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Policymakers Shouldn't Repeal or Further Delay "Cadillac Tax"
Home / blog / Federal Tax / Policymakers Shouldn...
Congress is facing renewed calls to repeal or further delay the "Cadillac tax" — the excise tax on high-cost health plans. That would be unwise for two reasons: it would lose needed revenue and would set back efforts to slow the growth of health care costs.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) imposed a 40 percent excise tax on the value of employer-sponsored health plans that exceeds certain high thresholds (about $11,000 for individuals and $30,000 for families in 2022). It was originally scheduled to take effect in 2018, but lawmakers have twice delayed it. Delaying it again, from its current start date of 2022 to 2023 (as House Republicans have proposed), would cost $13.6 billion, the Joint Committee on Taxation estimates. Repealing it would cost $168 billion through 2028.
The excise tax has a strong policy rationale. Health policy experts of all political persuasions have long viewed the unlimited exclusion of employer-financed health insurance from income and payroll taxes as economically inefficient and regressive. The tax limits the exclusion.
Initially, the tax won't affect most workers and health plans, since its thresholds substantially exceed the value of the typical plan. Had it taken effect in 2020, only 7 percent of people with employer-sponsored coverage would have been enrolled in plans with projected costs that exceeded the tax's threshold for that year, a Treasury Department analysis found, and the tax would have applied to only 1 percent of plan costs. The comparable figures for 2022 would be only slightly larger.
In addition to raising needed revenue, the tax will help slow health care cost growth. In fact, it's one of the ACA's most important cost-containment measures. It will discourage firms from buying extremely generous health coverage that promotes the excess use of health care. And it will "encourage the dissemination of less costly ways to deliver appropriate medical services," the Congressional Budget Office has concluded.
Instead of repealing or further delaying the tax, policymakers should adjust it to address certain concerns that have been raised (as the Obama Administration proposed) or replace it with a similar measure to help contain health care costs, such as a well-designed cap on the tax exclusion for employer-based health coverage.
As a bipartisan group of scholars from the American Enterprise Institute and the Brookings Institution recently wrote, "We urge Congress either to allow the Cadillac tax to take effect or to legislate a cap on the tax exclusion, so that premiums above the cap would be treated as income to covered workers. . . . Further delays, or repealing the tax outright without a substitute that limits the tax exclusion, would leave in place the current incentives that increase spending rather than value in health care."
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Most Iconic Buildings of Modern Architecture
by David C. Bishop
12 April 2020 17 February 2021
There has been a lot of architects who could see the world in a different which gave them a unique vision to create something beautiful. It is their vision which has allowed people to understand the limits which have gone above and beyond to create something extraordinary. Here is a list of some of the most iconic buildings of modern architecture.
Sagrada Familia was an architectural brainchild of Antoni Gaudi. This magnificent piece of the structure stands tall in Barcelona, Spain. The foundation of this building was built in 1822 and to this day is not complete. The completion of the building is going side by side, which has allowed it to be open to tourists as well. In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI consecrated the church and proclaimed it to be a minor basilica.
Eiffel Tower is somewhat of an icon for France which has some of the most visited paid monuments in the world. The purpose of the Eiffel Tower was to help it be the entrance to the 1889 World's Fair. This structure was built in 1889 in Paris, France, by a well-known architecture Stephen Sauvestre.
Chateau Frontenac
Chateau Frontenac was built by Bruce Price located in Quebec, Canada. This is a beautiful masonry work which has a lot of replacements of the copper roofs. This is a hotel which works for its historical significance. The company further has invested $66 million in investments for general improvements and renovations throughout the hotel. There have been many extensive renovations which have been expanded with the likes of a conference room, restaurants, modernisation of the lobby and other three-fifths of the hotel rooms.
Flatiron Building
Flatiron is the brainchild of Daniel Burnham build in 1902. The purpose of this building was to serve as an office building. This place is still in use, and there are many pans of turning the office into a luxury hotel. These conversations have lasted many years and will have to cease until the tenants run out. The facade of the Flatiron building was later restored in 1991 by Hurley and Farinella which has made it into a much more convenient place to be.
Ingalls Building
Ingalls building was built with the masterplan of Alzner and Anderson in the year 1903. This structure stands still in Ohio, USA. This place was supposed to be made for office buildings but was later reinforced to be a skyscraper. This place is still in use, and there are many plans for converting this building into 40 to 50 condos. There are many designs being approved by the owner, and the changes might occur very soon.
Copyright © 2020 JHD Architecture | All Rights Reserved

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First time with personal vehicle at WDW???
Discussion in 'Transportation' started by *pixie*, Apr 12, 2019.
We are staying at Disney's Vero Beach Resort and while there are planning on driving to WDW a couple of days. We have always stayed onsite at WDW and used their transportation, so this will be our first time with our own vehicle. Our plan is to to rope drop HS and then park hop to MK one day, and the other day we will rope drop AK and then hop to Epcot. Would our best option be to park at our rope drop park's parking lot and then drive to our afternoon park? I've also seen mention of parking at the beginning of the day at TTC and using Disney transportation the rest of the day? Silly question, I've also read something about trams. Do we have to get on a tram from the parking lot to get to the park entrance?
I'm also guessing that even though we are DVC members and staying at a Disney resort that we will have to pay for parking?
If you drive to MK, you will park at the TTC. Depending on where you park, you might opt to take a tram from the parking lot to the TTC itself. From there, you'll take a monorail or boat to the MK.
Honestly when I've park hopped with a car, I've just taken the car from park A to park B.
Bullseye, Mackenzie Click-Mickelson, bumbershoot and 1 other person like this.
Trams are usually available from the parking lot to the park entrance, unless you arrive very early or they're parking close to the park entrance. It's your choice to ride them; you can always walk in if you prefer.
You definitely want to park first where you're doing RD. After that, it's up to you whether you want to use Disney buses to park hop, or just drive. If you're hopping to MK, bear in mind that driving, you will probably want to ride the tram from the parking lot and then you will also have to ride the Monorail or Ferry Boat to the park entrance, whereas Disney buses will take you right to the entrance.
Parking at TTC is not a good plan for park hopping, unless you're just hopping between MK & Epcot, because there are no buses between TTC and DHS or DAK.
Thanks everyone! Sounds like our best bet is to park at whatever park we are currently at. If we pay for parking at the first park, and then park hop to the next park, do we have to pay another parking fee at the second park?
No, you pay for parking just the one time...be sure to keep your receipt from the first park.
I would just drive to the next park.
I just checked out google maps, and that's over 100 miles each way. You're a stronger parks fan than I am!
Lol, we live in a very rural area, so any time we want to go anywhere, it is a 45 minute to two hour drive, so we are used to it!
Don't know if it suits your plans, but I'd consider doing Epcot on the day your rope drop Hollywood, and MK on the day you rope drop AK. That way on the Hollywood day you can just leave the car parked at Hollywood and boat or walk to and from Epcot.
I would double-check this -- maybe on the DVC boards. It's true for the ONSITE DVC resorts, but I'm not sure it will work if you're staying at VB.


