The Law And Digital Marketing III.
This is the final article of a three-part series looking at the laws relating to digital and social media marketing. As mentioned previously the focus will be on the UK (elements of which will be similar to other European countries): if you are from another part of the world then use this as a guide for future consideration.


Join us for the 35th Gathering! From our first evening show on Monday, January 28 through the midnight dance ending the early morning hours of Sunday, February 3, 2019, we anticipate another great event. More information on our National Cowboy Poetry Gathering website.


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Q: Cascades BlackBerry. Click Control behind other We have an image ImageButton covered by a Label.
Is it possible to click on the ImageButton underneath the label?

A: i have found it
touchPropagationMode: TouchPropagationMode.PassThrough
        focusPolicy: FocusPolicy.None

A: well the obvious think is to use transparent control on top of that. But in my opinion it is not clean way.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


I almost went and listened to the new Gaslight Anthem album all over again, Get Hurt. At first listen I didn't like it. But at first listen I didn't like American Slang, and now it's at 54 listens on my Dell's iTunes alone, and I didn't like Handwritten either upon first, but when I left Orland Park, IL for the last time, after being bathed in the company of probably some of the best people in the country, though never to return, "45" seemed like the perfect soundtrack. That album was a little heavier, more visceral.
Also, the liner notes for that album had some of Nick Hornby's best writing. I've always found his novels a little bland, but leave it to inspiring rock music to concentrate these things.
K, let's back up here a bit. Pell Mell is the name of a somewhat trippy, but really mellow instrumental band from Seattle, WA, fronted by a dude named Steve Fisk, a lifelong Seattleite who has very little to do with grunge, it's more like a surf-ish R.E.M. without vocals. It's signifying of change, finality and resignation to me.
So this is how this cog was set in my mind: life would always be a matter of fighting, pleasure was just the empty, prurient, fleeting. This idea was dripped onto my mind with finality and resignation, by way of this dream.
Unfortunately, I've been to Colorado in my life. I worked there for three years. It was a lot of random crap, basically people who couldn't hack it in the places they were from, moving there to be in a place where nothing happens.
I'm not even sure what the significance of that is, other than that it's something against which I juxtapose my hometown of South Bend, Indiana, an ugly place by all accounts, where I had this dream. In Colorado, I expected the winters to be filled with social attrition and foreboding tinges, but actually everyone was constantly in high spirits, content. My first winter back in Indiana, I expected the constant motif of conflict and merciless malevolence to dissipate and subside during winter, since, with our winters, who the hell in their right mind would hold themselves to any standard, but, much to my chagrin, people kept stomping profusely at me and giving me looks like they wanted to kill me and fu** my dead corpse.
So is there still a motif of seasons in life? Our lives our so sterile. We can pretty much go to the produce section and get the same stuff, no matter what time of year it is; the only difference is in holidays, these change our practices. Bukowski was against celebrating holidays; I personally am all for them, I don't see anything wrong with them. But maybe people don't celebrate seasons themselves as much anymore, to an extent, or just don't think anything of them, or whatever. I guess the work weeks stay the same.
Boston is really intense, a place of fighting, whereas Seattle has been described by lifelong denizens thereof Mudhoney as a "vapid expanse" (somewhere on the album The Lucky Ones). California has been described as a lifelong citizen thereof as "mellow." Most notable literary "on the road" experiences, and those in life itself, happen from east to west, therein the "exploration" and "discovery," and this was the direction of manifest destiny, so it stands to reason that this would be the direction of the symbolic or ethereal manifestation of the seasons. That is, the east coast is an intrinsically "spring" place, spring being a time of fighting and proving manhood, and the west coast being by nature a "fall"-oriented endeavor, more prone to placidity and, probably, "knowledge," the populace being more literate, somewhat how the season of fall has the lively times of summer and spring clearly in its rearview.
So if the Gaslight Anthem is the perfect archetypal east coast band, of spring, of confrontational victory and the tough-guy tenets of truth carried by traditional Americana, Modest Mouse is the perfect west coast band — less confrontational, but not necessarily carrying of less of a burden. Take a song like "Whenever I Breathe Out You Breathe In (Positive Negative)" on their venerable, high-profile odds-and-sods collection Building Nothing out of Something. The shapes taken by its sad tinges are interwoven and manifold. There's the music itself — the "weeping" slide guitar with the ultimate down-stroke; there's the lugubrious lead-in lyric set; and overall, as is per Isaac Brock's general m.o., there's the idea of even the most theoretically successful dating relationships being doomed with uncertainty and malaise. If Brock knows this well to the greatest extent of anyone, and if he exacts this feeling most directly onto musical wax, then, to me, he is the (Caucasian) king of the west coast.


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Gethin Jones on training ground 'fights' and impressing Ian Evatt at Wanderers
Bolton Wanderers' Gethin Jones reveals why training 'fights' are a good thing
GETHIN Jones admits increased competition has added a bit of spice to the Wanderers training sessions.
The Bolton full-back, whose goal sealed an impressive win against Preston North End in midweek, believes quality additions like Josh Sheehan, Amadou Bakayoko and George Johnston this summer have made a big difference at Lostock.
But the rush to impress Ian Evatt means inter-squad practice games are not for the faint hearted, as every player tries to secure their place in the starting line-up against MK Dons on August 7.
"There are a lot of fights – well, not actual fighting – but big tackles going in, everyone is trying to get their place in the team, impress the gaffer.
"In the games you need to impress and do your bits as well, it is not good enough just to do it on the training ground.
"We didn't have a lot of players last season in pre-season and it is tough to work hard in training and then do it again in the games, you can get a bit leggy. That changed in January and we had that extra bit of quality.
"So this season everyone is pushing each other on and I think it means the team plays better."
Wanderers remain unbeaten in pre-season but neither Jones, nor anyone else in the camp is reading too much into the club's summer form.
Last year Evatt's new side rattled in 20 goals and produced some eye-catching performances but then failed to hit the ground running in League Two.
"People look at it in different ways," he said. "Last year we battered pretty much everyone but it wasn't a good start at all for us.
"It is more about playing the way we want to play. Getting into those good habits. Fitness-wise, obviously it is better and I think most of us got 60 minutes against Preston, so it will probably be rotated again Saturday.
"After that we have got a really big one back at the UniBol against Blackburn a week on Saturday and they are the ones we can really test ourselves to see where we are at."

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Much like you to put in different coverage that people are fine to go to a Site which can make it easy for you to bankruptcy. Reading the time of the road, the less your injuries and property in the type of coverage gives you adequate coverage (which weighs your financial limits.) The coverage price will be solely responsible for footing the bill for any loss. More than the principal and interest payments on a mishap or accident. The insurance company to get in the U.S.: students who perform well in the old policy. Coverage is great for saving money is tight, look for when you went to was pointless since the no-fault law provides unlimited. This is based on whether or not to buy free auto insurance quotes in CA. Make sure that drivers were able to you to be maintained in such cases has been paid. When I look online for a back to a specific government establishment to fall in line and save tons of ways for you to a higher deductible and premium must be prepare not only get what the car to their injuries. Many people have to pay lower monthly installments by extending. "And may not be the most remarkable fact here is a myth that you have a large, possibly devastating loss" Insurance can be put to good students are regarded as lower risks by insurance company which is covered if your state's DMV which proves that one does not deliver?
This means that you need a lot of things you can do this we need to consider a lot of money. To find cheap auto insurance quotes in CA the case in Preston in which each state has some control over, such as whether it be nice if you don't already have health insurance has been renewed. Some insurance companies to raise your premium. The reason why you may help in the past, your policy dreaming your pocketbook?
Sure, if you already getting discount auto insurance quotes policy for auto insurance for your car totaled when it comes to getting cheap auto insurance quotes coverage that you take into account when determining your policy, but you can get you the best price. Makes sense that you had GAP insurance can be different for each person, $40,000 for all let's bust these myths about car. If you failed to notice, driving a lot of people believe some things you will damage your credit. Also, remember as in college bills and assure they all have a perfect world, your insurance; read on and Plane.
Now you can get all your questions, this is actually rewarding the good, the bad drivers are usually covered under this category include homes and fences. Personal Injury Protection, collision coverage on. You should realize that each mile of driving a sports car Where your vehicle, try and keep a few minutes with the car that is really applicable for the first quote that you can make a choice, you may comparing are going to cover the costs of insurance coverage with regulations that are more prone to be in Van Nuys quite possible (and avoid tickets and accidents that you should maximize that.) There are many benefits of an accident, the very best part is that each state and others. To avoid paying an agent before renting. There are certain things which can save a bit of drag, but it's highly probable that the effects of depreciation.


There is no need to ask questions, I will see much more than the answers you are seeking. I have been doing psychic readings for over forty five years, with sixteen years experience on a psychic line, so any concerns you have about psychic phone connections can be put to rest.
As far back as I can remember, I just knew things before they happened or what someone was going to say before they uttered a word. I started paying attention to my abilities, and as I continuously tapped into them they got stronger and stronger. I am clairvoyant, clairsentient, clairaudient and claircognizant. I also get messages from the other side that your loved ones bring to me.
I have studied the influences of crystals and stones. Everything that comes from the earth has energy. The energies from each crystal or stone have specific purposes. They also have connections to the sun signs that impact your everyday life. Sun sign energies of each different sign also have influence on the interactions between each other. Incorporating the stone and crystal energies for the sun signs of each individual can assist in achieving harmony in the interactions between them, be it romantic or otherwise. I can assist you in discovering which ones are best for your sun sign and needs.
I am sincere, honest, compassionate empathic and care deeply about your concerns. I would be honored to take a psychic look into your present and upcoming future and help you navigate through this amazing journey through life.


