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Sexual Violence and Addiction: The Devastating Effects of Sexual Assault
John Templeton Jr. - December 28, 2019
You believe your body is your own, until it's not. When another human being forces themselves upon you, touching you without consent, that individual isn't just claiming your body for their own use – that person is taking everything from you.
Your personal autonomy, your security, your confidence and self-worth, your psychological well-being, your identity. Sexual assault reaches your very soul and changes you.
Today, we've seen incredible and hopeful movements like #MeToo bring an increased awareness of sexual harassment and sexual assault. It's brought thousands of women together and is getting states to end nondisclosure agreements and put in greater protections for workers against sexual violence.
But more needs to be done to not only stop sexual assault, but to help women like you heal from sexual violence without turning to alcohol or drugs.
Sexual assault changes you. But it doesn't have to own you. In this article, we'll dive deeper into sexual violence, what constitutes sexual assault and how to seek help for sexual assault and addiction.
What is Considered Sexual Assault?
According to RAINN and the United States Department of Justice, sexual assault is defined as "sexual contact or behavior that occurs without explicit consent of the victim." This behavior includes the following:
The penal penetration of any body part, including the mouth, vagina or anus
The penetration of a body part by an object
Unwanted touching of intimate body parts
Someone exposing their intimate body parts to you without your consent
Sexual harassment can also refer to hostile environments, pervasive comments and body language that make a woman feel uncomfortable.*
It's necessary to understand what is and is not sexual assault because many women ultimately question if what they experienced is sexual assault. The key piece to remember here is consent. Did you explicitly say yes and agree to participate in the behaviors?
For example, did a man or woman reveal himself to you and then proceed to try to take your clothes off and touch you without you explicitly giving him or her permission to do so? That's sexual assault, even if it didn't result in a completed rape.
It's also necessary to consider how sexual assault occurs. The obvious signal is physical force. But in many cases, perpetrators also use emotional coercion or manipulation to get what they want. Even if there wasn't physical pressure, the behavior itself is still sexual assault.
*It's important to note that the definition of sexual harassment and sexual assault can vary by state.
Sexual Assault Statistics to Know
While there is continued growth to increase awareness and take action against sexual assault, there's areas where our efforts are still falling short.
For example, Harvey Weinstein has reached a settlement with dozens of his accusers that doesn't impact his personal wealth and allows him to avoid admitting wrongdoing. In India, a woman was set on fire on her way to court where she was going to testify against two men for rape.
And in so many more cases, women who have been sexually assaulted turn to addiction to cope with their trauma.
Here's some statistics that you should know regarding sexual harassment, sexual assault and addiction:
One in five women will be raped at some point in their lives.
In the United States, one in three women experience some type of sexual violence in their lives.
Eighty-one percent of women reported short- and long-term impacts of sexual assault, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
It's estimated that 63 percent of sexual assaults go unreported.
Victims of sexual assault are six times more likely to use cocaine and 10 times more likely to use other types of drugs.
The Trauma from Sexual Assault and Addiction
Sexual assault is traumatic and devastating, which is why it leads to both immediate and long-term symptoms of PTSD. To try to cope with these symptoms and make the pain from their assault go away, many women turn to alcohol or drugs to cope.
These substances work very quickly to trigger a rush of feel-good chemicals in the brain, which is why they're seen as a fast and effective solution to the trauma associated with sexual harassment and sexual assault.
The problem is these substances are highly addictive. And despite the short-term benefits, you can very quickly develop a substance abuse disorder that ends up making your trauma and pain much worse.
You need to remember that none of this is your fault. You didn't do anything to deserve to be sexually assaulted. And you didn't mean to get addicted to alcohol or drugs. There is absolutely nothing for you to be ashamed about.
Aren't you tired of sexual assault and substance abuse controlling your every waking thought, feeling and action? There's a way for you to come back from all of this, recover and live a happy, fulfilling life again. All it takes is seeking help from a credible addiction treatment center like Footprints Beachside Recovery.
Heal from Sexual Assault and Addiction at Footprints Beachside Recovery
You stopped believing your body is your own after being sexually assaulted. But your body is your own. Sexual assault changes you. But it doesn't have to own you. At Footprints Beachside Recovery, we offer a personalized treatment approach for women with gender-specific housing and some women-only therapy sessions that can help you regain everything you lost after sexual violence and addiction.
From your personal autonomy, security and confidence to your self-worth, well-being and identity, we're determined to help you overcome your dual diagnosis disorder and find lasting recovery.
If you're ready, talk to one of our team members today to learn more about our treatment program and how we can help you.


In his final game as a Riverhead Blue Wave two years ago, Ryan Hubbard capped his career with a seven-goal performance against West Babylon.
The 2014 Riverhead boys lacrosse team may be the best team in the program's history. By the season's end, that may not be so easily quantified.
The Blue Waves may not win as many games as last year. And their postseason hopes are currently on thin ice.
JOE WERKMEISTER FILE PHOTO | The Riverhead Blue Waves celebrate their second straight Division II county championship after a thrilling 21-14 win over East Islip at Stony Brook University.
The season began with question marks for the Riverhead football team.
The Blue Waves were down several key players and were opening the season with a sophomore at running back.
After a loss in Week 2 to East Islip, it was fair to wonder just how far the Blue Waves might go this year. But quickly, things turned in the Blue Waves' favor as Jeremiah Cheatom dominated on the ground and quarterback Cody Smith guided the team through the air.
The defense began to excel and the Blue Waves kept winning and winning. It culminated with a spectacular 84-yard punt return from Ryan Hubbard to win the Division II county championship at Stony Brook against East Islip, avenging their earlier season loss. The Blue Waves fell short in the Long Island championship, losing to Carey at Hofstra University.
Click here for a complete list of our 2013 top sports stories.
DANIEL DE MATO PHOTO | Riverhead junior Ryan Hubbard scored a career-high seven goals Friday against Deer Park.
The scorebook for the Riverhead boys lacrosse team lists six ovals next to each player's name to account for their goals scored in a game. Before the midway point of the third quarter Friday afternoon, junior Ryan Hubbard already had all six ovals penciled in.
When Hubbard buried his seventh goal on an uncontested run to the Deer Park cage after a turnover, the rout was well on for the Blue Waves in a 14-1 season-opening victory.
The seven goals marked a career high for Hubbard, who had six in a win over William Floyd last year. It could have been even more for him Friday, but with the game comfortably in hand, Hubbard and many of the other starters played sparingly in the second half.
Hubbard added two assists as well. Senior Ryan Bitzer was the only other Blue Wave with multiple goals with three.
The non-league victory was a final tune-up for the Blue Waves before they open the league season against perennial powerhouse Ward Melville at home Wednesday. It'll be the first ever meeting between the two schools, a sign of how far Riverhead's program has come in recent years.
While the Falcons are nowhere near Ward Melville's level, the Blue Waves came out sharp, making all the little plays that against elite teams will be essential to stay in the game.
The Blue Waves hustled for ground balls, forced turnovers, won faceoffs and controlled possession.
DANIEL DE MATO PHOTO | Riverhead defenseman Jaron Greenidge clears the ball against Deer Park.
The lopsided win allowed Guadagnino to get everyone some action and two players got their first varsity goal: sophomore Mark Andrejack and freshman Ben Weir. Freshman Austin Fitzpatrick, who started on attack, picked up his first varsity assist.
Guadagnino said he was impressed with the play of another freshman, long pole middie Blake Carrara.
"He was all over the place swarming like crazy," Guadagnino said.
Guadagnino said it was a valuable experience for the younger players to get some experience before being thrown into the fire of league play.
"Now they get one under their belt and we get into this brutal league schedule and let's go," he said.
While the Blue Waves had little trouble rolling past Deer Park, Guadagnino cautioned his players there's still plenty of area's that need improvement.
One key is fluidity on offense, he said.
Riverhead had a flair for the dramatic Friday. Twice they scored a buzzer-beating goal to end a quarter.
Bitzer buried a shot just as the second quarter ended that made it 8-1 Blue Waves. Weir scored his first varsity goal in the final second of the third quarter off an assist from Mark Huysman.
Riverhead goalkeeper Alex Panagakos had an easy day between the pipes. He made one save and watched the second half from the sideline as John Roca closed the game out. Roca needed to make only one save as well to keep the Falcons scoreless.


Scientists hope new findings into genetic mutation leading to childhood blindness will help understanding of how genes contribute to the development of the eye.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have identified the genetic mutation in children with ocular coloboma. Also known simply as coloboma, the condition accounts for 10 per cent of blindness in children and so far, little is known about the genetic causes.
Children with the condition have a visible gap at the base of the pupil. This means the iris is shaped like a keyhole instead of being round.
The keyhole shape happens if the pupil hasn't fully closed during development in the womb. If the gap extends further into the eye, affecting the retina and the optic nerve, coloboma can severely affect vision.
The research, which will continue into 2018, has tested the DNA of 12 children with coloboma comparing it to their non-affected parents. Mutations were found in 10 genes, three of which were linked to activity of one molecule called actin. Actin is responsible for cell shape and structure as well as some other key functions.
The findings were then compared with 380 adults with coloboma and the mutation of one specific gene appeared in a number of those affected. This mutation, specifically affecting the gene ACTG1, was then edited in mice and findings showed a severe effect on actin.


