Lonnie Isam Jr.’s legacy is an antique motorcycle endurance run that tests the true craftsmanship of century-old bikes
Mike Wolfe and Lonnie Jr. were friends who shared the belief that antique motorcycles shouldn’t be hidden away in barns and sheds for safekeeping but that they belonged on Two Lanes, burning oil and logging country miles as they were built to do.
Both men grew up in the Midwest and spent their weekends at swap meets and chasing leads on bikes. They met and bonded over their love of ancient iron.
“Lonnie was a knowledgeable antique motorcycle rider and restorer who believed these bikes were more than just something to put on display,” explains Mike. “I’d often call him from the road and ask him to help identify motorcycles and parts. He knew the ins and outs of a pre-1915 ride better than anyone I knew. He appreciated that the moment you fire one up and feel the heat from that engine hit your leg, you are experiencing generations of ingenuity and craftsmanship at work. He wanted people to understand that these bikes were built to take a beating and be run hard.”
In 2017, after battling cancer, Lonnie Jr. passed away, leaving a huge hole in the community of riders he belonged to. However, what he left behind shifted the way we view old motorcycles.
As a child, Lonnie Jr. grew up exploring his dad’s bike shop and going to Harley races. Growing up in motorcycle culture, Lonnie’s dad would take him to swap meets with $20 and he’d end up leaving with $100 worth of parts — a family tradition that made his dad proud but that the public education system didn’t much approve of.
“Lonnie always said he wanted to build bikes that could cross the country,” explains his father, Lonnie Sr. “To do that, he needed to be as present in the antique motorcycle crowd as possible. His mother and I let him attend the meets until junior high. When they wouldn’t excuse him anymore, we put him in a private school so he could continue to pursue his passion. He still graduated with honors by the way!”
Lonnie later relocated to Sturgis, South Dakota where he opened his own shop, Jurassic Racing. Spending a large amount of time in a town that was famously known in the motorcycle community for its long-running rally and hall of fame, he was surrounded by antique machinery and motorcycle culture.
At an early age, he became familiar with the story of legendary long-distance motorcycle pioneer, Erwin “Cannonball” Baker. A man who fearlessly off-roaded his way across the country in the early 1900s on a two-speed Indian covering 14,000 miles in three months.
Fascinated by that level of endurance, Lonnie wondered if motorcycle legends like Erwin could make those miles without roads, why couldn’t riders today do so on the pavement with the same bikes.
Fascinated by that level of endurance, Lonnie wondered why, if motorcycle legends like Baker could make those miles without even a road, riders today couldn’t do it with the same bikes, on actual pavement. So in 2010, he created the Motorcycle Cannonball.
Named after the motopioneer who inspired it and stretching 3,300 miles coast to coast, the endurance run, joined by his friends and other collectors on their pre-1916 rides, was designed to prove that antique motorcycles are still road-ready despite being welded and wired more than 100 years ago.
They came, and the word spread. What started as a once-in-a-lifetime gathering is now a biennial event bringing together the antique motorcycle community for the trek across the Two Lane back roads of America.
Since that first year, riders from all over the world have shown up religiously to put their bikes up for the challenge. In the six years between his first Cannonball and his untimely passing, Lonnie led more than 400 riders coast to coast.
Routes have covered ground from Kitty Hawk to Santa Monica, New York to California, Florida to Washington, and New Jersey to California.
More than 100 riders, this year on pre-1929 bikes, caught the crosswinds on 3750 miles of back roads from Portland, Maine, to Portland, Oregon.
“As a collector myself, I sympathize with people’s fear about taking these motorcycles out of the garage, fretting about chipped paint, bugs on the headlights, or gas caps popping off.” explains Lonnie Sr. “You have to remember though, these motorcycles aren’t baseball cards meant for safekeeping. In reality, they were built to be run hard.”
It’s for this reason, Lonnie made Cannonball not a race, but an endurance run. He established a point system for miles traveled without breaking for maintenance and for making it to the checkpoint on time.
Every mile is worth a point with the total points equaling the total number of miles for that year’s race. (Yes, there are perfect scores each year!)
Lonnie organized hosted stops in small towns along the designated route to give the rider’s stiff backs and windburned faces temporary relief. This tradition allows participants to park, talk to the kids, and swap stories with other riders in the community before the kickstands go up and continuing on the run.
“The community stops remind me of the old days when people would come out to see traveling performers,” explains veteran rider and Cannonball’s official photographer, Felicia Morgan. “These meetups offer a glimpse back to a time when life was lived at a much slower pace. The motorcycles are traveling, functioning time capsules. A rolling museum if you will that appeals to people of all ages.”
Having all these riders together brings much-deserved attention to these incredible machines, but it also sparks new friendships in the motorcycle community.
Though they may start out as strangers, the Cannonballers look out for each other, determined to see every rider complete the run no matter what comes down the road.
“Lonnie was always worrying about the safety and satisfaction of the riders,” says his father. “He kept a close eye on the daily scores, and would frett over weather conditions or tricky terrain ahead, but he never trembled. He was able to ride 71 miles of the 2016 race on the 1915 Harley he originally sold (and bought back for 2016) in order to be able to fund the first Cannonball in 2010 — a pretty remarkable feat, since doctors had told him he’d not even live to see the year 2016. Even up until his last riding days, Lonnie was on the road with the other riders, Lonnie was in the lines with the other riders in triple-degree heat, holding umbrellas over them on the side of the road repairing their bikes. A true man of passion and endurance.”
The 2018 Cannonball was the first run without its founding father. To keep his memory alive, Lonnie’s parents gave urns to distinguished riders to carry with them as a way to honor the man who started it all. Riders were welcome to do what they chose — some opting to scatter his ashes along the route where riders broke down, knowing that’s where Lonnie would choose to be – wrench in hand, working to get the rider and bike back between the lines.
Lonnie’s driving motivation was to get ancient iron back onto the road and his legacy continues, allowing collectors to show off the ingenuity, appeal, and craftsmanship of these incredible machines that still have many miles left on their tires.
“I consider it an honor to have had Lonnie as a mentor and friend,” says Mike. “It’s people like him and John Parham, who inspire me to continue with my own motorcycle preservation work. But their influence extends much further than bikes. It’s about creating something that lasts beyond yourself because those we touch during our lifetime will continue to carry out our passions. When we have the courage to build something bigger, to move the needle and make a mark…even when we are gone we are never forgotten.”
Follow Two Lanes on Instagram for more back road travel inspiration
Photos provided by Motorcycle Cannonball
Inspired by the old, rusty signs Mike picks out on the road for American Pickers–our new embossed metal sign is just what your garage or man cave is missing! Featuring our famous rooster logo, locations, & “Home of the Pickers.” SHOP NOW


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doodling around with crafts
Set of three square boxes parfect for displaying nick nacks all 12.5cm deep smallest box 15 x 15 middle box 21.5 x 21.5 cm Largest box 28 x 28 cm.
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domain: artistic


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The Grand Prix Chair by Han Kjobenhavn, a studio based in Copenhagen, Denmark, is a modernized version of an original design created back in 1957 by late Danish architect and designer Arne Emil Jacobsen. The iconic angular shape is maintained, which happens to bring to mind a few modern artworks due to its geometric aesthetic, yet the materials have changed slightly.
Produced by furniture manufacturer Fritz Hansen, the Grand Prix Chair by Han Kjobenhavn has been reiterated with a bent steel backrest that has been finished with a linen thread woven to create a netted pattern. It is finished with a wooden seat fashioned either out of oak or walnut as well as legs made of oak wood but with a black lacquer finish.
Angular Netted Seating
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We'll make every effort and hard work to be superb and excellent, and speed up our steps for standing inside the rank of intercontinental top-grade and high-tech enterprises for Pressure Seal Bonnet Gate Valves, Nace Globe Valves, 900lb Gate Valves, 600lb Globe Valves,Dbb Plug Valves. With a rapid advancement and our buyers come from Europe, United States, Africa and everywhere in the world. Welcome to visit our manufacturing unit and welcome your order, for further more inquires be sure to don't hesitate to get hold of us! The product will supply to all over the world, such as Europe, America, Australia,Portugal, Mumbai,Birmingham, Korea.We put the product quality and customer's benefits to the first place. Our experienced salesmen supply prompt and efficient service. Quality control group make sure the best quality. We believe quality comes from detail. If you have demand, let us work together to get success.


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How Long Does It Take for Benadryl to Make a Dog Sleepy?
A dog becomes sleepy within 60 minutes from administration of a properly sized dose of Benadryl, according to AZVets.com. Peak levels of the active ingredient diphenhydramine are found in blood circulation within one to five hours, as noted in The Merck Veterinary Manual.
Proper dosage of Benadryl is 2 to 4 milligrams per kilogram of pet weight, as prescribed by The Merck Veterinary Manual. This agrees with the simple rule of 1 milligram per pound recommended by AZVets.com and DoseMyPet.com. As an example, a 30-pound dog should be administered 30 milligrams of Benadryl in a proper dosage.
Some over-the-counter products containing Benadryl also contain other medications that are toxic to canines, including acetaminophen or pseudoephedrine. AZVets.com recommends checking labels closely and obtaining the advice of a veterinarian before administering any drug to a dog.

