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Here There and Everywhere

Expat wanderer

Walking Old Damascus (4)

I’ve really saved the best for last. I am about to take you into our very favorite restaurant in Damascus, Naranj. It is very close to The Talisman, at the Roman Arch on the Street called Straight, and just across from the Greek Patriarchate. We were lucky to eat there when we did – and to have a table where we could watch all the high Syrian Poo-Bahs come to dine. The food was – hands down – the best food we ate in Damascus, and we ate some truly fine food there. Unfortunately, we could only eat there once – all the other times, every table was reserved!

We don’t know why, but Naranj was also the only place we saw females working in a restaurant – one as a hostess and one as our waitress and one as the bread girl (bringing around baskets of fragrant freshly baked flat breads). We saw very few women working anywhere, in fact the only other women I can remember were running the ONAT – the very fine handicraft shop down near Bab Sharqi.

In the heavy black stone container (HOT!) is a dish called Hommos wa Burghul, or Garbanzos and Wheat. It must have had a ton of butter in it, to be so rich and so delicious, and with such simple ingredients. If any of you make this dish, I would love the recipe.

Along the Street Called Straight:

Silly me. I love copper and brass, and would have bought more, but I thought we were limited on Jazeera to 20 kg – that’s what the ticket said! It seems everyone else knows that it just isn’t so.

I loved the spaces in this building at the mosque end of the Hamadiyya Souk – and here is a view of the souk from one of the upstairs stores:

As the street lining the souks at the beginning of the Street Called Straight is under renovation, the shops still open, but people have to negotiate their way up ramps:

We discovered we are in Damascus just as all the oranges are ripening, and oh, the juice is so sweet and so delicious:

This beautiful statue is on the grounds of the Damascus Museum. You can’t take photos inside. We actually like the grounds of the museum better than we like the inside, currently. We think we remember a lot more stuff formerly, but it seems very spare now.

You know me, I can’t resist a good sunrise or sunset. This is the mosque behind the Talisman, at sunset:

And I saved my very favorite photo for the last – Damascus DOES have modern trucks that deliver fuel in the more modern part of the city, but in the tiny narrow streets of the old city, they still use a cart with a horse, who can get into the smaller spaces. This card delivers fuel oil, and as he goes along, he sounds a two-toned horn – not a loud horn, but a distinctive horn – so that if anyone needs coal oil, they run out and he gives it to them.

I have had responses that tell me Damascus is not for everybody. Even while I was there, I could imagine friends who would not love it as we do, might find it too old-fashioned, maybe too dirty, too inconvenient, lacking in up-to-date conveniences.

We also went knowing that as Americans, we might have problems. We never had a problem. We never met a single Syrian who wasn’t gracious and welcoming, and we were well treated at every turn.

We like adventure. We like history. We like walking, and we like good food. We like architectural details, we like fusion cultures, and we LOVE small, personal, charming hotels like the Talisman, with their excellent service. For us, this trip to Damascus was a supurb vacation.

January 11, 2008 Posted by | Adventure, Arts & Handicrafts, Eating Out, ExPat Life, Living Conditions, Political Issues, Travel | , , , , | 4 Comments

Walking Old Damascus (3)

I can never get enough of Old Damascus, but for those of you who are bored already, I will only do one more after this one. And my friends, I am only skimming the surface – Damascus can keep you busy and happy for a long time. Along one of our favorite streets, Al Qamariyya, we saw a sign that said Calligraphy and Lute instruction, and we looked at each other with a grin – we could be happy for weeks learning lute and calligraphy!

We had met up with an old friend who loves Damascus as we do, and he suggested a walk OUTSIDE the walls, from Bab Thouma (Thomas’ gate) to the Bab Es Salaam, which we did. The Bab Thouma is only a five minute walk from our hotel, straight up al Hijari, crossing Street Called Straight where it becomes Sharia Bab Thouma – how easy can it be?

The walk along the northern outside walls in this section is spectacular. For one thing, look at the differing levels of construction in this, one of the remaining walls of Old Damascus:

From outside the northern wall, looking north toward the mountains:

Then you come to the Gate of Peace/ Bab es Salaam:

There is a whirl of reconstruction going on in the old city. Some fear modernizations which will change the character of the old town, but others say that the restrictions won’t allow that to happen – we shall see:

Here is what we love – in every country, you will find volunteer supervisors where construction or reconstruction are going on:

One of the highlights of our trip was a visit to Ananias’ chapel. This is not the actual spot where Ananias baptized Paul, a mosque has been built over that site (It is called the Jakmak Mosque and you can see it in the long covered souk at the beginning of the Street Called Straight) but this is the church/chapel which commemorates that baptism, and it is very beautiful.

Time for a cup of coffee, and to plan the next walking expedition, and we find this wonderful cafe next to the church at Bab Sharqi:

We think there is a museum for the Hijaz Railway, which fascinates AdventureMan, but this is all we can find:

At our friend’s recommendation, we also try the Old Town restaurant, and we like it so much we go there twice:

Nice to have some pasta for a change, and the pasta here is really good!

Interesting old balcony:

I keep looking for the Issa/Jesus spire of the Umayyad mosque, and I think this might be it, but I am not sure. Legend has it that this is where Jesus will prevail over the forces of darkness and evil on the Last Day.

We are told you MUST make a stop at Leila’s, near the Ummayad Mosque, near the Hamadiyya Souks, and so we do. It is very conveniently located when you are shopping for visiting the mosque:

They had a Baba Ghannoush there unlike any I have had before, but very much like something we used to eat in Tunisia, called mechoia – grilled eggplant and peppers and garlic, with a very smokey taste. Yummmmy!

You know me and light fixtures – this is one of the Leila lamps:

Tomorrow I will take you to our absolute favorite restaurant in Damascus, and finish up the trip, I promise, as much as I hate to leave!

(Happy Islamic New Year!)

January 10, 2008 Posted by | Adventure, Arts & Handicrafts, Building, Cold Drinks, Cultural, Education, ExPat Life, Living Conditions, Lumix, Photos, Travel | , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Walking Old Damascus (2)

You know how it is, when you are flat-out totally in love, you can’t see the flaws. In moments of clarity, I can understand that there could be hardships to living in Damascus. There could be problems meeting the codes for historical preservation while trying to install modern plumbing. There could be bureaucrats to bribe, there could be problems with labor, I don’t know any of this, I am just guessing.

None of it matters to me, I am so head-over-heels happy. Thanks be to God, AdventureMan shares my insanity, and we are having a wonderful time walking, walking, walking. He is SO patient with me, and all the photos I have to stop to take.

Today we visit the Ummayyad Mosque which also contains the tomb of John the Baptist. I think this is one of the reasons we love Damascus so much – the co-existence of Islam and Christianity, and the sharing of sacred spaces.

The parking area in front of the mosque is full of vendors. My favorite are the bread carts:

Non-Muslims have to go to the entrance where you can rent an abaya with a hood, so that you can visit the mosque. All visitors are welcome; entire tour groups are going through, French, German. You also have to take off your shoes, and the beautiful marble flooring is VERY cold! In some places, there is carpeting.

This is a tree-of-life detail from the treasury:

Once inside the Ummayad Mosque, they have that in-floor heating, so you can warm your tootsies back up while experiencing the magnificence of the mosque interior (please note the horseshoe arches):

The tomb of John the Baptist:

A funny story: as we are leaving the Mosque, AdventureMan says “where is this tomb of John the Baptist you wanted to visit?” and I looked at his in puzzlement. We had finished touring the whole mosque, and I had photographed the tomb.

“We already visited it!” I told him.

“When?” he asked.

“It was that beautiful tomb in the main mosque area surrounded by people praying!” I replied.

“No, that was somebody named Yahyah,” he corrected me.

“Yahyah is the name for John the Baptist,” I told him. Guess he would have appreciated it more if he had known at the time. I just assumed he knew.

I must have been a magpie in another life. I don’t know why, but I love these glittery Chinese decorations. AdventureMan bought one for me, a golden crown with big red “jewels”. The shops always catch my eye:

This is a famous ice cream place in the Souk Hammadiyya:

This shop was on the traditional medicine shop street. It had herbs, and dried creatures which can be used in healing, and unusual soaps, and also seashells:

This is the traditional souk at the beginning of the Street Called Straight (al Mustaqeen) which is undergoing renovation. Just wanted you to see the bulletholes through the roof:

I don’t know if you could find a truly bad meal in Damascus. I think you would really have to try! We found this wonderful restaurant, Al Kawali, not too far from our hotel, and we loved their food and we loved the atmosphere, and we loved having the bread baked right under our noses:

For those of you who, like me, are addicted to spaces and details – look at these gorgeous light fixtures, Damascene glass:

And last, but not least – we find the food so fabulous that we are eating too much. Our first time at Al Kawali, we order just some favorite mezze dishes and soup. When the tastes are so perfect, it takes less to fill you up, and this food is perfection.

