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BIRDING TRIP REPORT:
Tobago & Trinidad
20 February to 1 March 2015
By Stephen Burch
Unlike some of my other recent long haul trips, this was not combined with any business. It was also a very welcome return to the tropics after a 10 year absence. Around this time of year, my wife and I have been in the habit of escaping the British winter to warmer climes. This year, having rather exhausted the Canaries, I fancied somewhere a bit more exotic with greater potential for photography and significantly increasing my life list!
During this trip we were "self propelled", having made all the arrangements ourselves, unlike most other birders we encountered who were either on tours or had had their arrangements taken care of by a travel company (MotMot Travel was a name often mentioned). The ASA Wright Nature Centre on Trinidad was clearly a must and we arranged to spend 3 nights there, preceded by six nights on Tobago. Here we spent the first 3 nights in the south, followed by 3 at the Blue Waters Inn (BWI) in the north. BWI is clearly on the same birding "circuit" as ASA Wright, and the birders we came across there were either destined for ASA Wright or had come from there.
On Tobago we hired a car and travelled independently but on Trinidad we relied fully on the ASA Wright Centre for airport transfers and excursions. With hindsight, it might have been better to spend an extra night on Trinidad as 3 nights seemed a little short for ASA Wright.
We flew with BA from Gatwick to Tobago, stopping at Antigua en-route. The BA check-in at Gatwick was surprisingly slow but the flight departed on time. The overall flight time was about 11hrs and we arrived on-time or early. The time difference was only 4hrs. We returned from Trinidad also by BA, via St Lucia. On both BA flights the Premium Economy food was less than impressive, with the breakfast on the return leg particularly poor. For the inter-island travel, we used Caribbean Airlines which involves a short (25min) flight - fortunately although the plane was a relatively small turbo-prop, my wheeled hand luggage (containing all my optics) fitted OK in the overhead lockers (this can be an issue on small planes).
Tobago seems to lack the major car rental companies, and so we used Sheppy's which was well reviewed. We were collected by them at the airport (their driver was a little late arriving, so we were wondering what had happened) and taken a short way to their office/depot. They were very friendly and had a small collection of cars. The first one (a Nissan Tiida) was very cramped but fortunately we managed to upgrade to something a bit larger without too much problem.
See comments at the bottom of the page.
Maps and navigation
The freytag & berndt 1:125,000 map of both islands was just about adequate for Tobago, but the free one from Sheppy's was just as good, if not better!
On Tobago we also made considerable use of a third party map for my Garmin SatNav from GPS Travel Maps. Unlike the UUD Japan Garmin map, this downloaded and installed fine. As in Japan in 2013, in advance of my trip, I had set about using Google Maps to find out the GPS co-ordinates for all the locations I wanted to visit, which I give below. Hopefully others may find this info useful - I certainly did, although navigation on Tobago isn't too challenging - it is a small island with a limited number of roads. The road quality is variable though, with parts of the main north/south road between Scarborough and Speyside is very poor condition in places.
It is also worth noting that they drive on the left and use US style electric plugs (2-pin mainly).
Birding information
For bird ID, we used "Birds of Trinidad & Tobago (second edition)" by Martyn Kenefick et al, which I can recommend. The illustrations were adequate and it covered all the birds we saw. For site information, I had the "A birdwatchers' guide to Trinidad & Tobago" by W L Murphy. This was of limited value as it was particularly dated for Tobago and of course on Trinidad we were using the services of ASA Wright. Several more recent on-line trip reports were probably more helpful for Tobago than this book.
The temperature in Trinidad & Tobago varies little throughout the year, and reached the low 30's C on sunny days. Late February is supposed to be firmly in the dry season, but we had a fair amount of rain, mainly on Trinidad! At least it was warm rain, although as this was the tropics it tended to come down very heavily for brief periods rather than being prolonged. Unfortunately often the conditions were quite dull, which didn't help the photography, especially in the rain forest.
All the pics shown below were taken with my DSLR equipment - Canon EOS 7D Mk II with either the EF 400mm f5.6 or EF400mm/f4 DO (also often with a x1.4TC). I also took both the tripod and a monopod, both of which were useful at times. Unlike others, I did not have any flash equipment with me, and hence the rain forest was a challenging place for photography, especially on dull days. All pics were taken in RAW format, and I use NeatImage for noise suppression, with PhotoShop Elements 9 for subsequent processing. For further details see the equipment and image processing pages elsewhere on this website. For general shots, I used a point and shoot Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ35.
I now describe the main sites and areas we visited, in approximate chronological order. To skip to Trinidad, click here.
Tobago (20 - 26 February)
After our long flight and tedious wait at Antigua, we arrived at the compact Tobago Airport late afternoon. After a bit of a wait for the luggage we were quickly through immigration and out on to the roadside outside the airport - no arrivals hall here! There was initially no sign of the Sheppy driver but she fortunately appeared very soon. After finally sorting out the hire car (see above) we found the traffic very heavy in the Crown Point area but we eventually cleared this and headed the short distance north to Black Rock and our hotel (which was poorly signed in the dark - but the GPS coords were spot on).
Le Grand Courlan Hotel and Black Rock Beach (GPS 11.201591,-60.785597)
The next morning we explored the hotel grounds and the beach below before breakfast. Even from our balcony the birding got off to a good start with Caribbean Martin and Short-tailed Swift. Birds in the grounds included Rufous-vented Chachalaca, Black-faced Grassquit, White-tipped Doves and the ubiquitous Bananaquit.
On the beach, which was reached by exiting a gate at the bottom of the hotel grounds and crossing a road, I was delighted to find an obliging Yellow-crowned Night Heron - a bird that had until now eluded me in various visits to the USA. Offshore were fishing Royal Terns, Brown Pelicans and Magnificent Frigatebirds overhead. A good start!
Bananaquit Tropical Mockingbird
Royal Tern (click to enlarge) Yellow Crowned Night Heron (click to enlarge)
Tobago Plantations (GPS 11.154687,-60.788218 )
The entrance to this site (formerly called the Hilton pools) is easy to find on the southern side of the main road between Crown Point and Scarborough and is signed (I think). This is the approach road to the tourist complex and associated golf course around the huge Magdalena hotel on the windward coast.
It is probably the best birding site in the south of the island, but was somewhat disappointing on our two visits. The setup here is to stop (even if not asked) at the security gate and pay a nominal sum for a birding permit for the grounds. During the week at least, this can then then be presented at the Admin building (at 11.147456,-60.788108) whereupon they should open a rusty gate for you, which allows you access to a further set of weedy pools (sewage ponds) - which can have extra birds. There is also an extensive boardwalk through dense mangroves accessed from 11.147232,-60.783347, which I've not seen mentioned in other trip reports, possibly because it is not exactly obvious! However we saw nothing along this walk although it was an interesting environment, and Newton George (who we met later - see below) recommends it!
Immediately on the right of the approach road, before the security gate, there are views of a large pool with Anhingas, Great Egret and Green Heron etc. Also Spotted Sandpiper. Newton George later mentioned that Belted Kingfisher are here but we had seen no sign of them. There is also a pool to the left, just past the security gate, but that didn't seem to have much else. Southern Lapwings were all over the place!
Turning right at the first roundabout and then right again leads to the Admin building and a more productive quieter area, with a heronry close by on the right - full of Cattle Egrets, some in breeding plumage, and Tri-coloured Herons. We saw our first Eared Doves by the road here. Further on past the Admin building to the right there was another pool that had a few White-winged Swallows over in the late afternoon sun of our first visit, and some squabbling Smooth-billed Anis in the surrounding bushes.
We also had a very brief view of a flock of Green-rumped Parrotlets in the golf course part of the resort, where it was difficult to stop and much busier with cars coming & going.
Southern Lapwing (click to enlarge) Smooth billed Ani
Green Heron Eared Dove
I returned on my own in the early morning of our last day in the south of the island and gained access to the weedy pools accessed through the locked gate - where you can drive around if you ask. This had some nice Least Grebes, Wattled Jacanas, a few waders (Spotted and Solitary Sandpipers) and more herons, including Great Blue and Little Blue (mainly immatures, that can be mistaken on a casual glance for Little Egrets as they are white!). However there was no sign of Masked Ducks or White-cheecked Pintails which I later learned from Newton George can sometimes be found here.
Least Grebe (click to enlarge) Little Blue Heron (immature)
Cattle Egret (click to enlarge) Great Blue Heron (click to enlarge)
Grafton Estate (GPS 11.200291,-60.787531)
The entrance track to the Grafton Estate is signed off the road through Black Rock and was very close to our hotel. This drive-able track goes steeply uphill to a small parking area beside a derelict building to the right.
There is sign saying that the birds are fed daily at 10:00 and 16:00, but arriving at around 10 on a Sunday it was clear that there had been no feeding so far that day. There was evidence of some recent feeding - with a little liquid left in one of the feeders which are at the back of the derelict building. There were also several bird species hanging around in clear expectation of food! Most notable was the tame Trinidad Motmots. There were also large numbers of Rufous vented Chachalacas and a few tanagers - Blue-grey and Silver-lined. A family with a noisy toddler didn't exactly help though, but they eventually departed!
Trinidad Motmots (click left to enlarge)
We then went for a pleasant walk up the main track through the estate which proved to be quite productive and a good introduction to some of the special forest species to be found on Tobago. The best was a splendid Rufous-tailed Jacamar right on the path, but we also managed to find an impressive Cocoa Woodcreeper, a Barred Antshrike and the perpetual motion White-fringed Antwren (2 pairs) that are not found on Trinidad. We also had a glimpse of something that was almost certainly a Scrub Greenlet and various flycatchers.
Rufous tailed Jacamar (click to enlarge) Rufous vented Chachalaca (click to enlarge)
Adventure Farm (GPS 11.222952,-60.76564)
The roads around this site were a bit confusing, but having these co-ordinates in the SatNav made finding it very easy. The low key entrance can be recognised by closely separated small IN and OUT signs by the roadside which mark the entrance track which leads up to small parking areas below the house.
After paying a small fee, you are able to view a large number of feeders arranged along one side of the house. There are also two trails, the longer of which goes up a hill and is only open a few days of the week, in the morning. However the other shorter one which goes in a small loop through the grounds below the house is always open.
The feeders was of course where we started, to admire at close quarters the numerous hummingbirds of four different species - White-naped Jacobin, Black-throated Mango, Copper-rumped Hummingbird and the startling Ruby Topaz (when it faces you!). Photo opportunities were however only moderate as the perches weren't especially convenient. Other birds included a brief Barred Antshrike, Grey-blue Tanagers, White-lined Tanagers, a Spectacled Thrush and a Red-crowned Woodpecker. It was here I made my first attempts at hummingbird in flight photography which worked out surprisingly well without any flash (but of course with masses of rejects!).
Black throated Mango (male) (click to enlarge) Black throated Mango (female) (click to enlarge)
White necked Jacobin (female) White lined Tanager (click to enlarge)
The trail through the garden at Adventure Farm also produced some good birds, most notably Northern Waterthrush and another White-fringed Antwren.
Other sites in southern Tobago
We didn't have much success at various other sites we tried in southern Tobago during our 3-night stay. The Bon Accord lagoons, as described in the Murphy site guide book (and various trip reports) no longer seem to exist, from the road at least. There was also no sign of the Buccoo Marsh site as far as I could see. The Pigeon Point area was thronged by tourists and the beach produced only a few White-winged Swallows, Brown Pelicans and Magnificent Frigatebirds. The Kilgwyn Swamp road was also unproductive - although contrary to one trip report, it is now possible simply to drive along the road through the mangroves to the sea. The only list addition here was a brief Brown Flycatcher at the back of the beach. Out to sea there was nothing!
Blue Waters Inn (GPS 11.307142,-60.529307 )
The drive north to Speyside via Scarborough was notable for its extreme slowness (about 2hrs!) and various obstacles including very poor stretches of road, incredibly slow drivers and even a funeral procession! BWI was reached down a narrow approach road guarded by a security gate and was right by the sea. Distant Red-billed Tropicbirds were immediately visible through bins, over in the direction of Little Tobago. There was also a delightfully confiding flock of Turnstones pottering around from time to time. The beach was good for a quick swim on the first couple of days of our 3 day stay, but thereafter large quantities of unpleasant seaweed suddenly appeared covering the sand.
There were a few hummingbird feeders around but they tended to be in deep shade and didn't seem to be attracting anything very interesting. By now we had seen most of the common Tobago birds so didn't spend any of our limited time exploring the grounds which can be quite productive according to some other trip reports.
Rain forest excursion with Newton George
Well in advance I had booked this half day trip with Newton George, which was the undoubted highlight of our stay on Tobago and thoroughly recommended. Newton is a very good guide - better than some of those provided later for us by ASA Wright (more of which below).
This trip took place on our first full day at the BWI and involved an 06:00 departure, returning in time for lunch. We were with two other birding couples in a minibus driven by Newton. Our first stop was a small marshy area not far from the BWI which had both Spotted and Solitary Sandpipers, Black-faced Grassquit, Grey-rumped Swifts over and a small flock of Blue-winged Teal. There were also a couple of rather grotty immature Yellow crowned Night Herons (not a patch on the adult on the Black Rock beach!).
The next stop was by a river which was a site for Common Potoo, roosting high up on a tree. Closer to hand was a Yellow-breasted Flycatcher and another White-fringed Antwren.
After that, we headed up into the mountains along the Roxborough to Bloody Bay Road. The conditions were now good with some sun after overnight and early morning rain and bird activity was high. Several Trinidad Motmots were seen, and a few Rufous-tailed Jacamars. One stop produced Broad-winged Hawk over and Streaked & Ochre-bellied Flycatchers. The next stop was more productive though with one of my top targets - a splendid Collared Trogon (not seen on all of Newton's trips apparently) which showed reasonably well. This was unfortunately the only trogon we saw on this entire trip (we dipped on all 3 on Trinidad). There was also a Plain-Ant Vireo and Grey Kingbird in this area, along with a Golden-olive Woodpecker.
