text:
Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde
MOTOR Magazine Australia|December 2020
Two twin-Turbo german two-doors with polar opposite personalities face off for bragging rights
Scott Newman
YIN VS YANG, light vs dark, perhaps even good versus evil. The Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe and Audi RS5 Coupe aim for the same goal but their methods of kicking it are almost diametrically opposed. The radical differences in mechanical philosophies of our two test cars could be seen as a neat metaphor for their equally divergent personalities.
In the white corner is the C63 'Aero Edition 63', an Australia-New Zealand exclusive model limited, as the name suggests, to just 63 units in either Iridium Silver or the Polar White seen here. Sprucing up the exterior is a number of "wind tunnel tested aerodynamic extras" including a bigger rear spoiler, larger front lip and chunky diffuser. The spoiler, mirror caps, and inserts in the front apron, side skirts and diffuser become carbon fibre, which is also liberally applied to the interior.
AMG Performance seats are standard, trimmed in the Aero-exclusive combination of Magma Grey Nappa leather with yellow stripes, the flashes of colour also appearing on the centre console, dash and door trims. The only mechanical upgrade is the inclusion of carbon-ceramic brakes, giant 402mm composite front discs with the gold six-piston front calipers that identify AMGs so equipped. All told you're looking at $188,236.
This appears to hand the facelifted RS5 a sizeable price advantage as Audi has sliced almost $7000 out of the base price as part of the midlife refresh, which also incorporates revised styling (larger grille, narrower headlights), fancy laser light headlights and every active safety feature under the sun. However, this apparent price advantage doesn't take into account the Audi options list, which sits salaciously in the corner saying 'come hither' to your wallet.
Our test RS5 wears $37,800 worth of extras, which pleasingly brings its total to just $464 more than its AMG opponent at $188,700. The big ticket items are the $13,600 carbon-ceramic brakes and $11,200 carbon styling package that slathers the exterior in carbon in a virtually identical manner to the C63. The RS5 'Aero Edition' if you will. Turning the roof and engine cover to carbon adds another $4900 and $1200 respectively and dynamic ride control adaptive dampers are a further $4400. Rounding off the total are gloss black wheels ($400), black badges ($700) and matt carbon interior inlays ($1400). Whew.
Painted in Sonoma Green, the dark and foreboding colour scheme gives the RS5 a menacing mien. Parked nose to nose with the C63, the Audi is lower, squatter and more muscular, the Merc looking sleeker but taller and thinner. The height difference is not an illusion, the AMG standing 41mm taller than the RS5 but also 16mm wider and 28mm longer with an extra 74mm in the wheelbase. Despite this, the Audi is clearly the more practical car.
Forgive us for getting all sensible for a second, but the RS5 has a much bigger boot (465L vs 355L) and nicer rear accommodation. The C63 isn't exactly barren in the back but it's a child-only zone in terms of space whereas the RS5 offers more room, separate temperature controls and USB charging. Up front both are lineball in terms of features and ergonomics, though I prefer the Audi's steering wheel and its seats offer better support than the AMG's, for my body type at least.
Where the RS5 is clearly superior is its infotainment. The new 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen is as slick and intuitive as the Merc's touchpad-controlled system isn't. This might sound like a small thing – you wouldn't base a purchasing decision on it – but when it's something you interact with every minute or so of every day it's the difference between a feeling of relaxation or frustration.
Relaxation is something the RS5 is quite good at; it's about as undemanding as daily drivers get. The 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 hums away surreptitiously, the eightspeed automatic occasionally feels like it wants to be a dual-clutch with its stop-start behaviour but is smooth enough, the ride is pliant and refinement is excellent. This is a 'nice' car: it looks nice, it feels nice, it drives nice.
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WE RIDE SHOTGUN WITH WORLD RALLY CHAMPION HANNU MIKKOLA IN THE ALL-CONQUERING AUDI QUATTRO A2
LEXUS LC500 CONVERTIBLE
Enright's not a big drop-top fan, but could he be a convert to the LC500?
POTENT ELECTRIC AUDI CHARTS THE ROUTE AHEAD FOR QUATTRO'S NEXT 40 YEARS
DIVISION JOY
WHY THE ALL-NEW PORSCHE 911 GT3 ISN'T JUST ABOUT THE NUMBERS
THE SPORT QUATTRO WAS AUDI'S ULTIMATE RALLY CAR AND THE TT RS IS ITS SPIRITUAL SUCCESSOR
WE SAMPLE THE SPARK ODYSSEY 21, THE 400KW MACHINE THAT'S PUTTING THE EXCITEMENT INTO THE EXTREME E SERIES
AmpliTex: coming to a racetrack near you
A Swiss company is proving there is a cost-effective way to create a light, eco-friendly material that rivals carbon fibre
FOR THE FIRST TIME IN AUSTRALIA, WE GATHER THE FINEST QUATTROS FROM EACH OF THE FOUR DECADES OF PRODUCTION. OKAY, SO WE BENT THE RULES A TINY BIT...
Small, fast, fun, five-pot family hauler has more than one personality
6 apps to delight book lovers
Find more things to read, in more ways, and more people to discuss them with
Mac Life
Intake 2020 Audi S4 FIRST DRIVE
Cars like the Audi S4 have a complicated set of responsibilities. They have to be fast, high-tech, comfortable, well-built, efficient, safe, and satisfying to drive—not to mention good-looking. Personally, I prefer the looks of the old car, but that doesn't mean the new car isn't handsome enough to satisfy those who can afford the $50,895 starting price.
Sedans are sailing against serious headwinds these days, but Audi isn't ready to give up.
As We see it – Hi-fi Arcana I
Some Stereophile readers will surely remember—some may even have in their collections—Christian Marclay's 1985 vinyl release Record Without a Cover, surely one of the oddest records ever, right up there with the dying-rabbit record and the seven-inch single that's tinted yellow by the band's actual urine.
Ready to Rock
The Audi RS 6 is a station wagon, sure, but it doesn't feel like one behind the wheel
Dealer Of Dreams
Want to get behind the wheel of a bentley, lambo, or bugatti? Manhattan car guy Brian Miller is here to help.
Men's Journal
Take Control Of Your Audiobooks
Rip, convert, and stream your audiobook collection to any device, with Nick Peers
Wider Net
MORE TYPES OF SUVS HAVE US LOOKING DEEPER THAN EVER FOR A WINNER
Is China Still GM's Promised Land?
As the carmaker plays catch-up on EVs, Chinese consumers are turning away
CARISMA M40S AUDI RS5 DTM
This super-scale street machine is ready for driveway DTM action
Radio Control Car Action


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Google's not so bad
Does Google leverage its users' browsing history and personal emails for profit? Of course. But at least it's upfront about it. Not so your internet service provider (ISP), to which you probably pay a decent sum every month for access to the internet:
ISPs have consistently claimed such [broadband privacy] rules aren't necessary because they aren't violating users' privacy. But their objections to DNS over HTTPS "has raised questions about how ISPs collect and use sensitive user data in their gatekeeper role over Internet usage," Mozilla told Congress. Mozilla said it believes the privacy upgrade has "become necessary to protect users in light of the extensive record of ISP abuse of personal data."
That ISP abuse includes mobile providers selling real-time location data "to third parties without user knowledge or meaningful consent;" ISPs such as Comcast "manipulat[ing] DNS to serve advertisements to consumers;" Verizon's use of "supercookies" to track Internet activity; and AT&T charging customers an extra $29 per month to avoid "the collection and monetization of their browsing history for targeted ads," Mozilla told Congress.
Web users are tracked by Google, Facebook, and other advertising companies, of course. ISPs, though, have "privileged access" to users' browsing histories because they act as the gateway to the Internet, Erwin said to Ars.
There is already "remarkably sophisticated micro-targeting across the Web," and "we don't want to see that business model duplicated in the middle of the network," he said. "We think it's just a mistake to use DNS for those purposes."
Technology such as DNS over HTTPS (DoH), properly implemented at the browser level, will destroy the business model mentioned above (for a technical summary, see Issue 32/2019). A more transparent ISP model is - from my perspective at least - a good thing, although it might mean prices have to rise a small amount.
So who will ultimately convince Congress, privacy advocates or ISPs? Interestingly, the United Kingdom successfully persuaded Mozilla not to enable DoH by default for its citizens:
Firebox builder Mozilla has confirmed to UK Culture Secretary Nicky Morgan that Britons won't be getting DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) by default once the feature is included in the next run of browser updates.
In a letter to the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Mozilla's global policy veep Alan Davidson said his Silicon Valley org "has no plans to turn on our DoH feature by default in the United Kingdom and will not do so without further engagement with public and private stakeholders."
I can't see Congress banning DoH, a move which would have severe unintended, security-related consequences. But it might find itself lobbied sufficiently to instruct Google (Chrome) and Mozilla (Firefox) not to enable it by default, as did lobbyists in the United Kingdom. Given most users generally roll with the default settings, that outcome will probably continue feeding enough data to the ISPs for them to continue operating with their existing advertising-based business models. But at least there's the option to opt-out.
For those who want to enable DoH now (you really should), here's how:
brave://flags/#dns-over-https
chrome://flags/#dns-over-https
Edge (new Chromium version only)
edge://flags/#dns-over-https
https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/firefox-dns-over-https#w_enabling-and-disabling-dns-over-https
And finally, here's a list of publicly available DoH servers, should you wish to change from the default provider.
The list of shame continues to grow
What do big corporations and Hollywood have in common? They love moral posturing, except when it will hurt their bottom line. The kowtowing to China really is something else. Meanwhile, the one company that has actually (unfairly) copped flack is doing quite well.
All the international brands that have apologized to China »
China's slam dunk of the NBA is a game changer »
Huawei defies the odds to lead global telecoms market after 180 days on US trade blacklist »
Blockchain's back, baby
It never really went anywhere. Unfortunately, Libra is looking more and more like vaporware. A shame.
How Arweave's Permaweb cheaply hosts sites & apps forever »
Microsoft Unveils Platform for Minting Enterprise-Ready Crypto Tokens »
Facebook Libra is Architecturally Unsound »
Large Bitcoin Player Manipulated Price Sharply Higher, Study Says »
Stellar burns over 55 billion tokens, ends inflation »
The SoftBank/WeWork debacle continues
A 'vision fund' without much vision, it turns out. SoftBank found out the hard way that venture capital isn't as easy as it sounds. Apparently an eccentric founder pushing a property leasing company masquerading as a technology company isn't a recipe for success... unless you're that eccentric founder and happen to stumble across a 'vision fund' loaded with Japanese savings facing low or even negative yields (thank you, central banks of the world).
WeWork Isn't the Only Stumble for SoftBank's Vision Fund »
SoftBank imposes new standards to rein in start-up founders »
SoftBank Reveals $6.5 Billion Loss From Uber, WeWork Turmoil »
'We created a monster,' SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son reportedly said of WeWork »
The Manager's Schedule is holding remote work back »
Regulating Big Tech makes them stronger, so they need competition instead »
Facebook executives planned 'switcharoo' on data policy change »
Facebook fought to keep a trove of thousands of explosive internal documents and emails secret. They were just published online in full. »
Chronicle Is Dead and Google Killed It »
India's most influential Twitter users are looking to move to little-known network Mastodon »
Why $4.5 Billion From Big Tech Won't End California Housing Crisis »
Risky Mortgage Bonds Are Back and Delinquencies Are Piling Up »
The fourth iteration of 'Quantitative Easing' (QE4) is here. Europe has resumed its own version, too. Japan never stopped.
Just what the world needs, more money printing... holders of assets, rejoice!
Apple, privacy champion? Yeah, nah.
Apple is fixing encrypted email on macOS because it's not quite as encrypted as we thought »
The DNA database used to find the Golden State Killer is a national security leak waiting to happen »
Facebook says 100 developers might have improperly accessed Groups member data »
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg Dismissed Tinder Cofounder As Irrelevant But Still Let Dating App Get Special Access To Users' Data »
Why hospitals are a weak spot in U.S. cybersecurity »
Issue 44/2019: Google's not so bad was compiled by Dr Justin Pyvis and delivered on 12 November, 2019. Feel free to send feedback, suggestions for future issues, ideas, insults, or pretty much anything that crosses your mind to his Keybase or Twitter account.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


