In The News
Industry Today: New Flyer Better Bus
New Flyer is a leading North American manufacturer of heavy-duty transit buses, delivering life-cycle savings with greater fuel efficiencies and lower emissions. David Soyka reports on New Flyer’s efforts to create better buses that contribute to a better world.
Click here to read the complete illustrated article as originally published or scroll down to read the text article.
Buses were originally driven by horses, then by steam and electricity and eventually diesel. For more than a quarter century, New Flyer—the largest transit bus and motor coach manufacturer and parts distributor in North America, has built CNG (compressed natural gas) powered buses noted for their safety, efficiency and reliability. Most importantly, New Flyer’s CNG systems aren’t just bolted on, but are specifically engineered for its buses and directly integrated into their design. Driven by a Cummins engine, New Flyer CNG buses are designed for a 350 to 400 mile ranges, and the CNG tanks are certified for 20 years.
Currently, a little more than 17 percent of the active North American fleet operate on CNG; some 40 percent of New Flyer deliveries are CNG buses. As just one example, New Flyer recently won a contract to deliver 120 of its heavy duty 60-foot Xcelsior model to the New York Transit Authority and the Metropolitan Transit Authority Bus Company, the first time they are taking delivery of CNG buses in that configuration. According to a New Flyer spokesperson, “Switching from diesel to CNG reduces reliance on offshore oil, reduces emissions and provides fuels savings to transit operators.”
New Flyer was the first manufacturer in Canada and the United States to promote natural gas propulsion systems in high-floor and low-floor body types. Since the products were introduced, more than 7,200 natural gas transit buses have been delivered to customers by New Flyer.
New Flyer offers the broadest transit bus product line under the Xcelsior brand. In addition to CNG, Xcelsior models are available in other clean technologies, which includes diesel-electric hybrid, trolley-electric, and battery-electric powered models, in 35-, 40- and 60-foot lengths. A combination of reduced weight (eight percent less than previous models and the lowest curb weight compared to similar buses) and streamlined aerodynamic styling, Xcelsior fuel economy improved by eight percent over bus models. Moreover, lower weight and better weight distribution results in improved tire mileage, which means fewer operating dollars spent on tire replacement. Similarly, standard disc brakes are easier and less expensive to maintain and service.
New Flyer Connect®, a comprehensive telematics system available on all New Flyer buses, provides an additional 11 percent fuel savings opportunity, achieved through enhanced route performance, more efficient driving skills and improved control of bus idle times. New Flyer Connect also helps achieve maintenance cost savings through improved diagnostics, proactive maintenance and pre-emptive repair.
As a company spokesperson points out, “New Flyer has an unmatched history in transit bus manufacturing, with over 85 years of experience building buses across North America and more than 40 years of experience manufacturing zero-emission buses (ZEBs). We have heavily invested in lean manufacturing and are proud to boast industry-leading bus quality, proven manufacturing deliveries, and unmatched aftermarket sales and support to our customers.” Indeed, since 1930 New Flyer has designed and manufactured over 40,000 heavy-duty transit buses to customers throughout the United States and Canada. New Flyer maintains five bus component and assembly manufacturing facilities throughout North America, spanning over 1.3 million square feet with more than 5,400 employees.
The heavy duty transit bus is a “made-to-order” product. New Flyer has engineered a base product offering with range of available options for every major subsystem on the vehicle. Customers select options and features that best fit their needs. New Flyer’s manufacturing process, from vehicle line-entry to completion, typically takes between five and eight weeks, depending on the bus configuration and manufacturing location.
“We automate manufacturing processes where it makes sense, and rely on skilled labor for key manufacturing processes,” notes a company spokesperson. “We created the New Flyer Institute to train our own employees and advance their capabilities and knowledge constantly. It’s all part of our corporate-wide effort to make New Flyer a great place to work for all our employees.”
One of New Flyer’s core operating principles is “Operational Excellence” to provide and maintain a safe, clean, and efficient working environment and maintain for all employees and achieve the highest level of first-time quality in its products through robust processes and procedures that are sustainable for future growth. New Flyer is the only bus OEM to have acquired all three certifications for ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environment) and OHSAS 18001 (safety). “These certifications are the foundation for New Flyer’s sustainability initiatives,” explains a company spokesperson. The company slogan for this initiative is: “A better product. A better workplace. A better world.”
In 2016, New Flyer’s Winnipeg, Manitoba and St. Cloud, Minnesota manufacturing facilities were selected as finalists for the 2016 Industry Week Best Plant Award. The award recognizes manufacturing facilities that are on the leading edge of efforts to increase competitiveness, enhance customer satisfaction and create stimulating and rewarding work environment.
New Flyer’s dedicated New Product Development team has led the North American transit bus industry in innovation for decades, such as the low-floor transit bus introduced in 1988 to improve accessibility; and now the industry standard. Other innovations include Programmable Logic Control (“PLC”) of electrical systems; a standard feature on all New Flyer heavy-duty buses since 1993, and the articulated body; an extra-long 60-foot bus composed of two passenger compartments connected by a bendable joint for turning. New Flyer’s Xcelsior also introduced LED driving and interior lights to the industry, lending better visibility for both drivers and passengers.
In addition, a company spokesperson notes, “New Flyer pioneered the integration of hybrid propulsion systems in heavy-duty transit buses, replacing conventional diesel power plants with diesel engines coupled with regenerative motors. Roof-mounted battery packs provide additional power for acceleration or climbing grades. Hybrid propulsion systems are now well-accepted in the industry, reducing greenhouse gases and improving fuel economy.”
New Flyer, along with its technology partners, introduced zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell electric buses (“FCEB”) in 1993. Twenty FCEBs were delivered to British Columbia Transit in 2010 and were showcased globally for the 2010 Winter Olympics. New Flyer continues to lead the industry with ongoing validation testing of North America’s first 60 foot FCEB for extended range zero-emission applications.
Motor Coaches, too
New Flyer is also North America’s motor coach market leader, having acquired Motor Coach Industries (MCI) in 2015, offering the MCI J-Series, the industry’s best-selling intercity coach for 11 consecutive years, and the MCI D-Series, the industry’s best-selling motor coach line in North American history. MCI is also the exclusive distributor of Daimler’s Setra S 417 and S 407 in the United States and Canada. MCI actively supports over 28,000 coaches currently in service.
New Flyer also operates North America’s most comprehensive aftermarket parts organization providing support for all types of transit buses and motor coaches. All buses and coaches are supported by an industry-leading comprehensive warranty, service and support network.
Safety and Comfort
With all its technical innovation, New Flyer never loses sight of the need to provide the safest and most comfortable ride possible. “New Flyer offers the quietest bus ride available, with the lowest ever interior and exterior noise levels of all North American heavy-duty transit manufacturers,” a company spokesperson says. “We also lead the industry in accessibility, with the lowest entrance step height of any available bus design, an expanded front door width, design accommodating up to five entry/exit doors, and the best entry ramp slope ratio in the industry, providing a gentler slope for passengers with mobility devices.”
The Xcelsior design also features more forward-facing seats, improved suspension and reduction of un-sprung weight, increased headroom on rear deck, narrowed window posts to increasing passenger visibility and enhanced options for such passenger conveniences as Wi-Fi networks, USB ports and infotainment systems.
New Flyer’s commitment to improved energy efficiency and reduce emissions is unwavering. New Flyer is a partner on multiple California Climate Investment initiatives1 and numerous low and zero emission and energy savings programs throughout the U.S. and Canada.
“New Flyer has been the innovation leader in North American heavy duty transit bus manufacturing for decades,” says a company spokesperson. “Our technology investments, supplier partnerships, manufacturing capabilities, and company focus is unprecedented in the industry. We provide technologies and solutions that millions of riders rely on every day. Our current focus on low and zero emission heavy duty transit is complemented by our ongoing research and development in mobility that will support automated and autonomous transit into the future”.


