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those are peices of ceiling flying everywhere, the bar was closed down and everyone was cleared out shortly afterwards.
here's why as told by the FB's drummer Brian Costello
Mutiny shmutiny.
After already having 4 bands on the bill last night, they added a (no joke) SHITTY euro-trash band taking part in some horsecrap "reality" show on MTV Europe where 2 bands travel across America without (in the words of one of the Eurotrash bandmembers telling me) "any money except what they give us at first...no cel phones [oh! the agony!]...and no gas...and no women (ha ha)..."
In the middle of all this, we had our friends KK Ramage play a 10 minute set on equipment already set up. This made Ed nervous (will the Eurotrash band get to play? will the Mutiny be shown on MTV Europe?). Technically (technically) this made 6 bands, but not really.
As we were about to play, Ed gave us an ultimatum: either the Eurotrash band plays right now, or the show is over.
This is after years of supporting this dumpy ass bar, both as a patron and as a member of the Functional Blackouts, and never getting paid cash money while the bar makes a KILLING.
I always knew Ed was more of a "business man" about the whole thing, but even that was idiotic, when 40 people walk out in the middle of the Eurotrash band's set because they sound like 8 kajillion other commercial bands and go home instead of spending their money and being entertained by what they paid no admission to see.
This move clearly shows the Mutiny doesn't give a damn when all's said and done about local music, and they can't distinguish between decent local bands and lame commercial shit from Holland.
I'm sober by the way, and slept on this before posting this, and I'm still amazed at how ridiculous it is, and, in the big picture, how totally corny and uptight 99% of Chicago's "music venues" are in the face of so much diverse and exciting music happening right now. Why is the Empty Bottle the only club consistently supporting EVERYTHING happening in this city?
So...I have no intention of going to the Mutiny ever again, and I would ask all bands to find other places to play. I know it's tough, believe me, but find a place that pays you in more than beer. I used to be one of the Mutiny's biggest supporters, but not anymore.
This is from mid summer (I finished the car 2 days before I left for college). It gives you an idea of what can be done in 1.5 months when you're really committed to something.
Tutorial on Instructables: www.instructables.com/id/Functional-LEGO-Nutcrackers/
With a simple pull of the lever, these decorative figures can open and close their jaws like authentic nutcrackers!
Both of these models were built in the recent weeks leading up to Christmas. The design was pretty straightforward, but two major issues were making the faces look good, and finally getting the hats right. In fact, the green nutcracker's crown took the longest to figure out, and was finally made with hinge plates.
As mentioned in the tutorial, although these can in fact function as real nutcrackers, they're somewhat rickety and best suited for holiday decorations.
Wheel thrown and made of stoneware. Glazes made by me, layered for varied effect. Fired to cone 6 in my electric kiln.
Knitted with the wool that doesn't felt very good so it's partly felted. It's very coarse and strong. I first hand-dyed the wool and then knitted tha bag. At the end I added the lining and crocheted 2 flowers and added them as embellishment. The closure is a button covered with red felt.
City‑Park Grad was conceived in the late 2000s as a multi‑functional mega‑centre combining retail, entertainment, and cultural attractions. Its developers aimed to create a destination comparable to Western and Asian leisure complexes, offering experiences beyond traditional shopping.
The Oceanarium was planned as the flagship attraction—an educational and recreational facility that would elevate the complex from a commercial centre to a regional cultural landmark. Construction began shortly after the mall’s initial phases, with the Oceanarium opening to the public in 2011–2012.
The Oceanarium occupies a large, purpose‑built section of City‑Park Grad, designed to house complex aquatic systems. Its architecture reflects the functional requirements of modern marine exhibition centres:
Reinforced structural zones to support massive water tanks.
Advanced filtration systems capable of maintaining diverse aquatic environments.
Thematic interior zones recreating oceans, tropical rivers, coral reefs, and Arctic waters.
Panoramic viewing tunnels allowing visitors to walk beneath swimming sharks and rays.
Multi‑level layout enabling vertical exhibits such as deep‑water tanks and aviaries.
The design emphasises immersion, guiding visitors through a sequence of environments that simulate global marine ecosystems.
Shelburne, Vermont USA • Shelburne Farms is one of the finest examples in the nation of a late 19th - 20th Century model farm and country estate. Created for Dr. William Seward and Lila Vanderbilt Webb, the estate is noted for its exemplary agricultural, architectural, and landscape design achievements. – National Historic Landmark plaque.
• A farm and country estate constructed from c.1886 to 1915, Shelburne Farms consists of approximately 1,300 acres of designed and agricultural landscape and significant wood-framed and masonry buildings representative of a combination of Shingle and Queen Anne styles. Four major buildings and 78 secondary buildings, structures, and sites are situated in functional groupings between broad expanses of cleared agricultural fields with rolling hills and isolated softwood plantations, hardwood and softwood forests, gardens, and rocky lakeshore. Eleven and a half miles of curvilinear interior roads and eight miles of walking trails traverse the varied farm and estate landscape, connect the resources, and provide views and vistas of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains to the west and the Green Mountains to the east. Shelburne Farms lies at elevations between approximately 95 feet and 392 feet a.m.s.l. [above mean sea level]. Lone Tree Hill, the highest point on the property, rises from the center of the property and features panoramic views over the fields and forests to the lake and mountain ranges – From the Landmark Nomination form.
• Shelburne Farms is a nonprofit environmental education center and National Historic Landmark on the shores of Lake Champlain in Shelburne, Vermont. It is also one of the principal concert sites for the Vermont Mozart Festival.
Shelburne Farms was created in 1886 by Dr. William Seward Webb and Eliza Vanderbilt Webb as a model agricultural estate. They commissioned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted [and forester Gifford Pinchot,] to guide the layout of 3,800 acres (15 km2) of farm, field and forest, and New York architect Robert Henderson Robertson, to design the buildings. Shelburne Farms was incorporated as a nonprofit educational facility in 1972. Nearly 400 acres (1.6 km2) of sustainably managed woodlands received Green Certification from the Forest Stewardship Council in 1998.
The Shelburne Farms grass-based dairy supports a herd of 125 purebred, registered Brown Swiss cows. Their milk is made into an award-winning farmhouse cheddar cheese. The farm serves as an educational resource by practicing rural land use that is environmentally, economically and culturally sustainable. Visitors may enjoy the walking trails, children’s farmyard, inn, restaurant, property tours and special events. – From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
☞ On August 11, 1980, this Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places (#80000330).
☞ On January 3, 2001, the National Park Service designated this Historic District a National Historic Landmark (#80000330), making it the newest Landmark in Vermont.
National Historic Landmarks are nationally significant historic places designated by the Secretary of the Interior because they possess exceptional value or quality in illustrating or interpreting the heritage of the United States. Today, fewer than 2,500 historic places bear this national distinction. – [And one of only 17 in Vermont.] – Working with citizens throughout the nation, the National Historic Landmarks Program draws upon the expertise of National Park Service staff who work to nominate new landmarks and provide assistance to existing landmarks.
National Historic Landmarks are exceptional places. They form a common bond between all Americans. While there are many historic places across the nation, only a small number have meaning to all Americans -- these we call our National Historic Landmarks. – from the National Park Service.
• More info: The GeoHack for 44°23′31.69″N 73°15′26.04″W. ∞ Here are the websites for Shelburne Farms, and The Inn at Shelburne Farms. ∞ Here's a nice aerial shot from the Find a Museum page by folks at The Vermont Museum and Gallery Alliance.
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In July, 2010, I started a project to visit and document all seventeen Landmarks in Vermont. Here they are (in order of designation by the National Park Service):
[01] 09/22/60 – JUSTIN S. MORRILL HOMESTEAD, Strafford, Orange County
[02] 01/28/64 – TICONDEROGA (Side-paddle-wheel Lakeboat), Shelburne, Chittenden County
[03] 06/23/65 – CALVIN COOLIDGE HOMESTEAD DISTRICT, Plymouth Notch, Windsor County
[04] 12/21/65 – EMMA WILLARD HOUSE, Middlebury, Addison County
[05] 11/13/66 – ROBBINS AND LAWRENCE ARMORY AND MACHINE SHOP, Windsor, Windsor County
[06] 06/11/67 – GEORGE PERKINS MARSH BOYHOOD HOME, Woodstock, Windsor County
[07] 05/23/68 – ROBERT FROST FARM, Ripton, Addison County
[08] 12/30/70 – VERMONT STATEHOUSE, Montpelier, Washington County
[09] 11/28/72 – MOUNT INDEPENDENCE, Orwell, Addison County
[10] 12/20/89 – STELLAFANE OBSERVATORY, Springfield, Windsor County
[11] 11/04/93 – NAULAKHA (Rudyard Kipling House), Dummerston, Windham County
[12] 06/19/96 – OLD ROUND CHURCH, Richmond, Chittenden County
[13] 06/19/96 – ST. JOHNSBURY ATHENAEUM, St. Johnsbury, Caledonia County
[14] 12/09/97 – ROKEBY, Ferrisburgh, Addison County
[15] 05/16/00 – ROCKINGHAM MEETING HOUSE, Windham County
[16] 05/16/00 – SOCIALIST LABOR PARTY HALL, Barre, Washington County
[17] 01/03/01 – SHELBURNE FARMS, Shelburne, Chittenden County
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☞ More photos of this and other National Historical Landmarks.
