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Costa Rica - Coast to Coast
Costa Rica - Trip code DCC Wildlife
Low Deposit US$50
Was From US$3820
Now from US$3050
Flights not included
View dates & book
Why book this trip?
Discover Costa Rica's vivid natural beauty in comfort. Staying in a series of premium hotels, spot wildlife from a boat on Tortuguero's wild waterways, hike in unspoilt tropical rainforest, look down into emerald crater lakes and take a break on one of Costa Rica's many golden sandy beaches.
Tortuguero - Cruise the jungle waterways and explore the rainforest in search of abundant wildlife in this 'mini Amazon'
Manuel Antonio - Share the stunning white-sand beaches with sun-bathing iguanas and capuchin monkeys
Monteverde - Search for the beautiful quetzal in this remarkable cloud forest reserve
Included meals
Breakfast: 14
Lunch: 3
Dinner: 3
Trip staff
Explore Tour Leader / Driver
Boat Crew
11 nights premium hotel
2 nights premium lodge
1 nights comfortable lodge
Trip pace:
Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.
dcc-2022 dcc-2023
Day 1 - Start trip in San Jose
Arrive in San Jose. The cosmopolitan Costa Rican capital lies in a fertile valley at an altitude of 1150 metres. Coffee and sugar cane are big industries here and coffee is even planted between new buildings and along the roadside on the outskirts of the city.
For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for the welcome meeting, and for those that wish there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in San Jose at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport (airport code SJO) which is 18km, around thirty minutes from our hotel. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.
If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to head out to explore the city which is easy to navigate with a grid pattern of avenues and streets with a good choice of local eateries, which you may choose to sample this evening. The National museum (Museo Nacional De Costa Rica) is also well worth a visit.
Quality Real Hotel (or similar)
Grade: Premium Hotel
Single room available
Swimming pool available
Meals Provided: None
Day 2 - Visit the Irazu volcano; try cheese at a local dairy farm
We drive east out of San Jose this morning, towards the Irazu Volcano. Climbing out of the city we are quickly transported through fertile farmland. Situated at 3,432m altitude, the drive to the volcano gives out fantastic views to the valley below, before slowly transforming into a barren windswept moonscape. There are two crater viewpoints at Irazu, and we aim to visit both of them. The main one is filled with brilliantly coloured water, deep within the steep-sided black walls, and we'll have some time here before continuing to Turrialba.
The fertile land around Turrialba makes it an important agricultural region for coffee, sugar and Macadamia nuts, as well as dairy production, with its cheese being popular throughout the country. On arrival, we will be visiting Finca La Florita, a local dairy farm. Here, we'll learn how the region's famous cheese is produced by this small farm, and how the local farmers work together to help distribute their product. As well as sampling the cheese of course!
This evening, we will have the option to visit another typical 'finca' (farm), for a traditional meal cooked by the family.
Casa Turire (or similar)
Meals Provided: Breakfast
Day 3 - Free day; optional white water rafting
Today is left free for you to spend as you wish. You may choose to try white-water rafting on the Pacuare River. Regarded as one of the country's most exciting and scenic rivers, calm stretches between the Class III-IV rapids allow time to appreciate your passage through rainforest-topped canyons, with blue morpho butterflies and macaws wheeling past. Alternatively, you may choose to visit CATIE (Centro Agronomico Tropical de Investigacion y Ensenanza) Research Centre. Recognised throughout the world as an important agricultural research station, its environmental development projects seek to enhance human wellbeing and protect natural resources. Its botanical garden is a special place to relax, surrounded by the calls of birds, the whisper of the giant Guanacaste Tree and the imposing Ceiba.
Day 4 - Journey by bus and boat to Tortuguero National Park
This morning, our drive to Cano Blanco takes us through extensive banana plantations. From Cano Blanco, a boat will take us to our spectacular lodge in the Tortuguero National Park, where we will spend the next two nights. As we travel through a fascinating network of jungle waterways, it is easy to understand why this area is often described as a 'mini Amazon'. Its complex canal system and narrow lagoons link small isolated settlements and are rich in fish, including rainbow bass and grouper. They also support an abundance of birds, such as heron, stork and kingfisher as well as 60 species of mammal with Howler and Spider Monkeys in the treetops.
Upon arrival at our comfortable lodge, we will take a short walking tour of the carless village of Tortuguero. Our lodge is in an idyllic setting, perched on a small slither of land between the Caribbean Sea and the waterway.
Evergreen Lodge (or similar)
Grade: Premium Lodge
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5 - Full day to explore the park searching for wildlife
Today we have the opportunity to explore some of this spectacular national park. To kick off our day, there is the option of a bird watching trip by boat at dawn, where we have the opportunity to spot some of Costa Rica's spectacular birdlife. This morning, water birds such as herons, egrets and kingfishers are among the birds that may be spotted, although other species of birds such as toucans may be found in the area.
Later this morning we will go on a nature walk to understand more about the area's unique ecosystem. This afternoon, we will take to the waterways for further exploration. On our travels, we may come across the howler monkey, aptly named by the way it noisily protects its territory. Much shyer animals in this area include ocelots, tapir and the incredibly elusive jaguar.
Throughout the year, you may be lucky enough to see different species of turtle nesting close to our lodge. The best time to see this spectacle is between June and September when over five-thousand green turtles come ashore to nest on Tortuguero's beaches. At this time of year, there is the option of an evening turtle walk in the company of experienced guides.
Day 6 - Drive to Sarapiqui; Visit La Tirimbina for a chocolate tour
Leaving our lodge this morning, we travel by boat back to Cano Blanco, before heading on to Puerto Viejo Sarapiqui.
After lunch, we plan to visit La Tirimbina for a chocolate tour. This two and a half hour tour will open the secrets and wonders of one of mankind's favourite foods: chocolate. Originally from Central America, this plant has an extraordinary history; it was one of the most important products for the Mayan and Aztec cultures. The discovery of America led to the introduction of chocolate in Europe, transforming it into the product we all know today.
We start by taking a short hike over a suspension bridge and through a forest to a former cacao-growing plot, learning about the cacao tree along the way. Upon arrival at the plot, the artisanal process by which cacao fruit is transformed into chocolate will be demonstrated. There is ample opportunity to taste different kinds of chocolate, prepared on the spot in the traditional way.
This evening we will have a night walk in the on-site nature trails of our hotel, in search of nocturnal species such as snakes and frogs.
Sarapiquis Rainforest Lodge (or similar)
Grade: Comfortable Lodge
Meals Provided: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 7 - Walk in Sarapiqui's rainforest; drive to Arenal
This morning we will take a nature walk on the rainforest trails around our lodge. Sarapiqui's rainforest area is rich in nature, and includes more than 54% of all birds found in Costa Rica. We will be on the lookout for endemic species, including the Spotted Antbird and the Rufous Motmot.
Later on, we drive to Arenal, skirting around the great central volcanic massif, passing through fertile farmlands that are rich with tropical crops. Arenal is a classic conical volcano, famous for its nightly eruptions until finally going quiet in 2010. We will be exploring the National Park on foot, taking a walk on the flanks of the volcano, which are covered by a tangled mass of vegetation on one side and starkly barren on the other. Our leader will point out interesting flora and fauna and provide more information about the science and history of the volcano, before taking us to a viewpoint for a closer view.
Our accommodation for the next three nights is in La Fortuna. The town was renamed after a huge 1968 eruption that decimated the small towns around the volcano's western flanks, when it was seen as being 'fortunate' that it was located on the eastern side of the volcano.
Volcano Lodge & Gardens (or similar)
Day 8 - Search for wildlife in Arenal; afternoon cooking lesson
The Arenal area is well known for its diverse wildlife, and some of the most sought-after species for their colourful and unique features are the multi-coloured toucan, the poisonous blue jeans dart frog and, of course, the lazy sloth. This morning we'll have our eyes open for these three beautiful animals on foot and by bus around La Fortuna's many spotting areas. This wildlife tour takes us into some private areas and farmland that are not visited by other tourists, where we have maximum chance for a sloth sighting. Birds, iguanas and various types of monkey are among the other animals that we might encounter.
This afternoon we will visit an organic farm near La Fortuna, where sugar cane is milled. We'll have the opportunity to see this process and taste the sugar cane juice before it's made into sugar blocks. As the afternoon ends, we'll take a tour of the property and gather for ourselves the fruits, vegetables and roots that are growing on the property, before learning how to prepare a traditional Costa Rican meal with the owners of the farm. One of the most common Costa Rican dishes is the casado (meaning 'married man' in Spanish!), a meal that uses rice, black beans, plantains, tortilla and meat or fish - a range of locally sourced produce. Delicious!
Meals Provided: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 9 - Free day to explore Arenal
Today has been left free to explore the Arenal area as you choose. There are local treks to waterfalls and along lava trails whilst those keen to relax can enjoy spa treatments with volcanic mud. White water rafting is also possible in this area, as well as a more relaxed 'float' trip down the river, spotting wildlife in the forest.
Your Tour Leader will be able to provide information on all the options.
Day 10 - Drive to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve; evening night walk
Today we will travel around Arenal Lake up into the cloud forest region of Monteverde - one of the most well-known places in Costa Rica to see wildlife. The last part of our journey is on bumpy roads, but we are rewarded with a two-night stay here to enjoy all that this area has to offer.
Perched on the Continental Divide between the Pacific and the Caribbean, it is thought that there has been indigenous habitation in Monteverde since 3000 BC. However, the turning point in its recent history came in 1950, when a group of pacifist Quakers from Alabama moved here to avoid subscription in the Korean War. They sought a lifestyle in a country in which they could embrace their peaceful beliefs and continue to cultivate their dairy farms. These families went on to establish the community of Monteverde and some of its famed cloud forest reserves.
The drive takes approximately 5 hours from Arenal, and on arrival we are at our leisure. You may wish to visit the butterfly farm or orchid gardens in the area.
This evening we will have the adventure of a guided night walk in the cloud forest, in search of nocturnal species such as pacas and tarantulas.
Ficus Hotel and Sunset Suites (or similar)
Day 11 - Nature walk in the cloud forest searching for wildlife; optional zip wire
The famous, but now very rare, resplendent quetzal is fairly commonly seen in Monteverde, one of the last remaining places in Central America where its habitat has been preserved. Sacred to the ancient Maya and Aztec peoples, it is considered one of the most beautiful birds in the world and the best time to see it is during its breeding months of March and April.
This morning, we will have a guided walk in the Monteverde cloud forest, walking the paths that wind their way through gigantic ferns and trees covered with draping lichen and moss. The jungle floor is often littered with blossoms that fall from the high canopy providing a carpet of colour amidst the endless green.
The rest of our day is free to spend as you wish. You may choose to stay longer in the Monteverde cloud forest and explore the trails further. Alternatively, Monteverde is regarded as offering some of the best canopy (zip line) experiences in the world. You may choose to 'fly' through the dramatic scenery on a zipwire, or take a more sedate walk through the canopy on treetop walkways. There are also orchid and butterfly gardens in the area.
Day 12 - Drive south to the Pacific Coast
Leaving the cloud forest behind us this morning, we descend to the Pacific Coast, enjoying staggering views over the Gulf and Peninsula of Nicoya. Heading south, we pause at Carara Biological Reserve, famed for the scarlet macaws and abundant birdlife which populate this transitional forest. Finally, we continue along the Pacific Coast to the Manuel Antonio, where we will spend the next two nights.
On the 19th December departure we will be staying on the Costa Ballena, a little further south than Manuel Antonio in the Cristal Ballena hotel. This beautiful hotel is set in grounds of tropical forest, and with magnificent views over the Pacific Ocean.
Parador Hotel (or similar)
Day 13 - Explore Manuel Antonio National Park's forest and beaches
This morning, we visit Manuel Antonio National Park, famed for its beautiful beaches and rich wildlife. During our time in the park, we are likely to see white-faced capuchin monkeys, coatimundi (part of the raccoon family) and tiny squirrel monkeys. This is also one of the best places in Costa Rica to see sloths. The majority of a sloth's diet comes from buds and leaves. As leaves provide little energy, sloths move only when necessary and even then very slowly so they are easy to spot.
The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing on the white sandy beaches, enjoying a swim in the warm azure waters. The sunsets from this coast are spectacular and have to be seen to be believed.
Day 14 - Free morning; return to San Jose by bus
You have the morning at your leisure, to perhaps visit the beach or reenter the national Park for the last time. We leave the Pacific Ocean at about midday and our journey back to Costa Rica's capital will take about four hours.
Day 15 - Trip ends in San Jose