domain: biology


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Date of Award
Master of Arts (MA)
Through litter inputs, root exudates, and the resulting changes in soil chemistry, plants directly interact with the soil microbial community. Recent research on plant-microbe interactions suggests that soil microbial community structure and function play an integral role in plant community succession through both positive and negative feedbacks; yet, plant-microbe dynamics along a successional gradient have not been well-studied. My study in the recently exposed soils of the Mendenhall Glacier forefield near Juneau, AK, USA examined the development of microbial communities in coordination with the establishment of the first plants. The Mendenhall Glacier features a perhumid climate, with moist soils throughout the year, and nearby vegetation that serves as a propagule source, facilitating relatively rapid plant colonization. I sampled soils under two different plant species (alder, Alnus sinuata and spruce, Picea sitchensis) and from unvegetated areas. All samples were gathered within a single transect of soils that had been exposed for 6 years. For each sample site soil pH, organic carbon (C), available nitrogen (N), bioavailable (Olsen) Phosphorus (P), microbial biomass C, and nitrogen fixation rates were determined. My research shows specific vegetation type differences in bacterial community structure and the general enrichment of α-Proteobacteria in vegetated soils. Soil nutrient and carbon pools did not correlate with bacterial community composition. Interestingly, although pH did not significantly vary by vegetation type, it was the only parameter that correlated with bacterial community structure. My study revealed a significant correlation between nitrogen fixation rates and bacterial community composition, a feedback with potentially important impacts for the ecology of these environments. Vegetation type explained more variation in differences in bacterial communities than pH, suggesting that plant acidification of soils only partly drive broad shifts in bacterial communities. Plant species-specific differences in bacterial community structure may also relate to the chemical composition of litter and root exudates. Additionally, plant carbon inputs in general likely enhance asymbiotic N-fixer function in these relatively new soils where nitrogen limitations may stifle bacterial growth. My study provides insights into how colonizer plants drive changes in bacterial community structure and function in a glacial forefield, altering bacterial succession and ecosystem development.
Knelman, Joseph E., "The Impact of Colonizer Plants on Bacterial Community Structure and Function in Early Successional Soils of a Glacial Forefield" (2011). Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Graduate Theses & Dissertations. 11.

domain: agronomy


In today’s increasingly connected world, the number of smart home devices in use is rapidly rising. From smart TVs and refrigerators to WiFi routers and security cameras, these devices have become an integral part of our daily lives.
However, as with any technology, there are potential risks associated with these devices, particularly when it comes to cybersecurity. A recent cyber attack on a smart TV manufacturer demonstrated the vulnerability of these devices to hackers.
The attack, which affected a number of the company’s smart TVs, allowed hackers to gain access to users’ personal information and potentially control the devices themselves. This highlights the need for stronger cybersecurity measures for smart home devices. Here are a few steps you can take to protect your own devices:
Keep your devices updated
One of the easiest ways to protect your smart home devices from cyber attacks is to keep them updated with the latest software and security patches. Manufacturers often release updates that address known vulnerabilities, so it’s important to install these updates as soon as they become available.
Use strong passwords
Another important step in protecting your smart home devices is to use strong passwords. This can help prevent hackers from gaining access to your devices and personal information. When setting up your devices, make sure to use a unique, complex password that includes a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
Monitor your network
It’s also important to monitor your home network for any suspicious activity. This can include checking for unknown devices that have connected to your network, or monitoring for any unusual network traffic. If you notice anything suspicious, take steps to isolate and remove the device or traffic.
Use a VPN
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can add an extra layer of security to your smart home devices by encrypting your internet connection. This can help protect your personal information and prevent hackers from accessing your devices.
Consider a smart home security system
Finally, consider investing in a smart home security system. These systems can provide an added layer of security by monitoring your home and alerting you to any suspicious activity.
In conclusion, while smart home devices have made our lives more convenient and connected, they also pose a potential risk when it comes to cybersecurity. By taking the steps outlined above, you can help protect your devices and personal information from cyber attacks.
As you can see, there are several steps you can take to protect your smart home devices from cyber attacks. By keeping your devices updated, using strong passwords, monitoring your network, and investing in a smart home security system, you can help ensure the safety and security of your devices and personal information.


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Irrigation effects on soil organic carbon under a ryegrass-white clover pasture on a Lismore stony silt loam soil : A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Lincoln University
(Lincoln University, 2020)
Long-term summer irrigation of temperate managed pastures has been reported to either increase or decrease soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks when compared with dryland systems. Understanding the short-term effects of ...
Summer irrigation of pasture enhances the transfer and short-term storage of soil organic carbon in the particulate and mineral-associated organic matter fractions
(CSIRO Publishing, 2020-10-05)
Soil organic carbon (SOC) is both a source and sink of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂), with important implications for global climate change. Irrigation of grazed pastures has reportedly increased, reduced or made no ...


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They played hard, and they reflected the effort and personality of their new coach. But in the end the Houston Wildcats were no match for Troy Christian’s “Santa” Tuesday. The ‘big man’ delivered!
Houston – Brad Francis’s Houston Wildcats dropped their fifth game of the season Tuesday night (1-5), but their effort against an impressive Troy Christian team (3-2) was hardly anything to ruin one’s holiday spirit.
TC is a talented, athletic bunch learning in the words of its coach, Ray Zawadzki, to play a different type of game…fast-paced, frantic at times, and willing to take as many ‘threes’ as it takes to win on a given night.
At any rate that’s how Tuesday’s game started, and to the locals’ delight, Houston’s young and inexperienced lineup matched them in effort….and in three-point shooting. Connor Case banged in a couple from behind the arc to give the Eagles early momentum; and the Wildcats’ Howie Ludwig held serve with a pair of his own.
After one stanza the game was virtually even…Troy Christian 22, Houston 20.
TC turned up the pressure in the second quarter, forced the pace and some Houston turnovers. It also forced Francis to do his best Jerry Tarkanian impression on the sideline, towel in hand, mopping his brow as needed. And a funny thing…the harder he coached the harder his kids played.
TC continued to hit threes; Caleb Sluss and Noah Shoemaker continued to match. But for a couple of late turnovers that the Eagles turned into points, the game was still even at the half…Troy Christian 40, Houston 36.
But all good things come to an end, especially if they were a surprise to start with. Houston is not particularly known for three-point shooting, and while they shot 50% for a while to stay even, what they COULD NOT match was the impact of TC’s junior center, James Anderson. A 6’9”, 270 man-child with a soft touch around the rim and a personality to match, Anderson was unstoppable with the ball in his hands, and a force defensively on the other end of the court, as well. He was, on this night…Santa come early!
His 11 first half points turned out to be the real difference in the game, not the three-point shooting…because TC quit making threes in the second half, as well. Anderson, however, got other help in a third quarter that saw TC outscore Houston 21-12. He added 12 more points to finish with a game-high 27…paving the way to a 74-64 win.
“He has to be one of the biggest stories in Division IV basketball in the area,” said Zawadzki after the game. “I mean, there’s just no answer for a guy like that who’s 6’9” and weighs 270 pounds…on both ends of the floor.
“I told people before the season that we’d have a surprise for them this year, and James is the surprise. Last year he was just a piece of the puzzle for us. But he grew five inches over the summer and this year he’s the entire border of our puzzle…and he’s just gonna’ get better.”
To be sure, the soft-spoken Anderson (who’s attended Troy Christian since 4th grade) flashed some repertoire, canning a three-pointer in the first half, great touch around the rim, a modest dunk in the second half, and the stamina to withstand the torrid pace of Troy Christian’s new attack.
“We’re not accustomed to playing this style,” admits Zawadzki, who comes from the school of patience and taking care of the basketball.
“But the kids enjoy it, they enjoy the challenge of competing like tonight, and we’re going to be a lot better in about three weeks.”
They all contributed. Twelve played for TC, and nine of the twelve scored, Ben Schenk joining Anderson in double figures with 10 points as the Eagles finished the game shooting 44%.
The pace may be different, but Anderson made the game, and the outcome, elementary basketball. It’s hard to beat rats…with mice!
“I knew I had the size advantage inside,” he said later with a broad smile. “I just tried to use that against them. I just kept getting the ball…kept getting the ball…and that’s about it.”
His teammates were more than willing to share the load, the basketball, and the path to an impressive win.
“That’s been a trademark of our teams,” added Zawadzki. “If you go back to the ’13 team that went to state, they were great to share the basketball. This group is no different. And a team that’s unselfish is one that usually finds a way to win.”
And while another ultra-competitive, Brad Francis, had to content himself with a simple step forward in the process of rebuilding the winning tradition at Houston, his team showed Tuesday that the glass IS half full.
But to their credit, they rebounded, as many as four offensive boards on one possession where Anderson and company protected the rim. Howie Ludwig finally scored on the possession, two of his team-high 17 points. Teammate Isaiah Beaver joined him in double figures with 10 points.
“Their size wasn’t really the issue,” said Ludwig, a 6’ sophomore guard with the competitive instinct of a pit bull. “We just have to have better help-side defense and get better.”
True, Howie, but Anderson had 27 and the deficit was ten. Shaking his head, Ludwig wasn’t convinced.
And Houston will get better as their competitive personality continues to match the personality of their first-year coach.
“I’ve told them from the start that a team takes on the personality of its coach,” said Francis after the game, drenched from the shared effort and exertion.
“I told the kids we got beat tonight by a pretty good team – a team that shot the ball pretty well and one that’s got a tough matchup in a 6’9” Anderson, and they knew they were in a basketball game until the very end. We did everything we wanted to do except contain them in the third quarter. The third quarter got away from us and sometimes that’s what 6’9” kids do to ya’.”
A good crowd showed up, and they saw an entertaining basketball game. But perhaps best, they saw a pair of teams that are bound to improve, as Zawadzki maintained, over the course of the next month.
Houston will continue to come right after opponents in the Shelby County League. A young group, their basketball instincts and defense will improve; and they won’t have the likes of James Anderson to contend with against Botkins and Jackson Center.
Troy Christian? Well, Ray Zawadzki admits that a different style is fine as long as it makes his team competitive – as long as they can give themselves a chance to win.
But let’s face it. It’s Christmas, right? And apropos that a big man should come to town Tuesday and deliver the goods – not down the chimney, but right down the hoop and through the net.
Zawadzki didn’t hang around after the game, but rather jumped in his car to get home so he could watch his son play for Indiana Wesleyan on television. But he probably made a call back to his assistants.
Make sure ‘Santa’ gets on the bus…for the trip back to Troy.