You may need to trim the intake but looks like one of our AC50/70 magnetic skimmer could work, no custom option though, sorry.
I'm super swamped but will keep you updated once shipped, got tons of email asking so I can't get back to everyone yet between making products, shipping, doing website upgrade and maintenance, etc all rolling solo. Also I don't typically send email updates on order status before the order is shipped unless something seriously went wrong.
New video up! Quick walk around and recap of some of my favorite moments at Aquashella this past weekend in Dallas, TX. Hope you guys enjoy! If you were there and I didn't get to see you, drop me a line or come poke me next time you see me because I'm super shy...No because I won't recognize many of you.
Thanks Chris! I would love to catch up with you one of these days. I get overly excited every time for new frags but when she said yes, I can't disagree 😏.
Get well soon! It was amazing and even came home with some new 🔥🔥🔥 for my nano reef.
Had a blast at Aquashella Dallas this past weekend!! It was right in my neck of the woods so I'd be crazy not to go. Meeting new friends and seeing old ones again were the best part! This was the only show I was busy envying the stunning neon art installs at the entrance gallery, talk reefs and networking, and didn't bother looking at the corals or anything else until the last minutes. I only made it to the show the last few hours on Sat but stayed until we got kicked out haha...but was well worth it!!
Awesome to hear! I would be expecting some good Macro/Tank shots soon I hope. 🙄 Lmk if you need any help!
Heading out now! Will send tracking email later.
I will look into that. I'm a little swamped and running a bit behind on scheduled but I will try to get it out within next week.
Hardware from my breakdown. Good deals.
Congrats! Happy to hear that!


Leura is the "Garden Village" of the Blue Mountains with unique main street, beautiful gardens, wonderful views and stylish shops, restaurants and cafés. Come for the many annual events, outdoor pursuits, or to experience all that the Blue Mountains has to offer.
Lemon Peel House is a short 1k walk to one of Australia's finest Art Deco National Trust house and gardens. This treasure from the 1930s sits in twelve and a half acres of European-style gardens and native Australian bush with breathtaking views over the Jamison Valley in the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains.
Leura Mall is a 2k walk from Lemon Peel House. Visit "Josephine's" for artisan chocolate made in the Blue Mountains, "Leura Fine Woodwork Gallery", "Megalong Books", "Bijou Jewel of Leura", "Leura Antiques", "Ikou" natural skin care, and many vintage and modern shops.
Leura is full of great cafes, restaurants and food shops. Here are a few favourites.
"Flemish Flavours", heritage listed Belgium restaurant with beer delivered in customised glasses. "Leura Garage" - cafe, restaurant and bar renowned for delicious pizza and friendly service. "Silks" for fine dinning in Leura Mall. "Zest" provides excellent breakfast, lunch and dinner with coffee roasted in Leura. "Lily's Pad" for fresh homemade produce, changing the menu to match the season.


Term 2 Junior Coaching will commence week beginning 1st April 2019. The term will be 10 weeks (excluding 2 weeks at Easter) Places can be booked from 5th March 2019 via Events at www.smartclubcloud.com Discounts will be applied at source for bookings made before 25th March 2019.
Match Play will return next Friday 18th January 2019 and will run for 10 weeks. Girls Match Play classes commence Friday 18th January 2019 Boys Match Play classes commence Friday 25th January 2.30-4.00pm 4.00-5.30pm 5.30-7.00pm Please ensure you have booked your Match Play fees online via your SmartClub Cloud account to secure your place.
A Big Thank You to Santa for visiting the Club this weekend, what an entrance!
Well done to all our Juniors who took part in Saturday's Sarah Turley Memorial Trophy Tournament.
CLTC Stars and Stripes Under 12 Winners !!!!
Congratulations to CLTC Stars and Stripes Under 12 who beat Malahide in the final.
CLTC Junior Coaching Term [ Mon 10th Sept – Sat 24th Nov 2018] Open for Registration now !
CLUB JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS August 19th – August 25th 2018 The Junior Summer Championships will take place from August 19th-25th 2018.


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Roman Catholic Church Set to Beatify Pope John Paul II
The Roman Catholic Church will beatify the late Pope John Paul II in Rome on Sunday. The ceremony is an important milestone on the road to Catholic sainthood for one of the most popular pontiffs in history. During his 26 years as head of the Roman Catholic Church, John Paul II is credited with helping to bring down communism, energizing young Catholics and bolstering the church presence in the developing world.
The throngs at Pope John Paul II's funeral were already shouting santo subito - or saint instantly!
And his successor, Benedict XVI, fast-tracked the canonization process. Instead of taking centuries, the Catholic Church will take the last major step before sainthood and beatify John Paul just six years and 29 days after his death. That's even faster than the beatification of the revered nun, Mother Teresa.
Monsignor Walter Rossi met John Paul in 1997 and brought back his zucchetto or skullcap.
"There's a tradition that if you give the pope a zucchetto he has to take off the one that he is wearing and give it to you and put the one you give him on his head," he said.
Monsignor Rossi says the late pope appeared to be a saint while alive.
"You saw just in his general demeanor and manner, man of great faith, a man of great belief, a depth of personal piety and holiness and now the church is saying, 'Yes, this is really true this was this man,'" said Rossi, who is the rector of Washington D.C.'s National Basilica, the largest Catholic church in North America.
John Paul II was the first reigning pope to visit this national shrine, and he prayed here in this chapel, which is dedicated to the Polish Madonna.
The Polish-born pope made 104 trips abroad - more than any other pontiff in history. He also forgave the man who tried to assassinate him in 1981.
Chester Gillis, a Georgetown University theology professor who has written about the papacy, says the beatification of John Paul II will be good for the church.
"And it will probably burnish the image of the church when the image has been teetering in other areas, particularly the sexual abuse scandal which it has received so much negative publicity on," he said.
Opponents of the beatification believe the pope may have had a role in covering up the sexual abuse of children by priests. Other critics think he was too accepting of indigenous customs.
But millions of John Paul fans are excited about the beatification of a man who made Catholicism cool for young people like Catholic blogger Sarah Vabulas.
"I think a lot of the complaints about our saints is that they're antiquated," she said. "How can you relate to them? They didn't live with technology, they didn't live with all the struggles that we have in the 20th century. But here we are Pope John Paul II lived in the times that we did and to be declared a saint that is just absolutely amazing."
A massive turnout for the beatification is expected at St. Peter's Square in Rome. Other celebrations will be held at Catholic churches around the world, including the National Basilica.
fuente: http://www.voanews.com/


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Costume Character Day with the Grinch at the Concord Museum
Come by the Concord Museum to meet the Grinch! Your heart will grow three sizes when you meet Dr. Seuss's famous holiday character! Visitors can meet the Grinch and hear the story How the Grinch Stole Christmas! While you're there, visit Family Trees: A Celebration of Children's Literature.
Free with Museum admission. Members visit free.
Beede and Books Storytime 2022 – 2023
One event on October 31, 2022 at 1:30 pm
One event on November 28, 2022 at 1:30 pm
One event on March 27, 2023 at 1:30 pm
February 4 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Game Day at Library!
Concord Museum, Holiday, Kid
Concord Museum, Family Trees
https://concordmuseum.org/events/costume-character-day-2/
Concord Museum
www.concordmuseum.org
200 Lexington Rd
« Indigenous People of Concord Walking Tour
Read to Laddie the Collie »


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Q: Proper way to define url in htacces I have the following htaccess file:
Rewriterule ^view_profile-(.*)$  view.php?user=$1

When I do something like "View profile it works great (URL looks like: http://home.com/view_profile-John). However, if I try this:
Rewriterule ^view/profile-(.*)$  view.php?id=$1 it says that page cannot be found.
Does anyone know why is not working?

A: You probably need to turn off Multiviews here. Because the beginning of the request looks like /view/... and there's a file /view.php, mod_negotiation will automatically assume you mean the php file and route it there before mod_rewrite even gets a chance to do anything. Try adding:
Options -Multiviews

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


I recently had the opportunity to attend the HR Southwest Conference in Fort Worth October 14th through the 17th. Having been a regular attendee of the national SHRM Conference for multiple years, I can honestly say that this was the best HR conference I have had the privilege of attending.
The Dallas SHRM group was the facilitator and organizer of the event, designed to draw in an audience from the Southwestern region of the United States. It was extremely well-organized, and the session speakers were all best-in-class. I currently hold the PHR and SHRM-CP designations and have earned 16.75 of my 60-hour (3-year) requirement to maintain my credentials. This was an amazing value for so many hours.
The topics presented this year were fresh and on-point with current hot topics in human resources. The legislative front has been relatively quiet in terms of enacting new employment laws, both nationally and on a state level. However, that does not mean that there is nothing new. Remember the FLSA salary requirement we took a sigh of relief from last summer? It's being reintroduced this spring, as well as some paid leave requirements on a federal level. With all the city and state paid sick leave requirements to keep up with, most HR professionals would welcome a national standard. Though we are still free of a city requirement here in Houston, all eyes are on Austin and San Antonio as they have some pending requirements. Pay equity and #metoo remain in the spotlight as they get heightened media attention, the women's U.S. soccer team being a prime example.
As I attended focused sessions on these topics, I noticed different themes woven into each other. Have you taken a look at your pay practices lately? How do your company policies fall in line with these developments? The aging workforce and exit strategies for retirees were examined in terms of compassion, as well as in terms of legal requirements. In addition to everything I've mentioned already, this conference also allowed me to preview employee engagement and recognition technologies to help organizations of all sizes keep their workforce engaged.
It was exciting to see that even from 250 miles away, the BCI brand was well-known by most companies in the exhibit area! The expo hall was full of exhibitors that were all well-represented, including some of our friendly competitors, new technology products, and other HR services, to name a few. Of course, the puppy-petting station presented by Patriot Paws was my favorite! Overall, I enjoyed a great several days connecting with other HR professionals, sharing ideas, and networking.
Please remember that I am here as a resource to keep you informed and discuss your HR questions through HR Link (http://mybciteam.com/hr-link).


