[Quoting "Joe Bloggs"]Cabal my arse. The Boston bombers were two disaffected and radicalized young Chechen immigrants. The JFK library incident was an unconnected fire. This is a website for the paranoid and delusional. And you wonder why President Obama wants to ban you from possessing guns? I wouldn't even let you play with scissors!
thanks for clearing that up for us mom,and ..bless you bless you (by the way bless you is acutually a bloody curse look up etymology) yet the pope says ALL THE TIME it and i got disappointed at the end of part 1 where David said it…come on man lets get with the times and speak some high vibe words like…. 13love man !
[Moderator: Read the new article. Insiders have definitely concluded it is a false flag, and there is extensive evidence.]
addison ferranti	on April 27, 2013 at 5:44 am
david the information you have shared with the people of earth is so perfect and feels so right that it brings tears to my eyes lol keep up the good work you are deff on the right path
scotty	on April 27, 2013 at 12:48 am
one word, 2 syllables… "BitCoin". the new digital gold invented by probably an avatar of st. Germaine or any or all of the ascended collective… it wouldn't seem so brilliant to me had I not been gloriously informed by David's work about financial tyranny and the gold supply… wow is all i can say today… {B~o
mark	on April 26, 2013 at 11:28 pm
to those opposed to the cabal, check out the youtube channel Mforthemovement especially their old world order videos
the illuminati oppose the old world order, check this out www.armageddonconspiracy.co.uk lots of good info here
David	on April 26, 2013 at 7:01 pm
You can either comment here with like minded People or comment on Yahoo where the REAL battle for your soul is…
[Moderator: LOL!!]
Elias	on April 26, 2013 at 6:32 pm
What we are aware of is what we are. So we need to take ultimate responsibility for projecting everything in our awareness. That is what praying for peace means, becoming the peace and letting the cabal fade away from our reality. That is what the 5th density is all about. It is not about defeating anyone, it is about changing the frequency so that the Cabal so that they lose the illusion of power over us. Sorry, but EACH of us reading this needs to take responsibility and hold a new vibration of compassion and understanding so that others in the dark can follow.
Dawn	on April 26, 2013 at 1:28 am
[Quoting "Vigilance"]In order to defeat the overlords we must learn the alchemical methods by which we can de-spell their spells. Cheers!
Lately I found myself falling into 'alchemy'in almost everything i read. Other names such as crowley (of whom, i too am wary) and manly p hall etc keep turning up too.. It began when i researched the archetypal meaning of unicorns, One thing lead to another and I somehow landed on some very interesting articles about the alchemical process when looked at in a spiritual sense, not just turning lead to gold but the mortal body to what they call the light body or 'magical child'
Some links..
http://www.nwbotanicals.org/oak/magick/tma/tma_chapt3.htm
http://zero-point.tripod.com/alchemy/alchemyclass.html
Psychologist Carl Jung also talks about alchemy, if more than one of us is feeling drawn down this path im guessing this is signifcant and we should continue to look into the subject.
Rebecca	on April 25, 2013 at 3:51 pm
Are you already aware of this facebook page for the "Memorial for Nuke Event in L.A. April 28th"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=kY4VhWy6V0I
Either a telegraphed move or a stunt.
Rob	on April 25, 2013 at 10:13 am
I started a Facebook page called "Feelings of Love", which I was inspired to do by a song I wrote with my 3-year old daughter.
http://www.facebook.com/sharefeelingsoflove
The intention is to get as many people, globally holding thoughts and feelings of love, positivity and peace in order to generate a wave of energy that will help bring about a change for the benefit of the whole population.
This is a genuine campaign for love and peace, which I hope you good people here will be in favour of.
Rob Cooke.
Ann	on April 25, 2013 at 7:51 am
Maybe there is a correlation between the Russian Disclosure film and the police accusing two young Russians of planting the bombs at the Boston Marathon.
Does anyone see a connection between the bombing in Boston and the Russian Documentary? The two so called terrorists were Russian, and so maybe it was a way to get back at the Russians and also cause more chaos.
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After a short visit downstairs, Mrs Irvine is back!!! Apologies for the website not being updated but as you can imagine, dealing with little ones (in year 2!) took all my time and energy. I am really glad to be back and looking forward to the rest of the year!
On thing that is still holding some of them back is their times table knowledge. Please try to find time, it could be in the car, before bed, after dinner, anytime, just 5 minutes, to try to help your child learn their tables. There are You tube songs for those with access to them, or rhymes or just reciting them, It may sound boring but it helps with so much of their maths and there is really no escaping them.
As we only have 8 days left at school This weeks homework is due in next Friday, that's just one week!
However I have been very generous and ask the children for one of two fun projects that they can make as easy or as difficult as they like.
1) Make a Christmas decoration for the classroom. This can be anything they like, made from anything they like. Please make sure it is safe ie things are not going to fall off it, and also that you are respectful of the fact this is a christian school and Christmas is a major Christian celebration.
2) Draw a Christmas/winter scene. I understand not all of us celebrate Christmas, so the second suggestion is a scene from winter. Admittedly not all our winters are the picture postcard snow scenes, but they are much prettier than a field of mud and grey clouds! Alternatively, if they believe, they could draw a scene from Santa's workshop showing elves and toys etc. The brighter the better. These can be any size they like, but bear in mind we do not have a massive classroom so space for display is limited!
I hope they enjoy this homework, it could, and should be fun.
To start with our Christmas tree was brought in by an elf called Snowflake. He has been very busy in our classroom and is somewhere new every day, we can only imagine what he gets up to during the evenings. Hopefully he won't wreck our classroom over the weekend!
We have been working hard on our English newspaper reports, and also understanding pictograms and bar charts in maths, so on Friday afternoon, we had an art lesson drawing Egyptian tomb paintings. All the photos we saw showed the people standing really oddly, with their heads and feet facing one direction and their shoulders facing directly to the front. It made them look really odd and it was very hard to pose like that, but we guessed that it was because faces and feet are easier to draw side on, but shoulders are easier facing forwards. Have a look at our brilliant pictures below!
We have a lot happening next week: two school nativities to watch; the Christmas Fair on Friday; our last day with Mrs Lundy. And still we have a mountain of work to do, so next week will be another amazing full week!
We have set some new, Egypt based homework. This is due in on Thursday 22nd November, not the Friday as we are not in school!
Research the River Nile and its importance to Egypt.
Present your work in as creative a way as possible, you always come up with some fabulous ideas!
What a fantastic launch day we had.
We had a couple of people in Redwings class dress up, but not many which is fine as we understand that not everyone likes dressing up. But well done to our brave two!
I hope you are all looking forward to the rest of the term as much as I am!
Our fabulous cartouches - can you spot yours?
A brilliant week which we all learned a lot about the first world war and what the trenches were like and how it affects people today. Well done to all the children for handling such a tough topic so maturely. It is very important that we remember the sacrifices people made in order for us to be free today. The class wrote some poetry and made some wonderful silhouettes which we have on display in the classroom. They look particularly amazing when the sun shines through them in the afternoon!
That got you all didn't it! Well done to those who completed all their topic homework last term, I hope you all enjoyed your treats, and hopefully those who didn't manage it this time will make an extra effort next time.
