text:
Q: In aspect oriented programming, where exactly does a join point start I was going through spring documentation, and this is what it says about join points
" Join point: a point during the execution of a program, such as the execution of a method or the handling of an exception. In Spring AOP, a join point always represents a method execution."
and also this is what the document says regarding "before advice"..
"Before advice: Advice that executes before a join point, but which does not have the ability to prevent execution flow proceeding to the join point (unless it throws an exception)."
When they say, the before advice executes before a join point, where exactly is that point located for a given method.Lets say we have the following method, is it correct to assume that it will be located at the place where we have the greater than> symbol inside the method ?
public void Calculate()
{
     >
     // some logic
}

A: For Spring AOP (a proxy-based framework) it is more like this:
class MyClass implements MyInterface {
    public void doSomething() {}
}

// Dynamic proxy created during runtime
class ProxyXY extends MyClass implements MyInterface {
    public void before_doSomething() {
        // Do whatever the AOP advice says and then...
        doSomething();
    }
}

This is really just schematic and simplified, but I guess you get the idea. In AspectJ it is quite different because there are no proxies involved and bytecode is generated directly into the target class.

A: A Join Point basically is the point of program in application which joins the business logic of the application with the centralized AOP concerns. Spring only supports method execution as a Join point i.e. before or after execution of a method(action) in the business logic ,we can join to a concern as required.
Go through this article for getting a gist on AOP in Spring.
http://codemodeweb.blogspot.in/2018/03/spring-aop-and-aspectj-framework.html


text:
Park Avenue's Five Sisters find new life, new owners
Updated Mar 23, 2019; Posted Jun 01, 2010
By Dick Case, Post-Standard columnist
Frank Ordonez / The Post-StandardJim Williams stands in front of some of the Five Sisters, Victorian houses on Park Avenue that he and his building partners renovated and sold.
We're watching the rebirth of a community.
Park Avenue, just west of downtown Syracuse, seems to be coming to life. Some of this has to do with the completion of the restoration of the Five Sisters, a landmark row of houses in the 300 block, each one crowned with a turret.
All but one of the urban homes has been sold.
"Did you think this would ever be finished?" Jim Williams is asking as he tours me through the last two of the Sisters. I say I had my doubts.
It's been one long time for the other shoe to drop, no fault of Jim, who is a partner with Jim Raite in Time Cap, a Syracuse construction company. Time Cap took over the project in May 2008. Now, Time Cap, which is acting as its own real estate agent here, is ready to close on the sale of the fourth Sister, No. 316.
The Sisters first stepped into our view in 2001. That's when Niagara Mohawk, before it was renamed National Grid, announced it was "spearheading" — the utility's words — a "unique" $1 million restoration of the Sisters. The houses were put up by builder George Brown as two-family homes in 1893-94.
In 2001, they had seen better days.
Niagara Mohawk said it would equip the homes with computers and other high-tech connections, among other goals. The company's partners would include Syracuse Community Development, Syracuse Neighborhood Initiative, Carrier Corp. and Time Warner Corp. Empire Housing Development, a nonprofit developer with offices on Park Avenue, was picked to oversee the project.
All of the partners dropped out, eventually.
There were many reasons. Lack of money was the main culprit. Empire Housing bought the Sisters — all of them — with its own money. It eventually bowed out because the money ran out.
That's when Home HeadQuarters stepped up, in 2007. It's an independent nonprofit agency dedicated to neighborhood rehabilitation. Home HeadQuarters works in many parts of our city, including the Near West Side.
The agency bought the homes and redid the exteriors, by leveraging Syracuse Neighborhood Initiative dollars for the work, according to Jim Williams. Crawford and Stearns were the architects under contract with Home HeadQuarters.
In May 2008, Time Cap bought the five houses with building exteriors complete. "We were looking for a signature project," explained Jim Raite, Time Cap's president.
Jim Williams said the timing was right. Given the recession, he doubts the company would later have had the financial resources to do what it did: a "gut rehab," leaving only the existing building envelope untouched.
Each of the interiors is different, according to the partners. Prices range from $185,000 for a house already sold to $240,000 for the remaining unsold house, which is slightly larger because of an annex added by a previous owner. All have air-conditioning, two furnaces and underground utility services. Yes, according to Jim Raite, the Sisters are wired for computer hookups, as promised years ago.
Time Cap stays committed. The company bought a house at 515 Park Ave. and is converting it to two flats. The vacant lot next door is a Time Cap property and will be built on. The partners are calling these projects, "Step Sisters."
Jim Williams says the Five Sisters were made over "to last another 100 years. I like to think we've made an impact on the area."
One neighbor, who lives next door, agrees. Julie Harrington and her husband, Tim, bought and redid their 1905 home 21 years ago. "We're thrilled," she says.
Dick Case writes Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. Contact him at 470-2254 or dcase@syracuse.com.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Best's News & Research Service - August 13, 2021 03:06 PM (EDT)
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and Most of Its Subsidiaries
August 13, 2021 03:06 PM (EDT)
Oldwick //BestWire// - AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A++ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of "aa+" (Superior) of State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company (State Farm Mutual) and its affiliates, State Farm Fire and Casualty Company and State Farm County Mutual Insurance Company of Texas (Richardson, TX). In addition, AM Best has affirmed the FSR of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICR of "a-" (Excellent) of State Farm Florida Insurance Company (State Farm Florida) (Winter Haven, FL). AM Best also has affirmed the FSR of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICR of "a" (Excellent) of State Farm General Insurance Company (State Farm General). Concurrently, AM Best has affirmed the FSR of A++ (Superior) and the Long-Term ICRs of "aa+" (Superior) of State Farm Life Insurance Company and State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (together referred to as State Farm Life). At the same time, AM Best has affirmed the FSR of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICR of "a" (Excellent) of State Farm Lloyds (Richardson, TX). AM Best also has affirmed the FSR of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICR of "a-" (Excellent) of MGA Insurance Company, Inc. (MGA) (Dallas, TX). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.
Additionally, AM Best has revised the outlooks to negative from stable and affirmed the FSR of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICR of "a" (Excellent) of Dover Bay Specialty Insurance Company (Dover Bay).
AM Best also has upgraded the FSR to A (Excellent) from A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICR to "a" (Excellent) from "a-" (Excellent) of HiRoad Assurance Company (HiRoad). The outlook of these ratings is stable.
Lastly, AM Best has upgraded the FSR to A (Excellent) from A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICR to "a" (Excellent) from "a-" (Excellent) of State Farm Indemnity Company (State Farm Indemnity). The outlook of these ratings has been revised to stable from positive. All companies are headquartered in Bloomington, IL, except where specified.
The ratings of State Farm Mutual reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strongest, as well as its strong operating performance, very favorable business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM).
Additionally, the ratings reflect State Farm's sustained net income and internal capital generation despite challenging market conditions in recent years, and AM Best's expectation that the company will continue to generate solid earnings and maintain excellent risk-adjusted capitalization in the face of the current high state of economic uncertainty in the United States. State Farm Mutual, together with its subsidiary and affiliated property/casualty and life insurance companies, comprise the largest personal lines insurance organization in the United States based on direct premiums written and the second largest in terms of policyholders' surplus. The State Farm group remains the leading provider of private passenger automobile and homeowners' insurance in the United States. The organization's personal lines products are complemented by other lines of business such as commercial multiperil, commercial auto liability, workers' compensation and several other lines. The ratings of the subsidiaries and affiliates of State Farm Mutual benefit from shared services, common management, cross selling of products and services, common distribution and brand name recognition. These positive rating aspects are offset in part by the State Farm group's underwriting variability, above-average exposure to equity market volatility and susceptibility to weather-related catastrophes.
The ratings of State Farm Florida reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as adequate, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate ERM. The ratings also reflect lift, as defined within Best's Credit Rating Methodology (BCRM), from its parent, State Farm Mutual.
The ratings of State Farm General reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its marginal operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate ERM. The ratings also reflect lift, as defined within BCRM, from its parent, State Farm Mutual.
The ratings of State Farm Life reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strongest, as well as its strong operating performance, favorable business profile and appropriate ERM. The ratings also reflect lift, as defined within BCRM, from its parent, State Farm Mutual.
Additionally, the ratings of State Farm Life benefit from strong brand-name recognition, sustained competitive advantages derived from an exclusive contractor agency field force, and a diverse product portfolio of individual ordinary life and fixed annuity products. Furthermore, State Farm Life finances its statutorily required excess reserves (Regulation XXX) related to term life insurance through capital rather than externally through either domestic captives or offshore reinsurers. The amount of these excess reserves is sizeable and viewed favorably by AM Best, as it qualitatively enhances the group's strongest level of risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Best's Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). Partially offsetting rating factors are ongoing spread compression within its annuity block and exposure to life business with significant minimum guarantee rates.
The ratings of State Farm Lloyds reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate ERM.
The ratings of MGA reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate ERM.
The ratings of Dover Bay reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate ERM. The ratings also reflect lift, as defined within BCRM, from its parent, State Farm Mutual. The negative outlooks reflect concerns around underwriting and operating profitability as the company writes mainly in a catastrophe-exposed area that saw elevated losses in 2020.
The ratings of HiRoad reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strong, as well as its marginal operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate ERM. The ratings also reflect lift, as defined within BCRM, from its parent, State Farm Mutual. The rating actions follow implementation of a 100% quota share automobile reinsurance contract with State Farm Mutual, beginning in 2021.
The ratings of State Farm Indemnity reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strongest, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate ERM. The rating upgrades reflect improved underwriting and operating performance trends in recent years.
This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best's website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best's Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best's Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best's Credit Ratings, Best's Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best's Ratings & Assessments.
AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City.
Property And Liability Insurers Texas Property And Casualty Insurance Homeowners Policies Illinois Press Release Automobile Insurance Insurance Property And Casualty Insurers Best's Credit Rating Action
022601 Dover Bay Specialty Insurance Company
020583 HiRoad Assurance Company
002854 MGA Insurance Company, Inc.
002476 State Farm County Mutual Ins Co of Texas
002477 State Farm Fire and Casualty Company
BESTWEEK
BestWeek: US P/C Underwriting Expenses Remain Stable, American Equity Life Rejects Bid, State Farm Life Settlement
SETTLEMENTS (LITIGATION)
Judge Approves $325 Million Settlement in Suit Over State Farm Life Fees
State Farm: Discrimination Charges in Lawsuit 'Do Not Reflect' Values
State Farm Slaps Amazon With Patent Infringement Lawsuit
Nov 23, 2022 01:05 PM (EST)
Best's Rankings: Florida Leads Nation in Homeowners Premium
Nov 18, 2022 10:45 AM (EST)