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When it comes to photography, few destinations in the world can equal the rich mix of opportunities that can be enjoyed in India. From its colorful street scenes with their numerous festivals, to its many majestic old palaces and fortresses, this dynamic country has more than found its mojo in recent decades.
A nation of deep contrasts, where the modern coincides with the traditions of the past, India is one of those destinations that's perfect for those who enjoy slow travel, taking their time to enjoy and savor - and photograph, of course - everything this incredible country has to offer. To help you get the most out of your time here, be sure to refer often to our guide to the top beautiful places to photograph in India.
1. Taj Mahal, Agra
Few structures anywhere on the planet can be considered as romantic as the Taj Mahal in Agra. Built by an emperor in the 1600s as the final resting place of his favorite wife, this beautiful white marble edifice stands as a testament to love and makes for an incredible photograph.
Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Agra
2. Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Chennai
Kapaleeshwarar Temple
India is a land of temples, all just begging to be photographed. One of the most beautiful is the Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Chennai, a colorful Hindu temple dedicated to the god Shiva. This picture, which shows just a portion of the complex, is of the temple entrance.
3. Holi: Festival of Colors
The colorful Holi Festival
As this picture shows, India's Holi Festival is certainly a colorful affair. Held each spring, this important Hindu celebration can trace its roots back centuries and provides an incredible backdrop for superb photos of the country's rich culture and traditions.
4. Gateway of India, Mumbai
Gateway of India, Mumbai
Located at the water's edge in downtown Mumbai, the 26-meter-tall Gateway of India was erected in 1911 as a tribute to the British monarchy. A meeting place for locals and visitors alike, this spectacular structure is one of the city's most photographed landmarks.
Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Mumbai
5. The Ganges River, Varanasi
The Ganges River in Varanasi
India has long been influenced by its mighty rivers. Shown here passing through the city of Varanasi, the spectacular 2,525-kilometer-long Ganges river is also an important religious site and is much revered.
6. Cola Beach, Goa
Cola Beach in Goa
Located on the country's west coast, Goa is home to numerous fine beaches and has a reputation as a popular resort destination. Of the many beaches here, Cola Beach is one of the best places to snap a photo at sunset.
Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in India
7. Bada Bagh, Jaisalmer
Bada Bagh
Once a royal garden, Bada Bagh - part of the magnificent Golden City in Jaisalmer - contains the cenotaphs of a variety of regional rulers' bygone days. For the best photos, be sure to frame these beautiful red sandstone buildings with the greenery of the surrounding mango groves.
8. Tea Plantations
Tea plantations in Munnar, India
Long a staple of the country's economy - and one of the reasons why it was for so long a part of the British Empire - India's tea-growing regions provide an attractive subject for photos. These tea plantations in Munnar are typical of the kind of images you'll be able to capture when you venture out of the city.
9. Train Rides
Colorful train near Shimla
One of the best ways to get around India is via train. It's also a fun way to discover exciting new photo opportunities, especially in mountainous regions of the country, such as Shimla in the Himalayan foothills.
10. Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai
India's temples and shrines also provide spectacular interior photography opportunities, too. Here, the camera has captured the majesty of the towering columns and brightly painted ceilings of the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai.
11. Golden Temple, Amritsar
Golden Temple, Amritsar
Of all India's many beautiful temples, few can match the Golden Temple of Amritsar (Harmandir Sahib). Built in 1604, this magnificent building is further enhanced by its waterside setting.
Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Amritsar
12. Red Fort, Delhi
Hall of Private Audience, Red Fort, Delhi
As beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside, the Red Fort complex in Delhi is a photographers' paradise. Be sure to spend time photographing its intricate marble interior, including the huge Hall of Private Audience.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Delhi: Best Areas & Hotels
Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Delhi & New Delhi
13. Amer Fort, Jaipur
Amer Fort in Jaipur
Constructed in 1592, the impressive Amer Fort in Jaipur makes for an impressive backdrop for your holiday snaps. Popular with tourists, it's a steep climb but well worth the effort.
Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Jaipur
14. Periyar National Park, Kerala
Wild Indian elephant in Periyar National Park
Some of the best photographs of India can be had in the countryside. Here, the lush vegetation of Periyar National Park in Kerala is home to a variety of wildlife, including countless bird species and elephants.
15. Jahangiri Palace, Agra
Jahangiri Palace at sunrise
The best images of India are often those that contrast man-made structures against the country's lush vegetation. Here, the photographer has perfectly captured the beauty of Jahangiri Palace in Agra along with the surrounding countryside at sunrise.
16. Ellora Caves, Aurangabad
Ellora Caves entrance
Started in the 5th century, the spectacular Ellora Caves consist of 34 distinct monasteries, chapels, and temples carved out of the rock face. Shown here, the entrance to the caves only provides a taste of the photogenic splendor within.
17. Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
Mehrangarh Fort at night
Shown here lit up at night, the Mehrangarh Fort - also known as the "Blue City" - dominates the city of Jodhpur. While some of the best shots are of the fort in the distance, make sure you book a tour of this incredible structure.
18. Qutub Minar, New Delhi
Qutub Minar in New Delhi
The red sandstone minaret in Qutub Minar in New Delhi makes for a very dramatic photo. The country's largest minaret is set in a large complex housing numerous old tombs and other interesting structures.
19. Darjeeling, West Bengal
Darjeeling with the Himalayas in the distance
Famous the world over for its tea, Darjeeling in West Bengal makes for a great jumping-off point for those wanting to explore the Himalayas. This lush, fertile region also offers no shortage of stunning vistas.
20. Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Mumbai
Bandra-Worli Sea Link
Connecting Mumbai's main business district to the rest of the city, the Bandra-Worli Sea Link makes for a stunning photo backdrop - especially at night.
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A Little Bit of Bliss; A Crafty Solution to Spouse Employment
By Jean HanFebruary 22, 2020
FORT BLISS, Texas - Tucked away in a nondescript brown building on Chaffee Road is a little gem of a gift shop bursting with color and charm.Cleverly named A Little Bit of Bliss, the Fort Bliss Spouses' Association (FBSA)-operated store is a brick-and-mortar solution to something that 1st Armored Division and U.S. Army leaders care about very much- spouse employment and quality of life.Since reopening in October 2019 with a new look, the gift shop has become a haven for military spouses looking for a creative outlet, hobby, comradery or to promote a side business and make some extra cash."It's our service that we want to give to our spouses," said Angelina Edwards, manager of the gift shop and a military spouse herself. "We want to give them that platform to be able to not only make a little extra money but to keep them busy and have something for them to do."While employment challenges are not unique to military spouses, they face additional obstacles due to the transient nature of military life. Deployments, frequent moves, remote locations of military bases, and child care needs are just some of the many challenges that military spouses deal with on a regular basis.This is the case for one of the gift shop's vendors, Misty Hofmann, a native of Mount Dora, Florida, whose husband is assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion,1AD.Hofmann is an Air Force veteran with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and several years working as a DoD-contracted satellite imagery analyst under her belt.Yet due to frequent relocations and having to become the primary child caregiver, she has not had a job since 2011. "It just became too difficult to find a job that correlates to my skill set at those different locations and for that small amount of time that we'd actually be there," said Hofmann. When Hofmann discovered A Little Bit of Bliss, she was overjoyed. She had found a way to occupy her time and feel a sense of accomplishment."It's rewarding for me, because as a homemaker, there are a whole lot of things that I do that never actually get finished. I don't feel that sense of completion that I found when I was working, but my side business gave me something to focus on and feel that sense of completion," said Hofmann.Many military bases are located in rural or remote areas, leading to fierce competition in the job market. Living in an area like El Paso brings the additional challenge of a job market that often expects employees to be bilingual."I've had a hard time finding a job because I don't speak Spanish, and it's kind of required to work at a hospital in this area. I've been looking off and on for three years," said Little Bit of Bliss vendor Meagan McCullough, whose husband is assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 13th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1AD.Despite having career experience and an Associate's Degree of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology, the Suwanee, Georgia, native said she has found the job hunt to be difficult.According to Edwards, this is par for the course. "It's really hard to get jobs here because we live in a place that is highly populated," said Edwards. "About half of the spouses that sell their crafts here can't find jobs and are just trying to make ends meet the best way they can."The store features many items with military, patriotic, Texas and El Paso among its popular themes. A percentage of the price of each item goes to the FBSA for its programming, and the rest the vendors keep.The FBSA provides the opportunity for members to participate in social and creative activities while supporting worthwhile service and community activities. The FBSA also operates the Fort Bliss Thrift Shop, with proceeds providing community non-profits with grants and members and their local family members with merit-based scholarships.Aside from independent opportunities like A Little Bit of Bliss, the Army is improving career and employment opportunities for military spouses through new programs and existing partnerships.In a bid to support military families, the Army is taking an active approach to help military spouses find jobs, build careers and improve their quality of life.Supporting Army spouses in continuing their work in a new place of residence with minimal delay and additional expense is important.Spouses in professionally licensed fields face challenges resulting from delays and the cost of transferring licenses to a new state.Many spouses may qualify for help in covering the costs of transferring those credentials when they experience a permanent-change-of-station move with their service member spouse.Under the National Defense Authorization Act 2020, civilian spouses can now receive up to $1,000 in reimbursements for relicensing costs during permanent change-of-station relocations.Policy details and reimbursement procedures vary by service branch. Spouses are eligible for reimbursement after getting their new license or certification.Information for each service branch is available on the Military OneSource website.For those who are interested in joining the A Little Bit of Bliss team for a more local, personal start to employment at Fort Bliss, Edwards encourages spouses to try their hand at crafting.The shop currently has 23 spouses and service members that are selling their goods there, although typically the average is 50."Anyone who might be crafty or wants to try it should come on down, because we have plenty of space for more crafts!" said Edwards.Related Links:Employment Readiness Program (ERP)Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO)Fort Bliss Spouse AssociationA Little Bit of Bliss Official Page
September 12, 2019Department of the Army announces upcoming 1st Armored Division Combat Aviation Brigade unit rotation
September 12, 2019Army announces conversion of two brigade combat teams
September 12, 2019Department of the Army announces 1st Armored Division deployment
September 12, 2019Department of the Army announces 1st Armored Division's Sustainment Brigade deployment
September 12, 2019Department of the Army announces 1st Armored Division Headquarters deployment
September 12, 2019Department of the Army announces 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division deployment


