Ko (Koh) Lanta is not one island but the group of about 50 islands, islets and rocks, sticking out from the waves of the Andaman Sea. Its length is about twenty seven kilometres and its width is seven kilometres. The sea is crystal clear here and the water has 28 - 32° C in the high season.
Ko (Koh) Lanta flourishes from October to April, during the high season. The island offers a change of the holiday pace and style compared to the popular tourists places, such as on the island Phuket or on Koh Samui.
Saladan is the official capital and the centre of the island with shops (e.g. popular 7/11), authorities, port, tour offices, market and restaurants. An ATM and Wifi spots are also available. Most of the resorts are concentrated in the North and West coast of the main island, which is otherwise overgrown with dense jungle, the south tip is then almost untouched by tourism. There are not many roads, so that the island is very easy on the eye and much quieter than other built-up islands. It means that most of the tourists rent motorbikes and explore the island. The police here are entirely benevolent. To ride around the island with a bit of caution (run left) is quite common and it is probably impossible to get lost.
On the east coast of the island there are no beaches and thus the masses of tourists. The East stayed for the local, original inhabitants. It consists of fishing villages, mango growth, rubber tree plantations, sugar palm growth and other fields. Here you will find a community of Chinese merchants, sea Gypsies and traditional Thai fishing families. Other possible visits of interesting places are: butterfly farm, orchid garden, dangerous snakes show, Thai box arena and gym, several culinary schools, fruit market, street food stalls, mosques and stray cats and dogs.
Ko (Koh) Lanta is tropical Thailand in the best quality, which offers kilometres of sand beaches without tourist crowds, lush tropical forests with life and authentic island villages.
One day trip from Ko (Koh) Lanta to Phi Phi Island includes the transportation, lunch and non-alcoholic drinks in its price.
The first place in the imaginary ranking of the most beautiful places in the Krabi region belongs to Phi Phi archipélago. Not in vain is Phi Phi together with the group of a few islets, 45 kilometres from Phuket, called as the "Pearls of the Andaman Sea". The island is rocky and it is surrounded by wonderfully bright white beaches with fine sand and water, which achieves the purity of crystal.
The Phi Phi archipélago consists of six islands. The largest one of them is Phi Phi Don, significantly smaller is Phi Phi Leh. The larger island Koh Phi Phi Don recalls the shape of an hourglass – the two parts of the island are connected with one kilometre wide neck. The remaining four islands are more than anything else just rocks, overgrown with lush vegetation and sticking out as warning finger of the sea.
Phi Phi Island was discovered as a tourist destination in the early 1980s, but until the year 2000 it was rather considered as a promised destination for independent travellers and backpackers. The change came after the release of the movie "The beach". The movie itself did not live up to expectations of the creators and producers, but made the best advertisement for the entire archipélago.
The Phi Phi archipélago is moreover a renowned diving site. Mainly in the spring months, when whale sharks appear in this area, the diving instructors are rushed of their feet. And also photographers have much to enjoy – local sceneries belong to the most impressive ones in the whole Thailand.
The main street "Phi Phi City" is surrounded by a series of shops with a variety of souvenirs and you will not have much the feeling of being in the tropical island paradise here.
One day trip to Koh Rok includes the transportation, lunch, non-alcoholic drinks and the rent of the snorkelling equipment in its price.
The best snorkelling close to Krabi? It is here, because of its remoteness and inaccessibility, it still retains its original beauty and it is probably the best place for snorkelling in the south Andaman Sea.
Perfect, untouched corals, in the clear shallow water, with large flocks of tropical fishes and other sea animals are waiting for those, who take the 45-minutes ride from Koh Lanta. While snorkelling you feel as if you were swimming inside of a giant aquarium.
Koh Rok is the part of Koh Lanta National Marine Park and the islands themselves are stunning.
On Koh Rok Nok, the larger one of both islands, there is the seat of the Marine Park headquarters. There are also several bungalows, which you can book if you want and stay overnight in this beautiful nature and come back the next day with the tourist company.
The island is also a place where excursion boats stop at lunch.
The second island Koh Rok Nai is mostly rocky, with small beach.
The excursion boats sail around the island and stop for snorkelling. Beautiful are the waterfalls on its west side. Their salty water falls down on the steep cliffs and the sea. From April the islands are closed (in the off-season), in order to rejuvenate the sea life, the trips are available only from November.
Koh Rok islands are situated about 60km from the shore of Koh Lanta, deeper in the Andaman Sea. On the island you will find deserted yellow beaches and magnificent diving. There will also be a few stops offered on the open water, suitable for snorkelling.
One-day trip to Four Islands includes the transportation, lunch, non-alcoholic drinks and the rent of the snorkelling equipment in its price.
One of the most beautiful tours is the trip to Four Islands. It is Koh Poda, Koh Gai (Chicken Island), Koh Vana and Koh Muk and you will also stop on the amazing Phra Nang Cave Beach on the Railay Peninsula. This beach is inaccessible by the road and it is considered as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
On the island Koh Muk there is the hidden emerald cave, which has a hidden lagoon in the middle.
This place is totally unique in the world. Here you can find the small beach, which is surrounded by rocks and it is possible to visit it only at low tide. However, even at this time it is a condition to be able to stay on this completely unique place to swim through the cave tunnel into the rocks.
The reward is indeed breath-taking.
There will also be a few stops offered on the open water, suitable for snorkelling.
A one-day trip to Four Islands includes the transportation, lunch and non-alcoholic drinks in its price.
Tung Yee Peng is the nicest mango forest, which is located on the east cost of the island Koh Lanta. The Tung Yee Peng Project is operated by UNDP (United Nations Development Programme). Here you can learn about the nature, how the local people treat themselves from the natural resources and about the origin of the sea life in the south part of the Andaman Sea.
You will also have the opportunity to visit the monkeys and feeding them in the wild.
Koh Talabeng is located on the east cost of the Koh Lanta Noi Island. Koh Talabeng is the limestone island similar to Koh Phi Phi Lay. Koh Talabeng has several small beaches and it is the ideal place for relaxing swimming next to the magnificent steep cliffs at low tide. Later on you will get lunch on the small Koh Bu Bu Island, where you enjoy the swimming in peace on the beautiful beach. There is also a resort and a local restaurant.
One of the greatest experiences that tourists get from Ko (Koh) Lanta, is the elephant ride. In Europe we say that the most beautiful view of the world is that one from the horse back. It should be noted that even from the back of an elephant it is not bad at all.
The elephant ride begins with getting up on its back. From the elevated step you will get up to the seat, which is attached to the elephant. Behind the elephant's neck there is a mahúd sitting, the driver, who leads and controls the elephant for the whole time.
The rides are differently long and the view from above is impressive. You can talk with mahúd and try also the ride on the elephant's neck. Usually it is being moved off into the jungle and the organizers of this attraction, the elephant's breeders, assure that the ride is suitable even for children. Unlike the Egyptian drive on a camel, where it is difficult not to fall down into the Sahara sand under its legs, the elephant's back swings just slightly.