I know running shoes are not designed to be pretty, but I thing I just bought to most ugly pair available! Are your shoes even worse? Prove me, I don't believe a thing about it :)
a different view of the peeling, brightly colored wooden row boat resting anchored 20ft off the white sand beaches of negril, jamaica at dusk. It seems like it has been there for a while, considering all of the algae which has accumulated on the bottom.
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The somewhat functional structure of Edge Hill Power box taken on 8th September 2017. The box was built in 1961 but now contains a much later 'NX' panel. The BR(M) maroon enamel sign dates from the 1960s. Edge Hill box is scheduled for closure in 2018 under the Liverpool South resignalling scheme. Several of these boxes were built in the 1960s to the same style, Weaver Jn and Manchester Victoria East to name another two. They were designed to have the top operating floor removed and be used as a remote interlocking controlled from elsewhere. To date, only Weaver Jn was re-controlled, into the LNWR box at Winsford!! Photo: Ivan Stewart (with NR permission).
Looking ESE from about 1 mile off trail. Redwall over Surprise Valley at left, Tapeats Creek canyon running center distant then turning right across center middle ground, and the Colorado River canyon running right to distnant mid right.
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Mũi Né is a coastal fishing town in the Bình Thuận Province of Vietnam. The town, with approximately 25,000 residents is a ward of the city of Phan Thiết. Mui Ne and the other wards of Phan Thiet that stretch along the coast for approximately 50 kilometers have been transformed into a resort destination since the mid 1990s, when many visited the area to view the solar eclipse of October 24, 1995. Most notably, tourism has developed in the area from the city center to Mũi Né, which has more than a hundred beach resorts, as well as restaurants, bars, shops and cafes.
Mũi Né ward has two beaches; Ganh Beach and Suoi Nuoc Beach, both with a number of resorts and a few shops and restaurants. But the most highly developed area is Rang Beach in Ham Tien ward, which extends west of Mui Ne. Strong sea breezes make all three beaches very popular for kitesurfing and windsurfing. The tourist season is from December to April The average temperature is 27 °C, and the climate is hot and dry much of the year.
____________________________________________
Mui Ne is a traditional fishing town in Binh Thuan Province that became a ward of the City of Phan Thiet in 1999. The name Mui Ne is often erroneously used as the general name for the main resort area in Phan Thiet along Mui Ne Bay, 220 km northeast of Ho Chi Minh City (South Vietnam).
Mui Ne is a coastal fishing community in Bình Thuận Province which is part of the South Central Coast of Vietnam. The town, with approximately 25,000 residents is a ward of the city of Phan Thiết. Mui Ne and the other wards of Phan Thiet that stretch along the coast for approximately 50 km have been transformed into a resort destination since the mid 1990s, when many discovered the area during the solar eclipse of October 24, 1995. Most notably, tourism has developed in the area from the city center of Phan Thiet to Mui Ne, including Phu Hai and Ham Tien wards along Phan Thiet Bay. The dense resort area along Phan Thiet Bay and beyond now boasts over two hundred beach resorts and hotels, as well as guest houses, backpacker hostels, restaurants, bars, shops and cafes.
In 2018 the Prime Minister approved the master plan to develop Mui Ne (Binh Thuan) as a National Tourist Site with a size of around 14,760 ha by 2025, with an orientation towards 2030.
An area of 1,000 ha has been defined as a core area for the establishment and development of functional areas for the tourism sector. Mui Ne National Tourism Site will be developed in an environmentally responsible way with a focus on protecting existing natural resources and environments, landscapes, and in particular the ecosystem in the Bau Trang tourist area (White Sand Dunes) as well as the sand dunes along the sea shore.
UNDERSTAND
Northeast of Phan Thiet the coastal road climbs over the slope of a Cham tower-topped hill and descends into the long, sandy crescent of Mui Ne Bay. The formerly little-inhabited beach southwest of the historic fishing village of Mui Ne proper has seen some serious development in the last 15 years. Now it is a 15 km long strip of resorts that line up like pearls on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, shaded by coconut palms. The main resort strip lies between the addresses of 2 and 98 Nguyen Dinh Chieu and is called Ham Tien. Like Mui Ne it is now a ward of the city of Phan Thiet which stretches over 50 km of coastline to the south and to the west of the original city center of Phan Thiet.
At the shoreline, nature moves the sand around, much to the dismay of some developers. Beach sand tends to migrate up and down the coast seasonally, leaving some (but not all) spots with just a concrete breakwater rather than sandy beach. There is always a good sandy beach somewhere along this 15 km beach. Accommodations at higher addresses tend to be smaller and less expensive, somewhat removed from the main tourist section and more mixed in with local life. If a sandy beach is important to you, some research is called for before booking in the area, especially after the tropical storm season. This research is important as without the beach there is little for non-kite-surfers to do in Mui Ne.
Quite a few bargain and "backpacker" hotels have popped up on the inland side of the road, across from the shoreline resorts. If you stay on the inland side, you will need to pass though one of the resorts to reach the beach, which might or might not result in some hassle from the guards. The resorts jealously guard their lounge chairs and palapas, though the beach itself is open to everyone.
Mui Ne Bay has become very popular with Russian tourists. Major Russian tour operators who bring busloads of tourists to Ham Tien and Mui Ne from the airports in Cam Ranh and Ho Chi Minh City have bought up several hotels along the main road and fill them year-round with Russian charter tour groups. English and Russian menus are common in most restaurants, and many stores and hotels are advertising and catering specifically to the Russian-speaking tourists, especially along the lowered numbered area of the strip on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street which some guidebooks have rebaptised "Little Moscow."
GET IN
BY BUS
Most overseas visitors reach Ham Tien and Mui Ne via "open tour" buses that run between Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang. Most depart from Ho Chi Minh City between 07:30 and 09:00 (07:30 for Sinh Cafe's air conditioned bus) and arrive at Ham Tien and Mui Ne at about 13:00. In the opposite direction, buses typically depart from Mui Ne and Ham Tien around either 14:00 or 02:00 and arrive in Ho Chi Minh City approximately five hours later. Joe's Cafe is a good place to catch an outgoing night bus as it offers full service all night and you never know how late the bus will be. Outside Ho Chi Minh City, the coach will stop at a petrol station with a large shop and stalls selling snacks, drinks, and fruit.
The buses stop in the heart of the tourist strip in Ham Tien, so there is no need to take a taxi. The cost is about 105,000 dong each way, and tickets are sold all over the tourist districts of both Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang. If you are traveling to Ho Chi Minh City from Mui Ne and Ham Tien, you will most likely be put on an already full bus traveling from Nha Trang. As you are not assigned a seat, you may not be able to sit with any traveling companions, and at some of the less scrupulous travel agents you may not even get a real seat. You might get a mat at the back of the bus with four other people.
Public buses from both destinations also travel to the Mui Ne area, though finding the departure stations and figuring out the schedule is difficult for visitors. It's not worth the trouble unless you have a strong need to depart at a different time of day other than when the open tour bus leaves. Travel agencies play dumb because they don't earn anything from helping you find a public bus. The main bus station in Phan Thiet is at Từ Văn Tư, Phú Trinh and a taxi from there to the tourist strip can cost more than your bus ticket from HCMC!
BY TRAIN
A train runs daily from Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Thiet, departing around 06:30 and arriving five hours later. The return trip leaves Phan Thiet around 13:30. The cost is quite modest at around 60,000 dong per person each way (similar to the bus). The train station in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon Railway Station) is in District 3, about 3 km from the centre. The railway station in Phan Thiet is about 5 km (80,000 dong taxi ride) from the beginning of the Ham Tien resort strip, and taxis are abundant to take you there. The railway also sometimes runs a mid-sized bus from the station to Mui Ne for 25,000 dong per person. Tickets are sold on the train, though the announcement might be made in Vietnamese only, and you need to watch carefully for the ticket sellers to pass by.
The train has regular carriages operated by the state railways, and sometimes other carriages booked and operated by private companies. The latter have somewhat larger seats for a higher price, but fall short of luxury. The regular carriages are a bit cramped for the Western-sized body. When the train is not full, railway staff usually packs everyone into one carriage, leaving another one empty, and then run a side business selling "upgrades" to the quiet, empty carriage. The entire train will be jammed on holidays.