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Lee Hecker of the Columbus Coalition was lights-out in a 3-hit whitewash of the Irvine Gang Green.
"I had my good stuff and it went where I wanted it to go," he told BNN reporters after the contest.
Hecker registered 6 strikeouts and 4 walks in shutting out Irvine, 6-0.
In 15 starts this season Hecker has compiled a 6-5 record and a 3.15 ERA.
Special Notes: CF Manny López was injured being hit by a pitch.


When a house is bought or sold, a home inspection is a necessary procedure that alerts both homeowners and buyers to the condition of the property in question. If you are selling a home, it is important to have an inspection conducted so that you will be aware of any potential issues with the home you are selling. If you are buying a home, you should have a separate inspection conducted to be sure there are no hidden issues, and to negotiate the contract with potential repairs or problems in mind.
Be prepared for the cost. The average fee for a home inspection is between $350-$500, but the information received from an inspector is priceless. It could be the turning point between a sale and a buyer going back to searching for the perfect home.
There are home inspectors that offer a lower price, but you must beware of their credentials, and their business ethics.
Understand the actual inspection. Home inspectors enter a home and analyze all of the major components that make up a house purchase. Home inspection companies document the safety and overall condition of a home at the time of the inspection. Home inspections usually take about 3 hours for a minimal inspection, and 5 or 6 hours in order to arrive at a thorough, proper assessment. Depending on how old or large a house is, it may take longer or less time to complete.
Home buyers benefit from attending the inspection. Although a written report is furnished upon completion, it doesn't compare to the hands-on, up-front experience of going through the house with the home inspection representative.
This process is important in order to protect both the buyer and the seller. Homeowners will know the sort of repairs or enhancements that their home needs in order to secure a sale and avoid legal liability for selling a damaged or dangerous property. Knowledge about problems with a home enables the buyer to make informed decisions on making an offer on a piece of property. Often buyers make an offer asking the seller to fix certain things or lower the price based on the home inspector's evaluation.
Plumbing: While conducting a home inspection, old piping materials, faulty fixtures, water pumps and water heaters are some of the concerns that an inspector will focus on. Plumbing defects are one of the main issues a homeowner and/or buyers will face in terms of repairs.
Roof: A home inspection company will check a roof to see if there are any old or deteriorated shingles; as well as any leaks. Homeowners can gauge whether or not a roof should be replaced. Usually tar and gravel roofs last about 15 years, where wood shakes have an average life span of 20-25 years.
Structural issues: The overall condition of main structures in the house is also analyzed during a home inspection. The condition of the home's foundation and walls are looked at. Floor joists and rafters are of importance, as are window and door headers. Older houses are checked for sagging and settlement issues. These issues can be priciest for the homeowner to fix, and are very common in older homes.
Heating and air conditioning systems: The heat distribution pipes and air ducts are checked during a home inspection. A buyer will also want to know if operating controls are in good condition, as well as the condition of the chimney.
Electrical wiring: During a home inspection, the condition of the electrical wiring throughout the house is a concern. Wire connections and power overload prevention are some of the aspects an inspector will take note of.
Water in the basement: When water has entered the basement or crawl space of a home, a host of property problems are soon to follow. This includes mold and/or frame rot. Home inspectors are especially keen on detecting these problems, which are quite visible through discoloration, musty smells, mildew and water leak stains.
Chemical concerns: Inspectors look for evidence of radon, asbestos, mold, and lead, which can be dangerous to occupants. If the property uses well water, they also assess the quality of the water to be sure its safe.
Pests: Home inspectors look for evidence of pests like termites that can damage the integrity of the home, as well as other pests like roaches and mice.
Be prepared for bad news. It is a home inspector's job to find any existing or potential problems with a house. They can lose their license if they fail to report issues, so although it might feel like they're purposely giving bad news, be thankful for the information.
If you are the seller, it is important to fix or disclose any issues with the house when you put it on the market. Otherwise, you are potentially legally liable for problems the new homeowner's encounter.
Find out what company the other party is using. If you are buying a house, ask the seller what company they used to inspect the home, to ensure that you choose a different one.
This is important in cases of fraud or deception, which are rare but still possible. For example, the seller could have a personal relationship with the inspector and ask them to refrain from disclosing important information.
It is also important because its always a good idea to have two separate, unbiased, and impartial inspections done from two different perspectives to ensure that nothing major is overlooked.
Google your town and the phrase "home inspection company." This is a simple way to find companies with websites or companies listed in online yellow pages.
Keep in mind that the first several results of a Google or similar search engine query will be paid advertisements, and not necessarily the best companies. Scroll through the results to see your options.
You can also try an old fashioned phone book if you have one handy!
Ask friends in the area. Anyone who has purchased a home in the last couple of years in your town will do, but especially ask friends who have purchased similar homes (age, condition, location).
Post to social media accounts like Facebook or Twitter. Often you may not know of anyone who has used a service, but your trusted friends might post your query to their own friends and find someone who can give a recommendation.
Keep in mind that if you are buying a house, its common for the real estate company you are using to recommend an inspection company. Do not automatically assume this company will be a good one.
Google them and read reviews. After you've found a few local options, look for reviews on websites other than their own, as many companies edit the reviews on their own websites or only post positive ones.
You can also find reviews on social media business pages, if you know the name of a particular company. Keep in mind that very small businesses often only have reviews written by friends or family of the owners, who may have never used their services. This isn't necessarily a reason to reject them out of hand, but you may need to do a little more digging to find actual clients.
Be sure the company is certified. Making sure your prospective company is a member of a large and reputable organization for home inspectors provides you with protections and ensures that the company uses high standards in their inspections.
When you are in need of a home inspection in Canada or the United States, you should choose only those who are members of such associations as InterNACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors) or ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors), NAHI (National Association of Home Inspectors), NIBI (National Institute of Building Inspectors), or CAHPI (Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors).
Request references. Sometimes, contacting past clients will give you insight as to how capable a potential home inspector is.
Ask especially for clients from several years ago. Recent clients will not be able to tell you if the home inspection missed any significant issues with the house.
How many home inspections have you completed?
How long does it take for you to inspect a home?
Can I come along with you on the inspection?
Are wood stoves and fireplaces inspected?
What are the hours and days of your availability?
Can you provide references of inspections you have done in the past?
What ancillary services do you offer (such as Radon Testing, Wood Destroying Insect Inspections, Well System and Water Quality Testing, Lead-based Paint Inspections, Mold Testing)?
Do you back up your inspection with a written guarantee?
Don't be afraid to shop around. If you get a bad feeling from a particular inspector or company, don't be afraid to choose another. There are plenty of companies to choose from, and you should be comfortable with your choice.
As with all decisions when it comes to buying a home, your choice of home inspector really matters. Its expensive, but its an investment into your home and your future. Its worth it to take your time and find the right company.
If you know you will be looking for a home, its a good idea to do your shopping for a home inspection company before you want to make an offer on a house. That way, you don't have to spend time shopping around while someone else comes along and snatches up the house you had your eye on.
Consider your options if the inspection misses something major. In rare cases, an inspector fails to notice or report a significant issue with the home, which can result in problems for the home buyer.
You may have a legal case against your inspector if he or she missed a significant issue. For example, if you unknowingly purchase a home with termites, and the inspector did not include termites in the report, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the home inspection company for the cost of exterminating and repairing damages. Be sure to check their report to be sure they failed to mention the issue.
Be sure to check the contract with the home inspection company, which might include a clause that limits its liability for mistakes and oversights. If you carefully read this contract up front, hopefully you avoided dealing with companies that do not assume liability for not performing their job.
The process of filing a complaint against a home inspection company can vary by state. Check online for your state's real estate commission website, which usually offers information on filing a complaint with the state commission (for example, in Texas you can visit www.trec.state.tx.us/). You can also check the website of any national associations of which your company is a member, which often have a process for filing a complaint against member companies.
Be sure to also document your experience in online reviews. Remember how you relied on those when looking for a home inspection company? Help other clients avoid the problems you encountered by leaving an unbiased and impartial review of the company's performance.
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Home » Can You Feel It? Fall!
Can You Feel It? Fall!
Today the breeze blew in an unmistakable feeling of fall. It is still hot, it is still humid, but there is something about the scent of air and the feeling in the atmosphere that speaks of autumn. The breezes are brisker, the grass begins to green again for its brief fall interim of a green hurrah before the frosts turn them brown.
The dry summer means that the maple trees have dropped a few prematurely browned and withered leaves- so I have raked a bit, a physical aspect in addition to the vibes of an impending autumn. I expect the tree color this year will be diminished due to the droughty conditions of this past August. But sometimes nature surprises me.
One case of this is the appearance of a little cyclamen among the lamium maculatum. I had planted the hand size corm late in the spring season- almost summer really. It had been on sale and I had wanted to replace the cyclamen stand lost to former remodeling work on that side of the house. I had several kinds then; I don't even know what I have now* since they were unmarked… but I am glad I have them. It cheered my day to see their little blooms, not at all prepossessing, but all the more promising since I had given up hope of their survival. They tolerate dry shade, but to start out with such dry conditions doesn't usually bode well.
It is a lesson that I never tire of observing: God's gift of grace and life is greater than our puny expectations. The garden gives me the most inspiring lessons on that topic. Old anemone corms, lost for the winter in some out of the way place… planted in spring with no faith, no real hope that they would make it… nevertheless grew and bloomed. A pine seedling, planted carefully, but then broken by a careless child's play, splinted and protected with a tiny wire fence…. grew into a tree now the size of a one story house! Oh me of little faith… and yet, to hope against hope, sowing seed, nurturing the broken reed of a plant. The outcomes are not always predictable, but often a blessing!
*guessing it to be 'Cyclamen hederifolium', or 'neapolitanum' as it is sometimes known, due to the bloomtime.