We then drove past the Gilpin Trace entrance to a building with a view and some basic toilet facilities where we had a picnic breakfast provided by BWI. This stop was also notable for good views of another key target - an ace Blue-backed Manakin, briefly out the open (which I unfortunately managed to miss most of, being otherwise engaged) and a distant White-necked Thrush.
Collared Trogon - what a bird! Back view of a Blue backed Manakin!
Shiny Cowbird Grey Kingbird
The Gilpin Trace footpath was slightly wet & muddy but no problem for my walking boots (certainly no need for wellies!). It went through dense rainforest which was good for a small number of bird species but almost impossible for flash-less photography. Probably the best bird was a White-tailed Sabrewing but it was quite distant and high up in the trees. It was difficult to get too excited about a Yellow Legged Thrush, which looked remarkably like our Blackbird! Persistent play-back and searching by Newton eventually produced Olivaceous Woodcreeper (which I had already seen in Brazil) and Stripe-breasted Spinetail which was a lifer. This was quite a thin total but about 2hrs of birding - Newton spent a lot of time saying that this & that can often be seen right by the path (e.g. Blue-backed Manakin lekking) but not today it seemed!
The return route was similar to the outward leg. Stopping again on the Roxborough to Bloody Bay road produced Venezuelan Flycatcher and we had good views from the coast road of a Green-rumped Parrotlet on roadside wires and a Red-crowned Woodpecker. Best of all, there were two impressive Great-black Hawks soaring over a nearby hill.
Hummingbird Gallery, Speyside (GPS 11.295149,-60.539113 )
Towards the end of the afternoon of the rain forest day we decided to visit Newton's Hummingbird Gallery which was only a short distance from the BWI on the top side of the village of Speyside at 3 Tophill street.
This had several feeders similar to Adventure Farm but the arrangements for photography were considerably better - Newton had even brought a dead tree down from the hills to create suitably photogenic perches! This site has regular White-tailed Sabrewing but in the breeding season they can be elusive - we only had brief visits from one, with views only on the feeders for a few seconds towards dusk. The day before it had apparently been considerably more obliging - but only after the visitors had departed! This happened to us as well - after its initial appearance at about 17:00 we waited until about 18:00, only to be called back by Newton from the bottom of his drive. We missed the Sabrewing briefly perched clear of the feeders and only had the briefest of feeder views.
Other birds here included the four hummers seen at Adventure Farm and various Tanagers, Barred Antshrike etc. I spent some time trying for more hummingbird flight shots and anything else that came in range of my lens!
White necked Jacobin (click to enlarge) Ruby Topaz
Ruby Topaz (click left to enlarge)
Barred Ant Shrike (click to enlarge) Copper Rumped Hummingbird (click to enlarge)
Palm Tanager (click to enlarge) Blue grey Tanager (click to enlarge)
Little Tobago
We had also arranged for Newton George to take us to Little Tobago but it emerged he was more productively booked that day with a round the island tour for 6 or more clients. He did however arrange for someone else to take us. This consisted of the standard snorkeling tour group but with a modification for birders! The whole party was taken across to the island and walked the 15mins or so up to the viewpoint. We were then left there for about 1.5 hrs while the others snorkeled. They then returned to the island to collect us. The seas were quite rough for this trip and embarking and disembarking the small boat was a bit difficult in the heavy swell.
The viewpoint consists of a panoramic view down to the sea over sloping cliffs. When we arrived all the birds were very distant - Red-billed Tropicbirds, Magnificent Frigatebirds, Red-footed and Brown Boobies. During the next hour and a half, somewhat disappointingly the birds only approached us quite infrequently and there weren't as many tropicbirds as I was expecting to see. Also we were told this wasn't the right time of year for Audobon's Shearwaters in their nesting burrows, but this didn't accord with other trip reports I've seen. It is possible the guide simply couldn't be bothered to show us any, or didn't want to disturb them?
Other birds seen on the island and from the viewpoint were limited to a couple of Broad-winged Hawks over, a few Crested Oropendolas and a few Blue-Grey Tanagers. So a slightly disappointing visit, but I did get the odd photo:
Red-billed Tropicbird (click left to enlarge)
Magnificent Frigatebird (click to enlarge)
Flagstaff Hill (GPS 11.329379,-60.53999 )
We visited this site towards the end of the afternoon of the Little Tobago day, and enjoyed our time there. The weather was reasonable with some sun, and this hill was a good viewpoint. A few interesting birds were around, most notably some Orange-winged Parrots, which occasionally came within range and allowed their photos to be taken. I'm quite pleased with the BIFs below, especially the parrot which was moving at high speed - the new AF system on the 7D Mk II may have helped here. There were also a couple of Yellow-headed Caracaras around - also coming quite close. The canopy below also had a few Blue-grey Tanagers and one Red-legged Honeycreeper.
Orange Winged Parrot (click to enlarge) Yellow headed Caracara (click to enlarge)
Trinidad (26 February - 1 March)
We left the BWI immediately after a quick breakfast as we were somewhat concerned about the time needed for the drive to the airport given our northward experience. However in the relatively early morning the traffic wasn't as bad and it only took about 1.5hrs to reach the airport from the BWI, so we were quite early for our 11:10 departure, which was considerably delayed. On arrival at Trinidad we quickly connected with the ASA Wright driver and arrived at the Centre in time for a late lunch (I had arranged for them to keep us some).
ASA Wright Nature Centre
The veranda at ASA Wright is world famous as a relaxing place to watch a good selection of colourful birds and it did not disappoint, despite the weather which was often wet. From the veranda and immediate surrounds we enjoyed views of 10 species of hummingbird. In addition to the common four from Tobago we saw the amazing Tufted Coquette, White-chested Emerald, Blue-chinned Sapphire, Green Hermit and Long-billed Starthroat. A Little Hermit showed briefly at the top of the Discovery trail, nearby.
Exotic tanagers and honeycreepers were also much in evidence, including Purple and Green Honeycreepers, Turquoise Tanager, Silver-beaked Tanager, White-lined Tanager and Bay-headed Tanager. Other birds on or around the feeders included Cocoa Thrush and the wonderfully named Violaceous Euphonia. Slightly more distant were a colony of nesting Crested Oropendolas, Channel-billed Toucan, Orange Winged Parrots, Yellow Oriole and Bearded Bellbird (which favoured the top of a distant tree, affording reasonable 'scope views - also briefly once closer). When the weather cleared (it did once!) raptors appeared over the valley below - Black Hawk Eagle, Common Black Hawk and White Hawk.
Photography was not quite as productive - the feeders and surrounding bushes were rather too distant and well below. After a while I found that the left end of the veranda was better with a small tree at eye level and nice & close. It sometimes held honeycreepers and tanagers, often sheltering from the torrential rain!
Complementary rum punch is served here in the early evening before dinner - very civilised!
Purple Honeycreeper (click to enlarge) Green Honeycreeper (click to enlarge)
Tufted Coquette (click to enlarge) White chested Emerald (click to enlarge)
Blue chinned Sapphire (click to enlarge) Violaceous Euphonia (click to enlarge)
There is a good network of trails around the ASA Wright Centre and a free map is available for self-guided walks which are encouraged (contrary to some reports). In our short stay we had little time for this, and our initial solo exploration of the Discovery Trial in the late afternoon of our first day was not productive. The next morning we did much better with a guide on the standard welcome tour that all new visitors get on their first morning. The best birds were 3+ very showy White Bearded Manakins performing well at their lek - out in the open and right by the path. The light was dreadful though needing ISO 6400! We also had much poorer views of a single Golden-headed Manakin.
White bearded Manakins
Golden headed Manakin Grey lined Hawk
For stays of 3 nights or more at ASA Wright, a free guided tour to Dunstan cave is also included. These take place twice a week and ours was on our last morning in dull, sometimes wet conditions. En-route down to the caves the guide showed us a White-flanked Antwren, but the main interest of course was the Oilbirds in the cave. It was very dark, and quite wet under foot (I think I was in the middle of a small stream!) but the guide's torch provided sufficient illumination for some photos. Fortunately one bird was quite close and in the very limited time available I managed to get a reasonable photo - a tripod was essential for the long exposure needed.
Oilbird (click to enlarge)
Caroni Swamp Tour
My main aim of the Trinidad leg of this trip was to see Scarlet Ibis, which can only be achieved by going to the Caroni Swamp. Well in advance I requested that ASA Wright run one of these tours on either of the two days we had available. This half day tour leaves after lunch, and generally takes in a couple of stops en-route to the swamp. We stopped first at some sewage work pools for a quick but productive stroll. Both Tyrants - Pied Water Tyrant & White headed Marsh Tyrant showed well, as did Yellow-hooded Blackbirds. There was also a Yellow-chinned Spinetail, Striated Heron and distant Osprey.
After that we were driven to the edge of the swamp where we looked in vain for Masked Cardinal, but we did pick up a few Saffron Finches. At around 16:00 we boarded a boat that was dedicated to our party only, with a bird expert boat-man as well as the ASA Wright guide. Note that many general tourist boats depart from the same place, at the same time, but almost certainly do not stop for the interesting birds to be seen in the swamp on the way to the Scarlet Ibis roost. We proceeded at a leisurely pace, and almost immediately had a very poor view of a Green-throated Mango, followed by many Little Blue Herons. Others notable birds in the dense mangroves included Straight-billed Woodcreeper, Bicoloured Conebill, Common Potoo and best of all a delightful pair of Tropical Screech Owls. Pygmy Kingfisher was also spotted by all. We also saw some bats, a snake and some crabs.
It wasn't until a little before 18:00 that we arrived at the Scarlet Ibis roost site, and by the then the light, which had been poor all day, was even worse! The boats stay well away from the roosting bushes but a few of the hundreds of Scarlet Ibis coming into roost flew somewhat closer to our boat. They were a magnificent spectacle - made even better by a generous allowance of ASA Wright rum punch!
On the return in almost complete darkness, we briefly saw a Grey-naped Wood-Rail illuminated by the guide's torch.
Tropical Screech Owl (click to enlarge) Common Potoo
Scarlet Ibis
Great Egret going away - right photo is crop of the left one!
Nariva Swamp Tour
Taking in the Nariva swamp on the east coast involves a full day tour, plenty of driving and emerging briefly from the minibus for brief stops. Only at a couple of places could we stretch our legs a little. Nevertheless it was reasonably productive but not in the same "must do" category as the Caroni Swamp.
At the start of this tour we stopped a few times along the Arima Valley which produced some good raptors - Grey-lined Hawk, White Hawk as well as Blue Dacnis. The first main site is the Aripo agricultural research station which had a nesting Pearl Kite near the entrance and Green-rumped Parrotlets as well. The specialities here were both Tyrants again, Grassland Yellow Finch and the impressive Red-breasted Blackbird. Raptors comprised numerous Black Vultures and a Savannah Hawk or two.
Pied Water Tyrant White headed Marsh Tyrant
Close up Black Vulture Distant Savannah Hawk
Reaching the Nariva Swamp then required a further hour or more of driving, interrupted briefly by a stop for Yellow-rumped Caciques. The swamp area itself was initially somewhat disappointing with only Black-bellied Whistling Duck although a bushy area produced a nice Black-crested Ant Shrike. The next area of swamp was better with crippling views of Pineated Bittern, a brief glimpse of a White-tailed Goldenthroat and a Striped Cuckoo, in considerable heat. At the end of the afternoon we went on a short walk looking for Red-Bellied Macaws which duly appeared although I was too slow to get onto the two that came close enough for photographs. There was also a confiding Solitary Sandpiper on a muddy pool along the path, although I didn't have very long to photograph it. All in all, this was a pleasant spot to end the day and drink another ration of rum punch!
Pineated Bittern close up Solitary Sandpiper
Place Comment
Stanhill Court Hotel, nr Gatwick We needed a hotel for the night before our departure and this place had reasonable reviews. However I cannot recommend this place at all! We arrived reasonably late to find the reception area open but deserted. After a few minutes we noticed a sign saying we needed to phone to raise somebody, who then duly appeared and appeared to note our taxi time for the next day. There was no lift and no help with our bags up a very long flight of stairs to the first floor. The breakfast the next morning was adequate but not worth the additional £11 each (I had thought it was included). When the taxi failed to arrive it was clear that the receptionist hadn't booked it the previous night. So we had about a half hour delay, which is not good for the nerves before a long flight!
Hotel Le Grand Courlan, Black Rock, Tobago
Situated in the south of the island on the leeward coast this large sprawling hotel occupied a slope down to the nice beach below (across a minor road). Our sea-view room was at the top, up one floor from the reception/arrival area (no lift). The room was fine with a balcony and distant sea-view but the place as a whole was very quiet - almost deserted! The one dinner we had there was poor (slow service and mediocre food) but lunch one day was better and breakfast OK. For the other 2 nights we went to the excellent nearby Sea Horse restaurant (down on the road behind the beach - reached to the right through the exit gate at the bottom of the hotel grounds - but note this is locked at night, so we had to get the restaurant to phone security at the adjacent Grafton Beach hotel to let us back in after our meal!).
Blue Waters Inn, Speyside, Tobago
11.307142,-60.529307 Nice situation right by the sea, outside of Speyside and down a private track (with manned security gate). Room was fine and the food OK - better the first night when we able to have a la carte than the other two when there was only a buffet (more guests). Quite expensive. There were a few hummingbird feeders around (but largely in shade and not apparently attracting much) and a nice party of tame Turnstones. Distant Red-billed Tropicbirds towards Little Tobago and convenient for Little Tobago and Newton George trips. Has its own generator - which was a definite advantage when the whole island suffered a prolonged power cut!
ASA Wright Nature Centre, Trinidad
A great place and a real institution! The veranda is justifiably famous for relaxed birding! We were fortunate to have a room close to the main building and did not find the party wall too thin, as reported by some others (maybe we just had quiet neighbours!). Food generally better than expected given other reports - especially the late lunch we had on our arrival which was very tasty. Definitely recommended - wished we had stayed longer than 3 nights, although it is expensive.
© All pictures copyright Stephen Burch


