I had just come out of a supermarket, heading to my car in the parking lot when, suddenly, I was struck by the beauty of the sky and clouds above my eyes. It was a lovely day in July, just before sunset, and I caught the breeze of mild summer in the air. It was easy to be inspired to take a picture, to celebrate the moment.
I felt immediately that this could have been the starting point to produce a composition on my iPhone; so, when at home, I started to think about a story. Those days I really would have liked to include a balloon into one of my images, possibly giving it a somehow dramatic and romantic role. That summer sky was giving me the right opportunity to start working on this idea. Moreover, I'm lucky enough to have someone by my side (wonder who?) willing to endure my deliriums of mobile photography – subjecting herself, among other things, to my occasional need to have a human figure within my creations (no, I didn't ask anyone to hang on a pole, it's only app-magic!).
I wanted to describe the character of a romantic loser in both a poetic and humorous way.
After I determined the visual concept and assembled all of the elements, I had two intense evening couch-sessions on my iPhone that led me to the final result.
Essentially, I wanted to symbolize the bittersweet sense of desperation of an imaginary abandoned lover. Something like "…I'll miss you so much that I will try to reach and catch you in any way – even if you fly away in a balloon and I have to grab onto a pole." The title suggests that this is not the first time our protagonist has faced a similar situation. I wanted to describe the character of a romantic loser in both a poetic and humorous way. This leaves the viewer the faculty to figure out the rest. In fact, you can imagine an (almost) infinite number of scenarios both before and after the moment represented in the image.
Metaphors aside, I like to think that on balance there is a positive message behind the image. The protagonist has pushed herself to the limit before having to give up; this way she won't regret having let her beloved go before having done everything possible. Everyone should behave like this when he/she is really interested in something important.
I'm just a (grown) guy who has seen come true his dream to be able to create visuals (and music!) anywhere at any time. I've been iPhone-addicted from the first moment it was made available here in Italy. And although my job is creative enough, I still need to devote some time, every day, to the conception of something to satisfy my restless need to create and express my visions.
Depending on the situation, when I'm working on an image I could be talking to the outside world or just to myself. The first case is when I have the urge to communicate something, so I try to impress the viewer with special effects or thought-provoking situations. The latter is when I'm curious to come up with something to better understand my personality, often ending up – unfortunately (or fortunately?) – with abstract visuals.
I aim to offer a different perspective on inner and outer reality, trying to understand if there is something hidden or incomprehensible that would make sense to bring to light.
At the moment, my greatest aspiration as an iPhoneographer is to improve myself in the tough task of stimulating, at the same time, the mind (through imagination) and the heart (through emotions) of the viewer. Therefore, sharing my work and receiving some feedback is always a great pleasure as well as a big encouragement to continue.
Mobile photography has definitely changed my habits and the way I look at what surrounds me, given the convenience with which I can capture a scene or a detail.
Because of my approach I usually start with simple – if not trivial – elements with the intention to get to something more complex and hopefully interesting. This way I aim to offer a different perspective on inner and outer reality, trying to understand if there is something hidden or incomprehensible that would make sense to bring to light.
Apart from this, and as a good "strategic" side-effect, creating art on a mobile device today is also a great opportunity to be noticed. There are plenty of pro-photographers and photoshoppers out there, but far fewer mobile photographers and skilled appers. We "only" have the responsibility to publish excellent works which may serve to show that this new form of expression deserves the respect received from any artistic movement.
If we could really fill our usual places with new colors and strange creatures, we would likely enjoy our lives more.
Apping plays a key role in my production, though I never forgetting the importance of clear communication. I tend to keep an experimental spirit alive in all of my works. In other words, my ideal of (mobile) photography is the combination of compelling storytelling with some great technical skills.
All this said, I'm having the most of fun when I manage to create a nice image after having explored and played with some new app – or after having found a cool new way to stack some of them within my workflow.
Basically, by means of this wonderful technology, I try to turn all the most common sceneries and elements around me into something fantastic and peculiar. I love when someone says that my images are suspended between dream and reality. In fact, when I work on an image, I feel like I am applying a "dream filter" over the original captures.
Since we were children, we have had the need to escape from time to time into our own imaginary microcosm. I believe it's worth the struggle to preserve this habit.


The St. Luke's Epilepsy Program is a National Association of Epilepsy Centers accredited Level 3 Epilepsy Center. Our program has four fellowship-trained epilepsy specialists, Kuei-Cheng Lim, MD (medical director of the program), Lizbeth dePadua, MD, Scott Kohler, MD, and Chad Saunders, MD. Our program is supported by a dedicated team of EEG technologists, nurse specialists, functional neurosurgeon Roy Hwang, MD, neuro-psychologists, neuroradiology, and social services. Our program manages a wide range of epilepsy patients, including those with intractable epilepsy, epilepsy surgery evaluation, and evaluation of episodic spells that are concerning for seizures.
Seizures are clinical symptoms caused by abnormal synchronous neuronal activity of the brain, sort of like an electrical storm of the brain. These clinical symptoms can manifest in a variety of ways including generalized convulsions (grand mal seizures), behavioral arrest or altered awareness (absence or petit mal seizures), recurrent sensory changes, focal or generalized rhythmic muscle contractions, recurrent intense unexplained emotional sensations (such as a sense of impending doom), sudden rigid body contractions, sudden body spasms, or sudden loss of body tone. Sometimes seizure evolve from one type to another such as starting with a staring spell, altered awareness, and then becoming a generalized tonic-clonic convulsion.
Seizures can be cause by an acute neurological insult (provoked) such as acute stroke, acute head injury, metabolic derangements (for example, abnormally high or low blood sugar or sodium levels), acute intoxication from drugs or medications, or acute withdrawal from alcohol or certain types of medications. Sometime seizures are not caused by any known immediate physiologic factor (unprovoked). Seizures that are unprovoked can be due to an underlying seizure disorder, otherwise known as epilepsy.
There are conditions that frequently mimic seizures including transient ischemic attacks (TIA, a type of stroke that is typically less than one hour in duration), syncope (sudden loss of consciousness due to sudden decrease in delivery of blood supply to the brain), sleep disorders (night terrors or REM behavior sleep disorder), or psychological stress (non-epileptic psychogenic attacks or fits).
Epilepsy is an underlying neurological condition that predisposes someone to recurrent seizures. Although seizures are the primary symptom of epilepsy, patients with epilepsy can also have cognitive difficulty, psychiatric co-morbidities including depression, anxiety, attention deficit, and personality traits, and challenges with their social lives.
Epilepsy can develop at any age; it is the fourth most common neurological condition. Currently, about 3.4 million people in the United States have a diagnosis of epilepsy and about one in 26 people in the United States will develop epilepsy at some point in their lifetime. Epilepsy may be the result of genetics, congenital brain malformations, or prior brain injury (traumatic brain injury, prior strokes, central nervous system infections). For a large majority of patients with epilepsy, the underlying cause is unknown. There are several well-established epilepsy syndromes that are characterized by the type of seizures, the patient's medical history, provoking factors, and electrophysiology findings.
Epilepsy is generally diagnosed after taking a clinical history and comprehensive neurological evaluation, and supported by findings from an EEG (electroencephalogram) and imaging study of the brain such as CT (computed tomography) scan or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Sometimes, assessment of the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) by a lumbar puncture is indicated. The diagnosis of epilepsy is ultimately based on clinical history of at least two unprovoked seizures. Some patients with epilepsy will have normal EEG and brain imaging studies.
Epilepsy is generally treated first with medications, known as anti-convulsant, anti-seizure, or anti-epileptic drugs. The goal of epilepsy management is "no seizures, no side effects." Depending on the type of epilepsy and medical history, the physician will help determine the most appropriate medication. There are at least 25 different medications currently available for the management of epilepsy. About seven out of 10 patients with epilepsy can achieve seizure freedom with medication alone.
About a third of patients will have refractory (intractable) epilepsy, which is a condition when a patient continues to have seizures despite an adequate trial of at least two appropriate antiepileptic medications. For these patients other treatments may be necessary such as ketogenic diet, epilepsy surgery, or neuromodulation therapy. If your doctor cannot suppress the seizures after two medication trials, then you should be referred to a Level 3 or Level 4 epilepsy center. Neuromodulatory therapy including vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) and responsive neurostimulation (RNS) are other treatment options.
St. Luke's Epilepsy Program is a Level 3 Epilepsy Center accredited by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers, or NAEC. The Level 3 designation means that our center provides a wide range of medical expertise to treat refractory epilepsy. This includes fellowship-trained and board-certified epileptologists (clinicians who have gone through training in neurology and with specific training in epilepsy), advanced practitioners who focus on epilepsy patients, a neurophysiology staff, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, neuropsychologists, and psychosocial services.
Diagnostic testing includes routine, ambulatory, and outpatient continuous video EEG (electroencephalography) studies as well as imaging studies of the brain including CT (computed tomography) scan, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), and PET/CT brain imaging. Other tests that can be performed include a neuropsychological assessment, a functional MRI brain study (to assess location of language, motor, and sensory areas of the brain) and an intracarotid sodium amobarbital procedure, known as the Wada test, to help determine the memory and language dominant side of the brain).
Our center has an epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU) located at St. Luke's University Hospital in Bethlehem. The EMU provides noninvasive continuous video EEG monitoring to evaluate seizures, determine a possible differential diagnosis, characterize the seizure type, and localize seizure onset for surgical evaluation of epilepsy.
Once the seizure type(s), localization of seizure onset, and patient factors are determined, your St. Luke's epilepsy team will determine the most appropriate therapy of medications, surgical intervention, or other treatments , or referral to a Level 4 epilepsy center if necessary. In general, patients with epilepsy who have failed two or three medication trials should at least be considered for epilepsy surgery.
The EMU is a specialized inpatient unit is designed for computer-based 24 hours continuous video-EEG monitoring with the patient's safety in mind. The objective of this unit is to trigger and record a seizure or event in a safe and controlled environment, which is then used to make a diagnosis, determine the type of epilepsy, localize the onset of focal seizures, or medication adjustment.
Your doctor may recommend and EMU admission if you have intractable seizures, spells that are concerning for seizures but difficult to diagnose, or for pre-surgical evaluation. Your length of stay depends on how long it takes to record seizures or spells. The typical admission varies between three to seven days, which can be shorter or longer. The treatment team involves the epileptologist, EEG technologists, and EMU nurses.
Patients are admitted to a private room. During this admission, patients are under 24 hours of continuous observation by a technologist, intercom and direct communication, and audio-video-EEG recording. Patients are connected to an EEG machine to help determine the source of the seizures. To increase the chance of recording a seizure, your treatment team may decide to reduce the dose of your anti-epileptic medication(s), sleep deprivation, or other triggers of seizures. If you have a warning or aura to your seizure, there is a button for you to push to activate an alarm for immediate response and attention.
At the end of the admission, your physician will discuss with you the result of the study. Sometimes, in spite of the length of stay for this study, we are unable to record a seizure or event to provide a diagnosis or some focal epileptic seizures may be too short to be visible on scalp EEG. Your physician will provide options as to treatment recommendations and/or further testing.
The Epilepsy Foundation is a great resource for further information about epilepsy, seizures, treatment, community and social support groups, patient assistance programs, and recommendations regarding living with epilepsy.


