text:
Scooby-Doo is een Amerikaanse film uit 2002 gebaseerd op populaire Hanna-Barbera animatieserie Scooby-Doo. De film werd geregisseerd door Raja Gosnell en geschreven door James Gunn. Hoofdrollen werden vertolkt door Matthew Lillard, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Freddie Prinze, Jr., Linda Cardellini en Neil Fanning.

Het was de eerste live-actionfilm gebaseerd op de animatieserie. In 2004 kreeg de film een vervolg: Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed.

Verhaal

De film begint met Mystery Inc. die in een pakhuis op een spook genaamd de Luna Ghost jaagt. Daphne is uiteraard weer door het spook gevangen en Scooby en Shaggy rennen eerder weg dan te proberen het spook te vangen. Uiteindelijk wordt het spook gevangen en ontmaskerd als de zoveelste verklede schurk. Naderhand krijgt het team onenigheid, vooral omdat Fred telkens met de eer strijkt. Na een ruzie stappen Fred, Velma en Daphne op, en blijven enkel Scooby en Shaggy achter.

Twee jaar later krijgen Scooby en Shaggy een uitnodiging om een mysterie op te komen lossen in het vakantieresort Spooky Island. Wanneer ze wachten voor het vliegveld blijken de andere leden van Mystery Inc ook een uitnodiging te hebben gekregen. Op het eiland ontmoetten ze de eigenaar, Emile Mondavarious. Hij vertelt het team dat de tieners die zijn eiland bezoeken zich vreemd gaan gedragen. Ze lijken een soort zombies te worden. Het team is hun ruzie echter nog niet vergeten, en allemaal gaan ze afzonderlijk van elkaar op zoek naar aanwijzingen.

Shaggy ontmoet al snel een meisje genaamd Mary Jane, terwijl Velma een groep zogenaamde demonen aantreft die het eiland bewonen en wraak willen. Een man genaamd N'Goo Tuana en een gemaskerde worstelaar proberen Velma af te schrikken, maar ze negeert hen. Daphne ontmoet een man die zichzelf middels voodoorituelen probeert te beschermen tegen iets. Die nacht wordt Scooby aangevallen door een demonisch wezen, maar ontsnapt. De groep onderzoekt het kasteel op het eiland, waar Fred en Velma een vreemde "trainingsvideo" vinden die suggereert dat er echte monsters op het eiland leven. Daphne ontdekt een magisch driehoekvormig voorwerp genaamd de Daemon Ritus. Dit voorwerp kan energie, en met name zielen, absorberen.

Die nacht vallen de demonen het hotel aan en ontvoeren een aantal toeristen, waaronder Fred en Velma. De volgende dag lijkt alles normaal, totdat Fred opduikt. Hij gedraagt zich al net zo vreemd als de andere tieners. Ook Daphne wordt gevangen en in een zombie veranderd. Shaggy, Scooby en Mary Jane vluchten weg voor de zombietoeristen. Shaggy raakt Scooby kwijt en valt in een grot. Hier ontdekt hij een pot die vol zit met de zielen van mensen, waaronder de zielen van Fred, Velma en Daphne. Shaggy laat de zielen van het trio vrij. Zodra de zielen terugkeren in hun lichaam, komt er een demon uit die meteen sterft onder invloed van het zonlicht.

Eerst belanden de drie in verkeerde lichamen. Zodra Fred, Velma en Daphne weer in hun eigen lichaam zitten komt de groep (min Scooby) bij elkaar. Velma concludeert dat dit ook met alle andere tieners is gebeurd: hun zielen zijn uit hun lichaam gestolen en de lichamen worden nu bezeten door de demonen. Ze gebruiken de lichamen van mensen als bescherming tegen de zon. Ondertussen wordt Scooby naar Mondavarious gebracht, die hem wijsmaakt dat zijn team hem heeft laten stikken en dat hij als enige om hem geeft.

De groep bezoekt de voodooman. Hij vertelt hen dat die nacht een ritueel zal plaatsvinden genaamd het "Darkopolypse Ritual". Als dit voltrokken is, zullen de demonen voor 10.000 jaar over de Aarde heersen. De gestolen zielen zijn allemaal nodig voor dit ritueel, maar er moet nog 1 ziel bij: een pure onvervuilde ziel. Deze ziel is die van Scooby-Doo.

De groep besluit een val te zetten om alle zielen te bevrijden en de demonen te vernietigen. Het ritueel zal plaatsvinden in de grot waar de pot met zielen staat. Daphne bewaakt de val en moet op het aangegeven moment de luiken naar de grot openen zodat het zonlicht naar binnen valt. Fred en Velma mengen zich onopvallend tussen de zombietoeristen. Shaggy weet Scooby te bereiken, die door Mondavarious en een groep zombies op een ligbed naar de pot wordt gedragen. Shaggy slaat Mondavarious neer. Tot verbazing van het team blijkt Mondavarious een robot te zijn die van binnenuit wordt bestuurd door Scooby's neefje Scrappy-Doo. Hij wil wraak op Mystery Inc. omdat ze hem jaren terug hebben achtergelaten.

Middels de Daemon Ritus absorbeert Scrappy een aantal zielen en verandert in een monster genaamd de Scrappy Rex. Daphne wil de luiken openen, maar de worstelaar houdt haar tegen. Daphne heeft in de afgelopen twee jaar echter zelfverdedigingslessen genomen en verslaat hem. Vervolgens opent ze de luiken. Fred en Velma gooien de pot met zielen leeg, waarna de zielen allemaal terugkeren naar hun lichaam en de demonen door het zonlicht omkomen. Shaggy gebruikte de Daemon Ritus om de zielen die Scrappy had geabsorbeerd ook te bevrijden. Daardoor verandert Scrappy weer gewoon in een puppy.

Nu alle demonen zijn vernietigd en Scrappy is gearresteerd, lijkt alles weer bij het oude. Het team vindt de echte Mondavarious onder een luik, waar Scrappy hem had opgesloten. Mystery Inc. legt hun ruzie bij en gaat weer mysteries oplossen.

In de epiloog zitten Scooby en Shaggy in het restaurant te genieten van het beloofde buffet. De twee houden een durfwedstrijdje, waarbij ze allebei een hele pot rode pepers in een keer leegeten.

Rolverdeling

|-
| ||  Fred Jones ||
|-
| ||  Daphne Blake ||
|-
| ||  Shaggy Rogers ||
|-
| ||  Velma Dinkley
|-
| ||  Emile Mondavarious ||
|-
| ||  Scooby-Doo ||  stem
|-
| ||  Mary Jane ||
|-
| ||  Zichzelf ||  cameo
|-
| ||  Scrappy-Doo ||  stem
|}

Achtergrond
Scooby, Scrappy en de demonen zijn in de film geheel neergezet met computeranimatie. De film zelf werd grotendeels opgenomen in de Warner Bros. Movie World studios in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australië.

Het scenario van de film heeft verschillende veranderingen ondergaan. Oorspronkelijk zou "Old Man Smithers", alias de Luna Ghost uit de openingsscène, de hoofdschurk worden. Het idee om Scrappy-Doo de hoofdschurk te laten worden (terwijl hij in de animatieseries aan de goede kant stond) is waarschijnlijk afkomstig van het feit dat Scrappy niet geliefd was bij veel Scooby-Doofans. Ook zouden in de openingsscène oorspronkelijk de cartoonversies van het team te zien zijn geweest.

De trailer van de film was zo gemaakt dat het leek alsof het om een Batmanfilm ging. Men hoorde de verteller dingen opnoemen die Batman doorgaans doet, en zag Scooby's silhouet van achteren zodat het Batmans silhouet leek.

