Ledger Hardware Wallet Review
If you’re in search of a safe method to manage and store the digital asset you have, you should consider purchasing the Ledger Hardware Wallet. The hardware wallet is equipped with a dedicated desktop and mobile application that allows you to check your balance, see your portfolio, and even send and receive crypto. You can also trade your crypto in exchange for cash through the Ledger app. Ledger also offers a web application that allows you to access your account from any web browser.
Security security flaws
The Ledger Hardware wallet has numerous security flaws. According to a report released by Kraken the device’s private keys can be stolen by unauthorised users. But, Ledger is already working to fix the flaw with a new firmware version. It is recommended to update your Ledger gadget to its most recent version to avoid any tampering.
Malware could also alter the appearance of a physical wallet and redirect a withdrawal to the wallet of the attacker. To avoid this users must use a whitelist of trusted withdrawal account numbers or send the account number using an established channel. Another flaw in the hardware wallet has to do with the fact that the total balance in the wallet isn’t displayed when the security display is turned on. This can lead to users thinking they have transferred more money than actually existed. This is why it’s important to use multiple computers to verify the balance of your wallet.
One of the biggest security flaws with the Ledger hardware wallet has to do with the firmware. This is because hackers are able to download malicious firmware onto the device, and then gain access to your private key. This means that hackers could steal the private keys without the user even knowing about it. This vulnerability affects all Ledger Hardware wallets.
Security flaws in vulnerabilities in the Ledger Hardware Wallet can pose a serious concern for users of cryptocurrency. While Ledger’s wallets with hardware are widely regarded as the most secure storage devices on the market, they aren’t completely immune from attack. In some cases hackers are able to alter the firmware to make it appear like a keyboard or input device. This may give the attacker an access point to private keys of the wallet.
The Ledger hardware wallet has excellent reviews from users, however some drawbacks may put some people off. The hardware doesn’t have Bluetooth as well as security standards, and the wallet itself only offers a tiny amount of storage. However, users have also complained about the absence of additional storage. Fortunately, Ledger does offer a 14-day return policy. The company also offers customer support through the chat feature and also on its social media platforms.
A hardware wallet’s main advantage is security. While computers online are simple to hack, hardware wallets aren’t affected by this risk. Private keys for a hardware wallet are stored offsite, which makes it difficult for someone to steal their keys. Ledger provides software tools to ensure the hardware is authentic. This reduces supply chain attacks.
Another advantage of the Ledger physical wallet lies in its mobility. It can be carried everywhere and is easy to use. It also comes with an extremely long-lasting battery. Its battery will last for five years, which makes it a great choice for long-term storage of your currency. One drawback of this wallet is the price. If you’re looking for a way to preserve your cryptocurrency money then the Ledger Nano S could be the right choice for you. It’s safe and portable, and can be used with a array of cryptocurrencies.
While the Ledger hardware wallet is safe but the disadvantages of its use should not discourage users from making the investment. It’s affordable, well-supported, and simple to master. It’s suitable for both new and experienced users. One of its biggest competitors can be the Trezor One. It costs USD 59 and can support more than 1,100 coins. It is recommended for people who wish to secure their cryptocurrency in a safe and secure manner.
If you’re looking for an easy solution to manage and store your crypto, a Ledger hardware wallet may be an ideal choice. Ledger’s dedicated desktop as well as mobile apps let you quickly check your balance, review your portfolio, send and receive crypto, as well as trade your crypto for fiat currency. Additionally, you can log into the Ledger application on the internet using an internet browser to access your account at any time, from anywhere.
One of the biggest advantages of a Ledger Hardware wallet is that it is tamper-proof, which makes it secure for the storage of your money and other digital assets. To ensure security it is the Ledger developers have put in place the strongest security protocols. However, there are some disadvantages to the wallet’s hardware, such as the storage capacity it has. If you need a large amount of storage, you may want to consider buying the Bluetooth-enabled Nano X instead. Ledger also has the option of returning it, which means you can return the wallet for a full reimbursement within fourteen days after buying the hardware wallet. Support for customers is available via chat and multiple platforms on social media.
One of the most important security features that is essential to security Ledger Passphrase. You’ll need this recovery phrase for access to your Ledger wallet if it’s stolen. It’s as crucial as ever to protect the safety of your wallet, so don’t leave it lying around. Your wallet is secured with a 24 word recovery phrase that you must note it down with care. Never keep a digital duplicate of this phrase on your device or computer. That way, hackers can’t gain access to the private keystrokes of your account.
While it’s essential to select the right hardware wallet for your requirements, make sure to choose a model which supports your preferred cryptocurrency. The Ledger hardware wallet is compatible with more than 1500 different crypto currencies. It also supports Bluetooth connection, which lets you transfer your coins between and to other gadgets. Additionally, Ledger hardware wallets provide better convenience and a more user-friendly experience.
The Ledger Hardware Wallet is among the most popular hardware cryptocurrency wallets on the market. It is compatible with Ethereum, Dogecoin Dash, Stratis tokens, as well as other altcoins. Ledger offers a wide range of products that can meet the needs of different users.
The Ledger Nano S wallet is the most popular hardware cryptocurrency wallet, selling more than 1 million units. It is a reliable encryption device and security functions. It is also one of the cheapest options available. It is best suited to investors who are new to cryptocurrency and who require an option for cold storage with a small budget.
While a physical wallet is a great option for those wanting to store most popular cryptocurrencies however, some lesser-known altcoins may not be supported. This means that the cost of a hardware wallet might not be affordable for those with a limited portfolio. However, most suppliers offer free shipping on their products.
Ledger’s newest hardware wallet, the Ledger Nano X, was launched in the year the year 2019. It’s a fantastic upgrade over Ledger’s previous model, the Ledge Nano S. It comes with a secure feature to prevent physical attacks and malware attacks on private keys. It also has an extended battery lifespan. It is compatible with over 100 crypto applications.


RL 110 perZonic® Active directional speaker with automatic volume control
- directed active speaker with automatic volume control
- supercardioid characteristic
- high input sensitivity for MP3 player connection
excl. VAT and shipping costs
Price on request. Please contact email@example.com for a quote.
The RL 110 perZonic® is a directional loudspeaker with automatic volume control. It adjusts the reproduction volume according to the ambient noise. This allows it to always reach the required volume in the listening zone in situations with fluctuating audience numbers, while preventing the volume from becoming disruptive in quieter surroundings. For this purpose, a microphone on the back continuously measures the ambient noise, which is then applied as a process variable for the foreground audio. The degree of regulation can be set to anywhere from 0% to 100%, as can the attack and release times of the regulation.
This ensures maximum clarity in the listening zone and minimum disruption to personnel and visitors nearby. This makes it ideal for use in museums, exhibitions, trade shows, and areas where people circulate.
All the ports and controls are located on the back of the box, along with the mono RCA input, the power LED, and the socket for the external power supply unit. High input sensitivity of -6 dBU allows direct connection to an MP3 player or computer.
For installation, the speaker can either be suspended from a ceiling or fastened to a wall or ceiling using the L-bracket WH 110. For optimum results, the distance between the speaker and the listener should be as small as possible.
Speaker, power supply 15V / 2A
Active broadband directional speaker with patented automatic volume control based on ambient noise and supercardioid characteristic
3 broadband drivers
190 Hz-19 kHz
max. 95 dB
Mono RCA input
-6dBU for full range, Input Impedance 10kOhm
Volume, Regulation (0–100%), Attack Time, Release Time, LED Power ON
15V DC, plug-in power supply included
Ø = 110mm, L = 190mm
Rear suspension point M4 incl. eye bolt, side M6 threaded insert for optional bracket WH 110
Aluminum, front perforated sheet metal, powder-coated
Warranty: 5 years


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Local Assembly Member for Monmouth, Nick Ramsay, has today written to Ken Skates AM, Minister for Economy & Transport in the Welsh Government, calling for action resolving the continuing delay over relocating the former bus stop in Frogmore street, Abergavenny that was moved when the road layout opposite Tesco’s was redesigned and repaved.
Many Abergavenny residents have been complaining about the delay in finding a new home for the bus stop that was used by people returning home with their shopping after visiting the town centre. An unofficial bus stop has sprung up on the A40 close to Robert Price Builders’ Merchants as passengers are often unable to walk to the nearest official bus stop located in Lion Street.
Speaking today Nick said: “ This situation has gone on too long. I’m aware from my contact with Monmouthshire County Council that a number of site meetings have been held with officials from Welsh Government, and that there have been problems finding a suitable safe alternative site for the bus stop, but this continuing delay is totally unacceptable.
“ We’re supposed to be encouraging the public to use public transport, but inconveniencing often elderly and infirm passengers in this way is far from helpful.
“ I hope the Minister will take steps to bring this matter to a satisfactory conclusion for passengers at the earliest opportunity and before they have to face another winter without a suitable location for the replacement bus stop.”

