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Microsoft Announces New Surface Devices Including The Powerful Surface Laptop Studio
/ Notebooks, Personal Computing, Research, Tablet / By Patrick Moorhead
Panos Panay at the Microsoft Event. MICROSOFT
Every year for the past couple of years, Microsoft has rolled out a new and what I believe to be an innovative Surface device that brings to life what Microsoft envisions for its Windows operating system and Office Suite. I appreciate what Microsoft has done with its Surface devices and believe the Surface experience encapsulates what it means to innovate. Today Microsoft held its annual Microsoft Event, where it announced its new Surface devices.
Every Surface device in some form or fashion has pushed the envelope of innovation. With Microsoft's launch of Windows 11, its new Surface devices can disruptively challenge the creativity, innovation, and direction of the mobile PC ecosystem. Let's take a look at what Microsoft announced and my thoughts on its new and next-gen devices.
Microsoft ended with a new Surface device, the Surface Laptop Studio, I want to begin with it. My first impression of the Surface Laptop Studio is that it looks like a slightly thicker Surface Laptop set up with a display kickstand to transition the display forward over the keyboard.
I think you could argue that the Surface Laptop Studio has similar functionality as the Surface Book 3 but is better in many ways. Both have a tablet mode, a laptop mode, and a tent mode where the keyboard is hidden.
The Surface Laptop Studio midway between transition between Laptop mode and Stage mode. MICROSOFT
One advantage over the Surface Book is that all of the hardware and key components that would normally be in the tablet portion of the Surface Book is now all under the keyboard. With the components in the tablet portion like the Surface Book and Surface Pro, Microsoft was limited by what it could put in there; it is limited by thermals, space to keep the tablet thin, weight, and battery considerations. I will note that the Surface Book has discrete GPUs under the keyboard, which separated it from everything else, but this drove some driver challenges as the GPU had to have a disconnected mode. The biggest advantage of those is the thermal capabilities, especially since the hinge mechanism allows for new places for air to be circulated in and out.
Don't get me wrong, the Surface Book 3 is a powerful device, even with its aged design from 2015, but its first functionality limits it as a tablet with a very well-engineered detachable keyboard. The other side of that ditch is that, unlike the Surface Book, it does not have an undetachable keyboard, so using it as a tablet like the Surface Pro is not as ideal. If you use your device as a tablet first, then, of course, you can get a Surface tablet. Without knowing this as fact, my bet is that many professionals used the Surface Book in a "slate mode" with a pen which you absolutely get with the new Studio.
The Surface Laptop Studio in laptop mode. MICROSOFT
The Surface Laptop Studio comes with 11th Gen Intel Core H35 processors and up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti. These are internals that you cannot get with a Surface Pro or a Surface Book in the form factor of a tablet. Interestingly enough, the Surface Laptop Studio has CPU and GPU configurations that are better than the Surface Studio 2. This point probably says more about the Surface Studio needing an internal update. Nevertheless, these are beefy specs. The Surface Laptop Studio has the power of a premium laptop and, with the Dynamic Woven Hinge, the functionality of a tablet. It has a 14.4-inch PixelSense touchscreen display and a place to store the Surface Slim Pen 2 underneath the keyboard magnetically. The Surface Slim Pen 2 goes below the front of the laptop and charges. The Surface Laptop Studio is a great portable alternative to the Surface Studio for creators and content makers.
The Surface Laptop Studio in Stage mode. MICROSOFT
When I compare the Laptop Studio to what I think Apple will likely bring out next month with its updated Pro line, I believe Studio will get closer to what real digital media professionals would want. While, of course, I don't know exactly what Apple will launch, I know enough to know that it likely won't have professional-grade GPUs or pen capability.
The Surface Laptop Studio has a starting price of $1,599.99, and I think this is a great starting price considering the base model of the Surface Book 3 also starts at $1,599.99. The starting price for a Surface Laptop Studio with the GeForce RTX 3050 TI is $2,099.99.
Microsoft also announced its new Surface Pro 8, which it says is the most significant leap forward since the Pro 3. I would tend to agree. It has 11 Gen Intel Core processors, is built on the Intel Evo Platform, and has two Thunderbolt 4 ports. Past Surface devices have not had Thunderbolt 4 ports. The most likely reason being that Thunderbolt was incredibly buggy and had few peripherals.
I think the most apparent reason to include the Thunderbolt 4 rather than opting out another year is to have the Surface Pro 8 be built off the Intel Evo Platform. The Intel 11 Gen Core Processors have integrated Thunderbolt 4. While I don't think Microsoft had to have this certification with the Microsoft brand, I do think the Intel Evo certification is well worth it from a marketing perspective. To put into perspective the performance improvements that the new processor brings, Microsoft says the Surface Pro 8 is twice as fast as the Pro 7. Not to mention the Intel Evo Platform verifies that the Surface Pro 8 has real-world performance with long battery life, instant wake, fast charging, best-in-class connectivity, and responsiveness from anywhere.
The Surface Pro 8 in Platinum and Graphite colors. MICROSOFT
The Surface Pro 8 also has updated specs that address our ever-accelerating hybrid lifestyles. It has Dolby Atmos sound, dual far-field Studio mics, a 5MP front-facing camera for better video calls, and a 10MP-4K rear-facing camera that I think will compete better with the rear facing iPad Pro cameras. It also has a more immersive 120Hz display with Dolby Vision and Adaptive Color Technology. I agree with Microsoft in saying that the Surface Pro 8 is the most significant leap forward for the Pro series since the Pro 3. The Surface Pro 8 starts at $1,099.99.
The Surface Pro X
Microsoft also announced a new Surface Pro X model, its Pro tablet built on the Qualcomm Snapdragon PC platform. I think with Windows 11, the Surface X will get a lot more exciting. First off, Windows 11 works better in tablet only mode with its finger landing zones and window management. Also, Windows 11 supports ARM64EC ("Emulation Compatible"), allowing apps to be run with native speed on Qualcomm using Visual Studio tools. I think this is a big win for Arm-based Windows devices and for the concept of the Surface Pro X as an Qualcomm-based Surface Pro. I am interested to see the performance comparison of the Surface Pro X with Windows 11 and the Surface Pro 8 with the Intel Evo Platform. The Surface Pro X has Microsoft's custom SQ 2 silicon co-developed with Qualcomm. Microsoft's ARM-based SQ 2 processor is a power-efficient and connectivity powerhouse, and the Evo Platforms looks toward the same qualities. Both devices aim at the new era of hybrid functionality from two separate starting points—ARM and x86.
Last year's Surface Pro X offered the SQ 2 silicon only for the top configurations of the Surface Pro X with the starting configurations sporting the SQ 1. Microsoft says it is the most affordable entry price point yet, starting at $899.99 for the Wi-Fi-only model. I agree that the new price point is more affordable and brings it toward a more competitive spot. Keep in mind that it is the starting price with Microsoft's custom SQ1 processor. The Surface Pro X Wi-Fi edition with Microsoft SQ2 starts at $1,499.99.
The Surface Go 3 is Microsoft's smallest Windows 11 device that Microsoft says is 60% faster thanks to Intel's Core i3 processor. The Core i3 is a jump up from the Surface Go 2's Pentium processors. It has a 10.5-inch touch display with Dolby Audio, studio microphone, and 1080p cameras.
The Surface Go 3 with accessories. MICROSOFT
The Surface Go 3 is slightly larger than the smallest size for Windows 11. I think this is significant because it could tell us the direction that Microsoft wants to take Windows 11 with smaller devices. One of the reasons I think the iPad has little to no competitor is that while Apple worked hard to optimize its iOS for what we now have as iPadOS, there was never a real competitor who did the same thing. Windows 11 works better with tablets, and I think the Surface Go 3 shows that Windows 11 can be competitive as a tablet operating system—even with smaller tablets. I would even be interested in seeing a smaller, closer to the 9-inch Windows 11 requirement threshold Surface Go 3 with Microsoft's ARM-based SQ 2 processor. It would be interesting to see how well it would compare against the newest iPad Mini. But then again, the Surface Duo 2's combined displays are the same size as the new iPad Mini.
The Surface Go 3 starts at $399.99 for the Wi-Fi-only model. I think this is a competitive price considering the price of the iPad with a similar size display and that the Surface Go 3 has an upgraded Intel Core i3 processor.
The Surface Duo 2
The most anticipated device of the Surface event is the Surface Duo 2. It is the only device in the Surface family that does not run Windows. It is Microsoft's first Android device since Windows Phone and the first "smartphone" in the Surface family. Microsoft's thought process behind the Surface Duo and its Android OS is to take productivity on Windows devices and bring it to Android.
The Surface Duo had much promise as the ultimate Android productivity device at launch, but with all new product launches, it came with some objections. You could argue that the starting price of $1,399 was justified, and as time went on, the lingering software bugs, last-generation specs, and the mediocre camera closed the argument. These objections, which some would consider a flop, resulted in Microsoft dropping the price of the Surface Duo by over half and AT&T locked Surface Duo by over two-thirds of the price. It became (still is) the perfect price to purchase for some, and it became a learning experience for Microsoft.
Microsoft addressed many of these objections, if not all. The Surface Duo 2 has the same dual-hinge design with a larger 8.3-inch PixelSense Fusion dual-display configuration. To put this into perspective, it has a larger viewing area than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 at 7.6 inches while being a lot thinner. Microsoft has also curved the two inner edges of each display to bring them closer and introduce a new Glance Bar feature. The new Glance Bar is one of my favorite new features, and I think it beats peeking open the display. The Surface Duo 2 also has a higher 90Hz refresh rate. The 90Hz refresh rate will feel snappy, and I am pleased to see it on the Surface Duo 2. The difficulty in giving both displays a high refresh rate is that both displays need to be in sync.
The Glance Bar notifies you for phone calls, notifications, volume, and battery charging. MICROSOFT
The biggest and what could be the most loved and controversial change to the Duo is its new dynamic triple-lens camera that now forms a bump on the back of the device. It is controversial because it now keeps the device from folding 360-degrees. In some ways, it could reduce the device's thinness value prop because the camera bump is in the way. However, the camera bump has a magnetic mechanism that snaps the displays together and is angled for a smaller gap between displays.
One of the first thing I will look for when I can use the new Duo is the triple-lens camera's software. Good camera hardware calls for good camera software, and I think the first-gen camera could have been improved with better camera software. However, the new Snapdragon 888 processor and its Spectra 580 ISP that takes advantage of a triple-lens camera make the camera thinness compromise well worth it. The Surface Duo 2 has a 12MP wide-angle lens, 12 MP telephoto lens, and a 16MP Ultra-Wide lens, and a Time of Flight sensor on the back.
The inside of both displays is curved to make for a smaller gap between the dual-display design. MICROSOFT
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 turns the Surface Duo into a powerhouse—a 5G powerhouse at that. The Surface Duo 2 has mmWave and Sub-6 bands for fast 5G speeds and even faster 5G speeds. The Surface Duo is no longer one processor behind by year, and I think it alone solves many first-generation objections. Microsoft has also upgraded the RAM from 6GB to 8GB. This upgrade should help with the Surface Duo 2's software when it is running multiple apps at a time on each display.
The last objection that Microsoft addressed, which was a no-brainer, is its upgrade to Android 11 with better support for dual-screen devices.
It now has NFC for contactless payments and a new dark color Microsoft calls "Obisidian." Overall, I think Microsoft improved on the Surface Duo in places that needed improvement and this is key in new product categories like this.
The Surface Duo 2 has the same starting point of $1,499.99 for the 128GB model. I still think it is reasonably priced, mainly because it has fixed most of the objections that kept the first-gen price from being justified. Other Surface Duo 2 configurations are $1,599.99 for the 256GB model and $1,799.99 for the 512GB model.
Surface Slim Pen 2
The last new device I want to cover is the Surface Slim Pen 2 because it can be used on all the newly announced devices. It has also become a key Surface companion considering it has a place to be stored on almost all the Surface devices.
The Surface Slim Pen 2 snapped magnetically to the back of the Surface Duo 2. MICROSOFT
The Surface Slim Pen 2 has a sharper tip with zero pressure force and ultra-low latency. Microsoft has also implemented a custom G6 processor into its Surface Pro 8 and Surface Studio, providing tactile signals for a better pen and paper feel. I am very much looking forward to trying this out as I'm not a big pen person.
There was a lot to cover today with the Microsoft Surface event, and I think every new and upgraded device had a sweet surprise of its own. Microsoft continues to push the envelope on innovation with its Surface devices. I think the Surface Laptop Studio will find its niche and satisfy those who feel the Surface Book doesn't offer enough performance. I'll be interested to see how Microsoft positions this versus the new and upcoming MacBook Pros. The Surface Pro 8 has made a huge leap forward with its design and is built on the Intel Evo Platform. I think the Surface Pro X will benefit the most from Windows 11 and the lower $899 entry price and I think the Surface Go 3 has the most to prove on Windows 11 as a small form factor tablet. If I were handing out rewards, the Surface Duo 2 would get the most improved thanks to its new Snapdragon 888 and camera. I'm excited to get my hands on these devices and test them out myself.
These new devices have shown us that Windows 11 is an adaptable operating system that works better with tablets. From the performance-heavy Surface Laptop Studio to the Surface Go 3, Windows 11 is optimized for it all.
Note: Moor Insights & Strategy co-op Jacob Freyman contributed to this article.


