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Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Similan Islands National Marine Park - Phang Nga

The Similan Islands (Thai: หมู่เกาะสิมิลัน) is a group of islands in the Andaman Sea off the coast of Phang Nga Province, southern Thailand. It is a national park which was established in 1982. It is considered the best place in Thailand for divers.

Similan Islands National Park was established after a one-year exploration by the forestry department. The park is an archipelago consisting of nine islands named Ko Bon, Ko Bayu, Ko Similan, Ko Payu, Ko Miang (two adjoining islands), Ko Payan, Ko Payang, and Ko Huyong. Recently, the park was expanded to included two remote islands named Ko Bon and Ko Tachai. The Similans are situated 70 kilometres from Phang Nga town. "Similan" is a Yawi word which means "nine". Similan is one of the most famous diving sites in Thailand, and noted as one of the top ten dive destinations according to the National Geographic Society.
The islands were created by upwellings of hot magma during the Tertiary-Cretaceous period some 65 million years ago, then smoothed by glacial ice and the erosion by the sea. The coral reefs are about 5000 years old and hence the oldest in Thailand. In 1982, the national park was established and now it is scheduled to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Koh Similan
Koh Similan is the largest island. There are a total of 9 islands. The sea in the area has an average depth of 60 feet. Underwater it is full of rock formations and coral reefs in several shapes and forms, resembling such things as deer, leaves, brains, and mushrooms.
Above the water are found many diverse species such as the Nicobar Pigeon, Mangrove Monitor Lizards and more.
 Koh Huyong
Koh Huyong has the longest and widest beach in the park. However, the park prohibits any tourists from landing on the island as the beach a place where turtles come to lay their eggs.

Dive Sites
The Similan national park is famous for its dive sites. It has typically two different kinds of diving. East side diving consists of gently sloping coral reefs with sandy patches and the occasional boulder in between. The west side is known for its huge underwater granite boulders with numerous swimthroughs. Maybe the most famous east side dive site is East of Eden, off Island number 7. Elephant head rock is arguably the most famous west side dive site with a maze of swimthroughs and the reputation for spin-cycle like currents running in every direction.
Elephant head rock was named by Horst Hinrichs from Germany in the mid 70s, founder of one of the oldest dive shops in Phuket, Santana Diving. Other popular dive sites include North Point, Deep Six, Boulder City and the awesome pinnacles off Koh Bon and Koh Tachai.
The most important of all dive sites in the Similans, which is actually part of Surin National Park, is Richelieu Rock, famous for its incomparable variety and abundance of marine life. Whale shark sightings are not uncommon here.
However, since 1999, its once most beautiful dive site, the Fantasy Reef, has been closed from all diving activities after its condition had significantly deteriorated. Park chiefs officially blame diving for the deterioration, while dive operators in the area claim that fishing boats, with or without permission, enter the national park during low season, when no dive operators are allowed in the national park. The national park also claims that the dive site suffered significant damage from the tsunami in 2004, and continues to keep the reef closed. Since noone but the national park staff is allowed to dive Fantasy Reef it has been impossible to confirm that statement.
The nine granite islands are postcard perfect images of paradise, covered in tropical jungle and equipped with beaches of chalk-white sand. As if this was not enough, the views under the water surface are even more impressive - this is the best dive site in Thailand. Skin-Diver Magazine has acclaimed the Similans to be one of the ten most beautiful places in the world.
There is an enormous diversity in species - both in fish and corals. The visibility is the best you will find in Thailand. You will see plenty of colorful fish such as lionfish and clownfish (Nemo), and if you're lucky you may spot a bigger one like a manta or even a whale shark.
Wildlife Protection
Islands 1, 2 and 3 are closed for public due to turtle hatching protection program and reef conservation efforts. Island number 3 belongs to HM the Thai Princess. Fishing is banned in Similan and Surin National Park, however fishing boats are constantly seen in and around the Park. When diving, one can often find nets stuck to reefs and illegal fishing traps.
This season many illegal fishing traps have been found outside the most common dive sites, suggesting the fishermen are betting on divers not venturing off the known dive sites. They have contained among others Giant Trevallies, Batfish, Barracudas, Golden Pilot Jacks, Giant Triggerfish etc. The fishing traps seem to be overly abundant around Koh Bon and Koh Ta Chai.
Public awareness of this increasing problem will be the only way to change the situation so if you visit Similan and Surin National Parks and witness illegal fishing, please report your sightings. Public pressure and fear of lost revenue will eventually force the authorities to lean on the Rangers to actually do what they are supposed to do - protect the most beautiful and famous island group and dive sites in Thailand.
Access to the Similan Islands is easiest from Khao Lak, Phang Nga province. The mainland office is in Thap Lamu. Boats depart daily from November-May. The trip takes three hours each way on slow boats or 70 minutes via speedboat.
During the months November-May also live-aboard boats head to the Similan Islands. These dive boats depart and return from Khao Lak, Phuket and Ranong and stay for several days at the Similan National Marine Park.
High season in the Similans is from December until April, when the monsoon stays far away. The best period to visit is March, when the winds are calm and the water clear. The national park is closed from May 16 to November 15.

Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Similan_Islands,
Images: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Similan_Islands

Tarutao National Marine Park - Satun

Tarutao National Marine Park (Thai: อุทยานแห่งชาติทางทะเลตะรุเตา) consists of 51 islands located in the Andaman Sea, off the coast of Satun Province of Southern Thailand. The Tarutao National Marine Park consists of two island groups: Tarutao (Thai: หมู่เกาะตะรุเตา) and Adang-Rawi (Thai: หมู่เกาะอาดัง-ราวี), which are scattered from 20 to 70 kilometers distance from the southwestern most point of mainland Thailand. The park covers an area of 1,490 square kilometers (1,260 ocean, 230 island). The southern most end of the Park lies on the border with Malaysia. Tarutao became Thailand's second marine national park on April 19, 1974. The coastal Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park had been designated in 1966.
The name Tarutao is a Thai corruption of its original Malay name, Pulau Tertua (the island of old).
There are essentially 7 islands of note in the Tarutao/Adang-Rawi archipelagoes:
  • Tarutao Archipelago (located approximately 30 km off the Thai coast)
    • Ko Tarutao (Thai: เกาะตะรุเตา) - The largest of the islands, Ko Tarutao is 26.5 km long, and 11 km wide. The highest point is over 2,000 feet. Forest covers over 60% of the island.
    • Ko Klang (Thai: เกาะกลาง), Ko Lek (Thai: เกาะเหล็ก)
  • Adang Archipelago (located approximately 45 km west of Tarutao)
    • Ko Adang (Thai: เกาะอาดัง), Ko Rawi (Thai: เกาะราวี), Ko Lipe (Thai: เกาะหลีเป๊ะ), Ko Dong (Thai: เกาะดง)
    • In the Adang Archipelago, the small (4 km²) island of Lipe is the most important. With water available year-round, it is the home of the largest permanent settlement, of approximately 800, and the gateway for boat transportation in and out of the Adang group.
The park was established in 1974. In 1982, it was listed as one of the original ASEAN Heritage Parks. It was also submitted to UNESCO for inclusion to the World Heritage in 1990, but its listing was deferred in the fifteenth session of the World Heritage Committee in 1991. The UNESCO requested a stronger management of the area.
The island had been used in the late 1930s as a penal colony for Thai political prisoners. During World War II, when support from the mainland was cut off, the guards and prisoners banded together and formed raiding parties on ships sailing through the waters near the island. After the pirates of Tarutao were eradicated by British forces at the end of the war, fishermen and farmers took up residence on the island.
Ko Tarutao was the setting for Survivor: Thailand, the 2002 season for the reality television series, Survivor. The Philippine version of the said series was also set there six years later.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarutao_National_Marine_Park
Images: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Koh_Tarutao