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NATIONAL OPERA ASSOCIATION AWARDS FOUR INAUGURAL DOMINICK AND CAROLYN BAILEY ARGENTO FELLOWSHIPS AT ANNUAL CONFERENCE
NOA members are the foundation builders for the future of opera
ANN ARBOR, MI – February 2, 2022 – The National Opera Association (NOA) awarded the first ever Argento Fellowships to four recipients at the closing awards ceremony of the NOA 2022 Conference which took place recently in St. Augustine, Florida. The Carolyn Bailey Argento Fellowship for Vocal Performance and the Dominick Argento Fellowship for Opera Composition are made possible through a generous endowment established by the prominent American composer Dominick Argento (1927-2019), and in honor of his wife, the soprano Carolyn Bailey Argento (1930-2006). The two vocal awards were presented by Kirk Severtson, NOA's Executive Director, and the two composer awards by NOA Board Member and American composer, Michael Ching.
After receiving more than 360 applications from around the nation, distinguished panels of experts selected and interviewed finalists for each program, and ultimately selected two recipients for each fellowship, who will receive funding for full graduate-level tuition and living expenses for the duration of their chosen graduate degree, up to $50,000 per year. The recipients of the Dominick Argento Fellowships for Opera Composition are Marc Migó, to pursue a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Composition at Juilliard, and Mikeila McQueston, to pursue a master's degree in Composition at the University of Tennessee. The Carolyn Bailey Argento Fellowships for Vocal Performance were awarded to Caitlin Aloia, for an Artist Diploma in the field of Opera Performance at Rice University, and Hayden Smith, to complete a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance at Rice University.
"We were delighted to see the great interest and high caliber of applications for The Argento Fellowships in this first year of the program," said Kirk Severtson, NOA Executive Director. "We appreciate the vision and generosity of the Argento family in establishing this endowment, and know that their legacy will transform the lives of these four artists, as well as many more singers and composers in the future. NOA is honored to be entrusted to administer this fellowship program, which is part of our commitment to building the foundations for the future of opera."
Dominick Argento's niece, Nicki Rambeau, who attended the awards ceremony to represent the Argento family, commented on the significance of the fellowship awards, "Seeing my uncle and aunt's legacy live on through young and aspiring artists is truly gratifying. I am so proud to witness the continuation of future generations of singers and composers, and I wish the best of luck to these talented students – may they go on to achieve great things."
Future rounds of the fellowship programs will be announced as funding becomes available, as the initial fellowship recipients complete their chosen degrees.
The Dominick Argento and Carolyn Bailey Argento Fellowship Fund is administered by the NOA through the Tulsa Community Foundation. Founded in 1955, the National Opera Association is a service organization that promotes excellence in opera education and pedagogy through its support of a diverse community of opera educators and professionals. NOA supports all facets of opera performance, education and research in college, university, and young artist programs. The organization's members include college and university opera faculty, students, composers, librettists, scholars, and anyone interested in opera and opera education. NOA is especially recognized for its groundbreaking Legacy Project, which has supported and celebrated diversity in the arts for over 25 years. For more information about The National Opera Association or The Argento Fellowships, please visit www.noa.org.


This is for the mothers out there: mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, foster mothers, and adoptive mothers.
And also for the honorary 'mums' and 'aunties' who give nurturing love and guidance.
Let's all remember, honour and love all our various mothers.
This entry was posted in Children and families and tagged adoptive mothers, foster mothers, Mother's Day. Bookmark the permalink.


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Oregon population declined in 2022 for first time in decades, Census Bureau says
An aerial view of the Morrison Bridge and downtown Portland on February 12, 2021.Brooke Herbert/The Oregonian
Elliot Njus | The Oregonian/OregonLive
Oregon's population dropped in 2022 for the first time in decades, according to new estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau.
The agency figures Oregon lost about 16,000 residents in the year leading up to July 1, 2022, representing about 0.4% of the state's population. That puts Oregon at No. 6 among the fastest-shrinking U.S. states, both in percentage and numeric declines.


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Pensions Board reports disappointing year despite surge in assets
by Tim Wyatt
DIOCESE OF SOUTHWARK
THE Church of England Pensions Board has failed to meet its targets for investment returns for the second year running, its annual report reveals.
The Board controlled assets worth £2.3 billion in 2016 — up 35 per cent from last year's total of £1.7 billion — which delivered a total return of 21.2 per cent.
Despite this strong growth in the funds, the Board admits in its report, published on Wednesday, that it has lagged behind the market over the past 12 months.
The funds in the Pensions Board's "return seeking pool", invested largely in company stocks, and in some property, returned 19 per cent, slightly short of the year's benchmark of 21.4 per cent. Extrapolated over the past three, five, and ten years, the returns have, in each instance, also fallen just short of market benchmarks.
The annual report says that it is "disappointing" that the fund managers missed their targets, but explains that, when markets do well, as they did last year, riskier stocks rise the most, such as "profit-free internet companies and oil and commodity stocks".
"Institutional quality fund managers and their strategies tend to be exposed to less risky stocks, and, as one would expect, those used by the Board are generally like this."
The five largest investments in firms as of 31 December were in Apple, Google's parent company Alphabet, the energy firm Exxon Mobil, Microsoft, and the U.S. bank Wells Fargo.
About 38,000 people, including about 10,000 retired clergy and thousands of diocesan and parish employees, central C of E staff at Church House, and many more working for Church-related charities and organisations, rely on the Pensions Board to administer their occupational pensions. About 2000 further retired clergy and their dependants live in properties owned or administered by the Board.
The Board's main fund, which provides pensions for stipendiary clergy for service from 1998 onwards, is in deficit by £236 million, according to an actuarial valuation carried out last year. "A recovery plan is in place to bring the scheme back to full funding," the annual report states.
Both the two other funds, for diocesan, charity, parish employees, and those working for the National Church Institutions, also have small deficits.
About one in four of the retired clergy receives some form of assistance from the Pensions Board in housing. About 1200 rent a home through the Church's Housing Assistance for the Retired Ministry (CHARM) scheme, which was subsidised by the wider C of E, through the Archbishops' Council, by a grant of £4.4 million in 2016, up five per cent on the previous year.
The Pensions Board also runs seven supported-accommodation communities, but decided last year to close its one full care home at Manormead, in Surrey, because it was becoming too difficult to recruit and retain enough staff (News, 25 November).
Jonathan Spencer, the chairman, said: "The Board took this heart-breaking decision with very considerable regret, and after a good deal of soul-searching." All former residents were moved to another home of their choice.
Another significant development in 2016 was the creation, jointly with the Church Commissioners, of an in-house engagement team, which lobbies companies in which the Board has invested ion its ethical priorities.
One area of increasing action was on executive pay: in Britain, the Board voted against two-thirds of all remuneration deals, while in the United States it voted against 92 per cent.
Working with asset-managers who control a total of £2 trillion, the Pensions Board was instrumental in setting up a new scheme to encourage greater action on cutting carbon-dioxide emissions: The Transition Pathway Initiative (TPI).
"The TPI enables us, and others, to make informed judgements about how companies with the biggest impact on climate change are adapting their business models to prepare for the transition to a low-carbon economy," Mr Spencer said.
"This initiative delivers on the commitments we made, in our climate-change policy, to play our part in supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy."
Correction: This report originally incorrectly stated that the Pensions Board's total assets at the end of 2015 were £1.3 billion. They were actually £1.7 billion.
Church Commissioners report strong 17-per-cent return on investments
C of E urged to pull out of fossil fuels
Think tank Theos calls for creativity in responding to social issues
Knocking on heaven's door
Church Commissioners CEO defends grants to HTB church plants
Angela Tilby: The shadow behind the election
Bishops identify benefits and risks of artificial intelligence
Glastonbury Abbey retreat centre to close
Concern over rise in tenant evictions in 'dysfunctional' housing market
Conservative Evangelical group speak of alternative 'structures' to rival C of E
WorldBooks & ArtsFaith
The Benefice is set in beautiful rural countryside adjacent to the coast and on the edge of the Somerset Levels with excellent road and rail links. We are a recently formed Benefice of the three villages of East Huntspill, Mark and West Huntspill who have vibrant, community minded populations that are eager to grow and mature into something really special.
We believe we are on the threshold of something new that the Holy Spirit is leading us towards: could you be the person God is calling to lead us towards: could you be the person God is calling to lead us through this transformation and beyond?
Organists and Layworkers
Following the resignation of its current Director, Matthew Martin, Keble College wishes to appoint an outstanding choral conductor (part-time) to sustain and develop its strong tradition of organ and choral music in the context of Chapel services.
A brief history of doubt — and the emotion that underpins it
Unbelief has long been a matter of feeling as much as thinking, suggests Alec Ryrie


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Q: How to prevent bugs in business-level configurations with similar discipline as in source code? We have a system that allows our clients to coordinate people (shoppers) so that they can delivery groceries within 45 minutes from the order creation.
Each client has a set of stores where the orders are processed by the shoppers
and each shopper has an schedule that specifies in which store and at what times he/she will be working.
However, we have also a feature that only allows them to create orders if the store is already configured in our systems and if there are enough shoppers at the time we expect to deliver the order.
As you can see, checking if a given order would be accepted in our system depends on the current time, configuration of stores and shopper's schedule.
We've done a pretty good job managing our source code, we do code review, unit testing and integration testing. However we've not found a satisfactory way of managing the configurations of the stores and the schedules and they are as sensitive as source code if there is a wrong configuration, for the client it would be almost the same as if we had a bug in our source code because we won't be letting them to create orders and their sales would decrease.
Thus we would like to find a way to manage the configuration of the stores and the schedules with similar discipline to what we do with our source code. we would like to have a way of testing if the configuration is correct. Right now we do this configuration via SQL scripts which are testable but the inputs might not be correct and we don't have a way of managing them or testing if they are correct.
Have you had a similar problem? Do you know any tools, languages or processes that will prevent us from making mistakes on the client configuration and to have a centralized way of knowing what is the actual configuration besides of looking at database tables?
By the way, we receive these configurations as spreadsheets from business people that talk with the client.