Sherry has added Rhythmic Movement http://www.blombergrmt.com/rhythmic_movement_training.htm to the services she provides to children and families and has received extensive training in primitive reflex integration. Rhythmic Movement can help in many areas such as movement and coordination problems, attention and language. Call for a free screening to find out more about this therapeutic offering!


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"THE STING" (1973) Review
Whenever film critics or film fans bring up the subject of Best Picture Oscar winners during the 1970s, the topic usually turned to movies like 1975s "ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO NEST". But the two main Oscar winners usually discussed are the"GODFATHER" movies – 1972's "THE GODFATHER" and 1974's "THE GODFATHER – PART II". The 1973 Oscar winner, "THE STING" is sometimes remembered . . . but not always with the same reverence. At least it seems that way to me.
"THE STING", which was a caper film set during the middle of the Great Depression, reunited stars Paul Newman and Robert Redford with director George Roy Hill. The latter had directed the pair in the 1969 biopic Western, "BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID". In "THE STING", Newman and Redford portrayed a pair of grifters who set out to con a vicious crime boss who had ordered the death of a friend. Screenwriter David S. Ward was inspired by the careers of grifters Fred and Charley Gondorff, whose exploits were featured in David Maurer's book, "The Big Con: The Story of the Confidence Man".
The movie begins in 1936 Joliet, Illinois; in which three grifters – Johnny Hooker, Luther Coleman and Joe Erie – con an unsuspecting victim out of $11,000 in cash. Both Hooker and Erie discover from a corrupt cop named Lieutenant Synder that they had conned a numbers racket courier, who was carrying the $11,000 for a vicious crime boss named Doyle Lonnegan. Even worse, Lonnegan has discovered their identity and sent hit men to kill them. The killers manage to murder Coleman before Johnny and Joe can split up. On Coleman's advice, Hooker seeks out Henry Gondorff, a world-class grifter hiding from the F.B.I. in Chicago with his girlfriend, Billie, who runs a brothel in the city. Hooker asks Gondorff's help in getting revenge for Luther's death. Although reluctant to pull a con against the crime boss, Gondorff decides to use an elaborate and supposedly obsolete scam known as "the wire", using a crew of con artists to create a phony off-track betting parlor. Hooker eventually discovers that both Lonnegan's hitmen and Lieutenant Synder have tracked him to Chicago, and he has to maintain a step ahead of them in order to keep Gondorff's scam on track.
While watching "THE STING", I found myself wondering if there was anything about it that did not appeal to me. I realized that most of my problems with the film were at best, ascetic. Before the turn of the 21st century, Hollywood seemed to have great difficulty in recapturing women's fashion in the early-to-mid 1930s . . . and that includes hairstyles. In fact, this seemed apparent in "THE STING" regarding the hairstyles for actresses Eileen Brennan and Dimitra Arliss. I hate to say this, but it looked as if Brennan was wearing a wig. And Arliss' hairstyle reminded me of one worn by women in the 1940s, not the 1930s. Only Sally Kirkland managed to escape this fate. Hmmm . . . you know what? I cannot think of any other flaws in "THE STING". At least not now. Perhaps I need to watch it again. I could complain about Marvin Hamlisch's use of Scott Joplin's music used in a movie set in the mid-1930s- especially since Joplin's music dated back at least 30 years before the movie's setting. But for some reason it worked. It worked. I could write an essay on how songs written at the turn of the 20th century meshed so well in a movie set during the Great Depression. But I cannot explain how this happened, other than movie magic.
However, there is so much to admire in this film. Former 20th Century Fox studio head, Darryl Zanuck, once said that the backbone to any movie is the story. And I heartily agree. Apparently, the producers of "THE STING", Tony Bill, Julia and Michael Phillips, felt the same about the movie's screenplay written by David S. Ward. On the surface, "THE STING" is a first-class story about grifters pulling a major con against a crime boss responsible for the death of one of their own. First of all, Ward's script gave audiences a detailed account of the con pulled by Gondorff, Hooker and the others. Audiences not only got to see the con play out from the beginning to the end, but also its planning stages and unexpected problems. There were three major problems that the grifters had to face – namely Lonnegan's contract on Hooker for the con that he, Coleman and Erie had pulled; Hooker's conflict with Detective Synder, who was after the grifter for passing counterfeit money as a bribe to him; and the F.B.I., who seemed to be closing in on Gondorff. And Ward's screenplay handled all of these plot lines with a seamless skill that led to his Academy Award win for Best Original Screenplay.
I can honestly say the same about George Roy Hill's direction. When Hill won the Best Director Oscar for his work on "THE STING", he had responded that with Newman, Redford and Ward's script; he could not lose. But I have come across a good number of movies that possessed a first-rate cast and a decent script. Yet, these films still managed to result in pure crap. Another director could have screwed up with the cast and script given, but Hill did not. Instead, he transformed quality material – the cast, the crew and the script – into Oscar gold. He also injected a great deal of oomph into the movie's storytelling by shooting it with a "Saturday Evening Post style" that included page turning chapter headings and graphics. He and cinematographer Robert Surtees imitated the flat camera style of the old Warner Brothers gangster films of the 1930s, which included ending each scene with a slide across the screen or a circular motion. The most interesting thing about Hill's direction is that he managed to inject the desperate air of the Great Depression in a movie that is generally regarded as somewhat light froth. And that is a hell of a thing to accomplish. Both Newman and Redford had expressed great admiration toward Hill's stylized direction and his firm handling of the movie during its production. After watching the movie for the umpteenth time, I can see why they held him in such high regard.
Looking at "THE STING", I am still amazed that aside from a few locations around Southern California and Chicago, most of it was filmed on the Universal Studios lot. As a Southern Californian, I have seen those backlot locations during many visits to the studio. But I am still amazed at how Bob Warner's special effects, the film's art department, James W. Payne's Oscar winning set decorations and Robert Surtees' cinematography made me forget about the studio lot locations and convince me that I had transported back to Depression-era Chicago and Joliet. I could also say the same about Edith Head's costume designs, which led to her winning an Academy Award. But Albert Whitlock's visual effects – especially his matte paintings – really gave this movie its unique visual style, as shown below:
I am happy to say that Whitlock also won an Academy Award.
"THE STING" marked the second screen teaming of Paul Newman and Robert Redford. It seems a damn shame they never shot other films together, because those two are magic as a team. Hell, they were magic period. Newman was perfect as Henry Gondorff. He did a great job in portraying who proved that despite his world weary attitude, he was still the master grifter capable of operation a first-rate con job, acting as mentor to less experienced grifters and handling unexpected problems. I especially enjoyed the sly air that Newman injected into the character and one particular scene in which his Gondorff emotionally manipulated the Doyle Lonnegan character. Someone once claimed that Robert Redford was wrong for the Jay Gatsby character, because his personal background and "golden boy" looks prevented him from understanding the air of desperation that drove Fitzgerald's character. I disagree. In fact, I would point to Redford's portrayal of Johnny Hooker in "THE STING" as an example of why that particular criticism is utter bullshit. He did a beautiful job of conveying Hooker's impatience, addiction to gambling and more importantly, air of desperation – traits that led him into trouble with Lonnegan and Stryder in the first place.
Robert Shaw's portrayal of Red Grant is considered one of the best James Bond villains of all time. Frankly, I found his portrayal of crime boss Doyle Lonnegan to be a lot more scary. Lonnegan must have been one of the most chaotic characters that the actor had portrayed. On one hand, Lonnegan seemed to be the epitome of the cold-blooded businessman, who did not suffer the loss of even one penny. At the same time Shaw was excellent in portraying the gangster's pride and hair-trigger temper that led him into moments of recklessness. "THE STING" was the first movie that ever made me take notice of actress Eileen Brennan . . . and this was seven years before her Oscar-nominated performance in "PRIVATE BENJAMIN". I thought she gave a very sly and sexy performance as Gondorff's grifter/madam girlfriend, Billie. This was especially apparent in one scene in which she was forced to deal with Lieutenant Synder, who was searching for Hooker. Speaking of Synder, this role marked the first major one on film for Charles Durning. I thought he did a marvelous job as the vindictive and crooked Joliet cop. Durning did an excellent job in conveying Synder's venal nature in a very subtle manner.
Both Ray Walston and Harold Gould gave very entertaining performances as two of Gondorff's trusted men – J.J. Singleton and Kid Twist. Walston injected a good deal of sardonic humor that I found particularly fun to watch. And Gould gave a very elegant performance as the charming Twist. Jack Kehoe, who was also in 1988's "MIDNIGHT RUN", did an excellent job of portraying Hooker's loyal, yet slightly nervous partner, Joe Erie. Kehoe was especially effective in the one scene in which Erie had a brief conversation with Lonnegan during the con. I suspect a good number of people would be surprised to learn that Robert Earl Jones, who portrayed Luther Coleman, was the father of actor James Earl Jones. After watching the father's performance as the aging grifter who served as Hooker's mentor, it is easy to see from whom the junior Mr. Earl Jones had inherited his talent. Robert Earl Jones, despite a screen time of twenty minutes or less, gave a first-rate performance as the doomed elderly grifter.
What else can I say about "THE STING"? I managed to spot a flaw or two. But right, I cannot think of any more flaws. I would have to watch the movie again. However, between the film's visual artistry, Marvin Hamlisch's use of Scott Joplin's music, David S. Ward's excellent screenplay and the first-rate cast led by Paul Newman and Robert Redford; director George Roy Hill created magic. And it is due to this magic that "THE STING" remains one of my favorite movies of all time, to this day.
Filed under: Movies | Tagged: charles durning, dimitra arliss, early 20th century, eileen brennan, george roy hill, great depression, harold gould, jack kehoe, james sloyan, movies, music, paul newman, politics, ray walston, robert earl johnson, robert redford, robert shaw, sally kellerman, sports |	Leave a comment »