We have been very generous this week and have not set you any homework over the holiday as we feel it is important for you to have a break from your hard work - Enjoy your holiday!
So we have reached half term, well done and thank you to all the children who have made this term a success! We have achieved some great things and done some amazing learning.
As we head off for half term, don't forget about school, completely. Mathletics will be available right through the holidays to hone your skills - remember the challenge is still out there, if you get in to the top 100 in this country, I will give you a prize! And there is always the local library to get some amazing reading books to help you there, you don't need a huge bookshelf in your bedroom when you can borrow them for free.
Our topic next term, as many of you have realised, is Egyptians, so if you fancy a free day out, why not visit Maidstone Museum and have a look at their mummy? It will be good research for when we get back.
The children have outdone themselves with their poems, I hope you will agree when you look at them, some of them are amazing. And they told me poems were hard! Just goes to show, it's only as hard as you think.
In Maths we have been looking again at Place value and extending our knowledge to bigger numbers up to 1,000,000 (one million) looking at reading them, writing them, rounding them. The children are remembering their previous work well and moving on a pace!
Our art/DT aliens have turned out fantastically and the children will get a chance to complete them this week so watch this space for some invaders next week.
Write a review of either your favourite science fictions film/book or one you have seen/read recently.
Find and record the distance from the sun of each of the planets in our Solar System. Present your findings as a diagram, model or any way you choose.
Another amazing week, we are a brilliant class.
We had a new child join us this week and we would like to extend our welcome to him and his family.
We also wrote some brilliant openings to our stories, but although I promised to get them on our website, we are making sure they are stunning and are taking a little longer - I promise they will be up as soon as they are completed (Monday hopefully).
Our division is coming along in Maths - its just those pesky times tables we need to learn - I wonder how many of the children have gone home singing the three times table song? You will know if they did! I would apologise but it is a good way for children to learn them so if it helps them, why not?
We also had some amazing rockets in for homework, two of them even flew! Well done to those who completed the written homework too. Don't forget a new homework went our this week, it is due in on the 19th, the last day of term.
I hope you all have an amazing weekend, don't forget your Mathletics!
A brilliant week which has produced some of the best work yet!
Our art lesson on Wednesday focused on an american artist called Greg Simkins, who paints fantastical pictures of animals in strange setting. The children were really inspired by this and have produced some amazing artwork.
Our maths has shown we actually know more about multiplication than we thought, but some of us still need to work on our times tables. Please work on them at home as they will keep popping up across the year!
In our English lessons we have been completing our posters of Moon/space facts which have turned out beyond even my expectations! There are a couple that still need the finishing touches putting on due to some extra group work happening, but they are all so amazing. See the finished articles below!
Lastly I would just like to extend my thanks once again to the children for making me proud while I was out of the classroom on Wednesday. Their behaviour and work was commented on and they all deserve a clap on the back.
I would also like to thank the three children who completed and handed in their homework. Each week I set Mathletics and spelling homework and this week I had only three children who completed and handed in both! This is very disappointing as the homework is meant to help them with their learning and if they do not do it, then it makes it harder for them. Please encourage your child to do their homework every week, and if there is a problem, please speak to me and I will try to arrange a suitable time during the day to help them.
From next week, year 5 will be having a specialist PE teacher coming in to teach them hockey. Until further notice, PE will be on a Thursday. Please make sure your child has their PE kit in school every week as this is an amazing opportunity not to be missed.
The homework this week was amazing, the children who chose the writing task did a brilliant job researching the rules and those who made cakes... well we all enjoyed eating them!
a)Build a rocket that actually flies. Bring it in to demonstrate or take photos of your rocket before, during and after flight.
b) Work out your age based on each of the planets in our solar system based on Earth years. For example if you are 10 Earth years old, you would be 5 Martian years old, or if you were 10 Martian years old you would be 20 Earth years old. Present your findings as creatively as you wish.
This is due in on 5th October.
There are also spellings sent home each week where your child needs to copy the word three times and write a sentence using each word, to show they understand it meaning.
We also set Mathletics homework each week, which is done on the computer. If your child does not have access to the internet at home, there will be a Mathletics club after school on a Thursday to enable them to complete this.
Any problems with the home work, please see me as soon as possible, it is hard to sort out problems on a Thursday, justbefore they are due in!
What an amazing week in Redwings class! The big secret was REAL SPACE ROCKS which had been collected by NASA from as far away as Mars! The children were very excited to hold rocks which had travelled thousands of miles through space before arriving in our humble classroom. They had the opportunity to study them with a magnifying glass and a microscope (which we also used to look at out fingerprints). The rocks ranged from looking a bit boring and plain to sparkly like the stars!
We also had a visit from a planetarium who showed us how the stars look like they are moving round the earth (although really it's us that move!) and taught us some of the constellations by projecting them on the inside of a huge dome that was set up in the hall. It fit the whole of UKS2 in! I wonder how many of them could find the great bear/usa major/the big dipper (the saucepan) and then find the north star?
We also looked at the stages of the moon and how its rotation and orbit produce the new moon where it is all dark and then round to the full moon and back again. We got a little dizzy turning round and round in the classroom trying it out with football moons!
We also had some amazing cakes brought in for the homework. We have all eaten some wonderful creations this week, sadly next weeks homework is not edible but should produce some equally fabulous results!
Hopefully the children's enthusiasm for space will carry forward to next week when we are going to learn some more amazing facts and details about the mysteries of the wider solar system and the galaxy!
Welcome to the Redwings class page! Here you will find copies of work produced and words from the children about what we have been doing.
This weeK has been a fantastic week in Redwings class, the children have outdone themselves with their behaviour while I have been away and ill. Their listening skills while I have no voice and their behaviour have been exemplary and I would like to again extend my heartfelt thanks to them and you for the support.
This week has been amazing work wise too with our launch day on Monday producing some amazing work and inspiring the children to learn about our new topic, 2018: a space odyssey. They produced some brilliant planets and some very tasty moon rocky road cakes. I don't know if any of you got to try it, but it was lovely.
Some fabulous writing about themselves and then about an alien from outer space in English and a focus on the basics of place value in Maths have seen the children using not only their brains, but their imagination too.
With a massive focus on reading this term, please can I ask you to ensure your child reads at home as often as possible. I realise that it may be difficult some days as they have such busy lives, but even a short amount of reading can improve their work. It does not have to be their school book, if they have something at home they enjoy reading, that is perfect! Get someone to write in their reading record so we can mark it on the chart; there are prizes to be won!


