text:
Top Cornwall Historical Attractions
Published May 5th, 2020 Published in: Historical
There is no denying Cornwall has a vibrant and interesting history extending back more than 6000 years so there are a more than a few stories to be told. Cornwall's story is a mix of struggle and success, with its past shaping the Cornwall we see today.
Much of its history is still evident and can be seen as you explore this fascinating region, it appears to be written into the landscape. From the Neolithic age through to the industrial revolution which brought huge changes to the area. Roman remains have been discovered in a few places in Cornwall.
Delve into its unique history by exploring museums, through ancestral houses and castles, prehistoric sites and the Cornish Mining World Heritage Sites. Get to know all about its prosperous smuggling history and rich fishing heritage.
Local guides are a great way to get to know the area, they are well informed and knowledgeable about the people, past and traditions. After all Cornwall is a land of legends, one of the most famous associations is with King Arthur.
Many of the towns and villages have historical societies that host local history meetings, these are a great way to learn about its history whilst getting to know the locals and their in-depth knowledge.
Pendennis Castle, In Falmouth
Taking pride of place at the entrance of the Fal Estuary, in Falmouth, this majestic and imposing artillery fort was constructed by Henry VII between 1540 and 1542. On the opposite side of the estuary is its brother on St Mawes Castle.
A defence since Tudor times when this Cornish harbour was a threat from France and the Holy Roman Empire, strong defences were needed to protect from invasion. It was operational through the Civil War, World War One and right up to the Second World War at which time it defended against torpedo boats and launches long-range, radar-controlled attacks against enemy ships.
Sitting strategically on a headland it has incredible views out to sea which, also made it easier to see any enemy approaching. Make your way to the roof via the spiral stairs for unparalleled panoramic views.
You get a real sense of history here, you can experience the sights and sounds of battle, in an immersive experience, encounter costumed characters from Pendennis' past, scan the horizon for enemies in the Battery Observation Post, see where ammunition was stored during WWII at Half Moon Battery, and witness the daily firing of a historic gun (this takes place April through to October). There is a collection of weapons of war including Tudor, Napoleonic, Victorian and 20th-century guns, each with information on how it would have been used.
There are fascinating exhibitions that are continuously changing and they host jousting shows and lots of other medieval entertainment.
The castle grounds are extensive and there is so much to discover both inside and out of this Tudor keep, an attraction that will appeal to all ages.
Wheal Coates Tin Mine, In St Agnes
A former tin mine with a dramatic cliff side location, although mostly ruins it harks back to a more prosperous past. Perched precariously on the cliff top this mine operated throughout most of the 19th century, at which time it employed around 140 miners.
Wheal Coates mine opened in 1802 and was eventually closed in 1889 however, it did operate for a brief period between 1911 and 1913 when it closed for good.
The site is recognised for its three engine houses most notably the iconic Towanroath Shaft engine house, which is now a Grade II listed building. When in operation it was responsible for keeping water out of the shaft 600 feet below. The other two engine houses were stamping and winding (whim) engine houses, built at around the same time. Their purpose was to hoist and crush the tin ore.
The site also includes an additional chimney stack and a calciner furnace, this was built when the mine was re-opened to remove impurities such as arsenic and sulphur from the tin.
There is an information board providing a brief history on the mine and information on local wildlife.
Wheal Coates provides a real sense of Cornwall's mining history in a dramatic setting with incredible views of the amazing coastline and seascape.
Levant Mine and Beam Engine, Near St Just
Sitting high on exposed cliffs at Trewellard, is Levant Mine, the oldest Cornish mine in existence. What is unusual about this location is that it has the world's only Cornish beam winding engine still operated by steam on its original site, and you can see this operating.
The surviving buildings and ruins reminisce of a past era where men and women worked to extract the valuable minerals from the earth and from beneath the crashing waves. The ore was extracted through the Skip Shaft from deep beneath the seabed, extending to depths of over 600 metres.
Trace the miner's footsteps through the tunnel to the man-made mineshaft where their working day started, listen to the stories of Edwardian miners and try you hand working as a bal boy or bal maiden.
Learn all about this compelling industry and the early days on industrialisation, an integral part of Cornish culture for centuries with one of their guided tours.
Outside explore these dramatic and engaging ruins on this stunning backdrop where the Atlantic ocean crashes below. There are lots of information boards telling the story of Levant Mine.
Bodmin & Wenford Railway
For a sense of nostalgia make your way to Bodmin & Wenford Railway, This heritage railway is Cornwalls' only full size railway operated by steam and mostly run by volunteers. Step back in time with a trip onboard a steam locomotive, evoking a sense of romanticism.
The station has been beautifully restored, it is quaint and has a selection of items to add a nostalgic feel with antique luggage, trolleys and old milk urns. Standing on the platform waiting for the train to pull in elicits a sense of childlike joy.
A thoroughly enjoyable experience, sit back and relax in luxury as you take a leisurely 13 mile round trip in the beautifully preserved carriages. Trains operate from Bodmin General to Boscarne Junction. Savour the sights as you pass through the scenic Cornish countryside. Revel in the sounds and smells of this bygone era of travel, watch the stoker and driver working, listen to the chuffing engines and the sound of the drivers whistle, delightful.
You can get off at any of the four stops and explore the countryside, talk a walk or have a picnic.
They also operate a number of special events throughout the year, check their event page for full details of fun events like murder-mystery evenings, cream teas or beer & jazz trains.
There are other engines and rolling stock to be seen on sidings or in a shed that are still undergoing restoration and you can go down and take a closer look. You can also go inside the signal box. There are opportunities for people to drive the engine and take a day course, make a special day for someone.
This premier steam railway will appeal to all ages.
Chysauster Ancient Village, Near Penzance
Chysauster Ancient Village is a well preserved Iron Age settlement located near to the village of Gulval, not far from Penzance. It is one of the finest examples in the country. It has not been reconstructed for altered in any way so is an authentic historical gem.
There are plenty of clues to indicate what rural life was like some 2,000 years ago. There are around eight circular huts, the walls of which are mostly intact and well preserved.
A central village street with stone-walled homesteads known as courtyard houses sat on either side, this design is unique and only found on Land's End peninsula and on the Isles of Scilly. Each house had a stone paved open central courtyard with small rooms and byres leading off. You can see the remains of open hearths, stone basins for grinding grain and covered drains. Each would of had its own garden plot.