To create this card you will need alcohol markers, fast drying waterproof ink, Nuvo Dew Drops, green cardstock, embossing ink and embossing powder.
First determine the size of the card and score two lines to create a gate. This is a 4.25 by 5.5 card. It is scored at the 2 1/8 line, flipped and scored again. The inside measures 4.25.
Set the card base aside. Using embossing ink, stamp the clovers randomly on a piece of cardstock cut down .5 inches smaller on each side of card base. Heat set it and cut down the middle. Carefully attach to the front of the gate card.
For the rainbow, stamp the image with waterproof ink. Carefully color in the sections with puffy paint or dew drops. Modeling paste is a great way to make a cloud! Just tap it on making sure there are lots of rises and add a little glitter. Set aside to dry completely.
For the Leprechaun, shading him in with markers or colored pencils is the perfect touch.
To assemble the card, attach the rainbow coming off the edge of one side of the gate. A button is a perfect accent! Ground the leprechaun on a piece of solid card stock with pop dots. Finish off the card with a few dots of Nuvo Drops. Don't forget to add a sentiment!


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What really happened in e-mail that's going around
A scary e-mail about an incident in Kansas City has been making the rounds the last few days that bears a striking similarity to a popular urban legend. However, I did want to let you know that this incident really did happen, but we want to clarify some of the more scary parts.
On Sunday, July 25, a 41-year-old woman called police and said she had been in a Quik Trip at about 9:30 a.m. in the 10200 block of Wornall when a man approached her and gave her a piece of paper with his first name and a phone number on it. She took the paper to be polite and drove away. As she drove away, she threw the paper out the window. Then she saw the same man who'd given her the paper following her. She began to feel ill and told police her heart rate increased, and she felt dizzy. She pulled off into a nearby McDonald's parking lot and hurried inside. The man came in the restaurant and approached her. She said he told her, "Sorry, I never did ask if you were married." She told him she had called police, and he fled in an unknown direction. The victim told officers she had no pre-existing medical conditions and did not take any medication. Police noticed she was agitated and fidgety. When paramedics arrived shortly thereafter, all of her vital signs were normal. She refused any medical treatment.
Later that day, the suspect walked in a hit-and-run accident report claiming an unknown white female had hit his car. He claimed he followed her to McDonald's, but she refused to give him any information. He said he had given the woman his name and number on a piece of paper, and she'd fled. Detectives later determined no accident had taken place, and the man admitted he filed the report because he was scared the woman would report him to police. He said he thought she was cute and gave her his phone number. He has been charged in City Court with filing a false report.
Investigators watched surveillance video from the Quik Trip and the McDonald's. They did see the suspect, 27-year-old Edward Blakley, in Quik Trip. The victim then entered and is seen leaving the store. Blakley is seen writing on a piece of paper and rushing out after her. Cameras there did not capture him handing her the paper outside. At McDonald's, surveillance showed the victim enter in a rush, followed by Blakley. He leaves, then re-enters and approaches her. He appeared to place his hand in his pocket. The victim told police it seemed he was "touching himself."
The e-mails going around say there was some kind of drug on the paper Blakley gave the victim. He denied it. The video of him at Quik Trip showed him touching the paper with no gloves on, and he had no ill effects. Police were unable to locate the discarded paper, and because the victim did not submit to medical tests, there is no way to determine if anything was on the paper that would have gotten into her bloodstream and made her sick. However, it is highly unlikely that such brief skin contact with any type of toxin could produce such a fast response. It's more likely the victim suffered anxiety-related symptoms like a panic attack from the stress of the event, but there is no way to prove that.
The victim did the right thing by getting to a public place and calling police. In addition to charges of filing a false report, Blakley also faces a municipal charge of intimidation because of the incident. Here's his mug shot:
I wanted to get all the facts of this incident out to the public to quell the fears that often accompany scary, mass-circulating e-mails. It is highly, highly unlikely that there is a man out there handing pieces of paper to women that drug them and render them ill. As always, if you ever feel unsafe, however, please call 911.
Send comments to kcpdchiefblog@kcpd.org
Labels: hoaxes
Three-day operation targets violent areas to find ...
Police will re-open 40-year-old murder case of civ...
Man shot and killed this morning identified
Police looking for new clues in hit-and-run of 66-...
Officers help save baby's life
Officer severely injured in off-duty car accident ...
Longest-retired officer reconnects with KCPD
Police seek missing elderly woman
Prevent crime through environmental design at your...
New color, same old meth
Man found dead in his home in 6900 block of E. 114...
Police looking for man last seen a week ago
Risk Terrain Modeling
Man who died in double shooting July 15 identified
Man killed Saturday on Armour Blvd. identified
License plate readers snag violators
Police seek teenager missing since July 9
KC Bike and Footchase on Sunday will benefit offic...
City Council honors detention officer who will don...
Homicide victim found in car in McDonald's parking...
Narcotics and Vice Quarterly has great information
Patrol division business plans help us reach crime...
KCPD and security for the NAACP convention
Homicide victim from 2400 block of Myrtle identified
DirecTV scam
Downtown roads closed during presidential visit to...
Impaired driving suspected in multiple fatal crash...
Homicide victims from deadly holiday weekend ident...
KCPD detention officer to give gift of life to Sou...
Donate a Scout uniform, help build future leaders


text:
using namespace std;

// Refer to echo.h for implementation details

Echo::Echo(): source(0) {}

void Echo::setSource(istream *in) { source = in; }

string Echo::getWord() {
  string s;
  *source >> s;
  failed = source->fail();
  return s;
}

