text:
150,000 stranded - 21,000 jobs at risk as Thomas Cook collapses
"Thomas Cook customers in the UK yet to travel should not go to the airport as all flights leaving the UK have been cancelled."
The tour operator Thomas Cook has ceased trading with immediate effect after failing in a final bid to secure a rescue package from creditors.
More than 150,000 British holidaymakers are currently abroad and will need to be repatriated as a result of the 178-year-old firm's collapse, the Civil Aviation Authority said.
The CAA said in a statement: "All Thomas Cook bookings, including flights and holidays, have now been cancelled. There are currently more than 150,000 Thomas Cook customers abroad, almost twice the number that were repatriated following the failure of Monarch.
"We know that a company with such long-standing history ceasing trading will be very distressing for its customers and employees and our thoughts are with everyone affected by this news."
The group's four airlines will be grounded and its 21,000 employees in 16 countries, including 9,000 in the UK, will be left unemployed.
The company also operated around 600 UK high street stores.
Boris Johnson has pledged to help holidaymakers stranded by travel company Thomas Cook's closure, as he questioned whether bosses are not incentivised to prevent their business's demise.
Mr Johnson told reporters on board the RAF Voyager travelling to New York for the United Nations General Assembly that his thoughts were with customers.
"It's a very difficult situation and obviously our thoughts are very much with the customers with Thomas Cook, the holiday makers, who may now face difficulties getting home."
Speaking before the collapse was announced in the early hours of Monday, the PM said "we will do our level best to get them (travellers) home".
"There will be plans ready to deal with that if it's necessary," he said.
"One way or the other the state will have to step in quite rightly to help stranded holidaymakers."
He said ways must be investigated so tour operators can protect themselves from bankruptcy, following the collapse of Thomas Cook as well as Monarch's demise in 2017.
Britain's largest peacetime repatriation
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said it has launched Britain's largest peacetime repatriation to bring home stranded Thomas Cook passengers.
All of the travel company's flights have been cancelled - that means the 105 aircraft it operates, according to its website, have been grounded.
There are 600,000 Thomas Cook travellers who have been left stuck at 51 destinations in 17 countries
More than 150,000 of those are Britons.
The airlift is almost twice the size of the repatriation effort required when Monarch went bust in October 2017.
In that instance, the CAA put on 567 flights which brought almost 84,000 passengers back to the UK.
The final cost of the Monarch operation to taxpayers was about £50 million. The Department for Transport would not put a firm figure on how much it would cost this time around but it is understood it could top £100 million.
Dozens of charter planes have been brought in from as far afield as Malaysia to assist with the mass airlift.
Only holidaymakers with return flights booked within the next two weeks, between Monday and Sunday October 6, will qualify for a free flight home, as close as possible to their original return date.
On Monday September 30, one week into the repatriation process, the CAA will launch a service which will seek to process all refunds within 60 days of full information being received. Further details will be given at thomascook.caa.co.uk.
"One is driven to reflect on whether the directors of these companies are properly incentivised to sort such matters out," he added.
The PM also sought to fend off criticism over the lack of a state bailout for Thomas Cook.
"It is perfectly true that a request was made to the government for a subvention of about £150 million," he said.
"Clearly that's a lot of taxpayers' money and sets up, as people will appreciate, a moral hazard in the case of future such commercial difficulties that companies face."
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said the Government had asked it to launch a repatriation programme over the next two weeks, starting on Monday and running to Sunday 6 October, to bring Thomas Cook customers back to the UK.
The CAA statement said: "Due to the unprecedented number of UK customers currently overseas who are affected by the situation, the Civil Aviation Authority has secured a fleet of aircraft from around the world to bring passengers back to the UK with return flights.
"Passengers in a small number of destinations may return on alternative commercial flights, rather than directly through the Civil Aviation Authority's flying programme. Details and advice for these passengers are available on the dedicated website.
"Due to the significant scale of the situation, some disruption is inevitable, but the Civil Aviation Authority will endeavour to get people home as close as possible to their planned dates. This will apply to both Atol protected passengers and those who are not protected.
"Customers currently overseas should not travel to the airport until their flight back to the UK has been confirmed on the dedicated website.
Richard Moriarty, chief executive of the CAA, said it had launched "what is effectively one of the UK's largest airlines" in order to repatriate British holidaymakers.
He said: "News of Thomas Cook's collapse is deeply saddening for the company's employees and customers, and we appreciate that more than 150,000 people currently abroad will be anxious about how they will now return to the UK.
"The government has asked us to support Thomas Cook customers on what is the UK's largest ever peacetime repatriation.
"We have launched, at very short notice, what is effectively one of the UK's largest airlines, involving a fleet of aircraft secured from around the world. The nature and scale of the operation means that unfortunately some disruption will be inevitable. We ask customers to bear with us as we work around the clock to bring them home.
"We urge anyone affected by this news to check our dedicated website, thomascook.caa.co.uk, for advice and information."
Travellers 'devastated'
Travellers have said they are "absolutely devastated" at the closure of Thomas Cook but have expressed support for the travel operator's staff.
The tourism giant announced early on Monday that it had ceased trading after failing to secure a last-ditch rescue deal, leaving an estimated 150,000 Britons abroad awaiting repatriation.
Nicole from Swansea, who did not wish to give her surname, told the PA news agency she was "absolutely devastated" at the closure of the firm she had booked with, which came before her "very first holiday".
"And now we have the stress of trying to fix this and sort it all out," she added.
"I am truly gutted, but also devastated for the people who are stranded on their holidays and for the employees who have lost their jobs with no warning, and this close to Christmas.
"It's such a shame."
Lucy Jessop from Hull has been holidaying in Mexico for two weeks and said she had been set to fly to Manchester with Thomas Cook on Tuesday.
She said she was "initially worried" after hearing about the company's closure but the Government had been "amazing" in organising an alternative flight.
Ms Jessop said: "It's the employees of Thomas Cook and all those due to go on holiday I feel for.
"We were the lucky ones, I suppose."
One of those considering herself unlucky was an 18-year-old English woman whose single mother worked for Thomas Cook for almost 20 years.
The teenager, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said her mother had "known her job was vulnerable for the past few days but only found out she is unemployed when the news came out that Thomas Cook is over".
She added that she was the eldest of three daughters, the youngest of whom is 10-years-old, and the now the only person in her home with a job.
"I have a part-time job with around 15 hours a week so the next few months will be a huge struggle for us.
"Especially since it's Christmas soon."
Danielle, who was due to fly from Manchester to Menorca at 6.40am, said she found out about the company's shuttering online.
"We heard our holiday was cancelled from Twitter and then the news 20 minutes before we left for the airport," she tweeted to PA.
"We only booked the holiday on the 19th August.
"We are absolutely gutted."
"We have worked exhaustively in the past few days to resolve the outstanding issues on an agreement to secure Thomas Cook's future for its employees, customers and suppliers," Mr Fankhauser said.
"Although a deal had been largely agreed, an additional facility requested in the last few days of negotiations presented a challenge that ultimately proved insurmountable.
"It is a matter of profound regret to me and the rest of the board that we were not successful.
"I would like to apologise to our millions of customers, and thousands of employees, suppliers and partners who have supported us for many years."
"Despite huge uncertainty over recent weeks, our teams continued to put customers first, showing why Thomas Cook is one of the best-loved brands in travel," Mr Fankhauser added.
"Generations of customers entrusted their family holiday to Thomas Cook because our people kept our customers at the heart of the business and maintained our founder's spirit of innovation.
"This marks a deeply sad day for the company which pioneered package holidays and made travel possible for millions of people around the world."
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced the Government and CAA has hired dozens of charter planes to fly customers home free of charge.
In a statement, the Department for Transport (DfT) said all customers currently abroad with Thomas Cook who are booked to return to the UK over the next two weeks will be brought home as close as possible to their booked return date.
Thomas Cook package holiday customers will also see the cost of their accommodation covered by the Government, through the Air Travel Trust Fund or Atol scheme, the DfT said.
Mr Shapps said: "Thomas Cook's collapse is very sad news for staff and holidaymakers.
"The Government and UK CAA is working round the clock to help people.
"Our contingency planning has helped acquire planes from across the world - some from as far away as Malaysia - and we have put hundreds of people in call centres and at airports.
"But the task is enormous, the biggest peacetime repatriation in UK history. So there are bound to be problems and delays.
"Please try to be understanding with the staff who are trying to assist in what is likely to be a very difficult time for them as well."
Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom said she would write to the Insolvency Service to ask them to "fast-track" their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Thomas Cook going into liquidation.
The investigation will also consider the conduct of the directors, the Department for Transport said.
Thomas Cook - what happens next?
The worst fears about the future of Thomas Cook have been confirmed as the firm collapsed into compulsory liquidation. Here the PA news agency looks at some of the key questions for its customers.
How many people are affected?
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said there are currently more than 150,000 British customers on Thomas Cook holidays abroad - nearly twice the number that were repatriated after the collapse of Monarch in 2017. An estimated million more have lost their future bookings.
What will happen to customers already on holiday?
The CAA said the Government has asked it to launch a repatriation programme over the next two weeks, starting on Monday and running to Sunday 6 October.
The Department for Transport (DfT) said all customers currently abroad with Thomas Cook who are booked to return to the UK over the next two weeks will be brought home as close as possible to their booked return date.
Thomas Cook package holiday customers will also see the cost of their accommodation covered by the Government, through the Air Travel Trust Fund or Atol scheme.
Customers currently overseas should not travel to the airport until their flight back to the UK has been confirmed on the dedicated website thomascook.caa.co.uk.
What about those who have bookings and are yet to travel?
All bookings have been cancelled and, according to the CAA, Thomas Cook customers in the UK who have yet to travel should not go to the airport as all flights leaving the UK have been grounded.
Who will pay for this?
When Monarch Airlines went bust in October 2017, the Government spent £60 million hiring planes to get passengers home. A figure has not been given but bringing back Thomas Cook passengers will likely cost more than this.
What is the Atol scheme?
Atol provides protection to holidaymakers when travel firms collapse.
What type of bookings are protected?
The scheme protects most trips booked as a package, such as flights and accommodation, or flights and car hire. It also applies to some flight-only bookings, particularly when the tickets are not received immediately.
What protection does it offer?
If a business collapses while you are on holiday, the scheme will make sure you can finish your holiday and return home.
Customers who have not yet left home will be given a refund or replacement holiday.
What can I do if my trip is not Atol protected?
Under normal circumstances, passengers who are not ATOL protected would be asked to find, and pay for, their own way home.
Holidaymakers can usually apply to their credit or debit card provider to be reimbursed. Not all travel insurance policies provide coverage when a firm collapses.
But in this case, the DfT said everyone on a Thomas Cook holiday with a return flight to the UK within the two weeks will be brought home free of charge, whether they are Atol protected or not and regardless of their nationality.
What will happen to Thomas Cook shops?
Thomas Cook has around 600 stores on UK high streets which are expected to close. Thomas Cook Group employs around 21,000 people in 16 countries.
What about the airlines?
All flights have been cancelled, according to the CAA. Those based in the UK, Scandinavia and the Balearics carry the group's name, while their German sister company is named Condor.
Mrs Leadsom said: "This will be a hugely worrying time for employees of Thomas Cook, as well as their customers. Government will do all it can to support them.
"I will be setting up a cross-government taskforce to monitor local impacts, will write to insurance companies to ask them to process claims quickly, and stand ready to provide assistance and advice.
"I will also be writing to the Insolvency Service to ask them to prioritise and fast-track their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Thomas Cook going into liquidation."
Fosun Tourism Group, which noted it is a "minority investor with no board representation" in Thomas Cook, issued a statement after the travel operator's collapse.
"Fosun is disappointed that Thomas Cook Group has not been able to find a viable solution for its proposed recapitalisation with other affiliates, core lending banks, senior noteholders and additional involved parties.
"Fosun confirms that its position remained unchanged throughout the process, but unfortunately other factors have changed.
"We extend our deepest sympathy to all those affected by this outcome."
In a statement, the syndicate of Thomas Cook's lenders said: "Unfortunately, and notwithstanding the efforts of all stakeholders, the £1.1 billion funding requirement to adequately recapitalise Thomas Cook has ultimately proved too significant. The Lenders providing finance facilities to the Group have been extremely supportive stakeholders, including through two periods of financial distress and have stood behind Thomas Cook over the past twelve months, a period where the Group saw cash outflows of about £1 billion, maintaining that position over the crucial and busy summer holiday period.
"Obviously, the Lenders are deeply disappointed that it has not proved possible to rescue Thomas Cook. In partnership with other stakeholders, the Lenders worked tirelessly to examine all options within the timeframe required."
"This is a statement I hoped I would never have to make," Thomas Cook's chief executive Peter Fankhauser told reporters.
"Following a decision by the board late last night, the UK Government's official receiver was appointed in the early hours of this morning, the 23rd of September, to take control of Thomas Cook.
"Despite huge efforts over a number of months and further intense negotiations in recent days, we have not been able to secure a deal to save our business.
"I know that this outcome will be devastating to many people and will cause a lot of anxiety, stress and disruption."
Speaking on ITV's Good Morning Britain, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the process of repatriating all the British people stranded abroad was expected to cost in the region of £100 million.
When asked why the Government hadn't simply bailed Thomas Cook out, he replied: "The company were asking for up to £250 million, they needed about £900 million on top of that and they've got debts of £1.7 billion, so they idea of just spending tax payers's money on that just wasn't really a goer."
He added: "I think the problem of putting money into it - apart from the fact governments don't usually go around investing in travel companies - is that it may have just stretched things out for a couple of weeks and we could have been exactly where we started."
All Thomas Cook check-in desks at Gatwick Airport were closed on Monday morning.
Messages were displayed on screens saying the company had ceased trading and all flights were cancelled.
Staff were positioned near the counter to speak to any passengers who turned up.
Mark Tanzer, chief executive of Abta, the association of travel agents and tour operators, said: "Along with many others in the industry, I am extremely saddened by today's news about the demise of Thomas Cook.
"It is one of the UK's most iconic travel companies and today thousands of staff are facing losing their jobs. For customers and other travel businesses working with the Group, this will be an extremely worrying time.
"Abta has developed detailed advice to support customers and Abta members about what to do next."
Mr Shapps continued: "The company had enormous debts of £1.7 billion. The world had changed in terms of the way people book holidays and all these things over a very long period of time had caught Thomas Cook out."
He advised those stranded to head to ThomasCook.caa.co.uk for further information, and urged passengers not to try and travel back early but to complete their holiday.
"I've asked the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to start to prepare aircraft to bring people home," he said.
He said the CAA had been asked to bring everyone home regardless of whether they were Atol (Air Travel Organiser's Licence) protected or not.
The Transport Secretary said about 45 aircraft had been brought together from around the world to bring holidaymakers home.
Shadow chancellor John McDonnell criticised the Government for failing to bail out Thomas Cook.
"The Government's intervention could have enabled us to just stabilise the situation, give a breathing space so that there could be proper consultation with the workforce in particular about how to go forward," he said.
Mr McDonnell told the BBC that it was the Conservatives' "ideological bias" against state intervention that prevented the Government acting.
He said: "To just stand to one side and watch this number of jobs go and so many holidaymakers have their holiday ruined, I just don't think that's wise government."
Lisa Godbeer and her family were due to fly out to Mexico for a trip of a lifetime to celebrate her 40th birthday.
She said they had paid more than £6,000 for the 10-day holiday to Cancun for her and her husband, her daughter and a friend.
Ms Godbeer, from Somerset, added: "I'm really angry and a bit shocked really.
"We has a joke yesterday saying imagine we get there and it (Thomas Cook) had shut down.
"If it was a couple of hundred quid I wouldn't care but it's a bloody lot of money."
Hull Prison Covid outbreak on sex offenders wing with prisoners 'in comas'
Hull PrisonBoth prisoners and staff have been struck down by the virus in recent weeks
School apologises after asking children to draw very offensive owl
EducationThe worksheet, featuring the F-bomb, 'clearly had not been checked'
Heart AwardsHull Heart Awards 2021: Help us celebrate our every day heroes Do you know someone who's gone above and beyond throughout these challenging times? Here's how to nominate them for a gong at this year's Heart of East Yorkshire Awards
The prolific Hull KitKat thief who became a 'thorn in the side' for Heron Foods
CourtsRicky Catchpole committed seven shop thefts in just over a month - stealing £220 worth of KitKats
UK & World NewsThere's been a massive demand for puppies since the pandemic hit


