Artificial intelligence: Coming soon to a classroom near you
Monday, September 09, 2019
As a child, I was always enamored with books and movies that let me imagine what the future would look like. I wasn’t excited about the idea of traveling on spaceships from planet to planet with the crew on "Star Wars," and I didn’t care so much about flying a car like the people from "Back to the Future 2." Maybe I was afraid of heights.
I did, however, love the idea that one day computers would be as smart (or smarter) than humans. That day has been slowly creeping up on us, and we haven’t even noticed.
Perhaps it is because we don’t have robots walking around our home and our office, looking like "us." Remember the character "Data" from "Star Trek: The Next Generation?" He was my favorite!
My interest as a child was always centered around examples of artificial intelligence, also known as “AI.” By definition, AI can be any task performed by a program or a machine that, if carried out by a human, would require the human to apply intelligence to accomplish the task.
While this seems like a far-fetched idea, the truth is, AI has been a big part of our world for quite some time, hiding in plain sight. Commercial planes use AI for their autopilot features. Our email server uses it to filter out spam emails. Banks use AI for features such as mobile check deposits, fraud prevention, and even credit decisions.
Have you ever uploaded a picture to Facebook and then been surprised to see that Facebook was able to recognize (and tag) your friends? Yes, that is AI at work, too!
When you enter a search request into Amazon, AI is the secret to how Amazon returns options for you that are geographically close and gives you recommendations that are often of interest to you. Your cellphone uses AI for voice-to-text abilities. AI has been a big part of our digital world, and we’re only at the beginning.
Examples of AI in the classroom are everywhere. AI is sometimes referred to as "adaptive" technology. Teachers will see this with various smart tutoring programs that provide students with customized feedback and content based on their previous performance with the program. Teachers use AI programs such as Turnitin to identify examples of cheating and plagiarism. Voice-activated hubs such as Alexa and Google Home have also found their way into classrooms as an instructional tool, and they run on AI.
Earlier this summer, Education Week’s Alyson Klein reported on what every educator needs to know about artificial intelligence.
Klein believes that although AI has seen a huge rise in the classroom, it isn’t expected to replace actual teachers anytime soon. It likely will be contained to performing rote tasks. There are still many big flaws with AI that make them incompatible as a teacher replacement in the classroom.
Take, for instance, the issue of bias. Klein writes, "Human biases can be written right into the algorithms that power AI and then amplified by the technology. What's more, the data that these systems use also can be biased. That can lead the machines to inaccurate, discriminatory, and even racist conclusions." Klein went on to provide examples where AI does this now, with facial recognition software that is ineffective at recognizing women and people of color.
Nova’s Jackie Snow expanded upon AI’s rise in the classroom in this recent article. Snow brought up an interesting issue regarding equity. "Intelligent tutors could be used to help close the achievement gap, or it could replace teachers for poor students while wealthy students get a more balanced mix of human and AI help. Where some see the potential for AI — like other new technologies — to make education more equitable, others fear it will do the opposite, further widening disparities between rich and poor schools."
There are also concerns that AI could become too much of a "big brother," spying on classrooms in ways that may violate privacy rights. Snow reports that, currently, a Chinese high school is using facial-recognition technology that scans students every 30 seconds, looking to see if students are paying attention or losing interest.
Despite all the shortcomings, which will likely be reduced or even eliminated as technology improves, the fact is that AI is here and here to stay. Schools have an opportunity to help cultivate the skills necessary in their students to be able to able to interact with AI tools and technology and learn to work with them, not against them.
Just think about this: The next generation of AI tools will be developed by the children who are sitting in our classrooms right now!
- The importance of guided practice in the classroom
- Grouping students: Heterogeneous, homogeneous and random structures
- ELL reading development: Modified guided reading, interventions, support
- The importance of hands-on learning and movement for English learners
- 10 common mistakes band directors make during rehearsals
- Working memory in English language development
- Back to the future with Ford bioplastics
- School districts weigh pros, cons of later start times for high schools
- Why Agile is outperforming traditional project management models
- A look at the ways virtual and augmented reality can improve patients’ outcomes
- How do you recover from an upsetting interaction?
- Building authenticity in the B2B marketing world
- Fax elimination or evolution?
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How to Experience Day of the Dead, Oaxaca (The Mexican Way)
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Are you going to be in Oaxaca for Day of the Dead this year? This complete guide will help you experience Day of the Dead, Oaxaca like a local.
Day of the Dead (or Dia de Los Muertos in Spanish) is a dearly held tradition of Mexicos Aztec, Toltec, and other Nahua people for thousands of years. For these cultures, death was a natural phase in life’s long continuum and mourning the dead was disrespectful. The dead were still members of the community, alive in memory and spirit, and during Día de Los Muertos, they temporarily returned to Earth.
Although it was celebrated quite differently back then, now Dia de Los Muertos it is a fusion of ancient and modern traditions. UNESCO has even recognized the importance of Día de Los Muertos by marking it as “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.”
For three days each year, it is believed that the veil between this world and the next is especially thin. During the Days of the Dead, it is believed that the spirits of the departed return to visit with and to provide counsel or give advice to family members and loved ones.
It is necessary for the family to ensure a safe and easy return, and so the loved ones will provide this passage in the form of altars (or ofrendas). The altars also act as a form of enticement, guidance, and sustenance for the spirits making the journey back to earth.
When is Day of the Dead in Mexico?
The Day of the Dead date differs slightly all over Mexico, with some towns dedicating entire weeks or even months and other places do not really engage in it at all. This is why it is important to research your chosen destination to make sure that not only do they participate in Day of the Dead, but that you as a tourist will also be welcome there.
Dia de los muertos in Oaxaca City across 3 days and nights, starting on October 31st until November 3rd, with the last night being on November 2nd.
Modern vs Traditional Day of the Dead
There are two types of celebrations a visitor to Mexico might choose to experience for the Day of the Dead, depending on where you go and what you decide to do.
There is the traditional Day of the Dead, where entire families, extended families, and friends spend the nights out of their homes and next to the grave of their loved ones, conducting a vigil to connect with the dead by singing, eating and drinking tequila. The graves have been cleaned and are intricately decorated and covered with bouquets of flowers, candles, and the favorite foods and drinks (usually alcoholic) of the deceased.
Then, there is the newer way of celebrating Day of the Dead. This one consists of parades, sand art, kitsch-style makeup, and skeleton costumes.
The new way is not without its history, however. The skeleton woman you might associate with Dia de Los Muertos is called ‘La Catrina’ and she is an important icon of Mexico’s Day of the Dead history.
A quote from the website SF Gate says about the day of the dead skeleton: “Catrina has come to symbolize not only El Día de Los Muertos and the Mexican willingness to laugh at death itself, but originally Catrina was an elegant, well-dressed woman” David de la Torre said. “Death brings this neutralizing force; everyone is equal in the end. Sometimes people have to be reminded.”
There is no right or wrong way to celebrate Dia de Los Muertos, but it is important to know at least a little bit of its history.
Why is Incense Burned During Day of the Dead?
The aromatics of Dia de Los Muertos dates back to Mesoamerican times. Copal incense is traditionally used and comes from the sap or resin of a Bursera Bipinnata tree.
Many believe that burning copal incense cleanses the ofrenda and has the power to draw the spirits home as well as warding off evil. It is the link between the two worlds.
HOW A LOCAL SPENDS DAY OF THE DEAD IN OAXACA
They spend it in a Graveyard. Surrounded by friends and family, often playing music, socializing, and drinking.
That huge Dia de Los Muertos festival you saw in James Bond’s ‘Spectre’ – that’s not REAL. That huge parade was made up for the movie and now parades and festivals have become somewhat expected by tourists.
Though Oaxaca does put on parades (and they’re actually really great) traditionally the night is spent in the graveyard, alongside the resting place of their dear loved one.
This to me, is what makes Day of the Dead intimate and so special.
Which Cemetery Should You Go to in Oaxaca?
There are several cemeteries (panteones in Spanish) that are popular destinations for Day of the Dead.
Before you choose one (or a few) you’ll need to ensure that:
1. The graveyard will be open late (since the loved ones will sit by the grave for most of the night)
2. The cemetery welcomes tourists
With this in mind these are the top cemeteries to go to on the Days of the Dead in Oaxaca:
Panteon General in Oaxaca City
Also known as Panteon de San Miguel, this is the closest, largest and most beautiful graveyard in Oaxaca City. In the days leading up to Dia de Los Muertos, the graves and crypts are decorated with marigold flowers, petals, and leaves, candles, foods, and drinks.
If you come here during the day, there’s a good chance you will be able to observe the families cleaning the grave and decorating it as part of their tradition.
At night, the atmosphere becomes even more magical, as families sit by the graves, some playing guitar, some singing, and others just eating and drinking. It is a night of remembrance and celebration that their loved ones will return home for the night.
Panteon General is about a 20-minute walk from the Zocalo in central Oaxaca City. Visit here on any of the days or nights for Dia de Muertos to see the festivities in action.
The Xoxo Cemeteries
The small town just out of Oaxaca called Xoxocotlan, known to locals as Xoxo (pronounced “ho-ho”), is home to two cemeteries. There is Panteon Nuevo Xoxo (New Cemetery) and Panteon Viejo Xoxo (Old Cemetery).
Xoxo is quite famous for its huge Day of the Dead night on October 31st. Some say that it’s “too touristy now” but the tradition can still be observed here and if you were trying to escape the tourists, you wouldn’t be traveling to Oaxaca for Day of the Dead.
Xoxo Cemetery is about a 20-minute taxi ride from central Oaxaca. Dia de los Muertos celebrations are at night so this is a cheap and easy way to get out there since public transport at these times is limited. There are also tours but I think you will engage in a more authentic experience without them.
San Agustin Etla
There is a kind of different Day of the Dead that is held on November 1st from 10 pm in San Agustin Etla (about 50 minutes from Oaxaca City). This event is called a comparsa, and although there are comparsas in lots of different villages, Etla hosts one that is the most unique.
Mexico Trippa reports: “There you’ll see lots of people dressed up with mirrors and bells on their costumes dancing, bands, loud music, and a real party atmosphere. They have a performance with the locals dressed up, some men dressed as women, and they make jokes about gossip and rumors about the locals, government, and life in general.”
Other Cemeteries to Visit During Day of the Dead
There are lots of other villages with small, traditional graveyards you can visit. However, some aren’t open at night and others might celebrate on different nights. Check up the cemeteries at Atzompa, San Antonino, and San Felipe del Agua for ones that do Day of the Dead celebrations.
But, if you befriend any locals in Oaxaca ask for their advice on which ones to go to since there are so many!
How to Act When Visiting the Cemeteries
When you are at the graveyard, just smile and say hello to locals – even if it is in English. You’ll likely be invited to sit for a while and drink tequila or ponche (a spiced tea common during this time of year).
You can even bring along snacks of your own, especially candy for the children (that’s a quick way to become popular).
As with any type of cultural tourism, please keep in mind that you are a guest to this tradition. Do not act like a drunken jerk and ALWAYS ask permission before you get in someone’s face and take their photo, especially at such a sensitive time.