The trip ends this morning at our hotel in San Jose.
There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Juan Santamaria International Airport (airport code: SJO), approximately a 30 minute drive from our hotel.
Climate and country information
Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. Up-to-date information on the weather worldwide can be found by following the BBC weather link on this page. Costa Rica has a tropical climate with high temperature humidity and rainfall. The average temperature is 21°C in the highlands and variable in the lowlands. The rainy season is from May to November and the summer from December to April, but it does still tend to rain, usually in short bursts. Bear in mind that Costa Rica has 12 microclimates and weather can vary significantly in one day.
Time difference to GMT
Christian, Roman Catholic
Budgeting and packing
Optional activities
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for direct with the supplier and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.
Turrialba - White water rafting grade II-III or III-IV US$ 93-109; Finca visit local farm and dinner US$ 25; Catie US$ 28.00 (inc. guide) plus lunch US$ 8.00
Tortuguero - Turtle watching (in season June - September) ) US$ 44; Bird/wildlife watching tour US$ 28, Spa US$ 39-65
Arenal - Hot springs US$ 44 (US$ 75 with dinner) plus transport; Waterfall walk US$ 19; Half day Safari float US$ 68; White Water Rafting grade II or III US$82 - grade III-IV US$103; Chocolate tour US$27 inc. transport US$40; Sloth tour US$63, inc. transport US$71
Monteverde - Canopy bridges US$ 48; Canopy zip wires US$ 59; Canopy Zip wire and Bridges US$ 95; Butterfly garden ents US$19 with transport US$ 26 ; Orchid gardens US$ 16; Santa Elena ents US$16 with transport US$85
Manuel Antonio - Isla Damas Boat trip US$78; Catamaran and Sunset tour US$100; White Water rafting Grade III US$113; cooking Lesson US$93 (meal included); Jungle Night walk US$75; Surf Lessons US$82; Horseback riding US$79 (lunch inc.); Whale Watching US$163 (from July 15th to October 15th)
Lightweight clothing is essential in midsummer though a warmer sweater is advisable for cooler evenings in the highlands (especially in Monteverde). A good waterproof is essential, and you should consider waterproof trousers. The jungle lowlands are hot and muggy, and it can rain at any time of year. Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts are recommended on jungle walks.
Lightweight trail/walking boots for jungle walks, comfortable shoes/trainers and sandals. In the rainy season (roughly April to September) waterproof boots are recommended.
Luggage: On tour
One main piece of luggage and a daysack. Remember, you are expected to carry your own baggage - don't overload yourself.
We recommend a sunhat, sunscreen, a small umbrella, a torch, insect repellent, beach towel and a water bottle. Binoculars are essential for bird and animal spotting.
Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. However, you might want to recognise a leader that's done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It's a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we'd recommend between £15 to £20 per person per week as a guideline
Local crew
Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, your leader may organise a group's tips kitty for included activities and meals and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
Accordingly, you should allow US$ 40, approx. 23'450 Colones for group tipping
For all non-included services and meals on your trip please tip independently at your discretion.
The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.
Lunch price
Dinner price
Beer price
Water price
Local currency
Costa Rican Colon (CRC)
Recommended Currency For Exchange
You can choose to either change your money in advance or on arrival at the airport. Here you will find both ATMs and Bureau de Change. The exchange rate with the CRC is approximately CRC 800 to the British Pound. USD are accepted in some shops / restaurants. We recommend you take some emergency cash in USD as the GBP exchange isn't very good. Notes should be in good condition otherwise they may not be accepted. Please check on line for up to date information
Your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability
ATMs can be found in the major towns and cities for cash withdrawals in Colones. Always have some cash back up as they are not always reliable
Credit Card Acceptance
Credit card are widely accepted in many shops and restaurants but some may be subject to a service charge
We do not recommend Travellers Cheques
Transport, Accommodation & Meals
Bus, Boat
Accommodation notes
During this trip we use distinctive, premium rated accommodation while discovering Costa Rica's natural beauty. Due to the increasing popularity of some of the locations on our trip, we will be using a number of different properties in Tortuguero, Sarapiqui, Arenal & Monteverde. All the hotels that we will be using for these trips are perfectly located to explore the surrounding areas, and are all graded at our premium rating.
The hotels for your departure will be confirmed on your final documentation, or you can contact our Sales Team, who will be able to advise you
Examples of the kind of hotels we use on this tour are the characterful colonial farmhouse of Casa Turire in Turrialba, the rainforest lodges in Sarapiqui with their trails leading directly into prime rainforest, and the Arenal Volcano Lodge, where the private pools and hot springs are backed by the volcano itself.
Government Travel Safety Advice
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice.
Please refer to our COVID-19 entry requirements page for any country-specific conditions of entry. Whilst we strive to update this on a regular basis we recommend you also check the FCDO website for the latest advice on entry requirements in this fast-evolving situation. Information can change at any time.
Under 18 immigration guidance
Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.
Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
Costa Rica: Citizens from the UK, US, Canada and most EU countries do not require a visa for a stay up to 90 days. Citizen of Australia, New Zealand and the Republic of Ireland do not require a visa for stays up to 30 days.
Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
USA: (including those in transit) Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can enter the United States without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) - where you apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation), which applies if you enter the country by sea or by air. This must be done on line - https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding.
You must have an electronic passport with a digital chip containing biometric information about the passport owner. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover.
If you have visited Iraq, Syria, Iran or Sudan since 2011 or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel with an ESTA and instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel.
Please note for your ESTA application you will be required to supply Point of Contact information. Explore' s USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure. If you are leaving for the USA before this, please call the Explore team to get this information.(Not necessary if in transit)
For further information please check out the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html
Canada: An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is required by British citizens transiting via Canada. For more information see the official Canadian government website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp
Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.
If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.
Booking a land only package with Explore
Customers who have chosen to book on the 'Land Only' arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific 'Joining Instructions' prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information.
You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.
Joining Tour Abroad
Customers booked on the 'Land Only' arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.
The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.
Free transfers are not available for Self-Guided, Polar, Tailormade or Tours for Churches customers.
If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.
For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here
It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.
Explore offers a wide range of flexible flying options to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.
You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a 'flight inclusive' package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.
Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore
We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.
On our website we display a UK flight inclusive package guide price which is generally based on a London departure. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.
Ability to swim
An ability to swim is essential for your safe enjoyment of the water based activities on this trip. If you wish to participate in these activities then we insist that you are able to swim.
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please note many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificates if travelling from infected areas. A detailed list of these countries can be found on the NaTHNaC website - http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. Also on the NaTHNaC site there is a list of Countries (and specific areas within a country) which are at risk of infection and a vaccination is therefore recommended. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Why book this trip
This tour is ideal for travellers who are interested in discovering all the beautiful natural locations of Costa Rica in comfort. A particular highlight is taking a boat trip through the swamps and rainforests of Tortuguero, spotting birds as we go.
Dates, prices and booking
All trips are subject to availability and prices are subject to change
Sat 22 Jan 2022 - Sat 5 Feb 2022 Guaranteed departure
DCC_2022 Please call us
US$3210
was US$4010 Save US$800
Single room (optional)
+US$1470
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Add a flight with Explore
Full Explore refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
Carbon neutral flights – Gold Standard offsetting included
Rearranged flights and transfers in the event of delays, missed connections, or cancellations (including accommodation overseas)
No surcharge guarantee
Sat 12 Mar 2022 - Sat 26 Mar 2022 Guaranteed departure
DCC_2022
Sat 2 Jul 2022 - Sat 16 Jul 2022
Wed 14 Sep 2022 - Wed 28 Sep 2022
Sat 24 Sep 2022 - Sat 8 Oct 2022
Sat 1 Oct 2022 - Sat 15 Oct 2022
Wed 19 Oct 2022 - Wed 2 Nov 2022
Sat 19 Nov 2022 - Sat 3 Dec 2022
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Sat 26 Nov 2022 - Sat 10 Dec 2022
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Sat 25 Mar 2023 - Sat 8 Apr 2023
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text:
Hahn, Young S.
Professor, Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology
BA, Biochemistry, Yon Sei University, Seoul, Korea
PhD, Molecular Biology, California Institute of Technology
Postdoc, Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine
Email: ysh5e@virginia.edu
Biotechnology, Immunology, Infectious Diseases/Biodefense, Microbiology, Neuroimmunology
Immune regulation for HCV infection and chronic liver inflammation
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in humans is remarkably efficient in establishing viral persistence, leading to the development of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. T cell responses have been reported to play a pivotal role in controlling HCV infection. However, HCV-specific T cell responses are significantly impaired in chronic HCV patients. This suggests that HCV may employ numerous mechanisms to counteract or possibly suppress the host T cell responses. Our laboratory is mainly focused on two inter-related arenas of biomedical research to elucidate the mechanism of HCV-mediated inhibition of T cell responses. Our research program involves both human and mouse studies. A better understanding of HCV-mediated immune regulation will provide a basis for the rational design of HCV therapeutics.
Interaction of HCV-infected hepatocytes with NK cells and DC.
The primary site of HCV replication occurs within hepatocytes in the liver. As a result of liver enodothelial cells perforated by fenestrations, hepatocytes are not separated by a basal membrane, and thereby HCV-infected hepatocytes are extensively capable of interacting with innate immune cells including NK, DC. Recent studies reveal that the function of NK and DC function is significantly impaired in chronic HCV patients. Given a critical role of NK and DC in limiting HCV replication at the early phase of viral infection, it is likely that HCV-infected hepatocytes might be responsible for impairing NK and DC function by enhancing the expression of immunoregulatory molecules (either soluble or cell surface). Thus, this impairment of innate immunity attributes to the failure of generating effective T cell responses to clear HCV infection. In this article, we will review studies highlighting the regulation of innate immunity by HCV and crosstalk between hepatocytes and NK/DC in the hepatic environment.
Alteration of antigen presenting cell function by the binding of extracellular HCV core with the complement receptor.
We have identified HCV core protein as an immunomodulatory molecule capable of suppressing the host immune response and inhibiting viral clearance; and we also determined a host target protein (C1q receptor: gC1qR), which interacts with HCV core. Importantly, HCV core protein is secreted from HCV-infected hepatocytes and free core protein is detectable in the bloodstream of HCV patients. Our studies revealed that the binding of extracellular HCV core protein to the gC1qR receptor inhibited human T cell responses via its suppressive effect on the activation and induction of pro-inflammatory responses by antigen presenting cells (i.e. macrophages and DC). This set of crucial observations now provides us with an explanation for why most patients infected with HCV do not clear the infection -- that is, the HCV core protein produced by this virus may play a pivotal role in suppression of host immune response to infection, which allows the virus to establish a persistent infection.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Q: sidebar / widget wont show I have a function to create a wdiget area:
function restore_widgets_init() {
        register_sidebar( array(
            'name'          => 'Homepage Location',
            'id'            => 'arthurbob',
            'description'   => __( 'locations box on the homepage', 'restore' ),
            'before_widget' => '
',
            'after_widget'  => '
',
            'before_title'  => '',
            'after_title'   => '',
        ) );
        }