We found this old house as we were leaving Al Kawali to walk back to the hotel:

January 9, 2008 Posted by | Adventure, Arts & Handicrafts, Building, Bureaucracy, Community, Eating Out, ExPat Life, Living Conditions, Photos, Travel | , , , | 8 Comments

Walking Old Damascus

We arrive in Damascus, and are eager to walk. Something has happened, though, and on our first walk I discover my knee is killing me. We find a pharmacy, I down some aspirin with a freshly squeezed orange juice and we carry on. I tell myself that the latest in therapy is “motion is lotion” because I don’t want to waste a minute while we are in Damascus, and with the help of the aspirin, and the distraction of the sheer beauty and treasures of Damascus, we continue walking.

In our days there, we developed a routine. Get up, eat breakfast, head out. Walk and walk and walk. Stop after a couple hours for coffee (no matter where you are, there is a coffee or tea place nearby.) Walk some more. Stop for lunch. Walk some more, head back to the hotel and get a little rest. Go out walking, find a place for dinner. Two of our days there, we met up with an old friend, and spent time in the afternoon and evening visiting with him.

Knowing how my blogging friend Kinan told us to watch for treasures, i.e. remnants of olden times incorporated into more modern structures, we were continually delighted. AdventureMan has a particularly keen eye and can spot an old hewn granite stone in the foundation, remnants of arches, remnants of old pillars – it was a treasure hunt every day.

There are still some of the old mashrabiya balconies remaining, and near our hotel we also found a woodworker who specializes in mashrabiya:

There are many restaurants which have been created in the old open courtyards of the old Damascus houses. This is one where we had coffee, Dar al Bandar, at the beginning (or end!) of Sharia (street) Qamariya, which will soon also open with hotel rooms. These courtyards are entirely covered over in the winter time. I think some of them can be opened, and maybe they open them in the summers, but the summers are as hot as the winters are cold, so maybe they only open them in the springs and autumns.

The Beit al Chami is the closest restaurant to the Talisman, and also built in a courtyard. There is another level of dining high above the courtyards, and we saw both couples and families heading up for the quieter, more private dining rooms above. This is the entrance to the Beit al Chami:

This is the ceiling of the Beit Chami reception hall near the entry:

We saw people eating something we had never seen before. It looked like a mezze, but not like any mezze we knew. AdventureMan asked the waiter, and they brought us one at the end of the meal and would not let us pay for it. We ran across this kind of generousity and graciousness daily during our time in Syria. This was indeed a mezze of sorts, but a jam mezze, or dessert mezze, and you eat all these sweet things with bread. The one in the middle is a kind of thickened cream, the others were fruits and preserves and jams. Fascinating and delicious!

This is a man in a little street Tabak who would only speak French to us, never Arabic. He acted like he didn’t understand Arabic. AdventureMan thinks when we finally settle back in the US, he will open a little corner Tabak like this and spend his days sitting and selling small things. (I think he is kidding.) This man would call out “bonjour!” whenever he would see us.

Just a few more random shots:

And, my friends, this is just the beginning!

January 8, 2008 Posted by | Adventure, Arts & Handicrafts, Blogging, Building, Community, ExPat Life, Living Conditions | , , , , | 16 Comments

Grieving for Damascus

“This is a place I would love to retire,” I once told AdventureMan, as we wandered the streets. “It has all the things I love. Beautiful architecture and a rich history. It’s on a river. It gets cold in the winter. You can walk to local stores.”

Today, with great sadness, I read that Damascus is now rated the #1 Most Unlivable City in the World, beating out Douala, Cameroon; Harare, Zimbabwe; Karachi, Pakistan; Algiers, Algeria; Dhaka, Bangladesh; Lagos, Nigeria; and Tripoli, Libya. This is what the report summarized about Damascus:

Damascus has forgotten more than your city will likely ever know-and it has been a battleground for almost its entire existence. The City of Jasmine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, according to The Economist Intelligence Unit, the least livable city in the world-for good reason. More than 13 million Syrians require humanitarian aid, 6.5 million have been displaced, and almost half a million have been killed on all sides of the conflict there-government soldiers, opposition soldiers, and civilians. It’s scores are predictably abysmal, with a 15 (out of 100) for stability at the bottom end and a mere 43.3 for culture and environment at the top end.

This is a city which has been at the crossroads of civilization about as long as civilization has been around. This is a city which was refined, and tolerant, a city which was once full of caravans carrying spices, silks and riches to the West.

We were last there in 2007, and we are so glad we went when we did. Damascus was revitalizing, building up a tourism business with grand hotels, and lovely, intimate boutique hotels.

We stayed at the Talisman. We grieve for the fine people we met there, and for all the losses they have suffered.

AdventureMan said “why don’t you do a photo-share, like you did with Doha?” At first, I didn’t want to, but then, I looked at the photos – and once again, I was smitten. I pray for a miracle for Syria, for new, enlightened, tolerant leadership and opportunities for the good Syrian people. For renewed vigor in churches and mosques and synagogues there. (The Talisman is in the old Jewish quarter, where the Greek Orthodox also have their headquarters.)

This is the majlis – sitting area – at the Talisman.

A restaurant nearby the Talisman:

Breakfast at the Talisman:

The historical nearby Bab, or gate:

A nearby Tabak and the friendly operator:

Streetside bakery:

A courtyard restaurant, with lovely dishes. And note the Christmas tree; Christmas decorations and greenery everywhere!

A Christian Shop near Bab Thoma:

Interior at Umayyad Mosque, all are welcome and abayas provided. You leave your shoes at the door. This is the rear of the Tomb of John the Baptist:

Naranj, our favorite restaurant. I understand branches of Naranj have opened in Gulf Countries, Qatar, Kuwait, as wealthier Syrians take their money out of Syria and wait for more peaceful times. I am betting they will return to Syria as soon as they can.

Inside Naranj

A merchant in the Souk al Hamidiyya

A courtyard restaurant set up for Christmas dinners:

I’ve never met a Syrian who wasn’t educated and working hard to make a good life for his/her family. We wonder if we will ever be able to visit Syria again in our lifetime?

For more photos of Damascus, you can visit my 2007 posts, Walking Old Damascus, by clicking here.

January 18, 2017 Posted by | Adventure, Arts & Handicrafts, Beauty, Cultural, Doha, Eating Out, ExPat Life, Faith, Interconnected, Kuwait, Leadership, Living Conditions, Photos, Political Issues, Restaurant, Travel | , | 4 Comments

7 Spice Grocery and Grill in Mobile, AL

There is a lot to be said for advertising. As we watch the local news at night, we switch to Mobile after the Pensacola news is finished. Mobile has a town nearby called Pritchard, and we always love to hear what has happened in Pritchard – mysterious murders, drug overdoses, family incest – it’s all there, right in Pritchard.

Between stories are the Mobile ads, and some are hilarious. One, however, for 7 Spice Grocery and Grill caught my eye. They show shelves and shelves of Middle Eastern goods, and mention a restaurant, too.

Time for a field trip to Mobile!

7 Spice Grocery and Grill (FaceBook page)

3762 Airport Blvd, Mobile, AL 36608

(251) 725-1177

This is what 7 Spice looks like from the roadside:

This is the interior. You walk all the way through the grocery, and at the back, it is like entering a Damascus restaurant. Indeed, one of the waiters was from Damascus, and the food is very Syrian

The smells are divine. The smells coming from the kitchen are fresh meat being grilled, lamb, chicken, beef.

And we know we are at home. If you have read Walking Old Damascus, you will know we have loved traveling in Syria, and have loved Damascus for 35 – almost 40 years. Near our table is a hanging of the Roman Arch on The Street Called Straight; the last time we stayed in Damascus, at The Talisman, we stayed near this landmark, near Bab Thoma.

With every meal comes a lovely serving of addas – lentil soup. It was silky and lemony, the croutons were thin and crisp, it was so simple, so deliciously prepared:

AdventureMan ordered the Shish Taouk, a chicken shish kabob. It came fresh and hot from the grill, crispy and irresistible:007SpiceShishTaouk

I ordered the appetizer plate; hummous, felafel, tabouli, baba ghannoush, little meat pies, stuffed grape leaves, and olives. Also a wonderful garlic aioli to dip into. AdventureMan shared some chicken with me, and I shared all these delicious tastes with him. They use a really good olive oil; it makes all the difference.

As we roll ourselves out of the restaurant, carrying more than enough for our evening meal, we have to walk past all the shelves in the grocery to get to our car. The prices are very reasonable and there are things I really need, like a whole bag of dried mint (have you ever tried making Middle Eastern food without dried mint? you need a LOT!) and chana dal, wonderful legumes, fig preserves, all kinds of little charcoals for braziers and big bags of henna . . .

There are wonderful Middle East restaurants also in Pensacola, but none like this. Worth a drive to Mobile to find this truly excellent restaurant on Airport Boulevard in Mobile.

February 23, 2015 Posted by | Cooking, Cultural, Eating Out, ExPat Life, Food, Restaurant, Road Trips | , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Pomegranate Soup by Marsha Mehran

I saw a mention of this book in an referral as a book I might like, and was almost set to order it when something said “go check the stack of books Little Diamond left for you” and sure enough, I already had the book.

I use books as an incentive to get me through life’s inevitable tasks I don’t like – like “if I finish this project on time, I get to read this book as a reward.” It works for me.