The rooms would have been thatched or had a peat roof and there is evidence of channels for fresh water supplies. The people who lived here would have been farmers who kept animals most likely pigs and goats, and would have grown cereal crops. The settlement was occupied for around 100 years, including during the Roman occupation.
The whole village was enclosed inside a stone wall. Outside are the stone-walled fields belonging to the settlement. The site also has a fogou, an underground passage but is in a derelict state
There is a peaceful atmosphere at Chysauster, it surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside with magnificent views for miles.
There are numerous information boards throughout the site giving an overview of the site, and there is a guide book available which has lots more information. Well worth a visit if you are interested in ancient sites.
Bodmin Jail
Bodmin Jail has a horrifying past and a long history. This historic jail was originally built in 1779 by prisoners of war for King George III, and was operational for more than 150 years during which time there was 50 public hangings. During the First World War the Doomsday book and Crown Jewels were hidden here for safe keeping. The jail was closed in 1927.
It is a dominating landmark and an interesting attraction where you can discover what life behind bars was like for 18th Century prisoners. A sense of bleakness and despondency permeates the corridors as you pass through. Discover the dark and damp dungeons that housed inmates, read the stories of the poor individuals who occupied these grim cells and the reasons for their convictions, the sentences seeming totally unfair in relation to the crimes committed. See firsthand the harsh conditions they endured. It was the first British prison to hold prisoners in individual cells.
Bodmin Jail gives an accurate depiction of the desolate penal life in Victorian Cornwall. See the country's only remaining execution pit, and the Execution Shed. Visit Bodmin's Courtroom Experience.
Currently undergoing a monumental overhaul that will create a complete new range of exhibitions, virtual reality displays and new experiences.
There are also works underway to transform a section of the jail into a luxury boutique hotel, would make for an interesting overnight stay. As there are stories the jail is haunted with a former resident still roaming the halls.
Legends make up a large part of Cornwall's history and sometimes it is hard to separate fact from fiction, a perfect example of this is the iconic Tintagel Castle which dominates Cornwall's north coast. With an expansive history dating back 1,500 years Tintagel has a lot to tell. It is one of the most remarkable historic sites in Britain and a fascinating place to visit.
Find out how the Arthurian legends and stories of the castle have inspired and shaped the imaginations of writers, artists and poets over the years. This brooding ancient castle clings to the edge of of a jagged headland that projects into the Atlantic Sea where the waves crash below. Although effectively ruins now, use of your imagination is required to visualize how it would have been, when it was Arthur's seat around 500AD. There are information boards and artists impressions to assist with this. Meet Gallos, a life size bronze statue of the ancient king, visit the waterfalls and venture into Merlins cave. Take the Land Rover lift back up to the top to avoid the steep climb, there is an additional charge.
There is a new exhibition to explore the stories connecting Tintagel to King Arthur together with a 3D model of the site depicting how it has altered over the centuries. You can also investigate a Dark Age settlement.
After more than 500 years the two separated halves of Tintagel Castle have been reconnected thanks to a new link bridge which is thrilling to walk across.
Truro Cathedral is nestled in the heart of Truro, a neo-gothic building that has dominated the skyline for over a century. Its actual name is The Cathedral Of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This iconic Anglican cathedral was constructed between 1880 and 1910, a magnificent Gothic Revival design by architect John Loughborough Pearson. It sits on the site of a former more modest church dating back to the 16th century whilst retaining the south aisle and incorporating this seamlessly into the new building. The result is simply breathtaking.
It is one of only three cathedrals that have three spires and has some of the best examples of 19th century stained glass windows anywhere in the country, they are by the famous Victorian firm of Clayton & Bell of London. The nave is not straight, it does not fully align with the rest of the building, this was owing to access restrictions with the build. Four different types of stone were used in the construction. A highlight of the cathedrals interior is the stunning reredos behind the high altar. These ornately carved reredos are the work of sculptor Nathaniel Hitch. The organ was built into cathedral during its construction and was designed by the renowned organ builder Henry "father" Willis.
There are cathedral tour guides who offer tours or can answer any questions visitors have.
The cathedral is open for daily worship services and to visitors, the cathedral greatly appreciates all donations.
Restormel Castle, In Lostwithiel
Restormel Castle is one of four surviving Norman castles in Cornwall. It was constructed in the 13th century in a perfect circle. It was a motte and bailey design although some of the keep has been lost.
This circular keep was progressive for its time with water being piped in from a natural spring.
It appears as if it was erected in the wrong place being a distance from the sea but, its position was strategic, being at an important crossing point on the River Fowey.
The Black Prince is said to have visited twice. Restormel Castle only saw action once, this occurred during the Civil War of 1644 when the Royalists drove out the Parliamentarians. It was subsequently abandoned and fell into a state of decay. Today the mostly intact remaining ruins offer a glimpse of what life was like in Medieval times.
You can walk around the top of the battlements, there are fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding rolling countryside. The moat is dry and you can walk around this also.
There are information boards describing the different sections of the castle, as well as a guide book.
Kit Hill Country Park, Near Callington
Found at the highest point in the Tamar Valley with more than 400 acres of heathland to discover, as well as wonderful panoramic views. Kit Hill Country Park demonstrates how humans have processed minerals on marginal highlands since the stone age.
Kit Hill is a dominating feature, a wild, rugged granite hilltop with a fascinating history. This important site has been formed by more than 5,000 years of history. It uses in the early days was for agriculture, early field systems can be seen on aerial photographs, and religious purposes, with 18 known burial mounds occurring on its slopes. The area is rich in archaeology from a Neolithic long barrow and Bronze Age round barrows to 19th century mining remnants. There are more than 10,000 archaeological remains here.
There are a network of marked walking trails that takes you past a number of interesting sites including, the Quarry, the North Engine Shaft and Summit Stack which dates from 1858. Mining took place here during the First World War when tin and tungsten were needed for the war efforts, many relics relating to this period remain.
To commemorate the ancient battle of Hingston Down, Sir John Call of Whiteford, near Stoke Climsland in the 18th century constructed a folly, a five sided enclosure meant to impersonate a Saxon or Danish fort. The remnants of this folly are at the boundaries to the grassed area at the summit.
There are regular guided walks and events to learn all about this intriguing historical area.
Since 1929, the Old Cornwall Society has lit an annual Midsummer's Eve Bonfire at the summit.