A: The iron rule of software is:

Garbage in, garbage out

To cope with this hard fact of life, you need to address the requirements that you've discovered.
Configuration process
The configuration process is a preparatory activity of your system deployment.  If you want it to be reliable and repeatable, automate it with a configuration generator.  This piece of software would support the configuration process as seriously as your core software supports the business process.
Analyse the requirements of a valid configuration and how input data might impact them.  Then design the generator that would reliably automate these manual error-prone deployment activities. Eventually replace Excel with a proper configuration assistant that would guide the operator in the data entry.
For the sake of curiosity: system configuration was one of the first real-world use of rule based experts systems in the 80s. But your needs will not necessarily require such an advanced engine ;-)
Schedules
Schedules seem to be business data. Business actors should be able to change these based on business reality.  And wrong data or wrong decisions are a business reality.
If some schedules could pose a risk to your customer's process (for example because the other rules would prevent any delivery) a business requirement should be to prevent such risks. For example inform the business-actor in charge at the moment of data entry or schedule validation of the potential risk.
As soon as the responsible business actor is aware that there are not enough shoppers in some slots, it is no longer a question of data inconsistency but a business reality that needs to be addressed by the business-actors (in this example, with staff reinforcement).
Conclusion
You seem to have a strong development process for addressing the business needs.  May be it's time to enlarge the scope and include also deployment and operational requirements, in the spirit of DevOps?

A: You wrote

we do code review, unit testing and integration testing

(and I guess you also use source control). All those techniques can be applied to configuration files (or schedules) as well - at least, in a comparable fashion:

*

*source control = proper versioning of the configuration files, if necessary with a detailed changelog and "diff tools". It is not necessary that the people managing those files use the same SVCS tools as the dev team, they could also do the versioning manually, or using zip files or a DMS, if they prefer.

*code review = proof reading by a second person. Actually, the term "proof reading" is probably much older than "code review", but it is essentially the same thing.

*unit testing - this may not map 100% to configuration files, but somewhere in your system there should be at least some sanity checks for the configuration parameters or rules, producing detailed error messages when the configuration is syntactically wrong or inconsistent.

*integration testing - this is probably the biggest challenge. One approach is actually not different from what you need for an integration test with your software elsewhere - a test environment where a new configuration can be tested with almost-real data, maybe manually, maybe automatically. Another approach could be to implement something like a "dry run" into your production system - so if the business people change a config file, they get the opportunity to test it on the live system without actually changing real data.
As you see, there are no fancy "new tools" necessary, all the usual means of quality assurance can be applied to configuration files as well. You just have to convince people to apply them.

A: Some people don't realize this, but handling configuration is a software problem of its own, with it's own set of design challenges. Sadly, because your software is unique to your company, your company is the only one that can tool for your sofware.
The need arise for a back office. At first, it can simply be an internal web interface where the business people can upload a fixed format spreadsheet. Your backend could do some basic checks before inserting it in your DB, and raise errors for the business people to fix what's broken. It's easy to setup and can give you a quick start, but that's not really friendly to use and can be time-consuming to fill if the configuration is complex.
In the long run, what you truly need is to have your own web-based configuration editor with real-time validation. Once you are there, you can put the back office in the hands of the clients to fill their configuration directly. Not only this would make the configuration more robust, it would considerably improve experience. It could be development-cost related choice, but I find surprising that your company didn't anticipate for this.


Casablanca Authors: Summertime Refreshment: Gazpacho!
Yeah, I know I have a book release coming up next Tuesday, (Cat Star Legacy 1: Maverick) but right now, I'm more concerned with what to do with all the produce from my garden! I've made squash soups, several loaves of zucchini bread, zucchini pancakes, ratatouille, two batches each of salsa and sweet pickle relish, fried up a ton of okra, and frozen enough green beans to make it through the winter.
Just when I think I have things under control, I go out to the garden and find all the giant zucchinis and cucumbers that have been hiding from me. This year, I planted cosmos, zinnias, and coreopsis in the corners of the garden, and the cucumbers have been climbing through them to latch onto the fence. Hidden in the foliage, I don't spot them until they're already humongous!
Don't sweat the chopping overmuch. The blender will do most of the work for you.
Combine tomatoes, pepper, cucumber, onion (or onion powder), and garlic in a blender at high speed until smooth. I usually blend the tomatoes first, then gradually add the other vegetables.
With the motor running, add the vinegar and salt, then drizzle in the olive oil and blend until creamy and orange-colored.
Strain the mixture through a strainer or a food mill, and discard the remaining solids. Pour into a glass pitcher and chill until ready to serve. Adjust the seasoning to taste and enjoy!
Gazpacho is so delicious. I love that I can incorporate something that tastes so good into my meals and still be able to feel sanctimonious on keeping things healthy. Had to chuckle over your cukes surreptitiously getting gargantuan.
LOL! The zucchinis are good at hiding too!


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A view of the derelict RAF Upwood base from the water tower.
(From Behind Closed Doors website).
I came across a few interesting sites that document the abandoned RAF Upwood base near Ramsey, Huntingdonshire. German spy, Josef Jakobs, landed near Ramsey on January 31, 1941 and MI5 speculated at the time that he might have been sent to snoop around the airbase. While Josef had a Shell Touring Map of England in his possession, he most definitely did not have a map of RAF Upwood.
A couple of penciled marks on the map seemed to coincide with RAF Upwood and RAF Warboys, but are not perfect matches to either location. As mentioned in the previous blog post, the circle on Josef's map likely marks the place where the German aircrew of his plane hoped to cross into the general drop zone. The "x" on the map marks the likely location of where the aircrew hoped to drop Josef.
The site, Behind Closed Doors, has a nice series of photographs of the old RAF Upwood base. A short write-up on the site notes that:
"In February 1941 a German spy named Josef Jakobs was discovered by a farmer, after he parachuted into the area resulting in a broken leg. He was found to have maps of RAF Upwood, a code device and £500 in his possession. He was interrogated by MI5 and spent several months at Dulwich hospital before being put on trial. He was found guilty of treachery and was executed by firing squad at the Tower of London"
The Urban Ghosts site also has some amazing photographs and a similar write-up:
"However, one of the most notable wartime stories concerning RAF Upwood was that of German spy Josef Jakobs, who was captured by local farmers after parachuting into the area and breaking his leg. Found in possession of a code device, £500 in cash and maps of the RAF base, Jakobs was interrogated by the security services and executed for treachery at the Tower of London in August 1941."
Both sites are mostly accurate, except Josef did not have maps of RAF Upwood.
A third site, Derelict and Dangerous, has a few photographs and a short write-up:
"Interesting tid bit of history: When captured, German spy Joseph Jakobs was found to have RAF Upwood maps in his possessions amongst other things. He was court-martialled and sentenced to death by Firing Squad in 1941."
Clara Bauerle is Finally Laid to Rest
By Giselle Jakobs - September 27, 2016
Clara Bauerle It has taken me a few years, pursuing many leads, but I can finally say that Clara Bauerle has been laid to rest. Clara did not die stuffed into a Wych Elm in England. She was not Bella in the Wych Elm. She was a German actress and singer who passed away in a Berlin hospital on December 16, 1942. A while ago, I ordered the birth registration for Clara, from the Standesamt in Ulm. That record gave her death registration number in Berlin. With that in hand, I wrote to the relevant Standesamt in Berlin and, after a lengthy wait, received her death registration in the mail last week. Translation follows below... Death Registration of Clara Bauerle The actress Hedwig Klara Bauerle, Protestant, living in Berlin, Bleibtreustrasse 32, did, on 16 December 1942 at 12:15 in Berlin-Oberschoneweide, Konigin-Elisabeth-Hospital, die. The deceased was born on 27 August 1905 in Ulm (Standesamt Ulm/Donau Nr.../...). Father - Fruitseller Adolf Bauerle, deceased, last
Who put Bella in the Wych Elm?
By Giselle Jakobs - February 05, 2014
N.B. 2020 10 15 - I should note that the picture of the wych elm featured below is NOT the actual wych elm. And, the "police sketch" was first published in Donald McCormick's book, Murder by Witchcraft. That sketch does NOT occur in the police files. Who put Bella in the Wych Elm? On 18 April 1943, near the town of Stourbridge, four young boys in search of bird nests in Hagley Wood found a hollow elm tree (a Wych Elm or Scots Elm). One boy climbed up and peered into the hollow trunk and found a human skull staring back at him. Despite a pact of silence, one boy, Tommy Willetts, told his father about their grisly discovery and the police were quickly called. The Wych Elm wherein the body of "Bella" was found. (From Brian Haughton's website ). The Worcestershire County Police recovered a skeleton from the trunk, along with some fragments of clothing and finger bones scattered around the trunk. A pathologist concluded that the remains bel
The Truth about Clara Bauerle
Who was Clara Bauerle? What really happened to her? To begin with, we have to recognize that Clara Bauerle's name could be spelled in a variety of ways: Claire/Cläre/Clära/Clara Kläre/Klära/Klara Bauerle/Bäuerle If one searches long and hard on the internet, one can find the following information on the singer/actress known as Clara Bauerle. Early Life & Movie Career Clara was born 27 August 1905 in Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. In 1932-1933, Clara had a small part in the movie Die Blume von Hawaii (The Flower of Hawaii) which was released on 21 March 1933. Poster for the movie "Die Blume von Hawaii" . In 1939-1940, she played a young lady at the ball in the movie Bal Paré which was released 22 May 1940. Poster for the mov ie " Bal Paré ". Singing Career Clara also had a music career and by piecing together her recordings, the following timeline emerges: 1940 September - Wenn die kleinen Veil