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Home / Historical Biographies / Louis Williams Hall
Louis Williams Hall
Photo (Runk & Co. 1886)
1861 Speaker 20 Republican
1865 21 Republican
Blair, Cambria, Centre, Clearfield, Huntingdon, Juniata, Mifflin, Perry
The Honorable Louis Hall was born July 4, 1833 in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, the son of William Maclay Hall and Ellen Campbell Williams.[i] His grandmother, Esther Harris Hall, was the sister of William Maclay, the first United States Senator from Pennsylvania. Hall later removed to Altoona, received a sound education, studied law, became a member of the Blair County bar in 1854, and built a successful practice in partnership with Republican Party strongman Daniel Neff. Developing expertise in corporate law, Hall received particular note as solicitor of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company of Altoona. Included on the 1859 ballot as Blair County's Union Party Senate nominee, Hall prevailed victorious, becoming an influential legislative voice within the ascendant Union-Republican Party. He was selected as a Blair County delegate to the 1860 National Convention and developed a close professional relationship with Simon Cameron, writing the party boss on January 7, 1861: "I have been solicited as a member of Senators to be considered for speaker at the end of the session," further asking Cameron for his assistance in Harrisburg toward that successful end.[ii] The request honored, Hall assumed the Speaker's chair in April 1861.
Hall chaired Estates and Escheats in the same year, voting for U.S. Senator David Wilmot and casting the Cameron line to exempt the Pennsylvania Railroad from the tonnage tax. He supported the 1861 Morrill Tariff, backed the 1861 special session's $3 Million bill (to back Lincoln and Pennsylvania's war effort), and voted to enact the "Soldier's Suffrage" bill.
Senator Hall supported passage of a "Joint resolution relative to the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia, and to the subject of slavery in the states,".[iii] a "Joint Resolution relative to the appointment of a committee to consider the manner of assessing and collecting the direct tax levied by the United States" (in effect, the nation's first income tax law), a resolution directing the impeachment of U.S. Senator Jesse D. Bright for treason,[iv] an 1865 rule limiting the influence of lobbyists, and supported the session's authorization for paying state debt and military bounties in federal greenbacks (objecting to U.S. Treasurer Hugh McCulloch's insistence to retire the controversial paper bills). He backed the adoption of the Thirteenth (civil rights) Amendment, the 1866 U.S. Civil Rights Act, and the 1867 Fourteenth Amendment – clearly defining a freedman's civil rights. While Hall supported landmark legislation granting Blacks unhindered access to railroad passenger service (as Speaker in 1867), he also supported a bill forming the controversial coal and iron police.
Louis served as a Cameron lieutenant, developing a lifelong personal association with the master politician. In the 1866 campaign, the senator backed John White Geary, his mentor's gubernatorial choice to defeat the Curtin-McClure faction. Hall's managerial prowess gained the recognition of the Bellefonte Democratic Watchman, the journal labeling the senator as "Geary's principal wire worker."[v] Recognizing Louis's campaign support, Governor Geary awarded the position of Secretary of the Commonwealth to Hall's brother-in-law, Francis Jordon. Cameron meanwhile promised the position to Henry C. Johnson of Meadville.[vi] While the conflict incited ill feeling between Cameron and the governor, the former later ignored Hall's past indiscretion.
Reconciliation worked to the extent that Senator Hall married Cameron's niece, Elizabeth Warford, on November 26, 1867. The Halls, thereafter, settled permanently in Harrisburg, the senator resigning from public service in 1868 to devote time to his legal practice and new duties as solicitor and counsel for the Harrisburg office of the Pennsylvania Railroad.[vii] Hall earned a respectable legal reputation, trying such cases as Commonwealth v. Credit Mobilier of America, Commonwealth v. Evans, and Commonwealth v. the Pennsylvania Canal Company.[viii]
Louis was a delegate to the 1867 Williamsport Republican Convention, budgeting additional time to aid Cameron with party organization before the upcoming election. Senator Hall appeared as a "large man with a heavy voice which (rose) to a high pitch in the excitement of a trial – an "insistent" man who experienced "frequent tilts with the court."[ix] In the late 1890s, the Honorable Louis Hall and wife Eliza moved to Philadelphia, where the senator passed away on July 12, 1897.
[i] Commemorative Biographical Encyclopedia of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania (BDC) (Chambersburg: J.M. Runk and Company, 1896), 435; also: Eliza Cameron Warford, File Folder #3, Dauphin County Historical Society.
[ii] Louis W. Hall to Simon Cameron, January 7, 1861, Harrisburg, Roll 6, Cameron Papers.
[iii] SJ, March 13, 1862, 309.
[iv] SJ, January 30, 1862, 88-91.
[v] Bradley, 277.
[vi] Ibid.
[vii] Davis, History of Blair County, 171.
[viii] BDC, 435.
[ix] The Twentieth Century Bench and Bar of Pennsylvania, vol. II (Chicago: H.C. Cooper Jr and Company, 1903), 780.


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The Neal S. Blaisdell Center  is a community center near downtown Honolulu, Hawaii. The complex has a multi-purpose arena, concert hall, exhibition hall, galleria, meeting rooms, Waikiki Shell and others.

Constructed in 1964 on the historic Ward Estate and originally called the Honolulu International Center, the center was renamed after Mayor of Honolulu Neal S. Blaisdell, who oversaw its construction.  It was remodeled and expanded in 1994. The complex is overseen by the city's Department of Enterprise Services, which also oversees the Waikiki Shell.  the city is seeking to redevelop the site with extensive stakeholder and public involvement to assess the community's goals.

Facilities and events

Arena

The Neal S. Blaisdell Arena is a circular performance facility used for concerts and major sporting events. The arena can accommodate 7,700 seats for sports events, and up to 8,800 seats for stage events with seats set up on the arena floor.

On December 3, 1966 The Monkees Gave Their first live concert here they played a 40-minute set

Elvis Presley's Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite concert was held here on January 14, 1973. In recognition of the concert, a bronze statue of Presley was installed in 2007 outside the front of the arena. The statue was sponsored by the cable channel TV Land.

Other events at the arena include WWE live events, Disney on Ice, American Idol Live!, Sesame Street Live, college basketball and volleyball, and international gymnastics, as well as a fundraising concert for victims of Hurricane Iniki, with Crosby, Stills & Nash, Jackson Browne & Bonnie Raitt, and a 1965 Billy Graham crusade.

Other music artists that have performed at the arena include Kiss, Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden, The Rolling Stones, Mariah Carey, Metallica, Aerosmith, Van Halen, Bon Jovi, Elton John, Journey, Toto, Santana, Run-DMC, Coolio, Bruno Mars , No Doubt, America, Avenged Sevenfold and Janet Jackson.

During a circus performance in 1994, Tyke, an African Elephant, killed her trainer and charged out of the arena in a rage. The animal rampaged outside the arena for 30 minutes before police fired 87 rounds at the elephant, who eventually collapsed and died as a result of the shooting.

The Philippine TV show ASAP performed at the arena on June 30, 2018, through an international concert titled ASAP Live in Honolulu.