text:
Ağın (auch Eğin genannt) ist eine Stadt und Hauptort des gleichnamigen Landkreises in der türkischen Provinz Elâzığ. Ağın liegt 83 Straßenkilometer nordwestlich der Provinzhauptstadt und beherbergt über 60 % der Landkreisbevölkerung. Ağıns anderer Name ist identisch mit dem ehemaligen Namen von Kemaliye in der Provinz Erzincan, das an Ağın angrenzt.

Der Landkreis Ağın liegt im Nordwesten der Provinz am Keban-Stausee und grenzt an die Provinzen Erzincan, Malatya und Tunceli. Er wurde 1954 aus dem nördlichen Teil des Landkreises Keban ausgegliedert und somit als siebter Kreis der Provinz geschaffen. Bis dahin war es eigener Bucak im Kreis Keban.

Der Kreis umfasst neben der Kreisstadt noch 16 Dörfer (Köy) mit durchschnittlich 61 Einwohnern. Das ist die niedrigste durchschnittliche Dorfbevölkerung in der Provinz. Saraycık ist mit 229 Einwohnern das größte Dorf.

Der Landkreis Ağın ist mit einer Fläche von 242 km² der kleinste der Provinz. Ende 2020 war Ağın mit 2556 Einwohnern der Landkreis mit der niedrigsten Bevölkerung in der Provinz Elâzığ. Die Bevölkerungsdichte liegt mit 11 Einwohnern je Quadratkilometer unter dem Provinzdurchschnitt (63 Einwohner je km²) und ist die drittniedrigste innerhalb der Provinz.

Einzelnachweise

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


With plenty of neighborhoods in Samos, such as Island Samos, worth exploring, you will wish for your own car to check out all there is to do around the area. Public transportation, while cheap, drop you off far from your destination. Ride hailing, like Uber or Lyft, can be convenient, but you'd be surprised by which areas they don't serve. Additionally, if you plan to go all over Island Samos and the surrounding areas, the cost can add up.
If you want the easiest way to get around town at a good price, then you have found the best place. When Martin Sixt founded his company over a hundred years ago, Germany didn't even have a modern network of roads. But with forward thinking, like putting branches at airports, and an obligation on offering superb customer service, Sixt has evolved into one of the most celebrated international car rental companies in the world.
How do I get the best prices on an Island Samos Sixt car rental?
What should I bring with me when I get my rental car in Island Samos?
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Island Samos?
Sixt's minimum age to rent a car is 21. Take time to check Sixt's policies, as there could be additional fees if you are under 25 or for higher category rentals in particular.
Does Island Samos require car insurance?
When cruising through Island Samos or the rest of country, you will need insurance. Sixt requires that you show proof of insurance before you rent a car. Many countries require the driver to have insurance. You may be able to buy temporary coverage through Sixt.
Although many major card issuers, like American Express or MasterCard, provide some coverage, there are usually restrictions. For instance, they may not cover your rental car if you book a luxury or larger vehicle. Make sure to check Sixt's policy before you decide.
Sixt, like several other rental car agencies, requires a deposit when you book. The deposit can vary greatly based on the size of the car. Furthermore, be sure you have enough funds on your credit card to pay the deposit.
How do I locate my Sixt rental car?
The Sixt terminal is stationed inside the airport. When you disembark from your flight, you can head towards their desk.
At CarRentals.com, we suggest a full tank policy. You pick up your Sixt rental with a full tank, and you will want to return it filled up. If you want to save some money, fill up your tank before returning the rental car to Sixt.
Should I get unlimited miles when I drive in Island Samos?
Most suppliers provide unlimited miles, but you want to ensure it is part of the package. It's important to determine how many miles you will be driving ahead of time. You don't want to be hit with any surprise overages if you don't have unlimited miles, so make certain you go through the supplier's policy. You may want to get unlimited miles if you are planning to see all that Samos has to offer, or even Greece.
With everything there is to do in Samos, having your own auto lets you sightsee at your own pace. When you're ready to discover more of Greece, you can leave when you like, without trying to signal for a taxicab or sign up for a ride-share.
Heading out of town soon? Book your Sixt Island Samos rental car and zip off to take in all the must-see sights at your leisure. Go through CarRentals.com and hit the highway in Samos, Greece.


text:
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome News and Research
Babies who do not sleep on their stomachs fail to learn behaviors that may lessen their risk SIDS
Babies who never sleep on their stomachs don't learn behaviors that may lessen their risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have found. Even so, the researchers caution that infants should always be placed on their backs to sleep.
Cotinine not linked to hearing loss
Levels of cotinine, a chemical that is made by the body from nicotine, which is found in cigarette smoke, does not appear to be linked to hearing loss, according to an article in the November issue of The Archives of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery.
BMA Cymru Wales to petition parliament to ban smoking in public places unless Wales goes smoke free within 10 months
BMA Cymru Wales is seriously considering the possibility of petitioning Parliament for a ban in public places in Wales using the rarely used private bills procedure.
Researcher highlights hidden problem of smoking after pregnancy
Most women know to drop cigarettes and alcohol while they are pregnant. In fact, about half of women smokers now quit smoking when they become pregnant.
Immigrant mothers from Japan and South America knew less about child development than their European American counterparts
Groups of immigrant mothers from Japan and South America knew less about child development than did their European American counterparts, according to a study by researchers at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
Back to Sleep campaign renews efforts to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in the African American community
The Back to Sleep campaign marks its tenth anniversary this October with renewed efforts to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in the African American community by reminding parents and caregivers to always place infants on their backs to sleep.
Children who have problems breathing during sleep tend to score lower on tests of mental development and intelligence
Children who have problems breathing during sleep tend to score lower on tests of mental development and intelligence than do other children their age, according to two studies funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Both studies appear in the October issue of Journal of Pediatrics.
October marks sudden infant death syndrome awareness month
Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour signed a proclamation today recognizing October as Mississippi's Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month.
Current methods of delivering health care to kids are woefully unable to cope with a pediatric disease pendulum
"There's a growing gap between where child health is moving and how we're attempting to deliver health care to kids," said pediatrician and health policy researcher Paul Wise, MD, MPH.
Chronic illnesses among children not adequately addressed
Current methods of delivering health care to kids are woefully unable to cope with a pediatric disease pendulum that has swung from acute to chronic illnesses, says a researcher at the Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital.
Chemical pathways of serotonin in the nervous system pave way for future pharmaceutical treatments for depression
From mollusks to mammals, newly discovered chemical pathways of serotonin in the nervous system are paving a path toward future pharmaceutical treatments for depression and other disorders.
Are nicotine patches safe for pregnant women?
A £1 million study, being led by a team of multidisciplinary researchers at The University of Nottingham, is to look at whether nicotine replacement skin patches could help pregnant mums to stop smoking.
Besides helping infants' lungs mature, sighs may "reset" breathing regulation mechanism
As if new parents don't have enough to worry about getting in synch with their infants, many of them wonder "what's with these sighs?"
Genetic mutation link to sudden infant death syndrome
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center, and colleagues at the University of Pittsburgh have identified mutations in genes pertinent to the autonomic nervous system among babies who died of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) that might explain why they died.
New initiative to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in infant mortality
HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson announced last night during a visit to Navajo Country $4.25 million to support a new initiative to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in infant mortality.
U.S. scientists have found the genetic basis for one form of sudden infant death syndrome
Sudden infant death syndrome, also known as cot death and crib death, is defined as the death of an infant between the ages of one month and one year which remains unexplained after a thorough postmortem, investigation of the death scene and review of the clinical history.
Possible cure for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
University of Chicago researchers may have found a crucial clue to understanding and ultimately eliminating sudden infant death syndrome, the leading cause of post-neonatal mortality in the United States.
Higher incidence of SIDS at weekends, especially in younger infants
Despite the success of the 'Back to Sleep' campaign in cutting the numbers of cot deaths, these still remain high at weekends, reveals research in Archives of Disease in Childhood.
Fewer pregnant women in Washington are smoking
Fewer pregnant women in Washington are smoking. The percentage of women in our state who smoke during the last three months of pregnancy has dropped to 10 percent, according to new survey data released today by the Washington State Department of Health. That is the lowest rate since the department began surveying in 1998. At that time, 13 percent of pregnant women were smoking, but since then the number has steadily dropped.
ESA launches mission for health
ESA today announced the launch of its 'Space Solutions' initiative, a business-to-business provider of know-how and technologies to industries in the wellness market. The launch was announced at an event featuring an address by ESA astronaut André Kuipers, live from the International Space Station.