The last attraction (included in the trip price) is elephants feeding with bananas after returning from the ride. In the sweltering midday sun, when staying on the beach would be exhausting for many of us, you can freshen up in the shadow of the palm trees, banana trees and other jungle vegetation.
The largest Thai lake is located in the south part of the Songkhla Province and it extends into a part of Phatthalung Province. The picturesque and quiet lade with semi salty water is in the East connected with the Gulf of Thailand.
The length of the lake is approximately 80 km, the width ranges between 20 to 25 km and the total area is 365 km², with many larger and smaller islands, that do not have their own water sources. The lake is covered with green sea grass and looks like a meadow in the middle of the sea. It is rich in various species of aquatic plants and aquatic life forms. According to the survey there are more than 250 different animal classes, and in addition to the large number of birds, 13 species of mammals living mainly on crabs, felines, hunting fishes and 25 species of reptiles, such as turtles, lizards, snakes and also a number of amphibians, shrimps etc. The studies estimate that at the time of nesting around 43 000 of birds dwells here. The lake is quite shallow, only about 1.2 metres deep, and so its warm waters are abundant in the vegetation, especially water lilies, lotuses, reed and water grass of many plant classes.
From the shores of the lake it is possible to see the two islands: the Mouse and the Cat. This place is typical for the Songkhla Province, one of the most popular seaside centres in the south Thailand.
Tinsulanond Bridge crosses the Songkhla Lake as a part of the highway Nr. 408. It is the longest concrete bridge in Thailand and has two parts: the first one (1140 m) connects the coast of Amphoe Mueang Songkhla at Ban Nam Krachai with the south coast of the Koh Yo Island; the second one (1 800 m) leads from the North of the island on the coast at Ban Khao Khiao. The bridge was opened on 25th September 1986.
Another activity, possible to do on Ko (Koh) Lanta the island, is the diving. There are more than 20 diving schools.
The Ko (Koh) Lanta archipelago is considered as one of the best world locations for diving. Moreover it is only an hour and a half trip to the famous scenic Koh Phi Phi archipélago, which is the Mecca for divers from all around the world. The Koh Ha archipélago takes rank with its beauty, where the quantity of fishes exceeds the expectations and the dives are diversified by a large number of canals and small caves.
In local waters there is not a problem to meet mantas, morays, octopuses, leopard sharks, or whale sharks, even reef sharks that those more adventurous divers sometimes use as underwater taxi. Also here we find turtles, sea horses, cornet fishes, butterfly fishes, moray eels, blowfishes, barracudas and sea snakes with tuna fishes.
The inland hills from the coast of Krabi are dotted with hot springs, some of which are interesting locations for the one day trip. One of them is a warm waterfall in the Klong Thom District.
In the warm spring the water temperature rises up around 40°C, from several springs and flows through the woods, until it trickles down into the river. In the course of the centuries were the minerals, dissolved in the water, stored on the rocks in such a way to create large pools of deep water. The sides of the pools are so steep that they look naturally.
One of the main minerals found in the water is cooper, which gives the rocky dark green colour. The wood, deep warm water, it is all very relaxing. While soaking in the water is considered good for the human body, drinking the water is not recommended. In addition to copper and fluoride, the water also contains traces of lead.
The trip to the thermal springs includes also the visit of Emerald Lake, which is not far away. It is a lovely warm lake, where you can take a bath and if you ascend on the footbridge up to the tributary, you will have a beautiful view of the Emerald Lake.
In the southern part of the island there is the national park consisting of the original primeval forest in the hilly terrain, sandy beach with the view of the lighthouse, visitor's centre and a well-kept garden with several rare palms. The entrance is at the southern end of the small road, which winds along the western coast of the island. Around the small parking place are macaques waiting for the opportunity to capture something to eat.
In the park the circular trail was built that leads through the jungle. It takes about an hour to go through, but it is pretty individual, because of the considerable elevation, which is not that easy to overcome in that heat and high humidity. After the walk you can have a bath in the sea and relax on the sandy beach.
Nature lovers should not miss the visit of the Sea National Park Mu Ko (Koh) Lanta, which was founded more than 20 years ago--in 1990. It includes 15 Islands and even a relatively large part of the main island of Ko (Koh) Lanta Yai.
Krabi is the Thai Province and its capital of the same name at the same time, which is located on the coast of the Andaman Sea, about two hundred kilometres from the Bangkok capital city.
Krabi town is experiencing great development lately; the new resorts are being built, not only on the mainland but also on the smaller islands, located close to the coast.
Su San Hoi – shell graveyard was formed about 40 000 000 ago. It is located between the Phra Nang Cape and the Krabi town. It is a fossilized sediment load of sea molluscs from the Cretaceous period.
Hat Phra Nang – the magic beach. One of the most beautiful and photogenic beaches of Thailand is located to the west of the province capital, with its typical high steep rock walls– very often climbed by climbers.
Wat Tham Sua – the tiger cave temple. The Tiger Cave Temple is considered as the holiest temple of the Krabi Province by the Buddhists. It has the name Tiger, maybe because the close rocky projection is similar to tiger´s claw (paw). On the top of the mountain Ao Luk Than, at an altitude of 278 metres there is a golden statue of a sitting Buddha, 1272 stairs leads here.
In the Old Town, only a few houses and one street are today. But most of the houses are authentic, with old unpainted boards and terraces over the sea.
Here on the terraces you can eat well, the pubs will definitely not be full of tourists. There are several shops and one tourist office. Very interesting on this part of the island is the fact that you will find the original inhabitants – the Sea Gypsies (Chao le) here, who still live their original life style. On the southern tip of the West coast you will find their original village.
The large cave complex is located approximately in the middle of the Koh Lanta Island. There is an entrance fee but they will let you in the national park with the same ticket and you will get even English speaking guide in the caves.
Tham Khao Maikaeo is the cave complex on Koh Lanta, arising from interactions of limestone and water. Some of the caves have the dimensions of the Gothic Cathedral, the others are smaller, but all of them are equally impressive. To the entrance into the caves leads about 30 minutes lasting hike up the steep hill, through the brook on the slippery rocks on same places.
The air temperature is above 30°C. If you find the courage to slip inside through a tiny gap in the rock, the huge echoed domes and minor corridors with beautiful cave decorations are awaiting you as well as the bridges and ladders from the rotten bamboo, big spiders, mysterious sponges, ponds and waterfalls, the bats.
The imaginary top is then the underground lake. Some of the tourists are discouraged by the fact that this attraction is located in the middle of the jungle.
Thai massages, motorbike rides, butterfly farm, snake show, monkey school, fishing in the sea and in the pond, Thai box etc.