Many graduation and commencement ceremonies are held by schools in the arena and concert hall in late May and June.

Sports
The Arena also hosts the start of the exhibition season for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association and the men's and women's basketball and volleyball games for Hawaii Pacific University, the state's largest private university. It served as the home court for University of Hawaii at Mānoa basketball until UH built the Stan Sheriff Center on campus in 1994. The arena was the home venue for several short-lived attempts to establish Hawaii professional sports teams, including the Hawaii Volcanos of the Continental Basketball Association, the Hawaii Hurricanes of the American Basketball Association, the Hawaii Leis of World Team Tennis and three indoor football teams: the Honolulu Hurricanes, the Hawaii Hammerheads, and the AF2's Hawaiian Islanders, and the Arena Football League All-Star game of 2013. The Leis and Islanders each persisted for three full seasons, the longest of all the pro teams based at the arena. In 1982, the arena served as home court for Chaminade University in a Christmas Eve upset of a Ralph Sampson-led number one ranked University of Virginia, 77–72.

In November 2006, the Professional Bull Riders hosted the Cheeseburger Island Style PBR Hawaii All-Star Challenge, a special event that took place between the 2006 PBR World Finals and the start of the 2007 PBR season.

Concert Hall

With a capacity of 2,158 seats, the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall is the home of the Honolulu Symphony and the Hawaii Opera Theatre. Broadway productions such as The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Rent, Miss Saigon, Chicago, Cats, and other national touring shows have performed at the concert hall. In the fall and early winter of 2007 the concert hall was host to the Broadway musical The Lion King, a booking which displaced the Honolulu Symphony from its usual home and led to a major cash flow crisis for the orchestra. Elvis Presley also performed at the then Honolulu International Centre.

Exhibition Hall

Located between the Concert Hall and the Arena, the Exhibition Hall provides  of exhibition space on the main floor that is expandable to  when combined with adjoining spaces. Five meeting rooms are also available in the hall. The Exhibition Hall accommodates numerous local trade and consumer shows and fundraising events throughout the year, and is one of the main exhibition venues in Honolulu in addition to the Hawaii Convention Center.

The Exhibition Hall hosts events throughout the year such as craft fairs, gun shows, family expos, job fairs, food & product shows, as well as private trade shows.

Miscellaneous
Many religious ceremonies have been performed in the Neal S. Blaisdell Center. The largest of which were the enthronement of Joseph Anthony Ferrario as the third Bishop of Honolulu and the ordination and installation of Clarence Richard Silva as the fifth Bishop of Honolulu, overseeing the Roman Catholic Diocese of Honolulu. Kamehameha Schools has held their annual song contest at the Blaisdell since 1964.

On December 23, 1982, what is considered by many as the greatest upset in sports history happened at the Blaisdell Arena as the then number 1-ranked University of Virginia Cavaliers, led by future Hall of Famer Ralph Sampson, were beaten 77–72 by Chaminade University, a small NAIA school (today NCAA Division II) with a student body of 800.

See also
List of concert halls
Tyke (elephant)

References

External links

Hawaiian architecture
Indoor arenas in Hawaii
American Basketball Association (2000–present) venues
Basketball venues in Hawaii
College basketball venues in the United States
College volleyball venues in the United States
Continental Basketball Association venues
Convention centers in Hawaii
Concert halls in the United States
Gymnastics venues in the United States
Hawaii Pacific Sharks basketball
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors and Rainbow Wahine basketball
Sports venues in Hawaii
Tennis venues in Hawaii
Volleyball venues in Hawaii
World TeamTennis stadiums
Buildings and structures in Honolulu
Tourist attractions in Honolulu
Music venues in Hawaii
Buildings and structures completed in 1964
1964 establishments in Hawaii
Sports venues completed in 1964
Performing arts centers in Hawaii

