text:
hanging around...
...is something that I can't afford to do right now! Everything is really starting to take off and I'm so excited to see it all evolving! I have so many ideas about what I want to do and how I'm going to do it that I get butterflies thinking about it! I have lots of really exciting photo shoots coming up and can't wait to get out there... and then I know I'll not be able to wait getting them up on the blog! So watch this space!.......
Labels: me, still life
elly & amy
A gorgeous photo session with my friend Perina's children Elly and Amy. I haven't seen Perina for about 4 years and I come back and she has 2 kiddy winks! I'd never met the girls but from the moment I walked through the door it was 'Emma, look at my handstand!', 'Emma look at my toys!'... I loved it! I even got a huge cuddle and a kiss from them both to take away! I've had a brilliant morning and any excuse to splash in a few puddles gets the thumbs up from me!
B got an A!
My gorgeous friend Beccie has recently started her PGCE training to become an Early Years Teacher..... she's just finished her first placement and pretty much nailed the whole thing.
Here's a little video just for you Bee....
You're going to be an amazing Teacher.
time out
I've moved around the country quite a bit over the last 8 years and along the way have made some pretty amazing friends. It's so easy to slip into the hecticness of daily life and before you know it you haven't seen or even spoken to people for months. With facebook it's so easy to keep up to date with what everyone is doing, where they went on holiday, who they're dating or what they had for tea..... but actually having a good old chat seems to be getting lost. I had a lovely phonecall the other day from Keith, a guy I was on tour with for 6 months. I haven't seen him for a couple of years but it was like I'd only seen him yesterday.
So if you have a spare half hour or afternoon arrange a catch up over a cuppa, or if they're too far away... make a cuppa and give them a call.... I promise it'll make you smile.
p.s good luck Keith and Sarah for the nearly new arrival!!
Labels: friends, me, still life, texture, vintage
linden love
It was a pretty emotional day yesterday watching one of my oldest friends walk down the isle. It always feels so surreal and it never feels that we're actually old enough to do all these grown up things like get married and have kiddy winks. But we are. I was so proud of Laura. She looked absolutely stunning and her and Mark are so perfectly suited that it almost feels as if the name Linden was just waiting for her....
Here are a few shots from a purely guest's perspective (due to the torrential rain we didn't really get any outside time so there actually wasn't much opportunity to get any shots of the bride and groom but they had a photographer doing that anyway so I thought I'd concentrate on some other stuff!)....
...and one little piccie that I took a while ago waiting for it to become Mr & Mrs Linden....
at 18:12 3 comments:
love is in the air..
Just a few shots of us at a friend's wedding... we've been apart quite a bit lately and it was so lovely to have a hotel room and be able to relax, let our hair down and enjoy each other's company properly. When we went down to breakfast in the morning guests kept shaking Pete's hand congratulating him on his shape pulling skills on the dance floor.....hmmm nuff said!
I'm sure Pete gets fed up with me taking pictures of him all the time!
at 18:01 3 comments:
unlucky for some...
Friday 13th is unlucky for some but not for Laura and Mark!!.. they are getting hitched this friday in Surrey and I'm actually a guest not the photographer! Woop woop... get your freak on, get your freak on, get ya, get ya, get ya freak on!
Congratulations guys and I can't wait for Laura to be Mrs Laura Linden of 'Links of London' (Hee hee!)
at 23:35 1 comment:
me me me me me....