domain: news


Every tenant in Victoria will have the right to have a pet in their rental property under sweeping reforms to the state's tenancy rules, which will also prohibit real estate agents from soliciting higher bids for rent.
- Owners who are refused permission to have a pet can appeal to VCAT, courts
- For rents over $760 per week, landlords can't ask for bonds worth more than a month's rent
- Premier Daniel Andrews says the reforms will make renting fairer
The reforms announced by the Andrews Government, give tenants more rights, will allow them to stay on longer leases and make bonds smaller and fairer, in response to a detailed review of the state's Residential Tenancies Act.
They also crack down on rental bidding, where tenants are forced to out-bid each other on rent, and limit rent increases to once a year, giving more long term security for renters.
Critics said while estate agents will be prohibited from "soliciting" higher bids for rent, there was nothing to prevent renters from offering more.
Other provisions include creating a publicly available blacklist of landlords and estate agents who have been found in breach of rental laws, or have had action taken against them.
"One in in four Victorians rent and for too long we've had an imbalance," Premier Daniel Andrews said.
"Things have not been as fair as they should be.
"To make sure everyone's got a secure, fit-for-purpose home, whether they own it or not."
Owning a pet in a rental will also be made easier under the new rules.
Existing rules allow landlords to automatically include a no pets clause in rental agreements.
The RSPCA said over the past two years, 15 per cent of the dogs and cats turned in to them were surrendered because the owners were moving and could not take their pets.
While landlords will still need to provide consent, they will only be able to refuse in certain circumstances.
If, for example, a renter was refused the right to have a dog, the decision could be appealed to VCAT or the courts.
In a limited number of circumstances, it would not be possible to have a pet, if for example a local council banned backyard chickens, or if a body corporate banned pets.
Animals could also be banned in a heritage dwelling if the cost of repairs was considered to be too high.
The 'big struggle' to find a place to rent
For Victorians planning on signing a lease where the rent is $760 per week or less, landlords will not be able to ask for bonds worth more than one month's rent.
The move which is expected to cover the "vast majority" of rental households, the Government said.
Grace Reeves, a graphic designer who plans to study teaching, said she was living in a place that was "barely fit for human habitation" and was given two weeks' notice when her landlord decided to renovate.
"It was a big struggle. The rental market is extremely competitive," she said.
"Every inspection there were 30 to 40 people there.
"We learned very quickly that in order to get an apartment we wanted we'd have to be offering more money than what was being asked."
Ms Reeves said they had to offer an extra $20 a week in rent to get the place they wanted.
She said it was not fair that landlords and agents could get away with exploiting tenants.
"As long as I'm in a house where I get rights and I'm treated like a human being then I'm okay with [renting]," she said.
"I understand that owning property isn't realistic for everybody."
Watchdog role for new commissioner
Tenants will also be able to apply for the release of bonds without written consent from landlords, who will have a fortnight to raise a dispute before the money is automatically repaid.
Landlords will only be able to increase rent once per year, and "no specified reason" notices to vacate will be outlawed.
It will also be made easier for tenants to make minor modifications to a rental property, such as installing hooks for picture frames.
The State Government will also appoint a Commissioner for Residential Tenancies, to advocate on behalf of tenants.
"Someone who can be a watchdog, someone who can safeguard to ensure that in what is often an imbalanced relationship where the landlord and agent have all the power and given how tight the market is, the tenant can't speak up, [they] have no voice," Mr Andrews said.
However the measures do not include minimum standards for accommodation.
The Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS) said homes must be weather-proof, have guaranteed hot water and locks that work.
"You should be able to open your windows, you should be able to lock your doors, you should be able to turn your oven on and know that it works," VCOSS CEO Emma King said.
"These are basic things that we're working on with government on top of the announcement today to say let's really lift the bar lets put minimum standards in there as well."
Minister for Consumer Affairs Marlene Kairouz said the move would give renters a better deal.
"These changes will crack down on rental bidding, make it easier and faster for renters to get their bond back, and will better hold landlords and agents to account for their actions," she said.
It is expected the legislation will be introduced in 2018.
The Real Estate Institute of Victoria has expressed concern that some of the changes may force the cost of rent up and said that landlords were being exposed at every part of the process.


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Living With Stroke
Helping Patients Relearn Vital Skills
The origins of stroke are complex. A malady long associated with the elderly and smokers, it was assumed that if stroke occurred, permanent brain damage was inevitable.
But stroke appears in a vast spectrum of people, and can be caused by substance abuse, stress, cardiac conditions, genetic abnormalities, and medical co-morbidities. As thinking broadens about populations affected, beliefs about lifelong damage are also being reconsidered.
Centre for Neuro Skills® (CNS) has been treating stroke for more than 35 years, helping patients return to a productive life. CNS is also known for its expertise in diagnosing and working with younger stroke patients, treating congenital aneurysms which are often seen in this age group. Case managers work closely with parents and staff to create a supportive atmosphere in which young people of all ages can benefit from therapeutic intervention.
Programs Build Skills, Foster Independence
“Patients don’t plateau” is a CNS philosophy that inspires our staff in all they do. Our highly-trained clinicians help patients to walk, speak, reason, and function again using technologies and therapies that support independent living. These include:
ZeroG® Gait and Balance System
- Comfort, ease of use, and interactive technology helps patients to walk and maintain balance
- Offers total body support; secure harness and cable are connected to a ceiling mounted
- motorized track
- Ensures safety when falls or missteps occur
- Increases confidence in the recovery process
Therapy and Life Skills Support
- Cognitive, speech, physical therapy, and educational programs offered
- Daily tasks of cooking, cleaning, hygiene, self-care, and safety are taught
- Individual and family counseling offered
- Supervised community activities support interaction in real-world settings
Since its inception, CNS has been a world leader in helping people with brain injuries to recover and thrive. A core belief is that comprehensive care is essential for living with purpose and dignity. As patients achieve defined goals, staff updates insurers and caregivers on progress, suggesting therapies and activities that support growth.
|Dr. Matthew J. Ashley: Providing a Tailored Plan for Patients
Every stroke is unique. Thus, every patient requires a treatment strategy specific to their needs. CNS consulting neurologist Dr. Matthew J. Ashley collaborates with the clinical team to help patients improve based on their injury, ability, and desire to succeed.
Dr. Ashley received his medical and juris doctor degrees from Southern Illinois University and completed his neurology residency at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). He also completed a fellowship at the renowned UCLA Neurological Rehabilitation and Research Unit, where he worked daily with post-stroke patients.
Training at a national stroke center enabled him to become one of the few neurology and rehabilitation-trained physicians who provide clinical services for postacute care.
CNS believes in the full continuum of treatment, and Dr. Ashley’s depth of knowledge supports this philosophy. CNS sees appropriate care as both cost effective and the best solution for life-long recovery. Dr. Ashley’s medical oversight, combined with evidence-based rehabilitation, gives patients the foundation for a durable, progressive recovery.

domain: medical


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$1-a-year Wascana Park land lease a 'sweetheart deal' for Brandt, says critics
Government tried to conceal this low leasing rate from the public
CBC's iTeam has learned the province is charging one dollar a year for the 2.52 acres of Wascana Park land that is set to be the home of Brandt Development's new four-storey commercial office tower in Regina.
For weeks, the government has been attempting to conceal this rate from the public but recently confirmed it to CBC.
How is it that a public park as important as Wascana can be turned to the private benefit of an office leasing company?- Bob Hawkins, Regina city councillor
Regina city councillor Bob Hawkins is not happy the province is charging such a nominal fee for such prime real estate, planned to be developed by one of Saskatchewan's richest companies.
"This is a huge windfall for Brandt," said Hawkins. "They're going to make a massive profit on this and the massive profit will come from the fact that they are occupying what was previously… public park land."
"How is it that a public park as important as Wascana can be turned to the private benefit of an office leasing company?"
- What we don't know about the new Brandt building in Wascana Park
- Internal emails reveal Brandt, CNIB submitted Wascana Park plans months before public tender
Charity or business?
Brandt, which bills itself as the largest privately held corporation in Saskatchewan, is planning to build a 77,000 square foot building on the site of the former CNIB building.
The park's master plan and legislation rules out commercial development but the Brandt building concept has been approved, in part, because it was deemed philanthropic.
CNIB's 1955 building needed replacing and it has a long term lease on this prime park land.
Starting in 2014, Brandt came along and offered to donate 4,000 square feet of office space to CNIB provided Brandt was allowed to build a 77,000 square foot building on this site. In an email to CBC, CNIB said this was good for the organization because "funds previously dedicated to rent, property management and other associated expenses will be able to be reinvested towards delivering more services."
The rest of the space, in excess of 70,000 square feet, Brandt will lease out at market rates.
Hawkins said it makes no sense to call this project charitable.
He said the only reason the company is being allowed to build on this land, which is likely worth millions, is because of its connection to CNIB.
"I don't know of anybody that's objecting to CNIB having a building for themselves in the park," said Hawkins. "What people are objecting to is CNIB being used as cover to give Brandt this huge windfall."
He said a charitable approach would have been to donate money to CNIB so it could build a modest facility suitable to its needs.
"This is not a charity. This is a business deal for Brandt," said Hawkins. "When you give to a charity you don't expect to get back many many times the benefits that you're giving to the charity."
CBC asked Brandt for comment but it has not responded.
Government confirms $1-a-year fee
In recent weeks, the government has offered a couple of reasons as to why it would not tell the public what CNIB was paying to lease Wascana Park land.
It said revealing this information could "interfere with the contractual or other negotiations of a third party." It also claimed "the financial information regarding leased buildings is confidential, at the request of the real estate industry, to avoid any significant impact on driving market rates."
That changed when CBC turned up a Sept. 15, 1955 article in The Leader Post about the grand opening of the CNIB building. Hundreds of people, including then-premier Tommy Douglas, attended the event described as a "red-letter day."
Chief Justice W.M. Martin, chairman of the South Saskatchewan district advisory board praised the government for giving "a 99-year lease of this beautiful location at the nominal rent of $1 a year."
"A better site could not, in my opinion, have been found anywhere in the city," said Martin.
When CBC pointed out this article to the government an official said that because the information had been made public in the past, it would now confirm that in July 2016 the province signed a new 99-year lease with CNIB for one dollar a year.
In that same lease, the province agreed to allow CNIB and therefore Brandt to lease to a wider range of potential tenants than is permitted under the current legislation.
- Sask. government's deal with CNIB allows for 'almost anything' on Wascana Park land: Regina Councillor
In explaining its reason for extending the one dollar a year rate, a government official wrote that the park setting has been a safe location for visually impaired people for decades. The official said that with this in mind, the government "made the decision to honour the decades-old agreement with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind and extend the lease agreement at the original rate."
The NDP's Nicole Sarauer said this latest revelation causes her even more concern.
"Well it's certainly a real sweetheart deal for Brandt," said Sarauer.
She said the governing Saskatchewan Party came to power years ago promising to not favour one company over another but she said it looks like that has happened in this case.
"I'm sure there are a lot of companies in the province that would love this type of a situation," she said. "Essentially what this government has done is again done what they've said they wouldn't do which is pick winners and losers."
She is calling on the province to shut down the Brandt Project. Hawkins is calling for a public inquiry.
Right now, the PCC's architectural advisory committee is reviewing Brandt's detailed plans for the building.
If that committee approves, the project will be able to proceed.


