Forge Motorsport Audi RS3 8V Intercooler (2015-on)
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If your car is fitted with adaptive cruise control, we can additionally supply you with a billet bracket and fixings to enable the relocation of the ACC radar. Simply select the ACC option in the drop down menu above. No re-coding of the unit should be necessary.
Following on from our very successful intercooler for the RS3 8P chassis, the Forge intercooler for the RS3 8V chassis builds on our reputation for delivering cores that offer real-world increases in power and temperature drops.
Whilst the 8V chassis shares many components with the older 8P, the space available behind the bumper is a different shape and the crash bar has also changed. This required a whole new intercooler and crash bar setup for this latest chassis*
The RS3 8V core is a huge 640x250x100 and of bar and plate design. This gives it a huge 55% more surface area than stock, and an even more impressive 94% more volume. The end tanks are made with integrated pipes in order to retain the stock boost hoses, though you can also replace the hoses with our FMKT024 boost hose set if you so wish. Just like on the 8P chassis, we supply a genuine Audi RS3 crash bar which we modify in house in order to accept the new larger core, then finish both the crash bar and core in our standard black crackle finish powder coat for maximum longevity.
As shown in the graph above, for both tests we let the car heatsoak on the dyno until the radiator fans tripped on and off (which gives an inlet temperature of 36 deg C), then do a dyno pull from there. This gives a more consistent result and reflects real-world driving conditions more accurately. You can easily see the Forge intercooler cools much quicker and delivers a much greater drop in temperature compared to OEM.
On the standard car we tested on, it made 362bhp completely stock (so largely in line with what Audi quote) with a peak intake temperature of 58 deg C. With just this intercooler fitted and no other modifications, the same car made 386bhp with a peak inlet temperature of 23 deg C, a gain of 24bhp and a drop of 35 deg C. Gains on mapped cars will likely be even more impressive as the stock intercooler core really starts to struggle on stage 1 mapped cars.
The kit contains full instructions for installation, which should take around 3.5 hours, and a complete kit which includes everything needed.
You may return most new, unopened items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. We'll also pay the return shipping costs if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.).
You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days).
If you need to return an item, simply login to your account, view the order using the "Complete Orders" link under the My Account menu and click the Return Item(s) button. We'll notify you via e-mail of your refund once we've received and processed the returned item.
We can ship to virtually any address in the world. Note that there are restrictions on some products, and some products cannot be shipped to international destinations.
When you place an order, we will estimate shipping and delivery dates for you based on the availability of your items and the shipping options you choose. Depending on the shipping provider you choose, shipping date estimates may appear on the shipping quotes page.
Please also note that the shipping rates for many items we sell are weight-based. The weight of any such item can be found on its detail page. To reflect the policies of the shipping companies we use, all weights will be rounded up to the next full pound.


I have been on a virtual walk since 1 March 2004 when I left St. John's NFLD. I am about 70 K's short of Inuvik, NWT on the Demster Hwy.
So I am taking two new walkers under my 'wing' as we walk towards the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, 18 June 1812. First will be 'Walking with Joseph' He is my gr gr grandfather, Joseph Stanzel, who according to the family story was in Napoleon's army before coming to Canada. He will be walking around Europe and his adventures will be posted in December, February and April. Second will be 'Walking with Andrew'. He is Sgt. Andrew Spearman of the 100th Regiment [99th Reg't after Feb 1816] and will be walking with his Regiment during their stay in Canada. His adventures will be posted in January, March and May.
All posts will be on/near 18th of each month
Joseph's posts will cover the years 1806 ,the year it is estimated that he was conscripted into Napoleon's Army, until 1812.
Andrew's posts will cover the years 1805, the year his regiment had its traumatic voyage to Canada, until 1812. Each post will be in 2 year 'steps'
Posts for both during the years 1812-1814 will cover events in both theatres as we walk thru the calender
There may be posts about the first of each month dealing with points of interest about the war


Delightful works of art designed for specific edibles for everyday use - this Japanese approach to dinnerware, and the food it serves, is what inspired me to make my own. I took many trips to Japan as I was growing up and learned to appreciate this relationship between art and function. My desire to speak the language of my own family resulted in a degree in East Asian Languages at Indiana University, and I was working as a Japanese translator/interpreter when I took my first pottery class at the Indianapolis Art Center. This combination of passions, inspirations and situations has led me to the professional, full-time pottery career that now centers my life.
My stoneware pieces are reduction fired to cone 10, or 2340° F, in a natural gas kiln, and evoke a pure, uncomplicated, sensitive aesthetic. I balance this controlled, precise style with Raku. Raku, with its roots in Japanese tradition, is a firing technique that produces never-to-be-repeated bursts of iridescent color and crackle patterns on its glazed surfaces. It is quick, hands-on, and spontaneous. The rhythm I create when doing raku firings is like a dance and the results are dependent on my every move. Most of my stoneware and raku pieces are made on the potter’s wheel. I often decorate my pieces with kanji, or Chinese characters, using a traditional Japanese calligraphy brush which allows me to express myself through a beautiful written language that is part of my own culture.
I moved to New Mexico in 1999 and, after 4 years in Santa Fe, now live in Dixon, a small rural farming village rich with its community of artistic spirits. My studio is a small adobe house nestled in the hills at the edge of high desert wilderness where I enjoy quiet, peace and simplicity.
My raku appears in 500 Raku: Bold Explorations of a Dynamic Ceramics Technique, a gallery book by Lark Crafts.


Do you need an article or comment from someone who knows Norway?
I am the author of the Moon Norway guidebook and run two websites dedicated to Norway. I have lived here since 2011 so if you need a Norway expert for an article or comment, look no further.
Radio & podcast appearances
BBC Scotland: Live appearance on the drive-time news talking about the Norwegian elections.
Amateur Traveler: The world’s longest-running travel podcast
Episode 572: Travel to the Lofoten Islands of Norway with David Nikel
Zero to Travel: Travel podcast and online community
How to see the Northern Lights with David Nikel
Life in Norway Show: My own podcast
Find out more about the podcast
Newspaper columns & appearances
I also write articles about Norway and Scandinavia in the global media. Some highlights include:
The Telegraph: Regular articles for the expat life section of the UK’s Telegraph newspaper:
Is Norway really the most liveable place on earth?
British football fans: You’ll never walk alone in Norway
Why untranslatable Norwegian words are a treasure trove
Globe and Mail: Quoted in Canada’s most widely-read newspaper:
What are the must-sees in Norway?
Norwegian American: Regular column for the Norwegian-American newspaper, which has been published continuously since 1889:
Why Bill Bryson should return to Hammerfest
Four free options to see Oslo on a budget
The history beyond the charm of Røros
Other media appearances
National Geographic: Chapter on Grunerløkka, Oslo, for Where the Locals Go book
AFAR.com: Norway destination expert


The Inozetek Super Gloss Pearlescent Series is a line of premium vinyl films that are engineered to offer an unmatched combination of superior gloss and pearlescent effects, providing a unique and luxurious appearance. Infused with high-quality pearlescent pigments, this series captures and reflects light, creating a stunning range of colors that shift and change depending on the angle of the light source.
This series comprises an extensive range of colors, each one designed to offer a mesmerizing and sophisticated finish that is sure to turn heads and make a bold statement. The collection includes an array of shades of blues, greens, pinks, purples, and many other colors, making it easy to find the perfect hue for your project.
The Inozetek Super Gloss Pearlescent Series is made from premium materials that offer unmatched durability, ensuring that your project won't fade, crack, or peel over time. Furthermore, this series is easy to install, and its advanced air-release technology eliminates air bubbles, providing a smooth and seamless finish.
Overall, the Inozetek Super Gloss Pearlescent Series is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-end and unique finish. With its superior gloss, pearlescent effects, and advanced quality, this series offers a perfect solution for those looking to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any project. From vehicles and boats to interior surfaces and electronics, this collection is an ideal choice for all kinds of creative endeavors.


It's great to have a workout routine, and even better if you religiously stick to it, but a routine, however innovative, can run you out of steam in no time.
By introducing some variations to your existing regime or taking up a completely different physical activity every fortnight you could make life interesting, and your workouts more worthwhile. We keep believing that by exercising hard we can tone our muscles, attain flexibility and maintain a healthy lifestyle, but lose hope when we can't get over the weight loss plateau, and wonder why our body has stopped responding to exercise.
For those into yoga, this might come as a natural progression as a few sessions of passive Thai yoga bodywork can set you on the right track to regaining your form and fitness. A 2500-year-old tradition of massage that originated in India during the time of the Buddha and later moved to Thailand with the spread of Buddhism, passive Thai yoga involves yoga-like stretches in addition to a whole range of massages and acupressure to enhance the fluidity of the body while ridding it of stress.
What is passive Thai yoga
Under the guidance of an expert therapist you are made to stretch and perform various yoga postures on a futon. But the most important aspect of passive Thai yoga is the blend of massage and acupressure to lighten the body, induce oxygen supply and release blockages. And like any Thai massage, this one too is performed over comfortable clothing and makes no use of creams and oils. Elaborating further, Mumbai-based yoga and massage therapist, Samanta Duggal says, "The therapist uses his hands, knees, legs and feet to move you into a series of stretches that aim at both relaxing and energising the body."
A single session of Thai yoga can ease muscle tension, reduce stress levels, increase agility of the joints, not to mention, pump energy into the body. Says Samanta, "Thai massage can be used as preventive medication, and is also an alternative therapy for problems such as sciatica, spondylitis, arthritis, migraines, indigestion, and even menstrual dysfunction. Also called Thai yoga massage, it works on unblocking the meridians or energy channels in our body. In yoga, this is achieved through various asanas, whereas in Thai yoga massage, we do it with acupressure, joint manipulation and mild stretches."
Samanta, a practising yoga and massage therapist for a decade now, conducts workshops in Mumbai on passive Thai yoga in which she teaches both novices and enthusiasts the art of massage combined with some yogic asanas. Typically, a two hour session has you partner up with the therapist where you are taught to receive and give out a few valuable Thai massage techniques for relaxation and easing frazzled nerves in the areas of the body like neck, shoulders, back and feet. Before commencing the massage therapy, you are made to warm up with a few rounds of Suryanamaskar to get energy flowing into your body. Says she, "My classes are open to people at all levels of fitness, whether beginner or expert. The idea is to create somatic awareness of us holding tension in various pockets of our bodies and letting them go."
How active is passive Thai yoga
In a Thai massage procedure, the therapist normally uses his elbows, knees, feet and palms to get the right posture on his recipient. In that sense it is an active form of giving therapy. By the same token, since the movement in the recipient is initiated by the masseur, there is no physical exertion on him, save for the fact that he is allowing himself to be moved passively.
A therapy, not a workout!
Informs Samanta, "If you consider weight loss to be one of the benefits of this form of wellness, you are mistaken. Passive Thai yoga is a wholesome procedure that attempts to balance our bodies and, not to mention, the endocrine system that in turn aides in regulating metabolism. It is one of the by-products of relaxation and massage therapy." It's a great idea to incorporate such massage therapy sessions couple of times a month to derive maximum benefit from your existing fitness schedule. It'll help strengthen your body, keep your muscles relaxed, fix day-today health woes, and build immunity.
Following a Sattvic diet that comprises vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, cereals, fresh milk, yoghurt and ghee can do wonders to your metabolism, and form the perfect basis for starting a healthy lifestyle.
If you are working out only to shed flab, think again. By incorporating a dash of wholesomeness to your fitness regime you can not only rebuild your body, but regain your lost confidence too.