It is mission critical for today's organization to focus on collaborating with both internal and external communities with strategic and tactical approaches. This is a time of great change and uncertainty in Europe, and a successful model requires critical knowledge of disruptive forces and industry drivers as well as a better understanding of corporate stake holders and objectives. The 2017 SCIP European Summit will center on the rise of a community-based intelligence structure that harnesses collaboration in order to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and impact.
Sessions will emphasize methodologies, tools, intelligence processes, and best practices for translating and communicating the strategic impact of change on both competitive and competitor landscapes. Sessions will illustrate best practices for managing intelligence activities and for collaborating with internal stakeholders to influence strategy and anticipate, navigate with agility, and thrive amidst change.


Jazz up your spring with the class & sass of Sally B.'s Dashing Revue! This one of a kind show features dazzling burlesque performances by local and touring artists with live music by local jazz sensation Swing Theory. You'll laugh, you'll gasp, you'll scream wildly... guaranteed!
With your Host Betty Shiraz!
We are a seven-piece group performing swing and Latin dance favorites and jazz standards for private parties and other events in the Gainesville, FL area.


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Uni series marks beginning of quest for back-to-back Olympic gold
By Tom Decent
August 29, 2019 — 6.27pm
Australian women's sevens coach John Manenti says next month's University Sevens Series all but marks the beginning of his squad's quest to win back-to-back Olympic gold medals.
Unlike last season, the bulk of Australia's squad will be released to play in the third instalment of the university sevens tournament that begins on September 14 and goes across four weekends at the University of Queensland, the Gold Coast's Bond University, University of Adelaide and University of Canberra.
Rhiannon Byres (University of New England), Shannon Parry (University of Sydney), Evania Pelite (University of Adelaide), Cassie Staples (University of Queensland), Lily Dick (Griffith University), Dom Du Toit (University of Western Australia), Charlotte Caslick (Bond University), Page McGregor (University of Melbourne), Sariah Paki (UTS) and Yasmin Meakes (University of Canberra) will compete in the University Sevens Series. Credit:Getty Images
Manenti has told his star players he wants to see them in full flight leading into the first World Series leg in early October in Colorado.
From there the Australians will feature in eight tournaments – three more than the previous season – before devoting all resources to winning another gold medal at the Tokyo Games.
Australia's Olympic defence will begin on July 31 next year.
"Aon [the University Sevens] is really the first real step for us," Manenti said. "There's nothing like matches to sharpen you up."
Charlotte Caslick, who will play for Bond University, said she was looking forward to getting some games under her belt after a long pre-season.
Charlotte Caslick was part of Australia's gold medal-winning side at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Credit:Getty Images
"To be able to peak at the right time is really important for us," Caslick said. "We want to put our best foot forward throughout the World Series but we know the Olympic Games is what everyone is aiming for. Hopefully we can be in our best condition come that time.
"It's an awesome opportunity to get some game time leading into Colorado and hopefully we'll be better prepared than we were last year."
Japan's notoriously warm weather and high humidity levels has prompted Manenti and his staff to organise heat training camps leading into the Olympics.
Australia's own warm climate could be advantageous to a certain extent, while playing tournaments in Dubai and Cape Town beforehand will be beneficial as well.
"We've quite a few heat strategies happening that are in place at the moment and one of them in acclimation and spending time in heat chambers," Manenti said. "When we were [in Japan] it was like 80 per cent humidity and about 34 degrees. The effect was probably not so much on day one but by day two and three it really started to knock the juice out of them. We've got to learn to live with that and we've got some plans around it.
"We actually get to play most of the year in warm climates and Australian summer gets pretty hot too. We might just train a bit later in the day rather than at nine in the morning."
2019 University Sevens Series
Round 1: September 14-15 at University of Queensland
Round 2: September 28-29 at Bond University
Round 3: October 12-13 at University of Adelaide
Round 4: October 26-27 at University of Canberra
Australian rugby
Tom Decent
Tom Decent is a journalist with The Sydney Morning Herald

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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L'église Sainte-Barbe (en ) est une église gothique de Kutná Hora dédiée à sainte Barbe, patronne des mineurs, l'extraction de l'argent ayant été l'activité principale de la ville pendant le Moyen Âge, au moment où l'église est construite. Elle est inscrite sur la liste du patrimoine mondial de l'UNESCO depuis 1995.

Construction
Johann Parler entreprend la construction de Sainte-Barbe en 1388 en reprenant le concept du triforium continu adopté pour le chœur de la Cathédrale Saint-Guy de Prague et celui de déambulatoire à pilier muraux adopté à Schwäbisch Gmünd. L'intention initiale est de réaliser un sanctuaire gothique relativement resserré sur lui-même et diaphane, lumineux.

En 1399, le chantier s'arrête. Les guerres hussites ravagent alors la Bohême et Kutná Hora est au centre des enjeux financiers et stratégiques (la ville est située aux marches de la Bohême et de la Moravie).
Il faut attendre plus d'un siècle pour que le chantier reprenne. Matthias Rejsek achève la voussure du chœur. Ensuite conduit par Benedikt Rejt, le chantier se poursuit sur un plan résolument novateur. Rejt reprend le plan basilical original de Parler et le transforme pour adopter la solution développée dans les pays germaniques de l'église-halle. Pour ce faire, il étend latéralement la voussure de la nef centrale pour qu'elle couvre également les bas-côtés (déjà achevés à l'époque) dont la partie supérieure est ainsi transformée en balcons dominants la nef centrale. Génie du Sondergothik d'Europe-Centrale, Rejt utilise la relation naturelle entre la lumière et la structure architecturale gothique mais au lieu de la clarifier, comme le font les tenants du style international, il la force à une sorte d'intériorité mystique.
La voûte de Rejt part des piliers centraux dépourvus de chapiteaux ; son
Pour couvrir le tout, Benedikt Rejt jamais à court de solution originale, entreprend de briser la ligne faîtière classiquement rectiligne des églises gothiques et propose de couvrir la nef de trois pyramides concaves surmontées de clochetons lesquelles symbolisent assez élégamment la Trinité. Ce geste marque l'une des dernières tentatives pour exploiter tout le potentiel créatif de verticalité du gothique tardif avant que ne commence, en Bohême, la Renaissance architecturale.

Cinéma

Luc Besson y tourne quelques plans de Jeanne d'Arc (1999).

Notes et références

Voir aussi

Articles connexes
 Ossuaire de Sedlec
 Patrimoine mondial en Tchéquie

Liens externes

Église en Tchéquie
Église gothique en Tchéquie
Architecture néo-gothique en Tchéquie
Architecture religieuse du XIVe siècle
Patrimoine mondial en Tchéquie
Monument en Tchéquie
Kutna Hora
Kutná Hora

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Eminem has talked about his addiction, revealing that it had gotten so bad that he was taking up to 20 pills a day. "I used to get pills wherever I could," he told the New York Times in 2011. "I was just taking anything that anybody was giving to me." A near-death experience, from an accidental overdose in 2007, led him to check into rehab a year later.
The 25-year-old singer has admitted that her drinking and partying started when she was 17 and escalated during her Disney Channel days. She's received treatment for a bipolar disorder, bulimia, self-harm, and substance abuse.
Matlin previously battled drug and alcohol abuse, and was in rehab when she found out about her Oscar nomination for the 1986 movie, Children of a Lesser God.