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C.O.R.E. Medical Clinic, Inc. is one of the only methadone programs in California that offers psychiatric services at no additional costs to patients who are admitted to our maintenance program. C.O.R.E.'s Medical Director, Dr. Randall Stenson, is a licensed board-certified psychiatrist who has been practicing in the field of addiction medicine and psychiatry for 30+ years. Co-occurring disorders (when someone suffers from addiction and mental illness), previously known as dual diagnosis, are common in our patient population. Addressing mental health issues is crucial in addiction treatment. Successful recovery is sometimes impossible without psychiatric care.
C.O.R.E. Medical Clinic, Inc. provides limited primary care services such as abscess treatment, tuberculosis (TB) testing, pregnancy testing and hepatitis A & B vaccination services. Our medical staff also makes Hepatitis C treatment referrals and other necessary medical referrals such as EKGs and methadone blood serum levels.
This program is run in conjunction with our methadone maintenance program. Withdrawal from opiates can be potentially dangerous to the unborn child and mother. Additional services include weekly pregnancy group meetings with our staff physician and pregnancy counselor, weekly urinalysis drug testing, coordination of treatment with your OB/GYN, and specialized counseling services focused on pregnancy, parenting, nutrition, and breast feeding. Split doses are typically provided for pregnant patients due to increased metabolism. Please contact Cynthia Giddings at (916) 442-4985 to learn more about this program.
C.O.R.E. Medical Clinic, Inc. employs a Hmong speaking counselor experienced in working with this population. He also speaks Thai and Laotian. Our current counselor has a Master's Degree in education in addition to his alcohol and drug certification. C.O.R.E. maintains a Southeast Asian Resource Guide on-site to provide culturally competent referrals. Please contact Pa Ia 442-4985 to learn more about this program.
This group is held on the 3rd Wednesday of every month from 11am-noon. Dr. Stenson focuses on how opiates affect our brain chemistry and our internal endorphin system. This meeting is open to the public and family/friends of patients are encouraged to attend to learn more about opiate addiction.
Overdose Prevention Training – Conducted by Harm Reduction Services. Rescue breathing and naloxone (aka narcan) administration is covered. Upon completion of the class, participants receive two free doses of naloxone and an administration kit plus other valuable information. This group is held once a month.
Housing the Homeless – Conducted by Sacramento Steps Forward. A Homeless Outreach Coordinator links patients to housing and housing resources, in addition to helping patients secure valid ID cards. This group is held once a month.
Hepatitis C Support Group – Focuses on providing up-to-date medical information, support for those in treatment, and educational information. Hepatologists and other special guests occasionally facilitate this group. This group is held at the Sacramento Native American Health Center and is facilitated by a C.O.R.E. employee.
Relapse Prevention Group – Focuses on helping people discontinue all illicit drug use, including cocaine, crack, and/or methamphetamine use.
Women's Empowerment (Women only) – Focuses on self-esteem, stress reduction, healthy relationships, health & wellness, parenting skills, domestic violence, and much more.
Pregnancy Support and Parenting Group – Covers risks and effects of illicit and legal drug use during pregnancy, benefits of methadone treatment and risks of abrupt withdrawal from opiates, importance of attending prenatal visits, signs and symptoms of opiate withdrawal in the newborn, risks and benefits of breast feeding, postpartum depression and much more. The group is facilitated by our staff physician. The group is warm and welcoming and all questions and/or concerns are addressed.