    add_action( 'widgets_init', 'restore_widgets_init' );

This shows up fine in the backend and I have added some widgets. But I can't get it to show up in the template file. I have this:
while ( have_posts() ) : the_post();
    // Include the page content template.
            get_template_part( 'template-parts/content_home', '' );
            // End of the loop.
endwhile;

    dynamic_sidebar( 'arthurbob');
    get_sidebar('arthurbob');

and I have also tried this:
if ( is_active_sidebar( 'arthurbob' ) ){
        echo '
arthurbob is active
';
     }else {
        echo '
arthurbob not active
';
}

and I get 'arthurbob not active'
Not sure what else to try.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
FILE - In this Sept. 12, 2019, file photo, cars pass Purdue Pharma headquarters in Stamford, Conn. How much members of the Sackler family should be held accountable for the role their company, Purdue Pharma, played in the nation's opioid crisis will be at the center of a hearing in federal bankruptcy court. State attorneys general who are pressing separate state claims against the Sacklers want their cases to continue even as Purdue's bankruptcy case plays out. They will make that argument on Friday, Oct. 11, 2019 before a bankruptcy judge in White Plains, New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)
State, local governments blast Purdue opioid settlement plan
Attorneys general representing nearly half the states and lawyers for more than 500 local governments on Friday blasted the terms of Purdue Pharma's offer to settle thousands of lawsuits over the nation's opioid crisis in court filings that also said the company had funneled up to $13 billion to its controlling family.
Their legal filings said the tentative deal does not contain an admission of wrongdoing from members of the Sackler family, would not stop family members from future misconduct and wouldn't force them to repay money "they pocketed from their illegal conduct."
The documents say members of the Sackler family — one of the wealthiest in the U.S. — made $12 billion to $13 billion from Purdue, a higher amount than court records had previously given. The figure was in a sworn statement given last month by Jesse DelConte, a restructuring consultant for Purdue; an excerpt of his deposition did not specify over what time period those payments were made.
In a previous deposition, former Purdue chief executive Richard Sackler gave only a broad range — between $1 billion and $10 billion — that the family made from its signature painkiller, OxyContin.
Friday's court filings object to Purdue's request that all lawsuits against members of the Sackler family be halted as part of tentative settlement terms that are being considered in bankruptcy court in White Plains, New York. The family faces hundreds of lawsuits in state courts, including at least two dozen filed by state attorneys general.
Purdue's filing for bankruptcy protection last month removed the company from federal litigation in Cleveland that involves some 2,600 local governments, Native American tribes, unions and hospitals. The first trial in that multidistrict case is scheduled to begin Oct. 21.
The maker of the OxyContin painkiller filed for bankruptcy after half of state attorneys general and lawyers representing local governments agreed to their settlement offer, which could be worth as much as $12 billion over time.
The bankruptcy court filings this week, most of them on Friday, showed the level of dissent over that offer among state and local governments that had been seeking a nationwide settlement.
Many of them argue that the Purdue settlement offer does not hold the Sackler family sufficiently accountable for a crisis that has contributed to more than 400,000 overdose deaths in the U.S. over the past two decades. That's why, they argued, the state cases against the family should continue even as Purdue's bankruptcy plays out.
"The Motion appears to be an attempt to have this Court prematurely approve a 'firebreak' strategy for the benefit of the Sacklers, in which the Sacklers have decided to offer up Purdue and see if they can outrace justice for a price they deem acceptable," the local government attorneys said in their filing.
Under its settlement offer, Purdue would be operated as a public benefit trust and its profits would be part of the settlement, as would the value of overdose antidotes and a treatment drug in development; the Sacklers would give up control of the company. Part of the deal's value would come from a contribution of $3 billion to $4.5 billion from members of the Sackler family, an amount that at least partially depends on how much they receive from selling their global opioid business, Mundipharma.
"The offer does not shut down Purdue; instead it would keep Purdue in business under a new name, so that settlement money could be collected from future OxyContin sales," the attorneys general said in their filing. "If the States accepted the offer, there would never be a trial to determine the Sacklers' liability for one of the greatest public health crises of our time."
The company has told the bankruptcy judge that if the family has to continue to face hundreds of lawsuits across the country, it might be "unwilling — or unable" to contribute to the settlement. The 500 governments who jointly filed on Friday said the company had it "backwards."
"The Sacklers' failure to make an adequate contribution itself impairs the prospect of achieving a consensual plan of organization," the filing said. "That failure is a reason to deny the injunction (against the state lawsuits), not grant it."
Forbes has estimated that the Sacklers are one of the 20 wealthiest families in the U.S.
Daniel Connolly, lawyer for the branch of the Sackler family that are heirs to one of the company's late patriarchs, Raymond Sackler, said in a statement Friday that the family members have agreed to give up control of the company plus kick in cash if all lawsuits against it are stopped.
He said that would "allow parties to focus their efforts on this goal rather than on litigation that will waste resources and delay the deployment of solutions to communities in need."
Follow Mulvihill at http://www.twitter.com/geoffmulvihill
Corporate lawsuits
Corporate legal affairs
Corporate bankruptcy
Legal settlements