The Eesti Optik store chain has 19 stores all over Estonia. The spectacle production and glass manufacturing is conducted in six laboratories.
We cooperate with the world's leading spectacle rim, glass and contact lens manufacturing companies.
When ordering spectacles from our store, you can be sure that we fulfil the order in time, with the highest quality and the best price.


Milwaukee, WI – Information from a source tells me that this shooting was a self defense shooting that took place. It is believed that this was a robbery that turned into a defensive gun use and the shooter is a Wisconsin CCL holder. Currently news sources are stating that the shooter is in custody and the suspect is deceased.
I am now getting information that this was a customer that was indeed a CCL holder. The suspect came into a barber shop and was patting down customers to rob them. The CCL holder drew his pistol and fired, killing the suspect.
Not much other information is available on this, will update this post when there is more available.
Milwaukee police are investigating a fatal shooting that happened at a business near 32nd and Hampton on Friday afternoon, January 9th.
Police were dispatched to the scene around 12:30 p.m. — and found an adult male had been fatally shot. The victim has yet to be positively identified.
Police say the shooter is in custody — and no other suspects are being sought.
A robber was shot and killed at a Milwaukee barbershop Friday afternoon.
It happened about 12:30 p.m. near 31st Street and Cameron Avenue.
Milwaukee police told WISN 12 News the robber started patting down customers when one of them, who was a concealed carry holder, pulled out their gun and shot the man.
The shooter is in police custody. It's not known if charges will be filed.


Bring this Jovita Hills rambler back to life! Amazing layout includes in kitchen dining and bonus room. Oak hardwoods in the living room and hallway hidden underneath carpet. Updated kitchen with newer cabinets and tile counters with storage galore. Stainless steel appliances come with house along with a one year home warranty. Fully fenced backyard was once a haven for get togethers. Hedges provide privacy and lattice promotes a perfect getaway for a morning cup of coffee. This is a fixer!


