Monthly Archives: March 2017

Liberal support slides to lowest levels since 2015 election – CBC.ca

Posted: March 4, 2017 at 1:41 am

Support for Justin Trudeau's Liberals has sharply declined over the last three months, dropping to its lowest levels since thelast federal election.

The party has taken a hitin the polls in every region of the country, boosting both the Conservatives and New Democrats as a result. But despite the governing party's worsening fortunes, the Liberals still have as much support today as they did when they secured a majority government in October 2015.

The Liberals have averaged 40.5 per cent support in national polls conducted over the last three months, a drop of 6.8 points compared to the previous quarter. Though that is still above their electoral result of 39.5 per cent, it is a significant shift from the party's steady pollingat 46 to 47 per cent throughout 2016.

This is, by a wide margin, the greatest shift recorded in national voting intentions since Liberal support surged in the immediate aftermath of the 2015 election. This shift has all but erased those "honeymoon" gains.

Thenegative trend coincided with a number of issues that may have sapped Liberal strength, including the government's pipeline decisions, its broken electoral reform promise, the prime minister's cash-for-access controversies and his stay on the Aga Khan's private island in the Bahamas.

(Note that past quarterly averages have been revised due to the inclusion of polling data from Nanos Research that had not been available at the time.)

The Conservatives have picked up 3.5 points in the past quarter, boosting the party to 31.8 per cent nearly identical to the Tories' electoral performance. This is another important shift, as the Conservatives had previously been stagnating under 30 per cent after losing power.

The New Democrats were also up, gaining 2.3 points to hit 15.6 per cent support. That is still down almost four points from their election showing in 2015, support the party has been unable to claw back from the Liberals.

In fact, the NDP's weakness would give the Liberals the potential to win more seats than they did in 2015 if an election were held today, due to gains in Quebec that would make up for losses in Ontario. The Liberals would likely win around 200 seats if an election had been held over the last three months, with about 110 seats going to the Conservatives and just 20 to the NDP.

Green support, at 5.4 per cent, was largely unchanged from the previous quarter.

The Liberals saw their support in British Columbia drop 7.6 points in the last quarter, the largest quarter-to-quarter decrease any party has seen in any region since the election. The Liberals are still ahead in the province, however, averaging 38.3 per cent, followed by the Conservatives at 27.5 per cent and the New Democrats at 21.5 per cent.

Both parties picked up about three points from the last quarter, but are still below their results from 2015.

In Ontario, the Conservatives picked up 6.2 points and averaged37.6 per cent in the province, 2.5 points higher than their last election result. The Liberals dropped 7.2 points their second largest decrease in the country though stilllead with 42.9 per cent.

Themargin between the Liberals and Conservatives stands at just over five points. It was almost 19 points in the last quarter.

The Conservatives have picked up support over three consecutive quarters in Alberta, where they lead with 60 per cent. The Liberals, down five points to 25.6 per cent, are still polling higher than their election result in the province.

In Saskatchewan and Manitoba, the Conservatives displaced the Liberals to take over the lead at 41 per cent. The Liberals dropped nearly seven points to 33.8 per cent, while the NDP was up 3.1 points to 17.8 per cent. Along with a 3.1 point gain in B.C., this was the NDP's biggest regional jump this quarter.

The Liberals won all 32 seats in Atlantic Canada in the last election and still hold a wide lead in the region, averaging 57.7 per cent to the Conservatives' 22.7 per cent,and 13.4 per cent for the NDP. The Liberals' slide of 3.2 points was their smallest in the country.

The Liberals had a more significant drop in support in Quebec, slipping six points. This decrease reversed four consecutive quarters of gains in the province, largely at the expense of the NDP.

But at 44.7 per cent, the Liberals are still polling significantly above their election haul of 35.7 per cent. This makes Quebec the province in which the Liberals are out-performing their election results by the widest margin insulating themselves against losses in other parts of the country.

The Bloc Qubcois, at 18.2 per cent, narrowly beat out the New Democrats for second spot in Quebec. The NDPwas still well below its election performance in the province at just 17.1 per cent. Though that was a gain of 2.8 points over the previous quarter, their 8.3-point under-performance of the last election is the worst of any party in any region in the country.

Of course, the New Democrats are without a leader, as are the Conservatives and the Bloc Qubcois. The Bloc and Tories will settle their leadership races in April and May, respectively. The NDP will choose its new chief in October.

Of the three, the polls suggestit is the next leader of the NDP that will have the most ground to make up assuming, of course,the slumping Liberals don't do it for them.

