text:
Тинджан (သင်္ကြန်, «sangkran»), от палийского sankanta, что переводится как «переход [Солнца из Рыб в Овна]») — бирманский новогодний Водяной фестиваль, как правило, попадает на середину апреля (бирманский месяц Тагу). Его празднуют на протяжении четырёх-пяти дней с кульминацией в день Нового года. Даты проведения Тинджана рассчитываются в соответствии с бирманским Лунно-солнечным календарём, и этот праздник не имеет фиксированной даты по григорианскому календарю, хотя он часто приходится на Пасху. В Бирме Тинджан является самым важным национальным праздником. На него же приходится начало новогодних каникул у школьников. В течение первых четырёх дней фестиваля бирманцы обливают и обрызгивают друг друга водой из разных сосудов и приспособлений, что является отличительной чертой фестиваля. Однако в большей части страны он не начинается всерьёз до второго дня. Тинджан сопоставим с праздниками тхеравадских стран Юго-Восточной Азии, такими как Боун Пимайлао, камбоджийский новый год и известным Сонгкраном в Таиланде.

История
Происхождение Тинджана, тем не менее, не буддистское, а индуистское. Царь Брахма (буддизм), называемый Арси, проиграл спор с царём Девов Сакрой (Индра) (Таджамин), Сакра обезглавил Арси по условию спора, и на место отрубленной головы приставил голову слона, что сделало Брахму Ганешей. Брахма был настолько могучим, что если его голова попала бы в море, то море бы немедленно высохло. Если голову бросили бы на землю, то земля выгорела бы. Небо загорелось бы, окажись голова брошенной в воздух. Поэтому Сакра повелел, чтобы голову Брахмы по очереди хранили Деви. Каждый год связывается с передачей головы Брахмы от одной Деви к другой.

Канун Тинджана
Канун Тинджана, первый день фестиваля называется а-кьё ней, является началом различных религиозных церемоний. Буддисты должны соблюдать восемь заповедей, включая основные Пять священных заповедей, и есть только один раз до полудня. Тинджан — это время Упосатхи, что напоминает Шаббат. Милостыню и пожертвования раскладывают перед монахами в монастырях, и принося зелёные кокосы вместе с гроздями зелёных бананов (нга пьяв пве оун пве) и веточками Тха бьяй или Джамболана (Syzygium cumini) к изображениям Будды перед которым разливают специальную воду для омовения головы. В древности бирманские цари устраивали и церемонию мытья головы специальной чистой водой из Гаунсай Кьюн (лит. Остров Мытья Головы), небольшого скалистого островка в заливе Моутама около Моулмейна.

Ночью начинается веселье с музыкой, песнями и танцами, все веселятся в преддверии фестиваля воды. В каждом районе сооружают «мандаты»-сцены из папье-маше, бамбука и дерева. Местные жители соревнуются в красоте пения и танца, каждая команда девушек наряжается в красивые платья и юбки, украшают себя гирляндами и мишурой. Они мажут свои лица тханакой — пастой из коры паникулаты из Моулмейна, которая стягивает кожу и действует как солнцезащитный крем, и вставляют жёлтые цветки Падаука в свои волосы. Падаук (Pterocarpus macrocarpus) цветёт только один день во время праздника и его называют «Цветок Тинджана». Люди гуляют, ездят на велосипедах, мотороллерах, машинах, танцуют и радуются, женщины ходят украшенные падауком и тханакой. На воду спускают украшенные праздничные буйки, играют оркестры, влюблённые молодые люди гуляют по улицам, останавливаются у каждой сцены, исполняют друг другу песни, специально написанные для фестиваля exchanging, включая всем известных Тиньянских классиков, а также исполняют тхань гьят (нечто подобное рэпу, но в середине одни из исполнителей очень сильно поднимает тон голоса, и в смешной форме критикуют пороки страны: инфляцию, моду, потребительство, преступность, наркоманию, распространение ВИЧ, коррупцию, политиков и т. п.). В Тинджан люди отдыхают, и, чтобы им было приятно расслабиться, правительство допускает публичное выражение недовольства, это снижает общественное напряжение. Несмотря на то, что в городах улицы полны пьяных (в том числе за рулём) и веселящихся людей, инцидентов не так много. Праздник проходит в атмосфере дружелюбия и шумного веселья.

Водяной Фестиваль

Следующий день называемый э-кья ней — день когда Тинджан становится олицетворением Таджамина, спускающегося с небес на землю. По сигналу, пушка (Тинджан э-хмьяук) стреляет, и люди бросают в воздух горшки с водой и ветви тха бьяй, затем воду льют на землю, сопровождая молитвой. Предсказания на новый год (Тинджан Са) объявляются брахманами (понна), они исходят из того, на каком животном Таджамин спускается с небес, и что он держит в руке. Детям говорят, что если они ведут себя хорошо, Таджамин впишет их имена в Золотую Книгу, те, кто ведут себя плохо, попадут в Книгу Собак!

Настоящее водобросание не начинается до э-кья ней в большинстве штатов, но есть исключения. Традиционно, Тинджан связывается с разливанием специальной воды в серебряные чаши, туда кладут и тха бьяй (Джамболан), который растёт в сельской местности. Опрыскивание водой является метафорическим «смыванием» грехов уходящего года. В главных городах, таких как Янгон, часто используют садовые шланги, огромные бамбуковые (также латунные и пластиковые) шприцы, водяные пистолетики в дополнение к традиционным мягким чашкам и кубкам, встречаются шарики с водой и даже пожарные шланги! В это время стоит жара и людям приятны обливания. В обрызгивании друг друга не участвуют только монахи и беременные женщины. Развеселившиеся молодые люди «пленяют» женщин из других команд и мажут им лица сажей — это не оскорбление, а только детская игра для взрослых. Девушки стоят на сценах и поливают горожан из десятков садовых шлангов, устраивая настоящий потоп. Некоторые берут с собой полотенца чтобы не дать струе воды из шланга попасть в ухо или закрыться полотенцем, когда они достаточно промокнут. Некоторые озорники обрызгивают людей ледяной водой и весело смеются над своими «жертвами». Пве (представления) кукловодов, оркестры, танцевальные ансамбли, комики, кинозвёзды и поп-певцы являются частыми гостями фестиваля.

Водяной фестиваль в современной Мьянме

На протяжении Водяного Фестиваля мьянманское правительство приостанавливает ограничения на массовые собрания. В бывшей столице, Янгоне, правительство разрешает гуляния на дорогах, ведущих в Инью и Кабарайе. Временные водораспределительные станции превращаются в танцполы-«пандалы». Некоторые танцполы строятся за счёт богатых семей и бизнесменов

Третий день называется э-кьят ней, в некоторые годы бывает, что это два дня. Четвёртый э-тет ней — когда Тагья Минь возвращается на небеса, последний день фестиваля. Некоторые обрызгивают людей в конце дня и оправдываются, крича «Таджамин бросил свою трубу и вернулся за этим»! На праздник едят монт лоун ейбав — шарики из клейкого риса с тростниковым сахаром в сердцевине, их варят в огромных котлах, это очень старая традиция. Молодые мужчины и женщины помогают старшим готовить шарики, но часто кладут украдкой в начинку не сахар, а чили, чтобы пошутить! Монт лет саун другая традиционная тиньянская закуска: липкий рис, смешанный с поджаренным кунжутом, неочищенным сиропом и кокосовым молоком. К сладостям добавляют кокосовую стружку. В важных городах, Янгоне и Мандалае, Ракхине Тинджан воспринимается Ракхине-Араканцами как национальный праздник и они по-своему отмечают его. Их длинной лодки (лаун хлей) брызгают водой в прохожих и едят мохингу.