text:
Seen and Heard International
SINCE 1999 A LIVE REVIEW SITE FOR OPERA, BALLET, CONCERTS, BROADCASTS, AND THEATRE
UK Concerts
International Concerts
Opera & Ballet
International Opera
UK Opera
Ballet and Dance Reviews
Broadcasts & Others
Broadcasts and Film
Season Previews
Bayreuth 2013
Mostly Mozart Festival 2013
Bayreuth-2014
Buxton Festival-2014
Cheltenham Music Festival 2014
Dresden Music Festival 2014
Edinburgh Festival-2014
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2014
Salzburg Festival 2014
Three Choirs Festival-2014
Aspen Festival -2015
BBC Promenade Concerts 2015
Edinburgh International Festival 2015
Bayreuth Festival 2018
Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe 2018
Images Distract in Má Vlast Performance
28/02/2014 24/03/2013 by Stan
United Kingdom Smetana: Má Vlast: James Westwater & Nicholas Bardonnay (photochoreographers), Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Peter Oundjian (conductor), Usher Hall, Edinburgh, 22.03.2013 (SRT)
Photochoreographers? No, you did not misread this. James Westwater and Nicholas Bardonnay have made a name for themselves with this new art, which effectively consists of choosing pictures to go with music, and tonight the RSNO played the complete Má Vlast under three enormous screens as a series of photographs appeared to accompany Smetana's wonderful music.
This was one of the concerts that I had been most looking forward to this season. A complete performance of Má Vlast is rare enough in this country, let alone one accompanied with specially commissioned visuals. In the event, though, it was a mixed success, mainly because a lot of the time the relationship between what you heard and what you saw was so tenuous that, rather than one enriching the enjoyment of the other, more often than not I found myself distracted and dissatisfied.
Undeniably, Westwater and Bardonnay's photographs are very beautiful, and their high resolution pictures would not look out of place in any gallery, not least because of the intensity of their colours and the intelligence of their composition. But the first problem was that there were just far too many of them! Most images didn't stay on the screen for any longer than about 5 seconds at the most, and if one particularly interesting image appeared then there wasn't enough time to contemplate it before it would disappear and be replaced by something else. Furthermore, the discrepancy between image and sound was often jarring. The turmoil that opened Šárka, for example, was accompanied by an austerely beautiful image of St Vitus' cathedral that was entirely inappropriate for the music, and the majesty of Vyšehrad was joined by some pretty but inapt pictures of Czech village squares (and not a single appearance of Vyšehrad itself). For me, the discrepancy came dangerously close to poor taste when the opening bars of Tábor were accompanied by some raw images of Terezín, the Nazi-run Ghetto outside Prague, and this was only just redeemed when those pictures were followed by images of unrest throughout Czech history, not least from the Thirty Years' War, making the whole movement about the theme of conflict.
Some movements worked fairly well. Vltava did indeed trace the course of the river with some lovely images (and some rather comical ones of friendly Czech fishermen), and I liked the rural imagery of From Bohemia's Woods and Fields, but the biggest problem of the evening was that I often found myself distracted from the playing which, I had to keep reminding myself, was very good indeed. The internal textures of the strings shone with great clarity during Vltava and the sheen of the brass fanfares was impressive in the last two movements. Oundjian's vision of each movement was impressive too, building each one in an arch-like form to its climax. However, my main memory of tonight will be of an opportunity missed, a collaboration that should have been enlightening and exciting, but ended up being a bit like a high-class Wish You Were Here.
The RSNO have just announced details of their 2013-14 season. For full details click here.
Categories Concert Reviews, Previously Published, UK Concerts Tags Edinburgh, Simon Thompson Post navigation
The Goldberg Variations Refreshing the Spirits of Music-Lovers
Stylish Cosi fan Tutte from English Touring Opera
CHOOSE A WEEK TO VIEW
Select Week 17/01/2021–23/01/2021 10/01/2021–16/01/2021 03/01/2021–09/01/2021 27/12/2020–02/01/2021 27/12/2020–02/01/2021 20/12/2020–26/12/2020 13/12/2020–19/12/2020 06/12/2020–12/12/2020 29/11/2020–05/12/2020 22/11/2020–28/11/2020 15/11/2020–21/11/2020 08/11/2020–14/11/2020 01/11/2020–07/11/2020 25/10/2020–31/10/2020 18/10/2020–24/10/2020 11/10/2020–17/10/2020 04/10/2020–10/10/2020 27/09/2020–03/10/2020 20/09/2020–26/09/2020 13/09/2020–19/09/2020 06/09/2020–12/09/2020 30/08/2020–05/09/2020 23/08/2020–29/08/2020 16/08/2020–22/08/2020 09/08/2020–15/08/2020 02/08/2020–08/08/2020 26/07/2020–01/08/2020 19/07/2020–25/07/2020 12/07/2020–18/07/2020 05/07/2020–11/07/2020 28/06/2020–04/07/2020 21/06/2020–27/06/2020 14/06/2020–20/06/2020 07/06/2020–13/06/2020 31/05/2020–06/06/2020 24/05/2020–30/05/2020 17/05/2020–23/05/2020 10/05/2020–16/05/2020 03/05/2020–09/05/2020 26/04/2020–02/05/2020 19/04/2020–25/04/2020 12/04/2020–18/04/2020 05/04/2020–11/04/2020 29/03/2020–04/04/2020 22/03/2020–28/03/2020 15/03/2020–21/03/2020 08/03/2020–14/03/2020 01/03/2020–07/03/2020 23/02/2020–29/02/2020 16/02/2020–22/02/2020 09/02/2020–15/02/2020 02/02/2020–08/02/2020 26/01/2020–01/02/2020 19/01/2020–25/01/2020 12/01/2020–18/01/2020 05/01/2020–11/01/2020 29/12/2019–04/01/2020 29/12/2019–04/01/2020 22/12/2019–28/12/2019 15/12/2019–21/12/2019 08/12/2019–14/12/2019 01/12/2019–07/12/2019 24/11/2019–30/11/2019 17/11/2019–23/11/2019 10/11/2019–16/11/2019 03/11/2019–09/11/2019 27/10/2019–02/11/2019 20/10/2019–26/10/2019 13/10/2019–19/10/2019 06/10/2019–12/10/2019 29/09/2019–05/10/2019 22/09/2019–28/09/2019 15/09/2019–21/09/2019 08/09/2019–14/09/2019 01/09/2019–07/09/2019 25/08/2019–31/08/2019 18/08/2019–24/08/2019 11/08/2019–17/08/2019 04/08/2019–10/08/2019 28/07/2019–03/08/2019 21/07/2019–27/07/2019 14/07/2019–20/07/2019 07/07/2019–13/07/2019 30/06/2019–06/07/2019 23/06/2019–29/06/2019 16/06/2019–22/06/2019 09/06/2019–15/06/2019 02/06/2019–08/06/2019 26/05/2019–01/06/2019 19/05/2019–25/05/2019 12/05/2019–18/05/2019 05/05/2019–11/05/2019 28/04/2019–04/05/2019 21/04/2019–27/04/2019 14/04/2019–20/04/2019 07/04/2019–13/04/2019 31/03/2019–06/04/2019 24/03/2019–30/03/2019 17/03/2019–23/03/2019 10/03/2019–16/03/2019 03/03/2019–09/03/2019 24/02/2019–02/03/2019 17/02/2019–23/02/2019 10/02/2019–16/02/2019 03/02/2019–09/02/2019 27/01/2019–02/02/2019 20/01/2019–26/01/2019 13/01/2019–19/01/2019 06/01/2019–12/01/2019 30/12/2018–05/01/2019 30/12/2018–05/01/2019 23/12/2018–29/12/2018 16/12/2018–22/12/2018 09/12/2018–15/12/2018 02/12/2018–08/12/2018 25/11/2018–01/12/2018 18/11/2018–24/11/2018 11/11/2018–17/11/2018 04/11/2018–10/11/2018 28/10/2018–03/11/2018 21/10/2018–27/10/2018 14/10/2018–20/10/2018 07/10/2018–13/10/2018 30/09/2018–06/10/2018 23/09/2018–29/09/2018 16/09/2018–22/09/2018 09/09/2018–15/09/2018 02/09/2018–08/09/2018 26/08/2018–01/09/2018 19/08/2018–25/08/2018 12/08/2018–18/08/2018 05/08/2018–11/08/2018 29/07/2018–04/08/2018 22/07/2018–28/07/2018 15/07/2018–21/07/2018 08/07/2018–14/07/2018 01/07/2018–07/07/2018 24/06/2018–30/06/2018 17/06/2018–23/06/2018 10/06/2018–16/06/2018 03/06/2018–09/06/2018 27/05/2018–02/06/2018 20/05/2018–26/05/2018 13/05/2018–19/05/2018 06/05/2018–12/05/2018 29/04/2018–05/05/2018 22/04/2018–28/04/2018 15/04/2018–21/04/2018 08/04/2018–14/04/2018 01/04/2018–07/04/2018 25/03/2018–31/03/2018 18/03/2018–24/03/2018 11/03/2018–17/03/2018 04/03/2018–10/03/2018 25/02/2018–03/03/2018 18/02/2018–24/02/2018 11/02/2018–17/02/2018 04/02/2018–10/02/2018 28/01/2018–03/02/2018 21/01/2018–27/01/2018 14/01/2018–20/01/2018 07/01/2018–13/01/2018 31/12/2017–06/01/2018 31/12/2017–06/01/2018 24/12/2017–30/12/2017 17/12/2017–23/12/2017 10/12/2017–16/12/2017 03/12/2017–09/12/2017 26/11/2017–02/12/2017 19/11/2017–25/11/2017 12/11/2017–18/11/2017 05/11/2017–11/11/2017 29/10/2017–04/11/2017 22/10/2017–28/10/2017 15/10/2017–21/10/2017 08/10/2017–14/10/2017 01/10/2017–07/10/2017 24/09/2017–30/09/2017 17/09/2017–23/09/2017 10/09/2017–16/09/2017 03/09/2017–09/09/2017 27/08/2017–02/09/2017 20/08/2017–26/08/2017 13/08/2017–19/08/2017 06/08/2017–12/08/2017 30/07/2017–05/08/2017 23/07/2017–29/07/2017 16/07/2017–22/07/2017 09/07/2017–15/07/2017 02/07/2017–08/07/2017 25/06/2017–01/07/2017 18/06/2017–24/06/2017 11/06/2017–17/06/2017 04/06/2017–10/06/2017 28/05/2017–03/06/2017 21/05/2017–27/05/2017 14/05/2017–20/05/2017 07/05/2017–13/05/2017 30/04/2017–06/05/2017 23/04/2017–29/04/2017 16/04/2017–22/04/2017 09/04/2017–15/04/2017 02/04/2017–08/04/2017 26/03/2017–01/04/2017 19/03/2017–25/03/2017 12/03/2017–18/03/2017 05/03/2017–11/03/2017 26/02/2017–04/03/2017 19/02/2017–25/02/2017 12/02/2017–18/02/2017 05/02/2017–11/02/2017 29/01/2017–04/02/2017 22/01/2017–28/01/2017 15/01/2017–21/01/2017 08/01/2017–14/01/2017 01/01/2017–07/01/2017 25/12/2016–31/12/2016 18/12/2016–24/12/2016 11/12/2016–17/12/2016 04/12/2016–10/12/2016 27/11/2016–03/12/2016 20/11/2016–26/11/2016 13/11/2016–19/11/2016 06/11/2016–12/11/2016 30/10/2016–05/11/2016 23/10/2016–29/10/2016 16/10/2016–22/10/2016 09/10/2016–15/10/2016 02/10/2016–08/10/2016 25/09/2016–01/10/2016 18/09/2016–24/09/2016 11/09/2016–17/09/2016 04/09/2016–10/09/2016 28/08/2016–03/09/2016 21/08/2016–27/08/2016 14/08/2016–20/08/2016 07/08/2016–13/08/2016 31/07/2016–06/08/2016 24/07/2016–30/07/2016 17/07/2016–23/07/2016 10/07/2016–16/07/2016 03/07/2016–09/07/2016 26/06/2016–02/07/2016 19/06/2016–25/06/2016 12/06/2016–18/06/2016 05/06/2016–11/06/2016 29/05/2016–04/06/2016 22/05/2016–28/05/2016 15/05/2016–21/05/2016 08/05/2016–14/05/2016 01/05/2016–07/05/2016 24/04/2016–30/04/2016 