These quarterly poll averages are based on the results of 12 national and regional public opinion polls conducted between Dec. 2016 and Feb. 2017 by seven different pollsters, interviewing just under 16,000 Canadian adults using a variety of methodologies, including online panels, interactive voice response and telephone interviews.

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Sanders, Occupy Wall Street and the liberal Tea Party surge | TheHill – The Hill (blog)

Posted: at 1:41 am

There is a direct lineage between the Occupy Wall Street movement, the enormous and historic contribution that Sen. Bernie SandersBernie SandersMoral outrage shrouds reality of Russian hacking case Left wing protests only strengthen the Right Sanders, Occupy Wall Street and the liberal Tea Party surge MORE (I-Vt.) made in the 2016 presidential campaign, and what some call the progressive Tea Party movement that, along with other Americans, has besieged Republican officeholders at town meetings across America.

The Sanders campaign for president was a defining moment in American political history one that has continuing impact on his work in the Senate today, the creation of groups such as Our Revolution that supports his agenda, and Sanders's coming role in the 2018 midterm elections and the 2020 presidential campaign.

The continuing power of the Sanders movement results from the fact that not only did he inspire a large number of citizens to participate in politics, but revolutionized campaign finance by inspiring small donors. Those donors broke the old politics paradigm of seeking large contributions and special interest money that usually paid for consultant-driven negative television ads.

In 2016 Sanders inspired, motivated and organized a continuing political movement based on progressive ideas, institutional reform and the kind of dramatic change that voters hunger for.

Before the Sanders campaign, there was the Occupy Wall Street movement, and today, there is the so-called progressive version of the Tea Party movement reminiscent of the movement that brought conservatives and Republicans to power beginning in the 2010 midterms.

The Occupy Wall Street movement, which I strongly supported and continue to support, was a frontal challenge to the power exercised by the 1 percent, who do so at the expense of the 99 percent who are the heart and soul of America.

The mistake many Democrats made, including the Obama White House, was that they felt threatened by Occupy Wall Street. After all, President Obama was not elected in 2008 to name Timothy Geithner, a close ally of the largest financial institutions of the world, as his Treasury secretary. But Obama did.

The mistake Occupy Wall Street made understandably so, but still a tactical mistake was to respond by rejecting involvement in electoral politics.

Sanders and his campaign filled this gap, brought together grassroots action and direct political involvement, and brought large numbers of new people into politics who remain active and engaged in politics today.

The continuing Sanders movement embodied by Our Revolution is critical to the future of American politics, and the so-called liberal Tea Party movement is similar and also important by forcing Republican officeholders to publicly answer questions they would rather duck at town meetings.

With two critical elections approaching in 2018 and 2020, it is important to fully understand and act on the differences between presidential elections and midterm elections just as I mentioned in my last column on the anti-Trump wave that could define the midterm elections in 2018.

In the 2020 presidential election, Democrats and all Americans will have the opportunity to elect a transforming progressive president. In the midterm elections, though, the prime directive is to elect the progressive and moderate Democrats needed to put a brake on the power of President Trump and the Republican Congress.

The anti-Trump wave extends far beyond the traditional Democratic base. It includes the huge number of Americans who now realize they will be hurt by repeal or destruction of ObamaCare; the huge number of Americans who are angered and fearful of attacks against a free press; those appalled by the key members of the Trump administration who bear false witness about meetings with the Russians who attack our democracy; and those who reject the "swamp" in Washington that has actually gotten worse, since a number of Trump officials embody the special interests of political "swamp" Trump falsely claimed he would drain.

Democrats and progressives have an opportunity in 2018 to restore and widen our traditional coalition, maintain the momentum of the Sanders movement, inspire voters who stayed home in 2016, and end the one-party monopoly of power that the GOP now holds.

This will require supporting progressive Democrats and also supporting moderate, red-state Democrats, and, above all, finding new and appealing challengers to take the fight to Republicans in every district and state across the nation.

Brent Budowsky was an aide to former Sen. Lloyd Bentsen (D-Texas) and former Chief Deputy Majority Whip Bill Alexander (D-Ark.). He holds an LL.M. degree in international financial law from the London School of Economics. He is a longtime regular columnist for The Hill and can be contacted at brentbbi@webtv.net.

The views of contributors are their own and not the views of The Hill.

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Winnebago County’s funding for Freedom Field may dry up – Rockford Register Star

Posted: at 1:41 am

Chris Green Staff writer @chrisfgreen

ROCKFORD Freedom Field Renewable Energy.

The name conjures up an image of sprawling acres of land populated withsolar panels ora wind farm producing an endless supply of self-sustaining energy.