FTN Thursdays! Here's our latest Podcast, Episode 17: "The children of the night, what sweet music they make."
This week Marc is joined in the studio by Jay Faulkner and Bash. Among the things covered is Simon Pegg's meanness and fixation with Lego, the upcoming sequel to Twins, Triplets (no, really – Bash has an unhealthy fascination with this), we discover it's quite ok to have a man crush on Timothy Dalton and that his Bond is a 'grower'.
We chat to Stuart from The Monday Movie Show podcast about movies and why we're all so hopeflessly addicted.
Marc has a rant about Keith Lemon: The Film and why it has destroyed his confidence in Nerds, Uncle George's Red Tails gets a UK release and we convince you why you have to see it. Staying in history, we chat about the iceberg that sank the Titanic – it was built in Belfast, y'know – and we get into remakes and classic movies Highlander, The Mummy and we even try to decipher the ending of Tim Burton's Planet of the Apes. And we talk about the best trailer of 2012 so far: Seth McFarlane's Ted.
And that's all just in the first hour.
So join in and Nerd out!
Why not subscribe to our show on iTunes?


Welcome in the shop of the Shang Shung Institute Austria for Tibetan culture!
This shop is a free service for all members of the Dzogchen Community and of the Shang Shung Institute.
In order to be able to purchase a restricted item of this shop one needs to have received its transmission of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu.
In oder to see all PRODUCTS in each category on your screen, scroll down until the end of the pages.