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Can I test my hormones and fertility if I’m using contraception?
- There are 17 different types of contraception including hormonal and non-hormonal options.
- Hormonal contraception works by altering your natural hormone levels to either prevent ovulation and/or bring about bodily changes that discourage pregnancy.
- Non-hormonal contraception doesn’t alter your hormone levels and prevents pregnancy using a different set of methods.
- If you’re using hormonal, or non-hormonal contraception, you can still take a Hertility Hormone and Fertility test, but your method of contraception will determine which hormones you can be tested for.
From condoms to coils, contraception (or birth control) comes in many different shapes and sizes.
And whilst our, let’s be honest, pretty dire sex education may have only taught us how to put a condom on a banana—there are actually 17 different types of contraception (who knew?).
Contraceptive types include both hormonal contraception and non-hormonal contraception, plus long-term and short-term methods.. Whatever method works best for you is personal and will depend on your body, and if you’re using hormonal contraception—your hormones too.
One of the top questions we get asked at Hertility is ‘but can I test my hormones and fertility if I’m using contraception?’. Well, yes and no… it really depends on which type of contraception you’re using.
So let’s take a quick look at the different types of contraception, how they work and how each will affect a hormone test.
First up, hormonal contraception
Hormonal contraception uses synthetic hormones, which are basically (wo)man-made versions of our natural hormones, to prevent ovulation and bring about bodily changes that prevent pregnancy.
Types of hormonal contraception include:
- The combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) and progesterone-only pill (mini pill or POP)
- The contraceptive injection
- The contraceptive patch
- The progesterone-only coil (IUS)
- The contraceptive implant
- The vaginal ring
How does hormonal contraception work?
To understand how hormonal contraceptives work (and how this might affect your test), it’s important to first understand exactly how your hormones control your menstrual cycle and overall fertility.
Basically, hormonal contraceptives use either a combination of synthetic oestrogen and synthetic progesterone (called progestin), or simply just progestin (depending on the type) to alter the balance of your menstrual hormones.
This then brings about a series of bodily changes that prevent pregnancy including:
- Suppressing ovulation, which means preventing an egg from being released from your ovaries (this means you won’t have a normal period).
- Thickening your cervical mucus, preventing sperm from reaching your womb
- Thinning the lining of your womb (or uterus) to prevent any fertilised eggs from attaching
Pretty clever, right?
Hormonal contraception can also be used to help relieve hormonal symptoms (like acne) and those related to your menstrual cycle (like heavy menstrual bleeding).
Can I test my hormones if I’m on hormonal contraception?
Technically, yes you can—but because your natural hormone levels will be altered due to the synthetic hormones in your system, you won’t be able to get an accurate result of your natural menstrual cycle hormone levels, including your follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), lutenising hormone (LH), or oestradiol (E2)..
The good news is, with Hertility, even if you’re on hormonal contraception, we can still test you for Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) and your thyroid hormones—Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and Free Thyroxine (FT4).
An AMH test will give you insight into how many eggs you’ve got left (your ovarian reserve), giving you a good idea of your current fertility and your thyroid hormone levels are a good indicator of your general hormone health.
If you’re currently taking hormonal contraception but would like to get insight into your menstrual cycle hormones, then we’d recommend waiting for at least 3 menstrual cycles after coming off hormonal contraception before taking a test. If you’re using a long-term form of hormone contraception, such as the contraceptive injection (known as Depo Provera), you might have to wait up to 12 months for your cycles and AMH to go back to normal.
This gives your hormones the time to regulate and get back to their natural levels, so we can get accurate results.
Yep, you guessed it. These are your contraceptive types that don’t contain any hormones.
Types of non-hormonal contraception include:
- Male and female condoms
- The copper coil (IUD)
- The copper intrauterine ball (IUB)
- Fertility awareness methods (FAMs)
- Cervical caps and diaphragms
- The sponge
- The withdrawal method
- Male and female sterilisation
How does non-hormonal contraception work?
Non-hormonal contraceptives prevent pregnancy through a number of different methods, the difference being they tend to use just one method, rather than a combination, like in hormonal contraception.
- Barrier methods which physically block sperm from reaching your eggs—like condoms, cervical caps, diaphragms and the sponge
- Thickening your cervical mucus and blocking sperm from reaching your eggs
- Simply being aware of your fertile window based on when ‘you’re due to ovulate, and abstaining from sex during that time, like fertility awareness methods. These methods are often called ‘natural contraception methods’.
Can I test my hormones if I’m on hormonal contraception?
Yep, you’re good to go! With our Hormone and Fertility Test you can test all of your menstrual cycle hormones, AMH and thyroid hormones when you’re using non-hormonal contraception.
Ready to test your hormones and fertility?
So there you have it, there’s definitely enough on the menu when it comes to contraceptive types.
If you’re on contraception, hormonal or non-hormonal and want to test your hormones and fertility, you can get started today by taking our online health assessment.
- All Party Parliamentary Group on Sexual and Reproductive Health in the UK. Women’s Lives, Women’s Rights: Strengthening Access to Contraception Beyond the Pandemic [Online]. (2020). [Accessed 15 September 2021]. Available from: https://www.fsrh.org/documents/full-report-december-womens-lives-womens-rights/.
- Statista Research Department. Share of women using user dependent and long lasting contraceptives in England in 2019/20, by age* [Online]. (2021). [Accessed 15 September 2021]. Available from: https://www.statista.com/statistics/573210/contraceptive-use-among-women-by-type-and-age-in-england/.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Endometriosis: diagnosis and management [NICE guideline [NG73]. (2017). [Accessed 15 September 2021]. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng73/resources/endometriosis-diagnosis-and-management-pdf-1837632548293.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Management of acne vulgaris in primary care [Online]. (2021). [Accessed 15 September 2021]. Available from: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/acne-vulgaris/management/primary-care-management/.
- Maybin, JA and Critchley, HOD. Medical management of heavy menstrual bleeding. Womens Health (Lond). 2016;12(1):27-34.
- Thiyagarajan, DK, Basit, H and Jeanmonod, R. Physiology, Menstrual Cycle. StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL)2021.
- Festin, MPR. Overview of modern contraception. Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology. 2020;66:4-14.
- Nelson, AL and Massoudi, N. New developments in intrauterine device use: focus on the US. Open Access J Contracept. 2016;7:127-41.
- Hariton, E, Shirazi, TN, Douglas, NC, Hershlag, A and Briggs, SF. Anti-Müllerian hormone levels among contraceptive users: evidence from a cross-sectional cohort of 27,125 individuals. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2021.
- Kucera, R, Ulcova-Gallova, Z and Topolcan, O. Effect of long-term using of hormonal contraception on anti-Müllerian hormone secretion. Gynecological Endocrinology. 2016;32(5):383-5.


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If you’re interested in learning more about who I am and my process, you should check out my recent interview with Zinta Aistars. She invited me down to her studio in Kalamazoo and we had a great chat! There are two versions of the interview for you to listen to depending on how much time you have. I suggest the longer (18min) of the two if you want the full story.
Thank you Zinta for reaching out to me and for taking the time to chat!
Follow this link to check it out!
Hope you enjoy!

domain: artistic


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I’ve fallen head over heels for this California ranch wedding by Ian Grant Photography and have been rendered a little bit speechless in the process, one gorgeous image at a time. With a soiree that’s one part traditional and one part rustic chic, every single detail is jaw-dropping fabulous. The daytime reception at Limoneira Ranch, that ah.ma.zing DIY bouquet and that beautiful Enzoani wedding dress… I love it all. And I won’t forget that stunning, stunning vintage veil, which was worn by the bride’s aunt 30 years ago and made by both the bride's mother and grandmother. Swoon.
From the Bride and Groom, Celene and Juan....
1.What were you looking for in a wedding location and how did your location appeal to that? We were looking for a unique outdoor venue with views of mountains that gave our out of town guests a glimpse of the beauty of old California. Juan happened upon Limoneira Ranch and we immediately fell in love. The lemon trees and mountainscape were perfect for what we had in mind. We were even more pleased by the catering at the venue- it was delicious!
2.Were there any special details that meant a lot to you? I loved that I was able to wear my aunt's veil that she wore more than 30 years ago at her wedding. My grandmother made the veil and she along with my mother and aunts hand beaded the lace. My grandmother and aunts also sewed all of the table runners and made the bouquets for myself and my bridesmaids. Our cake was made by the same woman that made my parent's wedding cake some thirty years ago. And although Juan's godmother could not make it to the wedding, we decided to make her famous Mexican sandwich cookies as one of the favors. 3.Did you have any planning challenges? We got engaged in late January so planning a wedding for June was definitely a task. We only had two weeks in which we could get married before Celene started medical school rotations again so we were lucky to find such an amazing venue available on the day we did.
If you enjoy this wedding, please help sharing the word by tweeting it or sharing it on facebook.