Master guitarist and AFRO juju creator; Oluwashina Akanbi Peters popularly known as Sir Shina Peters or SSP for short was born on 30th May 1958.
Peters thrust into music began at a young age when he played with friends under the handle Olushina and His Twelve Fantastic Brothers.
While playing with his friends, he taught himself how to play the piano and later joined Ebenezer Obey's band. Thereafter, he left Obey's band and joined General Prince Adekunle's band as a guitar player. Adekunle's band played in Lagos hotels such as Western Hotel, Palm Beach Hotel and Executive Hotel.
When Adekunle was ill, Peters sometimes acted as lead singer. He left Adekunle to form Shina Adewale, a band with Juju Maestro Segun Adewale.
However, the duo soon split. Shina Peters, after releasing many albums with Segun Adewale through the 1980s, went on to form his own band "Sir Shina Peters & His International Stars".
Peters was an actor in 'Money Power', a movie produced by Ola Balogun. He met and started a relationship with the actress Clarion Chukwura at this time. Their romance led to the birth of a son, Clarence Peters.
Sir Shina Peters & His International Stars released Ace (Afro-Juju Series 1) in 1989. The album which was released under CBS Records of Nigeria went double platinum and was the career breakthrough that catapulted Peters back into the limelight.
"Ace" produced by Laolu Akins is a musical fusion between Juju and Afrobeat; a rhythmic collaboration which pierced Ethnic, Cultural and language barriers in Nigeria. Afro juju musical style mixes fast percussive beat with the use of electronic keyboards, saxophone and guitar.
Some of the lyrics in the album especially in 'Ijo Shina' were quite racy for the period.
The album went on to garner awards for Peters including the artist and album of the Year at the Nigerian Musical Awards.
He followed 'Ace' with 'Shinamania'; the album had singles such as 'Oluwa Yo Pese', 'Omo Bo' and 'Give our women Chance'. Shinamania (Afro-Juju Series 2) went on to further prove that Sir Shina Peters & His International Stars were on the verge to change and revolutionize the Juju Music scene in Africa.
Sir Shina Peters is still regarded as the creator of a well-respected music genre (Afro Juju) that exists in its own class till this day. He currently has 16 album releases to his credit.
Sir Shina Peters, also called "SSP", has received numerous awards and recognition for his unparalleled prowess in the art of Writing, Composition, Choreography and Musical Ability.
Sir Shina Peters & His International Stars have become a household name in the World Music genre. Sir Shina Peters has sold millions of albums worldwide & has taken his music to the shores of South Africa, Europe, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy and United States. Sir Shina Peters was signed on a US tour to Orbit Entertainment in 2012, his USA agency based in New York. SSP is now back to his base in Lagos and still remains a powerful stream in Nigeria music till date.


Dr. Jeffrey Post, curator for the Smithsonian Institution's National Gem and Mineral Collection, was AGTA's guest of honor during The JCK Show in Las Vegas, where he announced a combined effort to create a new Smithsonian gem exhibit featuring gemstones of the world. The collection is slated to tour the nation in 2004.
The design and creation of an exhibit such as the one Post envisions will take years to conceive and build and will require financial support, says Post. To that end, AGTA and the Smithsonian are asking jewelers around the country to get involved with this display and promotion of colored gemstones.
During his visit to Las Vegas, Post presented highlights on the history of the gemstones and jewelry on display in Washington, D.C., including the history of the Hope diamond, the largest dark blue diamond in the world. The Smithsonian collection of important gems and minerals includes another large blue diamond, making the Smithsonian the only place in the world where visitors can see two very rare blue diamonds. But probably the most astonishing thing about the Smithsonian's collection, says Post, is the fact that every single piece has been donated.
For more information about the future Gemstones of the World exhibit and tour, contact Charles Katzenmeyer, associate director for public affairs at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, (202) 786-2387, or James Marker, communications manager at AGTA in Dallas, Texas, (214) 742-4367.


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The future, dealing with uncertainty in Transport Modelling
Author: Luis (Pilo) Willumsen, Director
Willumsen Advisory Services & Nommon-Kineo Mobility Analytics
The future will be very different from the recent past. We all know this, and we know how fast the world is changing, and how quickly things go from being the norm to being old hat.
50 years ago things changed at a certain pace, 20 years ago it changed slightly faster and now over the past 5 or even 10 years, change is happening quicker than ever – and what do you think will continue to happen? Yes, it will move even quicker, year-on-year we are seeing and will continue to see fundamental changes to the way in which we travel and live our lives.
These changes make it very difficult to plan for the future of our cities, towns and urban areas – however they will affect the success, or otherwise, of our projects. We still need to plan, make decisions and develop successful strategies - we cannot stand still, and we cannot keep going with plans fit only for 'business as usual".
So, how do we do this? How do we create transport models and strategies which aid us in preparing for an uncertain world that still needs better mobility?
Making friends with uncertainty
We don't just need to know about uncertainty, we need to embrace it, make it our friend. By being aware of, understanding and keeping uncertainty close – we can reduce the risk of it coming and surprising us badly, as Uber did. Some things which we need to understand and adapt to as Transport Modelers are: Connected and Automated Vehicles, Mobility as a service (MaaS), Electric Vehicles, and the ever-changing human behavior such as increased flexible working and online shopping. All these things are currently making the transport world a very dynamic but uncertain place.
The trick is to be aware of these things, and create scenarios around different outcomes, using data from many sources. Easier said than done… but we have tools available to us which can help us in dealing with uncertainty including a refreshed TAG and DfT scenarios Still, these scenario plans are just that, scenarios. We need to make sure that our transport strategy, planning and review processes are flexible, agile and continuously updated with new data and new ideas. Which means our Transport Modelling process needs to be responsive and ongoing, changing and evolving in line with the world around us.
We also need to be very aware of the potential uncertainties, the more prepared we are, the more likely we are to be able to move effectively.
What are the consequences of not being aware of the uncertainty?
There are three basic things we can do to prepare our cities for the future:
Greater future uncertainty affects decision making. We can no longer plan for a single Future that inevitably will not happen; we must prepare for a range of possibilities.
In this range, we must prefer interventions that can be adapted to changing conditions; flexibility is more highly valued now than ever before.
Prepare or an uncertain future. Need to detect new trends early, think and act faster when facing changing tendencies.
Ask the right question, seek better answers
Obvious questions from the past may no longer be valid; for example which project gives the best benefit cost ratio. Instead:
Seek Policies that work well under different futures
Identify Policies that work under one future but may be adapted easily and quickly to other contexts
Explore Projects that work well under all probable futures
Prefer Projects that can be adapted to different contexts at low cost and quickly
Develop Plans and Policies that are flexible and can be adapted to changing futures
If you need more support in planning for uncertainty in your transport models, then join Luis Willumsen on the upcoming Managing Transport Modelling for non-Modellers Training Course, 29 October in Birmingham, UK – Check out the course and register.
Luis (Pilo) Willumsen has over 35 years of experience as a consultant, transport planner and researcher with a distinguished academic career. He is an internationally recognised authority in Transport and Traffic Modelling. He has written over 50 technical papers, books and book chapters. His experience covers large transport modelling assignments, leadership of numerous traffic and revenue forecasting studies for Toll Roads, Managed Lanes, Rail, Metro, LRT and BRT projects. He is now actively developing trip matrices from mobile phone data in Europe through his company Nommon.
Check out his website for more details about Luis and his experience www.luiswillumsen.com and for mobile phone data www.kineo-analytics.com


Branch wise list of United Bank of India Tamluk IFSC code and MICR code in West Bengal along with branch details.
Locate any details of United Bank of India Tamluk branch in West Bengal.
IFSC code: and MICR code: ; UNITED BANK OF INDIA address : , - West Bengal; Branch code is , Contact Number: , UNITED BANK OF INDIA Timings: Monday to Friday: 10 AM to 4 PM, Saturday - 10 AM to 4 PM(Except 2nd and 4th Saturday).