"It is not a field," said Winnebago County AdministratorAmanda Hamaker. "It is an auditorium the size of a big-school cafeteria."

HamakertouredFreedom Field in early February with County Board Chairman Frank Haney andcame away less than impressed.

"The big missis R&D," she said. "There is no research and development being done there. There'snothing that connects the work ofFreedom Field back tothe grid, so to speak, but it also doesn't connectto any actual economic development for the future."

Hamaker, who has a MBA in sustainable business, made her comments Wednesdayafterthe Winnebago County Board's Economic Development Committee meeting, at which Haney asked for and receivedthe committee's approval to request a refundof $60,000 after the board paidFreedom Field atotal of$98,250so far in fiscal 2017.The County Board will consider Haney's request as early as Thursday.

The Freedom Field initiative was championed by Haney's predecessor, Scott Christiansen, a charter member of the nonprofit organization's board of directors. Christiansen, who continues to serve on the board,said the organization was volunteer-driven and had helped the county"retain and attract jobs because of the innovation that Freedom Field represents." He also noted that it has been a resource for college students, helping them get hands-on experience and attain jobs in sustainable energy.

Haney thinks otherwise.

"This is not personal," Haney said Wednesday oftheproposed $60,000 refund. "This is nothing more than right-sizing the investment with results."

On Thursday, Haneywas critical of the nonprofit's productivity:

"There is no correlation to the monies given to Freedom Field and (the creation of) local jobs, or more specifically, local green jobs.

"Sustainability and green technologies are not a gimmick. If we dont do sustainability right in terms of local investment, we are guilty of actually minimizing the importance, and hindering local industry from adopting green technology.

"So far, Freedom Field is nothing more than a long-term science project without any traceable research and development outcomes to invest back into local industry."

The refund requestcoincideswith Haney's campaign promise to be accountable for how the county spends money, particularly host fees.

Waste haulers who dump trash at the Winnebago Landfill are among several entities that pay a host, or tipping, fee to the county. Each year, the County Board earmarks anticipated host fee revenue for economic development projects. County leaders have weathered criticism, though, because the host fee program does not clearly define what constitutes "economic development."

Haney, who was elected County Board chairman in November,said the host fee program lacksadministrative oversightand is projected to spend $1.2 million more than what it earns this fiscal year. In addition, Haney said, the county has no disclosure policythat requires recipients to meet job creation or other economic development benchmarks thatwould justify thevalue of the county's investment.

The chairmanstressed that Freedom Field is not being singled out and saidallrecipientsof county host fee revenue will be scrutinized todetermine whether the publicreturn on investment merits continued funding.

Freedom Field, housed on the Kishwaukee Street campus of Rock River Water Reclamation District, isa nonprofit organization formed in 2009 to facilitate the development and operation of a renewable energy solutions center. Its mission, according to its latest brochure, is to "increase regional awareness of renewable energy opportunities and to facilitate development and commercialization of renewable energy solutions."

Chet Kolodziej, Freedom Field's executive director,also addressed the Economic Development Committee on Wednesday.He spoke of Freedom Field'spartnership with Rock Valley College andits annual presentation of theNorthern Illinois Renewable Energy Expo, a showcase of sustainable energy strategies attracting 250 to 300 people a year.

He told committee members that Freedom Field does not have and has never had established hours of operation and rents its space from the sanitary sewer district at little to no cost. He latertold the Register Star that Freedom Fielddoes not have any employees. Instead, he said Freedom Field is operated "more as a laboratory" oron anas-needed basis.

Winnebago County contributed$712,668.04 from its host fee fund to Freedom Field between Oct. 1, 2012, and November 2016, according to data that Haney provided the committee Wednesday. During thatfour-year period,more than $300,000 was sent back to the county's general fund to paythe salary of amaintenance worker.

County Board member Dave Fiduccia, R-11,questioned why the county would pay for a maintenance worker if Freedom Field does not own the building.

After the meeting, Fiducciasaid he felt duped.

"I thought there were people working there daily," he said. "I thought they had their little lab coats on and weredoing experiments."

Haneysaid he learned after touring the facility in February that Rock Valley College has pulled its equipment from Freedom Field.A Rock Valley Collegeprofessor of engineering and technologydeclined to comment.

Kolodziej said about 60 percent of the county's funding goes toward maintenance of equipment, such as pumps, motors, solar panels and inverters. "Anything that moves needs a fair amount of upkeep," he said.The remaining 40 percent, he said, goes toward event programming.

Kolodziej said he does not know whether Freedom Field would fold withoutthe county's funding.

"That's a board decision," he said. "It is something that needs to be evaluated."