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In an attempt to bring our grocery bill down, I'm trying to find recipes that are either meatless, or use most of the ingredients in our house. We have a lot of pasta in our cupboards, and when I saw this recipe on Annie's Eats, I decided it would be perfect to put on the menu.
Tortellini Primaverabarely modified from Annie's Eats
1 cup mushrooms, chopped
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
10 oz. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
8 oz. cream cheese
3/4 cup grape tomatoes, halfed
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1/4 cup mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
salt and pepper, to taste
family size cheese-filled tortellini, cooked and drained
1) Heat oil in a skillet. Add mushrooms, onion and garlic and sautee.
2) Add all remaining ingredients except tortellini. Heat until all have melted together and are well blended. Cook until the mixture just begins to boil, stirring occasionally.
3) Stir in tortellini.

domain: food


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School Counselor Who Promoted Teen Drag Show Accused of Having Sexual Relationship With Teen Student
No one is coming for your kids. Not a single faculty member at any public school is trying to sexually pervert your children. Unless, of course, they are. In which case, I suggest acting sooner rather than later.
For a 15-year-old student attending a school in the Tucson Unified School District, it’s a little too late. As reported by the local CBS affiliate, a former counselor for a high school, Zobella Brazil Vinik, is now being charged with sexual conduct with a minor after her (?) ex reported evidence to the authorities.
Now, maybe there were signs… Perhaps sponsoring a student drag show?
Arizona school counselor who arranged drag show for students is accused of having sex with a 15 year-old studentpic.twitter.com/l2Q7AlZrGY— Libs of TikTok (@Libs of TikTok) 1652596409
The schools would like the public to believe that there’s nothing untoward about having students or teachers galivanting around in scantily clad outfits and putting on overtly sexualized performances, but if you believe that, I have a bridge to sell you, friend.
Superintendent Gabriel Trujillo issued the usual boilerplate statement after Vinik was charged.
“On May 4th, 2022, detectives from the Tucson Police Department Sexual Assault Unit informed the administration of Tucson High Magnet School of an ongoing investigation into one of its counselors, Zobella Brazil Vinik.
“The administration was informed of an alleged inappropriate relationship between the counselor and a 15-year-old student from Tucson High.
“Working with the Tucson High administration, the District administration acted swiftly to remove the counselor from campus and place her on administrative leave.
“Our School Safety Department immediately initiated a comprehensive investigation into this alleged incident, which is currently ongoing.
“On Thursday, May 5th, 2022, Ms. Vinik resigned her position from the Tucson Unified School District and is no longer an employee of the district. The Tucson Unified School District administration will continue to cooperate with the Tucson Police Department in its ongoing investigation.
“Our administration will continue to emphasize the health and safety of our students as our highest priority.”
The police are still investigating, asking any other victims or people with information to come forward. Let’s hope Vinik was only able to abuse one child because even one is too many.
These people aren’t coming for your children, though. Pay no attention to the faculty at your local high school attempting to start up a local GSA chapter or organize a Drag Queen Story Hour for preschoolers or something. There’s nothing perverted or depraved about what they’re doing…
That’s what the left would like you to think. Don’t be so naïve.
The Louder with Crowder Dot Com Website is on Instagram now!Follow us at @lwcnewswire and tell a friend!
Crowder Interviews Wendy Davis IN DRAG! | Louder With Crowderwww.youtube.com

domain: law


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- This event has passed.
Suzahn Fiering at Rudy’s Jazz Room
November 3, 2019 @ 11:00 am - 2:00 pm$20
Jazzreview Magazine states, “Suzahn‘s music is an elegant entrée into a romantic world of dazzling virtuosity; smoky-smooth vocals, impressive guitar work, masterful scatting, and critically acclaimed originals.”
It is hard to catch Jazz guitarist, composer, vocalist Suzahn Fiering playing the local music scene. Suzahn, an award-winning, international touring artist, songwriter and educator plays mostly across Europe and the US. Although Suzahn has been writing Country Music for Warner-Chappell for over 20 years, playing jazz is her passion. Those gigs are hard to come by in Nashville, where she runs her private music practice, and is the Director of the Nashville Gypsy Jazz & Django Festival. But you will soon have your chance to catch Suzahn and her stellar band of top-flight musicians at her annual birthday party concert at Rudy’s Jazz Room. Reservations excepted. Get there early as it fills up fast. Gifts OK