To ask for permission to take a photo in Spanish, simply say: “Puedo tomar una photo?”
Should You Wear Skull Facepaint to the Graveyard?
The short answer is; in Oaxaca you can. But, I wouldn’t recommend it.
Generally, a local would not really wear the skull painted face to the grave and in some places, it would be even considered extremely rude to turn up to the graveyard with your face painted.
However, because Oaxaca is quite a tourist destination for the Day of the Dead they are a lot more relaxed towards the face paint and costumes.
While in Oaxaca for Day of the Dead, I was with some local people I had met on the Couchsurfing website. They took me to a party and then later that night we all went to Xoxo Cemetery together. I had my face painted at the party and didn’t think to wash it off before heading to the cemetery. I simply didn’t know any better and wasn’t informed.
That being said, I did not encounter any hostility and I also saw young local children were also wearing face paint, so I felt accepted. I wouldn’t do it again, though.
In the Days Leading up to The Day of the Dead Festival
I highly recommend arriving at least a few days early. Day of the Dead is one of Oaxaca’s most notoriously busy tourist times. Arriving early will give you time to meander around exploring all of the altars, artwork, and markets. The following is a list of the best things to do in Oaxaca in the days leading up to and during Day of the Dead.
Map: Things to Do for Day of the Dead in Oaxaca
Save this map of Oaxaca Day of the Dead Activities into your Phone or Google MyMaps by pressing the square button [ ].
Explore a Local Market
You’re almost definitely going to want to head to a local market in Oaxaca during Day of the Dead. This is when the markets will light up and overflow with the bright orange of marigolds, the deep magenta of cockscomb buds and the fragile white of baby’s breath flowers.
Not to mention all manner of kitschy skeleton figurines shoved alongside famous alebrijes (fantastical wooden creatures painted with bright intricate designs that are made by hand in Oaxaca). You can book a tour that takes you to the village of Arrazola, where the history of the Alebrijes started. Here you can learn about the history and creation process, even create your own Alebrije.
The best Market in Oaxaca for Day of the Dead wares is Central de Abastos. For foodstuffs like Pan de Muerte (Bread of the Dead) and the little sugar skulls made with marzipan visit Mercado 20 de Noviembre.
You could also consider heading out of Oaxaca to a market in one of the smaller villages for a less-touristy experience. Good village markets to visit around the Day of the Dead times are Ocotlan and Tlacolula.
Wander the Streets – Especially up Calle Macedonio Alcalá
Most of this Calle Alcalá is a closed-off pedestrian street meaning walking here is usually a bit more chilled than on the tiny sidewalks of the rest of the city. But not during the Oaxacan Day of the Dead, when the street fills with tourists, vendors, artists, and street performers.
Shopfronts, bars, and restaurants all decorate their windows and walls; artists spread their work over the pavement and giant paper-maché alebrijes jut out into oncoming traffic.
It’s magical and exciting, but make sure you veer off the path to explore other smaller historic buildings as you never know where you’ll see a Dia de Los Muertos altar.
The Dia de Los Muertos Parades in Oaxaca
Oaxaca’s streets buzz with movement and excitement in the days of Dia de Muertos, with fiestas and parades called Calenda.
Calenda is a street party with dancers, people dressed as La Catrina, music and huge puppets on stilts. There isn’t really a schedule for the parades but when I was there they seemed to occur around sunset into the night time.
Amazing ‘Day of the Dead’ Sand Tapestries in Oaxaca
Sand art (tapetes de arena in Spanish) is an integral mortuary custom for the people of Oaxaca.
Trip Savvy writes: “When a person dies, after the burial, a sand tapestry is made in their home. The tapestry depicts a religious image such as a saint that the person who died had a devotion for. For nine nights family members and friends gather to pray in the family home. On the 9th day, the tapestry is swept up and the sand is taken to the cemetery. The sand from the tapestry is poured onto the grave as part of a special ceremony.”
On the South end of Calle Alcalá, just before the Zocalo, giant sand tapestries are built on the street by local artists, depicting Day of the Dead themes. Ladders enable tourists to take good photos and boxes are put out for people to make donations to the artist.
There is also a gigantic sand tapestry set up in the Palacio de Gobierno (now the Museo del Palacio) during the Days of the Dead that is worth going to see.
Day of the Dead Altars in Oaxaca
Intricate and detailed, these beautiful ofrendas are often a work of art.
Typically, an altar displays a photo of the loved one(s) on a table with an array of marigold (flowers of the dead), flower petals on the ground to lead the spirits to their altar, cut paper bunting (papel picado), candles, packets of cigarettes if they were a smoker, salt, incense and sometimes pieces of their clothing or trinkets. Plus, their favorite foods and drinks (including alcohol) to entice the spirits back and to quench their thirst and hunger during their time here. Some of the altars will be a written note in Spanish that says: “welcome home.”
It is believed that if the family forgets their loved one, and stops building them an altar, the spirit of that person will die a second time, and never again get a chance to come back to the land of the living.
The first is that final breath
and when nobody speaks
our names aloud
we die a second death
– Lift souls on the Day of the Dead, by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater
Traditionally a very private affair, the Dia de Los Muertos altars are usually kept inside the homes of the loved ones.
Luckily for you, in Oaxaca, there are many altars placed on display not just in people’s houses, but everywhere! In the streets, inside halls and buildings and even restaurants. Simply wander the streets and look out for the incredible displays.
Places known to have public altars set up are Escuela de Bellas Artes, across from La Soledad church, and the Casa de la Cultura.
Get your Face Painted
Streetside stands are set up to paint the faces of anyone – young, old, local, or tourist for a small fee. Get your face painted, stroll the streets and get amongst the happenings.
Pan de Muerto
Pan de Muerto, or otherwise known as pan de los muertos, is a traditional sweet bread that is baked especially for Dia de Muertos in Mexico. It is both eaten during the celebration or used as an offering on the ofrendas for the visiting souls.
Other Things to Do in Oaxaca
Oaxaca is an extremely important cultural area of Mexico and there are loads of other non-Day of the Dead activities you can do here.
There are two ruins that are completely different but equally as awesome as other temples you would have seen in Mexico. There is Hierve El Agua, an incredibly beautiful petrified waterfall. There are tours to Mezcal distilleries and villages famous for making arts and potteries. There are so many amazing things to do in Oaxaca you’d be severely missing out if you didn’t spend at least a week here.
For more information on these activities and other things to do in Oaxaca check out the Full Guide.
Oaxaca City Tours
3-Day Itinerary for Day of the Dead, Oaxaca
In Mexico, generally, the nights spent in the cemeteries are dedicated to children on the 1st November and adults on the 2nd November.
Here, I have compiled a list of events for Day of the Dead in Oaxaca specifying which nights are best to do what activity.
DAY 1: 31st October
AM: Visit the Central de Abastos Market and buy Pan de Muerte and other snacks for later. This is also a cheap place to buy any trinkets you might like.
Afternoon: Walk up Calle Alcalá and check out all the sand sculptures. Veer down some side streets to see as many altars as you can find. Around sunset, there will be loads of parades around Centro.
From 10 PM: This is the best day to visit Xoxo. Head to Panteon Xoxocotlan for the night, with rum and snacks to share. There will be dancing and singing and although a private affair, there will be loads of people around; local and tourists, who will enjoy chatting and hanging out with you.
DAY 2: 1st November
AM: Eat some food at Mercado 20 de Noviembre.
Afternoon: Have a siesta or wander the streets in search of parades and altars.
From 10 PM: Visit San Agustin Etla for a political-themed Day of the Dead, or Panteon General if you don’t feel like travelling too far. You could also just party in a bar in the city, get your face painted and dress up, watch parades and get amongst it.
DAY 3: 2nd November
AM: Wake up late (as I’m sure you’ll have a hangover by now).
Afternoon: Visit Panteon General to see families decorating and cleaning the gravestones during the day.
PM: This is the best day to visit Panteon General, as this is their biggest night. It is also a great night to visit the cemetery of San Felipe del Agua if you prefer a smaller, more intimate and less-touristy experience to cap off your adventures.
Everyday / Night of Dia de Los Muertos, Oaxaca
There are parades and lots of random events around the Zocalo, up Calle Alcalá and outside of the Santo Domingo church every evening from just before sunset onwards. Bars are open all day and many people will be drinking, dressing up and getting their faces painted.
Also known as Panteon San Miguel. This busy graveyard will have family members, bands and visitors every night of Dia de los Muertos. Or visit during the day to see the decorations in the daylight.
Where to Stay in Oaxaca for Day of the Dead
I can’t stress this point enough – you MUST book accommodation early for Day of the Dead. It is an extremely popular destination at this time of year and the hotels fill up months in advance.
I went to Oaxaca last minute for Dias de Los Muertos one year and did not book anything (because nothing was available) and just decided to wing it.
It sucked. I spent a whole day just walking around to hotels door-to-door asking about availabilities until I found one with a bed free.
It was scummy and just absolutely filled with people. Our beds all touched and pretty much just became one giant bed because they put more in there than they had room for (so I was pretty much sleeping with strangers). I don’t think I got any actual sleep anyway because everyone was so drunk and loud the entire time and there was absolutely nowhere to escape to. Do not let this happen to you.
Last-Minute Accommodation for Day of the Dead in Oaxaca
If you’ve left it to the last minute (uh-oh) then Booking.com is going to be your best bet. They have a huge database of hotels, hostels, and other types of accommodation including ones I’ve seen on Airbnb.
The search box below is showing current availabilities for the Day of the Dead dates in 2021 (October 31st – November 2nd). If you run your mouse over the dropped pins you can see more information about each hotel and their ratings.
If there’s nothing on Booking.com then you’re really going to be scraping the barrel. Try TripAdvisor.com and look for hotels that are NOT affiliated with any booking agencies, this will mean they may still have availabilities since you’ll have to email the hotel directly to ask.
If that fails – just turn up as I did and hope for the best…
Best Places to Stay in Oaxaca
If you’ve been planning this trip for a really long time and are booking nice and early, these are the best hotels in Oaxaca. If you book one of these – you’ll have a fantastic time!
Parador Del Dominico
This exquisite hotel is only a 5-minute walk to the famous Santo Domingo church and a 15-minute walk to the Zocalo in the center of the city. It has a pretty and relaxing shaded terrace area and the ground level rooms even have a private garden. The décor is beautiful and clean and the staff is friendly.
This is a very well presented hotel and I thoroughly enjoyed my stay there. The only downside for me was the bed and pillows were a little bit hard.
Azul Cielo Hostel
Azul Cielo is a bright, fun and happening hostel and is one of Oaxaca City’s best selling hostels. Azul Cielo is Casa Style with a nice grassy area in the middle of the hotel where everyone hangs out and gets to know eachother.
It is one of those hostels that you will always remember. The staff are remarkable, the place is kept clean and the breakfast is amazing!
My Day of the Dead Obsession
I had been obsessed with experiencing Day of the Dead for myself since I did a drama project on it at University in Australia. For me, this festival is the pinnacle of a culture very different from my own.
I realized how special their way of dealing with death is when attending for the first time in November. Instead of mourning, the Mexican people celebrate with their loved ones past.
In 2015, I lost my mum to cancer and this year I will celebrate her life during Day of the Dead in San Miguel de Allende. For me, it is such a lovely way of dealing with loss and I wish and hope that when I die, I can die like a Mexican.
Check Out My Video: A Love Letter to Mexico
Includes some poignant footage of Day of the Dead in Oaxaca.
Pin for later!
Have you ever experienced Dia de Los Muertos? Tell me about it in the comments below!
Share this if you know someone going to Day of the Dead, Oaxaca this year! ⬇


BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Talk about your miracles at Jordan-Hare.
Demetrius Turner was pulling for the Crimson Tide as he watched the Iron Bowl Saturday.
Until, that is, he realized who was about to beat Alabama. Instead of being crushed, the Woodlawn High School basketball coach felt proud.
And now he wants Auburn to go all the way.
"I hated to see Alabama lose, but if I had to see anyone win it, it would be one of my boys," Turner said. "I kept wondering if Alabama was going to make the field goal; I didn't even see Chris Davis standing back there. In fact, I didn't notice it was him until he was halfway down the field. It was the perfect ending to the game."
Chris Davis, a 2010 graduate of Woodlawn who scored the game-winning touchdown in the Iron Bowl Saturday after Alabama fell short on a 57-yard field goal, played basketball and football at Woodlawn. Turner remembers how fast Davis was in both sports.
"He's the most gifted athlete I've ever coached," he said. "When he was at Woodlawn, nobody would ever kick it to him; they'd always kick it out of bounds or in the end zone. But if they screwed up and kicked it to him, he would always take it to the house. It was amazing watching him Saturday knowing I might have had a little to do with his success."


Integrated transport system plan for Pietermaritzburg
A billion-rand integrated transport network that is expected to employ 1 000 people and decrease traffic congestion is on the cards for Pietermaritzburg.
The integrated rapid public transport network was launched by Msunduzi mayor Chris Ndlela yesterday.
Pietermaritzburg is one of 12 cities in the country where the network, funded by the national government, will be implemented.
The roll-out of the project, which begins next week, will take about five years to reach the construction stage. However, its benefits will only be seen in about 10 years.
Ndlela said the new plan would integrate different modes of public transport, services, business and infrastructure.
"The new plan will redefine the way public transport functions within the city," he said.
Beneficiaries of the network included children, the elderly and the physically disabled. The fleet would be designed so that people of all ages, including those in wheelchairs, would be able to use public transport with relative ease.
"Access to public transport will also be improved for rural communities that struggle to get to work opportunities and social services," said Ndlela.
He said that the modern buses and minibus taxis would use dedicated lanes that would reduce travel time. The net effect would be an efficient city
Athat would make people more productive because they would reach their destinations faster and more easily. Nandi Mandela, director of Linda Masinga and Associated in Durban, was involved in stakeholder consultations pertaining to the project. She said they would listen to the concerns of various role-players, including taxi operators.
Paris Dlamini, president of the Pietermaritzburg Chamber of Business, said they would ensure that the project benefited small businesses, commuters and communities.
With an efficient public transport system, the city would attract growth and new investments that would, in turn, provide a platform for growth, said Dlamini.
It had been reported that the integrated rapid public transport networks, developed during the 2010 World Cup, were accelerating improvements in public transport in SA.
At the core of the country's transport strategy - which comprised a multibillion-rand transport infrastructure plan - was an integrated mass rapid public transport network that included rail, taxi and bus services.
The strategy was also expected to improve transport services for more than half of the country's population.
"The long-term goal of the strategy is to have 85 percent of a metropolitan city's population within 1km of the network, and provide a transport service that is clean, comfortable, reliable, fast, secure, safe and affordable," said the report.
Posted at 09:04AM Feb 17, 2012 by Editor in Cities and Towns |


Breivik indicted over mass killing
Norwegian prosecutors have formally indicted Anders Behring Breivik on terror charges, more than seven months after he confessed to attacks that killed 77 people in a bombing and shooting rampage.
As expected, prosecutors charged the 33-year-old right-wing extremist under a paragraph in Norway’s anti-terror law that refers to violent acts intended to disrupt key government functions or spread fears in the population.
Breivik has confessed to the July 22nd attacks but denies criminal responsibility.
Breivik believes his victims were “traitors” for embracing immigration policies he claims will result in an Islamic colonisation of Norway.
Eight people were killed when a bomb exploded in Oslo and another 69 people died in a shooting spree on Utoya island outside the capital, where the youth wing of the governing Labour Party was holding its annual summer camp.
Reading from the indictment, prosecutor Inga Bejer Engh said 34 of the victims at Utoya were between 14 and 17 years old, 22 were aged 18 to 20, six were between 21 and 25 and seven were older than 25.
She said 67 died of gunshot wounds, and two died of fall injuries or drowning. In addition, 33 people were wounded by bullets, but survived.
The terror charges carry a maximum penalty of 21 years in prison but prosecutors have indicated they consider Breivik mentally ill and will seek involuntary commitment to psychiatric care instead of a prison sentence.
Police spokesman Tore Jo Nielsen said outside Ila prison in Oslo that Breivik had been “totally calm” when he was read the charges.
A second, court-ordered psychiatric evaluation of Breivik is ongoing after an initial review, which concluded he was a paranoid schizophrenic, met widespread criticism. Some experts questioned whether someone suffering from a severe mental illness would be capable of carrying out attacks requiring such meticulous preparation.
Breivik himself rejected the diagnosis. He also rejects the authority of the Norwegian legal system, calling it a tool of the left-leaning elites he claims have betrayed the country.
Investigators have not found any indications to support Breivik’s claims that he belongs to a secret anti-Muslim resistance movement plotting to overthrow European governments and replace them with “patriotic” regimes.