Christiansen said numerous studentsin Rock Valley College's Sustainable Energy Systems and other degree programshad completed projects at Freedom Field and used the experience they earned there to land jobs.

"The fact that Freedom Field was on their resume they got hired," Christiansen said.

The former CountyBoard chairman said he understands the cash-strappedcounty is trying to save money wherever possible.

"During my time, we cut $26 million, and they'll have to cut some more," he said.

He describedFreedom Field's annual operating budget as "fluid," at times totaling up to $100,000 depending, he said, on thenumber of projects taking place at the facility.

He also said Freedom Field will remain openno matter what level of funding it receives from the county.

"The goal has always been to get away from public funding. I think the goal for Freedom Field is to beindependent," he said.

Chris Green: 815-987-1241; cgreen@rrstar.com; @chrisfgreen

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James City County Parks and Recreation Department outlines vision – Virginia Gazette

Posted: at 1:41 am

Residents might soon start to see signs that change is afoot within the county's parks and recreation facilities.

County Parks and Recreation staff asked for feedback last fall from residents about how to improve parks facilities.

John Carnifax, county parks and recreation director, said people emphasized access to water, improving trails and adding aquatic facilities during public hearings.

"Trails for walking and biking is still the number one thing that I hear," Carnifax said.

Those ideas will be put into a master plan used to guide the county's park and recreation initiatives over the next five years.

The department is working on improving four facilities around the county: Warhill Sports Complex, Freedom Park, James City County Recreation Center and Chickahominy Riverfront Park.

"This document really reflects the needs that the community has come to us with," Carnifax said.

Finding funds

Despite a growing wish list, the county will have limited funds to work with.

The county is proposing to include $4.4 million the five-year capital improvement plan for parks and recreation projects. If approved, that money will be spent in the fiscal year beginning July 1. Of that total, $3.1 million will be spent for the synthetic turf at Warhill Sports Complex.

The department states in the master plan: "... it may be time to consider a bond issue in order to ensure that the Department continue to provide the level of quality programs and facilities that James City County residents expect."

In 1995 and 2005, bond referendums were passed to allocate funds to Parks and Recreations projects, according to the master plan.

A bond referendum planned for 2015 was not issued due to the economic climate, according to the master plan.

The county also plans to use general funds to cover cost for parks and recreations projects. The county spends about $5.5 million on Parks and Recreation in its annual operating budget. It has also collects about $2.8 million to $3 million in user fees, according to the budget document.

Parks and Recreations staff is seeking state grants, sponsorship and advertising to help pay for projects, according to the master plan.

Proposed projects

The county is proposing several indoor and outdoor projects in the master plan.

Carnifax said the county will address residents concerns about traffic at the complex by submitting a traffic plan proposal to VDOT. The plan is still being reviewed by the state.

At the Recreation Center, at 5301 Longhill Road, the county is proposing to add shade structures, improving the athletics fields and making the center ADA compliant. Recreation center improvements would cost $1 million, according to the master plan.

At Chickahominy Riverfront Park, the county is proposing adding a splash pad. At Freedom Park, there are plans to add a walking trail and interpretive stage. This will cost $175,000.

"I'm in the real estate industry, and I think the amenities are something that are important for people who come here, stay here and might decide to live here," said Kevin Onizuk, James City County Board of Supervisors chairman. "As a community as a whole having good parks and recreation department is good for demand which in turn is good for the county."

In December, supervisors agreed to relocate an indoor gymnasium and add a multipurpose room to the Warhill Sports Complex. A WATA bus transfer station will also be created. The total projected cost: $13 million.

The indoor gymnasium will be relocated from next to the basketball courts to open space near the stadium. The transfer station will be on-site but outside of the park proper.

Public response

The county spent last fall soliciting input from residents about parks and recreation improvements. Residents completed 572 surveys between Oct. 21-Dec. 4.

Residents top recreation interests were outdoor activities and programs, health, wellness and fitness.

Participants said the facilities they used most were James City County Recreation Center, Freedom Park, Chickahominy Riverfront Park, Veterans Park and Warhill Sports Complex.

"I like the Parks and Recreation Department; it works out well for me and my family," said James City County resident Bill Scavezze, at the Recreation Center on Friday. "I like the pool, the workout stuff and my son is involved in the soccer programs."

"I think (the facilities) are terrific. I come here three times a week. It's reasonably priced and they have everything you need," said Scott Cash, a county resident who was also at the center.

The department also surveyed people on why they didn't use Parks and Recreation amenities. Two main reasons were a lack of time and unawareness. Those responses troubled Carnifax.

"As much as we've gotten in to social media, that is the one that surprised me," Carnifax said. "I wish we could improve the (unawareness numbers). I want people to know we have the facilities."