Do you want to get more clients, be more abundant doing what you love, and gain genuine confidence in your healing practice (whatever modality)? Then you're invited to join this very special, free webinar event in which we'll teach you two research based methods for transforming fear so you can reach your next level of professional success as a healing arts practitioner. Plus download a bonus handout worth $19.99 that'll help you assess the growth of your business. We would love to have you for free before the recording the costs $97. See you inside!


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"Sonically is where the Soundscape truly shines" John Sciacca, Residential Systems
"it certainly has the features and performance chops to back it up"
John Sciacca of Residential Systems recently reviewed the Paradigm Soundscape after experiencing it in the Paradigm room at CES. "...when I first experienced the Soundscape during this past CES, I asked which sub they had it paired with. When Paradigm's marketing manager, Erin Phillips, coyly smiled and said, "There's no subwoofer; that's just the bar," I had to bring this in for review." Below are some of John's thoughts once he go the soundbar into his home...
"Sonically is where the Soundscape truly shines, however, keeping the often difficult-to-understand dialog from the opening ocean battle scene of Master and Commander centered and intelligible, while still producing the distant wind and atmospheric ocean sounds, giving nice width to the sonic image. Equally impressive was how the bar handled the deep bass and bombast of the cannon battle, producing rumblings I could feel and pushing the sounds of exploding cannon balls and splintering hulls well beyond the width of the bar."
"The Soundscape demonstrated its ability to deliver weight and depth in reproducing the weighty voice and foot stomps of Smaug from The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. It was amazing how the bar made Smaug's voice boom and rumble around the room, seeming to come from nearly everywhere at once, producing a very real faux-surround effect."
"While the Soundscape is pricey by soundbar standards, it certainly has the features and performance chops to back it up. And when clients hear how great it sounds without requiring an extra black box, they'll likely consider it a bargain."
Click here! to read the full review from Residential Systems.
Click here! for more info. on the Paradigm Soundscape.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


brethrenpedia.org was launched at August 14, 2018 and is 7 months. It reaches roughly 30 users and delivers about 30 pageviews each month. Its estimated monthly revenue is $0.00. We estimate the value of brethrenpedia.org to be around $10.00. The domain brethrenpedia.org uses a Organizations suffix and its server(s) are located in with the IP number 104.28.31.253. brethrenpedia.org is not listed on Dmoz.
Estimated numbers for brethrenpedia.org - Niche: General - Average CPM: $2.80 CPM or eCPM: Effective Cost per 1000 impressions.
Alexa Rank:Not ranked The Alexa rank is a measure of brethrenpedia.org's popularity.
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brethrenpedia.org is using cloudflare as server and programming language PHP/7.2.17.
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If brethrenpedia.org has no pages indexed it means it's too new, is banned or suffered a penalty.
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Web Archive:brethrenpedia.org (in the past).


text:
Q: How to restrict, importing file to shinyApp once per day in R shiny? I want to upload updated csv file daily basis. Once the csv file get uploaded, the upload icon should disappear and valueBox should display with relevant value. Here is the below code:
library(shiny)
library(shinydashboard)
# Define UI for application that draws a histogram
ui <- dashboardPage(
    dashboardHeader(title = "Upload Stats"),
    dashboardSidebar(),
    dashboardBody(
        box(
            title = "UPTIME:", width = 12,
    div(column(width = 4, fileInput(inputId = "file", label = "import", accept = ".csv")),
        column(width = 8, valueBoxOutput("stats"))
            )
        )
    )
)

# Define server logic required to draw a histogram
server <- function(input, output) {

    output$stats <- renderValueBox({
        req(input$file)
        data <- read.csv(input$file$datapath)
        valueBox("scr1", sum(data[,2]), width = 12)
    })
}

# Run the application
shinyApp(ui = ui, server = server)

The above code accepting csv file each time visiting the shinydashboard. Currently it showing the upload icon each time someone opens the URL/dashboard. I want the upload icon should shown till csv file not uploaded into shinyApp. Once uploaded, it should disappear and should display 'valueBox()' with values depend on the uploaded file.
Can someone help me how to write that control code?