1. I eat with my fork in my right hand and kick a football with my left foot.
2. I am very proud of being born in Liverpool.
3. I honestly believe that Pete is my perfect match in every way.
4. I eat about 10 boiled eggs a week. I love them.
5. I can stilt walk.
6. My thumbs are double jointed.
7. If I eat a banana I never eat the ends.
8. I wish I could move all my friends and family from Southampton to Birmingham.
9. Recently somebody said I have a 'Deaf Identity' and I was extremely touched.
10. I am in love with photography and drive Pete mad buying photo frames all the time.
11. I will own a Camper Van one day.
12. When I eat I have to have the same number of pieces of steak (for example) as chips on my plate.
13. I told my Sister that there was no Santa so she could help me find presents.
14. If the wind is blowing in the right direction you can smell chocolate from Cadbury World from our house.
15. I adore mojitos and mulled wine (but not together)
16. My favourite song is 'Let Go' by Frou Frou. It makes me feel so happy that I smile every time I hear it.
17. I think I have only felt anger maybe a handful of times my whole life.
18. I am very proud of my family.
19. I love avacado.
20. I don't like feet. Especially when they touch me.
21. I don't like the feel of unvarnished wood. Wooden spoons are the worst. It's like running your fingernails down a blackboard
22. When I was young I used to pretend to skip with a skipping rope but with just my hands. If I'd done 10 skips I would then have to do it in reverse the same number of times.
23. I have good comic timing.
24. I drink tea all day long but have never finished a whole cup. I always leave a bit in the bottom.
25. I adore Sign Language so much that I miss it if I don't Sign for a day.
Have just realised how many points are about food!?!
at 23:55 3 comments:
Labels: me


text:
Ending all forms of discrimination against women and girls is not only a basic human right, but it also crucial to accelerating sustainable development. It has been proven time and again, that empowering women and girls has a multiplier effect, and helps drive up economic growth and development across the board.
Since 2000, UNDP, together with our UN partners and the rest of the global community, has made gender equality central to our work. We have seen remarkable progress since then. More girls are now in school compared to 15 years ago, and most regions have reached gender parity in primary education. Women now make up to 41 percent of paid workers outside of agriculture, compared to 35 percent in 1990.
The SDGs aim to build on these achievements to ensure that there is an end to discrimination against women and girls everywhere. There are still huge inequalities in the labour market in some regions, with women systematically denied equal access to jobs. Sexual violence and exploitation, the unequal division of unpaid care and domestic work, and discrimination in public office, all remain huge barriers.
Affording women equal rights to economic resources such as land and property are vital targets to realizing this goal. So is ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive health. Today there are more women in public office than ever before, but encouraging women leaders will help strengthen policies and legislation for greater gender equality.
Goals in action
Yazidi women find economic independence in Iraqi Kurdistan
The Dost Bakery is a small cake business that opened in Iraqi Kurdistan in the autumn of 2015. Dost means "friend" in Kurdish, as the bakery is run by 10 friends. All of them are women who were displaced by ISIS... MORE >
Women survivors raise their voices for justice
More than 30 years after she saw her family and community torn apart by Guatemala's decades-long civil war, Elena de Paz decided to tell her story. She was one of the 97 witnesses who testified during the trial for crimes against humanity. MORE >
Supporting Mali's women to adapt to climate change
Climate change has led to more drought and shorter rainy seasons in Mali. The government has partnered with UNDP to strengthen agricultural communities and empower women to mitigate the social and economic impacts of climate change. MORE >

subset: commoncrawl


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Len Ford joined the Los Angeles Dons of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) in 1948 as a two-way end. He was excellent on defense and a favorite on offense with leaping, one-hand grabs that netted 67 receptions in two years.
When the AAFC disbanded after the 1949 season, Ford was placed in a special draft pool. The Cleveland Browns, who earmarked him for their defensive platoon, quickly grabbed him. It wasn't long before Ford was recognized as the very best of many stars on a unit that allowed the fewest points of any NFL team six of seven years in the 1951-1957 period.
Ford developed into such a devastating pass rusher that the Browns changed their whole defensive alignment to take advantage of his rare talents. By using the linebackers behind the two ends and a pair of tackles, Cleveland in effect created the first 4-3 defense. This enabled Ford to line up closer to the ball-handling action and have a better shot at enemy quarterbacks.