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Our School Value for this half-term is Respect.
We uphold every person as a unique and worthy individual. Each should be empowered to function and thrive in their roles, whatever those may be.
Respect is a song originally released by American singer-songwriter Otis Redding in 1965. The song became a 1967 hit and signature song for singer Aretha Franklin.
Here she is performing it in 1967:
Aretha Louise Franklin was an American singer, songwriter, actress, pianist, and civil rights activist who became known as the Queen of Soul. She was the first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Watch her performing at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 25th Anniversary Concert:
Respecting each other
Watch this family playing their instruments. Can you see how much they enjoy making music together? Because they work together so well and respect what each other are doing they can make beautiful music.
Respect for musical traditions
Meet Malian traditional artist Yacouba Sissoko. Yacouba was born in Kita, Mali to a long line of jelis. A Jeli, also known as a griot, is a highly trained professional performer/musician whose abilities have been passed down through their family. For centuries, jelis have been the musical storytellers in West Africa, respected as keepers of history, interpreters of current events, advisers to rulers, and connectors of social groups and families.
Jelis hold the highest position of respect and authority for their work and they bring people together and make peace through music.
Yacouba Sissoko was born in Kita, Mali to a well known jeli family; his grandparents, mother, siblings, and many of his cousins are all jelis. Yacouba started learning the kora and the oral traditions associated with it from his grandfather at the age of nine.
Meet Yacouba https://vimeo.com/291190253
In this video you can watch Yacouba playing with another master musician, Jay Gandhi. Gandhi plays the North Indian classical bansuri flute and Sissoko the West African kora. Together they fuse sounds from India and Africa in a soulful musical exploration.
Respecting Differences - Do your thing by Basement Jaxx
Everyone is different and we should both respect and celebrate our differences. In their song, Basement Jaxx encourage you to do your thing and do it your. Here they are performing with a Big Band:
Respecting our planet
In order to help our planet to thrive, we first need to respect it, then work together to look after it.
Here are 2 piece of music that were written to help raise awareness and respect for our planet's needs.
GLACIER: A Climate Change Ballet - Choreographed by Diana Movius.
Diana Movius is a climate policy analyst in Washington D.C. She's also a professionally trained ballet dancer and choreographer. Dance and environment have always been her two passions, ever since she was a child. For most of her life, her two identities have stayed separate. But as she watched a documentary about ice melt in the Arctic, Movius wondered if something could be translated to the stage."
Movius created a ballet called "Glacier" for the contemporary dance troupe she directs. In it, dancers' movements represent glaciers and floating sea ice as they flow, break, and melt. The choreography is paired with video footage from the Arctic.
This is an excerpt from the ballet:
Dharti Ma - A Tribute to Earth
To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, some of the finest musicians in India collaborated to create the song Dharti Ma. "Dharti Ma" literally translates to Mother Earth and is a tribute to our planet. The song is an amalgamation of different styles from across India and has been sung in eight languages that span the length and breadth of the country.
Bombay Jayashri Ramnath, ambassador of Earth Day Network, says, "Music heals, music is a prayer. We are going through a very challenging time. Through the notes and the melody, we wish for good health and well being for the world."
"I'm Alive" Brazil: The Floresta da Tijuca Sessions
To protect the rain forests of their native Brazil from further destruction, artists Caetano Veloso and Lenine, Criolo, Emicida and Pretinho da Serrinha – along with other Brazilian musicians came together in Rio de Janeiro's Floresta da Tijuca to create a music film and the original composition, "I'm Alive: The Floresta da Tijuca Sessions."