Overall, the train is probably less comfortable and convenient than the open-tour bus, though it has some advantages. You get a better view of the countryside and avoid the endless honking of horns and lunatic driving of the bus drivers.
BY TAXI
You might consider coming to Mui Ne from Saigon by taxi, instead of open bus. The departure times of the open buses might not suit your schedule. They are also slow sometimes, because the driver makes stops at rather bad restaurants where he receives commission. The ride by taxi takes 4-5 hours, depending on road conditions, and will cost US$70-100, depending on your ability to bargain. Talk to taxi drivers in the airport to get best prices.
Fare from Tan Son Nhut Airport to Mui Ne by SATSCO is US$100/trip.
GET AROUND
You can't get lost in Mui Ne and Ham Tien, since the whole place consists of one long strip along a main street, Nguyen Dinh Chieu. Motorbike taxis are present everywhere and their drivers will bug you each time you leave the hotel or walk along the road. Along the tourist strip it is much cheaper to stop a xe om as long as you know how to bargain. It can be hard for Western tourists to get appropriate prices (10,000-15,000 dong is more than enough to pay for a ride from one place to another along the main strip). Taxis are also abundant, with fares slightly higher than Ho Chi Minh City, but still reasonable (starting at around 20,000 dong).
You can rent motorbikes and bicycles at many resorts and tour agencies. Since traffic is light, motorbikes or bicycles are a pleasant way to explore the surroundings. Motorbikes cost anywhere from 60,000-150,000 dong per day depending on how late in the day you start, how many hours you need, and age/type of motorbike (automatics can cost 230,000 dong). The locals say it's getting harder to rent because of bike thefts and police driving license enforcement. Your hotel might rent to you, which may be a bit more convenient since they already have your passport. Western tourists should avoid taking a rented motorbike to the White Sand Dunes if you are not in the possession of a Vietnamese driver's license. The Mui Ne police is known for stopping all motorbikes on the road leading to Bau Trang (White Lake) and collect at least 1 million dong from any foreigner not able to provide at least an international driver's license.
Be careful when riding a bike in Ham Tien and Mui Ne. Traffic is light, especially during the summer months, but nobody pays any attention to traffic rules. For example, it's common to see Vietnamese riders turning left from the right lane. Also, Vietnamese riders don't stop or even look when entering the main road from secondary one. The increase in big motor coaches shuttling Russain tourists in and out of Ham Tien and the uncontrolled jeeps used to bring hundreds of tourists to the White Sand Dunes every day contribute to increased risks for motorbikes and pedestrians along Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street in particular. Traffic fatalities are not uncommon. Rumors are that up to 30 people die every month in accidents. If you plan to ride a bike here, investment in medical insurance, if you can get it, is a wise move.
Even-numbered addresses are on the sea side of the street, and odd numbers on the inland side. Even and odd addresses are not aligned, thus 39 on the odd side can be several hundred metres from 40 on the even side.
SEE
CHAM TOWER
The Poshanu Cham Tower in Phu Hai ward (Thap Po Sah Inu) is a derelict remainder of the ancient Cham culture that was built in the 8th century. It is still in use for religious and social gatherings by the local Cham population, especially during the annual Kate festival.
Fish Sauce Plants, where the famous nuoc mam (fish sauce) is produced. Big jars harbour the concoction that, after months in the blazing sun, is sold all over Vietnam to add some spice to the food.
The famous Red Sand Dunes (Doi Cat), on the main coastal road a short distance north of the fishing town at the north end of Mui Ne Bay, about 10 km from the main resort strip. The whole region is fairly sandy, with orange sand threatening to blow onto the coastal road in some spots. The dunes that visitors visit are about 50 ha (1/2 km²) of open sand on a hillside with ten-meter undulations, staffed by dusty children with plastic slides, who will offer instruction and assistance if you want to slide on the sand. Caution is recommended since a number of tourists have lost money, cameras or cell phones in the sand or through theft and pick-pocketing on the dunes. The sand dunes offer nice views of the sea coast to the north. On the opposite side of the road are a series of small cafes (illegally built but tolerated by the local police), where you can park your vehicle for a small fee if you ride there on your own. Most day tours sold by local tour operators include a stop at the dunes. The trip by taxi from the main resort strip in Ham Tien is about 170,000 dong each way, and less by xe om. It is reachable by bicycle in 30-45 minutes, passing the Fairy Stream on the way. From the resorts on Malibu Beach (Ganh Beach) it is just a short 5 to 10 minute walk to the bottom of the dunes.
Mui Ne Market (Chợ Mũi Né) and fishing harbor (Lang chai Mui Ne). If you are staying on the resort strip in Ham Tien or Phu Hai wards, don't miss out to visit this once quiet "fishing village" but nowadays bustling town, at the northeast end of Mui Ne Bay. The coastal road leads straight into the town (with a left turn required at the first red light to continue up the coast). If you arrive during the dry "winter" season, don't miss the harbor overlook at the entrance to Mui Ne with a splendid view of hundreds of colorful fishing boats moored in the bay. The boats move to the other side of the "Shelter Cape" (English translation of "Mui Ne") during the monsoon season from May through October, when the wind direction changes from mainly northeast to mainly southwest. Further along into town, just off the main road, there is a colorful local market. If you take your transport just down to the water, you will reach the fishing harbor, where you can purchase fresh seafood (if you have any means to cook it) or purchase steamed crabs, shellfish, etc. to eat on the spot from local vendors. Walking along the beach, you'll pass by fishermen sorting out their catch, ship-wharves and, at the southern end of town, a section where clams have been rid of their shells for many years, so the sand on the beach is by now substituted with littered shells. Be prepared to encounter piles and stretches of rubbish on the beach.
The Fairy Stream (Suoi Tien) is a little creek that winds its way through bamboo forests, boulders and the dunes behind the village, in parts resembling a miniature version of the Grand Canyon. Local children will want to accompany you to show you the way (and of course earn a dollar or so), but since you're just following the stream, there's little need. For the most part, the stream is about ankle-deep and no more than knee-deep even at its deepest. It is sandy with few stones and can be walked comfortably barefooted. You can climb up the red sand hills overlooking the river valley and even walk there parallel to the river, however, the sand may be hot on a sunny day, so bring some footwear. Walking upstream for about 20 minutes, you will reach a small waterfall into at most waist-deep water, great to take a refreshing bath before heading back. To reach the stream, head along the main road towards the east until you cross a small bridge. The stream is underneath, you will see a sign pointing towards a path to the left, go that way to reach an easy place to enter the stream. By bicycle it's about 15 minutes from the main resort strip and shouldn't be more than 20,000 dong by xe om. You can enter somewhere along the beach or at the bridge where you will be charged 10,000 dong for entry (although entrance is officially free) and 5,000 dong for motorcycle parking.
The White Sand Dunes are approximately 45 km away from the Ham Tien tourist strip to the northeast, and some 24 km from the Red Sand Dunes and nearby resorts on the east side of the Mui Ne peninsula (GPS 11.068254 108.428513). Trips are offered by any tourist agency along the resort stretch for 4x4 or quad drives, as well as by some resorts with their own vehicles. While too far away for a bicycle trip especially in summer, a motorbike trip can bring you there. Make sure to bring an international driver's licence if you do not own a Vietnamese one (driving without Vietnamese driver's license is illegal in Vietnam), the local police is well-known for stopping foreigners on motorbikes on their way to and from the White Sand Dunes and extort a fine (up to 1 million dong) or sometimes even confiscate the motorbike. Entrance is a 10,000 dong fee.
DO
KITE SURFING
Kitesurfing is offered by many outfitters and hotels. Kite surfing instruction is available, starting at US$60/hour, beginners package of 7 lessons start at US$350. From November till March you generally will have strong winds every day. The Winds in Mui Ne emerge by thermal movements, after the shores got warmed by the sun. You will have perfect wind everyday from 11:00 until the late evening. Gusty winds are seldom. With strong winds, the sometimes choppy waves can be as high as 4 m and more. The water is free of rocks, which makes it relatively safe to kite. However in the peak season there up to 300 kiters in the water at the same time. Beginners and Students, who mainly practice close to the beach front makes things a bit more dangerous. So watch out for other kitersurfers and swimmers and control the speed, in particularly because swimmers are difficult to see when waves are high. Accidents between kitesurfers or between kitesurfers and Swimmers happen from time to time and medical facilities are limited in terms of their equipment and abilities.
There are several kitesurfing schools along the beach, which all employ beach boys who will help you to start and launch the kite. It is widely common to tip the beach boys with US$1/day. If you bring your own equipment and don't want to carry it from and to your hotel every day, you can store it at one of the kitesurfing schools for US$20/week or US$60/month, including usage of their compressors and shower facilities.