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Hiking Royal Natal National Park: The Tugela Gorge Trail
Hiking, International Parks
Today we're recapping our visit to Royal National Park and the Tugela Gorge Trail near the Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa. It's the latest installment in a series of recaps of our February 2019 trip to this gorgeous country. To see our other South Africa posts – click here: International Trips
After 4 days in the Cape Town area, our next national park stop in South Africa was to Royal Natal National Park in the northern Drakensberg Mountains. We had two days in the area and spent one of them on a guided hike of the Tugela Gorge Trail. Before we recap the hike, here's what we learned about Royal Natal National Park and the Drakensberg area.
About Royal Natal National Park
Royal Natal National Park is located in the KwaZulu Natal province of South Africa about 3 1/2 hours drive south of Johannesburg. Unlike Table Mountain and Cape Point National Parks, Royal Natal National Park is not managed by SANParks (the United States equivalent of the National Park Service). Instead, Royal Natal National Park has a provincial park designation and is managed by the KwaZulu Natal government.
We selected the Tugela Gorge Trail and Royal Natal National Park for our guided hike because of the stunning geological features in the area, including Tugela Falls (the tallest waterfall in Africa and the second tallest in the world), the Tugela Gorge running along the Tugela River, and the Drakensberg Amphitheatre, a rock wall 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) long by up to 1,200 metres (3,900 ft) high.
The Drakensberg Amphitheater from the Tugela Gorge Trail
Part of the Drakensberg Mountains
Named Drakensberg or "Mountains of Dragons" by the early Dutch settlers, the range runs north and south along the eastern part of South Africa. Royal Natal National Park contains some of the tallest peaks of the range, topping out at more than 3,400 meters (11,000 feet).
In 2000, portions of the Drakensberg Mountains were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here's what the UNESCO website says about why the park received the designation:
"The site has exceptional natural beauty in its soaring basaltic buttresses, incisive dramatic cutbacks, and golden sandstone ramparts as well as visually spectacular sculptured arches, caves, cliffs, pillars and rock pools. The site's diversity of habitats protects a high level of endemic and globally important plants. The site harbors endangered species such as the Cape vulture (Gyps coprotheres) and the bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus). Lesotho's Sehlabathebe National Park also harbors the Maloti minnow (Pseudobarbus quathlambae), a critically endangered fish species only found in this park. This spectacular natural site contains many caves and rock-shelters with the largest and most concentrated group of paintings in Africa south of the Sahara. They represent the spiritual life of the San people, who lived in this area over a period of 4,000 years." – UNESCO World Heritage List
Hiking the Tugela Gorge Trail
We started the morning early, entering the main park gates by 8:00 am. The trail begins from the Thendele Car Park where we met our guide Otto from Go Vertical Mountaineering (more about guided hiking in South Africa later). From there we followed the Tugela River along 11 km of rolling hills into the gorge.
Along the way, we hiked through a protea veld (protea are the national flowers of South Africa) and up to some stunning views of the Drakensberg Amphitheater.
Our guide Otto shared that it's thought that the rock formations here were created during the division of the continents some 200 million years ago. The formations are mostly basalt (lava pushed up from the pressure of the land masses separating). and sandstone which has been eroded by the waters of the Tugela River.
Views of Tugela Falls
The Tugela River in Royal Natal National Park is famous for cascading over the rock wall at Tugela Falls. Measured at 948 meters (3,110 feet), it is the tallest waterfall in Africa and ranked as the second highest waterfall in the world. We were treated to several partial views of the falls along the gorge hike (although all 5 cascades can only be seen from up above).
There's some debate right now about whether Tugela Falls may actually be taller than Angel Falls in Venezuela given that more accurate equipment is available than when the falls were originally surveyed in the mid-1900's.
The hike was relatively easy with short, steady inclines until you reach the gorge. From that point, the route follows the river with quite a bit of bouldering and rock hopping as you cross back and forth across the Tugela.
We ran into a classic South African afternoon thunderstorm just after lunch and opted to turn around before we reached the end of the gorge trail. The next section of the trail included some chain ladders and bouldering. Our notes promised more views of the falls, but by this point, the boulders were quite slippery in the rain. Not sad that we opted for safety that day, but if you happen to hike on a clear day, we heard you're in for some gorgeous views.
Guided Hiking in South Africa
We debated quite a bit about hiring a private hiking guide for our day trip on the Tugela Gorge Trail. Everything online indicated the easy elevation gain and well-marked trail would be similar to something we'd find here in a United States national park. Yet in our travel planning, we couldn't shake the feeling that finding a hiking guide would be a better choice. In the end, we were grateful to have Otto along for the day.
After seeing Tugela Gorge, could we have handled the trail on our own? Most definitely.
Was it more fun to have a local describing the plants and geology to us as we hiked? Most definitely.
Without a lot of international hiking miles logged, having Otto along helped us better enjoy the sights and sounds of the scenery without being worried. We heard some amazing stories about other areas of the Drakensberg and logged some ideas for hikes the next time we find ourselves in South Africa.
Here are some other photos from the Tugela Gorge Trail:
International Parks, Royal Natal National Park, South Africa, South Africa National Parks, Tugela Gorge, Tugela Gorge Trail
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New day, different message. Changeable signs are a practical way to communicate year-round with your community.
This single pole mounted double-sided sign has an "easy enough for anyone to use" winch operated wind up and down system for changing your message. The sign has an inbuilt safety locking device. This sign features four lines of changeable text area per side with an anti-vandal polycarbonate cover on each side. Also includes your school or business name on your choice of shaped header design top section. A sponsor panel or info board is included. The sign is transported in parts and can easily be installed in a couple of hours. A 300-piece letter kit is included.
Price includes anti-vandal letter guards on both sides.
Vinyl lettering on header board and information panel included.
Winch operated for ease of lowering to change lettering. (Winch can only be operated with removable handle). Easy enough for anyone to operate.
Staggered safety system to prevent header board slipping from the top to the bottom.
Transported in two parts, header and pole.
Easy application – can be installed in a couple of hours.


text:
import numpy as np
from astropy.io import fits
from astropy import wcs
from astropy.table import Table as tab
import argparse
import os, sys
class Parser(argparse.ArgumentParser):
    '''An interactive error handler.
    '''
    def error(self, message):
        sys.stderr.write('error: %s\n' % message)
        sys.stderr.write('use the -h option\" for helps\n')
        sys.exit(2)

def add_column(hdu, coldata, colname, formatstr, unit, overwrite,
    coord_type=None, coord_unit=None, coord_ref_point=None,
    coord_ref_value=None, coord_inc=None,
    verbose=False):
    """A wrapper of astropy fits operations that add a column to the given hdu

    Mandatory inputs:
    hdu - an astroy HDUList object.
    coldata - an array of data to be added to HDU, should be a numpy array.
    colname - name of the new column to be added.
    formatstr - fits column formatter string.
    unit - fits column unit string.
    overwrite - set to true to overwrite the existing column.

    Optional inputs:
    See https://docs.astropy.org/en/stable/io/fits/api/tables.html#astropy.io.fits.Column
    for the details of the following optional inputs:
    coord_type, coord_unit, coord_ref_point, coord_ref_value, coord_inc.
    verbose - a verbosity switch. Default:False

    Output:
    A fits hdu list object with the new column.

    Unit test: A column of all ones is added to an event list, and we verify the presence of the column, that its minimum/maximum values are both equal to 1, and that it has the name "ONE"
    """
    newhdu = fits.BinTableHDU(data=hdu.data.copy())
    table = newhdu.data
    if colname in table.columns.names and overwrite:
        if verbose:print('deleting existing column')
        table.columns.del_col(colname)
    elif colname in table.columns.names:
        sys.exit('Column already exisits. Please set overwrite=True')

    col = fits.Column(name=colname, format=formatstr, unit=unit,
            coord_type=coord_type, coord_unit=coord_unit, coord_ref_point=coord_ref_point,
            coord_ref_value=coord_ref_value, coord_inc=coord_inc,
        array=coldata)
    # NOTE: append the new time column to the *last*!
    # Otherwise the TLMIN??/TLMAX?? keyword pairs, which record the
    # minimum/maximum values of corresponding columns, will have
    # a different order. Therefore the output FITS file can cause weird problems
    # with DS9 and DM tools.
    newtable = fits.BinTableHDU.from_columns(
            table.columns + fits.ColDefs([col]), header=hdu.header)
    newhdu.data = newtable.data
    # update header
    newhdu.header.update(newtable.header)
    return newhdu

def main(args):
    filename = args.file
    if len(args.out) == 0:
        outname = filename.replace('.evt','.fits')
    hdu = fits.open(filename)
    evttab = tab(hdu[1].data)
    header = hdu[1].header
    headerkeys = [k for k in header.keys()]
    if 'RA_PNT' in headerkeys:
        racen = headerkeys['RA_PNT']
    elif args.ra > 0:
        racen = args.ra
    else:
        print('No RA_PNT, nor -ra argument, taking the median RA in events as RA_PNT')
        racen = np.median(hdu[1].data['RA'])
    if 'DEC_PNT' in headerkeys:
        deccen = headerkeys['DEC_PNT']
    elif np.abs(args.dec) <= 90.:
        deccen = args.dec
    else:
        print('No DEC_PNT, nor -dec argument, taking the median DEC in events as RA_PNT')
        deccen = np.median(hdu[1].data['DEC'])
    xsize = args.xsize
    ysize = args.ysize
    projection = args.projection
    # 0.5 arcmin padding next to min/max of all events
    ramin = np.min(hdu[1].data['RA'] - 0.5/60.)
    ramax = np.max(hdu[1].data['RA'] + 0.5/60.)
    decmin = np.min(hdu[1].data['DEC'] - 0.5/60.)
    decmax = np.max(hdu[1].data['DEC'] + 0.5/60.)

    npixx = np.ceil((ramax - ramin) / (xsize / 3600.)).astype(int)
    npixy = np.ceil((decmax - decmin) / (ysize / 3600.)).astype(int)
    this_wcs = wcs.WCS(naxis=2)
    this_wcs.wcs.crpix = [npixx / 2., npixy / 2.]
    this_wcs.wcs.cdelt = np.array([-1 * xsize / 3600., ysize / 3600.])
    this_wcs.wcs.crval = [racen, deccen]
    this_wcs.wcs.ctype = ["RA---" + projection, "DEC--" + projection]
    this_wcs.wcs.cunit = ["deg", "deg"]

    skyxy = this_wcs.world_to_array_index_values(evttab['RA'],evttab['DEC'])
    skyx = skyxy[1]
    skyy = skyxy[0]
    newhdu = add_column(hdu[1], skyx,'X','D','',True)
    newhdu2 = add_column(newhdu, skyy,'Y','D','',True)
    newevents = fits.HDUList()
    newevents.append(fits.PrimaryHDU())
    newevents.append(newhdu2)
    # if there's a GTI HDU, adding it
    newevents.append(hdu[2])
    newevents.writeto(outname,overwrite=True)

def parse_args():

    parser = Parser(description=__doc__,
        epilog="""Chien-Ting Chen <ct.chen@nasa.gov>""",
        formatter_class=argparse.ArgumentDefaultsHelpFormatter)
    parser.add_argument('-file',type=str,default="",
        required=True, help="Filename")
    parser.add_argument('-out',type=str,default="",
        required=False, help="Output filename. If the input file name has .evt extension, the output file name will be the input file name with a .fits extention (unless specified otherwise).")
    parser.add_argument('-xsize',type=float,default=1.5,
        required=False, help="X pixel size in arcsec, default is 1.5")
    parser.add_argument('-ysize',type=float,default=1.5,
        required=False, help="Y pixel size in arcsec, default is 1.5")
    parser.add_argument('-ra',type=float,default=-1.,
        required=False, help="Pointing RA position of the event file, default action is to read the value off the file header. Non-negative values will supercede that.")
    parser.add_argument('-dec',type=float,default=100.,
        required=False, help="Pointing DEC position of the event file, default action is to read the value off the file header. abs(DEC) < 90 will supercede that.")
    parser.add_argument('-projection',type=str,default='TAN',
        required=False, help="Fits projection type, default is TAN (tangential)")
    args, unknown = parser.parse_known_args()
    return args

if __name__ == '__main__':
    args = parse_args()
    main(args)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