When I first started reading Marsha Mehran’s book about three Persian sisters starting up a cafe in a small Irish town after fleeing Iran, I found it sour. The author has a critical point of view, and generally speaking, I don’t like hanging around with people who criticize others and judge them harshly. At the beginning of the book, Mehran introduces a lot of people, many of whom we are not meant to like.

Even the sisters are not all that sympathetic – at the beginning. But also, near the beginning, she discusses Persian cooking, the idea of balance in a meal, hot and cold, spicy and bland, so you kind of get the idea that if there is sour, then there will also be sweet. In addition, at the end of each chapter there is a wonderful recipe, a wonderful, fairly easy-to-follow recipe, and she included one, Fesanjan, that is my all-time favorite Iranian dish and now, I know how to make it, Wooo HOOOO!

Three sisters, orphaned by fate, held together by love and duty, start a cafe, which, against all odds, becomes a raging success. Raging success does not heal all the old wounds, however, nor the hearts that bear them, and we learn through the book what the sisters have borne and overcome.

It turns out to be a sweet book, one well worth reading. And oh! the recipes! In each chapter, there are also hints that make them even better, so you can’t just copy out the recipes and use them, you really have to read the book. 🙂

It’s a pity that two of the most wonderful countries in the world – Syria and Iran – are off limits. We’ve been back to Syria, and it was everything we remembered (see the Walking Old Damascus blog entries) but oh, how we would love to explore Iran. Sigh. The world turns, and we can only hope to be able to get there in our lifetime. Stranger things have happened.

October 25, 2009 Posted by | Adventure, Community, Cooking, Cross Cultural, ExPat Life, Family Issues, Fiction, Food, Iran, Ireland, Living Conditions, Local Lore, Poetry/Literature | Leave a comment

Business in New Orleans

Once we discovered how easy it is to go to New Orleans, even just for the day, we are hooked. When Zito’s Metal Polishing & Plating called to tell us our pieces were finished and offered to mail them (free of charge) to us, AdventureMan said “Oh no, we’ll come get them” and set the date. We invited a friend who also has some pieces that need re-tinning to be usable, and off we went.

You may think this is trivial, but for us, it is beautiful:

Gas is so much cheaper in Louisiana. Of course, it takes nearly half a tank to get there, so I don’t suppose we are saving so much, LOL.  When I saw my old friends, my copper pots, I couldn’t believe my eyes. I don’t think they looked this good in Damascus, where I bought them, on The Street Called Straight. Who knows if we will ever be able to walk the streets of Damascus again?

Zito’s was able to replace a handle on the brass piece we bought, oh so long ago, in the Khan al Khalili in Cairo.

These pieces are, I believe, more beautiful now than when I bought them! I had the pots re-tinned because I have used them cooking many many times over the last 35 years, but now I am afraid to use them, they are so beautiful!

We stayed out of the tourist areas with Mardi Gras madness in full swing, and found a fabulous Thai restaurant, La Thai, on Prytania, (voted Best Thai in New Orleans,) when our two Ethiopian restaurants were both closed. It was a wonderful happenstance; we had a great meal (scallops!) and we also were able to finish our day in New Orleans with a tour of City Park and ice cream at the Creole Creamery. Oh wow. Flavors like King Cake Ice Cream, and Red Velvet Ice Cream and 5 Spice Ginger. It was a great day.

January 23, 2016 Posted by | Adventure, Arts & Handicrafts, Beauty, Biography, Cooking, Cultural, Customer Service, ExPat Life, Financial Issues, Living Conditions, Mardi Gras, Quality of Life Issues, Restaurant, Road Trips, Shopping, Travel | , , , , , | Leave a comment

Cordoba, The Mezquita, and Sharing Sacred Spaces

(Yes, it is Christmas Eve, and my part of the preparations are all done. AdventureMan is cooking a duck for the family dinner tonight, the Gulf Coast jumbo shrimp is all cooked and shelled and de-veined, the Rotkohl spicing up the kitchen, the salads and side dishes ready to go. 🙂  I have time, oh, the great luxury of time, to write . . . )

When we lived in Amman, we often went to Syria. I went once with an archaeological group, visiting several sites in the bleak cold of the Syrian winter. One site I didn’t see a lot of hope for, the site of St. Simon the Stylite, a hermit who sat atop a pillar and was considered holy. In truth . . . I scoffed.

I scoffed until I reached that isolated hilltop, and saw the giant pillar, and felt how very cold it was as the icy wind blew. We were there two or three hours. I had to confront my unwillingness to believe and the fact that with every zinging atom in my body, I could feel that this was a sacred place. Saint Simon chose a weird sort of sacrificial life, but in God’s eyes, I suspect it mattered. I know visiting that site changed me, and changed my ideas about sacred spaces.

Today, I get to write about a visit to another sacred space, a space you can feel resonating from the moment you enter, the Mezquita.

*        *             *              *                *                   *                       *                    *                     *

It’s early breakfast for the Smithsonian group, and then we check our whisper guides and board our bus en route to Cordoba.

Traveling with a group is a novelty for us. It means using an alarm clock to be at scheduled breakfast and getting on a bus for a 2 hour drive. On our own, we wake when we wish – usually early, but not so early as with this group. We are not usually at a breakfast with a lot of people looking for food at the same time. We are not used to coffee makers that make one cup of coffee at a time while a 100 people line up for coffee. These are things that are not normal in our experience. We might find a local small store, pick up some water and some small snacks, and hit the road, stopping here and there to take a photo or just savor a view, have some water, soak in the fresh air. On the other hand, these bus drivers know where to go and there is no getting lost trying to find the right route out of town.

En route to Cordoba, most of the jet lagged Smithsonian group slept. Wide awake, I watched as acres and acres of olive groves and wind farms passed by. We saw an ancient fortification on the side of a hill that had a view to die for – 270 degrees plus of visibility.

It is raining once again as we arrive in Cordoba, but almost immediately it stops, and by the time our group has walked up the hill by the Mezquita, the sun is out and the day shows great promise. Cordoba is beautiful. Everywhere you look is some exquisite detail. Cordoba is a treat for the eyes.

Even the police are polite and helpful, directing tourists to where they need to go:

PoliceGiveDirectionsAtThe Mezquita

Art Nouveau bench:

Flower pots on the stucco walls:

Tourists coming up to The Mezquita:

Masques in a local art shop:

Finely wrought silver filigree jewelry:

At one point, we had a choice: Do we go shopping or do we have lunch in a highly rated local place? I bet we could do both, and we opted for lunch – more on that to come. At the end of lunch, we had only ten minutes to shop and not enough time to get back to this wonderful shop. I won’t call it a regret; lunch was a wonderful experience . . . and I do love filigree, and this artisan had beautiful silver filigree . . .

Ben Maimonaides, a Jewish scholar and ethicist, with wide influence. This was a continuing theme on the entire trip, that the interaction between Jew, Christian and Moslem in this period led to a great leap in ideas and artistry. The interaction was like pollination; science and the arts and mathematics and medicine bloomed.

I wonder if this is happening today, as Moslems, Jews and Christians study together in universities, to they interact and inspire one another? Is it possible that in spite of dire political headlines, under the radar, people are learning to cooperate and collaborate in the interest of a better world?

(Wikipedia: Aside from being revered by Jewish historians, Maimonides also figures very prominently in the history of Islamic and Arab sciences and is mentioned extensively in studies. Influenced by Avicenna (c. 980 – 1037), Averroes (1126–1198) and Al-Farabi (ca. 872–950/951), he in his turn influenced other prominent Arab and Muslim philosophers and scientists. He became a prominent philosopher and polymath in both the Jewish and Islamic worlds.

Bulls everywhere, LOL

An artistic courtyard

Love the little blue pots, and love the people who take care of them!

After our walking tour of Cordoba central, we gather in the gardens while our guide goes to pick up our tickets to take us inside the Mezquita, built as a mosque, becoming a cathedral after 1492.

Did I mention we learned two major dates on this trip: 711, when Tariq crosses into Spain (Jebal Tariq . . . Gibraltar) and 1492? Americans know 1492 as the year “Columbus sailed the ocean blue in fourteen hundred ninety two, but 1492 is the year that the Moslems were driven out of Spain, weeping at the loss of Andalusia, Al-Andalus.

When the Moslems were driven out of Cordoba, the huge, beautiful mosque, Al Mesquite, was not destroyed, but recycled, repurposed, space holy to one faith became holy to another. I love it that the original mosque, with its spectacular soaring arches and inspirational proportions, was recognized, and re-utilized. Holy space is holy space. We worship the same God. We saw the shrine to John the Baptist in the Grand Ummayad Mosque in Damascus; why should we not share holy spaces?

Cathedral Cordoba

This is what you see immediately upon entering the Mezquita – a gorgeous kind of meshrabiyya covering the windows, patterning the light as it enters, keeping the harsh heat out and shrinking light in star like patterns across the floor.