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Ciao from Sicily
We meet a lot of people in our travels who are excited to tell us they've been to the United States. When we ask where, their responses are usually the same: New York City, Washington DC, Orlando and sometimes Los Angeles or Chicago. We tend to believe that any one of these places is not representative of the US as a whole. Yet, I think we, and I believe many other Americans, do the same thing.
"Have you been to France?" "Oh, yes, I love Paris." Or, "Have you been to Italy?" " We think Rome is wonderful." This became my realization when we spent September in Sicily. Having visited Rome I was surprised at how different Sicily is…not better not worse…just different. We think of Italy as a country of ancient ruins but it's really a very young country. It wasn't until the 1800's that the different states were consolidated into the Kingdom of Italy. And from 1815 – 1860 there existed the Kingdom of the two Sicilies with capitals in Naples and Palermo. Sicily even has its own language, not a dialect but an actual language.
We landed in Palermo and were met by Cary and her friend Claudio. We had been invited to stay with Claudio's parents, Franca and Pippo, who have a summer location in Triscina close to the Mediterranean Sea. The drive to their home from Palermo was gorgeous with the road meandering between the mountains and the sea. We were very lucky to be able to stay with local residents, and while neither Franca nor Pippo speak English, Cary and Claudio both speak fluent Italian and English so little was lost in the conversations. Claudio's mother is an amazing cook and we were overwhelmed by the quantity of the food. Pasta would be a whole meal for us. But it was just the beginning of her lunch. And I never realized how many different forms of pasta there were. They are chosen for the way they blend with the sauce…some thinner, some heavier. But ALL DELICIOUS! Each one would be my favorite until the next day when I tried one that I liked even better.
On Sunday morning we headed to the local fish market and watched as Claudio's mother bought a whole swordfish which was then sliced into individual steaks right in front of our eyes.
A couple of hours later this wonderful fish was served for lunch (in the course AFTER the pasta). Talk about fresh! It seemed like his mother was continuously cooking! Their home was very warm and welcoming and we felt very lucky to have been invited to stay with these gracious people.
Even though the Kingdom of Italy is new, Sicily is an ancient region. We visited the Selinunte Ruins not far from Triscina. Selinunte is a Greek city dating from 600 BC.
At one point it is believed there were as many as 30,000 citizens, not including the slaves. It was marked by the ruins of Greek Temples (A, B, C, and O) and the Acropolis. Some have deteriorated over time and some have damage caused by the earthquake in 1968.
From the ruins we drove on to Marsala to visit the natural reserve, Stagnone Lagoon, which is a marine area with salt ponds and windmills. (Marsala is also known for Marsala wine.) We ate dinner at Mama Caura's and sat outside sipping our wine as we watched the sun set over the Lagoon. It was like sitting in front of a great painting.
We visited the hill town of Salemi with Toto, a close friend of Claudio's family, as our tour guide. Because Toto grew up in Salemi he was able to guide us through the winding climbing streets of the town pointing out various sites and adding little known tidbits of information. The town has a very rich history having been controlled over time by: the Romans, The Arabs, and The Normans. The city also had a Jewish quarter. The Arabs (in the 800's) brought many new agricultural products to the area among them citrus fruits, apricots, and saffron.
The Arab influence can still be seen in the town's architecture. Toto told how as a small boy he could remember the American troops marching into the city and handing out chocolates to the children! Wow! That was something I could picture from old movies! I could have listened to his stories forever!
On a different day we were invited to appetizers by another of Franca's and Pippo's friends, Milly and Eino who are originally from Estonia. Their home is at the end of the street looking right out at the Mediterranean. Eino prepared wonderful hors d'oeuvres that we ate as sat on their porch overlooking their lovely pool directly in front of us and the sea beyond. We had to pinch ourselves at how fortunate we were to be visiting with and learning about the area with people who lived here!
Most of the area where we were visiting was in the region of Trapani and since we have a daughter-in-law with that maiden name we really wanted to visit the city itself. We walked through the local market and found that it was much like all the other markets we've visited throughout Europe.
I think there was probably a time when these markets featured local crafts but generally now we find the same things throughout Europe: fruit, olives, meat, fish, leather goods, clothes and if we closed our eyes we often wouldn't know what city we were in. The downtown had a lot of lovely old buildings. But the high point of the day was our drive to Erice. The town is located at the top of Mount Erice and overlooks the city of Trapani. Bob and I walked only a short distance up the steep street but thoroughly enjoyed the drive both up and back down the mountain.
On one of our last evenings in Triscina we met up for dinner. There would be twelve of us including our new friends. This time we went to Marzara del Vallo a beautiful city and major fishing center. The center is called the Casbah with a lot of Arab architectural influence.
What fun we had wandering through the town before heading to Ristorante Lo Scoiattolo for dinner. I think 8 of us had mussels! It's the only time I ever remember being served more mussels than I could eat! Really yummy!
Two days later we headed out stopping to drop Cary and Claudio at the airport for their flights back to the continent. We then continued to the eastern side of Sicily. Driving through Palermo we headed on to Cefalu, a town of about 14,000, located on the northern coast of Sicily right on the Tyrrhenian Sea. The main draw of Cefalu is the cathedral that was built in the 1100's.
We were amazed at how crowded this little town was but we were able to find a parking place and it proved a lovely break in a day of driving. We continued from Cefalu aiming for Catania. The center of Sicily is very sparsely populated. There are a few small towns on the mountainsides but for the most part the rest areas along the highway were the only places of civilization we encountered. The scenery was pretty in a very barren sense…reminding us of Lanzarote.
Catania is a gritty city but we had made hotel reservations close by the sites we wanted to see and always felt safe wherever we walked. (We rented a car in Sicily but chose not to use it in the cities due to congestion and hassles with parking.) Catania sits at the foot of Mt. Etna which was one of the reasons we wanted to visit. How ironic that we only got one glimpse of the mountain as we were leaving and heading further south.
For the two days we were there I think I always held the possibility of an earthquake in the back of my mind. I'm not sure how people who live in areas of earthquakes deal with that but perhaps it's n o different than living in an area that has tornadoes! One benefit of the volcano is the ash that provides fertile soil for the growth of grapes for wine! From Catania we drove to Messina where we could watch the ferry as it approached the mainland.
The Catania fish market, the largest fish market in Europe, is a rowdy mass of wall to wall people. Fish mongers yell continuously as they work furiously beneath canvas covers that protect the fish (and the sellers) from the warm Sicilian sun. Every morning the fishermen come in with their catch, and we wonder what happens to all that is not sold. Does it go to local restaurants? Supermarkets? Charities? The symbol of the city is a huge black elephant topped by an Egyptian obelisk in the city center. The elephant was created in 1736 by Giovanni Battista Vaccarini. We aren't sure of its significance but it's definitely impressive.
Catania was repeatedly bombed by the Allies during World War II so it's amazing that the statue and so many of the city's classical buildings survived.
From Catania we headed to Siracusa, the ancient city in southeast Sicily. We had been told by many that we wanted to stay in Ortigia. We found a small bed and breakfast on a narrow street. The owner had texted me that we could park in the Plaza di Archimede (making sure someone stayed with the car since it was illegal to park there) while the other person would walk to the B&B with the belongings. Bob would stay with the car and I'd take our stuff and check in. Of course in the piazza I chose the wrong direction (Picture a circle with five exits around it.) But soon I had figured it out. The B&B was new and the owner told us that the building had belonged to her sister and as they began restoring it, they found old archways and walls and had tried to restore it to its original plan. Breakfast was served each morning on the terrace on the top floor. The location was perfect, beautiful and close to everything!
We'd walk each day to visit various historic sites and then come back to our room to relax before going out in the evening for dinner and another walk. My favorite site was El Duomo (Cathedral of Syracuse) dating back to the 600's. The cathedral became a mosque in the late 800's and the converted back to a church in the late 1000's. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Doric columns from the original church are integrated into the current church.
The Fonta Aretusa is a fresh water spring right next to the sea. Lengend has it that the nynph Arethusa was trying to escape from an unwanted suiter Alpheus and so was changed into a spring by the goddess Artemis.The whole island and its plazas were particularly beautiful at night.
From Siracusa we drove back toward Palermo to spend a couple of days before flying to Rome. Because we had been in very populated areas that past week we chose to stay at the Tenute Plaia Agriturismo between the quaint village of Scopello and the larger city of Castellammare del Golfo.
As we drove to the rural site uphill and down dale winding along the sea only to turn again up into the hills, we began to wonder just how remote this location was going to be. But as we turned into the drive we were stunned by the beauty of the sea in front of us. A perfect place to unwind for a couple of days before heading to Rome. Scopello, a small village less than a mile away, was a great place to spend a morning.
It's a very short flight from Palermo to Rome and we were thrilled that Cary would meet us when we landed. Even though we only had two days with her Cary had rented a car and planned a great schedule. We spent a day in Tivoli at Villa d'Este which was commissioned in the 1500's. Tivoli has always been a popular summer spot because of its cooler temperatures. On the day we visited rain threatened but we really lucked out missing most of the rain and temperatures in the high 70's. Just perfect! The villa itself is beautiful but it was the gardens and fountains that we wanted to see. The gardens are on a variety of levels and contain fountains, water spouts, waterfalls and it's all been created using gravity. There are no pumps. The water decorations are scattered among sculptures, mosaics, a variety of landscaping with paths and balconies throughout. I loved it. But judge for yourself!
Again time had passed far too quickly and it was time to move on. It's hard to believe it's been seven months since we had arrived in Europe. We hugged Cary good bye, made a bit easier knowing that we'd see her again at Christmas and boarded our 10 hour flight to DC! Good bye Europe. Hello US!