Первый день нового года
Следующий день нового года ( «хни хсхан ти йэ не»). Время выразить своё почтение (шихко) старым людям, по традиции предложив им воду в терракотовой кастрюле и шампунь. Молодёжь по традиции помогает старикам мыть волосы шампунем из бобов (Acacia rugata) и коры. Люди желают друг другу удачи в жизненном пути и исправления кармы. Отпустить рыбку (нга хлу пве) ещё одна традиция в этот день; эту рыбу спасают из пересыхающих водоёмов, держат в огромных горшках с водой и выпускают в большие озёра, говоря «Я отпускаю вас один раз, чтобы вы десять раз отпустили меня». Тинджан (э-хка двин) это также любимое время для шинбьюй — тхеравадская церемония, после которой мальчики на некоторое время присоединяются в Сангхе и постигают Дхарму, обучаясь у монахов. Церемония играет важную роль в жизни взрослеющих бирманцев.

В последние годы, благодаря усилиям правительства и туристических агентств, Тинджан стали посещать иностранные туристы.

См. также
 Новый год в Камбодже
 Новый год в Лаосе
 Сонгкран

Литература

Notes

Ссылки
 Тинджан

Ссылки на английском
 2008 Thingyan Blog
 Thingyan Celebration
 Living and Learning English in Mandalay
 2007 Thingyan Blog by Burma People
 Thingyan 2004 photos by Gerry Haines
 Thingyan Fun and Games
 Old Thingyan photo of a float by Goto Osami
 Thingyan Photos by Goto Osami
 TrekEarth Thingyan photo
 Myanmar:Time to say hello — Intro — Thingyan YouTube
 ShweMunMarlar YouTube
 Thingyan Time — When Fun-Loving Burmese Douse Their Disappointments Yeni, The Irrawaddy, April 11 2007
 Thangyat: Traditional Songs Hard to Suppress The Irrawaddy, April 2008

Праздники Мьянмы
Новый год в Азии
Буддийские праздники

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
in: Metro 2033 Novel, Metro 2034, Metro 2035,
Metro Universe Book Series
Metro 2033 Video Game
Metro Last Light
Faction Pack DLC
Chronicles Pack DLC
Surface: Approximately 2,500 km2
Metro: 188 stations
Owning Party:
Central Metro Command (formerly)
Conflicting Parties:
The Rangers of the Order
Fourth Reich
Hanza
Lore Information
Real-world Counterpart:
Notable Facts:
Main location of the Metro Series.
Moscow (Russian: Москва) is the capital city of Russia, and the place in which most of the Metro Series is set.
1.2 Nuclear Spring
2 Outside Moscow
2.1 Other Metros
4 Metro Exodus
5 Screenshot gallery
6 Real world comparison
7 Video Gallery
After a devastating nuclear war in 2013 between Russia and a number of unknown countries, the surviving population retreated into the large metro system, originally designed as a fallout shelter. Sometime after the initial bombing, animals and humans alike became horribly mutated, and began to roam the icy, highly irradiated wasteland; eventually finding their way into the metro and terrorizing the residents of the stations that had now become makeshift settlements.
In 2034, the surface has begun to normalize, but only in appearance. The ice has begun to melt, and the sun can occasionally be seen, not to mention the occasional downpour of rain. The mutants still have control, and the air is still very irradiated. War still rages on within the metro between the various factions, and the secret military bunker D6 holds secrets that could save, or destroy, the metro. Following the Battle of D6 and the loss of the bunker, the Spartans re-locate to Polis. Meanwhile, conditions on the surface and in the Metro appear to be deteriorating rapidly.
It's unknown when the winter began, however probably shortly after the Great War of 2013. The cause is not completely known, but on scientific terms it most likely had to do with the polar ice caps or the arctic circle having migrated south. Other theories suggest that dust clouds caused by the nuclear blasts ended up blocking the sun. Either way, it caused freezing conditions in Moscow. It's also unknown whether the winter exists in any other location outside Moscow. The winter diminished any hope for human life above ground, and the only life left on the surface became mutated to cope with the extreme conditions. Again, it is unknown how long it has been occurring for but it's confirmed that by 2034 the snow is either completely melting, or just migrating away from Moscow. This gives at least some hope to metro dwellers, albeit only a slight one.
Nuclear Spring[]
A nuclear spring, as called by Pavel Morozov, is the result of the snow and ice melting. An occasional sun can be seen through the clouds and rain can be felt for the first time in decades. However, this rain is not pure or harmless, as it's in fact lethally irradiated (possibly acid) rain. It burns the skin and no matter the equipment, death will occur in only a matter of minutes - although a gas mask may delay this process. Warmer weather also causes hostile creatures such as shrimp and nosalis packs to raid human settlements more frequently than before. So either way, when looked at, this nuclear spring is far from a "purified" blessing.
Outside Moscow[]
A conversation can be heard in Market Station by the man operating the radio. Men near him discuss an expedition, just after the missiles fell, of a tank crew who had been away from their base in a radiation-shielded tank when the war started; they drove for miles east of Moscow and came across ruined villages where they apparently "found some women" but they eventually ran out of fuel. They decided to stay put, as they stated over the radio that the radiation was nowhere near as high and the "critters were smaller". They settled a small town of tents and apparently managed to bring in a small harvest of healthy crops and two children were born who were "not mutated... much". Radio contact was kept for two years until it suddenly stopped. The fate of the settlers can only be speculated.
Upon climbing the tower, Artyom can vaguely see the silhouettes of more intact buildings on the horizon in any direction. There is also a noticeable border to the devastated portions of the city, suggesting that Moscow was the epicenter of an incredibly large nuclear blast and that it only survived because of its defense grids, and that conditions may be somewhat better on the outskirts of the city.
As revealed in Metro Exodus, many areas outside of Moscow are almost unaffected. Mutants do roam, but in some areas, the air is surprisingly breathable without the need of a gas mask.
Other Metros[]
The metro systems of Minsk, Kiev, and St. Petersburg are all notably deep below ground. They can be heard being discussed by Moscow metro dwellers in the game in Exhibition and Market, who wonder if people survived there. Other metros such as those in New York, Tokyo, and London are deeper than other subways so a possible hope for humanity is greater there and maybe a new metro game setting as hinted by Dmitry Glukhovsky, author of the novels.
However, it's important to note that Moscow's Metro, while not being the largest in diameter, is the deepest in the whole world. This allowed it to avoid most of the seeping radiation and actual nuclear strikes. So hope of other metros that survived the wars is diminished slightly. Nevertheless, the Universe of Metro 2033 book series confirms that humans have in fact managed to find refuge and survive the war in other parts of the world, including some metro systems of other countries like Poland.
Metro: Last Light[]
In this sequel, it's revealed that the surface has significantly changed since the annihilation of the Dark Ones. Although exact details and further explanations are scarce, it can easily be noted that the clouds of the nuclear winter are slowly dissipating and every now and then, the sun or blue sky can be seen by those already brave enough. The chill seems to also be quelling down rapidly, with wetlands now beginning to appear in small pockets of the surface. On occasion, it sometimes rains. However, the air quality is still at unsafe levels, still making a gas mask a requirement, though if things continue to go along like this, the surface may be habitable once again.
Metro Exodus[]
During the events of Metro Exodus, winter has once again returned to Moscow. Surface conditions appear to be worse than ever, with large fields of ice and snow covering most of the city abd violent, frequent windstorms racking the surface. In the metro system, Hanza appears to be the dominant faction following the Battle of D6. With the Spartans once again stationed in Polis and the Red Line considerably weakened following the events of Metro: Last Light, Hanza seems to exert great influence over all the remaining free metro stations and operating under the orders of the Watchers; Russian government and military officials that have been operating in secret since the end of the Great War. The Fourth Reich, meanwhile, appears to still be a threat, with many metro residents worried about their expansionist goals.
The human population of Moscow seems to be suffering even more than before with food, water, medicine, and other resource rationing at an all time high, amid a outbreak of violent mutant attacks within the metro tunnels. During the events of Metro Exodus, it's revealed that Hanza and the Watchers are operating a network of sophisticated communications jammers, preventing anyone from entering or exiting Moscow. Believing that the country was invaded by enemy forces following the nuclear attacks, these communication jammers were installed to prevent future attacks against Moscow, making the entire city appear dead.
On the surface Hanza operates a small network of armored trains, frequently patrolling the outskirts of Moscow, arresting and summarily executing civilians, including women and children, under the assumption that they are being used as spies by the occupational forces. This information and surface operations were kept incredibly secret, with such high ranking officials in the metro, such as Colonel Miller of the Spartans, being kept in the dark or only fed small bits of information.
Following the events of Metro Exodus, Artyom and the rest of the crew of the Aurora vow to return to Moscow and tell the truth about the outside world, hoping to free the people of the Metro from their hard lives underground.
Screenshot gallery[]
A ranger firing a Revolver in Metro 2033.
The surface at night as seen in the prologue of Metro 2033.
Concept photo of the surface for Metro: Last Light.
Ruins of the surface in a Metro 2033 promotional screenshot.
The surface during the day as seen in the level "Alley" of Metro 2033.
Moscow tower blocks as seen from the Ostankino Tower
The city shortly before a nuclear blast.
Stalker looking for supplies in Metro 2033 Redux.
Real world comparison[]
Video Gallery[]
Metro - The Surface
v · d · eLocations of Post-Apocalyptic Eurasia
Polish Republic • Republic of Belarus • Republic of Kazakhstan • Russian Federation • Ukraine
Kiev • Minsk • Moscow • Rome • Warsaw
Astrakhan • Balashikha • Cheboksary • Kraków • Irkutsk • Novosibirsk • Polar Dawns • St. Petersburg • Vladivostok
Metro Systems
Moscow Metro • Novosibirsk Metro • St. Petersburg Metro • Warsaw Metro
Baikal • Caspian-1 • Caspian Sea • Ostankino Tower • Valley • Vistula • Volga • Volga Storage Facility • Yamantau Bunker
Metro 2033 Novel
Deutsch Polski Русский