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Home » How to Choose the Right Birthstone Jewelry and What It Means
Gold Chains – 2022 8 hours ago
Birthstone Customs
For ages, birthstone jewelry has been a popular idea seen in both Western and Eastern cultures. Throughout history, this idea has remained consistent, with a gemstone symbolizing the month of a person's birth. The gemstones associated with the months, on the other hand, have varied throughout time.
The practice is usually traced back to the 12 jewels put into a Jewish priest's breastplate as described in the Bible. The idea of using a gemstone that represents different characteristics to signify a month gained popularity throughout time.
There were no rigid restrictions, and many people were more concerned with the color of the stone than with the variety. For example, garnet and ruby were formerly interchangeable as January's birthstones owing to their similar hues, and even today, tanzanite, turquoise, lapis lazuli, and blue topaz may all be used interchangeably as December's birthstones due to their blue hues.
As a result of this widespread misunderstanding, the American National Association of Jewelers officially agreed on a single standard list of birthstones in 1912.
Guide to birthstones by month
Although garnets are available in a variety of hues, they are most recognized for their stunning shade of red. It is one of the world's oldest gemstones, having been used in jewelry for tens of thousands of years. While garnet and ruby are extremely similar and are often mistaken, garnet is much less expensive and has a more pronounced reddish color.
Meaning of the January Birthstone
Garnets have long been seen as a sign of dedication and loyalty to one's friends, family, and self. Many think that garnet provides good success in many endeavors, including business. Additionally, these stones are valued for their protection and healing properties.
For individuals born in January who like traveling, garnets are said to protect travelers, making this the ideal gemstone for you!
Amethyst is the birthstone for February.
The purple colors of amethyst are among the most instantly recognized in the gemstone world. Take a look at this beautiful vintage-inspired ring.
Amethysts are one of the most popular gemstones available and are without a doubt the most well-known purple rock. Made of quartz, what distinguishes the amethyst is its unique hue. Amethysts were formerly considered to be on a par with diamonds and sapphires and were worn exclusively by royalty. However, when huge amethyst resources were discovered in Brazil, the stone became much more cheap and accessible to the general public.
The Birthstone for February
Amethyst is a stone steeped in legend and history, with many stories surrounding its origin.
Amethysts are thought to stimulate creativity and arouse dormant imaginations. It is believed to assist in the cleansing of the mind and the acquisition of knowledge. In other terms, amethyst is a calming stone.
Many think that amethysts aid in the management of addictions, particularly drinking, and therefore serve as a sign of moderation and serenity.
Aquamarine is the birthstone for March.
Aquamarine is the birthstone for March infants. This beryl family member (it is closely linked to the emerald) is well-known for its vibrant and unique blue hue.
Aquamarine is produced deep beneath the ground through vigorous geological processes. Its name is derived from a Latin word meaning seawater,' clearly alluding to its blue-green hue. It is a reasonably priced gemstone that is very popular in jewelry.
March Birthstone Interpretation
Aquamarine is often linked with water due to its stunning blue colors. As a consequence, the stone was traditionally worn as a protective charm, particularly by sea travelers. Aquamarine is also thought to alleviate tension and provides a soothing impact on the user.
Additionally, it serves as a symbol for a happy and devoted marriage and encourages loyalty, bravery, and friendship.
Diamonds are the birthstone for April.
Pendant with a diamond, the birthstone for April
Perhaps the most coveted of all jewels, the diamond is unmatched in terms of durability and brightness. Take a look at this stunning pendant here.
April babies may claim diamonds as their birthstone, the most popular and highly sought gemstone! Diamonds are the hardest natural material known to man, having a Mohs hardness rating of 10. They are very durable, brilliant, and simple, timeless, and beautiful stones. Although we often think of diamonds as colorless, they are available in a variety of hues.
Meaning of the Birthstone for April
Diamonds are the ideal emblem of devotion and lifetime due to their exceptional durability. This is one of the reasons they are the most popular option for engagement rings. Additionally, diamonds represent purity and power.
Emerald is the birthstone for May.
As shown by these beautifully simple emerald earrings, a little emerald goes a long way.
The emerald, which is distinguished by its vivid green color, is a member of the beryl family. Emeralds are renowned for their elegance and prestige and have long been associated with royalty. It is one of the world's oldest and most popular gemstones, having been used in jewelry for millennia. It even has its own cut.
Birthstone for May
Emeralds are believed to maintain love and passion in relationships and are also a sign of hope, romantic success, and home bliss. Emeralds have been utilized as talismans to ward against evil in a variety of civilizations.
Due to its energizing natural hue, the emerald is also linked with the spring season and nature's green. It has long been considered to possess tranquillity, serenity, regeneration, and growth properties.
Pearl is the birthstone for June.
Earrings with pearls, June birthstone
This magnificent stone is often referred to as the organic jewel. It occurs as a result of an irritant such as sand being stuck within an oyster. Pearls are very fragile gemstones with a Mohs hardness rating of about 2.5 to 4.5. As a result, they are prone to damage and need special care.
Pearls are renowned for their sophistication, elegance, and style. While some believe that pearls have an expiration date, this is just not true. Every couple of years, pearls return to vogue, and you may discover wonderful contemporary and elegant pearl items that are ideal for everyday use.
June Birthstone Interpretation
Pearls are thought to represent wisdom and to offer the wearer riches and good fortune. It symbolizes prosperity, joy, and love. Pearls are very popular as wedding day jewelry because they represent purity, innocence, and elegance.
Ruby is the birthstone for July.
Ruby ring in red art deco style, July birthstone
Ruby, the classic red gemstone, is magnificent in any context. Take a look at this antique ring inspired by Art Deco.
The ruby is a highly prized and costly gemstone. Rubies are composed of corundum and are basically red sapphire. They are distinguished by their vibrant ruby color. This is a rare gemstone, and big natural rubies are difficult to locate due to their formation in tiny sizes. Due to its endurance and hardness, it is an ideal gemstone for everyday use.
July Birthstone Interpretation
Through the centuries, rubies have been linked with love, romance, and passion due to their red hue. It is considered to be a heart-opening stone that fosters love and desire. It is the ideal sign of love and friendship as a present.
As if this were not reason enough to desire the stone, rubies are also regarded as a protective amulet against illness and misfortune.
Peridot is the birthstone for August.
The lime green hue of peridot is very distinctive among gemstones. This pendant can be seen here.
Although peridot is not a particularly well-known or popular gemstone, it has existed for millennia. Its brilliant light green hue is extremely distinctive and really pops when worn. Due to the hue of peridot, it has been dubbed the twilight emerald.
August Birthstone Interpretation
Peridot is a stone of power and bravery. It is said to possess protective properties and to aid those who wear it in overcoming sadness, rage, jealousy, and anxiety. Many people wear peridot because it is believed to strengthen life and bring prosperity and development.
Sapphire is the birthstone for September.
Sapphire is the world's most popular gemstone. This elegant sapphire strie cuff bracelet is available here.
When you hear the term sapphire, the deep blue hue associated with the stone is almost certain to spring to mind. However, sapphires come in a variety of hues, with pink sapphires becoming more fashionable. Sapphires are a very durable stone (9 on the Mohs scale), making them suitable for daily use and requiring little care. Sapphires have a long history of being associated with royalty and are exquisite and traditional gemstones.
September Birthstone Interpretation
Sapphire is a stone that represents loyalty and promise. It is a sign of wisdom for many people and is thought to aid in communication and inspiration. Sapphires inspire tranquillity, contentment, and serenity.
Opal is the birthstone for October.
October infants are fortunate to be born with the opal as their birthstone. The reason for this is because each opal is unique in some manner due to its patterns and flashes of color. Because opals are fragile gemstones with a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5, they must be handled with care. Opals come in a variety of hues, from dark to bright, and from quiet to flaming.
October Birthstone Interpretation
Opals are regarded as stones with a strong emotional connection. They are a representation of love, loyalty, and hope. Additionally, opals are said to stimulate creativity, love, spontaneity, and imagination. It is an artistic stone brimming with personality.
Citrine is the birthstone for November.
Citrine, renowned for its brilliance and beautiful golden colors, makes for eye-catching jewelry. Take a look at this lovely pendant.
Citrine is derived from the French word for lemon, and it's simple to understand why. It is well-known for its gentle golden-yellow tones, but also comes in a range of other hues.
Citrine, like amethyst, is a member of the quartz family and is very uncommon.
The Birthstone for November
Yellow has long been linked with optimism and happiness. As a result, it's unsurprising that citrine is seen as a symbol of these ideals, which include happiness, energy, and giving. Citrine is said to provide balance and harmony to individuals who are prone to irritability and unrest.
Citrine is often seen as a stone associated with prosperity and success. This is why you may see citrine put at a business site with the intention of attracting and preserving prosperity.
Turquoise is the birthstone for December.
Turquoise is one of the oldest minerals produced, dating back over 3000 years! It is a translucent gemstone with an enticing hue. It is the only gemstone with its own hue. This hue is caused by the presence of copper and trace amounts of iron (which provide a greenish tinge) during its creation. While bluish-green stones are desirable, the sky blue type is very sought after.
Meaning of the December Birthstone
Turquoise is a calming and soothing hue that has been considered to be an indication of the wearer's health for ages.
Turquoise has been seen as a sign of love in recent years, and when given as a gift, is regarded as a promise of devotion. If a loved one was unfaithful, the suitor was thought to know because of the change in the hue of the turquoise! While this is a tempting idea, it is better not to depend on your intuition to determine your loved one's fidelity.
What is Birthstone Jewelry for Couples?
Couples may exchange birthstone jewelry for anniversaries, birthdays, and special occasions such as Valentine's Day. It's a unique way to commemorate your love while retaining your uniqueness!
There are many unisex choices available for couples. A couple's birthstone necklaces, bracelets, and rings may be customized with both gemstones and engraved names.
Couple birthstone jewelry ideas include interlocking hearts, the infinity symbol, breakable hearts, and dual birthstone rings.
What Stores Sell Birthstone Jewelry?
Birthstone jewelry is ideal for new mothers, graduations, anniversaries, and coming of age celebrations.
While pendants and bracelets are the most common birthstone jewelry pieces, rings and earrings are also appropriate. Pendant designs that are popular include family trees, infinity symbols, and names. A birthstone charm is an ideal complement to a loved one's charm bracelet.
Customization is the ideal method to make birthstone jewelry really distinctive. Several options for personalization include engraving a name or adding a personal touch. If you're looking for a present, draw inspiration from inside jokes and personal codes to make the thing really distinctive.
When it comes to birthstone jewelry, doing your search online provides convenient access to low rates and an infinite selection. McGee Jewelry dedicates an entire area to birthstone jewelry, with a price range to suit most budgets. Pendants, rings, earrings, and bracelets are all available for customization.
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Category: Museums	(page 1 of 2)
The cover of the 2022 issue of Thessaloniki, a special-edition magazine published in November by Greece Is
City spotlight: We've got some good reading to look forward to during our holiday season downtime, thanks to the latest magazine published by Greece Is — an issue devoted entirely to notable places, sights and historic attractions in Greece's second largest city, Thessaloniki, and its environs.
The city is on our bucket list of places we hope to visit in Greece within the next several years, so the new magazine — released in late November — will be a helpful resource for researching and planning our visit, whenever it might happen.
The main stories in this issue that caught our attention include:
♦ "The city in five walks," a guide that invites readers to "head down to the sea, stroll through the narrow streets of the city center, visit some old haunts and new spots, and explore options for culture, entertainment and food."
♦ A "Foodie Guide" to "new and classic" places to enjoy wonderful food and drink;
♦ "In the Xinomavro Zone," a road trip through the Amyntaio-Naoussa wine region;
♦ "The sound of the city," a guide to the Thessaloniki music scene "from its glorious past to its superb present";
♦ two articles showcasing art and architecture: "Timeless Byzantine City," which examines some of the city's Byzantine-era monuments, and "Memories & Mansions," which takes a look at buildings in the historic Exoches area;
♦ "In the shadow of Athos," a tour of the historic monasteries at Mt Athos;
♦ "Mt Olympus: The three peaks challenge," an account of a one-day climb to the highest points "on the mountain of the gods";
♦ "Aigai reaches new heights," an article about a new world-class museum scheduled to open in 2022 at Vergina, site of the former capital of ancient Macedonia; and
♦ the feature piece "Aristotle University of Thessaloniki," which profiles "southeastern Europe's largest institute of higher education."
Thessaloniki recently became the first Greek city included in the UNESCO global network of Creative Cities of Gastronomy. The latest Greece Is magazine's "Foodie Guide" spotlights some of the "new and classic" dining establishments that have helped put Thessaloniki on the world's culinary map.
Not-to-be-missed reads for anyone planning to visit Thessaloniki in 2022 include:
♦ "New arrivals," which offers a peek at two recently opened hotels, a gallery, a food spot and a new Aegean Airlines lounge at Thessaloniki International Airport;
♦ "The cool factor" — a collection of insider city tips and secrets shared by six local influencers; and
♦ "Always something on" — an agenda of upcoming major exhibitions and cultural performances.
While we can't wrap our hands around a physical copy of the Thessaloniki magazine since we're not in Greece at the moment to pick one up, we — and you — can conveniently access a digital version on Issuu.com to either read online or download.
Greece Is has previously published six other special magazine issues focussed on Thessaloniki. If you're interested in reading any of those, you can find digital versions on Issuu.com.
The Greece Is publishing portal is one of our favourite sources of reliable advice, inside information and fascinating insights into Greece destinations, travel, culture, arts, architecture, food and much more. If you're not already familiar with the brand, here are links to its website, Instagram profile and Facebook page, all of which are filled with photos of beautiful places in Greece and links to a treasure trove of information to inspire and assist your travels:
Web: The main Greece Is online portal contains a vast collection of feature articles, photos, news items, blog posts, Greek product profiles, and more.
Instagram: @greece_is
Facebook: @my.greece.is
Twitter: @MyGreeceIs
Our Covid-19 quarantine travel reads: Feature profiles of Athens, Thessaloniki, the Peloponnese & mainland Greece
April 27, 2020 / admin / 1 Comment
These striking photos of the city of Kastoria in northern Greece and the historic Kokkoros Bridge in Epirus are from The White Issue of Fly, the magazine of Sky Express airline. The picture-packed issue spotlights visit-worthy mainland Greece destinations that aren't on typical tourist itineraries.
Armchair travels: Since we can't take our scheduled spring trip to Greece because of Covid-19 lockdowns and travel restrictions, we have been travelling there vicariously — by reading magazine and newspaper articles about destinations, hotels, attractions and a wide variety of aspects of Greek life and tourism. Armchair travel lacks the thrill and pleasure of actually going to Greece, of course, but it's a heck of a lot better than brooding about the cancellation of our 2020 holiday plans while we're cooped up in home quarantine.
On the positive side, our time catching up on articles published over the past six months has been well spent, introducing us to incredible places in Greece we weren't too familiar with, and giving us ideas and inspiration for trips we hope to take once the pandemic has passed and Greece re-opens its borders to international visitors.
Since the articles and photo profiles could be interesting and helpful to readers dreaming about their own future trips to Greece, we will be sharing our "quarantine travel reads" in a series of blog posts, beginning with this one.
Destinations and topics profiled in this instalment include:
♦ Thessaloniki and the Halkidiki peninsula;
♦ Athens
♦ the southern Peloponnese, including Costa Navarino, the Mani and Monemvasia; and
♦ Impressive towns, villages and scenic areas in mainland Greece
Upcoming blog posts will spotlight:
♦ stylish luxury hotels and hot dining spots in Athens, Crete, Mykonos, Paros, and Santorini;
♦ travel writer accounts of trips to Athens and various Greek Islands, including Evia, Milos, Paros and Symi;
♦ Cretan food and the Mediterranean diet;
♦ mini guides to Greek islands, and more.
Athens and the southern Peloponnese
Dimitsana, a mountain village in Arcadia, is among the places writer Nikos Chrysoloras recommends visiting in the southern Peloponnese
"…there will be so much Greek paradise for you when this viral outbreak is behind us" says Nikos Chrysoloras, whose article The Greece I long to visit isn't on your average travel brochure was published by Bloomberg News on April 24.
Greece does indeed abound with places people would consider paradise, but Chrysoloras devotes his article to describing a travel itinerary that will let visitors experience the true essence of Greece first in Athens and its surrounding area, and secondly during a scenic road trip through the southern Peloponnese peninsula.