domain: artistic


Known for our industrial PTFE coating services, Orion is a leader in the application of Teflon™ and other non-stick coatings. With a rich history dating back to 1964 and a passion for functional coatings, we have consistently served manufacturers and their design engineers with our coating expertise for six decades.
This blog gives an overview of the intricate PTFE coating process and specialized application techniques for ensuring high-quality, performance-driven applications.
Understanding PTFE Coating Services
PTFE, a synthetic polymer of tetrafluoroethylene, is celebrated for its exceptional non-stick and chemical resistance properties. At Orion, the PTFE coating process begins with selecting the optimal PTFE coating. This flexibility in coating choice allows for a wide array of applications, from consumer products and commercial bakeware to highly complex automotive, aerospace, energy and industrial products.
Orion’s PTFE coating process is meticulous and engineered for precision. It involves preparing the substrate to ensure optimal bonding, performance and longevity of the applied coating. Our pretreatment services include grit blasting to remove existing coatings and/or surface irregularities, and roughen the surface to improve coating adhesion. Phosphating and anodizing prior to applying PTFE coatings makes the substrate smoother, stronger and more resistant to chemicals, wear and corrosion.
The PTFE coating is applied using conventional spraying or advanced techniques, such as robotic electrostatic spraying. In the electrostatic method, particles are negatively charged to adhere more effectively to the substrate, ensuring a uniform and precise coating coverage.
Specialized Application Techniques
The versatility of our PTFE coating equipment and services is evident in our ability to tailor the application method to meet the specific geometries and performance needs of our customers’ products. Our specialized techniques for applying PTFE coatings enable the finished product to achieve the desired functional characteristics and performance standards.
Orion has an extensive and diverse array of production equipment for coating various types and sizes of products, from small fasters to large industrial parts. Our combination of manual and automated production cells and different sizes of curing ovens allow for prototyping, short-run production and high-volume production.
Orion’s Commitment to Quality
Orion’s expertise in industrial PTFE coating services is not just about applying functional coatings. It’s about enhancing the performance capabilities of our customers’ products. Our Solutioneering™ approach is to collaborate with our customers to determine the best coating solution for their specific applications. This is combined with our high-quality and repeatable processes to ensure that each project meets the exacting needs and standards of diverse products and industries.
Strategically located in Chicago, Orion’s facility is conveniently adjacent to major transportation routes. We provide functional coating services to companies across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and beyond.
Contact us to learn more about how we can improve the functionality of your products.


This week aircraft manufacturer Boeing has officially celebrated the opening of its Center of Additive Manufacturing Excellence in Auburn, Washington.
The facility employs over 100 people who will be operating the multitudes of printers at the factory who will continue to research, develop and manufacture the lightweight components for Boeing’s aircraft and spacecraft products. And that’s a lot of components, as Boeing currently has over 70,000 3D printed parts in their portfolio.
While the facility officially opened in 2020, the pandemic cut short any kind of formal opening, and so this week they have finally had the opportunity to rectify that.
“It’s been a while since we’ve been doing this, but this is the first time we’ve had the opportunity to celebrate it,” said Susan Champlain, Senior Director of State and Local Government Operations at Boeing.
The facility has the capacity for printing in a variety of metals such as aluminium and titanium in their dedicated 32,000-square foot print room with nine machines and laboratory equipment, including EOS powder bed fusion machines.
Additionally, they cover the whole gamut of aerospace-suitable plastics as well.
The plastic printers also get their own dedicated area in a 4,500-square foot space with 13 filament deposition machines and post processing capabilities. The plastic printers are used to print tools and parts, such as ducts, brackets and interiors.
Their plastics section also houses their large format printer which has a 20-foot print bed that can print tooling as large as 10 feet wide, 20 feet long and 5 feet tall. Additionally the facility makes use of Stratasys Fortus machines, which are capable of printing high temperature high performance plastics such as ULTEM 9085 (polyetherimide).
“Additive manufacturing allows us to basically explore new ways of creating our products,” said Melissa Orme, vice president of Boeing Additive Manufacturing (BAM).
“We can create parts that are not possible practically or traditionally.”
“Additive manufacturing really aligns with our company’s commitment to reduce the global impact or the carbon footprint,” said Orme.
This isn’t the only Boeing-related AM story this week, as it follows on from the recent announcement that Boeing and Northrop Grumman have both joined the Additive Manufacturing Forward (AM Forward) initiative.
AM Forward is a program put forth from the White House to boost the usage of AM in American manufacturing. It aims to lower the cost of goods with AM, thus making fabrication in the US more competitive with Asian countries (China in particular). This will strengthen the supply chain by reducing reliance on foreign imports.
You can learn more about Boeing Additive Manufacturing developments in the video below.


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Simple foldover clutch in blush leather.
Dimensions:11.5" x 11.5".
Made in Los Angeles
Something on your mind? Spill! We're here to help!
Established in 2005, One of a Few is a beautifully curated boutique with thoughtfully selected clothing, footwear, bags and objects from creative fashion designers around the world. Their location in Vancouver’s Gastown neighborhood is a must on every city shopping tour. You’ll find new labels and artists to love on each visit. We can’t get enough. Shop designers such as Rachel Comey, Apiece Apart, Building Block, Martiniano, Maryam Nassir Zadeh, Clare V. and more.
Los Angeles-based accessories designer Clare Vivier began her namesake line when she noticed something was missing in the handbag market: a chic way to carry a laptop. Clare continues to prove that style and function really can be seamless. Today the classic shapes, modern detailing and Parisian-inspired charm featured in her clutches, totes and more are beloved by women all over the world.
Aw yeah! We love making new friends so while we're popping bottles, stay tuned for a welcome email with your $10 credit.
You can also create a new password here
This item has been added to your bag.
Let's see what we can do about that.

domain: design


Zindagi channel, which famously introduced the Pakistani actor Fawad Khan to a large section of the Indian audience, is all set to launch a new show on its channel---Kaash Aisa Ho. The show will premiere on July 27 at 8 pm on the said channel.
The show's plot is that of a love story, where the difficult life led by the protagonist comes in the way of her dreams. The show stars the beautiful Saba Qamar, along with Mohib Mirza, Shahood Alvi, and others.
Kaash Aisa Ho is the story of an orphan called Irfa, played by Saba Qamar (the actress will soon be seen with Bollywood star Irrfan in the film Hindi Medium). Irfa is madly in love with her cousin Shayan since childhood. Shayan on the hand, despite being fond of his cousin, doesn't notice her love and mistakes it for mere affection. Although they end up getting married to each other, the artist in Shayan who is obsessed with perfection, wants a divine goddess instead.
Eventually, Shayan leaves Irfa and her child behind in search of a better life and fame, and from then on begins Irfa's real journey, who is left behind to fend for herself.
In order to get to know Irfa and her story better, tune into Zindagi on July 27 at 8 pm.