Dong Phaya Yen - Khao Yai Forest Complex - Nakhon Ratchasima

Dong Phaya Yen (Thai: ดงพญาเย็น, lit. Jungle of the Ice Lord) is a mountain range in central Thailand. Dong Phaya Yen is the southeastern extension of the Phetchabun mountains, dividing the Chao Phraya river valley of Central Thailand and the Khorat Plateau of the northeast. The mountain chain reaches a maximum altitude of 1,351 m above sea level at Khao Rom, its highest hill.
The range has a length of about 230 km. The southern arm of the Dong Phaya Yen Mountains is the Sankambeng range, that merges with the Dangrek Mountains on its eastern end. The mountains are drained to the north by several tributaries to the Mun River, while the south drains into the Prachinburi River.
Dong Phaya Yen was once known as Dong Phaya Fai or "Jungle of the Fire Lord" because this area was once the vast forest where malaria killed most travelers who dared to pass through the woods.
Much of the forest cover, however, was destroyed since the beginning of 20th century. Following the deforestation of the area, Vice King (Uparaja) Pinklao changed the name of the forest from Dong Phaya Fai to Dong Phaya Yen to imply that "the wild forest has been tamed".
Several national parks are located in the mountains. The most famous one is the Khao Yai National Park, which was the first national park of Thailand. Other parks are the Ta Phraya National Park at the boundary with Cambodia, the Thap Lan National Park, Pang Sida National Park, Phra Phutthachai National Park and the Dongyai Wildlife Sanctuary. Altogether 6155 km² are protected in these parks.
In 2005 the forests of the Dong Phaya Yen mountains were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List under the name Dong Phaya Yen–Khao Yai Forest Complex.
Khao Yai National Park (Thai: เขาใหญ่) is a national park in Thailand. Khao Yai National Park is situated in the Sankambeng Mountain Range, the southern prolongation of the Dong Phaya Yen Mountains, at the southwestern boundary of the Khorat Plateau. This park lies largely in Nakhon Ratchasima Province (Khorat), but also includes parts of Saraburi, Prachinburi and Nakhon Nayok provinces.
The park is the second largest in Thailand. It covers an area of 2,168 square kilometers, including evergreen forests and grasslands. Its altitude mostly ranges from 400 to 1000 m above sea level. There are 3,000 species of plants, 320 species of birds like red junglefowl and green peafowl and 67 species of mammals, including Asiatic black bears, Asian elephants, gaur, tigers, gibbons, Indian sambar deer, crab-eating macaque, Indian muntjac, dholes, and wild pigs. Its waterfalls include the 80 metre Heo Narok, and Heo Suwat made famous from the film The Beach. Namtok Sarika is popular with the Thais.
Recent wildlife studies show that animal ranges, particularly the few resident tigers, are impacted by human activity near the center of the park. This study has not impacted the government's call for private lodging concessions within the park itself.
About a century ago the Ban Tha Dan people and the Baan Tachal people in the Nakhon Nayok Province to the south of Khao Yai built a settlement within the forest. Up to 30 households cultivated the land. The area was formally recognized by the government and classified as a sub-district known as Pak Ple.
However, due to its location and distance from authorities it became a refuge for criminals and fugitives. In an attempt to capture the fugitives the areas sub-district status was cancelled, and the villages relocated into the plains some 30 km away.
In 1959 the Prime Minister of Thailand, Marshall Sarit Thanarat, Coordinated the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of the Interior to create a process where national parks could be established. Khao Yai National Park was then established on September 18, 1962, declared by royal proclamation in the Government Gazette (Book 79, Section 89) as the first National Park in Thailand. A major role in its establishment was received by Boonsong Lekakul, one of the 20th century's most famous conservationists in Thailand.
In 1984 the park was made an ASEAN Heritage Park, and on July 14, 2005 the park together with other parks in the Dong Phaya Yen mountains was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the name Dong Phaya Yen–Khao Yai Forest Complex.
Lands adjacent to the national park are becoming increasingly developed into luxury hotels and golf courses for weekending visitors from Bangkok. Such development limits wildlife corridors and permanently reduces future conservation and land acquisition ability.
Khao Yai National Park has three main seasons, with an annual mean temperature of 23 degrees celsius, though this varies greatly with the seasons.
Rainy Season Is from May to October. During this season most days have high rates of precipitation. The atmosphere is humid with average temperatures of 27 degrees celsius during the day dropping to 13 degrees celsius at night. Good waterfalls for travelers.
Cold season Is from November to February. Clear skies, sunny and cool. Average temperatures of 22 degrees celsius during the day and 10 degrees celsius at night. Good time for hiking.
Hot Season Is from March to April. Humid with day temperatures of 20-30 degrees celsius and 17 degrees celsius at night.
Limestones are present along the Dong Rek range. Sandstones outcrop in the south and north of the park. Shales and schist are also present. In the South, steep slopes made of granite and conglomerates can be seen.
There are four drainage areas in the park which are vital catchments for four river systems. The Takhong River drains from the central Khao Yai area and runs in a North-Easterly direction into the Mekong. The Sai Yai system drains from the Eastern Basin, turning sharply into the Southern Floodplains and on to the Gulf of Thailand. The Nakhon Nayok river system drains from the South-West watershed into the Nakhon Nayok Province to the South. The Saraburi Province drainage system drains Westward from the far West of the Khao Yai.
The park is often visited by travelers from Isan, Bangkok and beyond. The fee (per day) is 500 baht for foreigners (200 for children), and 50 for Thais.
  • Food is available from private concessions within the park.
  • Bicycles are available for hire from the park. Ask at the visitors center and they will direct you.
  • Kayaking and rafting services are also available.
  • Night-time "wildlife spotlighting" is available via pick-up trucks in the early evening. Animals sighted usually are limited to deer and civet cats, and only rarely include elephants.
  • Slide shows at the visitors center are available on weekends and public holidays at 10:00am, 14:00pm and 16:00pm.
  • Meeting rooms are available with audiovisual equipment for seminars and workshops.
  • Camping is permitted in camping zones. You may bring your own tent or hire one at the camping ground.
  • Lodges and cabins are available for singles and groups. Reservations are required.
  • There are over 50 km of hiking trails. From easy to hard, one hour to three days. There trails on the map from the visitors center will only have the easier trails. Maps do come with English instructions. A guide is recommended for most trails if the tourist has no experience.
  • Kayaking and rafting.
  • Night time wildlife spotlighting.
  • Observation towers at Nong Pak Chee or Mo Sing. Early morning is the best time to view the Great Hornbills, guar, and sometimes elephants. Gibbons are most active in the early morning.
  • At about 5:30 at night thousands of wrinkled lipped bats emerge from a cave 3 km outside the northern gate to begin night time feeding. The bats fly in a ribbon pattern across the sky.
  • Klong Pa Kang-Wang Haew-Dinosaur Footprint. Four day trek to see a dinosaur footprint!
  • Haew Narok Waterfall - The Haew Narok waterfalls are the largest waterfalls in the park. It is a three tiered structure that extends 150 meters from the top tier to the basal lake. The waterfall is located about 10 kilometers from the south gate along the central road through Khao Yai.
  • Haew Suwat Waterfalls - This waterfall runs over a 20 meter cliff into a large pool below. It is located to the about 8 km east of the visitors center and can be visited easily by car along one of the main easterly roads. It can also be reached by a 8 km hike from the visitors center (walk number 4) which takes about 4–7 hours. It is made up mainly of multiple layers of sandstone conglomerates with large interbeds of basalt.
  • Haew Sai Waterfalls - Haew Sai Waterfalls are located a 700 meters north of the Haew Suwat Waterfalls. It is 8 km east of the visitors centre and can also be reached vias car or by hike.
  • Haew Pratoon Waterfalls - Smaller waterfall that is about 1 km north of Haew Sai waterfall.
Haew Suwat in Rainy season

Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khao_Yai_National_Park,
Images: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Khao_Yai_National_Park

Monday, December 20, 2010

Wat Phra Kaew - Bangkok

The Wat Phra Kaew (Thai: วัดพระแก้ว, RTGS: Wat Phra Kaeo, English: Temple of the Emerald Buddha; full official name Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram, Thai: วัดพระศรีรัตนศาสดาราม) is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple (wat) in Thailand. It is a "potent religio-political symbol and the palladium of Thai society". It is located in the historic centre of Bangkok (district Phra Nakhon), within the precincts of the Grand Palace.
The main building is the central ubosoth, which houses the statue of Emerald Buddha. The legendary history of this Buddha image is traced to India, five centuries after the Lord Buddha attained Nirvana, till it was finally enshrined in Bangkok at the Wat Phra Kaew temple in 1782 during Rama I's reign (1782–1809). This marked the beginning and raise of the Chakri Dynasty of the present Kingdom of Thailand (the present head of the dynasty is King Rama IX. The Emerald Buddha, a dark green statue, is in a standing form, about 66 centimetres (26 in) tall, carved from a single jade stone (Emerald in Thai means deep green colour and not the specific stone). It is carved in the meditating posture in the style of the Lanna school of the northern Thailand. Except for the Thai King, no other person is allowed to touch the statue. The King changes the cloak around the statue three times a year, corresponding to the summer, winter, and rainy seasons, an important ritual performed to usher good fortune to the country during each season.
While legend traces this statue to India, its rich historical records dates its finding in Cambodia in the 15th century, moved to Laos in the 16th century and then to Vientiane where it remained for 215 years, and finally to Thailand in the 18th century. Considering the long history and Nagasena's (a Brahmin who became a Buddhist sage and lived about 150 BC) prophesy that the Emerald Buddha would bring "prosperity and pre-eminence to each country in which it resides", the Emerald Buddha deified in the Wat Phra Kaew is deeply revered and venerated in Thailand as the protector of the country.
The earliest legend narrated to the ionic emerald image of the Buddha is that of Nagasena, a saint in India who with the help of Hindu god, Vishnu and demigod Indra got the Emerald Buddha image made, 500 years after Buddha attained Nirvana, from the precious stone of Emerald. Nagasena had, with his psychic powers predicted then that:
The image of the Buddha is assuredly going to give to religion the most brilliant importance in five lands, that is in Lankadvipa (Sri Lanka), Ramalakka, Dvaravati, Chieng Mai and Lan Chang (Laos).
As regards the historical legend of What Phra Kaew, it was originally known as the "Wat Pa Yia", (Bamboo Forest Monastery) in the Chiang Rai province of Northern Thailand. The What was struck by a lightning storm in 1434, when the octagonal Chedi broke up and revealed the Emerald Buddha (made of Jade), locally known as Phra Kaew Morakot. From there it was moved, initially to Vientianne and finally to Bangkok where it was deified in the temple by the original name, What Phra Kaew.
Another legend mentions that attempts made by the King of Chiang Mai to possess the statue after it was found in 1434; these failed thrice because the elephants transporting the statue refused to proceed beyond a crossroad in Lampang. The King of Chiang Mai considered the incident to be a strong divine directive and allowed the Buddha statue to remain in Lampang, where it remained for the next 32 years in an exclusively built temple.
Wat Phra Kaeo has a plethora of buildings within the precincts of the Grand Palace, which covers a total area of over 94.5 hectares (234 acres). It has over 100 buildings with “200 years royal history and architectural experimentation” linked to it. The architectural style is named as Rattanakosin style (old Bangkok style). The main temple of the Emerald Buddha is very elegantly decorated and similar to the temple in ancient capital of Ayudhya. The roof is embellished with polished orange and green tiles, the pillars are inlaid in mosaic and the pediments are made of rich marble. The Emerald Buddha is deified over an elevated altar surrounded by large gilded decorations. While the upper part of this altar was part of the original construction, the base was added by King Rama III. Two images of the Buddha, which represent the first two kings of the Chakri dynasty, flank the main image.
Over the years, the temple has retained its original design. However, minor improvements have been effected after its first erection during Rama I's reign; wood-work of the temple was replaced by King Rama III and King Chulalongkorn; during King Mongkut's reign, the elegant doors and windows and the copper plates on the floor were additions, Rama III refurbished the wall painting (indicative of the universe according to Buddhist cosmology) and several frescoes that display the various stages of the Buddha's life; three chambers were added on the western side by King Mongkut; in the chamber known as 'Phra Kromanusorn' at the northern end, images of Buddha have been installed in honour of the kings of Ayudya; and in the 19th century, In Khong, a famous painter executed the wall murals. The entry to the temple is from the third gate from the river pier.
Other monuments
While the surrounding portico of the shrine is an example of Thai craftsmanship, the perimeter of the temple complex has 12 open pavilions. These were built during the reign of Rama I. There is plethora of monuments in the temple complex. These are:
Grand Palace: Please see detail in next post.