It may not seem like it, but the Napoleon Disposable Drip Trays are an integral part of the grilling experience. Fill these trays with a flavored liquid to create steam while grilling foods for long periods. This creates a fantastic steam that will keep your food moist throughout the grilling process. Place this drip tray under the food that is being grilled, under the cooking grids, and it will also catch the drippings to make gravies and sauces. This serves two purposes. One it will help keep your grill clean, especially when grilling something like duck or ribs. And two, those drippings can be used to create stunning sauces and gravies for your meal. Once you are done with the drip trays, you can just toss them. That leaves you with no mess to clean up on the grill, freeing you up to enjoy the meal sooner.


text:
Gambia deltog i de olympiska sommarspelen 1984 med en trupp bestående av sju deltagare, men ingen av landets deltagare erövrade någon medalj.

Friidrott

Herrarnas 400 meter
 Dawda Jallow
 Heat — 48,36 (→ gick inte vidare)

Herrarnas 1 500 meter
 Paul Ceesay
 Försöksheat — 3:59,14 (→ gick inte vidare)

Referenser

1984 i Gambia
Nationer i olympiska sommarspelen 1984
1984

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


If you are registering for or participating in a Squeedeal sweepstakes contest, participation is subject to our Official Sweepstakes Rules and Regulations and any other rules and regulations applicable to such competition (collectively, Rules). If this Policy conflicts with or is inconsistent with a statement in the Rules concerning your privacy, the Rules will apply.
If you are located outside the US, please note that currently we do not serve any customers outside of the US and do not allow them to participate in the sweepstakes.
We may use your personally identifiable information to provide you with services, including to process the donations you make, to improve our services, and to provide you with information on upcoming events, announcements, and sweepstakes.
1. Information You Provide: If you donate to a charity, take part in an auction or other offer, or otherwise communicate with us via the Website or Services, we collect the information you submit. To register to use the Services, you may be asked to provide personal data, such as name, email address, postal address, telephone number, or other similar information. You do not have to provide this data. But without it you may not be able to create an account or enter into transactions via the Website or Services.
Details of your visits to our Website including, but not limited to, traffic data, location data, web blogs and other communication data.
We may collect information about your computer or mobile device, including, where available your IP address, device type/ID, operating system and browser type.
provide you with additional information we think is of interest to you.
We use data collected through cookies, web beacons, pixels, web server logs and other automated means to (1) customize your visits to our Website, (2) deliver advertisements to you on our Website and other Websites, (3) deliver content tailored to your interests, and (4) manage our Website and Services.
Your Control of Cookies. Web browsers allow some control of most Cookies through the browser settings. To find out more about Cookies, including how to see what Cookies have been set on your device and how to manage and delete them, visit http://www.allaboutcookies.org. Please understand, however, if you disable Cookies, some features of our Website and Services may not work as well (or at all) for you.
Service Providers. We may employ other companies or individuals ("Service Providers") to help us operate our Website and Services. These Service Providers have access to information only to perform limited functions on our behalf. They are prohibited from using your information for any purpose.
Third Party Marketing Partners. We may, from time to time, share information you provide to us with trusted third-party marketing partners whose products or services we believe may be of interest to you. If you want us to stop sharing your information with such third parties, you may opt-out by emailing us at support@squeedeal.com or sending a letter to Squeedeal LLC 3201 Edwards Mill Rd Ste 141 Raleigh, NC 27612, United States.
Law Enforcement and Protection of Users. To the extent permitted by law, we will disclose your information to government authorities or third parties pursuant to a legal request, subpoena or other legal process or as we believe is necessary to exercise our legal rights, to defend against legal claims that have been brought against us, or to defend against possible legal claims that we determine in our sole discretion might be brought against us. We may report to law enforcement agencies any activities that we reasonably believe to be unlawful, or that we reasonably believe may aid a law enforcement investigation into unlawful activity. In addition, we reserve the right to release your information to law enforcement agencies if we determine, in our sole judgment, that either you have violated our policies, or the release of your information may protect the rights, property or safety of Squeedeal, you, or another person. We may also use or disclose your information as permitted by law to combat fraud or protect our rights or property as well as those of our affiliates or customers. You should be aware that, following disclosure to any third party, your information may be accessible by others to the extent permitted or required by applicable law.
Marketing Companies. We may provide general location data (e.g., the city, or the state, in which a device is located) and information about your search or posting history to third parties that want to provide you with information, products, or services. Unless we have your permission, we will only provide such companies with non-personally identifiable information. In other words, while this information may be provided in conjunction with a randomly assigned number, or a number assigned to your Squeedeal account, it will not be provided in conjunction with your name.
Business Transfer. In the event that Squeedeal is sold, has its assets acquired or transferred, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, or merges or becomes affiliated with any other division, individual or entity, any user information owned or under the control of Squeedeal may be one of the transferred assets. We reserve the right, as part of this type of transaction, to transfer or assign your information and other information we have collected from users of the Services.
Charities You Choose to Support via the Website or Services. We may share your information with a Charity to whom you have made a voluntary donation via the Website or Services.
If you demonstrate that the purpose for which the data is being processed in no longer legal or appropriate, the data will be deleted, unless the applicable law requires otherwise. You also have the right to request the deletion of your personal data for any reason by emailing support@squeedeal.com.
6. LEGAL BASIS FOR PROCESSING PERSONAL DATA.
Consent. When you give us consent to process your data in certain ways, we will rely on your consent for the stated purpose(s) of the consent. You have the right to withdraw consent at any time. See additional information below under Your Rights and Choices.
Contract fulfillment. We process personal data when it is necessary to perform a contractual obligation. For example, when you make a purchase or a donation, we provide your billing information to a third-party payment processing vendor so that your transaction can be completed, and also to the charity you are supporting for the charity to acknowledge any gift for tax purposes.
Completing transactions for our users, and handling user contacts, queries, complaints or disputes.
Protecting users, employees and other individuals and maintaining their safety, health and welfare.
Promoting, marketing and advertising our products and services in ways consistent with reasonable expectations of our users.
Sending promotional communications to existing users which are relevant to such users and related to their prior use of our Website and Services.
Understanding our users' behavior, activities, preferences and needs.
Preventing, investigating and detecting crime, fraud or anti-social behavior and prosecuting offenders, including working with law enforcement agencies, or taking other appropriate legal action against third parties who have committed criminal acts or are in breach of legal obligations.
Fulfilling our duties to our users, colleagues, and any other stakeholders.
The Website and Services are not intended for children. We do not knowingly collect or distribute information from or about children under age 13. If we learn we have received personally identifiable information from a child under age 13. We will delete that information.
We may access, store, and use any information per your privacy settings in that social media network or service. We encourage you to review, and if necessary, adjust, such settings to control sharing as allowed by the social media network/service.
Our Website may include links to other Websites. We do not control, and are not responsible for, the privacy practices of any such Websites. You should always check the privacy terms of any Website you visit.
Any information collected by Squeedeal is stored on servers that Squeedeal manages, using security procedures and practices appropriate to the nature of the information. Please be aware that no data transmission over the Internet can be guaranteed to be 100% secure. As a result, Squeedeal cannot guarantee or warrant the security of any information you transmit on or through the Website or Services and you do so at your own risk.
You have the right to ask us not to process your personal data for marketing purposes. You can exercise that right at any time by emailing us at support@squeedeal.com. You may also have options to agree (or decline) to be contacted for various marketing purposes at the point where you are submitting personal data to us.
If you do not agree to the new terms, you should stop using the Website and Services.


text:
Overview of Syria
Following World War I, France acquired a mandate over the northern portion of the former Ottoman Empire province of Syria. The French administered the area as Syria until granting it independence in 1946. The new country lacked political stability, however, and experienced a series of military coups during its first decades. Syria united with Egypt in February 1958 to form the United Arab Republic. In September 1961, the two entities separated, and the Syrian Arab Republic was reestablished. In November 1970, Hafiz al-ASAD, a member of the socialist Ba'th Party and the minority Alawi sect, seized power in a bloodless coup and brought political stability to the country. In the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, Syria lost the Golan Heights to Israel. During the 1990s, Syria and Israel held occasional peace talks over its return. Following the death of President al-ASAD, his son, Bashar al-ASAD, was approved as president by popular referendum in July 2000. Syrian troops - stationed in Lebanon since 1976 in an ostensible peacekeeping role - were withdrawn in April 2005. During the July-August 2006 conflict between Israel and Hizballah, Syria placed its military forces on alert but did not intervene directly on behalf of its ally Hizballah. In May 2007 Bashar al-ASAD's second term as president was approved by popular referendum. Influenced by major uprisings that began elsewhere in the region, antigovernment protests broke out in the southern province of Dar'a in March 2011 with protesters calling for the repeal of the restrictive Emergency Law allowing arrests without charge, the legalization of political parties, and the removal of corrupt local officials. Since then demonstrations and unrest have spread to nearly every city in Syria, but the size and intensity of protests have fluctuated over time. The government responded to unrest with a mix of concessions - including the repeal of the Emergency Law and approving new laws permitting new political parties and liberalizing local and national elections - and force. However, the government's response has failed to meet opposition demands for ASAD to step down, and the government's ongoing security operations to quell unrest and widespread armed opposition activity have led to extended violent clashes between government forces and oppositionists. International pressure on the ASAD regime has intensified since late 2011, as the Arab League, EU, Turkey, and the United States have expanded economic sanctions against the regime. Lakhdar BRAHIMI, current Joint Special Representative of the United Nations and the League of Arab States on the Syrian crisis, in October 2012 began meeting with regional heads of state to assist in brokering a cease-fire. In December 2012, the National Coalition of Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces was recognized by more than 130 countries as the sole legitimate representative of the Syrian people. Unrest persisted in 2013, and the death toll among Syrian Government forces, opposition forces, and civilians has topped 100,000. In January 2014, the Syrian Opposition Coalition and Syrian regime began peace talks at the UN sponsored Geneva II conference.
petroleum, phosphates, chrome and manganese ores, asphalt, iron ore, rock salt, marble, gypsum, hydropower
arable land: 24.9%
other: 69.41% (2011)
country comparison to the world: 61
note: approximately 18,900 Israeli settlers live in the Golan Heights (2012) (July 2014 est.)
Arab 90.3%, Kurds, Armenians, and other 9.7%
Muslim 87% (official; includes Sunni 74% and Alawi, Ismaili, and Shia 13%), Christian (includes Orthodox, Uniate, and Nestorian) 10% (includes Orthodox, Uniate, and Nestorian), Druze 3%, Jewish (few remaining in Damascus and Aleppo)
Arabic (official), Kurdish, Armenian, Aramaic, Circassian (widely understood); French, English (somewhat understood)
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
Government Type
republic under an authoritarian regime
17 April 1946 (from League of Nations mandate under French administration)
Independence Day, 17 April (1946)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Extend Your Abilities Whether due to illness, accident, a congenital condition, or just wear and tear, many of us find that our physical abilities need some assistance to allow us to enjoy life to the full. Luckily, there is an increasing range of products available that allow us to make use of the abilities we have to maintain, regain or achieve our independence.
The internet itself is, of course, a boon to those who are less mobile. Through the internet, you are able to review the products available, select those that appear most suitable to your needs, and shop around to ensure that you can obtain them at a competitive price. For many products you may want to complete your purchase online - for others, you may be better advised to use the internet to identify a local supplier you can deal with directly.
Available Aids and Products These pages are intended to provide information about the types of products available, the benefits they offer, and some of the issues to consider before making a purchase.