A serious injury almost ended Ford's career in his first NFL season. When hit by the elbow of Cardinals fullback Pat Harder, Ford suffered a broken nose, two fractured cheekbones and several lost teeth. Len was counted out for the season but plastic surgery, a strenuous rehabilitation program and the use of a specially designed face mask made it possible for Ford to return for the 1950 title game with the Los Angeles Rams. Len responded with one of his finest games to help Cleveland to a razor-thin 30-28 victory. Ford, who recovered 20 opponents' fumbles in nine NFL seasons, was a first- or second-team All-NFL pick seven times. He also played in four consecutive Pro Bowls. In the 1954 NFL championship game against Detroit, he intercepted two passes as the Browns buried the Lions, 56-10.


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Top 10 IMD Portfolios
In an effort to 'give back' [cheesy phrase I know] to the degree that got me to where I am today, I wanted to pass on some words of wisdom to the current year group. Interactive Multimedia Design, a primarily web design focused degree offered at the University of Ulster in Belfast, continues to produce a steady stream of top quality web designers each year.
The students recently had to submit a portfolio site to promote themselves and their skills, so I thought I would display my chosen top 10 out of the 90 strong class to give them some praise and exposure for their work. I didn't judge them on any particular aspect but simply on overall quality, design and unique appeal. Hopefully the remarks I make about each will be of use to both the rest of the class and other web designers.
So in reverse order…
#10 – Chris Fearon
> Interesting design, a break from the norm.
> Chosen typeface and spacing indicates a sense of professionalism.
> Unique name is a selling point.
> The 'tag cloud' look for the about text is a bit unusual. Perhaps changing the colours instead of size to pull out the key words would be better.
> Content could be structured more effectively, some links are hidden within the page.
#9 – Brian Burns
> Clear indication of identity. This site is definitely Brian Burns'. :)
> About text is short and instantly pulled out with the blue background.
> Striking image is attention grabbing.
> Individual projects are nicely sectioned.
> Belfast Banter holding page is fantastic.
> 'Available' status is a nice detailed feature.
> Make sure alignment is perfect on every page element. A couple of pixels off can ruin a page's professional look.
> Could push the Twitter, Virb, Delicious links more instead of just on the footer.
#8 – Shane McAstocker
> Refreshing, unique style. It hasn't got the usual web 2.0 vibe so it stands out from the crowd.
> Small details, like the Adobe icons in watercolour style, are also good ways to subtly push Shane's style.
> Twitter status' prominent location will encourage people to follow.
> The 'tweet tweet' image could link to your twitter profile.
> Instead of scribbling out the active page link on the navigation you could circle it so it's still readable.
> More alignment of the links at the bottom of the page keeps visual consistency.
#7 – Jonny Campbell
> Clear, professional and clean layout.
> 'About text' length and size are perfect. Including a funny remark puts the viewer at ease. Offering more details below the short intro in a much smaller font size does not overwhelm the viewer with text.
> Pushes 'Gonzo Design' but does not neglect 'Jonny Campbell'.
> Including 'In Under 150 words' is a nice idea, puts the viewer at ease before starting a long piece of text.
> Strikethrough on visited links is a good idea for lists where you need to see where you've been, e.g. list of blog posts. Should not be used on navigation as people will come back to click multiple times.
> Perhaps larger images of your projects in the 'work' section, they should really speak for themselves with very little text.
#6 – Ryan Carlin
> Fun branding with the Panda, memorable.
> Great use of icons to illustrate your key points. Love the Panda ears through the helmet. :)
> Simple colour scheme is a plus.
> Too much text on the homepage. Should limit it to a few choice words with a 'read more' link.
> The capitalisation and 3 exclamation marks on the YOU!!! makes it look a little unprofessional along with the rest of the text, which is perfectly worded.
> The 'check it out' buttons could be improved visually.
#5 – Paul Wilsdon
> One page layout is a nice change among the other portfolios.
> Simply using black and white is refreshing.
> I like the visual style with things like 'By 2010 Digital Advertising…'. You're saying a lot by just structuring the text in a creative way.