text:
Q&A with RSA Security's Art Coviello
This year's RSA Conference will be unlike any other in the past 16 years. RSA Security is now a division of storage and data management giant EMC, thanks to a $2.1 billion acquisition in July, just another indicator of how quickly and dramatically things are changing in the security world. RSA helped create the security industry and we sat down with Art Coviello, now the president of the RSA Security division of EMC, to talk about the recent changes and what he expects to see in the coming years.
Dennis Fisher
EMC's acquisition of RSA was one of the biggest stories in the industry last year. How is the integration progressing and how have your respective customers reacted to the change?
The reaction from customers once we explained the strategy is absolutely phenomenal. When you put security in the context of EMC's information infrastructure strategy, they get it. Now, the question is, how do you put all of it together? One thing is Infoscape, which allows the tagging of structured and unstructured data and from there you can decide what to encrypt. Also there are ways we can combine access control and incident monitoring to see how we can work with document management. When you take the strategy down to the street level like that, customers get it. I keep hearing these comparisons of this deal to the Symantec acquisition of Veritas. There's no correlation with Symantec. EMC is five or six times the size of Symantec, and they make a bold move in acquiring us and they have a lot more credibility to work with. Symantec is about protecting the machines. Ours is more information-centric security. We protect the access to the information from the inside out. For us when we talk to customers, we talk about the need to solve the problem of protecting data at rest. It's less about products for us.
"...when we talk to customers, we talk about the need to solve the problem of protecting data at rest. It's less about products for us."
Art Coviello,
president of the RSA Security division of EMC
Strong authentication is still one of the major concerns for enterprises, and part of the reason more of them haven't deployed it is the cost. Do you believe the hardware token business will still be viable in the coming years?
Tokens definitely are going to be big business for us for the foreseeable future. Every year we hear about the demise of tokens. In 22 years we've sold 24 million tokens. In the 18 months ending in December 2006 we'll be in the process of protecting 100 million consumer accounts. That's a combination of SecurID tokens, the SecurID toolbar and other tools. But the game has changed dramatically in authentication. You need a number of solutions that satisfy a number of dynamics, such as low volume, high value accounts or high volume, low value accounts. You need methods of going from very passive to very active authentication to give customers confidence. A customer might want a SecurID token for online trading, but maybe Site Key is enough for online banking. We have to be able to adapt. People accessing information or performing transaction don't always do it in the same way each time. How much of an effect have regulations such as FFIEC and Sarbanes-Oxley had on driving demand for your products, especially the authentication line?
FFIEC has been absolutely huge for us. We've gotten hundreds of financial institutions as customers through that. It has had a dramatic impact on sales of tokens especially. And I would expect that to continue.
How does RSA plan to address the growing popularity of on-demand services? What's the opportunity there for you?
There's actually a lot that we can do in terms of access control, permissions, authentication. You will see us spreading out to more on-demand services in the future. As we've seen at the RSA Conference in past years and will again this year, some of the biggest players in the tech industry, including Cisco and Microsoft, are pushing hard on security and building more and more functionality into their products. Does that make it more difficult for independent security companies to survive over time?
Well, it's interesting. That's a great question. I think security does need to be built in and not bolted on after the fact. That's just the more efficient and sensible way of doing it. I don't think that over time you will see an independent security industry in the future. I see this as security coming of age. Our perimeter defenses are way too porous. We need to fill in those holes somehow. And if products overlap, that's not necessarily a bad thing. It's better to have overlap than to have holes. But as [EMC and RSA] integrate, we will support the security work that Microsoft and Cisco and others are doing. But I think there will always b a requirement for products to work in a heterogeneous environment, regardless of who makes them.
<< Return to our special coverage of RSA Conference 2007
Dig Deeper on Secure user and consumer authentication methods
Out-of-band authentication boosts security but isn't failsafe
New Flash privacy settings will impact customer authentication
Gartner's Avivah Litan on the online banking fraud surge
Multifactor authentication options to secure online banking
Credit union launches online banking suite with strong authentication
Pros and cons of multifactor authentication technology for consumers
Identity management for financial firms in turbulent times
Privileged password management steps to success
The evolving value proposition and impact of identity management
Save time and money with data-driven IT purchase decisions –DellEMC
RSA Security – WhatIs.com
RSA responds to SecurID attack, plans security token ... – SearchSecurity
RSA Europe Conference 2011: Nation state groups ... – ComputerWeekly.com