domain: news


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Cottonwood Hot Springs were used for centuries by the Ute Indians as a spiritual gathering area. Today, they are a fully-developed set of rustic hot springs and overnight accommodations just west of downtown Buena Vista.
The rustic resort is located just outside Buena Vista, on your to Cottonwood Pass, which takes you over to Almont and CB. From its base at the Continental Divide, Cottonwood is a relaxing oasis with a variety of soaking options. It’s a locals’ favorite, complete with overnight lodging and a laid-back atmosphere.
These geothermal, hot mineral springs are entirely fed by gravity and are known for their therapeutic and medicinal value. There are several pools of varying sizes and temperatures, with the hottest reaching up to 110° F and the lowest around 94° F. Pool guests also have access to a dry sauna in addition to two private creekside pools that require an additional fee.
There’s also a cold pool to plunge into along Cottonwood Creek. It’s located behind the changing rooms and sauna.
Nothing artificial is added to the natural hot springs. Alcohol, smoking, dogs, and glass are not permitted in the pool areas, meanwhile, bathing suits are required at all times. Children 16 and under may not use the hot springs after the sun sets, as there is no lifeguard on duty.
For those wishing to extend their visit, on-site lodging includes access to the springs on arrival and check-out day. There are a few year-round accommodations to choose from including cabins of varying sizes, coed dormitories, and tent sites. The dormitory consists of three double beds, three single beds, a full kitchen, and a bathroom. Pets are only allowed in cabins for a fee.
A motel-style lodge has two floors of either two doubles or single king bedrooms. To save money, a single or double bed can be rented in two hostel-style dormitories, one of which is female/family only. A warm-weather option includes tent campsites, which run per person and provide access to the lodge for bathrooms.
There are four creekside cabins varying in size, from one room to three bedrooms. The best part is that they have their own personal rock-lined hot spring pool. Located 1.5 miles from the resort, Terra Verde, a five-bedroom house, is the largest accommodation. Unfortunately, there is no private pool, but guests get access to the public hot springs.
Havens is a two-bedroom cabin, situated just down the road. It also does not have a private pool. Oddly, and by design, there are no TVs, WIFI, phones, or air conditioning in any of the abodes. The lodge does provide a payphone, TV-VCR/DVD, computer, and library for guest use. No pets are allowed in any of the lodge rooms, but dogs are allowed in the cabins for a fee
Situated about twenty minutes south in Nathrop, Mt Princeton Hot Springs is another place to soak near town. You can soak creekside here or swim in their larger pools.
Address: 18999 County Rd 306, Buena Vista, CO
Hours: Daily | 8am – 12am
Temp: 94º – 110º F
Latest in Cottonwood Hot Springs
One of the country’s fastest growing metropolitan areas, the Denver Metro boasts more than 3 million…