> Scrolling could be smoother, would give it a nice finish and not make the viewer uneasy about using a different method of navigation.
> Perhaps the change in typeface is too drastic. Could be a better choice for the section headings.
> Could align up the text fields on the contact form.
#4 – Ciaran McGettigan
> Love the header, makes your name very memorable which is a big factor in a portfolio site.
> Automatic appearing contact panel is a great idea, saves the user from losing the page they are currently on.
> Cow icon is nice, adds a little bit of fun to the site. :)
> By using few colours and a clean look you allow people to focus on the content.
> Could perhaps make the navigation stand out a little more, perhaps with subtle rollovers.
> Seems to be nothing in the footer, perhaps you could put in contact details here also.
> You are missing a couple of link images on the right hand side links.
#3 – Caroline Smith
> Fantastic subliminal messaging with the word 'Beautiful' in huge type. A great change from typical words usually found to describe web design.
> Striking homepage content, all done with text, subtle colours and gradients and not one screenshot. Well done.
> Portfolio showreel is effective.
> 'Hire Me' as a section heading is a great idea, stands out to potential employers.
> Maybe make some distinction between the three call to action buttons on the homepage. Tell the user where you want them to go first by highlighting that button in particular otherwise they will always go for the leftmost one if they are all the same.
> The dark brown links and pinkish rollovers are a bit hard to read.
#2 – Suzy Johnston
> Has to be the simplest site of the top ten. Amazing what you can achieve if you strip it back to the basics. Very effective.
> Fantastic use of space, especially above your name, makes it really stand out well.
> Large but light titles are perfect.
> Great self promotion in your footer.
> A tiny piece of text with each project, even as a transparent rollover on the image would perhaps help out viewers.
> Apart from that it's perfect. :)
#1 – SkipSkap
I had to choose SkipSkap as the number one portfolio. It's superbly designed, very memorable and achieves everything it should.
> Getting your name out there straight away in the centre of the homepage, will be remembered.
> Great branding with the name and logo, also very memorable, and fun to say. SkipSkap!
> Contact form design is great.
> Ripped up image on homepage is very unique.
> Colour scheme and background textures are really well suited.
> Choice of font and style are very professional.
> Too much text on the about page. Strip it back to exactly what employers will want to know and pull out key words with colour.
Information to Everyone
Well that took a lot longer than I thought it would, but I think it was great to see what talent there is in IMD. I had it narrowed down to about 20 earlier and then scaled that back to a top 10. It was tough job and there are many other sites in the class that have fantastic features. These top 10 however have a great mixture of everything and deserve the credit in my opinion.
These choices are of course my opinion and everyone else would make different decisions about the best portfolio sites. I tried to make most of the suggested improvements useful for everybody.
If you want to find out more about the Masters course you can read either my blog post or Lee Munroe's to find out some of our opinions and thoughts.
Talk to Me
Be sure to follow me on Twitter @PaddyDonnelly and if any of you who weren't chosen want me to talk about their site then just email me email@example.com. I'll be more than glad to give my thoughts on how to improve.


text:
New Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer May Minimize Viral Transmission, Including Norovirus
A newly developed ethanol-based hand sanitizer may significantly impact public health by minimizing the transmission of multiple viruses, including norovirus, from food handlers and care providers. The researchers from the University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and North Carolina State University, Raleigh report their findings in the August 2008 issue of the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology.
The annual number of food-related infections in the U.S. is an estimated 76 million, with norovirus accounting for up to 59% of the viral cases. Contamination of ready-to-eat items by food handlers largely attributes to the high rate of infections, emphasizing the importance of proper hand hygiene. In addition to washing with soap and water some organizations such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization recommend the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers citing such advantages as faster and greater microbial kill, ease of use and time savings, as well as independence from sinks and running water.