A few years ago, I decided I wanted to finish an Ironman. After failing to finish on my first attempt, I decided I needed some cycling help. I found Endure It! Sports and thought their CompuTrainer classes were exactly what I needed to become a better cyclist. At my very first class, I met Coach Sara Fix who dissected my bike, my pedal stroke, and my nutrition. To say I was intimidated by this 25+ Ironman Finisher would be an understatement. Three Ironman finishes later, I credit Sara, Coach Erik Walters and the entire Endure It! Sports family for taking me into the fold and teaching me everything I need to know about being a successful triathlete.
Coach Sara’s weekly coaching, training plans and infinite advice put me in the best shape and best position to be ready for anything an Ironman race brought my way. Was it tough? Yes, it was but Coach Sara’s preparation gave me the tools to always find a way to work through any issue during a race and be successful. Her encouragement kept me going and propelled me across many finish lines! I couldn’t ask for a better coach, mentor, and friend.
Coach Erik put me in the perfect bike with the perfect fit so my equipment helped me reach my goals. His knowledge of cycling equipment is second to none! Not only does he always take the time to listen to what you and your bike need but he always comes up with a solution that will help! He also is a fabulous triathlon coach who always supports and encourages!
The entire Endure It! Sports family supported me every day of my training. Hearing training and racing advice from other club members was invaluable. Also, having lots of training partners made training and ultimately racing tons of fun! The encouragement from the club is just amazing.
I couldn’t have reached my goal of finishing an Ironman without Coach Sara, Coach Erik, and the whole crew!
-Cristi White – 50 yo
Three Time Ironman Finisher
Endure It! is not just a great triathlon store offering the best equipment and coaching. It is more than that, with a focus on building a community of athletes striving to push beyond their perceived limits in an amazingly supportive environment.
I was an early customer of Endure It, and at the time knew little about triathlon. It didn’t take me long to get hooked. Endure It! has since become a core part of where I spend my time and the catalyst for many new friendships.
Sara and Erik are amazingly passionate and knowledgeable, with very genuine and attentive interests in helping customers be better. These are traits shared across Endure It’s coaching staff. Each week, Endure It! offers multiple opportunities for coached swimming, biking and running, an appreciated flexibility given my limited choice time available. Endure It! sponsors awesome training camps, including an annual trip to Solvang, CA. The store gives you access to all of your triathlon equipment, fit and maintenance needs to get you race ready. When you do race with Endure It, you won’t find a more enthusiastic support team. I also appreciate how Endure It! gives back to the community with two notable annual events including Beat the Bird 5K on Thanksgiving Day and a newer 2-person 10K team relay in July.
5 stars for Endure It!
Endure It! is the whole package: tough and smart training with a fun supportive group of athletes at all levels!
Everyone wants each other to succeed and reach their goals. This is no accident. It is the result of Sara and Erik’s hard work, passion and dedication to their athletes. They cultivate a culture of excellence, camaraderie and fun that is rare in the sport.
– Erin Hardies
Been coached by Sara for 2 years and is racing Ironman Wisconsin this year – her first full.
I bought my first triathlon bike from Endure It!, and was impressed by their excellent service.
However, it wasn’t until I started joining all the activities the club has to offer – indoor bike classes, run club, masters swimming, strength classes – that I truly started enjoying the training and racing.
Sara and Erik have developed a close knit group that is still very welcoming to beginners – a unique combination in this sport.
– Justin Dygert
Having been a long time Endure It! customer and coaching client, I can say that my athletic performance ability has gotten stronger every year, goals of reaching Kona were reached with hard work & diligent race planning by my coach, and the culture at Endure It! is really supportive and it does not matter what level you are, there is encouragement and training for all levels.
Planning group trips and group races elevates the fun too!! Not sure what I would do without the great bike mechanics as well. The stress of racing or participating is removed with all of the great peeps at Endure It…
– Julie Kaczor
I stopped into the EndureIt shop in Naperville about 3-1/2 years ago, hoping to learn more about upgrading to a nicer Tri specific bike, thinking this would help with the motivation to get back into the sport and better shape along the way. I was met by Erik (who I’ve come to know as an incredible athlete, coach and cheerleader in general) who then proceeded to help me find just the right bike. More importantly though, Erik listened to me and encouraged me to consider checking out some of the indoor CT classes and group runs. I was hesitant at first, as I really was just interested in the bike, but then walked in Sara Fix – who grabbed piece of paper and within 10 minutes had outlined my training plan for the next 6 months. I thought to myself, who is this person? Come to find out, both Sara and Erik are incredibly caring, supportive, talented and two of the most passionate triathletes you will ever meet.
Over the last 3 plus years, they have coached me and encouraged me in ways that have helped me to go faster and further than I ever could on my own – there is no doubt. The group of athletes that makes up Endure-It really provides a network of support that hold you accountable but also keeps it lighthearted. I have made many great friends along the way and could not imagine being a part of any other tri-group. Thank you Sara and Erik for all you do!
– Troy Pavelka
“From my first visit to Endure It! I knew it was something special. I was a fledgling triathlete but accustomed to making my own way in my sports so I was worried that I’d pick up a sort of “specialty store elitist” vibe and would be told I was doing everything
wrong. It was immediately apparent to me that was not going to be the case. Erik and Sara both were very interested in what my plans and goals were, and while I could tell they had ideas about what I was doing wrong neither of them pushed that on me, instead
simply giving me valuable insight to consider drawn from their extensive experience and expecting me to make my own decisions. In that first visit I discerned that they are both intensely passionate about the sport, and they are eager to help anyone who is
serious, no matter what their goals or where their skills lie.
In the ensuing visits, training, races, clinics and the amazing training camps, I quickly learned that Endure It! Is more than a shop, it’s a team. I take a little while to warm up to new people, but once I did I found the team full of welcoming folks and it
turns out it is even more than a team, it is a circle of friends, perhaps even family. I’m happy to be a part of it, as much as I can
– J. Anthony Digaetano
I got into the sport of triathlon in 2009 and for the first couple of years tried to figure this sport by my own means. I struggled with injury, and every event was a painful journey. I thought to myself how could this be fun?!
Then I met Sara Fix and Erik Walter who invited me to try their classes.. I knew of “Endureit” as elite, in other words always passing me on the course and smiling the whole way! Yet, as I showed up to each class not only did the pain go away, the community of athletes became as close as a family encouraging you to become the best that YOU can be.. I am eternally grateful for the years I have had here. It’s pulled me personally through tough times in my life as I was able to adopt the values of a healthy lifestyle. I am so thankful for Sara and Erik not only for the invitation, but the friendship that is rare. I cherish this..
– Bill Pendley
Joining EndureIt was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Sara, Erik, and the rest of the EndureIt team have brought my abilities in triathlon to levels I didn’t expect. You can truly feel their passion and support during every single workout.
I started working with Erik after an overtraining injury left me unable to run. He developed a training plan that enabled me to maintain fitness while healed. Once I was cleared to run, he got me back to peak running form in a matter of months culminating in a four-minute marathon PR.
Erik has done an incredible job addressing my weak areas while building on my strengths – all while keeping me injury free while training for my next Ironman 70.3.
His positivity and great attitude are infectious.
I have been a part of Endure It! as a customer, athlete and/or coach since 2008. I have met some of my closest friends here. It is truly inspiring to see such a wide variety of athletes come together to do something they enjoy.
It doesn’t matter if you’re learning to ride a bike or a multi-Ironman World Championship qualifier, everyone is welcome and can find a way to take part in daily training all year round.
There is no intimidation factor. Come and check it out!
– Todd Byers Coach 4 x world champion finisher
Dear Sara –
You are honestly the best! I don’t know what I would have done with you this past year. You set an unbelievable example for me on what it take to mentally push your body past what you think is possible.
You impress me every day with your unshakeable energy and positive attitude that is contagious to everyone. You are truly an inspiration to me and I strive to make you proud.
I will undoubtedly think of you for strength when I am cold, wet, sandy, and exhausted.
I owe so much to you. Thank you for being an amazing person.
– Andrew Pyle, Navy Seal
I met Sara fix at the end of my first season as a triathlete. I hired her as my coach at end of my second season. Although I was a short distance triathlete, and she is known for coaching anywhere from kona qualifiers to newbies doing couch to Ironman, I had specific goal in my short distance racing. By the end of that year, my goals were met. In the first year, my cycling fitness grew exponentially!
The second year, we honed in other aspects such as nutrition. Then started into longer distances. We started a run focused training, as that is my weakest event, and have since only met and exceeded my goals. I have since completed 2 Ironman races, a few marathons, several 70.3.
My personal records continue to be beat in training and in racing. Sara and her team has made me a better athlete. I have referred several people to Sara fix for coaching and to endure it for Bike fits and maintenance. No one do I trust more with my training and racing than Sara Fix and the team at Endure it! Sports!
– Nicole Cartier
There truly is a spot for all athletes at Endure It! Athletes are able to train within their personal level and ability, all within a group setting, while receiving feedback and support.
The support from Endure It! coaches is never-ending and comes in many forms: email/text/phone/face-to-face discussions, clinics, workshops and camps, as well as cheering at club races and the celebration of accomplishments. The coaches make everyone feel welcome and respected and do an incredible job of providing individual feedback, valuable tips and workouts of the appropriate intensity and help each individual set appropriate goals as one’s fitness level increases.
Whether you are training in one discipline, are new to triathlons or have already completed an Ironman, Endure It! has a spot for you, and you’ll be happy with the support – and the successes you achieve with this triathlon club!
– Betsy Bruns