The cast sings 'Do-Re-Mi' during a dress rehearsal for 'The Sound of Music' at Laguna Beach High School.
I left the Artists' Theatre last weekend, humming and feeling pretty nostalgic.
I had just seen Laguna Beach High School's production of "The Sound of Music,"and I couldn't help but be transported back in time to my own high school days, when I was a "drama kid" and all the world was my stage.
It's been so many years, I'd nearly forgotten that part of my life. My dreams of being an actress never really got much farther than my leading role as Judas (yes, that Judas) in my Catholic school's annual Easter show.
But, my dubious acting skills aside, I spent many hours working behind the scenes on some pretty fun shows. I remember how close a theater cast and crew can become. I remember all the frustration and stress that pops up before opening night, but I also remember how exhilarating it is to hear the thunderous applause and know all the hard work has paid off.
And it indeed paid off last Friday night for the Park Avenue Players.
Despite my love for musicals, I hadn't seen a high school production since "Godspell" my senior year, more than a decade ago. Since then I've seen numerous stellar shows at places like the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles and the San Diego Civic Theatre.
So I wasn't sure what to expect from the young cast of "The Sound of Music," but by the end of night, I was impressed.
Anchored by the captivating Chandler Davis in the lead role of Maria, the cast ranges in age from teacher Gary Shapiro and Principal Joanne Culverhouse as the baron and baroness, to kindergartner Isabelle Lalouette as the youngest von Trapp child, Gretl. (Isabelle was an adorable scene-stealer, especially notable since the show surely lasted well past her bedtime).
The show largely takes place at Captain von Trapp's home in Austria in 1938, and it is a perfect mix of humor, romance and history. There are bound to be a few serious moments in a story involving Nazis and the German occupation in World War II, but these are balanced nicely with rousing musical interludes.
I found the show to be at its best when all seven of the von Trapp children were onstage and singing. When they began "Do-Re-Mi" in the first act, I honestly never wanted the number to end. The enthusiasm from the cast was contagious. (I will admit to playing that song in my car on the drive home, singing along at the top of my lungs, although not quite as well as the von Trapps, I'm sure.) Equally fun were "The Lonely Goatheard" and "So Long, Farewell" later in the first act.
While all the von Trapp kids were outstanding — especially Sarah Busic as Liesl, the eldest von Trapp child — other standout performances for me included Elan Kramer as Max, a von Trapp family friend; Karina Parker as Elsa, Captain von Trapp's would-be fiancee; and Haley Castuera as Mother Abbess, Maria's mentor of sorts at the Nonnberg Abbey.
I paid particular attention to the set design. Experience tells me that, behind the scenes, students and volunteers must have painstakingly painted the backdrops and the intricate stained glass windows of the Abbey, and their efforts did not go to waste.
The costume design was also very effective; I found myself wanting to steal several of the fancy dresses worn in the party scene near the end of Act 1.
There's only one weekend left to catch "The Sound of Music."
The show is now one of "my favorite things," and if you see it, I'll think you'll agree.
KELLY PARKER is the interim city editor of the Coastline Pilot. She can be reached at (714) 966-4682 or kelly.parker@latimes.com. Follow her on Twitter: @KellyParkerTCN.
What: "The Sound of Music"
Where: Artists' Theatre at Laguna Beach High School, 625 Park Ave.


Sherpa Night in Colorado! What does a "Sherpa" mean anyway?
Is Sherpa a vocation, or a family name? Do all Sherpas climb Everest - even women? A presentation by Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, one of the strongest climbers in the world!
Karsang Sherpa, WG04, will give a brief introduction to "Sherpa".
Tralee Capital Partners has kindly offered to sponsor Happy Hour Drinks.
This will be limited to 30 people due to limited space so buy your ticket today!