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


My mother was the first person in my life who had a passion for gardening that bordered on obsession... She would demand our help with everything from weeding the vegetable garden, collecting cow or horse manure on pastures for her compost, to harvesting berries and digging up dahlias in the fall. The more responsibility we daughters could assume in the house the more time she spent in the garden. She allowed me to create my own first flower bed in a corner of the garden, and I remember vividly the peace and satisfaction that came with putting my hands into the soil and creating a "garden" of my own. Since then I have gardened wherever I saw an opportunity; in Germany, France and then San Diego, even if it meant to dig up my parking spot.
Prompted by the discovery of California native plants I turned my front lawn at my last house in UTC into a vibrant Native garden that attracted neighbors and encouraged them to stop and ponder wildflowers, seedheads and flowering shrubs. Now I am getting to know which plants can cope with harsh summer heat, a mizerly watering regime, Santa Anas that like to put my fresh plantings to the test, and an extremely coarse and permeable soil in Ramona, that "Valley of the Sun" east of San Diego. I owe my present good fortune of designing and creating gardens professionally to Kay Stewart from the California Native Plant Society, a Landscape architect herself who pointed me to the Horticultural program at Cuyamaca College. There I earned my training and certification in Horticulture and Landscape Design and now enjoy a thriving design business of my own.
To me, a well designed garden not only provides their owners with a comfortable space for their outdoor activities; fun and exciting plants have equal importance with beautiful hardscapes and give the garden its individuality as well. Water, too, is such an essential element in bringing life to a garden. My purpose is to share my love and respect for the beauty and sturdiness of Natives and other water-wise plants from Southwestern US, South America, Australia, South Africa and Europe. "Tried and proven plants" are good, but can be a bit boring... so I like to dive into the amazing diversity of plants that are available to us to instill more enthusiasm and excitement in the garden's owner while at the same time acknowledging the individuality of Southern California's environments.
The best local tree book ever.
Showing successful examples of landscapes that are full of ideas and that can be implemented in Southern California without compromising the respect for our climate, soil and relaxed life style.
Great for links to public/Botanical gardens, professional organizations and other relevant sites.
Great for plant lists and events.
Great for classes, events and education.
Now I am gardening in zone 20 ( in a "milder" version of zone 20; some neighborhoods in Ramona are even below that...) I have gardened in San Diego/UTC, the Loire Valley, and a couple of different climate zones in Germany (the lower Rhine valley & the upper Rheingau).
Since I could handle a rake!
My mother's garden, the endless hours of play in it, the privacy. What stands out in my memory are tall Yarrows, Dahlias and Daylilies... and Strawberries.
My experiences with gardening in distinctly different climates (Germany-continental, French-river valley, Southern California-coastal to inland) have given me familiarity with a wide variety of plants and environments, local tastes, and preferences. My training as a designer has enabled me to develop a good grasp of construction methods and consideration of budgetary concerns. My gardens inspire interest and exploration as you move from space to space- where textures, colors, movement and architectural elements, such as water or stone, interact; delighting the spirit and moving the heart.
I have a minor degree in economics and a certificate in Ornamental Horticulture/Landscape Design from Cuyamcaca College.
What makes a garden romantic? What is the essence of a garden that is enjoyable and memorable?
Tropical gardens in the midst of a desert and pulling up a favorite plant to find its roots completely munched by the gophers.
Full time, and if it's not consulting and designing or reading, it's gardening.
Hmmm, I can't decide. Maybe it's the relaxation, or the act of creating? Or maybe the physical exertion, or the satisfaction from a flower border in full bloom? Perhaps the awe of a tough plant that is making it through the summer blast, or the delight of dried flowers and grasses in the deep of winter?
The planning of my own garden (there's too much of it!)... The repair of gopher and squirrel damage to 1/4 inch irrigation pipes and the annoying business of making planting baskets out of aviary wire!
Having a late afternoon tea on my deck, surrounded by a high railing engulfed by Morning Glory (a bad choice- too invasive- but gorgeous none-the-less) and lots of interesting pots of experimental flower combinations.
Mid morning in the spring and early summer.
Quail Gardens, because it is so accessible and such a wonderful compilation of plant examples from all over the world.
Aloe. Striking in winter when in bloom, very structural. Perhaps Rock Purslane, because it requires a moderate amount of water, and it's Magenta flowers are like beacons in the landscape. Perennial grasses? (Even romantic when dry in winter). Miscanthus transmorrosinensis is like a tall exclamation point in the garden.
Philadelphus lewisii (Mock Orange) and Cornus sericea (Creek Dogwood). I haven't figured out how much shade and water to give these plants, and perhaps it's just too hot in Ramona.
Shorts, good garden shoes, a tank top with a long sleeved shirt (that I often discard), and a hat.
Be open to experiments. Be critical of your work and, to quote Tom Piergrossi: "Edit, edit, edit... "
Yes! BUT that doesn't mean you have to substitute lawn for flowers, concrete for borders, gravel for mulch (unless it's a desert garden), and New Zealand Flax for perennial grasses.
"Low maintenance garden equals no maintenance garden".
Any garden requires a minimum of maintenance, be it hosing your plants off after a long dry period, a "light hair cut" every now and then, and then some fertilizer, or checking of irrigation pipes and valves, replacing some sick or dead plants... Plants are living organisms that can get sick or die, too.
People with a more ecclectic garden taste, romantics perhaps, who "live" in their garden and not just look at it; people who share my love for unusual and fun plants, people interested in a garden that is more suited to their environment, who enjoy the backdrop of our Southern California landscape.


Yee-haw! Gift Horse & Co. subscriptions are now available!
GH&Co. is my newly launched gift wrapping subscription-box service. Every other month, members will receive a box filled with beautiful gift wrapping supplies, hand-selected by yours truly. So if you've been eying all the gorgeous gifts I've shared on this blog and wished you could find such stunning papers, ribbons and embellishments, now's your chance to get my top picks delivered directly to you.
Subscriptions are $37 Canadian, plush shipping and handling. Visit Gift Horse & Co. to subscribe — first two people to sign up get a special gift!
How much fun would it be to open up a box of beautiful wrapping supplies… every other month! I am smiling just thinking about it!!
That's a gorgeous selection of packages – what fun to get that in the mail!