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The Pagan King
Northern Europe. 13th century. Last pagan settlement near the Baltic Sea. The evil and cynical warrior crusader Max von Buxhoveden is trying to destroy the pagan beliefs of the people by spreading lies and fostering dissent. Old king of the last free pagan lands is on his deathbed and without an heir to take his place. Max wants to take over the throne and reign over old king’s tribe. Unexpectedly, with his dying breath the King passes on his ring to his nephew Namejs. The youngster, who grew up amongst pagan priests and studied ancient wisdoms, now has to defend his people. Will he be able to unravel the secret of the Ring and gain its power?The Pagan King featuring Edvin Endre and Aistė Diržiūtė is streaming with subscription on Prime Video, free on Tubi, available for rent or purchase on Google Play, and 4 others. It's an action & adventure and drama movie with an average IMDb audience rating of 6.1 (2,168 votes).
Where to Watch The Pagan Kingi
Cast & Crew
Reelgood Watch Guide
Available to watch free online (Tubi).
Available to stream on a popular subscription service (Prime Video).
Available to rent or buy from $2.99 on 5 services (Google Play, Prime Video, Microsoft & 2 others).
Not available to stream on a TV everywhere service.
The Pagan King has an average IMDb audience rating of 6.1 (2,168 votes). The movie is somewhat popular with Reelgood users lately.

domain: entertainment


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Webster’s definition of a tostada is “a tortilla fried in deep fat.” But frying in fat results in many health problems. Here is how to make the tortilla crispy without frying.
1 dozen corn tortillas
2 wire cooling racks
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Place tortillas on a wire cooling rack with the second rack on top (upside down with legs up; the tortillas are pressed flat between the two racks).
3. Place racks with tortillas between, in preheated oven. Bake about 10 minutes, watching carefully so they don’t burn. They may need 11-12 minutes and should be light brown – not too brown and not too light. If undercooked, they will be tough. If left too long, they will taste burned. Experience will help you get them just right – golden brown and tender!


Hyperloop One co-founders Josh Giegel and Shervin Pishevar provided details about how its massive, high-speed transit system would work at the Web Summit conference in Lisbon, Portugal last week.
Both Gigel and Pishevar said the Hyperloop will reshape seaports and create entirely new cities at the summit. Giegel, the start-up's president of engineering, claims the Hyperloop will reach a speed of 1,100 kilometers an hour (about 700 mph). Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk first proposed the Hyperloop in a 2013 white paper that he made available to the public.
"In 20 years, the whole world will be interconnected by Hyperloop," Pishevar said at the conference. "In 20 years, riding in a plane will seem like riding a horse, except it's a lot more dangerous to fly."
We broke down Hyperloop One's comprehensive plan for the system — scroll down for a closer look:
Here we begin the breakdown of Hyperloop One's concept for the system. First, passengers will use an app to see their transportation options that day.
If a Hyperloop is available, the app will list it alongside other transportation options. If a passenger clicks the Hyperloop option...
... The app will list the gate where the Hyperloop is available with details on how long it will take to arrive, detailing every step of your journey.
As you can see from the app, part of that journey entails taking a pod from the designated gate listed on the app.
Just like an airplane, there will be different classes of pods, from one designed for multiple people to a "lounge pod" for fewer people to kick back and relax.
The pod will then travel to the entrance for the Hyperloop. Hyperloop One says there will be 120 pod gates accommodating over 8,500 passengers per hour.
Four pods will be assigned to each Hyperloop tube.
Three of those pods will be for passengers with a separate one designated for cargo.
And voila! You will have officially embarked on your Hyperloop journey.
"Imagine being in New York and being able to travel all the way down to Washington, DC, in 20 minutes," Giegel said at the Web Summit conference. "These type of stops become like metro stops. There is a level of human freedom to be able to live anywhere in the world."
Once the Hyperloop tube arrives at its destination, the four pods will leave the tube, exit the station, and travel on the street to the passenger's final destination.
Here's a conceptual rendering of how the Hyperloop station will look like in Burj Khalifa Station in Dubai.
Here's a conceptual rendering of some of the different station options Hyperloop One is considering for the transport system. The blue line indicates a route taken by the Hyperloop, while the pink line shows the route the pods will take once the Hyperloop arrives at its final stop.
All of these movements will be monitored by a control center.
Hyperloop One is also interested in using the Hyperloop to transport cargo. Prior to last week's announcement, the start-up was focused primarily on a cargo carrying Hyperloop, rather than a passenger transport system.
The start-up secured $50 million in a funding round led by DP World, the third largest port and terminal operator in the world, in October for that purpose. The $50 million investment brought Hyperloop One's total funding to $160 million, according to the start-up.
"The port system means unloading can happen offshore and the tube can unload the load in the desert," Pishevar said at the Web Summit conference. "It gets trucks off the roads. You can unlock billions of dollars of waterfront property for redevelopment."
Hyperloop One plans to open a full-scale development test track in Las Vegas in the first quarter of 2017. The Finnish and Dutch governments have also granted the start-up approval to build "proof of operations" facilities.
But Hyperloop One is still in the midst of a major lawsuit.
Cadie Thompson/Tech Insider
Brogan BamBrogan, co-founder and former chief technology officer, and several other employees are currently suing Hyperloop One on claims that the company executives allegedly misused funds, breached their fiduciary duty, violated California labor code, and even assaulted at least one employee by placing a noose on his desk seat.
The defendants in the Hyperloop One case — which include Shervin Pishevar, co-founder and chairman, and CEO Robert Lloyd — filed a counter lawsuit accusing BamBrogan and the other employees of manufacturing a rebellion “in a transparent attempt to seize control of the company.”
You can watch Hyperloop One's vision here.