text:
Europa Mortgages Worldwide
An interesting article about the Spanish property bubble that is not all doom and gloom. Also reiterates Spain's high ranking holiday destination status. It's the best weather in Europe and nothing is going to change that. For more on Spanish mortgages go to www.europamortgages.com
The property bubble and its subsequent deflation is not a crisis limited to the United States; many countries now teeter on the brink of a market collapse. In Spain, a decade-long boom—which led the country to construct more new houses in 2006 than France, Germany and the United Kingdom combined—has begun a reversal and given many homebuyers and sellers cause for alarm.
Home prices have risen more than 200 percent during the ten-year bubble marketThe price of Spanish homes has risen more than 200 percent during the past 10 years, and "[a]t the height of the construction boom in 2005 there were 7,000 estate agents on the Costa Blanca," according to the Daily Telegraph. Low mortgage rates offset the rising costs of home purchases and now approximately 95 percent of Spanish homeowners have adjustable rate mortgages, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Change to interest-only, go to www.europamortgages.com
"Last year, Spanish families on average paid six times their annual salary to buy a home, compared with 3½ times salary in the late 1990s, according to the Bank of Spain, the central bank," the Wall Street Journal reported.
However, the Spanish property bubble has popped. In the second quarter of 2007, the rise of property prices was below the rate of inflation for the first time in 10 years. So far this year, 300 of the Costa Blanca's real estate offices have closed their doors, according to the Daily Telegraph. Spanish homeowners, unable or unwilling to sell, must watch in horror as interest rates rise beyond their reach.
"In the third quarter, 22 percent of banks surveyed by the European Central Bank reported that they were tightening standards for mortgages, with 10 percent easing and the rest unchanged," according to the Wall Street Journal.
The situation in Spain could be either detrimental or beneficial to investors involved with Spanish property. Those who own real estate in Spain could see their property values falling as the market struggles. Speculative investors buying and flipping properties stand to get hit especially hard and will most likely look to offload properties at a loss.
Still an attractive tourist destination, Spain remains an excellent location to own rental propertiesFor investors who do not own Spanish property, but are interested in the possibility, the country's market could offer opportunities. In the near future it may be possible for investors to secure Spanish real estate for lower prices because of the sagging market and anxious sellers. However, it is unlikely that the market has bottomed out yet, so investors looking to buy should exercise caution. Those with long-term plans or those buying for personal use will find this market more attractive than those interested in the short term.
Spain is one of the most popular vacation spots in the world among Americans; it was ranked ninth in 2007 and has been among the top 15 international destinations since 1998, according to a Harris Poll released July 2. Spain will likely remain a popular destination in the future, so it is an excellent location for a second home or vacation rental property in spite of its deflated real estate bubble.
Posted by Chris Norman at 7:40 AM No comments:
Cyprus Mortgage Rates
NICOSIA, Nov 12 (Reuters) - Cyprus kept the key refinancing rate unchanged at 4.5 percent on Monday, deferring its compulsory alignment with lower euro zone rates until December.
With the European Central Bank expected to keep its main interest rate at 4.0 percent into next year, Cyprus must either cut its borrowing costs by 50 basis points when its central bank meets on Dec. 10, or slip into ECB rates by default when the island adopts the euro on Jan. 1.
"We will decide how to do it at our next meeting," Cyprus Central Bank governor Athanasios Orphanides told reporters.
"It really doesn't make much of a difference to Cyprus if we change (rates) on the day of the meeting or wait until the end of the year ... A three week time frame will not make much difference," he said after a meeting of the rate-setting Monetary Policy Committee (MPC).
Cyprus has not changed its rates for more than a year. The ECB had been expected to raise euro zone rates towards the Cyprus level until turmoil broke out on global financial markets in August, forcing the ECB to suspend its tightening campaign.
The Cyprus Lombard rate will stay at 5.0 percent and the overnight deposit facility rate at 3.0 percent, said Orphanides, who will join the ECB's Governing Council in January. Financial markets had not expected any change.
"(The Central Bank) wants to keep rates as high as possible for as long as possible," said economist Marios Mavrides. "However, even if they reduced them now, it would make no difference. For Cyprus the current Cyprus interest rates are no longer relevant, but those of the ECB are."
The Central Bank is worried that excessive credit is feeding into inflation and stoking property prices. Consumer prices rose 2.99 percent year-on-year in October, up from 2.6 in September. In the past year home prices have increased more than 10 percent.
Authorities asked commercial banks to limit mortgage lending earlier this year. "If loans continue at the same pace the rate of growth in credit will exceed 40 percent by the end of the year," said Orphanides. "However I do not think the same rapid expansion rates will continue."
For mortgages and remortgages in Cyprus visit www.europamortgages.com
Posted by Chris Norman at 8:53 AM 1 comment:
Our house, in the middle of our street
Here in Spain we don't really have much of a sub-prime mortgage market. The only loans where you can self-certificate your income have pretty low Loan-to-values, like 50% or 60%.
For the holiday apartment boom along the coastal areas, many of these units have been bought by non-residents, so the LTV's were generally not more than 70 or 80%
So anyone that has bought over the past few years of price increases, should still have a chunk of equity in the property. Even if people have a few problems making the payments, during a period of higher interest rates, then it would take a substantial fall in the market for these properties to have negative equity. That is, the loan being higher than the value.
Past history has shown us that even with negative equity, the long term prospects for property is that it increases in value. So hang in there. If you want to switch to interest-only and save a bit of cashflow, visit us at www.europamortgages.com and make an enquiry.
Reposted from Bloomberg
Nov. 1 (Bloomberg) -- As the U.S. real-estate crash worsens, thoughts in Europe are turning to how bad the housing markets might get in Spain, Ireland and the U.K., where booms are also deflating fast.
Don't panic. While the go-go days are probably over, there's little evidence yet that the return of some semblance of sanity to European property prices imperils the outlook for growth in the same way as the U.S. meltdown might crimp the world's biggest economy.
There are certainly some worrying signs of weakness in Europe. Mortgage arrears, or delinquencies, are climbing, based on an analysis of the third-quarter performance of European mortgage-backed bonds by credit-rating company Fitch Inc.
Arrears in Spain, for example, surged almost 31 percent in the third quarter from the previous three months, although the overall percentage of borrowers at least three months behind in their payments is still low at 0.34 percent.
``The highest arrears are being seen in transactions from 2006, backed by high loan-to-value loans from specialist lenders,'' Fitch said. ``More recent vintages are expected to see higher arrears and defaults in future.''
The U.K. market saw the second-biggest jump in arrears, with late payments on so-called non-conforming mortgages -- those with non-standard characteristics, similar to Alternative-A loans in the U.S. -- jumping 7.7 percent. Arrears rose 4.9 percent in Italy, 2.7 percent in Ireland, and 2.4 percent in Germany.
Raising Rates
``In all jurisdictions, the effects of central bank interest-rate rises are being seen through increased arrears levels,'' Fitch said. The European Central Bank's benchmark rate has doubled to 4 percent in the past two years, while the Bank of England raised its key rate to 5.75 percent from 4.5 percent in the same period.
In Spain, the euro region's fourth-biggest economy, prices are still rising, though at a third of the rate seen two years ago. House values climbed 5.3 percent in the third quarter from the second, down from an average gain of almost 11 percent in 2006 and below the 15.5 percent increase in the first quarter of 2005, the earliest period for which figures are available.
Even a ``cautious'' analysis suggests prices are overvalued by about 30 percent, according to a Deutsche Bank AG study published last week by London-based economist Susana Garcia- Cervero and Madrid-based analyst Daniel Gandoy Lopez.
Money Markets
Fixed-rate mortgages account for less than 1 percent of the Spanish market, the report said. Most home loans are tied to 12- month euro money market rates, which have surged to about 4.6 percent currently, from 3.85 percent a year ago and less than 2 percent in mid-2003.
``We calculate that even under very conservative assumptions, from 2007 the economy could face a cumulative loss of almost 7 percent of gross domestic product,'' the Deutsche Bank authors wrote. Construction accounts for about 11 percent of the Spanish economy. Still, a recession in Spain is ``a rather unlikely scenario in the next 18 months,'' they said.
In Ireland, house prices dropped 1.9 percent in August and 0.7 percent in July, the first declines in at least 10 years, halting a boom that saw values climb 9.5 percent in February, 7.4 percent in March and 5.1 percent in April. Mortgage lending, meantime, grew an annual 16.1 percent in September, the slowest pace in a decade.
``The notion that Irish housing activity is in the throes of a serious slowdown which will cause a large drop in employment in the construction sector with adverse consequences for growth in the wider economy is now virtually an article of faith,'' Dermot O'Brien, chief economist at NCB Stockbrokers in Dublin, wrote in a research report last month.
Ireland's unemployment rate ticked higher, to 4.7 percent, in September from an average of 4.6 percent in the second quarter, leaving it well below its 20-year average of 9.4 percent and in line with its five-year average of 4.5 percent. Construction accounts for about 12 percent of the economy, with new housing contributing about 6.5 percent.
A collapse in the construction industry would suggest the labor market should have had a much faster pace of job losses, O'Brien wrote. ``The scenario in which a lower level of housing activity punches a big hole in the Irish growth story is untenable,'' he wrote.
In the U.K., figures showed house prices falling for the first time in two years last month. Research group Hometrack Ltd. said this week that the average cost of a home in England and Wales declined 0.1 percent from September.
Banking Bonuses
The drop, though, mostly reflects waning demand in central London, where banking bonuses have driven prices sky-high in recent years. The Council for Mortgage Lenders predicts U.K. prices will still grow next year, albeit by just 1 percent compared with 7 percent this year.
``Ireland and Spain will take the most significant direct hits, while the U.K.'s more diversified economy, which is currently experiencing a less stark moderation in house-price and construction-sector growth, should weather the storm to a greater degree,'' Trevor Cullinan, a sovereign credit analyst at Standard & Poor's in London, wrote in a report last month.
The word ``decoupling'' will be bandied about a lot in the coming months as economists debate the implications of a U.S. slowdown for the rest of the world. In Europe, at least, the outlook for the housing market doesn't threaten to invoke the ghost of recession, no matter how bad the U.S. story gets.
A Mortgage in the Sun
A Mortgage in Portugal
A Mortgage in Spain
Addme.com
Eye on Spain
Andalucia.com
The Property Path
Europa Mortgages
Chris Norman