Still, the county is growing and more people are using the facilities.

Since the last master plan in 2009, the county's population rose from 64,436 people to 73,147 in 2016.

The amount of unique visitors who visited park facilities also increased from 2.1 million in 2009 to 3.5 million in 2016, according to department statistics.

The most popular facility was the Recreation Center, according to the surveys.

Planning Commissioner Richard Krapf said he was impressed with Parks and Recreation's ability to account for the needs of a growing population.

"This is an exceptionally well put together (master plan)," Krapf said.

Carnifax said the department is moving in the right direction.

"It's not just more people are moving here but it's also because of improved amenities," Carnifax said.

Jefferson can be reached by phone at 757-790-9313.

Want to view the master plan?

Visit: http://bit.ly/2mv92sG

The master plan will go to the Board of Supervisors for approval on April 11.

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Law & (Executive) Order – Patriot Post

Posted: at 1:41 am

How great is the threat to religious liberty? Just ask Aaron and Melissa Klein. The parents of five were before the Oregon Court of Appeals yesterday with their familys livelihood on the line all for the right to live and work according to their faith. For three long years, the couple whove became the brave face of Americas religious liberty clash has fought the charges of discrimination for turning down an order for a same-sex wedding cake. Staring down a $135,000 fine for exercising their beliefs, the couple is doing everything they can to hold their life together. But even sued, harassed, vandalized, the Kleins havent blinked, even in the face of the PC police. To be told theyre going to force me to convey a message other than what I want to convey it flies in the face of the Constitution, Aaron explained. Its a violation of my conscience. Its a violation of my religious freedom. Its horrible to see your own government doing this to you.

Unfortunately, the Kleins are just one of the families who arent only being persecuted but prosecuted for holding biblical views. At its heart, all Christians are asking for is the same accommodation for their views that liberals already enjoy. Its no wonder these threats to religious freedom are of great concern to leaders across the conservative spectrum.

That concern was front and center in a letter to President Trump this week from the Council for National Policy (CNP). If youre unfamiliar with the group, CNP is a membership organization made up of business and policy leaders who focus on fiscal, social, and foreign policy issues. Although the membership has a broad policy focus, theres strong consensus that mitigating the threat to our First Freedom is a priority. After eight years of President Obama, CNP like the rest of America is anxious to turn the page on almost a decade of faith-based harassment and persecution.

Thats why, this week, the largely behind-the-scenes coalition, which Ive led since 2015, took the unusual step of openly calling on Donald Trump to lift the dark clouds of religious hostility created by Barack Obama. That includes issuing an executive order that would defend the rights the Constitution gave us: to live and work according to our faith. Nearly 150 members of CNP signed the letter asking the White House to act before more Americans are crushed under the weight of the last presidents intolerance. Together with Attorney General Edwin Meese, Morton Blackwell, Kelly Shackelford, Becky Norton Dunlop, Dr. James Dobson, Penny Nance, and other familiar faces, we praised the president for the steps hes already taken in his young administration to uphold our First Freedoms.

We are writing to ask that you continue these efforts to defend religious freedom by issuing an executive order protecting the practical exercise of religious freedom. For the last eight years, Americans of all backgrounds have suffered the loss of their religious freedoms because of destructive Obama-era policies. We commend you for beginning to reverse that devastating trend. After keeping his word on so many other issues, CNP is asking that President Trump build on that reputation of promise-keeping by addressing a problem that hes already acknowledged. After all, it was Donald Trump at the National Prayer Breakfast who said, [O]ur Republic was formed on the basis that freedom is not a gift from government, but that freedom is a gift from God.

Right now, that gift has not only been abused but stolen by members of the radical Left. Using examples of everyone from Little Sisters of the Poor to the West Michigan Beef Company, the signers explain that these are real-life stories of persecution right here in America. These Christians and many like them have either been punished by the government for their religious beliefs or are about to suffer under Obama era anti-religious regulations, CNP writes. They need protections that you can grant through an executive order to prevent federal discrimination against them for acting in accordance with their beliefs. We urge you to take action to ensure their freedom to believe and live out those beliefs is protected from government punishment.

You can add your voice to CNPs and 30,000 other Americans who are asking President Trump to protect religious liberty by signing our petition here.

Originally published here.

The new Commander-in-Chief may be in control of a lot of things, but last week he made clear Americas bathrooms is not one of them. After President Trump nixed the hugely controversial federal edict that schools open their shower, locker room, and restroom doors to both genders, districts are already hard at work overturning the rules they were forced to adopt under the last administrations threats. From New Jersey to Wisconsin, local school boards arent wasting any time putting common-sense policies back in place.