The interior of this mosque/cathedral takes my breath away. It was crowded with tourists, but it just swallowed them up and maintained its sacred integrity. We could wander off and still hear our guide, thanks to this whisper-technology, where we all had headphones and our guide could broadcast. This was a place where I needed to wander off and experience it on my own, but felt some responsibility not to get too far afield from the group. I didn’t want to be a pain in the neck for the guide. And I also didn’t want to be a part of the group within this structure. It’s a problem.

Just look at these spaces:

I’ve always had a thing about light fixtures, LOL, I probably should own a lamp show except I would only stock what I like and I would have a hard time selling anything in the shop. Guess it’s just a good thing for me to admire light fixtures and not to have to manage them.

The beautiful Mihrab (points you in the direction of worship in a mosque) from the original mosque:

The Christian altar built in a structure added to the original mosque:

With a piece depicting King Ferdinand holding a globe:

As the tour ended, our tour guide warned us that we had only an hour and a half for lunch, so not to go to a restaurant, just find something quick, or shop, and BE BACK ON THE MEETING PLACE AT TWO!

We had seen a restaurant we wanted to try, so raced to it. We hate being rushed, and part of the fun of traveling is trying new kinds of food in new places!

December 24, 2015 Posted by | Adventure, Arts & Handicrafts, Beauty, Blogging, Cross Cultural, Cultural, Eating Out, ExPat Life, Faith, Family Issues, Quality of Life Issues, Survival, Travel | , , , , | Leave a comment

St. John the Baptist and the Holy Spirit

This entry is a totally Here There and Everywhere moment; the impetus of which is today’s reading from Luke about the birth of John the Baptist, or as he is known in the Moslem world, the Prophet Yahya. We visited his tomb in Damascus; at our church in Kuwait on the Feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, one of the readings was from the Quran. I love it when our worlds intersect and we can discover what we can learn from one another, to the advantage of all.

I also love it that each meditation from Forward Day by Day lists at the bottom the area of the world we are to include in our daily prayers. I love praying for Nigeria. I have old friends from my Kuwait church living there, and also a neighbor from Doha, a sweet book-club friend who lived across the street, who now lives in Lagos.

When I pray for Nigeria, I see the tiny flame of the holy spirit entering into each heart, and then I see God blowing lightly on each person, so that the flame grows. The flame helps them reach out and encourage one another, and others see, and are attracted, and thus the holy spirit spreads. I imagine it covering Nigeria, all believers, seeing one another as fellow believers, not as Ibo or Christian or village or . . . you get the drill. I pray that the light spreads through all Africa, and tiny embers spread out to join, and then further, so that sparks unite all over the world.

I pray, too, for Damascus, and for Syria, and all our friends there; I think of all the wonderful adventures and times we have shared in Syria, and I know and trust with all my heart that our good and loving God can bring good out of this horror. I pray for it to happen sooner rather than to allow this suffering to endure.

. . . And that was just ONE synapse connecting early on a Monday morning, LOL. Have a great day. 🙂

MONDAY, June 24    The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

Luke 1:57-80.

On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. But his mother said, “No; he is to be called John.”

It’s interesting to me that the name John means “God is gracious” and the meaning of the name Zechariah is “God has remembered.” Not all that different, given the content of the Song of Zechariah that he immediately launches into, but the miracle of the loosing of Zechariah’s mute tongue at that moment makes the point of the story pretty clear: going with the divine flow is the only way to go.

Most of us don’t receive such pointed visions that show us the fork in the road—“this way, not that way”—but all of us are constantly cultivating either a disposition of “my will be done” or of “thy will be done” that will suddenly show up in those crossroads moments. It may appear like divine intervention, but it is long-term divine cultivation.

Living into a larger pattern is both exciting and terrifying, because it means letting go of convention and stepping into new territory. Like Elizabeth and Zechariah, we do not step forward blind but with a promise: God remembers, and God is gracious.

PRAY for the Diocese of Oke-Osun (Ibadan, Nigeria)

June 24, 2013 Posted by | Adventure, Character, Community, Cross Cultural, Doha, ExPat Life, Faith, Interconnected, Kuwait, Lectionary Readings, Spiritual | Leave a comment


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Fishing Palm Beach2018-03-06T18:45:54+00:00

Palm Beach Overall rating: ★★★★★ 4.9 based on 15 reviews
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Fishing Palm Beach Florida

Fishing Palm Beach Florida Palm Beach – Bottom fish for Grouper, Snapper, Cobia

Fishing in Palm Beach, Florida:

Welcome to Palm Beach- Florida’s premier fishing destination! In just minutes from our dock you can be deep sea fishing in the amazing waters off of Palm Beach- home to a wide variety of species including Marlin, Sailfish, Dolphin, Wahoo, Sword Fish, Shark, Tarpon and Kingfish.

The gulf stream passes just miles off the Coast of Palm Beach bringing in nutrient rich, cobalt blue waters teaming with fish. Pursue your favorite game fish for an unforgettable day of outdoor adventure! iOutdoor offers fishing at its finest.

Start planning your Palm Beach Fishing trip!
Call us at +1 (888) 412-1117 and let’s start planning the Fishing Palm Beach Florida adventure you want.
Our Palm Beach Captain’s and Crew’s are motivated to show you the best fishing experience!

Palm Beach Fishing Options

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Palm Beach Peacock Bass Fishing

Peacock bass fishing in Palm Beach has become overwelemly the most popular species of fish to catch in freshwater or saltwater. It’s some of the best action for fishing that you will ever experience. Located on Lake Ida and Lake Osborne in Palm Beach county in the middle of urban america located close to everyone. There is not a place that our Captains have not uncovered, fish for trophy peacock bass, clown knife fish and largemouth bass…[Read More…]

Palm Beach Bass Fishing

Palm Beach has the most famouas lake in the world, Lake Okeechobee. It’s some of the best bass fishing you will find anywhere, we call it the the land of the giants. iOutdoor offers bass fishing fishing trips out of downtown Palm Beach to literally the best destination in the world. There is not a BASS that our Captains have not uncovered, fish for trophy largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill…[Read More…]

InShore Fishing in Palm Beach

With miles of shore line & Intercoastal waterways, Inshore saltwater fishing in Palm Beach area is endless! Run the Beach to sight fish for Snook and Tarpon. iOutdoor offers inshore fishing trips in literally every nook and pool of Palm Beach county for all the top species with the best area captains….[Read More…]

Palm Beach Deep Sea Fishing

Tuna, Wahoo and Mahi Mahi – Ohh my! There are so many tasty fish off the Palm Beach Florida waters in so many places, with iOutdoors you will have a true Palm Beach Deep Sea Fishing Adventure during your fishing charter! We have the best equipment and the top Captains to track down the big-water game you seek: Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Swordfish, Grouper and Wahoo…[Read More…]

Sport Fishing in Palm Beach

Palm Beach is the Sport Fishing Capitol of the Southeast! FANTASTIC Sport fishing offered be iOutdoor, Sport fishing trips out of Palm Beach to literally for every species that swims in the sea. There are many HOT SPOTS that our Captains have, and depending on the trip you will uncovered them all! Fish for: sailfish, Wahoo, shark…….[Read More…]

iOutdoor Palm Beach Reviews

Better than expect!

Palm Beach
5 5 1
Guide was excellent, Dave called prior to my outing to discuss the type of experience I was looking for and he met all of my expectations. Knows the lake and can put you on fish.

Bass Fishing with Dave Lauer

Palm Beach
5 5 1
3 of us fished with Dave Lauer at Lake Okeechobee, met at Slim’s Marina for bait and launched at the boat ramp nearby. We were in the boat leaving the boat ramp at the crack of dawn and we fished all morning and caught a lot of fish. So many, we lost track of the count. Each of us caught at least one bass over 4 lbs, one of us caught one about 5 lbs and all of us caught at least 6-8 bass and several channel catfish. We caught fish nearly non-stop and really didn’t have time to eat lunch. Fishing with Dave was like fishing with a family friend, he was comfortable to fish with, funny and he really put us on the fish. Any time I’m bass fishing near Okeechobee Dave Lauer is the only guy I’ll go with. He’s a confident pro and knows bass. All of us said his was our best day of fishing- ever. Here’s one the the biggest bass my son caught. What a day!!

Awesome day on the water.

Palm Beach
5 5 1
Dave was extremely knowledgeable and very helpful with putting us in the right spot for the wind and sun conditions. I caught several fish and Dave took awesome pics of the biggest ones. I caught several more than expected. I will definitely do another trip with Dave on my next trip to Florida.

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Fish in Palm Beach Florida

Palm Beach Fishing Species ChartSnook :Tarpon, Snook are seasonal in Florida waters. They can be found in inlets, back-country mangroves and flats. Snook on light tackle and fly rod are a favorite method for serious anglers.

Palm Beach Florida Weather

Palm Beach Florida Weather
Weather from OpenWeatherMap

Palm Beach Fishing Calendar

Palm Beach fishing calendar

iOutdoor Palm Beach fishing calendar has all the information you will need to see what is biting and when! See what type of fish you will be reeling into the boat. Read more..

What to bring

When spending multiple hours in the outdoors, it is best to be prepared! Dress in layers, wear light colored clothing- preferably long sleeves to protect from the sun. Bring Sunscreen- nothing ruins a trip faster than a bad sunburn. A wide brimmed hat helps shield your face and keep you cool.