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


A stage canopy increase of 20% in diameter and foundational support reinforced to allow for greater weight load of production elements.
A new stage that will include front thrust, added side wings, and improved access ramps.
New LED screens on stage and at positions to the left and right of the stage.
New sound system designed by Acoustic Distinctions.
Upgraded production lighting designed by Al Crawford/Arc3Design.
removing pathways that currently cross in front of audiences and disturb viewing.
Ground seating with chairs can be added for up to 1900.
and new viewing balcony for 80. Adjacent VIP-only bleacher seating can be available for up to 260.
on raised platform; plus backstage bar, seating area, and air conditioned bathrooms.
New raised, covered artist guest viewing platform for up to 150 at stage right with direct sight lines and air conditioned bathrooms.
Additional bathrooms and ADA access throughout.
Enhanced landscape and architectural lighting, pathway and egress definition.
New concession areas with high quality, accessibly-priced choices.
The venue will continue to present iconic and emerging artists from diverse genres to help make summer in New York City memorable. You can find out more about the renovation here.


text:
Q: Sequelize does not see foreign key when creating child entity Please help solve the problem. there are department and employee models
module.exports = (sequelize, DataTypes) => {
var Department = sequelize.define('Department', {
name: DataTypes.STRING,
description: DataTypes.STRING
});

Department.associate = function(models) {
Department.hasMany(models.employee);
};

return Department;
};

module.exports = (sequelize, DataTypes) => {
var Employee = sequelize.define('Employee', {
name: DataTypes.STRING,
age: DataTypes.INTEGER,
depart: DataTypes.STRING
});

Employee.associate = function (models) {
Employee.belongsTo(models.department, {
  foreignKey: {
    allowNull: false
  }
});
};

return Employee;
};

Associations are also written there that one department can have several employs, one employ has only one department.
further in the migration I add DepartmentId
module.exports = {
up: (queryInterface, Sequelize) => {
return queryInterface.createTable("Employees", {
  id: {
    allowNull: false,
    autoIncrement: true,
    primaryKey: true,
    type: Sequelize.INTEGER
  },
  name: {
    type: Sequelize.STRING
  },
  age: {
    type: Sequelize.INTEGER
  },
  depart: {
    type: Sequelize.STRING
  },
  createdAt: {
    allowNull: false,
    type: Sequelize.DATE
  },
  updatedAt: {
    allowNull: false,
    type: Sequelize.DATE
  },
  DepartmentId: {
    type: Sequelize.INTEGER,
    allowNull: false,
    references: {
      model: 'Departments',
      key: 'id'
    }
  }
 });
 },
 down: (queryInterface, Sequelize) => {
 return queryInterface.dropTable("Employees");
 }
 };

further in the controller, I call the function, which should create in my database the emails with DepartmentId
module.exports.createEmployee = async (req, res) => {
  if (!req.body) {
    return res.status(400).json({ massage: "Employee body is required"
});
  }
 try {
    const employee = await Employee.create({
      name: req.body.name,
      age: req.body.age,
      depart: req.body.depart,
      DepartmentId: req.body.DepartmentId
    });