text:
OHL ANNOUNCES TOP PERFORMERS OF THE MONTH FOR NOVEMBER
Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Top OHL Performers of the Month for regular season games played in November 2022 including London Knights teammates Sean McGurn and Oliver Bonk along with Saginaw Spirit teammates Pavel Mintyukov and Tristan Lennox.
OHL Player of the Month – Sean McGurn (London Knights):
London Knights forward Sean McGurn is the OHL Player of the Month for November, leading all players with 20 points including six goals, 14 assists and a plus/minus rating of plus-7 in 12 contests last month. The overage centreman helped the Knights turn around a slow start to their season, registering points in 10 of his 12 outings as London played to a November mark of 10-2-0-0. McGurn logged seven multi-point performances, including three straight capped by a goal and two helpers on Nov. 12th in Windsor as the Knights defeated the Spitfires 6-1. McGurn scored in four consecutive contests as part of a 12-game point streak. He posted another goal and two assist showing on Nov. 19th in Flint as the Knights defeated the Firebirds 7-4. He did so again on Nov. 27th in Oshawa as London skated to a 4-2 win. McGurn becomes the first Knights player to earn OHL Player of the Month honours since Mitch Marner last received the title in February 2016.
A 20-year-old native of Ottawa, Ont., McGurn is in his third season with the Knights and sits fourth in OHL scoring with 32 points (10-22–32) in 23 games. He's won 57.4 percent of his faceoffs this season while taking just two minutes in penalties thus far. He's accumulated 108 points (31-77–108) over 127 regular season games since being selected by London in the third round (53rd overall) of the 2018 OHL Priority Selection. McGurn attended rookie camp with the Toronto Maple Leafs in September.
OHL Defenceman of the Month – Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit):
For the second straight month, Anaheim Ducks prospect Pavel Mintyukov of the Saginaw Spirit is the OHL Defenceman of the Month, leading all defenders with 17 points including six goals, 11 assists and a plus/minus rating of plus-12 in 11 games. Mintyukov's continued excellence on the blue line helped the Spirit play to a November record of 10-1-0-0 as they roll into the month of December as the hottest team in the OHL. His month included six different multi-point showings, starting with a goal and an assist on Nov. 3rd as the Spirit came back to defeat the Kingston Frontenacs 3-2. He tacked on three points (1-2–3) on Nov. 6th in Oshawa as the Spirit took a 5-0 road win. Mintyukov registered his second multi-goal showing of the campaign on Nov. 12th against Sault Ste. Marie, tying the game with 16 seconds to spare in an eventual 4-3 overtime win over the Greyhounds. He rounded-out November with back-to-back multi-point totals, picking up a goal and an assist in a 4-1 win over Sarnia on Nov. 25th before scoring and adding two helpers in a Nov. 26th 7-2 win over the Windsor Spitfires. This marks Mintyukov's third OHL Defenceman of the Month honour following previous titles in October 2022 and March 2021. He's the first player to be named OHL Defenceman of the Month in each of the first two months of a season since Dougie Hamilton of the Niagara IceDogs in October and November 2011.
A recently-turned 19-year-old standing 6-foot-3 and 195Ibs., Mintyukov sits second in OHL scoring with 35 points (12-23–35) in 24 games this season, paired with the League's third-best plus/minus rating of plus-19. He became the first defenceman to ever lead the Spirit in scoring last season, recording 62 points (17-45–62) in 67 games before being selected 10th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2022 NHL Draft. The Spirit selected Mintyukov with the 52nd overall pick of the 2020 CHL Import Draft. He was voted to the OHL's third all-star team last season.
OHL Goaltender of the Month – Tristan Lennox (Saginaw Spirit):
New York Islanders prospect Tristan Lennox of the Saginaw Spirit is the OHL Goaltender of the Month for November, helping the Spirit ascend to first place in the West Division standings with a record of 6-1-0-0, goals-against average of 1.86 and save percentage of .931 in seven appearances. After his lone loss to start the month, Lennox posted his first shutout of the campaign on Nov. 6th in Oshawa, making 26 saves as the Spirit defeated the Generals 5-0. He turned aside 28 shots a week later in Sarnia as the Spirit defeated the Sting by a score of 4-3 in overtime on Nov. 11th. Lennox registered 36 saves in a 4-3 overtime road win over the Flint Firebirds on Nov. 23rd, earning second star recognition for his efforts. He closed out November with a sixth straight win on Nov. 26th, making 27 saves as the Spirit defeated visiting Windsor 7-2 to match a franchise record with their ninth consecutive victory. Lennox is the first Spirit goaltender to earn OHL Goaltender of the Month honours since Ivan Prosvetov who last did so in March 2019.
A 20-year-old from Cambridge, Ont., Lennox owns a 12-3-0-0 record with a 2.95 goals-against average and .891 save percentage through 16 games in this, his fourth OHL season. The overage goaltender has played to a career mark of 46-33-3-2 with a 3.25 goals-against average and .887 save percentage in 92 regular season games, all with the Spirit who selected him in the second round (26th overall) of the 2018 OHL Priority Selection. Lennox was drafted by the New York Islanders in the third round (93rd overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft.
OHL Rookie of the Month – Oliver Bonk (London Knights):
Draft eligible London Knights blueliner Oliver Bonk is the OHL Rookie of the Month for November, leading all rookies with 14 points including three goals, 11 assists and a plus/minus rating of plus-5 in 12 games. Bonk's presence and increased responsibility on the Knights blue line helped the green and gold surge to a 10-2-0-0 record in the month of November, pushing them to the top of the Midwest Division standings. Bonk recorded points in 10 of his 12 November contests, opening the month by matching his October total in a single game with three points (1-2–3) in a 6-3 loss to the Erie Otters on Nov. 4th. Bonk registered points in eight consecutive games, capped by a goal and an assist on Nov. 19th in Flint as the Knights defeated the Firebirds 7-4. He lit the lamp again on Nov. 25th in Kitchener as the Knights defeated the rival Rangers 4-0. Bonk becomes the first Knights defenceman to earn OHL Rookie of the Month recognition since John Carlson last did so in December 2008.
A 17-year-old from Ottawa, Ont., Bonk leads the Knights offensively from the blue line with 18 point (5-13–18) in 23 games. The 6-foot-2, 179Ib. right-shot appeared in 10 games with London last season, recording three assists while also excelling with the St. Thomas Stars of the GOJHL where he posted 32 points (5-27–32) in as many games to earn GOJHL West Top Rookie Defenceman honours, also being voted to the GOJHL West Rookie All-Star Team. The son of former long-time NHL forward Radek Bonk, Oliver was London's second round (26th overall) pick in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection. He won gold with Canada in this past summer's Hlinka Gretzky Cup Tournament. Bonk was listed as a 'B' rated skater on NHL Central Scouting's latest Players to Watch list released on Oct. 25th.
2022-23 OHL Performers of the Month:
Player of the Month:
November – Sean McGurn (London Knights)
October – Brennan Othmann (Flint Firebirds)
Defenceman of the Month:
November – Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit)
October – Pavel Mintyukov (Saginaw Spirit)
Goaltender of the Month:
November – Tristan Lennox (Saginaw Spirit)
October – Michael Simpson (Peterborough Petes)
Rookie of the Month:
November – Oliver Bonk (London Knights)
October – Michael Misa (Saginaw Spirit)
Posted in Around the OHL, Press ReleaseTagged Oliver Bonk, Pavel Mintyukov, Sean McGurn, Tristan LennoxLeave a comment
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Now newly renovated with a comfortable dining room, expansive lounge, and a beautiful new outside deck. Lots of TVs for sports. Known for freshly prepared appetizers and entrees for lunch and dinner and now serving breakfast seven days a week.
Check our Facebook Page for free live music in the Lounge. and don't miss a single night of live music complete with awesome bar specials and no cove charge ever.
Come to Katy's to witness the best karaoke in town. Recognized every year by Encore Magazine's Readers Poll. Come test your pipes and show your skills. Every Friday starting at 10 PM!
Come in for Katy's Shrimp Special, a generous helping of shrimp and your choice of 2 sides for only $8.99! Available Monday through Friday!
Friday Night Is Karaoke Night!
Come witness Wilmington's award winning Karaoke Night. Get up and sing to best country, rock and pop tunes with your host Mike Norris. Katy's has been name year-after-year by Encore Magazine Readers as "Wilmington's best place for karaoke".
Every Tuesday night our menu goes half-price* from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Wow! And Wings are 69¢! No wonder it's one of our most popular nights. See all of our Weekly Specials! Note: Seafood items and items containing seafood are not included and are not half-price. Ask your server.
Wednesdays we feature $1 beef, $2 chicken, $3 fish tacos with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm in the restaurant and the lounge. Drink Specials too!
You can't beat the Daily Breakfast Specials at Katy's. From eggs to biscuits to pancakes, you'll want breakfast here everyday! Combine that with our fresh hot coffee and you've got a hearty breakfast for peanuts. See all of our Weekly Specials!
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A conversion is any action you measure that you want visitors to your website to take. Typically, though not always, conversions are associated with sales or bringing people into the sales process. A conversion might be, for example, a sale, an inquiry from a website contact form or a call from a potential client.
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Successful online marketers tend to be closely focused on making their cost per conversion as low as possible, and make constant adjustments to their website and marketing to achieve that based on empirical conversion data.
Conversion rates vary to a significant extent between industries and niches. To give some sense of average conversion rates, over half of websites have a conversion rate between 1% and 5%. However, some websites have been optimized to a much greater extent than others, and boast conversion rates up to 40%!
For online marketers who pay for advertising, costs tend to be closely linked to the number of people who view or click on your advertisements – the 'impressions' or clicks you pay for. CRO represents an effective way to increase revenue and profit without increasing advertising costs.
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Cost per conversion varies to a huge extent. To some degree, this is because of industry. In some industries, such as the insurance industry, where customers pay for expensive products and often stay with the same company for an extended period of time, it is not uncommon for CPC to be as high as hundreds of dollars. For a company with a highly successful social media marketing campaign, however, CPC could be less than $1.
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The best advice to maximize your conversion rate and minimize your CPC is to run constant experiments with every aspect of your website design, looking closely at the data to inform your decisions. Good luck!