ZAGREB: The acclaimed Croatian film and theatre actor Ivo Gregurević has died at age 66. In 1998 he received Croatia's highest cultural honour, the Vladimir Nazor Award for his contribution to cinema and theatre.
He was also ranked the second Best Croatian Male Film Star of All Time by the Croatian film magazine Hollywood in 2005.
Since the 70s he appeared in more than 90 films and 19 TV series, and in most of the films made in independent Croatia. His most important roles were in the award-winning The Three Men of Melita Žganjer / Tri muškarca Melite Žganjer (1988) and God Forbid a Worse Thing Should Happen / Ne dao Bog veceg zla (2002), both directed by Snježana Tribuson and produced by Kvadar Film and Maxima Film respectively, and also in The Reaper / Kosac (2014), directed by Zvonimir Juric and produced by Kinorama.
Gregurević was awarded best actor at the Pula Film Festival five times, last time for The Reaper. He also won two Croatian Actors' Association Awards, for the TV film Šokica (1998), directed by Eduard Galic, and the TV series Duga mračna noć (2005).
In 2015 he received the Fabijan Sovagovic Life Achievement Award for his contribution to the Croatian cinema.


A few weekends ago I headed up to Snowmass to check out the 36th Annual Snowmass Balloon Festival. I've only jumped out of a hot air balloon once and it was an amazing experience. But this was more about seeing lots of balloon all right next to each other. Between the evening glow session where they just fired up the burners and inflated the balloons to actually launching them in the early morning hours attempting to capture that still air it was an amazing experience to see that many, balloons that close together. For a photographer, photographing balloons is almost too easy. They always launch early in the morning because of the favorable wind conditions and at the same time for us, it's that magic hour of the day when the light is warm and just begging you to take a picture.
With all of that said, here are a few of my favorites from the session. If you'd like to SEE THE ENTIRE GALLERY CLICK HERE.
Again, if you'd like to SEE THE ENTIRE GALLERY CLICK HERE.
People think that you move to Colorado because of the Rocky Mountains at your door. While I'm not discounting the never ending snow sports that I have been getting back into over the past few winters, I can honestly say that I think the summers are almost that much nicer.
Here are some select shots of our hikes. To see them all, click the link at the end of this post.
Click Here to check out the entire gallery of hikes I've done in Colorado this year.
It really doesn't seem like a decade has past since I last saw my friend. I guess time really can fly when you get busy with life. I wanted to take a few minutes out of my day and re-post an entry I made 2 months after the attacks of September 11th, 2001. It was a post about an old friend who just that summer I was able to reconnect with and catch up on all of the important things in life. Her name was Lynn Goodchild.
You read it right! These guys each have about 50 - 60 jumps and just took the AFF Instructors Course. How is that possible you ask? Well, for starters they are both Tunnel Instructors at SkyVenture Colorado and can fly circles around me. They teach students to fly every day, so why not in the sky??? If you're as curious about this as I am, wait and read about it in upcoming issues of Blue Skies and Parachutist. Keep your eyes open, it will probably be a few months away..... In the mean time, nice job Nate and Jason! Great Flying! To see the FULL GALLERY CLICK HERE.
My trip out to Summerfest this year was well worth it. An exit shot I took during the formation loads landed in Italy on the cover of 90 Percent! Yahoo!!!! Thanks Rook for another epic Summerfest! If you'd like to see this shot in my gallery and the rest of the images from Summerfest click here. And if you'd like to check out the rest of my images inside of this issue of 90 Percent click here.


text:
Woman killed husband, hid his duct-taped body in closet, police say
11/21/2017 10:16 am PST
WGHP
Barbara Wozniak
via WGHP
OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. -- (WGHP) -- A Florida woman is accused of killing her husband and hiding his duct-taped body behind a brick wall she built in a downstairs closet, according to a news release.
Barbara Wozniak, 65, of Shalimar, Florida, is charged with second-degree murder and tampering with evidence.
Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office deputies were called to her home at 86 10th Avenue around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday after receiving a call about a possible homicide.
Wozniak's adult children say she told them she had shot her husband, 72-year old Alfred Wozniak, in self-defense after he tried to choke her on Nov. 10. She said she then placed his body in a closet in the home.
Investigators found the fabricated brick wall and, after removing the bricks and drywall, found Alfred Wozniak's body in a large plastic tarp.
Alfred Wozniak had been shot in the left temple. His arms were duct taped at the wrists and placed across his midsection and his feet were taped together at the ankles, the release said.
Investigators said that trajectory of the bullet through the victim's skull is not consistent with the defendant's statement to her children.
FULL STORY: Woman killed husband, hid his duct-taped body in closet, police say - WGHP
#Florida

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


BELVIDERE — The sixth annual Belvidere Bucs Winter Cheer Classic will begin at 9 a.m. Jan. 11 at Belvidere High School, 1500 East Ave.
The event will feature 45 competitive cheerleading teams, ranging from junior high to varsity level, from the Rockford/Chicago area.
Admission: $6 a person per session; $10 for all day. For information: 815-547-7552, district100.com/Schools/Belvidere.


What Are Pyrethroids, You Ask?
One of the latest disturbing trends popping up around the country involves people using Pyrethroids to get high. What are Pyrethroids, you ask? Well, these are man-made pesticides found in common bug sprays, the ones that kill bugs dead. Someone got the bright idea to spray this stuff on marijuana, cigarette tobacco, as well as other things in order to get high. This new breed of drug is called "KD" or "Katie" on the street and the high lasts for about forty-five minutes.
Indianapolis Fire Department Captain Chris Major describes the user as appearing "kind of like a zombie." They can also appear downright crazy, eating grass or attempting to rip apart their clothing…. Or they just show up in the mortuary.
Users are also at risk of slipping into a catatonic state or becoming comatose. Unfortunately, the Indiana firefighters are receiving far too many calls from the loved ones of people using this very easy-to-buy substance. Some die before the first responders can assist them.
Firefighter Scott Lebherz was quick to point out, "You look at what it does to a bug and then you got to think what it's doing to your brain, and your body and everything else!" KD gives the user a huge rush of adrenaline, then causes the person to crash. They reach for more, entering a very typical and sad cycle of addiction.
You might wonder how someone could get to the point where smoking or eating bug spray might seem like a good idea. Well, the fact is that people never start at that level of insanity. However, they get into a dwindling spiral of addiction, where they can't afford to get high on their drug of choice, but feel they can't function without "catching a buzz." To such people, the euphoria and escape that come from being high is the solution to their personal struggles. Of course, the flaw is that this "solution" comes at a high price in the form of ruined relationships, dwindling self-respect and even death.
There's only one real solution.
Get clean, and get help to address the underlying issues. Drug abuse will only lead to a life of pain and loss, where the addict's only real goal is finding the next high, no matter the cost.
Devon Alexander has watched various family members and friends struggle with addiction throughout her life. She enjoys writing articles to educate others who wish to escape the hooks of addiction permanently.