Prijzen/nominaties
In 2002 en 2003 werd Scooby-Doo genomineerd voor tien prijzen, waarvan hij er drie won.

Gewonnen:
De BMI Film Music Award
De Blimp Award voor "favoriete scheet in een film".
De Teen Choice Award voor "Film – Choice Actress, Comedy" (Sarah Michelle Gellar).

Enkel genomineerd
De MTV Movie Award voor "Best Virtual Performance"
Twee Golden Raspberry Awards:
De Most Flatulent Teen-Targeted Movie.
Slechtste mannelijke bijrol (Freddie Prinze Jr.)
4 Teen Choice Awards:
Film – Choice Actor, Comedy (Matthew Lillard)
Film – Choice Actor, Comedy (Freddie Prinze Jr.)
Film – Choice Chemistry
Film – Choice Movie, Comedy

Trivia
Vlak voor hij wordt opgesloten schreeuwt Scrappy "And I would have gotten away with it if it weren't for you meddling sons of -!" (de rest van zijn zin wordt niet gehoord omdat de deur van de helikopter waar hij in zit wordt gesloten). Dit is een referentie naar de bekende uitspraak van de schurken uit de serie als ze werden ontmaskerd: "And I would've gotten away with it, too, if it weren't for you meddling kids!").
In de film "Looney Tunes: Back in Action" is een scène te zien waarin de geanimeerde Shaggy en Scooby zitten te praten met Matthew Lillard, en Shaggy Lillard bekritiseert voor de manier waarop hij hem gespeeld heeft in de live-actionfilm.
Veel van de attracties op Spooky Island zijn parodieën op attracties in Disneyland, waaronder de "It's A Dead World" parade (Disney's "It's A Small World") en de Splatterhorn (Disney's "Matterhorn Bobsleds").
Sarah Michelle Gellar moest het filmwerk voor deze film combineren met het filmwerk voor haar rol in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Externe links

 The Ultimate Scooby Doo Website – including history, episode guide, and character bios
 Officiële website

Film uit 2002
Scooby-Doo
Kinderfilm
Amerikaanse film
Film met live-action en animatie
Film gebaseerd op een televisieserie
Film van Warner Brothers

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
NetOne Appeals for State Funding to Boost Product Quality
Irwin Chifera
With only 2.7 million subscribers, NetOne enjoys 18 percent of the market share. (File Photo)
WASHINGTON — NetOne chief executive officer Reward Kangai says the state-owned mobile telecommunications company requires more than half a billion dollars for it to provide competitive and quality services.
Presenting oral evidence to the House of Assembly's communication technology, postal and courier services portfolio committee, Kangai called on the government to provide adequate funding, saying NetOne cannot compete or offer quality services without investing significantly in network development.
With only 2.7 million subscribers, NetOne enjoys 18 percent of the market share.
Kangai said they are aiming to reach three million subscribers by the end of the year.
With just below 700 base stations, Kangai says they require an extra 3,000 base stations to be able to cover every part of the country.
Kangai said the company is expecting to get a $218 million loan from China for network expansion, adding that the loan has been delayed by interference from competitors or companies associated with their rivals.
He said the loan has been approved and now all documents await signing by the parties involved.
Despite being awarded a mobile telecommunications license first, NetOne now lags being two privately owned companies, Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, and Telecel.
Kangai refused to answer questions on why the company has not yet found strategic partners to improve its operations, saying that questions would be best answered by the government.
Committee chairman, Nelson Chamisa, said the relevant government minister would be called to testify before the committee.
Meanwhile, Kangai said more than 200,000 people are now using the company's mobile money transfer service, One Wallet, adding the company has ordered one million sim cards for One Wallet.
This, he said, is intended to extend the facility to all places around the country.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
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Unknown John & Geraldine Magee Killer- Massachusetts- 2011 Mar 3, 2016 11:48:23 GMT -5
Post by Scumhunter on Mar 3, 2016 11:48:23 GMT -5
(Above photo credit: Patch.com)
From Andover Patch:
ANDOVER, MA -- Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett and Andover Police Chief Patrick Keefe, renewed their appeal to the public on Monday for information on the murders of John "Jack" Magee, 69, and Geraldine "Geri" Magee, 67. The Magees were found shot to death in their home on Orchard Crossing in Andover on December 14, 2011.
"Someone out there knows something. We are asking you to search your memory and your conscience, pick up the phone and call us," Mr. Blodgett said.
The phone number for people to call if they have information is 978-470-3864.
Mr. Blodgett and Chief Keefe held a press conference on Monday morning, Dec. 7, at the Andover Police headquarters.
Four years ago, the couple's daughter, Holly Magee Senykoff, discovered her parents shot dead in the first floor of the south Andover mansion. Their black Lexus had been found torched on Prince Street in the North End of Boston the night before.
In January, 2011, investigators declined to comment on the incident's possible ties to the Magee's home in Jupiter, Florida. The Magee's owned a second home in the Jonathan's Landing area of Jupiter, Florida, a coastal community 15 miles north of West Palm Beach and home to many retirees.
"These horrible and tragic murders have shaken this community that has seen only one other murder in the last 25 years," Chief Keefe said. "Understandably, the community was and continues to be concerned about the circumstances surrounding this shocking event. At the time of the murders, the circumstances were such that we believed there was no further threat to the public's safety and we believe that this still the case."
Chief Keefe said Andover detectives have been part of the team working to solve the crime.
"Finding the person or persons responsible for this heinous act will continue to be a top priority of this department," the chief said.
According to the Palm Beach Post article, the Andover couple bought the home, situated in an affluent section of town, in 2003.
Jack Magee owned and operated Magee Construction with his son John III, which had its offices in the basement of his home on Orchard Crossing in Andover. This company was founded by his father in 1951 and specialized in building single family homes. By all accounts, according to Mr. Blodgett, Jack Magee was a fair and honest businessman who paid his subcontractors on time and treated the people who worked for him and with him well. He was well- respected and well-liked by friends, business associates and acquaintances.
Arlington-based Magee Construction company built housing around Boston and the Greater Boston area, including the Andover development he and his wife lived in.
"Geri" Magee was also well-liked by many, according to the district attorney's office. She was a devoted grandmother and was a member of St. Theresa's Church in North Reading. She volunteered for various organizations including the Bread and Roses Community Pantry in Lawrence. She especially enjoyed travelling and had visited six continents and close to 40 countries. Geri and Jack had been married for 39 years.
Mr. Blodgett provided the following update of the events four years ago:
"On December 13, 2011 Jack Magee went to a construction site on Sailor Tom's Way in Reading, where his company was building some homes. While he was there, he spoke to his son John about picking up building materials in Boston and bringing them to the building site the next day. A long-time employee of Magee Construction was there and assisted Jack in cleaning out his Chevy pick-up truck so that John could use the truck to pick up the materials. Jack reportedly left the site around 3:00 pm.
Geri spoke to her daughter Holly Senykoff at approximately 4:25 that same afternoon about their plans for the next day. Geri was going to watch her grandchildren while Holly did some Christmas shopping. Holly believed she could hear her father talking in the background and assumed that he was also at home. John was at the Magee Construction office in the basement of his parents' Andover home looking up some information about the building supplies which had to be picked up the next day. He departed the home around 4:30 pm in his father's Chevy pick-up truck.
At approximately 9:19 the next morning, Andover Police received a 911 call from Holly reporting that she found her parents dead in their home. The investigation began immediately.
Again, I cannot speak about details associated with the investigation and what we have found or not found, I can provide a general overview of our efforts. The Essex District Attorney's Office and its Detective unit and the Andover Police have conducted an exhaustive investigation which has included: Over 50 interviews of family, friends, Andover friends, neighbors, Jupiter, Florida friends and neighbors, Magee Construction employees and sub-contractors, real estate agents and other business associates of John Magee; friends and acquaintances of Geri Magee.
We have extensively examined all of the financial records of Magee Construction as well as the personal financial records of John and Geri Magee. This includes all bank statements and credit card records. We have searched the Andover and Florida homes belonging to the Magees on numerous occasions. We have searched the motor vehicles of Magee family members and those associated with Magee construction.We have seized and forensically examined the computers belonging to John and Geri Magee and those belonging to Magee Construction. We have reviewed countless hours of surveillance video from numerous locations. We have followed leads to 4 states and 20 cities and towns in the Greater Boston area."
In addition to the Essex District Attorney's Office, its detective unit and Andover Police, numerous other law enforcement agencies have been involved including Massachusetts State Police Crime Scene Services, Ballistics, Violent Fugitive Apprehension Unit, and Special Services. Mr. Blodgett said local and state authorities have also worked with federal agencies - the FBI, ATF and Homeland Security.
Magee Family Statement:
"It's been almost four years since the tragic deaths of our beloved Jeri and Jack. Four years of missed holidays, birthdays, cookouts and vacations with family and friends. We miss spending the holidays with them and their warm, generous, loving nature. The family has hoped and prayed for the past four years that pertinent information regarding these murders would come to light, and we hope that the information released today by the Andover Police Department and the District Attorney's Office will motivate someone who may know about this crime to come forward. We continue to support the authorities in their investigation and trust that those involved have the resources necessary to get a resolution in this case.
We miss Jeri and Jack very much and not a day goes by without us thinking how blessed we were to have them in our lives. But the perpetrators of this crime are still out there and they need to be brought to justice. Please help us solve this crime."
patch.com/massachusetts/andover/authorities-renew-appeal-double-homicide-investigation-0
Thoughts? It seems investigators are doing a lot of due diligence in this case, but unfortunately it still hasn't resulted in an arrest. I think it's obvious this wasn't a random crime and the killer or killers knew who the Magees were. Investigators haven't said whether or not this was a robbery- which then leave the question as to why two people who were seemingly well liked by most people were murdered and what the possible motive could be.
Admin Note: If you have any news-related updates on this case, please contact us here: amwfans.com/thread/1662/website-contact-form
Last Edit: Dec 31, 2016 5:06:57 GMT -5 by Scumhunter
HeadMarshal
Unknown John & Geraldine Magee Killer- Massachusetts- 2011 Dec 8, 2017 12:25:57 GMT -5 Scumhunter likes this
Post by HeadMarshal on Dec 8, 2017 12:25:57 GMT -5
I don't know how credible this lead is in late 2017, but right after the Magee's were killed, ABC News and NY Daily News were reporting that some leads were pointing in the direction of the mob. I didn't see this referenced in any later articles but it's certainly a possibility based on the way the murders were carried out.
www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/police-eye-mob-involvement-massachusetts-mansion-murders-jack-geraldine-magee-article-1.993089
Unknown John & Geraldine Magee Killer- Massachusetts- 2011 Jan 5, 2018 2:38:40 GMT -5
Post by Scumhunter on Jan 5, 2018 2:38:40 GMT -5
Last month, six years after John & Geraldine Magee's deaths, Andover's District Attorney and Police Chief made renewed pleas for information.
www.wcvb.com/article/officials-plea-for-information-6-years-after-couples-unsolved-murder/14433420