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


You can now get documents shredded at the Pleasantview Road Drop-off Center. The service is offered by appointment and costs just $6 per copy-paper box (new price as of February 1, 2019) or equivalent or $9 per large bankers box.
By appointment only; call 348-0640 to make an appointment.
*Charges may be added to boxes that are not properly prepared.
Below is an example of a bankers box that would cost $6.
How does this shredding thing work? Check out this video Harbor-Brenn Insurance Agencies made when they sponsored shredding for Earth Day 2016.
Call 231-348-0640 to schedule your appointment or obtain more information.
You can now get documents shredded at the Pleasantview Road Drop-off Center. The service is offered by appointment and costs just $6 per copy-paper box or equivalent.
Shredding: by appointment only. Call 231-348-0640 to make an appointment.


In response to the letter about graduate retention by universities (21 February, page 34), I feel that Mr Link was a little too quick to point the finger at universities for failing to keep students on their courses.
I also graduated six months ago and there was a similar number of graduates from my course. What I do feel is that while there is more the universities can do, Mr Link has exemplified the attitude that is one of the primary causes of the lack of recruitment: one of passing the buck.
The industry seems intent on blaming the universities and vice versa, and we as graduates get caught in the middle. Combine this with the industry's antiquated ideas of graduate recruitment and is it any surprise that there is a lack of recruits?
There will be no quick fix to attract new graduates, although the industry could learn a lot from recent government initiatives to boost numbers of teachers. Everyone is responsible for recruitment into our industry, not just one party.
Richard Hamlin, graduate construction manager, Kent, via email.


If you were to become incapacitated, who would pay your utility bills, file your taxes or otherwise manage your financial affairs? If you have not legally named someone to act on your behalf, it may be necessary for a court to appoint a guardian to handle these matters for you. Guardianship is expensive and cumbersome and can easily be avoided by having a properly drafted durable power of attorney.
A durable power of attorney is a written document that allows you to appoint a person who will be authorized to manage your financial affairs in the event that you become disabled or incapacitated. By signing a durable power of attorney, you authorize another person to engage in specified business, financial and legal transactions on your behalf. It is called "durable" because it does not terminate if you become disabled or incapacitated.
Can I Limit the Power Granted to My Agent in My Durable Power of Attorney?
While is possible to expressly limit the powers you grant your agent, doing so may restrict your agent's authority to act on your behalf and necessitate a need for a guardianship if you become incapacitated.
To avoid the necessity of a guardianship, your durable power of attorney should be broad enough to allow the agent to accomplish your goals. However, because giving an agent such broad powers can leave vulnerable to mismanagement or misappropriation of your assets, you should carefully select your agent.
What Factors Should I Consider When Selecting an Agent?
Character: It probably goes without saying that the person you choose to serve as your agent should be someone you trust implicitly to act on your behalf. That's why many people appoint a spouse or close family member. If you have any reservations about the character or integrity of the person who are considering, you should select someone else.
Age: Texas requires that an agent be at least 18 years old.
Competence: Choosing a person who has difficulty managing his or her own money is a bad idea. If someone cannot handle his or her own financial affairs properly, chances are they won't be able to handle yours either.
Organization skills: The agent you choose will need to keep meticulous records of financial dealings made on your behalf and be able to account for all the financial transactions made on the principal's behalf. So it's important that the person you choose be extremely organized.
Schedule: Consider how busy the person you're selecting is. Is she overwhelmed by work responsibilities? Is he going through a stressful situation at home? If so, that person may not have the time to devote to managing your finances if you become incapacitated.
Location: Choosing someone who lives close by is ideal. Someone who lives in another state or country may have difficulties managing your finances from a distance.
The person you choose as your agent will have an enormous responsibility to manage your financial and legal affairs if you become incapacitated. So the decision should not be taken lightly.
Selecting an agent who is trustworthy, competent, organized and has the time and ability to act as your agent is essential to ensure that your affairs are handled according to your wishes.


text:
In 1915/16 werd het veertiende seizoen van de National Association Football League gespeeld. Harrison Alley Boys werd dit seizoen kampioen.

Eindstand

Notities
 1 Is gedurende het seizoen uit de competitie gestapt.
 2 Zijn uit de competitie gestapt voordat die begon.