Jh Van Eijk En Zonen Holland Tug
250cv (.) de
Nombre heures moteur : 8200h
Catégorie : > Yacht (+ 16m) / Grande Plaisance
Etat : occasion
Longueur : 17m
Largeur : 4m
Année du produit : 1940
Nombre de Cabine : 1
Référence : DIGIB_812_555749
Visible à Provence Alpes CÃ´te dÂ´Azur
Description du bateau
- Vitesse de Croisière : 8
- Vitesse Max : 8
- Consommation L/h : 12
I am a charming Dutch Tug boat build in 1940.
My activity was Tug-vessel in Rotterdam port from 1940 to 1961 under the name "MARGOT"; I was steamed powered at this time!
Around 1960, my life was even more fearless since I have been servicing as Patrol vessel for Rotterdam port Police. I have been supplied then with my actual 250HP FIAT Marine engine.
From 2002 until 2017, I had a more relax time and I became part of the history of the port museum of Rotterdam as I was exhibited there for 15 beautiful years.
2017 was for me the start of a new adventure since I was transported to the south of France to become a very friendly boat, suitable for boating, nautical sports, and of course for original and unforgettable receptions & parties !!"
Appareillage électronique de navigation:
Equipement technique et de pont supérieur:
Grue pour jet-ski (Hydraulique).
Tel : +33630999336
Contact : Pascal Tesse


Jump 2 It Camp
Ready, Set, Go! We will host our annual Jump 2 It Camp on June 11 - 14, 2018 from 9 AM - 2 PM. Wadsworth Middle School Auxiliary Gym. Jumpers of all ages and skill level will experience the excitement of learning new jump rope skills and character building while taking part in many different leadership activities.
Camp Theme: Music of the Decades!
* Jump Rope Camp Registration (Ages 7+) $100
* Camp Shirt $20
* Make a Jump Rope $10
* Jump Rope Instructor Certification (Ages 15+) June 12, 2018 from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM $120.
Sign up by May 15, 2018 to guarantee your spot. Bring a packed lunch and wear athletic clothing with good running/jumping shoes.


2022 In-house K-4 Registration!
This registration session will allow you to complete contact information, sign up for participation, and submit payment. Please read through each page carefully to ensure that all information is provided accurately. To complete registration through our secure site, please have your Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or checking account information available. Following the completion of this registration, you will see a charge on your account from Sartell Area Youth BB.
WHO: Sartell Community Grades K-4th
REGISTRATION WILL BE OPEN NOW until October 22, 2022
COST: $50.00 (includes In House t-shirt) proceeds will be donated to the Sartell HS Girls and Boys Basketball Programs
3rd and 4th Grade Players registered for SAYBA Travel Basketball will get 50% off registration fee!! (this info is in registration form)
Sessions at Riverview Intermediate School and Sartell High School
Please bring your water bottle and own ball if possible
Drop off and Pick Up at RIS at the Main Entrance and SHS Door #19
We have limited space in the gyms for parent spectators. If possible it would be preferred to drop off and pick up your athlete after the session.
We will be following ISD 748 protocol for COVID 19.
PLEASE do a symptoms check prior to bringing your athlete to SAYBA In House. IF NOT FEELING WELL, PLEASE STAY HOME
October 29th at RIS
November 5th at RIS
November 12th at SHS
November 19th at RIS
December 3rd at SHS
Girls Sessions: K-4th Grade (on different courts) 8:15 AM to 9:15 AM
Boys Sessions: K-2nd Grade (on different courts) 9:40 AM to 10:40 AM
Boys Sessions: 3rd-4th Grade(on different courts) 10:55 AM to 11:55 AM
All sessions will be coached by the Sartell Girls and Boys Basketball teams. COVID Protocols will be followed.
Please direct any questions regarding this registration to: Trina Peeters firstname.lastname@example.org
Select an option to continue with the registration.


Golf Cart Etiquette
- Always keep the cart clear of the tee deck
- Keep carts away from greens and bunkers
- Obey all roped off areas and directional signs
- When on the fairway, keep the cart behind or next to golfers who have yet to hit their ball.
- If the course is too wet, keep your cart off the course.
Saturday Best Ball Scamble
Best Ball Scramble tournaments are held on Saturday mornings from the begging of July through labor day weekend. The fun begins at the first hole around 9:30AM. Entrance fees are$4.00 per person. Usually a cottager volunteers to supply refreshments for the players.
To play is easy, just place your entrance fee of $4/person in a sealed envelope with name of the players written on the face of the envelope and leave it in the lock box behind the mailboxes. Envelopes must be deposited by 7AM the day of the tournament.
There are no age limits for people who wish to enter. Cash payouts are usually awarded to first, second and third place winners. There are also usually cash prizes for closest to the pin on the first and fifth hole.
How we play a "best ball scramble" at Glenburnie
Each team (usually consisting of four-to-six players) plays two rounds on our five hole course. It's a shotgun start, so team one starts at the first hole, team two on the second, etc.
Each player tees off from their starting tee. The team captain selects the best of the tee shots (best ball), and all players take their second shot from this location. The best of the second shot is determined and so on until the ball is holed.
- Each player is allowed one Mulligan during the tournament.
- Boys twelve and under may drive from the ladies tee.
- The septic mounds on the first and fifth hole are in play, but to prevent damage to the mounds, use a free drop on the fairway if your shot should land in these areas.
- Across Glenburnie road on either side is out of play from the First and Second hole.
- From the second hole, it's a fair play over Lake George way. If you land inside the drainage ditch from the second hole, it is still inbounds and you're allowed a free drop.
- If you use a mulligan when shooting for second shot closest to the pin on the first and fifth hole you are disqualified from the cash prize.
- Shirts and Shoes at all times.
- Golf Carts can only be driven by persons 14 and up.
- USGA golf rules and etiquette apply.


During our lives many things happen that we’re not prepared for. Even if it’s out of our comfort zone we must learn to face our fears, and strive to be the happiest, strongest, person that we can be.
I have skydived with Skydive Australia at two of their Melbourne drop zones, and now I am about to embark on my amazing journey around Australia. I intend to jump out of perfectly good planes with the awesome Skydive Australia crew at all their other great locations, and finish up back in Melbourne, where my life changing journey began.
I do not have an exact time frame to complete this as Skydiving is a weather dependent activity.
My skydiving journey has a special meaning for me, and for every jump I do on this trip I pledge to make a donation to Beyond Blue. We all need to look after our mental health, as many of us have been affected by anxiety, depression and suicide. Beyond Blue offers help and support, you never have to be alone when struggling through tough times. I’d love it if my followers would get behind me and support this charity too.


SENSEI SITHEMBISO MAJOZI
Sensei Sithembiso Majozi also known as Sith is a 3rd Dan black belt. He started his Kyokushinkai karate in South Africa in 1985 at the age of 8yrs.
Whilst living in South Africa he participated in provincial and national championships under Sensei Msokoli NTOMBANA 4th Dan and South African BC and IKO International Committee Member Shihan Kenny Uytenbogaardt.
Sensei Sith moved to the United Kingdom in 2003 as a 1st Kyu brown belt and joined Tokei Kyokushinkai Karate and trained under Sensei Orlando ROACH 4th Dan Chairman of the England Kyokushinkai Karate. In 2008 he was promoted to 1st Dan black belt, 2nd Dan black belt in 2020 and 3rd Dan 2023.
Between 2004 and 2019 Sensei Sith participated in English and British Kyokushinkai knockdown Championships. Also between 2004 and 2019 he represented Great Britain in championships abroad including European and World knockdown Championship under the guidance of Sensei Orlando ROACH.
Sensei Sith is currently the Chief Instructor at Tokei Kyokushinkai Karate, Chairman of the England Kyokushinkai Karate and the coach for Great Britain Kyokushinkai Karate Team.