I'm sending a request through Postman
{ "name": "teqwest1", "age": "121", "depart": "qwew1qweqweqe", "DepartmentID" : "1" }
leading to an error
original:
   { error: null value in column "DepartmentId" violates not-null constraint
       at Connection.parseE (/home/vitalik/node/node_modules/pg/lib/connection.js:604:11)
       at Connection.parseMessage (/home/vitalik/node/node_modules/pg/lib/connection.js:401:19)
       at Socket. (/home/vitalik/node/node_modules/pg/lib/connection.js:121:22)
       at Socket.emit (events.js:198:13)
       at addChunk (_stream_readable.js:288:12)
       at readableAddChunk (_stream_readable.js:269:11)
       at Socket.Readable.push (_stream_readable.js:224:10)
       at TCP.onStreamRead [as onread] (internal/stream_base_commons.js:94:17)
     name: 'error',
     length: 280,
     severity: 'ERROR',
     code: '23502',
     detail:
      'Failing row contains (62, teqwest1, 121, qwew1qweqweqe, 2019-10-11 14:51:37.856+00, 2019-10-11 14:51:37.856+00, null).',
     hint: undefined,
     position: undefined,
     internalPosition: undefined,
     internalQuery: undefined,
     where: undefined,
     schema: 'public',
     table: 'Employees',
     column: 'DepartmentId',
     dataType: undefined,
     constraint: undefined,
     file: 'execMain.c',
     line: '2017',
     routine: 'ExecConstraints',
     sql:
      'INSERT INTO "Employees" ("id","name","age","depart","createdAt","updatedAt") VALUES (DEFAULT,$1,$2,$3,$4,$5) RETURNING *;',
     parameters:
      [ 'teqwest1',
        '121',
        'qwew1qweqweqe',
        '2019-10-11 14:51:37.856 +00:00',
        '2019-10-11 14:51:37.856 +00:00' ] },
  sql:
   'INSERT INTO "Employees" ("id","name","age","depart","createdAt","updatedAt") VALUES (DEFAULT,$1,$2,$3,$4,$5) RETURNING *;',
  parameters:
   [ 'teqwest1',
     '121',
     'qwew1qweqweqe',
     '2019-10-11 14:51:37.856 +00:00',
     '2019-10-11 14:51:37.856 +00:00' ] }
Stack:
Nodejs
Express
Postgres
Sequelize
How to solve this problem, what would be created in a database that has a foreign key DepartmentId?

A: module.exports = (sequelize, DataTypes) => {
  const Department = sequelize.define('Department', {
    id: {
      type: DataTypes.STRING,
      primaryKey: true,
    },
    name: DataTypes.STRING,
    description: DataTypes.STRING
  });

  Department.associate = (models) => {
    models.Department.hasMany(models.Employee);
  };

  return Department;
};

module.exports = (sequelize, DataTypes) => {
  const Employee = sequelize.define('Employee', {
    name: DataTypes.STRING,
    age: DataTypes.INTEGER,
  });

  Employee.associate = (models) => {
    models.Employee.belongsTo(models.Department, {
      foreignKey: {
        name: 'depart',
        allowNull: false
      }
    });
  };

  return Employee;
};

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Home / World View / What Is a Mood in a Poem?
What Is a Mood in a Poem?
By Staff WriterLast Updated Apr 6, 2020 7:50:09 PM ET
Steve Rhodes/CC-BY-2.0
A poem's mood refers to the emotions evoked by the poem's language. When poets use words to specifically inspire feelings of sadness, anger, joy or other emotions, those words contribute to the poem's mood.
Nearly every poem has a mood. Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken" uses words like "fair" and "grassy" along with the opening description of a "yellow wood" to create a specific mood: In this case, that the narrator is traveling through a beautiful, peaceful wood. Although the narrator's choice between the wood's two paths is difficult, the wood itself is calming and tranquil, and the poem's mood is the same.
It is important to know how to distinguish mood from tone. In poetry, mood refers to the emotions generated by the subject of the poem. Tone, on the other hand, refers to the point of view the author takes towards the subject. This point of view can also be described in terms of emotion, which is why tone and mood are often confused.
Edwin Arlington Robinson's famous poem "Miniver Cheevy" is an excellent example of how to distinguish between mood and tone. The language generated by the subject of the poem evokes a mood of restlessness and despair. However, Robinson's tone pokes fun at poor despairing Miniver Cheevy. Tone and mood do not always involve the same emotions.


text:
About the Franklin Institute Awards
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Bower Award and Prize for Achievement In Science
C. Daniel Mote
University of Maryland │ College Park, Maryland │ National Academy of Engineering │ Washington, D.C.
For his outstanding contributions, through application of theory, analysis, and inventive experimentation, to the understanding of the dynamics of practical systems such as saws, skis, and conveyor belts, thereby increasing their safety, efficiency, and economy.
C. D. "Dan" Mote, Jr. is a Renaissance man of engineering. From sawmills to ski slopes, Mote's research has made a variety of everyday objects and processes more efficient, safe, and ecologically sound. His early work on rotating disc stability, which transformed sawing technology and substantially reduced wood waste, applies to drive belts, computer disks, and many other "axial moving materials." Skiers can trace the origins of the parabolic "shaped ski" and release ski binding developments to Mote's research on skiing biomechanics—he was the first to measure the complete loading that skiers experience on their legs and knees. Mote has published more than 330 academic papers, mentored 58 Ph.D. students, invigorated a flagship research university, and influenced a new generation of engineers as president of both the University of Maryland and the National Academy of Engineering.
While growing up in California, C. D. "Dan" Mote, Jr. recognized early on that he had more questions than anyone around him had answers. "My biggest problem when I was a kid was that I was interested in everything," he says. While others focused on specific careers—doctor, teacher, firefighter—Mote craved a life with the freedom to pursue his changing interests and to solve tough problems. That passion led him to an academic career in mechanical engineering.
Mote began his career creating fast, stable, and efficient circular saw blades in the 1960s. He was a graduate student in mechanical engineering at the University of California, Berkeley when a manufacturer of pencil slats, the wooden part of the pencil that contains the graphite, approached Mote with a problem. With the tools at the time, the manufacturer could only cut nine pencil slats from a standard block of cedar while maintaining the surfaces and accuracy needed. The result was a lot of sawdust, which meant wasted wood. "A circular saw blade is actually a gyroscopic system," Mote explains. "I developed a stability theory for saw blades that enabled predicting how much thinner saw blades could be, while maintaining the needed cutting accuracy and saw stability. With the new blades, the company was able to produce 12 slats from the same block of cedar." Mote's research has since been applied far beyond pencil slats to applications where high speed, stable, and thin rotating plates are valuable.
Mote established the methods for determining the critical operating speed for a saw to be stable and showed that the temperature distribution in the saw plate is very important to saw stability. One of his four patents is for a device that controls saw stability by controlling the varying thermal stresses in saw blades during operation. A wide range of practical uses in industry and at home, from band saws, belt drives, and transport systems to computer disk drives and cutters, benefit from his extensive work on spinning surfaces.
While Mote was an assistant professor at Berkeley, Robert Piziali, a graduate student and fellow skiing enthusiast, became interested in the biomechanics of the ski. Mote and Piziali endeavored to understand both why a ski turns as it shears and compresses the snow surface and how that information can be applied to ski design to improve ease of turning, safety, speed, and stability. As Mote described to the National Academy of Engineering, "The idea was that if you understand how it turns, you could design [skis] 'better.'" Their resulting 1972 publication, "Mechanics of the Turning Snow Ski," inspired novel designs for new types of "carving" skis and brought Mote a flood of letters from injured skiers asking why the sport had such a high injury rate. With Piziali and a succession of graduate students, Mote took on these engineering questions.
Mote and Piziali equipped skiers with special wearable measurement tools to analyze the forces and torques on their lower legs and knees. Working with data gathered on the slopes in California and Vermont, they monitored the forces acting on ski boots and bindings and discovered that while newer, stiff plastic ski boots reduced ankle injuries, they increased loading on the knee and knee injuries. They found that to reduce injuries, bindings needed to be adjustable in real time and releases modified to suppress knee injuries. Before Mote's research in the 1970s and others' that followed, and the subsequent standards that they influenced, the worldwide injury rate was about seven injuries per 1,000 skiers per day. It has now dropped to about two injuries per 1,000 skiers per day worldwide.
Mote became president of the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) in 1998 after 31 years on the Berkeley faculty, including appointments as chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and university vice chancellor. Upon arrival at UMD, Mote hung a picture in his new office of himself falling helplessly down a ski slope, telemetry measurement devices strapped to his back, as a reminder that all great achievements require some risks. During the next 12 years, Mote worked to elevate the university's reputation nationally and globally, while attracting record numbers of applicants, raising the academic profile of incoming students, and increasing research funding by 150 percent. He also created the accredited School of Public Health and the Department of Bioengineering, welcomed three Nobel laureates to the faculty, and lifted the university to national and international prominence. He also moved to make the university more accessible and affordable, and reduced the graduation achievement gap of underrepresented students.
Mote's appointment as president of the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) from 2013 to 2019 underscores his accomplishments and respect across the engineering community. "Among all the visionary scholars I know, Dr. Mote is unique because he is able not only to articulate his vision but to motivate people to act on this vision," said University of Southern California (USC) Professor Stephen Chih-Yang Lu when Mote won the university's 2019 Viterbi Lifetime Achievement Award. Mote invigorated the NAE's Grand Challenge Scholars Program, which inspires undergraduates to pursue positive impacts on people and society globally through engineering. He has long been a champion of young engineers. As an award-winning teacher and a beloved and devoted mentor, Mote advised more than 58 Ph.D. students during his career.
Mote has been recognized by numerous awards including the USC Viterbi Lifetime Achievement Award, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Medal, the Humboldt Prize of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, the Senior Scientist Award of the Royal Norwegian Council for Scientific Research, and the Simon Ramo Founders Award of the National Academy of Engineering. He holds honorary membership in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the American Society for Engineering Education, and the International Society for Skiing Safety. He is a member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the National Academy of Inventors, the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and the Academia Sinica, Taiwan.
Though Mote is still brimming with questions, his engineering career has generated many answers with wide-ranging applications. Thanks to his analyses and inventive experiments, saws, power belts, skis, and more, are more efficient and safer than ever before. Perhaps equally important, his many mentees carry forward the spirit of his thinking, ensuring Dan Mote's impact will continue to grow through generations of engineers to come.
Information as of March 2020


Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Oh Where oh where to go ???????
Oh Where oh where to go ???????
We are finally ready to plan a trip to Africa, but are totally overwhelmed by how much there is to figure out. We are 56 + 60, and want to do as much as we can before we can't anymore! We are free to travel any time, and right now we are totally stuck because we want to see the gorillas in Rwanda, the great migration Kenya/Tanzania, and I'm determined to go to Botswana too. We can afford a nice trip, but we won't waste our money to have a tent that imitates a 4* hotel as we just don't need that. But a comfortable tent is definitely up our alley. From what I can see already, lodges aren't what we want as we'd like to be 'in there', but maybe there are some lodges that are like that. Tented camps seem more interesting. My confusion right now is should we plan to do one big trip, or expect to break it up into 2 or more? How long is too long when you are not used to being on safari? Although we don't mind some long driving between camps, we are open to flying to avoid too many long days on the road. I especially want to see lots of elephants, lions, babies, leopards, cheetas, giraffes, etc. and beautiful scenery. We want to go with a very reputable and very experienced company that we will want to recommend to others and want to travel with again ourselves. I would be so grateful for just some advice on companies that have great reputations, camps that are gorgeous and well located and anything else you can think of. I already have the Fodor's Safari planning guide, and dozens of links (but I'll whatever you can recommend) but mostly I want your personal recommendations. Also, we have been briefly to Krugar in the past and would like to avoid being in the middle of major tourism. I know people who have traveled happily in Botswana with the Africa Adventure Company, but other than that have no other personal recommendations.
My advice would be to do either East Africa or Southern Africa, but not try to do both---I think that would be too tiring. Besides, if you end up like most of us here, who suffer from mal d'Afrique to one degree or another, you'll be planning your next trip in no time. I would think that if you combined Sabi Sand with Botswana (with a stop in Vic Falls if you haven't already done that) you'll meet many of your goals (lions, leopards, giraffes, elephants, perhaps wild dogs) and enjoy two different ecosystems.
I've stayed at both lodges and luxury tents. Among my favorite lodges are Sandibe (Botswana), which has African-style chalets and Londolozi (Sabi Sand, great for leopards); tent-wise, my favorite was Grumeti (western Serengeti)---you just feel like you're in Africa, what with all-day-long grunts, groans and bellows coming from the inhabitants of the adjoining hippo pool.
As to how long is too long, I suggest that you look back over your past travels and judge from those experiences. If after two weeks or so you were thinking about home, I'd figure the same would happen on safari.
Good luck and enjoy your planning.
East Africa and Southern Africa are considered by most travelers as two separated safari destinations. They are far apart distance-wise but there is a little bit of advantage from a time and airline cost standpoint combining the two destinations. Unless you're retired, for most people it is too much time away from work to properly visit both destinations in one trip.
Rwanda is combinable with East Africa and/or Southern Africa. I have very little faith in the reliability of Air Rwanda Express which is the only way of getting from Rwanda directly to South Africa. Kenya Airways is pretty reliable and, for this reason alone, we often recommend combining Rwanda with East Africa instead of with Southern Africa. As the economy improves, our hopes are that South African Airways will start offering service to Kigali! For now, if you go to Rwanda I recommend you fly Kenya Airways to/from South Africa via Nairobi. This is more inconvenient but much more reliable.
I'll comment on Rwanda first. It is typically a 5 to 6 day destination depending on what you wish to accomplish. And, keep in mind there are many things to do in Rwanda other than gorilla trekking. But, it seems to me your desire is to have a big five safari and that is going to be had best in Botswana, Tanzania, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, or Kenya. A typical Rwanda itinerary has you arriving in Kigalli on day one and over-nighting. The next day you will leave by road to the Virunga Mountains. You will spend one night near the national park and start your first gorilla trek on day three. Most people do a second gorilla trek on day four and some people do more beyond that. ATravelynn, (from Fodors) did six tracks on one trip I believe! Most people drive back to Kigalli on day four and depart on day five.
The peak season for game viewing in Botswana is really June to October. It can stretch into November, but the game viewing changes significantly when the rains start. The migrations in East Africa are on the southern part of the Serengeti December through March, they moved north from April through July, and they are on the Masai Mara from August through October. In October and November, the migrations are on the move back south. These are gross generalizations based on historical movements. Everything depends on the rain and the grasses!
So, if you're trying to combine the peak season for the migrations with the peak season for Botswana you should consider Kenya in August and September combined with Botswana or the Western Corridor of Tanzania in June combined with Botswana. This last option (June) is a value option because the rates will typically be less in East Africa in June and with many operators they are less in Botswana in June. For the coming year, Wilderness Safaris goes to peak season rates on June 15 and most other operators in Botswana go to peak season on July 1.
The most difficult animal to see in Botswana on most people's list is the rhino followed by the cheetah. At last count, there were only 54 white rhino in the entire country of Botswana in the wild. They were poached to extinction in the 90s and only reintroduced in the central Okavango in the northwest portion of the Moremi game reserve about five years ago. There are three black rhino in the wild in Botswana because the two just had a baby. If you don't go to East Africa, I do recommend you visit the Sabi Sands or Phinda prior to Botswana just to be sure you see all the big five. The Sabi Sands has so many lions and leopards that there aren't that many cheetah which is why I sometimes recommend Phinda. In my opinion, Phinda has the best cheetah population in southern Africa. But, Phinda is the least authentic and "wild" safari experience of the ones I've mentioned. The Phinda reserve is small, completely fenced, and it was a sugar farm until about 18 years ago.
So, assuming your travel dates are as flexible as you say, and assuming you combine Rwanda, East Africa, and Botswana then I recommend you travel in August or September. Leave the United States, and fly to Nairobi via Europe. Spend one night in Nairobi and the next morning flight to the Masai Mara for four days amongst the migrations! After this safari, depart for Nairobi and depending on flight schedules you can fly to Kigali or spend one more night in Nairobi. Conduct a five-day gorilla trek and then fly all the way to South Africa via Nairobi on Kenya Airways. If you do want to go to the Sabi Sands or Phinda I recommend a three or four days safari in both these reserves and they are easily accessible from Johannesburg. I do agree that Londolozi has a great leopard population. But, the same river that flows through Londolozi through MalaMala next. Upstream from Londolozi is Singita. The valley of the Sand River is an abundant leopard habitat and lion habitat. I've also seen leopard on every visit to Lion Sands which is on the Sabi River on the southern part of the Sabi Sands.
Unless you use an expensive and possibly unreliable charter flight or miss your morning game drive and use a commercial flight from Nelspruit to Living tone, it is not possible to get from the Sabi Sands to Botswana or Victoria Falls in one day. Of course, this assumes you are not chartering a private airplane. So, after the Sabi Sands safari you can spend one night in Johannesburg and then continue on the next morning the Botswana.
Traveling in August or September I recommend you visit two major ecosystems in Botswana. The Chobe, Linyati, and Kwando are three areas with the same game viewing phenomena in July through October. The rains in Botswana typically end in March and as the seasonal water sources dry up the elephants and antelope all migrate towards the Chobe, Linyati, Selinda, and Kwando River systems. By July, there are massive herds of elephants and many other animals in these reserves. The Linyati Wildlife Reserve has some of the largest elephant concentrations on earth for those three months (same thing for Chobe and Kwando). But, Chobe is a National Park and it can be very crowded especially in the Northeast. So, I recommend you go to a private concession like the Linyati or Kwando. I prefer the Linyati and the four Wilderness Safaris camps on the property. You simply choose one for a three-day visit. I like the classic camps of Duma Tau and Savuti. Many people like Selinda and Kings Pool is an excellent premier camp but, based on your statement, may not be to your liking.
I would also spend four nights to in the Okavango Delta or Moremi game reserve. There are many lodges to choose from. My personal favorites are the Wilderness Safari lodges. For classic camps I recommend two nights at Chitabe Camp and two nights at either Kwetsani or Little Vumbura.
If you have more time, there are many ways to improve this itinerary. You could visit a second destination in Kenya or one of the new national parks in Rwanda. You could add more time in South Africa or add time in Victoria Falls. You could skip Kenya and Rwanda altogether and do a comprehensive visit to Zimbabwe and Botswana. There is a very good trip report on this forum about two weeks ago from this exact same experience.
There are many excellent safari operators based in the United States that book these types of trips. All of them are "brokers" or consultants. Like my company, they will have contracted rates with most of the safari lodges and hotels in the East and Southern Africa and we can also piece lodges together with charter flights and commercial flights and the necessary hotels in the various cities you visit along the way. The biggest difference you'll experience with different operators is service, knowledge, and to a lesser extent price. The major safari outfitters in the US typically purchase safari lodge accommodations and hotels at discounts off the website published price. This price difference creates a margin or commission from which we earn our living. The Africa Adventure Company is based in Fort Lauderdale Florida. I know the owners Mark and Allison Nolting and they are very reputable. As a competitor, I can highly recommend them.