Externe link
 National Assocation Foot Ball League (RSSSF)

Amerikaans voetbalseizoen
Competitievoetbal 1915/16


text:
Asia selected
China selected
Hong Kong protests: Scale of the march in photos
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-48655634
Hong Kong extradition protests
Organisers say two million people have turned out for a demonstration in Hong Kong, the latest large protest against a controversial extradition bill.
But what did the protests look like on the ground?
We collated images taken within a short time of each other that show the extent of the crowds in Hong Kong on Sunday.
The numbered photographs below correspond to map locations - all taken while the crowd snaked through the city.
Victoria Park - rally point
Taken shortly before the official start of the march at 14:30 local time, this was the staging area for the crowds. More arrived for hours, as train stations were overcrowded and people could not reach the city.
It took hours for the park to mostly clear - but more than four hours later, there remained a steady stream of dozens leaving the area to catch the march's tail.
Paterson Street
Image copyright EPA
The recognisable ring at the base of Paterson Street light rail station is seen here - as the crowds from Victoria Park surged along Yee Wo Street towards Hennessy Road, which formed the main route.
Sogo, Hennessy Road
Image copyright AFP
The Sogo department store at Causeway bay lies at the junction of Yee Wo Street and three side streets - a natural converging point for the crowds. Police largely left the nearby adjoining streets along the route open the crowds.
Hysan Place, just down the road from Sogo, shows the crowds stretching off in multiple directions. At times, the sheer number of people on the route slowed the pace to a crawl. This photograph was taken more than two hours after the march began - just 500 metres from the starting point.
Looking back towards Canal Road flyover
The shadow of the Canal Road flyover can be seen just at the top of this photograph, as the march continued down the main thoroughfare.
Hennessy Road near Wan Chai
Image copyright Getty
Wan Chai, the busy commercial district, was next. This street usually accommodates two to three lanes of traffic in both directions, plus the light rail system down the centre – but not on Sunday.
Admiralty - remembrance held
This photo was taken earlier in the day, as well-wishers formed a long but orderly queue at Pacific Place to lay flowers at the site where a protester died the night before. The man fell from scaffolding he had climbed and stayed on for hours, after unfurling a banner against the extradition law. The march would later wind around the area, known as the Admiralty, before heading for government buildings.
Legislative council complex - rally end point
Image copyright Reuters
The first arrivals at the legislative buildings - the rally's end point - came not long after the march began. But those behind them took hours to navigate streets that were filled to capacity, with crowd control in effect at train stations. Large crowds were still present on the city's central streets well after nightfall.
Photographs are subject to copyright of the relevant agencies.
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Despite his youth, Shawn Mendes is already a champion for change. From improving education to providing relief in the wake of natural disasters, Mendes has shown that by taking action, young people today can be the generation to end extreme poverty and make the Global Goals a reality. You can take action on these issues and more here.
When it comes to making the world a better place, there's nothing holdin' Shawn Mendes back. Mendes may be just 20 years old, but he is mature beyond his years and has his eyes on the future — both his future and the future of this generation.
The young star, who has a social media following of more than 50 million users on Twitter and Instagram, recently thanked his prime minister, Justin Trudeau, via Twitter for prioritizing girls' education.
"@JustinTrudeau thx for your leadership on education with #LeaveNoGirlBehind at the #UNGA2018 this week," Mendes wrote. But he didn't stop there.
"I'd love to talk to you more about how we can ensure all children have access to quality education," Mendes said in his tweet. He added that he will be encouraging his fans to take similar action at the upcoming 2018 Global Citizen Festival on Saturday, Sept. 29 in New York City's Central Park, where he will be performing.
Trudeau responded, saying that he's up for it.
It's not the first time Mendes has championed education.
At age 20, Mendes already has several awards under his belt and built a massive and loyal following. But the artist has been using his platform to bring attention to issues that matter both in his music and his personal life.
The "Treat You Better" singer launched a #BuildASchoolWithShawn campaign in 2015, together with nonprofit Pencils of Promise, and quickly exceeded his goal of raising $25,000. With the funds Mendes and his fans raised, Pencils of Promise was able to construct a formal school for children in Shia, Ghana.
When a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Mexico last year, forcing Mendes to cancel a planned performance, the singer switched gears from prepping his set list to responding to the disaster.
"After seeing the impact of the damage firsthand in Mexico, I wanted to find any way I could to help raise funds," he said in a press statement.
The "In My Blood" singer donated $100,000 to relief efforts and teamed up with the Red Cross to raise additional funds to support survivors and aid efforts, Billboard reported.
Through his music, Mendes urges his fans not to be discouraged by the many challenges and tragedies they may witness in the world. Instead, he encourages them to keep taking action and approaching problems with a positive attitude.
"Waking up to headlines / Filled with devastation again / My heart is broken / But I keep going," he sings on a track called "Youth," from his 2018 eponymous album.
"You can't take my youth away / this soul of mine will never break / as long as I wake up today / you can't take my youth away," the song's chorus, a reminder to be resilient, goes.
"It's about how that youthful thing where you look at the world like it's a great place will never be stripped because of the horrible things [they] decide to do; it's an I will always have the positive outlook type of thing," Mendes told W Magazine in an interview published in May.
Mendes performed the moving song with singer Khalid earlier this year in tribute to victims of gun violence at the Billboard Music Awards.
His message of hope and change has clearly resonated with his fans, many of whom follow his generous spirit, using his birthday to fundraise for causes Mendes has shown support for, including reuniting immigrant families separated at the US-Mexico border, several times.
Mendes plans to keep fighting for progress and using music to do it — and he's asking young people to do the same.


text:
package com.zephir.psi;

import com.intellij.extapi.psi.PsiFileBase;
import com.intellij.openapi.fileTypes.FileType;
import com.intellij.psi.FileViewProvider;
import com.zephir.ZephirFileType;
import com.zephir.ZephirLanguage;
import org.jetbrains.annotations.NotNull;

import javax.swing.*;

/**
 * @author Nikita Gusakov
 */
public class ZephirFile extends PsiFileBase {
    public ZephirFile(@NotNull FileViewProvider fileViewProvider) {
        super(fileViewProvider, ZephirLanguage.INSTANCE);
    }

    @NotNull
    @Override
    public FileType getFileType() {
        return ZephirFileType.INSTANCE;
    }

    @Override
    public String toString() {
        return "Zephir File";
    }

    @Override
    public Icon getIcon(int flags) {
        return super.getIcon(flags);
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Full-time (40 hours/week) farm worker position available.
47 acre educational farm in Queens is looking to add one full-time, year-round worker. Primary responsibilities will be to assist farmer in vineyard and vegetable production, but must be willing to do general labor work as required. Some weekend work and seasonal attendance at farmer's market. Farm experience and interest in organic and sustainable practices preferred. Gladly willing to train an inexperienced but enthusiastic and hard-working assistant. Tractor driving experience a plus; must drive standard transmission. Starting ~ $12/hr. Background check, clean driving record, two week trial period.
The Queens County Farm Museum occupies New York City 's largest remaining tract of natural, undisturbed farmland. Encompassing a 47 acre parcel in Floral Park, this remarkable piece of land is among the last vestiges of a 400 year history of agriculture as a way of life and livelihood in New York City . The farm is expanding its farming operations and is committed to sustainable practices. To embrace the history of agriculture is to acknowledge the ecological and social importance of agriculture in our present lives. The Farm Museum recognizes the interdependence of the health of our farm and the health of the community of New York City . The farm is home to a two acre vineyard, a small orchard, a 4000 sq foot glass greenhouse and 3000 square feet of cold frames. We are currently developing a comprehensive composting program, refurbishing our cold frames to grow market vegetables in the winter, and expanding our fruit and vegetable fields. The farm is also home to laying hens, goats, sheep and pigs.


text:
Q: Python requests - get json data with pagination I have to fetch data from and endpoint:
data = requests.get(url, headers=headers).json()

which return a list of pages, structured with pagination, like so:
{'pages': {'last': None,
           'page': 1,
           'pages': 35,
           'per_page': 20}

How do I get all the pages, until the very last one?