text:
Click Here to download trivia for the Red Rock Area which includes three levels of challenges.
This is a land where prairie grass once grew over 8 feet high and wild life flourished in the rich river valley. Tribes of Sac and Fox made their homes along the creeks and streams that crisscrossed the prairie and wooded timbers.
As settlers made their way west past the great Mississippi River, Marion County figured prominently in the settlement of the territory now called Iowa. Dragoons first explored the Des Moines River Valley, through the heart of the county, in 1835 recording observations about the "new frontier." In 1842, the Sac and Fox signed a treaty to sell lands in central Iowa to the settlers. The Red Rock Line was created in 1843 to halt the settlement of lands west of the town called Red Rock until Native American tribes could vacate the land. By 1845, the line was opened up leading to the settlement of western Iowa.
The towns of Red Rock and Coalport played key roles during the early years, but Knoxville was selected as the county seat for Marion County. Early settlers were primarily farmers and traders. In 1847, Dominie Scholte led a group of 800 Dutch immigrants to settle in the area which today is called Pella.
Large outcroppings of coal were discovered in the county, railroad companies began expansion into the area and coal mines sprung up over the entire county. Over 500 coal mines operated at one time within the county.


text:
Q: How do I use the Binomial expansion with a negative expression that is not a real number How would I go above proving that
$\sum_{x=k}^\infty{x-1 \choose k-1}(qe^t)^{x-k}=(1-qe^t)^{-k}$
I can't seem to get the Binomial theorem in the correct format to easily see that these are equivalent

A: Just use the fact that $\binom{-n}{k} = (-1)^k \binom{n + 1 - k}{n - 1}$:
$\begin{align*}
  \sum_{x \ge k} \binom{x - 1}{k - 1} (q e^t)^{x - k}
    &= \sum_{j \ge 0} \binom{j + k - 1}{k - 1} (q e^t)^j \\
    &= \sum_{j \ge 0} (-1)^j \binom{-k}{j} (q e^t)^j \\
    &= (1 - q e^t)^{-k}
\end{align*}$
To prove the identity used:
$\begin{align*}
  \binom{-n}{k}
    &= \frac{(-n)^{\underline{k}}}{k!} \\
    &= \frac{(-1)^k n^{\overline{k}}}{k!} \\
    &= (-1)^k \frac{(n + k - 1)^{\underline{k}}}{k!} \\
    &= (-1)^k \binom{n + k - 1}{k} \\
    &= (-1)^k \binom{n + k - 1}{n - 1}
\end{align*}$
Here we use falling and rising factorial powers:
$\begin{align*}
   n^{\underline{k}}
     &= n (n - 1) \dotsm (n - k + 1) \\
   n^{\overline{k}}
     &= n (n + 1) \dotsm (n + k - 1)
\end{align*}$