I also recommend you look into Premier Tours. I say this because you mentioned the Fodors travel books. The South Africa book is written by Julian Harrison. He is the owner of Premier Tours in Philadelphia which is another tour operator for Southern Africa. Julian is golfing in South Africa this week so you will have to wait a week if you want to speak with him personally. On the boutique side, I would recommend Discover Africa in Cleveland or possibly Fish Eagle safaris in Texas.
This gives you some choices. I personally love Wilderness Safaris and for my budget minded clients Desert & Delta offers good value. There are people on this forum that have lots of experience with other operators and I'm sure they will chime in shortly.
Like my company, some of the larger operators in the US will also have airline contracts with South African Airways, Delta/KLM/Air France and also Kenya Airways. So, you can get the full service tour operation from these types of companies.
Let me know where you're from and I can possibly recommend a safari expert that you can drive to and actually meet face-to-face. It is a daunting task to try to find and plan a Safari on the Internet. If you go to Google and type "safari: you will have 106 million choices (as of this morning)!
Lastly, it is not weird or odd to simply call some operators and start asking a few questions. I had a lady set up an interview with me on the phone a few months ago. She interviewed me on Africa for about an hour and told me she would get back to me in two weeks after she interviewed two other operators. I did not find this weird or offensive at all! By this method, you can see who really "knows their stuff" and who can come up with a plan to route you around in a sensible manner that skips needless nights in Nairobi and Johannesburg, long layovers, or costly logistical errors.
Good luck planning and let me know if you have any more questions.
My oh my how very exciting!
Using the analogy of putting all your eggs in one basket, I'd do 2+ trips IF you can afford the airfare. If for some reason you have a problem on Trip #1, you still have some things to look forward to on the next trips. You may want to repeat some of Trip #1 too, or pursue a slightly different strategy that you could not have anticipated without the experience of a safari under your belt. But IF the fixed cost of the flight is too much, then don't waste your $ on the airplane.
I like sdb2's comment: I suggest that you look back over your past travels and judge from those experiences.
A safari such as you are requesting is not grueling or difficult (except for the gorilla tracking) and probably more relaxing than many group travel itineraries that move around a lot.
Chobe in Botswana is known for them, especially coming down to the river where you can watch from a boat. But Chobe is the most crowded of the Botswana parks. Botwana's Savuti and Linyanti are good too and there are hides at some of the camps to watch them. Kings Pool has a nice hide and Savuti used to have a wood pile hide and maybe they still do. Kenya's famous Maasai Mara is always good for eles and everything, but has more people than some of the other places. Tarangire in Tanzania is known for elephants and Amboseli & Tsavo in Kenya is known for them, with Tsavo having fewer people.
The Maasai Mara has lots. They are not that hard to find other places, such as the delta or Linyanti areas in Botswana. They're in the Serengeti. A special location for lions is Duba Plains where the lions and buffalo herds interact. The documentary "Relentless Enemies" was made there. The camp at Duba Plains is one of my favorite.
Tell your guide you are interested in babies.
The best spots are the Sabi Sands, which you did not mention as a desired destination, and Moremi in Botswana. I saw 8 leopards in 8 days with just a couple photo ops at Chitabe in Moremi. The famous and expensive Mombo is well known for leopards, but I think not quite as much anymore. Although they can be found draped in the Acacia trees in Central Serengeti, I would not count on East Africa to produce a leopard and consider any sightings there good luck.
The Serengeti in Tanzania or Maasai Mara in Kenya have good sightings. While they can be seen in both the delta and more northern Linyanti regions of Botswana, you never know. You can see Safari Craig's comments on South Africa's Phinda, which would be a good option for cheetah, even though you did not mention South Africa. I loved the 55,000 acre Phinda with its 7 distinct habitats and its philosophy of returning the land and wildlife to its former state. Phinda means return. And if you want gorgeous camps, Phinda Forest Lodge is glass cottages in the unique sand forest, which won awards for the ecological design and beauty, plus there are 3 other places to stay at Phinda, with 2 of them even more exclusive and having fewer people than Forest Lodge.
It's everywhere and may turn out to be the highlight of your trip. The people, culture, birds, animals you never knew existed until you got there will captivate you.
" flying to avoid too many long days on the road." Flying is by far the most common way to get around in Botswana, but you can arrange it throughout East Africa too on scheduled flights.
You mentioned The Africa Adventure Company and Botswana. They are very sound for all of Africa and I've used them for every country you mentioned and others you did not. If you did decide on a cross continent trip, they would be a good choice since they operate in all the countries typically visited. There has never been a problem on any trip and when problems did arise that were outside their control (just because it is Africa) they fixed everything up. They'll do your internatinal air too, if you want.
" camps that are gorgeous" Anything that AAC or a similar company sells will be. And they'll be in scenic locations with good wildlife.
"like to avoid being in the middle of major tourism." More Botswana, less East Africa. But you can always avoid the biggest crowds if you have a private vehicle, which is common in East Africa, and you ask your guide to steer clear of groups and if you pick smaller, more remote locations.
I'd agree with Safari Craig's Rwanda itinerary suggestions and the timing of the trip, especially if you combine East and Southern Africa.
For more specifics, I'd do the gorillas first (or close to first) because you may do some walking/training for those hikes and you don't want to sit around in a vehicle for a couple of weeks and lose your fitness. Also if you take old boots that you will discard, you can get rid of them early. The Aug-Sept timeframe is great for gorillas. Nicest places are Sabinyo Silverback Lodge and Virunga Lodge. But there are others that will save you hundreds and offer adequate comfort. Kinigi Guesthouse had excellent birdwatching, hot running water in your own private bath, and a nice restaurant for very little money, though it was quite basic. Up from that is Gorilla's Nest and I've heard good things about Gorilla Mountain View Lodge.
In East Africa, I'd definitely go to Kenya's Maasai Mara, even with the possibility of more people. There are many nice places to stay. Maybe Little Governor's, which also owns Sabinyo Silverback Lodge--deal there? Serian, Rekero, both exclusive tented camps.
If you include Tanzania, I'd go to Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is tops in the scenic beauty catergory, plus the animals you mentioned. I like Sopa Lodge there for its own access road. The fanciest place at the crater and one of the fanciest places in the whole world is Crater Lodge. It is run by AndBeyond, the same people that have Phinda, so combining the 2 may get you a deal. You could also include the N. Serengeti in one of the luxury mobile tents. AndBeyond has one called SUC (can you believe it?), Serengeti Under Canvas, and so do several other operators. Top notch. Maybe Tarangire too, which is at its best in Aug Sept. Lots of places to stay in Tarangire. The order would probably be Tarangire, Crater, Serengeti. If you did TZ, it would likely be placed before Kenya for the best migration viewing.
If you went to Botswana, I'd do a delta camp (check Wilderness Safaris website, or there are many others, Sandibe mentioned above is AndBeyond) and a Linyanti camp at least and stay for a minimum of 3 nights at each. Maybe tack on Chobe for the elephants and wildlife on the afternoon-sunset cruise.
You didn't mention Vic Falls, but you could end with it or hit the falls prior to Botswana.
And if you went to S. Africa (maybe Phinda or back to Sabi Sands) too, I'd do that prior to Botswana. I think that order was suggested earlier as well.
I have read the two replies from my fellow friends above and they are very informative.Today I don't have a lot of time to respond your query but think I can help a bit.According to your age,I think you should do Tanzania or Kenya Safari or even both.Tanzania National Parks are not fur from each other and therefore you don't do long drives.On the other part,Kenya is the best country to me to see the big game more so the Big Five-Leopards,Lions,Buffalos,Rhinos and Elephants.If you want to see the migration,you should planning to visit Kenya starting the month of July next year (2010).The wildebeest together with zebras migrate from Serengeti in Tanzania to Masai Mara in Kenya.You can read about how they travel on this site,home page africa veterans,which is the only company I have used for the number of times I have visited Africa,whether in Kenya,Tanzania and even South Africa.They have many referrals on this site,so may be you can check them out.happy planning and remember to let us know your experiences when out of the safari.
You guys are all fantastic! Keep it coming because I will check into all of it! We are actually located in Sydney, so will fly from here. I find that if I go to travel agents locally, they have limited brochures/options so I am looking all over for the best products for us. We have done some, how shall I say, very active traveling in recent times. We recently did 7+ weeks Egypt-Israel-Turkey, with very, very early starts, and long, hot days. It was so much fun and so exciting that feeling tired wasn't even an issue. I was ready to keep going when it all ended! I so appreciate all the suggestions on itineraries and camps, and the details on Rwanda and the gorillas and keeping fitness was wonderful! So much to think about, so much to learn! Talk later! Thanks again!