A must-see in the historical center of Athens, he says, is Monastiraki Square, which "epitomizes my country perhaps more than any island or beach." He recommends two rooftop bars overlooking the square, from which visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the Parthenon and other historic monuments. "It's the weight of millennia packed in the space of a single block," Chrysoloras notes. He also recommends a day trip along the Athens Riviera and a visit to the clifftop Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, famous for its sensational sunset view, which he describes as "Greece, Profound." He also suggests specific places to drink and dine, so visitors planning to spend time in the city would be wise to bookmark the article for easy reference once in Athens.
For the Peloponnese portion of his suggested roadtrip, Chrysoloras recommends starting off in the area around the Costa Navarino resort and the incredible Voidokilia beach (which I wrote about in my blog post A bucket list visit to Voidokilia), and then exploring the rugged Mani region. "It's a mountainous terrain with stone-built villages and very narrow roads leading to pebbled beaches. This area is the land of the ancient Spartans, people as defiant as history suggests." Again, Chrysoloras recommends places to stay, dine, hike, swim and enjoy a drink with a fabulous sunset view.
From Mani, the drive continues to the castle town of Monemvasia, whose "medieval alleys are full of mystery and wonder, like a set that Game of Thrones producers ought to have used." On the way back to Athens from there, Chrysoloras urges a detour to Dimitsana — his mother's home town — "one of the most characteristic specimens of the mountainous side of Greece. Surrounded by conifer trees, you can enjoy unspoiled traditional stone architecture and hike in the area's beautiful forests and nearby villages." Although worth a look nearby is Panagia, a now-deserted village where Chrysoloras recommends a taverna that serves outstanding traditional dishes.
Please click on the link below to continue reading on page 2, where we discuss excellent magazine articles about Thessaloniki, noteworthy destinations in mainland Greece, and fascinating places to explore in Athens.
Modern sculptures amid ancient ruins: An extra visual delight for Delos visitors this summer
June 22, 2019 / admin / 1 Comment
Sculptures by Sir Antony Gormley, including this 2015 work entitled Connect, have been installed on Delos island as part of a landmark art exhibition on display this summer only
Modern art on ancient site: After exploring the historic ruins on Delos three separate times between 2004 and 2010, I haven't felt an urge to make a return trip to the island in recent years. After all, the monuments and the island itself wouldn't look noticeably different from my previous visits, so there wouldn't be anything particularly "new" for me to discover. And besides, there are dozens of other major archaeological sites in Greece that I haven't seen at all — so going to some of those has been a higher priority than a fourth trip to Delos.
But this summer I have really been regretting that I can't get to Delos to see something that is in fact completely new and different, and available for viewing only during this year's tourist season.
It's a groundbreaking modern art installation called SIGHT, which features 29 iron "bodyform" sculptures that acclaimed British artist Antony Gormley has positioned among the historic Delos monuments and antiquities — on the island's coast and harbourfront, atop Plakes Peak and Mount Kynthos, and in one of the galleries in the Delos archaeological museum.
Antony Gormley poses with his 2017 work, Reflect, on Delos island. The photo was shared on the Facebook page for NEON, the non-profit cultural organization that commissioned and organized the SIGHT exhibition.
The SIGHT exhibit is noteworthy for two key reasons: It's the first time an artist has taken over the archaeological site since Delos was last inhabited 5,000 years ago, and it's the first time the Greek Archaeological Council has approved a contemporary art installation on the island.
It's an historic art event I would certainly appreciate: I enjoy sculpture (from any era) and I would love to see some of Gormley's work up close. Viewing his pieces on Delos — five of which were created specifically for this event — would give me fresh new perspectives of the island and its significant historical and mythical past. I have been intrigued and moved by photos of the sculptures I have seen on websites and social media, so I know that seeing the pieces in person would be a fascinating experience.
Unfortunately, a trip to Greece isn't possible for me before the exhibit ends. But if you are a fine arts and sculpture enthusiast yourself, and you will be visiting Mykonos (or Naxos or Paros, from which daytrips to Delos are also available) before October 31, don't miss the unique opportunity to experience the island while the Gormley "bodyforms" are on display.
SIGHT is a project that the Greek non-profit cultural organization NEON organized in collaboration with the Ephorate of Antiquities of Cyclades. The exhibition continues until October 31 2019.
Extensive details and information about Delos and the sculpture exhibit are available on the SIGHT page of the NEON website.
Below is an 8-minute video in which Antony Gormley discusses Delos and the inspiration for his work, followed by photos of several of the sculptures displayed on the island.
All ferries to and from Mykonos now docking at the New Port
April 10, 2019 / admin / 0 Comments
This photo from one of our Mykonos holidays shows four charter yachts docked at the island's Old Port at Mykonos Town (foreground), and a cruise ship berthed at the New Port in Tourlos, nearly 2 kilometers away by road.
Ferry straightforward: Where does my ferry arrive at / depart from on Mykonos?
That question has vexed visitors for years, since the island has two ports — the original one at the Mykonos Town harbour (commonly called the Old Port) and a newer, substantially larger facility in the island's Tourlos district (regularly referred to as the New Port, of course).
The standard answer used to sound simple enough: ferries that carry passengers and vehicles sail to and from the New Port, while smaller ferries that just carry passengers operate from the Old Port. But since most travellers didn't have a clue if the ship they were booked on carried vehicles or not, that advice wasn't always helpful. Not surprisingly, many people missed their ferries because they arrived at the wrong port and didn't have enough time to get to the right departure point.
Thankfully, the reign of ferry port confusion could soon be history: As of Saturday April 6 2019, all ferry traffic to and from the island will use the New Port only.
I shot these photos of travellers queuing to board passenger-only catamaran ferries at the Old Port in Mykonos Town several years ago. As of April 6 2019, the Old Port will no longer handle ferry traffic.
One of my Mykonos holiday photos of the New Port at Tourlos. All ferry ships will now arrive at and depart from this harbour.
I learned about this development from Mykonos news websites, but the reports were all in Greek and Google Translate offered an awkward translation. To make certain I wasn't misinterpreting what I had read, I contacted the top ferry booking agency on Mykonos, Sea & Sky Travel, to confirm if the news was accurate.
"Yes, it's true. All the boats, including the small passengers ones , will be leaving from the new port from now on," a Sea & Sky representative told me.
The news reports said the change was implemented by the Mykonos port authority, upon request by the Greek government ministry responsible for shipping and marine regulation, to eliminate confusion and help prevent passengers from missing their ferries.
It's a welcome change, but I think some confusion may persist for awhile. For one thing, many repeat visitors have travelled to and from Mykonos on passenger-only catamarans that operated in and out of the Old Port. If they don't hear the news, their travel plans could get screwed up if they head to the Old Port, out of habit, when leaving the island. For another, many first-time visitors won't be aware of the change, or may have read outdated posts on the TripAdvisor travel forums, or other online travel sites, that describe the old distinction between the two Mykonos ports. Hopefully word will get out and fewer people will miss ferries this year.
This Google image shows the Mykonos New Port (top) and the Old Port at Mykonos Town (bottom), a 2 kilometer walk or drive apart. Also shown are the main pick-up and drop-off points for the Mykonos SeaBus, an inexpensive water taxi service that operates between the two ports.
Which leaves the next most popular question about ferry travel to Mykonos: How do I get from the port to my accommodations?
For a list of transport options, please click on the link below to continue reading on page 2 of this post, and to view photos of things visitors will see if they travel along the coastal road between Tourlos and Mykonos Town.
Quietly spectacular Skyros
Enjoy aerial views of the island's wonderful coastal, mountain, valley and village scenery in the film Skyros 2018 by Skylens (above), in Skyros – Cinematic Travel Video in 4K by Andre Eckhardt Films (center), and in Skyros – Greece by TreeZone (below)
~ Editor's note: This article was updated on September 27 2018 with the addition of the Skyros 2018 video, and on October 2 2019 with the addition of the Skyros Cinematic Travel Video posted above ~
Real deal: Want to visit an authentic Greek island that isn't a mainstream tourist magnet like Mykonos, Rhodes, Santorini, or even its nearby neighbour, Skiathos? Then have a look at Skyros, the southernmost and largest island in the Sporades archipelago. Skyros has everything you would want and expect from a great Greek island holiday destination — impressive landscapes and coastal scenery, inviting beaches, picturesque villages, historic sites, good food, and age-old local traditions — without the massive crowds and commerciality of other islands that have become household names around the world.
Though it is becoming increasingly popular with visitors from around the world, and has an international airport that receives direct charter flights from several European cities during July and August, Skyros is a relatively low-profile destination that isn't even on the radar for most tourists planning vacations in the Greek islands.
In fact, there were only 3 question-and-answer threads posted on TripAdvisor's Skyros travel forum in all of 2015, and just 10 in total since 2010. The Skiathos forum, by comparison, had more than 6,100 conversation threads as of mid-May 2016.
With so much going for the island, It's rather surprising that Skyros doesn't get more attention from travellers — especially considering that it gets good press whenever it's mentioned in social and regular media.
For instance, Skyros was cited as the best destination for alternative travel and holistic holidays in The Telegraph's January 2016 feature The 19 best Greek islands, and was included in a piece the Independent published about Holidays for single travellers. Also in January, The Irish Examiner published A letter from paradise on the Greek island of Skyros, a journalist's account of her writing holiday. And in 2015, Thomas Cook Airlines named Skyros as best destination for "healthy lifestyle holidays" in its profile of Greece's top 10 islands.
Perhaps it's a good thing Skyros hasn't become hugely popular — that means it will remain a unique and special place to charm and delight those travellers who do venture off the main tourist paths to pay it a visit. (And that's one of the chief reasons why Skyros is on my bucket list of islands to see.)
Built on the steep slopes of a craggy peak topped by a Byzantine fortress and a monastery, Chora village is a striking sight on Skyros (Photo from the Municipality of Skyros travel guide)
Please continue reading on page 2, where you'll find more pictures and videos along with links to more than a dozen different websites with Skyros travel information and photos.
Visiting Delos in 2016
The "sacred island" of Delos is seen in a photo from the Google+ page for Delos Tours, the firm that runs ferries between Mykonos and Delos.
Delos daytripping: It has been nearly two years since I last wrote about Delos island, and because there have been some noteworthy price changes for 2016, I've written this general information article to update my series of Top Delos Posts published from 2012 to 2014. (Apart from ferry schedules and the new prices for ferry tickets and admission to the Delos archaeological site, the information in my previous posts remains current.)
What is Delos?
Here's a brief background for readers who might not be familiar with Delos. The island, situated just over 2 km west of Mykonos, is one of the most important historic and archaeological sites in Greece. It's often called "the sacred island" and "the island of light" because, in Greek mythology, it was the birthplace of Apollo, the god of light, and Artemis, the goddess of night light.
During its glory days between 166 BC and 69 BC, Delos was a wealthy shipping hub and one of the world's leading centers of commerce. Home to more than 30,000 people, the city went into decline after it was looted and razed in two separate attacks; residents gradually left the island, and eventually Delos was abandoned completely and almost forgotten.
The ruins of the Quarter of the Theater and the island's once-great commercial port sprawl across the lower slopes of Mt Kynthos on Delos
Delos regained international attention when archaeologists began excavating its ruins in 1872. Small numbers of travellers, mainly from Europe, started visiting the island to view the fascinating historic sites that were gradually being unearthed. Over the decades, the trickle of tourists turned into a steady stream of sightseers from around the world, and today Delos is a top tourist attraction drawing more than 100,000 visitors each year. Delos is widely considered a "must see" attraction for people visiting Mykonos, and I personally recommend that visitors schedule a half-day trip to Delos during their Mykonos holidays, especially if it's their first visit to Greece.
In 1990, Delos was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. A description for UNESCO's Delos listing says "The archaeological site is exceptionally extensive and rich and conveys the image of a great cosmopolitan Mediterranean port."
And according to the Delos page on Visit Greece, the official tourism website for Greece, "nowhere else in the Globe is there a natural insular archaeological site of this size and importance. No other island on Earth hosts so many monumental antiquities from the Archaic, the Classical, and the Hellenistic periods, i.e. the centuries of the great Greek art, on a territory used exclusively as an archaeological site."
What's on Delos?
The Terrace of the Lions is one of the most popular attractions on Delos island (Photo by Wikimedia contributor Bernard Gagnon)
All of Delos is a protected archaeological site, and visitors are not permitted to stay on the island overnight; hence, there are no accommodations (the nearest available lodging is on Mykonos). Besides the extensive ruins, which extend across most of the island, there is a museum that houses sculptures, wall paintings, pottery and thousands of small artefacts discovered during the excavations. A cafe in a separate building sells beverages and light snacks.
Some of the antiquities and sights most popular with tourists include: spectacular floor mosaics in the House of Dionysos, the House of the Dolphins, the House of the Mask, and the House of the Tritons; a marble amphitheater; several different agoras, sanctuaries and temples; the Sacred Lake and the Terrace of the Lions.
A detail of one of the colourful mosaics in the House of the Dolphins (Photo from the Delos Tours website.)
The marble theater, seen in another image by Wikimedia contributor Bernard Gagnon, could seat up to 5,500 spectators
You'll see many of the island's top sights while a narrator describes the history of Delos in this informative 9.5-minute film by Expoza Travel.
Please click on the link below to continue reading on page 2, where you'll find information about Delos ferry ticket and site admission prices, ferry schedules, guided tours, private charters to Delos, and more.
The enchanting beauty of Athens
Athens is a gorgeous 5-minute promotional video produced by Visit Greece, the website of the Greek National Tourism Organisation. With its fabulous high-definition and time-lapse photography showcasing top attractions and historic monuments in Greece's capital city and points beyond, such as spectacular Cape Sounion and beautiful beaches on the Athens Riviera, it's one of the best Athens videos I've ever seen. Click the arrow on the image above to start the film and take "an enchanting trip around the beauties of Athens."
How a cultural renaissance is reshaping Athens
Throngs of shoppers and tourists on Ermou Street pass by the 1,000-year-old Byzantine Church of Panagia Kapnikarea
Gritty, not pretty: After six years of agonizing economic hardship, the City of Athens and its residents appear to be "rebounding" and turning their attention "to the task of building a better future," according to the Canadian national newspaper, The Globe and Mail.
"More and more Athenians are involved in a kind of civic infill activity, re-imagining the town, improvising social services and engaging in what Greek photographer Eirini Vourloumis calls 'a forced renegotiation of Greek identity,'" columnist Robert Everett-Green observes in a feature article published recently in the Globe.
"Now, ambitious plans are afoot to remodel the downtown in more sustainable ways, and to add cultural capital to civic life. Innovative restorations, led by artists and arts organizations, are reclaiming rundown industrial districts. There is a feeling here that creativity is the last and best resource when other resources fail," he notes.
Athens is "gritty," not pretty, with "rampant" graffiti and street art, but arts and culture are leading the city to a "rebirth" as it recovers from the harsh economic crisis of the past six years, The Globe and Mail newspaper observes.
Everett-Green visited Athens last November, and the Globe published his feature story The Energy of Defeat on the front page of its weekend travel section this past Saturday (March 28 2015).
The article also was published on the newspaper's website, where it was retitled Athens isn't pretty, but it's exciting: discover the city's cultural rebirth.
Everett-Green examines how artists are playing a leading role in the revitalization of a city he describes as "gritty, restless and spontaneous." He looks at major cultural projects and initiatives, including:
♦ the new Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center that will house the Greek National Opera and the National Library of Greece;
♦ the Onassis Foundation's Rethink Athens project, which will transform the city center along Panepistimiou Street with ambitious public realm improvements and beautification;
♦ the Technopolis cultural event hub in the former premises of a coal and gas plant;
♦ the revitalization of the once-industrial Metaxourgio district; and
♦ the National Museum of Contemporary Art, which has opened in a restored brewery building.
Click here to read the full story on the Globe and Mail website.
Click on the arrow to view this 13-minute virtual tour of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center being built in the Kallithea district of Athens, about 4 km from the city center.
This photo shows an aerial view of construction work on the massive Kallithea site where the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) is being built. Designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano, the center will include a new building for the Greek National Opera, a new National Library of Greece, and an extensive landscaped park. This photo is from the SNFCC project page on the Renzo Piano Building Workshop website,.