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Welcome To Cold Aston
THIS WELCOME PACK IS FULL OF USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT COLD ASTON AND IS INTENDED FOR EVERYONE TO USE, BUT ESPECIALLY PEOPLE WHO HAVE RECENTLY ARRIVED IN THE VILLAGE
If you would like to download and print this welcome pack, please click here
This page contains information to help you feel at home as soon as possible, and to offer a warm welcome to our flourishing village community. We hope very much that you will enjoy living here and take part in village life in its many forms.
The detail in a Welcome Pack can never be complete because things change all the time, but it is hoped sufficient information is included to provide help and give details about the Parish, its people, the facilities and services in and around the area and ideas for further help. An electronic copy can be downloaded from the website - see above
The pack is kept as up to date as possible, but feedback on what is in, what's missing, and new information would be very welcome. Please contact Martin Nicholas nichhome@btinternet.com with suggestions for amendments.
The History of Cold Aston
Citation: Carol Davidson Cragoe, A R J Jurica and Elizabeth Williamson, 'Parishes: Cold Aston', in A History of the County of Gloucester: Volume 9, Bradley Hundred. The Northleach Area of the Cotswolds, ed. N M Herbert (London, 2001), pp. 9-20.
Cold Aston, also known as Aston Blank until 1972, and incidentally the only English village with two official names, is a rural parish lying beside the Fosse Way two miles from the former Roman way camp and fortified Iron Age farmstead of Bourton-on-the-Water. Remote and high, served by roads that are mainly single track the village has retained much of its historic character. The ancient parish contained 2,360 acres and was roughly rectangular in shape. The boundaries, some of which were described in a pre-Conquest perambulation of an estate in Cold Aston and Notgrove, included the river Windrush on the north-east, the Fosse Way on the east, and the course of a stream on the south-west. In the southern corner of the parish that stream joined other headwaters of the Sherborne brook to form Broadwater bottom, part of the valley called Turkdean (Twrch - wild boar, Dene – valley) in the Anglo-Saxon period. Cold Aston boundaries were unchanged until 1987 when the parish was enlarged to 2,375 acres by the addition of a few houses on the north-western boundary, and the former mill with some land at Little Aston on the north-eastern boundary which were transferred from the parishes of Notgrove and Upper Slaughter respectively.
Village Name
In the earliest records the parish was called simply Aston or Aeston, the eastern most part of the Hundred of Wacrescumbe in the Doomsday Book. By mid 13th century it was commonly known as Cold Aston. By the Middle Ages, the village was sometimes called Great Aston to distinguish it from the hamlet of Little Aston which, when it was part of the parish of Windrush, was a separate manor and was a separate tithing. The name Aston Pipard, recorded in the early 14th century incorporated that of the principal landowning family of that time. Aston Blank, possibly a reference to the lands bareness, but more probably the name of the Lord of the Manor Robert Blanc in 1535, gained official if not local acceptance. The official name was changed back from Aston Blank to Cold Aston in 1972. Village residents had never used the name Aston Blank, always using Cold Aston. Be clear with delivery instructions as we are occasionally confused with Cold Ashton near Bath, which never improves the mood of delivery drivers!
The land of the parish rises from 476ft in the river valleys on its north-eastern and south-western sides to over 689ft in the west. Most of the land is formed by the Inferior Oolite. The underlying Midford Sand and Upper Lias Clay are revealed in the Windrush valley and the higher ground is formed by drifts of fuller's earth, valuable in cleaning fleeces, capped by the Great Oolite. The open, rolling farmland drains mostly to the south in valleys formed by streams, which in places follow, underground courses. One stream, rising in Notgrove, flows east of Cold Aston village to Broadwater bottom where three winter streams join to disappear underground. There is a network of springs and wells which served the village, laundry being done at Town Well by Spring Cottage until mains water was connected in 1951, although the big houses were served by a subscription supply from the water tower next to the church from 1909. Electricity was connected in the 1930s but surprisingly the telephone was the first service in the village in the 1920s. Much open land at the north side of the Parish with evocative names such as Cow Common, Bowman's Hay, Coursers Hill, Vent (windy) Hill and Dryground. The downs bordering the Windrush were inclosed before the rest of the parish, which retained large open fields until 1796, with an unusual four field rotational strip system. Apart from Aston Grove and its coppicing crop of ash trees in the south of the parish and several small coppices on the steep side of the Windrush valley in the north-east, there was little woodland in the mid 18th century. Although some planting took place soon after the inclosure of 1796, Cold Aston had only 54a of woods and plantations in 1905.Photos from that era are notable for the bareness of the skyline in contrast to the current treescape, this in itself threatened by ash dieback. Several new plantations were created later in and above the Windrush valley but the area of woodland returned for the parish in 1986 was 111 acres.
Cold Aston Manor, comprising the whole parish except Little Aston, had 18 tenants in 1309 and 18 parishioners were assessed for the subsidy in 1327. The lord of the Manor at that time had passed from Pipard to James Butler, later the Earl of Ormonde under whose banner Cold Aston village men would have fought at Crecy and later Agincourt. The 100 years war and the black death resulted in depopulation of Little Aston in the early 14th century which fell into disrepair. There had been an overall decline in population by 1524 when there were only ten taxpayers. The number of households in 1563 was said to be nine. In the later 16th century the population probably remained unchanged, the number of communicants being estimated at 48 in 1551 and 50 in 1603. In 1650 there were said to be 14 families, but the hearth tax return of 1672 named 25 householders. In the 18th century the population increased gradually from 120 in 1710 to 216 in 1801. By 1861 it had grown to 325, but for the rest of the 19th century it fell and in 1901 it was back to 214. Three of the four farms at that time were owned by Nancy Cunard of the shipping line, who also owned Notgrove. Thereafter, the population fluctuated between extremes of 254 in 1911 and 205 in 1931 when the village had a cobbler, two blacksmiths, two pubs, a wheelwright, two carpentry shops, a bakery and four thriving farmsteads. The 1991 census showed the number of residents was again 214.
In depth information about the history of Cold Aston can be found at the British History Online website.
Cold Aston Parish Council usually meets on a Wednesday on alternate months unless there are planning matters that need to be discussed sooner. If you would like to be included on the mailing list for the Council to be notified of meetings and agendas please contact the Parish Clerk Belinda Holder on coldastonpc@outlook.com. Similarly, if you have an item to raise with the Parish Council please email Belinda.
Minutes of meetings can be accessed on the Parish website on http://www.coldaston.com/parish-council.html
There are currently two vacancies on the Parish Council, an election having been requested by the parishioners but which can't be held before May 2021 due to coronavirus. The Parish Council noticeboard is outside the Village Hall, and a notice of an election will be posted there when more is known.
The workload of the council is being undertaken by the three remaining councillors:
Paula Marchant (Chair) paulammarchant@gmail.com
Yvonne Nicholas (Vice chair) yvonnen486@gmail.com
Greg Pearce gregpearcecapc@gmail.com
The Parish Council has responsibility for verges, allotments, trees not on the highway, planning, reviewing the Parish Plan.
Issues to do with taxes, tourism, waste services, planning, social housing etc, are the responsibility of Cotswold District Council https://www.cotswold.gov.uk/
Our local District councillor is Richard Keeling (Con) richard.keeling@cotswold.gov.uk
Issues of highways, education, safeguarding, social services, waste and recycling and transport are the responsibility of Gloucestershire County Council https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/
Our County councillor is Paul Hodgkinson (LD) paul.hodgkinson@gloucestershire.gov.uk
Our local station is located in Stow-on-the-Wold, but calls are handled centrally from Gloucester on 01452 907200, and is open 10-2pm Monday to Friday.
Our Community Liaison PC is Charlie Symes charlie.symes@gloucestershire.pnn.police.uk
Emergencies obviously need to be called in on 999, but less urgent issues can be phoned in on 101, 101@gloucestershire.police.uk
Crimestoppers allow you to report crime anonymously crimestoppers-uk.org or 0800 555 111