text:
Q: MongoDB aggregation $unwind and 1NF I have a basic rhetorical/theoretical question for people experienced using both MongoDB and RDBMS. Surprised SO has no Data Munging or Data Engineering forum.
In making an aggregation pipeline in Mongo, we use $unwind to explode nested array values so each has its own document so that we may group or do other aggregation.
To me this smells just like getting the data to First Normal Form. The documents tend to look just like records in 1NF at this stage. It seems like that is the goal. I have searched and searched and not found that phrase uttered in any Mongo topics, certainly it was not said in courses I took in MongoDB University. And this would apply to other non-relational data systems as well.
Is 1NF essentially the same thing as the data form necessary for an aggregation step? Is there any data manipulation term for it?

A:
The documents tend to look just like records in 1NF at this stage.

For an array of primitive values the output of $unwind looks similar to First normal form (1NF), but pedantically the $unwind output should be expected to be UNF (Unnormalised form) since:

*

*documents output by $unwind do not have a unique key constraint (although arguably the includeArrayIndex option can be used to provide an explicit row identifier)

*arrays support complex data types (nested arrays and documents)

I have searched and searched and not found that phrase uttered in any Mongo topics, certainly it was not said in courses I took in MongoDB University.

Database normalisation is a strongly RDBMS concept, where you design a model to reduce data redundancy ("How to efficiently store data"). Standard normal forms are expressions of more rigid data relationships and constraints for tabular data.
MongoDB data model design is application-centric ("How to efficiently use data"). Since the decision on whether to normalise or denormalise data is influenced by the usage context, data model discussion generally focuses on data growth and use case patterns rather than highly normalised forms.

Is 1NF essentially the same thing as the data form necessary for an aggregation step?

1NF (or an $unwind operation) certainly isn't a necessary step for aggregating or transforming arrays. MongoDB has other array expression operators such as $arrayToObject, $filter, and $map which implement different data transformations.

Is there any data manipulation term for it?

I'm not sure if there are any generally accepted terms, but I think an $unwind operation would typically be described as either "flattening" or "unnesting" arrays.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Replay Media Catcher is a software that allows you to record music from external devices and from the online platform.
The interface of the program is easy to navigate through. On the left side of the screen you can view recordings (e.g. in progress, today), use a search tool and audio recorder.
Thus, you can press the big red button after selecting the output format in which files will be automatically converted (and optionally import into iTunes), in order to start the recording.
Also, you can search for online music, video and radio stations, and configure audio recording options (e.g split on silence, set threshold).
In addition, you can view the cache of your web browsers and extract content. More so, you can schedule a recording session in the case of streaming radio, as well as select the action to take after the task is completed (stop monitoring, suspend or hibernate computer).
Furthermore, you can view a log file, open the storage folder, edit meta data, fix FLVs, download a YouTube playlist, as well as configure conversion settings (e.g. output format, start time, video codec, frame rate, bit rate and frame size), as well as general settings (e.g. storage folder location, file naming rules, plugins).
Replay Media Catcher manages to complete a task in a short amount of time while using a low amount of system resources. However, errors occurred in the case of some media files and they could not be properly played.
The program includes an online help file with snapshots and lets you toggle between several interface languages. Besides the fact that Replay Media Catcher could use some functionality improvements, we recommend you give this tool a try.
- System Requirements: Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista.


text:
Home / Books / Little Anthony-My Journey My Destiny
Little Anthony-My Journey My Destiny
Size Kindle - $6.99 Hardcover - $24.95
Jerome Anthony Gourdine, known as Little Anthony, began singing songs in his crib. His mind buzzed of melodies which, when he could later talk, he put to words. A true prodigy, his voice has become one of the most recognizable on earth. Anthony s parents, also performing artists, passed on their talent and passion to Anthony. But it was more than genetic inheritance that spurred the prodigy to greatness; it was his innate talent and his spiritual belief that he was destined to become this special performer. Anthony never learned how to play an instrument nor read music, yet his acutely tuned ear tells him when there is a sour note played by a violist in a full philharmonic orchestra. The streets of Brooklyn became his first stage as he gathered under the street lamps to harmonize with friends, who later on became known as The Imperials. A teenage heart throb, he set the radio on fire with his smooth, savvy voice that could sing three octaves and a falsetto. From the Friday afternoon sock hops, to touring Europe, Anthony s music has endured five decades. After fifty years of producing hit songs, Reviver Records is releasing a series of albums for a new generation of listeners. Duets will incorporate Anthony's angelic voice with well-known singers of other genres, ages, and backgrounds. A one-man show will highlight Anthony's classic hits along with fresh new tunes as he tours around the country. Cousin Brucie, now broadcasting around the globe with Sirius XM Radio, provides an intimate look inside Little Anthony's life through the town hall style show. Surviving, flourishing, and injecting fresh new sounds into a legendary voice that has been on the radio and stage for over five decades, is a feat only a handful of performers can do. Famed singers have bowed at Anthony's feet, radio DJs have thanked him for allowing the airwaves to be filled with his precious music, and world-acclaimed producer, David Gest, brought Anthony's musc to England. Anthony's music is played around the world, and the best is yet to come.
Item Weight : 1.7 pounds
Dimensions : 6.25 x 1.5 x 9.25 inches
Publisher : Mascot Books (August 26, 2014)


Deirdre Robb's wishing tree installations are designed to provide a platform for the individual and community voice. She seeks to counter negativity and through a visual creative energy, celebrates the best of the community aiming to create debate and a platform for discussion. This is a text-based project that allows the participants to create three wishes, one for themselves, one for a loved one and the last one for their community. Robb stimulates participants to explore identity, encourages them to celebrate their community and inspires the individual to look to a positive future. She then creates outdoor interventions in parks, shopping centres, abandoned sites and various outdoor settings.


A dynamic calendar of DC Election Events. Please add events using the form below the calendar, share it with your colleagues, folks working on a campaign, etc. The focus has been Mayoral forums/debates, but we are open to Council races as well!


text:
Facing Up to a Legacy of Abuse
June 21, 2022 by Together We Heal Leave a comment
Reader content warning:
the following account contains descriptions of sexual abuse.
CBS Mornings and CBS Evening News reporter, Nikki Battiste, did an interview with Together We Heal's Director, David Pittman.
It covered his personal experience of sexual abuse by a Southern Baptist minister, and how that abuse was covered up.
https://www.cbsnews.com/video/survivor-speaks-out-after-bombshell-southern-baptist-abuse-report/
https://www.cbsnews.com/video/southern-baptist-convention-launches-reforms-to-combat-sexual-abuse/
#SBCtoo
#MenToo
#1in6
Categories: 1in6, CBS Evening News, CBS Mornings, child abuse, Child Sexual Abuse, Clergy Abuse, David Pittman, frankie wiley, Frankie Wiley Sexual Predator, Grooming, Male Survivor, Nikki Battiste, SBC, SBC Executive Committee, SBC Sexual Abuse Task Force, Southern Baptist Convention, Southern Baptists, statute of limitations, Together We Heal, Together-we-heal.org | Tags: CBS Evening News, CBS Mornings, David Pittman, Frankie Wiley, Nikki Battiste, SBC, SBC Executive Committee, SBC Sexual Abuse Task Force, statute of limitations, Together We Heal | Permalink.
Author: Together We Heal
In 2006 David took the first step in a long and painful journey back from the abyss of addiction and self-destruction. He promised his dying father that he would get clean. And he did. But as he cleaned his body and soul, he began to confront the sexual abuse that his addiction had for so long obscured — abuse perpetrated by a church youth minister when David was 12 to 15 years old. Those three years of abuse destroyed the foundation of love and faith that had been built by his family. For 25 years, David kept the abuse secret and lost himself in a fog of drugs and alcohol. He was by turns destitute, at times incarcerated. The promise to his dying father was the catalyst. And the bedrock of his mother's love and devotion was the foundation on which David rebuilt his life. Therapy, 12-step meetings, and soul-deep determination were the bricks and mortar. David founded Together We Heal to provide fellow survivors and their families, guidance through the trauma of childhood sexual abuse. In 2015 he was asked to become a part of the Child Safeguarding Initiative team with GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment) to empower the Christian community through education and training to recognize, prevent, and respond to child abuse. David represents Together We Heal & GRACE across the country as a public speaker and instructor; teaching churches, schools, and families how to talk with their kids about sexual abuse, how to better identify predatory behavior, and how to properly respond to those harmed. "To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world." - Dr. Seuss