In the study the researchers formed a synergistic blend of ethanol, polyquaternium polymer and organic acid and tested its capability to inhibit human and animal viruses. When compared with a benchmark alcohol-based hand sanitizer, results showed higher levels of reduced infectivity of human rotavirus, adenovirus type 5, poliovirus type 1, and norovirus, as well as feline calicivirus and murine norovirus type 1 from the new ethanol-based sanitizer.
"Based on these results, we conclude that this new ethanol-based hand sanitizer is a promising option for reducing the transmission of enteric viruses, including norovirus, by food handlers and care providers," say the researchers.
(D.R. Macinga, S.A. Sattar, L. Jaykus, J.W. Arbogast. 2008. Improved inactivation of nonenveloped enteric viruses and their surrogates by a novel alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 74. 16: 5047-5052.)
New Oral Vaccine May Protect Against Bubonic Plague
Researchers from the Institut Pasteur in Paris, France used a less virulent ancestor to the highly infectious bubonic plague to develop a potentially safe, efficient and inexpensive live oral vaccine. They report their findings in the August 2008 issue of the journal Infection and Immunity.
Transmitted by infected fleas, Yersinia pestis is the causative agent responsible for bubonic and pneumonic plague. Both highly contagious, the bubonic form of the disease is the most common in the world and can be treated; however, pneumonic plague is almost always fatal within 3 days of infection. Pneumonic plague can also be generated into aerosols and transmitted from human to human placing it at serious risk for use as weapon of bioterrorism.
Yersinia pseudotuberculosis shares a genetic identity rate of 95% with Y. pestis, but is much less virulent and rarely attributed to disease-related fatalities. In the study 41 strains of Y. pseudotuberculosis were screened for low pathogenicity. Researchers identified one strain (IP32680) which was then tested and found to persist in the mouse intestine for 2 months following intragastric and subcutaneous inoculation without any clinical signs of disease. The previously inoculated mice were then challenged intravenously with Y. pestis following which low levels of the bacteria were found in the organs and blood. Finally, IP32680 was administered orally and results showed that one dose protected 75% of mice, while two doses protected 88%.
"We report that oral inoculation with a Y. pseudotuberculosis strain, selected for its very low virulence, induces an efficient immunity against bubonic plague without causing adverse reactions," say the researchers. "This demonstrates that a live attenuated Y. pseudotuberculosis can be a promising vaccine against bubonic plague."
(T. Blisnick, P. Ave, M. Huerre, E. Carniel, C.E. Demeure. 2008. Oral vaccination against bubonic plague using a live avirulent Yersinia pseudotuberculosis strain. Infection and Immunity, 76. 8: 3808-3816.)
Oral Administration of Lactobacillus from Breast Milk May Treat Common Infection in Lactating Mothers
Oral administration of lactobacillus strains found in breast milk may provide an alternative method to antibiotics for effectively treating mastitis, a common infection that occurs in lactating mothers say researchers from Spain. They report their findings in the August 2008 issue of the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology.
Mastitis, inflammation of one or more lobules of the mammary gland, occurs in anywhere from 3 to 33% of lactating mothers and of those incidences 75 to 95% are diagnosed within the first twelve weeks postpartum. While Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis are considered to be the main infectious agents associated with mastitis, increased multi-drug resistance to antibiotics are making such infections difficult to treat, therefore prompting researchers to explore alternative treatment options.
In prior studies researchers collected lactobacillus strains from the breast milk of healthy mothers and found the probiotic potential of Lactobacillus gasseri and Lactobacillus salivarious to be comparable to strains currently used in commercial probiotic products. Here the researchers randomly divided twenty women diagnosed with staphylococcal mastitis into two groups, a probiotic group and a control. The probiotic group received the same daily dosage of L. salivarius and L. gasseri for four weeks, both of which were originally isolated from breast milk. Results showed that on day zero staphylococcal counts in both groups were similar. At day fourteen women in the probiotic group were displaying no clinical signs of mastitis, but infection in the control group persisted. Finally, on day thirty the staphylococcal count was lower in the probiotic group and L. salivarius and L. gasseri were detected in milk samples from six of the ten women.