text:
Legal ruling forces government to compensate people with swine flu vaccination injuries
DWP criticised for case handling after appeal fails in important test case
People who developed narcolepsy as a result of the 2009-10 pandemic swine flu vaccine can receive compensation of £120,000, following a ruling by the Upper Tribunal in a case brought against the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) by Peter Todd, partner of Hodge Jones & Allen solicitors.
The decision, which was highly critical of the way in which the DWP conducted its case, puts the UK on a level playing field with some other European countries that have already paid compensation to people affected by the vaccination. It results from the failure of an appeal by the DWP against a First-Tier Tribunal judgment in September 2014 that a test case applicant was entitled to vaccine injury compensation.
The decision said that the conduct of the DWP's Vaccine Damage Unit's appeal before the First-Tier tribunal 'was below the standard required' and gave some guidance to prevent the problems recurring. It criticised the unacceptable standard of the DWP's formal written submission to the Tribunal; the lack of summarising its 1,500-page evidence document; and not sending a representative to the hearing. On this last point, the judge said: "In my experience, more effort is put into and more assistance derived from DWP submissions in Jobseekers Allowance sanction cases involving a few hundred pounds."
The test case was brought by Peter Todd on behalf of a child who has suffered from narcolepsy caused by the swine flu vaccine Pandemrix. The child's parents have requested that their child remains anonymous. The vaccine was manufactured by the pharmaceutical company GSK and made widely available in the UK during the 2009-10 swine flu pandemic.
The DWP had admitted that the vaccine had caused the narcolepsy, but argued the applicant was not entitled to compensation because narcolepsy is not a 'severe' disablement. In September 2013, the UK government's own study showed that vaccinated children were 14 times more likely to have narcolepsy than unvaccinated controls – a strong signal that the vaccine had caused the injury.
The DWP still, however, refused to make a compensation payment under the UK statutory vaccine injury payment as it did not deem narcolepsy as a 'severe' disability. Legislation specifies that a vaccine damage payment of £120,000 should be made if the applicant suffers 'severe' and permanent disability as a result of certain vaccines.
Peter Todd explains: "When we appealed to the First Tier Tribunal in 2014, I argued that narcolepsy was a severe disability within the meaning of the Act and we produced convincing evidence to prove this. The Tribunal agreed with me on that issue and ordered the DWP to pay compensation. We were disappointed that the DWP chose to appeal against that decision. We considered the evidence was clear that narcolepsy was 'severe'.
"The DWP argued the proper construction of the legislation required all future aspects of the disability to be ignored. So, for example, they said the fact the person might not ever be able to drive a car should be ignored as the injury was to a child, and children are not allowed to drive anyway. If the DWP had won their appeal, there would have been no realistic prospect of anyone in the UK with narcolepsy due to Pandemrix receiving compensation under the UK statutory scheme.
"Fortunately, the Upper Tribunal found the DWP's arguments were totally devoid of merit. The Upper Tribunal was very critical of the way the DWP had handled the case. Now there is a real prospect that those adversely affected by the vaccine will receive some compensation.
"The £120,000 statutory award is not full compensation but will help those struggling as a result of what happened to some extent. This case is an important precedent for any future case involving vaccine injury and is the first time the issue has been considered by an appellate court, and will be binding on all future first-instance decisions.
"We are overjoyed to have won this round of this lengthy legal battle – the original application for compensation was submitted over three years ago. The DWP now has 21 days to decide whether to attempt a further appeal to the Court of Appeal."
Peter is also acting for 75 clients in civil liability claims against GSK, under the Consumer Protection Act 1987 for injury and loss caused by the Pandemrix vaccine. He is currently in dialogue with GSK.
He comments: "From the evidence I have gathered, I consider the court will find the vaccine to be a defective product that entitles the claimants to full compensatory damages. GSK obtained an indemnity for claims from the UK government when they supplied the vaccine, as it had not been fully clinically trialled before it was put into use. I am hoping we can come to a fair resolution of these claims to ensure that those affected can face the future with dignity and security, despite the challenges they face."
Peter Todd acted pro bono in successfully defending the appeal to the Upper Tribunal, as did George Peretz QC who was instructed as advocate for the hearing.
All press enquiries to:
Clare Rice, Black Letter Communications on 020 3567 1208 or email: clare.rice@blackletterpr.co.uk
Kerry Jack, Black Letter Communications on 020 3567 1208 or 07525 756 599, email: kerry.jack@blackletterpr.co.uk
1) Narcolepsy is a very rare and incurable autoimmune sleep disorder caused by the destruction of the part of the brain that produces hypocretin, a peptide that regulates sleep. The absence of hypocretin can lead to a range of serious symptoms including excessive daytime sleepiness, fragmented sleep, cataplexy (sudden collapses), frightening hallucinations, "micro-sleeps" during everyday activities, weight gain and sleep paralysis. A number of the Claimants affected are willing to talk to the media so please contact Peter Todd via Black Letter communications for the contact details.
2) The 2009-10 pandemic vaccine has been found to have caused an epidemic of narcolepsy in the UK and in other European countries in which it was used. About 1,000 people across Europe are thought to be affected, of which about 80 have so far been identified in the UK. Compensation for narcolepsy caused by Pandemrix has been paid in many other European countries including Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland, France and Denmark, but so far UK residents have been denied compensation both by the UK government and the manufacturer.
3) Matt O'Neill, Chair of the registered charity Narcolepsy UK, was called as a witness by Peter Todd in the First Tier Tribunal proceedings and is happy to provide media comment on narcolepsy and this case.
4) The full judgment of the Upper Tribunal is available on request.
5) Three of Peter Todd's Pandemrix-narcolepsy clients were featured in the poignant 1 hour documentary film made by Ronachan Films which was recently broadcast on Channel 4 "The kids who can't stay awake".
6) Hodge Jones and Allen was founded in 1977 in Camden and has over 220 staff based in Euston NW1. The firm's team of specialists – Personal Injury, Medical Negligence, Industrial Diseases, Civil Liberties, Criminal Defence, Court of Protection, Dispute Resolution, Employment, Family Law, Military Claims, Serious Fraud and Social Housing.
7) Innovation in Law – an initiative designed to stimulate debate on access to justice issues and highlight innovative approaches by Hodge Jones & Allen www.hjainnovation.net/media/hja-innovation-in-law-report-2013.pdf
8) For any further information, please contact: Denise Kitchener
Direct dial: 020 7874 8345 Mobile: 07789 117297
Email: dkitchener@hja.net