Lily has started swearing and I kid you not, it’s the cutest thing EVER!
When she sees something amiss she puts a hand on her hip and says “Gonit!” I’m guessing it’s a Lily version of Doggonit that I’ve taken to using in place of my normal sailor speak. I have worked pretty hard to clean up my vocabulary when I’m around Lily (which is almost all the time) so I’m pretty pleased that she picked up on this word and not one of the less socially acceptable ones.
These pictures have nothing to do with the post, I just haven’t put up any new pictures lately. There from my phone so not the best, sorry.


Heading to The Dark Knight pre-screener (at a bright and early 6:30 pm compared to the 12:01 am crowd and apparently some theaters' 3 am and 6 am crowds according to our featured reviewer over at atomicpopcorn.net, jimmy12), I thought my thrill of the night was pretty much getting to see an super amazing movie as a pre-screener.
But that, as most of you can imagine, was far from the only thrill of the night.
I was a honestly a bit hesitant, as more of a Heath Ledger fan than a huge Batman fan, to see Heath's last performance as the super-creepy Joker as opposed to the Heath I've known and loved from films like A Knight's Tale and Brokeback Mountain, but before I lose you Batman fans, even the girly Heath-lovers of us found The Dark Knight to be THE best movie... EVER.
There are a lot of amazing movies that are obviously quite comparable, but this Batman film blew a whole lot of films totally out of the water.
Heath Ledger was fantastic - to me, the question was why Heath Ledger for a creepy role played seemingly more correctly by the crazy like Jack Nicholson and Jim Carrey, but Ledger made a performance that was so deserving of that possible Oscar nomination, I was pleasantly (and creepily) surprised.
And while Heath's Joker will probably be immediately legendary, he didn't overshadow the movie will all the rest of the amazingness going on.
Christian Bale was of course a fantastic returning Batman who played the role to perfection with that mix of tortured soul and hero that is Batman.
Maggie Gyllenhaal, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, and the rest of the cast were also wonderful and notable, but truly amazing along with Heath was Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent/Two Face. Wow!
I wasn't breathing for about 70% of the movie, and to my surprise, a whole bunch of that was due to the turn of Aaron Eckhart's character, which I suppose most Batman fans will expect, but for those of us a bit more clueless and those clued in alike, breathtaking definitely applied!
There is absolutely not a disappointing moment of The Dark Knight and I'm sure we can not only count on this movie making an enormously ridiculous box office weekend, but also to truly impress all movie-goers, Batman fanatics to tag-alongs!
Check out jimmy12's fantastic review of The Dark Knight giving some excellent Batman and Dark Knight background as well:
Photo courtesy of TVGuide.com


By Spencer . November 2, 2010 . 2:10pm
On Twitter, Nihon Falcom is teasing some kind of news for the day after tomorrow, November 4. A message asks fans to keep checking the official site or e-mail zine.
Ever since Nihon Falcom released Zero no Kiseki on September 30, the company has no announced games. A new game announcement, perhaps?
Falcom released three games in Japan this year. Ys: The Oath Felghana, Ys vs. Sora no Kiseki, and Zero no Kiseki, all of which were for PSP.