"In conclusion, L. salivarius CECT5713 and L. gasseri CECT5714 appear to be an efficient alternative for the treatment of lactational infectious mastitis during lactation," say the researchers.
(E. Jimenez, L. Fernandez, A. Maldonado, R. Martin, M. Olivares, J. Xaus, J.M. Rodriguez. 2008. Oral administration of Lactobacillus strains isolated from breast milk as an alternative for the treatment of infectious mastitis during lactation. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 74. 15: 4650-4655.)
|Contact: Carrie Slijepcevic
American Society for Microbiology


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All About Baby
In your 24th week of pregnancy, your baby is filling out. Part of your weight gain goes straight to helping him gain weight, too. Since he's still on the scrawny side, his skin wrinkles on his body, but he looks like a miniature version of what you'll see on delivery day. His face has formed, his ears are in place, and his eyes are complete (although his lids are still closed). He has eyelashes, fingernails, and may already be growing hair. Rapid eye movements (REM) are beginning, too.
All About You
Are you exercising? Eating well? Don't forget to drink lots of water during pregnancy. It can prevent some early labor symptoms, help you stay energized, give your skin a healthy glow, and nourish your baby. Speaking of skin … you may begin getting stretch marks and forming a linea negra, the dark line between your belly button and pubic bone. (The linea negra will disappear and the stretch marks will eventually fade.)
You may find tying your shoes and bending over are more difficult as your baby bump grows bigger. Your unborn baby's growth spurt means you may have itchiness and soreness as the skin stretches to make room. Your joints will loosen as pregnancy hormones soften them to accommodate your baby and to prepare your body for labor.
Prenatal Exercise
You may be discouraged to see the scale inching (or jumping!) upwards. Pregnancy is not the right time to try to lose weight or begin a rigorous exercise regime, but regular exercise can be beneficial and ease some of your pregnancy pains.
Benefits of Prenatal Exercise
Here are some pregnancy woes that exercise can lessen.
- Backaches: Walking and prenatal yoga can improve your posture, which has probably been suffering under the weight of your expanding belly.
- Edema (swelling): Exercise can boost your circulation explains Dr. William Camann, MD, director of obstetric anesthesia at the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, and coauthor of Easy Labor Better circulation can prevent or at least ease some of your swelling.
- Stress reliever: Nothing clears your head and energizes like a brisk walk around the block.
- Labor preparer: Regular exercise strengthens your muscles for delivery day. "Exercising can help you feel more confident about labor," says Dr. Camann. And if you've kept yourself in reasonable shape, chances are losing weight post-pregnancy will be that much easier.
How to Get Started
Always talk to your healthcare provider before beginning an exercise program (even if you were a star athlete pre-pregnancy).
Your healthcare provider may be able to recommend a prenatal class in your area. Many hospitals and health clubs offer prenatal exercise classes. Exercising with other women in similar circumstances will help keep you from becoming discouraged about weight gain and provide support. Many hospitals and health clubs offer prenatal exercise class, such as yoga and swimming.
If you haven't been exercising walking is a great way to begin during pregnancy, suggest Dr. Camann. Try walking 20 minutes several times a week to keep yourself in labor-ready condition.
Exercises to Avoid
"There are several exercises that you should avoid while pregnant," advises Dr. Camann. "Any hard contact sports like skiing, tennis, or sports that require you to make rapid changes, like in high-impact aerobics can be harmful." If you have any questions about a particular sport, ask your healthcare provider. Dr. Camann says that over his many years in practice he's seen it all: "No, you shouldn't be jumping on a trampoline when you're pregnant!"
Remember, your goal is not to lose weight but to stay fit. After all, your body won't respond to exercise in the same way while you're pregnant. Along with the added weight (25 to 35 pounds total), your heart is working harder to pump twice the blood through your system, and many of your organs — your lungs included — have less room.