A: It tells you the current page and the total number of pages, and I assume the page # is part of the url.
As such, this can be solved with a for loop:
url = 'secret_url?page={}'
page_number = 1
data = requests.get(url.format(page_number), headers=headers).json()
total_pages = data['pages']['pages']
for page_number in range(page, total_pages + 1):
    data = requests.get(url.format(page_number), headers=headers).json()
    # do something with current page

Of course this can be abstracted more, use this as a push in the correct direction.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


The Iron Curtain did not exist - at least not as we usually imagine it. Rather than a stark, unbroken line dividing East and West in Cold War Europe, the Iron Curtain was instead made up of distinct landscapes, many in the grip of divergent historical and cultural forces for decades, if not centuries. This book traces a genealogy of one such landscape - the woods between Czechoslovakia and West Germany - to debunk our misconceptions about the iconic partition. Yuliya Komska transports readers to the western edge of the Bohemian Forest, one of Europe's oldest borderlands, where in the 1950s civilians set out to shape the so-called "prayer wall." A chain of new and repurposed pilgrimage sites, lookout towers, and monuments, the prayer wall placed two longstanding German obsessions, forest and border, at the heart of the century's most protracted conflict. Komska illustrates how civilians used the prayer wall to engage with and contribute to the new political and religious landscape. In the process, she relates West Germany's quiet sylvan periphery to the tragic pitch prevalent along the Iron Curtain's better-known segments. Steeped in archival research and rooted in nuanced interpretations of wide-ranging cultural artifacts, from vandalized religious images and tourist snapshots to poems and travelogues, The Icon Curtain pushes disciplinary boundaries and opens new perspectives on the study of borders and the Cold War alike.
Yuliya Komska is assistant professor of German studies at Dartmouth College. She lives in Plainfield, NH.


These are the top 3 weekend destinations in Kenya that won't break your bank.
We all wish we could travel a bit more, change the scenery once in a while but the issue is always money. We wonder how to plan, where to get a hotel, a flight and how would transport work out? Well, lucky for you we found three weekend destinations that would suit most people. Tell us what you think.
Kisumu is an obvious destination but for some people it doesn't come across as the ultimate city to visit. Apart from the heat, they have wildlife, the lakeside view, fresh fried fish and boat rides. I always say that if you can't make it to the Coast then Kisumu is perhaps the most similar to Mombasa. If you book your accommodation using booking.com you get a 3,000 shillings off as a discount after your stay.
Often times when people think of Eldoret they think about the party life and even insist that it's no different from Nairobi. While Eldoret has everything Nairobi has, it also has scenic views that you wouldn't get in Nairobi. It's a 6 hour drive so I would advise you to book a flight using booking.com and use your 3k discount using this link. Eldoret is for hill lovers, these include include the beautiful Nandi Hills where visitors can hike or visit the sprawling tea estates.
People travel to Nakuru for events, parties but not for the exploring. Nakuru is the fourth largest town in Kenya, so you bet there will be a lot of things do there. Of course, there's the famous Lake Nakuru which is home to different wildlife such as lions, leopards, Giraffes, hyenas, buffalo, and wildebeest. You could rent a car from booking.com plus accommodation and also get a good discount. If you have the option, you could split the bill with the people you're traveling with.
There's obviously no reason to stay in Nairobi when you can organize a fun trip to any of the cities above. Remember, it's always better to book earlier as you will get better rates and your discount will be more beneficial.
10 Common Reasons Why You're Not Losing Weight!


Our new project implements ideas from open blockchain ecosystems into the traditionally closed world of enterprise technology.
Blockchain and distributed ledger technology, as so-called foundational technologies, have not instantly disrupted our economies and business practices. They are taking their time to find their place and meaning in the current world. After all, we're talking about a whole new paradigm, about decentralized technology that works without any central control, and it takes a while for the world to digest the ideas and implications of this.
Blockchain technology emerged as a way to create fully decentralized ledgers (databases), with access granted to any external participants wishing to join the network. The immense success of Bitcoin kick-started seemingly counterintuitive attempts to apply blockchains in the enterprise environment, an environment that is usually separated from the outside world and doesn't provide free access to anybody who wishes to peek into it. Many companies worldwide are still figuring out ways to apply blockchain ideas to enterprise; the idea of "permissioned" or "administered" blockchains, which emerged around five years ago, is slowly finding its way into the real world and production-stage applications. After years of prototyping we finally see live applications; the enterprise blockchain market is estimated to reach a value of $20 billion by 2025.
Therefore the ideas behind blockchain technology are so powerful that they can be taken over to different realms and be adjusted to them. What is the future of enterprise blockchains? What ideas does our Vostok project, the enterprise DLT platform to be launched this summer, aim to bring into the world of enterprise applications?