There is an active group in the village lead by John Beresford jbj4549@gmail.com to whom you can send your e-mail address to be included in the NW mailing list. John forwards messages from the local Police force.
For more urgent matters Martin Nicholas nichhome@btinternet.com runs a WhatsApp group where we can notify suspicious activity in the village, power outages, missing cats etc. There is also a link into the Rural Crime Group which specifically targets crimes of poaching, agricultural theft etc.
Our supply network is managed by Scottish and Southern Electricity. You can call 105 to be put through to report a power cut or damaged supply equipment etc. They also have an app called Power Track which is very useful. If you are elderly or in poor health you can register to be put on their Priority Register which allows you to jump the queue in the event of a power cut.
Thames Water is our water supplier. Most houses in the village can get a pressure of 3 Bar or better. https://www.thameswater.co.uk/ tel 0845 9200888 or in an emergency call 0800 3169800
There is no mains gas supply in the village
Much of the Cotswolds is supplied by Gigaclear, but we have fibre to the cabinet installed by BT and copper from there. Speeds of 45mB are possible, but the infrastructure is run by BT, so your best chance of a good broadband connection is through them.
O2 and Vodaphone have the best signal strength in the village, but 4g is not guaranteed
Collection day is alternate Tuesdays and they often arrive first thing (7am); check dates on https://www.cotswold.gov.uk/bins-and-recycling/check-your-collection-day/.
Weekly food waste collection in the small black bin.
Fortnightly general waste in the black bin and garden waste in the green bin.
Plastic and tins in the white plastic bag, cardboard in the blue bag, glass and paper in the black boxes.
Doctors, Dentists and Hospitals
Doctors: The Cotswold Medical Practice has branches in Bourton (Moore Rd 01451 820242) and Northleach (Westwoods Centre 01451 860247) www.cotswoldmedicalpractice.nhs.uk. Cold Aston residents are able to have medicines dispensed at the dispensary in the surgery. Emergency contact is through 111 out of normal hours (6.30pm – 8am).
Stow Surgery https://stowsurgery.co.uk/ in Maugesbury Rd Stow 01451 83062 also covers our village.
Both surgeries make use of facilities at George Moore Community Clinic 0300 421 6940 for physiotherapy, podiatry and consultant outpatients.
The North Cotswolds Community Hospital, Moreton-in-Marsh provides a minor Injury Unit, inpatient and outpatient facilities, X-Ray, physiotherapy,
Accident and Emergency is provided at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital along with a full range of acute medical services. Cheltenham General Hospital provides non urgent in-patient care, rehabilitation, a midwife led maternity unit, outpatients.
Pharmacies Rowlands in Bourton at the Chestnuts is part of a large national chain, and takes a week to turn around repeat prescription. The Cotswold Pharmacy Northleach 01451 820295 https://www.thecotswoldpharmacy.co.uk/ delivers prescriptions on request, and has easier parking. Badham's, Stow-on-the-Wold (01451 830623) is part of a small local chain and also delivers prescriptions.
Dentists The Riverside Dental Practice, Bourton, 01451 820306 - private patients only.
Stow on the Wold Practice https://www.stowonthewolddentalpractice.com/ - private only.
Brewery Yard Dental Practice, Stow-on-the-Wold 01451 830885 - private onl.
Forge dental practice, Bourton on the Water - 01451 821268.
Village Defibrillator VETS scheme
Ambulance response times up here are generally over 20 minutes, so if someone in your house collapses or develops chest pain, we have an automatic defibrillator in the old phone box. 1) dial 999, call for an ambulance 2) call 01451 612012 – this rings in 10 Cold Aston homes simultaneously, and the person who picks up will bring the defibrillator to your house and provide help whilst the ambulance is coming. Commence chest compressions if the patient is not breathing. Contact Yvonne Nicholas nichhome@btinternet.com for more information about the VETS scheme.
The post is collected at 3.30pm each weekday and 9am on Saturdays from the letterbox in the wall of the Plough Inn. Post Office Counters are available in Northleach in the square between the Black Cat Café and the wine bar and in Bourton at the Rissington end of the Hight St.
Cold Aston Village Fayre
Cold Aston Fayre has been an annual event since the first Fayre in 1975 - and every year it gets bigger and even more successful. It was inaugurated to meet the rising amount of the Church precept, that exceeded donations and collections the Church received. So successful has it become that the precept is exceeded fourfold now, and the profits are divided equally between local charities and the village – Church, Hall, School etc. The Fayre is held on the village greens and lanes with the access roads closed to traffic.
Nearly everyone in the village contributes to the Fayre in some way or other, working, making, donating and organising thus each year the Fayre improves by featuring a large selection of stalls and attractions and to feature new ideas as well as keeping to our tradition of providing a typical village fayre. For example, in 2018 we introduced "light lunches" and in 2019 we had a Dog Scurry for the first time. 2020 was the first time for 45 years the Fayre was not held, but villagers came up with some novel ways to raise money for charities nonetheless.
All the stalls are organised and run by villagers, their friends and families and there are no external commercial stalls.
If you would like to become involved in the Fayre then please contact Sally Morris sally.morris@squarecorner.co.uk
You can find out about the history of the church on https://northleach.org/benefice-churches/. Our new vicar is Alyssa Timmis. St Peter's & St Pauls in Northleach is one of England's most important wool churches and worth a visit. The benefice office can be contacted at beneficeoffice@northleachbenefice.org or by phone.
Church services are held on four Sundays each month, with Matins on the 1st Sunday, Café Church held in the Village Hall on the 2nd being a less formal and family friendly celebration, Holy Communion on the 3rd and Compline in the evening of the 4th Sunday. Where there is a 5th Sunday in the month, a benefice service rotates between all eight parishes in turn. There are additional services at Easter, harvest festival and at Christmas, with midnight communion on Christmas Eve.
Our church wardens are John and Stephanie Hollows 01451 822070. John is also a reader for the church. Flower arranging in the church is co-ordinated by Deborah Toogood 01451 810586.
The Parish Magazine is full of useful information about the church, services and local social life, as well as many advertisements and you can contact Alison Rainbow, benefice secretary at magazine@northleachbenefice.org or 01451 861132 to subscribe to a digital version circulated by e-mail for £8/ year, or a paper copy for £12/year.
Built in 1925, the village hall is still a thriving hub of village life 95 years later. Before the COVID interruption we could enjoy yoga classes 3x/wk, upholstery, ballet, a monthly coffee morning, a quiz night, a summer barbecue, harvest lunch, a winter drinks evening, talks, music and theatre events. It is also available for private hire and has hosted everything from children's parties to wedding receptions, bookings can be made through Yvonne Nicholas nichhome@btinternet.com or Laura Parkes l_parkes@hotmail.com.
Cold Aston Primary School
Cold Aston has had a Primary school is an OFSTED Outstanding school with 86 pupils drawn from our own and nearby villages. Situated next to the church which it uses daily for worship and assembly, it has a playground, a large level sports field and Forest School. Accepting children from aged 5 it runs a four class structure for Reception, years 1&2, 3&4 and 5&6. Pumpkin Patch cares for children from 8am to 5pm for working parents, and being part of a four school federation, the North Cotswolds Schools Federation (NCSF), it is able to offer specialist sports teaching, pastoral support workers and SEND teaching. The NCSF has allowed each school to retain its small school feel but with the benefits of a large school, enjoying strong staff retention, career progression, joint sports and outing days. You can find out more at https://www.northcotswoldschools.co.uk/.
The Nature Nurture Group
Cold Aston is a wonderful place for nature, with rare and special things. We are blessed to have some important and special kinds of habitats on our doorstep. Out and about in the local countryside you can see many wildflowers, veteran trees, hedgerows and creatures.
Some residents have set up the Nurture Nature Group because many things are declining
and at risk.
We look for opportunities to help our local nature to flourish in our gardens, fields, roadsides and footpaths. Members are also happy to share their expertise. Along the roads
in the parish we have identified verges that merit special conservation management through enrichment planting and special management Already the number of wildflowers is increasing, with other parishes following suit. A bulb lawn is being developed in the village itself.
To get involved, seek advice or help please call Diana on 01451 820274