Pagodas: The temple grounds also depict three pagodas to its immediate north, which represent the changing centres of Buddhist influence. One such shrine to the west of the temple is the Phra Si Ratana Chedi, a 19th-century stupa built in Sri Lankan style enshrining ashes of the Buddha.
Library: Rama I also built a library in Thai style, in the middle of the complex, known as the "Phra Mondop". The library houses an elegantly carved Ayutthaya-style mother-of-pearl doors, bookcases with the Tripitaka (sacred Buddhist manuscripts), human-and dragon-headed nagas (snakes), and images of Chakri kings.
During the 19th century, the Royal Pantheon was built in Khmer style to the east of the temple, which is kept open for only one day in year, in the month of October to commemorate the founding of the Chakri dynasty.
Model of Angkor Wat: The temple complex also contains a model of Angkor Wat (the most sacred of all Cambodian shrines), that was started by King Mongkut and completed by King Nangklao (Rama III), as the Khmer empire of Cambodia and the Thais' share cultural and religious roots.
Hermit statue: A hermit's bronze image, which is believed to have healing powers, is installed in a sala on the western side of the temple. It is near the entry gate. It is a black stone statue, considered a patron of medicine, before which relatives of the sick and infirm pay respects and make offerings of joss sticks, fruit, flowers, and candles.
Nine towers: On the eastern side of the temple premises there are nine towers. They were erected during the reign of Rama I. Each tower is affixed with glazed tiles, with different colours for each tower, supposed to denote colours of the nine planets.
Elephant statues: Statues of elephants, which symbolize independence and power, are seen all around the complex. As Thai kings fought wars mounted on elephants, it has become customary for parents to make their children circumambulate the elephant three times with the belief that that it would bring them strength. The head of an elephant statue is also rubbed for good luck; this act of the people is reflected in the smoothness of the surface of elephant statues here.
The sacred temples in Thailand follow a dress code, which is strictly followed. Men must wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts and shoes; women must wear long skirts. Visitors who arrive dressed otherwise may rent appropriate clothing items at the entry area of the temple. It is compulsory to remove the shoes before entering the temple, as a sign of respect of the Buddha, as is the practice in all other temples in Thailand. While offering prayers before the Buddha image, the sitting posture should avoid any offensive stretching of feet towards the deity; the feet should be tucked in towards the back.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wat_Phra_Kaew
Images: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Wat_Phra_Kaew

Grand Palace - Bangkok

The Grand Palace (Thai: พระบรมมหาราชวัง, Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang) is a complex of buildings in Bangkok, Thailand. It served as the official residence of the Kings of Thailand from the 18th century onwards. Construction of the Palace began in 1782, during the reign of King Rama I, when he moved the capital across the river from Thonburi to Bangkok. The Palace has been constantly expanded and many additional structures were added over time. The present King of Thailand, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, however, resides at the Chitralada Palace.
When King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (Rama I) decided to move the capital of Siam from Thonburi on the west to Bangkok on the east of the Chao Phraya River he decided to build a magnificent new palace as a place of residence as well as a centre of government. The area chosen was however occupied by Chinese merchants, whom he promptly asked to relocate (to the present day Yaowarat area).
The tower of gold began construction on 6 May 1782. At first the palace consisted of several wooden buildings surrounded on four sides with a high defensive wall of 1,900 metres in length, which encloses an area of 218,400 square metres. Soon the King ordered the building of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha; as the Monarch’s personal place of worship and royal temple. Once the palace was complete the King decided to under go a coronation ceremony to celebrate in 1785.
The plan of the Grand Palace followed closely that of the old palace in Ayutthaya. The Palace is rectangular shaped, with the western side next to a river and the royal temple situated to the east side, with all structures facing north. The palace itself is divided into three quarters: the outer quarters, the middle quarters and the inner quarters.
The palace became the centre of the Rattanakosin government and royal court for most of the early Chakri Dynasty until the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) who preferred to stay at the Dusit Palace, but still used the Grand Palace as an office and primary place of residence. This practice was followed by his sons (Rama VI and Rama VII) who preferred their own palaces. King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII) moved into the palace full time after his return from abroad in 1945. However after his mysterious death a year later in one of the palaces inside the complex, his brother King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) who succeeded him decided to move permanently to the Chitralada Palace.
The Palace is however still very much in use; as many royal rituals are performed here by the King every year. Other royal ceremonies celebrated here are coronations; royal funerals, marriages and state banquets. The Palace grounds also contain the offices and buildings of the Bureau of the Royal Household, the Office of the Private Secretary to the King and Royal Institute of Thailand.
The four structures surrounding the temple have history of their own. At the eastern end is the Borombhiman Hall (built in French architectural design), which was the residence of King Rama VI, now used as guest house for visiting foreign dignitaries. It has the dubious distinction of having been used as the operational headquarters and residence of General Chitpatima who attempted a coup, in 1981. The building to the west is the Amarindra hall, earlier a hall of Justice, now used for formal ceremonies. The Chakri Mahaprasat is the largest hall in the Grand Palace, built in 1882 by British architects, the architecture of which is fusion of Italian renaissance and Traditional Thai architecture. This style is called farang sai chadaa, (meaning: "Western in a Thai crown") as each wing has a shrine (mandap) crowned by a spire. Ashes of the Chakri kings (five ancestors) are enshrined in the largest of these shrines, also known as the pantheons, that were rebuilt after a fire in 1903 during Rama IV's reign. Ashes of the Chakri princess who could not become kings are enshrined in an adjoining hall. The throne room and the reception hall are on the first floor, while the ground floor houses a collection of weapons. The inner palace had the King’s harem (the practice was discontinued during King Rama VI's time who decreed the one wife rule), which was guarded by well trained female guards. Another hall in the palace is the 'Duist hall' in Ratanokosin-style, which runs from east to west, which was initially an audience hall but now converted into a funerary hall for the Royal family. Royal family corpses are kept here for one year before they are cremated in a nearby field. There is also a garden which was laid during rama IV's reign. The garden depicts a "Thai mountain-and-woods-fable" mountain scenes where the coming of age ritual of shaving the topknot of the Prince is performed.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Palace
Images: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Grand_Palace_Bangkok


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Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Forgive me if I'm not surprised

I’m gratified to see the outpouring of support (from men and women) for UAE Major Miriam al Mansouri  whose heroism and aviation skill Eric Bolling reduced to “boobs on the ground.”  Watching him say it, I wondered how long he had been saving that clever little tidbit, he looked so pleased with himself.   And my heart sank.

Before you start hashtagging #notallmen, let me start by saying of course not all men.  But there are still plenty of men who consistently see women primarily as potential sex partners and evaluate them accordingly.

This means that women who are young enough, thin enough, attractive enough and willing enough have value, communicated by an approving look or an inappropriate comment.  Of course, anyone this man doesn’t want to have sex with—older women and overweight women, especially—and anyone who won’t make herself available to him—educated women and feminists, especially—doesn’t have value.  Just look around at our culture or read the comment section on any popular blog and tell me I’m wrong.

These men fly below the radar because they can be very affirming of women and can  successfully act as professional mentors for women as long as those women are younger, attractive and appropriately deferential.  And they will be perfect gentlemen as well, not expecting sexual favors.  They are often married and well-respected.

But you will never see them championing a woman they wouldn’t want to sleep with, because why would they?  Instead, they will ignore her, rendering her invisible.  Or they will make comments about her appearance, her clothing, her aggressiveness or her sexuality and then they will say that they were just kidding.  If she or other women protest further, then they are blamed for being humorless or strident.

As Bolling said himself, his words were “not intended to be disparaging of her but that is how it was taken.”   The fault was not his for reducing a heroic woman to her physical form; the fault was ours for taking him wrong.

When a US senator has to routinely field comments about her weight and her appearance from her colleagues, when a secretary of state is routinely disparaged for wearing unflattering pantsuits as she brokers international peace, when military women are in more danger of being assaulted by their colleagues than they are by the enemy or the general public, when the top television news anchors are wearing sleeveless, short shift dresses tugging at their hems while their male colleagues are wearing the full coverage of business suits . . . well, suddenly Eric Bolling makes a little more sense.

Emily said...

Thank you for so concisely writing and addressing the subject of Eric Bolling’s comment. I have NOT concisely internalized my aggravation over his words, since first hearing them.

And special thanks for including the topic of my long-time aggravation with professional TV anchorwomen dressed in sleeveless dresses, eye candy it would seem, sitting next to the male co-anchors professionally dressed in long-sleeved shirts and suits. Come on ladies, we can do better! (Thank you Rachel Maddow for that black jacket of yours.)