17/04/2016–23/04/2016 10/04/2016–16/04/2016 03/04/2016–09/04/2016 27/03/2016–02/04/2016 20/03/2016–26/03/2016 13/03/2016–19/03/2016 06/03/2016–12/03/2016 28/02/2016–05/03/2016 21/02/2016–27/02/2016 14/02/2016–20/02/2016 07/02/2016–13/02/2016 31/01/2016–06/02/2016 24/01/2016–30/01/2016 17/01/2016–23/01/2016 10/01/2016–16/01/2016 03/01/2016–09/01/2016 27/12/2015–02/01/2016 20/12/2015–26/12/2015 13/12/2015–19/12/2015 06/12/2015–12/12/2015 29/11/2015–05/12/2015 22/11/2015–28/11/2015 15/11/2015–21/11/2015 08/11/2015–14/11/2015 01/11/2015–07/11/2015 25/10/2015–31/10/2015 18/10/2015–24/10/2015 11/10/2015–17/10/2015 04/10/2015–10/10/2015 27/09/2015–03/10/2015 20/09/2015–26/09/2015 13/09/2015–19/09/2015 06/09/2015–12/09/2015 30/08/2015–05/09/2015 23/08/2015–29/08/2015 16/08/2015–22/08/2015 09/08/2015–15/08/2015 02/08/2015–08/08/2015 26/07/2015–01/08/2015 19/07/2015–25/07/2015 12/07/2015–18/07/2015 05/07/2015–11/07/2015 28/06/2015–04/07/2015 21/06/2015–27/06/2015 14/06/2015–20/06/2015 07/06/2015–13/06/2015 31/05/2015–06/06/2015 24/05/2015–30/05/2015 17/05/2015–23/05/2015 10/05/2015–16/05/2015 03/05/2015–09/05/2015 26/04/2015–02/05/2015 19/04/2015–25/04/2015 12/04/2015–18/04/2015 05/04/2015–11/04/2015 29/03/2015–04/04/2015 22/03/2015–28/03/2015 15/03/2015–21/03/2015 08/03/2015–14/03/2015 01/03/2015–07/03/2015 22/02/2015–28/02/2015 15/02/2015–21/02/2015 08/02/2015–14/02/2015 01/02/2015–07/02/2015 25/01/2015–31/01/2015 18/01/2015–24/01/2015 11/01/2015–17/01/2015 04/01/2015–10/01/2015 28/12/2014–03/01/2015 21/12/2014–27/12/2014 14/12/2014–20/12/2014 07/12/2014–13/12/2014 30/11/2014–06/12/2014 23/11/2014–29/11/2014 16/11/2014–22/11/2014 09/11/2014–15/11/2014 02/11/2014–08/11/2014 26/10/2014–01/11/2014 19/10/2014–25/10/2014 12/10/2014–18/10/2014 05/10/2014–11/10/2014 28/09/2014–04/10/2014 21/09/2014–27/09/2014 07/09/2014–13/09/2014 31/08/2014–06/09/2014 24/08/2014–30/08/2014 17/08/2014–23/08/2014 10/08/2014–16/08/2014 03/08/2014–09/08/2014 27/07/2014–02/08/2014 20/07/2014–26/07/2014 13/07/2014–19/07/2014 06/07/2014–12/07/2014 29/06/2014–05/07/2014 22/06/2014–28/06/2014 15/06/2014–21/06/2014 08/06/2014–14/06/2014 01/06/2014–07/06/2014 25/05/2014–31/05/2014 18/05/2014–24/05/2014 11/05/2014–17/05/2014 04/05/2014–10/05/2014 27/04/2014–03/05/2014 20/04/2014–26/04/2014 13/04/2014–19/04/2014 06/04/2014–12/04/2014 30/03/2014–05/04/2014 23/03/2014–29/03/2014 16/03/2014–22/03/2014 09/03/2014–15/03/2014 02/03/2014–08/03/2014 23/02/2014–01/03/2014 16/02/2014–22/02/2014 09/02/2014–15/02/2014 02/02/2014–08/02/2014 26/01/2014–01/02/2014 19/01/2014–25/01/2014 12/01/2014–18/01/2014 05/01/2014–11/01/2014 22/12/2013–28/12/2013 15/12/2013–21/12/2013 08/12/2013–14/12/2013 01/12/2013–07/12/2013 24/11/2013–30/11/2013 17/11/2013–23/11/2013 10/11/2013–16/11/2013 03/11/2013–09/11/2013 27/10/2013–02/11/2013 20/10/2013–26/10/2013 13/10/2013–19/10/2013 06/10/2013–12/10/2013 29/09/2013–05/10/2013 22/09/2013–28/09/2013 15/09/2013–21/09/2013 08/09/2013–14/09/2013 01/09/2013–07/09/2013 25/08/2013–31/08/2013 18/08/2013–24/08/2013 11/08/2013–17/08/2013 04/08/2013–10/08/2013 28/07/2013–03/08/2013 21/07/2013–27/07/2013 14/07/2013–20/07/2013 07/07/2013–13/07/2013 30/06/2013–06/07/2013 23/06/2013–29/06/2013 16/06/2013–22/06/2013 09/06/2013–15/06/2013 02/06/2013–08/06/2013 26/05/2013–01/06/2013 19/05/2013–25/05/2013 12/05/2013–18/05/2013 05/05/2013–11/05/2013 28/04/2013–04/05/2013 21/04/2013–27/04/2013 14/04/2013–20/04/2013 07/04/2013–13/04/2013 31/03/2013–06/04/2013 24/03/2013–30/03/2013 17/03/2013–23/03/2013 10/03/2013–16/03/2013 03/03/2013–09/03/2013 24/02/2013–02/03/2013 17/02/2013–23/02/2013 10/02/2013–16/02/2013 03/02/2013–09/02/2013 27/01/2013–02/02/2013 20/01/2013–26/01/2013 13/01/2013–19/01/2013 06/01/2013–12/01/2013 30/12/2012–05/01/2013 30/12/2012–05/01/2013 23/12/2012–29/12/2012 16/12/2012–22/12/2012 09/12/2012–15/12/2012 02/12/2012–08/12/2012 25/11/2012–01/12/2012 18/11/2012–24/11/2012 11/11/2012–17/11/2012 04/11/2012–10/11/2012 28/10/2012–03/11/2012 21/10/2012–27/10/2012 14/10/2012–20/10/2012 07/10/2012–13/10/2012 30/09/2012–06/10/2012 23/09/2012–29/09/2012 16/09/2012–22/09/2012 09/09/2012–15/09/2012 02/09/2012–08/09/2012 26/08/2012–01/09/2012 19/08/2012–25/08/2012 12/08/2012–18/08/2012 05/08/2012–11/08/2012 29/07/2012–04/08/2012 22/07/2012–28/07/2012 15/07/2012–21/07/2012 08/07/2012–14/07/2012 01/07/2012–07/07/2012 24/06/2012–30/06/2012 17/06/2012–23/06/2012 10/06/2012–16/06/2012 03/06/2012–09/06/2012 27/05/2012–02/06/2012 20/05/2012–26/05/2012 13/05/2012–19/05/2012 06/05/2012–12/05/2012 29/04/2012–05/05/2012 22/04/2012–28/04/2012 15/04/2012–21/04/2012 08/04/2012–14/04/2012 01/04/2012–07/04/2012 25/03/2012–31/03/2012 18/03/2012–24/03/2012 11/03/2012–17/03/2012 04/03/2012–10/03/2012 26/02/2012–03/03/2012 19/02/2012–25/02/2012 12/02/2012–18/02/2012 05/02/2012–11/02/2012 29/01/2012–04/02/2012 22/01/2012–28/01/2012 15/01/2012–21/01/2012 08/01/2012–14/01/2012 01/01/2012–07/01/2012 25/12/2011–31/12/2011 18/12/2011–24/12/2011 11/12/2011–17/12/2011 04/12/2011–10/12/2011 27/11/2011–03/12/2011 20/11/2011–26/11/2011 13/11/2011–19/11/2011 06/11/2011–12/11/2011 30/10/2011–05/11/2011 23/10/2011–29/10/2011 16/10/2011–22/10/2011 09/10/2011–15/10/2011 02/10/2011–08/10/2011 25/09/2011–01/10/2011 18/09/2011–24/09/2011 11/09/2011–17/09/2011 04/09/2011–10/09/2011 28/08/2011–03/09/2011 21/08/2011–27/08/2011 14/08/2011–20/08/2011 07/08/2011–13/08/2011 31/07/2011–06/08/2011 24/07/2011–30/07/2011 17/07/2011–23/07/2011 10/07/2011–16/07/2011 03/07/2011–09/07/2011 26/06/2011–02/07/2011 19/06/2011–25/06/2011 12/06/2011–18/06/2011 05/06/2011–11/06/2011 29/05/2011–04/06/2011 22/05/2011–28/05/2011 15/05/2011–21/05/2011 08/05/2011–14/05/2011 01/05/2011–07/05/2011 24/04/2011–30/04/2011 17/04/2011–23/04/2011 10/04/2011–16/04/2011 03/04/2011–09/04/2011
CHOOSE A MONTH TO VIEW
CHOOSE A MONTH TO VIEW Select Month January 2021 December 2020 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FREE SUMMARY NEWSLETTER
TOP 5 SEEN AND HEARD POSTS
Singing in Blaibach, Germany, Julia Bullock gets to the heart of healing music
The Event Horizon: hope and ambition from Simon Armitage and The Hallé
The digital premieres of The Planet – A Lament and Wide Slumber for Lepidopterists from PROTOTYPE
New York's PROTOTYPE 2021 – still daring, but now digital
A Rosenblatt Recitals at Home stream – From Handel to Wagner – is a much-needed antidote to the current doom and gloom
Emily Jean Lucid on In 2017 Zenaida Yanowsky bid 'adieu' to The Royal Ballet allowing its Ashton heritage to be reconsidered in 2020
Judith Jones on In driving rain ENO's drive-in Ally Pally La bohème turns out to be as deeply moving as ever
Andrew S Barker on Lockdown Fish and Chips
Tricia HAMMANN on YOUNG RUSSIAN PIANIST ALEXANDRA DOVGAN TALKS TO GREGOR TASSIE
Polly on English National Opera's deeply affecting Mozart Requiem is a matter of life and death
SEEN AND HEARD'S RECENT REVIEWS
Singing in Blaibach, Germany, Julia Bullock gets to the heart of healing music (17/01/2021)
The Event Horizon: hope and ambition from Simon Armitage and The Hallé (16/01/2021)
The digital premieres of The Planet – A Lament and Wide Slumber for Lepidopterists from PROTOTYPE (15/01/2021)
New York's PROTOTYPE 2021 – still daring, but now digital (14/01/2021)
A Rosenblatt Recitals at Home stream – From Handel to Wagner – is a much-needed antidote to the current doom and gloom (14/01/2021)
Via L.A. from Linz: Philip Glass's new Piano Sonata shows he is still maturing at age 83 (12/01/2021)
BON APPÉTIT!: A Sweet Soirée – Jamie Barton is as luscious as the chocolate cake she bakes for Opera Philadelphia (11/01/2021)
Rosenblatt Recitals return for their twentieth anniversary 'at Home' and Verismo is all in a good cause (11/01/2021)
Compelling and cutting-edge: LA Opera presents Prototype Festival's Modulation (10/01/2021)
Bask in the afterglow of Bach's magnificent Christmas Oratorio thanks to Paul McCreesh and the Gabrieli Consort and Players (07/01/2021)
Nureyev's The Nutcracker from Vienna State Ballet looks back to the past and also to the future (06/01/2021)
The New Year's Eve Gala in the Met Stars Live in Concert series was generally upbeat and life-enhancing (04/01/2021)
A sublime, life-enhancing, New Year's Day Concert 2021 from Riccardo Muti and the Vienna Philharmonic (03/01/2021)
The champagne falls flat for Vienna's lockdown 2020 New Year's Eve Die Fledermaus (02/01/2021)
Irish National Opera present twenty new compact operas inventively addressing themes of today (30/12/2020)
INTERVIEWS, ARTICLES, NEWS, AND SEASON PREVIEWS
Pianist and author Jack Kohl discusses his new book of essays with Robert Beattie (12/01/2021)
The Kathleen Ferrier Awards Competition 2020 announces winners (09/01/2021)
Opernhaus Zürich on line programme in January 2021 (06/01/2021)
Met Stars Live in Concert – New Year's Eve Gala review and new dates (21/12/2020)
The Royal Opera House to broadcast series of ballet and opera live performances over November lockdown (21/12/2020)
English National Ballet update their current lockdown plans for 2020-21 (21/12/2020)
Sometimes a Light Surprises: J.M.W. Turner at Tate Britain (20/12/2020)
The latest opus of Graham Johnson: Francis Poulenc: The Life in the Songs (08/12/2020)
Tosca with Anna Netrebko, Yusif Eyvasov and Gerald Finley opens the Royal Opera's Winter Season (07/12/2020)
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Live and On Demand – January and March 2021 (07/12/2020)
OVERCOMING THE EFFECTS OF THE PANDEMIC – MORE NEWS OF EVENTS (07/12/2020)
SOPRANO JULIET PETRUS IN CONVERSATION WITH RICK PERDIAN (04/12/2020)
Bampton Classical Opera returns with a seasonal concert in Witney, Oxfordshire, on 12 December (03/12/2020)
Lucerne Festival's plans for Summer 2021 (02/12/2020)
Longborough Festival Opera's exciting 2021 update (02/12/2020)
Copyright © 2021 Seen and Heard International | All rights reserved |Privacy Policy