On May 20, psychosocial counseling was conducted in Jagat Sundar Bwone Kuti Secondary School by our psychosocial counselors Ms. Aroja Maskey, Ms. Shikha Upadhyaya Khatiwada and intern Ms. Maya-Lhanze Lama as continuation of program initiated under Earthquake Response and Relief Initiatives since May 2015. The counseling session was divided into two parts, i.e. Group Counseling and Individual counseling. Group counseling session was held for 20 students (13 girls, 7 boys) of grade 8 by Ms. Shikha and individual counseling session was held for a 15-year old student by Ms. Aroja Maskey.
The group counseling session comprised of Art Counseling and meditation. Art counseling involved drawing "Tree of Life" that enabled students to envision their origin, skills, knowledge, hopes and dreams and inspirational figures. A student shared that the session enabled her to think about her aim in life, her future hopes and dreams; and it made her remember her family and the people that inspire her.
Similarly, individual counseling included relaxation techniques and methods to express emotions that helped the student to relax and open up on his emotions.


text:
use event_loop::EventLoopConfig;
/// Structure for configuration.
#[derive(Debug,Clone)]
pub struct Config {
	thread_count: usize,
	events_capacity: usize,
	limit_result_channel_buffer: usize,
	limit_task_channel_buffer: usize,
}

quick_error! {
	/// Errors in configuration.
	#[derive(Debug)]
	pub enum ConfigError {
		/// Threads count must be greater than zero.
		InvalidThreadCount {
			description("Field thread_count shall be positive")
		}
		/// Events buffer length in event-loop. Must be greater than zero.
		InvalidEventsCapacity {
			description("Field events_capacity shall be positive")
		}
	}
}

impl Config {
	/// Creates new configuration structure.
	/// First parameter - number of threads. You can get this value from `num_cpus` crate.
	pub fn new(thread_count: usize) -> Result<Config,ConfigError> {
		let result = Config {
			thread_count: thread_count,
			events_capacity: 128,
			limit_result_channel_buffer: 0,
			limit_task_channel_buffer: 0,
		};
		result.check_configuration()?;
		Ok(result)
	}

	fn check_configuration(&self) -> Result<(),ConfigError> {
		if self.thread_count <= 0 {
			return Err(ConfigError::InvalidThreadCount);
		}
		if self.events_capacity == 0 {
			return Err(ConfigError::InvalidEventsCapacity);
		}
		Ok(())
	}

	/// Returns number of used threads.
	pub fn get_thread_count(&self) -> usize {
		return self.thread_count;
	}

	/// Set limit for sync channel of result values.
	pub fn set_limit_result_channel(&mut self,value: usize) -> Result<&mut Self,ConfigError> {
		self.limit_result_channel_buffer = value;
		self.check_configuration()?;
		Ok(self)
	}

	/// Returns limit for sync channel of result values.
	pub fn get_limit_result_channel(&self) -> usize {
		return self.limit_result_channel_buffer;
	}

	/// Set limit for sync channel of tasks.
	pub fn set_limit_task_channel(&mut self,value: usize) -> Result<&mut Self,ConfigError> {
		self.limit_task_channel_buffer = value;
		self.check_configuration()?;
		Ok(self)
	}

	/// Returns limit for sync channel of tasks.
	pub fn get_limit_task_channel(&self) -> usize {
		return self.limit_task_channel_buffer;
	}

	/// Set events buffer length.
	pub fn set_events_capacity(&mut self, value: usize) -> Result<&mut Self,ConfigError> {
		self.events_capacity = value;
		self.check_configuration()?;
		Ok(self)
	}

	/// Returns events capacity.
	pub fn get_events_capacity(&self) -> usize {
		return self.events_capacity;
	}
}

pub fn get_event_loop_config(config: &Config) -> EventLoopConfig {
	return EventLoopConfig::new(config.events_capacity);
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Are you searching for the aircon system that would be the ultimate solution for your house or office needs?
If you want to find an ultimate comfort throughout the year, at your house or office, then bank on ducted air conditioning in Morley. It is considered as the eventual solution for your entire office or house comfort. The cooling that these systems provide in the weather of Morley has made it to be the popular choice.
The installation of the air con system needs to be handled by the expert professionals. It is because any fault in the design and installation is never going to cool the system. Only the experts have the tech knowhow to maximise the output by properly installing the reverse cycle air conditioner. We take care of even the minute detail during the installation. Our experts check out for the leakages or the other faults that come on the way during the process.
For any design, installation or maintenance of your reverse cycle air conditioner in Morley, rely on Aircon Express. Our professionals are going to serve you in the best possible way at the most competent price to ascertain that people enjoy a comfortable ambience at home or in office throughout the year.


With over 25 years in business, Oasis Bags is a pioneer in the reusable bags industry in Canada. Electric Pixel was given the mandate to increase the brand's awareness on web while maintaining their eco-friendly image and environmental principles. A responsive site was built on a WordPress CMS for easy in-house updates.


I whipped this up for lunch the other day with some leftover bits I had in the fridge and it was so quick (about 15 minutes), easy and delicious! Recipe is based on and adapted from Heidi Swanson's White bean and cabbage from Super Natural Every Day. If you've been following my blog for any length of time you'll know I love her. Easily my favourite blogger and cookbook author, simply everything I've ever made by her has turned out and been stunning, most have become regular staples in our house.
I made quite a few changes to this one only because I suppose I was in that mood - changing things about a bit, quantity wise and with what I had on hand. Mostly, I have added a smoky aspect here using smoked paprika and smoked sea salt as those flavours go so beautifully with cabbage and potatoes. Further, I used chickpeas as I had some leftover in the fridge but also as I prefer them to white beans in this type of dish. Lastly, I grated some Vegusto mild over top in place of the parmesan and it just finished the dish off perfectly. It has a sharp taste reminiscent of an extra mature cheddar and was gorgeous with this.
• 70g baby new potatoes (about 2), scrubbed and diced tiny - leave skins on.
• Vegusto mild or piquant, finely grated - cheezly parm would be nice too.
Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan, skillet or as I used, wok - but make sure you have a lid or something you can fashion as a lid. Add the tiny diced potato, ¼ tsp of the smoked paprika and 1/8 tsp of the smoked sea salt and stir. Pop the lid on and fry gently, removing the lid now and again to give it a stir, until the potato is cooked and getting slightly crispy, about 5 - 7 minutes.
Add the shallots and chickpeas and fry until the shallots are soft and the chickpeas are heated through and getting slightly browned. If it seems a little dry pop the lid on to let things sweat a little.
Add the cabbage, the other 1/8 tsp of smoked sea salt and the other ¼ tsp of smoked paprika and stir well. Add a splash of water - about a tablespoon and fry over medium heat until the cabbage just starts to wilt and any excess liquid is cooked off.
Transfer to a bowl and top with a good grating of Vegusto mild and some freshly ground black pepper. Enjoy!
this looks delicious! i love cabbage and chickpeas together in a stirfry but it's been much too long since i've made one. time to change that!


A surgeon, astrophysicist, ecologist, and engineer are among the speakers who will participate in Perimeter Institute's annual "Inspiring Future Women in Science" event.
This year, Inspiring Future Women in Science will be webcast live, making it freely available around the world.
The webcast will appear on this page at 9AM ET, and will run for about two hours with short breaks between each talk. The event aims to showcase the rewards, challenges, and possibilities that await young women in STEM fields, and is designed for a high school audience.
Click here for the full list of speakers and panelists.


text:
'Everybody lost' | 3 men found dead in DeKalb, police say
All three individuals were found with gunshot wounds.
Author: LaPorsche Thomas
Published: 5:11 AM EDT May 22, 2019
Updated: 6:23 PM EDT May 22, 2019
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Three men are dead this morning after a shooting at a DeKalb County apartment complex, according to police.
Captain A.W. Ford with DeKalb Police said the shooting happened around 11:20 p.m. at Indian Valley Apartments off Northern Avenue on Tuesday.
Police believe two men were in a parking lot drinking when another man came up and attempted to rob them.
During the robbery, police said a fight broke out over the gun and all three were fatally shot.
"There was a gunfight and everybody lost," Ford said.
Police found two of the victims lying dead near one another. However, the robber ran away from the scene and was found in a wooded area. Police initially spotted him and ordered he come out with his hands up. But as one officer approached, they learned he had died of several gunshot wounds.
At least ten rounds were fired, according to officials.
The investigation is ongoing, but police believe they've identified two of the victims. Those names have yet to be released.
MORE HEADLINES |
Demonstrators protest 'heartbeat' abortion law at Georgia State Capitol
Former DeKalb Commissioner arrested by FBI for allegedly demanding bribe from contractor
3-year-old dies after 'heinous' sexual abuse, police say
Gang members sentenced in 'the most horrific death' in recent county history
The 10-year-old was starved to death and then burned. The trial begins today.