domain: geography


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Lavender has antimicrobial, pharmacological, physiological and miscellaneous functions. 11.5.1 Pharmacological effects
Plant (1920) applied 'waters of lavender' to the intestine of dogs in vivo and reported increased activity, which was sometimes followed by relaxation and decreased peristaltic activity. Linalool was reported to relax the small intestine of the mouse (Imaseki and Kitabatake, 1962) while Shipochliev (1968) observed a spasmolytic action on rabbit and guinea pig gut by the essential oil of lavender (L. spica L.). Reiter and Brandt (1985) report that linalool relaxes the longitudinal muscle of guinea pig ileum. A spasmolytic activity of L. dentata L. oil and its components 1,8-cineole and a- and P-pinene, has been observed on rat duodenum. Izzo et al. (1996) showed that the essential oil of L. angustifolia Mill. relaxed both longitudinal and circular muscle of the guinea pig ileum. There appears therefore to be good agreement that the oils of lavender are spasmolytic on intestinal muscle but Lis-Balchin et al. (1996a, 1996b) and Lis-Balchin and Hart (1999) reported that, with some commercial samples, the spasmolytic action is preceded by a contraction on guinea pig ileum.
Recent experiments using three different extracts of several Lavandula species, including a cold methanolic extract, a tea (made with boiling water) and a hydrosol (the water remaining after steam/water distillation) showed that the methanolic extracts of L. angustifolia dried flowers, L. angustifolia fresh flowers and fresh leaves, assessed separately, L. stoechas leaves and L. viridis leaves have a spasmolytic action on the guinea pig ileum. All the teas and hydrosols, except for L. angustifolia dried flowers and L. angustifolia fresh leaves, were also spasmolytic, while the water-soluble tea extract of L. angustifolia dried flowers and the leaves of L. angustifolia showed an initial spasmogenic action (Hart and Lis-Balchin, 2002). Brandt (1988) reported the spasmolytic actions of linalool on tracheal muscle.
Action on skeletal muscle of the essential oil of L. angustifolia Miller and also linalool and linalyl acetate produced a reduction in the size of the contraction in response to stimulation of the phrenic nerve and also when the muscle was stimulated directly (Lis-Balchin and Hart, 1997a). Thus the action would appear to be myogenic; however, Ghelardini et al. (1999) interpret their similar results as showing a local anaesthetic action; similarly, Re et al. (2000) conclude from experiments on mouse neuromuscular junction that linalool has a local anaesthetic action. Linalyl acetate also caused an increase in baseline or resting tone (Lis-Balchin and Hart, 1997a), while limonene caused a rise in tone, with a decrease in the size of the contractions.
Lavender oil, linalool, linalyl acetate, a and P-pinene and 1,8-cineole reduce uterine activity at concentrations that are spasmolytic on intestinal muscle (Lis-Balchin and Hart, 1997b).
All essential oils of different lavenders showed a post-synaptic effect on the guinea pig ileum and none possesses atropine-like activity (Lis-Balchin and Hart, 1999) or appears to stimulate adrenoceptors. Lavender oil and linalool, appear to mediate a spasmolytic action on intestinal smooth muscle via a rise in cAMP (Lis-Balchin and Hart, 1999). There is no evidence of the use of calcium channels except at very high concentrations. This is in contrast to other essential oils (Vuorela et al., 1997). There is no evidence for potassium channel opening. The essential oil from L. dentata L., and its component 1,8-cineole, has been shown to inhibit calcium-induced contraction of rat duodenum. There is recent evidence to show that the methanolic extracts of L. angustifolia (dry flowers, fresh flowers and fresh leaves) are calcium channel blockers, as are the leaves of L. viridis and L. stoechas (Hart and Lis-Balchin, 2002).
The fact that some extracts of L. angustifolia have a strong spasmogenic action (dried flowers and fresh leaves) is somewhat disturbing as so many modern herbal and aromatherapy books state that the teas are sedative and are often prescribed for upset stomachs. The results support the findings (Castle and Lis-Balchin, 2002; Lis-Balchin, 2002a,d) that the information on lavender has been mistakenly transcribed from early herbals, such as those of Culpeper (1653), where L. spica, a more camphoric lavender, was used medicinally and not the very floral L. angustifolia. The spasmolytic results shown for the water-soluble extracts of the more camphoraceous L. stoechas again supports the well-quoted action of the camphora-ceous spike lavender over the centuries and emphasizes the confusion.
Evidence for the sedative properties of the EO of lavender after inhalation in animals is provided by Buchbauer et al. (1991, 1993) as it significantly decreased the motility of 'normal' test mice as well as that of animals rendered hyperactive or 'stressed' by an intraperitoneal caffeine. The main constituents of this oil, linalool and linalyl acetate, elicited a similar effect, which was dose related. The absorption of linalool from percutaneous application of lavender oil (Jager et al., 1992) provided some evidence for the aromatherapeutical use of lavender. Stress and travel sickness of pigs was reduced by lavender straw, measured by concentrations of cortisol in the pigs' saliva (Bradshaw et al.,
1998). Linalool, which has a dose-dependent, sedative effect on the central nervous system of rats (Elisabetsky et al., 1995a), may be caused by its inhibitory activity on glutamate binding in the cortex (Elisabetsky et al., 1995b). Potentiation of GABAA receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes by perfumes and phytocides, including lavender oils and lavender perfumes, (shown by benzodiazepine, barbiturates, steroids and anaesthetics, which induce an anxiolytic, anticonvulsant and sedative effect) was investigated by Aoshima and Hamamoto (1999).
Swiss mice showed sedation after lavender oil (1/60 in olive oil) was orally administered (Guillemain et al., 1989). Lavender inhalation showed a similar effect (Komori et al., 1997). The positive effects of lavender oil as treatment for insomnia was indicated in a limited study of four elderly people (Hardy et al., 1995). A Japanese patent application for the usage of several monoterpenes (which can be incorporated into food such as chewing gums) as brain stimulants and/or enhancers of brain activity was filed by Nakamatsu (1995). Certain central neurotropic effects of lavender essential oil were shown by Atanassova-Shopova and Roussinov (1970). A more detailed account of physiological and other effects is given by Buchbauer (2002).
Scientific research into the psychological (often referred to as psychopharmacological) effects of lavender is limited; however, there is a long history of it being regarded, and used, as a sedative or calming agent (Kirk-Smith, 2002). The effects on cells and brain tissues also suggest both reduction in electrical activity and an anti-convulsant effect. Both laboratory and clinically based studies reveal that responses to lavender may be determined not only by these pharmacological sedative effects, but by individual, situational and expectational factors independent of the lavender odour itself.
Many fragrances have been shown to have an effect on mood and, in general, pleasant odours generate happy memories, more positive feelings and a general sense of well-being (Warren and Warrenburg, 1993). Inhalation of lavender was found to have a sedative effect on people (judging by CNV studies) (Kubota et al., 1992; Torii et al., 1988; Manley, 1993). This was in agreement with the reduced motility in mice (Buchbauer, 1992; Jager et al., 1992; Kovar et al., 1987; Ammon, 1989).
Inhalation studies in people, of rosemary oil versus lavender oil using EEG and simple maths computations, showed that lavender increased a-power, suggesting drowsiness, while rosemary instigated decreased frontal alpha and beta power, suggesting increased alertness with faster and more accurate results in the maths (Diego et al., 1998). These results seem to show that odour has an effect on performance per se, but Knasko et al. (1990), who lied to their subjects that odour would be given, also showed an improvement in carrying out tasks, i.e. mind over matter! Karamat et al. (1992), however, found that lavender had a stimulant effect on decision times in human experiments. Subjects in a group given an ambient odour of dimethyl sulphide were less happy than those in the lavender group on both odour and non-odour days (Knasko, 1992). Ambient odours of lavender and cloves given to 72 volunteers (Ludvigson and Rottman, 1989) showed that lavender adversely influenced arithmetic reasoning. Lavender (at imperceptible levels) reduced the number of errors made in the arithmetical and concentration tasks compared to jasmine (Degel and Koster, 1999) and reduced stress in flight controllers (Leshchinskaia et al., 1983).
Most clinical studies initiated by aromatherapists used lavender oil, and showed little, if any, benefit (Vickers, 1996; Cooke and Ernst, 2000; Lis-Balchin, 2002d). There was no significant difference shown between the use of aromatherapy (with lavender), massage and periods of rest in an intensive care unit (Dunn et al., 1995). Aromatherapy massage on four patients with severe dementia and disturbed behaviour proved detrimental for most (Brooker et al., 1997).
The main action of essential oils is probably on the primitive, unconscious, limbic system of the brain (Lis-Balchin, 1997), which is not under the control of the cerebrum or higher centres and has a great subconscious effect on the person. Mood and behaviour could be influenced by odours, and memories of past odour associations could also be dominant, an area that needs to be fully explored before aromatherapy is used by psychologically unqualified persons in the treatment of Alzheimer's or other ageing diseases. Aromatherapy can, however, be effective in reducing stress and improving moods of terminally ill patients, but only in association with touch and the time to listen to the patient, as aromatherapy, like other alternative medicines, has a placebo effect owing to the greater time spent by the therapist with the patient, the belief imparted by the therapist and the willingness of the patient to believe in the therapy (Benson and Stark, 1996).
The antimicrobial activity of lavender oil against different bacterial species of lavender is moderate, in contrast to the considerable antimicrobial status awarded to lavender by aromatherapists (Deans, 2002). Lavender was found to be most effective against Enterococcus faecalis out of 25 bacteria, but Klebsiella pneumoniae enhanced growth! The genus Bacillus has been shown to be susceptible to lavender volatile oil by Jeanfils et al. (1991) and Lis-Balchin et al. (1998), the latter also showing differences in activity of different lavenders against 25 bacteria. Similarly, using 20 strains of Listeria monocytogenes, Lis-Balchin and Deans (1997) showed a wide variation in activity of different commercial lavenders. Vokou et al. (1993) suppressed potato sprout growth using crude herb material. Lavender also possesses antifungal properties, e.g. against Aspergillus niger, A. ochraceus and Fusarium culmorum, which all reacted differently to the oils (Lis-Balchin et al., 1998).
11.5.5 Other properties of lavender oil or its components
A study on mast cell-mediated immediate-type allergic reactions induced by an irritant in test animals showed a dose-dependent beneficial effect of lavender oil administered either topically or intradermally (Kim and Cho, 1999). Lavender flowers had a protective effect against enzyme-dependent lipid peroxidation (Hohmann et al., 1999). Lipid peroxidation and lipid metabolism studies in patients with chronic bronchitis showed normalization of the level of total lipids by lavender oil (Siurin, 1997). Inhalation of lavender oil had no effect on the content of cholesterol in the blood, but reduced its content in the aorta and atherosclerotic plaques (Nikolaevskii et al., 1990). Linalool showed only marginal effects on lipid peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (Reddy and Lokesch, 1992). Yamada et al. (1994) showed anticonvulsive effects of inhaling lavender oil vapour and Elizabetsky et al. (1999) showed similar effects for linalool in glutamate-related seizure models.
A hypoglycaemic effect of various species of lavender was shown by Gamez et al. (1987a,b). Linalool leads to a hepatic peroxysomal and microsomal enzyme induction in rats (Roffey et al., 1990; Chadba and Madyasthe, 1984) and choleretic and cholagogic activity of Bulgarian lavender oil and a mixture of linalool and a-terpinol was found by Peana et al. (1994) and Gruncharov (1973). Some periodontal diseases can be treated with a mixture of
EOs, including lavender (Sysoev and Lanina, 1990). Lavender oil was said to be suitable for prevention and treatment of decubitus ulcers, insect bites, athletes' foot and skin rash and can also be used for the topical treatment of acne, prevention of facial scarring and blemishes of the face and body (Hartwig 1996). The EO of lavender was used in a mixture as a hair growth stimulant and for the treatment of Alopecia areata (Hay et al., 1998) and in a pilot study to determine possible novel, safe pediculicides in children. Skin penetration enhancers, especially for the transdermal absorption of various drugs and medicaments have included lavender oil with Nifedipine (Thacharodi and Rao, 1994). Research into cell cultures of L. vera for rosmarinic acid production was discussed by Ilieva-Stoilova et al. (2002).
There are numerous miscellaneous uses for lavender flowers, both fresh and dried (Lis-Balchin, 2002d) e.g. herbal pillows, lavender bags, household cleaning products and scented candles. Spike lavender is included in some veterinary shampoos and other products as an insect, especially flea repellent (Potter, 1988). Lavender oil is used as a component in topical formulations to relieve the pain associated with rheumatic and musculo-skeletal disorders, acting as a potent radical scavenger (Billany et al., 1995).
Perillyl alcohol, a minor component of lavender and the most important metabolite of D-limonene, is a chemo-preventative and chemo-therapeutic agent (Reddy et al., 1997; Bellanger, 1998), e.g. against rat liver cancer and rodent mammary and pancreatic tumours). Pancreatic tumours were inhibited completely by geraniol at 20 g/kg diet and 50% by perillyl alcohol at 40 g/kg diet in hamsters. Patents have been taken out for various uses of perillyl alcohol including: antibiotic and anti-fungal action (US Patent 5,110,832) and carcinoma regression (US Patent 5,414,019).
Contemporary patents for lavender include: wound treatment (US Patent 4,318,906); treating skin and scalp conditions (US Patent 4,855,131); minor skin irritations, promoting healing, resisting insects (US Patent 5,620,695); fly and mosquito attractant (US Patent 5,635,174) and control of dermatomycoses and dermatophytoses of skin ailments with Tinea pedis (US Patent 5,641,481).
Culpeper (1653) said that lavender (L. vera) 'provokes menses of women, and expels both a stillborn child and afterbirth' (the only reference to lavender as an abortifacient).
The BIBRA Working Group (1994) showed little or no irritation to human and animal skin, but it has caused sensitization, photosensitization and pigmentation. Patch tests have shown a few allergies due to photosensitization and also pigmentation (Brandao, 1986; Nakayama et al., 1976). Its principal effect following administration by oral, injection or inhalation routes to rodents was sedation. Linalool was irritant to the skin of various species of laboratory animals. There was the danger of causing dermatitis in sensitive people (Rudzki et al., 1976), e.g. an occupational allergy to a lavender shampoo used by a hairdresser (Brandao, 1986; Menard, 1961). Facial 'pillow' dermatitis due to lavender oil allergy was described by Coulson and Khan (1999). Facial psoriasis caused by contact allergy to linalool and hydroxycitronellal in an after-shave was described by De Groot and Liem (1983). Patch testing using lavender oil at 20% in petrolatum on patients suspected of suffering from cosmetic contact dermatitis over a nine-year period in Japan showed a dramatic increase in 1997, which coincided with the importation of the aromatherapy trend for using lavender oil and dried flowers. There is also the danger of airborne contact allergic dermatitis through overuse of essential oils and their storage (Schaller and Korting, 1995), which produced a severe response in a man who had been active with essential oils.
Although present in small quantities in most lavenders, except L. stoechas, the dangers of D-limonene sensitization have become more prominent as it is used in so many industrial processes, e.g. degreasing metal before industrial painting, cleaning assemblies and as a hand cleanser. It oxidizes to R-(-) carvone, cis and trans-isomers of limonene oxide and hydroperoxides, all potential contact allergens (Karlberg et al., 1994). Two per cent of dermatitis patients gave a positive patch test to D-limonene (Karlberg and Dooms-Goossens, 1997), especially when aged (Chang et al., 1997). Pulmonary exposure of human volunteers to D-limonene caused a decrease in the lung vital capacity (Falk-Filipsson et al., 1993). The major volatile component of lactating mothers' milk in the USA contained D-limonene (von Burg, 1995), thus making it possible that the baby could develop an allergic response soon after birth. Cats and dogs, too, are very susceptible to insecticides and baths containing D-limonene.
In contrast to all the toxicity, anticarcinogenic properties of D-limonene were shown in vitro, when applied subcutaneously to mice that were then injected with benzopentaphene, but although the lung tumours took longer to develop and therefore the animals lived longer, it did not prevent them forming (Homburger et al., 1971).
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This eBook explains how Aromatherapy has something to do with scents and smells treating illnesses and conditions. Many people who do not like the sometimes-unpleasant side effects of prescribed medication, particularly for depression, stress, or other similar disorders, have opted to use aromatherapy to help reach the desired state of being.

domain: chemistry


text:
Nov 2, 2011, 6:21 PM EST
Rather than intervene now, commisioner Bud Selig has opted to give the Red Sox and Cubs another week to come to an agreement on the compensation for Theo Epstein, who left Boston to become the Cubs’ president of baseball operation.
The commisioner’s office cited the preoccupation both teams have had with other matters in recent days. The Cubs fired Mike Quade on Wednesday and are now in the same boat with the Red Sox in looking for a new manager. Also, both teams had decisions to make on contract options prior to midnight Monday.
If another week goes by without an agreement, Selig will likely settle matters then.
- Blue Jays sign Dayan Viciedo to a minor league deal 8
- Chris Sale will be sidelined for three weeks with foot fracture 11
- Aramis Ramirez says 2015 will be his last year 32
- Francisco Rodriguez re-signs with the Brewers 9
- If addiction is an illness — and it is — Josh Hamilton shouldn’t be suspended 299
- Pirates open to massive extension for Andrew McCutchen 18
- Report: Josh Hamilton had a relapse this offseason that “involved at least cocaine” 86
- Yankees don’t plan on having to pay A-Rod’s $30 million in home run milestone bonuses 51
- If addiction is an illness — and it is — Josh Hamilton shouldn’t be suspended (299)
- San Francisco — and all of California — will consider a smokeless tobacco ban that includes MLB parks (131)
- Report: The Yankees were “fuming” at how A-Rod handled his early arrival to spring training (114)
- Cuban prospect Yoan Moncada reportedly signs with the Red Sox for $31.5 million, plus $31.5 million in penalties (106)
- Brian Sabean says that California taxes are a hindrance to the Giants signing free agents (102)