A: Since your application is going to be used by multiple people who can access the URL, the simple way would be to create a global .rds file accessible by all the users whenever the .csv file is imported.
 data <- read.csv(input$file$datapath)

 # Create a folder named srcdata under www folder in your app directory
 # Save the data object as a .rds file with system date appended to the file name
 saveRDS(data,paste0("www/srcdata/data_",Sys.Date()))

However, we would need to create this .rds file only once per day. If a file already exists for the current date, we can
1. Skip this step and read the file directly
2. Hide the input field from the UI
So the code becomes
filePresent <- list.files("www/srcdata/", pattern = paste0("data_",Sys.Date()))

# if file is present, disable the input field and read from the saved .rds
# if file is not present, show the input field

 if(length(filePresent)==1){
        data <- readRDS(paste0("www/srcdata/data_",Sys.Date()))
        filedata$notPresent <- FALSE
      }else{
        shinyjs::show("file")
      }

Here, we are using shinyjs to show and hide the fields. So you would need to install that package (if not already) and call it in your code. Also, this code should run every time the app gets initialized so that the users either get presented with data (if there is a saved file) or sees a input field to import the file.
I have updated the code to implement this
library(shiny)
library(shinydashboard)
library(shinyjs)
# Define UI for application that draws a histogram
ui <- dashboardPage(
  dashboardHeader(title = "Upload Stats"),
  dashboardSidebar(),
  dashboardBody(
    useShinyjs(),
    box(
      title = "UPTIME:", width = 12,
      div(column(width = 4, hidden(fileInput(inputId = "file", label = "import", accept = ".csv"))),
          column(width = 8, valueBoxOutput("stats"))
      )
    )
  )
)

# Define server logic required to draw a histogram
server <- function(input, output) {

  filedata <- reactiveValues(notPresent = TRUE)

  observeEvent(filedata$notPresent,{
    if(filedata$notPresent){

      filePresent <- list.files("www/srcdata/", pattern = paste0("data_",Sys.Date()))

      if(length(filePresent)==1){
        data <- readRDS(paste0("www/srcdata/data_",Sys.Date()))
        filedata$notPresent <- FALSE
      }else{
        shinyjs::show("file")
      }

    }

  })
  output$stats <- renderValueBox({
    req(input$file)
    data <- read.csv(input$file$datapath)
    saveRDS(data,paste0("www/srcdata/data_",Sys.Date()))
    valueBox("scr1", sum(data[,2]), width = 12)
  })
}

# Run the application
shinyApp(ui = ui, server = server)

Hope this helps!

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Calgary police say vehicle licence thefts are big business, with an average of 7,000 stolen licence plates a year. Last month, Alyssa Julie and her boyfriend noticed the plate on their car was loose.... The vehicle registration fee includes licence plates and registration stickers. Click here for more information on how to get vehicle registration in Alberta. You can register your vehicle at any time during the year, but you will be assigned a specific month during the year (determined by the first letter of your last name) during which you must renew your registration .
You should obtain the owner's name, the license plate number and serial number of the vehicle you want to purchase to perform the search. Insurance companies provide the serial numbers of written-off vehicles to the Motor Vehicle Registry Office for easy detection.
The vehicle registration fee includes licence plates and registration stickers. Click here for more information on how to get vehicle registration in Alberta. You can register your vehicle at any time during the year, but you will be assigned a specific month during the year (determined by the first letter of your last name) during which you must renew your registration .