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There was a long weekend coming and one of my friends suggested to go on a road trip. Though we had many suggestions earlier for road trips, all were limited to planing stage. So we decided it is better to plan a small road trip with more time allocated to sightseeing than driving. "Ella" won most of our votes. There were only six people confirmed participation (Including me) and two cars were more than enough. To make that more of a road trip, we decided to go to Nuwara Eliya on the first day and then drive to Ella and spend the night there. Our initial plan was to camp at Ella rock but we found out that it is not allowed to camp there now as someone has set fire (may be mistakenly but it is totally irresponsible) in recent past. We were angry with the people who are responsible to the fire for ruining a another best camping location for Sri Lankans. So we had to search for accommodation and found a decent place in Ella town for reasonable price.
We spend the night of the previous day at a friend's house. We started our drive around 9 am from Pilimathalawa by two cars. We had breakfast in Gampola town and took our time driving up to the misty hills of Nuwaraeliya. All four of the usual partners for bicycle rides (Read more about our bicycle rides from Nuwara Eliya to Kandy and Pattipola to Kandy) were there, so we took a break to have a good cup of tea at our favorite spot. A hot cup of tea combined with a piece of chocolate cake from Macwoods Labukellie tea Centre was the ideal combination for the misty and cold weather. It took around another half an hour to take a group photo and hang around the observation deck.
Next we drove up to NuwaraEliya town. It was just around noon and we were not hungry. So we went to the park next to the Lake Gregory and enjoyed the warm sun rays filtering through the misty clouds. It was a long weekend and the park was fairly crowded. Children were in line to take a ride on a Pony while a bit older crowd were focusing on a Zip line across the park. After spending sometime lying on the ground we thought of checking out the kayaks that were for rent. It was 500 LKR per kayak for 45 minutes. We rented three kayaks and teamed up to balance the weight! 😀 We had to be seated when they pushed the kayaks to water from a feet height lake bank. We were bit worried about the balance and splash of water, but they managed to put our kayaks to water safely.
It was easier than it looked. We got used to the kayaks and rowed them to the other corner of Lake Gregory. We were busy with taking photographs and suddenly realized that the lake surface is empty and we were the only people in the middle of the water. Then a sharp whistling noise pointed us to the sky. A seaplane was about to land on us!!!
So we used the full strength and rowed our kayaks to the closest river bank. The plane landed afterwards giving us better opportunities to take more photos. We decided to head back to the land to have the lunch. We searched for restaurant suggestions in the internet and went straight to "Salmiya" restaurent but they had many orders waiting so we decided to look for something else as we were extremely hungry. Our next stop was "Calamander Lake Gregory". We ordered soon and enjoyed our food for more than an hour before starting the journey up to Ella.
We reached Ella around 5 pm and took some time to rest after the long drive. It was drizzling and the whole world was covered in freezing cold mist when we looked outside. We had no choice but to go out for Dinner. We went straight to Cafe Chill as we were there before and it was popular for their tasty dishes. It was 30th of December and they had a DJ organized. So we thought to go there and asked the staff about it. Sadly the waiter informed that they have limited it only for foreigners due to some issues occurred sometime before. It was a big slap for Locals but we had to accept the fact that the owners made the decision in favor of their industry and the good name of Sri Lanka. So we went straight back to the place we booked and went to bed early with the hopes of starting the Ella rock Journey early in the morning.
It was around 4 am when i woke up by the alarm. We hurried in to our hiking clothes and went toward the Ella rock road by a car. We were said that the by road to Ella rock is on the left hand, so we decided to use google maps to find the location. It took only 30 minutes to reach the google map location but we couldn't find any junction. So we decided to seek help from a villager. But we couldn't find anyone as it was too early. Then a Threwheeler came towards us and we asked them about the directions. They directed us towards a junction on the road we came and when we went, there wasn't any by road. So we searched on our own for around 30 minutes and found out that the people who we asked for directions had mislead us, The by road was just few meters ahead of the place where we met them! That was one of the worst experiences I have ever had.
We drove on that road and came to a dead end near the Kithal-Ella Railway station. The final part of the road is not in a good condition but our car managed to do some Off road-ing. We parked it near by and went down on a foot path to the railway station. There was a villager feeding his cow nearby and he kindly lead us towards the trail to Ella rock.
You have to walk on the rail track for few meters from Kithal-Ella railway station until the 166.25 sign post and take a left turn to the foot steps towards the small tea plantation. Few steps after we found a a small bridge over a crystal clear water stream but sadly the Sun came out at the exact same time. We had high hopes to capture the rising sun from Ella rock, as we heard that is a marvelous experience. But with the delay to finding the correct by road, we missed that. There was a small shop (like thing) adjacent to a clay (wattle and daub) house. We decided to have a break there as we are already late. There were biscuits so we bought a packet and had some plain tea. She was looking after three small kids (her grand children) while their parents are working somewhere, Faces of those kids gave us a clear idea about the hardship of life that they are facing. Old lady confirmed our trail is correct and gave us some tips stay on the main trail without wandering to one of many foot paths there. There was few dogs and one decided to climb the rock with us.
The climb was less intense for most of the part and we met few groups of foreigners on the way. Gigantic umbrella of trees filtered the warm sun rays and unveiled the beautiful sky from time to time. It was a wonderful experience and we could imagine how it will be at the sun rise. After about 45 minutes of climbing we reached to a plane, Which could have been an excellent camping location.
Just after that the climb began, it isn't the hardest but comparatively the way up to that point is much easier. We took many breaks to catch our breath and capture many photos as we could. We met a couple and few groups of foreigners each after a dog guiding them to the top!
There are two path from the top, one towards Rawana Ella and the other just leading to the Ella town side. We spent around an hour there under the thick shade of the pine trees before starting the journey back to Ella town.
We went straight back to the place we spend the night and packed the bags. Then went to the same cafe we had the dinner last night and had a long satisfying lunch. It was around 2 pm when we finished and decided to drive back home. We reached Mahiyanganaya around 5pm and I had left to Ampara for work while others going to Kandy.
We had early plans to visit a place called Nil Diya Pokuna, which is an underground pond in a cave near Ella, Sri Lanka. After many considerations we fixed a date in the last week of December, 2016.
I browsed about "Nil Diya Pokuna" but information available was very little. It is said to be a pond inside a cave or a tunnel complex built by king Rawana and most of it is still unexplored. Many people have mistakenly visited the place marked as the "Rawana Cave" in Google maps thinking it is the location of Nil Diya Pokuna, but it is just a very small cave compared to this. Even villagers tend not to give clear directions to this place because of the recent attempts to grab media attention by some people claiming they have special powers and going to awake the king Rawana back! Whether this is built by king Rawana or another human or created due to natural causes is still to be discovered. Until then keeping this intact is our responsibility. Karandagolle Sugatharansi Thero of Karandagolla Temple and "Meththananda" (0726 108 392) are few of the people who knows the place really well.
Participants for this journey came from all over the country, so many chose the famous transportation medium Colombo – Badulla Train. But me and another two of my friends had some other plans so we used a car. Two of my friends Started their journey from Kandy around 4 pm and it was about 6.30 pm when i joined them from Mahiyanganaya. One of my friends had reserved a home-stay called "Tree Cold Resort" and it was around 8 pm when we reached Ella. We made a call and asked the Owner of the place for dinner on our way and he arranged a delicious meal within 30 minutes. After having dinner we had a little chat with the home-stay owner. He told us that he is going to Ella rock early in the morning with two foreigners and we could join with them. But we were not sure about our next day waking time, so we kindly declined the invitation. The place was good comparing to the price and we all went to sleep early as we were bit tired.
We woke up around 6 am (earlier than we expected) after a good night sleep. We spent some time just breathing in cool fresh air while enjoying the surrounding. Then we changed and had a heavy breakfast (which was delicious) and tried to figure out the day's plan. As Ella Rock hike will take more than 5 hours we had not to consider it. So we went to Demodara to see the famous Railway loop first. Vehicles can access the Demodara Railway station and have to walk along the railway for around 1 km from there. You have to be very cautious as the railway is bendy, that one can't see an on coming train until the last minute. It is mentioned that the railway is initially planned as a 11 km stretch to overcome the large elevation barrier, but Late Eng. D.J Wimalasurendra (Who was a Civil Engineer and considered as the Father of Hydro Electricity in Sri Lanka) redesigned this as a loop reducing the length to 3 km.
Next we went to Demodara Tea Factory for a Visit. They Charge you 250 LKR per head for a factory visit. It was very informative, but sadly they don't allow to take photographs inside the factory. There was this old majestic writing table.
As it was about 12 noon, we thought of having lunch before visiting the famous Nine Arches Bridge. So we went back to Ella town and had our lunch in "Cafe Chill". We felt like we were in a foreign country as we were the only Sri Lankan customers there. Food was good and we enjoyed it very much.
There are two ways to reach nine arches bridge. You can use a vehicle to reach there via road or you can walk along the rail road from Demodara Railway loop. We chose the main road as we had to come back all the way to Demodara for our car, if we walked along the rail road. You can easily access there by a tuk tuk and can reach almost there by a car. (Last part of the road was under maintenance at the time we went, so we walked the rest of the distance). Nine arches bridge was constructed without using of Steel and concrete and it is wonderful how it bare the weight of a moving train. We spent some time there taking photographs but weren't lucky enough to capture a train crossing the bridge.
Rest of our friends supposed to reach Ella around 3.30 pm so we decided to have a snack until they come. We went to a place called "Ella Flower Garden Resort" just near the start of Mini Adam's Peak trail and had some snacks and coffee. Our friends reached there around 4.15 pm, and we started to climb the "Mini Adam's Peak". It wasn't steep like the "Adam's Peak" trail and we reached to the peak within 45 minutes. There are many peaks after the initial peak, So we decided to go to them as well. we spent some quality time there with the views of Ella rock and Ella – Wellawaya Highway. Wind was high and surrounding misty mountains created a magical scenery.
It was around 6.30 pm when we came back to Ella. Four of us stayed behind to buy dinner for the whole group and the rest hurried up to the bus stand to catch the last bus to "Karandagolla". As it was a busy day, we had to wait until 8 pm to buy dinner and it was around 8.30 pm when we reached the 16th km post in Ella – Wellawaya highway by the car. One of my friends contacted "Meththananda" (0726 108 392) , The guide for our underground journey well before, so he had arranged us a place to spend the night in his home. All were tired and rushed to take a shower and there was a queue for the washrooms!
We had our dinner as soon after we all took shower and went to sleep with the excitement for the next morning journey.
I woke up around 7 am and all others were awake then. We took our turns in the wash rooms like the last night and "Meththananda"'s wife prepared us a delicious breakfast. One of our team members from Monaragala arrived then by his car. Meththananda lead us to a by road and we parked our cars in a place he suggested. We started our hike around 9 am. It was roughly about one kilometer trail from the place we parked our vehicles.
We knew the hardships on our way, so we were well prepared. Every one of us had high intensity head lamps (150 Lumens and 250 Lumens) with extra batteries, Torches, Professional climbing rope, Face masks and two life jackets!
Meththananda said that we are not going to use the common entrance to the cave and going through the newly found entrance via a place called "Hulan Kapolla". It only took few seconds to realize why it is called "Hulan Kapolla" after we reached the place. It was a tiny hole (approximately 2.5 feet diameter) in the earth and our eyes were blinded by the dust particles in the wind coming out of it.
Our guide tied a rope around a tree lied on the ground near the "Hulan Kapolla" and he disappeared in to the hole, keeping his other two guide friends with us. We had to use the rope to get down from the two initial stages and the guides helped us by pointing up the places they use to set foot down the hole. There was space only enough to glide ourselves down through the hole in the first stage. Next there was another hole which was wider and had to use rope plus a wooden ladder placed by Meththananda. We were glad about our high intensity head lamps as they were serving really well in the thick black tunnel. After the second stage there was a steep rocky edge to climb down.
After few minutes of sliding and crawling we entered to a large cave with more than 20 feet height and width (It is definitely more than 20 feet, exact dimensions were kept hidden under the blankets of darkness) . There were few places we had to crawl but generally there was enough space even to play a cricket match!
We were enchanted by the views and the size of the cave and walked forward on the rocky and muddy floor. There were few places where my legs went about a foot deep in the soft soil. Walls were with very sharp texture, and we had many bruises just by touching them. Few hundred meters after the floor became steep again. There wasn't a wall on our left side and all we could see was an endless darkness below. I was in the middle of the group and suddenly my head lamp reflected on something blue. As we knew there must be a "Nil Diya Pokuna"(meaning Blue Water Pond), I stopped and observed again.
Yes! It was crystal clear water which had a bluish touch when reflect. We all hurried down on the rocky floor and stopped just before the pond in an awe of the scenery.
Water was cold and calm. There was no visual movement at all unless we made ripples just to reflect the light in order to take photographs. For the first few feet we could see the bottom of the pond, but after that there was only an endless darkness though the water was crystal clear.
It is said that the water is drinkable, so we had a sip and we are still okay!
As we were prepared to swim in the pond, we switched to our swimwear and put on life jackets. We only took two life jackets so we had to take turns. One of us tied the rope in to a rock and put the other end in the water, just in case we needed it. We swam to the opposite end of the pond (the deeper side) with our goggles and head lamps on, but still couldn't able to see anything below the water surface. That end had an inclined wall which ended below the water surface, which made creepy sounds when ripples collided against it. Most of our group members were regular swimmers (except a few who can't swim at all) but all had this strange uncertain feeling about the pond, so we were careful not to do anything stupid and risk our lives. It is suspected that there is an entrance to another cave under water but still haven't confirmed.
As the water is clear, once we aim a torch at the water surface it doesn't reflect (we had to create ripples even to take photographs). But when we have an open light source or when we aim the torch at the walls / roof of the pond it creates a perfect reflection on the water surface. Most of the people mistake this reflection as the bottom of the pond (Which seems somewhat shallow), but definitely it is deeper than 40 feet in some parts (Some say its 80 feet, but no one has officially reached the bottom). As water is cold and using extra energy to be cautious, Two of the team mates had cramps in their legs. Therefore be careful if you are swimming in "Nil Diya Pokuna"and it is advised always to wear life jackets (We bought life jackets from Pettah for about 1500 LKR each and they served well).
After spending about one and half hours in the pond, we changed back and started our journey to so called "Rooms" like formation in the cave. We had to use the same path as we came in for a certain distance and then take a detour to a side which was on the dark end of the cave. For the first few meters it was hard to walk on the slippery and sharp rock floor, but had enough space to walk. But then we came in to a part where all we can see was a small wedge like space between a large rock plates. It was scary as someone could get stuck in the middle!
Then it again opened to a small path which we could crawl. I was relieved but it only remained for few minutes as we reached a place where, literally there is no place to set foot. It was kind of a fallen rock over the cliff we were crawling on, so one had to stretch the legs while hanging on to a tiny sharp edge on the wall to reach the other end or to rely on their fate and make a step on the fallen rock which was slippery and the only thing we could see above the endless darkness beneath us. Five of the team decided to stay there (including me) and the rest of the (thin) fellows continued crawling. We went few steps back to a place with enough space to stand up and decided to observe the surrounding. We observed a small amount of graphite in soft spots of the cave wall. Mineral deposits were also observed in some places of the cave roof.
That was the moment we had to actually use the masks we brought due to the infinite number of insects attracted to our head lamps. So we turned the head lamps in to kind of a sleep mode, which had a red LED. After getting rid of that insects, we decided to have a little rest until others arrive. We had to wait about an hour before we could hear their voices from far far away and another 10 minutes before see the light from their head lamps through the rocky barrier.
They described what was there while catching their breath. They had to crawl for around half an hour and pass another slippery obstacle to reach the "room" like formations. They have observed limestone formations. Some of them were with sharp edges. The mysterious part is there was a passage further and even "Meththananda" claims he haven't explored it up to now.
Then we started our journey back to surface of the earth and it was harder than descending. Each step was risky as there were nothing to stop us if we were falling. We had to give our total body weight to the arms at the last part, where we had to climb back on the rope. We were so glad that everyone came back safely and our cameras, head lamps, Life jackets, ropes & masks. Then only we realized that our cloths were totally covered in mud and our cameras were brown in color!
We took 10 minutes to catch our breath and walked back to the place where we parked our vehicles with a huge satisfaction in mind. We decided to clean ourselves before getting in to the vehicles after eating jambu, which "Meththananda"'s friend provided. Suddenly three Buddhist Monks and few lads arrived there and they wanted to talk to our guide, Meththananda. They were with Karandagolle sugatharansi Thero and also willing to visit the cave complex. So we took that opportunity to discuss with Sugatharansi Thero and learn more about the cave. Then we came to back to Meththananda's place and had a long bath in a near by "Peella". It was about 5 pm when we had our lunch. Me and another three of my friends had to leave as we had to go back to work in the morning. Others had plans to climb "Kurullangala" and then visit Karandagolla temple next day. So we said our goodbyes and came back with the sadness of missing another great hike.
There was a sudden idea to visit and try to climb a waterfall called "Asu Pini Ella". The only thing we got to know was the location, Aranayake. Some said the name implies "The Waterfall which a horse jumped" but still the origins remain secret. Gladly one of my university friends is from Aranayake, but he too hadn't climbed it before. We decided to visit it in a weekend. But four of us couldn't resist barging in to my friends home and spending a night there.
So we took a Kandy – Mawanella bus on a Friday afternoon with our friend for the 27 km ride and then went another 13kms by bus to Aranayake. My friend's father came to the bus halt to pick us up and drove another few kilometers to reach their home. We were greeted by the residents with delicious "Weli Thalapa", many more snacks and tea. It took only few minutes for us to finish all the snacks and settle in. Soon it became midnight while we were chatting after the Dinner, and forced to sleep as there was a long journey ahead in the morning.
The rest of the team (another three friends) arrived to my friend's home early in the morning traveling all the way from Kandy. If you are planning to arrive Aranayake on the same day morning, it is recommended to find the bus schedule or use a private transportation method. We had the breakfast as soon as possible and departed around 8.30 am.
The bottom end of Asu-Pini ella is in Aranayake and the waterfall begins near Dolosbage, Gampola. It is said that there is a small road parallel to the water flow from Aranayake to somewhere near the beginning of the waterfall. Also there is an observatory, which we saw on the way. The waterfall height is around 30 meters and we thought of climbing the falls rather than walking on the road to the observatory.
First few kilometers of the road is flat, but then it reduces to a walk-able path through bushes and rocks until the Asu Pini Ella Mini Hydro Plant. The water flow was not that high at the time we went, but there were traces to prove us that water level could rise very high. Most of the rocks immersed from the water had caves and pits which we carefully crossed. There were few places we had to walk in 3 feet high water, even though the water level was low. Since neither of us had waterproof backpacks, our main concern was to keep our belongings dry while crossing the water.
After many kilometers of walk we reached to the bottom of the waterfall "Asu Pini Ella". There was a large water flow even with the dry climate and we could imagine how beautiful it would be with a full flow. Though we planned to climb along the waterfall, we never expected it to be that steep and dangerous. So we took some time to decide whether are we going to continue or turn back. All agreed to continue, but the risk was very high. It was obvious that we won't be able to directly climb along the water flow. We thought of climbing along the left bank of the waterfall as it seemed less risky.
It was around 2 pm, so we quickly ate what we had for lunch on a flat rock surface peeking out from the water. It was hard for us to climb on to the left bank but after getting on it was only a steep climb for few meters. Then suddenly we were facing a large rock with a 90 degree face, around 15 feet in height. We weren't prepared for such difficult climb with ropes but luckily there were Mangrove type trees with their thick roots hanging below. We started to climb one by one after assessing the strength of the roots. It was hard to climb with the backpacks, so some threw them over after the first one climbed up. It was difficult but all of us managed to climb up with each others help.
Even after that, the climb was steep, where we couldn't even take our cameras out considering the risk of falling down the hill. But at least the floor was dry and it made the life bit easier.
Top most part of the waterfall was a rocky surface with more than 20 feet high banks which we couldn't climb. So we decided to crawl over the rock as it will be much difficult to go all the way back to Aranayake. The stone surface was smooth and slippery due to the water flow over many thousand years. Adding another fact to our disadvantages, there was nothing to hang on to while climbing for the most of the parts other than uneven rock surface. No one looked down the waterfall as there was a high probability it will be the last thing we see before our death and luckily able to reach the top without any injuries.
It was a serene view from the top of the waterfall. The whole world seemed stopped other than the continuous water flow on the background sunset. We rested there for about 20 minutes and reached to the natural pool on top around 6 pm. We were exhausted but couldn't resist a dip in that cold and clear water. According to the information we got top of the waterfall is Gampola, so we took our time and spent a good half an hour swimming there. Then we inquired a villager about the directions to Gampola town and realized there is another 16 km trip. It was so late that we missed the last bus and couldn't find even a three wheeler. So we decided to walk again. 😛 Fortunately we saw a van parked nearby a house and was able to convince the owner to rent it. Finally it was 9.30 pm when we reached Gampola Town with the memories of an adventure to cherish forever!