bool Echo::fail() const { return failed; }

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Antarctica / Ships / Premium Expedition Ships / National Geographic Endurance / Itinerary
National Geographic Endurance
Wild Coasts of Argentina, South Georgia and the Falklands
Travel aboard the new National Geographic Endurance to the rarely visited shores and isles of the South Atlantic—places of stunning beauty that harbor a mesmerizing array of marine creatures. Enjoy a unique opportunity to experience Argentina's rugged—and lesser-explored—eastern coast, seeking out secluded ports, wildlife-rich estuaries, and the whale-rich waters of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Península Valdés. Hike the rocky shores and atmospheric moors of the Falkland Islands among fur seals and the world's largest colony of black-browed albatross. Then get immersed in a sea of black and white amid tens of thousands of king penguins on a remote beach in South Georgia.
Expedition Highlights
• Seek out one of the world's largest and most spectacular marine mammals—the southern right whale—in its annual breeding grounds off Argentina's eastern coast.
• Experience traditional gaucho culture and cuisine at splendid estancias in Uruguay and Argentina.
• Capture the windswept beauty of the Falkland Islands—and the albatrosses, penguins, and sea lions that inhabit this remote archipelago—with guidance from a National Geographic photographer.
• Trace the spellbinding story of Shackleton's fateful expedition on South Georgia, and walk a beach thronged with tens of thousands of stately king penguins.
Days 1 to 3 Home/Buenos Aires, Argentina
Day 4 Montevideo, UruguayAt Sea
Days 6 & 7 Bahía Blanca / Bahia San Blas / Rio Negro
Days 8 & 9 Puerto Madryn
Day 10 Puerto Deseado / At Sea
Days 11 & 12 Falkland Islands
Days 13 & 14 At Sea
Days 15 to 19 South Georgia Island
Days 20 & 21 At Sea/Falklands
Day 22 At Sea
Days 23 & 24 Disembark Ushuaia / Fly to Buenos Aires /Home
Oct 18 - Nov 10, 2021 (24 days)View Pricing Chart
Days 1 to 3 — Home/Buenos Aires, Argentina
Fly overnight to Buenos Aires (international flight not included) and check in to the Alvear Icon Hotel, or similar. Set out on a guided tour of the city's beaux arts palaces, the bohemian neighborhoods of La Boca and San Telmo, and the balcony immortalized by Argentina's iconic first lady Eva Perón. Later, set sail on the National Geographic Endurance.
Day 4 — Montevideo, Uruguay
Arrive in Montevideo—Uruguay's vibrant capital city—and discover its elegant mix of architectural styles ranging from Spanish colonial to art deco. Or opt to join a bird-watching excursion in nearby wetlands. Later, travel outside the city to a family-owned estancia, or ranch. Here, vintage vehicles take us to Río de la Plata, or "River of Silver," where we enjoy a traditional asado barbecue lunch accompanied by gaucho music and dancing.
Day 5 — At Sea
As National Geographic Endurance sails south along the Argentinian coast, hear talks from our onboard naturalists and visit the ship's open bridge to learn about navigation. Unwind with a massage in the spa or a session in the fitness center, get lost in a book in the library, or simply soak up the views from the rooftop observation deck or one of the outdoor infinity hot tubs.
Days 6 & 7 — Bahía Blanca / Bahia San Blas / Rio Negro
Dock in the port city of Bahía Blanca. Travel into the hills to enjoy a barbecue lunch at a splendid ranch and discover the flora and fauna of the Argentinean pampas on a guided hike. Then sail to Bahía San Blas and explore its mangrove islands by Zodiac and kayak. Continue along the coast to the mouth of Rio Negro. Visit the seaside village of Balneario el Cóndor, or "La Boca" as it is known locally, home to the world's largest colony of burrowing parrots. Scan the cliffs to see thousands of the colorful birds that make their nests here.
Days 8 & 9 — Puerto Madryn
Spend two days exploring the coastal wonderland of Península Valdés. Granted World Heritage status as a marine sanctuary in 1999, Península Valdés is the world's most important breeding ground for endangered southern right whales. Our arrival coincides with the height of whale season, optimizing our chances for spotting these magnificent creatures in their natural environment. Set out by local boat to seek out whale calves and their often-curious mothers, which can grow up to 50 feet long. Step foot on secluded beaches frequented by southern elephant seals, nesting Magellanic penguins, and frolicking sea lions. Scan the shores for orcas, which are known to beach themselves here to hunt for prey. During walks and hikes, keep an eye out for terrestrial wildlife such as the guanaco, armadillo, and rhea—a distant relative of the ostrich.
Day 10 — Puerto Deseado / At Sea
Travel in small boats into the Reserva Natural Ría Deseado, a submerged estuary that is home to the black-and-white Commerson's dolphin—one of the smallest cetaceans in the world—and the only rockhopper penguin colony in Patagonia. Seek out these rare marine species and discover the reserve's unique geology. Later, at a local museum in Puerto Deseado, learn about the famous explorers who passed this way and peruse a collection of well-preserved artifacts retrieved from the shipwrecked H.M.S. Swift, a British sloop-of-war that sank in 1770. Spend the afternoon sailing Argentina's southern coast.
Days 11 & 12 — Falkland Islands
Discover the remote South Atlantic archipelago of the Falkland Islands, where some 200 islands each offer a distinct variation on rugged coastal beauty. White-sand beaches, soaring cliffs, windswept moors, and swaying tussock grass set a stunning natural backdrop to encounters with thriving wildlife—from thousands of gentoo, rockhopper, and Magellanic penguins to black-browed albatross, elephant and fur seals, and sea lions hauled out on rocks. Enjoy a variety of excursions with our naturalists and take in sweeping views at every turn.
Days 13 & 14 — At Sea
As we journey across these southern waters, deepen your understanding of this far-flung region. Learn about the history of Antarctic exploration and join our naturalists on deck to identify seabirds soaring overhead.
Days 15 to 19 — South Georgia Island
Spend five incredible days exploring the spectacular coastlines and abundant wildlife of South Georgia. Our schedule is flexible, and we anticipate opportunities to walk, hike, kayak, or explore by Zodiac most days. Take in unforgettable wildlife spectacles: the antics of elephant seals, leopard seals, and fur seals; cliffs inhabited by hundreds of nesting albatross; and shores peppered with tens of thousands of king penguins. Our stops may include visits to the abandoned whaling station at Grytviken, which played a part in the extraordinary story of Sir Ernest Shackleton's ill-fated expedition and is now the explorer's final resting place, as well as Stromness Bay, where Shackleton, Tom Crean, and Frank Worsley finally reached help after a year and a half stranded in Antarctica.
Days 20 & 21 — At Sea/Falklands
After time at sea, we return to the Falkland archipelago and its natural wonders. Stroll around the lively Victorian town of Port Stanley—the largest and most populated city in the Falklands—and mingle with islanders at a local pub in this remote outpost.
Day 22 — At Sea
As we sail back to Ushuaia, an albatross or two may join the escort of seabirds that cross our bow and follow in our wake. Soak up final vistas of these southern waters, share photos with fellow travelers, and toast our epic voyage at a farewell dinner.
Days 23 & 24 — Disembark Ushuaia / Fly to Buenos Aires /Home
Disembark in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Take a charter flight to Buenos Aires and connect with your overnight flight home (international flight not included).
Atlantic Isles Discovery: From the Falklands to Madeira
$25,350Limited $26,050Limited $31,780Limited $35,180Limited $39,090Limited $44,970Limited $49,870Limited $39,690Limited $44,000Limited
Dates shown are USA/USA however international airfare is NOT included in trip price.
Free Bar Tab and Crew Gratuities are included in the listed rates.
Charter air : $TBD
Kayaking is available as an additional activity available to all passengers and arranged onboard free of charge.
All trips subject to possible fuel surcharge.
Oct 18 - Nov 10, 2021 (24 days)
Free International Air Miami/Buenos Aires/Miami
Expires Mar 31st 2021
Journey to Antarctica: The White Continent
Total Solar Eclipse — Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falklands
- Call for Availability -
$28,750Full $29,590Full $34,450Full $38,560Full $44,320Full $50,920Full $56,520Full $42,990Full $48,200Full
Epic Antarctica: From the Peninsula to the Ross Sea to New Zealand's Sub-Antarctic Islands
Epic Antarctica: From New Zealand's Sub-Antarctic Islands to the Ross Sea to the Peninsula
Jan 26 - Mar 01, 2022 (35 days)
Southern Patagonia: Glaciers, Fjords & Wildlife
Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falklands
South Georgia and the Falklands
Fore Deck (deck 4) with two large windows, Alcove seating, Relax chair. 183 square ft.
Main Deck (deck 5)—Suite with balcony and sofa. 205 square ft.
Lounge Deck (deck 6)—Suite with balcony and sofa. 205 square ft.
Bridge Deck (deck 7)—Suite with balcony and sofa. 205 square ft.
Bridge Deck (deck 7)—Junior Balcony Suite with large balcony, sofa bed. 344 square ft.
Bridge Deck (deck 7)—Large Balcony Suite with large balcony, sofa bed, bathtub, walk-in closet. 430 square ft.
Category A Solo
Category B Solo
Thank you Polar Cruises! The trip exceeded our expectations. I have attached some photos. It was really made special by the snowshoeing tours. We had no idea that there was the possibility that we could snowshoe twice a day with a group of 12. It was a private tour with our guide Nico. My regret is that I had not trained for the rigorous hikes traversing steep verticals. The reward at the end was amazing. Beautiful vistas and lots of penguins! I spoke with another passenger who said he was not told about snowshoeing by his tour company. So glad you offered it to us!
Lunch, dinner, tea time and the warm drink when we returned to the ship after each excursion were wonderful. The staff was amazing. We have also made new friends as a few of the staff live in our home state. We were surprised that the average age was much younger than expected. My daughter and I primarily hung out with 3 sets of guys ranging in age from 37-62. We had so much fun with them and had many laughs. The polar plunge was a "must" for us and we are so glad we did it. One of our friends did it twice! I think he just wanted a second shot of vodka…
The cabin was much larger than expected. Twice the size of the one we had on our trip to the Galapagos several years ago. The beds were very comfortable as well.
We loved the enthusiasm of the staff, especially Ruth, who is studying to be a penguinologist and Bob, the geologist and glaciologist.
While the Artic is not on our radar right now, we will keep you in mind if we decided to go north.


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Sevier County Library
Library System Information
King Family Library
King Family Library History
Kodak Branch Library
Kodak Branch History
Seymour Branch Library
Seymour Branch History
Library Administration and Board
Computer Class Schedule
Circulation and Cataloging
Reference Center and Special Collections
Periodical List
Databases and Websites Links
3rd Floor Creative Space
History Center
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In 1987 the Northview Community Association established a library committee, the Northview Community Library Committee, under the direction of Janis Russell. The association had approximately $2, 000 remaining from its Homecoming '86 activities, which they designated as "seed money" to fund a library. This committee determined that it would be in the best interests of their community not to be an independent library. On September 1, 1987, the members approached the Sevier County Library Board, which quickly agreed to co-sponsor a Northview Branch of the Sevier County Library (SCPLS Board, 1987).
The library committee researched library needs for Northview community and possible locations. The committee approached the Northview Optimist Club about locating the new library in the Northview Optimist Community Park on Dumplin Valley Road. A verbal agreement was reached for a long-term lease of $1 a year for a portion of the property. In 1990, the Optimist Club sold the park to the City of Sevierville, retaining 1.62 acres of the property at the top of a hill near the center of the park for the purpose of building the new library (SCPLS Board, 1989-1990).
In 1994 the committee designated a separate organization to carry out the library project. Dwight Shepherd worked with the Friends of Tennessee Libraries to obtain a charter for the new group, which became known as the Friends of Kodak Library (FOKL). FOKL worked with many groups to come up with plans to build the new library, and fundraising efforts went into action (Shepherd, 2004).
In 1997 the City of Sevierville asked the Optimists if they would be willing to deed the property at the top of the hill to the city in exchange for a long-term lease for the property at the bottom of the hill fronting Dumplin Valley Road. The City of Sevierville and the Optimists approached the FOKL committee with this proposal. The Friends of the Kodak Library agreed to the changes and the lease was signed in early 1998 (Shepherd, 2004).
In January 2001 the building committee recommended the purchase of a 3,692 square foot manufactured, modular coded building from Clayton Commercial Builders at a total cost of $106,000. This proved to be most cost effective, as the FOKL would purchase the building with available funds and open the library by the end of the year. The groundbreaking for the Kodak Branch Library was held on April 21, 2001. The new library officially opened its doors on December 2, 2001. Robin Cogdill was appointed branch manager. In August 2008 she was promoted to Sevier County Public Library System Assistant Director and Kelly Hamilton replaced her as the Kodak Branch manager (SCPLS Board, 2001, 2007). Today the library is a very active community gathering place, featuring a great variety of materials in its collection and programs for children, teens, and adults under the direction of branch manager John Alexander.
Check out the programming and events calendar for upcoming programs at Kodak for all ages!
Friends of the Libraries
Meeting Room Policy and Application
Internet Public Access Policy
SCPLS Code of Conduct
SCPLS Volunteer Application
Teen Program Permission Slip
Circulation Policies and New Card Application
Library Friends Forms
Friends of the King Family app
Friends of Kodak Branch App
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Available Now: Recorded Books Streaming Video Channels Below
Join our Kodak Friends of the Library!
Contact Dwight Shepherd, President
fokl@hotmail.com
King Family Library 865.453.3532 | 408 High St., Sevierville, TN 37862 | click for hours
Kodak Branch 865.933.0078 | 319 W. Dumplin Valley Rd., Kodak, TN 37764 | click for hours
Seymour Branch 865.573.0728 | 137 W. Macon Ln., Seymour, TN 37865 | click for hours
© 2017 Sevier County Library. All rights reserved