text:
Encyclopedia > ISO 3166-3
ISO 3166-3 is an international standard that defines codes for outdated ISO 3166-1 country codes and is part of ISO 3166.
If after 1974 countries
merged (e.g. East and West Germany)
split up (e.g. Czechoslovakia)
changed the main part of their name
the codes were withdrawn from ISO 3166-1 and with addition of two letters put in ISO 3166-3.
ISO 3166-3 is four-digit-alphabetic and starts with the code that was withdrawn from ISO 3166-1.
Obsolete ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 codes
The following is a list of obsolete ISO 3166 two-letter country codes, included here for reference. Note that many of these codes were withdrawn before the introduction of the Domain Name System, and so were never used as top-level domains. For each code, the year of withdrawal is given. Once five years have passed from the time of withdrawal the code is free to be reallocated, as has been done with AI, GE and SK.
AIDJ - 1977 French Territory of the Afars and the Issas. Replaced by DJ (for Djibouti). Note that AI has since been reassigned to Anguilla.
BQAQ - 1979 British Antarctic Territory. Now covered by AQ (Antarctica).
BUMM - 1989 Burma. Replaced by MM (for Myanmar).
CSHH - 1993 Czechoslovakia. Replaced by CZ and SK.
CTKI - 1984 Canton and Enderbury Islands. Now covered by KI (Kiribati).
DDDE - 1990 East Germany. Now covered by DE (Germany).
DYBJ - 1977 Dahomey. Replaced by BJ (for Benin).
FQHH - 1979 French Southern and Antarctic Territories. Now covered by AQ and TF.
FXFR - 1997 Metropolitan France. Covered by FR (France).
GEHH - 1979 Gilbert and Ellis Islands. Now covered by KI (Kiribati) and TV (Tuvalu). Note that GE has since been reassigned to Georgia.
HVBF - 1984 Upper Volta (Haute-Volta). Replaced by BF (for Burkina Faso).
JTUM - 1986 Johnston Island. Now covered by UM.
MIUM - 1986 Midway Islands. Now covered by UM.
NHVU - 1980 New Hebrides. Replaced by VU (for Vanuatu).
NQAQ - 1983 Queen Maud Land. Now covered by AQ (Antarctica).
NTHH - 1993 Neutral Zone between Saudi Arabia (SA) and Iraq (IQ).
PCHH - 1986 Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Replaced by FM, MH, MP and PW.
PUUM - 1986 U.S. Miscellaneous Pacific Islands. Now covered by UM.
PZPA - 1980 Panama Canal Zone[?]. Now covered by PA (Panama).
RHZW - 1980 Rhodesia. Replaced by ZW (for Zimbabwe).
SKIN - 1975 Sikkim. Now covered by IN (India). Note that SK has since been reassigned to Slovakia.
SUHH - 1992 Soviet Union. Replaced by AM, AZ, BY, EE, GE, KG, KZ, LT, LV, MD, RU, TJ, TM, UA and UZ (of which BY and UA already existed). SU is still in use as a top-level domain.
TPTL - 2002 East Timor. Replaced by TL on becoming the independent country of Timor-Leste. TP is still in use as a top-level domain.
VDVN - 1977 Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Now covered by VN (Viet Nam).
WKUM - 1986 Wake Island. Now covered by UM.
YDYE - 1990 South Yemen[?]. Now covered by YE (Yemen).
ZRCD - 1997 Zaire. Replaced by CD (for Democratic Republic of the Congo).
... of first expedition around the world Douglas Mawson - Australian explorer of Antarctica N Fridtjof Nansen, (1861-1930), arctic explorer, scientist and international ...