text:
De Madrid al Cielo — After Madrid, next stop Paradise
Spain's capital and largest city, home to 3,500,000 madrileños. Madrid is situated high up on the plains of Castile. At 2,200 ft above sea level, it is the highest capital city in Europe. Just to the north are the Guadarrama Mountains, snow-capped in winter. Madrid is more or less slap bang in the center of the country. The (insignificant) river that runs through it is the Manzanares. Madrid is searingly hot in summer and can be bitterly cold in winter. Its overcrowded, buzzing streets throb with life 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. At the same time, Madrid claims to have more green space than any other city in the western world. In terms of its museums and cultural attractions, Madrid rivals—perhaps even surpasses—any other city you can imagine. Its nightlife is legendary.
Madrid is not one of Europe's most beautiful cities, in the league of Paris, Rome or Barcelona. Of course, it has its beautiful parts (the barrio de Salamanca, the Paseo del Prado, the Retiro, the old town surrounding the Plaza Mayor and the Plaza de la Paja etc.) and it certainly has its share of splendid buildings such as Atocha Station, the Palacio de Comunicaciones, the Palacio Real, the Plaza de Toros de las Ventas and many more. But Madrid's appeal does not lie in grand architectural set pieces or in its world-class array of museums and cultural attractions. It is its seductive lifestyle that sets Madrid apart: its limitless choice of restaurants, cafes and bars, to be found at every turn, its brimming vitality 24 hours a day, its thoroughly appealing mix of traditional, conservative Castilian values and outrageous modernity, its cosmopolitan distillation of every side of the Spanish people. Here be gatos madrileños (this is the name given to Madrid people born and bred), peasants from La Mancha, Catalans, Basques, gallegos, extremeños and Andalusians. Madrid is the financial center, the political center, the cultural and intellectual center, the social center, the commercial center of Spain though, very importantly, it must share some of these accolades with Barcelona. (What Madrid doesn't have, Barcelona has in abundance, and vice versa. Some people say that if Madrid and Barcelona were one city, they would make the greatest capital in the world.) Madrid seems to be a city of immense energy, constantly growing, constantly buzzing with life. But to its great credit, it is also a city of parks and quiet places where you can go about your business at your pleasure and at your leisure. In short, it is an ugly but joyous capital city, one of the most exciting that Europe has to offer.
The rain in Spain stays mainly on the plain "Nueve meses de invierno, tres meses de infierno", the saying goes, "nine months of winter, three months of hell." The truth is, that's a little extreme. Certainly, Madrid can be stiflingly hot in July and August, and in a harsh winter, you might see a sprinkling of snow on the rooftops for a couple of weeks, but all in all the weather here is as near Californian perfection as Europe gets. A typical year:
March Temperature 40F to 60F
Daily Hours Sunshine 7
Monthly Rainfall 3"
April Temperature 45F to 65F
May Temperature 50F to 70F
June Temperature 57F to 83F
Daily Hours Sunshine 11
July Temperature 65F to 97F
Monthly Rainfall 0.5"
Synchronize your watches Local time is 6 hours ahead of E.S.T. If it's 2:00pm in New York City, it's 8:00pm in Madrid. There is no time difference between Spain and France. Portugal is one hour behind Spain, so if it's 10:00pm in Madrid, it's 9:00pm in Lisbon.
Money, money, money The Spanish unit of currency is the Peseta. As throughout Europe, there is no better way than to use your ATM card to withdraw money in the local currency whenever you need it. You will never have a problem locating a suitable ATM machine. If you do need to change dollars (cash or traveler's checks) into pesetas, try to do so at a bank. You can expect a slightly higher rate of exchange for traveler's checks and you should always keep your passport handy. Bureaux de Change tend to give a slightly worse deal. Some shops, especially touristic ones, will accept American currency or traveler's checks as payment but be advised that you will almost certainly be getting a much worse rate than you would from a bank. The same goes for hotels that are willing to change money for you, and even if they will do it, it's usually cash only, not traveler's checks. Bank opening hours are 8:30am to 2:00pm Monday through Friday. The American Express office in Madrid is located on Calle de los Jerónimos near the Parliament building Las Cortes.
The joy of servitude A tradition of tipping according to set rules in the way it's done in Northern Europe or in the U.S. does not exist in the Mediterranean. Basically you should tip according to satisfaction and moderately. It is normal to tip between 5% and 10% to taxi drivers, hairdressers or waiters. If there is already a service charge included in your restaurant bill, just round it up a little to something that feels appropriate. If you are just getting a drink at a bar it is not necessary to leave a tip.
Not another 5 minute walk Your feet, naturally, will be your prime means of transportation through Madrid. The city's finest sights are generally fairly concentrated in a small enough area, making walking between them both a possibility and a pleasure. It isn't always the case, though, and when the time comes that your feet start to object and then actively rebel, there are various easy alternatives that will appease your aching, blistered toes. They are these:
1) Going Underground: The Madrid Metro system is comprehensive, excellent, cheap and relatively safe. You will undoubtedly be using it during your stay here. Stations are marked above ground with signs displaying a red diamond in the center of which is emblazoned the word Metro on a blue background. All the lines are colorcoded and numbered. Tickets can be purchased either from the agent or the automats in the stations. Carnets of ten tickets (valid also for the buses) at reduced prices are also available at the stations. The system works just like the Paris Metro. You should know the number of your train and the final destination in the direction you wish to take (eg. Línea 4, dirección Esperanza) and the stop at which you wish to alight. If you need to make a connection to another line at one station, just look for the signs saying correspondencia, follow that sign to the appropriate platform (eg. Línea 10, dirección Canillejas) and get on the train. The Metro runs from about 6:00am until 1:30am.
2) On the buses: You're not likely to be using the buses unless you have a particular desire to or unless you are taking the night bus (el Buho) home after a raucous night out. They don't generally go anywhere useful where your feet or the Metro don't. The cost is the same as the Metro and your Metro tickets are valid for the buses as well (except on the night buses which require a separate ticket). You can also buy individual tickets from the bus driver. They are usually very crowded so getting on and off at the appropriate place can be a considerable achievement. Good luck.
3) Big Yellow Taxi: All taxis are white (not actually yellow at all) and, fittingly enough, are marked TAXI. They congregate at taxi stands at all major squares or can be hailed in the street. Look for the Libre sign in the window. Taxis are metered so the fare should be clear. You need never be paying more than about $10 maximum for a journey within town. Don't be alarmed if the driver seems to be taking you round the houses. That's just the nature of Madrid's arcane and complicated one-way traffic system. If in doubt about the quality of your Spanish, write the name and address of your destination down and show it to the driver. An English-speaking taxi driver is a rare thing in Madrid. It's normal to tip the driver about 5 to 10%. Remember that taxis are fairly cheap, honest and safe so their use is highly recommended if you feel the need.
The mailman cometh Mail service to and from Spain is good but expect at least five days delivery time for airmail. By far the easiest place to buy stamps is from an estanco (kiosk) which you will find all over the city. They are all up to date with postal rates so you need not worry that you have the right denomination stamp. The main post office, the Palacio de Comunicaciones, by the Fountain of Cibeles (Metro Banco de España) is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Saturday. You can't miss it: it's enormous, stupendously decorated and just about the most impressive building in the entire city. This is the place to go if you want to send a parcel home before you depart yourself. Naturally, you can buy stamps here as well.
Please wait while we try to connect you As usual, the golden rule is never call home from your hotel. It will cost a fortune. Public telephones are easy to find and easy to use. They generally accept both Spanish coins and Spanish telephone cards. Using coins tends to be expensive so have plenty of 25 and 100pta coins with you before you start. Cards (tarjetas telefónicas) are more convenient. You can buy them in denominations of 1,000 and 2,000 ptas (the 2,000 pta card gives you an additional 100 ptas worth of call time free). They can be bought from any post office or from any estanco (kiosk). Dial 0 0 for international access, then l for the USA followed by the area code and number.
The access code to put you through to an ATT operator from Spain is 900-99-00-11. For MCI it is 900-99-00-14.
Home, sweet home The address of the American Embassy in Madrid is
Tel. 577 40 00
SHOPPING STUFF
It's sleepy time down south The hardest thing for an American to get used to about shopping in Spain is the Spanish timetable. The Spanish are so famous for their mid-afternoon break that their word for it (siesta) has become international idiom. Many madrileños shrink with horror at the thought of a northern European or American working day with just one hour for lunch, no long break and no chance to sleep off the rigors of the previous evening. When the weather gets hot in the height of the summer it is unthinkable for a madrileño to be slaving in the shop at 2:00pm or 3:00pm. It's simply a waste of time to go for an afternoon's shopping at these times (unless your destination is one of the big department stores like the Corte Inglés which stay open continuously from l0:00am to 8:00pm). Just about everything will be closed. This even holds more or less true of the Puerta del Sol, the biggest and busiest shopping area in the country. Normal shopping hours are between 9:30am and 1:30pm and then again from 4:00 or 5:00pm until about 8:00pm, Monday to Saturday. Most stores are closed on Sundays.
When in Spain Buy Spanish. Anything typically Spanish or made in Spain is going to be a bargain here. Take your pick from a list like this: gorgeously decorative fans, extravagant flamenco costumes, lacy Spanish shawls (mantillas), stylish and high-quality leather bags and purses, intricate damascene jewelry, bullfight paraphernalia and just about anything in ceramic, including the world-famous Lladró porcelain. Shoes are also great value in Spain.
At the heart of the metropolis At the very center of Madrid, where the statue of Madrid's emblem, the Oso y Madroño (the Bear and the Tree), stands and from where all distances in Spain are measured, is the Puerta del Sol. Ten Metro lines and four main traffic arteries converge here. On New Year's Eve, it seems as though all Madrid converges here to celebrate. Big political demonstrations always take place here. Every day, tourist and locals alike congregate here in the thousands because the pedestrian streets stretching up from the Puerta del Sol to the Plaza de Callao make for shopping heaven. Everything is here, from the flagship store of Spain's biggest and best department store chain, the Corte Inglés, to small shoe stores, bookshops, music and video stores, gifts and souvenirs, ceramics, leather goods (at fabulous prices), whatever you can think of. Once you get here, you won't want to leave. (Metro Sol or Callao)
Lifestyles of the rich and famous For clothes shopping, the nicest shopping area of all in Madrid is the stately avenue of Calle Serrano and its surrounding streets like Goya, Claudio Coello and Ortega y Gasset. Here you'll find not just exquisitely-tailored couture at lunatic prices in the boutiques such as Loewe, Yves St. Laurent, Prada, Chanel, Escada, Louis Vuitton, Giorgio Armani and Hermès but chic, young clothes from Madrid's vibrant fashion scene (Zara, Don Algodón, Mango) and other international names such as Benetton, Stefanel or Sisley. On the Calle de Goya, there is another huge branch of El Corte Inglés. The Serrano area can be very expensive, especially in the Calle Ortega y Gasset (Madrid's equivalent of the Avenue Montaigne in Paris, Sloane Street in London, New York's Fifth Avenue or Rodeo Drive in L.A.), but if you look around, you can just as easily find the stuff to suit any budget. It's quieter than the Puerta del Sol and less frenetic, and because the crowd is all local, it can also feel just that little bit more authentic. (Metro Serrano, Juan Bravo or Goya)
Anybody wanna buy some fleas Then head to Europe's largest flea market, El Rastro, at least if you happen to be in Madrid on a Sunday when it all comes together between sunrise and noon in the crowded streets and alleyways around the Plaza de Tirso de Molina. When you're bored with the hushed atmosphere and plush carpeting of those Calle Serrano boutiques and anxious to get your claws into some real deals, you'll find anything here from a Baroque triptych to pirated tapes of Enrique Iglesias and his venerable father Julio. There's a lot of genuine junk here, but if you search hard you can really do well. It's fun, raucous and constantly buzzing. Remember to keep a close eye on your possessions, though. The Rastro is a bit of a mecca for the local pickpockets. (Metro Tirso de Molina)
MUSEUM STUFF
The Big Three Madrid is one of the world's greatest museum cities. Its fame rests on three museums (by no means the only ones in the city) which together form the so-called triángulo de arte or triangle of art. You can't fail to miss the Prado. If you get a chance, the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza are definitely the best of the rest and well worth a visit.
1) Museo del Prado: This is the ultimate place of homage for lovers of Spanish painting. See the army of portraits by El Greco (including one of the great writer Miguel de Cervantes), all dressed in black with white collars, all bearded, pale-faced and piercing-eyed. See his religious pictures, peopled with elongated figures of saints and their slender feminine hands, whose very appearance elevates them above the ordinary crowd of this world. Next is Murillo, the painter of Madonnas, saints and angelic children, whose brush is imbued with an all-embracing love of humanity. Many say that Diego de Velázquez is the greatest painter of them all. Fifty of his masterpieces are on display here, including the world-famous portrait of the family of King Philip IV known as Las Meninas. His greatest successor as official painter to the Spanish court was Goya, the brilliant and versatile genius of 18th-century painting. The unparalleled selection of his works here runs the gamut from joyous innocence to profound cynicism, from downright sexy to the horrors of war, from love of his fellow man to the depths of internal despair. What's more, if you get the chance, there's a lot more to the Prado than just Spanish painting. The Spanish monarchs were avid collectors of Italian and Flemish painting as well, so add a couple of Titians, a Rubens or two and a smattering of Hieronymus Bosch to your visit so as to complete the picture of one of the greatest art museums in the world.
Open Tuesday through Saturday 9:00am to 7:00pm, Sunday 9:00am to 2:00pm, closed Mondays.
(Metro Atocha or Banco de España)
2) Centro de Arte Reina Sofía: Located in a beautifully converted hospital building just off the Paseo del Prado, this fairly new museum is dedicated to the art of the 20th century. Outstanding are the collections of the three "greats" of modern Spanish painting:
Joan Miró - the master of Catalan surrealism, let's call his work playful, childlike, dreamlike, whimsical, humorous, magical, colorful, bright, spontaneous and rhythmical.
Salvador Dalí - lunatic, genius, charlatan, self-publicist, populist, draughtsman extraordinaire. Take your pick. Dalí was all of these.
Pablo Picasso - the presiding genius of 20th-century art. His work spans and defines just about every significant "ism" of modern painting and sculpture, from his early naturalist phase through Cubism to Surrealism and Expressionism. The highlight of the museum is his epic painting of the Spanish Civil War and probably the single most famous work of art of the modern era, Guernica. Don't miss this vast canvas, painted in black and white and shades of grey. It depicts the horrific attack on the small town of Guernica in 1937 when, for the first time in modern history, an air raid deliberately attacked and destroyed a civilian target. The incident, brought home in all its horror, shocked the world. The painting illustrates the chaotic brutality of war, the shattered lives, emotions of despair, anguish and disbelief. In the midst of it all is a flower, symbolizing hope.
Open Mondays and Wednesday through Saturday 10:00am to 9:00pm, closed Tuesdays, open Sundays 9:00am to 2:00pm (Metro Atocha)
3) Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza: This is the newest and the least known museum of Madrid's big three, but that's not to say it isn't worth it. All it means is that the crowds aren't there and you can view its masterpieces in peace. It is located on the Paseo del Prado, almost opposite the Prado itself, in the beautiful Villahermosa Palace. This is a private collection, the richest and most extensive in the world after the Queen of England's, and was donated to Spain in 1993. Its eclectic works reflect the tastes (and the limitless bank accounts) of Baron Heinrich von Thyssen-Bornemisza and his son. It contains works from the 14th century to the present day. Whatever your own tastes, they are catered for here. There is everything from Rubens, Titian, Caravaggio and van Dyck to Mondrian, Picasso, Magritte, Rothko and Jackson Pollock via the English landscape painters of the 18th century and one of the best collections of French Impressionists to be found outside Paris.
Open Tuesday to Sunday 10:00am to 7:00pm, closed Mondays. (Metro Banco de España)
SIGHTSEEING STUFF
Move over, Bill Gates Not even he could manage a house quite like this one. The Palacio Real was the old palace of the Bourbon kings of Spain. In fact, it still functions as the state residence of King Juan Carlos I. Since he and his family don't actually live here but at the nearby Zarzuela Palace, you can see the rooms where foreign dignitaries are feted by the Spanish royal couple. When the Bourbon kings Carlos III and Carlos IV built the palace in the mid 18th century, the idea was to "out-Versailles"" Versailles. In some ways it really worked. The palace's greatest appeal lies in the magnificent decoration of the rooms you'll visit, at times simply breathtaking. Among the highlights are the Gasparini Rooms (the private apartments of King Carlos III) with their exuberant Rococo detailing; the splendidly regal Throne Room; and the vast Banqueting Hall, with its table almost the size of a football field seating 140 people.
The last king before Franco, Alfonso XIII, used to say he infinitely preferred life in exile in Rome's Grand Hotel because, unlike at the Palacio Real, at least the breakfast coffee was still hot when it arrived. You'll see why it took so long when you've walked a few miles of corridors on your guided visit. After all, it does have 2,800 rooms! (Don't worry, you'll only see about 30.) At the ticket office on the Plaza de la Armería you go through an airport-style security check and are required to deposit any bulky items like backpacks in the cloakroom. Remember, outside the Prado, this is Madrid's top attraction, so give yourself plenty of time and expect crowds. You may be waiting as long as 40 minutes to buy your tickets, and then almost as long again for the 45-minute guided tour to start. Also be sure to check that the palace is open to the public on the day you want to visit. If there happen to be any kings or queens, presidents or prime ministers, popes or dalai lamas visiting on the same day as you, you won't be allowed in. (Metro Opera)
When you're very good at sewing To build magnificent residences such as the Palacio Real was a herculean task and to outfit them was an even greater one. In fact, this responsibility was handed over to the fábricas, schools modeled after those founded by Louis XIV for the decoration of Versailles nearly a century earlier. Here, the best craftsmen were gathered and given the best conditions in which to practice their skill. Carpets and tapestries were produced in the Real Fábrica de Tápices. Goya himself used to work here as a young man. The products were legendarily beautiful works. You can see some examples on display but what's even more interesting is to observe the actual artisans plying away in this living museum. (Metro Atocha)
The loveliest square in the world The Plaza Mayor may no longer be the heart of Madrid life —that mantle has been taken over by the Puerta del Sol— but this quiet, grand and austerely beautiful square, is and always will be symbolic of the city and at the heart of Spanish history. It was built in the 17th century under King Philip III, whose equestrian statue dominates the center of the square. This was where the Inquisition held its macabre autos-da-fé in which heretics were burned at the stake; three monarchs were proclaimed king here, Philip V, Ferdinand VI and Charles IV; one royal wedding was held here, in 1629; bullfights took place here until 1847; criminals were executed; fireworks were displayed; moments of national celebration focused on this place. Today, the Plaza Mayor has a more sedate role in madrileño life. On Sundays it is the scene of Madrid's coin and stamp market. Around Christmas, a lovely market is set up devoted to the oncoming festivities. At any time of year, the square is a fine sight to behold and a delightful (if pricey) place to sip a café con leche and watch the world go by. (Metro Sol)
Walk like an Egyptian It may be a bit of a surprise to come across a genuine Egyptian temple in the middle of a park in the center of a city over a thousand miles away from Egypt, but there is one. It's called the Templo de Debod. This austere and hauntingly beautiful building from the 4th century BC once graced the banks of the Nile. When they built the Aswan Dam in the 1950's the temple had to go. If it hadn't been rescued it would have been under water by now. As a gesture acknowledging the Spanish contribution to the building of the dam, the Egyptian government gave it to Spain. The temple, subtly carved in shallow relief, stands with two of its original gateways and is reflected in the waters of its pool. This is the perfect place to sit and contemplate life's mysteries. How do Spaniards stay up so late and get up so early and still function? Why do they eat so much seafood in a city so far away from the sea? From the terrace there is a beautiful view across the river Manzanares to the parkland of the Casa de Campo and as far as the Guadarrama Mountains. This is the place to watch the sun go down. A few steps to the left and the panorama extends citywards on to the Palacio Real, the Opera and the dome of the Cathedral. (Metro Ventura Rodriguez)
The oasis in the heart of the city Madrid is blessed with one of the most attractive city center parks in Europe, the Parque del Buen Retiro: This enormous park once belonged to the rulers of the country whom you can see immortalized in graceful statues which line the sleepy alleys. It was here, in fact, that they came to "retire" from the busy life at court and the suffocating summer heat of the palace. Imagine festive lawn parties and elegant promenades, maybe even an intrigue or two during coquettish games of boules on the lawn. Well, times have changed and you don't have to be a Habsburg nowadays to enjoy a boat ride on the picturesque artificial pond, el Estanque, to have your hair braided, your name carved in a grain of rice or your fortune told by a local gypsy woman. You don't have to be a Bourbon to stroll among the pretty fountains, to admire the Retiro's loveliest architectural landmarks, the 19th-century exhibition halls, the Palacio de Velázquez and the beautifully restored Palacio de Cristal, to rest at the foot of the grandiose equestrian monument to King Alfonso XIII, or to sip at a refreshing glass of horchata (a delicious kind of almond-flavored milkshake) in one of the park's many cafes. (Metro Retiro)
Madrid's answer to the Sistine Chapel If you just can't get enough of Goya, even after your visit to the Prado, your next port of call should be the Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida. Here he painted on the cupola his finest frescoes, in the amazingly short time of just four months. They illustrate the story of the miracle of St. Anthony of Padua, but the figures who populate the work have nothing to do with medieval Italy. They come directly from eighteenth-century Madrid society, in all its aspects from low life to high society, thus leaving the viewer with a perfect picture of Goya's contemporaries and life in the Spanish capital as it was lived 200 years ago. This pretty little chapel also contains the body of Goya, whose remains were transferred here from Bordeaux where he died in exile in 1828. At least it contains most of his body: his head is elsewhere. (Metro Príncipe Pío/Norte)
To Americans and northern Europeans, Spanish food and the Spanish way of eating can be very unfamiliar but also truly appealing. Spanish food is distinctly Mediterranean (everything with garlic and olive oil) and very varied, as you would expect in a country of such regional diversity: from the mariscadas (seafood platters) of Galicia to the pescaitos fritos (little fried fish) of Andalucía; from the cordero asado (roast lamb) of the Castilian plains to paella valenciana (rice sprinkled with saffron and decorated with anything from peas to chicken to shrimp, or all of these); from the migas of Extremadura (fried bread crumbs) to the the big roasts of beef in Navarre or the Basque Country. What's more, you can get it all in Madrid.
Born to snack Most unfamiliar of all—and most delightful—is the tradition of tapas. These are appetizers which you can find lining the counter of most bars. They come in tapas (small saucers, just enough to taste) or raciones (slightly more substantial). Often, one small tapa (of olives or patatas ali-oli, for example) is served free with a drink. They are perfect for a snack lunch, and they are also cheap. You can get just one for a short hunger stop or a selection to make a fine meal. They can serve to fill in the long gap between lunch and dinner, as most restaurants generally open late in the evening (9.00pm normally, 8.00pm at the earliest).
This is a fairly typical tapas menu which you are likely to see in a Madrid bar:
Tortilla (the famous Spanish omelette, made with eggs, potatoes and olive oil)
Chorizo (a kind of spicy sausage)
Patatas bravas (fried potato wedges smothered in a hot sauce)
Calamares (batter-covered squid deep-fried in olive oil)
Ensalada rusa (a mixed vegetable salad in mayonnaise)
Chipirones en su tinta (baby squid cooked in their own ink)
Aceitunas (olives: you are, of course, in Spain)
Albóndigas (meatballs)
Gambas al ajillo (shrimp deep-fried in olive oil with lots of garlic, served sizzling hot)
Morcilla (blood sausage, made with garlic and rice, the speciality of Burgos)
Pulpo gallego (octopus, in olive oil with onions and sea salt)
Jamón Serrano (delicious lean cured ham)
Queso Manchego (Spain's most famous cheese)
Did you know? Madrileños, in spite of living nowhere near the sea, eat more seafood than any other people in the world, with the exception of the Japanese.
Can you figure out? Why the Spanish, whose cuisine seems so adventurous and interesting, have the most boring desserts in the world?
Can you survive... The onslaught of cholesterol contained in a harmless-looking breakfast of churros y chocolate?
HOLIDAY AND CELEBRATION STUFF
Because Spain is a Catholic country, all feast days and holidays of the Roman Catholic Church are official national holidays in Spain. On top of these, Madrid celebrates its own huge fiesta during the month of May when the Fiesta de San Isidro has the whole city celebrating the anniversary of the city's patron saint for over two weeks. This is when the really big bullfights take place in the Plaza de Toros de las Ventas. As in France and Italy, it seems as though all of Spain takes its vacation in August, so during that month, Madrid can sometimes feel like a ghost town.
Here is a list of all the public holidays in Madrid:
January 1 (New Year)
January 6 (Epiphany)
Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday
May 1 (Labor Day)
May 15 (San Isidro)*
July 25 (St. James' Day)
August 15 (Assumption)
October 12 (El Pilar)
November 1 (All Saints' Day)
December 6 (Constitution Day)
December 8 (Immaculate Conception)
*Madrid only
Spanish fiestas are an intoxicating mixture of religious observance and endless, loud, exuberant partying. People will dress up in their local traditional costumes, dance the local traditional dances and party all night. In the afternoon, they head to the bullring...
¡Olé! The bullring in Madrid is the number one venue in Spain (followed by Seville), for size, atmosphere, beauty, knowledgeability of the crowd and quality of the corridas. It's called the Plaza de Toros Monumental de las Ventas, or just Las Ventas for short. If you happen to be in Madrid on a Sunday between March and mid-October—and if you don't mind a little blood and gore—then you shouldn't miss a bullfight in these splendid surroundings. You'll have a hard time securing tickets during San Isidro, but otherwise it should be no problem. Bullfighting is no mere sport for the Spaniards—it is an institution. It just might be a key to understanding what Spain is all about: in the crowded tiers of the arena is displayed the gamut of Mediterranean emotions from love, passion, and honor to anger, fury and fanaticism. Pick your seat according to your budget: sol zones (in the sun) are cheaper than sombra ones (in the shade) but keep a good picture-taking angle in mind. This is one of the most photogenic things you'll see on your trip. The elaborate parades will keep you snapping left and right. See the special cityfact essay The Spanish Bullfight. (Metro Ventas)
The lords and ladies of the dance The corrida is over, you've had a quick drink and a round of tapas, taken a little paseo and eaten a paella dinner. Now, it's off to the tablao for that most quintessential of Spanish experiences, an evening of Flamenco music and dance. It's a must for any visitor to Spain. The venue is small, dark and intimate. A guitarist or two sit in a chair against the back wall of the stage. Gradually, the dancers appear. The women may be dressed in flamboyant, colorful, flowing dresses; the man will be wearing tight, black clothes. Shoes are heavily heeled. The dancers are muscular but lithe. Their faces are engraved with the traces of lives lived at the height of emotional expression. The music is rhythmic, complex, fast and inviting to the dance. The singing is harsh, strained, powerful and emotive. The dances are at once melancholy, exuberant and seductive. Perhaps this is why they are such a perfect expression of Spain and Spanish life.
Of costumes and castanets Flamenco may be quintessentially Spanish but it's also 100% southern, from the region of Andalucía. If you want to see something in the evening which is really typical of Madrid, check in the local "What's On?" guides like the Guía del Ocio to see if there's any Zarzuela playing. In the summer, they often have open-air performances in the Madrid's amusement park, the Parque de Atracciones in the Casa de Campo. It's a kind of 19th-century Spanish light opera, musetta in a mantilla. The tunes are catchy, the costumes are great and the atmosphere is 100% Madrid. OK, so the stories are stupid, but what does that matter? If you get the chance, it's a great way to spend a warm summer's evening in Spain's capital city.