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


This week I finally had the opportunity to visit Hakone, the oldest Asian estate and gardens in the Western hemisphere. Located in Saratoga, CA, about 20 minutes from San Jose and the hustle and bustle of Silicon Valley, Hakone occupies 18 acres in the hills just outside of town.
Hakone was established in 1915 by Isabel and Oliver Stine, a wealthy couple from San Francisco. It went through several changes of ownership over the years, fell into disrepair, was lovingly restored, and then sold to the City of Saratoga in 1966.
I'm by no means an expert on Japanese gardens. However, having visited the Portland Japanese Garden (PJG) several time in recent years (see 1 2 3 4 5 6), I knew I would start comparing the two. Both are magnificent places of tranquility and beauty. The PJG seems to be built on a grander scale and feels more like a public garden; Hakone has the feeling of an intimate retreat and it is indeed much used for corporate events, weddings, receptions, etc.
My traveling companion and I started our exploration in the Hill and Pond Garden seen in the panorama above. As is the case in Portland, every plant, every rock, every decorative item seems to be in the perfect place. That is the genius behind Japanese gardening. Some people find the result too sterile and calculated, but to me the effect is immensely soothing.
The timing of our visit was very fortuitous. The wisterias (see panorama above) and the azaleas were in full bloom, lighting up the hillsides with their colors so bright they almost look fake.
But even where there were no flowering plants, the green from the grasses, moss and other small plants was a soothing sight, especially against the ever present rocks.
Hakone has one thing the Portland Japanese Garden does not have: a bamboo garden. As a bamboo lover, I had heard stories about how lovely it is, and I was not disappointed.
Strolling through a well-maintained grove of bamboo—here moso (Phyllostachys edulis), probably the most elegant of all bamboos—is an experience that I find almost transcendent. Here I was, so close to Silicon Valley, and yet I could just as easily have been in China or Japan. The fact that there were very few visitors aside from my friend Eric and myself added to the illusion.
The bamboo garden at Hakone has one of the rarest and most sought-after bamboos of all, tortoise shell moso. It is almost never available for purchase, and when it is, it's through private channels. At an American Bamboo Society auction in 1999, a tortoise shell moso sold for $7,000.
We also saw bi-colored moso (Phyllostachys edulis 'Bicolor')—yellow culms with a green sulcus. While nowhere near as rare as tortoise shell moso, it's still quite uncommon.
Wherever you looked, there were stands of perfectly maintained bamboos. I think even people who are normally pretty blasé about bamboo would fall under its spell in a place like this. The rustle of bamboos leaves in the wind is one of nature's tranquilizers.
Kanju-ji lantern, my favorite lantern style.
Yellow vivax bamboo (Phyllostachys vivax 'Aureocaulis') with some culms that have reverted to all green. The area beyond the bamboo is the parking lot. As you can see, there weren't too many visitors that day.
…to the other end of the estate. Even there, bamboo was a prominent part of the plantings.
Golden bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea) with compressed internodes that resemble tortoise shell moso. While tortoise shell moso is extremely rare, golden bamboo (a complete misnomer because its culms are green, at most fading to an olive yellow with age) is very common.
Harvested bamboo poles for sale at gift shop. The perfect souvenir for visitors who come in a pickup truck!
While the extensive use of bamboo creates a tranquil Asian atmosphere, trees native to California serve as a subtle reminder of where we actually are. I love how harmoniously the Japanese garden elements integrate into the archetypical California landscape.
It is ironic that it took a visit from a German friend to prompt me to visit Hakone. He lives half way around the world and had been there before, whereas I live just two hours away and had never been. But now that I know how beautiful Hakone is, I will be back very soon.
What a place! Will have to add it to my list of west-coast gardens to visit someday.
Trust me to hover over the koi photo the longest, lol!
Seriously stunning! I was going through the photos posted on FB last night, saying wow after well whilst seeing those well maintained bamboos and the general composition of the garden.
Beautiful photographs. I am using your panoramic shot for my desktop image. Thanks!


Darine Hamze (@DarineHamze) Easter brings us hope, may it linger in our hearts forever. Here's wishing you a very Happy Easter.
Exclusive30A (@Exclusive30A) Get the #peace and #tranquility that you deserve during your vacation in this exclusive #Seacrest community with #privatebeach access. The incredible #GulfFront views of this home can't wait - book today!
Shabahat Ali (@valkiyre) There will be days when your mind talks.
Your tongue should be silent in those moments.
Funlola Daniel-Oyelaja (@theloladaniel) Happy Saturday! Make the most of it, live life on your terms and enjoy all the little details.


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New York Times Wrings Its Hands Over Touchscreens
Filed to:NYT Pulpbite
Did you know that the iPhone doesn't have a mechanical keyboard? While you might have known it in your head, maybe you didn't know it in your heart. Today, the Times takes to heart what it really means to not have a proper keyboard and goes through a bit of protracted "What does it all mean?" handwringing as a result. Over 1200 words of it, actually.
All that verbiage can be boiled down to two sticking points: the lack of tactile feedback and the fact that people will have to re-learn (in at least a limited sense) their phone's method of input.
Point one is valid. Even Mossy has his doubts about the touchscreen conquering the keyboard. Haptic feedback would go a long way in addressing those concerns—look at the love for RAZR2's haptic-feedback touchscreen.
Walt Mossberg Has the iPhone
Ooooohhh. Someone's gonna be in trouble with Steve Jobs. Mossberg has the iPhone as of this…
But the more interesting point, the second one, is that the iPhone "requires users to learn the new system, a task that Apple executives acknowledge may require several days." Helio's Sky Dayton is the primary mouthpiece here, saying that
There has never been a massively successful consumer device based solely on a touch screen. "Texting" is central to an entire generation of people... There is a generation of users who are always online and who don't communicate the way their parents did. They're e-mailing; they're texting; they're I.M.-ing.
The argument's bizarre because it treats a paradigm barely a few years old as one that's solidly ingrained. We've only "learned" the "system" of tapping out messages on a cramped keyboard in the last couple of years. And we're fast learners, we texters, IMers and social networkers. Who's to say we can't or won't pick up a "new" input system just as quickly?
There might be other reasons to doubt the iPhone, but an iron grip on input paradigms by this mysterious "always on" generation is not one of them. If anything, we're as fickle as they come, ready to drop old habits for new toys at any given second.
All that said, some haptic feedback wouldn't help Corrected: hurt.
P.S. I'm only hard on you NYT because I love you.
That iPhone Has a Keyboard, but It's Not Mechanical [NYT]


The Icom IC-7700 HF transceiver was installed in the West Operating Room at the Musick Memorial Radio Station in July 2010.
Sharon Dawson of Icom New Zealand, at the unveiling of the Icom IC-7700 transceiver at ZL1ZLD Auckland.
Preparing the wiring for the new Icom IC-7700 transceiver at ZL1ZLD.


"Married men gone wild" is a concept I created for my private video collection.
"Pervert Mom Dot Com" Is the name of a story line I've created for my production.
Like many of the names and concepts I've created, this domain was not renewed and was quickly auctioned off. I love to see my idea's surface around the globe. Good luck to all the pervertmoms.com out there.


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Balogun starts: The predicted Middlesbrough XI to face Reading on Saturday
Josh Cole
Middlesbrough will be looking to extend their current unbeaten run to eight games this weekend when they face Reading in the Championship.
Boro have managed to produce some impressive performances at this level since handing over the reins at the Riverside Stadium to Chris Wilder and thus will be confident in their ability to secure a positive result against the Royals.
Currently seventh in the Championship standings, Middlesbrough could potentially move into the play-off places if they seal all three points in tomorrow's showdown.
Having recently opted to bolster his squad by securing the services of Folarin Balogun, Aaron Connolly and Caolan Boyd-Munce, it will be interesting to see whether Wilder decides to give this particular trio the chance to showcase their talent in the club's meeting with Reading.
Here, we have decided to take a look at how Middlesbrough could line up in this particular fixture…
Considering that Wilder has utilised the 3-5-2 formation on numerous occasions this season, he is likely to stick with this system tomorrow.
Goalkeeper Joe Lumley will be aiming to claim his 10th clean-sheet of the 2021/22 campaign at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday.
Sol Bamba will feature alongside Dael Fry and Anfernee Dijksteel at centre-back whilst Isaiah Jones and Neil Taylor will occupy the wing-back positions.
Marcus Tavernier is expected to start alongside Paddy McNair and Matt Crooks, who has featured in all but one of Middlesbrough's 25 league games this season, in the heart of midfield.
Andraz Sporar will be aiming to add to the six goals that he has scored at this level for Middlesbrough in this fixture and could be partnered up front by Balogun.
Andraz Sporar
The England Under-21 international joined Boro on a short-term loan deal earlier this week from Arsenal and will be determined to prove his worth to Wilder.
Having provided 44 direct goal contributions in 56 appearances for the Gunners' Under-23 side in the Premier League 2 Division 1, it will be fascinating to see whether Balogun will be able to make a positive impact in the Championship.
Providing that the forward is able to hit the ground running for Boro, he could potentially retain a spot in the club's starting eleven for the foreseeable future.
Related Topics:championshipmiddlesbrough
Freelance writer for Football League World. Previously worked for 90min & GiveMeSport.
Article title: Balogun starts: The predicted Middlesbrough XI to face Reading on Saturday


text:
from __future__ import (absolute_import, division, print_function,
                        unicode_literals)