text:
Madelin, Alain
Alain Madelin
Madelin, Alain Gender: M
Birthname Alain Louis Georges Madelin
born on 26 March 1946 at 21:55 (= 9:55 PM )
add Alain Madelin to 'my astro'
Alain Madelin (in 2009)
photo: State Chancellery of Latvia, license cc-by-sa-2.0
French politician and a former minister of that country.
Madelin, a strong supporter of laissez-faire economics, was a candidate in the 2002 French presidential election as the leader of the Démocratie Libérale party, where he scored 3.91% on the first round. Following the election, he became a member of the Union for a Popular Movement (UMP).
He was minister of Industry in Prime Minister Jacques Chirac's cabinet from 1986 to 1988, a minister of Business in Prime Minister Édouard Balladur's cabinet from 1993 to 1995, and a minister of Economy and Finances in Prime Minister Alain Juppé's cabinet. He resigned after only four months, citing economic policy differences with Alain Juppé.
He was a member of the National Assembly from 1978 to 2007 as representative for Ille-et-Vilaine's fourth circumscription. The district includes the town of Redon, where he was mayor from 1995 until 2001.
Madelin unsuccessfully ran in 1996 for president of the Union for French Democracy (UDF), and was defeated by François Léotard. He was elected as leader of the Parti Républicain, a part of the UDF coalition, which he renamed Démocratie Libérale. In 1998, Démocratie Libérale split from the UDF. Madelin's obtained slightly less than 4% of the vote in the 2002 presidential election and merged his party into the UMP. After 2002, although his former supporter Jean-Pierre Raffarin became Prime minister, and as a result of the end of Démocratie Libérale, Madelin's influence in French national politics dwindled.
Madelin is the French major politician the most in favor of the international policies of the United States, and supported the United States-led 2003 invasion of Iraq. Because of this, he has, in the past, generally been considered with favor by the US press.
Didier Geslain archive, 'politique g-m' pdf file, p. 106.
Vocation : Politics : Party Affiliation (UMP)
Vocation : Politics : Public office
Retrieved from "https://www.astro.com:8443/wiki/astro-databank/index.php?title=Madelin,_Alain&oldid=162731"
Birthday 26 March
Sun 5 Aries
Asc 6 Scorpio
Vocation : Politics : Party Affiliation


text:
Best News Program

          <input type="radio" name="BestNewsProgram" ng-model="vm.newsProgram" value="TV Patrol (ABS-CBN)" ng-change='vm.ngWatchNewsProgram( vm.newsProgram )'/>TV Patrol (ABS-CBN)

          <input type="radio" name="BestNewsProgram" ng-model="vm.newsProgram" value="24 Oras (GMA)" ng-change='vm.ngWatchNewsProgram( vm.newsProgram )'/>24 Oras (GMA)

          <input type="radio" name="BestNewsProgram" ng-model="vm.newsProgram" value="Bandila (ABS-CBN)" ng-change='vm.ngWatchNewsProgram( vm.newsProgram )'/>Bandila (ABS-CBN)

          <input type="radio" name="BestNewsProgram" ng-model="vm.newsProgram" value="Saksi (GMA)" ng-change='vm.ngWatchNewsProgram( vm.newsProgram )'/>Saksi (GMA)

          <input type="radio" name="BestNewsProgram" ng-model="vm.newsProgram" value="Aksyon (TV5)" ng-change='vm.ngWatchNewsProgram( vm.newsProgram )'/>Aksyon (TV5)

          <input type="radio" name="optionsRadios" ng-model="vm.newsProgram" value="State of the Nation (GMA)" ng-change='vm.ngWatchNewsProgram( vm.newsProgram )'/>State of the Nation (GMA)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


President of the Ghana Armwrestling Federation (GAF) Charles Osei Asibey has told the media that his outfit is motivated by the number of nominations they have received by the Sports Writers Association of Ghana.
Armwrestling, a fast growing sport in Ghana since its initiation in 2016 has received 4 nominations in 4 categories for the 43rd SWAG Awards to be held in April 2018.
The Golden Arms, who went to the Africa Championship in Nigeria to place 2nd overall after grabbing 22 medals have been nominated in the National Team of the Year category, with the Black Sticks (female Hockey team) and the Local Black Stars. Also, Isaac Nii Amugi, who grabbed 2 gold & 2 bronze (70kg) at the Championship in Nigeria, is in contest for the Discovery of the Year Award with David Akwei of Weightlifting and Suzzy Dede Teye of Ladystrikers & Black Maidens.
Haruna Tahiru, after winning 2 Gold at the African championship, has been nominated for the Para Athlete of the year and has only Charles Narh Teye, a Power lifter to compete with. Tahiru was the only disabled athlete Ghana took to Nigeria last year.
To top it all, Charles Osei Asibey, is in contention for the Association President of the Year category with 5 other Presidents; Paul Atchoe of Volleyball, Herbert Mensah of Rugby, Evans Yeboah of Badminton, Mawuko Afadzinu of table Tennis and Frederick Out Lartey of Taekwondo.
The Barrister, who was speaking after the launch of the MTN SWAG Awards, on Thursday, January 25, noted that the recognition is enough even if they don't win any of the Awards, promising a better 2018.
Armwrestling deserves 2 or more of the Awards, if not all, as they arguably had the busiest year in 2017. From their national championship in May, through the Referees and Coaches training, to Africa championship and to campus rumbles.
The Armwrestling Federation after their wonderful performance in Nigeria last year have been giving the nod to host the Africa Armwrestling Championship 2018.