Kentucky Museum Antique Quilt Display
On my way to Paducah this year, I planned a visit to Bowling Green Kentucky and the Kentucky Museum at Western Kentucky University. The display of antique quilts is quite wonderful and well worth the stop. These are photos I took during my visit and are posted here with permission.
- Blazing Sun circa 1855, by Temperence Ely Snodgrass.
- Trapunto Detail
This next quilt, an 1860 Pine Tree variation, is one that captured my attention. I love small pieces and scrappy quilts.
Broderie Perse quilt made from English Chintz by a bride who arrived here in 1800, but never quilted this top. It was eventually tied and a border added in 1875.
Mariners Compass, circa 1850
Trapunto Detail of Mariners Compass Quilt
This baby-sized quilt was made from some bow tie blocks that came to me in a scrap bag. Some of the bow ties were made up already by hand sewing and others were still in pieces. Using my sewing machine, I assembled the pieces to make enough blocks for this little quilt. The blocks are not all exactly the same, but they still look alright. I then added the two borders in coordinating colours.
I quilted it on the long arm using Bottom Line in the Bobbin and a light blue So Fine thread on top. I quilted it in a custom fashion – a block design in each block and separate designs in each border. I did not stabilize the quilt around each block and border before quilting. I can definitely tell by the finished result that stabilization would have produced a better looking quilt. That is a good lesson for me. I will stabilize anything that I custom quilt. Without stabilization – stitch in the ditch around each block and border – it is difficult to keep the quilt true and square.
Even though this does not meet my personal standards of acceptable quilting, I am sure that someone will love it anyway. This will be a donation quilt to a deserving charity.
Last week, I went to MQX East in Manchester New Hampshire where I participated in classes, oohed and awwed at the fabulous quilts hung in the show, shopped diligently in the vendor area and thoroughly enjoyed the company of other longarm quilters. All in all, a wonderful experience that left me pumped with ideas for future quilts. I took classes with Angela Walters, Valerie Schlake, Judy Woodworth and Sally Terry.
As the teacher angel at Sally Terry’s hands-on class, I also made a sampler of patterns. The photo above is a freehand filler she taught. We worked on stitch regulated Innova machines with Superior’s OMNI thread.
This is one of Sally’s designs – a nesting leaf filler.
This design I have been calling a lolly pop filler.
At the end of the class Sally had us tackle two projects – a fanciful fish and a fancy initial. The class was fun and Sally is a good teacher. I’m already planning on going to the show again next year!
Two decades or so ago, I bought a partial bolt of pillow panels from at the garage sale of a woman who owned a country decorating store. After ten years of wondering what I would ever do with them, I opted to make coordinating Ohio Star blocks. The finished blocks sat in a drawer for another five years or more. As part of my ongoing efforts to clean up my UFO cupboards, I assembled the blocks into this top. I debated putting borders on it, but finally decided to leave it as a large throw quilt at 76″ by 76″. Because the squares look similar to neck kerchiefs, I have named it Bandana Stars.
Recently, I bought a digital quilting design called Barbra’s Feathers from One Song Needle Arts and decided to try it out on this quilt. This quilt is not a treasure and definitely does not deserve custom quilting, but that is what it got! All of the blocks were ditched with MonoPoly. The quilting is done with a tan colored cotton wrapped Poly Core. The bobbin thread is Bottom Line by Superior. The binding was applied to the back and stitched on the front with a tiny applique stitch that is almost invisible. Looks great! Here is a photo of the quilting detail:
Several years ago when I was busy with work related travel, I had little time for piecing tops. I got the bright idea to purchase tops on eBay so I could quilt them as I had time. It sounds good in theory, but the reality is quite different. I purchased a dozen tops, but the quality of the fabric and condition of the tops left a bit to be desired. When I opened the packages, I was somewhat dismayed by my impulsive and imprudent purchases. Chagrined, I stuffed them into a cupboard for several years, but since my retirement, I have forced myself to bring them out of hiding and quilt them.
This vintage nine patch quilt is one of those infamous e-Bay flimsies. The vintage cotton top is hand pieced and showed evidence of unprotected storage in an attic where little four footed creatures scurry. Sigh!
I prepared a backing of a greenish grey shirting and quilted it with a tan thread in a pattern called Pretty Posie, designed by Tammy Finkler, which suited the old fashioned nature of the quilt. The batting is Warm and Natural – 100% cotton.
Once quilted, I soak-washed the quilt, using a healthy dose of Fantastic on the stains on the top. After a good rinse, I dried it in the dryer. It came out soft and puckered, like a well-worn old quilt. I then bound the quilt with a slate blue cotton shirting.
I’m quite pleased with the final result. The stains are mostly gone and it looks like a well loved vintage quilt. My son has asked me not to give it away and I have agreed. This quilt will find a home at our summer cottage where it will be a great snuggle quilt for cool summer evenings on the screened-in porch. Now I am sorry I left this top hidden in a cupboard for so many years!
This lap quilt is named for the printed sashing. The fruit print makes me think of Oranges and Lemons, a piano piece I learned when I was a child. I think the fruit might actually be peaches, but my mind only reads oranges and lemons. I made this lap quilt as a challenge to use these printed scraps given to me by a friend. I made disappearing nine patch blocks and then decided I did not like the arrangement. So I then made an extra row of sashed squares to turn the full quilt into sashed blocks. I then added the narrow inner yellow border and the wide green outer border. If I were to do it over, I would choose to make the yellow border narrower, to tone down the power of the yellow.
I quilted it with a bright yellow poly thread with Bottom Line in the bobbin. The quilting design is called Insignia. I cannot recall the name of the designer.
The binding is applied to the front by machine and hand stitched to the back. The binding has been an ongoing hand stitching project for at least a month. Thank heavens, I have guild meetings when I can sit and stitch.
The finished quilt will go into my stash ready to be given away when I am inspired by the right occasion.


How this sign language interpreter brings home the thrill of esports to deaf fansMarch 20, 2023 | By Sophie Hares
As tensions mount ahead of a massive live League of Legends esports competition, “casters” — it's the term used for esports announcers — set the scene with their fast-paced commentaries on teams and tactics.
But gamers who are deaf or hard of hearing are shut out from the popular pre-match chat, making it tricky to follow the adrenaline-fueled matches and glean insights into strategies teams use to battle their way to victory, as well as from the post-match analysis of tournaments that don’t take accessibility into account.
Now, for deaf fans in Brazil, that’s changing thanks to gamer and sign language interpreter Jessyka Maia de Souza. The world’s first official LoL esports interpreter, Maia de Souza was hired by LoL publisher Riot Games — with 180 million players worldwide and 14.5 million Brazilian fans tuning in to CBLoL’s (Brazilian League of Legends Championship) broadcasts in 2022 — to translate live esports events into Brazil’s Libras sign language, becoming the company’s first Libras coordinator and interpreter.
Jessyka Maia de Souza, aka Suuhgetsu, gets ready to "cast" a League of Legends live event in Brazil, where she provides sign language interpretation for fans who are deaf or hard of hearing. (Photo courtesy of Maia de Souza)
“Accessibility in society is still overlooked, and when it comes to games and entertainment, it’s considered a luxury, but we are all entitled to it,” says Maia de Souza, 28, who goes by the gaming name Suuhgetsu.
High-quality closed captioning is common in video games, making it easier for deaf people to game at home, and last year Xbox launched a dedicated channel on the streaming platform Twitch with American Sign Language interpretations. But as the popularity of esports rockets and millions of fans follow live high-profile contests at home, gaming companies are constantly looking for ways to improve fans’ experience and make esports more inclusive to all communities.
Although not deaf herself, Maia de Souza has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by many people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Growing up in Brazil’s northeastern Pernambuco state, she started to learn Libras as a child so that she could communicate better with her uncle’s girlfriend at the time, who was hearing impaired, and from then on, she dove into the studies of deafness and accessibility.
She soon became hooked and decided to take it a step further, by studying Libras alongside her bachelor’s degree in law and specializations in criminal law and forensics.
A keen gamer who has built her own computers, Maia de Souza realized there was a pressing need to make gaming more inclusive, so she began to broadcast the tournaments of players who are deaf and hard and hearing and host accessible live contests. She also began to create Libras content on League of Legends. Riot Games soon came calling.
Signing in Libras is just a part of her job. To provide the interpretation gamers want and need, Maia de Souza makes sure she learns everything she can about the game and the top casters, as well as popular LoL memes and jokes.
“Any interpreter can do signing, but it’s about knowing the subject and having experience. Otherwise, it’s like asking an orthopedist to check your eyes — both are doctors, but from different specialities,” she says.
Through her eponymous company Suuhgetsu, her mission now is to organize gaming championships for people with disabilities and to train them to work as casters, commentators and presenters. In November, she was recognized by Riot Games and Mastercard Brazil at the CBLoL Awards, an event that honors great athletes and important figures in the esports scene in Brazil, as one of four “Unknown Legends” — LoL community members who are making a positive difference inside and outside the game by encouraging and strengthening diversity and inclusion.
Jessyka Maia de Souza, second from left, was one of four people in the gaming industry honored for their work in making the world more accessible. The others included Vicky Wolf, left, a content producer and caster leading anti-racism efforts; and Pedro Fracassi, second from right, and Ana Maria Jacomini, streamers that promote safe spaces and positive behavior in League of Legends. (Photo credit: Bruno Alvares, Cesar Galeão and Dayane Cruz)
“They are proving that a champion is not only one with great skill in the game but someone who seeks to amplify values such as empathy, unity and respect,” says Sarah Buchwitz, vice president of marketing and communications at Mastercard Brazil.
Maia de Souza hopes other companies will follow Riot’s lead and start to make esports more accessible for people with disabilities. “It shows smaller championships — where those who want to become professionals start — that hearing-impaired people are on the scene and that they want to stop being spectators and become players, too.”


Park City High School student Griffin Briley took first place at the WÜRTH Modyf ISMF World Championships in Spain.
A PCHS junior, Briley competed in four categories and ultimately won the U18 individual race category for ski mountaineering, which is simply climbing and skiing mountains. He completed the course with a time of 54:44.4; the next closest competitor was a minute and twenty-one seconds behind his pace.
“I'd like to thank all my teachers, family and friends, and the National Federation for USA Skimo, because they made it all happen,” said Briley. “My teachers are so supportive, and Park City High School is a great place to be.”
Briley has been competing for four years and went on to credit his success to his father, who introduced him to the sport and continues to push him to continue to get better.
“I'm super thankful for all my support and all the people that have noticed; it's great to have the sport grow in the United States,” said Briley.
SKIMO will make its debut in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, and one of Briley’s goals is to compete on the debut national team.
“It takes a lot of hours of training to get to where I am at,” said Briley. “I am going to continue having as much fun as possible with Skimo and with the people I relate to the most.”