#namedtuple is needed for find_mod_objs so it can have a non-local module
from collections import namedtuple

import pytest

from ...extern import six
from .. import introspection
from ..introspection import (find_current_module, find_mod_objs,
                             isinstancemethod, minversion)

def test_pkg_finder():
    """
    Tests that the `find_current_module` function works. Note that
    this also implicitly tests compat.misc._patched_getmodule
    """
    mod1 = 'astropy.utils.introspection'
    mod2 = 'astropy.utils.tests.test_introspection'
    mod3 = 'astropy.utils.tests.test_introspection'
    assert find_current_module(0).__name__ == mod1
    assert find_current_module(1).__name__ == mod2
    assert find_current_module(0, True).__name__ == mod3

def test_find_current_mod():
    from sys import getrecursionlimit

    thismodnm = __name__

    assert find_current_module(0) is introspection
    assert find_current_module(1).__name__ == thismodnm
    assert find_current_module(getrecursionlimit() + 1) is None

    assert find_current_module(0, True).__name__ == thismodnm
    assert find_current_module(0, [introspection]).__name__ == thismodnm
    assert find_current_module(0, ['astropy.utils.introspection']).__name__ == thismodnm

    with pytest.raises(ImportError):
        find_current_module(0, ['faddfdsasewrweriopunjlfiurrhujnkflgwhu'])

def test_find_mod_objs():
    lnms, fqns, objs = find_mod_objs('astropy')

    # this import  is after the above call intentionally to make sure
    # find_mod_objs properly imports astropy on its own
    import astropy

    # just check for astropy.test ... other things might be added, so we
    # shouldn't check that it's the only thing
    assert 'test' in lnms
    assert astropy.test in objs

    lnms, fqns, objs = find_mod_objs(__name__, onlylocals=False)
    assert 'namedtuple' in lnms
    assert 'collections.namedtuple' in fqns
    assert namedtuple in objs

    lnms, fqns, objs = find_mod_objs(__name__, onlylocals=True)
    assert 'namedtuple' not in lnms
    assert 'collections.namedtuple' not in fqns
    assert namedtuple not in objs

def test_isinstancemethod():
    """
    Note, this is an exact copy of the doctest in `isinstancemethod`'s
    docstring.

    It is included here as well so that it can be tested on Python 2 and 3
    which require very different implementations.  Once we enable running
    doctests on Python 3 this extra test can be dropped.
    """

    class MetaClass(type):
        def a_classmethod(cls): pass

    @six.add_metaclass(MetaClass)
    class MyClass(object):
        def an_instancemethod(self): pass

        @classmethod
        def another_classmethod(cls): pass

        @staticmethod
        def a_staticmethod(): pass

    assert not isinstancemethod(MyClass, MyClass.a_classmethod)
    assert not isinstancemethod(MyClass, MyClass.another_classmethod)
    assert not isinstancemethod(MyClass, MyClass.a_staticmethod)
    assert isinstancemethod(MyClass, MyClass.an_instancemethod)

def _minversion_test():
    from types import ModuleType
    test_module = ModuleType(str("test_module"))
    test_module.__version__ = '0.12.2'
    good_versions = ['0.12', '0.12.1', '0.12.0.dev']
    bad_versions = ['1', '1.2rc1']
    for version in good_versions:
        assert minversion(test_module, version)
    for version in bad_versions:
        assert not minversion(test_module, version)

def test_minversion():
    import sys
    if 'pkg_resources' in sys.modules:
        pkg_resources_saved = sys.modules['pkg_resources']
        # Force ImportError for pkg_resources in minversion()
        sys.modules['pkg_resource'] = None
        _minversion_test()
        sys.modules['pkg_resource'] = pkg_resources_saved
    _minversion_test()

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Rob Clouth dissects his musical output since 2003
By Mitch Strashnov BUY
Rob Clouth was someone that everyone kept an ear on a few years back. Two killer EPs on Berlin's Leisure System label and a sound that was uniquely his own, the Barcelona-based artist all but vanished up until recently with the announcement of his tantalising 'Transition' EP on Max Cooper's Mesh imprint.
In this feature Rob Clouth opens up with an online algorithmic summary of his musical output since 2003, baring his inner creativity for the masses. Between putting out his latest material and shedding the layers of his near-fifteen year output, he found time to chat with Inverted Audio, whilst delivering a sensational mix for our sister mix series Newtype Rhythms.
Interview by Mitch Strashnov
Congratulations on your new EP – it's a stirring return to a world that you singularly invite listeners to experience time and time again. It has been some time since we'd last heard from you. Can you tell us what you've been up to since your previous release up until now?
Thank you! Well, I actually have been focusing a lot on other not-strictly-musical projects – software mostly – I've made a couple of apps. I spent about a year making a synthesis app for a now-dead company.
I was a bit upset that it didn't go anywhere but I learned a lot; a lot about writing apps, synthesis algorithms…and how not to run a business, all of which will at some point be useful in the future.
In fact, I'm already using the synthesis skills I picked up there in other projects; and eventually I'd like to start a business, so there we go.
Hmm…what else. I've been doing some sound design for some installations with Kyle McDonald. I've been making some music obviously and have started on an album! I'm doing that full-time now. I've been making a bunch of tools to make the album with.
The funnest one by far is the RECONSTRUCTOR (shit name). It's an algorithm that automatically slices up any sound file, and figures out the best way to rearrange and overlay the pieces so that it sounds like another sound. It's like an audio version of the deep-learning powered style transfer algorithms.
I'm gonna be using it in the album to reconstruct my beatboxing (which I suck at) with real, designed, high quality sounds. That way you can get the flow and seamless transitions of beatboxing, but with actually good, non-human sounds.
I've also being using to reconstruct horribly cheesy love songs with the most filthy porn I can find – it's hilariously uncomfortable. "My Beef Heart Will Live On" by Celine Dion is a modern classic. I would show you but it's definitely NSFW. Maybe even NSFL!
Transition will coincide with the release on an online algorithmic summary of your entire musical output from 2003 up until now – why did you feel it was important to share this with people who are willing to dive into the deep?
It was for a couple of reasons; the reason why I started it wasn't the reason I finished it though. As an artist, I feel like one of the biggest sources of creative drive is the fear that I'm stagnating. I see it happen to so many artists. I absolutely adore their sound and their approach to music but then after several albums they all sound the same and I lose interest. I really don't want that to happen to me, I feel like I need to keep evolving in some way, even if it's a small change.
Recently, I have begun to think that I am stagnating: copying myself, over and over again. I'm using the same tools I have for years, the same sounds even. Be it a melody I wrote a decade ago, or a drum loop I made before that. I needed a big change.
I thought the best way to force me to change would be to release everything I've ever made – all project files, all samples and all tracks into the public domain. That way I'd be forced to move on whilst simultaneously giving back to the community that has given me so much help and inspiration in the past. Great idea right?
I proposed this to the label and they basically said "no fucking way" – using much nicer words obviously. And I'm glad they did. It could have been career suicide. First of all I would have pissed off all the labels that I'd ever released music with that still wanted to sell copies.
Secondly, it would remove any possibility of ever releasing old material. Thirdly, because people would have the project files and unlimited freedom to do whatever they wanted, there might have been musicians popping with a very similar sound to mine, which for me would be a great push to innovate and do new stuff – but for a label it would be bad business.
I'm not at the stage where I can sacrifice income. It be would be deeply unfair to previous labels and my current one that have supported me so much; especially Max Cooper and his label Mesh. He has been so supportive, it's insane. So no, that wasn't gonna happen. I'm not a millionaire mega-star who can do that kind of thing.
I thought about other ways I could 'release' all the old stuff without actually releasing it. In my musings, I remembered a project I did years ago that would take a little slice of audio from each sound on my computer and stitch them together to form a continuous sound. I thought it would be interesting to run that algorithm on my entire musical output ever and see how it sounds.
It sounded great; but to do it meant going through all my old stuff, all the shitty first tracks and experiments, all the half-finished but promising ideas. I started to wonder if there was a way to analyse all the tracks to show how my style had changed over time. I thought that by looking at that progression, I could extrapolate the trend to inform future directions I could take with my music.
Since I'd studied music analysis in my Masters course, it wasn't too hard to write a script that would go through all the tracks and analyse them to extract the key, chord sequences, tempo, etc.
Another interest of mine is data-visualisation. In fact the artwork for my previous release 'Hidden Structures' was also a data-visualisation of the whole EP. For the 'Transition' EP and algorithmic summary I was trying and failing to find an interesting way of visually presenting the progression of the data over time, and suddenly growth rings in trees came to mind.
Growth rings are the rings you see inside a cut-down tree trunk. They are used by scientists to firstly know the age of the tree by counting the rings, but also the distances between the rings and their colours tell them the conditions that tree was growing in that year.
So the final artwork for the 'Transition' EP and the interactive website summary thing are based on growth rings. I'm pleased with it. I'm not sure if I really learned much about my music though. Apart from that I really didn't like the note G# at the start, and now I use much more bass and less mids. Also there's more variation in dynamics in my newer work, and I change chords slower. But any deep insights into my soul? Nope. Looks cool though!
Do you feel like since your latest release that your perception of the industry has changed — and has that affected in any which way how you choose to approach, create and present music moving forward?
I really don't involve myself in the industry much to be honest, for better or for worse. One trend that I'm not super-keen on however is that people don't listen to full releases so much anymore. Everything is playlists or radio, caused in part by the popularity of streaming services with recommendation features and the like, which is great for hearing new stuff and for that I love it. However, it means the idea of an album is slowly dissolving I think; but that isn't a new trend I suppose.
To counter this trend, every few months my friends and I have a music listening session where we listen to a new album that none of us have heard before, from start to finish, in silence. No talking until after it's finished. I love it!
I reminds me how compelling an extended release of music can be if done right. The progression of the tracks throughout the album, how they each reference each other in some way, the shared themes. All of that is lost if you listen to track on it's own, outside of the album. It's like reading just a single chapter from an entire book. It might be a great chapter but you lose the context.
With 'Transition' you struck a tone that is somewhat familiar from your previous work, yet comes out in droves on this one – emotional expansiveness. What was the mindset going into creating these tracks versus the last release; were there any specific changes that you made upon crafting these tunes?
Transition is actually a release that represents the end of something, not the beginning. Some of the tracks I started years ago in some way or another. I wanted to tie up loose ends before moving on.
For that reason, some of the tracks have quite apparent old/new sections. They're Frankenstein monsters of parts glued together from across the last decade. I'm pleased with how they came out though. I put more effort into creating more space (in some of them at least), having things evolve slower, not having a trillion things happening at the same time.
I think I succeeded with the title track at least. That one is the newest, and probably the most representative of where I'll go next. That track ends the EP and will act as a bridge into the album. Since the theme of the album is noise, chaos and randomness, the EP ends with pure noise because that's how the album will start. The album will be using a new DAW, a new workflow and new tools, so this EP was to say goodbye to the old and welcome the new.
Tell us about this mix you've made for Newtype Rhythms.
The mix is basically stuff I like, smashed together into some mutant monster, begging to be put out of its misery. The challenge for me with mixes is that I don't know enough music to have a consistent genre throughout, and also that the music I like ranges quite wildly in tempos and intensities. And obviously I have to fit it all in because it's fun to try. So that's why the mix starts with ambient and ends up with jungle!
I also like trying to mash-up wildly different songs. In this one I managed to kind of mix Dawn Of Midi and Addison Groove, which somehow works I think. It's so satisfying when you find two tracks that have the same key (or similar enough to transpose) and they just slot together with very minor editing. That's what happened with the Tipper track and A Winged Victory for the Sullen. I really, really like the mix of those two tracks.
The Paul Bowles spoken word piece is interesting. He reads his poems to ambient drones. He wrote the album that the piece is from "Baptism of Solitude" when he was in his 80s! He's now dead, but his poetry is really interesting. Talking about his life, about the Sahara desert, about death, loneliness, his wife.
The mix is also peppered with excerpts from the Transition summary of all my work.
Finally, when are you going to release that Linkin Park "Papercut" remix?
*laughs* Maybe as a tribute to Chester Bennington, RIP.
Transition EP is out now, order a copy here.
Discover more Newtype Rhythms shows on Inverted Audio
00:00 – 54:58 – mixed by Sheepshead
01. Ryo Murakami – Down The Drain
02. Mama – Seven Kings
03. Jóhann Jóhannsson – A Song For Europa
04. Yukata Hirose – Slow Sky
05. Alva Noto + Ryuichi Sakamoto – Conozcan
06. Autechre – ilanders
07. Acronym – Paranoia
08. Susumu Yokota – I Close the Door Upon Myself
09. Grouper – Holding
10. Aphex Twin – aisatsana
11. Björk – Pneumonia
54:59 – END – mixed by Rob Clouth
01. Rob Clouth – 15 Years
02. Shuttle358 – West Nile
03. Asa-Chang & Junray – Hana
04. Visible Cloaks – Valve
05. A Winged Victory for the Sullen – Atomos VI
06. Tipper – Ambergris
07. Rob Clouth – Estació de França (Field Recording)
08. Rob Clouth – Untitled
09. Paul Bowles – Each Whining Thing
10. Herva – Dreamers of Unknown Tales
11. Dawn of Midi – Atlas
12. Addison Groove – Masamune
13. Motion Graphics – Vistabrick
14. Ital Tek – Jupiter Ascent
15. Machinedrum – Boxoff
16. Deft – Perky
17. J.Kenzo – Skatta
18. Sigha – Porcelain (Ideal)
19. Sleeper – Simulation Theory
20. Rob Clouth – Transition
Discover more about Rob Clouth and Mesh on Inverted Audio.
ArtistRob ClouthLabelLeisure SystemMeshGenreAmbientElectronicExperimentalJungle
First listen: Moscoman talks up + shares previews of debut Disco Halal EP 'I Ran'
In Perspective: Label boss Emil Nyholm celebrates 10 years of Tartelet Records