If you are a beginner but already can practice independent without an instructor, you might avoid the area around Sunshine Beach Hotel/Sankara/Wax, because there are too many kite surfers and swimmers which may lead to accidents, particularly if you can not fully control the kite. Try the western part of beach front around the Kitesurfing School Windchimes. There are less kiters in this area and you can practice without bringing you and others into danger.
There is a place called "wave spot" or "Malibu beach" (10.92676, 108.29500). It is suitable only for intermediate/advanced kiters, but its much less crowded there.
OTHERS
All-terrain vehicle. You can ride one on white sand dunes.
Cooking classes, 400,000 dong/hr. If you want to learn to cook Vietnamese food, check cooking classes near C2SKY kitesurfing school (opposite Kim Shop). You will learn to cook pancakes, Pho Bo soup, shrimp salad and fresh spring rolls. All ingredients are ready, you'll just mix them under supervision of Vietnamese cook.
Day tours, US$10-13. Travel agents and restaurants abound with day tour offerings. The standard half day tour takes in the fishing village, fairy stream, and the red and while sand dunes. Tours normally start at either 17:00 or 14:30 so you can watch the sunrise/sunset over the sand dunes.
Balloon riding, ☏ +841208536828, ✉ booking@vietnamballoons.com. 05:00-08:00. Mui Ne is the only place in Vietnam where you can fly hot air balloons. A balloon company has European management, balloons, and pilots. Most flights take place over white sand dunes. When the winds in dunes are too strong, flights take place from Phan Thiet city centre. (updated Jan 2018 | edit)
Sailing, 108 Huynh Thuc Khang. Manta Sail Training Centre was newly founded in 2010 and water sport has been gaining popularity since then. Classes are available at US$50/hour for individuals with certified international and local instructors. The sailing area is safe, quiet, with no swimmers and only a few advanced kitesurfers. edit
Surfing. Sometimes you get good waves in mornings of windy season. Lessons, day trips and rentals are available, don't hesitate to ask around. While Mui Ne is not the best destination for surfing, it can be good place to give it a try.
Swimming. The sea is wonderfully warm, but it can be quite rough, with large waves and a strong rip tide. When the tide is in, there is not much of a beach to speak of. When wind is blowing it can be quite chilly to even think of swimming. The area between kilometre markers 11 and 13 has the largest stretch of enduring sandy beach. Since large waves normally emerge after 11:00 you might prefer to swim in the early morning hours, when the water is flat and free of Kitesurfers. Most mid-range and top-end resorts have swimming pools for their guests. Some are open for day users starting at 80,000 dong per day. But you can always behave as guest from this hotel and buy a few drinks for these 80,000 dong.
Water sports. Most outfitters offer a host of water sports including kayaking, paddle surfing, and jet ski rental.
Windsurfing. If you like to do some windsurfing, go to eastern part of Mui Ne. Starting from Hai Au resort, there are some hotels that are offering good place to water start, rent or store your gear.
BUY
Along the Mui Ne strip are several small nameless shops; all selling the same sundries and souvenirs. You can find packaged snacks (Oreos, cakes, biscuits, ice cream, etc.), liquor, clothing, and souvenirs.
Anything beyond very basic necessities should be brought with you. There is a small pharmacy, but it would be wise to bring your own first aid kit.
Standard souvenirs offered include wooden and lacquered bowls, wooden statues, snake whiskey, and pearl necklaces. Compared with Ho Chi Minh City, souvenirs are almost five times more expensive in Mui Ne. The same small wooden bowl selling for US$3 in HCMC is US$14 in Mui Ne.
Several travel agencies along the strip also double as used book stores. Most have a few shelves of English books, along with a small selection in German and French. Books cost 80,000-100,000 dong and most shops will give a 50% discount if you trade in a book.
Coop Mart, Phan Thiet (corner of Nguyen Tat Thanh and Tran Hung Dao), ☏ +84 62 3835440, +84 62 3835455. 08:00-21:30. A large, Western-style grocery store that also sells books, jewellery and necessities.
EAT
Every resort area in Ham Tien and Mui Ne is surrounded by restaurants specializing in seafood. The food is invariably fresh, well-prepared, and served in friendly and interesting surroundings. By all means get out of your hotel and try one of the local restaurants. The best restaurants are a motorbike ride away, found outside of the tourist/resort district on the ocean.
1 Bo Ke Street (Go to the fishing village past the Tien Dat Hotel until you see many small cafes near seashore). This is a street full of local cafes that serve BBQ seafood. Prices are very cheap and choice is wide. Scallops with onion and garlic sauce are must-to-have here. If you're a fussy about hygiene, don't bother coming here. edit
Joe's (The Art Cafe), 86 Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Ham Tien (Across from Shades Resort), ☏ +84 62 374 3447. 24 hr daily. Joe's is the only place open 24/7 in Mui Ne. It's a cosy old farmhouse cafe offering Western fare. A Canadian developed the menu, and the pancakes with maple syrup (50,000 dong including coffee) are great. The sandwiches with home cut fries and salad (60,000 dong) are also recommended. Two movies are shown each evening in the pillow-filled loft. Free Wi-fi, exhibits and live performances. A great place to have your bus pick you up at 02:00 when you head out and great for a chill spot for after party breakfast or a romantic glass of wine. A 24-hr supermarket is part of the complex. Joe is on the strip, offering now even accommodation. Drinks 10,000 - 60,000 dong, meals 50,000 - 120,000 dong. edit
Lâm Tòng, 92 Nguyễn Đinh Chiêu (Right on the beach next to Jibes under some shady palms), ☏ +84 62 384 7598. You can even sit at tables in the sand. There's a little hut with hammocks strung. Try one of the pancakes (bánh xèo) with condensed milk (sữa đặc), the fried fish with lemon, and the chicken fried in fish sauce. edit
2 Pho Bo and sandwiches, Bo Ke St (Go past Bo Ke St in the direction of Pogo Bar, small pavilion on the right). The only place to have food at night (since Joe's doesn't serve food at night anymore). They serve nice sandwiches with chicken and scrambled eggs (30,000 dong). Also you can have pho bo here. edit
3 Santimatti Pizzeria, 83 Nguyen Dinh Chieu St. Classic Italian cuisine. Place is nice looking, with a good atmosphere. Locals and long stayers enjoy a 10% discount with membership card. Owner is on-site, so expect good service. edit
4 Sindbad Kebap, Nguyen Dinh Chieu (opposite Pogo Bar). Good beef/chicken/veggie kebabs, shawarma and tsatsiki. edit
Smoky House, 125 Nguyen Dinh Chieu St. Offers large, high-quality meals, and offers all customers free ice cream. edit
Snow Restaurant, Club and Sushi Bar, 109 Nguyen Dinh Chieu St. 10:00-02:00. Famous for its cool air-conditioned hall that is unique in Mui Ne. European, Japanese, Russian and Vietnamese cuisines, including exotic dishes such as filet of crocodile. Lounge still open after 22:00, cinema-sessions in the evening. Free Wi-Fi, free pool, and free transfer by Taxi Mai Linh to the restaurant and back to hotel. edit
The Terrace Restaurant, 21 Nguyen Dinh Chieu St (in front of Anantara Resort), ☏ +84 62 3741293, ✉ admin@herbalhotelmuinevietnam.com. 08:00-23:00. The restaurant's first floor is fully air conditioned and the terrace on the upper floor is an open concept with a a nice view. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant specializes in sushi, fresh seafood and Vietnamese food and the bar serves beer, wine and cocktails. US$3-15. (updated Jul 2016
DRINK
Deja Vu Restaurant and Shisha Bar, 21 Nguyen Dinh Chieu (Opposite Anantara Resort), ☏ +84 62 374 1160, +84 913327232, ✉ dejavuvn@gmail.com. 11:00 - 24:00. Family restaurant focused on good food and entertainment for all the ages. Daily live music, cozy garden with kids area. Seafood, European food, Vietnamese food, kids menu, exotic food, cocktails, shisha- culture show "Folklore night" (show + dinner) every W 20:00. Exotic food show every F 19:00. edit
DJ Station (El Vagabundo), 120C Nguyen Dinh Chieu (300 m to the right when facing Sinh Cafe). 09:00-03:00. Ocean view terrace area, dining area and large dance floor. Happy hour 18:00-21:00 means selected cocktails are 30,000 dong, and regular priced cocktails are all buy-one-get-one-free. It's a popular backpacker place and usually very crowded weekends. edit
Pogo Bar, 138 Nguyen Dinh Chieu. Popular place once, but you can still expect surfers and expats. Cocktails and buckets are cheap, but not tasty. edit
Mooney's Irish Bar, 121 Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, Phường Hàm Tiến, Thành phố Phan Thiết, Bình Thuận, Vietnam (almost opposite Joe's Cafe), ☏ +84 91 402 65 96. 18:00-02:00. A small establishment run by a genuine Irishman (which marks it out from many 'Irish' pubs in Asia), an affable chap form just outside Dublin. There's a pool table, but the best thing to do is order a beer and have a chat with Liam. (updated Jul 2018 | edit)
The Crown and Anchor, 117c Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Ham Tien Phan Thiet (about 2 minutes from Mooney's Irish Bar.). 16:00-23:45. A new establishment that promises a lot. Great design, long bar, games room with pool, darts and table football. Brian from the English Midlands and Adele from Kyrgyzstan are the friendly hosts. Live sports and Sunday Roasts are popular features. (updated Jul 2018 | edit)
Old Fashioned Bar, 151 Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, Phường Hàm Tiến, Thành phố Phan Thiết, Bình Thuận, ☏ +84 368 307 432. 08:00-03:00. Classic bar. Large territory: bar, hookah, restaurant area, cinema, air-conditioned room of a coffee shop, rooftop. European cuisine. Live music. The largest bar in Muine with the largest selection of coffee, tea, alcohol, cocktails and services. Located near the BOKE site.