Carrie Underwood Lives Out Her ‘Rockstar Dreams,’ Reprises Iconic ‘American Idol’ Performance On Guns N’ Roses Tour
”I was super nervous playing for another band’s crowd,” Underwood admitted.
Carrie Underwood; Photo by Jeff Johnson
Carrie Underwood delighted fans with a nostalgic reprise of an iconic cover she first performed on American Idol during the Guns N’ Roses tour kick off on Saturday evening (Aug. 6) at Croix-Bleue Medavie Stadium in Moncton, NB, Canada.
During her support slot on the first night of Guns N’ Roses’ massive 2023 World Tour, the country superstar reprised her Top 11 American Idol performance from Season 4, when she covered Heart’s “Alone” on the popular singing competition show.
Donning an all-black leather ensemble with silver accents, Underwood belted out the lyrics to the iconic rock hit, proving once again that she is one of the greatest powerhouse singers of this generation.
Underwood’s cover of the ‘80s power ballad became a fan-favorite moment from her time on Idol, which she later was crowned the winner of.
Throughout her 18-song set, Carrie Underwood also delivered performances of “Last Name,” “Undo It,” “Church Bells,” “Blown Away,” “Flat On The Floor,” “Somethin’ Bad,” and of course her chart-topping hit, “Before He Cheats.”
She also performed a handful of tunes from her upcoming project, Denim & Rhinestones (Deluxe Edition), including “Crazy Angels,” “Hate My Heart,” “Poor Everybody Else,” “Velvet Heartbreak” and “Out Of That Truck.”
In addition to performing her own hits and a cover of Heart, she delivered five other jaw-dropping rock covers, including Joan Jett’s “Bad Reputation,” Pat Benatar’s “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” Rolling Stones’ “Wild Horses,” Led Zeppelin’s “Rock And Roll” and Motörhead’s “Ace Of Spades.”
Underwood also joined the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame members for a pair of performances, including “Sweet Child O’ Mine” and “Paradise City,” both of which appear on Guns N’ Roses’ debut album, Appetite For Destruction.
Underwood was admittedly nervous to perform in front of an audience of rock fans rather than country fans.
“Just a country girl living out some rockstar dreams…I want to say a HUGE thanks to @gunsnroses for having us out on tour, as well as their amazing fans!” she wrote on Instagram. ”I was super nervous playing for another band’s crowd (of a completely different genre, no less) but you all made us feel so welcome!!!”
Ahead of the show, Underwood teased that she had “a lot of surprises” in store for her set.
“I wanted to be me, but I also wanted to bridge the gap between me and Guns N’ Roses a little bit, so we’re just having a blast with it,” she said of her setlist. “I’m doing some cover songs of some rock stuff that I love. I’m mashing up some of my songs with some other songs. We just look at it as an opportunity to be creative and get to do something we’ve never done before; just have a good time with it.”
She hopes her fans enjoy the chance to see a unique show from her.
“My fans that are at the shows will see things that they’ve never seen and hear things that they’ve never heard in a really cool way, and then also even if there’s people out there who have no idea what I do, hopefully, they’ll really enjoy seeing us before Guns N’ Roses and just have fun with us too,” she shared. “So, it’s an opportunity for new creative things to happen, and I’m excited about it.”
The opportunity to tour with Guns N’ Roses is something Carrie Underwood doesn’t take lightly. She has been a fan of the iconic rock band for quite some time.
“I think the things I look forward to most are obviously, like watching their show (laughs) and being around them, but it’s just such a fun vibe,” Underwood shared with her record label prior to the tour kick off. “Their fans are absolutely incredible and so supportive and just have been so much fun, everything that I’ve seen from them.”
The Oklahoma native and Guns N’ Roses’ frontman Axl Rose, who Underwood previously dubbed a “dream duet partner,” first joined forces for a star-studded duet during Underwood’s headlining set at Stagecoach in 2022.
She also teamed up with the popular rock group in London in July of 2022, surprising the crowd at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
“I’ve covered enough Guns N’ Roses stuff, and it was people like him who taught me how to sing,” Underwood previously shared. “I look at people like him and Freddie Mercury, those people who were doing all these crazy runs. It was so different.”
During an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in 2020, Carrie Underwood opened up about flying to Las Vegas to see her “favorite band,” Guns N’ Roses, for the first time and she declared it was “one of the best nights” of her life.
“We were nowhere near Las Vegas, so naturally I said, ‘Let’s go to Las Vegas with the band and go see GN’R play,’” Underwood told Fallon at the time. “It’s kind of a life-long dream of mine I never thought would happen. Couldn’t waste that opportunity, so I abandoned my husband, abandoned my children, went to Vegas, and saw Guns N’ Roses. Amazing.”
Carrie Underwood’s extremely limited run of shows with Guns ‘N Roses includes two more dates: Tuesday, August 8 at Parc Jean Drapeau in Montreal, QC and Saturday, August 26 at GEODIS Park in Nashville, TN.
Lauren Jo Black
Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.


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The Catholic politician supports liberalizing abortion laws
The pro-abortion Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny, who drew protests for delivering the commencement address and receiving an honorary degree from Boston College, has said that personal faith should play no part in legislation, reports the Irish Examiner.
Kenny described himself as "a Taoiseach who happens to be Catholic but not a Catholic Taoiseach," saying that personal belief should play no part in lawmaking.
Following Cardinal Sean Brady's criticism of the prime minister's support for loosening abortion restrictions in Ireland, Kenny responded:
"The Constitution is determined by the people, it’s the people’s book. We live within the parameters of the Constitution and strictly within the confines of the law. And that’s where the heads of the bill are entirely focused: Within the Constitution and within the law."
Kenny made similar remarks during his commencement address at Boston College last month.
“Those privileged to lead this, or any other democracy, will do so not as Catholic or Protestant or dissenter, but as men and women guided by and beholden to nothing but the law, the Constitution and above all, the people," Kenny told the graduates. "All the people — of all faiths and none. You will do so without fear or favour because your God, your personal faith, will sustain you.”