Belly Ballot said...

Nice post. thanks for the shared it with us. wordpress web development company

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April 30, 2017

Bosch MRC23EVSK Router Ratings out of 5 starsBuy from AmazonClick here for the lowest price – only $279.99

Click or scroll to zoom in

The Bosch MRC23EVSK Router Combination Kit is Bosch’s latest entry in the router combo kit market where you get a plunge base and a fixed base that share one motor, so it’s like having two routers in one. However, the MRC23EVSK is a bit different from the competition – one of the downsides of other router combo kits is that the power switch is mounted on the motor unit meaning you have to let go with one hand to start and stop the router.

Bosch have got round this by putting electrical connectors on the motor unit and on both bases which allows them to mount the on/off switches on the handles of each base, so you can start and stop the router and keep hold of it with both hands at the same time, which is much safer and gives you better control. It’s another example of Bosch innovation that’s sure to be copied by the other router manufacturers soon.

Unfortunately there’s always a downside which in this case is the price – adding this new feature means that the best price we could find on the web was $279.99 which is almost $100 more than the bestselling Bosch 1617EVSPK which gives you the same routing functionality.

What to look for when buying a Router
Due to its incredible versatility, every wood worker, including beginners, will have a need for a router at some time, and many people have more than one. However, with the huge range available, it’s not easy to choose the one that’s best suited to your needs. In this article we look at a number of the features that you should be considering such as router power ratings and variable speed, router bit size, accurate depth setting with fine adjustment control and the various advantages and disadvantages of a Fixed Base Router vs a Plunge Router.

Electrical connectors on the motor unit and both bases allow Bosch to mount the on/off switches on the handles of each base so you can keep both hands on the router when starting and stopping the router :-D

Powerful, Variable-Speed Motor with Soft Start
When looking at routers, one of the most important feature to look for is the horsepower rating of the motor. In line with all the other router combo kits on the market the Bosch MRC23EVSK uses a powerful 2.3 hp motor which gives you enough power to push some bigger 1/2-inch shank bits through the stock without bogging down. Equally as important as the power is a variable speed motor as the larger the bit, the slower the cutting speed needs to be – if you use a large bit at too high a speed you will burn the stock. The Bosch MRC23EVSK motor has a wide range of speed from 10,000 to 25,000 rpm which allows you to accurately match the speed to the type of stock and the size of cutter.

To limit the tendency of the router to twist in your hands at start-up, the majority of routers have a soft start feature and the Bosch is no exception. This gradually increases the speed up to full speed and in addition to preventing any jerking and easier handling on start-up, it results in reduced strain and wear and tear on the motor itself, leading to longer motor life.

The Bosch motor is also particularly smooth; all routers vibrate to a certain degree and the less the vibration, the smoother the cut and the better it feels in your hands. We found that the minimal vibration of the Bosch MRC23EVSK plus the comfortable ergonomic handles make it extremely easy to use.

BOSCH MRC23EVSK Router motor

BOSCH MRC23EVSK Router motor showing electrical connectors

Router bit size
The bit shank size of the router is another important factor in deciding on a router. The two most common bit shank sizes are 1/4″ and 1/2″ and you should consider the projects you want to complete and the availability of bit sizes you need for these projects. The most common shank size is 1/2″ and you will find a much larger selection of bits available in the 1/2″ size and you will also find that some of the more specialist bits (mainly used by professionals) only come in 1/2″.

Also, the larger the shank diameter, the less likely the router bit is to vibrate during cutting. Excessive vibration of the cutter will give a poor cut, and, as a general rule, you should always choose the largest shank diameter cutter your router will accept. In line with pretty well every combo kit on the market, the Bosch MRC23EVSK comes with both 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch collets.

On/off Switches Mounted on Base Handles
Unlike all other router combo kits the Bosch MRC23EVSK has the on/off switches mounted on the handles of each base – other router combos mount the power switch on the motor unit. This is possible thanks to electrical connectors in the motor unit and both bases – you can see them in the image on the right. This means you can keep both hands on the handles when switching the router on and off which is much safer and gives you more control – a huge improvement over other designs where you have to let go with one hand to turn the router on or off.

Accurate Fixed and Plunge Base Depth Adjustment
All routers, whether fixed base or plunge, need to have a means of accurately adjusting bit depth. In fixed-base mode, depth-adjustment mechanisms come in one of two basic types – dials or rings. On the Bosch MRC23EVSK there is a micro-adjust dial for setting cutter depth on both bases, and, in use, we find that dial adjusters tend to be easier to set fine tolerances.

Additionally, when using a router table, the fixed base also allows you to adjust the height from above the table – a feature generally only found on dedicated fixed-base routers – using the included hex wrench.

Fixed Base Router vs. Plunge Router
What’s the difference? Simply put, a fixed base router is one on which you set a specific depth, and that depth stays consistent while using the tool. A plunge router, on the other hand, allows you to plunge the router bit downward and into the stock, make the desired cut, and then lift the bit back out of the stock.

In general, a plunge router is used for hand held routing when making a stopped cut (one that does not go all the way to the edge of the stock e.g. a mortise) and a fixed base router tends to be used in a Router Table and for hand held routing when a stopped cut is not required.So, before the advent of router combo kits, you would have had to decide on what type of work you were planning to do before deciding on which one you should buy. Luckily that’s all changed and kits like the Bosch MRC23EVSK provides everything you need for both fixed-base routing and plunge-base routing.

How much should you expect to pay?
The list price of the Bosch MRC23EVSK is $281.80 but you can find it for $279.99 – we found the best price on Amazon

Buy from AmazonClick here to get the lowest price on Amazon – only $279.99

What are other people saying?
Some of the comments received from users around the web :-D

  • I planned on only buying one router… so I got the best I could find.
  • All in all a great tool for pros and regular handy people.
  • Smooth, powerful, and well designed.
  • Worth the wait. This is a great combo router system.
  • Well built, smooth plunge action, and lots of power.

BOSCH MRC23EVSK RouterWhat kind of warranty is there?
This routing package is backed by a one-year limited warranty.

Where can you get the best price for the Bosch MRC23EVSK?
We check prices regularly for this router and by far the best price has always been at Amazon. At the moment they include free shipping and from what we can tell when comparing prices with other online merchants, Amazon do currently have the best deal, especially with the free shipping option.

click here to get the best dealClick here to get the lowest price on Amazon – only $279.99

Where Can You Read More Reviews for the Bosch MRC23EVSK?
We try to cover everything, but if you want to read more reviews, the best place for reviews from people who actually use the product is Amazon. There are 0 customer reviews giving an average of out of 5 stars which is an amazing recommendation.


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Table of Contents

cntlist - file listing number of times each tagged sense occurs in a semantic concordance, sorted most to least frequently tagged

cntlist.rev - file listing number of times each tagged sense occurs in a semantic concordance, sorted by sense key

A cntlist file for a semantic concordance lists the number of times each semantically tagged sense occurs in the concordance and its sense number in the WordNet database. Each line in the file corresponds to a sense in the WordNet database to which at least one semantic tag points. Only senses that are tagged in a concordance are in the concordance's cntlist file.

WordNet Database cntlist File

In the WordNet database, words are assigned sense numbers based on frequency of use in semantically tagged corpora. The cntlist file used by grind(1WN) to build the WordNet database and assign the sense numbers is a union of the cntlist files from the various semantic concordances that were formerly released by Princeton University. This combined cntlist file is provided with the WordNet package and is found in the WNSEARCHDIR directory.

The cntlist.rev file is used at run-time by the WordNet library code and browser interfaces to print in the output display the number of times each sense has been tagged.

File Format

Each line in a cntlist file contains information for one sense. The file is ordered from most to least frequently tagged sense. The fields are separated by one space, and each line is terminated with a newline character. Senses having the same tag_cnt value are listed in reverse alphabetical order of the lemma field of the sense_key .

Each line in cntlist is of the form:

tag_cnt  sense_key  sense_number

where tag_cnt is the decimal number of times the sense is tagged in the corresponding semantic concordance. sense_key is a WordNet sense encoding and sense_number is a WordNet sense number as described in

The cntlist.rev file contains the same fields described above, in the following order:

sense_key  sense_number  tag_cnt

Princeton no longer maintains or releases the Semantic Concordance files. The cntlist file used to order the senses in WordNet 3.0 was generated from the Semantic Concordance files at the point that they were last updated in 2001. In general, the order of senses presented usually reflects what the user would expect, however sense ordering is now less reliable than in prior releases and should not be construed as an accurate indicator of frequency of use.

Base directory for WordNet. Default is /usr/local/WordNet-3.0 .
Directory in which the WordNet database has been installed. Default is WNHOME/dict .

Base directory for WordNet. Default is C:\Program Files\WordNet\3.0 .
User's default browser options.

cntlist, cntlist.rev
file of combined semantic concordance cntlist files. Used to assign sense numbers in WordNet database

grind(1WN) , wnintro(5WN) , senseidx(5WN) .

Table of Contents


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‘Inside Out’ – Perspectives from 3 Christian Therapists

2nd March, 2016 - Posted by Stephanie - No Comments

After Inside Out won Best Animated Feature at the Oscar’s on Sunday, we’d like to share with you a resource from a few of our therapists. Last summer, our staff took a field trip to view this movie together, and it really moved us! So much so that a few of us decided to put our thoughts in writing. As Christian therapists, we provide insights into a few significant areas from the movie that resonate with the struggles of our clients: sadness, anger, and attachment with early caregivers. We hope these writings and reflections allow you to grow spiritually and emotionally… and hopefully laugh a little too! Whether you’ve seen the movie or not, we hope you’ll read on!