To celebrate the launch of our Top Cars of 2018, we have put together a list of some of the most scenic driving routes in all of Spain. With breathtaking landscapes ranging from the lush greenery of España Verde right through to the deep orange terrain of central Spain, the country is filled with some of the world's most beautiful views.
Crossing through the hills of UNESCO-listed towns of Ubeda and Baeza, this drive takes you through some of Spain's most beautiful landscapes. One particularly breathtaking route is to leave from Seville before driving south towards the Parque Natural Los Alcornocales where you can drive through one of the region's most beautiful green spaces before driving along the coast and up to Málaga.
If you're looking to make a day out of the trip, Elite Traveler would recommend leaving Seville mid-morning before heading through rolling Andalusian hills and stopping off at Ronda where you can enjoy a lunch booking at the Michelin starred Bardal.
Alternatively if you want to set off a bit later you can finish your trip at Málaga's most opulent eatery – José Carlos García. A Michelin starred restaurant sitting on the bay of the city where guests can enjoy views out across the ocean.
A 30 minute drive from Santander sits Picos de Europa, one of España Verde's most breathtaking sceneries. With winding roads, gorges and snow-capped mountain peaks, Picos de Europa is easily on of the best areas for a drive in all of Northern Spain.
The route Elite Traveler would suggest is to leave from Santander, heading south west through the lush greenery of Cantabria before making your way through Picos de Europa and finishing your journey in Gijón. For a full guide on España Verde and the best places to stay, eat and visit while in the area make sure to read our definitive guide to the area.
Offering slightly more varied landscapes when compared to our previous two entries. Elite Traveler recommends starting in the Spanish capital before driving 250km towards the cuevos de Montesinos where you can make your way through the 400 hectares of beautiful lush greenery in Quebrada del Toro. This beautiful bit of landscape encompasses a series of winding roads that cut through the mountains and take you alongside a series of natural lakes.
If you're feeling adventurous you can park up and go for a walk through the cavernous paths or take a trip through the neighboring caves of Montesinos. Before finally making you way towards Murcia where we recommend staying in the Intercontinental Mar Menor Golf Resort & Spa, which is situated just over 10km outside of the city centre and is easily one of the region's most luxurious properties.
Perhaps the shortest drive on our list at roughly three hours, Elite Traveler recommends setting off from the Catalonian capital before driving along the coast towards Figueres (the final reasonably sized city before the French border). Your journey will then continue as you drive alone the Gulf of Roses and through the Aigumolls de l'Emporda, one of Girona's most beautiful wetland nature reserves which is famed for being home to some of the world's rarest species of birds.
As you continue round the coast, Elite Traveler would recommend booking out the Surrealist Suite at the five star Hotel Vistabella. Coming in at a reasonably sized 120 square-metres, the suite is filled with several pieces of traditional Spanish surrealist art and offers beautiful sea views from one of its three terraces.
The final drive on our list comes in the form of a drive through the beautiful landscapes of the Valencia Province. While the eponymous city is the third largest city in all of Spain, the region itself is the fourth most populated area after Andalusia, Catalonia and Madrid.
To begin with we recommend starting off in the port town of Castellón de la Plana where you will be able to drive along the Mediterranean Sea before heading inland and going to the Parc Natural de la Seera d'Espadá, the region's largest and most expansive park with rugged mountain sceneries and winding roads that cut through the mountain peaks and valleys. Afterwards you can either cut through another piece of the region's beautiful greenery by going through Parc Natural de la Serra Calderona or you can head back towards the coast to take in the spectacular beach views.
Either way, an hour and a half later you will find yourself in the centre of Valencia, where we would recommend staying in The Westin Valencia, the city's finest five-star hotel with a spa and three restaurants, as well as making a booking at El Poblet, the city's best Michelin starred restaurant where head chef Quique Dacosta has carved out a niche for himself as one of the city's greatest contemporary chefs.


text:
Chris Christie, multi-faced hypocrite at large
Forums: Politics, Chris Christie, U S Politics, Liars And Other Scum, Governor Failure
Reply Wed 25 Jan, 2012 01:03 pm
http://njtoday.net/2012/01/23/christie-makes-historic-supreme-court-nominations/
Ah twas a lovely day, the New Jersey governor gobbled down his breakfast and headed into town.
He rapidly made history and many applauded him as he threw forth his New Jersey Supreme Court nominations. On the list were an immigrant by the name of Philip Kwon and a dashing African-American by the name of Bruce Harris.
Now, Harris is our person of interest here because Harris, as it turns out is also an out in the open homosexual.
It seemed a little peculiar that Governor Christie would less than 48 hours later be swiping a Veto on any bill appearing upon his desk endorsing same sex marriage.
Now to cover his ass he took the time to yammer on about how he wants voters to decide.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/25/nyregion/christie-wants-new-jersey-voters-to-decide-on-gay-marriage.html.
This way he can have his cake and eat the Duncan Hines factory too.
So homosexuals are denied basic rights....the right of marriage, but on the other side he pushes a homosexual man into a top position within state politics, this way he makes both sides happy and shows he has no real beliefs other than wanting to be inducted into a higher office.
At one time I had some hopes for Christie that he'd somehow be at least slightly better than many of his predecessors (from both parties). Sadly he's proven himself just another scummy politician.
Type: Discussion • Score: 0 • Views: 1,728 • Replies: 2
Cycloptichorn
@Sturgis,
He can't sign the gay marriage bill while acting as a campaign proxy for Romney, which he's been doing big-time lately.
Just another day in the BS that is the GOP... pass a referendum, they say 'the legislature should decide stuff like this.' The Leg passes it, it's 'let the voters decide...' what a crock of ****.
BumbleBeeBoogie
Here is another view of Christie's appointments:
Chris Christie Nominates Openly Gay African-American Man To Court
First Posted: 01/23/2012
WASHINGTON -- New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) made two historic nominations to the New Jersey State Supreme Court on Monday, continuing his push to diversify the judicial branch.
Bruce A. Harris is mayor of Chatham, N.J. and a lawyer with 20 years of experience. As an openly gay African-American man, he would become the third African-American to ever serve on the State Supreme Court and the first openly LGBT member.
Christie's other nominee, Phillip H. Kwon, is the first assistant attorney general in the state Department of Law and Public Safety and former deputy chief of the U.S. attorney's office criminal division. If approved, he would become the first Asian-American to serve on the court and the first immigrant to serve since the 1947 State Constitution created the court.
"Today is an important and historic symbol for New Jersey and our country," said Christie. "I am proud to be nominating two legal professionals who not only have a passion for this state and a dedication to the legal system, but also capture New Jersey's great diversity."
Chris Geidner at Metro Weekly reported that Christie personally called Garden State Equality Executive Director Steven Goldstein to tell him about Harris' nomination.
"As I told the Governor right then and there, you could have picked me up off the floor," Goldstein said in a statement.
The State Supreme Court is currently composed of five women and two men, all of whom are white. Christie has faced pressure to add racial diversity to the court.
The newest member is Anne Paterson, who was sworn in as a justice in September. Her confirmation created a female majority in the State Supreme Court for the first time.
Christie's two latest nominations are subject to confirmation by the New Jersey Senate. While Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D) has called on Christie to add more racial diversity to the court, he has also been critical of Christie's nominations. The Democratic-controlled Senate held up held up Patterson's nomination for a year, to protest what it called the governor's unprecedented move to deny tenure to another sitting Supreme Court justice.
According to the New Jersey Star-Ledger, Christie "has emphasized that he wants to remake the Supreme Court, which he blames for tying his hands on such issues as financing poor school districts and affordable housing. Last May the state Supreme Court voted 3-2 to force the state to pay $500 million more than Christie had budgeted for New Jersey's poorest school districts."
Christie has also taken some heat from fellow conservatives for his efforts to diversify the judicial branch.
In August, Christie named Sohail Mohammed, a Muslim-American man, to the State Superior Court. Critics of the appointment said they were concerned that Mohammed would be influenced by Islamic code of law known as Sharia.
Christie said he was "disgusted" by the comments being made by Mohammed's right-wing critics.
"They are criticizing him because he is a Muslim American," said Christie, adding, "This Sharia Law business is crap. It's just crazy, and I'm tired of dealing with the crazies. It's just unnecessary to be accusing this guy of things just because of his religious background."
Obama '08? - Discussion by sozobe
Let's get rid of the Electoral College - Discussion by Robert Gentel
McCain's VP: - Discussion by Cycloptichorn
AMERICAN CONSERVATISM IN 2008 AND BEYOND - Discussion by Foxfyre
Food Stamp Turkeys - Discussion by H2O MAN
The 2008 Democrat Convention - Discussion by Lash
McCain is blowing his election chances. - Discussion by McGentrix
Snowdon is a dummy - Discussion by cicerone imposter
Fellow Bostonians: How many of us wished we had an assault weapon last night? - Question by maxdancona
What should be first on the agenda of the winner in November? - Discussion by Frank Apisa
TEA PARTY TO AMERICA: NOW WHAT?! - Discussion by farmerman
» Chris Christie, multi-faced hypocrite at large