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Carrying a Good Thing Too Far
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Echo Lake to Meeks Bay
Page history last edited by lmckeega@... 9 years, 2 months ago
SECOND FIVE DAY BACKPACK - SEPTEMBER 22 - 26, 2010
Our second six day backpack, which was actually five days, was in the Desolation Wilderness, from Lower Echo Lake to Lake Tahoe's Meeks Bay. There were only three of us on this trip: Cristina "American Princess" (AP) Lauck, Laura "SoLaura" McKeegan and me. On Tuesday, September 21, we met at the Taco Bell in Cordelia and drove East on Highway 50, to the Forest Service Visitor Center, at Pacific House, where we picked up our wilderness permit. From there we drove to South Lake Tahoe and set up our bivouac at the City of South Lake Tahoe Campground, across from El Dorado Beach. We then drove to Harvey's Casino, in Stateline, and had dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe. After dinner we drove both cars to the Tahoe-Yosemite Trail trailhead parking lot at Meeks Bay, where we left "Hellin" for our end-of-hike shuttle. We then returned to the campground and snuggled in for the night; lulled to sleep by the ever present traffic on Highway 50.
Wednesday, September 22 - Echo Lake to Lake Aloha - Elevation 7,511 to 8,130
Since we would be passing so many good restaurants on our way to the Echo Lake trailhead, we decided to get up an hour early and stop at Ernie's Cafe for breakfast. After hot food, and our last flush toilets for the next five days, we drove up Meyers Grade and got to the PCT trailhead parking lot. This being past the end-of-summer-Labor Day-rush, there were only a few cars in the lot and we had our choice of spots. We did some last minute pack adjustments and were on the trail before 9 am.
Our hike began by traversing the easterly shore of Lower Echo Lake. The trail works its way up and down, between the contours, and we passed many cabins built along the shoreline. We stopped for a short pack break overlooking the westerly end of Upper Echo Lake and enjoyed the warm sun and stunning views. Soon we pressed on and passed the spur trail at the Upper Echo Lake shuttle boat dock. At that point the trail becomes steep and rocky and we slogged up the hill, stopping now and then for photo ops. Just before the switchbacks we began to pass a few backpackers coming from the North. We continued our climb, stopping for a pack/snack just into the woods where the trail levels out a bit. After a pleasant break we continued northwest, past Haypress Meadow, topping out at 8317 feet, before beginning the descent to our planned stop at Lake Aloha.
At the junction of the Lake Aloha, westside trail, with the PCT, there is a very nice campsite just to the right of the trail. We have stayed there many times in the past, and I had been hoping it would be vacant this time. We were in luck and everyone got a place in the shade. SoLaura found trees suitably spaced for her hammock and we busied ourselves setting up camp. Then AP and I walked to the lakeshore to get water. The water level in Lake Aloha is controlled by a dam and is usually drawn well down by this time of the year. We were fortunate to find an area of rocks at the waterline, with adequate depth for dipping and no muddy approach. We filled the water bag and carried it back to camp, where it was hung in a convenient location for general use.
AP and SoLaura did some exploring of rock hopping routes across the lake while I took a nap. Then it was time for dinner. We enjoyed a hearty meal; I of "enhanced" freeze dried meals and the ladies of home made, dehydrated, fare. Thiers smelled better than mine, I know it tasted better. After dinner we cleaned up and organized our gear for tomorrow. This late in the year it's getting dark earlier and it becomes harder to justify sitting around in the dark to wait for an adult bedtime. I was in the sack before the others and took some time to study the map and remember other trips in Desolation. We'd done 6.5 miles, 1839 feet ascending and 1284 feet descending.
Princess learns to rock climb
Thursday, September 23 - Lake Aloha to Camper Flat - Elevation 8,130 to 7,204
Today our route would take us North, on the PCT, to the northeast corner of Lake Aloha. There we would turn West, onto the Tahoe-Yosemite Trail, traversing the North end of the lake, to the foot of Mosquito Pass. Crossing over the pass we will descend, North, into Rockbound Valley, where we will follow the Rubicon River to the intersection with the Rockbound Pass Trail, where we would choose where to set up camp. We were up at 6:30 and on the trail by 8:20. When we arrived at the foot of Mosquito Pass we met a fellow we had spoken with the afternoon before. He was from Eureka, and had planned on a large loop of the wilderness but had turned his ankle and was doing an in-and-out from Echo to Clyde Lake, and return. That's a nineteen mile round trip on a bum ankle. Sounds like a dedicated hiker too me.
Princess and Solaura were taking photos and the "ankle bum" volunteered to take a group photo. Wishing him thanks for the photos, and a safe hike, we climbed on up to 8427 foot Mosquito Pass and enjoyed the cooling breeze and the views North, down Rockbound Valley. We began our descent and soon passed the spur trail to Clyde Lake, headwaters of the Rubicon. Just beyond that, we stopped for a pack break just below "Donn's Notch". This is a notch in the top of the ridge that forms the Crystal Range. I lies at an elevation of 8825 feet, in a line between Island Lake and Clyde Lake. It was first noticed by a party of Carrying A Good Thing Too Far hikers, on the August, six day hike about 2003. It was brought to the attention of the group by Donn "Por Donnde" NIbblett, and on the spot was named after him.
As we wound our way down to the valley floor the temperature rose an we were out of the wind. After a knee pounding descent we rock hopped across the river and followed the easy grade of the shaded trail. The TYT/Rubicon Trail, from the North side of Mosquito Pass to Buck Island Lake, is mostly a gentle down-hill grade and makes a fairly easy hike. We stopped for a short pack break at China Flat and were soon at the Rockbound Pass Trail intersection, our destination for today. This is not a primo camping area. I had chosen it because of the mileage and because the proximity of the river meant access to water wherever we decided to stop. SoLaura and AP said it was too early to quit and it was only about another 2.3 miles. It was "Doable". Yes it was doable. And, yes we did it. And I was glad to be at our old favorite site, on Schmidell Creek at Camper Flat (West), instead of mucking about in the brush along the Rubicon. But my feet didn't agree, and begged to argue.
It was a good thing the Schmidell Creek was flowing, as it always has. I was completely out of water. When we walked up there were three people pumping water at the creek: an older couple and a young man. The couple were from Minden, NV and the YM was Todd, from Novato. The couple had been doing a loop of the Rockbound "High Lakes" and, though they carried a map, had become disoriented, and had arrived at the crossing by accident. Todd had been backpacking with his father and had become separated two days earlier. Todd was carrying most of their food and their tent. He had no stove and no water filter. His dad had only trail snacks, but had the stove and filter. Todd also didn't have a map. He had been wandering, on-trail and off, and had no idea where he was. The couple had filtered water for him and he had been drinking alot. Todd said he had stopped sweating a few hours earlier. Shiver me timbers! Todd could have easily died out there.
If there is clear, clean-looking water, and you have no filter or other means of purifying it, DRINK IT. Filter it through your tee shirt, if you must, but DRINK IT. If it's turbid, dip up a pot/bottle full and let it settle first. Dying of thirst is not all it's cracked up to be and ruins an otherwise perfect day.
MORE NOTE:
If you're lost, and have no map - and especially if you find a trail intersection marker - SIT DOWN. If you remember passing a trail intersection marker, go back to it and SIT DOWN. It is likely that there'll be more traffic at a trail junction. At the very least, if you die on a trail, your body may be more easily found. SIT DOWN and wait till someone comes along. Oh, and don't forget to keep your water bottle topped off, when you pass a water source. The very best situation is a trail junction at a stream crossing. But you've got to stay on the trail and SIT DOWN. Don't be a "moving target".
Todd said his dad should be at Lake Schmidell and we pointed the way, describing the trail and what to expect. The couple debated adding three miles to their next day's route, and hiking with him but Todd said he could "do this". So off he went, to follow the creek a mile and a half up the mountain. We haven't read anything in the paper so he must have found his father.
We all dithered about picking our camp-sites. AP and SoLaura set up in the grove of small trees just northeast of the crossing, and I chose a site in the trees, just southeast of the crossing. Soon we gathered at the cooking rock and began dinner. I had taken four Advil and my aches were further dulled by the thought of good hot food. Again the ladies dinner smelled better than mine. And I could have used some salt and pepper. Let's see, what can I leave behind to off-set the weight of salt and pepper.
It had been a long day, we had come 8.7 miles with 1196 feet up and 2157 feet down. I was bushed. I turned in early and was soon sawing logs.
Friday, September 24 - Camper Flat to Middle Velma Lake - Elevation 7,204 to 7,910
Today was to be a short day and we got up a half hour later. We were on the trail just after nine am and crossed the Rubicon before starting the ducked route, East up the Velma Lakes Trail. The sun was warm and we stopped to huff'n'puff often as we climbed higher. About two-thirds of the way up the hill the trail flattens out and begins winding about, between the contours, until we came to the PCT/TYT junction. From there we headed East, three tenths of a mile, on the PCT/TYT to just above the South shore of Middle Velma Lake.
There we bushwhacked down to the lake shore and began investigating possible campsites. There were several very illegal spots with stunning views of the lake and we wondered about the likelihood of a ranger coming by. In the end we camped in the bowl of an ephemeral pond - now dry - that provided tent sites, properly spaced hammock trees, and a ready made "cooking rock". We filled and hung the water bag, and, while the girls went for a swim, I took a short nap.
We were soon joined by two women hiking together. One was from Richmond Virginia and one from southeastern Alaska. The were hiking from Tahoe City, South, to Echo Lake and had a rather tight schedule. They had to catch a bus in South Lake Tahoe in two days. They were planning to hike from Middle Velma all the way to Lake Aloha. Having come from Rubicon Lake, via Phipps Pass, it would make about a seventeen mile day. We looked at maps and discussed alternate routes and the best hitch-hiking possibilities from area highways. The girls discussed the options and were soon on their way to Gilmore Lake. They would be taking the trail over Mount Tallac and down to Highway 89, near Camp Richardson, the next day. This would get them to their bus on-time, with the added benefit of the fantastic views from Mount Tallac. The ladies wanted to get to get on the trail, still having to get over Dick's Pass today, so off they went.
We waived them good bye and went on enjoying the wonderful weather and beautiful setting of our campsite and making note of the huge, thick clouds of gnats, hovering about. Fortunately the pesky varmints were not interested in us or our food. We'd be dining in if they had been a menace. Middle Velma had been a good place to stop. With the short hike today, it was almost like a zero day. I'd only stayed at Middle Velma once before, on a solo trip from Meeks Bay to Wrights Lake, in 1986. As heavily used as it is, we found it to be quite clean, with not much visible camping impact. It's a beautiful lake with more than a dozen rocky boulder islands, several with bonsai like trees. We were fortunate to be there after Labor Day and pretty much had the place to ourselves.
Today's walk was 2.6 miles, with a gain of 896 feet and a loss of 194 feet. I slept well, and felt rested the next morning.
Saturday, September 25 - Middle Velma Lake to Stony Ridge Lake - Elevation 7,910 to 7,859
Saturday, September 25 - Middle Velma Lake - Elevation 7910
We were up and at 'em this morning. Today would be a long day with a large elevation gain/loss. We got on the trail in good time and headed North on the PCT, the mile or so the Phipps Pass/TYT trail junction. We turned right and began our path up to Phipps Pass. Though the trail kept on climbing the whole time, much of it was shaded. At the last switchback, before heading East toward Phipps Peak, we stopped for a bit, dropped our packs, and scrambled out to the crest of the ridge. The views of Rockbound Valley were stunning. Directly West of our position, and three hundred feet lower, lay the summit of 8333 foot Middle Mountain. To our northwest lay the Rockbound "chain-o-lakes": Rubicon Reservoir, Rockbound Lake, and Buck Island Lake. To our southwest we had unobstructed views into the eastern maw of 8560 foot Rockbound Pass. To the North, just peeking out from behind the ridge, we could see 7700 foot, Barker Pass. Many photos were taken before we recovered our packs and continued our way up.
A unique feature of the trail over Phipps Pass is that, once having reached it's maximum elevation, the trail contours 180° around the South half of the peak. The views provided by this layout are fantastic. As the hiker traverses this part of the trail they have a continuous panorama of a major portion of the interior of the Desolation Wilderness. On the easterly flank of Phipps Peak we passed a wooden trail marker noting the location of Phipps Pass, nearby we found a shady spot with exposure to the cool breeze and some nice views into the Grouse Lakes/Eagle Lake/Emerald Bay drainage. We stopped for a pack break and lunch.
As we started to pack up, to continue our hike, some backpackers came up the trail from the direction we were heading. We spoke briefly and they headed South as we continued North down to Rubicon Lake and Stony Ridge Lake, our destination for today. Just below Rubicon Lake we stopped to let a group pass. They asked "How far to Rubicon Lake?" There was quite a group of them, I'd guess more than ten. They were spread out for some distance and those bringing up the rear didn't look happy. It was an eighteen mile round trip from Meeks Bay to Rubicon Lake, and return. Not to mention the more than two thousand feet of gain. A rough walk was that one.
We had been planning on hiking to Crag Lake but it was just too far and we decided to make camp at Stony Ridge Lake. We finally arrived and crossed the outlet creek to a sandy flat above the North end of the lake. The girls wanted to swim but we set up camp first and filled the water bag. I explored the northeast side of the lake, finding many good campsites. Some with shade trees. I took a short nap, then got out my kitchen kit. Soon we were all boiling and soaking our evening meal. I got dark early in the deep canyon, and so we were tucked in by dark. We had hiked distance of 7.2 miles with an altitude gain of 2056 feet and a loss of 2094 feet. I slept soundly.
Sunday, September 26 - Stony Ridge Lake to Meeks Bay - Elevation 7,859 to 6,253
Today we'd be walking out to Meeks Bay. We were up by 6:30 and on the trail before 8:30. The trail descends fairly uniformly for the first four an a quarter miles, winding down Meeks Creek Canyon and passing Shadow Lake, Hidden Lake, Crag Lake and Lake Genevieve; finally crossing Meeks Creek, before dropping into flat, sandy Meeks Meadow. As we hiked along we passed several camps, with folks just getting around to breakfast. Then we began to meet day hikers and backpackers, on their way into the wilderness. They all smelled so cle an.
Now we were in Meeks Meadow slogging along the sandy track. The sand wasn't all that deep but it still reminded me of walking on the beach. The good part was the scattered trees shading the trail. Down here there was no breeze to cool us and it was getting hot. Since it stood in the shade we paused for a photo op at the wilderness boundary sign. It seemed we had been walking in sand for more than two miles and I was out of water and ready to "be there". At last! There they are, the cars! We'd hiked 6.26 miles while ascending 544 feet, and descending 2102 feet, at an average speed of 1.78 miles per hour. I knew we could average more than 1 mile per hour, and we can.
We soon had loaded our gear into Hellin and were off South on Highway 89, to South Lake Tahoe and lunch. After a few miles we had to lower our speed and keep a watch for runners. This was the day of the Lake Tahoe Marathon and there were occasional runners and sag stations. As we approached high points in the road there were signs advising runners of how many vertical feet to the top. By the time we got to Emerald Bay the runners had increased in numbers, and we began to see more of them going in our direction. We stopped for lunch at a Mexican restaurant that used to be Cantina Los Tres Hombres. We chose a table on the patio and enjoyed cold drinks and delicious food.
After lunch we headed West on Highway 50, to Echo Lake, where we loaded the "girls' gear into Laura's SUV and began our drive back to the world. I stopped in Vallejo for ice cream and Novato, to pick up my parrot, Xquytl. We were home before eight pm. It was a wonderful trip and we wish you could have been there.
Laura Mckeegan, being the designated club "techno geek", carried a SPOT, personal satellite tracker and also a Garmin GPS unit. She also carried an MP3 and had installed a solar panel on top of her pack to recharge all of her electronics . Perhaps she'd be willing to post a photo on our blog-site. Laura has used her GPS to track our routes this summer. Included in the captured data is an elevation profile. This information is very handy for reviewing past hikes and trip planning. Below is a day-by-day look at our performance.
Trip Statistics:
Day One: 6.5 miles 5:34 hours hiking 1.17 miles per hour average speed 1,839 feet ascending 1,284 feet descending
Day Two: 8.7 miles 7:24 hours hiking 1.18 miles per hour average speed 1,196 feet ascending 2,157 feet descending
Day Three: 2.6 miles 2:18 hours hiking 1.04 miles per hour average speed 896 feet ascending 194 feet descending
Day Four: 7.22 miles 6:57 hours hiking 1.04 miles per hour average speed 2056 feet ascending 2094 feet descending
Day Five: 6.26 miles 3:31 hours hiking 1.78 miles per hour average speed 544 feet ascending 2102 feet descending
Totals: 31.28 miles 25:44 hours hiking 1.22 miles per hour average speed 6531 feet ascending 7831 feet descending
SECOND SIX DAY BACKPACK - SEPTEMBER 21 - 26, 2010
This trip will be in the Desolation Wilderness. The route is twenty-eight miles, from Lower Echo Lake to Meeks Bay, via Lake Aloha, Rockbound Valley, Middle Velma Lake and the Talent Lakes. On the way we'll cross 8479 foot, Mosquito Pass and 8855 foot, Phipps' Pass. This hike is rated about the same as our previous, Emigrant Wilderness, trip. The bad news is that the Echo Lake shuttle boat will be closing for the season on Monday, September 5, so we'll have to walk the two-and-a-half miles around Lower and Upper Echo Lakes. The plan is to hike North on the Pacific Crest Trail and stay the first night at Lake Aloha. On our second day we'll continue on the PCT to the northeast corner of the lake, then turn West and North, crossing Mosquito Pass. From there we descend, past the headwaters of the Rubicon River, into Rockbound Valley to the near the junction of the Rockbound Pass trail, where we'll spend the night along the West bank of the river. The third day we continue North, down the valley, to the Velma Lakes Trail, turning East and climbing up to the PCT and camping at Middle Velma Lake. On our fourth day we head North on the PCT for a mile, before turning northeast and climbing over Phipps Pass. From the pass we continue North, descending to the Talent lakes, where we'll spend the night at the Crag Lake. Our last day's hike will be down-canyon to Meeks Bay, on the West shore of Lake Tahoe, where we will have left a car for the end-of-hike shuttle. We'll then drive the twenty-six miles back to Echo Lake, stopping in South Lake Tahoe for lunch.
For this trip we'll rendezvous at Taco Bell in Cordelia, on Tuesday, September 21. From Interstate 80 (Eastbound) take the Suisun Valley Road exit. Turn right and get into the left lane immediately. Turn left at Central Place. Taco Bell is ahead, on your right, just across the street from McBarnyard's Golden Starches. Be there and ready to leave by noon.
From Cordelia we'll travel East on I-80 and US Highway 50, through Sacramento, Placerville and Pollock Pines, to the US Forest Service Visitor Center on Mill Run in Pacific House. We'll stop there to pick up our Wilderness Permit and continue East on Hwy. 50, to South Lake Tahoe, where we may stop for dinner. We'll then head around the West shore of Lake Tahoe, on Hwy 89, to Meeks Bay, where we'll leave a shuttle car. Then we'll head back to South Lake Tahoe and take Hwy 50 West, over Echo Summit, turning off at Echo Summit Road, to the PCT trailhead parking lot. There's no camping near Echo Summit and I'm not yet sure where we'll be bivouacking Tuesday night. How about Harrah's? Room service and breakfast-in-bed. Now that's the way to start a week of sleeping on the ground. Maybe a campsite in the City's El Dorado Beach Campground and breakfast at Frank's? I'll come up with something.
Here is the current weather forecast for Lake Aloha - Elevation 8116:
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 58. Southwest wind 7 to 10 mph increasing to between 15 and 18 mph. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph.
Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 42. Southwest wind 7 to 16 mph becoming north northeast. Winds could gust as high as 23 mph.
Labor Day: Sunny, with a high near 63. East wind between 14 and 17 mph becoming light. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.
Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 39. West southwest wind at 8 mph becoming south southeast.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 55.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy and breezy, with a low around 37.
Wednesday: A chance of rain and snow showers. Partly cloudy and windy, with a high near 42.
Wednesday Night: A chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36.
Thursday: A slight chance of rain and snow showers. Partly cloudy, with a high near 44.
Thursday Night: A slight chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 37.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 50.
Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 36.
This is the "Shoulder Season", weather conditions are variable. THIS TRIP WILL BE WEATHER DEPENDANT. If you intend to join us for this hike you MUST confirm your attendance with a phone call or email. That means everyone. I'll be checking the weather forecast daily and will keep you informed of changes.
FOR THIS HIKE YOU WILL NEED:
1. Your 15 minute Fallen Leaf Lake Quad Map.
2. Your Compass, Ruler and Sharp Pencil. Set your magnetic declination to 14°(plus a very small skosh) East.
3. Your tent
4. Your sleeping bag and pad.
5. First-Aid kit.
6. Canteen or bladder, and water treatment system.
7. Flashlight (fresh batteries this time).
8. Pot, cup and utensils.
9. Stove and fuel for at least 12 meals.
10. Clothing suitable for expected conditions. You should carry rain gear for this trip. Note forecast temperatures. You may need extra insulation.
MEALS YOU WILL NEE FOR THIS TRIP
5 Lunches
5 Dinners
The extra lunch and dinner are for emergency rations.
Don't forget trail snacks and please consider an electrolyte supplement for your water.
As always, if you have question please call or email me. I'll be traveling to Oregon and Washington from September 8 through the 15, but I'll "have my ears on". Cell: 707-338-6955 email: redleader429@comcast.net
Red Leader out
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text:
The Smoke of Satan Enters From the West...at Our Invitation
How Halloween Corrupts Us and Why Ad Orientem Worship is the Antidote
I recently attended a baptism at St Elias Melkite church in Los Gatos, California. This was done on a Sunday morning immediately before the Divine Liturgy, and the whole community was encouraged to attend to welcome the new member into the Church and the parish.
At one point we all turned as directed by our pastor to the west, in order to renounce Satan loudly and to make the gesture of spitting on him. We then turned around and to the east, ad orientem. This was as much, it seemed to me, to turn our backs on Satan as to look for the Risen Christ. It was a powerful moment.
The power of actions and words to affect our hearts profoundly was made very strongly in the St Elias bulletin for that very Sunday, which reproduced a letter from Russian Orthodox Bishop Irenei of Sacramento to his flock, and was talking about something else also connected to the devil - Halloween.
In the letter, he is advising Christian not to participate in Halloween celebrations. At one point he says:
Where secular people may feel they have the option to divorce the spiritual realm from the physical and do one thing with their bodies while believing another in their minds, we Christian people do not. We know that the actions of our bodies, and the things we do with our lives, affect our hearts and are directly connected to spiritual realms of which we are, on account of our weakness, not always immediately aware. Can you honestly think—you who gaze at and touch the holy icons in your home and in our temples, and know that the saints are present with you, and that you are drawn into their holy lives—that to be willingly surrounded by images of the demons (however childish and infantile their representation) will not also affect your heart, and your children's hearts, and draw them closer to powers that none would call holy? And not just to gaze upon such images, but to fashion them into clothes and costumes and wear them on one's body?
How many of us in the Roman Church, even the pious, actually venerate holy images as a habit that would make the Bishop's words true for us, I wonder? We neglect such piety at our peril, as the Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council knew over 1,000 years ago. This neglect might well have contributed over many decades to the decline of the Faith and so many of the problems we see in the Church and beyond. Accompanying the lack of engagement with visual imagery in our liturgy, there is the rise, in the wider culture, of the veneration of images of evil that the Russian Orthodox Bishop is describing. We would do well to reintroduce the veneration of sacred art into our liturgy as a matter of urgency.
And, perhaps the same neglect opened the west door of the Church and left it ajar and unattended, drawing the "smoke of Satan" into the vacuum created by the absence of fragrant incense, followed (who knows?) by the entrance of Satan himself. If he did enter, he would as likely as not be greeted by a shower of spittle, but greeted in a spirit of diversity by a priest facing him directly, worshiping and making a sacrifice. What sort of message does that communicate, I wonder? Those who do realize the seriousness what is going on and object are too often showered with spite, if not spittle, for their troubles.
Look at the imposing west facade of the Gothic Beverly Minster in Yorkshire, England. This is the gate of a fortress designed, I would say, as much to keep certain forces out (and to reassure us by making this clear), as much as it is to let people in.
To repeat a sentence from the quote above:
We know that the actions of our bodies, and the things we do with our lives, affect our hearts and are directly connected to spiritual realms of which we are, on account of our weakness, not always immediately aware.
Unthinking participation by Catholics in the promotion of the symbolism of Satan is not limited to reckless, light-hearted partying on Halloween. Think for a moment of the modern desire to flee the urban environment to "commune" with nature by experiencing "pristine natural beauty" (i.e. unaltered by man); this is not in itself evil, but it is a sign of something that is - the view that man and his work are unnatural and necessarily destructive to the world. The wilderness used to be the place to go and become civilized through settling and cultivation, and was seen as the place of spiritual warfare with the devil. Christ and the early Church fathers both went out to the wilderness for this reason. Now we flee civilization to embrace the spiritual wild west.
Man is both part of the natural world, and capable, with God's grace, of raising it up to something greater than anything it could be through its own momentum, by cultivation and civilization in harmony with Creation. When he does so, he participates in the creative force that draws the world to its final end, that is, towards what it ought to be. A symbol of this is beautiful farmland, and even more so, a garden cultivated for its beauty, which bears the mark of the gardener who made it, inspired by the Gardener. Certainly, man is fallen, and his work can destroy too; but where faith and freedom predominate, the general rule is one of improvement.
The public park or botanical garden used to be a place within the city that elevated it through their beauty. Even the New Jerusalem has gardens, new Edens. Now gardens are deliberately unplanted, so to speak, with native plants. This still might be beautiful, but it is not as beautiful as it ought to be. Whether this is the specific intention of the new gardeners or not, it symbolizes the hatred of the influence of man on nature, and the desire to undermine good society, for it says that those species cultivated by man are not natural, not good, because man himself is not part of nature.
And as I said before: symbols matter.
Such gardens, by degrees, bring the wilderness into the polis, and thereby contribute to the forces that bring its spiritual overlord in too. They are anti-Edens, gardens of the culture of the abolition of man. They tell us that the existence of mankind is a failed mission of a God they reject. It tells us that the whole project of mankind itself ought to be aborted.
By contrast, here is a public garden, also in Yorkshire, England, Breezy Knees Garden in the city of York. My guess is that there is not a single uncultivated species in view, and it is all the better for it.
I believe that even if there is no overt religious connection to such public places, they speak to that part in us that would have participated in the medieval devotion to Mary as the Garden Enclosed in the past. Surely it is better to aim to create places in our cities that might be dwelling places for Our Lady than for the serpent?
Mary not only rests in the Hortus Conclusus - the Garden Enclosed of the Song of Songs - but she is also, traditionally, identified with the garden itself. What saddens me is not so much that people who hate the Church and Mary want to destroy the symbolism that speaks of them; one would expect that, even if it no more than a purely instinctual desire to destroy what is beautiful and created by man. The dismay arises from how little pushback there is from those who believe and ought to know better than to encourage the creation of the symbol of the anti-Mary - the Wicked Witch of the West - in our own backyards.
It is the great deceit of the devil that he convinces so many of us today that he doesn't exist; I suspect that most who propagate his influence are doing so unwittingly, and would consider the idea that they are the useful fools of Satan risible. And they are likely to scoff at those who suggest it. But this should not put us off.
We have no need ever to fear Satan, as we know, for victory over him has been won, and those of us who have been baptized and have put on Christ participate in that victory. But that does not mean we must pretend he is not a threat and cease to be vigilant in guarding against his influence. Evil is the absence of good. The vacuum created by neglect is itself a problem; what subsequently comes in to fill it will be a greater evil if good does not fight to occupy and tame the wilderness, as St Anthony Abbot did and so many have done since.
St Cyril of Jerusalem wrote the following in his Mystagogical Catechesis (XXXIII, 1073B):
When you renounce all compact with Satan, all compact with hell, God's paradise is opened for you, which he planted in the East, and whence our first parent was driven forth for his disobedience. This is figured in your turning from the West to the East, which is the symbol of the sun.
And as Gregory of Nyssa pointed out, paradise is here, now, for the baptized, and open for us to enter if we wish.
Every day when we turn towards the East where God planted his paradise, and when we remember our exile from that blissful locality in the East, we have a right to enter ourselves once more.
Representations of paradise and its four rivers in early baptistries and apses confirm this connection. Here is the apse of St John Lateran in Rome showing the four rivers, in the East, with the deer who yearn for those running streams.
Any symbolism that reinforces this wonderful message of joy in the here and now, as much as in the hereafter, is worthy of encouragement, just as any that undermines it should be discouraged. Let us hope that when the devil tries to enter our lives from the west, that he does not do so unnoticed, but rather that we are there to spit on him! St Michael pray for us!
Labels: Ad orientem, David Clayton, Halloween, prayer, Sacred Art, Symbolism