I don’t really blog over here. I got the account so I could post to ConClub when Dave invited me to post there. I appreciate the follows, but my blog is located on my website, which also has links, downloads, news feeds, videos, and more. Check it out if you have a minute. The website address is: http://independentrealist.weebly.com/, and my blog address is: http://independentrealist.weebly.com/blog.html
The latest attempt by the Obamanista regime to make Queen Michelle appear to be “just one of the regular folks” has failed miserably. At least to some degree.
Last Friday, Michelle Obama was “caught” while shopping “incognito” at an Alexandria, Virginia Target department store. According to the news sources, the First Lady likes to sneak out of the White House without telling anyone. The First Lady’s communications director, Kristina Schake says “it is not uncommon for the First Lady to slip out to run an errand, eat at a local restaurant or otherwise enjoy the city outside the White House gates.” (Source) To back up their story, the dominant liberal news outlets have devoted expensive air time during multiple news shows to gush over how down to earth the First Lady is and to splash photos of Queen Michelle out alone shopping at Target.
“Incognito”? Are you serious? She “sneaks out of the White House without telling anyone”? Really? Come on now. Nobody can possibly believe this can they? Well, yes, yes they do. One Target shopper stated on camera, “She’s down to earth. She’s like regular people,” and another, who, when told Queen Michelle was shopping at Target said, “Why wouldn’t she shop at Target? Where else is there to go to get shampoo and toilet paper and bras and cat food and bananas all in one place?” (let’s hope these two have simply had a momentary lapse of reason) (Source)
Have these people lost their minds? Did they leave their intelligence under their bed along with the dust bunnies and cob webs? Even if we purposely disregard the fact that the Associated Press was alerted to this “sneak out” well in advance so they would be able to provide a photographer to capture the “sneak out” on film. Even if we ignore the fact that her cadre of Praetorian Guards were right there with her. Even if we simply dismiss the fact that there are no more then 6-8 people anywhere near the registers (even though there are at least four registers open), people still believe that the Secret Service would allow the First Lady of the United States to go about unprotected in a city where the violent crime rate is projected to rise over 2009 figures. (Source)
It is clear to me that this entire event (and “event” it would have been just contending with the logistics alone) is nothing more than a publicity stunt designed to counter the “let them eat cake” image the Obama’s have projected since King Hussein I took office back in 2008. Personally, I am offended and insulted by the Obama’s in that they would actually treat American’s as being stupid enough to fall this kind of charade. Of course, this falls right into line with the King’s viewpoint that we are a nation of backwoods ignorant folk clinging to our Bibles and guns. And I am offended and insulted by the dominant liberal media’s to play along with this charade as well.
It is blatantly obvious what the First Lady is doing, and the dominant liberal media is not simply playing along, they are helping to perpetuate this false image by obfuscating the obvious. They are insisting that this is a real occurrence, a common occurrence, and they are defining this one-act play as the actions of a common everyday housewife, engaged in the common everyday activities that every common everyday housewife engages in. They want us to ignore what we know to be true, and believe what they tell us – just like any good public relations (or propaganda ministry) would. And that is just exactly what they dominant liberal media has become – the Ministry of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda for the Obamanista regime. Whether it’s NBC, ABC, CBS, HBO’s Little Billy Maher, or the cadre of clowns at MSNBC, these are the minister’s of propaganda, the doctor’s of disinformation, the obfuscators of the obvious, and no different in my book than Tokyo Rose, Axis Sally, Lord Haw Haw, or Pyongyang Sally. In the case of Queen Michelle’s misleading masquerade as one of the “common folk”, they have not only failed, but failed miserably.
King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia has announced that Saudi women will be granted the right to vote, and the White House is beaming with joy! Abdullah went on to say, “We refuse to marginalize the role of women in Saudi society and in every aspect, within the rules of Sharia.” (Notice the qualifier there.) He went on to say, “Balanced modernization, which falls within our Islamic values, is an important demand in an era where there is no place for defeatist or hesitant people.” (Again, notice the qualifiers, “balanced modernization” which “falls within our Islamic values.”) [Source]
The White House is beside itself with joy now that the king has taken this monumental step in recognizing women’s rights, but don’t you think their celebratory stance is a bit premature? To begin with, Saudi women will not be able to vote for another four years. A lot can happen in four years my friend. A lot. In addition, they will only be able to participate in local elections. Let us not forget that Saudi Arabia is not a democracy. It is a monarchy. The king is not elected. Any local “elections” that the Saudi women may be able to participate in (remember, this “right” doesn’t take effect for four years) are meaningless because the monarchy has the final say. And even if they still retain this new found “right” in four years, their husbands and fathers (or other male head of house) can still deny them right to leave their home to vote or run for local office, as women in Saudi Arabia are still considered to be the property of their husbands or fathers (this includes the child brides Saudi men are allowed to take)
The fact of the matter is, that Saudi Arabia is far from being a bastion of women’s rights. In fact, their view of “balanced modernization within [their] Islamic values” is right out of the stone ages. In Saudi Arabia women are still beaten, still maimed, still disfigured, still hung, still stoned, still shot, and still beheaded. That aspect of Saudi “balanced modernization” hasn’t changed one bit in the last 1400 years. So although everyone is clapping and slapping Saudi Arabia on the back for its “reformed thinking,” my BS meter is pegging in the red over this.
Saudi Arabia is still a wahabbi controlled country ruled by a monarchy and governed by shariah law, and as such is still an anti-women’s rights, anti-human rights, anti-freedom, anti-liberty, and anti-America country. This whole thing is nothing more than a public relations scam designed to make people forget the truth about them, and start thinking what a wonderful group of people they are. Sorry to burst your bubble folks, but you need to put the party favors away.
Good time Charlie Rangel was honored yesterday with words of adulation and praise for all the wonderful things he has done over the course of his illustrious career. (Source) (Source) The Rangel Celebration is to be highlighted by the unveiling of an official portrait of Rangel, a portrait completed at a cost of $64,000. Delightful.
Should anyone out there be unsure as to just who the recipient of this prestigious celebration actually is (and I doubt there are many), allow me to shed some light on the illustrious Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.). This is the same Charles Rangel who was brought up on ethics charges and found guilty of 11 counts of violating House ethics rules. (Source) These so-called “rules” included violating the solicitation and gift ban, violating postal service laws and franking commission regulations, violation of the letter head rule, leasing a “residential use only” rent stabilized apartment that he used as a campaign office (in order to avoid paying the higher rent associated with actual office spaces), and, among other rules, failing to report rental income on his $500,000 Dominican Republic villa.
Wait, wait, wait. Did I just read that right? Failing to report rental income? Isn’t that what people go to prison for? Isn’t tax fraud a felony? Well, um, yes, it is. (as an aside, one of Rangel’s aide recently said he was guilty of the same thing [Source]). Congress takes care of its own, however, and they did censure ol’ Charlie. You know what a censure is don’t you. It is an official reading of the charges against you on the house floor. And after that, it’s, um, back to business as usual. I would say it is the equivalent of a slap on the wrist, but an actual slap on the wrist does incur a modicum of brief barely noticeable pain. A censure does not. But I digress. We were talking about Charlie’s celebration.
Those in attendance include Speaker of the House John Boehner, Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), Sen. Chuck Schumer, Rep. Emmanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.), and others. Not expected to attend is the widow of New York City Policeman Phil Cardillo, or his children. There’s that questioning look again. Who is Phil Cardillo? Allow me to elaborate. On April 14, 1972 a call was made to the New York City police department reporting an officer needing assistance. When Cardillo and his partner Vito Navarra arrived at the address given, it was a mosque. And not just any mosque, but Nation of Islam mosque #7 in Harlem. Knowing only that a fellow officer was possibly in danger, Cardillo and his partner entered the mosque where they were quickly met by a large group of black muslims shouting “allah akhbar,” and who immediately attacked the officers (can you say “set up”?)
Back up arrived and two more officers entered the mosque, only to be attacked and beaten as Cardillo and his partner had been. During the assault the officers were beaten and stomped by dozens upon dozens of black muslims. Other officers arrived, but were unable to enter the barricaded door. A shot was fired and officer Cardillo was mortally wounded with his own pistol. Police forced their way in and saw a large black muslim identified as Louis 17X Dupree running away with Cardillo’s weapon. Dupree and others sought refuge in the mosque’s basement where officers were able to detain them.
What has this to do with Charles Rangel? I’m getting to that. Officer Cardillo’s murder was never solved, and his killer has never been brought to justice. Even with officers witnessing Dupree with Cardillo’s gun, and even with 17 suspects being detained in the basement. The reason for this is because the police were ordered to let the suspects leave the mosque alone and not escorted by any police. The police were then told to leave the mosque as well under threat of bodily harm from a mob of black muslims numbering in the hundreds if not thousands. The result was the suspects were allowed to leave and disappear, the police left the mosque, and officer Cardillo’s killer has never been brought to justice. Oh, I almost forgot to mention. The orders to let the suspects go and for police to leave were given by Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan and Rep. Charles Rangel as they confronted the police in Farrakhan’s mosque. (Source)
I don’t know about you, but in my book Rangel’s actions on that day make him expressly complicit in the murder of police officer Phil Cadillo. Maybe they will include this in Rangel’s day of celebration and the subsequent unveiling of his $64,000 portrait, but I doubt it. Heh, and you thought Bill Clinton was slick!
At least that appears to be the Obama Administration’s line of reasoning. It was reported today that the Obama Administration is shutting down CLASS, the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act, a federal program that helps seniors and the disabled who cannot afford to buy long term care insurance. (Source) The CLASS Act is designed to help provide both home and community based services to seniors and the disabled that lack the ability to function in daily life. Things such as adaptive aids and medical supplies, minor home modifications, nursing services, occupational and physical therapy, respite care and other services will no longer be available through the program. The result will be thousands of Americans who desperately need these services in order to survive will be left to fend for themselves and find other means to provide for their often life sustaining needs.
What a charming way to eliminate those who many feel are nothing but a millstone around the neck of America. By comparison, the Nazi’s were much more humane. In Nazi Germany, the elderly and disabled were shipped off to camps where they were exterminated, as opposed to being left to eke out a miserable existence all on their own until they simply die from lack of medical care or assistance. Hitler would be proud, as would Stalin.
Dear GOP: This is what is known as infiltration. It is a process in which individuals (or small groups) penetrate an area (especially the military penetration of enemy positions without detection). This is something islam has been doing for centuries. It is a means of gaining control. No you do realize this don’t you? You really aren’t that stupid are you? (Source) OMG! You are! You really are that stupid!
Dear New York Times: Have you ever heard the term “Sleeping with the Enemy”? (Source)
Dear World: Welcome to Islam. (Source)
Dear Congress: Can you please explain why Eric Holder, Janet Napolitano and Barack Obama have not yet been brought up on charges of accessory to murder? (Source)
Dear President Obama: Can you please explain why your administration wants our military to use a product that is known to interfere with their GPS systems? Wouldn’t using this product prevent them from effectively sending GPS guided missiles against our enemies? Just wondering. By the way, your kufi is showing again. (Source)
Dear President Obama: Is this a portent of things to come? Huh, Barry? Got something against Christians, do you? You good little muzzie you! (Source)
Dear Mayor Bloomberg: I assume you were leading the march? And wearing your new cute little kufi too I suppose. (Source)
Dear Johnny: You know that whole debt ceiling limit thing? Well, you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours! *wink, wink*. Love ya, Barry (Source)
Dear U.N.: And you want to give these cockroaches their own state, why? (Source)
Dear Massachusetts: in case you need to be reminded: The Battle of Concord, the Battle of Lexington, the Boston Massacre, Paul Revere’s famous ride. The American Revolution started in your front yard. The flag we pledge allegiance too is a symbol of that revolution and our independence from Britain. Does any of this have any educational value, or have you turned so far away from your roots and your country? (Source)
Dear Rep. Schakowsky: Try it. That’s all I can say. Just try it. (Source)
Dear President Obama: Didn’t work last time, won’t work this time. (Source)
Dear Palestinians: I look forward to the day that Israel fires up a fleet of D9 cats and pushes you all into the sea. Then you can party with bin Laden. (Source)
Dear Rep. Waxman: I assume you have your Obersturmführer uniform is currently being tailored. By the way, I can’t help but noticing, you aren’t related to the Phantom of the Opera are you? (Source)
Dear President Obama: Your kufi is showing. (Source)
Dear President Obama: Way to go! I’ll wager this took quite a bit of thought, putting a terrorist supporting country on a counter terrorism committee, while at the same time excluding a country rife with counter terrorism experts. Putz. (Source)
Dear Ford Motor Company: I love you! (Source)
Dear President Obama: In case you have yet to notice, the stimulus did not work. Solyndra ($535 million down the drain), Evergreen Solar ($5.3 million down the drain – it’s jobs are now going to China), SpectraWatt ($500,000 flushed away), Mountain Plaza ($424,000 gone with the wind), Olsen’s Mills ($10 million going, going, gone!). Great job of piddling away our money. Thanks Barry. (Source)
Dear Rahm Emmanuel: Good to see Chicago politics haven’t changed one iota over the years. It’s still business as usual. Strong arming, extortion, etc. I assume you have your baseball bat battalion standing at the ready? (Source)
Dear Denver: The answer would be “racial motivation.” It’s all the rage these days. Just so ya know. (Source)
Dear New York: I find it quite telling that the woman walking in front of your anti-Israel poster is a muslim. As they say, a picture is worth more than a thousand words. By the way, Mayor Bloomberg, your kufi is crooked. (Source)