Shetland lace is a style of knitting practiced in the isles for generations. Given the isolated and exposed location of the islands, the native sheep have evolved soft wool of finest quality that belies their hardy nature.
Sheila Fowlie grew up on an isolated croft on the islands and was taught the art of Shetland lacemaking by her grandmother before she was old enough to attend school. More than 40 years later, Sheila’s love of knitting continues and she, like us at all of the beautiful things, she feels passionately about preserving the integrity of this traditional craft. Although imitations are available, the quality of wool used in authentic Shetland lace produces a knit so fine that the finished garment can be passed through a wedding ring.
Working from classic Shetland patterns and her own designs, Sheila produces items including christening shawls, bridal veils and distinctive alternatives to the ubiquitous pashmina.
Prices are dependent on the size and complexity of the garments requested. When ordering it is important to remember that hundreds of hours can be required for a single piece but with appropriate care these garments will provide a beautiful heirloom for generations to come.
Examples of Sheila Fowlie’s work are shown below


Volunteers Maintaining the Largest Public Dahlia Display Garden on the East Coast | Based at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Great River, NY
Saturday, August 30 and Sunday August 31, 2014
Saturday 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Bayard Cutting Arboretum, Great River, New York
All dahlia growers are welcome to enter their blooms in the competition, experienced and novices alike. We will have LIDS members on hand to assist anyone who brings blooms with the setting up and staging of the dahlias to enter in the competition. This is a great way to show off what you have grown. Not sure if you have what it takes? You do, just bring your best looking blooms, with at least one set of leaves showing and you will learn how to set up flowers for the show. It is easy, it is fun, and you may win a ribbon!
If you have blooms to donate for our arrangements, please bring them down as well! They are most appreciated, all of these blooms are donated by generous growers like you.
Thank you for supporting the Long Island Dahlia Society!
Each Saturday during the dahlia season (typically late March to November, unless otherwise notified) our volunteers meet at 9:00 AM at the William Wolkoff Dahlia Garden in Bayard Cutting Arboretum.
Under the leadership of the Garden Director Joe Lysik, our volunteers support the garden by preparing the tubers for planting, maintaining the garden during the bloom times, through the digging up the tubers at the end of season, this is a hands-on learning experience, all are welcome.
Work in the garden is followed by coffee and cake at 11:00 am.


Experience the Magic of La Scala: A Tour of Italy’s Most Iconic Theater
La Scala Theater, located in the heart of Milan, is one of the most iconic and prestigious opera houses in the world. Since its opening in 1778, La Scala has been the cultural jewel of Milan, attracting visitors from around the world to experience the magic of opera.
A Must-See Destination for Opera Lovers
For opera lovers, a visit to La Scala is a must-see destination. The theater’s rich history and breathtaking architecture make it a truly unique experience.
Behind the Scenes at La Scala
Visitors can take a tour of the theater and discover the secrets behind the scenes of this world-renowned opera house. The tour begins with a visit to the theater’s museum, which houses an impressive collection of costumes, musical instruments, and memorabilia from La Scala’s illustrious past. Visitors can also see original scores from some of the world’s most famous operas, including works by Verdi, Rossini, and Puccini. After the museum, visitors are taken on a behind-the-scenes tour of the theater. They can see the stage, the dressing rooms, and the orchestra pit up close, and learn about the technical aspects of putting on an opera production.
Experience the Grandeur of La Scala’s Auditorium
One of the highlights of the tour is the opportunity to stand on the stage and take in the breathtaking view of the theater’s grand auditorium. With its intricate golden decorations, red velvet seats, and stunning crystal chandelier, the auditorium is a masterpiece of Italian neoclassical architecture.
During the tour, visitors can also learn about La Scala’s rich history, which includes performances by some of the greatest opera singers and conductors of all time. From Maria Callas to Luciano Pavarotti, La Scala has hosted some of the most iconic figures in the world of opera.
An Unforgettable Opera Experience
For those who want to experience the magic of La Scala in person, attending an opera performance is an unforgettable experience. With its world-class acoustics and stunning productions, La Scala is the perfect place to see some of the world’s most famous operas, including Aida, La Traviata, and Rigoletto.
In conclusion, a visit to La Scala is a must for anyone who loves opera and wants to experience the magic of one of Italy’s most iconic theaters. Whether you take a behind-the-scenes tour or attend a performance, La Scala is sure to leave a lasting impression and a memory that will last a lifetime.


52! (Fifty-Two Factorial)
EFFECT, PRESENTATION WITH PATTER:
“Magic can be pretty astonishing,” you begin.
“But sometimes reality is even more amazing.” You place a plaque on the table. It’s an 8” by 10” card folded in half and kept closed by a large paper clip or bulldog clip. There’s writing and diagrams on both sides of the card that you refer to in the following.
“The number you see here is called ‘Fifty-two Factorial.’ It represents mathematically the number of ways the 52 cards in a shuffled deck can be positioned. And it’s an unbelievable number.” You place a deck of cards on the table.
“Cut off about half of these cards and give them a good shuffle like this.” You take the bottom half and give them a good overhand shuffle. After your helper shuffles their half, you switch packets with them.
“You can give these a good mix too.” Finally, you reassemble the deck.
“Believe it or not, these cards are now organized in a manner that has never been known in human history. That’s what fifty-two factorial means: 52 times 51 times 50 … and so on down to 1. That number is 8.63 with 64 zeros after it! That number is greater than the number of stars in the universe! It’s 2 times greater than the droplets of water that fill every ocean on earth, 5 times greater than the grains of sand in every desert on the planet. This is all true, mind-blowing stuff! And you are about to make it even more amazing! Ready?”
Marilyn nods yes.
“From the top of the deck, deal off any small number of cards. Less than10.” She deals 6 cards.
“Give those a good shuffle and pull out any one of them.” She extracts one card and turns it face up. It is the 4 of hearts.
“This is a very important card – the ‘starter card’ – as it sets off a series of statistically disconnected events. Are you OK with this card? You can exchange it for any other card on the table. But I’ll only let you have one switch-out.” Marilyn decides to exchange it for another face-down card. She selects one, turns it face up and you place it on top of the 4H. This card is the 7 of spades.
“OK. So, we start with a random card with a value of 7. Please pick up the rest of the deck and on top of the 7, deal 7 cards face-down and turn that 7th card face up.” Your volunteer deals six cards face down on top the 7 of spades and then places the 7th card face up. This time, it’s the King of hearts.
“I’ll give you one more chance to add a few more zeroes to that already ridiculously impossible number. You can swap out the King for another of your unused cards on the table thus rearranging the number yet again. Or we can just keep the King and carry on.” Marilyn decides to keep the King. She deals down 13 more cards and turns the 13th face up. This process continues until eventually, she turns up a 7 of hearts. At this point, she cannot continue, as there are less than the correct number (7) of cards remaining in her hand.
“So, we must stop at this point as you cannot deal down any further.” You turn the few remaining cards face up to show all the cards Marilyn could have stopped at.
“As we now know, we could have wound up with any of the 52 cards in the deck as predicated by fifty-two factorial and the immutable laws of mathematics. But you ended up with this specific card – the seven of hearts. Oh … there is one more interesting fact about 52-Factorial...” With that, you unclip and snap open the info card. On the inside is an 8 x 10-inch reproduction of the seven of hearts.
Supply your own deck of cards. We will supply the rest.


“There is pleasure in the contemplation of the object one desires; there is a pleasure in tasting, touching, hearing, or seeing the object; and there is a pleasure in the remembrance of the object enjoyed.” –Michael Curtis
The 1977 edition of The New Larousse Gastronomique has a particular heft to it, a bulk in your hands that renders the fragility of its binding somewhat ironic. Nothing breaks the solid reddish brown of its cover except the title in thick, serif lettering. Despite the cliché, this book’s outward appearance exemplifies the nature of its contents: elegant, simple, and to-the-point. For instance:
“Roast potatoes. Peel big, long potatoes, and put them into a sauté pan in which some butter or lard has been heated. Season with salt. Cook in the oven, basting frequently, until golden all over.”
Though basic, this recipe evokes the profound: that provocative bite of potato, a little crunchy on the edges but with soft, buttery flavor inside. Amid such classics, the Larousse strives for comprehensiveness, even as a single volume. It contains methods for preparing an astonishing number of ingredients far less universal than tubers:
“Devilled sheep’s (lambs’) tongues. LANGUES DE MOUTON D’AGNEAU, à la diable – Braise the tongues and leave to cool in their stock. Cut them in half and spread each half with mustard seasoned with a touch of cayenne pepper. Baste with butter. Dip in breadcrumbs, pour butter over them and grill slowly.”
Though lambs’ tongues have never graced my kitchen, if ever they do, I will know this method. And “method” describes it in a way that “recipe” does not. Many entries, like these, contain no measurements and no times or temperatures, only the outline of a concept an experienced cook can use to recreate a particular dish. One’s culinary skills, like muscle, get into better shape the more one uses the book. But the Larousse’s practical content only speaks to the most obvious of the three kinds of pleasure it provides.
I am this book’s fourth owner, and it is older than I am. My cousin Michael gave it to me thinking that I would use it prolifically, and perhaps sensing that I might have an appreciation for its eccentricities. The book had belonged to Michael’s father Greg, a logging mechanic with exceptional gourmet cooking abilities. While I never met Greg, his legacy continues its markedly fantastic impact through the many members of his extended family I know, and through the stories they tell about Greg around campfires over adult beverages, frothy in nature and otherwise. Greg had originally given the book as a gift to his father-in-law Gordon, who used the book to learn and apply methods of pickling. Greg’s giving to Gordon, an engineer who many describe as irreverent, a somewhat pretentious and highfalutin French book about gastronomy and cuisine seems wonderfully campy. This history, the book’s significance as a family heirloom and the undeserved honor I have in being its present owner, constitutes a second pleasurable level to appreciate.
Finally, I cannot overstate the Larousse’s bookness. It saddens me when I see vibrant and interesting cookbooks available for Kindle, a format that reduces them to nothing more than ephemeral content on an aggressively marketed portable electronic device. I understand the benefit of a Kindle: being able to have an entire library on a tiny, lightweight object. For traveling with reading material, and for those with limited space for bookshelves, this benefit makes good, practical sense. But if pleasure is important, give me a physical book. Let me look at its cover and feel the pages on my fingers. Let me see it on the shelf as I pass by so that it reminds me of the time in my life when I first read it, and of how I came to have it. If I did not walk past the Larousse every day, I would not pick it up and find passages like this one, which appears next to a black and white drawing of a long-legged wading bird:
“AGAMI (Trumpeter) – A bird of the wader family of which the Guiana agami is typical. Its flesh has appreciable merit. The agami is used in cookery mainly in South America, boiled in consummé or braised with rice. Its flesh has a pleasant flavour but is rather dry, although less so in the domesticated bird.”
Or this one, part of the Larousse’s section about Canadian cuisine:
“The Huron and Iroquoi Indians cooked their beans in the embers, and lived mainly on a porridge made of water and crushed in maize, to which they added fish or meat. However, pork trotter stew is said to be of Indian origin.”
That 1977 Larousse is the first reference I consult when I need culinary guidance, even before the ubiquitous internet, and the first book I pull from the shelf when I have 2 free minutes and want to make good use of them. It is, in the best and fullest sense, a book.