text:
August 31, 2021 August 31, 2021 Clint Jones
Chorley Football Club
Town: Chorley, Lancashire
Ground: Victory Park
Nicknames: The Magpies
Colours: White and black vertical striped shirts, black shorts, black socks with white trim
2021-22 League: National League North (6th tier)
Club Website: https://www.chorleyfc.com/
Club Twitter: @chorleyfc
Best League Finish: 17th in Football Conference [now the National League] (1988-89)
Best English FA Cup Result: Fourth Round (2020-21)
Best English FA Trophy Result: Semi-Finals (1995-96)
National League North (6th Tier)
Playoff Winners: 2018-19
Northern Premier League (7th Tier)
CHAMPIONS: 1987-88, 2013-14
Division One Playoff Winners: 2010-11
Lancashire Combination
CHAMPIONS: 11 times
Lancashire League
Lancashire FA Trophy
WINNERS: 18 times
Chorley Football Club are from the southern Lancashire town of Chorley, and currently play in the National League North, which is the sixth tier of the English football pyramid. Founded in 1883, they currently play at the 3700 capacity Victory Park where they have played since 1920. Despite being one of the older clubs within the county, they have never played in the English Football League and have spent the majority of their history within the Lancashire Combination or the Northern Premier League. However, they have played in the highest level of "non-league", the Football Conference/National League on two separate occasions, playing two seasons between 1988 and 1990, and playing in just the 2019-20 season. Because of the COVID-19 situation, their return back to the National League North was delayed due to the vast majority of the lower leagues within the English football system being cancelled for the 2020-21 season.
To talk about a Lancashire side who currently play in the sixth-tier National League North after suffering relegation from the National League in the 2019-20 season, is the excellent David Preece. David is a Shrewsbury Town and Chorley supporter who also groundhops, and blogs about his journey on his superb blogside "David's Adventures in Groundhopping". To find his blogsite and social media accounts, follow the links below:
Twitter: @DavidJohnPreece
Website: https://davidsadventuresingroundhopping.wordpress.com/
Q. Who would you say is Chorley's best player, and coach/manager of all-time, and the reasonings behind the choices?
Paul Mariner
Paul Mariner [centre-forward who earned 35 caps for England and scored 13 goals between 1977 and 1985] would probably be most Chorley fan's pick for best-ever player especially with what he went on to achieve in his career. Paul played for us at the beginning of his career before moving on to play for the likes of Plymouth Argyle, Ipswich Town, Arsenal, and Portsmouth to name a handful of his clubs.
As for the manager, personally I'd go with Garry Flitcroft [former Manchester City and Blackburn Rovers midfielder who managed Chorley from 2010 to 2015]. Garry guided the club to the Conference North [now the National League North] where we currently play, and for me, without Garry we would still most likely be in the Northern Premier League.
Q. Who could be regarded as a 'cult hero' for the club in both in the past and present squad?
There's a long list of names, most of whom have played for the club in the last ten years or so. Matt Jansen, Matt Urwin, Andy Teague, James Dean, Sam Ashton, Adam Blakeman, Josh Wilson are some of the players that come to mind. Matt Urwin and Adam Blakeman are still with us, with both well-loved by the Chorley fans.
James "Deano" Dean
James "Deano" Dean was a striker, an absolute handful of a target man and a good bloke off of the pitch. Unfortunately Deano passed away recently, news which saddened a significant number of people. Deano's work rate and passion for football definitely made him stand out as a player, and the many goals he scored for Chorley will certainly be remembered.
Andy Teague
Andy Teague also deserves a mention, another talented footballer who is also a great person off of the pitch. Teague was our captain for years, and he certainly led by example. A tough, fierce centre-back, Teague scared the hell out of a lot of opposition players but he also inspired those around him to greater things. Still playing for Lancaster City, and I have to say I wish he was still with us.
Q. Of the current squad, who would you say is the best player at Chorley and why?
Adam Blakeman
We've got a few new players in the squad at the moment, and with it being the early stages of the season I'm still waiting for some of the new lads to find their feet. Of the players that have been with is for a while, I have to say that Adam Blakeman is the best player at the club. He's a constant danger down the left playing usually as a wing-back, and he's equally good in defence as he is on the attack. Adam also possesses a good throw, and his corner kick and free kick taking abilities are second to none.
Q. Are there any players who you think we should be focusing on for the future – who would you say is the most exciting up & coming talent at the club?
Harry Scarborough
[IMAGE: Chorley FC Website]
The club has put a lot of time and effort into the youth set-up recently with Andy Preece, former Airbus UK Broughton manager, leading the way. We've now got teams ranging from Under 14s all the way to Under 21s, and recently five players from our youth set-up signed contracts with the first team, Lewis Boyd [18-year-old forward], Niall Moran [19-year-old defender], Fenton Reeves [18-year-old midfielder], Harry Scarborough [18-year-old forward], and Josh Stansfield [18-year-old forward], and there's a good buzz around these lads. The club is definitely focussing on developing young, local lads to come through and in the long-run that approach will pay-off in my opinion.
Out of the five players I've named, I believe Harry Scarborough could be the one to watch, but hopefully all five go on to stake claims for first team places.
Q. Who would you regard as Chorley's biggest or historical rivals?
Our current biggest rivals would be AFC Fylde, which is a rivalry which has history as well. Bamber Bridge are also another historical rival, and a lot of fans, myself included, don't really like Stockport County. Chester FC are another side disliked by the majority of Chorley fans, stemming from when Chester first reformed.
Q. How would you describe the current state/performance of the club?
We've had our issues, including having a former director/board member fleecing the club of a decent amount of money, and as a club we've not got a lot of money to take. The recent FA Cup run has helped to soften the blow of Covid-19, and the lack of fans in the ground, but we've not got money to burn.
On the pitch, we're not doing as well as we could be. But then again we've only played a few games so far, and the team will need time to get up to speed. Patience is a virtue after all.
Q. Looking at Chorley's history, what would you say has been the best game, result, or performance in your opinion?
Chorley 1-1 Spennymoor Town (4-3 on penalties), on the 12th of May 2019, The National League North Play-Off Final. As well as being the game which saw us promoted to the National League for the 2019/2020 season, this was also a bit of revenge. A few weeks earlier, Spennymoor had beaten us 1-0 at their place with a 90th minute goal which ended our chances of automatic promotion and saw Stockport crowned as champions. The match itself was a tense one, and the penalties were nerve-wracking, but we held our nerve and won them.
I could have also said the Chorley 2-0 Stockport County game, which took place on the 20th of April 2019 and briefly put us into the driving seat of the promotion chase, but beating Spennymoor and gaining revenge has to take top spot.
Q. Do you have a favourite or iconic shirt from the history of the club?
Chorley's home shirt for the 2021-22 season.
[IMAGE: Chorley FC Club Shop]
Home kit wise we have always played in black and white stripes, except for during the 2020/21 season where we wore an all white shirt but let's not talk about that, so there really hasn't been much variation in the home shirts and as a result I can't really pick a favourite.
As for away shirts, I'd have to say the pink "Twincess" shirt we wore as a third shirt one year, I can't remember when exactly. Twincess is a charitable trust set up by a former Chorley player, Matt Parry, in aid of his twin daughters who were both born with Down Syndrome. The shirt itself was a bright pink, and had the names of all those who had sponsored the shirt on it. As for why I love this shirt in particular I have to say that it was simply because it was pink and I love a pink football shirt!
Q. What are the best and worst things about being a fan of 'The Magpies'?
Being a smaller team you tend to get to know people around the club, everyone's friendly, and the club really is a community club. The fans are also brilliant, with a good vocal backing which certainly makes the difference.
Victory Park, home of Chorley FC
[IMAGE: Courtesy of David Preece]
The worst thing is the constant talk of the need to move ground. Victory Park has a tonne of potential, but the problem is the cost of realising that potential. We could easily fit a good-sized stand on the Ashby Street side of the ground which currently is underused grass banking, however the soil/material used to build the grass banking is of no use to anyone and isn't stable enough to build on, and the cost of getting rid of the banking is large. If we had the money, Victory Park could be easily developed into a Football League ready stadium, and it would be at the heart of the community where it should be, but I can see it being cheaper, and therefore preferable, for the club to move to a new out of town ground.
Q. Finally, what are your hopes for the future of Chorley FC?
Fan Ownership. We have a really good Supporters' Trust, and there are hopes that one day the fans will own the club, which is something I would love to see.
On the pitch, I'd be satisfied to see us doing well with a squad of young, local talent.
A massive thanks you to David for answering our questions on football on The Magpies. Remember you can find his social media accounts and blogsite in the links at the top of the blogpage.
Conference North
The Club Scene
Andy Preece
David John Preece
David Preece
David's Adventures in Groundhopping
Fenton Reeves
Garry Flitcroft
Josh Stansfield
Lancashire Football
Lewis Boyd
Matt Jansen
Matt Urwin
Niall Moran
Sam Ashton
Supporters Trust
Twincess
Previous Shrewsbury Town
Next Jamaica