『』warrior cats posts, memes & more!
『』est. dec 3, 2017
⠀⠀⠀『』thereal fam deputy
— — — — —
⠀⠀⠀⠀ “Nice!” Redpaw purred as Nightpaw dropped the mouse at his older brother’s paws. “Sandfoot’s taught you how to crouch properly, hasn’t she?”
⠀⠀⠀⠀ “Yep!” He said proudly. “Kestrelstar told me I’m going to be a warrior at sundown,” Redpaw raised his chin proudly as they headed back to camp. “Really? But then I’ll be the only apprentice,” Nightpaw frowned. “Lionpaw and Goldenpaw are apprentices,” he reminded Nightpaw. “Yeah...” Redpaw blinked. “So is Hoppaw,” Nightpaw frowned.
⠀⠀⠀⠀ “Just because they’re apprentices doesn’t mean they know I exist,” Nightpaw grumbled. Redpaw shrugged. “Try talking to them again, they aren’t that bad,” Redpaw said as they reached camp. It was nearly past sunhigh and Nightpaw didn’t know what to do. He looked around for Sandfoot, but she had left camp for a patrol before he and Redpaw got back.
⠀⠀⠀⠀ Nightpaw lay down near the apprentice’s den in a shady spot. Resting his head on his paws, he looked over to where Fishkit, Fernkit and Mintkit were playing. ‘It’s only a bit before they become apprentices,’ he realized. ‘Kestrelstar might be waiting to make Redpaw a warrior when he makes them apprentices...’ he thought.
⠀⠀⠀⠀ Before long it was nearly sundown, Nightpaw had done a bit of hunting with Sandfoot after she came back. Kestrelstar called for a Clan meeting, so he padded over.
— — — —
⠀⠀⠀⠀ “Today we have a new warrior and three new apprentices,” Kestrelstar smiled. “Redpaw, please step forward,” Redpaw stood up and took a step forward to his father. Nightpaw frowned. Now he’d be alone in the apprentice den. “Your warrior ceremony is long overdue, but you have only proved you deserve it more. I, Kestrelstar, leader of IceClan call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. He has trained hard to learn the ways of your noble code, and in return I ask you make him a warrior. Redpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and do everything you can for your Clan, even at the cost of your life?”
⠀⠀⠀⠀ “I do,” Redpaw said fearlessly. Nightpaw looked at Kestrelstar as he nodded. “Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Redpaw, from this moment on you shall be known as Redclaw. StarClan honours your patience and skill, and we welcome you as a full warrior of IceClan.”
⠀⠀⠀⠀ Redclaw lifted his chin up to the sky, his eyes close and ears pointed out and his smile was the proof he was happy, and Nightpaw couldn’t wait until he was made a warrior as the Clan chanted Redclaw’s new name.
⠀⠀⠀⠀ Kestrelstar raised his tail in silence. “Fishkit, Fernkit and Mintkit, you have all reached the age of six moons. From now on, until you receive your warrior names you shall be known as Fishpaw,” he nodded to the tom, “Fernpaw,” to the brown tabby, “and Mintpaw,” to the silver tabby.
— — — — —
⠀⠀⠀⠀ “Fishpaw, your mentor will be Stormcloud. Mintpaw, your mentor will be Fireclaw, and Fernpaw,” Kestrelstar paused as if he was thinking, “your mentor will be Birdfeather,” the three apprentices exchanged a greeting with the traidional nose touch.
⠀⠀⠀⠀ Kestrelstar dismissed the meeting with a wave of his tail. Nightpaw frowned as Redclaw was surrounded by the warriors, receiving congratulations. He decided to sit up and turn in for the night, not even realizing he’d been beaten by Lionpaw and Goldenpaw, and Hoppaw. They were already curled up in their nests, breathing slowly as their eyes were closed.
⠀⠀⠀⠀ He lay down in his own nest, resting his head on his paws. Fishpaw and Mintpaw came tumbling in, rolling on top of Hoppaw’s tail. “Ouch!” The tom snarled. “Sorry!” Mintpaw said before tackling Fishpaw again. “This isn’t the nursery,” Hoppaw snapped. “Here we get rest, and you’ll understand why soon, if I hear another word from you you’ll wish you’ve been taught how to fight properly,” Mintpaw seemed to shrink and found an empty nest near Goldenpaw’s. Fishpaw took one next to her. There was two left, one beside Nightpaw and one on the other side of the den, mostly away from everyone.
⠀⠀⠀⠀ Fernpaw padded over to the nest, smiling at Nightpaw softly. “Is this nest taken?” She said sweetly, and Nightpaw had to blink before replying. “N-no, you can have it,” he said, which came out as a squeak. As she lay down, Nightpaw felt maybe he wouldn’t be so lonely after all
❝Okay, maybe now I'm making a home for my family. But I'm doing something that's more than wandering around like a rogue cat, without a real home or friends. I've learned a lot from living with the others, and now I want to put that to use here. The hollow and the forest aren't the only places a group of cats could live.❞
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Windstar, yay or nay? ←
》Silverzoul on DA (@warroarcats)
【 I just premade and then archived three posts so I could have my 100th post lol 】
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #therealivypool#warriorcats #windstar#windrunner#gorsefur#gorsestat#windclan#mothflight
❝Join you? Join you? After everything you've done? I'd rather die!❞ (I think the cat is Bramblestar, but I dunno)
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Would you rather be in RiverClan or WindClan? ←
》Maplespyder on YT ((I may be wrong but it sure looks like it))
【 hOws liFe 】
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #therealivypool#warriorcats #thunderclan#windclan#riverclan#shadowclan
— — — —
⠀⠀⠀⠀A tall black-and-white tom swiftly ran through the open field. He stopped in a small clearing, catching his breath. He turned behind him, seeing if the small white tom was behind him. Sure enough, the unusual colour eyed tom was still running. He stopped near the taller tom, taking deep breaths.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀The taller tom sat and wrapped his tail around his paws, muscles tending and relaxing as he took and released breaths. The white tom sat next to his leader, licking his pelt. “It’s quite beautiful, isn’t it?” said the first tom. The other tom nodded, taking a quick moment to glance at the sunset before licking his pelt again.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀”It’s going to be a long time before we see this again,” the black-and-white tom sighed sadly. He loved to watch the sunrise and sunset, but it was most beautiful in early leaf-fall or late newleaf. “Leaf-bare will come soon,” said the smaller tom. “Yes, I just hope DawnClan is ready for another stressful winter,” the taller tom relaxed his shoulders.
— — — —
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The white tom looked at the other tom. “Tornadostar, I know you know it doesn’t have to be that bad,” he reassured him. “The past few have been eventful... but we just have to hold on,”
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Tornadostar took in and then let out a deep breath. “You’re right, Blizzardfur.” He agreed. “I only wonder if the first generation had to strive so far to survive in leaf-bare,” He twitched his ear, standing up. “This leaf-bare, I know we can hold on, for just a little longer.” Tornadostar relaxed his tensed shoulder muscles. “Our Clan has been weakened after Tsunamipelt’s attack, I only hope we’re strong enough to last.” Tornadostar exhaled. “As long as StarClan lights our path, we will be safe,”


USC and Clemson have announced a makeup date for last weekend’s rainout at Carolina Stadium.
The Gamecocks will play host to the Tigers April 7 at 7 p.m. USC will move its originally scheduled home game on that date against Presbyterian to Monday at 7 p.m. Fans should use their original tickets for those two games on these new dates.
The change means USC will play back-to-back games against the Tigers on Apr. 7-8, with the second game on the original schedule for Clemson’s Doug Kingsmore Stadium.
The switch of the PC game will give USC games on six consecutive days starting tonight.
Never miss a local story.
Said USC coach Ray Tanner, “Baseball is meant to be played every day.”