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Amidst all the frenzy over the bird flu virus that's raging among poultry and has killed 71 people since its onset, the issue of human immunity tops the list of grave concerns.
Because the avian flu that’s spreading rapidly among birds in Asia and now parts of Europe is a never-before-seen strain of H5N1, human beings have no natural immunity to it — and thus no way for their bodies to fight it off should it mutate into a disease that can be passed from person to person.
“People do not have any defenses against this virus because it is entirely new,” said Jennifer Morcone, a spokeswoman for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). “It’s not like the other flu viruses that have circulated in the past.”
Scientists and physicians know for sure that human beings don't have any natural immunity to H5N1 because they've measured and analyzed the antibodies in patients' blood serum.
To date, everyone who has fallen ill with this form of avian flu has caught it by handling or coming into close contact with infected birds. So far, there have been 139 confirmed human cases reported since 2003, when the illness was first discovered, and 71 deaths — a 51 percent mortality rate, according to the World Health Organization’s Dec. 16 figures.
In order for bird flu to mutate so that people can catch it from each other, an infected person has to be carrying another type of human-to-human flu bug at the same time that he or she catches the bird flu, so that the two influenza strains can swap genes.
"The avian flu picks up some genes from the other flu," said Dr. Herbert L. DuPont, director of the Center for Infectious Diseases at the University of Texas School of Public Health. "This has happened three times in the past 100 years."
All three pandemic flus of the 20th century originated from birds. The legendary 1918 Spanish flu took between 20 and 50 million lives, up to 675,000 of them in the United States; the Asian flu of 1957 killed 2 million worldwide, 70,000 in the U.S.; and the Hong Kong flu of 1968 killed 1 million worldwide, 34,000 in the U.S.
With that history in mind, what worries immunologists and other health experts is the fact that the existing form of avian flu is voraciously infecting birds across a wide swath of the globe.
The H5N1 virus initially emerged in poultry in 1996 and the first human cases and deaths were reported in 1997 in Hong Kong. Alarming, widespread poultry outbreaks began happening in 2003, which was also the onset of more human cases in Hong Kong and Vietnam.
Since then, the disease has spread to Thailand, China, Indonesia and Cambodia — where the other human deaths have occurred — and also to Japan, Laos, Korea, Malaysia, Croatia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, the Philippines, Romania, Russia, Turkey and the Ukraine.
"It is a real threat because we know this is a virus that just this year has spread to three different countries in Asia," Morcone said, referring to China, Indonesia and Cambodia, the countries where human deaths have been reported in 2005.
That means it's just a matter of time before this H5N1 will travel closer to home.
“Eventually, when you have migrations of birds, you’re going to get some cases in North America,” said Dr. Gilbert Ross, medical director at the American Council on Science and Health.
In addition, unlike other flu viruses that are generally only fatal among the elderly and infirm, this influenza strain has been killing younger people — much like the 1918 outbreak. That is in part because most of those afflicted were bird handlers in their 20s to 40s, but it also could be an indication that this strain is similar to the devastating disease of the early 20th century, which was an H1 flu.
"Fifty percent of the people who died in 1918 were between the ages of 20 and 40," said Dr. Ed Septimus, medical director of infectious disease at the Memorial Hermann Healthcare System, a cluster of hospitals in the Houston region. "We're seeing a similar mortality rate and younger people being infected and dying."
Influenza is notorious among diseases for its frequent changes, or drifts, in strain, meaning it is difficult to immunize against via one of the two main ways immunity occurs — by vaccine or by infection with the illness.
The run-of-the-mill flu that makes an appearance every year is constantly mutating, so a new vaccine needs to be developed annually to combat whatever strain is the most prevalent in the community during that season. It's a challenge to doctors and scientists, who sometimes come up with a less effective vaccine because of the unstable nature of influenza.
“Your best protection is when the vaccine matches the strain that is circulating in the community,” Septimus said. “In the past few years, the predominant flu bug in the community was not in the vaccine; it was a mismatch. We guessed wrong. But that still gave about 50 percent protection. If it had been a match, it would have been about 80 percent.”
The drifts in the regular cold-weather flu differ from the larger "shifts" in the virus, which happen when the hemoglobin — the H in the scientific name for the strain — changes entirely. This current H5N1 avian flu is new because an H5 had never been seen before.
"When the hemoglobin changes, it's a big deal," DuPont said. "When it shifts and goes to a completely different hemoglobin, there's no existing immunity and we have pandemic flu."
The so-called "shift-and-drift" nature of the flu also means that human beings who get their shots or catch that particular bug are only protected from that one specific strain during that one specific time. Unlike immunity to most other diseases, immunity to influenza is fleeting.
“The protective immunity against flu is four months from the influenza vaccine — you have protective levels of the antibody for approximately four months,” DuPont said. “That’s why people who get the vaccine in the early part of the season can still get the flu in the later part of the season.”
Immunity is built up when parts of the virus in question are introduced into the body, either because the person has become infected or has been vaccinated. The human system then builds up antibodies to ward the illness off.
There are two types of human vaccines: live vaccines and killed ones. Most flu vaccines are killed, meaning the agent in them is dead and can no longer be grown in a lab, but still produces antibodies and protects against the virus. Vaccines for illnesses like measles, mumps and rubella are live, made with a less virulent strain of the virus that's processed in such a way so as not to cause sickness, while still providing immunity and having the ability to keep growing in a lab.
Many people are exposed to sicknesses of various stripes without ever having any symptoms, as is the case with “the kissing disease” known as mononucleosis. Of every 1,000 people infected with mono, only five unlucky ones actually fall ill from it — but all are immune, according to DuPont.
“The most common way to build up immunity is to have an infection with the agent, and most agents do not produce clinical disease when they infect,” he said.
Immunity to illnesses like mono, chicken pox (which is the varicella virus), measles, mumps, polio and smallpox is generally long-lasting among people, with those infected or vaccinated having protection that can last at least a generation, if not a lifetime.
In fact, even when a human immune system hasn't seen a virus for decades and then is reintroduced to it decades later, "memory cells" in the body will often recall it and begin to quickly develop antibodies to fight it off, meaning the person will either not get sick at all or will have a much milder form of the disease.
"Sometimes, seeing a virus that's similar will wake up a dormant immune system and produce antibodies very quickly in response to a challenge from a virus," Septimus said. "It may have an effect on how severely you become ill and the expression of the illness."
Human immunity does diminish slowly over time, but with most diseases other than influenza, exposure to an illness provides at least partial immunity for years even when it has decreased from what it was originally. Flu, of course, is the black sheep.
But experts are trying to soothe those frightened by the current avian influenza that has an increasingly large part of the world in its grips, saying there is hope for a flu shot to be developed that will successfully ward it off.
"We will see an effective vaccine, just like we've seen effective vaccines for nearly every other communicable disease except HIV and malaria," said the American Council's Ross.
He and others in the field urge that in the meantime, the immediate focus should be on taking precautions, both against bird flu and the regular garden variety that's crept up on us again this wintry season.
"If they're traveling to Asia, we recommend that people don't visit live bird markets and don't go to bird farms, be mindful of the food they eat and mindful that food is cooked," said the CDC's Morcone.
Avian influenza aside, the best advice could also be the best medicine: Wash your hands frequently, especially when you're sick with the flu or a flu-type bug, stay home until you get well and cover your mouth when you cough and splutter.
"Let's not get hung up on bird flu, which may not happen — and if it happens we don't know when," Septimus said. "Do what you're supposed to do this year, and let the scientists and government work out a plan for the potential of a pandemic."