text:
Prada presents yesteryear opulence
Feb 21, 2013 at 12:01 AM Feb 21, 2013 at 8:45 PM
MILAN (AP) - The Prada finale was a long luxurious mink coat with ample collar and cuff like the ones the Hollywood divas used to wear in the 1950's. Underneath the model wore a sheer see-through silk dress.
MILAN (AP) � The Prada finale was a long luxurious mink coat with ample collar and cuff like the ones the Hollywood divas used to wear in the 1950's. Underneath the model wore a sheer see-through silk dress.
It was only the showiest item of the winter collection presented Thursday evening, based on yesteryear luxury, from the opulent coats to the gilded gowns to the mink wraps.
A daring move in these days when ostentation, particularly at the expense of our furry friends, is more than an eyebrow raiser. Earlier Thursday, animal activists disrupted the Just Cavalli show, which included fur mainly for accessories and trimmings, holding up signs which read, "Your fashion is our death."
But Miuccia Prada season after season has a fashion vision, and follows it through regardless.
This round she revisits vintage couture in a contemporary context.
"You can no longer be decadent. Modernism forces you to intellectual restrictions. I started out with a romantic idea and ended up with crude elegance," said the designer, speaking to reporters ahead of the show, of her winter 2013-2014 collection.
Coats have extra wide cuffs and are often belted at the waist and flared toward the bottom. Skirts come in wide ballerina styles, as do some the dresses. The jumper dress is another 1950s look, which Prada revisits, even for evening, not to mention the many coat dresses in the collection.
Totally Prada, and anything but retro, was the uneven hemline (one side much longer than the other) that the designer used for daytime belted sheaths as well as gilded, belted gowns.
Fabrics ranged from coarse tweeds to shimmering metallic materials, plus leather and fur. Crocodile takes on new importance when used not only for bags, but also for skirts and even a suit.
The latest Prada shoe, either a sandal or a bootie, has a thick high heel, but a heavy rubber sole.
The sides of the voluminous bags in tweed and leather, including crocodile, were folded in such a way to give the impression of a feline face, perhaps inspired by a video of a cat that was part of the background of the show.