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There seem to be two main responses from conservatives to the awful violence which took place in Charlottesville, Virginia last weekend.
One approach – and the correct one – is to forcefully condemn the rise in white nationalism and the specific act of domestic terror which one individual from that movement perpetrated on society, pointing out that no matter what these people call themselves (Alt Right, Far Right or anything else) there is no place for them in the conservative movement.
The other approach is to point angrily at the leftist counterprotesters, particularly the militant Antifa contingent, and point out that these thugs were also violent, punching people, wielding clubs and attacking journalists with very little intervention from the police. This is the "whataboutism" approach – pointing out the speck in your brother's eye while ignoring the beam in your own.
Sadly, we have seen too much of the second approach and not enough of the first in the days since violence came to Charlottesville.
The video above is a segment of the Andrew Klavan show. Klavan is a podcast host on Ben Shapiro's conservative website The Daily Wire, and in this segment he demonstrates by example the way that conservatives should respond when racist, far right fanatics try to hijack our movement and sabotage our policy agenda in service of their own warped agenda.
Let us start among ourselves, because we're all good conservatives here. Let us gather together and just remind ourselves – these clowns are in our house, okay? These evil, satanic clowns are in our house.
And it's no good saying "well, they don't believe what we believe", of course they don't believe what we believe. Of course they don't. They don't believe in the Constitution, they don't believe in E Pluribus Unum, they don't believe in the great American tradition of bringing people in, transforming them into America through our creed that we conservatives are fighting so hard to defend, they don't believe in low taxes, they don't believe in any of this stuff. They don't believe in America, they don't believe in the whole thing that makes America what it is.
But they're in our house. They identify themselves as right wing, they vote for the people we vote for, they have their slogans "Unite the Right" and all this stuff. It's no good – when the devil is in your house you gotta take care of that, it's no good saying "well, the devil is in the other guy's house too" – of course he is. But let's not mince words about it.
Absolutely. And conservatives cannot afford to be hypocrites here. Whenever a terrorist atrocity is committed by a radical Islamist, many of us on the political Right correctly demand that the Muslim community do more to confront and defeat extremist Islamist ideology wherever it manifests in their mosques, their workplaces, their social circles or even their own homes. The state can not be fully responsible for making radical or violent interpretations of Islam unacceptable to susceptible people, and its attempts to do so (through the PREVENT programme in Britain, for example) will only ever be partially acceptable. The ultimate solution to Islamist extremism cannot be enforced from outside, it must be midwifed by responsible people within the community.
But if we make this demand of our Muslim compatriots, friends and neighbours, we conservatives must also be honest when a violent and extremist ideology is lurking in the fringes of our own movement. The domestic terrorist who killed one person and injured many more in Charlottesville, Virginia last Saturday is no more representative of the conservative movement than the depraved Islamist terrorists who kill innocent people in London, Paris or Brussels is representative of all Muslims – possibly even less so. But still we have an obligation to stand up and vociferously object when our movement is hijacked by those who would seek to appropriate our language, policies and even our political parties for their own warped purposes. It is only fair to be morally consistent in this way.
This is just supremely unhelpful, not because Dinesh D'Souza doesn't have a point but because this "whataboutism" makes it look – quite reasonably – as though conservatives are deflecting. Yet D'Souza seemed to spend most of the weekend labouring this angle of attack, which while technically true does nothing to purge conservatism of the parasites in our midst, or convince sceptical people that we have our house in order.
Right now I don't think Republicans or many American conservatives realise just what a severe reputational issue they are facing at the hands of this president. Is the media always fair with its coverage? Of course not. Does the media lazily try to fit every story into their "conservatives are racist" framework much of the time? Yes. But that only makes it more important for us to be whiter than white at all times (if you'll pardon the unintentional pun).
Conservatives know that they will be attacked for racism if there is even the slightest possibility of malice, while leftists will be given a free pass. We know this, so there is absolutely no excuse for acts like Donald Trump's latest press conference where he opened himself up to valid accusations by the media that he was drawing a moral equivalence between the violence of the neo-Nazi thugs and the actions of the counterprotesters (yes of course violence took place on both sides, but the ideologies in question are not morally equivalent, and only one side committed an act of domestic terrorism).
And yes, sometimes the Republican Party has been too willing to make a home for racists in their house, a fact which is not expunged by the fact that Democrats did the same in the 1960s. Engaging in whataboutism does not shift the spotlight away from conservatives, it merely makes it look to ordinary people as though we have something to hide.
At this point we are rapidly running out of excuses and mitigating factors for Trump's behaviour. No, scratch that – the reserve of excuses has long since been exhausted, and the barrel is now bare. And if this presidential behaviour continues largely unchallenged by mainstream conservatives then only one of two things can happen – either conservative and Republican elected officials face deserved electoral annihilation in the midterms and the next presidential election cycle, or they are propped up and kept in office not by genuine conservatives but by uber-motivated Alt Right types – at which point small-government, constitutional conservatives will have been definitively pushed out of their own party.
This is untenable. The white nationalist and white supremacist Alt Right is a cancer on conservatism because they choose to align themselves with conservatism and live in our house, and rather than administering a welcome dose of chemotherapy the President of the United States is allowing the tumour to grow unchecked – either for cynical political ends, or else for a much darker purpose.
Meanwhile, every hysterical criticism and slander of conservatism ever made by leftists becomes slightly more plausible when Donald Trump, face of the Republican Party, cannot bring himself to disavow gushing words of praise from white supremacists like David Duke.
Fellow-citizens, we cannot escape history. We of this Congress and this administration, will be remembered in spite of ourselves. No personal significance, or insignificance, can spare one or another of us. The fiery trial through which we pass, will light us down, in honor or dishonor, to the latest generation [..] We — even we here — hold the power, and bear the responsibility.
We are rapidly reaching the point where all conservatives of conscience who have not already done so – including elected officials at all levels – must take a public stand and declare whether they accept the White House's inexplicable Entente Cordiale with the Alt Right, or whether they repudiate it as a matter of conscience.
Those people who choose the wrong side of this existential debate, or who shamefully sit on the fence, will be remembered in spite of themselves. And one day they will have to answer for their cowardice.
In a move which perfectly illustrates the yawning chasm between the "two Americas", the cast of hit Broadway musical "Hamilton" saw fit to deliver a rather patronising end-of-show lecture on equality, diversity and tolerance to vice president-elect Mike Pence, who was sitting in the audience.
Vice-president elect Pence, we welcome you and we truly thank you for joining us at Hamilton: An American Musical. We really do.
We, sir, are the diverse America who are alarmed and anxious that your new administration will not protect us, our planet, our children, our parents — or defend us and uphold our inalienable rights, sir.
But we truly hope that this show has inspired you to uphold our American values and work on behalf of all of us. All of us.
We truly thank you for sharing this show — this wonderful American story told by a diverse group of men, women of different colors, creeds, and orientations.
It is actually not a bad speech, and was certainly delivered with an eloquence and dignity which has been largely missing from both sides of this dismal presidential election.
One can take issue with the idea that people need to be constantly nurtured by successive presidential administrations and "protected" by government, but Donald Trump has said enough inflammatory and offensive things on his path to the White House that nobody can say that all of the trepidation is unjustified, or that some people are not in legitimate need of reassurance – either because of things that the president-elect himself has said, or by irresponsible scaremongering by those opposed to Donald Trump.
And yes, one could also rightly point out that it doesn't say much for America's social cohesion and inclusivity when the producer of Hamilton: An American Musical could authorise such a speech in the sure knowledge that the words addressed to Mike Pence would speak for every single one of the cast and crew (as they almost certainly did). How many Trump voters or conservatives in general work in musical theatre, or dare to admit their political preferences if they do?
As Brandon Victor Dixon boasted, there was indeed every kind of diversity standing on that stage at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York. Every kind of diversity apart from intellectual and political diversity.
But of more interest than the cast's speech itself, though, is the response it provoked from president-elect Donald Trump, who now seems to have been given back full control of his Twitter account after anxious aides confiscated his devices in the closing days of the campaign to prevent any final day gaffes or Twitter wars.
The theatre must always be a safe and special place? Really? I can think of at least one American president in history who had a decidedly unpleasant experience in a theatre, 151 years ago. And during his pivotal and historic presidency, Abraham Lincoln withstood insults and diatribes far worse than anything ever levelled at Donald Trump, and did so with infinitely more grace.
But mark what we are witnessing here: Donald Trump, slayer of political correctness, fighter of censorship, champion of free speech and supposed scourge of the Identity Politics Left, now using exactly the same language of grievance and victimhood to portray himself as a victim in a bid for the moral high ground.
This idea that Donald Trump is against political correctness is just a fiction. He's against being held accountable to people to political correctness for himself but he is delighted to use the exact same bullying tropes of political correctness against other people. He's done it against me when he tried to get me fired from National Review, saying I was insulting to women and that I have to apologise or resign or be fired because I was so insulting to women. What did I do that was so insulting to women? I said that Donald Trump is staying up late into the night like a teenage girl, tweeting. Which was A, accurate, and B, accurate.
During the primaries when Jeb Bush had a completely understandable and forgivable gaffe about women's health issues, for weeks Donald Trump was talking about how horrible Jeb Bush was on women's issues, playing these politically correct cards. He's a nearest weapon to hand arguer in all things because he does have no philosophy, he has no intellectual grounding whatsoever.
Nor is he the enemy of political correctness they make him out to be. Trump is perfectly happy to invoke and deploy PC arguments and standards against his opponents, he just wants to be immune from their sting himself.
And now, perhaps, people will start to realise that the man they just elected to the White House is not actually for free speech and against censorship and thin-skinned intolerance in principle, but only when those behaviours stand in his way or threaten to make him look foolish.
In this way and so many others (like the laughable idea that he is a conservative, and that his miraculous Damascene conversion from being a stereotypical wealthy New York liberal is in any way sincere), Donald Trump has conned his way to the White House. And as we have seen, his impulsive nature means that President Trump will inevitably react to events before his aides can restrain him or urge him to rise above minor slights and insults to portray a presidential calmness. Therefore, it will not be long until Trump is exposed as the thin-skinned, criticism averse, dissent silencing authoritarian that he is.
Inauguration Day itself will be one of the first big challenges – there are plans afoot for millions of protesters to descend on Washington D.C. and numerous other cities to voice their opposition to the supposed Trump agenda. Will Trump be seen tweeting responses and insults to the protesters from the presidential platform now being built on the steps of the Capitol, as he watches the inauguration festivities taking place? Will he demand that the National Mall be made a "safe space" free of political dissent as he and Melania take the limousine drive down to the inauguration site?
For those who have so far been willing to overlook them, Donald Trump's grave character defects were always going to be exposed by events. And now it seems that we didn't even have to wait until he placed his hand on the Bible and gave the oath before the portrayal of Trump as a happy warrior against censorship was exposed as a sham.
This probably will not bother Donald Trump's most ardent supporters just now. While the president-elect demands safe spaces for himself, he at least continues to throw rhetorical bombs at all of the "right" people to keep his base happy. But one day that will change.
In a couple of years, when Donald Trump's political agenda is quite possibly mired in gridlock and the Republican Party faces a difficult set of midterm elections, some of those Trump supporters, unhappy with the slow delivery of Trump's promised land of milk and honey, may wish to register their anger at the president. And if they do so, the president will attack them too, just as he attacked the hated SJWs and college snowflakes and identity politics zealots during the campaign. But it will not feel so good when the president is demanding a safe space free from the criticism of his own one-time supporters.
Funny. I wonder how many Trump voters realised that they were electing the biggest and most precious snowflake of them all to the most powerful job in the world.
If your country faced annihilation by a foreign army, would you take up arms in its defence? Many would, and many have throughout our history – this year we honour the memory of the six million British men who fought in the First World War, many making the ultimate sacrifice for King and country.
But if your country was days away from a seemingly more banal kind of destruction – at the ballot box, following a largely dull and petty referendum campaign – what would you say to save it?
You can make only one point, or make a bunch of them. The letter can be funny or deadly serious, clinically rational or a cri de coeur. The aim is to show that people in certain parts of Britain do care, very much, about the other parts – and that the Britishness which binds us together is worth fighting for.
The timing could not be better: a shocking new poll has given the "Yes" to independence campaign the lead for the first time, with 51% of respondents in favour of ripping up the Act of Union, and 49% preferring to maintain the bonds that tie us together. The Better Together camp long predicted that the polls would tighten as the referendum neared, but this latest poll is an absolute calamity, almost guaranteed to sew the seeds for further infighting and recrimination among unionists.
Immediately I got to work. I would gladly participate, I would find that elusive combination of words that would make Scottish independence supporters come to their senses and see reason. Where countless celebrities, politicians and statesmen had failed, I would succeed.
Four drafts later and I have nothing.
The question is who will this poll galvanise the most? Will it horrify wavering voters and send the Better Together campaign into a final frenzy to win over those lingering undecideds? One thing we can be certain of is more detail on what further powers Scotland would get if it stayed within the UK. Or will it give the SNP a final furlong spurt of energy? As we're dealing with an expected turnout of around 80 per cent with voters who have never pushed a slip of paper into a ballot box before coming out to vote, no-one knows the answer. And that's what makes tonight's poll particularly terrifying for unionists.
I suppose I should also take the lead from many senior unionist politicians and pundits, and be ready and willing to say anything, do anything and offer anything by way of bribery or cajolement to convince wavering Scots of the readily apparent benefits of our United Kingdom. But I cannot engage in this flattery, just as I cannot engage in tactical speculation and analysis on this subject any more. The threat is too great and the imminent pain too real to treat the prospect of the end of the United Kingdom as just another political football.
I have written at length about my belief that our great country should remain united, and that we should not seek to create ever-smaller subdivisions on our small, crowded islands (though I strongly favour a federal United Kingdom). I have talked about the constitutional issues that would arise, and the fact that bespoke pandering to Scottish nationalists at the expense of the English, Welsh and Northern Irish is further unbalancing our constitution. I've argued in support of continuity for what has been proven to work in preference to an unresearched leap into the dark.
But at this point I have nothing left to say, not even 250 words. Not even in the face of the depressing news that Gordon Brown is to become the figurehead for the "No" campaign, further cementing the desperate idea that left wing bribes are all that wavering Scots want to hear.
If the Scottish people search their collective hearts and decide to destroy the United Kingdom in a bid for complete self-governance with no remaining ties to England, Wales and Northern Ireland, they should go. The UK will not be worth saving, because we will have forgotten who we are. We can await our diminished future as the fifty-first (and second poorest) state of America, or our balkanisation into soulless geographical regions by the European Union.
I watched the two awful televised debates between Alex Salmond and Alistair Darling. I watched as the Better Together camp made the ludicrous, doomed decision to compete with the SNP in devotion to left-wing, big government principles. I watched as the Yes camp peddled their denialist fantasy in which an independent Scotland walks away from its share of the national debt, uses the pound while influencing UK monetary policy in it favour, accedes immediately to European Union membership and funds its socialist utopia with limitless oil revenues from the North Sea.
How does one engage in a debate when one side argues for what should not be and the other side clamours for something that cannot possibly be?
The Better Together side's latest grand idea is talking up the prospect of David Cameron being defeated in the 2015 general election, and holding out the prospect of a more appealing, left-wing alternative in Ed Miliband. But must we really now start to base our national identity according to the same brittle rationale by which we choose our newspaper habits and prune our social media feeds, seeking to insulate ourselves from contrary opinions and perspectives, and identifying only with those people who agree with us politically?
What would you say about a country that exchanged an economy based on enterprise and distribution for one based on speculation and rent? That chose obeisance to a government that spies on its own citizens, uses the planet as its dustbin, governs on behalf of a transnational elite that owes loyalty to no nation, cedes public services to corporations,forces terminally ill people to work and can't be trusted with a box of fireworks, let alone a fleet of nuclear submarines? You would conclude that it had lost its senses.
There is no point attempting to reason with the likes of Monbiot, a man so determined to see evil in everything the United Kingdom stands for and so willing to buy the Scottish nationalist snake oil. But there may yet be time to prevail upon those Scots who are not so embittered by the mere thought of capitalism, private enterprise and a strong nation state as our best model for human governance.
At a time when people from the four home nations of the United Kingdom sometimes look at each other and see no common bond left, we would do well to remember the example of our former colonies in the New World. Each of the fifty United States of America boasts its own distinct culture, accomplishments and economic strengths. Each fancies itself the greatest state in the union. But when push comes to shove, almost everyone in that great land proudly considers themselves to be an American – even if, in the case of the Lone Star State, they may call themselves Texan first and foremost.
An American born and raised in Kansas may never set foot in the state of California, but they would be rendered incomplete if the land of pacific beaches, the Golden Gate Bridge and the great Redwood forests were to wrench itself away and start governing itself for the benefit of Californians alone. Those in the American heartland may be different from their coastal cousins in as many ways as you can imagine – taste in food, fashion, approach to religion, views on social issues and love of firearms – but they share the same historical bond, forged in war and peace, that Scots share with the English (and Welsh, and Northern Irish) whether they like it or not.
I have no words of my own left to flatter or bribe my wavering Scottish cousins into preserving something so precious and yet apparently so undervalued north of the border. I can't participate in the ideological race to the left, nor do I think framing the debate as a competition to promise Scots the most left-wing gimmicks is in any way helpful or illuminating. I can only offer the words of another, a great man who rose to the occasion when his country seemed destined to tear apart at the seams.
I am loth to close. We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield, and patriot grave, to every living heart and hearthstone, all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.
Anyone watching television in the UK over the past few weeks can hardly have failed to have seen trailers for the soon-to-be-released movie, "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter". Apparently the life of Abraham Lincoln was simply not interesting enough, and had to be augmented with vampires in order to make it to the big screen.
This witty article from Slate.com treats the movie with the contempt that it deserves, and imagines the paranormal or superhuman feats of other past US presidents.
Chester A. Arthur becomes a "Sasquatch Assassin".
Grover Cleveland becomes a time warrior.
Andrew Jackson takes on a Ridley Scott-style alien in a boxing ring.
This led me to wonder – what dark but noble feats would lurk in the past of alternate universe David Cameron?