4 fun ways to make sure your wedding isn't boring.
If you work in the wedding industry and you would like to do business with us please get in touch.
Ibiza Wedding Guide is a project by INMEDIA design Ibiza.


text:
Home World Travel Exploring the Mediterranean with Holland America's ms Veendnam, Installment II
Exploring the Mediterranean with Holland America's ms Veendnam, Installment II
By Ed Boitano
The Barbary Monkey seems indifferent to the ms Veendam's presence in the Strait of Gibraltar. Photo courtesy of Deb Roskamp
Well, I'm still basking in the memories of my cruise experience aboard Holland America's ms Veendam. At the end of each day's illuminating tours of the ports of call – Lucca and Pisa, Málaga, Barcelona, Monaco and Gibraltar – I would excitedly rush back to the vessel to my favorite lounge, the Crow's Nest, where I'd compile my notes over a crisp, full bodied Budweiser Budvar (circa 1245). The venue was quiet and relaxing, and once again I must commend Holland America for the remarkable attention to service. I was on a first name basis with many of the staff, who were always interested to hear about that day's tour. Last month in Part I, I wrote in detail about this floating pleasure palace christened the ms Veendam and the ostentatious culture of the tiny nation of Monaco. In Installment II, I cover the selected highlights of Lucca, Pisa, Barcelona, Málaga and Gibraltar.
When Paul Theroux observed a tourist brazenly poking a baby monkey while being fed by its mother, he concluded that the monkeys were more civilized than the tourists. The mother monkey simply raised her hand, as if asking the tourist to stop, then disappeared with the baby behind a higher rock. Photo courtesy of Deb Roskamp
Gibraltar – The Barbary Monkeys: Originally from Morocco's Atlas Mountains, Gibraltar's Barbary Monkeys are the only wild monkey population on the European continent. Though not confirmed, some believe they were brought to Gibraltar by the pirate, Red Beard. Currently, some 300 animals in five troops occupy the Upper Rock area of the Gibraltar Nature Reserve. The cute little critters are inquisitive and have no fear of humans. Upon my arrival one jumped on top of my car. Foraging for food seems to be their main goal, and they are known to even traverse the streets of capital city below. Due to being tailless species, they are often mistakenly referred to as Barbary Apes or Rock Apes. As an endangered species, Gibraltarian officials keep a sharp eye on them, documenting each individual monkey, feeding them and giving medical examinations.
A distant view of Gibraltar taken from the iconic Strait of Gibraltar. It has now been proven that no Roman ship actually fell off the edge of the earth after passing through the Strait. Photo courtesy of Deb Roskamp
With Spain at its back, on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, Gibraltar's two square miles of limestone Rock overlooks the Strait of Gibraltar, which separates it from Morocco. As a lover of maps, it was exhilarating viewing the African coast just 15 miles away. History tells us that Roman ships sailing west on the Mediterranean would not go beyond the Strait for fear of falling off the edge of the earth.
Winston Churchill was obsessed with the continuance of the Barbary Monkeys, fearing that British rule over the Rock would end if they disappeared, a catastrophe that he would not tolerate. Photo courtesy of Deb Roskamp
As a British Overseas Territory, the Rock features 32 miles of tunnels, as protection from Spanish and French forces in their attempt to take Gibraltar back from the British, when they were at their weakest during the American Revolution. In one surprise attack, the monkeys were disturbed in the night, and alerted the soldiers. This led to the saying, "As long as the Apes (monkeys) remain on the Rock, so will the British."
During WW II, the British used the tunnels as a garrison to guard the territory from an attack by the Axis Powers. In the early days of the war, Winston Churchill had visited Gibraltar, and was disturbed that the population had dwindled down to only seven monkeys. He immediately instructed that five new females be sent to the Rock. Churchill was well aware of the Gibraltar Monkeys' symbolic importance to the British people, and feared that the disappearance of the animals would have a detrimental effect on morale – which the British Empire needed plenty of when they stood alone against the Nazis in 1941.
The population of the capital city of Gibraltar, situated at the base of the Rock, weighs in at 4,495. It's small, flat and easy to stroll, with numerous venues selling all things British. Fish and chips, anyone? At the edge of the city rests the courthouse where John and Yoko were married, and Sean Connery, married twice.
See if you can spot the Leaning Bell Tower of Pisa. Photo courtesy of Deb Roskamp
PISA – Leaning Bell Tower of Pisa: Yes, it really does lean. In fact, it started to lean during construction in 1178, before builders had even reached its third story. Over the next 800 years, it became clear that the 180 ft. white-marble cylinder wasn't just learning, but was actually falling at a rate of 3 ft. per year. This was due to an unstable foundation of shifting soft soil, fine sand and shells – an engineering debacle flawed from the beginning – which could not properly support the structure's weight. To compensate for the tilt, the next eight-stories were built slightly taller on the short side in an attempt to disguise the tower's lean. However, the weight of the extra floors caused the Romanesque-style tower to sink further and lean more. Because of this, the tower is curved. Numerous efforts throughout time have been made to restore the bell tower to a vertical symmetry. In 1964, the Italian government insisted on retaining the current tilt, due to the money-making role that the Tower played in promoting tourism to Pisa. Today, only groups of 30 are allowed inside at once, and are welcome to scale the 251 steps from the bottom to the top of the Pisa Tower. The Tower's bells have long been silenced as their movements could worsen the lean of the bell tower further.
Throughout the years, we've all seen endless photos of the Leaning Tower, but to witness it in person was a monumental occasions. I was unaware that the Tower stands on a pristine green-expanse inside the medieval walls of the Square of Miracles. The piazza is also shared by the white marbled Cathedral of Pisa, the Baptistery – famous for its acoustics, demonstrated by singers daily – and Capuano Monumental Cemetery, made with 53 shiploads of earth brought back from the Hill of Calvary in Jerusalem.
The seven day celebration is endless at the Feria de Málaga. Businesses are decorated with lanterns and the streets are dressed with the spirit of flamenco. Photo courtesy of Deb Roskamp
Málaga – Feria de Málaga: I generally avoid outdoor street fairs, but that was before I joined the Feria de Málag (Malaga City Fair) in Málaga, Spain. I said 'joined' for I was made to feel part of the all-inclusive event in honor of the 15th century Catholic Monarchs who marched into the city after 800 years of Islamic rule. I had never seen such open displays of affection: old friends embraced, strangers kissed one another on the cheek, and Malagueños couples walked hand-in-hand through the maze of the celebrating crowd. Musicians played anthem-like songs, with the crowd singing along, knowing every word. The day time event (there's also one at night) is primarily based in Old Town along Calle Larios, where shops are beautifully decorated, patios turn into makeshift casetas, and restaurants take to the streets to offer their regional specialties. The streets are overflowed with parades and shows, including the traditional dances of the Verdiales, whose origins can be traced back to the Minoan civilization. Women are sure to wear enchanting red flowers in their hair and decorative fans while men carry Málaga's famous sweet wine, Cartojal, which is poured into traditional fuchsia pink cups. Saluds are made and the laughter is infectious. It's a celebration open to all who want to experience the addictive warmth and charm of the cosmopolitan Malagueños. You do not need an invitation or formal attire, just the desire to have fun.
The Málaga harbor on the Costa del Sol, with the infamous bullring in the foreground. Is it really a 'sport' when the bull always dies? Photo courtesy of Deb Roskamp