domain: health


Most people at least once in their lives imagined themselves as a rock star, playing invisible musical instruments in front of an invisible crowd of fans. However, with the help of Soundbrace bracelets that read the position of fingers and hands, you can write music by playing on "/>
The gadget, designed by Eugene Wang, allows you to write guitar parts anywhere and anytime - you just need to calibrate the bracelets in advance by playing a few chords on a regular guitar.
Soundbrace has two sensors that read muscle activity using MYO technology, and two Leap Motion cameras detect the position of the fingers. The two bracelets calculate the distance between each other, creating a virtual image of the guitar neck. The gadget is also equipped with a USB port for charging and syncing with a computer and a standard headphone jack.
Lovers of unusual musical instruments will also like musical art furniture Echoism Chair by designer JaeYoung Jang.


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domain: economics


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Parks taking step in right direction
Published 12:00 am Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Last week, the city of Alabaster&8217;s parks and recreation department held a party at the Senior Center to welcome its newest employee, Alicia Lee.
Lee will work with senior citizens and help develop programs for the disabled of all ages.
This is an important hire for growing Alabaster.
It&8217;s important that our cities provide recreational activities and fun for all citizens, regardless of age or perceived handicaps.
Sometimes we think about parks and recreation departments being all about youth baseball, football or soccer.
And while they are a big part of successful programs, it&8217;s good to know that people are starting to think about those who can&8217;t maybe hit a homerun or score a goal at will.
There are still many sports and games that seniors and the disabled can (and want to) participate in.
Lee was named Employee of the Year in Hoover, where she worked for 10 years developing some of the best therapeutic programs in the Southeast.
It&8217;s exciting to think about what new opportunities and services she will bring for Alabaster residents in the years to come.
Hopefully, other cities will follow Alabaster&8217;s lead and staff their parks and recreation departments with personnel dedicated to providing services for those who are sometimes unfortunately left out.

domain: sociology


Next to Normal falls short of expectations
Next to Normal, the Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical, revolves around the Goodman family as it struggles against the effects of mental illness, drug abuse, ethics, the cons of psychiatric therapy, and themes of loss and acceptance. Last week, the show ran at the Benedum Theater starring the original cast.
The musical is divided into two acts, all dealing with scenes of domesticity and psychiatric therapy. Act I begins when suburban mother Diana Goodman (Alice Ripley) waits up late for her son, Gabe (Curt Hansen), who has been out past his curfew. She attempts to comfort her anxious daughter, Natalie (Emma Hunton), about school. Her husband, Dan (Asa Somers), gets ready for the day and they sing “Just Another Day.” The scene takes an unsettling and bizarre turn when Diana leaves sandwiches all over the table, the chairs, and the floor, calling it lunch.
The rest of the play deals with Diana’s illness and treatment. Her illness is revealed to be a 16-year-old case of bipolar disorder with hallucinations, triggered by the loss of a child. Medications only rob her of all feeling, psychotherapy is ineffective, and she attempts suicide. As a final resort, she receives electroconvulsive therapy, causing her to lose her memory in the process. The musical ends with Diana leaving her family, concluding that “some cuts are too deep.” She tells Dan that his support keeps her from learning how to get up on her own. Dan, heartbroken, is left depressed in need of therapy himself.
The stage was gorgeous. The set was divided into four floors, almost like boxes, and each floor served as a different locations. During Diana’s psychotherapy sessions, the front façade of her home, on the second and third floor, became an image of her face. This changed the set to be her entire psyche. Although somewhat minimalist in nature, the set was interesting and engaging.
The cast, for the most part, was phenomenal. Asa Somers in particular stood out with the strongest voice. However, it was unsettling to listen to a cast sing with upbeat voices about horrible things. The score wasn’t particularly impressive, and none of the songs left a lasting impression. However, the cast sang well and the acting was solid on the part of all cast members. Curt Hansen in particular made a great, ominous Gabe, his movements almost reflecting a dark ballet.
Unfortunately, Alice Ripley, although a Tony-winning singer for her role as Diana, had a terrible voice. Online reviews reveal that people have noted a recent change in her voice for the worse. In comparison to the official soundtrack, Diana’s voice was completely different; in the soundtrack, her voice was melodious and she could enunciate words. At the show, her voice was hoarse, and her words were sometimes indecipherable. It is rumored that her voice has been damaged, but if Alice Ripley has decided to make a character change, it was a horrible decision.
The biggest disappointment was that, although this was a Tony- and Pulitzer-winning musical, it fell short on many levels. Instead of delving deep into the truth of mental illness, the show only seemed to reflect the common misperceptions about what living with someone with mental illness must be like.
To be sure, certain medications can cause some people to feel strange side effects. However, Diana was hallucinating. Her hallucinations were not small; they were pervasive and completely delusional. Such cases only benefit from medication, despite the minor side effects. Furthermore, the side effects that Diana expresses in “I Miss the Mountains” would probably not be applicable to someone with her condition.
In addition, the musical ended with Diana leaving her family, and nothing was fixed. Dan’s character was such a refreshing hero. He remained a loyal and supportive husband for 16 years. There are scarce examples of positive husbands in modern literature. He did every possible thing someone could do to fix a problem, yet was in the end indirectly blamed. Diana leaves to live with her grandparents, and we can only assume that now this elderly couple must chase their daughter around the house to take the knives out of her hands.
Human flaws and mental illnesses exist. However, it should be an artistic imperative to express the reality of mental illness and treatment. The truth is, Next to Normal was more successful in expressing the misconceptions and misinformation surrounding mental illness than revealing the reality. To be fair, its flaws are probably something only people experienced with mental illness will be able to recognize. Next to Normal was overall an enjoyable show, but the viewer should keep in mind that its depiction of mental illness is not completely factual.