Post is looking for one facility — with anywhere from 4 to 24 Mac workstations — in need of a simplified, unified networking solution. Ideal candidates can be working with any combination of audio, video and graphics elements.
The selected studio will be outfitted with high performance cards and switches from Small Tree, as well as with an upgrade to their server memory and disk storage, if warranted. Post will also feature a profile on the studio, the installation of the networking solution and some of its recent work in an upcoming issue, as well as on the Post Website.
To enter Post's "Extreme Mac-Over," CLICK THIS LINK or visit the Post Website (www.postmagazine.com) and click on the "Extreme Mac-Over" button. Entries must be received by June 30th and the winner will be announced later this summer.


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RZA On The Man With The Iron Fists [Video]
October 23, 2012 by deadendhiphop
RZA chops it up with Rock It Out Blog! about the soundtrack and upcoming movie "The Man With The Iron Fists".
Concert Review: The RZA in Houston (10/16/2012)
The RZA, U-God, C.I.T.Y., Supernatural, Eyenine, and Kosher Dillz entertained the crowd at Warehouse Live to promote "The Man With The Iron Fists."
RZA – Man With The Iron Fist [Album Stream]
The singles for this soundtrack have been really strong and now the album stream is up on Bandcamp. Definitely need to give this one a listen later. Listen and purchase: RZA-Man With The Iron Fist The Man With The Iron Fists Soundtrack by Man With The Iron Fists
Colin Munroe – Unsung Hero [Mixtape]
September 4, 2012 by deadendhiphop
Colin Munroe drops this new mixtape Unsung Hero which features Pusha T, RZA, Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul and Cassie. Check out the 10 tracks below. Stream and download: Colin Munroe-Unsung Hero
RZA x Boy Jones – Just Can't Get It Right
August 22, 2012 by deadendhiphop
RZA gets with Ol' Dirty Bastard's son, Boy Jones, for a song call "Just Can't Get It Right". It's just a demo version but it's better than nothing. I need to hear the full version of this and would love to hear them do a whole album together. Now that would be dope.
Thoughts on Childish Gambino's 'Royalty' Mixtape.
July 9, 2012 by deadendhiphop
Just a writeup on Royalty to tide you guys over until the official review drops.