Wear comfortable shoes with non-scuff soles (tennis shoes are perfect) Polarized sunglasses a great choice, light jacket, rain jacket are all things you may consider taking on your charter. Don’t forget to bring the camera. You will also need to bring your own food and speciality beverages!

Sea Sickness Policy

Even though you may decide not be rough the deep seas waves of the Ocean, while Palm Beach fishing the water movement can still get you sick. Some anglers can still suffer from seasickness on boating adventures. If you feel you would be or maybe prone to seasickness no problem, just take the necessary precautions ahead of time.

iOutdoor recommends that taking an over the counter seasickness medicine starting the day before works best let the body actuate. Then again in the morning before arriving, it typically works ten times better doing this procedure even for those of you that really don’t like it. Remember the seasickness medicine will have little or no effect once you are already feeling seasick.

Why iOutdoor?

Palm Beach Fishing iOutdoor Palm Beach Captains are driven to provide you the best and most successful fishing experience possible!

First and foremost your SAFETY is of utmost importance. All of our Captains are Professional, Experienced, and Coast Guard Certified.
iOutdoor Captains are selected based on their fishing success, safety at sea and the condition of boat and equipment. iOutdoor will have all the fishing tackle, bait, gear and licenses required catch the trophy fish you want. If you have a special lure or fishing rod you would like to use, bring it along!

We want your trip to be a safe, successful, and exciting adventure that you will enjoy telling your friends and family about -with the pictures to prove it! Get your Palm Beach Fishing adventure started NOW! Simply fill out the form on this page or call +1 (888) 412-1117 to book your Palm Beach Fishing trip. iOutdoor friendly and knowledgeable staff will answer any questions you may have; including: where to stay if an overnight stay is necessary, what fishing areas will yield the results you are looking for, appropriate boat size for your party, etc. Whatever your needs may be, iOutdoor will make it happen for you!

Our Locations in Palm Beach

We have a convenient location wherever fishing Palm Beach, here are few you can select from or call us to find one near you:

  1. 2626 Lake Driver, Singer Island, Riviera Beach, Florida 33404
  2. 400 North Flagler Drive, Suite A, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401
  3. Town Docks, 500 Australian Avenue, Palm Beach, Florida 33480
  4. 98 Lake Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33404

Local Palm Beach Information

Fishing Palm Beach Florida
Local Palm Beach Information
We want your fishing Palm Beach adventure to be the best possible. Check out what is happening in the Palm area! Restaurants, hotels, bait and tackle shops, marina information! Read more…

Call us at +1 (888) 412-1117 and let’s start planning your Palm Beach Fishing adventure now!
For additional Palm Beach information be sure to go to Visit Palm Beach.

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Date of Award

Degree Type

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Doctor of Philosophy

To elucidate the genetic endowment of vaccinia virus, it is essential to identify the maximum number of biological functions, inter-relate these functions to specific polypeptides and finally to locate them to precise loci on the viral genome. In such studies mutants are vital in illustrating the fundamental biological phenomenon. Recent developments in microanalytical technology have permitted systematic biochemical and genetic analyses of a group of thermo-labile mutants, derived from IHD-W strain of vaccinia, defective in envelope self-assembly.;The polypeptides of vaccinia virus were separated and analyzed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Following labeling with {lcub}('35)S{rcub}-methionine, {lcub}('33)p{rcub}-phosphate, or {lcub}('3)H{rcub}-glucosamine, highly purified virions were dissociated and subjected to electrophoresis using either isoelectric focusing or non-equilibrium pH gradients in the first dimension and SDS-polyacrylamide slab gel in the second dimension. By this means at least 111 polypeptides, about 50% of which were basic proteins, were resolved in fluorograms. Authenticity of various single spots was established.;Another ts mutant (ts 6757) overproduces immature viral envelopes (IE) and thus provided an opportunity to isolate and partially characterize the IE. These IE, like the envelopes of normal immature virions, possess an external layer of spicules. Experimental evidence was obtained by several approaches suggesting that an early 65K polypeptide (p65E) constitutes the spicules.;Among five assembly-defective mutants relegated to group E which mimic closely in morphogenesis the effects of the antibiotic rifampicin, four have previously been shown to be defective in cleavage of one or more polypeptides. The one evincing no cleavage defect (ts 9251) was found to possess a novel EcoRI restriction site. Analysis of spontaneous revertants derived from ts 9251, employing the restriction enzyme and two-dimensional electrophoresis, provided compelling evidence that the ts lesion resides at a single base pair constituting the EcoRI restriction site in the gene which codes for a 37K polypeptide.;A recombination map including 5 group E mutations, a DNA-minus mutation and the locus for rifampicin-resistance, was derived from the data obtained by two and three factor crosses. The group E mutations, though phenotypically identical, were found widely spread on the genome. The morphogenetic basis of the envelope abberation, like polypeptide composition of the virion, therefore appears to be even more complex than it was thought before.

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Tag Archives: Government

Ivory stockpile to be publicly destroyed as Obama seeks to end illegal trade | The Guardian

12 Nov afritorial.com

Ivory stockpile to be publicly destroyed as Obama seeks to end illegal trade | Environment | The Guardian.

This above link is a very informative article by The Guardian about the Ivory problem in this world. Yes, the world. And it is everyone’s problem. On Thursday this week, the United States will take a step forward by burning it’s stockpile with cameras rolling, in hopes that the rest of the world is watching. Hello, China? Everyone is looking at you.

I shutter at the thought that elephants will become extinct in my lifetime, and I am saddened by the thought that future generations will be robbed of their presence. Their extinction will be 100% the fault of mankind, due to poaching and loss of habitat.  Picture a large bull elephant, he’s approximately 45 years old, and standing 15ft high with tusks so long they almost touch the ground. Now picture him laying on the ground with his face carved away. This is what has been repeatedly found by rangers and such, from large bulls to smaller and younger elephants, dead. Tusks gone. Killed for one reason, and one reason only. Ivory.

Despite their size compared to man, they are defenseless. They are killed with guns, arrows and even cyanide poisoning. There are not enough Rangers, not enough resources, and not enough humans to stop the crisis. Not enough punishment for those found guilty. Elephants mourn their dead, and the poachers know it. They can kill one, then come back and kill an entire family that is simply there to do what we as human beings do when we are faced with the death of a family member.

Greed drives a lot of things. It’s so powerful it can drive the extinction of our planet earth’s largest mammal, and one of the smartest. Since the ivory ban, it’s only become more in demand. Don’t fuel that demand. Remember this – ivory only comes from one place: elephants.  Are your trinkets worth it?

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Tag Archives: smoke

It’s been 1 month, 3 days and 21 hours since I had a cigarette.

27 Jan

I was so cool when I was 15. Wearing the coolest clothes, listening to the coolest music, hanging out with the coolest people, and doing what they did – smoked cigarettes. Except for some reason, 29 years later, I’m still a smoker and most of them aren’t. With the exception of my two pregnancies when I completely quit, I’ve been a consistent pack-a-day smoker for almost a third of a century. I was completely hostage to the habit, and disgusted by it, yet still enjoyed smoking. All that ended on Christmas Day when I smoked my last cigarette.

Now, I didn’t quit cold turkey. But I can tell you that in the past 29 years I made three serious attempts to quit smoking. The longest I lasted was 12 days. I tried the patch, I tried the gum, I tried whatever that prescription pill was, and of course I tried cold turkey. Every attempt started with the best intentions and determination, but in the back of my head I couldn’t get the thought that I enjoyed smoking to go away. Turns out, it’s just the nicotine that I’m addicted too. Not the other 4,000 poisonous chemicals in cigarettes, or even the flavor of tobacco.

Christmas Day I got the best present any smoker could receive – an electronic cigarette, or e-cig as they’re commonly referred to. It’s a handheld device similar to the size of a fancy ink pen that turns liquid nicotine into vapor. You “vape” rather than smoke. So you get your nicotine intake, and here’s the key reason why this is working: you satisfy the hand-to-mouth addiction that you loose by quitting smoking any other way. That’s half the addiction right there. The combination of the nicotine intake and vaping an e-cig emulates smoking so much that there’s no need to ever light a cigarette again. Having failed at quitting in the past, I can honestly say that this time it’s different. It’s like a magic switch flipped in my head. The pack of cigarettes I had open on Christmas Day is still sitting on my dresser half full. I leave it there to test myself on a daily basis and there isn’t even the slightest desire to spark one up. I’ve passed pretty much all the tests. I’ve been in social situations with other people smoking around me, I’ve been drinking alcohol, I’ve had stressful days at work, my daily coffee, you name it..never once have I craved a cigarette.