text:
Systems & Infrastructure (23)
Trains à Grande Vitesse (6)
Control-command & signalling (track-side) (16)
Control-command & signalling (on-board) (4)
On-track machines (2)
Hoisting, piling & lifting (0)
Innovative projects (1)
Other services (2)
Métro | Émirats arabes unis : Métro de Dubaï
Émirats arabes unis : Métro de Dubaï 0,00 EUR
Customer: Roads & Transport Authority (operator)
Subsystem: Energy, Infrastructure, Global System
Project duration : 2017– 2020
PROJECT'S DESCRIPTION:
The Dubai Metro is a rapid transit rail network in the city of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The Red Line and Green Line are operational, with one more line being constructed. These first two lines run underground in the city center and on elevated viaducts elsewhere (elevated railway). All trains are fully automated and driverless, and, together with stations, are air conditioned with platform edge doors. Architecture firm Aedas designed the metro's 45 stations, two depots and operational control centers. The Al Ghurair Investment group were the metro's builders. The first section of the Red Line, covering 10 stations, was ceremonially inaugurated on 9 September 2009, by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, with the line opening to the public on 10 September. A major expansion of the Red Line to add 15 kilometers of track and extend it from Ibn Battuta to the Expo 2020 site was announced in April 2015.
Scope of the work
This ISA service was carried out on this expansion, where the compliance to CENELEC standards and so forth was to be examined for the following: Operation Control System (OCS) / Automatic Train Control (ATC) / Power Supply and Distribution System (PDS), including 3rd rail / Communication Systems (COM) / Platform Screen Doors (PSD) / Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) / Depot Equipment (DEQ) / Civil Works, including over-ground, atgrade and underground works / Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing, including services and utilities / Permanent Ways Fire and Life Safety / Electromagnetic Compatibility / Software Safety.