How do you stay healthy and injury-free?
The biggest key is to learn how to listen to your body. I modify my training plan to accommodate how my body is feeling from day to day. Now, at first that might seem like a very simple and easy thing to do, but when you're training for a big contest sometimes the last thing you want to do is listen to your body when you're tired, sore, or just need a couple of days of lighter training. One key takeaway here is the importance of keeping detailed notes on your training—sets and reps, rest periods, how you feel, etc.
I also get rehab treatment one to two times per week, which includes stretching and soft-tissue work. I keep my diet on point as well to make sure I have plenty of good food and the right supplements to hit it hard in the gym and recover properly. I also do plenty of contrast baths and get enough sleep.
Do you prepare meals to take with you?
If a competition is only one or two days, I will pack almost all the food I'll need with me. In the case of a longer contest, it's impossible to carry enough. For the longer trips I bring some packed meals as an additional food source. So I would plan to have two to three meals packed with me per day; if I'm gone for 14 days I would have between 28 and 42 meals packed.
Do you do cardio? If so, which type do you prefer?


Do: Become a successful single The key to enjoying your social life as a savvy single is to relish in the possibilities. . Don't keep looking at your phone! Make your list, and as you continue dating, tweak it to make it as clear and realistic as possible. This helps a potential date learn more about them. Use a recent photo taken in the last year that is a genuine portrayal of yourself. Once you like someone, you just want to jump their bones. Do give him his space Image source: Shutterstock We know that you are in your first relationship and this seems like it is the best thing ever.
If you do not do it in your first relationship and he manages to get the better of you, your confidence might be lowered in your future relationships. The jury is in: Men really do prefer women who make the first move. Ask a girl out and make a plan. Over 300 million results bombard the computer screen. This is your time in life to be selfish. The first date is rather tricky and we all know that first impressions are important. Make sure you cast a wide net.
That guy needs to save it for the golf course. A movie, theater, an aquarium, sports events are good options. A client of mine recently matched with his dream girl — a curvaceous, blonde power lawyer. Top Tip: A full length head and shoulders profile picture and ideally an action shot are a great way to add variety to your profile. When I'm not writing about cheese or my 20-year love affair with Leonardo DiCaprio, I'm listening to The Beatles, watching Harry Potter reruns I'm a proud Slytherin! With today's dating styles as varied and eclectic as Elton John's wardrobe, it's difficult to draw any distinctions on the modern rules of love and dating. These suggestions on top of the surface might not look magical, but, if you reflect, you will realize that these are the small things we ignore. Taking time away from the dating scene to breathe and reboot is one thing and oh-so-necessary now and then.
When you first start dating someone, keep your texting sporadic and sweet. Or more importantly, how do we just survive those crippling embarrassing moments. To help you navigate even the most awkward moments, we've compiled our 50 best dating tips--some new, some old--given to us by experts, moms, women like you, and even Justin Timberlake. Don't stalk their social media pages. The awesomeness of it will only cloud your judgment before you really know where this thing is going. One of our guy friends salivated over a picture of a gorgeous, blonde, bikini-clad model.
Just as your online dating profile should accurately represent who you really are, your in-person encounters should be equally authentic. I found most of the advice extremely on point and very helpful! You can learn from any dating disaster, relationship gone awry, even a bad. But avoid being overtly sexual. Be intentional with your texting, especially early on. Never underestimate the power of Photoshop.
Talk about your texting preferences. So, using the above dating advice, cast a wide net and look for love on dating apps, sites, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms. Tried and tested idea to get to know each other well. Remember, real men lose their hair and grow love handles, yet if you met them in person, you just might find them charming. Lisa Copeland is known as the expert on over 50's dating. Continue to make him feel like the center of the universe.
An image of you engaging in a sporting activity or hobby is an excellent icebreaker and likely to attract the attention of likeminded potential matches. This is worth considering when writing your dating profile. If you can follow this much, you are going to be just fine in any relationship you get into. It could be treating each other right in bed, or in front of friends and loved ones, or just during a general conversation or even a fight. The key is to trust in God and focus on the friendship as the center piece before the romantic. And four is too intimidating—no guy wants to risk putting himself out there in front of a gang of potentially critical women.
The line that got him a host of heart-face emojis and a first date? Just be you but I think we have intelligent and non-intelligent us. Think about her interests before planning activities on your first date. But first adopt a more Zen approach to dating. The times have changed, and age just isn't as relevant anymore when it comes to dating. Scorpios like to be in control, so let him take the lead in the beginning.
Using selfies is the number one reason why perfectly dateable dudes struggle with online dating. Avoid sarcasm, dry humour or too many emoticons. Getting her to laugh is the best way to break tension and a second date is guaranteed! The same goes for texting conversations. And for the gentleman, let me give you a hint : women like to talk about themselves. Then stop trying and let a friend do it for you. If you want to see her again, say so — and then suggest a specific time and place. Share your favorite Dave Chappelle quote.
Look up some interesting questions to ask on your date. This is not only first boyfriend advice, but also useful for all future relationships as well. Dating Do: Listen While you may be keen to fill every silence with chatter, if you allow your date to take their time with their stories; you might learn a thing or two. This will help you with dating icebreakers and give a possible vote of approval during the digital courtship process. Don't post details of each and every date on social media. Paying for the Check Do you reach out frantically for the check? Lap up all the attention and make the most of it.