There’s many reasons to quit smoking, the health risks, the public health risks, the money, but until you actually do quit you don’t realize all the little things that come along with it. The liberating feeling you get is a combination of many things. Here’s just the top 10: First, I have to say the money. Cigarettes in my state are $7.00 pack, $58.00 for a carton. That’s about $200.00/month savings for me. Second, no more poison. No more risk of cancer, or heart problems. Third, no more lighters, no more fire. And no more risk of a live ash burning a hole through anything or even worse, starting a fire. Fourth, no more offensive smelly smoke. An e-cig produces vapor and has no smell. This means vaping can be done anywhere and nobody would even know, unlike smoking. This also means I can rent a hotel anywhere now and not have to worry about getting a smoking room. The advantages of this are actually endless. Fifth, no more ashtrays. No more ashes, no more smelly burned cigarette butts, so less garbage and stale smell. Sixth, nothing in your house or car will turn yellow anymore. No more yellow fingers, no more re-washing white clothes that hang in your closet. Seventh, the people and pets around you. No more second hand smoke. Eighth, not having to inconvenience the people around you by stopping whatever you’re doing for a smoke break. Ninth, having your taste buds and smells come back. You don’t notice this when you’re smoking, but both senses are crippled. And finally tenth, knowing that you just made a change that will add years to your life. It’s a great feeling.

To be fair and completely honest, the e-cig may or may not be for everyone. Nothing completely replicates an actual cigarette, so you will never have the exact same sensation, smell and taste as you do with a real cigarette. But you are getting your nic-fix so do with that what you can. Unlike cigarettes, there is some routine maintenance involved with an e-cig and the chore of buying the e-liquid, or liquid nicotine. It’s pretty cheap, you can vape for a month on about $10 worth of e-liquid. There are basically three parts to an e-cig. The battery, which has to be charged every other day or so. The cartridge that twists onto the battery and holds the e-liquid. Then the e-liquid itself. The cartridges will last about a month or two depending on use, then you have to either clean or replace them. They’re about $3-$5.00 and come in lots of cool colors. I’ve always been a gadget type person, so I’m getting along great with the whole process. I’ve purchased colored batteries, carry cases, extra chargers, etc. Kind of like you do when you get a new cell phone. The e-liquids come in many different flavors and different nicotine strengths. I started with the strongest nic strength and a marlboro flavored liquid. I quickly started experimenting with flavors, and have found myself partial to the sweet ones. Specifically the cheesecake flavor and the vanilla cupcake flavors. Yummy. I will slowly start decreasing the nicotine strength, eventually down to zero, then it’ll just be a matter of breaking the habit of vaping and I will be completely free.

One concern that I have not overlooked is the actual studies and safety concerns, if any, of using an e-cigarette. They’ve only been in the general public for about 8 years altogether. Clearly long term studies have not been done. Nicotine has been heavily studied so we know it’s no more harmful than caffeine, but what is the vaping doing to my lungs? I can’t help but think it’s not nearly as bad as what tar and cigarettes were doing, so I’m willing to take the chance. I spend a great deal of time researching things on this amazing information superhighway we have at our fingertips, so I’ll be staying on top of the latest research and studies. In the meantime, I’ll keep patting myself on the back and enjoying my current vapor flavor, Berry-Berry. And I will continue to spread the word to all the smokers I know out there, because lets face it….if I can quit smoking, anyone can.

~ LT

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Competing standards emerge as IoT interest ramps steeply

Published on the 04/07/2017 | Written by Donovan Jackson

LPWAN technologies

Spark, Vodafone ready to scale deployments on different LPWAN technologies…

A flurry of excitement around the Internet of Things with the release of new research which shows how these things can benefit New Zealand, closely followed by announcements from Spark and Vodafone which details their intention to get in on what looks like some serious action soon. However, there are competing standards emerging for the essential ‘missing link’ often overlooked in IoT: the low power WAN (LPWAN).

Those standards include Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), LoRa and Sigfox. And, yes, a slight dose of confusion as to who’s who and what’s what.

For some detail of the three standards which are attracting the most interest in New Zealand, provided this piece which also explains the attendant advantages and disadvantages of each.

But on to the research. Released last week by the NZ IOT Alliance, and titled ‘The Internet of Things – Accelerating a Connected New Zealand’, it starts by explaining the usual stuff where IoT is concerned, then goes on to quantify how and where the benefits of a ‘connected New Zealand’ are to be found.

However, while finding that 70 percent of companies believe IoT will be transformational or strategic, across multiple areas in which connected things could have an economic impact –local government, telecommunications, agribusiness, utilities and even academia – the actual use is in its infancy. A mere 14 percent of organisations have deployed solutions to date.

Risk was hinted at by Transport Minister Simon Bridges, who commented on the release of the NZ IOT Alliance research. In a statement, he said: “Given IoT is an emerging technology, there’s still a lot we don’t know. The research tells a really positive story that the benefit of IoT could be far greater to our economy. Emerging technologies also present new challenges, and the research identifies some areas we’ll be considering further, such as security and privacy of IoT data.”

Not the same as the regular internet
In his view, making a reality of IoT is something that rests in the hands of the administration, rather than private enterprise: “The Government has a key role to play in ensuring that New Zealand can take advantage of what IoT has to offer, through our programme of work to improve access to faster broadband for all New Zealanders. Better connectivity means that people and businesses can make the most of emerging technologies such as IoT, increase productivity and competitiveness, and build a foundation for entrepreneurship and continued innovation.”

In fact, IoT doesn’t directly rest on the availability of decent internet; while the UFB project is laudable and establishes the sort of infrastructure necessary for a modern, prosperous nation, IoT depends on something else.

That something else is the ability to connect low cost sensors which can run off the same battery for tens of years; these are not mobile phones, laptops, fridges or other devices which are essentially just another Network Interface Card, but dedicated devices which are designed more to transmit than to receive.

That’s why Greg Howard, NZ BDM for Thinxtra, told iStart that while handy and certainly generating plenty of interest, the NZ IoT Alliance report didn’t put enough of a focus on the LPWAN sector, leading to continued misperceptions of what the IoT is.

“LPWAN is the key to making the IoT a reality; this is how you get cheap sensors with relatively cheap connectivity to monitor and measure anything,” he explained. “It’s about economies of scale and volume.”

Big guns train on IoT
And that’s where Spark and Vodafone come into the picture. Spark said in a statement that it is introducing a nationwide LoRa network, which has been under development by Kordia for some time. LoRaWAN is a proprietary standard, the silicon of which is licensed by American company Semtech.

Michael Stribling Spark GM for IoT said the company is “Moving to take a leadership position in IoT because we already have a lot of capabilities needed to make the most of a more connected world.” Those capabilities include its network, platforms and Qrious (Spark’s big data offshoot).

Stribling added that the network is expected to be operational by June 2018. By contrast, Thinxtra already operates a Sigfox network (also rolled out by Kordia) which it said in March covers 88 percent of the country’s population.

Said Howard: “LPWAN is there today – people can connect to Sigfox right now , while Spark is playing with LoRa and Vodafone is backing NB-IoT, which when released will be potentially formidable in several IOT market verticals.”

And indeed, Vodafone has just announced that it is concentrating on NB-IoT, a technology which is only coming to market more or less right now. “There are many IoT networks available now but we think NB-IoT is a premium technology choice that is worth waiting for,” said Vodafone technology director Tony Baird in a statement. “It is supported by over 40 of the world’s largest mobile operators plus many more suppliers and innovators that serve the majority of the global IoT market.”

But Spark isn’t just playing with LoRa. It is also advancing plans to deploy mobile network-based IoT networks on the LTE-M1 and NB-IoT standards. Stribling said, “We believe that there are different use cases emerging for different IoT networks, depending on the level and type of data that needs to be transmitted by IoT devices. In making an investment in LoRa, in addition to LTE investments, Spark believes it will be in position to provide the broadest set of IoT solutions to its customers.”

Interoperability problems on the horizon?
But formidable or not, here’s the thing with NB-IoT: it isn’t yet commercially available. But Howard said it could be potent because for many (existing) 4G base stations, NB-IoT may be a firmware upgrade although, apparently, some equipment made by Alcatel doesn’t offer this benefit, according to the Link Labs piece.

But do competing standards equate to problems of interoperability? Not necessarily. Howard said this isn’t a situation of incompatibility like the old VHS vs Betamax wars of the ‘90s, something which is perhaps apparent in Kordia’s involvement in both the Sigfox network and Spark’s LoRa, which will likely be offered out from some of the same sites.

Instead, he said it is akin to connecting to the internet over different standards, like 3G or satellite – it doesn’t really matter, so long as there is connectivity. “But the standards do have different strengths and weaknesses; Sigfox is better in asset tracking or cold chain monitoring, while LoRaWAN can be used for smaller scale networks across a defined geography. Both protocols are strong options for Agritech due to their transmission range, though exporters are likely to go with Sigfox or NB-IOT for supply chain due to their global footprint.”

Furthermore, added Howard, “Manufacturers of the chipsets for IoT are already designing both LoRa and Sigfox into the same devices – and when NB-IoT comes along, that will probably be added in, too.”

Questions or comments...

  1. Greg H

    Spark and Vodafone needed to make an announcement due to the release of the report as Sigfox is roaring ahead with design in slots across the country through a strong relationship with Kordia. The message is that people will design product in if 1) there are devices 2) there is a network and 3) there is a business case for the end user.