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Girl on a Mission, Politics
These 2 Nepalese Girls Organized A Charity Race To Champion The Cause Of Equality
If you aren't already familiar with the organization She's The First, you're about to be. They are a non-profit which advocates for the education of girls in developing countries by providing scholarships, and in some cases enabling girls to be the first generation of educated women in their families. Along with education, they also work to raise future leaders and empower girls to make a change in their communities.
STF have impacted girls in 10 countries and awarded over 500 scholarships. Why is girls education so important? Many foundations and non-profits estimate that when girls are educated, they are able to break the cycle of poverty because they have access to proper healthcare, are less likely to marry early as a way out of poverty, and each year of schooling increases their chances of earning up to 20%.
As solid proof of the impact She's The First are making on girls lives, take a look at the short film below based on two girls from Nepal, Jharana, 11, and Sirjana, 15. They organized a 5k 'Race for Equality' in Sukhet, in order to raise awareness about the importance of equality.
"Inequality is a problem here because women cannot get the same jobs as a man," said Jharana in the short film.
"Sometimes I am discriminated against by my friends just for being a girl," said Sirjana.
According to UNESCO, literacy rates for men is at 71.6% and for women it is 44.5%. According to the Gender Equality Index, Nepal is ranked very low for South East Asian average numbers. The devastating earthquakes that rocked the country twice earlier this year did major damage to life for many families, and increased chances of poverty.
In the short film, Sirjana says many women who don't have an education take up labor jobs, or in some cases go overseas and get involved in "bad work". Human trafficking is a growing problem in Nepal as it often becomes the only option for women who aren't educated and don't have any other way to make money.
This is why organizations like She's The First are powerfully changing the status quo for future girl leaders in the country.
Sirjana says her parents weren't aware of how instrumental education can be to break poverty cycles, but once they did, they urged her to do their best in school as they wanted her to have a future that was better than their own.
"]My mom] always motivates my sister and me to study so that no one can discriminate or dishonor us," she said.
Jharana on the other hand was inspired to organize the Race for Equality to raise awareness about her mother who cannot read or write, and to help other women as well.
"Every woman has a right to be educated. That's why I decided to teach my mom how to read and write," she said.
She did this when she was only 8, and now her mum has the ability to maintain accounts and records for her sewing business.
In both the girls' school there are 91 STF scholars altogether who all worked in unison to help put on the 5k race. These girls are learning and implementing valuable team-building skills that will translate in any job they end up having in the future.
Another reason why giving young girls the chance to get educated will teach them so much more about life than simply how to read or write.
The short film was made by Christen Brandt and Kate Lord, and gives a glimpse into the impact you can have when you donate and support organizations like She's The First.
As for the young women in the film, Sirjana and Jharana, they are examples of the impact anyone can make in their community even at a young age. We like to call it the "Malala effect" where girls are inspired by a young woman who dared to look danger in the face and continue with her noble mission anyway. We hope these two Nepalese role models will empower other girls to rise up and be the change for the next generation of female leaders in the country.
Watch the full film below and head over to the STF website to find out more about their mission, how you can donate and get involved.
Tags: equality × gender equality × girls education × Nepal × race for equality × she's the first


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TV18 Broadcast's December Quarter Profit Falls 87% To Rs 37.81 Crore
TV18 Broadcast's total expenses were at Rs 1,812.90 crore. (Representational)
New Delhi: Media firm TV18 Broadcast Ltd on Tuesday reported an 87.86 per cent decline in its consolidated net profit to Rs 37.81 crore for the third quarter ended December 31, 2022, on account of a decline in advertising revenue.
The company had posted a net profit of Rs 311.55 crore for the October-December period of the previous fiscal, TV18 Broadcast said in a regulatory filing.
However, its consolidated revenue from operations rose by 12.8 per cent to Rs 1,767.71 crore compared to Rs 1,567.08 crore in the corresponding quarter a year ago.
The company faced "continued softness in advertising impacted profitability despite strong operating metrics across the board," said TV18 Broadcast in an earning statement.
TV18 Broadcast's total expenses were at Rs 1,812.90 crore, up 45.09 per cent in the December quarter of 2022-23 compared to year-ago period.
According to the company, continued softness in the macroeconomic environment dampened the advertising demand and impacted the revenue, in contrast to the strong festive demand witnessed last year, thereby impacting the growth.
"Despite inflation showing signs of easing, economic sentiment remained weak during the quarter. While core categories continued to spend on advertising, driving growth was challenging due to restrained spends by brands across categories and a sharp pull-back by start-ups and e-com players," said TV18 Broadcast.
TV18 Broadcast further said drop in advertising revenue had a direct impact on margins. Moreover, the profitability of the business also suffered due to investments in new initiatives, digital entertainment and sports.
Commenting on the results, TV18 Chairman Adil Zainulbhai said: "Our TV network continues to grow from strength to strength and our digital business has taken some big strides to build a strong foundation for growth. A tough macro-environment made it difficult from a financial perspective, but we are really pleased with the operating performance of our business." TV18 Broadcast, a subsidiary of Network 18 Group, owns and operates several news and current affairs channels which include CNN News18 and a host of general entertainment channels like MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon and Colors.
Shares of TV18 Broadcast Ltd dropped by 1.62 per cent to close at Rs 36.45 on BSE on Tuesday.
Auto Expo 2023: India's Largest Automotive Show Starts Today
shares, stocks, TV18
Meet Zahan – Shashi Kapoor's Grandson Debuts In New Film Faraaz
Shweta Tiwari's Answer To Question She's Been Asked "1,000 Times" Has A Besharam Rang Twist
"Will Nag Me For Rest Of My Life": Australia Star On Missing India Tests | Cricket News
"Calling Lawyers Of World": Ladakh Innovator On Being Asked To Sign Bond


text:
T&G GLOBAL HITS THE SPOT WITH FERMENTED APPLE FLOUR
T&G Foods, a division of T&G Global, has signed an agreement with start-up business Green Spot Technologies to supply pomace to produce fermented apple flour.
The new partnership between T&G Foods and Green Spot will commence with trial production of fermented apple flour using T&G pomace.
T&G Foods general manager, Colin Lyford says T&G will provide up to 150 kg per week to Green Spot at no charge to support its commencement of the trial production of fermented apple flour at its East Tamaki factory.
"We are also working with Green Spot to help them identify market opportunities for fermented apple flour, evaluate pricing and sampling it through our sales team in both New Zealand and Australia. We currently work with numerous foodservice companies and bakers across both countries and early interest has been positive."
Fermented apple flour is a viable alternative to wheat-based flour and has numerous health benefits including being gluten-free, GMO-free, dairy-free and vegan-friendly. It's also high in protein, dietary fibres, low in calories, fat and is a natural source of prebiotics, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
T&G Foods produces around 10,000 tonnes of apple pomace annually from its operations in Nelson and nearly 6000 tonnes from its plant in Hastings. Pomace is produced as a by-product from the pressing of whole apples to obtain juice and consists of seeds, stems, and peel with flesh residue attached.
T&G Foods currently sells apple pomace as an animal stock feed however some is sent for composting by Waste Management.
"T&G Foods is pleased to be able to support the start-up of any independent processor who can add value to waste product chain," adds Lyford. "Our goal is to find sales for all parts of the apple that we grow and that cannot be sold as first grade. In doing so, we add value to growers and horticulture as a whole."
T&G will supply Green Spot with up to 150kgs of apple pomace per week over the next year with the product transported from Hawkes Bay.
Green Spot Technologies is a start-up business based in Auckland that combines environmental sustainability and social well-being by using natural resources to provide consumers with nutritionally balanced fermented food products.
Co-founders Ninna Granucci and Silas Villas-Boas says they are thrilled to partner with T&G Foods, one of New Zealand's larger producers of fresh fruit and vegetables.
"We believe that all natural resources need to be explored taking into consideration the environmental, social and economic impact, which is aligned with T&G's core values," Silas Villas-Boas explains.


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Inzamam barred from buying franchise in T10 league
by Staff Report , (Last Updated October 27, 2017)
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has barred Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq from buying any franchise in the recently-announced T10 cricket league in Sharjah according to a local media outlet.
While talking to media, Inzamam said no ownership of any of the franchises, however, his brother Intizar-ul-Haq had shares in a T10 franchise.
PCB has allowed the chief selector to act as a 'mentor' for any of the teams participating in the upcoming tournament.
Inzamam said that the PCB had told him not to do anything against the board's policies, adding it was wrongly portrayed in the media that he had bought a franchise in the league.
PCB chairman Najam Sethi, meanwhile, said Inzamam being a consultant for the board could not be stopped from carrying out tasks that do not have anything to do with the PCB.
He further said that he could be stopped only in the event of those tasks being in direct conflict with the board.
Sethi said the ICC is still undecided about the T10 league. The organisers of a T10 cricket tournament in Sharjah have claimed that the PCB has released its top players for the league, scheduled to be held in December.
The organisers also said that the PCB chairman had extended his backing for the inaugural league.
"The PCB's approval means Pakistan stars such as Shahid Afridi, Sarfraz Ahmed, Shoaib Malik, Mohammed Amir, Babar Azam, Ahmed Shehzad and Fakhar Zaman, amongst top Pakistani centrally contracted players will feature in the upcoming T10 Cricket League player draft in November," a statement by T10 league said earlier.
Inzamam still thinks Pakistan among favourites to win World Cup
Ehsan Mani refutes claims of PM Imran running PCB
ICC, ECB approvals of T10 Cricket League remain in place


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Q: What if the result of reduceByKey(_+_) exceed int range I am trying to do a simple MR job in Spark, here is the codes:
val testRDD = someRDD.map((_, 1)).reduceByKey(_+_)

In the map stage, the value is Int, what if in the reduce stage, the value is too large that exceed the Int range? I can probably do like this
val testRDD = someRDD.map((_, 1.toLong)).reduceByKey(_+_)

But is there any better idea?