SLEEP
Mui Ne and Ham Tien have over 200 accommodations to choose from, in every price category (US$5-200), along the main ocean strip of Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Huynh Thuc Khang ("HTK"). Small guest houses, family-run beach hotels and some big luxury resorts can also be found east of the town center of Mui Ne proper, along the road leading to the Red Sand Dunes, where Ganh Beach offers long sandy beaches and excellent kite-surfing on the east side of the Mui Ne peninsula.
Accommodations at higher addresses of Nguyen Dinh Chieu towards HTK and Mui Ne ward tend to be smaller and less expensive, somewhat removed from the main tourist section in Ham Tien and more mixed in more with local life. If a sandy beach is important to you, some research is called for before booking in that area. Many "beach side" resorts are actually against a sloping cement wall that leads into the sea. The sand itself migrates up and down the long coast seasonally leaving some areas with expansive beaches and others with little at any given time.
A few budget hotels have popped up on the inland side of the road, across from the beach side resorts. If you stay on the inland side, you will need to pass though one of the resorts to reach the beach, which might or might not result in some hassle from the guards. The resorts jealously guard their lounge chairs and palapas, though the beach itself is open to everyone. If all else fails, you can always access a nice sandy stretch of beach via the Wax Bar at 68 Nguyen Dinh Chieu.
Remember that during Tet (Vietnamese New Year), hotels and resorts are booked way in advance.
BUDGET
Go past the Pogo Bar in the direction of the fishing village to find the best budget hotels (as low as US$5 a day for adouble room with air-con).
Bao Trang, Nguyen Dinh Chieu (Turn right when exiting from Sinh Cafe). Small bungalows with a beach frontage. From US$10. edit
Guest House 20, 20 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, ☏ +84 62 374 1440, ✉ guesthouse20@yahoo.com.vn. Very nice guest house on main strip without beach access. Also organise tours and transport for you. Very friendly staff, family-owned and operated. From US$15. (updated Mar 2015 | edit)
Hon Di Bungalows, 70 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, ☏ +84 62 847 014, ✉ hdhongdi@yahoo.com. Has simple but nice bungalows with fan and attached bath. There is a shady courtyard strung with hammocks, and four of the bungalows are directly facing the beachfront. A small restaurant and Internet access cater to your needs. US$10-12. edit
Keng Guesthouse, 185 Nguyen Dinh Chieu (About 100 m east of Phuoc Thien Pagoda), ☏ +84 62 374 3312, ✉ yongkeng999@yahoo.com. Simple, clean guest house with all the usual facilities on the quiet end of the main strip. About 15 min walk to the bar and restaurant area. Friendly English speaking owner. Dorm 100,000 dong, rooms from 160,000 dong. edit
Lan Anh, Huynh Tân Phát (Coming from Phan Thiet, turn left when entering the village, in the corner where there's a business called Nhà Tho). Local guesthouse in the village, a couple of kilometres from the resorts and beaches, but close to shops, market and street food stalls. Perfect for experiencing local life. Owner family can barely understand English but are nice. Room with 2 double beds, fan, fridge, toilet, and TV. Free Wi-Fi. 150,000 dong. edit
Mai Am Guesthouse, 148 Nguyen Dinh Chieu. Beachfront bungalows with air-con, working shower, mosquito net, and nothing more. Clean pool. Beach seating with chairs and mats, although some of furniture is falling apart. Can hear next door bar till 03:00 nightly which may bother some. Also, they have monkey cages in the courtyard for some reason. US$10-15. edit
Thien Son, 102 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, ☏ +84 62 384 7187, +84 91 861 0727. Guest house just down the road from Joe's cafe with clean, large rooms. Can get breakfast for about US$1. Very friendly people, though English is limited. Also organises tours to sand dunes (depends on size of group, but from US$4-9) as well as buses to Saigon and Nha Trang. From US$12. edit
1 Nam Chau Boutique Resort - Mui Ne Passion ((Formerly Nam Chau Resort)), Khu phố 5, Mũi Né (Coming from the Red Sand Dunes go down the hill towards the town of Mui Ne, the resort lies right after the Pandanus Resort on the left hand side of the road (ca. 600 m from the dunes). Coming from the town center of Mui Ne (Mui ne market or Fishing Village) turn left at the red light (in front of Blue Shell Resort), continue for about 200 m (entrance after Malibu Resort on the right hand side).), ☏ +84 252 3849 323, ✉ sales@namchauresort.com. Rustic beach resort with 48 rooms offering free WiFi, refrigerators, and TVs with cable channels in a 3-ha tropical garden on the beach in Mui Ne. Inexpensive restaurant, beach bar organising disco parties on weekends. Swimming pool, ongoing activities including kite-boarding and SUP. From US$11 for shared accommodations. Dormitories in cottages, private bungalows available.
MID-RANGE
Ngoc Suong Marina Hotel, Nguyen Dinh Chieu (Across the road from TM Brothers Cafe, beside Tien Dat Resort). On the beach, with an excellent swimming pool. Rooms have mosquito nets, air-con, satellite TV, and en suite bath. US$40 including breakfast. edit
Novela Muine Resort & Spa, 96A Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, Hàm Tiến, Phan Thiết (In the center of Muine Resort), ☏ +84623743456, ✉ sales@novelaresort.com. US$50 including breakfast.
SPLURGE
2 Anantara Mui Ne Resort, Mui Ne Beach, KM10 Ham Tien Ward, Phan Thiet City, ☏ +84 62 374 1888, ✉ muine@anantara.com. The resort includes 89 rooms, suites and pool villas designed according to Vietnamese tradition. US$105. (updated Jan 2017)
3 Blue Ocean Resort, 54 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, ☏ +84 62 3847 322. Has various rooms and bungalows. Only metres from many of the kite surfing schools, particularly Windchimes, which is directly outside the property. 2,770,000 - 8,100,000 dong. (updated Mar 2016 | edit)
Cham Villas Boutique Luxury Resort, 32 Nguyen Dinh Chieu. Has 6 villas with beach front view and 12 villas with garden view. Each villa has a king size bed, bathtub overlooking a small private garden, and a large private patio with comfortable club chairs and a day bed. edit
Grace Boutique Resort, 144A Nguyen Dinh Chieu. Has the look of a Mediterranean villa. There are only 14 rooms, all with sea views. Well-trained staff, a beautiful garden, and a charming pool. Rates include daily breakfasts. Discounts are offered during the low season and for long-term stays. It is advisable to book well ahead during the holidays. edit
4 Pandanus Resort, Block 5, Mui Ne (The average driving time from the center or airport in Ho Chi Minh City to the resort is approximately four hours. Can be reached in 20 mins by car via main road Vo Nguyen Giap from Phan Thiet city center (25 km). At the roundabout below the Red Sand Dunes turn right. The resort is the second on the left (ca. 150 m). Coming from Ham Tien and the Mui Ne fishing village take Huynh Tan Phat at the red light to another red light in from of Blue Shell Resort. Turn left, the resort will be on the right hand side after approx. 400 m.), ☏ +84 252 3849 849, ✉ pandanus@pandanusresort.com. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00 noon. 134 renovated rooms including 24 bungalows with outdoor bathtub in a relaxing beachside environment: 10 ha of lush tropical gardens within walking distance of the Red Sand Dunes. Phan Thiet's largest free-form swimming pool, 2 restaurants, 3 bars incl. lounge with live entertainment, two live bands, spa (indoor and outdoor). Weekly seafood BBQ buffets by the pool, All Inclusive package, weddings, special events, team building, tours and excursions, transfer service. Complimentary bicycle rental. Daily complimentary walking tour of Mui Ne fishing town, free shuttle service to Mui Ne, Fairy Stream and Ham Tien tourist strip. Jet Ski, surfboards, kiteboarding nearby. US$60-310 including Mui Ne's biggest breakfast buffet (based on room type and number of guests). Group discounts, All Inclusive package, honeymoon packages and special event rates available.. (updated Dec 2017 | edit)
5 The Sailing Bay Beach Resort, 107 Ho Xuan Huong St, ☏ +84 8 6282 4567, ✉ resorts@thesailingbay.com. 192 rooms with sea views, all-day restaurant, open-air beach club, a grand ballroom that accommodates 400 guests and a fully equipped board meeting room for 40 guests. On-site water sports facility with a professional international team managing board sailing, kite surfing and other activities. US$100-644 including breakfast (low-season). edit
Shades Resort, 98A Nguyen Dinh Chieu (Across from Joe's Cafe). Has 8 studios/apartments with kitchens, Jacuzzi or rainshower, preloaded computers, 42 inch flatscreen TVs and a lovely view. The site includes a swimming pool and a bar with Bon Cafe coffees made with fresh milk from Dalat. Rate includes daily breakfast, bottled water, and laundry service. US$45-200. edit
The Cliff Resort, 5, Phu Hai Ward, Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan (Along the Nguyễn Thông road to Mũi Né), ☏ +84 252 3719 111 (HCMC), +84 24 3936 5065 (Hanoi), ✉ reservation@thecliffresort.com.vn. Check-out: 12:00. A resort complex that has many different room designs in different prices, the more big and beautiful they are, the more expensive they are. All guests can enjoy the big pool in the middle and can have access to the Mui Ne beach. The location is near Phan Thiet. US$100-500.