You and a group can take a crack at escaping from an imaginatively themed room (think underwater laboratory, witch-inhabited kingdom, the future—right now you escape from "20,000 Leagues" and a "Midnight Carnival"), which you will be locked inside of for an hour. A situation in which the old adage "communication is key" could ring quite true. Contributing writer Meg Van Huygen wrote: "The first Seattle room escape opened in late 2013. ... They're really, really hard, with maybe 50 different clues to Easter-egg out per room, and time is short. The cost is comparable to the competition's ($30 per person), but the production values are noticeably higher. The highly creative clues and overall game structure make Puzzle Break the best game in town, at least for now."
Puzzle Break Capitol Hill
1423 10th Ave (studios B and D),


As 'Chavismo' sputters, a charismatic challenger woos Venezuelans
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has loomed larger than life over his oil-rich country for nearly 14 years, doling out healthcare and houses and university admissions to supporters of his “Bolivarian Revolution” aimed at creating history’s first affluent socialist state.
A barrel-chested former paratrooper who has tapped Venezuela's oil revenues to court a loyal following among the country’s poor, Chavez has handily outpolled disorganized opponents in past elections and harnessed people power to defeat a 2001 coup d’etat and win a recall vote three years later.
But much of the revolutionary fire that stirred the masses into a political phenomenon known as Chavismo has gone out of the cancer-stricken president. For the first time since his 1998 election victory, he faces a viable competitor with a message of unity and a track record of efficient management as governor of the state that surrounds Caracas.
Few neutral observers are yet convinced that Chavez will fall to Miranda state governor Henrique Capriles in Sunday’s presidential election. They are as dubious of polls showing the 40-year-old challenger with a slight edge as they are of the Chavez-commissioned surveys depicting the incumbent at least 10 percentage points ahead.
Still, there is a solidifying impression among political analysts that Chavez's "missions" to eradicate illiteracy, improve healthcare, provide government jobs and build housing for the homeless have benefited too few for the vast sums squandered on the programs. A Reuters news agency report this week on its investigation into the opaque ledgers of a massive slush fund under Chavez's control identified more than $100 billion in off-budget spending over the last seven years.
While the social programs are popular and have made dents in poverty and illiteracy, Venezuelans are tiring of unfulfilled promises after 14 years, said Michael Shifter, president of the Inter-American Dialogue think tank in Washington. He believes that Chavez "has run his course."
Violent crime has skyrocketed -- including at least two fatal shootings of Capriles supporters at campaign events this week. Infrastructure is crumbling, as seen in deadly refinery explosions this summer. Power shortages afflict much of the country, and "there is a sense that Chavez's rhetoric has lost its magic," Shifter said.
A cult of personality enveloped Chavez through most of his presidency, with his visage ubiquitous on posters and billboards. Broadcast media have been obliged to carry every one of his 2,300 speeches. If aired end to end 24/7, they would run for 72 days, according to the calculations of two prominent Latin American statesmen in a report for the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.
The report, by career Chilean diplomat Genaro Arriagada and former Mexican Federal Electoral Institute chief Jose Woldenberg, also noted that Venezuela’s high-tech balloting machines that identify voters by fingerprint are suspected by a third of the population -– and a majority of Chavez supporters -- of creating a record of how they voted, despite official demonstrations to the contrary.
Voters in line for new housing or other government perqs fear they'll be bumped from the waiting lists if they are found to have voted for the opposition, said Charles Shapiro, a former U.S. ambassador to Venezuela and now president of the Institute of the Americas in La Jolla.
Opinion polls in Venezuela are a poor gauge of voter intentions, said Shapiro, who wouldn't hazard a guess as to whether an end to the Chavez era might be on the horizon.
"What I do know is that Capriles has run a terrific campaign. Chavez has been president for 14 years, and in any country a certain weariness sets in," Shapiro said. "While Chavez is a very good campaigner, he clearly is not as vigorous as in past campaigns."
Chavez, 58, has had three cancer operations in Cuba in 15 months and often has been absent, uncharacteristically, from the public spotlight.
The 40-year-old Capriles, by contrast, has projected a dynamic image, plunging headlong into Chavista territory to assure the poor that as president he would maintain popular social programs but run them better.
"Capriles has been extremely smart in his campaign, in a way that would suggest there's not going to be a period of vengeance against Chavez supporters in the government," Shifter said. "The mistake the opposition has made in the past is saying that everything Chavez has done is bad."
It remains to be seen whether the young governor's message is strong enough to overcome the considerable powers of incumbency, with Chavez in control of the airwaves and the oil treasure chest, Shifter said. There are also concerns about whether a Capriles victory would be respected by Chavez loyalists on the electoral council, in the courts and among the armed forces.
"Capriles is the new generation," whether he wins this time or not, Shifter said. "People are obviously responding to his message and giving him a serious look."
ALSO:Hong Kong police arrest 7 in harbor collision that killed 38 people
Follow Carol J. Williams at www.twitter.com/cjwilliamslat
Photo: Venezuelan presidential candidate Henrique Capriles, at a campaign rally on Monday, has united the country's scattered opposition forces to confront President Hugo Chavez with the first serious challenge of his 14-year tenure in Miraflores Palace. Credit: Leo Ramirez / AFP/GettyImages
Insert: President Hugo Chavez, at a campaign rally in Yaracui state on Tuesday, still draws enthusiastic crowds but has been less in the public spotlight this election year because of long absences for cancer treatment in Cuba. Credit: Juan Barreto / AFP/GettyImages


Friday, October 11, 2013
Stumbled across this little bit of news - USA Truck is complaining about Knight Transportation. The two companies had been in confidential talks about possibly doing a friendly deal. Knight had signed a confidentiality and standstill agreement, but now, according to USA Truck, Knight has been using its confidential information to pursue a creeping acquisition of the company. In response USA Truck has filed a suit - in Arkansas - seeking an order prohibiting Knight from acquiring more stock and divesting itself of the stock it acquired. I suppose USA will be making arguments simlar to those in Vulcan/Martin Marietta. But, my first thought was well, why doesn't the board adopt a pill? Turns out USA Truck has both a pill and a staggered board - a pretty insurmountable defense. And that's not enough to dissuade a creeping acquisition? Interesting. Something else must be going on here.


(US) Montgomery transformed into Wild West cow town
info at animalconcerns.org
Tue Jun 10 13:20:20 EDT 2003
[from Princeton Packet]
MONTGOMERY The township took on a Texan flair last weekend as the
10th annual Montgomery Rodeo captivated fans of the Old West.
The event, held Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Daube Farm on
Sunset Road, brought in over $6,000 in ticket sales on the first day,
according to rodeo organizer Cherie Stites.
No protesters or animal-rights activists were present at the rodeo,
and stunts like calf-roping that have been questioned in the past
went on without controversy.
Your Portal to More News Headlines, AR-News on the Web, Events,
E-Mail Lists, JOBs, and Organizations! Try searching for the news
item on Animalconcerns! http://www.animalconcerns.org/
More information about the AR-News


Hi, my name is Daenel (pronounced Day~nell). Thank you for taking the time to check out my blog. This is my space where I share information about faith and family, with a little bit of fashion thrown in for fun.
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Surrey 454 (Stoneman 165, Burns 71, Sangakkara 71, Wright 5-113) beat Warwickshire 91 (Footitt 6-14) and 362 (Trott 151, T Curran 4-88) by an innings and 1 run
Gareth Batty hopes Surrey's resounding opening-round victory over Warwickshire has "sent a message" to their Championship rivals.
Surrey took less than an hour to wrap up an innings victory on the fourth day, claiming 23 points in the process. It is only the second time since 2002 - the last time they won the Championship title; the other occasion was 2012 - they have won their opening Championship match of the season. By contrast, it was the first time this century Warwickshire have lost an away game against Surrey. They left London with only one point.
This was a formidable performance from Surrey. Blessed with the strength in depth to leave out players of the class of Stuart Meaker, Ravi Rampaul and Zafar Ansari (they will also be boosted by the return of Jason Roy at some stage) they proved too strong for a decent Warwickshire side in all departments. They demonstrated strong batting and wonderfully disciplined bowling and, but for a Jonathan Trott innings described as "magnificent" by Batty, would have won this match by an innings and plenty in two-and-a-half days.
This was very much a case of Surrey playing well rather than Warwickshire playing poorly. While Warwickshire would admit they erred in their decision to bowl first and then failed to utilise conditions in the first couple of hours, they were also on the receiving end of a top-class innings from Mark Stoneman and an exceptionally good spell of bowling from Mark Footitt. These are early days but Surrey are unlikely to be bothered by too many England calls (though Tom Curran has a chance of playing in the ODIs against Ireland) and must be considered strong Championship contenders.
Not that Batty was allowing himself to be carried away. Although he was on the Surrey staff in the early part of this century, he had departed for Worcestershire by the time they won the Championship in 2002 and still hankers for a winners' medal. He knows, though, that it is a long season and that tougher tests await.
"We can be better in all departments," he said. "We should have scored 600 and we should have finished the game on the third day. We missed a chance or two in the field as well. It's just one win. This is only the start.
"But yes, we're in a good place as a club. We left England players out of this team and we might again at the end of the week. I might be left out.
"We wanted to send a message and we did that. Our openers set the tone and everyone backed them up. We bowled as a pack with Footitt outstanding and everyone else supporting him really well."
While Batty was reluctant to look too far ahead, he did admit that thoughts of a Championship title were on his mind - "it would be a wonderful way for an old man to finish," he said - and suggested that both the Surrey squad and the top division in this competition were "as good as they've been".
"Yes, this is one of the best county squads I've played in," he said. "Maybe the Surrey side at the start of the century, when we had 14 internationals, was a little stronger, but we're not so short of that level now. We don't have an XI as much as a group of 20 or so.
"And yes, I've been around a while now, but in my view, we have now got the best domestic first-class cricket in the world. The cricket I have seen played in the last two or three years has been the best of my time in the game. There are some seriously good teams in this division. The cricket in this division is really tough."
This was certainly a fine advert for the Championship. While the result was hardly in doubt after the first day, there were a number of top-class performances and an outstanding, defiant innings from Trott to drag the game into the final day. While he departed shortly after completing his 19th first-class 150 - an upper-cut landing in the hands of third man - he had produced a remarkable innings on a pitch of such variable bounce that both sides reckoned chasing 100 in the fourth innings could have provide extremely demanding.
"He's still one of the best in the country," Batty said of Trott. "But it was a very good lesson for us to see how someone that good goes about his business. He was magnificent."
Tom Curran finished the match by uprooting Chris Wright's middle stump; reward for an admirably sustained spell of bowling. There are, perhaps, young bowlers who bowl more impressive deliveries over the course of a spell, but there are not many 22-year-olds who bowl so few poor ones. As part of a four-man seam attack backed by three men on the staff who have been picked to bowl spin for England in Test cricket, it is hard to think of a deeper, more balanced attack in the county game.
This was a worrying performance from Warwickshire but not a completely surprising one. The coaching team would not have been changed at the end of last season unless the management knew there were issues and it is now clear the club is at the start of what may be a painful transition. If the club is not producing players of the quality to challenge for first-team positions - and there is little evidence to suggest they are - they may need to consider recruitments. But for a club heavily in debt, that is not straightforward. Trott, to some extent, masked their failings in this game but the bowling coach Alan Richardson was spot on when he spoke of it as a "wake-up call".
"You can't afford to give a side the quality of Surrey a two-day start," the first team coach, Jim Troughton, said afterwards. "We were out-played on those first two days. We showed some character to claw our way back into it, but we had given ourselves too much to do.
"We still back this squad. We understood this team was in transition before the season. But we just can't afford to drift into games as we did here and, if someone produces a great spell like Footitt did here, you need someone to be able to stem the bleeding."