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Friday Harbor Real Estate News
Real Estate news for Friday Harbor, WA continually updated from thousands of sources.
May 14, 2016 | via KXLY-TV Spokane
Housing prices across the state continued to rise in the first quarter of 2016, driven by a low supply of homes for sale. The statewide median sales price for a single family home rose to $289,400 in the first quarter, 8.1 percent higher than the same time in 2015. Comment?
Apr 8, 2016 | via Journal of the San Juans
With a burgeoning housing crisis in San Juan County the Building Advisory Council has created a tiny house subcommittee whose aim is to legalize the use of these spaces as longer term rentals. At under 400 square feet, these mini dwellings are cheaper, easier and faster to build and could help provide much needed housing to islanders and seasonal workers. Comment?
Mar 25, 2016 | via The Globe and Mail
As the Victoria-area housing market heats up, their small-character houses are coming down due to the demand for bigger, newer houses. Developers and incoming buyers, flush with money, are targeting the historic municipality of Oak Bay, which has not protected its homes as rigorously as adjacent Victoria has protected much of its original housing stock. Comment?
Jan 29, 2016 | via Journal of the San Juans
Members of Northwest Multiple Listing Service reported 88,331 closed sales during 2015, outgaining 2014 by 14.3 percent. Measured by dollars, last year's sales of single family homes and condominiums were valued at more than $34 billion, a 23 percent increase from 2014. Comment?
Jan 29, 2016 | via Journal of the San Juans
A study concerning low-income households in Whatcom, Island and San Juan County has been released to better understand the problems that they face. The study, entitled " Prosperity Project 2015 " released by the Opportunity Council, is an update from a similar study done in 2006 that focused on childcare, education, healthcare, affordable housing and unemployment to better encapsulate their experiences. Comment?
7 hrs ago | via The Spokesman-Review
It's not just Seattle that's seeing eye-popping housing costs: Across Washington, home prices are rising faster than in any state in the country - the first time that's happened in a quarter-century. It's not just Seattle that's seeing eye-popping housing costs: Across Washington, home prices are rising faster than in any state in the country - the first time that's happened in a quarter-century. Comment?
Wednesday Jun 22 | via Washington Examiner
OK, it's going to be a brutal campaign. "The Donald" always plays for keeps, with the jugular as the usual target. Comment?
May 21, 2016 | via Seattle Post-Intelligencer
This is a Thursday, April 14, 2016 file photo of Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne while speaking at a news conference during the the G5 Ministers of Finance meeting during the World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings in Washington. Britain's Treasury says house prices could fall by up to 18 percent if the country leaves the European Union - a claim dismissed as scaremongering by campaigners for a U.K. exit from the bloc. Comment?
Apr 25, 2016 | via The Spokesman-Review
The U.S. job market is healthy. The stock market is up. Home prices are rising. Yet as the Federal Reserve prepares to meet this week, it seems in no mood to resume raising interest rates from ultra-lows. Comment?
Apr 25, 2016 | via Seattle Post-Intelligencer
In this Wednesday, March 16, 2016, file photo, Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen speaks during a news conference after the Federal Open Market Committee meeting in Washington. Despite a healthy U.S. job market, with the global economy struggling and U.S. inflation still subpar, many economists see little likelihood of a rate hike even before the second half of the year. Comment?
2 min ago | via The China Post
The British were warned for weeks that a vote to leave the European Union would result in economic pain. Now they'll find out whether it will. Comment?
56 min ago | via Stuff.co.nz
OPINION: Walking past one of those fabulous K Road artisan homeware shops the other day I experienced a moment of shopper's exhilaration. What if it had something that would be better than something I already owned, and I could get it at a bargain price? The feeling was followed immediately by a mild wave of self-disgust. Comment?
1 hr ago | via TheStreet.com
This commentary was excerpted from the weekly roundup sent to subscribers of Action Alerts PLUS , a charitable trust co-managed by Jim Cramer and Jack Mohr . Click here to learn about this actively traded stock portfolio. Comment?
1 hr ago | via Christian Science Monitor
If you're fresh out of college and settling in at your first or second job, homeownership might be out of sight, out of mind. But there's a lot you can do in your 20s to better position yourself for buying a home when the time is right . Comment?
1 hr ago | via SiliconValley.com
Facebook's social media empire is rising, and as the tech firm pushes for more office space and a hotel, fears that the growth will drive up housing prices and clog the roads with traffic are climbing too. Gabriela Murillo, 47, purchased her first home in Menlo Park about 14 years ago, long before the social media giant took over Sun Microsystems' campus off Bayfront Expressway. Comment?
Copyright © 2016 Topix LLC

domain: finance


Both the Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat are going to make the playoffs, but each is trying to avoid the play-in tournament in their respective conferences. The Mavericks visit the Heat on Tuesday night as they wrap up their season series with Miami favored on the NBA odds.
How to Bet Mavericks at Heat NBA Odds & TV Info
- When: Tuesday, 8 PM ET
- Where: AmericanAirlines Arena
- TV: NBA League Pass
- Stream:com, NBA TV app
- NBA Odds: TBA (on a few key injuries)
The teams played in Dallas on New Year’s Day and the Mavs won 93-83. Luka Doncic had 27 points and 14 rebounds. The Mavericks scored the final nine points of the second quarter to lead 46-31 at halftime. They padded their lead with a 10-2 run to open the third quarter and led by as many as 24. Heat All-Star Jimmy Butler scored two points, both on free throws, and shot 0 for 6 from the floor over 27 minutes. Miami missed all 12 of its 3-point attempts in the first half and finished 7 for 33 behind the arc.
Miami had taken 16-of-18 regular season meetings against Dallas prior to the loss on New Year’s Day (after falling to the Mavericks in the 2011 NBA Finals). The Heat also won 8-of-9 in Dallas prior to the loss. The Heat have taken five straight and eight of the last nine regular season meetings in Miami.
Why Bet on Dallas? | NBA Betting Odds
The Mavs were upset at home by Sacramento 111-99 on Sunday. It completed a 3-0 season series sweep over the Mavericks for the Kings. They are 24-37 against the rest of the NBA.
Superstar Luka Doncic got ejected very late in that game, finishing the contest with 30 points, six boards, six assists and two steals. He was ejected with just a hair over 30 seconds left in the game when the Kings were up double figures, so while it didn’t affect the game. However, he now has 15 technical fouls on the year, meaning the next one leads to a one-game suspension.
“I won’t get another one,” Doncic said. “No way. And the first one should get rescinded, too. It was an offensive foul. And I was like, hell no. And he told me I cannot tell him, hell no. Maybe I can tell it to others, but to him, no. And that’s why I got a tech.”
Doncic is tied for the league lead in 20-point, 5-rebound, 5-assist games in 2020-21 (44) and has the most over the past two seasons (94). He also leads the NBA lead in 30-point, 5-rebound, 5-assist games this year (20) and has the most 30-5-5 efforts over the past two seasons (46).
“It’s eight games left,” coach Rick Carlisle said. “They’re all very meaningful. Hopefully we’ll get Tim (Hardaway) back. We’ll see where KP (Kristaps Porzingis) is and we’ll head to Miami and look to play better.
Porzingis (right knee soreness) is doubtful for Tuesday. It would be his third straight game on the shelf due to his troublesome right knee. Maxi Kleber (Achilles) is questionable. However, Tim Hardaway Jr. should play. He was idle Sunday with right ankle soreness. Carlisle had said last week that he was looking for a spot to rest Hardaway, who had missed only one of the first 63 games.
Why Bet on Miami? | NBA Betting Odds
The Heat won their third in a row Sunday, 121-111 at Charlotte. Miami had 30 assists on 45 made baskets and outscored Charlotte 64-50 in the paint.
Jimmy Butler flirted with a triple-double during Sunday’s win, tallying 18 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, one steal and one block over 28 minutes. He finished 5-of-8 from the field and 8-of-9 at the line. He didn’t commit a single turnover while he was out there, and he had a team-best plus/minus rating of plus-14. In his seven games since returning from an ankle injury, Butler has averaged 21.7 points, 7.0 assists and 6.0 rebounds in 33.9 minutes per contest.
Butler also played stout defense on multiple players, including LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier, and nabbed his 100th steal of the season to become just the second player in the league to record that many this year. He also became just the second player in NBA history to record 100 steals in eight straight seasons (James Harden is the other).
Bam Adebayo had 20 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds. Adebayo had brought in at least 10 rebounds in each of the last two contests, but he led the team with 10 assists in Sunday’s win to record his third consecutive double-double. The big man also shot 69.2 percent from the floor. Across his last five appearances, Adebayo has averaged 19.4 points, 8.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists in 34.2 minutes per game. Adebayo has limited guards to just 38.9 percent shooting on the season, including only 31.9 percent from three-point range.
Goran Dragic had 18 points – he had had been held to single digits in the scoring department in four of his previous five outings. Dragic was questionable for Sunday’s contest due to lower back and right knee injury recovery.
Andre Iguodala experienced left hip tightness late in the fourth and exited the game. Tyler Herro (right foot soreness) did not travel with the team and was an active scratch.
The Heat are holding opponents to just 40.6 points in the paint and 10.2 fast break points, both the lowest in the NBA. Miami is also ranked second in opponent field goals made (38.7), third in points allowed (107.3), fourth in opponent field goal percentage (.454), fourth in charges drawn (58), sixth in deflections (1,014) and eighth in defensive rating (110.0).
- Heat 110, Mavericks 106
NBA Betting News
- Updated division winner’s odds prior to the start of the 2022 NBA Season
- NBA 2022 – Updated Championship Odds for the Upcoming Season 2022-23
- NBA 2022: Updated Conference Winner odds
- 2022-23 NBA Betting Preview: Most Important Dates In the Calendar for the Upcoming Season
- 2023 NBA Rivals Week Betting Analysis and Early Picks for the Top Matches