Falling asleep was never one of my strong points. Even when I did fall asleep at a reasonable time, it wasn't unusual for me to wake up in the middle of the night, unable to fall back to sleep until roughly 20 minutes before I needed to be up for the day.
Needless to say, I was often pretty tired during the day. So when people talked about their runner's highs, endorphins, gains, and personal bests, my eyes would glaze over and I'd want to lie down for a nap (more than I already did before the conversation started).
I just never 'got' the love of exercise. "When I have a bad day, I go for a run and I feel so much better," runner friends would tell me. But if I went for a run, I ended up swearing under my breath and praying for it to just end already. It was not relaxing. Making playlists of the best saxophone solos from 1978-1983? For me, that was relaxing.
There were times when I'd attempted to push through the hatred of exercise. But I never really put in the effort to research what type of exercise might be a good fit for me; I'd just pick whatever I thought would burn the most calories in the least amount of time.
That usually meant joining a gym so I could get on an elliptical machine and go nowhere, sweating and swearing the whole way. Eventually I'd lose some weight, give myself permission to slack off and enjoy my life again, and I'd be right back on the couch binge-watching every British murder mystery Netflix has to offer.
Rinse and repeat, again and again. Nothing stuck.
I never really put in the effort to research what type of exercise might be a good fit for me; I'd just pick whatever I thought would burn the most calories in the least amount of time.
But several months ago, I accidentally happened upon the exercise for me.
I was scavenging Google for possible insomnia solutions when I came across a video for evening yoga. It was a mere 10 minutes long. I had done a little yoga in the past, but I never kept up with it. The more strenuous types of yoga didn't appeal to me (surprise, surprise) and the gentler styles just seemed like a waste of time (since exercise, for me, was only ever about the calories burned). In this case, however, I wasn't concerned about burning calories; in fact, I wasn't concerned about my body at all. I needed to train my brain to calm down and transition into sleep mode.
The video I used walked me through gentle stretches, including cat/cow pose, bridge pose, happy baby pose, spinal twists, seated forward bends, and legs up the wall.
With this video, I started to do 10 minutes of yoga before bed each night—a totally doable amount—and it made a positive difference almost immediately.
My brain responded to the slower, deeper, more deliberate breathing by calming down and stopping its "helpful" suggestions (i.e. what I should have said in that meeting at work, what I could maybe write about tomorrow, and who was that juror in that murder mystery anyway?).
Related: Shop yoga blocks and mats.
I also realized how much tension I constantly hold in my back and shoulders. With yoga's easy, gentle stretching, I learned to un-clench my muscles, which ended up making sleep a lot easier. Yoga signaled to both my body and my brain that it was time to rest, and I finally understood that mind-body connection that other people found through running, lifting weights, or other more intense forms of exercise.
Eventually those 10 minutes helped me move on to longer, more challenging sequences. My arms and legs are definitely more toned and I am also stronger—I can do several pushups now. Plus, I'm more flexible. When I started I could only grab my calves during seated forward bend—and now I can grab my toes!
I finally understood that mind-body connection that other people found through running, lifting weights, or other more intense forms of exercise.
It may sound like nothing, but 10 minutes of gentle yoga is an excellent way to start or restart exercising. It's over quickly, it's not competitive, it feels good, it meets you where you are (even if that's barely off the couch), and it counts as exercise! For me, it was a way to finally make exercise a habit, and it got me into doing more, more often.
I don't know if I've lost any weight because I no longer weigh myself, but I do know that I'm stronger, happier, and more flexible. Between that and getting a good night's sleep on a regular basis, I finally have a consistent exercise routine that I actually like—and that works.