If you did 7 weeks in Egypt, Israel, and Turkey with early starts, long hot days, and no tiredness, a cross continent trip in Africa will not be too hard for you.
My winking smiley with the 6 weeks comment may not be so winking after all, it may be just about right!
I'm not pushing AAC, but they do have some kind of sister company in Australia, Down Under is the name I believe, that offers Australia trips primarily for people not from Australia. I mention it in case you wanted some kind of more local connection, at least initially, if you chose The Afica Adventure Company.
You're right about local travel agents not being equipped for an Africa trip of this magnitude. There are several Australia posters who may be able to offer advice on their agents.
All great comments. We traveled recently (end of July) to Botswana and Zimbabwe, our first trip. It was spectacular in every way. It seemed to be a truly authentic safari as we were in Mana Pools and Moremi. I cannot speak to comments about East Africa, But I plan to go there some day as well!!!! I can only tell you that from a crowd standpoint, wildlife viewing etc. Botswana and Zimbabawe would be tough to beat. It was as if we were all alone. We used African Adventure Company as well and they were awesome. Call Mark Nolting and he will really help you sort through things. No, I am not on their payroll, but seriously they did an outstanding job of working with us and matching our desires etc.
sorry, I can't be of help, I too am planning a trip to Africa. The information on this thread is wonderful, I'm sure I'll reread these posts a few times when planning my upcoming trip.
We've been to Tanzania, South Africa (twice), Botswana (twice), Zimbabwe and Zambia (just briefly). We just recently used African Adventure Company and echo the great feedback you've heard above. Our first four trips we planned ourselves, but working with AAC was a treat and made things much easier. Our trip went off without a hitch. Combining any combination of South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia would work without too much time loss travel, but I'd save East Africa for a separate trip. If possible stay in the private reserves since you have more flexibility than in the national parks (night drives, off-roading, etc.). For example, in the Serengeti (which we loved) if you see a cheetah on a termite mound, you are left looking at it through your binoculars and can't go off-road to get a closer look. On the other hand, the huge herds and Maasai people in the Serengeti make it a very special place that I wouldn't want to miss. I'd concentrate on places where you'll encounter fewer vehicles (i.e. if you go to Kenya, be selective).
For a first trip I'd recommend some time in the Sabi Sands area of South Africa. The wildlife here is so amazing (and somewhat consistent) that your chances of seeing what's on your list is probably higher than at any other place (with the exception of cheetah which is somewhat spotty there). You can easily combine this with Botswana and Victoria Falls, if you're interested in that. One thing we've learned over time is (at least for us) spending at least 3 nights, but preferably 4 at a property gives you a chance to really get to know your guide and staff and settle into a property and not spend so much time in transit.
After you've narrowed down your choices, get good recommendations on guides at the different properties. We've found that requesting the best guides provides the best experiences. In fact the only two times we've had less that exceptional (but still great) experiences has been because we didn't feel good about our guide (in one case the guide just seemed to be going through the motions and on another the guide was very inexperienced and didn't get along with his tracker very well). A great guide gives you the best opportunity to see what you want and will provide you with a good time, even when the animals aren't cooperative!
Lastly, don't rule out lodges altogether. We have enjoyed both lodges and tented camps. For example, Sandibe, in Botswana, is a "lodge" but feels just as remote and "out there" as any tented camp we've stayed in. If you're open minded about this, you'll have more choices.
We've enjoyed Wilderness camps and have stayed in 10 different &Beyond properties plus a few private properties. We've been very pleased with all the places we've stayed and have had amazing experiences everywhere.
I hope that I haven't seemed too rude, since you all have posted such amazing ideas and I never got back to you. But I sort of have to wait until I can look at all this now with my husband so we can formulate our ideas beyond this early stage together. But I've been paying close attention to all the postings on these countries and will jump back in once we are further along in our planning. This month should see more action. But you are all so generous to share your ideas and experiences with us newbies. I hope I will be able to contribute to this forum after our trip!
I am looking at a few companies, but I just can't tell if you are booking the lodges/camps on your own, transport on your own, or are using a company to plan it all for you?
I'm excited for you just reading everyone's suggestions!
Use a reputable travel agent who specializes in Africa...tell them what you want and then sit back and let them make all the arrangements for you. They will take care of all the lodging, transportation etc. You just sit back and savor the anticipation!
Of course there are some people who like to make all the arrangements and handle every detail on their own, but I'm not one of them.
it is very nice of you to follow up. many people post a question and receive detailed answers and they are never heard from again!
if you do want to work with an agent or local tour operator, i would be happy to refer you to one of my "competitors" that has an office close to your home. that way, you could even sit face to face and make your plans. let me know where you live if you are interested. i know one or two good safari consultants in most major US cities.
happy new year and i hope this month sees you firming up your safari plans!
Happy New Year Tinydancer and have fun planning your trip.
I don't have a direct contact here in Sydney.
I've also made initial contacts with &Beyond and The African Adventure Co. both of which are not located here.
I'm beginning to see that many companies use many of the same lodges/camps, so I need to narrow that down to maybe only 2-3 companies to make further enquires with. I don't like asking too many people to invest too much time if I can narrow it down. My feeling is that having one company make all the arrangements may be best rather than me booking everyone directly, which I gather is much more complicated once you get into transferring between camps and between countries.
We're not looking for a budget company, nor are we looking for an ultra luxury trip. I want to mix tented camps and lodges (which make the most sense in the specific location), and be guaranteed of good vehicles and good guides. We're not looking at group tours.
And Happy New Year to all of you too!
"I'm beginning to see that many companies use many of the same lodges/camps, so I need to narrow that down to maybe only 2-3 companies to make further enquires with."
I've been watching this thread with great interest, and you are right. Many companies use many of the same lodges/camps.
That's because those companies (mega operators) spend huge amounts on advertising and commissions and entertainment for the travel agents you'll be dealing with.
Look around and keep an open mind. Good luck!
BK0 - I'm sure you are right, there are many more good lodges in SA than get mentioned hear. If I were local SA resident, I could easily try many different lodges and the ones that were just so-so would be no big deal. Very little lost. However, when I have to fly for 22 hours to get somewhere I want to be as sure as I can about my destination. How am I to know??
I agree that's it's extremely difficult to tell from afar. And I don't discount the wonderful services provided by Travel Agents around the world. They are a crucial link in the supply chain.
I also agree that as a South Africa resident, I can visit many lodges across the spectrum, and if I'm a bit disappointed with one or two, there's little lost. When you are traveling for 22 hours at huge expense, it's very important that you are assured of good quality at your destination (and on your way there and back).
That's one of the huge values of forums like these. You can ask for detailed information and get responses from local and overseas travelers and experts in the field and inside the industry.
But you also need to filter the information. At the end of the day, it's up to personal choices. And the more balanced information you have, the more appropriate those choices can be for you.
Here's my two cents. Since you can travel for a long period of time (7 weeks being a very long period of time in my book) I would try to do it all. One week Rwanda/travel, two weeks East Africa and three - four weeks Southern Africa. We have gotten drivers for some of our transportation, but flying is the only way to get from place to place for the most part. Africa is big but you can do a lot in 5 - 7 weeks. I would start in Rwanda, as atravellyn suggested, go to ngorogoro, Serengeti-Mara, Tsavo (fewer people), then Cape Town for a few days to get back into civilization. Then Sabi Sands near Kruger, Phinda, Botswana - Duba Plains and Mombo are special - Victoria Falls, and maybe a few days in Mana Pools or Hwange in Zimbabwe. I prefer tents, but the tents are ridiculously luxurious for the most part. It's not camping by any means. Wilderness Safaris (I personally like them, but other Fodorites have a different opinion) does some interesting small group excursions in Bots, Namibia and Zambia where it is more rustic than their permanent camps.
I have no idea of the best times for the great migration, but Southern Africa is at its best from June - Sept, except being from Australia the cold might get to you at that time (my niece married an Aussie and he HATES the winters here in NY and never minds the heat even on our most miserable summer days). It does get surprisingly cold in the bush in the winter. You could go in your spring and see tons of babies, but the weather is hotter and wetter and the grass is higher, making the animals harder to find as they don't have as much trouble finding water.
Although I've never traveled with &Beyond, they get great feedback here. They have camps in all the areas you are interested in except Rwanda, and you could go entirely with them. I think they could help you with Rwanda.
My mom did three weeks Bots/S Africa when she was 77. It was not too much for her. You'll be fine - just stay in places for at least three days at a time. Less than that is stressful. Happy planning. It's fun!!