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Daily Archives: October 17, 2012
The Kotlin webinar recording is now available for your listening and viewing pleasure, enjoy! In this webinar, Andrey Breslav speaks about Project Kotlin and the Milestone 3 release. Learn about the new features and current plans, as well as view … Continue reading


If you have temporomandibular joint disorder, you know that even the littlest things like chewing gum can exacerbate this issue. However, for the majority of people suffering from TMD, it is fairly treatable by things such as avoiding hard-to-chew foods, using gentle massage, and applying heat to your jaw. If you have been massaging your jaw during flare-ups and are still noticing that your symptoms aren’t going away, then you may want to contact Dr. Joel Smith to learn more about other treatment options such as neuromuscular dentistry. Read on to learn more.
One of the biggest culprits of TMD, is a misaligned jaw. Before you can be deemed a suitable candidate for neuromuscular joint disorder treatment option, Dr. Joel Smith needs to ensure that your TMD is caused by a misaligned jaw. Once your TMD has in fact been diagnosed as a joint disorder, a custom orthotic will be made to help your jaw get used to chewing and swallowing. Designed to perfectly fit your jaw, your custom orthotic shouldn’t be uncomfortable but may take some time to get used to. You will wear the orthotic for a few months until your jaw joints heal. Once your bite is stabilized, you may have to wear a more permanent orthotic or orthodontics may be used in order to move your jaw in order to restore the functionality of your jaw and bite.
If you have TMD, it can cause your everyday life to be less than comfortable, and oftentimes even quite painful. By causing things such as clicking in your jaw, inflammation, pain, and overall irritation, TMD is a disorder that is easily treatable. If you have started to notice that massage, heat, and relaxation aren’t giving you relief from your symptoms, then it may be time for you to consider neuromuscular dentistry. Contact Dr. Joel Smith’s office today to learn more or to schedule a consultation!


Maximo Vs Army Of Zin | PS2
The story of the game follows on from Maximo: Ghosts to Glory, with Maximo still searching for his lost love, Sophia. He is again accompanied by Grim (a Grim Reaper). However, their search is interrupted as a series of mechanical creatures start to attack villages and slaughter the village folk. These creatures are the Army of Zin, an ancient army powered by lost souls, who were supposedly locked in the vault of Castle Hawkmoor after the last battle with them 500 years ago. However, they are now free, due to the actions of the mysterious warlord, Lord Bane.
If you have any questions about the condition of any item feel free to ring us on 0151 345 6347 (11am-5pm) or contact us on by messaging us on HERE


↳ stencil style design for Jay Dee's magnum opus
is backordered. We will ship it separately in 10 to 15 days.
Dilla The GOAT. Designed by Jeff Jank. Cool print looks like the letters are sprayed on. Small Stones Throw logo on the back, standard fit.
Be the first to ask a question about this.


Results 1 to 10 of 22
11-01-2012, 11:06 AM #1
SCF Football Card Traders Group November 2012 trading thread
Abby78: Primary team--Pittsburgh Steelers
Secondary teams--Pittsburgh Pirates, Penguins, Panthers (college), Penn St.
Hobbyfan: Primary team: New York Giants
Secondary team: New York Mets, New York Jets
Jebures: Primary team: Denver Broncos
Secondary team: Chicago Cubs
UMCanes#1: Primary team: Dallas Cowboys
Secondary team: Miami Hurricanes
Mlkman: Primary team: Washington Redskins
Favorite players: Chris Cooley
Romulusvex: Primary team: Cincinnati Bengals
Secondary team: New York Knicks
Dawson16: Primary team: Kansas City Chiefs
Secondary team: Kansas City Royals
Mr715: Primary Team: Detroit Lions
BigCoop70: Primary team: Green Bay Packers
Crosby87: Primary team: New England Patriots
Secondary teams: Michigan Wolverines, Pittsburgh Pirates, Steelers, & Penguins
Hippieman556: Primary team: Philadelphia Eagles
Herdfan13: Primary team: Chicago Bears
Secondary team: Marshall Thundering Herd
Ibleedbattlered: Primary Team: Houston Texans.
Secondary Team: Chicago Bulls.
Favorite Players: Calvin Johnson, Deion Sanders, Barry Sanders, Jerry Rice
Jradford: Primary team: Miami Dolphins
WHyFly: Primary team: Atlanta Falcons
Secondary team: Missouri Tigers
Comatoad: Primary team: San Diego Chargers
Secondary team: San Diego Padres
Brandon711: Primary team: Baltimore Ravens
Secondary teams: Baltimore(no Indianapolis) Colts, Baltimore/Washington Bullets/Wizards, Baltimore Orioles, Maryland Terrapins
Available teams: Bills, Browns, Buccaneers, Cardinals, 49ers. Jaguars, Panthers, Raiders, Rams, Saints, Titans, Vikings
November trading schedule:
Groups 1 & 6
Groups 2 & 3
Groups 4 & 5
The situation: BigBadWolf3 is out, and Brandon711 is in as our Ravens rep, while the 49ers & Raiders are now open. Also, as noted in the October thread, Schwood is helping some friends of his who are fans of the Browns, Bills, & Vikings, and would like to make trades on their behalf. Please PM him for more information.
Full rules & regulations can be found in our November 2009 thread, which is at this link:
If you know someone who wants to join us, please PM me or a moderator. If you have any questions, please PM any of us.
Now, let's start trading!!
Moderator: Please sticky this thread ASAP. Thank you."You can't have an oversight committee on stupidity!"--Woody Paige, "Around the Horn", 2/11/08
11-01-2012, 12:22 PM #2
Trades posted. Lets do this![SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]Dolphins Collection: 8760+ Total Cards (1200+ AU & GU)Derek Hagan Collection: 385 Cards<------Click on View My Inventory to take a look.
11-02-2012, 07:08 PM #3
11-05-2012, 04:12 PM #4
Shipped package out to Comatoad today. Sending Lions out in another day or two."You can't have an oversight committee on stupidity!"--Woody Paige, "Around the Horn", 2/11/08
11-08-2012, 11:27 AM #5
Shipping out Lions lot today."You can't have an oversight committee on stupidity!"--Woody Paige, "Around the Horn", 2/11/08
11-08-2012, 11:35 AM #6
Shipped out Jebures today. Waiting on the others to accept the trade.[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]Dolphins Collection: 8760+ Total Cards (1200+ AU & GU)Derek Hagan Collection: 385 Cards<------Click on View My Inventory to take a look.
11-08-2012, 10:58 PM #7
I can't believe we don't have a 49ers trader... I got lots to get rid of :)
11-09-2012, 10:29 AM #8
We had one, but BigBadWolf3 never confirmed any trades the last two months, and thus was removed."You can't have an oversight committee on stupidity!"--Woody Paige, "Around the Horn", 2/11/08
11-09-2012, 01:56 PM #9
I want in for Titans! Secondary would be University of Alabama and or 49ers.
11-12-2012, 01:57 PM #10
PM was sent. Harvey615 starts December 1.
Posted trade with Brandon711. Waiting for him to confirm."You can't have an oversight committee on stupidity!"--Woody Paige, "Around the Horn", 2/11/08


Originally Posted by C3 feet C3
how long did you charge it the first time or did you shoot it straight out of the box
if you dont charge it for 14 hours straiht out the box it wont hold a full charge
I charged it for about 10 hours (overnight) then used it then charged it again for the same time. After the third time it would hold the charge.


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