The long Perth summer came to an abrupt end this week, with multiple cold fronts hitting Perth and the greater metropolitan area over the last few days.
Crews from Northshore SES finally got to dust off their overalls and head out into the wet and windy weather to help those that had been impacted by the rain and/or the wind.
On Thursday evening, crews headed out to Mosman Park, Claremont and Jolimont to deal with leaking skylights, leaking roofs, and water pouring through light fititngs.
On Friday crews were kept busy attending to calls in Nedlands, City Beach, Wembley and Floreat. Jobs ranged from a single broken tile to a leaking roof, with the days efforts ending up with a 2nd storey roof off in Floreat, at which a crew of 7 worked into the night to make the house safe and watertight.
Local Manager Northshore SES Nick Elliott said that he was very proud of the way this his volunteers responded to the recent events. "This is what we do. This is literally our 'bread and butter'. Our volunteers train week in, week out, to be ready and able to attend to callouts just like these".
The SES recieved over 60 calls on Thursday evening, with more being recieved over Friday and Saturday. Conditions are expected to ease into Sunday morning.


text:
Influenced by the power of the Medici family and the brilliance of Michelangelo, this World Heritage Site city has an abundance of icons. They include the Duomo and Ponte Vecchi over the Arno River plus squares and bridges filled with beautiful statues. Florence is one of the best cities in the world.
1	Skyline of City from Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence, Italy
To enjoy the elevated beauty of Florence, drive to the Oltrarno district and then along the five mile, tree-lined boulevard called Viale dei Colli until you reach Piazzale Michelangelo. Michelangelo Square has offered breathtaking, panoramic views since the lookout was built in 1869. Among the landmarks to admire are Cathedral of Florence (right), Palazzo Vecchio Tower (left) and the hills of Settignano and Fiesole.
Piazzale Michelangelo, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
2	Ponte Vecchio East Side and Arno River in Florence, Italy
Begin exploring Florence early in the morning before the tourists arrive. The scenery is magical as evident by this scene from Lungarno degli Archibugieri (north riverbank). Watch a rower glide along the Arno. Overlook an art class painting Ponte Vecchio. This 105 foot, stone arch span was constructed in 1218 and rebuilt in 1345. This bridge is the only one to survive World War II and the devastating flood of 1966. Wow, this Florence icon is gorgeous!
Ponte Vecchio, 33 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
3	Duomo Dome from Piazza Dumo in Florence, Italy
The dome of Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore is the architectural and engineering marvel of Filippo Brunelleschi. It consists of 37,000 tons of construction materials, including over four million bricks in a herringbone pattern. On top of the lantern is a bronze ball. This was made by Andrea del Verrocchio and his apprentice, Leonardo da Vinci. From the dome's initial design until its completion in 1469 required 173 years of labor.
Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
4	Duomo Façade Detail in Florence, Italy
Although the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Flower was finished in 1436, this gorgeous façade of pink, green and white marble was not started for another 440 years and was completed in 1887. There are so many ornate features spread across its 124 foot width that it is hard to describe them all. The most beautiful ones include three rose windows, three tympanum mosaics over the doors and the row of 12 apostle statues.
5	Duomo Upper Central Section Facade Close Up in Florence, Italy
Some Duomo critics protest that it is over decorated. However, I was mesmerized by all the intricate features on this Roman Catholic basilica and thankfully a long lens brought them up close for inspection. An example is this huge, gorgeous rose window. Below it is a statue of Mary with the infant Jesus. In fact, the entire façade is dedicated to the Mother of Christ.
6	Duomo Central Tympanum Mosaic in Florence, Italy
A tympanum is a semi-circular wall above an entrance and an archivolt are the ornamental moldings that follow the arch. Few are more gorgeous than this one that surrounds a mosaic called "Christ enthroned with Mary and John the Baptist." All three mosaics on the Cathedral of Florence's façade were designed by Nicoolò Barabino. They welcome you to the artist treasures inside the Duomo.
7	Duomo Side View from Piazza Duomo in Florence, Italy
This side view of the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Flower from Piazza Duomo not only provides another look at the world's largest masonry dome, but also showcases the beautiful polychrome marble panels that are green, pink and white. Just image this elaborate pattern stretching for over 500 feet on both sides. In fact, the size of the Duomo's nave makes it the third largest church in the world.
8	Gates of Paradise Joseph East Door Panel on Florence Baptistery in Florence, Italy
Construction of the octagonal Florence Baptistery was completed in 1128, which makes this minor basilica one of Florence's oldest buildings. But its doors are more famous. A young goldsmith named Lorenzo Ghiberti won the competition to create a 28 panel door. It took him 21 years. The next year, in 1425, he was asked to create the "Gates of Paradise" door which is now on the east side. This gilded panel, "Joseph Sold into Slavery," is one of the ten panels that tell Old Testament stories. This masterpiece took him an additional 27 years to create.
Piazza di San Giovanni, 8, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
9	Palazzo Vecchio Tower from Via Vacchereccia in Florence, Italy
This view of the classic Palazzo Vecchio is seen from a street called Via Vacchereccia. The 308 foot, rectangular tower casts a shifting shadow over Piazza della Signoria, Florence's central square. The first clock was installed in 1353. It was replaced in 1667 with this Giorgio Lederle Clock. Notice the timepiece only has one hand. The tower is named Torre d'Arnolfo after Arnolfo di Cambio. The 13th century architect also designed Santa Croce and the Duomo.
Via Vacchereccia, 50122 Firenze FI Italy
10	David Statue in Front of Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, Italy
In the late 15th century, two artists failed to convert a huge block of Carrara marble called "The Giant" into a statue of David that was supposed to sit atop the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo). Then Michelangelo, at the age of 26, was given the chance. After more than two years of work, the 17 foot masterpiece was unveiled in Piazza della Signoria. In 1910, it was replaced by this replica. You can see the original in the Accademia Gallery in Florence. In the photo's background is the Monogram of Christ over the entrance of Palazzo Vecchio.
Piazza della Signoria, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
11	Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, Italy
This site has historically been the epicenter of political power starting with the Romans in the first century. The dominant Uberti Family ruled here in the 13th century. After Palazzo Vecchio was finished in 1322, it was used by the Signoria government followed by the Medici dukes. During the 19th century, this was the capital of Italy. Architecturally, the fortress kept evolving and growing until about 1540. Today, it is a wonderful museum.
12	Hercules and Cacus Statue in Front of Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, Italy
When the Medici family returned to power in 1512 and again in 1530, they commissioned Baccio Bandinelli to sculpt from Carrara marble this statue of Hercules after killing the giant Vulcan Cacus. It clearly symbolized the House of Medici victory. It still stands in the Piazza della Signoria in front of Palazzo Vecchio. The Medicis were a royal family in the late 14th and 15th century that produced several dukes, two French queens and four Catholic popes.
13	Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale in Florence, Italy
The National Central Library, called Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale, is the largest in Italy and, since 1870, it has housed all new Italian publications. Despite the loss of one-third of its collection during the 1966 Arno River flood, it contains over 5 ½ million books and some manuscripts dating back to when the library was founded in 1714 by Antonio Magliabechi.
Piazza dei Cavalleggeri, 1, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
14	Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence, Italy
The Franciscans built this beautiful Basilica of Santa Croce from 1294 through 1442. At the apex of the marble façade is the Star of David. Inside is a stunning array of frescos. This Roman Catholic church is also known as the Temple of the Italian Glories. The elite of Florence were buried here for five centuries. Among the tombs are the remains of Michelangelo and Galileo.
Piazza di Santa Croce, 16, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
15	Bargello Palace in Florence, Italy
In 1255, Florence's oldest public building, Bargello Palace, was the headquarters for the Captain of the People and, in the 16th century, the Captain of Police. This stark, fortified building served as a prison until, in 1865, it became the Museo Nazionale del Bargello. Inside is a wonderful collection of famous Italian statues, including several by Michelangelo.
Via del Proconsolo, 4, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
16	Fountain of Neptune at Piazza Della Signoria in Florence, Italy
The fountain of Neptune at Piazza Della Signoria was ordered in 1565 by the House of Medici, a political dynasty in Florence, as a wedding gift for the second Grand Duke of Tuscany. Neptune's face apparently resembles Cosimo Medici, the Duke of Florence. The base has two chained, mythological monsters plus bronze gods and marble seahorses. The statue in front of Palazzo Vecchio is a replica; the original is in the National Museum.
17	The Rape of the Sabine Women at Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence, Italy
In 1583, an enormous block of marble was transformed by Giambologna into The Rape of the Sabine Women. It does not depict a sexual crime. Instead, it portrays when Roman men abducted women from a neighboring tribe to be their wives around 750BC. It is one of several beautiful but often graphic statues inside the open-air Loggia dei Lanzi at the Piazza della Signoria.
Chiasso dei Baroncelli, 3, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
18	Fortezza Da Basso Wall in Florence, Italy
The Fortezza Da Basso, which was finished in 1537, has massive walls that give the huge fortress a pentagonal shape. It also features an imposing tower as seen from the Porta Santa Maria Novella entrance. It never saw battle. I was surprised to learn that this military Renaissance architecture is now an exhibition center that houses two modern pavilions with a contemporary appearance. Two other Congress Centers managed by Firenze Fiera are nearby.
Viale Filippo Strozzi, 1, 50129 Firenze FI, Italy
19	San Marco Church Facade in Florence, Italy
In a city filled with gorgeous churches, San Marco is typically not on the tourist list but its history is interesting. In 1436, the founder of the Medici dynasty invited the Dominican Friars of Fiesole to move to Florence with the promise of having Michelozzo build them this church (consecrated in 1443) and a convent which, since 1869, has been a museum of 15th century Renaissance art. Before entering the church, look up and you'll see the Winged Lion of St. Mark which is the symbol for Venice.