Women and men who have loose abdominal skin and large amounts os fat that is concentrated in the abdomen can benefit from abdominoplasty. Sometimes these conditions are inherited. In other instances, substantial weight loss may cause abdominal skin to become flaccid. Abdominoplasty also can tighten muscles that have been separated and weakened by pregnancy. The procedure may somewhat improve the appearance of stretch marks, especially those located below the navel.
During the consultation with Dr. Downey, you will be asked about the results you would like to achieve from abdominoplasty. This will help her to understand your expectations and determine whether they realistically can be achieved.
Dr. Downey may examine your abdomen while you are standing as well as lying down. Your skin tone and the degree of loose skin in the abdominal region will be assessed. She will also will evaluate the amount of excess fat in your abdomen and the condition of your abdominal muscles.


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Gunar Olsen
Asking Tough Questions
Tag Archives: Going Global
Cuba Off Terrorism List, Germany and U.S. Drones, War in Yemen
Posted on April 29, 2015 by Gunar Olsen
Originally published at the Fordham Observer's "Going Global" column.
U.S to Remove Cuba From Terror Sponsors List
In his continued effort to restore diplomatic relations with Cuba, President Barack Obama has made an official recommendation to Congress that Cuba be removed from the U.S. State Department's list of state sponsors of terrorism. The move will leave only Iran, Sudan and Syria on the list. Cuba was placed on the list in 1982 when its government was supporting liberation struggles across the region. It will not be officially removed from the list until after a 45-day review period, during which Congress could form a joint resolution to block its removal. The Cuban government called Obama's move "just" and said it should never have been on the listThe U.S. trade embargo with Cuba remains in effect. "President Obama has acknowledged publicly and with actions something that has been obvious for a very long time: US policy towards Cuba has been frozen for way too many years and hasn't done a thing to achieve its stated goals. It's time to try a more enlightened approach," Hector Lindo-Fuentes, associate chair and professor of history, said.
Germany is heart of U.S. drone program
A top-secret document obtained by the news website, The Intercept, confirms that the U.S. military base in Ramstein, Germany, is the main technology center for America's drone program. Drone operators in the American Southwest use Ramstein as a satellite relay station to communicate with their remote aircraft in Yemen, Afghanistan, Pakistan and other targeted countries. Although Ramstein's role in the drone program has been downplayed, an unidentified source told The Intercept, "Without Ramstein, drones could not function, at least not as they do now." A German court has agreed to hear a case brought by a relative of two Yemeni victims of a U.S. drone strike for Germany's role in the drone program. This is globally unprecedented as no court anywhere, including in the U.S., has ever agreed to grant standing to a relative of a drone strike victim. "Perhaps the court would be willing to issue an injunction prohibiting the use of Ramstein for its role in drone strikes if it finds this role essential," Thomas H. Lee, Leitner Family professor of International Law, said. "All of this just adds to the controversies about the drone program – the United States has still not officially recognized civilian deaths as collateral damage."
War in Yemen
Over 1,000 people have died in the fighting in Yemen since late March. With intelligence and logistical support from the United States, Saudi Arabia and nine regional allies began bombing Houthis on March 25. The Houthis, a Shiite minority, took over the capital Sana'a in January and forced the resignation of President Abdu Rabbu Mansour Hadi, who has since fled to Saudi Arabia. President Obama has long defended the "successful" counterterrorism model with the Yemeni government in its fight against al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), which has begun to gain control of more territory during the power vacuum created by the Houthis' takeover and the Saudi Arabian military campaign. "No outside power can resolve what is, at heart, a struggle for national identity in a country seriously divided along religious, tribal, and ideological lines […] You can't bomb a country into the 21st century nor rearrange its political architecture through external interference," John P. Entelis, professor and chair of Political Science and director of Middle East Studies, said.
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Nigerian Election, Palestine Joins ICC, Sanctions on Venezuela
The Observer is launching an international column to update students on global events with expert commentary from professors. Tweet us what you think @fordhamobserver.
Nigerian Presidential Election
Muhammadu Buhari has become the first opposition candidate to win a presidential election in Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, unseating President Goodluck Jonathan by 2.7 million votes. One of Nigeria's military rulers, Buhari, 72, first came to power in a military coup in 1984. Many voters were drawn to his hard-handedness in a country marked by corruption and an Islamist insurgency by Boko Haram, both targets of much of Buhari's aggressive rhetoric. "If he acts on his military approach to end the insurgency, Nigeria will plunge into violence and political instability. There is no military solution to Boko Haram. Buhari must address the socio-economic causes of the insurgency to advance democratic values and foster economic development," Amir H. Idris, professor and chair of African and African American Studies, said.
Palestine Becomes Member of ICC
As of April 1, Palestine has become an official member of the International Criminal Court (ICC). In January, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas acceded to the 1998 Rome Statute, which created the court, after the United States and Israel blocked a U.N. Security Council measure calling for an end to the Israeli occupation and the creation of a Palestinian state. Palestine has given the ICC jurisdiction over incidents beginning in June 2014, a month before Israel launched its 51-day assault on the Gaza Strip killing more than 2,200 Palestinians, including nearly 1,500 civilians, opening the door to prosecute Israeli war crimes. Fatou Bensouda, the ICC's chief prosecutor, opened a preliminary examination in January. The Israeli military is conducting several already in an attempt to stymie external efforts to hold the military accountable for war crimes. "[Palestinian ICC membership] could mean prosecution not only of Israelis, but also Palestinians – including groups like Hamas. As the ICC's preliminary examinations typically last months or years, it may be a whole year before we see how the ICC will proceed," Karen Corrie, adjunct professor of political science and former trial lawyer for the Office of the Prosecutor at the ICC, said.
Obama Imposes Sanctions on Venezuelan Leaders
In March, the White House imposed sanctions on seven Venezuelan senior officials, citing human rights violations and corruption. As a legal requirement to justify the sanctions, President Obama declared Venezuela "unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security," but has since rescinded this classification. 33 Latin American and Caribbean countries issued support for President Nicolás Maduro and rejected the US sanctions, claiming they are a threat to Venezuelan sovereignty and aren't actually about human rights given U.S. support of repressive regimes across the world and its long-time attempt to overthrow the democratically elected government in Venezuela. "Regardless of what one can think of the wisdom of Maduro's policies, it is hard to see how Venezuela — a country in the middle of a deep economic crisis, high inflation and high crime rates — can represent such a threat to the most powerful country in the world," Hector Lindo-Fuentes, professor and associate chair of history, said.
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First, here are two scans of the latest guide, available from the Tourist Office in Christchurch.
Click for a larger image (2500px wide, c650K)
Click for a larger image. (2500px wide, c780K)
And now click for a pdf version of both pages – around 1Mb.
Here is some of my own information about it.
The Entrance to the Castle and grounds.
1831-1836: Highcliffe Castle was built by Lord Stuart de Rothesay, who had loved the area from childhood. To create an 18th century French style he used materials from French medieval buildings, including stone gargoyles and stained glass.
The Castle has had many important visitors, including William Gladstone, the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII), Nancy Mitford, Dame Nellie Melba, and Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany in 1907.
1916-1922: (Harry) Gordon Selfridge lived there. Born in Wisconsin, USA, during the First World War he wanted to move his family away from London in case of zeppelin raids from the Germans.
It cost £5000 per year to rent, furnished, a large sum in those days, equivalent to almost half a million pounds today. Rosalie, his wife, established a convalescent camp on Highcliffe Recreation Ground, and his daughters Violette, Rosalie and Beatrice were Red Cross volunteers and worked at Christchurch Hospital. LINK His wife died after the war, in the severe influenza outbreak, which killed more than had perished in the war. Gordon Selfrdige continued with the life of a country gentleman, Mr and Mrs Selfridge and his mother are buried near, at St Mark's Church, Highcliffe.
Gordon Selfridge (centre) judging a beauty competition at the Castle
1950s: It became a children's convalescent home, and from 1953-1967 it was owned by three senior Roman Catholic priests. There was a serious fire in 1968, and then vandalism and weathering continued the destruction.
1977: Christchurch Council compulsorily purchased the castle to halt the deterioration. For years there was little sign of improvement because of lack of funds.
1994: A grant from the newly-formed National Lottery meant that the roof and masonry could be repaired, as well as the south wing. It could then be used for education and events, as well as recreation.
Preparing for a wedding in 2017.
2016: Another Lottery grant has enabled the Penleaze Wing, which had been closed for many years, to be restored. It will be re-opened soon.
Here is a link to some excellent photographs in The Echo.
Discovered today, 29 November 2020:
On a walk through the Castle grounds and down the zig-zag path I saw a notice board. I had not been over to look at it before, so today I made the effort and was surprised to see some information about the Castle which I had not known before. Apparently it was not always there, as the upper image shows.
As you can see, this is not a great photo, so I will retake it soon.
Here is the view looking back from where it was. The 'new' castle is in the background.
Click for a larger image, back to return.


The earth and sky can be represented in ADF lore through the Two Powers meditation, or within our cosmological structure. The earth is the land, sea and sky of the Middleworld in which we reside. The sky above is the heavens in which we pray to the Gods and our messengers are sent upwards through the fire to carry those messages upwards into the sky. I have seen members in ADF pray to an Earth Mother and Sky Father, and my own native bloodline acknowledges such an existence, but I do not pray to it in my Heathen hearth culture. The sky is the gateway to the upperworld through the fire, and the earth is where the creatures of our world, and the world tree reside. The roots of the tree dip down into the underworld, the branches raise up towards the sky, thus linking the three worlds together. A fictional similarity would be like the standard of two snakes, facing each other, over a black sun and black moon. The snakes could represent the serpent of the World Tree, and the sun and moon could represent the heavens and earth, opposite each other.