WIKI VOYAGE
Tutorial on Instructables: www.instructables.com/id/Functional-LEGO-Nutcrackers/
With a simple pull of the lever, these decorative figures can open and close their jaws like authentic nutcrackers!
Both of these models were built in the recent weeks leading up to Christmas. The design was pretty straightforward, but two major issues were making the faces look good, and finally getting the hats right. In fact, the green nutcracker's crown took the longest to figure out, and was finally made with hinge plates.
As mentioned in the tutorial, although these can in fact function as real nutcrackers, they're somewhat rickety and best suited for holiday decorations.
[ENG] The railway station of Toledo, of neomudejar style, it was inaugurated in April, 1919 substituting the projected one for the Company of the Railroad of Castillejo to Toledo in a totally functional style. The current building is very atypical in the Spanish railway constructions and there was constructed under orders of the architect of MZA Narcissus Claveria, that was a great impeller of the Mudejar renaissance in Spain. It is composed by a travelers' building that has a marquee of iron attached supported with thin columns, and it is formed by a central pavilion of an alone plant with two leaned ones that continue the style of the front. In the left wing of the station a curious tower of clock stands out in the same style, very slightly habitual on stations. The train station waiting area is of great extent and an alone plant, and they emphasize the ticket office with the wrought spectacular one and very showy, the low coating of the walls of mosaics of blue rollers acts of the ceramist Ángel Pedraza, numerous adornments of forge (lamps, cartels, rails etc.) realized by the main blacksmith Julio Pascual, and a splendid ceiling wood panelling with very typical forms. All the ornaments and interior forms of the station were realized by teachers toledanos that impregnated his handcrafted style concordant with the existing ones in the zone. (Extracted of www.laestaciondetren.net)
[ESP] La Estación de ferrocarril de Toledo –de estilo neomudejar- se inauguró en abril de 1919 sustituyendo a la proyectada por la Compañía del Ferrocarril de Castillejo a Toledo en un estilo totalmente funcional. El edificio actual es muy atípico en las construcciones ferroviarias y se construyó bajo órdenes del arquitecto de MZA Narciso Clavería, que fue un gran impulsor del renacimiento mudéjar en España. Está compuesta por un edificio de viajeros que tiene adosada una marquesina de hierro sostenida con delgadas columnas, y está formado por un pabellón central de una sola planta con sendos adosados que continúan el estilo de la fachada. En el extremo izquierdo de la estación sobresale una curiosa torre de reloj en el mismo estilo, muy poco habitual en estaciones. El vestíbulo es de gran amplitud y una sola planta, y destacan la taquilla con un forjado espectacular y muy llamativo, el revestimiento inferior de las paredes de mosaicos de azulejos obra del ceramista toledano Ángel Pedraza, numerosos adornos de forja (lámparas, carteles, barandillas etc.) realizados por el maestro forjador Julio Pascual, y un espléndido techo artesonado con formas muy características. Todos los ornamentos y formas interiores de la estación fueron realizados por maestros toledanos que impregnaron su estilo artesanal concordante con los existentes en la zona. (Extraído de www.laestaciondetren.net)
144185
{ isn't the fully functional virtual keyboard ghosted under the display a great idea? }
Series of screenshots exploring tools for iPad that make the lives of IT professionals and systems managers easier....
So far the iPad is a great device for media consumers.
It's kind of a bust for work/biz/productivity apps so far.
Right now it's shaping up to be an excellent sysadmin tool...
You can't beat a fully functional $7 electric guitar. I dare you to try.
Hohner Rockwood guitar.
upstairs, Clint and Carolyn's house, Alexandria, Virginia.
May 16, 2015.
... Read my blog at ClintJCL at wordpress.com
... Read Carolyn's blog at CarolynCASL at wordpress.com
... Read my yard sale-related blogposts at clintjcl dot wordpress dot com/category/yard-sales/
BACKSTORY: Got up around 7:15AM, made it out driving by 7:51 AM and went out until around 1:30PM for a total of 5 hours, 39 minutes. Spent $73.00 plus ~$7.98 gas for 41 miles of driving (15.1 mpg @ $2.94/G), for a total cost of $80.98. We drove to 64 yard sales, stopping at 22 (34%) of them. We made 49 purchases (50 items) for a total estimated value of $743.64, leading to a profit/savings of $662.66. So in essence, we multiplied our $80.98 investment by 9.18X. (Also, if you think about it, the profit counts for even more when you consider that we have to earn $~755 on the job, pre-tax, in order to take home the $662 in cash that we saved. How long does $662 of disposable income take to earn, vs the 5.65 hrs we spent here?) Anyway, this works out to a *post-tax* "wage" of $117.29/hr as a couple or $58.64/hr per person.
THE TAKE:
$10.00: furniture, storage chest/ottoman/trunk, brown leather, 32x17.5x16", with storage area (EV:$±35.16±)
$7.00: guitar, electric, red, Rockwood by Hohner, only has 2 strings (EV:$±149.99±)
$3.00: instrument, zither, Small World Toys, Toys That Toot, only has 1 pick, missing second pick and tuning key (EV:$±9.99±)
$3.00: boom box, Durabrand, model cd-2036, AM/FM cassette cd player (EV:$±14.99±)
$3.00: game, Horseshoes, Billard, Rodeo Model (EV:$±31.49±)
$2.50: yard decoration, stone mushroom, maybe 8-10 inches high (EV:$±44.99±)
$2.00: game, Square Off, ±Parker± Brothers (EV:$±15.00±). Similar to ±Rubik's± Race.
$2.00: game, ±Rubik's± Race (EV:$±12.99±)
$2.00: baseball bat, wooden, Louisville Slugger 225YB, Powerized (EV:$±3.96 Goodwill price tag±)
$2.00: GPS, Garmin Nuvi 780, ICG014055, FCC ID: IPH-01278 IC: 1792A-01278, 10R-023994 (EV:$±29.49±)
$2.00: component video cable for Wii, 62606 (EV:$±1.69±)
$2.00: game, Tic Tac Toe beanbag toss, purple, including 5 beanbags (EV:$14.99)
$2.00: Inflatable Gigaball, Item# 6119, production date 201209 (EV:$59.98)
$2.00: swing, black, Game Time (EV:$14.19)
$2.00: swing, green (EV:$14.19±)
$2.00: phone, retro, 10 memory speaker telephone, 10.25x9.5", Spirit of St Louis Collection Telephone Hands Free Speaker Retro Look (EV:$14.58)
$2.00: radio controlled helicopter, Helizone FireBird, #41164, 3 Channel Metal Frame Coaxial Helicopter, with USB charger (EV:$19.99) A broken one was thrown in for free as parts.