In Derby, Kansas, you could almost feel the community exhale after months of outrage over the rules. By a 5-2 vote, the school board rolled back the federal mandate and embraced parents' views on the issue. Calling it a community-driven decision, one member explained, This realigns the procedure with the culture and values of the larger community of Derby. If we have students that require distinct services, we as a district need to address those on an individual basis and not take rights away from other students.

On the East Coast, New Jerseys Egg Harbor Township listened to two hours of emotional testimony before agreeing to put privacy and safety first. Kevin Barnat, a local pastor who led the opposition to Obamas agenda, said, Why cant we work together? Let Egg Harbor Township pave the way to protect everyone. In the end, the district did, promising that it would take responsible measures to accommodate the needs of transgender students in accordance with federal and state laws and regulations. Other areas, like Wausau, Wisconsin, are a work in progress. Moms and dads are putting pressure on members who used the Department of Educations letter to advance their own liberal agenda. Now, families are demanding that the school board rethink its position. [T]he Trump administration has gone ahead and rescinded that order, said one of the locals hoping to unseat a member who pushed Obamas policy through. And the school board chairman is not willing to act on it. Thats bound to change, if the community turns up the heat.

Meanwhile, the most-watched response to the bathroom and shower debate is in Texas, where leaders are moving full-steam ahead on the states Privacy Act (SB 6). Thanks to President Trump, the momentum for the bill is only building. On Washington Watch, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick (R) broke the news that the first hearing on SB 6 was scheduled for March 7 an announcement that became formal Wednesday. The Senate State Affairs Committee will be kicking off debate at 8 a.m., and FRC will be there with a group of our Watchmen pastors. Thanks to President Trump, states like Texas have the opportunity to decide for themselves which is more important: freedom and safety or political correctness? Under the leadership of Patrick, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) and others, the Lone Stars are also ensuring that the debate wont be hijacked by local jurisdictions by creating a uniform policy across the state. Lets hope that more legislatures follow suit and seize the moment President Trump has given them!

Originally published here.

This is a publication of the Family Research Council. Mr. Perkins is president of FRC.

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Utopia Frozen Yogurt and Coffee House | Ellensburg, WA

Posted: at 1:39 am

Utopia Frozen Yogurt and Coffee House offers delicious bagels, fresh-made salads, frozen yogurt, warm coffee drinks and refreshing smoothies. Whether you are looking for a new morning routine or a place in Ellensburg, Washington to study, Utopia is the place for you. At Utopia we offer an extensive self-serve frozen yogurt bar. Choose from our rotating flavors, including sweet and tart, and load your cup up with your favorite toppings for a delicious sweet treat. For the latest flavors on the frozen yogurt taps click here. You can expect to find the very best coffee and espresso drinks at Ellensburgs Utopia Frozen Yogurt and Coffee House. Ourpremium coffee comes from a local roaster and is filled with flavors that will appeal to many palettes. Whether you are looking for bold flavors to wake up your palette or a rich chocolate flavor with a hint of sweetness, we have the perfect blend for you at Utopia. We serve hot and iced drinks all day long. Choose from our traditional lattes, mochas, breves, americanos and cappuccinos or customize your very own drink. Our coffee specialists will help create the perfect coffee drink for your taste buds. We also sell our delicious coffee beans by the pound. In addition to coffee, Utopia offers made-to-order smoothies with 100% crushed fruit. Choose a smoothie blend from our menu or create your own concoction. We also offer a variety of boosts for your smoothie or blended drinks including protein, vitamin, and antioxidant blends. Pair your favorite coffee drink or smoothie with a hand-crafted sandwich, a fresh salad or a yummy dessert. Choose from a variety of bagels and smears, custom-made salads or freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, brownies and cinnamon rolls. If you have an event coming up, Utopia is a great option for bagel baskets and pastry trays. Visit us today for lunch on the go and a cup of joe at our convenient university location, or give us a call at 509-933-1400! We have a great selection of fun merchandise as well take a look!

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Extreme Channel 4 reality challenge Mutiny makes its sailors suffer – iNews

Posted: at 1:39 am

Its the latest extreme reality show designed to place participants in mortal danger.

But Channel 4s attempt to replicate the gruelling journey after the Mutiny on the Bounty added trench hand and hallucinations to the roll call of injuries sustained in the name of entertainment.

A hardy crew of nine men crammed into a rickety 23ft wooden boat and recreated the 3,600 mile journey of Bligh, who was cast adrift in the Pacific Ocean and somehow navigated a path to Indonesia with 18 of his men.