text:
Expert Advice For Moving to Alexandria, VA
Moving Guides Virginia Alexandria
Hannah Old
Last Updated: Oct 4, 2021
Contents ✕
Living in Alexandria, VA: What to Know Before Moving to Alexandria
Pros and Cons of Living in Alexandria
Weather and Natural Disasters
Economy and Job Market
Movers for Moving to Alexandria, VA
Best Neighborhoods in Alexandria, VA
North Ridge-Rosemont
Potomac West (Del Rey)
Taylor Run
Northeast Alexandria
Seminary Hill
Eisenhower East
Landmark-VanDorn
Find Local Movers
Alexandria, VA, is a city steeped in intriguing colonial history. Just down the Potomac River from Washington, DC, many areas of Alexandria retain their colonial ambiance with brick-paved sidewalks, cobblestone streets, leafy neighborhoods, and lovely well-preserved historical buildings. During the Civil War, the Union Army occupied Alexandria, and it was an important Underground Railroad refuge for escaped African-American slaves. For a short time in its history, Alexandria was part of Washington, DC, and remains a critical location for headquarters of many federal government agencies, government contractors, non-profits, and related businesses which employ a large percentage of Alexandria's residents.
Named a 'Top Five Best Small City in the US 2018′ by Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards, and 'South's Prettiest Cities 2018 by Southern Living', Alexandria is a thriving smaller town with a cosmopolitan vibe. Over 200 exclusive boutiques, locally-owned trendy restaurants, and fascinating historical attractions add character and charm to the city. In addition to excellent employment options, Alexandria is also a great place to raise a family. Whether you're moving here for a job, schools, or some reason unique to you, the top-rated Alexandria moving companies can welcome you to the city.
Find out how much your move costs!
Alexandria, VA, is a vibrant town of around 160,500 residents, as of 2019. Located about six miles south of Washington, DC, Alexandria is home to many residents who work in the federal government, government contractor, and nonprofit sectors. When moving here, some new residents notice that locals can be status-oriented: who you work for and how much you make are key factors of your identity. However, the quality of life is excellent, services and amenities are abundant, and a good public transportation system is available.
Living in Alexandria has its positive points and some negatives. To help you understand what living in this city is like, we've rounded up some pros and cons to give you the big picture.
First, the pros:
Close to the nation's capital: This is great, especially if you work for the federal government.
Excellent public transportation: The DC metro system provides service to Alexandria.
Low crime rate: The overall crime rate is about half of the national average or less.
Plenty of local charm: Unique shops, eateries, and attractions are a hallmark of Alexandria.
Diversity: People from all backgrounds live here, and it shows in the cultural offerings.
High income: Alexandria has one of the highest per-capita incomes in the country.
And the cons:
The high cost of living: Everything is expensive here, including housing, gas, and groceries.
Horrible traffic: Lots of commuters and busy thoroughfares.
Crowded: Alexandria has a high population density.
Air pollution: Lots of cars and other vehicles contribute to this, as does being close to an airport.
Income inequality: Socio-economic disparity.
Property Tax: Alexandria charges 0.912% of assessed value. Compare this with 0.797% average for Virginia, and 1.211% average of assessed value nationwide. Property tax on a $500,000 house will be about $4,500 annually.
Sales Tax: The combined sales tax in Alexandria adds up to 6%. Virginia charges 4.3%, Fairfax County levies 0%, Alexandria charges 1%, and the special rate is 0.7%. By comparison, the average US sales tax rate is 7.3%.
State Income Tax: Virginia charges 3% on incomes of $3-5,000; 5% between $5,000 and $17,000; and 5.75% on over $17,000 gross income. There is no additional income tax for the City of Alexandria.
Housing in Alexandria is expensive. The median price of Alexandria homes currently listed, as of August 2019, was $595,000. Homes have held their value over the past year, and Zillow doesn't forecast any significant price changes for 2020.
Just over half – 51.4% of residents rent their homes and pay a median rent price of $2,400. Only 2.5% of the housing inventory is available to rent, so if you're planning to rent, find an agent to help you search. They often know when properties will be vacant before it's advertised. For low-cost housing in Alexandria, check out the Mark Center neighborhood where you may find a three-bedroom apartment for under $2,000.
Overall, Alexandria is a very expensive place to call home. Bestplaces.net uses an average cost of living index of 100 as the national average. The Alexandria cost of living index is 165.2/100. By comparison, the Virginia cost of living is 114/100. By far, the most expensive cost is housing at 277/100, followed by transportation at almost 150/100, and groceries 105/100. The least expensive items are healthcare at 93/100 and utilities at 97/100.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, an Alexandria family of two adults and two children requires an income of $105,200 to live a modest but comfortable lifestyle. The median household income is $87,319 compared to the US average of $53,482.
Like Washington, DC and the rest of Northern Virginia, Alexandria has variable weather. In January, the weather tends to be cool, with lows around 27F and highs of around 42F. In January and February, you'll see some snow, though it tends to be only about five to six inches total per year, and some years there's hardly any white fluffy stuff at all.
July tends to be the warmest and most humid month, with an average high of 87F and lows of 68F. Rain is plentiful overall, with about 41 inches per year and evenly distributed from month to month, except during the snowy season.
Being a bit inland from the coast, Alexandria isn't especially vulnerable to hurricanes, though larger storms can have a residual impact. Large snowstorms are relatively uncommon, but they're one of the major threats. Flooding from the Potomac River can be a problem in Old Town in the spring. For disaster preparedness info, see the municipal website.
Alexandria has a thriving economy and a booming job market. The unemployment rate, as of August 2019, was a low 2.3%, compared with the national average of 3.9%. This low unemployment rate, combined with a very high per-capita income of $57,000 (vs. $31,200 nationally), and a median family income of $87,319 compared with $57,700 nationally indicates that Alexandria is a prosperous city. Job growth is almost 2% compared to the national 1.6%, and the ten-year job growth projection is a whopping 41%.
So, where do the residents of Alexandria work? By far, the largest industry is the federal government. In particular, the Department of Defense has several facilities here. Other government agencies call Alexandria home, including the Patent and Trademark Office, Food and Nutrition Service, and the National Science Foundation. Several nonprofits are headquartered in Alexandria as well. If large corporations are more your speed, consider working with Giant Foods, Inova Health, or the Home Depot, all of which have large corporate offices here. Naturally, a large assortment of law firms, trade groups, and advocacy organizations do business here too.
Want a job in Alexandria? Your best bet is to try and get a job with the federal government or one of its contractors. Securing one of these jobs is much easier if you're a US citizen and can get a high-level security clearance, but that's not your only option. Many clerical jobs have a very low-security requirement. Alternatively, high-paying jobs are in medicine, law, or various trade groups.
Overall, Alexandria has bad traffic, but a good public transportation system helps relieve congestion. Walking and biking are also good options for getting around. Walkscore.com rates Alexandria 60/100 for walking, and 55/100 for public transit. There are times you'll want a car, but in the right neighborhood you can do a ton without needing one. For example, if you live in Old Town, you can walk if you work locally, or take the metro or a bus if you commute to DC. However, out in Mark Center and western neighborhoods, you'll want a car.
Major east-west thoroughfares are Duke Street, Beauregard Street, Janney's, W Braddock, and Glebe. North-south streets are Quaker Lane, N Jordan, Ft William Parkway, Russell Rd, Rte 1, and N Washington Street.
Interstate 395 runs through Alexandria, either northwest over the Potomac right into Washington DC, or southwest into Virginia. Interstate 495 runs west to east from central Virginia, through Alexandria, across the Potomac, and into Maryland. These interstates are part of the DC Beltway system, and during rush hour they're constantly jammed, as are the east-west roads.
Weekday rush hours are long; you'll fight congestion from 5:30 or 6:00 to 9:00 am, and from 3:30 until around 6:00 pm. Congestion is particularly bad in Old Town and near Mark Center due to the number of businesses in those areas and due to the large number of people cutting through Alexandria on their way to and from DC. When you drive, expect to pay through the nose for parking.
Using mass transit is great if you live near a convenient station. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) serves Alexandria with the green and yellow lines to DC. The City of Alexandria operates the DASH bus system which connects with Metrorail, Metrobus and the Virginia Railway Express (VRE). The free trolley runs from King Street Metro Station to the waterfront. If you are renting, you may be lucky enough to land a unit in an apartment complex that provides a shuttle to metro stations.
Water taxis and river service by the Potomac Riverboat Company offer another commuting option between the DC National Mall and Alexandria. If you'll be planning a flight, Reagan-Washington National Airport (DCA) is just six minutes north of Old Town, and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is 33 miles northwest of Alexandria. Amtrak intercity services are accessible at the Alexandria Union Station, right next to the Old Town metro station.