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Acupuncture alleviates pain much less invasively than surgery or a massage therapist who won't let go of your back. Say goodbye to aches and Clinging Clarice with this Groupon.
- $49 for a consultation and 30-minute acupuncture session (a $120 value)
Ryu Acupuncture Clinic, Inc.
When licensed acupuncturist Dr. Jay J. Ryu inserts a needle into a patient's skin, he does so with complete precision. Each needle's position is determined by the patient's specific ailment––and by Dr. Ryu's encyclopedic knowledge of oriental medicine, in which he holds a PhD and a masters degree. While he can treat almost any illness, he specializes in alleviating allergies, combating infertility, and managing pain. He also sets international clients at ease, conversing fluently in both English and Korean.

domain: medical


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“Roaming free and feeling free. Life cannot get any better. Starting point of my new journey is Bali, overcrowded with tourists so better cruise with your motorcycle and find some quiet spots.”
I took a bit of time away from work as I do every winter, took time off to spike new ideas and inspiration and there is a lot of things brainstorming while traveling. But it is nice, not doing much, waking up late hanging out with friends, drinking pretty awful Bintang beer but you have to stay hydrated somehow.
Before this big trip to Australia and New Zealand it is nice to have a bit of time to appreciate the smaller things. I have been in delay for 3 days as my flight was cancelled from Bali to Melbourne so what can you do as travel can be a bit stressful sometimes.
Why I chose Bali as a starting point for this trip? Immigration policy in Australia is a pretty strict one and I bought a ticket to Bali in case I get rejected. It was a very complicated process of planning the trip but I lef enough time and got visa for a short period of 3 weeks which is quick.
7 hours flight and here I am in Melbourne. You could never tell when you open a world map that is that far but it is. Melbourne is a typical European city and the most liveable one as declared a couple of years in a row.
Melbourne’s trendy bars, picturesque wineries and world-class sporting venues mean nothing if you’re unable to access them.
I was just amazed walking the streets, meeting Greeks, Italians and Croatians as they have a huge immigration over here. Welcome to Australia, some snakes and spiders will kill you and do not go to swim.
You always hear those things about this continent, maybe it is true as I saw signs everywhere and people just relaxing at the beaches with a red flag on for shark attacks. You have to appreciate Adriatic where you can take a dip in the middle of the sea and not being afrais that something is going to eat you.
You will feel something in this country and you will love that about this country. It is called tolerance and is hard to find it around the world. You just go to immigration museum and you can learn how it feels to pack your life in one suitcase. Unfortunately we learned that in Croatia in the 90’s.
Indigenous Australians are the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Australia, descended from groups that existed in Australia and surrounding islands prior to British colonization. Australians show respect to them.
I was fortunate enough to visit a lot of beautiful places around the world. The most astonishing and memorable experiences were my trips to New Zealand and Australia.
How to travel in Australia? Buy a car or rent one. Sleep in a hostel where you can make a plan for a road trip with so many other travelers. Many people just buy a car in Sydney and sell it in Perth on the west coast.
Driving through vineyards, national parks and Ocean Drive Road is such an amazing experience, stopping in the surfer’s villages along the way. Experience is avoiding kangaroos while driving.
One of the must do things is visiting 12 Apostles. Created by constant erosion of the limestone cliffs of the mainland beginning 10–20 million years ago, the stormy Southern Ocean and blasting winds gradually eroded the softer limestone, forming caves in the cliffs. There are approximately 600 known shipwrecks along Victoria’s coast, although only around 240 of them have been discovered. Many of these wrecks occurred on the Shipwreck Coast, with several road signs leading visitors to the known resting place of some of these ships.
After the road trip I have returned to Melbourne to catch my flight to New Zealand, which is just 3 hour flight to the end of the world. Now I am 12 hours ahead from home so when you go to sleep your friends in Croatia wake up.
If you want to spend time in nature, without a signal on your cell phone and a bit isolated this is just a place for you. I met more people hiking than in their cities. My car was a rental so it can go through the fields, water and never let me down for 2 weeks. I got used to it driving on a wrong side of the road.
Seriously this country looks like as seen on the pictures from the magazines. Landscape change is fascinating and it changes every half an hour while driving from the sandy beaches to rainforests and fields. They do not talk about earthquakes as you feel couple of it each day. The land of the long white cloud as they call New Zealand, within its small compass it has an amazing range of scenery, a complete portfolio of every sport that you can think of, a number of sophisticated cities, superb skiing and surfing and some excellent wines.
You will be surprised how many Dalmatians live in New Zealand, almost 60 000 as they are pioneers of wine making in New Zealand. New Zealand’s Māori culture is an integral part of Kiwi life which you can find mostly in the North Island. I can imagine Maori performing Haka to Dalmatians who are the masters of the art of doing nothing. But I am sure that they produce the best Sauvignon Blanc.
New Zealand or Aoteroa, you have been beautiful but I have to go to Sydney and then back home after 2 months of treaveling. Sometimes you feel homesick but there is still so many beautiful places to see around the world.
Landing in Sydney, seeing Opera and Harbour bridge or maybe half of it as the mega cruise ships dock in the middle of the city. Taking a ferry to Manly as city is crowded with Chinese tourists with selfies sticks as tomorrow is a Chinese New Year’s celebration. That is a spectacular thing but I am one of the people who does not like big cities if we do not talk about NYC.
Spending almost a week in Sydney and the area, almost went for a swim but remember, this is Australia. Time to say goodbye until the next adventure starts.
Ivan Vuković, travel writer
Have a look at the other posts from my travel blog
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DUBROVNIK TOURIST GUIDE
Mobile: +385 98 328 554
Phone: +385 20 432 680
20 000 Dubrovnik, CROATIA

domain: geography


text:
Founded by Maria Baibakova, Baibakov Art Projects is a contemporary art organization with a mission of supporting Russian artists globally, bringing international art to Russia, and educating the wider public about Russian contemporary art. It engages in exhibition programming in Moscow, global philanthropy, editorial, and education initiatives. Baibakov Art Projects collaborates frequently with other non-profits as well as government organizations, media companies, and luxury and lifestyle brands to promote a dialogue around Russian and global contemporary art.
In support of its operating budget, the organization offers strategic consulting to non- and for-profit ventures as well as private clients interested in the Baibakov Art Projects' knowledge of contemporary art, strategic partnerships, and international development. Led by Maria Baibakova, consulting projects span across the United States, Europe and Russia.