Living off dried beef and biscuits and squatting over the side of the boat for calls of nature, the crew relied on the nautical skills of their skipper Anthony Middleton, a former special forces soldier who tests the physical and psychological fitness of contestants on the Channel 4 series SAS: Who Dares Wins.

The weakened sailors soon fell vulnerable to illness. Youve heard of trench foot? Well I had trench hand, said crewman Sam Brown..

He added: Both my hands had huge chunks of flesh dropping off them. I couldnt undo my fly. I couldnt hold a rope. I couldnt operate a camera.

If it had rained for one more day, I think Id have had to have been medevac-ed. My hands were literally falling apart. I still have scars on them now.

When a fearsome storm lashed the ship five days in, even a bruised and dehydrated Middleton, who led Special Boat Service operations in Afghanistan, feared for his life.

Luke Kane, the boats doctor, said: In the middle of these huge waves, in the pitch black, with torrential rain coming down, I was hallucinating.

Ive never been that scared. Youre totally powerless. All you can do is sit there.I really did think we were going to capsize and die.

Kane, who lost four stone during the journey, treated his fellow seasoned survivalists for dehydration. He said: I couldnt sit down without being in pain. I couldnt lie down. And Im a doctor, I know that the sort of weight loss I was showing was very, very unhealthy.

A rescue boat tracked the replica Bounty but was too far behind to pull anyone out of the water had the storm forced a man overboard.

Middleton said: I made it very clear from the beginning that I only wanted to be involved if it was going to be as authentic as possible, down to the rations, the boat, the islands.

Basically keeping the health and safety team at bay as much as possible so we could remain in our bubble.

Although he did not quite inspire a mutiny among the crew, Kane said of their demanding captain: Its quite weird. Im getting better now, but I couldnt talk about Ant for quite a long time without crying, which is really weird.

The modern-day Bountineers may have got off lightly.

A contestant fell 20ft off a cliff edge in the last series of The Island with Bear Grylls and was aiflfted from the camp.

Channel 4s most recent survival series Eden, a ground-breaking social experiment in which a group of volunteers attempted to create a new utopia within the wilds of the Scottish Highlands, failed to live up to its billing when a third of the 23 volunteers walked out within months.

:: Mutiny, Monday March 6, 9pm on Channel 4

@adamsherwin10

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Oceania Cruises announces around the world in 180 days voyage for 2019 – Travel Daily News International

Posted: at 1:38 am

SOUTHAMPTON - World travellers wanting to experience more travel milestones during a single journey than many do in an entire lifetime can achieve their dreams with Oceania Cruises announcement of another awe-inspiring 180-day world cruise for 2019. With the unveiling of this global odyssey, the line is offering guests the flexibility of embarking the full world cruise in New York, Miami or Los Angeles.

Our exciting 2019 Around the World journey offers guests an expertly crafted route spanning the four corners of the globe, touching on nearly 100 captivating destinations and dozens of UNESCO World Heritage sites. It is truly the journey of a lifetime, said Bob Binder, President & CEO of Oceania Cruises. The added convenience of three departures, new for 2019, brings guests greater flexibility and can help simplify their travel plans.

Aboard the elegant and intimate 684-guest Insignia, the Around the World voyage brings travellers the journey of a lifetime, sailing more than 45,000 nautical miles across two oceans and 16 seas while visiting 90 fascinating destinations in 36 countries. Departing New York on 11th January 2019, Miami on 14th January 2019, or Los Angeles on 30th January 2019, this epic five-continent expedition invites seasoned travellers to explore the far corners of the world in luxury and style.

The Ultimate Route The lines new 180-day epic route for 2019 follows the sun west to the beautiful islands of Hawaii and the deep blue South Pacific before heading Down Under for adventures across New Zealand and Australia. Insignia then explores the vast marvels of Asia, the Holy Land and classics throughout the Mediterranean before crossing the high seas to New England, Canada and Bermuda.

To further enhance this incredible travel experience aboard Insignia, the itinerary features a total of 14 overnight stays including:

The Around the World journey also includes a host of free exclusive shoreside events for guests booked on one of the full world cruises. Highlights include:

Shipboard Highlights Aboard the acclaimed Insignia, there are only 684 privileged guests who are catered to by 400 professionally trained staff. Travellers will indulge in The Finest Cuisine at Seain four open seating gourmet restaurants where they will dine on continental specialities prepared a la minute by the lines innovative chefs. Enhancing the enriching nature of the journey, authoritative and engaging experts will deliver compelling lectures on history, art, and music. Throughout the journey, Insignia will be a sanctuary of modernity and old-world comfort. Her 342 staterooms and suites are elegantly appointed and 70% of them have their own private teak veranda, the perfect perch from which to take in the ever-changing panoramas.