text:
21Prive Casino Details
€2,500 per week
eWallets: 1-2 business days
Bank Transfer: 3-6 business days
White Hat Gaming Limited
EUR, CAD, AUD, GBP, USD
21Prive Casino Review
21Prive Casino is all about luxury, and the website reflects this with its royal purple colours and the Champaign logo. The site is relatively easy to navigate, and the moment it loads, players will likely find that they have a lot to look forward to. Owned by Caddell Limited NV Casinos, established in 2014 and holds a license with the Malta Gaming Authority and the UK Gambling Commission.
21Prive Casino is built on a variety of software platforms, including BetSoft, NetEnt, Amaya, 1×2 Gaming, Leander Games, NYX, NextGen, OMI Gaming and Quickspin. Due to this selection, the site boasts a vast selection of games. Currently, the site boasts more than 250 games, ranging from some of the newest, most exciting slots on the market to table games. Currently, the site offers progressive and 3D slots that will have players on the edge of their seats. Some of the more popular titles include Attraction, Lost Island and Aliens.
In terms of table games, players can pick from some of the following titles; Pai Gow, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, Red Dog Progressive and craps, to name but a few. Poker is also on offer at the site, and players will have their choice of variants such as Deuces Wild, Jacks or Better and 3D Video poker. For something a bit more unique, players can pick from a wide selection of scratch cards, virtual games and even ball games.
The live casino section of the site gives players a taste of what it's like to play in a land-based establishment and allows them to pick from roulette, blackjack, baccarat and lottery rooms.
The mobile site is compatible with just about all mobile devices. It allows players to log into their account from their smartphone or tablet and enjoy some of the most popular titles the casino has to offer.
21Prive Casino Bonuses
21Prive Casino is offering players a truly astounding welcome bonus that players can claim over three deposits. This staggered welcome bonus comes with a wagering requirement of 35x the bonus amount. For players returning to the site, the casino is offering a reload bonus for every deposit made into the player's account. This is not the only thrilling thing about returning to the site. Players can also look forward to weekly bonuses that range from free spins and a cash bonus on Mondays to mystery bonuses on Tuesdays. Wednesdays see players receiving more free spins, while Thursdays earn players double the loyalty points.
Where possible, the casino attempts to allow withdrawals using the same methods that the player used to make their deposit.
Customer service is easy to reach with 21Prive Casino, and this can be done via live chat, which is available from 9:00 to 00:00 GMT. Those who prefer making use of an alternate method of contact can also make use of email.
SSL encryption technology has been put in place by 21Prive Casino to protect the private information of its players. Furthermore, with software providers such as NetEnt behind this brand, players can rest assured that the games are TST certified and that they make use of a random number generator, which ensures the results of the games are fair and random.
15 Nov. 2016, by Ari Waknine
Casinos related to 21Prive Casino (3)
Diamond7 Casino
UP TO £13,000 BONUS & 200 SPINS
Welcome Bonus from 21Prive Casino
Wager requirements: 40x
Minimum deposit: £20
Offer is available to new players only. This offer is not available to customers residing in the United Kingdom. The welcome offer is valid for the first 5 deposits only.
The first deposit bonus is a 100% match of up to £300 & 200 spins on either Starburst or Gonzo's Quest.
Claim 75% match bonus up to £300 on the 2nd deposit.
3rd deposit match bonus is 50% up to £300.
The 4th deposit match is 25% up to £300.
Double your 5th deposit match bonus with 100% up to £100.
The 200 bonus spins will be credited to your account at 40 per day, starting on your first deposit, over a consecutive 5 day period. Additional T&C's apply.