Today we have updated our email security PlugIn to Version 2.8.
This Version runs under Outlook 2010, 2013, 2016 and Outlook 365 (Install Version) on Windows 7, 8 and 10. Also running on the Windows Server 2012 Version (tested).
You may download the new version from the Download Page and backup your password2email list before installation. You should be able to install OVER the existing installation, but please end Outlook before you do so. Existing licenses continue to work! No matter what email service or email provider (gmail, hotmail, etc.) you use, our Outlook encryption plugin will work for you to encrypt your messages and to make sure your email encryption is handled properly. Secure email and one click encryption in Outlook is what we strive for.


Jesus of Nazareth continues to fascinate. From antiquity onwards countless people have found meaning for their lives through Jesus' teaching. His life led to the establishment of a community that subsequently grew into what is today the world's largest religion. At the center of the Christian faith stands the confession that this Jesus is both "true human being and true God."
In Jesus of Nazareth, noted German New Testament scholar Jens Schröter directly addresses the connection between Jesus' humanity and divinity—how the historical Jesus can also be the Christ of confession. Schröter begins by looking at the modern quest for the "historical Jesus" from its beginnings down to the present. In the process Schröter isolates key questions of historical method—how can we reconstruct the past? What is the relationship between these reconstructions and past reality itself? Schröter then examines the words and deeds of Jesus, including his death and resurrection, in their Galilean and Greco-Roman contexts. Schröter finally measures the impact that Jesus has had in literature, film, music, and the fine arts. Jesus of Nazareth thus narrates the remarkable story of how a Jew from Galilee became the savior of the world, how Jesus can be said to be both God and human, and how this Jesus continues to exert influence.
...This insightful, informative, well-written book carries forward the quest for the historical Jesus. it is suitablefor clergy, educated lay people, and New Testament scholars. Everyone interested in what can be known historically about Jesus should read it.
Jens Schröter has written an excellent book about the historical Jesus. It not only avoids a radical skepticism and uncontrolled confidence in the historical reliability of the sources, but also makes clear why both positions can be derived from our sources. It is sensitive for our modern tastes and prejudices, but rejects the idea that historians shape their image of the historical Jesus merely by their own values. Although historical Jesus research depends on our changing knowledge of the historical context of Jesus and on our modern mentality, Schröter defends both the legitimacy of a theological access to Jesus and of historical Jesus research. Jesus of Nazareth is a very balanced book.
As informed and informative as it is thoughtful and thought-provoking, Jesus of Nazareth: Jew from Galilee, Savior of the World is highly recommended for community and academic library collections, as well as non-specialist general readers with an interest in a scholarly approach to the life and legacy of Jesus regardless of their denominational affiliation.
The three scholarly movements that we call the quests for the historical Jesus have all distinguished between the Jesus of history and the Jesus of faith by emphasizing the discontinuities between the two. Jens Schröter challenges this basic divide by pointing to continuities, not by a naïve understanding of historical criticism but by exploring how interpretations of the significance of Jesus arose in continuity with the historical Jesus. This is the most important statement in contemporary scholarship between the Jesus who was and the Jesus who is.
Jens Schröter is one of the most important and innovative Jesus scholars in the world. This translation thankfully makes one of his most insightful and accessible studies of Jesus available in English. Building from detailed knowledge of the literary and archaeological remains of Jesus' first-century contexts and a sophisticated understanding of the work of the historian, Jesus of Nazareth weaves a narrative that begins with the historical Jesus and his renewal movement for all Israel and ends with modern artistic depictions of Jesus. Students, lay readers, and scholars will all benefit greatly from this important work.