text:
Hello, every person. Glad to listen to from Joe Biden that the pandemic is over. But who’s likely to tell the coronavirus?
The Plain Watch
The linguist George Lakoff is well known for his concept of “framing” in political speech. The phrases people use to explain an challenge can end a debate even right before the speechifying starts. “Framing is about obtaining language that matches your worldview,” he at the time described. “The concepts are key and the language carries those ideas, evokes these thoughts.”
I believed about Lakoff when I go through the US Court docket of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit’s ruling relating to the Texas legislature’s Household Monthly bill 20, signed by Governor Greg Abbott last calendar year. The legislation boundaries how technology platforms can reasonable speech, fundamentally banning companies like Meta, Google, and Twitter from taking away or de-position information on the basis of the viewpoint it expresses. Two sector associations, NetChoice and the Pc & Communications Business Affiliation (CCIA), challenged the regulation, as they experienced similar legislation in Florida. A good deal of difficult appeals and problems ensued. In Florida, the courts blocked the regulation, and the point out government is pleasing to the Supreme Court. But immediately after an appeals court ruling in Texas stopped the law, a bigger courtroom, the US Fifth Circuit, intervened, declaring that it was constitutional and could be enforced. Then the Supreme Court stepped in. It prevented the law from getting influence, and questioned the Fifth Circuit to rethink its previously determination.
The Fifth Circuit did not budge. Crafting for a two-to-just one majority last week, Judge Andrew Oldham—a Trump appointee whose earlier put up was normal counsel for Texas governor Greg Abbott—produced a ruling that reads additional like an Infowars dispatch than a reasoned decision. In the vicinity of the major he rams a contemptuous stake in the ground: “Today,” he writes, “we reject the idea that companies have a freewheeling To start with Amendment right to censor what folks say.”
Okay, set apart the judge’s perception that a “freewheeling” use of a standard correct is some thing unsavory. (Isn’t that what rights are for?) The vital word listed here is “censor.” It’s the framing from hell. “Censorship” is the term that Republican legislators and pundits normally use to describe normal articles moderation—the act of a firm choosing what kind of speech it would like users to see on its platform. Making use of that phrase is a political tactic, supposed to cow platforms into enabling speech that violates their policies—things like Covid misinformation, loathe speech, and election denial—that a lot more frequently appear from the proper than the left. Indeed, the textual content of HB 20 adopts that terminology, stating that “a social media platform may well not censor a user.” But this framing is bogus. Censorship is a thing that governments do, not non-public parties policing their personal web sites. “It’s Orwellian that the govt states that non-public businesses’ work out of editorial discretion is censorship,” says CCIA president Matt Schruers.
Even so, Oldham locks in on the expression as if it is the only way to explain how private platforms establish how to maintain civility and protection. The words and phrases “censor” or “censorship” surface 143 periods in his ruling. “The platforms are not newspapers,” he writes. “Their censorship is not speech.” In the meantime, Oldham thinks it is properly great for the authorities to convey to a non-public corporation what speech it can or are unable to host—which appears a ton like, you know, censorship. The sort that the Very first Modification prohibits. The Fifth Circuit ruling signifies that the regulation will get impact on Oct 7, unless additional authorized rulings place it on maintain.
Resource : https://www.wired.com/story/plaintext-bogus-fears-of-censorship-could-spell-the-conclude-of-content-moderation/


Combustion or hydraulic, backhoe loaders are machines used to perform excavations in various types of land or terrains with different purposes such as opening trenches to place cables, pipes or drains, foundations of houses or buildings, as well as to break the asphalt in streets and facilitate the paving process.
Backhoe Construction Machine
It works by burying a shovel or bucket with which it extracts soil and all kinds of materials deposited on the ground, and then drag them and deposit them inside or in a collecting truck.
In addition, the backhoe loaders have a chassis that can be mounted on chains or rubbers and hydraulic jacks, to offer greater stability of the machine on the ground.
History of the backhoe loader
The backhoe has its origin in the crawler tractor commonly used in the 1950s in the construction industry. It was a very useful piece of equipment, but visionary experts decided to make it more efficient and versatile.
By then, the UK-based Essex company known as Whitlock Bros had created a device called the Dinjum Digger, assuring their customers that they had created the world’s first backhoe loader. After experiments, he incorporated a hydraulic loader to finish assembling the equipment.
Who invented the Backhoe Loader
The founder of JBC, Joseph Cyril Bamford, based on his experience in the construction of hydraulic loaders went to Norway and there he saw the potential of the backhoe loader, so he bought one and took it to his country to test its potential.
By 1953 he was able to improve the design and incorporated the first accessory included in the backhoe. The product was manufactured as JBC MK1 and in 1958 launched the first integrated backhoe.
Backhoe Loader Features
Its assembly consists of three parts: tractor, loader and backhoe.
It transports large quantities of material.
Its main function is to excavate land.
It has three parts: bucket, toothpick and boom.
It is also known as a mechanical shovel.
Types of Backhoe Loader
Mechanical shovels: Also called excavator shovels or bucket excavators. They are used for vertical type excavations, special for production in wells and mines.
Hydraulic excavators: With the same power as mechanical excavators and at a more affordable price. They are faster to load material and are used especially in mining.
A backhoe is hydraulically controlled. It works like a normal excavator and digs in the opposite direction of the vehicle.
Its heart is a powerful hydraulic pump and a valve that distributes the oil by means of pressure to all the parts that need it to move. The control controls located in the cab serve to send fluid to the selected area to move.
The control panel includes the necessary controls to make the movements with the backhoe:
Moving from one side to the other
Rotate 360º on its own axis
A boom that must be lowered or raised by means of two cylinders
Control the movements of the cuvette to raise or lower according to the displacement of the piston rod.
- Case CE (subsidiary of CNH)
- Caterpillar Inc.
- Deere & Company
- Ford Motor Company
- Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) (subsidiary of Hitachi Construction Machinery)
- Massey Ferguson (subsidiary of AGCO)
- New Holland Construction
- Volvo Construction Equipment (subsidiary of Volvo)


what is advantage and disadvantage of forward curve and backward curve blade of an id fan impeller and FD fan impeller??
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how airconditioner works
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text:
Melanzane alla Parmigiana
Searching for a great Italian melanzane recipe? This classic melanzane alla parmigiana recipe is one of the greatest of all Tuscan recipes.
A friend of ours, a signora by the name of Elena, let me share this previously secret recipe on my site.
Elena is from Tuscany and she tells me that this recipe has been in her family for many generations.
She learned to cook it from her mamma and nonna when she was little and they learnt it from their mothers and nonnas in turn.
It is so much a family tradition that it has never been written down before now.
I've tried many melanzane/eggplant recipes before, I thought they were great...then I tried this one. WOW!
If you like it too please click like below.
Note: Melanzane is the Italian word - in the UK and Canada this vegetable is called an aubergine while in other countries it is called an eggplant or brinjal.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
6 melanzane (eggplants), sliced lengthways about 6mm thick
salt, to taste
500g tomato sauce (made with peeled tomatoes, an onion, a carrot, stick of celery, basil and a little olive oil)
50g grated Parmigiano Reggiano
a handful of basil leaves, chopped
250g fiordilatte mozzarella
1) Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2) Place the melanzane (eggplants), on a baking tray then brush with olive oil.
3) Place in the oven until soft. Remove.
4) Butter a baking dish then layer the bottom with the melanzane (eggplants). Season with salt.
5) Cover with the tomato sauce, Parmigiano Reggiano, chopped basil and mozzarella. Repeat for at least 3 layers.
6) Cover the last layer of melanzane (eggplants), with only tomato sauce then place a few rounds of mozzarella slices on top.
7) Bake in a 180 degrees celsius oven for 20 minutes. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Elena's Tip: This will taste even better the following day so if you can resist eating it immediately refrigerate overnight
Print this recipe...
Melanzane alla Parmigiana
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domain: food


Jermaine Jenas claims Mauricio Pochettino is in a different bracket to Arsenal.
Arsenal’s reputation has taken a severe hit over the last few months to such an extent that their position as a huge club is being questioned.
The man that is being blamed for that is Unai Emery and he has now been sacked for the state Arsenal got into.
Freddie Ljungberg has been named the interim manager while the club looks for a more permanent solution.
There have been several managerial targets who have been linked with the job, including Mikel Arteta, Carlo Ancellotti, and even Mauricio Pochettino.
However, former Spurs midfielder, Jermaine Jenas believes that Pochettino is above Arsenal and that the Argentinean should be targeting the managers’ job at a club he considers bigger.
Pochettino has previously claimed that his loyalty to Spurs won’t make him take the Arsenal job if it was offered to him in the future, but the Gunners consider him as one of their transfer targets.
According to Jenas, per the Daily Mail: ‘Arsenal’s a huge football club and I’m sure the wages would be great for Mauricio. I put myself in his shoes though and would say his stock is far higher than that personally.
‘I think the job he did at Tottenham puts him in another bracket. I think if I was Mauricio I’d be sat there going well I’ll have six months off to recuperate and rest as I have been working non-stop for six years.
‘Come the end of the season there’s a good chance that Man Utd might ring the phone, Bayern Munich or Real Madrid.’
I have to say that is a ridiculous statement from Jenas. I do not dismiss his comments because he is a former Tottenham player. Former Arsenal players are just as critical but if it is a ludicrous comment I will say so.
It can be argued that Man Utd are in just as bad a state as Arsenal so why are they still considered a huge club and not Arsenal?
Basically, Jenas does what nearly every pundit does, jump on Arsenal at the first opportunity regardless of whether the comments make sense or not.