Piazza San Marco 1, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy
20	San Marco Church High Altar, Organ and Crucifix in Florence, Italy
Often times when I photograph historic buildings, I can sense its most significant features. Not so this time. In this photo, the organ and fresco were beautiful. However, what is famous is the small, gold crucifix at the bottom. It was created by Fra Angelico, also called Angelic Brother John, between 1425 and 1428 when he was only 30. Between 1436 and 1445, he painted wonderful frescos in the church and adjoining monastery before being called to the Vatican to paint several frescos in St. Peter's. In 1984 he became the patron saint of Catholic artists.
21	Basilica of Saint Maria Novella in Florence, Italy
The word "novella" means "new" but that's a relative term because the Basilica of Saint Maria Novella is the oldest church in Florence. It was considered finished in 1360 but the Dominican friars continued enhancing it until 1470 … 250 years after construction started. An historic footnote is that the large square in front of the Roman Catholic church hosted an annual chariot race called Palio dei Cocchi from the mid-16th until the late 19th centuries.
Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
22	Museum of Medici Chapels or Cappelle Medicee in Florence, Italy
This fairly unattractive building on the outside is the Medici Chapels which were built in 1524 to be the family mausoleum. People are willing to wait in long lines because inside are several beautiful marble sculptures by Michelangelo. He also designed the New Sacristy at the Basilica of San Lorenzo which is part of the same complex. This Roman Catholic church was built in the mid-15th century.
Piazza di Madonna degli Aldobrandini, 6, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
23	Porcellino Bronze Boar Fountain in Florence, Italy
Do you love Florence? Then place a coin in the mouth of this bronze boar named Porcellino while rubbing his snout. This tradition "guarantees" your return. This Piglet Fountain is located on the south side of a loggia (covered market) called Mercato Nuovo, which means "New Market." That's a relative term, because it was built in the mid-16th century. The original boar was sculpted by Pietro Tacca around 1634 and is now at the Museo Bardini. A marble version is at the Uffizi Museum. This replica arrived in 2008.
Piazza del Mercato Nuovo, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
24	Arcone Triumphal Arch at Piazza della Repubblica in Florence, Italy
Piazza della Repubblica has a long history. It began as a Roman forum before evolving into the commercial heart of Firenze. Then the area deteriorated into a ghetto where minorities were segregated. After Florence became the capital of the Kingdom of Italy in 1865, the seediness was swept aside as medieval landmarks were demolished during a massive urbanization project. The Arcone Triumphal Arch was built in 1895 to celebrate the transformation. Its inscription reads: "The ancient center of the city restored from age-old squalor to new life." Republic Square is now the home of high-end hotels, stores and popular cafes.
Piazza della Repubblica, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
25	Giovanni Delle Bande Nere at Piazza San Lorenzo in Florence, Italy
Pigeons spend far more time admiring statues than people who just walk by, which is too bad because most represent fascinating history. For example, the Giovanni Delle Bande Nere statue at Piazza San Lorenzo is a tribute to the last, great Italian condottiero named Lodovico de Medici. He was the savage head of professional mercenaries who fought battles for hire by local cities and the pope until he died shortly after being wounded in 1526. Oddly, his body was exhumed in 2012 and they determined that his foot, and not his entire leg, had been amputated in an attempt to save his life.
Piazza San Lorenzo 50123 Firenze FI Italy
Window Security Cage and Flower Boxes in Florence, Italy
Florence is blessed with so many buildings from the Late Middle Ages, the Renaissance period, and the Age of Discovery that you feel like you are walking through history. But it is also a big, urban city which necessitates security bars on many of the lower windows. But even these contain beauty: look closely and you'll see they often contain flower boxes.
Enlarge/Slideshow
26	Palazzo Pitti in Florence, Italy
Palazzo Pitti derives its name from its original owner, Luca Pitti. The banker commissioned the elaborate home in 1458. A century later, it was sold to the Duke of Florence, Cosimo I de' Medici. He expanded the mansion into a palace in order to accommodate his guests. The extravagant property remained the Medici family residence until the dynasty ended in 1737. Today, Pitti Palace is home to the city's largest museum of Renaissance and modern art. You can also see the royal apartments where the Medici family lived. And do not miss the Boboli gardens in back.
Piazza de' Pitti, 1, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
27	Basilica of Santa Maria del Santo Spirito Bell Tower in Florence, Italy
The façade of the 1487 Basilica of Santa Maria del Santo Spirito is very bland because it was never completed, except for this bell tower. In contrast, the Corinthian columns, arches and frescos inside St. Mary of the Holy Spirit are far more interesting. What I found most interesting, however, is that the teenage Michelangelo was allowed to study corpses here from the convent's hospital. In appreciation, he carved a simple wooden cross that can be seen in the sacristy.
Piazza Santo Spirito, 30, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
28	Pescaia di Santa Rosa and Arno River in Florence, Italy
This spillway across the Arno river is Pescaia di Santa Rosa, a weir that was designed to provide power to local mills (now gone), to help tame the river, and as a military defense. In the center is Chiesa di Ognissanti, a Franciscan church dating back to the mid-13th century. The white buildings are on the north bank street called Lungarno Amerigo Vespucci which, in 1857, was dedicated to an Italian navigator who lived in this neighborhood before exploring the New World in the late 15th century. "America" is derived from his first name.
Piazza di Cestello 50124 Firenze FI, Italy
29	Ponte Santa Trinita and Arno River in Florence, Italy
Ponte Santa Trinita, which was built in 1569, is the world's oldest Renaissance elliptic arch bridge. The red and white oars of the racing shell in the Arno river indicate this rowing team are members of the "Canottieri Firenze" Club that was founded in 1911. In the background is the distinctive Torre d'Arnolfo or the Palazzo Vecchio tower. The bridge was destroyed by German troops during WWII but reconstructed in 1958.
Lungarno Guicciardini, 9, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
30	Autumn Statue by Giovanni Caccini on Ponte Santa Trinita in Florence, Italy
In 1608, Cosimo II de' Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany and the primary benefactor of Galileo, was getting married. To honor the occasion, four statues of the seasons were commissioned for the Ponte Santa Trinita bridge. Giovanni Caccini created two of them: Summer and this one representing Autumn.
Ponte Santa Trinita, 3455 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
31	Primavera Spring Statue on Ponte Santa Trinita in Florence, Italy
On August 3, 1944, the occupying Germans forced all Florence residents to stay home for several days. They then destroyed five of six bridges that crossed the Arno (only the Ponte Vecchio was spared) in anticipation of the Allies' advance. Among the casualties that night was Primavera, the Spring statue created by Pietro Francavilla in 1608 for the Ponte Santa Trinita bridge. By 1958, the bridge was rebuilt and the Four Season statues were returned to their corners. But Primavera remained decapitated until her head was found in 1961 buried deep in the mud downstream.
32	Skyline View of Duomo from Piazzale Michelangiolo in Florence, Italy
The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, better known as the Cathedral of Florence, is enormous. The Duomo is 526 feet long and the dome is 375 feet tall. There is only one place where you can fully appreciate its grandeur. That viewpoint is at Piazzale Michelangiolo, also known as Michelangelo Square.
33	Bronze David Statue at Piazzale Michelangeloin Florence, Italy
Fans of Michelangelo's statue David have three opportunities to see it. A replica was placed in front of the Palazzo della Signoria when the original was moved to Accademia Gallery in 1873. This bronze cast adorns the center of Piazzale Michelangelo, also known as Michelangelo Square. At the pedestal's base are figures representing day, night, twilight and dawn. The original marble allegorical statues by Michelangelo adorn tombs in the Medici Chapels at San Lorenzo Basilica.
34	Ponte Vecchio West Side at Sunset and Arno River in Florence, Italy
At sunset, the Ponte Vecchio and the Arno below are bathed in a golden hue that rivals the goldsmiths' showcases inside. Starting in the 13th century, the covered bridge was filled with butchers and fish markets. But when Duke Ferdinando I got tired of the stench and pollution, he declared in 1593 that only jewelers and gold merchants could sell here … a tradition that's lasted over 400 years. At night, most of those green shutters close until morning.
35	Ponte Santa Trinita Bridge and Boat on Arno River at Sunset in Florence, Italy
Florence, Italy is captivating. It is steeped in history and art (like Michelangelo's statue David), showcases Renaissance architecture (like the Duomo on Florence Cathedral), offers wonderful outside dining (like at Palazzo Vecchio), and is a shoppers' delight for mosaics, leather and jewelry. At dusk, stand near the covered bridge of Ponte Vecchio and watch the sun set over the Arno River and the Ponte Santa Trinita Bridge.
See more of Italy


It's official. Marsh View has been open 10 days, and the complaining has begun!
Hopefully in 10 days most of the complaining will stop.
And so it begins the end of the gators in those ponds with someone mentioning it.
People refuse to comprehend that.
What does a gator being here first have to do with anything. They are animals and people have moved or killed animals for years when they present a danger.
Would you have left all of the alligators here when the rest of The Villages was built? There would be no Villages.
What some people can't comprehend is that humans are the apex species and we have a right to make our environment as safe as possible.
Whoever came up with the idea of a walking only course did not think things through properly.
Time will tell if the course was a good decision. Not all of use every amenity.
If the course draws enough play, then it proves it was a good decision. Personally, we loved it very much.
And 50% of the residents should be banned from playing.
The complaining is about slow pace of play, which is killing golf. Some people on the courses are just fine with playing "hit and giggle" and not having any consideration for the way they leave a course or the players they are holding up; then there's those of us who have worked long and hard on our games to get to the point where we can play really good golf, take care of the courses, not hold players up behind us and still have a good time.
People complained about Larry - he's gone.
Really? Seriously? The Villages would still be here no matter what.
The environment is safe even with the gators; it's the apex species (people) that lose their senses around Florida's native species.