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Chatsworth Products (CPI): Built-to-order IT Infrastructure

Michael Custer, CEO
As organizations worldwide rush towards adopting virtualization and cloud storage systems, the need for supporting IT infrastructure is reaching its pinnacle. With network switches and dense blade servers pushing the thermal envelope to an extreme scenario, IT and facility managers are struggling to keep up with the increasing energy costs. A holistic approach is needed to lessen this budgetary strain while maintaining a facility which can enhance equipment, business and operations. Chatsworth Products (CPI) offers flexible cabinet solutions and power monitoring strategies that can reduce cooling energy consumption by up to 90 percent. “The unique combination of exceptional quality, solutions and services helps our clients achieve their data center objectives,” begins Michael Custer, CEO of CPI. Being a practitioner of a unique form of mass-customization—CPI has been developing core competency in build-to-order manufacturing set-up. “We discovered ways to help distribution avoid holding big, expensive enclosures by building only when the customer needed it, and no sooner,” adds Custer.

CPI was formulated to focus on the explosive needs of IT infrastructure equipment and today is one of the global suppliers of integrated solutions that optimize information and communications technology (ICT) equipment. Long before the Cloud, multi-tenant data center operators started buying CPI MegaFrame® server and collocation cabinets leading to the introduction of infinitely configurable TeraFrame® cabinet system. Armed with new CPI Passive Cooling® solutions, the cabinet system disrupts previous notions of thermal management in datacenters by delivering 20+ kW of cooling per server cabinet without the use of energy-consuming active cooling systems.

In order to streamline their datacenter design and operations, Scripps Networks, a media firm whose brands include HGTV, Food Network, DIY Network, Cooking Channel, Travel Channel and Great American Country, partnered with CPI for their energy efficient products. CPI assisted the client with passive cooling solutions, which featured F-Series TeraFrame Cabinet Systems with vertical exhaust ducts to help segregate air in a modular and efficient way. Scripps Networks’ data center is now operating with complete hot and cold air isolation and zero hot spots.

We discovered ways to help distribution avoid holding big, expensive enclosures by building only when the customer needed it and no sooner

With more than 92,000 products, the company’s product range includes an extensive line of power management products and technology that deliver reliable and efficient power distribution to all applications. Ranging from the innovative features of eConnect® Power Distribution Units (PDUs), to basic Power Strips and In-Line Meters, each of CPI’s power management products are specifically designed with flexibility and scalability in mind. eConnect PDUs are advanced with high ambient temperature ratings, optional Click Secure Locking Outlets to prevent accidental disconnections and offers detailed monitoring and control down to the outlet level. “eConnect PDU’s are designed to operate with full reliability in the higher temperature environments that provide tremendous energy savings for datacenter operators,” adds Custer.

The company’s application engineering team is a key contributor towards their innovation process. The team’s custom engineered solutions often become front running designs for standard products found in CPI’s catalog. “What our client’s see as our business model output are customer-led solutions, not vendor-led—we do not waste the customer’s time convincing them to buy already built structures,” explains Custer. “We listen and then build them what they want–when they want it.”

In addition to the U.S., CPI has sales offices in Latin America, Canada, China, Singapore, the UAE and the UK catering towards developing products tailored to that region. “Completing 25 years as an employee owned company, we will continue the success for the years to come–not by taking on individual personas-but by an unwavering team commitment,” concludes Custer.

Chatsworth Products

Westlake Village, CA

Michael Custer, CEO

Addressing today’s critical IT infrastructure needs with products and services that protect the ever-growing investment in information and communication technology


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New Poll Shows Rick Scott Has A Bumpy Road Ahead

Quinnipiac University released a new poll today with a headline that includes: “…Gov’s Grades Are Low, But Best Ever.”   This description gave many republicans in Florida reason to jump for joy.  However, those that were spinning this poll as good news for Gov. Rick Scott failed to read the actual crosstabs.  This poll shows that Gov. Scott has an undoubtedly bumpy road ahead in his attempt to be reelected in 2014.

In a head-to-head match-up Crist leads Scott by 10%, but this isn’t the most concerning aspect of this poll for Gov. Scott.

Charlie Crist vs. Rick Scott Pie Chart

One of the most important questions in this poll asks registered voters whether Rick Scott deserves to be reelected.

Does Rick Scott deserve to be re-elected? Crosstabs

Only 35% of registered voters in Florida feel Rick Scott deserves to be reelected, 35% of Independent voters, 37% of Hispanic voters, and an incredibly low 29% of women feel he deserves to be reelected.  These numbers should be very concerning to Florida republicans and Gov. Scott, especially the low numbers from women, which represent approximately 52% of the expected electorate in the 2014 general election.

Now, let’s take a look at the favorability of Gov. Scott.

Scott Favorables

His overall favorability has increased over the past year, but he is garnering much of his support from Republicans, with an extremely high 74% favorable rating in that subgroup.  It is interesting to note that though 74% of Republicans find him favorable, only 63% of Republicans feel he deserves to be reelected.  Again, let’s focus on Independents, Women, and Hispanic registered voters. 38% of Independents, 35% of Women, and 34% of Hispanics find Rick Scott favorable, this is not good news for Rick Scott.  Also important to note, 29% of Black voters, and 26% of Hispanic voters “haven’t heard enough about him” to give an opinion.  These two subgroups represent a significant problem for Rick Scott going forward, as voters become more aware of the upcoming election and are bombarded with messages illustrating the negative policies that Gov. Scott has embraced since becoming governor.

The favorability ratings of Charlie Crist show a dramatic difference when compared to Gov. Scott’s.

Crist Favorables

Crist is +19% net favorable among Independents and Hispanics, and is +23% net favorable among Women.  Charlie Crist is the anti-Rick Scott in terms of favorability, he has wide appeal among all subgroups except Republicans.  And even among Republicans, 27% have a favorable view of him despite the relentless attacks by the Republican Party of Florida.  An interesting number in Crist’s favorability numbers is that 36% of Hispanics “haven’t heard enough about him” to give an opinion.  This a very fruitful subgroup for Crist to focus on, to extend his overall favorability.

And now let’s look at the head-to-head matchup between Crist and Scott.

Crist vs. Scott

Crist vs. Scott pt.2

Crist has a 10% lead on Gov. Scott overall, a 12% lead among Independents, a 19% lead among Women, and a 7% lead among Hispanics.  Again, of note is the large amount of Hispanic voters (24%) that are not sure who they are supporting in this match-up.  Furthermore, voters under the age of 55 support Crist by a wide margin, and a large voter registration drive focused on college campuses would benefit Crist immensely where 18-34 year olds support Crist over Scott by a +16% margin.  Another interesting section of this crosstab is the “annual household income” subgroups, surprisingly those making over $100,000 per year support Crist over Scott by a +13% margin, while those in the $50,000 – $100,000 household income level support Scott over Crist by a +3% margin.  Crist could cut into this margin by distinguishing his policies that would help the middle-class, compared to that of Scott’s which has pushed for corporate tax giveaways, huge incentive packages for companies to move to Florida without any accountability for actually producing jobs, and Scott’s recent signing of a bill that bans local governments from implementing paid sick-leave time that helps working families.

So far this poll has a ton of bad news for Rick Scott, but this might be the worst news of all.  The Republican Party of Florida has been attacking Charlie Crist for changing political parties, and arguing it shows that he doesn’t have any core principles and cannot be trusted.  This tactic does not resonate with registered voters in Florida, especially among Independent and Hispanic voters.

Crist is pragmatic for changing parties

Independents see Crist’s change in party affiliation as a positive thing by a +8% margin, and Hispanics, by a very large margin (+25%) view it positively.  Usually when there are continued attacks on a political candidate, the messages used in the attacks are viewed negatively by a majority of voters and/or the recipients of the attack messages.  Not so, in this case.  Basically, Republicans “attacking” Crist for his political evolution is inevitably helping Crist being viewed more positively by very influential subgroups.  The irony is palpable.

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Ask for a quote at

HG2405MGU-NM 2.4 GHz 5 dBi Omni Antenna w/ Magnetic Mount - N-Male Connector

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Product Datasheet

Antenna Kit Application
This very compact yet high performance 2.4GHz mobile omnidirectional WiFi antenna is ideally suited for multipoint mobile applications including service vehicles, public transportation, law enforcement, mining and construction vehicles, as well a numerous other commercial and industrial applications where mobility and wide coverage is desired. It is compatible with IEEE 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11n wireless LANs, Bluetooth and other WLAN applications.

Rugged and Weatherproofbr> This compact RF antenna features a standard TAD/NMO Motorola-type mobile base coupled with a magnetic mounting system and 10 feet of high performance low-loss 195-Series cable terminated with an N-Female or N-Male connector. A fixed mount is also available for permanent installation through the roof or other vehicle surface.

Custom connectors can be ordered. Contact Hyperlink sales for more information.

  • Magnetic base with 10 ft. high performance low-loss 195-series cable
  • Weather-Proof
  • Fixed mounts available
  • Compact size


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What is stigma?