I recently had my car’s front end aligned by a mechanic whom I have trusted for more than 10 years. The problem is, to keep the car running straight on the road, I have to turn my steering wheel to the right by about 15 degrees. When I straighten out the wheel, the car pulls to the left. Shouldn’t a front-end alignment include making sure the steering wheel is straight? Isn’t that the idea behind it?
TOM: It’s not “the idea” behind a front-end alignment. The idea is to make sure the front wheels are pointing in exactly the same direction so that the car handles correctly and the tires don’t wear prematurely. Your mechanic probably did that.
RAY: But centering the steering wheel is something that should be done as part of a front-end alignment.
TOM: Having the steering wheel “agree” with the direction of the wheels isn’t a mechanical necessity. Your car will steer fine regardless. But it’s an indication to you that the job was done conscientiously. It’s like when the dry cleaner folds your clean clothes and puts them on hangers, rather than just tossing them on the counter in a crumpled pile. They may still be clean, but it doesn’t leave you with the same feeling.
RAY: In the old days, adjusting the position of the steering wheel after the fact was a piece of cake. You could loosen a nut on the steering column and move the steering wheel where you wanted it.
TOM: But it’s no longer easy, so you have to do it before you start the alignment.
RAY: First, you place the steering wheel at dead center. Then you align the front wheels so that they’re pointing straight ahead. And when you’re done, everything should be as nature intended it.
TOM: If you don’t turn the steering wheel to its proper position first, after the alignment’s done you could find yourself out of luck.
RAY: So it’s reasonable to ask your mechanic to do it again. Tell him that someone forgot to center the steering wheel before doing the alignment, and now it’s crooked. Tell him that the angle of the steering wheel has become an unhealthy obsession for you.
TOM: Tell him you haven’t eaten or bathed in weeks. All you do is lie awake thinking about this cosmic mismatch.
RAY: Hopefully, you’ll frighten him just enough so that he’ll quickly get your steering wheel pointed in the right direction. But not so much that he’ll call the EMTs and have you carted off.
King Features Syndicate


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06/20/2018 Ackboo feat. Dan I Locks - Slowly
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text:
Police preparing for Oct 14 rally
published : 4 Oct 2020 at 17:25
writer: Online Reporters
The Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) is making preparations for the planned demonstration by various pro-democracy groups at the Democracy Monument on Oct 14.
Pol Lt Gen Pakapong Pongpetra, the MPB commissoner, said on Sunday police were monitoring announcements of various groups, including the Democracy Restoration Group (DRG), calling for people to converge at Democracy Monument in Bangkok on Oct 14 from 2pm to mark the October 1973 popular uprising.
He said they were trying to assess how many people would join the rally so as to decide the number of police officers to be deployed to maintain law and order.
The number would be larger than usual if the demonstrators were to stay overnight.
The MPB would hold a meeting next week to lay out a plan to cope with the demonstration, he added.
Pol Lt Gen Pakapong said he wanted leaders of the rally to cooperate with police by complying with the Public Assembly Act and trying to make sure the demonstrators obeyed the law.
The police would designate an area for the demonstrators to rally so that passers-by would not be inconvenienced. Stations would be set up for health officials to screen people for Covid-19. There would also be a command centre for security maintenance and traffic control, he added.
Pol Lt Gen Pakapong said if it was deemed necessary to set up security checkpoints around the rally site to search for weapons, the MPB would submit a proposal to the Royal Thai Police Office for permission, complete with proper reasoning and details on locations, times and who would be in charge.
He said the deployment of police would be to provide security for the demonstrators and other people to prevent untoward incidents, not to arrest the protesters.


text:
The Weekend Oneshot Challenge is an RPG writing event where I complete the writing, art, cartography, and editing for a oneshot RPG adventure within a 48 hour period.
I'm not required to work the whole 48 hours, but once I begin, everything must be finished before the 48 hour time limit passes. This causes me to prioritize certain elements over others, but ultimately, it removes the analysis paralysis that causes me to gunk up my decision making.
There's no time to debate elements; just get them done!
Adding a fun little twist to the mix is the incorporation of Magic: the Gathering cards. Why? To keep me from doing any pre-production idea sketches or event sequencing. The 48 hour challenge would then be... kind of a lie! Utilizing Magic: the Gathering cards, I generate game elements that must be included.
Let's look at what I drew for my first attempt. I opened a booster pack, shuffled the cards, then drew them one at a time and placed them under which element I thought best "fit" them until all six slots were filled:
Essentially, I set the adventure in a small mountain on a forested area, and beneath the mountain is a forge that harvests magic energy from an Archfey. Two minotaurs steal the forge from its previous owner (a dragon) and enslave the minions. One minion, a storm giant, is the source of a river beneath the mountain and oversees the imprisoned Archfey. Tensions arise when the minotaurs have a falling out--one being banished and desiring to retake the forge (that's where the party comes in).
So today at 2/9/2020 at 10:20 AM, with an hour and ten minutes to spare, I finished The Iron Dreamer for my Weekend Oneshot challenge.
I'm hoping to record my next attempt for a video documentary on the process. Here's to anyone else who wants to take the challenge (or at least use the Magic card idea!)

domain: hobby


text:
20000 photos of India, 1280õ960
Parabrahma temple in Oachira
Thiruvallam Sree Parasurama temple
Sree Krishna temple, Guruvayoor
Janardhana Swamy temple, Varkala
Sree Dharmasastha temple, Ayyappan, Sabarimala
Bhagavathy temple, Chottanikkara
Sree Dhanwanthary temple, Maruthoorvattom
Sree Krishna temple, Ambalapuzha
According to the legend, Parashurama after waging the war and slaying evil kings descended from the heavens and offered penance and He threw His axe into the sea and the land emerged from the sea became Kerala. The famous spices of Kerala attracted Romans, Greeks, Arabs and Chinese and gold was traded for spices, ivory and sandalwood. It is a tropical paradise of sandy beaches, sparkling waters, rain forests, blue seas and back-water canals.
Kerala, historically known as Keralam, is an Indian state in South India on the Malabar Coast. It was formed on 1 November 1956 following the States Reorganisation Act by combining Malayalam-speaking regions.
The name Kerala has an uncertain etymology. One popular theory derives Kerala from Kera ("coconut tree" in Malayalam) and alam ("land"); thus "land of coconuts", which is a nickname for the state, used by locals, due to abundance of coconut trees. The word Kerala is first recorded as Keralaputra in a 3rd-century BCE rock inscription left by the Maurya emperor Ashoka (274–237 BCE), one of his edicts pertaining to welfare. The inscription refers to the local ruler as Keralaputra (Sanskrit for "son of Kerala"); or "son of Chera[s]". This contradicts the theory that Kera is from "coconut tree". At that time, one of three states in the region was called Cheralam in Classical Tamil: Chera and Kera are variants of the same word. The word Cheral refers to the oldest known dynasty of Kerala kings and is derived from the Proto-Tamil-Malayalam word for "lake".
The earliest Sanskrit text to mention Kerala is the Aitareya Aranyaka of the Rigveda. Kerala is also mentioned in the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, the two Hindu epics. The Skanda Purana mentions the ecclesiastical office of the Thachudaya Kaimal who is referred to as Manikkam Keralar, synonymous with the deity of the Koodalmanikyam temple. Keralam may stem from the Classical Tamil cherive-alam ("declivity of a hill or a mountain slope") or chera alam ("Land of the Cheras"). The Greco-Roman trade map Periplus Maris Erythraei refers to Keralaputra as Celobotra.
Kerala has the lowest positive population growth rate in India, 3.44%; the highest Human Development Index (HDI), 0.712 in 2015; the highest literacy rate, 93.91% in the 2011 census; the highest life expectancy, 77 years; and the highest sex ratio, 1,084 women per 1,000 men. The state has witnessed significant emigration, especially to Arab states of the Persian Gulf during the Gulf Boom of the 1970s and early 1980s, and its economy depends significantly on remittances from a large Malayali expatriate community. Hinduism is practised by more than half of the population, followed by Islam and Christianity. The culture is a synthesis of Aryan and Dravidian cultures, developed over millennia, under influences from other parts of India and abroad.
Malayalam language is spoken by 97% of Kerala population, and almost 2% speak Tamil. Malayalam is a Dravidian language spoken in India, predominantly in the state of Kerala. It is one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and was designated as a Classical Language in India in 2013. It was developed to the current form mainly by the influence of the poet Thunchaththu Ezhuthachan in the 16th century. Malayalam has official language status in the state of Kerala and in the union territories of Lakshadweep and Puducherry. It belongs to the Dravidian family of languages and is highly influenced by Sanskrit, an Indo-Aryan language, mostly in grammar and vocabulary, and is spoken by some 38 million people (population of Kerala is over 33 million in 2011).
The capital of the state, Thiruvananthapuram, also the capital of the erstwhile princely state of Travancore, is home to the Padmanabhapuram Palace, Padmanabhaswamy Temple and a Museum.
Historical sites of Kerala are Thalasseri Fort at Kannur, Bolgatty Palace of Kochi, Kodungallur, where the Jews landed in Kerala, and Kozhikode the port where the Portuguese adventurer Vasco de Gama made shore.
Religious sites are Krishna Temple at Guruvayur, the Thrissur Temple and its Pooram Festival procession of a large contingent of caparisoned elephants, Sabarimala’s Ayyappa Temple, and those at Aluva, Ettumannur, and Vaikam. Kaladi is sacred as the birthplace of the Hindu sage Adi Sankara. Malayattur, and Kottayam are pilgrim centres of Syrian Christians.
Kerala is famous for its inland waterways and houseboats. Alappuzha and Kollam are the two termini for the inland waterways of Kerala.
Ponmudi (1100 meters) near Thiruvananthapuram, Munnar (1532 meters) amid tea gardens, and Pirmed (1070 meters), are the better known hill-resorts of Kerala. Malampuzha dam and the mineral springs at Varkala are popular picnic spots. Kovalam beach is a favourite with tourists.
Wildlife sanctuaries and national parks are Thekkadi, Peppara, Neyyar, Shenduruny, Kumarakom, Parambikulam.
Kottakkal Arya Vaidyasala is a pionerring centre for Ayurveda, Kerala's traditional system of medicine. Cheruthuruthi is home to the Kalamandalam School of ‘Kathakali’, a native classical ballet form.
By the 21st century, almost all of the native sports and games from Kerala have either disappeared or become just an art form performed during local festivals; including Poorakkali, Padayani, Thalappandukali, Onathallu, Parichamuttukali, Velakali, and Kilithattukali. However, Kalaripayattu, regarded as "the mother of all martial arts in the world", is an exception and is practiced as the indigenous martial sport. Another traditional sport of Kerala is the boat race, especially the race of Snake boats.