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text:
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease: an evidence-based analysis
(no author information available yet)
Ontario Health Technology Assessment Series 2010, 10 (12): 1-38
UNLABELLED: In July 2009, the Medical Advisory Secretariat (MAS) began work on Non-Invasive Cardiac Imaging Technologies for the Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), an evidence-based review of the literature surrounding different cardiac imaging modalities to ensure that appropriate technologies are accessed by patients suspected of having CAD. This project came about when the Health Services Branch at the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care asked MAS to provide an evidentiary platform on effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of non-invasive cardiac imaging modalities.After an initial review of the strategy and consultation with experts, MAS identified five key non-invasive cardiac imaging technologies for the diagnosis of CAD. Evidence-based analyses have been prepared for each of these five imaging modalities: cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, single photon emission computed tomography, 64-slice computed tomographic angiography, stress echocardiography, and stress echocardiography with contrast. For each technology, an economic analysis was also completed (where appropriate). A summary decision analytic model was then developed to encapsulate the data from each of these reports (available on the OHTAC and MAS website).The Non-Invasive Cardiac Imaging Technologies for the Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease series is made up of the following reports, which can be publicly accessed at the MAS website at: www.health.gov.on.ca/mas or at www.health.gov.on.ca/english/providers/program/mas/mas_about.htmlSINGLE PHOTON EMISSION COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE: An Evidence-Based AnalysisSTRESS ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE: An Evidence-Based AnalysisSTRESS ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY WITH CONTRAST FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE: An Evidence-Based Analysis64-Slice Computed Tomographic Angiography for the Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease: An Evidence-Based AnalysisCARDIAC MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE: An Evidence-Based AnalysisPease note that two related evidence-based analyses of non-invasive cardiac imaging technologies for the assessment of myocardial viability are also available on the MAS website:POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF MYOCARDIAL VIABILITY: An Evidence-Based AnalysisMAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF MYOCARDIAL VIABILITY: an Evidence-Based AnalysisThe Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative has also produced an associated economic report entitled:The Relative Cost-effectiveness of Five Non-invasive Cardiac Imaging Technologies for Diagnosing Coronary Artery Disease in Ontario [Internet]. Available from: http://theta.utoronto.ca/reports/?id=7 OBJECTIVE: The objective of this analysis was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the diagnosis of patients with known/suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) compared to coronary angiography.
CARDIAC MRI: Stress cardiac MRI is a non-invasive, x-ray free imaging technique that takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes to complete and can be performed using to two different methods, a) perfusion imaging following a first pass of an intravenous bolus of gadolinium contrast, or b) wall motion imaging. Stress is induced pharmacologically with either dobutamine, dipyridamole, or adenosine, as physical exercise is difficult to perform within the magnet bore and often induces motion artifacts. Alternatives to stress cardiac perfusion MRI include stress single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and stress echocardiography (ECHO). The advantage of cardiac MRI is that it does not pose the radiation burden associated with SPECT. During the same sitting, cardiac MRI can also assess left and right ventricular dimensions, viability, and cardiac mass. It may also mitigate the need for invasive diagnostic coronary angiography in patients with intermediate risk factors for CAD. EVIDENCE-BASED ANALYSIS:
LITERATURE SEARCH: A literature search was performed on October 9, 2009 using OVID MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations, EMBASE, the Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), the Cochrane Library, and the International Agency for Health Technology Assessment (INAHTA) for studies published from January 1, 2005 to October 9, 2008. Abstracts were reviewed by a single reviewer and, for those studies meeting the eligibility criteria, full-text articles were obtained. Reference lists were also examined for any relevant studies not identified through the search. Articles with unknown eligibility were reviewed with a second clinical epidemiologist and then a group of epidemiologists until consensus was established. The quality of evidence was assessed as high, moderate, low or very low according to GRADE methodology. Given the large amount of clinical heterogeneity of the articles meeting the inclusion criteria, as well as suggestions from an Expert Advisory Panel Meeting held on October 5, 2009, the inclusion criteria were revised to examine the effectiveness of cardiac MRI for the detection of CAD. Inclusion CriteriaExclusion CriteriaHeath technology assessments, systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, observational studies≥20 adult patients enrolled.Published 2004-2009Licensed by Health CanadaFor diagnosis of CAD:Reference standard is coronary angiographySignificant CAD defined as ≥ 50% coronary stenosisPatients with suspected or known CADReported results by patient, not segmentNon-English studiesGrey literaturePlanar imagingMUGAPatients with recent MI (i.e., within 1 month)Patients with non-ischemic heart diseaseStudies done exclusively in special populations (e.g., women, diabetics)
OUTCOMES OF INTEREST: Sensitivity and specificityArea under the curve (AUC)Diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) SUMMARY OF FINDINGS: Stress cardiac MRI using perfusion analysis yielded a pooled sensitivity of 0.91 (95% CI: 0.89 to 0.92) and specificity of 0.79 (95% CI: 0.76 to 0.82) for the detection of CAD.Stress cardiac MRI using wall motion analysis yielded a pooled sensitivity of 0.81 (95% CI: 0.77 to 0.84) and specificity of 0.85 (95% CI: 0.81 to 0.89) for the detection of CAD.Based on DORs, there was no significant difference between pooled stress cardiac MRI using perfusion analysis and pooled stress cardiac MRI using wall motion analysis (P=0.26) for the detection of CAD.Pooled subgroup analysis of stress cardiac MRI using perfusion analysis showed no significant difference in the DORs between 1.5T and 3T MRI (P=0.72) for the detection of CAD.One study (N=60) was identified that examined stress cardiac MRI using wall motion analysis with a 3T MRI. The sensitivity and specificity of 3T MRI were 0.64 (95% CI: 0.44 to 0.81) and 1.00 (95% CI: 0.89 to 1.00), respectively, for the detection of CAD.The effectiveness of stress cardiac MRI for the detection of CAD in unstable patients with acute coronary syndrome was reported in only one study (N=35). Using perfusion analysis, the sensitivity and specificity were 0.72 (95% CI: 0.53 to 0.87) and 1.00 (95% CI: 0.54 to 1.00), respectively, for the detection of CAD.
ONTARIO HEALTH SYSTEM IMPACT ANALYSIS: According to an expert consultant, in Ontario: Stress first pass perfusion is currently performed in small numbers in London (London Health Sciences Centre) and Toronto (University Health Network at the Toronto General Hospital site and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre).Stress wall motion is only performed as part of research protocols and not very often.Cardiac MRI machines use 1.5T almost exclusively, with 3T used in research for first pass perfusion.On November 25 2009, the Cardiac Imaging Expert Advisory Panel met and made the following comments about stress cardiac MRI for perfusion analysis: Accessibility to cardiac MRI is limited and generally used to assess structural abnormalities. Most MRIs in Ontario are already in 24-hour, constant use and it would thus be difficult to add cardiac MRI for CAD diagnosis as an additional indication.The performance of cardiac MRI for the diagnosis of CAD can be technically challenging.
GRADE QUALITY OF EVIDENCE FOR CARDIAC MRI IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF CAD: The quality of the body of evidence was assessed according to the GRADE Working Group criteria for diagnostic tests. For perfusion analysis, the overall quality was determined to be low and for wall motion analysis the overall quality was very low.
Stress echocardiography for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease: an evidence-based analysis. (no author information available yet) Ontario Health Technology Assessment Series 2010, 10 (9): 1-61
64-slice computed tomographic angiography for the diagnosis of intermediate risk coronary artery disease: an evidence-based analysis. (no author information available yet) Ontario Health Technology Assessment Series 2010, 10 (11): 1-44
Single photon emission computed tomography for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease: an evidence-based analysis. (no author information available yet) Ontario Health Technology Assessment Series 2010, 10 (8): 1-64
Stress echocardiography with contrast for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease: an evidence-based analysis. (no author information available yet) Ontario Health Technology Assessment Series 2010, 10 (10): 1-59
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the assessment of myocardial viability: an evidence-based analysis. (no author information available yet) Ontario Health Technology Assessment Series 2010, 10 (15): 1-45
Positron emission tomography for the assessment of myocardial viability: an evidence-based analysis. (no author information available yet) Ontario Health Technology Assessment Series 2010, 10 (16): 1-80
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutation (EGFR) Testing for Prediction of Response to EGFR-Targeting Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI) Drugs in Patients with Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: An Evidence-Based Analysis. (no author information available yet) Ontario Health Technology Assessment Series 2010, 10 (24): 1-48
Positron emission tomography for the assessment of myocardial viability: an evidence-based analysis. (no author information available yet) Ontario Health Technology Assessment Series 2005, 5 (16): 1-167
Community-based care for the management of type 2 diabetes: an evidence-based analysis. (no author information available yet) Ontario Health Technology Assessment Series 2009, 9 (23): 1-40
Prevention of falls and fall-related injuries in community-dwelling seniors: an evidence-based analysis. (no author information available yet) Ontario Health Technology Assessment Series 2008, 8 (2): 1-78