$2.00: Guitar Hero± guitar, Wii, 19 stickers, skull buttons (EV:$±10.20±)
$2.00: ±Guitar Hero± guitar, Wii, 20 stickers (EV:$±10.20±)
$1.00: comic book, Gene Simmons Dominatrix, Lesson 4, IDW www.idwpublishing.com (EV:$3.99 price tag)
$1.00: comic book, Gene Simmons Dominatrix, Lesson 5, IDW www.idwpublishing.com (EV:$3.99 price tag)
$1.00: comic book, Gene Simmons Dominatrix, Lesson 6, IDW www.idwpublishing.com (EV:$3.99 price tag)
$1.00: liquor bottle, airplane sized, Tia Maria, from Jamiaca (EV:$±12.67 based on $38 for 3 ±)
$1.00: liquor bottle, The Eternal City's Precious Liqueur, Chatham Importing Co, NY, 11222 (EV:$±12.67 based on $38 for 3 ±) www.chathamimports.com/sambuca.php
$1.00: liquor bottle, Queen's Castle, ±Blended± Scotch Whiskey, Brooks & Bohm (EV:$12.67 based on $38 for 3 )
$1.00: liquor bottle, Grand Old Parr, Blended Scotch Whiskey, 12 years old, MacDonald Greenlees LTD (EV:$12.67 based on $38 for 3 )
$1.00: liquor bottle, Cheri-Suisse, Swiss Chocolate Cherry Liqueur (EV:$12.67 based on $38 for 3 )
$1.00: liquor bottle, Vandermint Liqueur, Park Avenue Imports (EV:$12.67 based on $38 for 3 )
$1.00: liquor bottle, Royal Chambord Liqueur, Pres Chamboro, France (EV:$12.67 based on $38 for 3 ±), however (EV:$±7.09 for just the empty bottle±)
$1.00: liquor bottle, hoglano Enziein Crreme RSchmes, Anton RiemerSchmrs Munchen, Norddeutscher Lloyd Bremen (EV:$±12.67 based on $38 for 3)
$1.00: wig, black with magenta streaks (EV:$2.99)
$1.00: plastic Grim Reaper scythe, Rubie's Costume, 1994 (EV:$5.40)
$1.00: guitar, First Act Discovery, missing 3 strings, FG 186 [not FG 125], 31"±x10±" (EV:$1.04±)
$0.50: action figure, ±Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles±, Raphael, McDonald's, 2007, shell opens, 5.25x2.25" (EV:$.50)
$0.50: action figure, Avatar, 2009, 4 joints, battery operated, but maybe the batteries are dead. 5" tall (EV:$±3.33±)
$0.50: action figure, The Incredible Hulk, Burger King, 2008, 3x3.375" (EV:$3.94±)
$0.50: action figure, ±Shrek±, Princess Fiona, McDonald's, 4.25x5", 3 joints, on/off switch and speaker on back don't seem to work (EV:$8.11)
$0.50: action figure, Fantastic Four, The Thing, Burger King, 2007, 5x4", 3 joints (EV:$±4.99±)
$0.50: stockings, fishnet, Music Legs, Style 973, black with rhinestones up the backseam (EV:$±10.80±)
$0.50: stockings, fishnet, Music Legs, Style 973, white with rhinestones up the backseam (EV:$10.80)
$0.50: stockings, fishnet, Music Legs, Style 973, red with rhinestones up the backseam (EV:$10.80)
$0.50: stud bracelet, Hot Topic (EV:$3.00)
$0.10: medical paper tape, Care One, 10yards (EV:$3.49)
$FREE: Indian feather headdress, 11 feathers, 2ft wide (EV:$8.00)
$FREE: coloring book, G.I. Joe±, Undersea Mission, Marvel Books, 1987, 02488501045 (EV:$±3.90±)
$FREE: sticker book, ±Batman±, DK (EV:$6.95 price tag)
$FREE: coloring book, ±Cartoon Network± Cartoon Cartoons, (EV:$2.99 price tag)
$FREE: Wiimote silicon sleeve skin, black (EV:$±1.77±) They asked for a dollar and when ±Carolyn± tried to talk them down to $0.50, she said to just take it because she didn't want coins.
$FREE: bubbles, Super Miracle Bubbles, Imperial, 100 fl oz, about 60% full, 076666213481 (EV:$15.00 based on $4.00 for 16 fl oz)
$FREE: speakers (2), Panasonic, Model No. SB-AK520, Part No NX0224, Serial no. TN4CB089299 (EV:$18.00)
$FREE: action figure, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Michaelangelo, McDonald's, 2007, 5 joints, twisty action when squeezed, 4.5x3.5"(EV:$±4.31±)
City‑Park Grad was conceived in the late 2000s as a multi‑functional mega‑centre combining retail, entertainment, and cultural attractions. Its developers aimed to create a destination comparable to Western and Asian leisure complexes, offering experiences beyond traditional shopping.
The Oceanarium was planned as the flagship attraction—an educational and recreational facility that would elevate the complex from a commercial centre to a regional cultural landmark. Construction began shortly after the mall’s initial phases, with the Oceanarium opening to the public in 2011–2012.
The Oceanarium occupies a large, purpose‑built section of City‑Park Grad, designed to house complex aquatic systems. Its architecture reflects the functional requirements of modern marine exhibition centres:
Reinforced structural zones to support massive water tanks.
Advanced filtration systems capable of maintaining diverse aquatic environments.
Thematic interior zones recreating oceans, tropical rivers, coral reefs, and Arctic waters.
Panoramic viewing tunnels allowing visitors to walk beneath swimming sharks and rays.
Multi‑level layout enabling vertical exhibits such as deep‑water tanks and aviaries.
The design emphasises immersion, guiding visitors through a sequence of environments that simulate global marine ecosystems.
Using state-of-the-art transmission electron microscopes (TEMs), researchers at the Center for Functional Nanomaterials take images of specimens that can be as small as a few billionths of a meter in size—so small that their atomic structure and chemistry are revealed. Materials scientists use this information to develop new nanotechnologies and pursue answers to fundamental energy challenges.
But knowledge of a material at the atomic scale isn't easy to come by. In order to yield results, researchers need a well-prepared nanospecimen.
These miniscule bits of material differ widely, and could be composed of photovoltaic material, ceramics, silicon, organic tissue, or one of any number of materials, each yielding unique data. The only thing all of these nanospecimens have in common is the likelihood that Kim Kisslinger (above), a technical associate at Brookhaven, prepared the sample to be picture-perfect no matter what the specifications.
New York's subway system is vast, complex, functional and efficient. It can also be bewildering, fascinating, and scary to some.
Geneva
Really enjoy the 40mm perspective and bought the Canon Pancake 40F2.8 lens. Enjoying the AF functionality and focusing is fast enough for my style of photography. View other shots taken with this lens here. A small but growing collection.
Another 40mm favorite is the Voigtlander Nokton Classic 40mm F1.4 MC lens. It renders images in a way that is reminiscent of film. View other shots taken with this lens here.
Have used a variety of 40mm lenses, view shots taken here.
The colorful lifeguard towers of Miami Beach are famous. They contribute beautifully to the overall aesthetic of the scenery
Tutorial on Instructables: www.instructables.com/id/Functional-LEGO-Nutcrackers/
With a simple pull of the lever, these decorative figures can open and close their jaws like authentic nutcrackers!
Both of these models were built in the recent weeks leading up to Christmas. The design was pretty straightforward, but two major issues were making the faces look good, and finally getting the hats right. In fact, the green nutcracker's crown took the longest to figure out, and was finally made with hinge plates.
As mentioned in the tutorial, although these can in fact function as real nutcrackers, they're somewhat rickety and best suited for holiday decorations.
Sunrise: Haflinger horses, Borda del Gasto, Fontaneda, Sant Julia, Gran Valira, Andorra, Pyrenees
More Andorra Gran Valira (Sant Julia) fotos: www.flickr.com/photos/lutzmeyer/sets/72157622984406106
More Sant Julia parroquia fotos: www.flickr.com/groups/santjulia/pool/
More Fontaneda & Sant Julia parroquia images: Follow the group links at right side.
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We offer 100.000+ photos of Andorra and North of Spain. The biggest professional image catalog of Andorra from the newer history: all regions, all cities and villages, all times, all seasons, all weather(s). HighRes & HighColor GeoCoded stock-photo images including metadata in 4-5 languages. Prepared for an easy systematic organising of large image portfolios with advanced online / print-publishing as "Culture-GIS" (Geographic Info System). The big stockphoto collection from the Pyrenees.
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Made to accompany an awesome teapot that I still need to photograph. #mug #coffee #cup #tea #teacup #green #bronze #metallic #mossy #moss #mug #clay #ceramic #stoneware #pottery #handmade #wheel #wheelthrown #functional #home #whimsical #closeup #surface #glaze
Pincushion Cat Kitty-Hotep is a completely functional pincushion for sewers or can be used as a cool decorative piece. The majority of this pincushion was hand sewn. Kitty-Hotep, like all my other creations, is handcrafted and made from my own patterns.
The kitty pincushion is made of caramel colored and cream felt. The body is caramel and his outer wrapping is cream. His face consists of pins. His outer strips are wrapped around his body and then stitched on. The feet are made from brown pom poms and they too are covered with the cream colored strips. He is firmly stuffed with 100% polyester fiberfill. I also made a sand pouch from cotton fabric and sewed that inside the pincushion which gives him more stability.
He stands approximately 5.5 inches (14 cms) tall and measures approximately 11 inches (28 cms) around the belly.