If you’re looking for an intimate venue in New York City that feels completely one-of-a-kind, then you might already be thinking about Brooklyn. Tucked away from the bustling city streets and scattered throughout colorful boroughs there are countless remodeled warehouses, factories, and shops, each offering their own unique flavor. But tracking down the perfect intimate venue or event space can be challenging, so we compiled a list of some of the most interesting and stand out places that we could find. Of course, we think that our Regency Space is awesome. But we also recognize that it’s not the right vibe for every event. So without further ado, here are 13 unique venues we have curated for you.
1. Brooklyn Botanic GardenIs your ideal venue a pristine garden? If so, then this might be this place for you. Brooklyn Botanic Garden looks like it belongs in a utopia, and is full of interesting plants and educational signage. Their mission– “Brooklyn Botanic Garden is an urban botanic garden that connects people to the world of plants, fostering delight and curiosity while inspiring an appreciation and sense of stewardship of the environment.”
2. Brooklyn Art Library
For lovers of books, art and the culturally unique, what could be more charming than a crowdfunded library of more than 35,000 sketchbooks, journals, diaries, and memoirs? As they describe themselves “Brooklyn Art Library is all about humans sharing stories. We are building a global time capsule to help articulate, in an analog way, our collective creative thoughts.”
Did you know that the been to the largest rooftop garden in the world is in Brooklyn? At Brooklyn Grange, you get secret urban garden vibes with a view of dazzling Manhattan skyline. Not just for looks, this venue produces over 80,000 lbs of organically-cultivated produce per year. Brooklyn Grange “provides several key ecosystem services, and partners with numerous non-profit and community service organizations throughout New York to promote healthy and strong local communities.” So when you rent this awesome space, you’ll know that you are also supporting a good cause. Win-win!
4. Wythe Hotel
The Wythe Hotel is a gorgeous boutique hotel with original masonry, handmade tiles, and a European-styled courtyard makes a charming background for any gathering. With seven spaces to choose from in this “distinctly Williamsburg chic building”, there are plenty of options to choose from. Two of the spaces feature floor to ceiling windows with picture-postcard views of the Manhattan Skyline and outdoor terrace space. Nice.
5. Brooklyn Winery
If your idea of a good time is eating great food and drinking wine made on-site of boutique urban winery, then look no further than the Brooklyn Winery. This unique and romantic space is set in the heart of Williamsburg, one of the borough’s most vibrant and creative neighborhoods. The sophisticated space also comes with an experienced staff and their full-service experience to help with whatever event you are planning.
Pilot is a hundred-year-old wooden schooner that’s parked at the Brooklyn Bridge Park. It’s been converted to a seasonally operated oyster and cocktails bar though it retains all of its antiquated charm. You can rent the entire boat for 150 people, opt for the semi-private option of a cocktail party for up to 30 guests or a private dining event at the Captain’s Table for a smaller group of about a dozen. If you want a taste of the boat’s history, here’s a quote from their website– “Over the course of Pilot’s nearly 100-year history, she’s led many lives: as a contender to be the fastest sailboat in the world, as the country’s longest-serving pilot ship, as a ferry for soldiers in World War II, and as a research vessel that circumnavigated the world twice.”
7. Brooklyn Historical Society
If you’re looking for ambiance, how about renting a historical landmark for your event? Between the cast-iron columns, restored wooden ceilings and floors and a carved wooden library and staircase, every aspect of this polished gems gleams with sophistication. In their own words, their mission– “Brooklyn Historical Society connects the past to the present and makes the vibrant history of Brooklyn tangible, relevant, and meaningful for today’s diverse communities, and for generations to come.”
Located just under the Manhattan Bridge, the Celestine is a LEED Gold Certified Eastern Mediterranean restaurant and events space feature floor-to-ceiling windows that look out to the Manhattan downtown skyline. Both the dining room and the terrace are available for private events, suitable for groups of 90 or 40 guests respectively. The food is “seasonal, soulful fare that draws inspiration from the Mediterranean coastline, Northern Africa, and the Middle East.” Yum.
9. Cook Space
Cook Space is a culinary studio in New York City designed to “foster and build confidence in the kitchen – in an atmosphere where guests feel welcome, inspired, and emboldened to experiment.” This culinary studio and kitchen host all sorts of classes and workshops. It can also be rented out for private events of up to 60 guests, including classes customized for your event.
10. Jalopy Theater
Not only is this of New York City’s most beloved small music venues, the Jalopy Theater can also be used to hosts events. They are known for their folk music scene and tasty pub food, but this also a great option for small-scale meetings in a charming setting. Since this theater is used for concerts, they also have advanced sound and light capacities. This 1,000 square foot theater is a great choice for parties, performances, and fundraisers.
11. Regency Space
We would be remiss not to mention our own event space, Regency! 2,200 sq ft of a renovated warehouse filled with skylights, plants, and modern decor. We have a black room and a white room, both of which have their own unique style. We also AV equipment such as speakers, projector, etc.


Dive into a world of creativity and inspiration as we celebrate the extraordinary talents of Northville High School's artists! The Northville Art House proudly hosts the annual showcase of the best and brightest from the NHS International Baccalaureate (IB) Art program.
Main Gallery Extravaganza: Step into the heart of artistic innovation as 29 IB Art students unveil their masterpieces in the main gallery and lower level classroom. Marvel at the diverse range of styles, techniques, and concepts on display, each piece a testament to the students' dedication and vision. Click through the IB Art 2024 Exhibition here and learn about each artist and a description about their pieces.
Virtual Showcase: Explore the digital realm of creativity with the 2024 NHS Student Art Exhibition. Immerse yourself in a virtual gallery featuring 46 captivating works by 32 talented artists. From the comfort of your own device, witness the power of imagination and innovation in this groundbreaking display.
Accolades: Rated as a Top Metro Detroit Event for March 2024 by HOUR Detroit, this exhibition promises an unforgettable experience for art enthusiasts of all ages.
- Dates: March 19-28, 2024
- Location: Northville Art House
- Admission: Free of charge
- Gallery Hours:
- Tuesday-Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday-Saturday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Learn More: Visit northvillearthouse.org/studentart for more information.
Join us in celebrating the power of art to inspire, uplift, and transform lives. Don't miss this opportunity to witness the future of creativity unfold before your eyes!


Can you send the author your Brady Street recollections?
Many members of JEECS will know of the United Synagogue owned cemetery in Brady Street, a few hundred yards from the street’s junction with Whitechapel Road. . In 2011 the cemetery celebrated its 250th anniversary – having been founded in 1761 – with a ceremony attended by the then Chief Rabbi, Jonathan Sacks.
At about the same time I was fortunate enough to get the support of the United Synagogue Burials Officer, Melvyn Hartog, to begin what became a 5-year photographic project inside the cemetery.
ALL PICTURES COPYRIGHT LOUIS BERK
My interest in the cemetery came about when I commenced working as a teacher at Swanlea School, with which it shares its southern boundary. One day early on in my tenure I looked out a window in the science block and could scarcely believe my eyes. I was looking down into an unmistakable Jewish burial ground. At lunch time the next day I scooted around to the gate and it was from the information I gained there that I was able to connect with Melvyn.
I must admit that when I enquired about doing the project I thought I would be allowed perhaps to visit the cemetery a few times but Melvyn sized me up and down and figured that if I was responsible enough to look after the future of children then I was responsible enough to have a key to the cemetery. This act of trust meant that I was able to let myself into the cemetery whenever I wanted to.
From the start I should explain that my interest in the cemetery is as a landscape photographer. Although there are many interesting headstones and a large number of them do figure in my photography my main interest is capturing what I consider to be a unique ecological environment in the heart of Whitechapel. With the exception of certain ‘cultivated’ areas of Victoria Park there are few natural areas left in Whitechapel.
The purpose of my photography has been to capture the seasonal changes in the cemetery with the headstones as the only permanent feature. I initially thought I would spend a year taking photographs at a regular interval (often very early in the morning before school, or later afterwards). But eventually, I was making special trips at the weekend and during school holidays just to make best use of light or capture specific seasonal events. After the first year I realised that the warm winter of 2011/12 meant that I had no pictures of frost or snow. So, I continued to shoot during the next year – and from there I never really stopped until early this year (2016).
In most cases I used film to capture the ambience of the environment. I believe this has given many of the photographs a timeless feel which digital photographs sometimes struggle to capture.
I would like to use the opportunity to publish my work here to ask JEECS members to help me to complete my work on the cemetery. I have secured a contract to publish my photographs of Brady Street and Alderney Road by Amberley, a small UK publishing house. I would very much like readers of JEECS who may have memories about Brady Street to submit to me their recollections so that I can collate them and present them in the book (which can be anonymously or if you want to be credited, by name). I believe this would add a lot to the record of Brady Street.
Perhaps this is the most important aspect of my work. In the five or so years I have been associated with the cemetery even I have noticed the effect of the passage of time on its fabric. In the last winter a tree collapsed and managed to destroy two headstones where it fell. My photograph is now the only surviving evidence and memory of those two headstones.
It would be a wonderful gift for future generations if we could leave some visual and written memories of this very special place.
Both these headstones were destroyed by a fallen tree in the winter of 2015
If you visit my website, www.louisberk.com and send me your recollections I would be very grateful. If you do not use the internet then if you can send them in writing to JEECS they will pass them on to me. I look forward to hearing from members of JEECS and their families.
Fog in Whitechapel
Water of life
Summer carpet of wildflowers
ALL PICTURES COPYRIGHT LOUIS BERK


Gently break apart the desired amount of weed using a hand-grinder until it’s fine, but not too fine.
Evenly spread weed onto the glass baking dish or sheet pan. Pop in the oven on the center rack for 45 minutes.
Check on the weed frequently while it’s in the oven, gently mixing it every 10 minutes so as to not burn it. You will notice that the color of your herb will change from bright green to a deep brownish green. That’s when you know it has decarboxylated.
In a medium saucepan on lowest heat, add water and butter.
When the butter is melted, add the decarboxylated cannabis. Mix well with a wooden spoon and cover with lid.
Let mixture gently simmer for 4 hours. Stir every half hour to make sure your butter isn’t burning.
After 4 hours, strain with cheesecloth or metal strainer into a container. Let the butter cool to room temperature.
Use immediately or keep in refrigerator or freezer in a well-sealed mason jar for up to six months.