text:
An insider's guide to Gibraltar: Where to stay and what to do
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Including where to eat, sleep and play on the peninsula
By Richard Lee Massey
Not since World War II has Gibraltarian guitarist Pepe Roman's moving number Llévame donde nací ever been so relevant. Once a rallying cry for Gibraltarian communities spread across the globe, the song – a literal translation of 'Take me to where I was born' – was given a new lease of life as the planet went into lockdown and many nationals, including myself, chose to return home. Today, Gibraltar's exemplary vaccine rollout has secured its place on the UK's green list and triggered fresh interest in the British Overseas Territory, so I'm thrilled to be writing about the rocky peninsula I call home.
The Queen once said Gibraltar had long been famous for three things – 'for its inviolable strength as a fortress, for the loyalty of its people and for the important strategic part it has played on so many different occasions.' But life on the Rock is about more than politics or the 'Brits abroad' image often associated with it.
Dining room at the new Queen's Picture house & Eatery
Things to do in Gibraltar
THE BEST RESTAURANTS AND BARS IN GIBRALTAR
Within its city walls, Gibraltar's heritage is showcased in the old town, which features a melange of architectural styles shaped by its Moorish, Spanish and British rulers. Nowadays, it's characterised by a bicultural lifestyle. Here, Llanitos (colloquial for Gibraltarian and the local vernacular) start with churros at the Piccadilly Garden Bar, followed by a light lunch at family-run Sacarello's coffee shop before wrapping up with dinner and a movie at the newly opened Queen's Picturehouse & Eatery in Casemates Vaults.
Dating back to 1817, the British-built bombproof barracks known as Grand Casemates Square (or simply Casemates to locals) has been converted into a hub lined with al-fresco cafés that now double as the entrypoint to town life. Around the corner, the old bastion of Chatham Counterguard – named after the Earl of Chatham, who was Governor from 1821 – has also been turned into a lively strip of open-air restaurants and wine bars. Head here for tapas at La Bodeguiya, a place favoured by locals, and drinks at MyWines, arguably the centre of Gibraltar's nightlife.
Street in GibraltarAlamy
While the old town could be mistaken for that of a nearby Spanish town, Gibraltar also has three marinas. There's Ocean Village and Marina Bay, with the flashy nightclub, late-night casino and the Sunborn, supposedly the world's first five-star superyacht hotel, and Queensway Quay – a more considered and relaxing spot where you can find Casa Pepe, a traditional restaurant offering Spanish classics such as berenjena con miel (thinly sliced fried aubergine drizzled with honey), croquetas de calamares en su tinta (squid croquettes with ink) and jamón serrano carved straight off the leg. It's worth noting that residents tend to order raciones, plates of a single food that are larger than tapas and meant to be shared.
A footpath on the Rock of GibraltarAlamy
THE BEST GIBRALTAR BEACHES
We're meant to enjoy the little things in life – and Gibraltar's compact beaches won't let you forget it. On the Mediterranean side of the rock is Eastern beach, which is our largest, sandy stretch, the picturesque Sandy Bay and my personal favourite, Catalan Bay… During the 17th and 18th centuries, La Caleta, as it's known by locals, was populated by Genoese fishermen. Today, the families who live in the colourful village (Caleteños) are mostly descendants of the same fishermen, but the beach and its restaurants remain open to everyone. Head here for long seafood lunches at the unpretentious Seawave Bar, where highlights might include almejas al vino blanco (clams in white wine), pulpo a la Gallega (Galician-style octopus) and catches of the day – all to be washed down with every Llanito's favourite drink, a refreshing red-wine spritzer known as tinto de verano.
Of course, the 1,400ft Jurassic limestone promontory eventually blocks the sun, so the more seasoned beachgoers are known to hop their way over to Camp Bay – known as 'el Quari', Llanito for 'the quarry' – a small, rocky sweep with a lido facing the Atlantic. Stay here for spectacular sunsets paired with paella and live music at the boisterous Dolphin restaurant and beach bar.
Gibraltar lighthouseGetty Images
THE GIBRALTAR LANDMARKS TO SEE
Needless to say, some of the more obvious attractions are definitely worth checking out. The famous Barbary macaques are a thrill; the Moorish Castle is legendary (vexillophiles might be keen to know it features on our flag); St Michael's Cave is an unmatched speleological experience, and hikes through the Gibraltar Nature Reserve are a highlight that make LA's Runyon Canyon look like a molehill. Just be sure to pack SPF and sunglasses and download the Gibraltar Upper Rock Paths app (available on iPhone and Android platforms) to plan your route beforehand.
GIBRALTAR LANGUAGE
Interestingly, the territory's heritage of Spanish and British rulers has not only influenced local buildings and food, but also its speech. On arrival, you'll soon be struck by local conversations that include a mix of languages in the same sentence. It's worth noting that Spanish was principally used before English became the official language that is taught in schools. So, while the autochthonous population pronounced new words as heard or read, a new dialect formed. Not only was this reflected in the language of the classroom (for example, tishe for 'teacher'), but it extended to the playground too (meblis for 'marbles'). However, phrase books are not required because most if not all locals can and will speak English nowadays.
Octopus HouseGetty Images
The Sunborn
The seven-deck Sunborn yacht hotel is permanently moored at Ocean Village, a bustling complex of bars and restaurants. It's also within walking distance of the town and a short taxi ride from the airport. Granted, the Hollywood-style red carpet and cruise-liner interior are less subtle and more glitz and glamour, but the location can't be beaten.
Address: The Sunborn, 35 Ocean Village Promenade, GX11 1AA, Gibraltar
Octopus House
For a more authentically Llanito experience, Octopus House is situated in the Upper Town area. With uninterrupted views towards Morocco and Spain, this sought-after townhouse enables you to live like a well-heeled local.
Address: Octopus House, Upper Town Area, GX11 1AA, Gibraltar
Gibraltar SkyWalkGetty Images
Gibraltar entry requirements
The country is currently on the UK's green list, but there are different requirements depending on which other countries on Gibraltar's own list of green, amber and red destinations you've arrived from – check the list at visitgibraltar.gi before travelling. If you're coming from a green-list country, you do not need to provide evidence of vaccination or self-isolate, but you are required to take a Covid-19 lateral-flow test 24 hours before arrival. And for stays of more than seven days, a second test must be taken on day five. If you're arriving from an amber or red list country and are vaccinated, a Covid-19 lateral-flow rapid test must be booked in advance of arrival (PCR tests are mandatory for unvaccinated travellers), while those who have not been fully vaccinated need to self-isolate in a hotel or private accomodation on arrival for 10 days (you must take a PCR test on the day of arrival and day 10). Passenger locator forms are also compulsory for all visitors.
Queensway QuayAlamy
Gibraltar weather
Visit between May and October for warm temperatures and minimal rainfall. Party-loving sun worshippers should put 10 September in their calendars: Gibraltar National Day sees pretty much every local and visitor dressed in the flag's colours for musical performances, fireworks and street parties.
EBike Gibraltar, Ocean Village: whether booking a private tour or rental, e-bikes are an eco-friendly way to get around town.
In2Adventures, Sandy Bay: from hydrofoiling to stand-up paddleboarding, there are plenty of water adventures to sign up for around the Rock.
Regular services to Gibraltar operate from the following destinations:
London City Airport, UK, with BA CityFlyer
London Heathrow, UK, with British Airways
London Gatwick, UK, with EasyJet
London Luton, UK, with Wizz Air
Manchester, UK, with EasyJet
Bristol, UK, with EasyJet
Birmingham, UK, with Eastern Airways
Southampton, UK, with Eastern Airways
Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, with EasyJet
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The best beaches in Europe for 2021
By Radhika Seth
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This message has several purposes. First, I want to express my immense joy that Chip Baggett and I are serving as Co-Presidents of AHP since August 16, 2009. In my view, Chip and I are long-time friends, who have a transcendent connection and synergistic energies. My desire and intent is for our co-presidency to mirror the effect(s) of synergistic collaboration as a "point of attraction" that can assist in the evolution of human consciousness across often "perceived personal and societal boundaries" (e.g., race, culture, ethnicity, class, individual and collective belief systems, and dogma). More generally, however, this message is intended to further discuss: what I have called in other writings the mirror effect; what others have called the law of attraction; what I will call "points of attraction" in our life spaces that can limit and those that can nurture the evolution of human consciousness; and my views of two recent societal and global mirror effect events that have provoked creative thought.


Don't forget to warm up the upper body before hitting the hill. It is in constant use while you ski, especially in moguls and steeps. The Shoulder Stretch loosens the entire shoulder area, enhancing upper-body flexibility and endurance.
How To Do It Stand with your right side facing a doorjamb and your feet shoulder-width apart. Grasp the doorjamb with your right hand at shoulder height, and very slowly rotate the upper body away from the door until you feel a comfortable stretch. Hold for 15 seconds. Do three repetitions on each side.
What It Does The Shoulder Stretch warms up the shoulders and chest.


FreeBookNotes found 3 sites with book summaries or analysis of Douglass' Women. If there is a Douglass' Women SparkNotes, Shmoop guide, or Cliff Notes, you can find a link to each study guide below.
Among the summaries and analysis available for Douglass' Women, there are 1 Short Summary and 2 Book Reviews.
Depending on the study guide provider (SparkNotes, Shmoop, etc.), the resources below will generally offer Douglass' Women chapter summaries, quotes, and analysis of themes, characters, and symbols.
Sites like SparkNotes with a Douglass' Women study guide or cliff notes. Also includes sites with a short overview, synopsis, book report, or summary of Jewell Parker Rhodes's Douglass' Women.
Sites with a short overview, synopsis, book report, or summary of Douglass' Women by Jewell Parker Rhodes.
Sites with a book review or quick commentary on Douglass' Women by Jewell Parker Rhodes.
FreeBookNotes has 1 more book by Jewell Parker Rhodes, with a total of 7 study guides.


I'm sitting outside listening to the birds, the scent on the breeze a sweet reminder of Mother Nature busily growing things and having a rare moment of my mind devoid of clutter! It's a great feeling, even if it doesn't always translate into great writing inspiration. I've had a day filled with happy things (i.e. conversation with the man I love, reading my favorite book to little ones, and an utterly glorious spring day), and I just want to hold them TIGHT, savoring them as long as possible. Life often changes on a dime, frequently bringing pain and difficulty with those changes (...they're not called growing pains for nothin'). Today I don't even want to think of anything beyond this moment of quiet joy that has settled under my skin, wrapped itself around my heart, and left me with a lovely feeling of euphoria. I want to hold on to this sporadic, gentle as a spring breeze tranquility. I want my eyes to absorb all of the vibrant colours of LIFE around me and tuck that away for when the chaos returns. Whatever your weekend entails, take time to do things that make your soul dance.
Note: The video below is a perfect visual example of how my heart feels when it's bursting with joy and love, the way it is today.
And thank you...to all of you who're experiencing my writing for the first time, and all of you who return time and again.