text:
Notre Dame reports positive coronavirus case on campus
South Bend Tribune Report
SOUTH BEND — One person at the University of Notre Dame has tested positive for the coronavirus, and six people who came into contact are in quarantine.
The case was reported in a release from university spokesman Paul Browne.
Browne said the university is planning to provide a public dashboard next week with daily figures and updates on campus infections.
On Thursday, Notre Dame's president, the Rev. John Jenkins, apologized to students in an email for not following social distancing guidelines, according to the student newspaper, The Observer.
The newspaper reported that Jenkins apologized for taking photos with students on campus, writing in the email, "So, please understand that if you ask to have a photo taken with me, I will insist on two arm's lengths apart, masks on!"
Students have gradually returned to campus this week, as the university plans for classes to begin Monday for the fall semester, with strict guidelines on social distancing and other mitigation efforts.
The university covered the cost for all students to undergo a coronavirus test before coming to campus. Notre Dame also made changes to dining and residence halls and has contracted with three off-campus sites for quarantine or isolation space. Students and faculty members have to complete daily self-screenings online.


text:
<?php

/**
 * Catalog Rule Product Aggregated Price per date Resource Model
 *
 * @category    Mage
 * @package     Mage_CatalogRule
 * @author      Magento Core Team <core@magentocommerce.com>
 */
class Mage_CatalogRule_Model_Resource_Rule_Product_Price extends Mage_Core_Model_Resource_Db_Abstract
{
    /**
     * Initialize connection and define main table
     *
     */
    protected function _construct()
    {
        $this->_init('catalogrule/rule_product_price', 'rule_product_price_id');
    }

    /**
     * Apply price rule price to price index table
     *
     * @param Varien_Db_Select $select
     * @param array|string $indexTable
     * @param string $entityId
     * @param string $customerGroupId
     * @param string $websiteId
     * @param array $updateFields       the array of fields for compare with rule price and update
     * @param string $websiteDate
     * @return Mage_CatalogRule_Model_Resource_Rule_Product_Price
     */
    public function applyPriceRuleToIndexTable(Varien_Db_Select $select, $indexTable, $entityId, $customerGroupId,
        $websiteId, $updateFields, $websiteDate)
    {
        if (empty($updateFields)) {
            return $this;
        }

        if (is_array($indexTable)) {
            foreach ($indexTable as $k => $v) {
                if (is_string($k)) {
                    $indexAlias = $k;
                } else {
                    $indexAlias = $v;
                }
                break;
            }
        } else {
            $indexAlias = $indexTable;
        }

        $select->join(array('rp' => $this->getMainTable()), "rp.rule_date = {$websiteDate}", array())
               ->where("rp.product_id = {$entityId} AND rp.website_id = {$websiteId} AND rp.customer_group_id = {$customerGroupId}");

        foreach ($updateFields as $priceField) {
            $priceCond = $this->_getWriteAdapter()->quoteIdentifier(array($indexAlias, $priceField));
            $priceExpr = $this->_getWriteAdapter()->getCheckSql("rp.rule_price < {$priceCond}", 'rp.rule_price', $priceCond);
            $select->columns(array($priceField => $priceExpr));
        }

        $query = $select->crossUpdateFromSelect($indexTable);
        $this->_getWriteAdapter()->query($query);

        return $this;
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


To be perfectly honest, this is a book written for a very specific group of people. I happen to be one of those people, or this would have been a three- or four-star review, most likely. However, if you're following this blog, chances are you're one of those people, too, so this book might be worth your while.
The Writing Class is a book written for anyone who has ever been in, you guessed it, a writing class. Speaking as someone who's been in about a hundred, I can't even tell you how on point Willett's story is. But it's also just a ripping good read.
The Writing Class is a murder mystery for writers and book nerds (so hi, obviously this is the perfect book for me). It follows Amy Gallup, a has-been novelist who's spent the last ten years or so writing blurbs and an unsatisfactory blog and teaching adult writing courses in order to pay the bills. But her newest group is a surprisingly interesting bunch. They're smart and eclectic and (in some cases) talented, but most interestingly, there's a psychopath among them. It starts with a blistering mockery of another student's work, a devastating anonymous critique, and then escalates to cruel practical jokes and eventually – murder. At the center of the mayhem sits Gallup, struggling to piece together the identity of 'The Sniper,' with only textual clues to follow.
Eventually the whole class gets on board, despite the fact that they've been officially disbanded. Using Gallup's critical process, they collectively examine the Sniper's work, hoping to identify the culprit. It's difficult work, because nobody can be trusted, and personal feelings get in the way of objective investigation.
It's a smart, fast-paced story, to be sure. But that's not why I enjoyed it so much. Willett's portrait of the typical writing class is what sold me. It's so absolutely on point that I laughed out loud on more than one occasion and found myself saying, "Oh my God, I know that person." Even funnier (and slightly more surprising) was when I looked at once of Gallup's pupils and said, "Oh my God, that's me." (I'm Chuck, if anyone who's read the book is wondering.) Willett has the perfect cast of budding writers – from the overly PC feminist warrior always looking for a fight to that one guy who's only ever brilliant by accident. In Gallup's writing class you will find everyone you've ever been in a writing class with. Not to mention, the atmosphere is so perfectly constructed that I found myself actually picturing the last classroom I had a writing class in – identical down to the detail of the box fan that's always just a little too loud.
If you've ever been in a writing class, you need to read this book. If you've ever considered taking a writing class, you need to read this book. If you like books, you need to read this book. If you've never done any of those things why are you here you should read it anyway.
You might ask yourself why you want to surprise your readers in the first place. A surprise ending is sort of like a surprise party. Probably some people, somewhere, enjoy having friends and trusted colleagues lunge at them in the sudden blinding light of their own living room, but I don't think most of us do.


HVAC Cleanroom Services | Sullivan Mechanical Services, Inc.
Sullivan Mechanical Services, Inc has been a leader in construction of innovative cleanroom and lab space for over 20 years. Early projects include DuPont nuclear medicine and MicroTouch cleanroom manufacturing facilities, with later projects including Corning's class 100 photolithography surrounded by 5,000 square feet of class 1,000 cleanroom. Recently completed cleanroom projects like Karl Storz Endovision, 180,000CFM high efficiency recirc fan upgrades, and LeMaitre Vascular's 6,000 square foot medical device manufacturing cleanroom which maintains over 60% RH in the main manufacturing floor. Our expertise in selecting the proper equipment with energy efficiency, ease of service, and life cycle in mind provide the ultimate in HVAC for these demanding applications.


text:
Q: How to group data after cellFilter is applied UI-Grid Does grouping always happen on the actual field data or can it be down after cellFilter is applied ?
like we can do it in filter and sorting using sortCellFiltered: true, filterCellFiltered: true
http://plnkr.co/edit/eswSZSnEgu620ft9npwy?p=preview
look at the I column the raw value is a number between 0,4 and a cellfilter is applied which change the value to true if value is 0,1,2 and false other wise. see how grouping is messed up

A: FYI the grouping is still Beta at this time. Also you may take alook at this issue.
I also have a couple of note

*

*priority start at 0, see here.

*type is required on sort, see here.
It's doesn't not cost you much to specify that, to avoid unexpected behaviour.

Possible approach :
use the angular filter directly after XHR call resolve like so
data[i].i= $filter('reverse')(data[i].i);

http://plnkr.co/edit/9tMwY4?p=preview
It may not answer your question but i hope it help.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Department » Watershed Protection » FAQ » Floodplain Management And Regulations » My house is in a floodplain – what do I need to know?
My house is in a floodplain – what do I need to know?
• Risk of Property Damage: If your home is in the 100-year floodplain, it has a 26% chance of being flooded over the course of a 30-year mortgage. There are steps you can take to reduce property damage. For more information, visit www.floodsmart.gov, explore our FAQs or call our hotline at 512-974-2843.
• Safety: Flooding can be deadly. Monitor the weather, consider purchasing a NOAA Weather Radio and prepare a family disaster plan. Learn more about where the floodplain is located on our interactive floodplain map. For more information about flood safety, visit our Flood Safety and Preparedness page.
• Restrictions: Stricter permit regulations apply for any building, remodeling, construction or other development on properties in the floodplain. In some cases, it may be impossible to get a permit. For more information on restrictions, go to Floodplain Development Information.