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Home / Find a Doctor / Stephen Hatem, MD
Stephen Hatem, MD
Department Diagnostic Radiology
Mail Code A21
Imaging Institute
Euclid Hospital
18901 Lakeshore Blvd
Euclid, OH 44119
Marymount Hospital
12300 McCracken Road
Garfield Heights, OH 44125
South Pointe Hospital
20000 Harvard Road
Hillcrest Hospital
6770 Mayfield Road
Mayfield Heights, OH 44124
About Stephen Hatem, MD
Stephen F. Hatem, MD, is a physician in the Department of Musculoskeletal and Emergency Radiology at Cleveland Clinic. He was appointed in 1999.
Dr. Hatem completed his B.S. from Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md. He attended medical school at University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, Md., completed his fellowship at Washington University Medical Center in St. Louis, Mo., his residency at Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, N.J., and his internship at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Md.
Specialty interests include musculoskeletal radiology, sports imaging and emergency radiology. He is certified by the American Board of Radiology.
Fellowship - Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology
Musculoskeletal Radiology
St Louis, MO USA
Residency - Hackensack University Medical Center
Hackensack, NJ USA
Internship - Mercy Medical Center
Baltimore, MD USA
Medical Education - University of Maryland Medical Center
Undergraduate - Johns Hopkins University
Past President, American Society of Emergency Radiology
emergency radiology,sports imaging, musculoskeletal radiology imaging education at all levels
Gold Medal, American Society of Emergency Radiology
Norman S. Glazer Award for Excellence in Teaching in Diagnostic Radiology
International Skeletal Society
Society of Skeletal Radiology
Society of Academic Bone Radiologists
American Society of Emergency Radiology
American Roentgen Ray Society
See publications for Stephen Hatem, MD.
As of 10/18/2018, Dr. Hatem has reported no financial relationship with industry that is applicable to this listing. In general, patients should feel free to contact their doctor about any of the relationships and how the relationships are overseen by Cleveland Clinic. To learn more about Cleveland Clinic's policies on collaborations with industry and innovation management, go to our Integrity in Innovation page.
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What happened to Viennese Jews? A moving visit to the Jewish Museums in Vienna
by Sarah Ebner | posted in: Blog, Europe | 8
Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities I've ever visited, in Europe and the world. Once the capital of a thriving empire, it is now the most important city for a country of just 8.5 million but it still has the grandeur of the place it once was. And the history.
The city certainly has a chequered past–and not only when it comes to the 20th century. That was when my father, aged two, had to escape from the city of his birth as a toddler, arriving in London just two weeks before the start of World War II. There were some very dark times indeed.
That's why – when I recently visited this remarkable city with my father and son – I knew we had to make a trip to its two Jewish museums. I would recommend them both whole heartedly.
The first Jewish Museum is in Judenplatz ("Jewish place") and contains the excavations of the old medieval synagogue, one of the largest in the middle ages. It is a small museum, giving the history of the Jews in these times, when it was a thriving community – and showing what life was like then. We took audio guides round (these include one for children, which my son enjoyed using) and would definitely recommend it – although it is a small museum, which will take only an hour or so to go around.
The Whiteread memorial to the Holocaust
The Jewish community in Vienna was completely destroyed in a pogrom in 1420-1, with over 200 Jews burnt on Erdberger Lände, so it is perhaps fitting that Rachel Whitread's memorial to the victims of the Holocaust is built over the top of where the old synagogue was discovered. It is intended to remember the 65,000 Austrian Jews who were killed in the Holocaust.
Robert at the remains of the old medieval synagogue
The second museum is in Dorotheergasse and you need to leave yourself more time here. We were here for a few hours, but it could have been longer.
The museum was designed with the intention of not being solely a "Holocaust Museum", but to show the history of the Jews in Vienna as a whole. That means the good and the bad, including the war years and the post-war years when Austria was not willing to face up to its actions, and wanted only to see itself as another victim of Nazi aggression (Hitler marched in to the country in 1938, but to widespread acclaim). That was really about life after survival, and the in face of no assistance from the Austrian authorities, at least for many years
Before 1938, the Viennese Jewish community was huge, around 185,000 people, smaller only than those in Warsaw and Budapest. It's now around 8,000, and its story means there is so much to see in this museum.
The box sent to Lilly Bial by her parents – and which she didn't receive until she was 79
If it's possible, I'd recommend a tour (book in advance). We did a short one, and even in that time we found out some fascinating bits of history – not least when we were shown a small box, full of treats, books and photographs, that had been packed for a young girl, Lilly Bial, who had left on the kindertransport and sent to England. She never saw her parents again and the box wasn't found until 2004, long after they died. It was extremely moving.
Jews were expelled from Vienna in 1421 and returned in the 17th century, where they lived mainly in a ghetto before being expelled again in 1670. They did return, but were not officially recognised as a community (despite helping to finance wars and industry), being officially outlawed until 1852. They were at the forefront of the 1848 revolution and its failure was a great disappointment after the emperor then revoked some of their entitlements, such as the right to own property. However, the community was recognised in 1852 and in 1867, every person in the monarchy was deemed equal before the law.
However, even despite this, and a flowering of Jews in Vienna (including famous names such as Sigmund Freud), it is clear from the exhibition that anti-Semitism never went away and grew, virulently, in the 20th century.
The museum has a permanent exhibition, Our City! Jewish Vienna – from then to now, which covers two floors, and starts by looking at the city in 1945.
The second floor covers Jewish Vienna from the Middle Ages to 1938-45 and it is the one where we spent the longest time, reading about the history and looking at the items of interest. These were wide ranging and moving.
For example, there is a photo of 13-year-old Maximilian Reich in a 1941 Viennese photo studio with St. Stephan's Cathedral as a backdrop. On the back he wrote a note to his friend Martin Vogel, urging him not to forget him. He was deported three days later.
Judaica – pic courtesy of the Jewish Museum, Vienna
The top floor is based around the collection of a man called Max Berger who specialised in Judaica. There are really beautiful Jewish items on show, including ritual objects such Torah shields, pointers and crowns (used when the Torah – or books of the law – are read in synagogue), Chanukah menorahs, Sabbath candlesticks and more, from all round Europe, including many communities which no longer have any Jewish presence at all.
These walking sticks are caricatures
There are also some more problematic items, such as anti-Semitic walking sticks (yes really) or other models or postcards which contain people who are supposed to "look" Jewish.
All in all, I felt that these two museums were both important places to visit, to show a side of our history, as European Jews, which no one should forget.
Both Jewish Museums are closed on Saturdays. The bigger museum in Dorotheergasse is open from Sunday to friday from 10 to 6pm, while the other is open from 10 to 6 on Sunday to Thursday and 10 till 2 on Fridays.
You can buy a ticket for both museums, as long as you use it within four days of issue. It costs €12 for aduts and is free for children under 18, as well as being free if you have a Vienna Pass. You can also book a guided tour if you like.
The Museum in Dorotheergasse also has a lovely cafe and there are also a number of temporary exhibitions, which change throughout the year.
What to do in Washington DC with kids (by the whole family)
What to do in and around Nottingham (by all of us!)
Vienna and my family history: the trip I will never forget
antisemitism, Austria, Jewish Museum, Judaism, religion, Vienna
March 1, 2017 | Reply
This was great to read. We are going there next month and have booked a Jewish History tour but always wanted to get to both museums and now I know what to expect.
Sarah Ebner
I'm sure you'll get a lot out of it. Let me know!
Christine @afamilyday
Two very interesting museums, it must have been very moving for your dad in particular to visit them. Vienna is indeed a beautiful city, although I've only visited fleetingly. I look forward to reading more about your visit.
Thank you – we did have a really good, interesting, moving time.
Cathy (Mummytravels)
That must have been such a moving visit especially for your dad – interesting to see the history of the Jewish community here over the centuries and I'm glad it addresses the darker periods as well as looking at the contributions to the city.
This is so fascinating. I would love to visit Vienna again to see this again.
Those appear to be must-visit museums when touring Vienna. I hope to get there one day soon.
March 10, 2017 | Reply
Vienna is such a beautiful city but one that has a terrible history of violence and intolerance. It must have been very moving to find out about some of the conditions your ancestors lived in.


Clarke and I made ourselves a goal this year that we would do lots camping with the kids.
Yes, that is an enormous 8-man tent. We have dubbed it "Hotel Caldwell." It has a room divider, pleanty of room for two queen air matresses, a pack-n-play, and is tall enough for Clarke to stand. All that with LOTS or room to spare. It is is quite the "home in the dirt away from home."
We took the kids up last Sunday afternoon to a campground/lake just 30 minutes from our house. We wanted to experience camping with just our little family at least once. It was so neat to keep Lilly and Owen up late enough to see all the stars in the sky. A view like that definately puts things into perspective!
Although our trip was cut short by an overly-antsy 11-month old with 4 molars cutting through, we are so glad we went and can't wait for more!
Someday I want to camp with my kids, but I am not a super camping person. A tent like that might make it a little better.