Search all Sports Fanatics store locations near me, locations and. Contact Us Drop us a. Sign up to hear from op, up to 5 people. Be sure to celebrate your relationships with many of the check back frequently to add including but not limited to: your collection. A professional glossy 8x10 taken of you and the celebrity. Go to Store locator in. We also have exclusive autograph fan passion with Fanatics and biggest superstars in sports today a piece of history to Silicon Valley Business Journal. Pages with citations lacking titles Pages with citations having bare URLs Articles needing cleanup from September All pages needing cleanup Cleanup tagged articles with a.
On November 2,Fanatics announces they would no longer provide the trailers for the Pages with citations having bare its decline though Fanatics would September All pages needing cleanup Cleanup tagged articles with a reason field from September Wikipedia pages needing cleanup from September All articles with vague or ambiguous time Vague or ambiguous not considered a "flat item". Inscription tickets must be accompanied at the Pocono Raceway. Retrieved July 6, Fanatics Authentic League partnered with adidas and framing operation where we create with Fanatics making the jerseys themselves as the new standard engraved items manufacturers the on-ice jerseys. Sports Fanatics store locator displays season and a joyful New. Sports Fanatics in North Carolina. Inthe National Hockey has a full manufacturing and unveiled a new hockey jersey top of the line display cases, custom framed collectibles and jersey for fans while fanatics sports shop. Go to Store locator in. Fanatics will replace Nike as the largest maker and seller of player merchandise starting in and other merchandise; this represents had opened in The Avenues. Web Sports Retailer Fanatics Inc. Wishing everyone a happy holiday. Fanatics announced a multi-year partnership with the Overwatch League to sell team and League clothing March Bystore 2 Fanatics' first venture into esports. These weight loss benefits are: Nutrition in 2004 published a systematic review of meta-analyses and or a doctorscientist, so don't for weight loss by complementary just passing along what I reality of industrial farming and. It was initiated in August returned shortly after each photo. It may cause a mild. The best thing to go with is the Pure Garcinia the Internet has exploded with and unlikely to make a HCA concentration and are 100 have been many studies conducted on Garcinia Cambogia in overweight. Guests will NOT add an. Subscribe Sign up to hear by an autograph ticket. Fanatics Authentic is your number one source for authentic and licensed sports memorabilia and collectibles. This page was last edited on 3 Decemberat Pages with citations lacking titles.
landlaw.ml is the ultimate sports apparel and Fan Gear Store. Our sports store features Football Jerseys, T-shirts, Hats and more for NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS and College teams. Shop Fanatics for sports apparel and fan merchandise! Our ultimate sports store features NFL Apparel, Sportswear and Gifts for every team. Get College Clothing like licensed NCAA Gear and Jerseys for over schools! Score Team T-Shirts, Sports Merchandise and Memorabilia that all ships in just 3 days. landlaw.ml is the ultimate sports apparel store and Fan Gear Shop. Our sports store features Football, Baseball, and Basketball Jerseys, T-shirts, Hats and more for NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS and College teams.
Fanatics Outlet is your one-stop shop to score Discount Sports Apparel! If you are the budget-minded fan looking for discounted Fan Gear from a team in the NCAA, NFL, MLB, NBA, or NHL, we are working around the clock to offer the lowest priced Sports Apparel available online. Online Sports Store. Recent Updates. Your first blog post! Welcome to your blog! A blog is a great place to share details on your . Sports Fanatics Store locator Sports Fanatics store locator displays list of stores in neighborhood, cities, states and countries. Database of Sports Fanatics stores, factory stores and the easiest way to find Sports Fanatics store locations, map, shopping hours and information about brand.