A: Nothing Spark specific. It will simply result in an integer overflow:
sc.parallelize(Seq(("a", Integer.MAX_VALUE), ("a", 1))).reduceByKey(_ + _).first

// (String, Int) = (a,-2147483648)

If you suspect that overflow errors may occur you should definitely use more appropriate data type and Long is a good choice for integral values:
sc.parallelize(Seq(
  ("a", Integer.MAX_VALUE.toLong), ("a", 1L)
)).reduceByKey(_ + _).first

// (String, Long) = (a,2147483648)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


The city of Covington is the parish seat of St. Tammany Parish in the state of Louisiana. Originally founded in 1813 by John Wharton Collins, the city is believed to have gotten its name from a general in the War of 1812 named Leonard Covington. The original source of commerce for the city was received from the Bogue Falaya River which interconnected to the Tchefuncte River from Lake Pontchartrain. Commerce in the city changed drastically in 1888, with the installation of a railway system, which has since been replaced by the Tammany Trace walking trail that extends through multiple towns in the area.
As of the 2010 census, Covington, Louisiana had a population of 8,463. This smaller population makes it a great choice for those who are looking to live in a smaller town. With New Orleans just under an hour drive away, residents of Covington, Louisiana can easily get to big city excitement while living in a peaceful setting.
Homes in Covington have a median listing price of $240,000 and the listing price has been trending upward steadily over the last three years making purchasing a home in Covington a solid investment. For those who are buying their first home, residents of Covington might qualify for a first time home purchase program. The St. Tammany Parish Soft Second Program offers 100% financing and a soft second loan for up to $30,000 for the downpayment on a home for a first-time home buyer. The program also offers a grant of up to $5,000 for closing costs. The program has requirements for minimum credit scores and financial need, so not everyone will qualify, but for those who do qualify, the program can alleviate the financial burden of buying a new home.
For those who might not have the required credit for financing or the savings for the down payment on a home in Covington, Louisiana, potential homebuyers may find that a rent to own property is the solution they need. Those in a rent-to-own agreement will rent the home for a predetermined period of time with an agreed upon down payment. Part of the monthly rent will go towards the purchase of the home after the lease period which is different from a traditional lease. A positive to this agreement is the fact that residents can secure the property to buy when they are ready. This allows residents to move into a property immediately as they continue to save for their home purchase.
Residents living in Covington, Louisiana will enjoy living in a smaller town while having the benefit of convenient access to New Orleans nightlife just under an hour away. The highly-rated school system and low crime rate makes Covington an excellent choice for those looking to raise or start a family, and residents wanting to stay active can take advantage of the 31 mile trail that connects Covington to several other cities in the area. With a steady home value that is increasing slowly, residents can be certain that a home in Covington, Louisiana is a solid investment.


text:
namespace FlyweightPattern
{
    using System;

    public class PaperMoney : IMoney
    {
        public MoneyType MoneyType
        {
            get { return MoneyType.Paper; }
        }

        // GetExtrinsicState()
        public void GetDisplayOfMoneyFalling(int moneyValue)
        {
            // This method would display a graphical representation of a paper currency.
            Console.WriteLine(string.Format("Displaying a graphical object of {0} currencyof value ${1} falling from sky.", MoneyType.ToString(), moneyValue));
        }
    }
}


text:
[Movies] The Way of the Dragon - In Singapore
Original Hong Kong Movie Poster
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29650656
Bruce Lee's movie produced in 1972 - The Way of the Dragon - was Lee's debut into movie directing. It was a big deal in Singapore. It was shown simultaneously, midnight on Saturday, November 11, in only THREE cinemas - Odeon, Cathay and Orchard (Currently Orchard Cineleisure). (1) The movie was shown later in the open air Jurong Drive-in. (2)
Tickets were all sold out on its premiere night and the movie was so popular that the government had to warn the public against buying movie tickets from touts (3) All these happened even before its launch. But still, you can't stop the desire of the public. The public stood in line for hours but unfortunately, many could not get hold of the tickets. The tickets at the box office were sold at S$1, S$2 and S$3 and each member of the public was only allowed the purchase of 4 tickets.(4)
"Touts sold the movie tickets at DOUBLE the price and people were still buying off them", shared my father.
This martial arts movie reached out to people of all ages, gender and races and was shown in the cinemas for about two months.
1. The Straits Times. November 9, 1972. World premiere of new Bruce Lee film in S'pore. P15.
2. New Nation. December 19, 1972. Miscellaneous Column 2. P2.
3. The Straits Times. November 11, 1972. Bruce Lee Film Tickets Warning. P20.
4. New Nation. November 10, 1972. Advertisements Column 2. P15.
Posted by REDLeader at 12:25 AM
Labels: Media, Singapore, Singapore Trails


Cyclelife is a franchise partnership and now has 89 members, including stores owned by Raleigh.
Cyclelife aims to enable dealers to retail and market themselves as part of a national network. In addition to converting established dealers, Cyclelife has attracted new entrants to cycle retailing.
Raleigh MD Mark Gouldthorp said: "The Cyclelife initiative gives us a great opportunity to develop independent cycling retailers across the UK, which offer our customers the complete cycling experience.
Cyclelife dealers get preferential trading terms from Raleigh, stock finance, store development consultancy and finance, and operational and finance support for marketing activity.
Andrew Quail, Head of Business Services at the BFA, said: "I cannot recall ever having the pleasure of welcoming to the BFA a company with such a long and distinguished tradition in business as Raleigh. By joining the British Franchise Association, Raleigh is demonstrating commitment to the highest business ideals in franchising."
Raleigh's aim is to develop a network of 200+ Cyclelife dealers.


We have just had another amazing holiday with redspokes. Chile & Argentina is a must do cycling holiday for anyone who loves their bike, breathtaking scenery, friendly people & crossing the Andes on a bike - brilliant. This was the first time we had met Dermot & what a fantastic person he is, highly entertaining whilst always ensuring that the groups needs are being met in every way. Thank-you so much for another great adventure. I can't wait to book our next redspokes trip!!!! ...but where in the world do we go???
Chile & Argentina was an amazing trip. The daily cycling environments are so diverse it makes each day really exciting and adds the sense of a real adventure. From crossing the Andes at the snowline from the Wild West like scenery when leaving Bariloche the trip has something around every corner to keep your eyes occupied.


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text:
Core configuration of CodeGenerator.