text:
Iran's rial hits new low against dollar as economy stumbles
Latest US-imposed sanctions on Iran's financial sector are another blow to the country's economy
Iranians gather inside the capital Tehran's Grand Bazaar in March 2020, as the Covid pandemic was starting to make an impact on the country (AFP)
Published date: 10 October 2020 11:25 UTC | Last update: 3 months ago
The Iranian currency hit a new low against the US dollar on Saturday as the economy buckles under pressure from the Covid-19 pandemic and sanctions imposed by the United States.
The dollar was selling for as much as 304,300 rials on the unofficial market, up from 295,940 on Friday, according to the foreign exchange site Bonbast.com.
The economic daily Donya-e-Eqtesad's website gave the dollar rate as 303,300, up 6,000 rials from Friday.
The currency has lost about 56 percent of its value in 2020 as a drop in oil prices has deepened the economic crisis in the country, which also has the highest Covid-19 death toll in the Middle East, standing at 28.098.
Iran's Covid-19 cases surged again in mid-September, and official numbers have shown new records of daily death tolls and new cases.
The official exchange rate, used mostly for imports of state-subsidised food and medicine, is 42,000 rials per dollar.
The United States on Thursday slapped fresh sanctions on Iran's financial sector, targeting 18 banks to further choke off Iranian revenues as Washington ramps up pressure on Tehran weeks ahead of the US election. The sanctions also target non-Iranian institutions that trade with the banks.
The latest series of sanctions defy European allies, which warned that the move would limit Tehran's ability to purchase humanitarian imports amid the currency crisis and the pandemic.
A senior European official told the Washington Post that the UK, France and Germany had expressed fears that the new sanctions would freeze Iran's foreign assets, "thus further exacerbating the shortage of foreign currency to pay for humanitarian imports".
Last year, the Islamic Republic imported $1bn worth of medical goods and grain worth $3.5bn.
Iran has also been suffering from a shortage of influenza vaccines due to the sanctions. Health experts had warned that the vaccine shortage for high-risk groups would lead to an increase in the Covid-19 death toll in Iran.
After the sanctions were announced, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohamed Javad Zarif accused the US of wanting to "blow up our remaining channels to pay for food & medicine".
Iranian central bank governor Abdolnaser Hemmati, however, dismissed the sanctions as political propaganda and played down their practical impact.
"What needs to be decided in this regard was decided two years ago," Hemmati was quoted as saying by Iranian media. "Therefore, the banks that were party to the agreement with Iran have decided to continue trading with Iran."
Analysts said the sanctions may further deter European and other foreign banks from working with Iran, even for permitted humanitarian transactions
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