~Shared by Stephanie Gluch, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern
~Writings by Dr. Sam Leong (Clinical Psychologist), Dr. Alex Wang (Clinical Psychologist), and Stephanie Gluch (Marriage & Family Therapist Intern)

To view this ebook on Apple IPad devices, download the file here and open it and transfer it to your device: EPUB3 file (.epub)
To view this ebook on Kindle devices and reader apps, download it here and open it up on your device: KF8 file (.mobi)

Surviving the Holidays

9th December, 2015 - Posted by admin - No Comments

a Brief Group

December 18th, 2015

1100 Sanchez Street

San Francisco, CA 94114

Fee: $30
Medicare accepted

The Holidays can be a difficult time for many. Come join us for a group to process and learn tools and skills on how you can survive and thrive during the holidays.

If interested contact: alex@alexwangphd.com or colleen.mft@gmail.com

Co-facilitators: Alex Wang, PhD &

Colleen Lam Nguyen, MFT Intern, supervised by Gracia Wiarda, LMFT

Affiliated with Christian Psychotherapy Services

click on this link Holiday Group Dec 2015 for pdf version of flyer

Inside Out

23rd August, 2015 - Posted by Sam - No Comments

As is common with most therapists, the opening question at the start of the therapy hour is usually: “what’s on your mind?” This has become more intriguing given the increase in the general public’s understanding of what goes on inside our minds. Some credit goes to this summer’s blockbuster production from Pixar – the “neuroscience rich movie – “Inside Out”. This is a rather cleverly conceived and delightfully delivered movie about Riley, an 11-year-old girl who relocates with her family from Minnesota to San Francisco. The heart of the story is the personification of this girl’s five core emotions (Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Disgust), which are colorfully depicted as “live” animated characters.

The movie does an excellent job of increasing the audience’s emotional intelligence in learning how to identify each core emotion and its role in daily life. But it goes further to show the complex interplay of emotions and thoughts and behavior within an individual. Furthermore, viewers gets to see the role that emotions play in organizing one’s life and the impact of core memories in shaping one’s personality. Riley’s dominant emotion from childhood was Joy but as the movie unfolds, the reality of sadness (and loss) plays a bigger role. By the end of the movie there is a greater integration between joy and sadness (as well as other emotions) as portrayed in a vulnerable and intimate family scene where Riley is finally able to share her sad feelings of missing her life and friends in Minnesota.

In our lives, learning how to manage ones emotions is a daily challenge. A good starting point is to know what you are feeling and reflecting on what these feelings are teaching you about what is important to you. How are you doing in identifying your emotions and learning from them?

The Stories We Tell Ourselves

14th April, 2015 - Posted by admin - No Comments

Everyday we are faced with events – ripe for our interpretation.

From the moment we wake to our first hello to a fellow human – we take in information. Our brains work at lightening speed to process meaning to help inform our next step, next word, feelings and behaviors.

Objectivity is rarely a lone ingredient in this process. We all have unique beginnings and environments from which we developed. As a result, we process all these daily events through our individual lens, for better or for worse.

What if we slowed down our day and played it in slow motion? What if we challenged our interpretations and self statements? Could we inject just a little more analysis, logic, and objectivity and alter the narrative that may lead us toward emotional health and freedom?

There is definite power in the stories we tell ourselves.

 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” -Philippians 4:8

-Colleen Lam Nguyen, MFT Intern

10 Reasons Why You’ll Find Pre-marital (or Pre-Engagement) Counseling Helpful

13th March, 2015 - Posted by admin - No Comments

During the spring season, it’s common for couples that are planning weddings to consider their relationship health and search for a pre-marital therapist at our therapy group. Thankfully, my caseload is the fullest it’s been due to this season! So here are some reasons why I think you might consider partnering with a therapist when you’ve decided to commit to your current relationship, or maybe when you’re trying to decide IF to commit!

1. The wedding is just one wonderful day, but the marriage is years filled with both wonderful and hard days

2. Issues are easier to deal with when you’ve made a plan and communicated in advance

3. Couples who are willing to learn and grow together have a much better chance at having a happy relationship

4. A neutral third party can help to best explore different aspects of your relationship

5. Sex doesn’t happen like it does in Hollywood

6. It’s more natural to always tell your spouse what they’re not doing versus learning to communicate your relationships needs and desires

7. Unfinished business is brought to your relationship from your nuclear family and previous romantic relationships

8. Merging 2 different people’s cash, debt, and spending habits is not a straightforward process

9. Often opposites attract which leads to different perspectives and approaches

10. It’s like getting a preventative check-up from a doctor versus receiving medicine when there’s already a problem.

~Our therapy group also works with pre-engagement couples since that can be an even more beneficial time to explore a couple’s developing relationship. In other words, it’s before wedding contracts and deposits have been made. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you feel like you could benefit from this support.

by Stephanie Gluch, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern

SEMINAR: Surviving the Holidays 12/5 @ 6:30pm

2nd December, 2014 - Posted by admin - No Comments

SEMINAR: Surviving the Holidays

Date & Time: Friday, December 5th 6:30-9:00pm

Help for the divorced and separated during the holidays.

If you’re separated or divorced, the holidays can be a lonely, stressful, depressing time. But there’s hope. Join us for an encouraging seminar that will help you survive the holidays and discover new ways to enjoy them again.

Facilitated by Stephanie Gluch, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern
P: (415) 814-0024 | E: stephanie.gluch@gmail.com

Registration is $5/person, but the first 10 people to register will receive a complimentary registration. Contact Stephanie as registration is required.

Space is limited so register early. We hope you can join us!

What lies underneath

13th November, 2014 - Posted by admin - No Comments

I recently heard a yoga teacher say: “The practice of yoga is knowing your body and your unconscious habits. In knowing yourself, you welcome opportunity for changes.”

In other words, knowing yourself and your unconscious habits allows you to identify patterns that may not be helpful in your life. It opens the door for opportunity to make changes. In yoga, knowing your poor posture allows you to strengthen those muscles you need to walk around the world with more flexibility and confidence.

There is a parallel with one’s emotional and spiritual life.

Knowing yourself, your thought processes, core beliefs, and emotions can offer an opportunity for lasting change.

In our fast paced society with smartphones and twitter feeds, it can be difficult to slow down enough to understand and know yourself better. As a Christian, it takes discipline and trust to slow down, look inward and then upward towards the vertical. When we look to God and spend time listening, we can enter His rest. It is here that we can allow the word of God to do its work. “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

One simple way to slow down and be open to this process is journaling. It could be a traditional notebook or even your smartphone. There are apps out there to help you!

Journaling can be an invaluable way to know yourself by processing your thoughts, beliefs, and feelings and how they affect your everyday life and major life decisions. You can start out by stating what mood you’re in and chart what thought, person or event triggered it. Ask yourself questions like: When have you felt this way before? Never? Often? As an adult or a child? What thought is attached to this feeling? Is the thought rational or irrational? How can you rewrite that inaccurate recurring thought to make it more rational or accurate? How then does it feel? How does this all relate and connect with your spiritual life? What might God be saying to you in truth and love? After all, He knows all our thoughts before they come to be.

What if I told you, that one hour a week to slow down and process holds the possibility to change the course of your life?

“Great events, we often find, on little things depend, and from very small beginnings, have oft a mighty end.” -From “The Power of the Littles” Anonymous

-Colleen Lam Nguyen, MFT Intern

Vacation Fantasies for Couples

14th July, 2013 - Posted by Myrna - No Comments

Have you ever started your vacation filled with hope for some totally relaxing, do nothing downtime?  Or had hopes of a great travel adventure?  Only to end up deeply disappointed or in a fight with your spouse (or travel partner) over unmet expectations or unfilled fantasies?  If not, you probably don’t take many vacations!

I would like to share some hard-earned wisdom for fulfilling vacation fantasies.

1.  Be clear with yourself about your hopes, dreams and expectations for the vacation.  Do you want to sit by a pool all day and have someone bring you food and drink while you barely stir?  Do you want to go dancing every night?  Do you want to hike in a remote area?  Do you want to explore a new city?  What do you need to happen on this vacation to be able to come home and feel that you actually had a vacation?  You will not be able to talk about this with your traveling partner until your ideas are clear to you.

2.  Share your thoughts (from #1 above) with your traveling partner.

3.  Elicit the same hopes, dreams, and expectations from your traveling partner.  Do not proceed until you know clearly what he or she would like to make it a fulfilled vacation.  If you cannot communicate at this point, you are setting up the perfect storm for conflict over what was not made explicit prior to the vacation.

4.  Discuss budget with your companion.  You may have an expectation of eating in fine restaurants and splurging while your companion may be uncomfortable with such splurges or may be unable to match your budget.

5.  Expect the unexpected. Your flight may be delayed, your hotel room not ready, your campsite reservation lost, your luggage lost, the Grand Canyon is closed for the day (just kidding), or one of a thousand other glitches.  No matter how well you plan, things go wrong.  Your attitude at this point can ruin the vacation or you can make lemonade out of a lemon.

6.  Be realistic about having all of your fantasies come true. Your hotel room may not live up to the photos you saw on the website, the pool may be closed for resurfacing, your neighbors at the next campsite may fight all night or their baby cries all night, your flight may be cancelled or delayed, your luggage may be lost, the museum may be closed on the only day you are in Florence, or your forgot to pack your swimsuit.  Once you lower your expectations to something closer to reality, there is less chance that you will fall apart when these situations occur.