London BitDevs is a community of Bitcoin enthusiasts and professionals interested in discussing and participating in the research and development of Bitcoin and related protocols. We’re a friendly and inclusive group, and all are welcome to join us to learn about Bitcoin.
Our monthly Socratic Seminar events are formatted to foster debate, information sharing and lively discussion. In the weeks preceding the event, discussion topics are collated by meetup members from a variety of sources: pull requests in popular git repositories (e.g. Bitcoin Core, lnd, c-lightning, Joinmarket, Elements Alpha and Electrum), research papers, technical blog posts, IRC logs, network monitors and more. To complete the meeting, members present open source projects, companies, research and other relevant materials. A feedback and Q&A section follow. After the event the group gathers at a nearby venue to socialize.
A newsletter is sent out the day of the event which outlines discussion topics. Archives of discussion topics and presentations can be found in the event descriptions of past meetups. The discussion portion of the event is never recorded. Discussion is technical, but there should be something for everyone - whether this is your first or one-hundredth BitDevs meetup, you should learn something new!
Please contact the organizers through the meetup page if you’d like to present at a future Socratic event or have a recommended topic for discussion. There are different requirements for presentations depending on the nature of the project.


Hello everyone, Nowadays Integration is one of the hot and interesting topic in Information technology which really adds value to any system by linking together different computing systems and software applications physically or functionally, to act as a whole coordinated system.
Microsoft Azure also support integration of IoT devices like Raspberry Pi with one of its feature product called Azure IoT hub.
Below are the prerequisites for both the hardware and software you’ll need:
- A Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ running Windows IoT core platform. The process of setting up your Raspberry Pi with Windows IoT core is simple. There’s a great Getting Started article on the Windows IoT site, so start there if you need to install Windows on your device. The whole process takes less than an hour and requires very little heavy lifting, so if you’re new to IoT, don’t worry the setup process is very basic via a simple wizard.
- Visual Studio 2015 Community.
- The Azure SDK 2.8.2 for .NET, which contains some great new improvements for Web, Mobile, and REST API developers
- An active Azure subscription. If you don’t have an Azure account, create a free Azure trial accountin just a few minutes.
In addition to these items, you’ll also need a network cable or wifi connection to connect your Raspberry Pi to the network. Once it’s connected you’ll be able to deploy code from Visual Studio to the device, debug your code while it’s running live on the device. Ideally, you’ll be able to connect a mouse and keyboard to your Raspberry Pi. I used a wireless mouse/keyboard combination from my desktop computer, but many options exist for enabling human interface devices to your Raspberry Pi.
Create an IoT hub
- Sign in to the Azure portal.
- Select Create a resource> Internet of Things > IoT Hub.
3. In the IoT hub pane, enter the following information for your IoT hub:
- Name: Create a name for your IoT hub. If the name you enter is valid, a green check mark appears.
Important: The IoT hub will be publicly discoverable as a DNS endpoint, so make sure to avoid any sensitive information while naming it.
- Pricing and scale tier: For this tutorial, select the F1 – Free For more information, see the Pricing and scale tier.
- Resource group: Create a resource group to host the IoT hub or use an existing one. For more information, see Use resource groups to manage your Azure resources
- Location: Select the closest location to you.
- Pin to dashboard: Check this option for easy access to your IoT hub from the dashboard.
4. Click Create. Your IoT hub might take a few minutes to create. You can monitor the progress in the Notifications
Now that you have created an IoT hub, locate the important information that you use to connect devices and applications to your IoT hub.
- After your IoT hub is created, click it on the dashboard. Make a note of the Hostname, and then click Shared access policies.
2. In the Shared access policies pane, click the iothubowner policy, and then copy and make a note of the Connection string of your IoT hub. For more information, see Control access to IoT Hub.
Note: You will not need this iothubowner connection string for this set-up tutorial. However, you may need it for some of the tutorials on different IoT scenarios after you complete this set-up.
Register a device in the IoT hub for your device
- In the Azure portal, open your IoT hub.
- Click IoT Devices.
- In the IoT Devices pane, click Addto add a device to your IoT hub. Then do the following:
Device ID: Enter the ID of the new device. Device IDs are case sensitive.
Authentication Type: Select Symmetric Key.
Auto Generate Keys: Select this check box.
Connect device to IoT Hub: Click Enable.
The device ID may be visible in the logs collected for customer support and troubleshooting, so make sure to avoid any sensitive information while naming it.
4. Click Save.
5. After the device is created, open the device in the IoT Devices
6. Make a note of the primary key of the connection string.
Set up Raspberry Pi
Download and install windows 10 IoT core operating system image on to micro SD card up to 8 GB minimum. Remove the micro SD card from your computer when installation is complete. Insert the micro SD card into the Pi and power it up. Pease have a look on SD card requirements for installing windows 10 Iot core.
Connect the sensor to Pi
For this blog post I’m using DHT22 Sensor connected to the Pi. DHT22 sensor used in this model allows you to monitor the temperature and humidity. This DHT22 temperature sensor holds three pins Data, Power in (VCC) and Ground (GND).
Follow the below steps for connecting DHT22 with Raspberry Pi 3 and deploying a sample application on Pi that will take temperature and humidity from environment and will send it to Azure IoT hub event/messages endpoint.
Connecting DHT22 sensor towards Pi:
- Connect the data pin towards GPIO 4 at Pi kit using Jumper wires
- Connect the Power pin towards Power (3.3v PWR) at Pi kit using Jumper wires
- Connect the ground pin at DHT22 towards Ground (GND) at Pi kit using Jumper wires
Refer the following image for connectivity:
Connecting Pi with Monitor:
Connect your Pi kit with monitor and start your device. Make sure that the Pi kit is connected towards Internet.
Build with Visual Studio 2015
Download the solution file from this URL – http://bit.ly/1rtQR55
Open the solution file attached with this article under Visual Studio 2015 and make the following changes:
1. In MainPage.xaml.cs file, first replace DHT11 interface with DHT22 interface and replace Azure IoT hub parameters with yours as shown below:
2. Change the target version towards the version of OS installed at Pi.
3. Change the Deployment platform for Remote Machine and ARM processor. Give the IP address of Pi towards Visual Studio and deploy now.
Find the temperature and humidity at the display connected towards Raspberry Pi and the same data is send to Azure IoT hub that we had created earlier in the step Create IoT Hub.
You’ve run a sample application to collect sensor data and send it to your IoT hub. To see the messages that your Raspberry Pi has sent to your IoT hub, or to send messages to your Raspberry Pi in a command-line interface, see the Manage cloud device messaging with iothub-explorer tutorial.
This is how we can integrate Raspberry Pi with Microsoft Azure cloud. This blog is just a basic but possibilities are numerous where there could be multiple sensors or even multiple Raspberry Pi connected to Azure IoT hub and infrastructure could be built as per your requirements.
Hope you enjoy the blog as IoT skills really matter for a computer scientist and nearly every industry would be infected by it in the future because human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction is minimizing in most industries. We will get back to you with another informative blog soon.


May 7, 2021
Photographer and author Antonio Johnson is on the podcast today to talk about his book, You Next: Reflections in Black Barber Shops, a beautiful photography book profiling the culture of Black Barber Shops and the role they play in the development and identity of Black men. These shops fill the community center, a space of belonging, a center of wellness, and more. This is a fascinating look at identity development, bonding, and individual, societal, and generational racial issues.
Learn more about Antonio's work at www.antonio-johnson.com.
The Broken Brain will be giving out 2 copies of You Next to our next 2 Patreon subscribers. Our new Patreon page at www.patreon.com/brokenbrain has rewards for supporters of the show, and the next 2 official patrons will receive a copy of Antonio's book.