a pool into which players in a game put a certain amount of their winnings for some special purpose, as to pay for refreshments.
the pot, or a special pot, for the collection of forfeits or payments for certain high hands.
Forty Years Young: Hello Kitty and the Power of Cute By Julia Rubin, Racked Hello Kitty is everywhere.
He fell in love with Hello Kitty as a teen when he was going through his goth phase—and she was too.
That said, Waters has come a long way since the picaresque adventures of Nan and Kitty.
But that means about one out of six women in that demographic have never pet the kitty.
The very day of their dance, Kitty Chester's engagement came out.
Kitty Palliser, who saw him, said he was nearly off his head.
I was never sure enough of Kitty, at first, to dare risk telling her about that little mistake of hers.
"And when you've drunk it you must go right to bed, Kitty," she added presently.
"young cat," 1719, variant of kitten, perhaps influenced by kitty "girl, young woman" (c.1500), originally a pet form of fem. proper name Catherine. Kitty Hawk, N.C., apparently is a mangling of a native Algonquian name; it also has been written as Chicahauk.
"pool of money in a card game," 1887, probably from kit (n.1), in a sense of "collection of necessary supplies" (1833); but perhaps rather from northern England slang kitty "prison, jail, lock-up" (1825), of uncertain origin.


Total population: 34.6 households (very large).
Total tax assessed: 10.8 geld units (very large).
Gaddesby appears in 4 entries in Domesday Book (show all).
Ploughland: 0.5 ploughlands (were there).
Other resources: Meadow 2 acres. 0.5 mills, value 0.1.
Lord in 1086: Othenkar (son of Alnoth).
Ploughland: 1 ploughland (were there). 1 lord's plough teams.
Other resources: Meadow 3 acres. 1 mill, value 0.05.
Head of manor: Barrow on Soar I.
Taxable units: Taxable value 51.6 geld units. Payments of 0.25 meadow, pasture, woodland.
Households: 77 villagers. 28 smallholders. 2 slaves. 1 female slave. 31 freemen.
Ploughland: 12 lord's plough teams. 29.5 men's plough teams.
Other resources: Meadow 40 acres & 3 * 2 furlongs mixed measures. Woodland 6 * 9 furlongs. 6 mills, value 2.61.
Lords in 1086: Earl Hugh (of Chester); men-at-arms, four.
Places mentioned in this entry: Barrow [-upon-Soar]; Brooksby; [Castle] Donington; Charley; Cossington; Frisby [-on-the-Wreake]; Gaddesby; Hoton; Prestwold; Rearsby; Rotherby; Seagrave; Sileby.
Taxable units: Taxable value 105.4 geld units.
Value: Value to lord in 1086 £34.5.
Households: 186 villagers. 112 smallholders. 204 freemen. 1 priest.
Ploughland: 2 lord's plough teams. 88 men's plough teams.
Other resources: Meadow 176 acres & 3 * 1.5 furlongs mixed measures. Woodland 3 * 3 furlongs & 5 acres; 1 * 0.5 league & 4 * 3 furlongs mixed measures. 6 mills, value 0.85.
Places mentioned in this entry: Chadwell; Somerby; Wycomb; Baggrave; Frisby; Marefield; Allexton; Asfordby; Barsby; Gaddesby; Grimston; Halstead; Keyham; Rothley; Saxelby; Seagrave; Sileby; Skeffington; Tilton[-on-the-Hill]; Tugby; Twyford; Wartnaby.


text:
Pandemic fast-tracks the use of Teams
By Lisa Carroll
As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded earlier this year, healthcare facilities across the country found themselves – like so many other organizations – having to urgently reinvent ways to operate, provide patient care, manage supply chains and deploy resources, with many of the usual ways of doing things suddenly off the table.
Personnel found themselves having to work from remote locations, yet still needing to closely collaborate with colleagues, sharing ideas and updated information in real-time. Quick response, immediate implementation and nimble redeployment of precious resources became imperative, with every second counting.
Numerous hospitals and other healthcare centres quickly moved to or significantly expanded their use of virtual meeting platforms, enabling teams to collaborate "face to face" no matter where they were located. But this was just the tip of the iceberg in terms of accelerating digital transformation across Canada's healthcare sector.
On the east coast, numerous healthcare organizations found themselves under strain and looking for new ways to provide care, while also ensuring the safety of their employees and patients. The eHealth shared services organization, The Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information (NLCHI), saw an opportunity to bridge this gap by leveraging technology to support resources and assets while minimizing the use of PPE.
NLCHI partnered with Microsoft, and within five days moved nearly 4,000 healthcare workers to an Azure Virtual Desktop Environment and Microsoft Teams. This shift to a digital environment enabled them to rapidly expand their unified communication platforms providing their teams with a secure centralized repository for all COVID-19-related guidance, data and information.
This means their staff can screen patients for COVID-19 virtually, their supply chain department can order supplies remotely ensuring frontline workers have the resources they need to stay safe. Each Regional Health Authorities Emergency Operations Centre continues to collaborate over Microsoft Teams to address responses to the pandemic. This digital shift ultimately enabled NLCHI to reduce its overall technology management costs, enhance workforce productivity and transform patient care using technology, all while maintaining safe and secure practices to reduce the spread of the virus.
Robert Drover, Regional Director & CIO Central Health says that their success really stemmed from the dedication of their senior leadership team, specialists, and the strong direction of management who quickly pivoted and pulled together a team of dedicated high-quality employees who worked diligently with Microsoft to make this transformation happen.
Drover says this shift to digital has been "remarkable, and, possibly even an everlasting story" that continues to play out as these technologies change how care is being delivered during the pandemic. "Being able to connect to the health system using any device to retrieve information and virtually meet with colleagues to treat patients has been truly transformational for NLCHI."
Then there is the story of CBI Health, one of the largest community healthcare providers in Canada. The company normally provides in-person care and treatment to clients through its network of Rehabilitation Services clinics, but COVID-19 changed everything.
The pandemic impacts made them move quickly to put all staff on a single communications platform, Teams – which saw an incredible 3,000 clinicians and administrative users set up in less than ten days.
Teams was chosen for its security, data residency, privacy, and its alignment in the Microsoft stack. CBI Health was able to quickly begin video calls and virtual client treatment sessions, continuing to manage its business seamlessly despite the pandemic disruptions.
"The pandemic required us to quickly shift to a primarily virtual care/telehealth model for remote assessment and treatment to protect the health and safety of both our staff and our clients, while also ensuring our clients receive the care they needed in the safety of their own homes," said Jon Hantho, president and CEO of CBI Health.
Now, CBI Health is averaging approximately 100,000 virtual sessions per month. The company says as its virtual care/telehealth program matures, Teams will allow it to potentially expand its reach and access to clients in underserved areas.
Hantho says the COVID-19 outbreak expedited the rapid deployment of Teams and other Microsoft services, and the resulting impact means a permanent shift to virtual care in CBI Health's business model.
"This is not a 'pandemic fix,' this is a fundamental shift in how we are doing business, at all levels, and it's here to stay."
The virtual care/telehealth model is proving very popular with patients as well. CBI Health says it has surveyed more than 1,000 clients since the new model was put into place, and satisfaction rates are higher than 90 per cent positive.
These are just two examples of the truly dramatic digital transformation Canada's healthcare providers have become immersed in since the pandemic took hold. Longer term plans for new digital infrastructure have become urgent deliverables. Unification of previously diverse patchworks of technology is happening at breakneck speed, while staff and management alike have been singing the praises of the benefits being delivered by these solutions for their own organizations and, most importantly, to the patients who are relying on them.
Ironically, the disruption which the pandemic has caused across our healthcare system will, in many cases, prove to be a beneficial catalyst going forward. The digital transformation it has initiated will only strengthen the operations of these crucial care providers long into the future. So, perhaps there is a silver lining in this part of the COVID-19 cloud.
See how Microsoft is empowering healthcare professional to continue to provide even better experiences, insights, and care: Visit aka.ms/healthcareincanada
Lisa Carroll is the Canadian Public Sector Lead at Microsoft Canada.


text:
Q: send one of multiple search result to another page I have a page userLanding.jsp
When a user performs a search the page will give multiple results.
I need to check selected dynamic result (succeeded so far),
Now the problem is I need to send/transfer/retrieve data of selected div to another page.
How can I do that?
Here is the code i am following to check which result is selected.
$('.demo-card-wide').click(function(){
    article = $(this).text();
});

$(document).on('click', '.demo-card-wide', function(){
    alert("clicked on result!!");
    var id = this.id;
    window.location = "http://localhost:8080/CarPool/test.jsp#"+id;
});

A: Since you are redirecting to a new page with the value you want set as the URL's hash, you can use window.location.hash to access that value on page load (though I wouldnt trust the data past that as it could be changed by the page after loading)
$(function(){
    var id = window.location.hash;
    // do something with id...
});

If you need to persist the data further than this, you might look into localstorage or a server side solution.

Just for grins, here is how I would do it (using localstorage):
Make this code available to both pages:
  /**
   * Feature detect + local reference for simple use of local storage
   * Use this like:
   * if (storage) {
   *    storage.setItem('key', 'value');
   *    storage.getItem('key');
   * }
   *
   */
  var storage;
  var fail;
  var uid;
  try {
    uid = new Date;
    (storage = window.localStorage).setItem(uid, uid);
    fail = storage.getItem(uid) != uid;
    storage.removeItem(uid);
    fail && (storage = false);
  } catch (exception) {}
  /* end  Feature detect + local reference */

On the first page have this:
  $(document).on('click', '.demo-card-wide', function() {
    if (storage) {
      alert("clicked on result!!");
      storage.setItem('article-id', this.id);
      window.location = "http://localhost:8080/CarPool/test.jsp";
    } else // some error message
  });

On the second page, do this:
  $(function() {
    if (storage) {
      var id = storage.getItem('article-id');
      // do something with id...
    }
  });

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Labelled as self serve coffee station furniture topic, home coffee station furniture subject and coffee station furniture for home object plus coffee station furniture for office discussion and coffee station furniture subject and coffee serving station furniture topic with interior, please don't forget to check out the main article in Coffee Station Furniture.


text:
SELECT RUN_METRIC('android/android_jank_cuj.sql');

-- First query to look at `binder transaction` on the Main Thread

DROP VIEW IF EXISTS android_jank_cuj_query_test_binder;
CREATE VIEW android_jank_cuj_query_test_binder AS
SELECT * FROM android_jank_cuj_slice
WHERE name = 'binder transaction';