As a young man he earned money by selling his paintings, exhibiting some of his works at the Lyon Gallery – L'Œil écoute, and by playing in a band called Mystère IV. While he studied at the Lycée Michelet, his mother arranged for him to take lessons in harmony,counterpoint and fugue with Jeannine Rueff of the Conservatoire de Paris. In 1967 he played guitar in a band called The Dustbins, who appear in the film Des garçons et des filles. He mixed instruments including the electric guitar and the flute, and tape effects and other sounds. More experimentation followed in 1968, when he began to use tape loops, radios and other electronic devices, but joining the Groupe de Recherches Musicales (GRM) in 1969,then under the direction of Pierre Schaeffer ("father" of musique concrète), proved hugely influential. Jarre was introduced to the Moog modular synthesizer and spent time working at the studio of influential German composer Karlheinz Stockhausen in Cologne. He set up a samll recording studio in the kitchen of his flat on Rue de la Trémoille, near the Champs-Élysées, which included his first synthesiser, an EMS VCS 3, and an EMS Synthi AKS, each linked to Revox tape machines. For a 1969 exposition at the Maison de la Culture (Cultural House) in Reims, Jarre wrote the five-minute song "Happiness Is a Sad Song." His first commercial release was in 1969 with La Cage/Erosmachine, a mixture of harmony, tape effects and synthesisers.
In 1971 Jarre was commissioned by choreographer Norbert Schmucki to perform a ballet called AOR (in Hebrew, "the light"), at thePalais Garnier. He also composed music for ballet, theatre, advertisements and television programs,as well as music and lyrics for artists like Patrick Juvet and Christophe.Jarre composed the soundtrack for Les Granges Brûlées. and in 1972 wrote music for the International Festival of Magic. That year he also released his first solo album, Deserted Palace, and from 1973–74 wrote music for Françoise Hardy and Gérard Lenorman, as well as directing Christophe's Olympia show. Jarre's 1976 low budget solo album Oxygène, recorded at his home studio, made him internationally famous. It comprises six numbered synthesiser tracks that make strong use of melody, rather than rhythm or dissonance. A Scully eight-track recorder was used to record instruments like the Eminent 310 (with an Electro-Harmonix Small Stone phaser on its string pads) and the Korg Minipops drum machine. Liberal use of echo was used on the various sound effects generated by the VCS3 synthesiser. Jarre'sARP 2600 synthesiser, previously used on his collaborations with Christophe, also featured, as did his EMS VCS 3. Jarre's follow-up album, Équinoxe, was released in 1978. It was composed with sequencers, particularly on the bass, and features a more baroque and classical style than Oxygène, with more emphasis on melodic development. It was less successful than Oxygène, but the following year Jarre held a large open-air concert on Bastille Day, at the Place de la Concorde.The free outdoor event set a new world record for the largest number of spectators ever at an open-air concert, drawing more than 1 million spectators, with a television audience of over 100 million watching live. The crowds were so large that Jarre's wife, Charlotte Rampling, found it difficult to access the venue. Although it was not the first time he had performed in concert (Jarre had already played at the Paris Opera Ballet), the 40 minute-long event, which used projections of light, images and fireworks, served as a blueprint for Jarre's future concerts. Its popularity helped create a surge in sales—a further 800,000 records were sold between 14 July and 31 August 1979—and introduced the Frenchman to Francis Rimbert, who now works for Jarre on a full-time basis.
The new album Les Chants Magnétiques was released in 1981, And sold a reported 200,000 units in France alone. The album uses sounds from the Fairlight CMI, a new instrument of which Jarre was an early pioneer. Its digital technology allowed him to continue his earlier sonic experimentation in new ways. The album's release coincided with Jarre's first foreign tour. In 1981 the British Embassy gave Radio Beijing copies of Oxygène andÉquinoxe, which became the first pieces of foreign music to be played on Chinese national radio in decades. The republic invited Jarre to become the first western musician to play there, with The Concerts in China. his next release, was Zoolook and Musique pour Supermarché was also created for a planned performance at the "Supermarché" art exhibition. Jarre allowed Radio Luxembourg to broadcast it uninterrupted, in its entirety, before he auctioned off a single vinyl print on 5 July 1983, at the Hôtel Drouot in Paris.In 1985 Jarre was invited by the musical director of the Houston Grand Opera to perform a concert celebrating Texas's 150th anniversary. Although he was busy with other projects and was at first unimpressed by the proposal, on a later visit to the city he was immediately impressed by the visual grandeur of the city's skyline, and agreed to perform. 1985 also marked the 25th anniversary of the foundation of the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, and Jarre was contacted by NASA to integrate the anniversary into the concert. "Third Rendez-Vous"Third Rendez-Vous, normally performed in concert on the laser harpRendez-Vous was created over a period of about two months, and as with Zoolook, contains elements of his 1983 album Musique pour Supermarché.In 1988 Jarre released Revolutions. The album spans several genres, including symphonic industrial, Arabian inspired, light guitar pop and ethnic electro jazz. A two-hour concert called Destination Docklands was planned for September 1988, to be held at the Royal Victoria Dock in east London Close to the heart of London, the location was chosen in part for its desolate environment, but also because Jarre thought the architecture was ideally suited for his music. In September 1998 he set his fourth record for the largest ever outdoor concert audience with a performance at the Moscow State University, celebrating the 850th anniversary of Moscow. The event was viewed by an audience of about 3.5 million.The funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, had taken place on the same day, and the Frenchman therefore dedicated "Souvenir of China" to her memory, before observing a minute's silence. Another large scale concert followed on 31 December 1999, in the Egyptian desert near Giza. The Twelve Dreams of the Sun celebrated the new millennium and offered a preview of his next album, Métamorphoses. The show featured performances from more than 1,000 local artists and musicians, and was based on ancient Egyptian mythology about the journey of the sun and its effect upon humanity.
Jarre released his first vocal album, Métamorphoses, in 2000.It was followed in 2001 by Interior Music, and 2002's Sessions 2000, a set of experimental synth-jazz pieces distinct from his previous work .In 2003 he released Geometry of Love, commissioned by Jean-Roch as a soundtrack for his 'V.I.P. Room' nightclub in France. It contains a mix of 'electro-chill' music, with touches of his more traditional style. In October 2004 he returned to China to open its "Year of France" cultural exchange. Jarre gave two performances, the first at the Meridian Gate of the Forbidden City, and the second in Tiananmen Square. In September 2004, Jarre released AERO, both a DVD and a CD in one package And In his role of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, Jarre performed a concert named Water for Life in Morocco, on 16 December 2006, to celebrate the year of desertification in the world. Jarre released Téo & Téa on 26 March 2007. He described the two computer-generated characters in the video clip of the title track as being "like twins", one female, one male. The album is supposed to describe the different stages of a loving relationship, and explores the idea that the length of such relationships is unpredictable.