text:
Home » Found » Madeline Connelly last seen in Glacier National Park
Madeline Connelly last seen in Glacier National Park
UPDATE 5/10/17 – Madeline has been found. She was lost and searchers were able to locate her after missing for six days. She did an interview with KPAX and said, "I feel like an idiot," in a hoarse voice. Well, no one feels you are Madeline. After hearing of so many people getting lost in the woods it is more common that you think and the fact she was found alive is nothing but good news. She said she realized she was lost the first night and she was able to get water from a creek. Her mother, Laura Connelly, beaming with happiness that was standing next to Madeline said she was so thankful to all the incredible people that found her.
Original story: A search is on for a missing River Forest woman. Madeline Connelly, 23, was last seen on Thursday, May 4 with her dog, Mogie, in Glacier National Park. They had gone on a seven-mile hike in the Great Bear Wilderness area. Her car was located near the trailhead in Montana.
"This is the wilderness that she went into, so it's not fair for me to speculate at this point what may have happened to her," Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry told CBS news. "There's lots of different things on the menu, and of course our searchers are continuing to explore every possibility."
Madeline a River Forest native lived in Arizona and was planning on moving to Alaska. She stopped in Flathead County Montana to visit her uncle and set off to go for a hike on May 4th. Searchers have combed the area and have seen Grizzly bear tracks, but nothing else to state the animal and Madeline ran into each other.
Connelly is 5'5″ tall, 120 pounds with brown hair. Mogie is a medium-size dog with white and tan fur.
Anyone who may have seen her or has information about where she could be should call the Flathead County Sheriff's Office at 406-758-5610.


"Anglo" denotes the elites of the Anglosphere which loosely comprises those of the so called Five eyes countries of the UKUSA agreement - USA, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. It represents a secret intelligence conglomerate and thus underpins both the military and financial power of the elites.
"US" denotes the elites of the USA. Its inclusion in all 3 parts of the acronym is appropriate in that it is THE dominant country in terms of nationally defined financial and military power.
NATO denotes the elites of the countries of the NATO alliance and its partner and vassal states.
The phrase is commonly used to imply unanimous international support for a point of view on a disputed issue. Noam Chomsky has noted the use of the term to refer to the United States and its client states and allies in the media of those states. The scholar and academic Martin Jacques says: "We all know what is meant by the term 'international community', don't we? It's the west, of course, nothing more, nothing less. Using the term 'international community' is a way of dignifying the west, of globalising it, of making it sound more respectable, more neutral and high-faluting."
An acronym that encapsulates the politico/cultural/ethnic make up of the elites behind the drive to a uni-polar, globalised world politics under the hegemonic control of these elites. Its anodyne, 'for public consumption' analogues are: 'International Community' and 'Community of Democracies'.


text:
EXPLORE los angeles
Get The Star Treatment During a Weekend Escape in Beverly Hills
By Shaena Engle Jan. 6th, 2023
Shaena Engle
You don't need to be a celebrity to get the star treatment in Beverly Hills. The 90210 has a bevy of spots for a weekend of pampering, dining, shopping and glamour. Here are some prime locations for a perfect weekend getaway.
AKA Beverly Hills
155 N. Crescent Drive
Located in the heart of Beverly Hills, AKA provides luxurious spacious residential apartments paired with hotel services and amenities close to shopping, dining and salons. AKA Beverly Hills houses one and two-bedroom suites, penthouses and townhouses ranging in size. Units include big gourmet kitchens with wood floors, a huge fridge, microwave, oven, dishwasher and cupboards full of plates, utensils and cookware. The kitchen flows into the dining and living areas in an open floor plan with some units housing a fireplace and patios with views of the Hollywood sign. Furniture is selected to perfectly fit each unit with made to order furnishings from Italy. There is also a washer and dryer, bedroom with second television, huge beautiful bathrooms with showers and soaking tubs and a big walk in closet.
A week stay at the AKA in a one-bedroom suite runs approximately $3,700 and is well worth the price. Averaging out to about $500 per night, the suite is much bigger than a luxury hotel room at a comparable price and has the added bonus of a full kitchen, great location within walking distance of dozens of restaurants and shops and beautiful amenities including secure parking, lounge and fitness area and private screening room that provide privacy and lots of space.
AKA Beverly Hills residences can be reserved at https://www.stayaka.com.
The Maybourne Hotel
225 Canon Drive
Head across the street for a relaxing afternoon tea at The Maybourne Hotel. Indulge in smoked salmon, cucumber, turkey, chicken salad and ham sandwiches; scones with clotted cream and jam and a selection of hand made sweets while enjoying the pretty garden area outside of the hotel. Choose from a wide assortment of black, white, green and iced teas and add a glass of champagne to kick off the weekend in Beverly Hills style. $125 per person, at https://www.maybournebeverlyhills.com.
233 N. Beverly Drive
Across from the Maybourne is Avra, a sprawling Mediterranean/Greek seafood restaurant specializing in whole grilled fish, seafood and Greek delicacies. AVRA offers diners a choice of al fresco dining overlooking swanky Beverly Drive of inside seating their huge 11,000 square foot space with a view of the big daily fresh seafood display. Guests can choose their fish from the display including white snapper, Loup de Mer, dorado, Dover sole, branzino, turbot, red snapper and langoustines. The selection changes daily. There is also a wide variety of sashimi as well as main courses and a lovely huge dessert platter. Make reservations here.
421 N. Rodeo Drive
The Hideaway brings Baja to Beverly Hills in a pretty lively setting behind Rodeo Drive. If you want to do serious people watching, The Hideaway is the place to dine. Choose to sit in the beautiful open air patio with a big central fireplace or inside on cozy leather booths or at the trendy bar. Order lots of shareable dishes including the brisket birria, short ribs, branzino with salsa verde, braised pork belly, crispy rock shrimp or one of many grilled steaks. There are also delicious cocktails and a sparkling huge chocolate cake for dessert. Make reservations here
Giuseppe Franco Salon
350 N. Canon Drive
Get Instagram-ready by giving your hair the star treatment at celebrity hairstylist Giuseppe Franco's huge salon. The New York Italian stylist cuts the strands of Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mickey Rourke, Sharon Stone and other celebrities. Leave with a fabulous new do for the New Year. Make reservations here.
Rodeo Drive Shopping
Head to the most exclusive shopping street in LA and browse luxurious fashion from Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Tiffany & Co and 75 designer boutiques and shops.
The Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
300 S. Doheny Drive
Pamper the afternoon away at the beautiful Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills spa. Try the Eco-Luxury Organic Facial in the Garden Suite with a living green wall. The treatment incorporates an Ayuna Oleo Essence cream-in-oil peel that is safer than traditional hydroxy acids leaving skin exfoliated and smooth. The face massage and volcanic mask will leave you rejuvenated and refreshed.
Guests can also enjoy a dip in the pool or Jacuzzi just outside the spa or opt to get in a workout in the fully equipped outdoor gym. Reserve your treatment here.
The Wallis Annenberg Center for Performing Arts
9390 N. Santa Monica Boulevard
Treat yourself to a show at The Wallis Annenberg Center for Performing Arts in the heart of Beverly Hills. Enjoy dance, theatre, opera, classical music and film programs at their bigger 500-seat theater or their more intimate 150-seat theater. Tickets at https://thewallis.org.
Shaena Engle is the lifestyle, food and travel editor for The Official Black Magazine and also has written/writes for the Los Angeles Times, Pasadena Magazine, M Magazine, Los Angeles Times Las Vegas Magazine, The Daily Meal, AOL, yummly and other outlets. She has authored The Best Places to Kiss in Southern California, The Cheap Bastard's Guide to Las Vegas and other outlets. She writes about tra...(Read More)
JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE
The Beverly Hills Hotel
Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
L'Ermitage Beverly Hills
Oceana Beach Club Hotel


Watch a free ten-minute film in English which depicts the geographic history of the United States from 1789 on AnimatedAtlas.
This entry was posted on juin dimanche, 2010 at 10:38	and is filed under Read or watch, USA. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.