SELECT ANDROID_JANK_CORRELATE_FRAME_SLICE('MainThread', 'android_jank_cuj_query_test_binder') AS suppress_query_output;

-- Second query to look at `JIT compiling` slices on JIT threadpool

DROP VIEW IF EXISTS android_jank_cuj_query_test_jit;
CREATE VIEW android_jank_cuj_query_test_jit AS
SELECT * FROM android_jank_cuj_slice
WHERE name GLOB 'JIT compiling*';

SELECT ANDROID_JANK_CORRELATE_FRAME_SLICE_IMPL('App threads', 'android_jank_cuj_query_test_jit', 'jank_query_jit') AS suppress_query_output;

--- Third query to look at 'sf binder' slices on SF main thread

DROP VIEW IF EXISTS android_jank_cuj_query_test_sf_binder;
CREATE VIEW android_jank_cuj_query_test_sf_binder AS
SELECT * FROM android_jank_cuj_sf_slice
WHERE name = 'sf binder';

SELECT ANDROID_JANK_CORRELATE_FRAME_SLICE_IMPL('SF MainThread', 'android_jank_cuj_query_test_sf_binder', 'jank_query_sf_binder') AS suppress_query_output;

--- Fourth query to look at 'shader compile' slices on SF RenderEngine

DROP VIEW IF EXISTS android_jank_cuj_query_test_re;
CREATE VIEW android_jank_cuj_query_test_re AS
SELECT * FROM android_jank_cuj_sf_slice
WHERE name = 'shader compile';

SELECT ANDROID_JANK_CORRELATE_FRAME_SLICE_IMPL('SF RenderEngine', 'android_jank_cuj_query_test_re', 'jank_query_re') AS suppress_query_output;

-- UNION ALL results from all queries.
SELECT 'JIT compiling' AS slice, * FROM jank_query_jit_slice_in_frame_agg
UNION ALL
SELECT 'binder transaction' AS slice, * FROM jank_query_slice_in_frame_agg
UNION ALL
SELECT 'sf binder' AS slice, * FROM jank_query_sf_binder_slice_in_frame_agg
UNION ALL
SELECT 'shader compile' AS slice, * FROM jank_query_re_slice_in_frame_agg
ORDER BY slice, cuj_id, vsync;

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Hi, i'm trying to have my camera pointing the same way when the game starts, no matter which direction the user is facing when it starts. I have 3 variables to store the initial rotation of the gyro, the initial rotation of the object, and the difference between the 2.
2) the axes of the camera and gyro do not match up, i.e. tilt pans and rotate tilts etc.
I'm still a very very novice coder and even more novice at quaternions, and it's taken me about 2 weeks to get this far so i could really use some help.
// The Gyroscope is right-handed.  Unity is left handed.
// Make the necessary change to the camera.


ASSOCIATION OF GREEN TRAILS PHASE II HOMEOWNERS, INC.
Our Lifeguards have full authority at our pools. If you choose not to follow their instructions or posted pool rules, or are verbally abusive to them or to a pool committee member, you may receive an official warning and be asked to leave the premises. For serious offenses, the constable may be called. A second warning during the season will result in suspension of pool privileges for one month.
You must use your own access card to enter pool premises. Do not ask other people to let you in. Do not open the gate for people without their card. Do not loan your card to others.
Obey the lifeguards. They have the authority to remove from the pool area anyone disobeying the rules or endangering the safety of himself or others. Lifeguards have the final interpretation of the rules.
All residents must have an access card to enter the pool area. Everyone must sign in, including guests.
Parents are responsible for their children and guests at all times.
All children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age. All non-swimmers must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at least 18 years of age. All non-swimming children must be within arms length of a parent or guardian at all times.
All infants and children not potty trained must be in swim diapers, no regular diapers allowed.
No running, pushing, dunking or roughhousing permitted.
Stay off ropes. Lap lane is to be used for lap swimming only.
Diving Area: Swimmers must be able to swim without assistance to the ladder. No use of life jackets, flotation devices, or goggles may be used while on the diving board. Only one person allowed on diving board at a time. All swimmers must dive straight out, not to the side of the diving board, and then quickly get out of the deep end at the ladder on either side. No swimming in diving area when diving board is in use.
All floats must be approved by lifeguard.
No smoking, tobacco, glass containers or alcoholic beverages allowed in pool area.
No tennis balls, bicycles, skateboards or scooters allowed in pool area.
No loud music in the pool area.
No loud or abusive language will be tolerated.
You must be 18 years or older to swim during adult swim or under 24 months with a parent.
Only children 5 years and younger allowed in the baby pool and must be supervised by an adult.
No pets permitted on pool premises.
No one with exposed injury or wearing bandages in the pool.
Anyone swimming after hours will be suspended for the remainder of the swim season and trespassing charges will be filed.
All parties must be booked through the pool company.
All residents must have an access card to enter the pool area. Everyone must sign in, including guests. Only 2 guests per resident card.
Slide Area: Swimmers must be able to swim without assistance to the ladder. No use of life jackets, flotation devices, or goggles on the slide. Only one person allowed on slide at a time. You must go down the slide on your bottom, feet first at all times. No catching at the bottom of the slide is allowed. Please clear the landing area at the bottom of the slide immediately after use and swim to ladder.
Parents are solely responsible for their child using the diving board. Green Trails HOA assumes no responsibility for accidents.
Only those able to swim alone may use the diving board – no catching or assistance in the deep end. You may be asked to take a swim test to verify swimming ability.
No use of life jackets, flotation devices, goggles, or sunglasses may be used on the diving board.
One person at a time – do not climb diving board steps until the person ahead of you is in the water.
Swimmers must dive straight out, not to the side of the diving board.
Exit the landing area and swim immediately to the ladder to get out of way of next person. Do not dive until the previous swimmer has exited the landing area.
No swimming in diving area when diving board is in use.
Use diving board at your own risk.
Parents are solely responsible for their child using the slide. Green Trails HOA assumes no responsibility for accidents.
Only those able to swim alone may use slide - no catching or assistance at the bottom. You may be asked to take a swim test to verify swimming ability.
No use of life jackets, flotation devices, goggles, or sunglasses may be used on the slide.
One person at a time - do not climb the slide ladder until the person ahead of you is in the water.
Climb the ladder and sit down - no horseplay at the top of the slide.
Slide feet first on bottom only.
Do not stop or turn on the slide.
Exit the landing area and swim immediately to the ladder to get out of way of next person. Do not slide until the previous swimmer has exited the landing area.
Use slide at your own risk.
Pool parties may not conflict with neighborhood functions or swim team meet schedules. All parties must be approved by board member in charge of pools.
Pool parties scheduled in the evening must end by 10:00pm.
There is a 5-day cancellation notice (call-in) to A-Beautiful Pools, Inc. for all scheduled parties. If the resident does not call to cancel the party then A-Beautiful Pools, Inc. will submit an invoice reflecting the time the lifeguards were at the pool for the scheduled party.
There is a $25.00 non-refundable set-up fee made payable to A-Beautiful Pools, Inc. to be mailed at least 5 days prior to the party. If not received by said date, the set-up fee increases to $35.00. The set-up fee is not a deposit. They accept cash, money orders, and credit cards (Master Card & Visa). No personal checks.
There are always 2 lifeguards for 1-40 swimmers; thereafter, one lifeguard for each additional 20 swimmers.
Lifeguards are paid individually at the rate of $17.50 per hour per lifeguard. The resident responsible for the party must pay A-Beautiful Pools, Inc. in advance of the party for the lifeguards. If you are pleased with your party, tips are always appreciated by the guards.
Parties scheduled during the week after school begins are subject to a $75.00 fee. No parties will be scheduled after the pool closes for the season.
No alcohol may be served and there may be no smoking.
Resident is to clean-up pool area from party and leave it as it was found – including removing all balloons and ties. No confetti please.


BCCT, in collaboration with AustCham, CanCham, EABC, FTCC and NTCC, cordially invites you to join us at Phuket Networking for great food and drinks in a relaxing Thanyapura. Drop in to meet and network in Phuket!
Cost: THB400 for BCCT members and participating chambers. THB800 for non-members. NO NON-MEMBER WALK-INS. Price includes free cocktail food and a free flow of soft drinks, beer and wine. BCCT e-vouchers are accepted. Please state "e-voucher" in the online booking additional info box.
Accommodation: Thanyapura offers a special room rate on Thursday 4th & Friday 5th October for Standard Room at THB 2,345 for single/THB 2,730 for twin per night including breakfast. Reservation: click here. Once confirmed please email reservations@thanyapura.com please ensure to state 'BCCT event' for a complimentary upgrade.


Ice-America specializes in the creation, planning, and performance of live and televised ice skating entertainment. Choose one of our ice show options or let us customize a show just for you!
Check out this video compilation of Ice-America shows!
Our principals have extensive experience producing, directing, and choreographing an extensive variety of ice shows and professional ice skating competitions. Whether you're looking for a themed show for your company party, an additional daily attraction at your outdoor holiday ice rink, or a television production featuring skating's biggest stars and amazing choreography, one of our professional production options is right for you.
Use our ice show production capabilities on your existing ice rink or combine an Ice-America ice rink installation with a unique ice show. Begin with one of our custom ice installations – use it for a holiday ice rink – in a theatre – or in an event space. Now, add a customized ice show tailored to your audience. All you need is a suitable location or venue.
…and many more Industry & Grand Opening Performances!
Ice-America production companies have featured the best skaters in the world, including Olympic & World Champions such as Brian Boitano and Michelle Kwan, as well as astounding specialty acts.