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Groups Mobilizing to Rebuff
Akeya Dickson | 5/23/2012, 11:57 a.m.
Assault on Voters' Rights
WASHINGTON - As many as 5 million people could be denied access to right to vote in the November presidential election because of a series of regressive actions, including insisting on photo identification at the polls, reducing time allotted for early voting and eliminating Sunday voter registration drives popular among Black churches.
In this year alone, according to the Brennan Center at the New York University School of Law, a non-partisan public policy and law institute, more than 34 states that have introduced new restrictions on voting. At least 12 states have introduced bills that would require proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, to register or vote. At least 13 states have introduced legislation to terminate Election Day and same-day voter registration and two states - Florida and Iowa - have reversed prior executive orders making it easier for ex-felons to vote.
In addition to complaining about measures they say are aimed at suppressing the Black vote, many civil rights organizations and community groups have been mobilizing to remove potential roadblocks.
"This is one of the most egregious elections we've had since Barack and since Florida in 2000," said Melanie Campbell, president and chief executive officer of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation. "There is a lot of work to be done with a shortage of funding, but we're out here working hard to do the work. We're working closer in coalition to maximize results."
Campbell rattled off a list of organizations working as a coalition, including the NAACP, the National Urban League, the Advancement Project, the League of Young Voters, the Hip Hop Caucus, People for the American Way and the National Council of Negro Women.
"We're all working hard to cross-pollinate and partner as much as possible. We don't want to talk on November 6 after the election about what we should have done," she said. "The key is early information, early action. Election Protection is starting their 1-866-OUR-VOTE hotline earlier. You can call now if you're having issues, you can get a lawyer now. It's better than waiting until October."
The NAACP recently announced its "This is My Vote" campaign and accompanying Web site at Clark-Atlanta University in Georgia to combat the attack on voting. The nation's oldest civil rights group is wedding 21st century technology tools with old-fashioned grassroots organizing. People can obtain registration forms at www.thisismyvote.org. or text the word "VOTE" to 62227 (letters that spell NAACP), to stay abreast of the different rules and laws for voting in their state. Voters can also call 1-866-MYVOTE1.
The campaign has more than 500,000 active members and "e-activists" in the 50-state nonpartisan campaign, according to Marvin Randolph, the NAACP's senior vice president for campaigns.
"I think technology is critical," he explained. "Clearly, the way that people communicate has fundamentally changed. We have to communicate with people in the way that they spend their time. If they are tethered to their smart phones or to their computers, that's where we need to be."


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It's good to be Bryce Harper
Longtime coach and analyst said two months ago that Wall wasn't a franchise guy. Now he's reconsidering.
Don't ask Wittman clown questions.
Winning teams are fun, aren't they?
The Wizards coach responds to comments by agent David Falk.
Here's Randy Wittman, celebrating his team's three-game winning streak in understated fashion.
Wizards coach wonders what's in the water that keeps making local athletes get injured. Join the club.
Positive John Wall pixels for everyone!
They should just stick a mic on RGIII 24/7. I'd watch that show.
A lot needs to happen to clinch a spot this week. But anything's possible.


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From shaping fashion to our living environments, textiles are indispensable to our everyday lives. Over recent years, the integration of a variety of functionalities into fabrics in conjunction with the exploration of a range of applications have been under development through the creation of smart textiles.
During 2020, ZOZO NEXT have collaborated with Yasuaki Kakehi Lab, The Univ of Tokyo and HOSOO to research the synthesis of technology in the traditional Japanese craft of Nishijin silk fabrics. Through combining technical functionality with beauty, the creation of new textiles have been achieved.
The concept of Ambient Weaving focuses on ‘The expression of ambience through textiles’,and ‘Weaving environments into fabrics’. The proposal aims to use textiles as a medium to display the information gained from our surroundings and turn this into a beautiful, elevated experience.
Fabrics have been chosen as an interface for ambient media by expressing its response to the surrounding environment. The way in which this has been achieved is displayed through the exhibited prototypes.
This site is a digital archive of the joint research and development results exhibition Ambient Weaving － Environment and Textiles, held from April 17, 2021 to September 6, 2021 at HOSOO GALLERY.


In the vinyl era, every genre of music developed its own visual aesthetic, a tip-off to the listener as to what could be found inside the album cover.
The country singer-songwriter is critically acclaimed for albums like Car Wheels on a Gravel Road, Essence, and West.
‘A Song for Joe: Celebrating the Life of Joe Strummer’ will benefit independent venues.
The 15-date West Coast run kicks off 19 July in Vancouver, BC.
Leaving the main highways for the backroads, you’ll find essential listening in underrated Americana albums from Lucinda Williams, Los Lobos and more…
Today's 'Sessions' goes live at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m PT on Twitch. Subsequent shows will take place on May 13, 20 and 27.
Margo Price, Nathaniel Rateliff and Paul Simon are among the artists who will perform remotely tonight, amid the Luck Reunion festival’s cancellation.
For ‘Vanished Gardens’, Charles Lloyd added Lucinda Williams to his acclaimed group The Marvels, resulting in an album for which “there is no precedent”.
The renowned singer/songwriter is set to play the landmark Americana LP in its entirety during the jaunt.
'Vanished Gardens' features a fascinating cross-genre combination.
Fourth OCC expedition will have another stellar line-up of roots artists all at sea.
The three icons of Americana: Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle and Dwight Yoakam are hitting the road together this summer for a joint LSD tour.
Lucinda Williams, the ground-breaking country roots star, is set to perform at the prestigious 2018 Austin Music Awards event on 28 February
Richard Thompson will be the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement title at the second annual UK Americana Awards in February, 2017.
The all-star tribute concert celebrating the work of Emmylou Harris is now a CD, DVD and Blu-ray disc.
The 40-year career of British original Graham Parker will be celebrated on 30 September by UMC with the box set These Dreams Will Never Sleep.


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In his news conference last night, President Obama made exaggerated and untrue statements about economics, economists, and the stimulus.
On economics, the president made claims such as “I can tell you with complete confidence that a failure to act will only deepen this crisis.” Yet how can he have “complete confidence” when the economics profession is divided on the stimulus issue, and when we have seen policymakers and top economists making continual mistakes with their policies and predictions over the last year?
On economists, the president opined “although there are some politicians who are arguing that we don’t need a stimulus, there are very few economists who are making that argument.” Mr. President, please look at the Cato list of more than 300 university economists who oppose a big stimulus spending bill. Please have your advisers call these experts to get an independent outside-the-beltway view.
Finally, the president bought into the “Government as Santa Claus” theory with his statement that “the federal government is the only entity left with the resources to jolt our economy back into life.” In reality, the federal government is broke. It has no “resources” left, and will run a $1 trillion deficit this year even without a stimulus. Besides, any resources that the government spends must be vacuumed out of the private economy through borrowing and taxes, which is particularly damaging when the private economy is already suffering from recession.