self loadDevelopment


text:
Happy 10th birthday to the Bay's beautiful and historic national trail
by Len Lazarick | August 11, 2016 | Commentary, News | 0 |
Kayakers paddle Barren Creek in Wicomico County, MD. The plan for the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail would emphasize protecting the viewshed so it would appear as close as possible to what Smith saw during his voyages. Bay Journal photo by Dave Harp
By Joel Dunn
Bay Journal News Service
As the National Park Service celebrates its centennial this year, we are also celebrating the 10th anniversary of a national park we have right here in our collective backyard: the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail.
Winding through much of the Chesapeake region, the nation's first all-water national historic trail is as beautiful, and as precious to our nation, as its more famous sisters around the nation — the Grand Canyon, the Adirondacks, Yellowstone, etc.
And it is of course the youngest; in 2006, President George W. Bush signed legislation establishing the trail, commemorating Smith's exploration of the region from 1607–09. The trail is administered by the National Park Service Chesapeake Bay Office.
The Chesapeake Conservancy, where I work, serves as the primary nonprofit partner. The effort to establish can be attributed to a number of major visionaries — Pat Noonan, founder of The Conservation Fund; Gilbert M. Grosvenor, president of National Geographic; Will Baker, president of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation; the Chesapeake Bay Commission; U.S. Sens. Paul Sarbanes of Maryland and John Warner of Virginia; and many others.
More public access
Thanks to their vision, the National Park Service is authorized to create new public access options (with 100 new sites since 2010) so more people can explore by boat or kayak the approximately 3,000 miles of the Chesapeake's great rivers spanning from Cooperstown, N.Y., to Virginia Beach. The trail helps people connect with places evoking the Chesapeake of 400 years ago, with stories of American Indian communities and culture, as well as Smith's voyages.
One of my favorite places to start is Susquehanna State Park, where you can explore the scenic river that supplies 50 percent of the freshwater to the Chesapeake Bay and once served as the major highway in the region for American Indians to connect and trade.
The Susquehanna's history goes back thousands of years, evidenced by the Bald Friar petroglyphs. With support from the Chesapeake Conservancy, the petroglyphs are now displayed at Susquehanna State Park.
A unique place to explore on the trail is Mallows Bay on the Potomac River, where you can see nature and history coexist. Mallows Bay is home to the "Ghost Fleet" of more than 100 wooden steamships built for the U.S. Emergency Fleet during World War I. Most of them never saw service and they were scuttled in this wide, shallow bight across the Potomac from Quantico, Va.
Today the wrecks support diverse ecosystems teeming with marine life. You can see the ships with your naked eye — from the park's telescope on land or by hopping into your kayak and paddling up close. The Chesapeake Conservancy is a lead partner in a coalition advocating the designation of Mallows Bay as a National Marine Sanctuary.
Another of my favorite spots along the trail is Fones Cliffs on the Rappahannock River. These amazing cliffs have a golden glow that radiates even on a cold rainy day. Now under threat of development, the cliffs provide an important habitat for the largest concentration of bald eagles on the East Coast. It is also one of the few places in the region that Smith and the American Indians living there 400 years ago would still recognize today.
Where to get started
There are so many wonderful places to explore on the Smith Trail, you might be wondering where to get started. You can start online. Visit the National Park Service and Chesapeake Conservancy partner website at findyourchesapeake.com to plan your adventure.
At the Conservancy's website, you'll find Riverview, which offers a virtual tour of many of the rivers on the trail. Similar to Google's Street View, you can use the virtual tour to scope out your visit before you get there. Also available is a mobile-friendly Boater's Guide for the trail and information about the Chesapeake Bay Interpretive Buoy System.
The Smith Trail is much more than a place to explore: It's a large, water-wrapped landscape. Just as the National Park Service became integral to conservation throughout the United States, for the last 10 years we have embraced the Smith Trail as the inspiration and framework for large landscape conservation and increased public access throughout the Chesapeake region.
Joel Dunn is the president and CEO of the Chesapeake Conservancy.
Distributed by the Bay Journal News Service
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Aug 19, 2017 | 2017 US Championships, 2017 US Championships - News & Features, News & Features
By Gina Pongetti
There is a definite void in the alumni. The "usual suspects" and their personalities, stories, tenure and camaraderie are absent, yet the mark that they left on the sport and the path paved for the newer, younger generation is evident. Some are retired (most due to age and health) and some are leaving the door open for a comeback…after a bit of a break to "do" life. Whether college or coaching, writing books or speaking, all are present with just a bit over a year since most were on the competition floor. Fans are happy that the athletes get to enjoy replacing a grueling training schedule with other activities—but their leadership and star power are missed. Let's take a look at where these champions are now…
Jake Dalton
Retired in August
Moved back to Nevada to work at his parents' gymnastics gyms in Reno and Sparks, where he was raised
Was in the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games
Competed NCAA Gymnastics at Oklahoma under the coaching eyes of Mark Williams
Has been on the National Elite scene since 2007, competing internationally 19 times since 2009.
Has a clothing line called Mesomorph
Beyond the sport of gymnastics, Jake has many interests in the fitness arena, strength, nutrition and more
Laurie Hernandez
Was a part of the 2016 Olympic Gold medal team
Has taken the year off for appearances, talk shows, awards shows, speaking engagements, writing a book, winning Dancing with the Stars, and just some R&R
She will weigh her options, once returning to training, to focus on beam and floor (her strong events) and to see whether she can handle the rigors of training all four events
Has a bit of a theater and acting itch, has auditioned for Disney and more
Danell Leyva
Competed in the 2012 (all-around bronze) and 2016 Olympics (p-bar and high bar silver)
Competed for 10 years on Senior National Team
Currently pursuing an acting career in California—a departure from his most recent home in Miami. He and his business partner started a production company and called it Parallel Entertainment
2016 Olympian with 5 medals
World All-Around Champion 2013-2015
The most decorated American gymnast with a combined total of 19 World and Olympic medals
Was only on the international scene for a mere four years, rising quickly in her dominance
Spoke during the tour and in various interviews about coming back for a push to Tokyo 2020 after a full year off to relax and reset, aiming toward summer of 2018.
Retired this week
Stuck around through to the post-Olympic tour and was the 2017 High Bar Champion at Winter Cup
Was on the J.O. National Team in 2003-2004, and stayed in the mix for the next 14 years; quite a tenure
He is going to pursue a job in college coaching.
2012 and 2016 Olympian, and 2011 and 2015 World Team Gold Medalist
Began international competition in 2009, had an eight-year career
Had a stint on Dancing with the Stars
Has a leotard line with GK
Wrote a book called "Fierce"
Has said that her intention is to possibly try for 2020 and has not officially announced her retirement!
Has multiple sponsorship and product deals throughout the years
Was on the 2012 and 2016 Olympic teams
Entered the junior national scene in 2009 at U.S. Championships
Pursued a career in acting
Wrote a book entitle "Grace, Gold and Glory"
Has her own namesake Barbie doll!
Hasn't yet decided if she'll make a comeback
Paul Ruggeri III
28 national appearances (over 11 years) and 12 international (over 7 years);
was a contender for the 2016 Olympic Men's team, trained after Olympic Trials, and then later announced retirement
Was a molecular biology major at University of Illinois, where he won the Nissen award in 2012.
Is coaching at U.S. Gymnastics Development Center, a gym owned and operated by former gymnast Daniel Ribeiro, one of Ruggeri's teammates at U of I
Is an avid traveler as well
Jon Horton
Retired in 2017, attempting to come back after not being able to compete at Olympic Trials in 2016 (due to a shoulder injury suffered while training pommel horse)
Was a 2008 (team bronze, high bar silver) and 2012 Olympian (team: 5th)
Has been on American Ninja Warrior for three seasons, and is known for being the shortest man to conquer the 'warped wall' obstacle
Is at Championships doing live feed for the juniors
Madison Kocian
2016 Olympian (team gold and bars silver) as well as 2015 World Champion (team and bars) and 2014 (team gold)
Was on the junior national team in 2009 at the age of 12, and spent eight years on the international circuit
Is now an athlete at UCLA; is still considering a return to elite
MyKayla Skinner
S. Olympic Alternate for 2016 Olympics
Was on the national scene since Championships in 2009
NCAA Championships silver, representing University of Utah, after taking a year between high school and leaving for college
John Orozco
An ACL tear made him give up his position as a 2016 Olympian
Pursuing a career in acting in California
Was in the sport for 16 years
While it's always wonderful to see the new talent emerge from the junior ranks, as fans, we still miss the memorable performances given by the veterans and stars of past Olympics. But hopefully we'll be seeing at least a few of these gymnasts returning to the elite stage in the years leading up to Tokyo—Simone Biles, for instance, reportedly returned to the gym this month!
Inside Gymnastics is your all-access pass to everything gymnastics! Subscribe/renew today and make sure you don't miss an issue of Inside Gymnastics magazine!
Anna Rose Johnson writes about women's artistic and rhythmic gymnastics. She loves Whippets, brownies, and full-twisting double layouts. Her writing portfolio can be viewed at: https://annarosejohnson.contently.com
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Passing The Baton: A History Of Soundtrack Composers
Soundtrack composers are often the unsung heroes of film, but without their music, the movies would struggle to come to life.
Max Bell
Illustration: uDiscoverMusic
If you've got a favorite film, it's a given that you have a fancy for the music within, but the soundtrack composers responsible are often the unsung heroes of the piece.
The great directors have always relied on their soundtrack accomplices to enhance the experience. It's impossible to imagine Orson Welles' Citizen Kane without the audacious debut score from Bernard Herrmann. Welles insisted that "Benny was an intimate member of the family" and used him again for The Magnificent Ambersons.
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Herrmann is even better known for his work with Alfred Hitchcock; famously, the composer ignored the director's insistence that there be no music at all for the infamous shower scene in Psycho. Good job too, since the stabbing violins sent audiences diving under their seats as Janet Leigh's Marion Crane encountered motel landlord Norman Bates in a moment that became as iconic as any in film history. Herrmann had also worked with Hitch on The Man Who Knew Too Much, Marnie, Vertigo, and others. His electronic score for The Birds, where he was credited as "sound consultant", held exactly the right unsettling effect. He was also using a Theremin – on The Day The Earth Stood Still – long before pop groups discovered its weird properties.
The Lyon-born composer Maurice Jarre (father of Jean-Michel) also moved from the orchestral sweep of Lawrence Of Arabia and Dr Zhivago ("Lara's Theme" is one of the most identifiable moments in film) to the groundbreaking electronic synth arrangements of Witness and the tense symphonic atmosphere of Fatal Attraction.
For sheer bravado, it's hard to surpass the late John Barry, the Yorkshireman with the Midas touch. His scores for the James Bond movies are arguably as memorable as the movies they adorn, with Goldfinger, Thunderball and On Her Majesty's Secret Service emerging as classics. Noted for his lush orchestration, Barry's own pop background encouraged him to be experimental, and he used innovative synths and the cimbalom (a hammered dulcimer) on The Ipcress File.
A direct contemporary of Barry's is the great John Williams, whose style evolved on scores for TV's Peter Gunn and Days Of Wine And Roses, and whose name has become synonymous with blockbusters and the über-franchise films. "His Main Title (Theme From Jaws)" and the blackly comic "Promenade (Tourists On The Menu)" are as iconic as Herrmann's Psycho moment: Jaws without Williams would be like chips without vinegar.
His lusher, more romantic yet light-hearted hand is all across Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and the Indiana Jones movies, while scores for Empire Of The Sun, Jurassic Park, and Schindler's List, all directed by his long-term ally Steven Spielberg, are far darker in tone. (Many long-standing liaisons have emerged from Hollywood, such as Danny Elfman and Tim Burton. The former's scores include the once-underrated Batman and the spooky Edward Scissorhands.)
A great movie score will include key atmospheric elements: anticipation, action, and resolution, but the definition of what makes a great soundtrack is highly subjective. This writer's preference is for Roy Budd's music to Get Carter, but it all comes down to what films you like and which directors you revere. If you're a Robert Wise fanatic, then West Side Story is just the thing, with Leonard Bernstein, Irwin Kostal, and Stephen Sondheim's electrifying score and libretto completing what may be the greatest musical of all. Or do Rodgers & Hammerstein (and Kostal) get the nod for Wise's The Sound Of Music?
Bernstein: West Side Story - XIII. Somewhere
Genre fans and devotees of the auteur are well served, too – even if the movie is a one-off. James William Guercio's score for the 1973 cult cop biker movie Electra Glide In Blue (which he also directed) comes to mind; Danny Zeitlin's avant-garde jazz confection for the creepy 1978 remake of Invasion Of The Bodysnatchers is another blast. Neither man repeated the experience. Guercio concentrated on his Caribou Ranch empire and Zeitlin admitted he found the exercise too time-consuming and returned to his piano stool.
Some of the most memorable scores take us to the dark side. The classical sound of Krzysztof Penderecki's classical "Polymorphia" was exactly right for Stanley Kubrick's The Shining – just as it had been for The Exorcist. But his score for the 1965 Polish movie The Saragossa Manuscript is absolute genius and was one reason why Jerry Garcia, Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola financed a restoration of the original cut. Later, Scorsese used Penderecki's "Symphony No.3" in Shutter Island. (Talking of Scorsese – one of film's most dedicated historians, on a par with Quentin Tarantino – he turned to Herrmann for Taxi Driver, which became the great man's final score.)
Horror, noir, and science-fiction all demand sympathetic composers to facilitate the mood. The electronic Vangelis soundtrack for Blade Runner captures the dystopian Los Angeles imagined by the writer Philip K Dick, while John Williams went to the edge for another Dick gem in Minority Report.
Let's stay weird for a moment. How about Angelo Badalementi's collaborations with David Lynch on Blue Velvet, Twin Peaks, The Straight Story and the mighty Mulholland Drive? Pino Donaggio's theme for A Venezia… Un Dicembre Rosso Shocking – that's Don't Look Now to you and me – which is among the most startling on record, but while we're in Italy we must pay homage to the Maestro, Ennio Morricone. You're looking at The Man With No Name riding into shot, Clint Eastwood himself… and strike up the theme to Il Buono, Il Brutto, Il Cattivo; yep – The Good, The Bad And The Ugly.
Morricone's contributions to Sergio Leone's stupendous Spaghetti Western movies (actually shot in Almeria in southern Spain) are without peer. From Once Upon A Time In The West to Once Upon A Time In America, his oeuvre is straddled with epic grandeur. Still happily with us at the age of 88, and judging by his Oscar-winning score to Tarantino's The Hateful Eight, Morricone has lost none of his power. Dio lo benedica…
Ennio Morricone - Neve - From "The Hateful Eight" Soundtrack / Versione Integrale
Morricone always provides the protagonists with their own theme. That device is also used by the Argentinian Lalo Schifrin in the Dirty Harry series, for which he scored four out of the five with strong emphasis on hard bebop and jazz-blues to bring the seamy side of San Francisco into view.
Not all film composers have a standard classical upbringing. Clint Mansell (Pi, Requiem For A Dream, Black Swan, High-Rise) was lead guitarist in Pop Will Eat Itself. Oscar- and Grammy Award-winner Hans Zimmer (Insignificance, The Lion King, Gladiator, Rain Man, The Dark Knight Rises, Dunkirk, etc) is largely self-taught and was once a member of Buggles. Others, such as Alexandre Desplat (The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Imitation Game) are resolutely classical, though in his case a love for Ravel and Debussy is expanded by knowledge of Latin American sounds. Desplat works with equal facility in Hollywood and Paris; meanwhile, across the border, the mystic German ambient composers Popol Vuh share history with Werner Herzog. Their music for Aguirre, The Wrath of God, Heart Of Glass and Nosferatu is particularly recommended.
Italian-American Michael Giacchino is different again. His academic training is from the School Of Visual Arts in New York City. His work includes scores for Disney, Amblin Entertainment and Universal, plus Jurassic World and Star Trek. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Lucasfilm hired him to take the baton from John Williams and score the Star Wars offshoot Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, which is due for release on December 16, the same day as the film opens, and will soundtrack what happens when a band of rebels set out to steal the plans to build the Death Star.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Trailer (Official)
Though they don't get enough credit, female composers have made their mark. Anne Dudley (Perfect Creature, Les Misérables), Vivian Kubrick (Stanley's daughter scored Full Metal Jacket), Wendy Carlos (A Clockwork Orange, The Shining with Rachel Elkind), and Miriam Cutler (The Hunting Ground) sit at the tip of a submerged iceberg of creativity, but there are many, many more to explore, including famed BBC Radiophonic Workshop pioneers Daphne Oram and Delia Derbyshire.
Many artists more normally associated with pop and rock like the gravitas of film, since it allows them to age up. George Harrison (Wonderwall), Paul McCartney (The Family Way) and Manfred Mann (Up The Junction) did so with distinction in the 60s, while one-time Phil Spector arranger Jack Nitzsche made a smooth transition. His work for Cutter's Way, The Crossing Guard and Performance deserves massive props – and it's worth checking out the latter soundtrack for Mick Jagger's immortal "Memo From Turner."
In the following decade, The Mamas And The Papas' John Phillips provided much of the soundtrack to Nicholas Roeg's The Man Who Fell To Earth – a cult score which has finally now been released after 40 years in the wilderness. (Though the long-rumored David Bowie score has yet to see the light of day, The Thin White Duke did recommend that pieces by Stomu Yamashta be used in the original film.)
More contemporary gems include one-time Faith No More frontman Mike Patton's eerie music to The Place Beyond The Pines, and former indie rocker Jóhann Jóhannsson's ice-cold backdrop to Prisoners.
Not surprisingly, modern score composers tend to have a whiff of the polymath about them. Nick Cave has made the transition with ease and received acclaim for The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford, The Road and Hell Or High Water, often collaborating with his musical accomplice in The Bad Seeds, Warren Ellis. The duo are in heady and often bizarre company that includes Mark Knopfler (The Princess Bride), Michael Penn (Boogie Nights), Basement Jaxx (Attack The Block) and Yeah Yeah Yeahs' Karen O (Where the Wild Things Are).
Also worthy of note are one-time Beck and Kanye West collaborator Jon Brion (Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind), Ry Cooder (Paris, Texas), Badly Drawn Boy (About A Boy), Isaac Hayes (Shaft), Daft Punk (Tron: Legacy), Jonny Greenwood's thrill-packed work on There Will Be Blood and Curtis Mayfield's exceptional soul/funk score to Superfly.
So, this is by no means the last word. The soundtrack is an organic and evolving medium: one of the main reasons why we want to go to the movies and get lost in the moment. When the lights come up, don't rush to the exit. Stick around for the credits.
Discover more about the cultural impact of John Williams Star Wars score.
Related Topics:Bernard HerrmannClassic PopDanny ElfmanEnnio MorriconeFeatured FeaturesGeorge HarrisonHomepage FeaturedHomepage ListsIsaac HayesJohn WilliamsMark KnopflerMick JaggerPaul McCartneySound And VisionSoundtracksStar WarsThe Mamas and the PapasYeah Yeah Yeahs
Thanx for the great article! What do you think of John Williams' collaboration with Oliver Stone? I love his themes for Born on the 4th of July ('89) and JFK ('91) & I've seen JFK so many times that I can hum the incidental music cues, sometimes at inappropriate occasions. I heard that Stone, perhaps needlessly, asked Williams to "pull out all the stops" and "go for an Operatic feel."
Jason Draper
Hi Dave – as far as we're concerned, John WiIliams is pretty much untouchable. He could collaborate with a paper bag and make it sound fantastic. (We've heard that "Epic" is his middle name… not sure how true that is, though!)