The electric token machine has stood the test of time on Britain's railways, a typically simple but effective Victorian method of safely signalling trains over single lines.
The stroke bell at the side is for the transmission of the relevant bell signals and the token is released by the signaller at one end holding the bell plunger in on the machine in sufficiently long enough for the token to be released at the other end. This is indicated on the dial above.
This is the machine at Midge Hall signal box that controls the section to Rufford. Strange to think that these aluminium ingots will have been the same ones I handled as an 18 year old signalman when I worked my first box at Rufford in 1983.
There is a natural progressive functionality to Dachau Concentration Camp's Barrack X - the Desinfektionskammern (where prisoners would have stripped and had their clothes deloused for reuse), to the gas chamber (depicted here through the door and under the sign Brausebad - meaning shower), to the death chamber (a room used to store the dead bodies before they could be cremated), and finally to the cremation room.
What we know now, is that this highly efficient death factory was never used to it's full potential. 30,000+ deaths were registered at Dachau (many more were never registered) since it's inception in 1933 until the liberation in 1945, but most were not subjected to the gas chamber. Firing squad executions, disease, sheer exhaustion and some of most vial human subject experimentation ever conceived was the cause behind the vast majority of deaths. The gas chamber was tested on prisoners from time to time, and while it had the potential to inflict homicide on up to 150 people at a time, it was never employed to capacity. Honestly, none of this negates the horrific fact that Barrack X was built in 1943 with the intent to mass exterminate the undesirables.
© LMGFotography 2014; please do not use without permission.
Violet Phoenix or Bird of Paradise male fly
..."when they fly they resemble dandelion seed heads"....
Males have the front pair of wings well-developed for flying, with the hind pair of wings reduced, so that they look superficially like true flies in the order Diptera. The mouthparts are not functional, so the usual characteristic of the order Hemiptera ("sucking mouthparts") is not visible. Males have long waxy filaments protruding from the tip of their abdomen, and when they fly they resemble dandelion seed heads. The wings and body are often coloured with vivid violet or red.
Size range
up to 40mm in females, body length in males ~4-8mm
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This double row of white metal fences is designed to keep animals, cars, and people off the tracks as Amtrak trains zoom through the tiny village of Galien, Michigan, several times a day. The building in the background is currently the home of the storefront Galien Missionary Church. When I was growing up in the 50s & 60s it housed the Swem General Store. The store was on the first floor and the proprieters, Encell and Violet Swem, lived on the second floor.
Shelburne, Vermont USA • Shelburne Farms is one of the finest examples in the nation of a late 19th - 20th Century model farm and country estate. Created for Dr. William Seward and Lila Vanderbilt Webb, the estate is noted for its exemplary agricultural, architectural, and landscape design achievements. – National Historic Landmark plaque.
• A farm and country estate constructed from c.1886 to 1915, Shelburne Farms consists of approximately 1,300 acres of designed and agricultural landscape and significant wood-framed and masonry buildings representative of a combination of Shingle and Queen Anne styles. Four major buildings and 78 secondary buildings, structures, and sites are situated in functional groupings between broad expanses of cleared agricultural fields with rolling hills and isolated softwood plantations, hardwood and softwood forests, gardens, and rocky lakeshore. Eleven and a half miles of curvilinear interior roads and eight miles of walking trails traverse the varied farm and estate landscape, connect the resources, and provide views and vistas of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains to the west and the Green Mountains to the east. Shelburne Farms lies at elevations between approximately 95 feet and 392 feet a.m.s.l. [above mean sea level]. Lone Tree Hill, the highest point on the property, rises from the center of the property and features panoramic views over the fields and forests to the lake and mountain ranges – From the Landmark Nomination form.
• Shelburne Farms is a nonprofit environmental education center and National Historic Landmark on the shores of Lake Champlain in Shelburne, Vermont. It is also one of the principal concert sites for the Vermont Mozart Festival.
Shelburne Farms was created in 1886 by Dr. William Seward Webb and Eliza Vanderbilt Webb as a model agricultural estate. They commissioned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted [and forester Gifford Pinchot,] to guide the layout of 3,800 acres (15 km2) of farm, field and forest, and New York architect Robert Henderson Robertson, to design the buildings. Shelburne Farms was incorporated as a nonprofit educational facility in 1972. Nearly 400 acres (1.6 km2) of sustainably managed woodlands received Green Certification from the Forest Stewardship Council in 1998.
The Shelburne Farms grass-based dairy supports a herd of 125 purebred, registered Brown Swiss cows. Their milk is made into an award-winning farmhouse cheddar cheese. The farm serves as an educational resource by practicing rural land use that is environmentally, economically and culturally sustainable. Visitors may enjoy the walking trails, children’s farmyard, inn, restaurant, property tours and special events. – From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
☞ On August 11, 1980, this Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places (#80000330).
☞ On January 3, 2001, the National Park Service designated this Historic District a National Historic Landmark (#80000330), making it the newest Landmark in Vermont.
National Historic Landmarks are nationally significant historic places designated by the Secretary of the Interior because they possess exceptional value or quality in illustrating or interpreting the heritage of the United States. Today, fewer than 2,500 historic places bear this national distinction. – [And one of only 17 in Vermont.] – Working with citizens throughout the nation, the National Historic Landmarks Program draws upon the expertise of National Park Service staff who work to nominate new landmarks and provide assistance to existing landmarks.
National Historic Landmarks are exceptional places. They form a common bond between all Americans. While there are many historic places across the nation, only a small number have meaning to all Americans -- these we call our National Historic Landmarks. – from the National Park Service.
• More info: The GeoHack for 44°23′31.69″N 73°15′26.04″W. ∞ Here are the websites for Shelburne Farms, and The Inn at Shelburne Farms. ∞ Here's a nice aerial shot from the Find a Museum page by folks at The Vermont Museum and Gallery Alliance.
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In July, 2010, I started a project to visit and document all seventeen Landmarks in Vermont. Here they are (in order of designation by the National Park Service):
[01] 09/22/60 – JUSTIN S. MORRILL HOMESTEAD, Strafford, Orange County
[02] 01/28/64 – TICONDEROGA (Side-paddle-wheel Lakeboat), Shelburne, Chittenden County
[03] 06/23/65 – CALVIN COOLIDGE HOMESTEAD DISTRICT, Plymouth Notch, Windsor County
[04] 12/21/65 – EMMA WILLARD HOUSE, Middlebury, Addison County
[05] 11/13/66 – ROBBINS AND LAWRENCE ARMORY AND MACHINE SHOP, Windsor, Windsor County
[06] 06/11/67 – GEORGE PERKINS MARSH BOYHOOD HOME, Woodstock, Windsor County
[07] 05/23/68 – ROBERT FROST FARM, Ripton, Addison County
[08] 12/30/70 – VERMONT STATEHOUSE, Montpelier, Washington County
[09] 11/28/72 – MOUNT INDEPENDENCE, Orwell, Addison County
[10] 12/20/89 – STELLAFANE OBSERVATORY, Springfield, Windsor County
[11] 11/04/93 – NAULAKHA (Rudyard Kipling House), Dummerston, Windham County
[12] 06/19/96 – OLD ROUND CHURCH, Richmond, Chittenden County
[13] 06/19/96 – ST. JOHNSBURY ATHENAEUM, St. Johnsbury, Caledonia County
[14] 12/09/97 – ROKEBY, Ferrisburgh, Addison County
[15] 05/16/00 – ROCKINGHAM MEETING HOUSE, Windham County
[16] 05/16/00 – SOCIALIST LABOR PARTY HALL, Barre, Washington County
[17] 01/03/01 – SHELBURNE FARMS, Shelburne, Chittenden County
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☞ More photos of this and other National Historical Landmarks.
City‑Park Grad was conceived in the late 2000s as a multi‑functional mega‑centre combining retail, entertainment, and cultural attractions. Its developers aimed to create a destination comparable to Western and Asian leisure complexes, offering experiences beyond traditional shopping.
The Oceanarium was planned as the flagship attraction—an educational and recreational facility that would elevate the complex from a commercial centre to a regional cultural landmark. Construction began shortly after the mall’s initial phases, with the Oceanarium opening to the public in 2011–2012.
The Oceanarium occupies a large, purpose‑built section of City‑Park Grad, designed to house complex aquatic systems. Its architecture reflects the functional requirements of modern marine exhibition centres:
Reinforced structural zones to support massive water tanks.
Advanced filtration systems capable of maintaining diverse aquatic environments.
Thematic interior zones recreating oceans, tropical rivers, coral reefs, and Arctic waters.
Panoramic viewing tunnels allowing visitors to walk beneath swimming sharks and rays.
Multi‑level layout enabling vertical exhibits such as deep‑water tanks and aviaries.
The design emphasises immersion, guiding visitors through a sequence of environments that simulate global marine ecosystems.