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As usual, I am typing up a trip report for those parties who may be interested in what I did for vacation this year. I use the term vacation lightly as this was anything but a vacation. As far as I’m concerned, I took no vacation in 2007.
This year, I decided to ditch Christmas and head to Europe. It was, in theory, a good plan when it was hatched. The weakened US Dollar (thanks to that jerk George Bush), made this a very, very expensive trip but with no practical way to cancel. Had I known how bad the exchange rate would get, it would have been cheaper to eat the plane tickets than go. Oh well. Honestly, if I would have had a great time I wouldn’t have minded. The trip was planned when the exchange rate was US$1.85 per £1 but ended up around $2.05 and increase of 10% — which may not sound like much until you add everything up.
Anyway, I invited many of my friends some of whom expressed serious interest. As the trip came closer, all my friends who said they were interested slowly backed out for various (and generally sound) reasons. However, surprisingly, my sister said she wanted to go. I thought it might be a good experience for us to go somewhere together again. Next time I have that thought, I wish someone would get a large 2×4 with a rusty nail in the end and smack me with it repeatedly until I’m either dead or come to my senses. No jury in the world will convict you.
I arrive at the airport via the Mom-Taxi at about 11am on Christmas day as scheduled. Check-in goes very smoothly and we’re at the gate a good hour before boarding. The plane boards almost on time — only about 15 minutes late — and my sister is still, at this point, seemingly excited. The plane pulls back and nearly an hour later, we are still on the ground for no reason. The flight to Newark takes almost four hours instead of just under three, again, for no apparent reason. I’m not concerned about our connection, though, because we have a long layover. And, indeed, despite the delay, we get to our gate in Newark well ahead of boarding. Since Samantha’s hungry, we stop at the food court to eat. This means we have no time to go to the lounge for some pre-flight relaxation, though. No big deal on that. (We were travelling business class courtesy of milage upgrades, of course).
We board our flight to Paris on-time, and we depart about a half hour late, as do most international flights. It’s no big deal and because of tailwinds we manage to get to Paris a good 30 minutes early anyway. Samantha sleeps most of the flight. I read and watch in-flight movies. The seats in Continental’s business-first cabin are not nearly as comfortable as Delta’s — I think there’s a difference in the angle of recline.
We clear immigration and customs quickly and our bags take no time at all. We are soon in a taxi headed towards town from Charles De Gaulle Airport. We get to our hotel (Hotel Warwick Champs-Élysées) before 900am. In a surprise revelation, our hotel room is ready. We dump our stuff in our rooms and head out less than thirty minutes later.
The sun has yet to make an appearance and the weather is even colder than we expected, though considerably wetter. The weather can best be described as wet. We spend the rest of the day walking around Paris. Up the Champs-Élysées and under the arc Du Triomphe. Then all the way back down the Champs-Élysées to the Place De La Concorde, and through to the Louvre, and then back up Rue de Rivoli and off to Avenue FDR to the legendary Chocolatier Jadis et Gourmand . Then back up the Champs-Élysées to our hotel where we rest.
Then, later, we take the metro to Boulevard Haussmann to the Galleries Lafayette and Printemps so Samantha can get some Paris shopping in. Paris wasn’t crowded during the day except in the Galleries Lafayette and Printemps which were crowded beyond all measure. So, we went through them pretty quickly while she complained and bitched mightily. At night, it was a different story and Paris was swamped to the gills.
Due to the very low fog, we didn’t go up the Eiffel Tower or Arc Du Triomphe because they were obscured from view (see my Flickr blog). She’d done both of these on her previous trip to Paris, so it wasn’t a great loss. Still it was disappointing.
The entire time in Paris, Samantha complained about the weather and how cold and miserable she was and how much everything sucked. This despite the fact she wants to return to university at Syracuse which is considerably wetter and colder. When asked what she wanted to do, it was “I don’t know” and then when I picked something ,she didn’t want to do it. It wasn’t very fun. This kept up the entire trip and dragged the vibe down considerably.
When it came time for dinner, she wanted to go to McDonald’s. Really. In Paris! I refused. I selected a nice authentic French creperie and another restaurant and let her select which one. We ended up at the creperie because the other one was too crowded for her. The creperie was excellent. She hated it. She went to some other French fast-food place afterwards and got a take-away sandwich.
We didn’t eat breakfast at the hotel because it was €23 for a continental breakfast. That’s US$36 in case you’re not up on the exchange rate. Again, she wanted to go to McDonald’s but it was (happily) closed. I went to Paul — an excellent French patisserie — and got a great café au lait et une pan chocolaté et une croissant. C’est très bien. Samantha got cranky and went to some fast-food place without me. Don’t start me.
She was not very fun to be around and when questioned for a reason as to why, she said she didn’t like Paris. Paris, I might add is a wonderful city, though to its great misfortune, it’s populated with Parisians, some of the most insufferable people ever to walk the earth. Though in defence of Paris, we did go to a local coffee shop on the Champs-Élysées and the waiter there was fantastic. We got a fantastic, perfect, flawless cup of coffee, I might add. As we left that shop, Samantha muttered about how she got the wrong drink and not the one she ordered. Not true, I might add. She’s just terminally dissatisfied, I guess. Say whatever you want about the French, they know their foods and coffees and there really is no comparison.
Anyway, my flawed and defective French got us through the two days. She was so miserable, I suggested we pack off to EuroDisney and spend the night there instead of Paris. She agreed that was a most excellent idea and we took a very expensive cab ride — my fault for not taking the train. €70 down the tubes — or about $105. As we got near Marne-La-Vallee, France we hit utter gridlock of the Manhattan variety. Samantha was complaining bitterly about France, the French, the weather, and anything else she could find fault with. The cab driver didn’t speak English (thank God!) but he and I had a light chat and he said all the cars were all going to EuroDisney (properly called Disneyland Paris now).
Sure enough, we got there and the queue to even get in the hotel lobby (New York, New York) was insufferable. Even I felt a bit cranky at this point partly due to the line and partly due to not having had a little more time in Paris to do some stuff. We got the package which included the room, breakfast for two and park admission for the rest of that day and the next day too. It was so expensive I’m embarrassed to even tell you, though as a measure of a hint I’ll tell you I could have spent a weekend in Las Vegas — airfare included — for less. So, we finally make it through and check-in and, of course, the room isn’t ready and we go to the park.
My sister became the foul-mouth sailor. Everything was F-this and F-that. Now, I must tell you that if I notice swearing it’s got to be pretty damn bad. Seriously, I work around contractors and hear foul language as a matter of due course, and I rarely notice it. This was a tirade of F words that didn’t stop even after I mentioned it.
She didn’t want to go on most of the rides because the lines were too long. I’m not sure what sort of lines one expects on a major holiday weekend in a Disney park. I knew it would be bad, but even I was a little surprised at the 100 to 180 minute queues.
We ended up doing (over the course of the two half-days we were there) Space Mountain, Big Thunder, Indiana Jones, Star Tours, Pirates of the Caribbean, and then over at the Studio park Rockin Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror as well as a couple of shows (Animagique, Cinemagique). We could have done better, but we had Miss Attitude to contend with. It definitely continued to drag my mood down. If I’m not having fun at a Disney park, that’s just sad.
That night she wouldn’t even leave the room to go to dinner. So, I ended up going out by myself and getting some sandwich from the Disney Village and walking around for some time. The sandwich wasn’t half bad, actually. I was surprised she didn’t go with me: after all, they had a McDonald’s. Anyway, we did eat a nice dinner with exceptionally bad service (it’s France after all) before we went to the train station. We ended up killing a lot of time when we could have been having fun. I took her on a walk around the perimeter of the lagoon and she did naught but complain about how cold it was — light snow flurries — and didn’t do much except drag her feet. Literally — the entire trip — you could hear her feet shuffling. I wonder if she knows how to walk properly.
Our EuroStar train left Marne-La-Valle right on time for England, and now they even do the passport control right on the train. Samantha slept the entire trip through both stops in Lille and Ashford. EuroStar started going to St Pancras instead of Waterloo from 15 November, so it was nice to come into a brand-new train station. From St Pancras, we took a cab to our hotel, the Rembrandt. We checked-in and everything was wonderful. The hotel was totally re-done since my last stay in early 2006 and was absolutely spectacular, though my room had a temperature control difficulty, which was fixed the next morning. By difficulty I mean I was sweating buckets and it was around 40 degrees outside, but the window was locked. After putting our things away and unpacking, we went down to the tube station that night and picked up our Oyster cards (RFID tube tickets) to save time the next day. We tried to go to Sainsbury’s to pick up some supplies, but they were already closed for the night, so we ended up at a Lord’s instead — a definite downgrade.
I also begin to feel unwell that night and didn’t sleep due to violent coughing and woke up thoroughly sick the next day. Trooper that I am, we kept right to schedule.
We got up and ate at the hotel breakfast buffet as we did every day until the end of the trip. Before we left that morning, I asked the concierge to arrange show tickets for us and gave him detailed instructions after consulting with Samantha as to our choices. Also, it’s now Saturday 29 December 2007 if you’ve lost track. We got up early this day to go to Portobello Road market — though the market is open daily, the street market is open only on Saturdays. Samantha really didn’t like it at first, but once she found something she wanted, she didn’t hate it and almost smiled. She got a great bargain on a Le SportSac backpack, though at the price she paid, I strongly suspect it was a counterfeit. She used that backpack the rest of the trip. We got my dad an authentic Russian war medal, plus some other gifts I shan’t mention as they have yet to be distributed.
After that, we went by tube off to Oxford Street for my famous shopping walk tour (see my London web page for details). We did the whole walk including the Carnaby Street detour, at her request. I managed to buy one shirt. She bought England — I only partly jest. We then did the Book Store walk, which is not nearly as fun now that it’s all chain stores except for Foyle’s. I bought books, but you knew that before you even read this far. Then we went to Forbidden Planet where I bought absolutely nothing. Really. I am shocked. There just wasn’t anything that excited me enough to buy.
After returning to the hotel, I left on my own to visit the pharmacist and obtain some cough medicine. In the UK to get any sort of “real” drug you must speak to the pharmacist — it’s not self-serve like it is here in the USA. You get questioned as to your symptoms, allergies, and whatnot and then they make a recommendation. Also, in the UK a pharmacist can give you low-end prescription drugs for minor symptoms. The pharmacist was very knowledgeable, and she gave me two choices: one that tasted okay and would probably work and one that “tastes like shite” but would be guaranteed to work. I picked the nasty one. It wasn’t as bad a taste as the legendary TerpinHydrate with Codeine but it was close.