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The California Supreme Court recently decided in a fact-intensive case that a law firm's newspaper ad campaign, soliciting for consumer clients to join claims for allegedly defective screws used in home improvement construction, is entitled to the benefit of California's anti-SLAPP law to obtain early dismissal of the manufacturer's lawsuit for defamation and related claims. Under California's increasingly convoluted anti-SLAPP law, a party's exercise of First Amendment rights of free speech or government redress, is protected against certain lawsuits perceived as involving oppression by expensive litigation based on unfounded claims. Particularly at issue in the current case is the so-called commercial speech exception to SLAPP protection.
In its recent decision, the state Supreme Court held that (1) the "commercial speech" exception to SLAPP protection applies only to cases involving statements about a competitor's operations, goods or services, made so as to market the speaker's own goods or services; and (2) when a defendant raises a SLAPP defense, it is the plaintiff who then bears the burden of demonstrating that the "commercial speech" exception to SLAPP protection should apply. (Simpson Strong-Tie Company v. Gore, California Supreme Court No. S164174, May 17, 2010) In this case, the consumer law firm's complained-of client solicitation advertising in a major metro newspaper stated in part, "If your deck was built . . . with galvanized screws manufactured by [named company] you may have certain legal rights and be entitled to monetary compensation . . . Please call if you would like an attorney to investigate whether you have a potential claim." The Supreme Court found that because the law firm is not a competitor of the screw manufacturer, its ads were not within the "commercial speech" exception to SLAPP protection, and therefore the trial court properly granted the SLAPP motion to dismiss the screw maker's defamation case.


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