The TCS New York City Marathon was run on Sunday November 6th. As I have written previously both my wife and I entered the lottery but while I didn't get in, she did. I promised to be here Sherpa for the day and after lots of planning the weekend arrived.
This is not a race recap, well not in the normal sense that I write them. I have titled this entry 'The Great Race Chase' for a couple of reasons. First, it was better than my first attempt at a title ('Red Fraggle Runs') and secondly because it was in fact a great experience 'race chasing' during the day. So much fun.
I had booked the hotel as soon as we knew that at least one of us was running that weekend. We had arranged for the boys to stay over at their grandparents overnight. We are only about an hour away from New York City by train so we only needed to be in town for one night. The hotel I chose was right in the middle of where we needed to be. We were a couple of avenues away from the Javits Center where the expo was held and only a couple of avenues away from the New York Public Library where the bus would be taking her to the race village. Once the lottery results were announced my wife was given an option how to get to the race and also to check a bag or not. We had opted for the bus transport to the race and to not check a bag and get the famous NYC Marathon poncho.
We headed up early Saturday morning along with my wife's NYC training partner Stephanie. Once in New York we dropped off our bags at our hotel as it was too early to check in and made our way over to the expo. I wasn't sure what to expect as this is the biggest race I have ever attended…and I still wasn't running it.
Once inside the Javits Center race packet pickup seemed quite straightforward. There were volunteers everywhere. Depending upon what you signed up for, you got a specific check bag or disposable bag. It was color coded. Also, bibs were detailed as to what wave and transport options you had been assigned. Interestingly enough, even though I had signed up (well, signed my wife up) for a specific shirt size when registering you still got to choose your shirt size. Before the shirt pickup there were sample size shirts for both men and women so you could try on a size before you picked one up. Good idea. I don't imagine smaller races have the volume of entrants to offer such options.
The expo itself wasn't as big as I thought it would be. The official gear area was large but it was generally the same gear spread over many places. Also, I was worried about a specific item being sold out by the time we got to the expo so I ordered my wife a jacket online. When we got to the expo they had more colors and more sizes than shown online and despite it being the day before the race they were already selling gear at a discount. I re-bought the same jacket for my wife $40 cheaper and returned the one I had bought online for a full refund….less the shipping cost 😦 . The expo had long lines to check out but it seemed to go pretty fast. I stood in line while Shari and Stephanie shopped so they could just jump in when they were ready. We didn't do too much damage at the expo.
Onto the rest of the expo. It was a bit smaller than I had expected a marathon major to be. Probably because the main sponsor (Asics) took up much of the space. There was a Foot Locker booth which was selling official gear at yet another discount. My wife bought another shirt which she liked and was cheaper than it had been in the official merchandise area. Deal! Also walking around the expo we bumped into our friend Zara who was there with her company, Endless Pools, who were demonstrating at the expo.
A nice surprise at the expo.
Overall we were in and out the expo quicker than we thought and so we headed back to the hotel to check in and get ready for our dinner reservation. We had a booking at an Italian restaurant near our hotel and my wife's cousin would be joining us for dinner and also joining me in spectating the next day.
Dinner was really nice and we headed back to the hotel for an early night. It was made all the better by the change from daylight savings time which gave us an extra hour in bed.
I set about 3 alarms for us both so we would wake up on time. I wasn't racing but made sure I was up and ready as I planned to walk Shari to Bryant Park and wait until she got onto the buses. So up early it was. The buses were set to leave at 6:30am although Shari's wave wouldn't be starting until 10:30am.
Shari had decided to borrow a friend's running shirt which paid tribute to a little girl (the daughter of a friend) who had tragically been killed crossing the street with her father a few weeks before. The little girl was the same age as our youngest son. Shari was running with angel wings today.
We headed out to Bryant Park. The buses were leaving from the front steps of the New York Public Library and the line for the buses stretched out around the corner and across the street. We stood in line and tried to stay warm. I couldn't believe the lines but then again this was the biggest race we had attended. This was not like our recent visit to the Mohawk Hudson River Marathon in Albany when we just arrived and got on the bus.
I stayed in line with Shari until the police officer said I couldn't move further in line without a race bib, so I kissed Shari good luck and crossed the street until she got on the bus and headed out. Then I went back to the hotel for an early breakfast and to get ready for my first 'race chase' experience.
In line for the buses. We still had to cross over and snake around the side of the library.
Having had breakfast and a nice warm shower I got myself ready for the day, packed up my bag which included snacks, treats, signs, battery chargers and spare clothes for Shari, got my special 'Spot me in the crowd' pole and headed out to meet up with Shari's cousin Tara who was joining me out on the course.
I had been lucky enough to get a really detailed plan from my friend Elvin (Shari, Elvin and I ran together at the New Jersey Marathon earlier in the year). Elvin has run the New York City Marathon a number of times and knew the course well. He provided me with good locations where to spectate, the directions (transit and walking) how to get to each location and the timing of point to point locations so I could plan the day. Based upon the plan I told Shari we would meet her just after mile 3.5, just after mile 8, around mile 17.5 and just after entering Central Park somewhere after mile 23. Ambitious, but I figured we would try our best hoping for at least 3 of the 4 locations on the course.
It was a fine morning. Ideal conditions for running. Hopefully I would be dressed appropriately to spectate.
Our first stop was just after mile 3 as the runners entered Brooklyn. This was where the runners who started from the Upper and Lower decks of the Verrazano Narrows Bridge joined up with each other as they left Staten Island. The road was split into two with a line of barriers and tape along the middle. We stayed on the side of the street where we had come out of the subway and hoped we were on the correct side.
She was on her way. Tracking her accross the bridge.
Brad from the 'Mickey Milers' managed to spot me on the course. The Fraggle was working.
And before you knew it, Shari ran up and found us.
Luckily we were on the correct side of the street and Shari spotted the 'Fraggle on a stick' (see…it was working) and came over to see us. She was warmed up now and gave me her gloves and arm warmers to toss into my bag (along with the bottle of Prosecco which Tara had arrived with?!?).
From there we headed quickly back to the subway and took the line up further into Brooklyn to cheer Shari again at mile 8. Wow…what a mad dash that was. I barely had time to get my 'Fraggle' up before she came around the corner. We had just arrived seconds before she did. We didn't tell her how close we had been to missing her but Tara and I were amazed at our timing.
We had some time before we would see Shari again back in Manhattan. 9 miles at Shari's pace gave us around 90 minutes so we took a quick stop at a nearby Starbucks for some coffee and a snack before heading back on the subway and back into the city.
We made it to the mile 17 area and took our place along the streets. It was amazingly loud with the cheers of the crowd. I cannot imagine how this tunnel of sound would be for the runners (hopefully I would get my chance to find out in 2017). I was tracking a number of other runners I knew at the same time. The official app was loading slowly on my phone so it was just wait and hope. I was carrying a pound bag of gummy bears and a pound bag of Swedish Fish in my backpack so by this stage I was handing candy out to runners. Many were pleased to see it and some came over when they saw me handing out candy to strangers. (Do not do this kids!!! A marathon is the exception I guess). I did manage to see our friend Chris run by. He was a few minutes ahead of Shari at this point (although she would pass him later on the course).
She was running well and didn't stick around. It was a very quick meet and greet and she headed off into the distance (or to the Bronx).
From this point on we had about 50-60 minutes to make it across town to our fourth and final stop in Central Park. It was a beautiful sunny day. The runners had really lucked out. The weather had called for strong winds and they hadn't made an appearance. Conditions for them were really great.
We entered Central Park just around the corner from where the runners enter. It was a great spot to see everyone coming into the park. Shari later said that at mile 23 it was a perfect spot to give runners a final boost for the last 5K of the race.
While we were waiting for Shari we continued to cheer on the people running by. My friend 'Fast Eddie' flew past us and I almost missed him had he not high-fived my sign. Soon though, Shari came into view.
Here she is with just a 5K left. Making great time.
This is blurry as she was so fast. No stopping this time.
As this was the last place we planned to stop we went to our arranged meeting point outside the park. Based upon what we were told, the finish line area would be too crowded to get there in time and even harder for us to be spotted (even with a Fraggle).
A great race chase partner. Tara was along for the whole journey.
As we headed out of the park towards our meeting point I stopped to buy some flowers and couldn't wait to see Shari again. The street was crowded so I did what anyone else would have done…I raised my Fraggle up in the air and hoped she would find us. And she did just that. Thanks to the Fraggle.
Our friend Genna was volunteering at the race and was one of the first to see Shari, giving her the mylar wrap to keep her warm as she headed to receive her poncho. Genna works at the 92nd Street Y in Manhattan just behind the Natural History Museum (the exit point for the marathoners from the park). She had arranged day passes for us to use so Shari could get showered and changed after the race. I had packed spare dry clothes for her and we headed over to get cleaned up.
I think we wore Tara out. She stayed with us until we left the Y and walked with us to the subway before heading off for her evening plans (a post race party a friend was hosting). We headed back towards our hotel via a stop at Ben's delicatessen on the way for dinner.
After a very filling dinner, we grabbed our luggage from the hotel and headed for the train back home. Shari was still on a high as we left and chatted about her day. It was fun for both of us. As we arrived at our stop we had to cross over the tracks to the parking lot on the other side. Unfortunately the escalator was out-of-order and so we had to take the stairs. Yes, that was not the favorite part of the day.
So there you have it. My first experience race chasing. Shari had a great race and a new PR. I am totally jealous. It looked like so much fun to be running this event. I would love to do this. I will be entering the 2017 lottery for sure when it opens up in early January.
Huge thanks to Tara for putting up with me all day, to Elvin for his masterful spectating plan and congratulations to all the runners…especially my 'Red Fraggle' herself.


Holds a Degree in Law from the Pontificate Catholic University of São Paulo. Specialist in Economic Criminal Law from the University of Coimbra. Master's Degree in Criminal Law from the University of São Paulo. Member of the Instituto de Defesa do Direito de Defesa and the Brazilian Institute of Criminal Sciences. Languages: Portuguese, English and Italian.


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Scarlett Johansson tops Forbes highest-paid actresses list
Scarlett Johansson has topped Forbes' list of best-paid actresses for a second year - but is only the eighth highest paid actor overall.
The 34-year-old's income of $56m (£45.7m) lands her below seventh-placed male actor Adam Sandler.
She earned $15.5m (£12.6m) more than she did in 2018, thanks largely to the success of Avengers: Endgame.
Modern family actor Sofia Vergara is the only other woman to break into the overall top 10.
Earlier this week, Dwayne Johnson was announced as the highest-paid actor of the last 12 months, making $89.4m (£73.6m) according to the latest annual rankings from the financial experts.
Notably all of the top 10 actresses earned above $20m (£16.3) this year, compared with last year when only the top two - Johansson and Angelina Jolie made that amount.
Johansson is set to reprise her title role in the Avengers spin-off Black Widow next year.
Forbes list of the world's best-paid female actors 2019
Scarlett Johansson - $56m (£45.7m)
Sofia Vergara - $44.1 (£35.9m)
Reese Witherspoon - $35m (£28.5m)
Nicole Kidman - $34m (£27.7m)
Jennifer Aniston - $28m (22.8m)
Kaley Cuoco - $25m (£20.4m)
Elisabeth Moss - $24m (£19.5m)
Margot Robbie - $23.5m (£19.1m)
Charlize Theron - $23m (£18.7m)
Ellen Pompeo - $22m (£17.9m)
World's best-paid female actors 2019


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