The concierge was very successful and got all four shows we asked for. My sister picked the plays except for one. Please note that fact. We ate at Pizza Express that night. We returned to the hotel. I didn’t sleep well at all. Lots of hacking and such. Sadly, the nasty stuff didn’t work, and I had another fitful night.
Sunday morning, we went to the British Museum for the one thing I wanted to see more than anything else on this trip: the Terra-Cotta Warrior exhibit. This is the first time they’ve been allowed out of China. I’ve not managed to see them on my past two trips to China due to their remote location (a six-hour flight from Shanghai). I was crushed to learn it was sold out through 4 January 2008. I consulted several ticket brokers and the hotel concierge with absolutely no luck. Down in flames — crushed. Really.
So, we were instead off to the London Zoo. We took a taxi, something I rarely do, favouring public transport instead. It just worked out better that way because Miss Grump was complaining about the walking even though we hadn’t really even walked all that much. She did a lot of complaining, as I’m sure you’ve noticed. Just really grating, I have to say.
We got to the zoo and actually spent real time there. She seemed to enjoy herself. I was glad for that. After the zoo, we took a cab to Tottenham Court Road tube station and then walked to Covent Garden where we did the London Transport Museum. She was probably unhappy at my pace, but the museum has been closed nearly two years and they totally re-did the museum top to bottom and it’s a resounding success. I could bore you with details, but I shan’t do that except to say they took one of my favourite museums and made it even better. Afterwards, I took her to the Paul Frank Store because she loves that stuff.
Later that day I went back to the pharmacist. She prescribed two syrups this time: one for day use and one for night use. Linctus of something with Codeine. She also asked me again about my allergies and such. As a side note, when I mentioned my allergic reaction to Claritin-D she said she thinks I’m not allergic to the Claritin itself but the Pseudoephedrine in it. She suspects my body is metabolising the Pseudoephedrine too fast and that’s what caused the irregular heartbeat. She said I should consult with my doctor. These syrups didn’t cure my cough or mitigate it too much, but they sure did make me sleep. So, a partial victory anyway.
Sunday, we walked around Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square and we ate at Belgo Centraal that night, a fine Belgian restaurant. Then, we hopped the tube to Victoria and saw Billy Elliot. The theatre was unnaturally hot. Samantha didn’t seem to enjoy what is described as the best British Musical ever. It may just be the best play ever, but that’s my opinion. I will say the new kid isn’t as good as the old one, and a lot has to do with the fact he doesn’t look the part and it’s a tad bit distracting. He’s too tall and my guess he isn’t long for the role for that very reason. Still, it was fantastic though everyone in the audience had shed much of their over-clothing and was sweating.
Monday morning it was the London Eye because it was a clear day — a rare thing on a winter’s day in London. That went over well of course. Even the Grinch would like the Eye. It wasn’t too crowded, and we got on straight away, though there was an impressive queue when we got off, just before 11am. There was a Star Wars exhibit in the Aquarium building, which Grumpy asked if we could do. I thought it would be hokey crap, but I was so thrilled she suggested something I immediately approved. As it turned out, this was the Real Deal and had all the ORIGINAL models and costumes and was done by Lucasfilm itself. I took a huge number of photos because I was so impressed with it. We both really liked it. It was really good and we had a great time.
After that, it was off to the British Library. I showed her the Gutenberg Bible and she didn’t know what it was. I swear I am not making that up. I was ashamed. She had a general concept of what the Magna Carta was at least when I showed her that. She was totally unimpressed by seeing the original handwritten scores from some of the greatest composers to ever live. I love this place and, sadly, it was lost on her. I am not impressed with our modern educational system if this is what it turns out.
Monday afternoon we went to the Photographer’s gallery. At Miss Grumpy’s rate of speed we were done in, I kid you not, well under 15 minutes. I barely had time to spend a few seconds glancing my way through. That evening we went to Avenue Q at 5 O’clock as it was the only show for New Year’s Eve. A rousing performance and a grand old time. Everyone in the theatre laughed except one person. I dare you to guess who.
The crowds for New Year’s Eve are always excessive in London and this was no exception with nearly one million people crowding the area near the London Eye on the bank of the Thames for fireworks. Samantha became very frustrated with the crowds — and I do not blame her one bit for this — so we ended up going back to the hotel to watch on TV instead. This turned out to be a good move as there were, according to the morning Times, 90-minute queues at all the tube stations after the fireworks. We ate at McDonald’s that night because, sadly, all the restaurants that were open were booked solid and most were closed. Worst meal of the trip, of course. She liked it. ::rolls eyes::
Tuesday morning, we went off to the London Dungeon. This was her pick — there is no way would I pick or recommend this attraction. When we got there, it wasn’t open yet because it was New Year’s morning and they had late opening hours, so we trudged down to our next stop, the Design Museum (another of her picks) which we both were very disappointed in. She hated it and so did I, though they have one of the best gift shops outside the Tate Modern. There just really wasn’t anything of interest. After that, we went back to the London Dungeon. It was not scary, frightening, gory, or horrible, nor was it very interesting. It was way overpriced for what you get. She swore most of the way through. I don’t blame her, but still….
Then it was off to the Science Museum. We did the whole thing, and she didn’t complain much so maybe that meant she liked it. Afterwards, we went back to the hotel for a rest. Then it was off for dinner at Rules. Everyone should eat at Rules at least once on every trip through London — it’s been an institution there for well over 200 years — since 1798. A fine, fine, dinner and an excellent dessert. Then it was off to the theatre to see Spamalot.
I didn’t know what to expect of Spamalot. I like Monty Python, of course — but one never knows what to expect of them. The play was stupid by anyone’s standards, but I laughed a lot. I even think Grumpy almost smiled once or twice, even. And a small spoiler: never sit in row D, seat 1 unless you care to be dragged upon stage and made part of the show even if you’re unwilling. The leading lady was one of the most amazing singers I’ve ever heard. Seriously, she was a tour-de-force all by herself.
Wednesday morning was our last day in London, and I am sad to report I was relived this trip was over. How sad is that? We did Westminster Abbey at Samantha’s request and at her pace: that is to say we were there less than 20 minutes. If you’ve ever been, you understand that’s quite the achievement and not one to be proud of. Then it was off to the Tate Modern in Southwark. We did that and, as you all know, art museums I do at a steady pace, but I was having trouble keeping up with her. They might have paintings on the wall, but we were moving so fast, it’s hard to be sure.
Afterwards, we walked across the Millennium Bridge and to the Bank of England where I wanted to see the Bank of England Museum. However, the speed at which she went through it was pretty much hard to see anything. After that, we went to the hotel to drop off some stuff and adjust our layers of clothing. Then, it was off to Harrods where we split up to meet back at the hotel at 5pm.
I thought I’d buy Confessor (just out in hardback) earlier in the trip but at £20 that was over $40 and I figured I’d wait until I got home, as that’s way too much for a book. I did see it at another shop for £14.99 and decided it was still better to wait until I got home. I was in Harrods and saw a stack marked at £4.99 or about $10. I grabbed a copy and took it to the register where I was informed it was a mis-mark, and I certainly agreed since that’s less than a paperback costs and this was a fresh release hardback. To my surprise, they said they’d sell it to me anyway, so I got it. The review is in my blog.
I got lost looking for the stairwell out of Harrods, so I asked someone where they hid the damn thing. I was directed to go through antiquities, past minerals and fossils, and I would find it there. I did, stopping to admire the dinosaur fossils for US$¼ Million and up including a genuine brontosaur bone and a woolly mammoth tusk. I also admired a pyrite chunk from a meteor, which I may yet buy if we can figure out how to transport it to the USA. I walked by the art gallery where I accidentally bought a painting, which should be here in two weeks. We shan’t discuss what getting lost in Harrods cost me.
That night we went to Bunches of Grapes pub for dinner and then to the Lyceum for Lion King. It was a very long, bitterly cold walk. Samantha was in a foul mood for reasons I can’t disclose because they’re a mystery. She was in an even worse mood after spending fifteen minutes in queue for the loo. We got to our seats just as the play started. It’s a great play, and one of the best I’ve ever seen but not this performance. There was no projection from many of the actors and if you can’t hear, you can’t experience the play. There was the occasional breach of the fourth wall by trying to funny, inexcusable. I was unhappy about it, but enjoyed the show on a visual level. Samantha slept through parts. Not one play we saw got a standing ovation on this trip. They don’t give those away so easy in London. And that’s good when you have to earn them. Anyway, we walked to Embankment tube and went back to the hotel to pack and to bed. It snowed a bit that night.
We got up bright and early, checked out before breakfast and took a cab to Victoria and hopped on the Gatwick Express. At the airport, we checked-in, and went to the lounge where they served a hot breakfast. Yep. HOT! Continental shares the Emirates lounge at Gatwick now. It was very pleasant and very posh including a hot buffet, a cold buffet, free internet, bathrooms, showers, and the like. I didn’t feel well and I’m not sure if that bathroom will ever be the same again.
We went to the gate, and they boarded the flight about 20 minutes late, and we left without much further delay. On the flight Grumpy slept. I watched a film called Across the Universe which is a quirky film set to Beatles music. I had heard of it before but never went to see it because of highly questionable reviews, but I must say I rather enjoyed it.
We arrived Newark about 15 minutes early, cleared immigration without difficulty, reclaimed our bags and then cleared customs quickly. We re-checked our bags, and then took the tram to the C terminal for our flight home.
We got in the lengthy security queue. We had almost cleared security when some guy came running through and asked to cut so he could get his flight. Nobody objected and the usually bitchy TSA took pity and let him through. He threw his jacket on top of mine as it went through the x-ray machine. After passing through the detector machines, he grabbed his jacket and ran off. I grabbed mine and started to walk towards the gate. Moments later I realized my passport was gone! He’d taken it! Not much could be done because we didn’t know where he got off too. I asked TSA for help, but they said they couldn’t do anything. I realized I’d have to call the Passport Office and report it missing as soon as I got home. Happily, a few moments before our flight was to board, I was paged to security. My passport was turned in before he boarded his flight. All was well.
We boarded our flight 30 minutes later, arrived home about 30 minutes late and then waited about one hour for our damned luggage. Or to be accurate mine was about 20 minutes and Grumpy’s was about the last off. And that concluded the trip.
I’m still sick. I didn’t enjoy myself very much, and so basically I didn’t have a real vacation in 2007.
I still love my sister, but I can’t say this was the best time we ever had together. I am sure one or both parental units will inform me I was like this when I was a teenager (minus the swearing.)