7.  Remember that disappointments listed in #5 and #6 are first-world problems.  Two-thirds of the people in the world don’t even have a concept of a vacation.  They are trying to figure out how to get food for the next meal for their families.  Thank God that you are so blessed that you have a job or finances that provides such a luxury.

8.  Sometimes the best memories of a vacation – the ones that provide great stories or big laughs – are from things gone wrong and how you coped.

9.  After back from vacation, take time to debrief with your traveling companion, what went well, what was most fun or refreshing or fulfilling, and what you learned about vacations and what you would do differently next time.  Be sure to celebrate all that went well.

Bon voyage!

Myrna L. Klassen, MFT

Keeping an eternal perspective

9th June, 2013 - Posted by Christine - No Comments

Once a month, our group practice gets together to share a devotional with one another for encouragement and support.  This month was my turn to facilitate our discussion.  After much thought and prayer, I was reminded of the topic of Eternity as a thought I love contemplating over.

Pastor Tim Keller says:

“Human beings are hope-shaped creatures. How you live today is completely shaped by what you believe about your future.

I really agree with that line – what we believe about our future directly impacts how we view our current circumstances and how we live each day.  In fact, it directly affects my daily work as well.  I firmly believe that my clients were created for freedom, intimacy, and wholeness.  I believe God is in the business of redemption, and will redeem their lives.  I believe God has a story of redemption written into all of our lives.  I believe even before we experienced pain and suffering, he already knew in his mind how he would redeem us.  We need only to respond willingly and openly to his pursuit of us.

During this devotional time with my colleagues, we contemplated over the following passages (and various versions of the same text) and shared our perspectives on how having an eternal perspective can really encourage ourselves and our clients in the here and now.  We laughed as we tried with our little minds to envision what the new heavens and new earth might look like.  One colleague referenced an author who said something to the effect of how we don’t even have half the alphabet to describe how glorious and majestic and beautiful it will be.  This is so true.  Our restored world, our resurrected new earth, is going to be more beautiful and captivating than we could ever conjure up in our own minds.

Until that day, I know God still asks us to pray for that kingdom to come here on earth so I pray that we would all look forward to eternity, but also trust and hope for that perfect intimacy, the way God intended us to be, to come into fruition even now.  I pray we would walk in light of our true identities in him, as his beloved children, having the legal rights as his sons and daughters.  This is the gospel! We are not only forgiven because of Jesus, we have been credited his perfection and his resume.  I pray we would walk in freedom knowing we are secure, worthy, acceptable, because when he looks at us, He sees Christ’s past and present, not our own.  We are defined by what God says about us, not our own thoughts of ourselves, and God says we are secure, significant, precious, safe in him, because he has clothed us with his son’s identity.

May we always reflect upon this amazing truth about how God views us and what he has secured for our future (perfect intimacy with him), and let it seep into our bones to transform the way we view him, ourselves, our circumstances.  I pray we would keep an eternal perspective: that we would remember God’s future grace of promised peace and joy, and I pray we would let this hope and belief about our future transform the way we live today.

Please feel free to click below to read our devotional passages and discussion questions.

Counseling & the Gospel

28th August, 2012 - Posted by Christine - No Comments

“The fruit of wise counseling is spiritually mature people who increasingly reflect Christ (relationally, rationally, volitionally, and emotionally)” -Bob Kellemen, The Gospel Coalition

“The aim of wise counseling is intentional and intensive discipleship.” -Biblical Counseling Coalition

I recently came across the above two quotes which reminded me of a post I wrote on my blog a few months ago.  I’d like to share a portion of it here as well:

“We are part of God’s larger story of redemption.  Why else would the Bible be full of stories of individuals & families and what God has done in and through them, so powerfully and actively?  It is full of stories of His redemption in specific people’s lives.  The Bible’s foundation is rooted in the gospel:

The gospel is the good news of the new world coming. The plot-line of the Bible is:

1) God created the world,
2) The world and humanity fell into sin and decay (brokenness),
3) But God sends his Son to redeem the world and create a new humanity, and
4) Eventually the whole world will be renewed. Death, decay, injustice, and suffering will be all removed.

(above definition from Tim Keller)

When people come to counseling, they are confessing their brokenness and need for help, and God is revealing what His plan of redemption is in the lives of these individuals he loves.  Counseling is not selfish, self-focused, or self-centered.  We are looking to God for help, dependent on His holy spirit to intervene, and partaking in His greater story of redemption.  People come to seek freedom, to live into who He made them to be.  God gets the glory.  And His children experience restoration and transformation.  New life.  It’s not overnight.  It takes time.  But I believe that God’s plan for redemption and restoration is completely connected to counseling.  Counseling, then, becomes a picture of the gospel in many ways.”

For the original post, please visit: Vision, Redemption, Counseling.

Written by: Christine Chiu, MFT

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Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Give a Man a Gun... WIP 01

I have had a horrible flu, the first day of which I also had a *really* bad fibromyalgia flare.

It's been eight years since I've had the flu. I've gotten weird all-sinus things which involve the nose and throat and lots of phlegm, but not a proper, feverish, achey flu. I blame the niece and nephew.

Until they moved here I'd only gotten sick once in six years. So now I'm thinking perhaps I should reconsider my opposition to flu shots, what with all the school germs they bring around and how I wanted to die with this flu and would have gone to the emergency room if there'd been anyone on hand to take me.

Through parts of it I tried to stitch on black Aida. This was so foolish. I hate black Aida, I hate it SO much. Only I keep buying it and using it, because damn it, it looks so cool!

Anyway, just the lower border to do and then she's done. Hoping to finish it before I go to the beach on Saturday. I might start the wisteria project up again and work at that during beach week.

Friday, February 15, 2013

A Hat for a Darling

I started knitting this hat prior to see this adorable picture of my niece in her all-apple outfit (while eating an apple, of course). After that I just had to make it an apple hat. I think it's turned out quite cute and I hope it fits her.

If it's a bit small for her there are always other kiddos around. I think I have endless supply of baby hats in my possession, all ready for whoever I know who's having a baby.

I'm dragging my feet about starting another cross-stitch pattern for some reason. I guess I'm still a bit burnt out on that. I just need to work out the best way to paint the background on Frida and do that. Definitely not burnt out on non-counted embroidery yet!

Monday, February 11, 2013

Princesses Against Patriarchy

Well, here's the piece I couldn't show you yesterday. Now I have full permission. The design comes from the Tumblr Fuck Yeah Subversive Kawaii. I totally want to stitch all of those things and hang them above my niece's bed.

You can find the pattern for frees right here, and I hope lots of other people make it!

Now I'm working on a red cotton hat for my niece's birthday (not until April). I wanted to do a pointy gnome hat for her, but with this yarn the needles would have to be too small for me to use (to achieve the right stiffness). Now I'm thinking I'll turn it into an apple hat, with a happy little face.

I'm quite lucky that she and my nephew both adore the hats I make them. Also, how cute are they?!

Sunday, February 10, 2013

My mom just bought a house, and I've been keeping her company and wearing myself out entirely too much to stitch.

I did finish one piece, but want to obtain permission from someone before I post it. So, we'll see about that.

I did some knitting however, including a pair of these non-felted knit slippers for myself, and a pair for my friend Christine (pictured).

Also made this crochet hook holder for her. I kept putting it off because my sewing machine isn't working and I had the sew the whole that. That's not a hugely onerous task, but I didn't have a good way to mark straight lines onto the fabric, and it was a horror trying to keep things straight.

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Yesterday I randomly decided to stitch this color wheel. Other than there being not perfect blue or red-orange, I think it turned out quite prettily. I might outline it in white and then do a ring of each color around that (probably just ROY G BIV).

I really want to work on Frida, but I don't have a good method for coloring the background. I'm out of normal watercolor paint in the colors I need. The next thing I can think of is just grinding up the watercolor pencils I have and mixing that with water (watercolors, at least the kind in tubes, are very staining).

Plus today it was just too cold to stitch. Granted, I could have turned my heat on, but it's a point of pride that I never have in this apartment. When it's really cold I just do some baking (Earl Grey cookies and broiled polenta today) and keep the tea flowing. I'm pretty sure the apartment below mine is empty now, because last year when it was this temperature I had to keep the windows open a bit. Today I've had the windows closed, a wool hat on, and two layers of slippers, one of which were sheepkin. Keep in mind I normally run quite hot.


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Located to the northwest of South Korea, Suwon is the capital and largest city of Gyeonggi-do province. It boasts a population of over 1.2 million residents, making it South Korea’s most populous municipality. Suwon covers a total area of 121.05km2 , and is composed of four administrative districts; the Gwonseon District, the Jangan District, the Paldal District, and the Yeongtong District.

The city of Suwon is a leading Korean region in technology, being the home of Samsung Electronics Headquarters as well as various R&D institutes. Research and innovation is further served by a number of academic institutions and universities including Sungkyunkwan University, Kyonggi University, and Gyeonggi University.

Suwon is also known as a pioneer in South Korea in the field of environment. Most notably, it organized the EcoMobility World Festival 2013 as the world’s first month-long presentation of an innovative and forward-thinking urban transportation culture. During the festival, over 4000 residents used a combination of ecomobile modes of transportation as an environmentally car-free experiment. Considering its success, the city has embarked on discussions to adopting the car-free practice on a permanent basis.

In the World Cities Project Suwon is partnering with the Scottish Cities Alliance (UK).


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Prilly map by GoogleMaps engine: map scale; scheme and satellite view; directions: streets and houses search - in most of cities, towns, and some villages of the World. If you can't find something, try satellite map of Prilly, Yandex map of Prilly, or from OSM project: Prilly map.

Drag the Virtual panorama streets view button on Prilly map icon from map left-top, to place, you interest - to switch to virtual panorama streets view (exist on streets, marked blue during the drag)

Prilly, Switzerland.