Alexandria offers an impressive selection of cultural activities. Although most of the national monuments are across the Potomac in Washington, DC, Alexandria has its share of interesting historical sites. The restaurant scene is lively, and you can get a fabulous meal at a significantly lower price than you would in downtown DC. The leafy green areas of Old Town are wonderful for walking or taking a stroll along the waterfront.
Other waterfront activities include boat cruises, waterfront dining, events and festivals in Waterfront Park, sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. A special 'canine cruise on the Potomac' is offered exclusively for well-behaved dogs and their well-trained owners. And you can even take a craft beer cruise, pirate cruise, or entertainment cruise.
For more family fun, check out Potomac Yard Park, situated on the banks of the river. Mt Jefferson Park is another greenway in the center of town, with hiking and walking trails. Four Mile Run Park has a baseball diamond, as well as recreation facilities for the whole family. Winkler Botanical Preserve, close to the Mark Center neighborhood, has lovely gardens to enjoy. A favorite pastime for locals is to jog, walk, or bike the beautiful 18 mile Mount Vernon Trail that hugs the Potomac River from the National Mall, through Alexandria, and down to Mount Vernon.
Colonial history buffs appreciate Alexandria's museums. The George Washington National Masonic Memorial is a monument to the nation's first president, one of the world's most famous Masons. The memorial houses a museum and a library of Masonic history. Carlyle House is a late-colonial mansion with beautiful gardens. Since Alexandria played a unique role in Black history, the Alexandria Black History Museum is another interesting spot to visit.
You won't find professional sports teams in Alexandria, but since you'll be so close to Washington, DC, you can join other locals who are fans of the Washington Nationals and the Redskins, among other DC franchises. Besides this, high school teams are about the only show in town.
Like with sports, Alexandria largely plays second-fiddle to Washington, DC, in the public education realm. However, there are still some quality, even famous, educational options here. Alexandria City Public Schools serves 15,000 students, and the district spends $17,582 per student compared to the US average of $12,383. Although they have an ample budget and better than average elementary schools, the quality of education at the high school is controversial. The level of student success is high for those attending AP classes and those accepted by colleges and universities, but the test scores are low. On the other hand, the student body is mostly low-income and foreign-born students. Most students from average to high-income families attend private schools.
Several private school options are available, including St. Stevens and St. Agnes School, Bishop Ireton High, Episcopal High, Alexandria Country Day School, and the Commonwealth Academy.
Beyond high school, there are a few options at several subsidiary campuses. George Washington University, based in DC, has an Alexandria campus, as does Virginia Tech. Virginia Commonwealth University holds social work classes in Alexandria, and Northern Virginia Community College grants two-year degrees and certificates. Virginia Theological Seminary offers graduate programs.
Of the many great things about Alexandria is its low crime rate. Bestplaces.net lists a violent crime index of 11.9, compared to a national average of 22.7. For property crime, the rate is 28.6 against a national average of 35.4. Although the property crime rate is closer to the national average, Alexandria is a safe city where you're far more likely to have your wallet pinched than find yourself mugged. As for crime hotspots, the main problem areas are at mass transit centers and shopping areas. Some parts of Mark Center are a bit more prone to vehicle theft or violence.
Gas Service: Washington Gas is the local provider. You can start your service here.
Electric Service: Dominion Electric; contact them here.
Water and Sewer Service: In Alexandria, these services are separate. Virginia American Water provides water, and Alexandria Renew offers sewage service. Alexandria Public Works maintains the water and sewer lines.
Trash Pickup and Recycling Service: Handled by the Alexandria City government. Find details here for trash, and here for recycling.
Phone, Internet and Cable Service: Verizon and Comcast offer all three services. Other options include Dish, DirecTV, and AT&T for satellite or phone.
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Choosing the right neighborhood for your family can be challenging. Deciding where to live means thinking about how much money you can spend on housing, where children might go to school, and the commute, among other things. To help, we've included information on some of Alexandria's best neighborhoods.
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A beautiful family-friendly neighborhood of 12,300 residents, North Ridge-Rosemont, is located in the north-central part of Alexandria. Rte 7 is to the south, Glebe Road is to the north, and the east-west boundaries are Russell Rd and N Quaker Lane. This area is mainly residential and has large homes on small lots, although there are some smaller condo units as well.
The main roads around the neighborhood boast plenty of shopping, most notably on Braddock Road. Goat Hill Park, Monticello Park, and Landover Park provide lovely green space, in addition to Ivy Hill Cemetery. Employers include Woodbine Rehabilitation Center, St. Steven's and St. Agnes School. You'll find a few hotels and various shopping and dining venues.
You can expect to pay $620,000 for the average home, although listings for small condos can be as low as $205,000 and large homes can set you back $2.6 million. Rent is fairly expensive at $2,100 per month, although a wide range of rents are available depending on the size of the home you want.
Students attend Barrett Elementary (greatschools rating 6/10), Gunston Middle (6/10), and Williams High (2/10, but see note about this in the education section).
Close to Old Town and the Potomac River, this neighborhood of 24,000 residents is part of central Alexandria, and it's sometimes called Del Rey. Potomac West is bordered by Rte 1 to the east, Russell Rd to the west, and is between Four Mile Rd and Four Mile Run to the south and north. Mount Vernon Avenue runs north-south, and along with Route 1 contains much of the shopping and other convenient businesses.
Braddock Road and King Street metro stations are in the southern part of Potomac West. A concert hall, The Birchmere, has hosted many major music performances in the past and remains a major attraction. If you like your green spaces, this neighborhood is wonderful. Several city parks are here, most notably Four Mile Run Park, which is partially in Arlington but mostly in Alexandria.
This neighborhood, considered an enclave for the arts, has a semi-urban mixture of residential and commercial elements. If you live here, there's a chance you won't feel the need to have a car. Real estate isn't cheap – $660,000 will buy you the average house, with a price range between $225,000 and 1.7 million. Rentals cost $1650, and apartments tend to be pretty small for the price.
Children attend Mt. Vernon Community School (2/10), Gunston Middle (6/10), and Williams High (2/10). George Washington Middle School is also in the neighborhood, as is Commonwealth Academy.
Arguably the most iconic part of Alexandria, Old Town has 6,800 residents who live in a quaint, urban setting. Although this neighborhood has a fairly significant land area, there aren't as many residents as expected because most of Old Town consists of commercial real estate. Apartments and row houses are quite compact, but some people choose to live here because of the charm and convenience of being able to walk to work.
Historic Old Town is shaped like a T, occupying Duke, King, and Cameron Streets from Sunset Drive to the river, Union Street from N Washington to the river, and the area south of Duke Street but east of N Washington. Old Town is where you'll find most of Alexandria's historical attractions such as the Lyceum Museum, Carlyle House, and the Alexandria Black History Museum. Locals love all the attractive waterfront restaurants, amenities, and events.
Many major employers are in Old Town, including the Patent and Trademark Office, United Way, and the National Association of Elementary School Principals. However, boutiques, sidewalk cafes, museums, and entertainment venues dominate the area.
Naturally, such a great neighborhood comes at a price. Homebuyers can expect to pay $825,000 for the privilege of living here and renting costs $1800 on average. Many of the apartments are very small, making renting a challenge for families. However, if you do have children, they'll go to Jefferson-Houston Elementary (3/10), Washington Middle (2/10), and Williams High (2/10).
This neighborhood of 6,900 residents is west of Old Town and arguably serves as an extension of it. Bordered by N Quaker Lane, King Street, and Duke Street, Janney's Lane also bisects the neighborhood. Also part of the main Alexandria business district, Taylor Run has a few car dealerships, an animal hospital, and several churches. Also, there are several small shopping centers, and the Alexandria Public Works Department is on Duke Street. You also find Chinquapin Park and Gardens, Angel Park, and the Masonic Memorial in Taylor Run.
Located among the neighborhood businesses are several sizeable residential areas. Most homes are large and built on expansive lots. Residents have a ton of open space to enjoy, and many families live here. If you'd like to join the many happy residents of Taylor Run, you'll have to shell out an average of $488,000, though some homes are worth more than a million. Rentals are relatively reasonable by Alexandria standards at around $1300 per month. Children attend MacArthur Elementary (3/10), Washington Middle (2/10), and Williams High (2/10).