text:
Biodiversity Barbados News Highlights
Minister Forde's Address to Parliament for the Resolution: Barbados National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2020
On Tuesday 15th of November 2022, the Honourable Minister Adrian Forde laid the Barbados National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) 2020 as a resolution before the Barbados Parliament. Minister Forde explained that the NBSAP, backed by a $220,000 USD grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), provides a strategic action plan to protect biodiversity now and for the future for Barbados as a Party to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). He stressed that protection of our ecosystems is an integral part of protecting lives and livelihoods in the face of the growing existential threat of climate change. The NBSAP provides a functional framework to stop, and even reverse, environmental degradation through the protection, conservation and management of biological diversity set out in 12 targets, building and improving on the previous NBSAP from 2002. Overall, the NBSAP speaks to the role of the natural environment in sustainable development, recognises the wealth of services provided by ecosystems, and espouses the benefits, nationally and globally, of collaboration with our local and international communities in working towards the shared goals of natural preservation and human prosperity.
Minister Forde explained that the 12 specific targets of the NBSAP all work towards a vision of inspiring shared appreciation of the natural environment, to the development and adoption of sustainable practices to reap the benefits of biodiversity without detriment to its health, and of the mainstreaming of biodiversity conservation to ensure that present and future generations can experience the natural world and the bounties it has to offer. For each of the 12 targets, the NBSAP identifies strategic actions and an implementation plan. The Minister went on to highlight each of the 12 targets which aim to reach their respective goals between 2025 and 2035. These targets are:
To improve awareness of the values of biodiversity by 2030 through a national communication plan to include providing educational materials to schools;
To take steps to achieve or implement plans for sustainable production and consumption by 2030 through a process of monitoring, management and evaluation by the public and private sector;
To decrease the rate of loss or all of Barbados' natural habitat by 2035 by addressing issues such as illegal dumping, and forest clearing;
To manage agriculture, aquaculture and forestry sustainably by 2030;
To reduce pollution to levels not detrimental to ecosystems by 2030 with a focus on addressing solid waste dumping which leads to toxic leaching, outgassing, marine pollution and groundwater contamination in the sensitive and important gullies of the island, which the minister highlighted Barbados' strives towards through the implementation of regulations on single use plastics;
To prevent introduction of new invasive species, highlighting the progress of lionfish research and management locally and further encouraging Barbadians to include lionfish in their diet;
To reduce the impacts of endogenous anthropogenic effects on coral reefs referring to marine management areas to protect coral reefs;
To designate at least 17% of terrestrial and inland water and 10% of coastal and marine areas as protected areas, integrating the marine spatial plan and to augment biodiversity;
To reduce pressures on known threatened species, speaking about the Barbados leaf-toed gecko, their ecosystem role, the bio-secure site plan to protect this species, and their eco-tourism potential;
To maintain the genetic diversity of cultivated plants and domestic animals;
To document traditional and scientific knowledge related to biodiversity, and;
To increase financial resources to conduct projects and research through establishment of local products and funding by international agencies.
Minister Humphrey's Address to Parliament for the Resolution: Barbados National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2020
Minister Forde's statements and tireless work as Minister of the Environment and National Beautification, Green and Blue Economy were acknowledged and endorsed by the Honourable Minister Kirk Humphrey, Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, and the Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, Works and Water Resources, Dr. Romel Springer. As the previous Minister for the Blue Economy, Minister Humphrey highlighted the negative impacts of overfishing on the island's fishing industry, expressing hopes that regulations on minimum sizes of fish are implemented, and again urged Barbadians to eat more lionfish to both alleviate pressure on other fish stocks and to control this invasive species. Dr. Springer reminisced about traditional uses of local plants and mourned the decline in native and naturalised fruit trees such as jamoon and dunks, advocating that Barbadians must stop seeing "bush" as something useless that must be cleared and instead see it as the wealth of biological and medicinal resources that it is.
Further support was given by the Honourable Minister Indar Weir, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Security, referring to the economic and social benefits of developing Barbados' bio-inputs in agriculture and biosphere, providing potentials for foreign investment. Ms. Cynthia Forde, J.P., M.P. expanded on the healthcare impacts of uncontrolled development and pesticide use, and expressed hopes for integrating more hands-on nature and agriculture studies in schools. The Honourable Minister Ryan Straughn, Minister in the Ministry of Finance, discussed social responsibility and community pressure to curtail illegal dumping as well as options for improving and diversifying ways to ensure sustainability in agriculture, strengthening Barbados' bio-economy. Finally, the Honourable C. Sandra Husbands, Minister of State in Foreign Trade and Business Development, thanked Minister Forde for his tireless work and activism which has educated and challenged her to think about the environment and biodiversity. She discussed not only the biodiversity crisis, but a crisis of ignorance referring to the failure of those negatively impacting the natural world to reflect and consider the consequences of their actions.
To learn more about Barbados' targets and strategic plan under the new NBSAP, you can access both the full and condensed NBSAP documents here.
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2020Download
This article was posted by: Adrian Bellamy on January 18, 2023 and has 1 Comment
One response to "Biodiversity Barbados News Highlights"
OC Omega Cox says:
It's fascinating that Barbadians are encouraged to include lionfish into their diet.
Very much impressed that other Ministers commented on the biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.
I'm pleased that the new NBSAP is accessible.


Linda Smith has been building and renovating homes in Jamaica, consulting with homeowners and training staff for 30 years. Condé Nast Traveler has consistently named her Top Rental Specialist for Jamaica based on competency, business practices, honesty and product knowledge.
This is the dream that Jamaica Villas By Linda Smith has been making come true for 20 years for visitors to the north coast of Jamaica, the "Jamaican Riviera" as it has been dubbed.
Linda Smith started with just two properties, her own, in the Montego Bay area in 1985. Since then she has personally renovated eleven other properties on behalf of owners and consulted on renovations for countless others.
Today she looks after a portfolio of more than 90 spectacular houses that define the idea of luxury. With a meticulous eye for detail, Linda has helped nearly all the owners of these fine villas and their staff create the perfect setting and the perfect style for clients who desire nothing but the best. If a villa has not received the Linda Smith treatment, it is only because it already meets her exacting standards.
Looking at a map of Jamaica, most of the villas in the Jamaica Villas by Linda Smith portfolio can be found in the Montego Bay or Discovery Bay areas, served by the Sangster International Airport at Montego Bay. "I promise my clients - at least those staying in the Montego Bay villas! - that they can have their feet in the pool and a cool drink in their hand 20 minutes after clearing Customs," Linda says. "Why subject them to anything longer than that?"
The unabashed luxury of the properties and the total pampering delivered by their staff (Jamaica is the only Caribbean island where fully-staffed villas are the rule, not the exception) conjure up a vacation lifestyle affordable by only the wealthiest of clients. And indeed Jamaica Villas By Linda Smith caters handsomely to that rarified end of the market. Show business stars like Harrison Ford and Paul McCartney have enjoyed these villas, but so too have families celebrating a major anniversary or birthday; couples seeking the ultimate in romantic settings for their wedding; companies rewarding hard-working teams with a "working week" in the sun; or families with children looking for a vacation to remember.
For there is a secret to the villa vacation that few have grasped: that it can actually be more affordable to rent a private, secluded, exclusive, fully-staffed villa than it is to stay in a splashy big hotel surrounded by the rest of humanity.
The mathematics are quite simple. When the cost of a weekly villa rental is divided among the number of individuals in a vacation party the per head accommodation cost becomes unbelievably low, under $55 per night in some cases. And the dining has always been a bargain, no matter what the demographics, at $55-$65 per adult per day and less for children. Our guests comment time and time again on the superlative dining and service. But then they also laud to the skies everything else they find on their villa vacations!
And so Linda Smith believes the company is ideally placed to fulfill the needs of travelers who are looking for more from their vacation dollars. With careful planning and the assistance of Jamaica Villas by Linda Smith's knowledgeable agents, they can have it. (All the agents have stayed in the homes in Linda's portfolio, know the staff and understand the island inside out.) "One of our greatest pleasures is watching potential clients realize that these fabulous homes are affordable and can be theirs," Linda says.
Jamaica Villas By Linda Smith takes pride in being able to tailor each individual villa vacation to a client's needs. Often this could simply be a question of catering to dietary likes and dislikes or arranging a full-time nanny or a masseuse. But there have been many occasions when guests have asked for particular services that are far beyond everyday vacation requirements. The list of special requests some routine, some extraordinary, includes: reinforced electricity supply for a major American rock band, a piano for a Broadway composer, 1,000 white roses for a beach wedding, tennis pro's for private lessons, helicopters and private aircraft, reggae and calypso bands, pig roasts, security guards, nannies who swim, birthday cakes and parties and even special linens. In fact, anything a client might desire. Linda Smith created her business on the simple premise that nothing a guest asks for is too much to provide. As a result, Jamaica Villas By Linda Smith has acquired a reputation second to none, and it is no surprise that travel and villa agents across the world prefer to send their clients through Linda, because they know how well cared for they will be.
Villas make wonderful family destinations. There is a host of activities in and around the villas and on the island at large. Our guests tell us that the most appealing aspect of all is the opportunity villa life offers parents to enjoy their own time together, secure in the knowledge that the children are safe and happy. This endorsement is typical.
"Our week at Summertime was absolutely our most wonderful family vacation ever. My parents, John and I spent relaxed days doing whatever we wanted to do while the kids were totally entertained with all the games and countless hours in that big pool. The staff treated our children with incredible loving care! The whole family is counting the days till we return to Jamaica."
Jamaica is the third-largest island in the Caribbean. The bays to the north of the island spread like a chain of sapphires along the coastline, and are home to the majority of the beautiful homes in the company's portfolio. Sweeping back from the shore rise the Blue Mountains and the legendary Cockpit Country, where one finds homes that trace their roots back to the island's colonial times.
Indeed history imbues every strand of Jamaica's fabric, as does the British virtue for understated elegance, and it all sits delightfully at ease with the modern accents brought to the villas by contemporary designers and artists. And that means Linda's clients can choose from a dazzling variety of styles and decors.
Noble House is a unique Caribbean treasure, a beachfront estate with Oriental accents and filled with antiques collected by one-time owner Broadway Billy Rose.
Silent Waters is a new property occupying 18 acres high above Montego Bay. Its setting and style evoke glamour, romance and a taste for fine living. The whole is so beautifully landscaped that a helicopter pad and tennis courts can sit comfortably next to hidden ponds and meditation areas.
Amanoka is a gorgeous property on Discovery Bay, to the east of Montego Bay. Built from materials imported from China and Indonesia, this splendid villa sweeps down to the turquoise waters of the Caribbean and its own white sand beach.
Coral Cove also sits on the waters of Discovery Bay, but is in marked contrast to the opulence of Amanoka. Two simple cottages on a 150 foot-white sandy beach offer a casual, relaxing holiday experience.
These are just a few highlights from an eclectic portfolio that contains something to suit every taste and aspiration.
Don't Just Sit There - Do Nothing!
The art of providing a great vacation lies in taking care of every conceivable need a guest may have so that the only possible debate is between doing absolutely nothing and taking advantage of the wide range of activities Jamaica has to offer.
This might mean golf at some of the Caribbean's top courses, including Tryall; horseback riding in the mountains that soar above the sea; water sports galore; shopping; sightseeing, by land or by air; river rafting; sampling local rums and coffee; nature tours; beach parties... the list is seemingly endless.
But many guests prefer simply to stay in their villas. So exquisite are these properties that they are a destination in their own right, and some guests say they like nothing more than to luxuriate in the relaxing ambience and be looked after from dawn to dusk.