Purchasing a fiber incompatible with your lifestyle can be disastrous. It's important to familiarize yourself with the most common fibers.
• Polyester- Chiefly made from recycled plastic, polyester is relatively eco-friendly, stain-resistant, and very economical. Unfortunately, it also has the tendency to crush under heavy foot traffic. Consider polyester for a low-budget solution where stain-resistance is the main priority, such as a child's bedroom.
• Nylon- Nylon has dominated the industry for years, heralded for its resiliency and dependability. Reputable brands, such as Stainmaster and Scotchguard, have developed special formulas to bolster nylon's stain-resistance, making it an extremely well-rounded option. Nylon is best used in high-traffic rooms, or in households with pets where the stain warranties can really shine.
• Wool- Exceptionally soft and eco-friendly, wool is a luxurious alternative to modern synthetic fibers. Wool retains its shape for decades, making it a lifetime choice. It also has many natural features, such as dirt resistance, high fire retardance, and low off-gassing. However, because of its high absorption capacity, wool is not a practical choice for bedrooms prone to stains or animal fluids.
• Triexta- Developed by Mohawk Industries, triexta (also known as SmartStrand) is extremely stain-resistant and luxuriously soft. Like polyester, triexta is composed primarily of recycled material. Unlike polyester, the fibers are specifically engineered to retain their shape. Triexta's only downfall is its age; it lacks the rapport with carpet dealers and long-term consumers that nylon or wool has established. This fiber is suitable for most bedrooms.
Yarn style can have a huge impact on the final design of your bedroom. In addition, each yarn style has its own set of benefits.
• Cut-Pile- The most common style you see in homes today is cut-pile. Cut-pile creates a smooth, flat surface that withstands moderate traffic. It is an excellent choice if your greatest concern is finding a soft carpet for your bedroom.
• Loop- If Aging-In-Place design is your priority, you might want to consider a looped style for its superior performance with rolling traffic. Many shoppers think of looped as the traditional berber. There's a good reason why: Berber carpet is the king of durability. However, in recent years, looped styles has been given quite an update. While looped carpet will never be as soft as cut-pile, fibers such as wool and triexta have created a far less-abrasive product. In addition, looped is now manufactured with high and low loops, creating stylish patterns that can make a major statement.
• Frieze- You may have heard that frieze is the new shag. Frieze is similar to cut-pile, in that the ends are sheared. However, frieze has double the amount of twists and usually has a much longer yarn than cut-piles. Frieze can be an excellent design choice if you favor an informal style, such as chic or retro. You should carefully consider the traffic patterns of your bedroom before deciding on frieze. While new technology has enhanced the twist resiliency of the yarns, frieze still has the tendency to fall flat in areas with heavy traffic.
• Cut and Loop- If you appreciate the softness of a cut-pile, but require the durability of a looped construction, consider a cut and loop. Cut and loop is gradually making its way back into popularity with exciting new designs. Cut and loop designs can be subtle or bold, and can easily make a major statement in your bedroom. The styles available are vast: ranging from geometrical, floral, abstract, linear, and even animal print.
• Construction- Many shoppers have been inaccurately told that face weight is the most important specification to look for. When dealers advertise heavy face weights at low costs, but don't be fooled. While face weight can be important, it should not be the deciding factor. Face weight, density, and backing should all be considered before making your ultimate choice.
Density is determined by a formula that includes face weight and pile height, creating a much more accurate standard of durability. Generally, a product with at least a density over 2000 ounces per cubic yard should be resilient to matting.
Unless you are considering a woven piece, such as wool or jute, typically the backing you see and touch is the secondary backing. Examine the grid and test the rigidity of the backing. If the loops are loose and the backing is flimsy, consider moving on. A loose weave or inferior glue can cause many problems down the road, such as delamination or unsightly wrinkles. High-quality manufacturers specialize in tightly tufted backings that are rigid and contain little fillers.
• Padding- Selecting a high quality pad is vital to protecting your investment. Padding absorbs the shock from traffic, adds comfort, and allows you to extract much more dirt and residue when vacuuming. There are several types of padding on the market, such as rebond, rubber, and memory foam. Many professionals recommend purchasing at least an 8lb rebond pad with your new carpet.
• Warranties- While a manufacturer's warranty will not cover wear and tear, it does give you an idea on a floor's longevity and how well it will function in your home. In addition, ask your flooring dealer about their installation warranty. A reputable dealer should have at least a one year installation warranty, if not a lifetime.
• Carpet Flooring Dealers- Although there are many carpet stores in Toronto, not all can give you the quality service and installation you deserve. Research the dealer before signing on the dotted line. A quality flooring dealer will have a history of excellent service, industry affiliations, readily available reviews, and previous project examples. Your salesman should be knowledgeable and more than willing to spend time with you to find the product that suits your needs. After all, this isn't an impulse purchase; this is a decision you will have to live with for years.
Don't rush to the clearance rack to buy the first cut-pile you see. Choose something that emulates your style, makes a statement, or gives you the luxury you've been longing for. Armed with facts and creativity, you can easily filter out all the carpets Toronto has to offer and find the perfect choice for your bedroom.


Because I'm prone to occasional delusions and a generally optimistic outlook, I'm a big believer in getting feedback on a product idea as soon as humanly possible. It never works to say "Hi smart friendly person, what should I build?" but pretty much at any point after making the decision, I like to take my idea out and talk with people about it.
So when we started Yesware, I immediately started talking with people about the concept. And when we had mockups, I started showing them around, asking questions and watching for those priceless guttural vocalizations ("hm!" or "oo" or sometimes as human as "nice."). Those are the responses that signal real interest. Talking with people like Jim Dickie, Amy Lovelace and Jim Fowler was particularly helpful.
But Yesware isn't an enterprise business, we're going to sell through a website direct to salespeople. Going door-to-door selling individual subscriptions just isn't going to work. To start testing how our site will do in bringing people in, educating them about Yesware, and eventually getting some of theme to register, we put up our first webpage funnel last week. Here's a quick tutorial on how we did it quickly and for free.
A URL for your destination (aka "Landing") page. This is the page that the potential user will land on when they click on your ad. Here's our first one.
A URL for your pricing page. This is the "ask" in a traditional sales process. This is where the value proposed in the Landing page gets meets the reality of what the prospect is going to have to pay for it. Here's a link to that page.
A URL for your closing page. This is where you collect information about the prospect. This could be as simple as an email address, or as complete as registration/credit card. If you are not ready to sell your product, I suggest asking for everything (but nothing more) that you'll need for the registration process. Here's our Closing page for the monthly plan.
You need to deal with your reporting tools first. We looked in detail at KissMetrics and Hubspot, and briefly at a half-dozen other reporting packages. A lot of people tweet about how easy Kissmetrics is to use, but I couldn't figure it out in the time allotted, and neither could our much-smarter web programmer. So, at least for now, we're going with Google Analytics. Since you likely already have your site coded with GA tags, and it's free, and it's easy to use, it's not a bad metrics "platform" to at least prototype your business on.
3. Set up a Goal in Google Analytics.
"Goal Position" doesn't matter for now. We use "Head Match" for "Match Type" since we want some flexibility in the URL format that we throw at this thing. Then, crucially, you enter the page URLs of each step in the funnel.
A Pricing Page. We use "/pricing" so we're sending traffic from all landing pages to this single landing page, and then sorting out the Landing page that sent the user by appending a source code to the referring URL. If you don't want to deal with this approach, just create a specific price page that will welcome visitors from the specific landing page.
A Closing Page. This is where users enter their info. I don't want to call it a Registration page, because there's more selling to do all the way until the prospect gives you their information. See how the Basecamp Closing Page works this. We could get a lot better at this.
There are endless posts on "Optimizing Landing Pages" and I particularly like the community around ABTests.com. But don't obsess about this part. Anyone can create the basic web pages you'll need to get a funnel in place. If you are working with a web designer, get her/him working on these pages while you are setting up the Goal. Make _sure_ that your new pages include the Google Analytics code.
6. Set the "Destination URL" in Adwords to the Landing Page you loaded in the last step.
Then set your keyword maximum bid (start with 50% of the 'recommended' bid and work up) and set a daily budget (I use $50/day for a test). And let 'er rip! Your new ad will appear all over the Google-web, some tiny percentage of viewers will click on it… on to the landing page, then maybe to the pricing page, then maybe onwards.
here's a ton we can learn from this report, most notably, our landing page _sucks_!
From here, it's a matter of improving the various components of the funnel, and then replicating the funnel out to other segments of your broad target customer. I hope this helps Google Analytics n00bs like me figure this out.
Any SEO pros who want to weigh in on better approaches, please comment below.