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Finally, it was time to leave the lowest point on Earth as we turned left into the snaking road that leads to the town of Kerak. Four hundred metres higher, there was a road sign that indicated where we touched sea level. As in throughout this region, the arid scenery was breathtaking with interesting rock formations and deep gorges.
The Southern Shore
The southern shore of the Dead Sea is where Jordan and Israel meet again. The fall in the level of the Dead Sea is most visible here, with much of the new land is being used as salt mines. There is also extensive agriculture despite the lack of rain, which is compensated for by the deep depression in the land that allows for wells to be drilled easily. There is also a small Jordanian village (al-Mazra'a) that seems so far away from civilization.
The Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is a natural wonder! Its shore is 420 metres below sea level, making it the lowest dry point on our planet, where the air feels thicker and much warmer than the cliffs above. The salty water mass fills the lowest point in the Jordan Rift Valley, a deep depression created by a split between tectonic plates millions of years ago (one which also created the Red Sea). The eastern shores belong to Jordan while the western shores are split between Palestine and Israel (though the Israeli military controls the entire shore as part of its continued occupation of the West Bank). The high salt content of the waters makes the Dead Sea (which is really a lake) devoid of marine life, hence its name, but these rich minerals give its water and mud the healing properties that have attracted people for millennia. Unfortunately, falling water tables in the Middle East due to continued drought and excessive use of the waters of the River Jordan upstream have resulted in a rapid drop in the level of water in the Dead Sea. This is clearly visible as one walks to the shore where older (higher) sea level is visible.
The spectacular Wadi Majib carves its way through the arid cliffs of Jordan and snakes its way all the way down to the eastern shore of the Dead Sea. A quick stop along the Dead Sea Highway for the attached photo is a must during the long drive to Petra. For those with more time, hiking trails and a spa are located upstream, though they are only accessible from the upper end of the valley rather from where I took this photo.
The Dead Sea Highway
After a quick dip in the Dead Sea followed by lunch at the Movenpick, we drove south on the Dead Sea Highway as we continued our way to Petra. The views were equally stunning through out the way and towards the southern half of the Dead Sea we could see Israel on the other side.
Views over Palestine
So close, yet so far away... Palestine is clearly visible from the Jordanian shores of the Dead Sea and precisely beyond these arid cliffs lie Jerusalem and Bethlehem. I just hope to make it there one of those days...
Floating in the Dead Sea
Indeed you float easily in the waters of the Dead Sea. It is one of those things you hear about but do not fully believe until you actually try it. The sensation is bizarre, not only because of floating, but also because the water itself feels somewhat oily because of the high mineral content. I also found it a little too cool for comfort in December, but perhaps it's much more refreshing in warmer months. If you plan to take a dip, it is advisable to bring some sort of waterproof footwear as this person had done (something I hadn't thought of). This makes walking on the rocky bottom much easier.
Dead Sea Mud Treatment
Because of the high mineral content of its mud and waters, they are thought to have healing powers. Many people come here to get a Dead Sea mud treatment followed by a dip in the water. One look at these lovely ladies made me skip the mud treatment altogether and go straight for the water...Related to:
- Spa and Resort
The Baptism Site
Just north of the Dead Sea on the River Jordan is the site of the Baptism of Jesus Christ in Bethany-Beyond-The-Jordan. It is called "al-Maghtas" in Arabic. Due to time constraints, we skipped a visit to the site but were content to be close enough to it to see the road sign in the attached photo.Related to:
- Religious Travel
The drive from Madaba and Mount Nebo to the Dead Sea and the Jordan Valley is simply spectacular! The descent is amplified by the fact that the shores of the Dead Sea are approximately 420 metres below sea level and Mount Nebo is at an altitude of over 800 metres, resulting in 1200-1300 metres vertical drop. Attached are a few photos.
The St Georges Church is world famous for it's beautiful old mosaic.
At the counter, you can ask for a detailed map of the mosaic. This way, it becomes more clear whar you see...
The mosaic is an old map of the Middle East. You can clearly distinct the Nile Delta, Jeruzalem and other places.
By the way, that's the one and only reason to visit this dull little town. The Archeological Museum and one other Museum can be missed.
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The dense jungle of the Yucatan peninsula will get a more solid link with the rest of Mexico in the wake of Monday's announcement by the country's president-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.
Lopez Obrador has pledged up to $8 billion to build the "Mayan train," a massive rail network slated to become operational in four years. That's more than double the previously projected budget of $3.2 billion. Once completed, the rail line will not only connect Cancun to the ancient Mayan site of Palenque but will complete a circuit by adding an extra line to the Chichen Itza ruins and a return link to Cancun. The total mileage of the proposed railway addition will be 930 miles.
Despite the overrun budget, it is projected that the train will pay for itself in the long run, especially with trail accessibility to Palenque and Chichen Itza, but also historic colonial cities like Campeche and Merida. Additional destinations that might also be enticing include the lagoons of Tulum and the nature reserves of Sian Ka'an.
"This will greatly stimulate tourism and will create jobs in the southeast, which is the most neglected region of the country," Lopez Obrador said.
The president-elect also revealed a six-year financing horizon that will involve funding from both private and public resources, the latter from tourism taxes, which account for roughly $370 million that annually reach federal government coffers.
The new line was a plank in Lopez Obrador's campaign platform that was initially met with a lot of resistance, given the terrain. Dense jungle and wetlands with underground rivers that could cause the ground surface to cave in, as well as the potential to ruin archaeological sites and wildlife reserves, were cited by naysayers as obstacles.
But with consumer tourism tastes veering from the tried-and-true attractions of coastal resorts to a desire to visit attractions off the beaten path, supporters hail the new line as a no-brainer.
"Tourists today prefer other types of tourism projects that are more in contact with nature," said Vicente Ferreyra, a sustainable tourism consultant. "They are turning more toward the jungle, and there is an opportunity to diversify for markets that don't just want sun and sand."
An additional bonus is that workers who staff the resorts in Cancun and the rest of Mexico's east coast, yet live remotely from where their jobs are located, can also benefit from using the rail line once completed. The line would not only be faster than the commute by motor vehicle, it would also be a more environmentally friendly transportation option.