What's also really important to realize here is that when I took the exam I was teaching people to study for, I didn't get a perfect score. In fact, I didn't even get close to a perfect score. I passed. But I also knew a lot about this exam—way more than somebody who was just getting started diving into studying for it. And it was because of that, because I was just a few steps ahead of them, that they trusted me to help them with that information. To support this, I provided a lot of great free value to help them along the way. I engaged in conversations and interacted in comments sections and on forums. Most of all, I just really cared about those people, because I struggled big-time with that exam myself.


Ableton Link and Machinedrum MIDI sync over network = perfect sync and no MIDI jitter?
I posted this elsewhere but figured this was probably the best place to ask.
I want to sync my Machinedrum with Ableton so that I can record sounds, loops and patterns from MD for further tweaking, processing, editing etc. I need the recorded audio to be perfectly in time and properly aligned to Ableton's grid.
Now, whoever's been trying to achieve this in the past, knows that although it sounds like a simple thing to do, it is actually impossible to accomplish by using just standard MIDI cables between the MD and computer's audio/MIDI interface. No delay compensation settings or any other adjustments in Ableton or within Machinedrum will prevent what is called MIDI jitter. No matter what setting or what slave/master configuration I use, the result is always the same: BPMs/tempo fluctuates and MIDI sync is off.
I have read tens of different forum threads about this issue and none of them had a solution. Some of them talked about Innerclock Sync Lock, which apparently is amazing and solves all MIDI clock related problems, but it is way too expensive for my taste and budget.
There was also someone recommending sync'ing hardware and software with Ableton Link. Anyone tried it? I am particularly interested in Machinedrum and Ableton users' insight. Maybe there are people here who managed to successfully MIDI sync their hardware and software this way. Does the fact that Ableton Link uses WiFi network instead of MIDI cables really eliminate MIDI jitter and tempo fluctuations?
Also, am I right saying that all I need to achieve this is my iPhone, Apple camera connection kit (Lighting to USB) or something like iConnectivity iConnectMIDI1 MIDI Interface and one of the free apps such as MIDI Link Sync or Link to MIDI? I would have MIDI cable going out of MD into the Elektron Turbo MIDI-1 interface and a USB cable out of TM-1 connected to my iPhone through camera kit. iPhone would be running the app, which would link with Ableton on my computer over the network.
Anyone out there using this setup? Does it really work better than standard way of doing this with MIDI cables?
I used the ERM Midiclock+ to achieve a stable midisync.
By that time I had an octatrack and a machinedrum synced with ableton.
Thank for your reply faktoid.
I am aware that there are hardware boxes able to provide a stable MIDI clock, however, at this moment I am only interested in getting it through the method I described in my first post. Unfortunately I am not able to test this for the next few days, hence my question here.
You're at the mercy of the weakest link in the setup, in this case, the MIDI interface at the iPad end. Though from practical experience I find it to be a non-issue (YMMV with regards to which interface you use). I have several machines and iPads setup in this way, feeding into one mixer, it is very tight.
I still say the best way to do this is sync the tempos manually, ie. just set tempo to the same number, and practice practice practice. Especially if all your doing is grabbing loops…just start recording and then shift the entire recording later - works great in any daw.
set the MD to "External Sync" at first and use Ableton as Master. now go to Options. Under the "MIDI" tab you are able to adjust the "midi-clock-sync-delay". for better results, it's better to deactivate all the stuff under Track/Sync/Remote that are not in use. a value between 10 and 20 ms works quite fine in my case. i use a classic internal MIDI/audio interface btw. no USB.
Thanks for replying but if you read my first post again, I did say that the obvious way of sync'ing the MD with Ableton (or any other DAW actually) with the use of MIDI cables doesn't work as it should. MIDI jitter causes tempo fluctuations no matter what you set as master.
I have managed to get it working with Ableton Link and both MIDI Link Sync and Link to MIDI iPhone/iPad apps, using the Apple camera connection kit (lighting to USB adapter) and can confirm that MIDI clock is much more stable. With the method shown by MDMnM, I had tempo going from 130bpm to 128.5bpm every now and then, whereas with Ableton link it doesn't go lower than 129.9bpm, which I think is acceptable.
Major MIDI clock fluctuations (up to +/-1.5bpm) between Ableton and Machinedrum happen only when the former is ran on a PC under Windows 10 (which I have in my studio unfortunately). No matter what master/slave configuration and which MIDI interface I use (tried both Elektron TM-1 and Focusrite Scarlett 18i20), the MIDI clock is never stable.
If, however, I use the same setup with my MacBook Pro instead of the PC, then it is working fine. By fine, I mean that I still get minor clock fluctuations, but only +/-0.01bpm, which is the same as when I use my iPhone receiving the clock from the MD and sync'ed to Ableton via Ableton Link.
So yeah, seems like the PC/Windows is at fault here. Is it a common issue for Windows users or is it something in my setup that I should investigate further?
but overall i don't have much issues with bad latency, so far Ableton is the Master Clock. only at the beginning, after the sequnce is started, it tooks a few seconds till the MD is quite well in synced. i have an quite old ASIO PCi sound cart with MIDI break out Cable. i think those ones are better than Sound Cards with USB interfaces.
That's an interesting point, I haven't tried it with a PCI card yet. But you are totally right, USB seems to cause quite some trouble with Midi Clock.
Did u found a Solution with the sync with Ableton Link for Windows 10 ?
Im running into the same issue…using Ableton link between Windows, Linux and Mac.
Sync between Linux and Mac works flowless…Windows give a slightly out of sync.
Ive testen Bitwig, Ableton, Machine 2 for Windows, MacOS…and everytime Windows is out of sync.


Rudolf Khametovich Nureyev (17 March 1938 – 6 January 1993) was a Russian ballet dancer. He was one of the most celebrated dancers of the 20th century. In 1961 he defected to the West, despite KGB efforts to prevent him. For some years he partnered Dame Margot Fonteyn.
The Dictionary of Dance says "His repertoire was enormous, including all the classics and the modern standards". After his period with Fonteyn, Nureyev worked in several countries.
Nureyev was director, principal dancer and choreographer of Nureyev and Friends on Broadway (1974–75) and was artistic director of the Paris Opera House from 1983 to 1989. He promoted junior dancers, such as Sylvie Guillem, and commissioned new works. In the last years of his life he took up conducting.
Nureyev was gay. He and his partner, Erik Bruhn, died of AIDS.
↑ Bridcut, John (17 September 2007). "The KGB's long war against Rudolf Nureyev". London: The Telegraph. Retrieved 22 May 2010.


About the plant: Pine is a cone-producing evergreen tree that reaches heights of up to 130 feet. It has blue-green needle-like leaves.
Spiritual uses: Pine has a protective energy that benefits highly intuitive people. It helps to create a filter for, and barrier from, negative psychic energy and unwanted influences. Add pine to an aroma-energetic smudging mist for protection.
Mental uses: Pine supports the mind during times of adverse conditions.
Emotional uses: Pine is helpful during times of potential emotional breakdown. It helps you release feelings of resentment, self-pity, and bitterness.
Physical uses: Pine oil helps to cleanse the kidneys and clear up congested skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. It helps to flush the lymphatic system and remove excess fluids from the body. Pine is antiseptic and offers relief from respiratory illness such as asthma, bronchitis, coughs, colds, and sinus infections.


FFH (Far From Home) is a Contemporary Christian band from Lancaster, Pennsylvania in the United States. FFH released six independent projects before being signed by Essential Records. Since then, they have released seven studio albums, as well as a "greatest-hits" album.