With a population of 571,026, Málaga lies on the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) in the Autonomous Community of Andalusia, Spain. It has long been a vacation destination for British tourists, with many retiring there. Today, an estimated 6 million tourists visit the city each year. In many respects, vacationers consider the culture, cuisine, history and alluring beaches of Costa del Sol to be the very essence of the REAL Spain. If you are not too exhausted from the Feria de Málaga, you can visit the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and the Museo Picasso Málaga, where Picasso's earlier paintings are on display. From the panorama of a hill, I noticed a bullfighting ring. I asked the two Malagueños beside me, if tickets were available. Without a look, they ignored me. I finally got it: many Spanish people are appalled and ashamed of this cruel and barbarous so called 'sport,' where the bull always loses.
Cattedrale di San Martino is an example of Lucca's blend of Gothic and Romanesque architectural style. The Cathedral is dedicated to St. Martin, the patron saint of Lucca. Photo courtesy of Deb Roskamp
Lucca – The City of Walls: Nestled in Tuscany, Lucca is renowned for its well-preserved city walls encircling its historic city center. The first wall was built by the Romans, but abandoned due to the advent of gun powder in China. I noticed locals bicycling the top of the walls, with stunning country views on one side and narrow Roman cobblestone streets on the other. This will be the first thing I do upon my return to Lucca, which is ideal for a two-day stay. The city is also the site of the 56 BC Roman First Triumvirate where an uneasy alliance was made between Julius Caesar, Pompey and Crassus, designed to maintain Rome's earlier expansions. Then, breaking the agreement himself, the military genius Caesar crossed the (now Julian) Alps and defeated the Gauls. With Caesar's triumphal return to Rome, he proclaimed himself emperor of the new Roman Empire, which resulted in the fall of the Roman Republic for good. We all know the rest.
The Puccini Museum in Lucca's historic city center. Photo courtesy of Deb Roskamp
Lucca's most famous citizen is clearly Giacomo Puccini (1712–1781), considered to be the greatest composer of Italian opera after Verdi. Best known for his masterpieces: 'La bohème,' 'Madama Butterfly,' 'Tosca' and 'Turandot,' he was born and raised in Lucca, and lived there for most of his life. The Puccini Museum includes Puccini's birthplace, and showcases priceless objects that once belonged to the musician: the Steinway & Sons piano used to compose 'Turandot,' signed scores of early compositions, handwritten letters, paintings, photographs, sketches and mementos. The centerpiece of the museum is an exhibition that explores the personality, the genius and the passion of Puccini.
Casa Batlló is one of Antoni Gaudí's enduring masterpieces. A UNESCO World Heritage site and iconic Barcelona treasure, it welcomes one million visitors per year. Photo courtesy of Deb Roskamp
Gaudí's modernist Casa Milà, is popularly known as The Stone Quarry, due to its unconventional rough-hewn appearance. Photo courtesy of Deb Roskamp
Barcelona – Antoni Gaudí (1852 1826): Spending 16 hours was far too little time to explore the enthralling metropolis of Barcelona, the capital of Spanish Catalonia. Peopled by 1.6 million stylish and sophisticated Barcelonés, I was greeted with grand boulevards and welcoming pedestrian malls which wandered down to the waterfront. I was particularly enchanted by the cityscape that reflects the lifelong work of Barcelona architect, Antoni Gaudí, considered the greatest exponent of Catalan Modernism. As a proud Catalander, he refused to speak Castilian and seldom left his beloved Catalonia. Gaudí's architecture illustrates his profound passion for nature and devotion to religion. Still ahead of his time, he integrated used ceramic pieces, stained glass and wrought ironwork into his architectural style. Seven of his works have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and include the still-incomplete Sagrada Família, the most-visited monument in Spain. A visiting bishop once asked him, "Why do you trouble yourself so much about the tops of the towers? After all, no one will ever see them." "Your Grace," replied Gaudí, "The angels will see them." His faith in the Roman Catholic Church intensified towards the end of his life, with his living in a squalid room at Sagrada Família, frantically attempting to finish his astonishingly masterpiece. Still dressed in his work clothes, he would often venture out for a long walks in nature. In 1926 he was tragically run down by a streetcar. Gaudí desperately waved for assistance from passing vehicles, but was dismissed as a ragged beggar, and died shortly after. Today he is often times referred to by his nickname, "God's Architect."
For more about Barcelona, visit Richard Carroll's two edifying articles on Traveling Boy, which feature stunning photographs by Halina Kubalski.
A Gothic Happening in Barcelona's Old Quarter by Richard Carroll
Lift a Fork in Barcelona by Richard Carroll
For further information, logon to www.HollandAmerica.com.
TagsAntoni GaudíBarbary monkeyBarcelonaFeria de MálagaGiacomo PucciniGibraltarHolland Americahome_pageItalyLeaning Bell Tower of PisaLuccaMalagams VeendamPisaSpainStrait of Gibraltar
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Ed "the traveling" Boitano
A Seattle native, Ed Boitano has devoted 30-years of his life to writing about travel. As a descendant of both Leif Ericson and Christopher Columbus, the Amer-Norsk-Italian Boitano quite literally has a passion for travel to unexplored locations in his blood. He has traveled to over 56 nations, including Antarctica and the Arctic Circle, as well as lived with a nomadic Basque shepherd family for six hours.
He brings to Traveling Boy a love of all forms of travel, and a disdain for any lamb food products.
The best travel destination is the one right around the corner.
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The Pinnacle Luxury Suites
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The Landmark Luxury Suites
The Cornerstone Apartments
AboutVision Design
Main Square, Winona's newest living development, consists of three, 4-story apartment buildings with below-grade parking. Fittingly named "The Pinnacle", "The Landmark" and "The Cornerstone", the buildings include beautifully landscaped exteriors, heated entry sidewalks to prevent icing during the winter, secured entries, common area security cameras, and package delivery holding areas. The below-grade parking area houses approximately 99 tenant parking spaces, several garbage and recycling locations, indoor bike storage, and additional resident storage space.
The Pinnacle at Main Square, located on the corner of 5th and Johnson, features 23 luxury apartments. These one, two, and three bedroom luxury apartments feature high end finishes, floor to ceiling windows, private tiled master bathrooms with heated floors, fireplaces, outdoor balconies, and open concept kitchen/dining areas. The Pinnacle at Main Square also feature an upscale entry lobby, access to the spacious fitness center, resident storage lockers, and a club room with adjacent outdoor terrace for hosting parties and events.
The Landmark at Main Square, located on the corner of Main and 5th, features 29 luxury apartments located along 5th street. These one, two, and three bedroom luxury apartments feature high end finishes, floor to ceiling windows, private master bathrooms, outdoor balconies, and open concept kitchen/dining areas. The Landmark at Main Square also feature an upscale entry lobby, a spacious fitness center, resident storage lockers, and a club room with adjacent rooftop terrace for hosting parties and events.
The Cornerstone at Main Square, located on the corner of Main and 4th, features 15,000 square feet of retail/office space at street level and a total of 31, one and two bedroom Market-Rate Apartments on the second, third and fourth floors. These market-rate apartments also offer extremely high quality living space at an affordable price. In addition to the common amenities shared with the Landmark apartments, The Cornerstone features its own secured entrances, mail and package area, party/meeting room, and access to the fitness center in The Landmark building with a tenant membership.
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