Use toddler "+ -", or mouse weel over gmaps area, if you want to change map scale; for switch view to satellite photos - click "satellite" button on the map top-right.

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Google map of Prilly №1 with view from satellites and plan view - streets and houses. Vaud region.


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Thursday, May 26, 2011

Pic St-Loup

So I took May off from this blog. I didn't mean to, but the life! The life got in the way!
I now know much more about Osler-Weber-Rendu than I ever expected to, purchased some custom beryl earrings from Wexford Jewelers because that's the sort of thing I do in the middle of the wide-awake night when no one's around on Facebook to play Scrabble with--I think about what jewelry I have to leave to my neices in my will and decide that none of it is good enough so I really ought to have myself fashioned some raw beryl earrings and avoid post-mortem embarrassment, I saw one of my closest friends run naked across a stage while hundreds of the blue-rinse set howled with laughter and all I could think was "Wow, she's been working out," clipped a foxhound's dewclaws, was assailed by cauliflower left too long to its own devices, put my hand in a bucket of aquatic insects while four Grade 2s squealed in horror, purchased inappropriately above-the-knee clothing for a woman of my advanced years, told a bird to fuck off, listened as the doctor diagnosed my gorgeous blue-eyed baby with some kind of serious myopia perhaps requiring the insertion of hard glass disks into his poor blind eyes, and yelled at a really mean person who phoned me up at 4.30 in the morning and then wouldn't believe that I was not, in fact, the owner of an architectural supplies firm named DAVE.  And now my friends are going to Italy to join other friends already there, a friend's baby has been born and her brother has died, one of my sisters and two of my brothers-in-law are in Ottawa, as is my husband, and the woman whose birthday-boy son I just left standing in front of the school in the rain for 20 minutes brought me a bottle of wine to thank me for helping her out.

It's a huge swirling world of joy and pain and rain and Italy and medicine and airports and those green plastic perfumed dog poo bags, and sometimes there is no room for blogging about it.

BUT! So far no scrapes, no bruises, no sad undergarments making a break for it. And Pic St-Loup at the end of A Day.

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Serious Sam's Serious Bad Guys (Xbox) - Screens

by Rainier on Oct. 11, 2002 @ 11:20 p.m. PDT | Filed under News

Now that Sam "Serious" Stone has the firepower, It's time to take out the trash. The attached screenshots and artwork hightlight some of the gruesome and downright nasty alien invaders in SERIOUS SAM, coming NOVEMBER 12 exclusively to the Xbox. Read more to find out info and screens on all the baddies ...

'Battle Realms : Winter of the Wolf' - Screens

by Rainier on Oct. 11, 2002 @ 10:32 p.m. PDT | Filed under News

Battle Realms is a fantasy, real-time strategy game inspired by Japanese mythology and traditional kung-fu cinema. The depth of the Battle Realms mythology intertwines stories from several clans, each with its own unique origin and culture. Winter of the Wolf takes place seven years prior to the events in the original Battle Realms and accounts the proud Wolf people's rise from oppression and slavery under the Lotus Clan. The Wolf Clan's rise to power occurs over the course of twelve all-new scenarios. As heroic Wolf leader Grayback, players must journey through dark mines and snowbound forests to free the clan from the tyranny of the Lotus Mages, and save the land from a fierce, magical winter. A boatload of new screens, check em out!

Off World Resource Base (O.R.B.) - Screens

by Rainier on Oct. 11, 2002 @ 8:34 p.m. PDT | Filed under News

O.R.B (Off-World Resource Base) will be on store shelves on November 5 where it will finally prove its superiority over titles like Homeworld. Infogrames will exclusively distribute O.R.B. in North America. Review copies will be available the week of O.R.B.’s release so please let me know now if you want one! As today is friday, Strategy First once again sends us 8 brand new shots ... Overdose anybody? ;)

Dirt Track Racing 2 - Demo Available NOW

by Rainier on Oct. 11, 2002 @ 8:09 p.m. PDT | Filed under News

There is a new playable demo of Dirt Track Racing 2, allowing you to try out this recent racing simulation by Ratbag and Infogrames. This demo contains two tracks that you can race in two different cars for eight laps, in single-player and (limited) multiplayer. Read more for links where to grab it. (thanks 3DGamers)

'Command & Conquer Generals' - Multiplayer Test Program

by Thomas on Oct. 11, 2002 @ 7:28 p.m. PDT | Filed under News

Just a reminder!! The Generals Intelligence Agency is looking for a few good men and women to help them with a top secret test operation. If you are selected for this mission, you will help them obtain vital information on the following:

  • Multiplayer bugs contained within Command & Conquer Generals.
  • Potential balance of power issues between the U.S., China, and G.L.A. factions.
  • Load stress on their matching server.

    Sign up here!

New Blizzard Classic Arcade Games Revealed (GBA) - Screens

by Rainier on Oct. 11, 2002 @ 7:01 p.m. PDT | Filed under News

Following Monday's announcement about the return of "The Lost Vikings", several people wrote in to find out if their favorite Blizzard Classic game would be published under the new label. In response, Blizzard are pleased to announce that "Rock N' Roll Racing" and "Blackthorne" will also be published for the Game Boy Advance system.

UbiSoft's 'Racing Simulation 3' (ALL) - Screens & Features

by Patrick on Oct. 11, 2002 @ 6:43 p.m. PDT | Filed under News

Ubi Soft Entertainment is proud to announce the release of its upcoming racing game, Racing Simulation 3. Based on an enhanced version of Ubi Soft's powerful "Revenge" engine, the game will feature the latest technological advancements to provide gamers with the most thrilling and realistic game in the series. Go check the 10 new screens before they race off!

Red Faction II (PS2) - New Screens

by Thomas on Oct. 11, 2002 @ 4:28 p.m. PDT | Filed under News

Developed by THQ’s studio, Volition, Red Faction 2 is the sequel to one of the best-selling and most critically acclaimed original game franchises of 2001. Featuring an enhanced Geo-Mod engine that allows players to strategically alter and destroy the game environment in real-time. Red Faction II recently went GOLD and is scheduled to ship on October 16. Today we serve up 16 new screens. Njoy!

Singularity Software Announce 'FOO' - Screens

by Thomas on Oct. 11, 2002 @ 4:03 p.m. PDT | Filed under News

Singularity Software, a division of Brightstar Entertainment Ltd, today announced its latest title, Foo. Developed by Swedish coding team, Idol FX, Foo is due for release across Europe in Q1 of 2003. Foo is a unique "sneak, steal and trap-em-up" game of malicious pleasure with gameplay summarized as "Thief" meets "Spy vs. Spy", with the general feel of an animated feature crossed with the comical morbidity and brutality of "Itchy and Scratchy ".

RC Sports Copter Challenge (PS2) - Screens & Features

by Thomas on Oct. 11, 2002 @ 1:19 p.m. PDT | Filed under News

RC Sports Copter Challenge brings you a new experience in helicopter simulation.Try and earn your license by competing in four different modes, spanning numerous locales. Spend points awarded to update copter parts and buy new rigs. Tricks, points, manoeuvring and obstacles will prove whether you are the RC pilot champion! 14 tiny shots below with features!

Metal Dungeon (XB) - Screens & Features

by Thomas on Oct. 11, 2002 @ 1:18 p.m. PDT | Filed under News

Aransas is war torn world. The planet has been in conflict for a long period. Humans are “enhanced” by cyborg technology and magic. Underground in a complex known as Force Valley, there is a new faction. They are creating the ultimate cyborg. “Magin” the experimental cyborg escapes and creates an enhanced army of cyborgs that turn Force Valley in “Metal Dungeon”

Resident Evil 0 - Trailer

by Thomas on Oct. 11, 2002 @ 12:21 p.m. PDT | Filed under News

Resident Evil 0 promises to amaze players with flawless animation, living environments and the best graphics in a video game ever! The Resident Evil series has sold more than 20 million copies since its introduction in 1996. "Early 2003" is the release date. Check out a brand new 20MB gameplay movie from Capcom. (thanks EvilAvatar)

'Knight Rider: The Game' Is GOLD (PC/PS2) - Screens

by Thomas on Oct. 11, 2002 @ 11:43 a.m. PDT | Filed under News

Davilex Software is excited to announce that Knight Rider: The Game has been signed off by KITT, co-star of the 80's TV show Knight Rider. The game has now officially gone 'GOLD' and is on its way to manufacturing. Serving up 12 PC screens and 12 PS2 screens as well as the intro movie, read more to check it all out.

Vultures (Xbox) - Trailer!

by Thomas on Oct. 11, 2002 @ 9:48 a.m. PDT | Filed under News

X-Box owners should take a look at CDV's brand new Vultures trailer. Vultures combines the beat-em up genre with thrilling, gladiatorial fights in a vast collection of arenas. HighRes textures and interactive particle-systems will stress your X-Box to it`s limits to ensure the best possible graphics.

Deep Sea Tycoon Renamed To AQUAZOTS!

by Thomas on Oct. 11, 2002 @ 9:36 a.m. PDT | Filed under News

Anarchy Enterprises and Unique Entertainment today announced that their underwater strategy game Deep Sea Tycoon is renamed to AQUAZOTS! AquaZots will be available Q1 2003. Read more below for full pressrelease!