Freaks have always been with us, from the old days when there were traveling freak shows to today, when we are all invited to, "Let our freak flags fly!" Yes, humans who exhibit physical oddities of one sort or another seem to be endlessly fascinating.
In Side Show, however, there"s a lack of that gloss under Ciamacco' direction. While the singing ranges from competent to very good, the acting in some major roles and a lot of minor roles is rather amateurish. The result is a play that limps to its two-and-a-half hour finish line.
It's a good thing that two of the best actors on stage inhabit these characters, since the twin girls are involved in the vast majority of the songs. While the twins often send out matching signals as they trill happy ditties, they clearly have different personalities when off stage.
But Joel Fenstermaker as talent scout Terry, and Ian Jones as the ambiguously gay vocal and dance coach Buddy, aren't up to their tasks. Each sings acceptably well, but they never create characters that extend beyond the emotion of the line in their mouth at the time.
In the role of Jake, the African-American member of the troupe who falls in love with Violet, Daryl Kelley also sings with some power and passion, especially in the evocative "You Should Be Loved." But his acting is frequently tentative, and this hesitancy extends throughout the ensemble.
There are romantic stories spun around the sisters and Terry, Buddy and Jake. But since the male characters never really come alive, the poignancy of those lost and sham loves don't land with the impact they should.
With a couple of exceptions, the freaks that surround the twins — the Bearded Lady, the Human Pincushion, the Tattooed Lady (yes, that was "freakish" back then) —are not fully realized characters either. They're just people who stand around like department store mannequins decked out in funny costumes and weird makeup. As a result, the pacing of the show often sags between songs.
Remarkably, the twins lived to the age of 60, working in a grocery store at the end to support themselves. But those later years are not covered by the play, and that's a shame since there would likely be some interesting emotional material to mine as the women spent their declining years still attached to one another. It's an existence most of us can only regard in wonderment.
As it is, the conclusion of the show is bracingly realistic, and Ciamacco and Harden carry it off well. As for the rest of the cast, they need to find their characters' individual freak flags and give the lead duo the support they deserve.


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The period before various legal traditions encounter to Indonesia, the people living in these islands has owned rules that contain the value of values as the original law. The term of original law is also known as the name of "chthonic" law, and is used as the customary law of the community of Indonesia, or the archipelago known at that time. The customary law tradition is very different from other legal traditions; this system has a special character that is very different from the character of other legal traditions. Furthermore, around the seventh century of AD, the influence of religion encounter as well; the first is Hinduism, then the religion of Islam brought by traders from Arabia and India. The term known as custom, with its unwritten form and religious element as the definition proposed by Soepomo (1996), is indeed identical with the term given by experts in the colonial period such as: "Godsdientige Wetten, Volks instelingen En Gebruiken" (Regulation of Religious Ordinance, People's Institution and Customs), "Godsdientige Wetten, Instelingen En Gebruiken (Religious Regulations, Institutions, and Customs), Met Hunne Godsdiensten en Gewoonten Samenhangen de Rechts Regelen" (Rules of law relating to Religion and religion customs habits), in addition there are also called the Islamic Law or Mohameden Law. It shows that at that time Customary Law is equalized as religious law. The point of contact between the two can also be identified from the theories that develop at that time as in the theory of Receptio in Complexu (Salmon Keyzer and van Den Berg); Receptie Theory (Scouck Hurgronye); Theory of Receptio a Contrario (Ha zairin). The relationship between customary law and Islamic law is widely found in the field of family law that is the issue of marriage law and inheritance law. After Independence, legislation products related to Islamic law include Law no 1 of 1974, Law no 50 of 2009, Law no 21 of 2008 regarding Islamic Banking.


Have each student make a yad. Yad making kids are available for purchase, with letter beads for Hebrew names. This is great for pre-Bnei Mitzvah students, as they can use it during their service and whenever they lead after. For younger kids, using modeling clay, wiki sticks, cardboard, or other materials, is a great alternative. After they're made, practice holding the yad as an extension of the finger. Use it in the classroom when you do reading practice or say prayers. And take a field trip to see a Torah up close! Discuss behavior on the bima and at the Torah, and give each student a chance to run their yad over the parchment. You can sing the shehechiyanu at the end if it was their first time up close to a Torah.


Two Tone is a PR company that work purely on what they love. They have good taste. We was shown around their client collections by the lovely Company Director, Emily and we fell in love with several of their brands.
Not only do they represent some beautiful fashion collections such as House of Billiard who will custom make you a varsity jacket (hello, and welcome to my Christmas list) and By Ti Mo which is the most beautifully whimsical fashion house we've ever seen! Their more European brand, Patouf had the most beautiful pair of heavy boots that we are currently craving like mad.
But what really got us were the most alternative clients that they host. Black Skulls, The Great Frog and KG&Co (which has been recently been seen on Rita Ora) all stole the show for us. They are all collections that are heavy duty but total luxury, and just a little bit rock 'n' roll.
Add this to the popcorn that kept me satisfied on my way home and Two Tone managed to create a great atmosphere, and most importantly it was welcoming. They love their products, and that's the most important thing.


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Finland: Students Defend Universities from Capitalism
By Technical Support (Posted Feb 20, 2009)
CapitalismFinlandCommentary
Over 1,500 students demonstrated in Helsinki on 19 February 2009 against the proposed reform of higher education. After the demonstration, the students proceeded to occupy the administration building of the University of Helsinki. Students in Tampere, Turku, Joensuu, Rovaniemi, and Oulu also organized walkouts.
The new Universities Act proposed by the Finnish government, if enacted, among other things will:
make universities have independent legal status, allowing the state to replace civil service employment by contractual employment;
have a majority of the board members of each university be external members, who are not professors, students, or staff, threatening the autonomy of the university (only a third of the board may be outsiders according to the current law);
centralize power into the hands of the top administrators and diminish the internal democracy of universities;
give the Ministry of Education the power to set qualitative and quantitative targets for universities, thus threatening their autonomy;
provide inadequate funding for universities, guaranteeing funding for only their "core" activities;
subject universities to the state's productivity program (despite an explicit promise to the contrary);
allow universities to charge tuition fees from non-EU/EEA students (currently, college education is free in Finland);
fail to guarantee the freedom of research and information.
The proposed bill will come before the parliament this spring. The student protesters are especially concerned that, if passed, it will allow corporations to have more influence on their universities and therefore also on science, while paving the way toward privatization, making higher education unaffordable for many students who are already struggling with high costs of living, especially housing, and being forced to incur debts.
What is at stake, the way the students see it, is whether the knowledge that universities create will be harnessed to democracy or capitalism:
The new law is part of a broader project to reform universities, the project that has been and is being pushed across Europe. Why do they want this reform? Above all, it's because information is the main source of profit for capitalism. Hence the talk of "lifetime learning" for every worker. Workers are to study and students are to work, for the benefit of you know whom. Since data in commons are easily divisible, they can be easily commercialized. To make profit, information is privatized and separated from its producers. . . . The battle over the reform of universities is not a marginal battle. The biggest question is how to free the producers of knowledge, as well as knoweldge production and dissemination, from control and exploitation.
Through their movement, the students — as critical of the old hierarchical model against which their predecessors rose up in the long sixties as they are opposed to the subjection of universities to the combination of the market logic and arbitrary bureaucracy — are seeking new ways to create free and democratic spaces that cannot be taken over by capitalism. The next step of the movement is a nationwide strike on Friday, the 13th of March.
Video by <vallankumous.blogsome.com/>. For more information, go to <opiskelijatoiminta.net/>.
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text:
Q: how i connect my arduino to my own web site? i have a question about my arduino,
first i have an arduino which reading a sensor and i have my own website , let's say it's name is
www.my-project.net , now i want to put that reading of the sensor on the site so every one else can open the site and see the reading.
the problem is i don't know how to make the arduino sends data to the website , i mean how to make a code where i put my username and password of the site and make the arduino sends the data.
any help would be appreciated, thanks for your time.

A: You should POST the data with the Ethernet/WebClient:
http://playground.arduino.cc/Code/WebClient
http://forum.arduino.cc/index.php?topic=145277.0
What do you mean by username and password? Where do you want to enter the credentials? Should the Arduino authenticate itself or the visitor?

A: You should use an intermediary service such as Xively. You can use premade libraries on the Arduino that make it easy to talk to Xively or another webservice. Once the data has been stored in Xively you can use the REST API to get data onto your website.
This is the easiest way in my opinion to get your devices data on the internet.

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