text:
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Fire Safety in Homeowner Associations Prevent and Protect
By Lisa Iannucci 2004 Dec Security
In January of this year, a devastating blaze ripped through an Edison apartment building in Edison leaving one woman dead, five people injured and up to 100 others homeless. In March, a space heater ignited a mattress causing a fire that gutted one building and destroyed two others in New Brunswick. In May, an unattended cigarette caused a three-alarm fire that destroyed two condominium units and damaged 14 others in East Windsor.
As startling as these neighborhood catastrophes may seem, most people still don't think enough about fire and fire safety. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), almost 4,000 people died in home fires last year and property losses exceeded $6 billion. The long-term emotional damage to fire victims and their loved ones is incalculable.
"Smoking is still the biggest cause of house fires in New Jersey," says Dan DeTrolio, a member of the New Jersey Fire Safety Commission and chairman of the group's public education council.
The snow, wind, and freezing temperatures of winter are settling over the region, and that means that many homeowners may turn to supplemental room heaters to warm their home. "Heaters, stoves and other heating appliances are also big causes of fire," says DeTrolio. "Candles are also a fast-growing cause of many fires."
The NFPA reports that candles started fires in 18,000 homes in 2001, a 15 percent rise from 2000, and more than triple the number in 1990.
The key to preventing any of these fires from occurring is education and preparation. The New Jersey Fire Safety Commission (NJFSC) diligently works on educating its residents about fire prevention. According to DeTrolio, "You can get safety tips from your local firehouse. We have brochures geared to children, large-print brochures for seniors, and have educated kids going off to college to live in dormitories."
One of the most emotionally devastating fires in New Jersey history happened early on the morning of January 19, 2000, when a fire killed three students and injured 58 others in a Seton Hall University dormitory.
This tragic event has sparked the NJFSC to install sprinkler systems in all New Jersey dormitories. After accomplishing 99 percent of their goal (one private college is still holding out), the commission has turned their attention to mandatory sprinkler systems in co-op, condo, and rental buildings. The commission wants it written into law that all multi-family units will be equipped with sprinkler systems in the very near future.
"I know [developers] and the real estate industry really want sprinklers, but are afraid of the costs," says Richard Skinner, northeast regional manager of the National Fire Sprinkler Association. "But it's cheaper to put the sprinklers in then they think. The financial devastation resulting from a fire far outweighs the costs of putting in a sprinkler system."
And what are those costs? According to the National Fire Sprinkler Association, the costs for installing fire sprinkler systems in buildings six to eight stories high ranges from under a dollar to about $2 per square foot in most new construction, and from about $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot for retrofitting sprinklers in existing buildings.
By contrast, Skinner continues, "In a [development] where there is no sprinkler system, an entire building can burn to the ground, residents are displaced, that building is no longer on the tax role, lives may be lost, and insurance costs go up. If firefighters are injured or killed, there are payments to those families—and while the fire is happening, more of the city or township is being compromised because the fire department is at that scene. These costs far outweigh the price of a sprinkler system."
DeTrolio agrees. "It's not a law yet," he says, "but for only about $1,500, residents can equip their home with a sprinkler system. Yet many still don't have one. If you're prepared with the right equipment, you can save lives."
Making Safety the Law
Other measures are being championed by lawmakers as well. Sen. Anthony R. Bucco, R-25, in Denville, and a member of the commission, is also advocating for improved fire retardant mattresses. "Someone I know lost a grandson in a house fire that started when a spark from the computer landed on the mattress," says Bucco. "The mattress erupted very quickly. In California, the law requires a 30-minute fire retardant mattress, but that's not enough. We want 60 minutes. It doesn't sound like much, but it could be lifesaving—every minute counts, and we need to give every advantage to building residents and the firemen."
Bucco is proud that several New Jersey building fire codes and laws have been passed successfully over the years to help prevent the spread of fires, especially in row houses or multi-family units. "In any new construction, it is the law to have a stop in the walls between the studs and also between the ceiling and attic spaces that prevent the fire from spreading to other areas," Bucco explains. "In addition, new construction must include hardwired and battery operated smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in the unit."
According to the NJFSC, every home, apartment, garage, and townhouse should have at least one or two smoke detectors to alert occupants of imminent danger. However, knowing how to use them and where to install them are just as vital as having them there in the first place.
Don't be deceived and believe that if you live in a two-floor unit or row house duplex, placing a single smoke detector downstairs is adequate protection. The decibel level of that alarm probably isn't strong enough to wake a sleeping adult, and if it's placed improperly, it could take telltale smoke too long to reach the detector before alerting residents to danger. Multiple units or units in a tied-together system are what's recommended, so if one detector is activated, it activates the others.
Unfortunately, an NFPA survey on smoke detectors discovered that smaller communities and lower-income, lower education level households tend to have lower rates of smoke alarm ownership. To help overcome this obstacle, New Jersey fire departments partnered with ABC-7's program Operation 7: Save A Life. For the past 4 years, ABC-7 and the fire departments have distributed educational material and free smoke detectors to low-income families throughout the tri-state area. (For more information visit www.wabctv.com)
A Word on CO
Preventing fires by properly maintaining and monitoring heaters, stoves, and ovens also has a fringe benefit: in addition to posing a flammable threat, any fuel-burning appliance can produce dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide, or CO. Known as the "silent killer," CO is odorless, colorless and tasteless, and often goes undetected. High levels of CO in a home can cause dizziness, headache, nausea and sleepiness. If left untreated, CO poisoning can be fatal.