Valuable Amenities No matter which of the three cities guests choose to sail from, Oceania Cruises world journey includes an array of valuable amenities including roundtrip airfare with free Business Class air upgrades, along with the Exclusive Prestige Package, featuring generous perks such as free gratuities, free onboard medical care, and free laundry service. The voyage also includes the lines popular OLife Choice package, which offers guests their selection of one of the following amenities: 72 shore excursions, a beverage package or a $7,200 shipboard credit (selected amenity is per stateroom).

Oceania Cruises Around the World 2019 journey opens for reservations on 1st March 2017.

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Get to Know the Seychelles – TravelPulse

Posted: at 1:38 am

PHOTO: A little slice of paradise Anse Coco in the Seychelles. (photo via Flickr/Jean-Marie Hullot)

Island life might not get much better than the Seychelles. The islands have long enchanted travelers from all walks of life.

The Seychelles are a great destination during any season, blessed with a warm, tropical climate all year long and located outside the cyclone belt. A quality that has earned them the nickname, the land of perpetual summer, writes Glynn Burridge for National Geographic.

It really is a land for all types of visitors.

This island paradise is not just about laying on the beach, however. Visitors can indulge in other activities, such as world-class diving, snorkeling, fishing, hiking, island hopping, golf, spa retreats, zip lining, and horseback riding, notes Burridge.

Make sure you get a taste of the local culture by sampling its culinary offerings.

READ MORE:'Unlock The Sea' at Le Meridien Fisherman's Cove in Seychelles

No stay in Seychelles is complete without tasting the delicious Seychellois Creole cuisine a blend of old French cuisine and piquant Indian and Chinese flavors. While this fusion is best enjoyed in local homes, many restaurants can also introduce you to its amazing flavors and textures, says Burridge.

Theres also a lively music scene.

If youre looking to relax and unwind to the sounds of live music, try the Boardwalk Bar & Grill, a magnet for weekend revelers. Hardcore partygoers should check out local clubs Katiolo and Tequila Boom, Burridge suggests.

There are also options for those who want a more spiritual experience or those looking for adventures. For more on what to do in the Seychelles, read on here.

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Seychelles Tourism team on its way to ITB Berlin – eTurboNews.com – eTurboNews

Posted: at 1:38 am

A Seychelles delegation headed by the Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Maurice Loustau-Lalanne, is on its way to ITB Berlin. The team also includes from the Seychelles Tourism Board Chief Executive Sherin Francis, Director for Europe Bernadette Willemin, Regional Manager Edith Hunzinger, and Marketing Executive Natacha Servina who will also be present at the event.

The Seychelles tourism industry will once again be present with a 40-member delegation at the upcoming ITB Berlin tourism trade fair to be held from March 8-12.

A total of 28 companies from the private sector will be joining the fair, namely Air Seychelles, Alphonse Island Lodge, Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, Beachcomber, Berjaya Resorts Seychelles, Coco de Mer Hotel, Coral Strand Smart Choice Hotel, Savoy Resort and Spa, Creole Travel Services, Denis Private Island, Dhevatara Beach Hotel, Eden Bleu Hotel, Hilton Seychelles, The H Resort, Kempinski Seychelles Resort, Le Duc de Praslin, Val Mer Resort, Le Meridien Fishermans Cove, Le Relax Hotel, Maia Luxury Resort, Paradise Sun Hotel, Masons Travel, North Island, Pure Seychelles Hotels, Raffles Praslin Seychelles, the Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Association, 7South, and VPM Yacht Charter.

ITB Berlin is set to have a total of 10,096 exhibitors from 187 countries. It is the worlds leading travel trade show, which presents a wonderful chance to discover the entire world within a few hours and to meet business partners, and learn about new trends, concepts, and cooperation options, as well as deepen existing business relations.

Germany is one of Seychelles leading markets, and according to the National Bureau of Statistics for the week ending on February 26, the overall visitors from Europe increased by 27% compared to the same period in 2016.

An increase of 40% was recorded from the German market, which placed Germany as the second leading market for Seychelles during that period, with a total of 6,234 visitors arriving to the countrys shores.

The Seychelles tourism industry started on an extremely positive note this year, and this is being supported further by the enthusiasm of the travel trade partners whom are already eager to push the destination even more. This years ITB will be a very busy one, and remains very important given it sets the tone for the rest of the year, said Mrs. Francis.

I thank the local trade partners who will be part of the delegation this year and wish them success for the fair.

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