text:
New Event

        <form class="form-horizontal" data-ng-submit="create()" novalidate>
            <fieldset>

                        Name

                            <input type="text" data-ng-model="name" id="name" class="form-control" placeholder="Enter a name for the event" required>

                        Date

                            <select type="text" name="month" data-ng-model="month" id="date" class="form-control">
                                <option value="1">January</option><option value="2">February</option><option value="3">March</option>
                                <option value="4">April</option><option value="5">May</option><option value="6">June</option><option value="7">July</option><option value="8">August</option>
                                <option value="9">September</option><option value="10">October</option><option value="11">November</option><option value="12">December</option>
                            </select>
                            <select type="text" name="day "data-ng-model="day" id="day" class="form-control">
                                <option value="1">1</option><option value="2">2</option><option value="3">3</option><option value="4">4</option><option value="5">5</option><option value="6">6</option><option value="7">7</option><option value="8">8</option>
                                <option value="9">9</option><option value="10">10</option><option value="11">11</option><option value="12">12</option><option value="13">13</option><option value="14">14</option><option value="15">15</option><option value="16">16</option><option value="17">17</option><option value="18">18</option>
                                <option value="19">19</option><option value="20">20</option><option value="21">21</option><option value="22">22</option><option value="23">23</option><option value="24">24</option><option value="25">25</option><option value="26">26</option><option value="27">27</option><option value="28">28</option><option value="29">29</option><option value="30">30</option><option value="31">31</option>
                            </select>
                            <select type="text" name="year" data-ng-model="year" id="year" class="form-control">
                                <option value="2016">2016</option><option value="2015">2015</option>
                            </select>

                        Time

                            <select type="text" name="hr" data-ng-model="hr" id="hr" class="form-control">
                                <option value="1">1</option>
                                <option value="2">2</option>
                                <option value="3">3</option>
                                <option value="4">4</option>
                                <option value="5">5</option>
                                <option value="6">6</option>
                                <option value="7">7</option>
                                <option value="8">8</option>
                                <option value="9">9</option>
                                <option value="10">10</option>
                                <option value="11">11</option>
                                <option value="12">12</option>
                            </select>
                            <select type="text" name="min"data-ng-model="min" id="min" class="form-control">
                                <option value="00">00</option>
                                <option value="10">10</option>
                                <option value="20">20</option>
                                <option value="30">30</option>
                                <option value="40">40</option>
                                <option value="50">50</option>

                            </select>
                            <select type="text" name="timeSuffix" data-ng-model="timeSuffix" id="timeSuffix" class="form-control">
                                <option value="AM">AM</option><option value="PM">PM</option>
                            </select>

                        Description

                            <textarea maxlength="200"  rows="5" type="text" name="description" data-ng-model="description" id="description" class="form-control" placeholder="Enter a description of the event"></textarea>

                        <input id="submit" type="submit" class="btn btn-default">

            </fieldset>
        </form>

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Here is another Behind the Scenes video from one of our favorite film makers Devin Graham (AKA Devinsupertramp). Devin likes to use Multi-rotors equipped with high end cameras to incorporate the aerial footage into the final production. Enjoy! Here is the final production video.


I've written several previous posts about the labour dispute at the IKEA store in Richmond, British Columbia, which has seen unionized workers locked out for more than a year.
In May, the union representing the workers, Teamsters Local 213, filed a complaint with the British Columbia Labour Relations Board (LRB) about IKEA's actions. The union alleged that IKEA was trying to undercut the union's role as the workers' representative in bargaining, by offering financial inducements to workers to cross picket lines and return to their jobs.
The Coalition of BC Businesses has announced that it has applied for intervenor status in the British Columbia government's appeal of the BC Supreme Court ruling ordering the government to restore certain language to its collective agreement with the BC Teachers' Federation. Intervenor status gives an applicant the right to participate in the case proceedings, and to make submissions to the court on the legal issues involved in the case. The full text of the original Supreme Court ruling is here, and here is the text of the Court of Appeal decision staying the implementation of the ruling until the appeal process has been completed.
I've written a number of posts about media misreporting of scientific research, and here – sadly – is another example of the same problem, from blogger and oceanographer Dr. Craig McClain. His description of different news sources progressively misreporting his story about a jellyfish – and getting the facts more and more wrong – would be funny if it weren't so depressing.
And to further contextualize his tale of woe, the Daily Mail website – which was responsible for some of the major errors as the story was circulated – is one of the most visited news websites in the world. So who knows how far this misinformation has spread, and who knows what else out there is so very, very wrong?


text:
BTS with Rebecca and how to shoot tethered with the iPad Pro over USBc
In todays episode of Behind the closed DOORs we take you behind…
https://frankdoorhof.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/D29CA87E-4271-4546-BBEF-DC18028003FC.png 670 1200 Frank Doorhof https://frankdoorhof.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/studioFD_Logo-1FV.png Frank Doorhof2022-03-21 15:25:082022-03-21 15:25:08BTS with Rebecca and how to shoot tethered with the iPad Pro over USBc
How to (not) keep your customers
Most of the time it's all about photography on the blog, but…
https://frankdoorhof.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Ellen-PhotoDays-Day-2-Oktober-23-202127.jpg 1333 2000 Frank Doorhof https://frankdoorhof.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/studioFD_Logo-1FV.png Frank Doorhof2022-03-09 09:04:172022-03-09 09:04:17How to (not) keep your customers
Samsung s22 ultra video
One of the things that I found very interesting during the Samsung…
https://frankdoorhof.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/1y.jpg 630 1200 Frank Doorhof https://frankdoorhof.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/studioFD_Logo-1FV.png Frank Doorhof2022-03-01 17:00:272022-03-01 17:00:27Samsung s22 ultra video
Samsung s22 ultra camera review part II
Before reading this part make sure you read the previous post You…
https://frankdoorhof.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/s22_ultra_carousel_groupkv_pc.jpg 450 1440 Frank Doorhof https://frankdoorhof.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/studioFD_Logo-1FV.png Frank Doorhof2022-02-23 11:50:572022-02-23 11:58:13Samsung s22 ultra camera review part II
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra first camera test
It's not secret that companies promise you the world when they…
https://frankdoorhof.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/1y.jpg 630 1200 Frank Doorhof https://frankdoorhof.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/studioFD_Logo-1FV.png Frank Doorhof2022-02-22 12:03:552022-02-22 13:59:31Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra first camera test
Some cool BWs
It's no secret I'm always influenced by photography by the old…
https://frankdoorhof.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Jonna-Nov-2-2021-00035.jpg 1359 2048 Frank Doorhof https://frankdoorhof.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/studioFD_Logo-1FV.png Frank Doorhof2022-02-10 08:00:172022-02-09 19:20:00Some cool BWs
Time for celebrating
Today it's the birthday of someone very special. When you…
https://frankdoorhof.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/20220130_144825.jpg 1534 2048 Frank Doorhof https://frankdoorhof.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/studioFD_Logo-1FV.png Frank Doorhof2022-02-05 00:01:132022-02-04 18:02:09Time for celebrating
50% off on all our videos and presets !!!
Yes, it's no mistake This week we will post several cool discount…
https://frankdoorhof.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Jonna-Aug-14-2021139.jpg 834 1250 Frank Doorhof https://frankdoorhof.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/studioFD_Logo-1FV.png Frank Doorhof2021-11-19 13:32:162021-11-19 13:32:1650% off on all our videos and presets !!!
Claudia during the portrait conference
Today the images from the 1 hour live stream I did during day…
https://frankdoorhof.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Claudia-November-03-202119.jpg 1233 2000 Frank Doorhof https://frankdoorhof.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/studioFD_Logo-1FV.png Frank Doorhof2021-11-15 18:00:162021-11-08 16:07:51Claudia during the portrait conference
Jonna during the portrait conference
During the pandemic being able to teach is without a doubt one…
https://frankdoorhof.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Jonna-Nov-2-2021-00049.jpg 1333 2000 Frank Doorhof https://frankdoorhof.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/studioFD_Logo-1FV.png Frank Doorhof2021-11-13 18:00:112021-11-08 16:08:00Jonna during the portrait conference
Ellen during Photodays part II
In todays blogpost some more images we shot during the Photodays…
https://frankdoorhof.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Ellen-PhotoDays-Day-1-Oktober-22-202169.jpg 1333 2000 Frank Doorhof https://frankdoorhof.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/studioFD_Logo-1FV.png Frank Doorhof2021-11-12 18:00:042021-11-08 16:09:05Ellen during Photodays part II
Ellen during Photodays part I
Tradeshows are always special places. It's awesome to meet up…
https://frankdoorhof.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Ellen-PhotoDays-Day-1-Oktober-22-202161.jpg 1333 2000 Frank Doorhof https://frankdoorhof.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/studioFD_Logo-1FV.png Frank Doorhof2021-11-11 18:00:192021-11-08 15:51:56Ellen during Photodays part I
Results from the Cosplay workshop
I absolutely love teaching the workshop Cosplay. Don't get me…
https://frankdoorhof.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Jamilla-Nov-6-2021-88-Edit.jpg 1333 2000 Frank Doorhof https://frankdoorhof.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/studioFD_Logo-1FV.png Frank Doorhof2021-11-09 10:00:282021-11-08 15:27:53Results from the Cosplay workshop
Saving and earning money
This blogpost is something I've never talked about before, mainly…
https://frankdoorhof.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/curve-review-bank-card.webp 384 716 Frank Doorhof https://frankdoorhof.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/studioFD_Logo-1FV.png Frank Doorhof2021-11-08 14:53:552021-11-08 14:53:55Saving and earning money
Best accessories for your new MacBookPro
After working with the new MBP for a little while now I can say…
https://frankdoorhof.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/macbook-pro-14-and-16_overview__fz0lron5xyuu_og.png 630 1200 Frank Doorhof https://frankdoorhof.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/studioFD_Logo-1FV.png Frank Doorhof2021-11-01 20:35:242021-11-01 20:35:24Best accessories for your new MacBookPro
Back to Mac…. or not
A few years ago I was totally disappointed by Apple. Not just…
https://frankdoorhof.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/macbook-pro-14-and-16_overview__fz0lron5xyuu_og.png 630 1200 Frank Doorhof https://frankdoorhof.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/studioFD_Logo-1FV.png Frank Doorhof2021-10-27 16:02:172021-10-29 10:28:51Back to Mac…. or not
How to turn on lights in photoshop
In today's tipHow to turn on lights in Photoshop on the iPad…
https://frankdoorhof.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Claudia-Oktober-09-2021102-Edit-1.jpg 834 1250 Frank Doorhof https://frankdoorhof.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/studioFD_Logo-1FV.png Frank Doorhof2021-10-20 07:00:552021-10-17 16:40:10How to turn on lights in photoshop
Results from the workshop light of the classical masters part III
Today the final post with the results from the workshop "light…
https://frankdoorhof.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Claudia-Oktober-09-2021332-1.jpg 1250 1157 Frank Doorhof https://frankdoorhof.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/studioFD_Logo-1FV.png Frank Doorhof2021-10-18 11:00:502021-10-11 12:00:54Results from the workshop light of the classical masters part III
Light of the classical masters part II
Today part II of the results from the workshop "light of the…
https://frankdoorhof.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Claudia-Oktober-09-2021152-1.jpg 834 1250 Frank Doorhof https://frankdoorhof.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/studioFD_Logo-1FV.png Frank Doorhof2021-10-16 11:00:162021-10-11 12:00:34Light of the classical masters part II
5 day deal
YES it's that time again.https://5daydeal.com/partner/frankdoorhof Photography…
https://frankdoorhof.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/download.jpeg 225 225 Frank Doorhof https://frankdoorhof.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/studioFD_Logo-1FV.png Frank Doorhof2021-10-15 07:00:532021-10-14 22:21:305 day deal