More than 25 years of developing, managing and shipping cutting edge, industry-leading products - products that helped define an industry.
Able to lead the design and development of complex products by heterogeneous teams that are globally distributed. Deep knowledge of every aspect of digital publishing.
Part of the team that specified and implemented the SVG specification and the reference implementation, the Adobe SVG Viewer.
Responsible for the design and implementation of graphics and mapping programs for the visualization and manipulation of spatial data related to risk management (Visual C++,MFC, MapObjects, ODBC).
Designed and implemented a template-based mapping program for the visualization of insurance risk across portfolios, using MapInfo and C++ (Borland/OWL).
Designed and implemented the mapping workstation section of a client/server (PC/Sun) system that is used for mapping flood determinations (C++, Powerbuilder, ODBC). Supervised 2-3 engineers during a 18 month project.
Designed and implemented the mapping and UI sections of a very flexible mapping system for hazard display and determinations (Visual C++/MFC/Rogue Wave). Participated in the design of the underlying database systems.
Responsible for the management and technical lead of a small group which designed and developed PCL5, PCL5C, HPGL, PCL4, and CCITT interpreters for a variety of print environments, ranging from small monochrome laser printers to 92 ppm print systems to thermal wax and color laser printers.
Supervised group of 4-5 engineers in the design, development and testing process.
Developed all half-toning and image operators for UltraScript (a PostScript clone) under the Crown architecture, a multitasking, real-time, embedded system using a variety of processors (680x0, i960CA/CF, R4000, SparcStations).
Enhanced and maintained X-Window tool for imaging test system.


text:
Q: Linux - HowTo logging server stats I'm looking for a best practice for logging stats on my server. I've seen a lot of packages which do most of the thinks but I am building the front-end myself. So basically I'm looking for pure the logging part. Any best practice tips for doing it myself or frameworks which can be taken apart for usage (or as example to build my own)
Linux server with:

*

*Apache (+PHP)

*nGinX

*MySQL (Percona)

*Varnish

*APC

*Traffic

I was thinking about logging this to mysql for easy (remote) access.

A: You should have a look at Munin. Munin is a standard system to collect and graph all kinds of data (performance data, application stats etc). It is easily expandable with a custom set of plugins that you can fit to your application. Munin is already available as a package for a lot of Linux distributions.
Munin uses RRD files for logging purposes. If you want (or if you do not like the default Munin graphs), you can write custom graphs based on this data.
Download, installation and sample graphs available from:
http://munin-monitoring.org/

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Blikk (Blink) is a Hungarian daily tabloid newspaper published in Budapest, Hungary, owned by the Swiss media company Ringier. It is one of four tabloid dailies on the Hungarian market including Színes Ász, Bors and Ripost.

History and profile
Blikk began publishing on 1 March 1994. The newspaper was originally owned by Szikra, but the ownership changed to Ringier in 2004. The paper is a tabloid publication and has no clear political affiliation. The paper is published in tabloid format and has its headquarters in Budapest.

In addition to the Blikk newspaper, other publications with the Blikk name are also available, such as the Sunday edition called Vasárnapi Blikk (began in the late 1990s), the entertainment magazine named Blikk TV Magazin and Blikk Nők, a publication targeted at women, which also includes Blikk Nők Extra, Blikk Nők Otthon & Kert, Blikk Nők Konyha, Blikk Nők Egészség and Blikk Nők 100 recept.

Its circulation was 85,000 copies in 1998. The circulation of the paper was 242,000 copies in 2003. Blikk had a circulation of 265,199 copies in 2009, making it the second most read daily in the country. It was about 150,000 copies in 2013. The circulation decreased to 50,017 in 2022.

See also
 List of newspapers in Hungary

References

External links
 Blikk official website

1994 establishments in Hungary
Hungarian-language newspapers
Daily newspapers published in Hungary
Publications established in 1994
Newspapers published in Budapest

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Joy Radio interviews Jonathan Yardley, a Pulitzer Prize winning book critic for The Washington Post and author of several books.
Are you intrigued by the faery realm? Do you wonder if they really exist? Join us on JOY Radio 12.14.11 at 11 am ET, and listen to Signe Pike, author of Faery Tale, discuss her memoir and her search of something to believe in once again. Listen Here.
Are you interested in learning why time is speeding up? How to create infinite abundance? What does the heart to head connection have to do with us moving forward in time. Tune in tomorrow to Joy Radio at 11 am ET and listen as Naisha Ahsian's discusses these points and more.


New Generation Wines has acquired Stokes Fine Wines UK business.
Hampshire-based Stokes, which has been trading for 23 years, will concentrate on developing its international business.
Stokes will also take a shareholding in NGW, and director Justin Liddle will join its board, dividing his time between both companies.
NGW will add to its portfolio Waiheke Island producer Man O'War Vineyards; Marlborough's boutique Auntsfield Estate; Central Otago's Chard Farm; Churchill's range of Port and Douro wines; Teusner Wines, Kalleske and Massena from the Barossa and Umamu Estate in the Margaret River.
NGW will also acquire agencies from Australian producers including Spinifex, Rusden, Torzi Matthews and Schwarz.
Justin Liddle, Stokes director said the firm had been "fully stretched" prior to the acquisition, adding that NGW had the "perfect infrastructure" already in place to tackly the UK market.
"Our producers are complementary, and our approach to market is similar."
"We will have a much clearer strategy for both companies, and the move will allow Stokes to provide the quality of service required by our diverse customer groups," added Liddle.
James Booth, managing director of NGW said "This transaction represents an important strategic step in the development of NGW. The combined customer base and portfolio reinforces our position in the key London on trade and independent merchant sectors."


text:
Our Rabbis
Chai Circle
Chavurot
Shabbat Prayers and Blessings
Torah School
Kabbalat Torah
Community Jewish High
Women of Temple Emanu-El
Publicity Committee
Classes, events, and programs are open to Temple members and the community at large. It is Temple Emanu-El policy to make it possible for anyone to attend, regardless of financial situation. Call the Temple Office to make arrangements; your privacy will be respected.
Look for fliers, Ha-Sofer bulletin articles, and on the website for announcements with updated information about our programs.
New people bring new and interesting ideas. If you have suggestions or Jewish-related instructional talents you'd like to share, or if you would like to join the committee, which meets once a month, contact Adult Ed Chair, Madelynn Micon (619) 200-3237 or email madelynnmicon@yahoo.com.
Some of our learning opportunities include….
Adult Film Series: "Golden Oldies: Oscar Winning Jewish Films 1948-1996"
Our movie series, "Golden Oldies: Oscar Winning Jewish Films 1948-1996" begins this month with the story of a mother searching for her son in the Displaced Persons camps of a defeated Germany.
The Search was directed by Fred Zinnemann, and filmed in Switzerland and the U.S. in 1948. The movie won the Oscar for Best Screenplay and a special Oscar for juvenile actor Ivan Jandl.
Dr. Laurie Baron, Professor Emeritus of San Diego State, will introduce the film and lead the discussion afterward. Suggested donation is $5, which includes popcorn and drinks. No reservations are needed.
Coffee with the Rabbi
Join us for our Coffee with the Rabbi series. These sessions will be an open forum to discuss topics of interest to the group and the rabbis. No preparation is necessary, just an interest in Jewish learning and a chance to pick Rabbi Devorah and Rabbi Benj's brains.
Cost is free. No RSVP required.
Every other Wednesday, 11:15 am — 12:15 pm
October 10 & 24, November 7 & 21, December 5 & 19, January (2019) 2, 16 & 30, February 13 & 27, March 13 & 27, April 10 & 24, May 8 & 22, June 5 & 19.
Temple Emanu-El Book Group
Do you love to read? Would you like to meet with other readers for lively discussions? Our book group focuses on novels with Jewish content. Contact the Temple Office at (619) 286-2555 if you are interested. Watch for dates and times in the bulletin and Shofar Blast announcements.
The Joy of Hebrew! – Adult Hebrew Classes
Adult Hebrew will be taught on Wednesdays at 6 pm by Becky Combest for beginners and Shelley Sloan for more advanced students. Cost will be $54 per semester for texts and materials. Classes are subject to cancellation unless a minimum of eight students per class enroll for the semester so sign up early! Register online or call the Temple Office at (619) 286-2555.
Semester 1: September 11, 18, 25, October 2, 16, 23, 30, November 6, 13, 20, December 4 & 11.
Semester 2: January 8, 15, 22, 29, February 5, 12, 19, 26, March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20, & 27. Click here to register for classes.
Adult B'nai Mitzvah Class
Do you wish you had a bar or bat mitzvah but never had the chance? Do you want to learn Hebrew or learn more about our Jewish tradition? Do you want to make friends and community here at Temple Emanu-El? Well, this is the class for you!
The Adult B'nai Mitzvah class will meet weekly on Thursday evenings. They will learn how to read Hebrew, how to chant the prayers of the service, and how to read Torah. And for those who want to chant Torah, we will also provide chanting classes. Once a month, the class will learn with Rabbi Benj about the prayer service, Torah, and more! At the end of the second year of study, the Adult B'nai Mitzvah class will have their b'nai mitzvah ceremony on May 30, 2020 and lead our synagogue community in prayer, read Torah, and give a d'rash, as they become bar or bat mitzvah! Please call the Temple Front Office to register for the class.
Cost: $540 per year, which covers all classes, tutoring, and reception celebration luncheon (partial scholarships available for those who need them)
Class Dates For July 2019-May 2020:
Hebrew: Thursdays 6-7 pm – July 11 & 25, August 1 & 15, September 12, 19, 26, October 3, 10, 17, 24, November 14 & 21, December 5, 12 & 19, January 9, 16, 23, 30, February 6, 13, 20, 27, March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2, 16, 23, 30, May 7 & 14.
Judaica: Thursdays 7-9 pm – July 11, August 1, September 12, October 3, November 14, December
12, January 9, February 13, March 12, April 2 and May 14.
temple@teesd.org
Temple Emanu-El of San Diego


All the newest Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM models can be found at David Stanley Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM. We know folks in Moore are worth the best, and we hope you'll give us the opportunity to provide you with it.
Moore is a city in Cleveland County, Oklahoma, and is part of the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. Moore was established in 1889 and incorporated in 1893. In the 1960s, the city of Moore exploded in its population size. Today, Moore is almost like any other city with a big population - it has a lot of entertainment, restaurants and businesses.
If you're living in the Moore area and have been wanting to upgrade your vehicle, then please consider stopping by our website for a wide variety of new and used Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM cars. Whether it's for a business, or just for yourself, we're sure to have a vehicle on hand that can fit your tastes.
Looking for a pre-owned vehicle in Oklahoma? With our variety you won't need to look anywhere else. Our pre-owned inventory has an extensive selection of cars, trucks, and SUVs by many of today's top automakers.
Getting a car loan can feel daunting, but David Stanley Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM wants to make getting an affordable rate a reality. Even if you don't have perfect credit, we have experts on hand that can help anyone in Oklahoma get a loan or lease that works for them. We look forward to working with you and getting you the best deal!
If you want to keep your Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM vehicle running in great condition and live near Moore Oklahoma then please consider bringing it by David Stanley Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM's repair center. Folks living in and around Moore can also seek us out for the certified parts they need maintain their vehicle. Arrange for a service appointment today.