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Between George Washington Parkway and Potomac Greens Drive, this area with a population of 1,100 fills an area between Old Town and the Potomac River. Most homes are row houses, condos, or apartments, though there are a few free-standing houses. Some shopping is available; however, Northeast is mainly a residential area, with a fire station and two small city parks. Most businesses in the immediate vicinity are just outside this neighborhood, which is essentially a residential counterpart to Old Town.
If you're looking for an urban neighborhood with a historic vibe, Northeast Alexandria might be a good fit. Housing will cost you between $600,000 and $700,000 to purchase. However, if you don't mind living in a tiny apartment, you can rent for around $900 per month. Students attend Jefferson-Houston Elementary (3/10), Washington Middle (2/10), and Williams High (2/10).
Bordered by I-395, I-495, North Quaker Lane, and Duke Street, Seminary Hill is a large section of Alexandria with 22,500 inhabitants. Residents can enjoy two city parks, Cameron Run Regional, and Fort Ward. Fort Ward has walking trails and offers the opportunity for people to decompress in the middle of their busy lives. At the heart of this area are Inova Alexandria Hospital, Virginia Theological Seminary, and Episcopal High School. Other businesses include the Alexandria Police Department, Islamic Relief USA, a construction company, and several shopping centers, one of which is quite large. Seminary Hill is a very diverse suburban neighborhood with a lot to offer.
When it comes to housing, Seminary Hill has a wide variety of options, with everything from small apartments to houses with multiple bedrooms. Prices are fairly reasonable for Alexandria. Expect to pay around $360,000 to purchase a home or $1250 for a rental. Lots of families live here, and students attend McArthur Elementary (3/10), Hammond Middle (3/10), and Williams High (2/10).
Eisenhower East, mainly a business district, is bordered by Duke Street, I-495, Four Mile Run, and Telegraph Road, with Eisenhower Avenue running right down the middle. Almost 4,300 people call this area home.
The federal government has many facilities here, including the Patent and Trademark Office, the National Science Foundation, and the U.S Courthouse. City offices are located here too, including the Alexandria sheriff's office, jail, and sewer authority. Other interesting employers are the Society for Human Resource Management, the Motley Fool, and some law offices. Also, there are several good-sized shopping centers and a metro station. It's fair to say that many residents can walk or take the bus to work because their jobs are just down the street. There is a payoff, however, of likely not having a yard for your kids.
Most of the homes here are small condos, townhomes, and apartments. Homes can be purchased for around $434,000, though these tend to be condos in large complexes. Rentals run a not-so-cheap $2,000 per month. Children attend Lyles-Crouch Elementary (7/10), Jefferson Middle (3/10), and Williams High (2/10).
One of the city's larger neighborhoods, Landmark-VanDorn is located in western Alexandria and is between Holmes Run, Eisenhower Avenue, and I-395. Over 26,000 people call this area home. For a suburban neighborhood, residents have many options for greenspace among Landmark-VanDorn's parks including Stevenson Park, All Veterans Park, Joseph Hensley Park, Bren Mar Park, and Armistead Booth Park, among others. Alexandria's central library, several car dealerships, a recycling center, and several shopping areas with everything you might normally need are conveniently located throughout the neighborhood. But you'll need a car to access these handy amenities. Landmark Mall is a local attraction which is undergoing redevelopment into a mixed-use shopping area.
Homes tend to be small, and the population density is relatively high. Housing is generally affordable – buying a place will only set you back about $239,000, which in Alexandria is a bargain. Likewise, rents are affordable at $1400. Children attend Patrick Henry Elementary (5/10), Hammond Middle (2/10), and Williams High (2/10).
With a great quality of life waiting for you in Alexandria, VA, hire a vetted, licensed mover to get you there. Start by requesting free quotes for moving services from Great Guys Moving today. You'll be glad you did.
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Can Snapchat Succeed Where Google Failed?
The social media company's glasses may break the Google Glass stigma
DigitalProduct InnovationSocial Media
Rose Johnstone
While sports and fitness wearables have well and truly taken off in the last few years, the adoption of consumer devices has been clunky at best. Both Apple and Google have struggled to make their wearable products stick, with the latter's Glass drawing poor reviews and equally poor usage figures. As popular as wrist-worn devices have become, it's difficult to see head-mounted tech following the same adoption curve with issues of intrusion and style holding back smart glasses.
It's against this backdrop that the company formerly known as Snapchat is releasing its aptly named Spectacles. The one-size-fits-all sunglasses have a 115-degree wide view lens, which 'captures the human perspective' more effectively than other cameras and will, the company hopes, set the glasses apart. Tapping the top left-hand corner of the glass's frame will capture 10 seconds of video, and three taps will record 30 seconds of continuous video, which is then sent to a smartphone's Snapchat app via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
Tech Crunch described the newly renamed Snap Inc. as 'the only company cool enough to possibly dismantle the Google Glass stigma,' and it seems to have learned from Google's mistakes. One of the major issues Glass faced was around privacy; the public had no way of telling if they were being filmed by a wearer. Spectacles have a light fitted to the corner of the device that illuminates when it's recording, a measure Snap Inc. will hope can keep the public arguments to a minimum. Battery life is another issue with smart glasses, with PC Advisor finding that Glass' 'day-long' battery life runs out by around 4:30pm. Spectacles come with a charging carry-case, which can fill the day-long battery life four times on a single charge.
There are, predictably, reservations about the product, though. Though considerably more affordable than Google's more functional offering, a price tag of $129.99 (£100) is high for a product deemed 'just for fun,' particularly when it remains to be seen if the public will consider the product a necessary addition to an otherwise adequate smartphone camera. We'll have to wait and see if issues of shakiness and privacy affect the product, too, but the response to Snap Inc.'s first serious physical product has largely been good.
And it has to be. Snap Inc.'s core product is being targeted aggressively by Facebook and its subsidiaries, following years of rejected attempts at acquisition and a series of failed mimics. Instagram's relatively new Stories feature is lifted straight from Snapchat and its filters are one of Snap Inc.'s last remaining trump cards. It needs to diversify its range, and wearables could be a good way of doing so with decent profit margins. CEO Evan Spiegel has already done well to position the product as aspirational, pushing the angle that it removes the 'wall in front of your face' issue many have with incessant smartphone usage at events.
Just one look at the Spectacles and you expect the product will resonate more with its users than Glass ever could. Snapchat has a younger user base, and it has directly targeted the fashion conscious rather than the tech enthusiast. Having the cameras mounted into sunglasses - rather than sleek, professional frames - is a conscious decision about where and by whom the company wants its Spectacles to be used. 60% of Snapchat's users are between the ages of 13 and 24, with only 12% over the age of 35 - it's clear who Snap Inc. is designing for and it's a sensible strategy to target a smaller group with a novel piece of tech.
Partly where Google fell down so catastrophically was in the overtly futuristic, minimalist design of its Glass. The average consumer has only been recently introduced to wearable technology more generally, and the steps toward adoption have to be gentle ones. Snap Inc.'s Spectacles appear as an adapted classic, rather than a revolutionary piece of technology, and will be far less of a head-turner than the aesthetically unusual Glass. Snap Inc. claims the release - which could be very soon - will be limited until consumer opinion can be properly gauged but, in the long road to expunging the bad taste left by Google Glass, the company may be set to take giant strides.
Image courtesy of 360b/Shutterstock.com
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Stereo Stories' debut performance at the Williamstown Literary Festival on Saturday 31 May was warmly received by a very enthusiastic audience.
The performance, held in the old Williamstown Council Chambers (replete with wood panelling, flags and photos of past mayors), featured eight Stereo Stories.
There was pathos in the pieces by Lucia Nardo and Kerrie Soraghan, with both stories (Lilli Marlene and Song Sung Blue) accompanied by the evocative piano accordion playing of 88 year old Salvatore Romita. There was much humour in the stories by Brian Nankervis (We Can Work It Out) and Rijn Collins (Jackson) and a dose of local music history in Ian Carpenter's account of life as a Beatles fan.
Zoe Krupka's tale of sensory overload in Canberra finished with a rousing rendition of XTC's Senses Working Overtime.
Photo courtesy of 2014 Williamstown Literary Festival and official photographer Paulina Hryniewiecka.
Williamstown Literary Festival, May 2014. Our first gig.


Not too long ago, we met Sereni and Shentel and quickly became friends as we talked endlessly about fashion. These two besties are the amazing duo behind the fabulous headband brand, Sereni & Shentel, which we love so much you see us wearing them very often.
Look at how good they are with their hands and the fabulous headbands that they make, which appear on Gossip Girl and Desperate Housewives! We are really proud of them.
And tomorrow it's a big day for them (and for us too!) because they are launching their very first children's illustrated book!
Read here for more information about the book, the authors and illustrator, and how to get yourself a copy of the book.
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