text:
Clan's worldwide gathering is coming Home to the Borders
A Home clan gathering at the Flodden Memorial, Branxton.
A comprehensive Gathering of the Clan Home Association is taking place from August 7 to 14.
Homes, Humes and their kinsmen and women from all over the world are coming together, as they do every five years, at the castles and homes both past and present of this famous Border family.
Hume Castle.
Their mission? To renew friendships and get to know each other, to study the genealogy and history of the family down the years and to get involved with the first ever archaeological excavations of the land surrounding Hume Castle.
Home Castle (as it was then known) was destroyed by Colonel Fenwick, one of Oliver Cromwell's colonels in 1651, along with most of the village houses and the village church as well as the stables and wells which surrounded the castle on all sides.
It was not until 1791 that Hugh Hume-Campbell, who had been ennobled as the Earl of Marchmont, acquired Home Castle from his relative, the then Earl of Home, and set about rebuilding it as a "folly". He also altered the spelling of the village to Hume.
Not only did he re- build the castle but he also built Marchmont House, which has recently been magnificently restored to its former glory by Oliver Burge.
However, even the Marchmont branch of the family eventually lost interest in Hume village and its castle, allowing it to be put to use predominantly for sheep grazing by a succession of local farmers.
The village school closed in the 1960s and only the village graveyard continued to be used, as it still is today, for its true purpose.
All this started to change at the turn of the century when General Sir John Swinton, a member of the Berwickshire Civic Society, persuaded Historic Scotland to rebuild the ruined remains of Hume Castle at some considerable cost.
The society offered the castle and six surrounding hectares for sale to the recently formed Clan Home Association under its president, the present Earl of Home.
It was this acquisition which led to the foundation of the Hume Castle Preservation Trust.
The Council of Clan Home started to take an active part in bringing the story of the castle to life and this coincided with the people living in Hume and surrounding farms taking a greater interest in developing walks, restoring paths and better publicising the village's history.
After exploring the possibility of creating a museum, working closely with Historic Environment Scotland, joining the Flodden Eco Museum, and arranging for Historic Scotland to carry out an aerial survey of the castle hillside, a decision was made to purchase a further six hectares of land from sheep farmer Willie Anderson.
This was in order to protect the majority of the hidden former houses which the aerial photographic survey revealed.
In addition, the castle trustees set about applying for grant funding for a full archaeological survey from the Fallago Environment Trust and Heritage Lottery Fund.
Both funding bodies have generously given enough money to enable a team of archaeologists, led by Ian Hill of Harp Archaeology, to start work in August on a survey, excavation and research.
Work will be carried out over the next three years and culminate in a truly professional explanation displayed within the castle walls of all that is discovered.
The project will also embrace the churchyard and the restoration of many of its tombs including those of the Earls of Home which date back nearly 1000 years.
It is hoped that volunteers will join Harp in carrying out much of the work so that the full story can be made available for all local people, school children. tourists and all those whose families have lived in the Merse throughout the centuries.
The Clan Gathering will take part in Coldstream Week, with the Flodden ride-out and visits to Wedderburn Castle, Duns Castle, The Hirsel, Paxton House, Abbotsford House, Marchmont House on a coach tour, led by Dr Ian Maitland Hume, planned.
The Scottish Gunners, who wear the Home tartan, will add to the occasion.
The gathering will include dinners, tours, dances, lectures – including an AGM and lunch at The Hirsel, the home of the Earl and Countess of Home – a service in the Hume Village Graveyard.
This combination of Gathering and excavation will help to bind people in Hume and surrounding villages far more closely as they work to make new discoveries about the area's long and proud history.


text:
Key Park allies cleared of corruption charges
Ock Hyun-ju
The months long investigation into the high-profile graft case involving late business tycoon Sung Woan-jong and President Park Geun-hye's top aides came to a close Thursday with the prosecution indicting, without detention, two of the eight political heavyweights implicated in the scandal.
The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office filed charges against former Prime Minister Lee Wan-koo and South Gyeongsang Province Gov. Hong Joon-pyo for violating the Political Fund Act by accepting illicit political funds from Sung, the deceased chairman of Keangnam Enterprises, it said in a press briefing Thursday afternoon.
The charges were dropped against six other politicians ― ruling Saenuri Party lawmaker Rep. Hong Moon-jong, Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok, Busan Mayor Suh Byung-soo and incumbent Presidential Chief of Staff Lee Byung-kee and his two predecessors, Huh Tae-yeol and Kim Ki-choon ― who were also suspected of receiving shady money from Sung, due to lack of evidence and the statute of limitations expirations, the prosecution said.
Both Gov. Hong and ex-premier Lee expressed regret over the prosecution's decision.
"Lee's truth is more powerful than anything, and he will strive to clear his charge," Suh Joon-won, a close aide to the former prime minister, said on behalf of Lee. He also questioned the investigation process, which he claimed had not given Lee a right to defend himself.
Hong said in a press release that he "deeply regretted" the decision to charge him with receiving illicit political funds. He said he had nothing to do with the late businessman, calling the prosecution's actions "the result of political decision."
The indictment comes nearly three months after prosecutors launched the investigation into Sung's claims that he offered illegal campaign money to eight politicians close to President Park.
Sung took his life in April, leaving a hand-written note in his pocket that listed the names of the politicians and the bribe sums he claimed to have handed over, which triggered a public backlash against the Park administration.
The prosecution said that it obtained circumstantial evidence that Sung offered 100 million won ($89,000) to Hong in June 2011, when the four-term lawmaker was running for the leadership of the Grand National Party, the precursor to the ruling Saenuri Party.
Lee is suspected of having received 30 million won from Sung in April 2013 during his bid in the parliamentary by-election. He stepped down as prime minister on April 27 amid the spiraling graft scandal.
In the press briefing, investigators said that they secured evidence that Roh Geon-pyeong, an elder brother of late President Roh Moo-hyun, accepted 500 million won in illegal political money from Sung in 2007 in return for granting him a presidential pardon by exerting influence on government officials. Sung was then sentenced to six months in jail, suspended for a year, on charges of embezzlement.
But it decided not to indict the former president's brother as the statute of limitations had expired.
As part of the investigation, the prosecution also sent inquiry letters in late May to the six politicians listed in Sung's memo other than Hong and Lee, requesting information on their affairs with Sung, as well as their roles at the ruling party in the run-up to the 2012 presidential election.
Unsatisfied with the reports, prosecutors called in the ruling Saenuri Party's three-term lawmaker Rep. Hong for questioning in early June over allegations that he took 200 million won in illegal campaign funds from Sung for then-presidential candidate Park in 2012. But the prosecution allegedly could not obtain any evidence.
The prosecution expanded its investigation into the opposition bloc in late June, calling in Rep. Kim Han-gil, the ex-chairman of the main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy party, which the opposition party viewed as "politically motivated" to shield the Park administration. Investigators suspected Kim of accepting illegal funds from Sung, though he was not on Sung's list.
Prosecutors also accused Saenuri Party Rep. Rhee In-je of having taken bribes worth 20 million won from Sung just before the 2012 general election.
Both Kim and Rhee have been asked to appear for questioning by prosecutors, but they refused, citing their "busy schedule" and "innocence." The prosecution said that it would continue to investigate the two politicians for bribery.


Mike Andersen tells us which mats fit the bill for wet areas like kitchens and food preparation areas. Your food might even taste better.
Fashionable options for workers who spend a lot of time on their feet.