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With an incredibly old family tradition, Delamain Cognac (et Cie) makes for an exciting Cognac house with roots dating back to the early 1600s! The family tree couldn't be more complicated, and yet the Delamain brand has managed to survive since its creation in 1762. This is a Cognac house that is unapologetic when it comes to quality, selecting only the very best from its suppliers in order to create its own exclusive Grande Champagne products. With the British aristocracy having influenced the Delamains for generations, their Cognacs such as Delamain Le Voyage, Tres Venerable, and the Grande Champagne Vesper - are authentically catered for blue blood!
Visit Delamain: 7, rue Jacques et Robert Delamain ,16200 Jarnac ,+33 (0)545810824 ,Contact Delamain to arrange appointments to visit the estate and the cellars. www.delamain-cognac.fr
Visit the website of Delamain Cognac
Stock, Highest first
From $ 0 to $ 50
From $ 100 to $ 200
3x 200 ml
Delamain Vintage Millésimé 1980 Cognac
Delamain Vintage 1973 Grande Champagne Cognac
Delamain XO Pale & Dry 20 cl Cognac
Delamain XO Pale & Dry 300 cl Cognac
Delamain Extra de Grande Champagne Cognac
Delamain L'Aigle XO Cognac
Delamain Gift Box Trio Cognac
Delamain Très Vénérable de Grande Champagne Cognac
Delamain XO Pale and Dry Cognac
Delamain Vesper Grande Champagne Cognac
Delamain Vintage 1963 Grande Champgane Cognac
Delamain 1973 Millésime Grande Champagne Cognac
Delamain Christmas XO Cognac
Delamain Réserve de la Famille Cognac
Le Voyage de Delamain Cognac
Delamain Ambassador Box Tasting Set Cognac
3x 200 ml / 40%
Delamain Pack Collection Tasting Set Cognac
See some blog posts related to Delamain Cognac
Cars and Cognac: The Epitome of Luxury
[Updated 17 July 2019] Apparently there's a well-known Californian movement known as 'Cars and Coffee'. (Apologies for not knowing that such a thing existed). It's where motorheads get together to...
Introducing Delamain Cognac: A history dating back to 1759
If you've not yet familiar with Delamain Cognac, then we have to say, you're in for a treat. With a history that can be traced back to the 1600s, Delamain could, quite legitimately, be considered...
6 Best Cognac Tasting Sets
Once you discover the joy that is Cognac, it's natural to want to learn more about the tasting process. And one of the best products to purchase if you want to do this is a Cognac tasting set. You...
Our 10 Favourite XO Cognacs: A Family Tasting
It might surprise you to know that some of our favorite XO Cognacs include those of some of the smaller, artisan houses. Of course, we also love the 'big boys', but when it comes to finding some of...
Visit to Vinexpo 2015
Vinexpo is usually covered by Max and Sophie, but unfortunately they couldn't be there this year, so it was an honor to be able to visit on their behalf. I had heard how big Vinexpo was, but until...
CognacExpo 2014: the love affair continues…
You may remember our report last year about CognacExpo – the largest cognac exhibition held outside of France (and, we believe, the world). Well, the tradition continues, with the third CognacExpo...
History of Delamain
1625 was the year that Nicolas Delamain escaped France's Protestant reign to England, where he would soon be knighted by Charles I to receive the coat of arms, which until this day adorns the trademark of the Delamain company, 3 bloody crosses.
Nicholas was appointed to Ireland and for generations to follow, the Delamain lineage was continued: by Nicholas himself, Henry I, Henry II and Henry III.
This is where things get a little complicated, but the last Henry brother, William, had a son called James. It was he who would return to France in 1759 at the age of 21. He traveled to Jarnac in Charente, where he joined the cognac trader Issac Ranson, whose trade can be traced back to the very early beginnings of cognac production.
James was responsible to see to the Irish market via his family network and when he finally married Ranson's daughter Marie in 1762 he became a partner in the company, which was then named Ranson & Delamain.
Throughout the 18th century, Ranson & Delamain became one of the leading cognac houses, starting to strongly force export trade towards the end of the century - this was before the French Revolution hit the Cognac industry. Adding to this difficult economic time, brought about by the Napoleonic Wars and the Continental trade blockage, James also had a very difficult relationship with his son Jacques.
When James dies in 1800, the French inheritance law resulted in a complete division of the company into seven parts, because he had seven children.
It took 20 years and many failed attempts to reassemble the Cognac house. James's grandson Anne-Philippe Delamain brought the company back together with two of his cousins from the Roullet family. Hence, the name of the cognac house changed again, this time to Roullet & Delamain.
Again, the business was handed down through generations until in 1920 Jacques and Robert Delamain, the then owners of the cognac house bought out Roullet's shares and the firm finally became Delamain & Co.
In that same year they baptized their Cognac classics "Pale & Dry" and "Tres Belle Grande Champagne". In 1953, the following Delamain Cognac was introduced by Jacques's son Jean, namely "Grande Champagne Vesper".And in 1976, continuing the complex family network, Jean's niece's husband Noel Sauzey came up with the next Cognac "Tres Venerable Grande Champagne".
After this short intersection of a different family name (!) the company direction was taken over by Alain Braastad-Delamain, the grandson of Robert, and is the managing director of the house until this day.
Delamain Today
Today, Delamain is one of the last family-run Cognac houses that exist, especially one with such an old tradition. Formerly run by Delamain descendants and cousins Charles Braastad and Patrick Peyrelongue, they are now part of the Bollinger wine group (SJB) with Braastad as Manager Director. They surveil production under the strictest regulations in order to create the most exquisite product.
The selectivity when it comes to the growers and distillers that Delamain frequents to produce their cognac is extreme. Every purchase gets tested by several people, including of course the cellarmaster Dominique Touteau. Of around 400 samples received each year from various producers in the Charente, one 10% get selected.
Delamain is perhaps the most traditional cognac house around these days, counting solely on exclusivity and a certain aristocratic savoir-vivre.
News, Products, Anecdotes and Labels
Detail lies at the heart of Delamain Cognac. Believe it or not, but before being boxed, every bottle is actually rinsed with cognac, then hand-fitted with labels, wax seals of the finest quality, and inspected for its clarity and color.
Robert Delamain, also a distinguished archaeologist and author, wrote the still definitive work on Cognac "Histoire du Cognac" published in 1935.
Delamain Cognac Prices
Their Cognacs have usually been aged on average for 50 years or so, and so the prices reflect the rare quality of Delamain Cognacs.
The price of Delamain Vintage Cognac is usually around 500 euros, and the XO Cognac around 115 euros. Their Vesper Cognac is priced at around 180 euros.
Visit Delamain
Delamain offers visits to the estate and the cellars, but only upon appointment. Please contact the cognac house to arrange your visit.
2 comments for Delamain Cognac
Murphy de la Sucre 2018-02-01
I know Delamain produces XO and above nowadays, but, I saw old Delamain Napoleon in two types of labels at least, in miniature and standard 700ml bottles. My question is, is it worthy to buy one of those old Delamain Napoleon at Pale&Dry XO price? There is one available as I know.
Darlene Mills 2012-03-14
I have a 3″ tall 1 3/4″ round brass Delamain ink well with a 11 1/2 inch brass feather refillable pen and was wondering what it's value is . I think the "well" is brass covered but don't know what it is covering.
0 out of 1 people found this comment useful.


text: Q: Is fglrx incompatible with xUbuntu ? (14.04) I had some video driver issues previously , my laptop used to get struck after I (close the lid) put it on standby and when I try to start the screen doesn't show up. So I installed libcheese* and fglrx which seemed to fix the problem but now I've installed xUbuntu desktop for a change and now the problem is back. I tried installing fglrx-updates but it deletes the previous fglrx (strangely fglrx and fglrx-updates are mutually exclusive) . Sometimes my screen starts up after standby and sometimes it doesn't (most of time it doesn't). The only option I'am left with is hard boot which is really annoying. I'am wondering if fglrx is incompatible with xUbuntu how do I solve this?


text:
Police need help finding West Chatham home invasion suspects
Similar vehicle SOURCE: Similar vehicle
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police is asking the public's help as they search for the suspects and vehicle involved in a recent home invasion on the 300 block of Brown Thrush Road. The incident was reported on Monday, Aug. 8 at about 11:30 a.m. Metro responded to the scene after reports that at least two suspects forced their way into the house, holding residents at gunpoint, while stealing property. No injuries were reported. Both suspects are described as black males with dark complexions. One suspect is tall and in his 20s or 30s. The second person may be a teenager. Both sare believed to be armed and dangerous. Detective believe the suspects fled the scene in a green 2003-2006 extended cab Chevy Silverado Z71, with a silver or grey stripe at the bottom and silver factory rims. This investigation continues. Anyone with knowledge of this incident or the suspect's identities should contact the SCMPD tip line by dialing (912) 525-3124. Information may also be forwarded to CrimeStoppers at (912) 234-2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward. PHOTO: Similar to suspect's truck
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WJCL) -- —
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police is asking the public's help as they search for the suspects and vehicle involved in a recent home invasion on the 300 block of Brown Thrush Road.
The incident was reported on Monday, Aug. 8 at about 11:30 a.m. Metro responded to the scene after reports that at least two suspects forced their way into the house, holding residents at gunpoint, while stealing property. No injuries were reported.
Both suspects are described as black males with dark complexions. One suspect is tall and in his 20s or 30s. The second person may be a teenager. Both sare believed to be armed and dangerous.
Detective believe the suspects fled the scene in a green 2003-2006 extended cab Chevy Silverado Z71, with a silver or grey stripe at the bottom and silver factory rims.
This investigation continues. Anyone with knowledge of this incident or the suspect's identities should contact the SCMPD tip line by dialing (912) 525-3124.
PHOTO: Similar to suspect's truck