Anything from a furnace, water or space heater, to a fireplace, gas stove or oven, or even a car left running in an attached garage can cause carbon monoxide to build up in a home or apartment if equipment malfunctions or operates without adequate ventilation. In addition to making sure all fuel-burning appliances are in good working order and adequately ventilated, for extra protection residents should purchase an electronic CO detector that is certified to the UL standard for detectors. Most newer smoke detectors have CO detection capabilities as well, and should be placed near bedrooms and basements within easy earshot of residents.
If the Unthinkable Happens
Sometimes, even with proper precautions, careful maintenance, and preventative measures, fires do happen. To minimize the blaze and prevent the potential loss of life, HOA boards and management should encourage homeowners in their communities to install fire extinguishers in their kitchens, garages, and any other areas of their homes where fires may start. Homeowners should look for extinguishers with an "ABC" rating, which means it is good for any type of fire—electrical, chemical, or otherwise. A multi-purpose dry chemical Class ABC fire extinguisher is considered the best choice for general home use, and having more than one in any home is recommended.
High- and mid-rise co-ops and condos should also have an escape route posted prominently in the halls and common areas of their buildings. Managing agents and board members should periodically remind residents of the postings and encourage families to rehearse their own escape plan, plotting at least two exits from each part of the residence and choosing a safe place outside the house where the family can meet to be sure everyone got out safely.
Building managers and associations should also be aware of any residents with special needs, such as the elderly, or those with physical disabilities involving decreased mobility, sight, or hearing, or any other condition that could limit a person's ability to take quick action necessary to escape during a fire emergency. Depending on what physical limitations these residents may have, they may require help from a caretaker, neighbor or rescue personnel to escape the fire. Involve a building manager and neighbors in the escape plan for those residents. If associations are unsure about creating an escape plan, contact your local fire department; they can help you and point out where detectors should be located. In addition, you can also ask emergency personnel to keep a list of special needs residents on file.
Inside, residents should post the fire department number on every telephone. For young children, teach them how to dial "O" for the operator and tell them the house is on fire. Teach them not to hide from fire under a bed or in a closet.
The Value of Common Sense
In the long run, however, using common sense and remaining calm in an emergency is the most important safety tip, but unfortunately, even the best prevention and education can't stop some fires from damaging property. Should your association fall victim, it's important for association members to know that their belongings are covered by adequate insurance. Homeowners insurance is essential to ensuring peace of mind during the worst of times. However, according to Michael Bush, a State Farm agent in Bloomfield, condo and co-op owners might not even realize how woefully underinsured they are until it's too late.
"About five or 10 years ago, condo association insurance would cover the inside walls and unit owners would only be responsible for what was inside the sheetrock, such as washing machines and dishwashers," says Bush. "Nowadays, condo association policies only cover putting up the studs, not the sheetrock. Everything internal is the condo unit owner's responsibility. If there is a fire, the condo unit may only have to frame the building—individual residents would be responsible for everything else."
Bush encourages unit owners to check the bylaws of their association to see what they're responsible for. "Most condo owners may have only $5,000 to $10,000 in coverage, and they don't realize that they may need $60,000 to $70,000 worth of coverage to cover sheetrock, cabinets, bathroom fixtures, and so forth. The unit owners insurance policies are not nearly enough."
Remember, prepare, educate and use common sense. Safeguarding lives and association property is well worth the effort.
Lisa Iannucci is a freelance writer living in Poughkeepsie, New York.
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Kathryn on Monday, November 23, 2015 11:55 AM
I live in a condo with a sprinkler system that has caused so much internal damage over the years that it is virtually impossible for us to get insurance anymore. Residential indoor sprinklers that condo owners have no control over are a nuisance and outrageous expense. If this thing goes off, we can't even stop it until the firefighters arrive and by then the damages are extensive. I have lived here for 20 years and there has never been a fire but there have been at least 10-15 units that have had to be totally redone because of water damage from accidental discharge. Working smoke detectors, an escape plan, and for the second floor resident - a roll down ladder, these are what saves lives not sprinklers. I will be retiring in a few years and when I relocate I will be looking for a place without sprinklers.
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Unfortunately I seemed to have missed the email advising that the start time had been moved from 11 am to 10 am, so arriving in what I felt to be good time at 5 to 10 I had a sprint to get to the start line. Was the last one over. Thank goodness for chip timing.
Apologies if I have missed anyone.


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Home / Vintage Hermes Birkin 25 Black Salvator Lizard With Jacob & Co. White Gold & Diamond Hardware - 2009, Square M
Vintage Hermes Birkin 25 Black Salvator Lizard With Jacob & Co. White Gold & Diamond Hardware - 2009, Square M
First launched in 2004, the 25cm Birkin was initially met with a less than enthusiastic response. For the first decade of its existence, small bags were out and big bags were in, the 35cm holding standard over all other Birkins. In recent years, the growing demand for small bags and small Birkins has led to a surge in popularity for unusual early examples of this diminutive size. This 25cm Birkin, done in Black Salvator Lizard with custom diamonds by Jacob & Co, masterfully set in white gold. A one of a kind Birkin that will set any room ablaze! It is a spectacular example from the early years of this size's production. Maintained in Pristine condition, an exceptional piece for any collection, Salvator Lizard is distinct for its small, flat, hexagonal scales.
Hardware: White Gold with Diamonds and Palladium standard
Material: Varanus Salvadorii Lizard
Collection: 2009, Square M
Varanus salvadorii is a species of monitor lizard endemic to New Guinea. It is the largest monitor lizard known from Store Fresh Guinea, and is one of the longest lizards in the world.