Daily Dose Of Boring Q&As

by Rainier on Oct. 11, 2002 @ 7:43 a.m. PDT | Filed under News

Konami Ships 'Evolution Skateboarding' For PS2

by Rainier on Oct. 11, 2002 @ 7:32 a.m. PDT | Filed under News

Leading video game publisher Konami of America, Inc. announced today that Evolution Skateboarding for Sony PS2 has shipped to retail outlets nationwide. The first next-generation skateboarding game to ship this season, Evolution Skateboarding features an exciting mix of authentic tricks and pro-skaters, incredibly detailed graphics and out-of-this-world fantasy levels. The introduction of Boss Characters – a first in the genre – revolutionizes extreme sports videogames by integrating game play elements inspired by Konami’s rich action videogame legacy.

BloodRayne (PS2/Xbox) - Trailer

by Rainier on Oct. 11, 2002 @ 7:28 a.m. PDT | Filed under News

A new movie trailer of BloodRayne is now available, showing off the upcoming bloodthirsty third-person action game by Terminal Reality. Check out Agent BloodRayne, the anti-heroine from BloodRayne, in one of the most eagerly anticipated action/horror games from Majesco, available this fall for Xbox, PlayStation 2, GameCube, and PC. Read more for links where to download this action packed trailer with bloody in game footage! (thanks 3DGamers)

Neverwinter Nights - Enhanced Game Content With New Patch

by Rainier on Oct. 11, 2002 @ 3:30 a.m. PDT | Filed under News

BioWare Corp. today announced the release of new game content for Neverwinter Nights. With the online release of the 1.25 patch, Neverwinter Nights fans will receive a tons of new features and content. Read more for details and links where to get it

One Must Fall : BattleGrounds - Screens

by Rainier on Oct. 11, 2002 @ 3:19 a.m. PDT | Filed under News

Ever wish you were a 90-foot-tall robot, beating the snot out of other huge robots in a futuristic mega-sport? Sure you have. We all have, and this is your chance - One Must Fall: Battlegrounds puts you in control of enormous robots, letting you fight to become a champion in the greatest spectator sport of all time. Check the 19 new screens ...

America's Army: Operations - Update Patch v1.3.0 Available NOW

by Rainier on Oct. 11, 2002 @ 2:35 a.m. PDT | Filed under News

As expected the new patch for the Unreal engine powered multiplayer shooter America's Army has been released. The patch has a lot of goodies such as a new map, a new Honor System feature, Combat Effectiveness Meter and a slew of big fixes, tweaks and upgrades. Read more for detailed fix list and links where to get the goodies (thanks HomeLan).

'Splinter Cell' WebSite Live

by Rainier on Oct. 11, 2002 @ 1:54 a.m. PDT | Filed under News

Right on the heels of its German counterpart, Ubisoft just kicked off the English/North American part of the Splinter Cell website. The website hosts all kinds of game info, screenshots and videos from this third person action/stealth game. Splinter Cell will be released for Xbox and PC in November. Go check it out.


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A Wheel of Time Wiki

A Crown of Swords/Chapter 2

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"He's still sane"

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<<<   The Butcher's Yard    >>>
Setting: Dumai's Wells

Point of view: Perrin Aybara

Before joining Rand, Perrin surveys the graves the battle of Dumai's Wells has left behind - 19 Two Rivers men, near to 100 Mayeners, more than 100 Cairhienin, 1000 Aiel - and the carnage of the Shaido dead in the valley below with all the survivors massed around Rand, namely Asha'man, Mayeners, Cairhienin and Maidens. Kiruna Nachiman asks Perrin what Rand is doing. Perrin knows that Rand is learning the name of every Maiden that died. He remembers listening to Rand last night reciting the names of dead Maidens like a catechism. But Perrin doesn't tell Kiruna that, instead he upbraids her and the others for not following orders to wait with the Wise Ones but wading into the midst of battle with Havien Nurelle and his Mayeners. Kiruna retorts that this is the only way to take part: if Aes Sedai want to use the Power as a weapon, they must place themselves or their Warders in mortal danger.

Rand comes up the slope. Wise Ones and Asha'man alike want to have custody of the Aes Sedai, prisoners and oath-sworn both. Rand decides that all Aes Sedai present will be supervised by the Wise Ones. Bera and Kiruna try to protest but Rand reminds them that they swore oath to obey and serve him until after the Last Battle. Rhuarc reports that the surviving Shaido are running fast eastwards and the Younglings head north. On urging of Kiruna and Bera, Rand commands Healing from Alanna. Taim presses Rand into accepting an honor guard of Asha'man. Besides four Dedicated and four Soldiers, Rand chooses Corlan Dashiva at random. Perrin wonders about Rand's scent that is changing fast enough for two men. The Cairhienin and Mayeners are uneasy about Rand poking around among the slaughtered until Perrin bluntly tells them that Rand still is sane. The various groups ready themselves for departure; the Asha'man Travel back to the Black Tower. Perrin tells Rand about the tensions between the factions. Min interrupts a staring match between Rand and Perrin when they talk about murdering the Aes Sedai. Rand asks Min whether she has seen something and Min explains to the startled Perrin how her talent manifested and that the Aiel know about it and don't look crosswise at her for it. She doesn't see anything clear, though.

Loial asks Rand to talk to him about his book and Rand promises that they'll talk when they're back in Cairhien. Rand has Dashiva make a gateway near the City of Cairhien and learns that Taim lets himself be called M'Hael (Leader).

One PowerEdit

  • If you don't know everything, you must go on with what you do know. - Old saying, quoted by Rand

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Bucktooth Flapper

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Bucktooth Flapper is a wild battle pet, belonging to the Beast family. It can be found and captured in The Jade Forest and Valley of the Four Winds in Pandaria.

Name Level Damage Healing Duration Cooldown Accuracy Type
[Tail Slap] 1 28 80% Pet type aquatic
[Screech] 2 10 4 turns 100% Pet type beast
[Woodchipper] 4 12 4 turns 100% Pet type beast
[Gnaw] 10 25 95% Pet type beast
[Survival] 15 1 turn 3 turns 100% Pet type critter
[Chew] 20 1 turn 1 turn 100% Pet type critter

Capturing a Bucktooth Flapper is a requirement for the Battle Pet achievement:

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Today’s Facebook Friend Lives In Senatobia, MS

This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated.

Our WREG Facebook friend of the day is Jackie Aiken from Senatobia, MS.

She says she loves WREG because we have the best weather team in the Mid-South!

If you want to be our Facebook friend of the day, like us at


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Saturday, September 18, 2010

Trouble With Lichen

I've been making a piece based on the corroded piston rods sent to me by some time ago by Janos:

wreckage in the river

It has turned out to be one of the oddest pieces I've ever made:

Trouble With Lichen (WIP) 6

To be polished and set.


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Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Newspaper Article

This is an article in our local newspaper.

By Staci SchwickerathDixie Phillips of Floyd displays the two children’s books recently released.
By Staci Schwickerath
Charles City Press
Wed Nov 19, 2008, 08:28 AM CST

Floyd, Iowa -
Angels and animals bring stories of inspiration, faith and hope to children in a pair of books written by a local author.
“Angel Eyes” and “Stubby’s Destiny,” penned by Dixie Phillips of Floyd, hit shelves this fall after being published by Guardian Angel Publishing of St. Louis, Mo.
While the new stories are Phillips’ first children’s books, the local author has written several plays for young children and youth. Testimonies and devotionals written by Phillips and her husband, Pastor Paul of Gospel Lighthouse Church, have been included in several books.
“Writing is kind of like little seeds you scatter. You don’t know where your books will go or where your story will go. I never dreamed that the Lord would make me a writer,” said Phillips.
“Angel Eyes,” which was released in August, is written from the point of view of cherubs witnessing Jesus’s life on Earth, including his birth, baptism, crucifixion and resurrection.
“It’s kind of Easter and Christmas rolled into one book,” explained Phillips. “We have four children and when we were reading the Christmas story when they were little, our baby girl Libby asked us what the angels think, so that got the wheels turning.”
“Angels Eyes” was first written as a play 10 years ago. The book is colorfully illustrated by Kim Sponaugle, who incorporated images of Phillips’ family members into the story. Sponaugle also illustrated “Stubby’s Destiny.”
The second book, which was released just last month, tells the story of a sad donkey.
“Stubby is a little donkey. He’s just so defeated and he doesn’t think he has a divine destiny. He compares himself to the stallions,” explained Phillips.
In the end, readers learn that Stubby’s destiny includes being selected as the donkey that Jesus rides.
“It’s written for children with difficult circumstances, so they know that every child has a divine destiny and a purpose,” said Phillips.
Two others books, “Our Noble Journey” and “Baby Jesus is Missing,” are due out next year. The local writer has sent two additional manuscripts out to publishers.
Phillips, a Charles City graduate who serves Lighthouse Academy and works as church secretary, hopes parents will share her “cuddle and read” books with their children.
“I want these books to get into the hands of children, parents and grandparents and plant a seed of hope and maybe help children to have faith in God,” Phillips explained. “I think we’re in a day and age when times have changed for children. They grow up faster than they ever have. I want to write to ignite their little hearts with inspiration and goodness and hope and little random acts of kindness.”
When children at Lighthouse Academy were read the books, they didn’t know Phillips had written it until they finished the story.
“They just squealed and clapped” when they found out, smiled Phillips. “We’re hoping it will make them want to write. Maybe they’ll someday have a dream of writing a book.”
“Angel Eyes” and “Stubby’s Destiny” can be found online at, and Divine Inspirations in Charles City also carries the children’s books. E-books are available for download at For more on Phillips or her books, visit
Phillips will be on hand Saturday from 9-11 a.m. at Divine Inspirations, 501 11th St., for a book signing and to meet readers. She will do another signing on Nov. 29 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Olive Branch in the Willowbrook Mall in Mason City.
“I’m very excited,” said Phillips. “ I just want to encourage kids to read good literature. There’s good literature and there’s not so good literature in this society and we need to fill them with the good stuff.”

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