text:
October 13, 1997 – DO 78, s. 1997 – Guidelines for Election-Related Administrative Complaints
Guidelines for Election-Related Administrative Complaints
To: The Undersecretary and Assistant Secretary for Legal Affairs
The Chief of Attorneys of the DECS Legal Division
The Regional Directors
The Division Superintendents
In his policy statement made early in 1995, the DECS Secretary announced that all election-related offenses or violations allegedly committed by DECS official or employee while in the performance of their election duties as deputized COMELEC officials shall be investigated immediately in his capacity as the ultimate disciplining authority of the DECS through a designated Investigating Committee on Election-Related Cases, and, if found guilty, will be punished with sanctions or penalties provided by law. Secs. 17(b) and 7(5), Book IV, Chap. 2, Rev. Adm. Code of 1987; see Secs. 37 to 43, PD 807).
It has been observed, however, that after each election, whether for national, local, Sangguniang Kabataan or barangay officials, many administrative complaints of election-related offenses or violations were filled with this Office against DECS officials and employees by defeated candidates, accusing the former for incompetence, dishonesty, misconduct, corrupt practices, etc. in the performance of their deputized election duties, involving registration of voters, shifting of precincts, voting procedures, misappreciation and felonious computation in the counting of ballots and votes therein, and many other irregularities or frauds-all of which complaints, by reading the allegations therein, are readily recognizable as retaliatory, vindictive, sour-graping and nuisance complaints.
Nevertheless; the authority to conduct preliminary investigations and/or to resolve administrative complaints of election-related offenses or violations against any DECS official or employee is not the sole prerogative of the DECS Secretary, but likewise the Constitution and other pertinent laws confer concurrent jurisdiction upon the Ombudsman and the COMELEC.
Pursuant to subtitle B, Sections 2 and 3, Title II, Book V of the Rev. Adm. Code of 1986 and Rep. Act 6770, the Ombudsman has the concurrent authority and jurisdiction to try and resolve administrative complaints against government officials "in any form or manner", which include election-related offenses or violations, and its decision, which is appealable only by certiorari to the Supreme Court, shall be enforced, after said decisions shall have become final and executory, by the government agencies or offenses or offices concerned to which the respondent official or employee belong to.
However, if the Ombudsman considers the administrative complaints as falling within those exemptions from its assuming jurisdiction and decides either to dismiss the administrative complaint or to turn over the same to the DECS (see Sec. 20 of Rep. Act No. 6770), then, the DECS shall take cognizance of such administrative complaint for election-related offenses or violations only if filed separately or anew before the DECS which shall proceed to investigate and resolve the said case pursuant to law and the procedure outlined in these Guidelines.
Under the Constitution and the election laws, which have broadened the powers and functions of the COMELEC as the enforcer and administrator of election laws, and pursuant to the ruling of the Supreme Court in the case of Tan vs. COMELEC, G.R. No. 11209, October 4, 1994 (237 SCRA 353), the COMELEC has likewise the authority and jurisdiction to conduct preliminary investigation of all election-related offenses or violations allegedly committed by any DECS official or employee and, if a probable cause is established from such preliminary investigations, the COMELEC shall recommend to the corresponding authority, the DECS Secretary for instance, to take appropriate action against the respondent DECS official or employee in accordance with law.
Henceforth, all administrative complaints of election-related offenses or violations filed or pending with this Office shall be subject to the following conditions and/or actions:
All such complaints filed with this Office, DECS Regional Offices and Division Offices shall be under oath or verified before a notary public or any authorized subscribing officer;
Proof of service of a copy of such complaint upon the respondent DECS official or employee shall be submitted or indicated/attached to the last page of the said complaint;
All such complaints shall contain a certification under oath that complainant has not filed any complaint or commenced any proceeding involving the same cause of action or issues before any court or quasi-judicial tribunal or that such complaint or proceeding is pending or has been resolved by the court or quasi-judicial tribunal.
Failure to comply with any of the above requisites shall be a ground for summary dismissal of the administrative complaint, e.g., non-compliance with requisite Par. (a), pursuant to CSC Resolution No. 953099 issued on May 9,1995; requisite Par. (b), for lack of initial administrative jurisdiction; and requisite Par. (c), for violation of forum-shopping prohibition.
If a similar complaint involving election-related offenses or violations against a DECS official or employee has been filed or pending before the Ombudsman and/or the COMELEC, the administrative complaint for the same cause of action against the same DECS official or employee as filed and/or pending with this Office shall be summarily dismissed without prejudice to refiling the same with this Office after the Ombudsman or the COMELEC shall have resolved the aforesaid similar administrative complaint before them.
If the Ombudsman shall have rendered a decision or resolution, finding the respondent DECS official or employee guilty of the election-related offense or violation, and imposing the appropriate penalty of either fine, reprimand, suspension or dismissal, the DECS, upon receipt of the aforesaid copy of the Ombudsman's Decision or Resolution, shall serve or furnish a copy thereof upon the respondent DECS official or employee requiring said respondent to comment thereon.
If no subsequent action shall have been taken by the respondent DECS official., or employee by filing a petition for review of the said Decision with the Supreme Court, and the said Ombudsman's Decision or Resolution shall have become final and executor, the DECS shall proceed to implement and enforce the same, as directed by law (see Sections 15(3) and. 21, Rep. Act. No. 6770).
If the COMELEC shall have rendered its Resolution on the complaint for election-related offense or violation, finding probable cause against the respondent DECS official or employee, the DECS, upon receipt of the copy of the COMELEC's Resolution, which is purely recommendatory in nature, shall motupropio file the Formal Complaint against the said DECS official or employee, for the commission of the election-related offense or violation as constitutive of the administrative offense of Grave Misconduct and/or Conduct Prejudicial, to the Best Interest of the Service, and. thereafter serve or furnish the respondent DECS official or employee with copies of the Formal Complaint and the COMELEC's Resolution, requiring the said respondent to comment on the said Formal Complaint and COMELECJs Resolution within ten (10) days from receipt thereof
After the respondent DECS official or employee shall have filed his Answer/Comment to the Formal Complaint and the COMELEC's Resolution or no such Answer/Comment shall have been filed within the reglamentary period, the DECS, through the designated Investigating Committee on Election-Related Cases, shall proceed to investigate the administrative case and, after receipt of the Report of the said Committee, shall render its judgment or decision, either for conviction or exoneration in accordance with the evidence and the law.
All DECS Regional Directors and Division Superintendents are directed to observe strictly the above guidelines in expeditiously investigating and resolving the administrative complaints of election-related offenses or violations filed before their Offices.
In all such administrative cases, they shall render a complete decision or resolution, stating the facts, their findings and conclusion, either adopting the findings or conclusions in the Report of the designated regional or division Investigating Committee or by making his own findings and conclusions on the basis of his own separate appreciation of the evidence on record and the law.
Thereafter, the records of the election-related administrative case, together with the original copy of the Report of the Investigating Committee and the Decision or Resolution of the Regional Director or the Division Superintendent, shall be forwarded to this office within ten (10) days after rendition of their Decision or Resolution, for the review and action of the DECS Secretary, if it so warrants, pursuant to law.
STRICT COMPLIANCE with these Guidelines is expeditiously enjoined.
ISSUED this 9th day of September, 1997, at the DECS Central Office, Pasig City, Metro Manila.
Reference: DECS Memorandum No. 360, s. 1997
Allotment: 1—(D.O. 50-97)
To be indicated in the Perpetual Index under the following subjects:


You watched the US win Olympic Gold - now you can try curling FREE. Come on out to our club and give it a try. All you need are clean tennis shoes (carry them in separately), and warm, loose-fitting clothes - we'll provide the rest. We'll have instructors on hand to show you how to throw a rock, and let you throw a couple down the ice. You may even get to try and make the awesome shot team Shuster made to win the Gold Medal! We can't wait to see you on the ice.