What does it mean to experience stigma against your illness? You might have seen that I talk a lot about stigma on social media and as a result some may be wondering what I mean when I discuss ‘facing stigma’. I have previously discussed stigma on social media here but if you’re still wondering what it means, the dictionary defines stigma as;

‘An association of disgrace or public disapproval with something, such as an action or condition’.

Let’s be real here. To see a dictionary definition of stigma doesn’t really explain what I mean or what myself and many others experience. For as long as I can remember, I have experienced negative reactions against my mental illness and the symptoms that come with said illness. Here are a few examples of what I mean by facing stigma.

Stigma is being told that you look fine so you can’t be poorly. I look able to get out of bed so I must either be faking it or a massive drama queen. To be mocked because I’m ‘on death mode’ again, for people to stop inviting me out because I’m ‘antisocial’. When you feel that constant gut wrenching pull of anxiety, the last thing you need is pressure to socialise. What you need are friends that will still text or call, still make the effort. What you need are friends that will support you.

Stigma is being told your illness isn’t real. Depression and anxiety aren’t the worst mental illnesses and ‘everybody has them’ so I should just get on with it. Mental illness as a whole is a daily battle and comments like these can make that battle so much harder. It can be hard enough to fight the negative thoughts in your head without the world throwing negativity at you. Instead of commenting, maybe ask how somebody is feeling and really listen to their responses, stop denying mental illness and start asking how you can support.

Stigma is being told that mental illness is weak. In fact I can proudly hold my hands up and say I have had a lifelong fight to be where I am today, to fight with your own brain is terrifying. When part of me wants to give up because it is so tired yet the other part of me worries so much of what others think. I worry that much that I leave the house to save face, and spend all day sick to my stomach. Having mental illness is not weak, to battle daily is a very brave thing to do and that would be made a lot easier without being told otherwise. Stop belittling others and start being kind, small acts of kindness go a long way.

Stigma is being told, ‘others have it worse’. If somebody had a problem with their heart, lungs or kidneys, you wouldn’t go and tell them to stop seeking help because ‘others have it worse’. This comparison of struggle is a really dangerous thing and actually mental illness can sometimes require urgent medical help and should never be dismissed. This idea that you can’t be depressed because you have a seemingly good life is ridiculous, anybody of any age, any wealth and any social standing can have poor mental health. Stop this comparison.

Stigma is having your illness used as an insult or punchline. I am tired of hearing ‘God this lecture makes me so depressed, I feel like killing myself. I’m tired of hearing, ‘Oh my god, I’m so OCD’ or seeing T-shirts saying stupid slogans like, ‘stressed, depressed band obsessed’. I’m sick of hearing women being referred to as psychos for showing emotion. This use of illness as descriptive words has to stop, let’s start being kind.

Finally think – why is it as a society we run to help those with a poorly heart, yet run away from those with a poorly brain?  I don’t think all stigma is intentional but we have to start taking responsibility. Stigma kills, it can stop somebody reaching out for help, somebody taking their medication, it can reinforce negative thoughts and it can be the last thing somebody ever hears.

Mental illness is real, it is a daily challenge for many people and it deserves just as much care and compassion as physical illness. Stigma doesn’t have to be a huge cruel gesture, it can also be a flippant comment. Here’s the problem though – these small flippant comments heard continuously start to grow into something much bigger.

To all those that intentionally stigmatise against mental illness, you should be ashamed and let’s hope you never have a personal battle. To all those that may be guilty of some of the things I have listed, with no malicious intent, please just try and be kind. Small kind gestures can save a life.

Remember, it’s not mind over matter, your mind does matter.

Remember its okay to talk x

One Response

  1. Peter
    | Reply

    Hi Andrea. Lovely post, really sums up well what stigma is and the different ways it can hurt people with mental illnesses. It’s important I think to remember the different dimensions stigma has, from people using illnesses as a punchline to being ignored. The one that always hurts me a lot as well is people being told ‘others have it far worse than you’, well yeah maybe they do but how is that going to help me except make it worse as now I feel extra guilt for that!

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iPhone Screenshots

Build your online stock photo portfolio with the 123RF On-The-Go app. Now you can shoot stock photos directly from your mobile device and upload them to 123RF.com for sale at any time, from any where. Once your photos have been accepted, media buyers will be able to search, browse and license your shots within 24 hours from the time of acceptance. Monetizing your photos has never been easier!

・Visual Photo Tagging: Tap and tag relevant subjects and objects in your photos to make them searchable.

・Simple Upload Process: Shoot or select, tag and then describe your photo - it’s as simple as that to start uploading your shots to 123RF.com

・Exciting Contests: Complete fun tasks and missions to earn Stars that can be redeemed for a variety of cash and other prizes.

・Sales Tracking: Keep track of your earnings and sold images in real-time.

・Image Inspiration: Get your daily dose of inspiration by viewing the ‘Home’ tab’s inspiring newsfeed of the best and latest photos handpicked by 123RF’s Image Editors.

Have questions, problems, or feedback? Send them to info@123rf.com

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The Strypes

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About The Strypes

Upon their arrival, the Strypes attracted as much attention for their members' ages (between 16 and 17) as they did for their influences (Dr. Feelgood, Rockpile, Howlin' Wolf, and the Yardbirds, among others). The Cavan, Ireland group began in 2008, when Evan Walsh, Pete O'Hanlon, and Josh McClorey began jamming at Walsh's house after being inspired by their parents' music collections. With Walsh on drums, O'Hanlon singing, and McClorey on guitar, an early version of the Strypes -- whose name was inspired by the creatively misspelled monikers of '60s bands such as the Byrds -- also featured bassist Jack Hayden and guitarist Conor Bates. This lineup made its debut at Farnham National School and played gigs around the area for a few months until Hayden and Bates departed. O'Hanlon switched to bass and the Strypes continued as an instrumental trio until they discovered vocalist/harmonica player Ross Farrelly opening for one of their shows.

With its lineup complete, the band honed its own songs as well as covers in concert for a few years, then self-released Young, Gifted and Blue, a four-song EP of covers, in April 2012. Supported by a video shot by a former babysitter for their version of Bo Diddley's "You Can't Judge a Book by the Cover," the EP reached the top of the digital charts the day after release. The Strypes' independent success sparked attention from labels, and after joining Elton John's Rocket Music management company, they signed to Mercury Records late in 2012. Around this time, the band's gigs in the U.K. earned them other big-name fans, including Noel Gallagher, Jeff Beck, Paul Weller, Dave Grohl, and Roger Daltrey. March 2013 saw the release of their first single for Mercury, "Blue Collar Jane," and that June the Strypes supported the Arctic Monkeys on that band's tour through the U.K. and Germany. The "What a Shame" single followed in July, with the band's first full-length, Snapshot (which they worked on with Beatles and Sex Pistols producer Chris Thomas), arriving in September. After touring Snapshot through 2014, the group recorded its second album, Little Victories, which appeared in August 2015. Another round of touring followed through 2016 and the band returned in June 2017 with its third album, Spitting Image. ~ Heather Phares

Cavan, Ireland

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Trump pledges U.S. and India will be “best friends” if he is elected president

U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump pledged that the United States and India would be “best friends” if he is elected and that he would boost intelligence sharing with India in the battle against Islamic militants.

Trump spoke at an event sponsored by the Republican Hindu Coalition to raise money for victims of terrorism. It featured Bollywood-style performers who danced in colorful, traditional costumes.

“If I’m elected president, the Indian and Hindu community will have a true friend in the White House, that I can guarantee you,” said Trump, who noted that as a real estate developer he has two “massive developments” in India.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has developed a friendly relationship with President Barack Obama, a Democrat who wants Trump’s opponent, Hillary Clinton, to win the Nov. 8 election.

“We will defeat radical Islamic terrorism when I’m president. We will stand shoulder to shoulder with India in sharing intelligence and keeping our people safe mutually,” said Trump.

He called India a strategic ally and that “we will be best friends” if he wins the election.

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Maria Muldaur

Don’t You Feel My Leg

From the album Don’t You Feel Me Leg (The Naughty Bawdy Blues of Blue Lu Barker)
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Download the FREE MP3 track Don’t You Feel My Leg by filling out the form below.

Accompanied by A-listers David Torkanowsky on piano (Irma Thomas, Neville Brothers, Solomon Burke), Roland Guerin on bass (Steve Earle, Chris Thomas King, Allen Toussaint), and Herlin Riley on drums (Wynton Marsalis, Cassandra Wilson, Dr.John), among others; Maria Muldaur turns in her first studio set in six years.

Muldaur is best known for “Midnight At The Oasis,” though she has toured extensively worldwide for over four decades, and has released 41 albums covering all stripes of American Roots Music, as well as several award-winning children’s albums. Often joining forces with other fine artists, she has recorded and produced on-average, an album per year, several of which have been nominated for Grammy and Blues Foundation awards. These last few years have seen the 50th Anniversary Kweskin Jug Band Reunion concerts, gospel collaborations with the Campbell Brothers, performances with Bill Wyman and The Rhythm Kings, and notable reissues of her early recordings with Jim Kweskin. Muldaur graces Blue Lu Barker’s material with the full measure of her five-decades-long musical journey here, and remains a preeminent interpreter of American roots music.