domain: travel


text:
Explain the political and religious environment in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries. How were these events represented in art, literature, and political thinking?
The sixteenth century saw Europe in the throes of the Reformation, while the seventeenth century saw Europe make great strides in the realm of science, politics, philosophy, and technology.
First, we will discuss the Reformation, which began with the publication of Martin Luther's 95 theses in Germany. His ideas about the religious purification of the Catholic Church were met with resistance from the leaders of the church. Luther was eventually excommunicated, but his daring ideas about God and religion spread throughout Europe.
Inspired by Luther's boldness, the Frenchman John Calvin founded Calvinism, a branch of the Christian faith which championed the theology of predestination. In Switzerland, Ulrich Zwingli spearheaded the Swiss Reformation while King Henry VIII began his own church in England (albeit for self-serving reasons). At the time, King Henry VIII wanted to marry his mistress Anne Boleyn, but the Catholic Church refused to allow him to annul his marriage to the Catholic Queen Catherine.
King Henry's response was to sever all ties with the Catholic Church; it was he who founded the Church of England. After his death, the Catholic Queen Mary (daughter of Queen Catherine) reigned during a short period known as the Counter-Reformation in Europe. Although Jesuit theologians pushed back against the efforts of Luther, Zwingli, and Calvin, they could not stem the tide of Protestantism. Northern Europe became largely Protestant in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
In England, the Protestant tradition continued with King Henry VIII's daughter Elizabeth; her reign began around 1559. Elizabeth presided over the golden age of the English Renaissance, which saw tremendous works of literature produced by acclaimed authors as William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, John Milton, and Edmund Spencer. At this time, it must be noted that Reformation artists largely rejected the iconographic nature of Catholic art.
During Elizabeth's reign, famous English explorers such as Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir Francis Drake sailed the seas, traded with foreign powers, and founded colonies. In the sixteenth century, the works of Italian masters Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael exemplified the clarity and meticulous precision of the classical tradition.
The High Renaissance period saw the revival of humanism and a renewed reverence for the Greek and Roman classical traditions in architecture, sculpture, and painting. Quite simply, late Renaissance art in the sixteenth century was inspired by the humanist ideals of naturalism and authenticity. Naturalists did not try to hide the blemishes of the human body; instead, these were accepted and celebrated.
In the seventeenth century, men like Newton, Descartes, Galileo, and Kepler spearheaded the Scientific Revolution. Galileo introduced his famous laws of motion, Kepler introduced his laws of planetary motion, and Newton introduced his law of universal gravitation. The seventeenth century also came to be known as the Age of Reason. During this time, Thomas Hobbes and John Locke developed modern political thought. Hobbes wrote Leviathan, and Locke wrote Two Treatises of Government; the works of both men greatly influenced the French and American revolutions.
Locke's works are classified as Restoration-era literature. Other Restoration works you may recognize are John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, John Milton's Paradise Lost, and John Dryden's Absalom and Achitophel. The religious and political developments of the seventeenth century greatly influenced the art and literature of the time. Increased focus on themes such as democracy versus monarchy were common, and new ideas like empiricism increased in importance: Restoration literature.
Also, read about the characteristics of Restoration-style art.

domain: library


text:
Nintendo plans to develop and release new game devices to emerging markets beginning next year, the company’s president Satoru Iwata told Bloomberg in an interview today.
“We want to make new things, with new thinking rather than a cheaper version of what we currently have,” Iwata said. “The product and price balance must be made from scratch.”
Iwata reiterated in the interview that Nintendo won’t sell its games on smartphones, saying “We have had a console business for 30 years, and I don’t think we can just transfer that over onto a smartphone model.”
According to tweets by analyst David Gibson in attendance at Nintendo’s financial results briefing today, Iwata said that charging $30-60 for a game in emerging markets is difficult. Emerging markets need something special to reach mass market, and not just localize existing products that have higher price. Iwata added that Nintendo is studying changes in China.
The Chinese government recently lifted the console ban, allowing foreign firms to produce and sell hardware within the established Shanghai Free Trade Zone. Microsoft is teaming up with Chinese entertainment business BesTV to launch the Xbox One in China in September. It will be the first time a console from a foreign company has legally been available for sale in the country since 2000.
During Nintendo’s briefing for the fiscal year, where it posted a 46.4 billion yen operating loss ($456 million), the company revealed that it will release a line of Skylanders-style NFC action figurines and video games for Wii U and 3DS codenamed Nintendo Figurine Platform.
The figurine can read and write game data across many titles, enabling players to “customize your NFP to raise or train your own Nintendo characters.” According to tweets by David Gibson, the company demonstrated technology by showing a Mario figurine being used across several games.
“And it has been designed to be compatible with multiple software titles for Nintendo platforms,” Iwata said. “In other words, the figurines, which consumers can buy and collect, are going to work with multiple software titles to be released in the future, and we are aiming to develop more software titles compatible with the figurines.
“Nintendo has a lot of well-known character IP that has originated in video games, and we have been regularly releasing titles from game franchises that make use of this character IP,” he added. “This is why I believe a brand-new type of platform will be born when the character IP becomes compatible with NFP.”
NFP will be compatible with Wii U software from this year-end, according to Iwata, and will support 3DS software from next year. Nintendo will launch an NFP infrared reader for the 3DS first half of the next calendar year so figurines can be used across both the Wii U and 3DS. In development since last year, Nintendo hopes to showcase NFP related games and figurines in development for the Wii U and 3DS at E3 2014 in June.
“With the launch of this new product genre, NFP, which will be compatible with Wii U and Nintendo 3DS, is going to serve as the first example of actively utilizing our own character IP,” Iwata said. “At the same time, there are not only going to be decorative boxes for video game hardware and packages for software, but also Nintendo character figurines displayed on store shelves. This will provide exposure for Nintendo, play a great role in raising our brand awareness and create more opportunities for consumers to play video games.’
Nintendo also revealed today that it will launch a smartphone service with its first mobile application tentatively titled Mario Kart TV to coincide with the release of Wii U title Mario Kart 8.
The application allows users to watch and share gameplay footage and screenshots, official and user-generated, as well as view rankings and official tips through the cross-platform interface. The service supports PC, mobile and tablet devices. It is not clear when or if the service will reach western markets.
“As I mentioned at the Corporate Management Policy Briefing in January, our policy is to establish consumer relationships based on accounts named Nintendo Network IDs, which are abbreviated as NNIDs,” Iwata said. “This ‘Mario Kart TV’ (temp.) web service is available even for players without NNIDs, but by logging into the service with an NNID, they will be able to easily find their rankings, videos that their friends have shared, videos of tournaments in which they have participated, and it will be convenient to access this service through smart devices even when they are not at home.”
Mario Kart 8 is slated to launch on May 30 for Wii U. The game features 16 new courses and 16 remixed classic courses, as well as 12-player online play and four-player local multiplayer.

domain: entertainment


text:
- Date and time :
6 Sep @ 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm
HLS Mandarin Centre
Cape Town, Western Cape South Africa
Spring rolls are a large variety of filled, rolled appetizers or dim sum found in East Asian and Southeast Asian cuisine. The name is a literal translation of the Chinese chūn juǎn (春卷 ‘spring roll’). The kind of wrapper, fillings, and cooking technique used, as well as the name, vary considerably within this large area, depending on the region’s culture.
Spring rolls of different shapes, sizes and fillings have been a popular snack in Asia for centuries. It is believed that spring rolls originated from China. It was a seasonal food consumed during the spring, started as a pancake filled with the new season’s spring vegetables, a welcome change from the preserved foods of the long winter months. (Quoted from Wikipedia)
Are you interested in learning how to make spring rolls?
Programme on the this event
1. Learning the technique of making spring rolls
Limit: 10 participants (maximum)
fees: 250 Rand per person

domain: food


text:
Ashland Motel is a good accommodation choice in Ashland.
The city center is about 30 minutes on foot. Thanks to a boat dock nearby, the historical hotel is well connected with other parts of Ashland.
The hotel comprises 34 rooms equipped with heating, television, a fridge, a microwave and free wireless internet. Ashland Motel offers rooms with the lake view. They also feature private bathrooms fitted with a bathtub and a shower.
Eat & Drink
Serving a wide range of dishes, El Dorado Restaurant and The Platter can be reached within 5 minutes’ walk.
There are free parking and a vending machine provided on-site.
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Free private parking is possible at a location nearby.


text:
Culinary Classes and Tours in Hollywood Area
The best cooking classes, food tours & team building events in Hollywood Area
Are you looking for best things to do in Hollywood? Our chefs offer the full VIP Hollywood experience of authentic food, intimate settings, and a personable chef. Indulge in an extensive tasting menu, learn to cook your favorite Mediterranean food, or tour your local farmers’ market with a professional chef. Whatever your pleasure, Cozymeal has the experience you’re searching for.


text:
Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley
A blend of seventy-seven percent cabernet sauvignon, thirteen percent merlot, ten percent cabernet franc. Dennis Cakebread. Founder & vintner 167 barrels. Inspired by the adventurous spirit of Lt John Mullan who in the late 1850s built the first pacific northwest wagon road, vintner Dennis Cakebread set out to explore the wonders of Washington wine. Teaming up with winemaker Aryn Morell, they produce full-flavored, well-balanced wines from extraordinary vineyards near Royal City and Walla Walla. mullanroadcellars.com. Visit us at mullanroadcellars.com. Alcohol 14.1% by volume. 28.2 Produced & bottled by Mullan Road Cellars Walla Walla, WA USA.

domain: geography


text:
COLUMBIA, SC (WHDH) – A bill proposed in South Carolina would make it illegal to wear saggy pants.
According to House Bill 4957, it would be illegal for anyone to wear pants “three inches below the crest of his ileum,” or the top of the hips, which would expose their skin or underwear.
- To read the full bill, click here
The bill also lists fines for violating the proposed law:
- $25 for first offenders
- $50 or three community service hours for second offenses
- $75 or six community service hours for three or more offenses
“It’s unbecoming, it’s unprofessional,’ Rep. Joe Jefferson told KGW. Jefferson is a Democrat from Berkeley County who is one of the bill’s sponsors.
The crime is not a serious offense, and offenders wouldn’t be considered criminals or delinquents.
“It is just disingenuous, we should not have this. There ought to be a better way,” Jefferson said.
Parts of South Carolina have already implemented a ban on saggy pants. According to Fox Carolina, the town of Timmonsville passed an ordinance banning them in 2016.
(Copyright (c) 2020 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

domain: politics