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This is our pick of the 10 Best Yoga Retreats in Costa Rica.
Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica is renowned for its lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and a deep connection to nature. In this article, we will explore 10 yoga retreats across Costa Rica, each offering a unique blend of yoga, relaxation, and holistic wellness.
Why is Costa Rica the Perfect Destination for a Yoga Retreat?
A yoga retreat in Costa Rica is an invitation to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and rejuvenation. It is a chance to deepen your yoga practice, connect with like-minded individuals, and find inner peace amidst the awe-inspiring landscapes.
Costa Rica’s natural beauty and abundant biodiversity make it the perfect destination for a yoga retreat. With its dense rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and stunning beaches, this Central American gem offers a serene backdrop for your yoga practice.
What sets Costa Rica apart is its commitment to sustainable living and eco-consciousness. Many yoga retreats in Costa Rica emphasize environmental stewardship, offering eco-friendly accommodations and practices that align with the principles of mindfulness and sustainability.
You can expect farm-to-table meals featuring fresh local ingredients, nature excursions to explore the diverse ecosystems, and opportunities to participate in eco-friendly initiatives.
The Best Yoga Retreats in Costa Rica
Join us as we delve into these 10 exceptional yoga retreats in Costa Rica, where you can escape the stresses of daily life, embrace the healing power of nature, and discover a renewed sense of well-being.
Whether you seek to deepen your yoga practice, unwind in breathtaking surroundings, or immerse yourself in a holistic wellness journey, these retreats offer the perfect blend of serenity, adventure, and soulful connection.
Get ready to experience the Pura Vida lifestyle and embark on a transformative yoga retreat that will leave you feeling rejuvenated, inspired, and deeply connected to yourself and the natural world around you.
Essence Arenal Wellness Center
Retreat: 7 Day Rainforest Yoga Holiday in El Castillo
Experience the magic of the rainforest with the 7-day Rainforest Yoga Holiday at Essence Arenal Wellness Center. Nestled in El Castillo, overlooking the majestic Arenal Volcano, this retreat offers a perfect blend of yoga, relaxation, and adventure.
Practice yoga amidst nature’s beauty, taking in breathtaking views and fresh mountain air. Indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments, soak in natural hot springs, and embark on thrilling excursions, such as hiking and zip-lining. Enjoy nourishing organic meals that cater to various dietary preferences.
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the rainforest, rejuvenate your body, and restore your spirit.
You can book a 7-day package with Essence Arenal Wellness Center now starting from $880 per person.
Awaken Ur Soul
Host: Awaken Ur Soul
Retreat: 7 Day Awaken Your Soul and Nourish Your Body Women’s Wellness Retreat in Costa Rica
Designed exclusively for women, the 7-day Awaken Your Soul and Nourish Your Body Women’s Wellness Retreat by Awaken Ur Soul offers a transformative journey in Costa Rica.
This retreat focuses on empowering women to reconnect with their inner selves, embracing self-love and self-care. Engage in daily yoga and meditation practices, nurturing your body and soul. Participate in empowering workshops, guided nature walks, and heart-opening ceremonies.
Nourish your body with healthy meals made from locally sourced ingredients. Immerse yourself in a supportive community of like-minded women and embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
You can book a 7-day package with Awaken Ur Soul now starting from $1800 per person.
Sacred Journeys Yoga
Host: Sacred Journeys Yoga
Retreat: 7 Day Deepen Your Practice Yoga Retreat in Cahuita
Escape to the breathtaking landscapes of Punta Uva in Puerto Viejo with the 7-day Nourished by Nature Wellness Retreat by Sacred Journeys Yoga.
This retreat combines daily yoga and meditation practices with excursions that allow you to reconnect with nature. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the rainforest, relax on pristine beaches, and experience the tranquility of Punta Uva.
Enjoy nourishing vegetarian meals made from locally sourced ingredients and indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments. With the guidance of experienced instructors, you’ll deepen your yoga practice, find inner peace, and cultivate a deep connection with nature.
You can book a 7-day package with Sacred Journeys Yoga now starting from $1488 per person.
Cuatro Vientos Santa Teresa
Retreat: 5 Day Solo Traveller Surf and Yoga Retreat in Santa Teresa
If you’re a solo traveler seeking adventure and self-reflection, the 5-day Surf and Yoga Solo Traveler Retreat Holiday at Cuatro Vientos Santa Teresa is the perfect choice.
Located in the charming town of Santa Teresa, this retreat combines the exhilaration of surfing with the serenity of yoga. Learn to ride the waves with professional instructors and find your balance on the surfboard. Deepen your yoga practice with daily classes overlooking the stunning coastline.
Enjoy comfortable accommodations and connect with fellow solo travelers from around the world. Embrace the freedom of solo travel while immersing yourself in an unforgettable yoga and surfing experience.
You can book a 5-day package with Cuatro Vientos Santa Teresa now starting from $1664 per person.
Host: Kindred Spirits
Retreat: 8 Day Journey through the Koshas – Layers of Self Yoga Retreat In Cocles
Embark on an introspective journey with Kindred Spirits‘ Yoga Retreat Inwards towards Self. This retreat takes you on a deep exploration of the Koshas, the layers of the self, through yoga, meditation, and self-reflection practices.
Nestled in the natural beauty of Costa Rica, you’ll experience the transformative power of yoga to unravel and heal different aspects of your being. Engage in daily yoga and meditation sessions, energy healing practices, and group discussions. Reconnect with your true essence and awaken your inner wisdom.
Find solace in the serene surroundings and allow Kindred Spirits to guide you on a journey of self-discovery and self-empowerment.
You can book an 8-day package with Kindred Spirits now starting from $1895 per person.
Host: Shambala Retreats
Retreat: 7 Day Nervous System Reset: Yoga and Breathwork Retreat by the Ocean in Nosara
Embark on a transformative journey with the 7-day Nervous System Reset Kundalini Yoga and Breathwork Retreat by Shambala Retreats in Nosara.
Nestled in the vibrant nature of Costa Rica, this retreat focuses on balancing and rejuvenating your nervous system through Kundalini Yoga and breathwork practices. Explore the power of dynamic postures, chanting, and meditation to awaken your inner energy.
Experience the healing effects of breathwork techniques, detoxifying your body and calming your mind. Indulge in nourishing meals made from fresh, local ingredients, and enjoy the serene atmosphere of Nosara. Rediscover balance, vitality, and inner peace in the embrace of Shambala Retreats.
You can book a 7-day package with Shambala Retreats now starting from $1150 per person.
Tierra de Sueños Wellness
Retreat: 8 Day Private Beach Yoga Retreat in Playa Chiquita
Escape to the tranquil shores of Playa Chiquita with the 8-day Private Beach Yoga Retreat Getaway offered by Tierra de Sueños Wellness.
This retreat combines the beauty of the beach with personalized yoga sessions and holistic wellness practices. Experience yoga and meditation on the pristine sandy shores, nourishing your body and connecting with the rhythm of the ocean.
Enjoy the privacy of a one-on-one retreat tailored to your individual needs and preferences. Indulge in delicious organic meals, relax in hammocks, and explore the vibrant nature surrounding the retreat center. Immerse yourself in tranquility and create lasting memories at Tierra de Sueños Wellness.
You can book an 8-day package with Tierra de Sueños Wellness now starting from $1197 per person.
Ashtanga Yoga Mama
Host: Ashtanga Yoga Mama
Retreat: 6 Day Tailored Luxury Yoga and Mindfulness Retreat in Playa Azul
Indulge in a luxurious yoga retreat experience with the 6-day Tailored Luxury Yoga and Mindfulness Retreat at Ashtanga Yoga Mama in Playa Azul, Guanacaste.
This retreat offers personalized attention and a tranquil ambiance to enhance your yoga practice and inner journey. Immerse yourself in daily Ashtanga yoga classes, focusing on alignment, strength, and flexibility. Engage in mindfulness and meditation sessions to quiet the mind and connect with the present moment.
Enjoy luxurious accommodations, nourishing meals, and rejuvenating spa treatments. Immerse yourself in the lap of luxury while deepening your yoga practice at Ashtanga Yoga Mama.
You can book a 6-day package with Ashtanga Yoga Mama now starting from $2640 per person.
Del Alma Retreat Costa Rica
Retreat: 7 Day All Inclusive Yoga & Weight Loss Retreat in Guanacaste
For those seeking a holistic approach to well-being, the 7-day All-Inclusive Weight Loss, Detox, and Lifestyle Reset by Del Alma Retreat Costa Rica is a perfect choice.
Located in Guanacaste, this retreat focuses on revitalizing your body, mind, and lifestyle. Engage in daily yoga and meditation sessions, detoxify with nourishing meals, and participate in workshops on nutrition and healthy living.
Embrace the natural surroundings and find balance through holistic practices such as hiking, beach walks, and therapeutic massages. Experience a comprehensive reset for your well-being and return home feeling rejuvenated and empowered.
You can book a 7-day package with Del Alma Retreat Costa Rica now starting from $2786 per person.
Host: Kindred Spirits
Retreat: 15 Day Yoga in Harmony with Horses Internship in Puerto Viejo
Embark on a unique journey of self-discovery with the 15-day Yoga in Harmony with Horse Internship and Meditation offered by Kindred Spirits in Talamanca.
This retreat combines the healing powers of yoga, meditation, and the majestic presence of horses. Engage in daily yoga and meditation practices, deepening your connection with self and nature. Learn to communicate with horses, building trust and developing your intuitive abilities.
Explore the lush rainforests, practice mindfulness, and cultivate a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you. Immerse yourself in this transformative experience and forge a profound bond with the magnificent equine beings.
You can book a 15-day package with Kindred Spirits now starting from $1350 per person.
Yoga Retreats in Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s enchanting landscapes provide the ideal backdrop for soulful yoga retreats that nourish the body, mind, and spirit.
Whether you seek to reconnect with nature, empower your feminine essence, challenge yourself with surf and yoga adventures, or delve into the depths of self-exploration, these 10 handpicked retreats offer transformative experiences. From the tranquil rainforests to the rejuvenating beaches, Costa Rica beckons you to embark on a blissful journey of self-discovery and well-being.
Embrace the serenity and warmth of Costa Rica as you deepen your yoga practice, find inner harmony, and create lasting memories on these exceptional yoga retreats.
Enjoyed our guide to the Best Yoga Retreats in Costa Rica? Be sure to check out our other Yoga Retreat Guides here.


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Michal Neuvirth claims that his rather shocking statements about teammates Alex Ovechkin, Braden Holtby and former head coach Dale Hunter came down to a questionable translation.
CSNWashington.com’s Chuck Gormley passes along a video interview (and transcribes key quotes) between Neuvirth and Capitals’ Web site reporter Mike Vogel.
“They changed my meaning a lot,” Neuvirth said of the translation. “I was talking about the boys in a good way and they translated the way they wanted. I think they’ve got nothing to write about right now.”
Neuvirth said that Matt Hendricks didn’t believe he said such things, but Neuvirth went out of his way to reach out to Holtby and Ovechkin.
“What they saw isn’t what I said,” Neuvirth said. “… Holtsy told me he didn’t believe that for one second because he knows me for four or five years and he knows I’m not like that. He made me very happy.”
Here’s the full video, with the translation talk starting around the 1:30 mark.
The San Jose Sharks have assigned forwards Nikolay Goldobin and Melker Karlsson and defenseman Mirco Mueller to AHL San Jose.
Goldobin and Mueller are both first-round picks — the former in 2014, the latter in 2013.
Goldobin had one goal and two assists in five preseason games. It’s possible he could be called back up when the NHL suspends Raffi Torres.
Torres remains part of the 23-man roster (see below) but is facing a lengthy ban for his hit on Anaheim’s Jakub Silfverberg. Torres has a hearing today.
Rookie defenseman Dylan DeMelo is also on the roster. The 22-year-old had one goal and two assists in four preseason games.
Curtis Glencross’ hard-luck preseason continued on Monday, as the Avalanche announced they released him from his training camp tryout.
Glencross had previously been cut from Toronto’s camp, which he described as “kind of a shock” move. Following that release, the 32-year-old quickly shifted to Colorado but arrived fairly late in the overall process, and only got a bit of exposure before being let go.
While some thought yesterday’s trade of Freddie Hamilton to Calgary may have opened up a spot for Glencross, the Avs now appear to be going in a different direction.
A two-time 20-goal scorer that netted 13 in 71 games last year, it’s unclear what lies ahead for Glencross.


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Updated 7:40 p.m. ET, Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010
In a year of quarterback swapping, Miami joined the club when head coach Tony Sparano announced that Chad Henne — the purported future of the franchise — would be benched for 34-year-old Chad Pennington, only to see both QBs get hurt in the Dolphins' win over the Titans, bringing No. 3 QB Tyler Thigpen to the forefront.
Sparano despises turnovers, one of the reasons he decided to bench Henne, who has thrown 11 picks this season. Through eight games, only the Panthers scored fewer touchdowns than the Dolphins. Miami had stalled multiple times in the red zone and won games thanks to its defense and kicking, not Henne's arm.
Were the offensive struggles Henne's fault, or are there issues with offensive coordinator Dan Henning? We hear another reason Pennington got the call was to see if a new QB is all Henning needs, or if it is Henne who has let the Dolphins down.
But we didn't get the chance to see if Pennington was the answer. He left the Titans game during the first possession with a shoulder injury.
Sparano was quick to say that the move was "not an indictment on Chad Henne at all. It's not an indictment on his future," and it was Henne who took over when Pennington went down in Week 10. But when Henne left the game with a knee injury of his own after throwing for 240 yards, a TD and a pick, Thigpen got his chance.
Thigpen, a fourth-year veteran. completed 4-of-6 passes for 64 yards and a score, looking very comfortable leading the offense and throwing on the run. He started 11 games for the Chiefs in 2008, winning one, but he had a decent 18-12 TD-to-interception ratio that season. The Dolphins' organization is very familiar with how Henne can handle the offense after 21 starts, and even if Henne is healthy, giving Thigpen a shot may be the best option for the franchise. Especially if they fall out of the playoff picture, they would want to see what Thigpen can do.
Most importantly, Sparano must see where the root of the offensive struggles is — Henning's calls or the QBs making the plays. With Pennington out and Henne's status in question, Thigpen could be the one to help Sparano decide Henning's future in Miami.