Carson and Mindy Coatney live in Boone, NC and own the popular Stick Boy Bread Company there. All three of their boys play piano and at least two other stringed instruments, which my wife and I revel in as grandparents. Recently they visited acclaimed guitar maker, Wayne Henderson, and I interviewed Mindy about their visit.
Brian: How did you hear about Wayne?
Mindy: His name is well known in the area. We saw him sing locally at a Doc Watson memorial. He was playing with the Kruger Brothers, and one of them said, “I love playing with a Wayne Henderson guitar. After that, everything else sounded like junk.” We went later to where Wayne was signing autographs and asked if we could visit his shop. He said, “Sure, just call first and make sure I’m there.”
Brian: What got you that interested in wanting to visit?
Mindy: The boys (Caleb, Henry, and Wesley) have to do an academic level field trip three times a school year and report on it.
Brian: Where does Wayne live and when did you visit?
Mindy: He lives in Grassy Creek, Virginia–a tiny, rural spot where he was a mail carrier for years even while being a “luthier,” which is a maker of stringed instruments. His fame got around by word of mouth. That’s always been his way even though he’s made a guitar for Doc Watson and Eric Clapton. Doc Watson loved visiting Wayne to play music. Wayne is a classic, good old boy–not in a big rush.
Brian: How did Wayne get started making guitars?
Mindy: He told us his dad was a fiddler. Wayne loved whittling. When a neighbor bought a $100 Martin guitar back in the 1950s, “It was the nicest instrument in six counties. People would come to just get a look at it and listen.” That inspired Wayne, and his neighbor let him trace the guitar and study its construction. He was seventeen at the time. He said, “I used bone from a cow that died on our land to make the parts.”
Brian: Where does he do his work?
Mindy: His shop is next to his house. He told us that in 50 years he’s made over 600 instruments, including mandolins. He said, “I want to make a thousand. That’s how many Stradivarius made.”
Brian: That’s pretty enterprising.
Mindy: Yes, he will have to stay healthy. His wait list is ten years. We learned from Caleb’s guitar teacher, Trevor, that it’s not so much a wait list though. Wayne looks for those who want an instrument the most and persevere in letting him see their desire persistently in creative ways.
Brian: He sounds like the old cliché about the squeaky wheel getting the grease.
Mindy: Yes. Of course you can buy a used Wayne Henderson guitar off the Internet, but the prices are exponentially higher than if he makes you one. He doesn’t sell through stores, so you either buy one from him and have the experience or buy off the Internet and pay the huge price tag. Wayne doesn’t charge anything like you would guess, I think because he wants his fellow musicians to be able to afford a quality guitar. We put in an order with Wayne and hope to have a guitar for Caleb by his high school graduation (he’s eleven now).
Brian: When you went, did you call and then just go drop in?
Mindy: Yes, he sleeps later and does a lot of his work at night because he expects to have people drop in during the day, and he enjoys that. When we got there, he was walking across the yard in jeans and a Red Sox tee shirt (he loves baseball) and had on a ball cap of some kind. He took us to his shop where he keeps several instruments going at different stages.
Mindy: He showed us his shop, and he would tap all around on a guitar under construction. By listening to the acoustics of the wood, he can tell how the sound will be. At first, the guitar is just a box, no neck or strings.
Brian: Did he talk about his wood selection?
Mindy: Oh yes, he’s been “around the world in search of perfect woods.” Once he traveled to Brazil to get wood from an old stump. He wanted the cured part underground.
Brian: Is he a one of a kind, or is there a successor to his work?
Mindy: His daughter Jayne, an environmental attorney, has taken up the craft, and so that’s fun to hear. He’s excited about how talented she is and passionate about being a luthier.
Brian: What did you talk about after seeing the shop?
Mindy: He generously said, “Would you like to see my collection?” We were overwhelmed at this and wanted to see it. It would make a whole, separate article, and I can’t even begin here to describe the variety and sentimental connections he has to the instruments he has collected and preserved, some of them of his own making, like the first guitar he made and later traced down and acquired.
Brian: You’ve described him as so accessible and easy to connect with.
Mindy: He is. After seeing his collection, we said, “The boys brought their instruments and would like to play a few songs for you.” He really liked that and wouldn’t hear of them going to the car to get their instruments. He said, “I’ve got instruments!” He handed Caleb the original Martin that started his career and then handed a banjo to Henry and a guitar to Wesley. He even played with them, pulling out a stand up base.
Brian: I bet you got some video of that!
Mindy: Yes, we did! He’s genuinely excited to see the next generation of those who love mountain music, and he played three or four songs with them.
Mindy: we were there two hours. It was such a real experience, seeing the pile of fast food wrappers in his shop and his Cheerwine pop machine for his favorite soda. He also complimented Caleb’s “pickin,'” which was fun to hear.
Brian: So, you’re hoping by Caleb’s high school graduation? You need to send him some Stick Boy bread.
Mindy: Yes, and we’ll be thinking of other ways to creatively keep on his “list.” He’s got a passion for placing his instruments, and we do too.


Week 13: Close to home
In our blog series ‘Close to home’ Yemeni refugee Ali* and host Robert share their experiences living together. There will be weekly posts about the ups and downs, difficulties, highlights and surprises. This week: Music tastes.
*not his real name.
Robert is many things, dad, dog-lover, Director of Takecarebnb, an organisation that matches newcomers to host families. Every day, he convinces Dutch host families to offer temporary places of stays for refugees with a status. Now that his youngest daughter has passed her final exams, it’s time to put his words into action.
Ali is a refugee from Yemen with big dreams. He loves poetry, chess and can solve a Rubik’s cube in less than a minute. He spent time studying and working in India when it became clear he could not return to Yemen. When travelling to Europe as part of a conference, he visited The Netherlands and knew he wanted to stay.
Robert: I always play music. My daily routine starts with classical music and halfway through the morning I switch to more upbeat genres. My taste is ‘eclectic’ and I move from reggae to eighties rock and from Dutch to Arabic. Arabic? Yes, and that of course is caused by Ali’s stay during this summer. Sometimes he introduces me to artists he likes and sometimes I just look for a playlist on Spotify with Arabic music. For me it’s about the feeling this music brings. Since I don’t understand Arabic I have no idea what a song is about, but I may like the beat, the melody, the voice, the instruments.
Ali: My friends always disagree with my musical taste, so let me confess: I like all types of music, but I especially enjoy lyrics and songs with a distinct rhythm, melody, and harmony. I’m talking about the singers that no one knows about but they sing with their heart and whatever they like.
Music, I believe, is my escape these days. I can fly back home with my imagination, I smile and laugh uncontrollably, and yes, I cry sometimes too. I listen to music when I’m happy and I pause at the lyrics when I’m sad. And I believe all of the songs were written specifically for me, to the point where I convinced myself that I was in love with an imaginary girlfriend.
Ali (cont): I like Arabic, Hindi, English, and Spanish songs, and I’ve recently started listening to Snelle and Jaap Reesema (Dutch songs).
Robert: Playing Arabic music recently had an unexpected effect. I was waiting for Ali to join me for an evening tea and wanted to create a nice, ‘gezellige’ atmosphere. On Spotify I searched with keywords ‘Arabic’ and ‘evening’. The algorithm came up with ‘Late night Arabic coffee’ which sounded like the right list. I started the music and poured another cup of tea. Then Ali joined me. We talked about our weekend, my trip to the beach and his visit to the friend who had recently become a father. And then there were tears in his eyes. ‘This music man.’ He explained that the song was about how nothing stays the same and situations will always change over time. How this gave him hope for his country and that maybe one day he would be able to visit his parents and sisters.
Living together with someone from another country, who was brought up within another culture comes with many surprises. This experience for me mainly illustrated how much we have in common. We all celebrate new life, be it with ‘beschuit met muisjes’ (untranslatable, I’m sorry) or the roasting of a sheep. And we all get touched by music. But it’s so easy to forget that what is just a nice background sound for one person can go straight into the heart of someone else.
Ali: My father loves classical music, and Robert does as well. Waking up to classical music is my new normal, and it’s something I can expect from Robert, but I never expected him to listen to Sudanese music while cooking, or to listen to Fairuz and Mohammed Abdulrahman while having a drink at night.
Music is just like love, a universal language, the emotions it evokes are indescribable, it brings back memories while also creating new ones.


On Saturday we had a pizza party in the evening with some friends (2 of mine - Mako and Ayuka). We made pizza, french fries and decorated a cake. We actually made 2 cakes prior but one kinda failed so we just ate it early. In the evening we played with fireworks too :) After all the food and fireworks we played cards till everyone went home. On Sunday we were going to go swimming but it rained to we went to the Marine World aquarium instead! It was so much fun, and I made a new best friend; a walrus. I think the photos explain the rest.


Boom lake trail near Lake Louise is a heavily trafficked trail both during the summer and winter. It presents very good opportunities for snowshoeing as the trail is well kept. This trail is rated moderate by alltrails.com, which usually means that it is fairly easy with kids that are above 10 years old.
That being said, you can definitely carry a hiking carrier for your child.
You can get to this trail from Calgary in about 2 hours, around 180km. This trail is right off of 93, about 5 minutes after exiting highway 1. It can get pretty crowded during the summer months and hence we recommend arriving early at this highly frequented trail.
It is a start-to-end hike, meaning that you will have to backtrack your way to the start once you reach the end. As per the mile marker, the total length of the hike is about 11 to 12 km right up to the Boom lake. The trail starts off from the parking lot, with a small wooden bridge, to the right of which is the information area for the trail. You can expect a slight gain in the first few kilometers but the trail is well paved and maintained. There is a bigger gain toward the mid-section of the trail but again this is easily manageable.
Most of the trail goes through the forest and during the rainy days, some spots on the trail can get muddy. Caution must be exercised when hiking with kids on this trail. The rocks at the end of the trail, near the lake, can get slippery and must be walked over carefully. On the flip side, when the sun is out and beaming, you can actually go across the rock slide to a small peninsula and break open your food packets and get some rest.
Boom lake at the end of the trail is the actual prize for walking the 12km. The wooded trail opens up in the end to this magnificently beautiful, open vista lake which makes the end magical. There may not be a lot of photo-ops along the way, but the lake at the end will quench your thirst no doubt.
This is a particularly awesome trail for bird lovers, nature educationists, and parents who want to teach their kids a few things about botany. This trail also allows pets on a leash.
There are washroom amenities at the start of the trail, and there is a lodge about 5 minutes from the parking lot. Along the way, you can pick up some snacks and coffee off the highway and pack yourself some nutrition bars for the hike.
This trail can get muddy and hence we recommend wearing hiking boots. During the winter, this is a beautiful trail for snowshoeing and cross country skiing and hence you must dress appropriately. Layer up with a jacket and gloves, and some glove warmers (just in case) and you are good to go.
This trail offers an amazing opportunity for junior high students to experience the magnificence of the Bow valley. Along with that, there are a lot of hiking related elements like safety, survival, compass reading, foraging, cooking that we explore while on this trail. This helps students connect with nature and also connect their curriculum with the real world. The laws of nature, physics, chemistry etc. can all be included in these hiking packages.
Company of adventurers is a Calgary based adventure company founded in 1990. We specialize in offering packages for schools and corporate events. Our current Director of Operations, Bryce Willigar and Program Director, Brett Kolasa are highly dedicated and experienced to bring outdoor adventures to school students and corporate employees in a safe, fun and learning environment.