Got questions about Week 24? Other women have wondered…
Q: I'm having trouble sleeping through the night. Is this normal for this stage?
It can be normal for you to have that tired feeling and to have trouble sleeping if your belly is already fairly large. Being on your feet a lot during the day can also have an effect on your energy level and sleep patterns. Read more about getting a good night's sleep while pregnant.
Q: I have sharp pains in my stomach around my belly button. What could be causing this?
Pregnancy causes some strange sensations. Your belly button is where your umbilical cord was attached when you were a fetus. It represents a weak spot in the abdominal wall, because the blood vessels that fed you nutrients and oxygen had to run through there. Read more about pain near your belly button.
Q: What is the survival rate for a preemie at 24 weeks?
There are so many unknowns in pregnancy, and preterm labor just amplifies those stresses. The outcome of preterm birth depends on several factors. Read more about premature babies.
Your Partner
Your Body, Yourself
As crazy as it sounds, many guys experience sympathetic pregnancy aches and pains right along with their partners (this is called Couvade's syndrome). This empathetic experience may include, among other things, a hearty weight gain. And often after the birth of Baby, parents experience even more weight gain, in part because they are sleeping less, are stressed out, and subsequently don't eat and exercise as healthfully or regularly.
Remember, pregnancy lasts for nine months — you've got time to get prepared. Before your life becomes too hectic, begin eating and living healthier in preparation for your baby's arrival. Establishing healthy lifestyle habits now will give you a better chance of maintaining some of those habits after Baby comes. For instance, you can take a walk with your partner, a stroll through the neighborhood after dinner. Not only will that be good exercise for you both, but it will be nice time where you can catch up on all that is going on with each of you, building your connection even stronger for when Baby arrives. If you haven't historically helped with meals, this is a good time to begin to participate more by making sure more vegetables and other healthy food make their way onto the table. This will be invaluable when things get a little crazy after your baby is born.
Because, of course, your partner's health is vital; she's carrying and supporting your baby, but your own health is crucial, too! You need your strength just like she does. Think of this as your own spring training: You need to practice now so when Baby comes you will be in great shape for the real thing.


text:
rent(redirected from rend)
Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Medical, Legal, Acronyms, Idioms, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia.
Regular payments to an owner for the use of some leased property.
A regular, usually monthly, payment that a person makes in exchange for the use of an asset he/she does not own. That is, rent is the payment on a lease. The term is most often used to refer to payments on a leased dwelling or other piece of real estate.


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The party is always better than the show, right?
Especially if you have a party partner. This…is not Ben Affleck's life right now. More on that later.
For now, here's Alice Eve getting sweaty with Bradley Cooper. And Bradley Cooper getting pawed by Michael Fassbender. And Fassbender fangirling Jennifer Lawrence. And in what must have been the Most.Intense.Conversation.Of.All.Time, Jeremy Renner and Joaquin Phoenix. It was a convention of close-talkers.


text:
You're away from receiving free shipping on your order!
Your order gets FREE SHIPPING
Perfect on a Patio.
When you're on the deck barbecuing, the last thing you want is a warm beer. Our Hold n' Hide keeps your hands dry and your drinks cool. Supple Horween Leather means you won't want to put your can down.Beautiful full-grain Horween Leather in black color patinas beautifully over time. We hand-sew each Hold n' Hide using a classic baseball stitch which will never unravel. Every Hold n' Hide features our stamped logo re-imagined by Liam Ashurst.Why our Hold n' Hide is so damn good:
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes! You're away from receiving free shipping on your order!
How long does it take to make my order?
All our products are made and shipped within 3-5 business days. Please see our shipping page for more information.
What are your return policies? What if I don't like it?
We offer a generous satisfaction guarantee: just send the product back to us for a full refund. No questions asked.
What happens if this product gets damaged?
All items are guaranteed for life if damage occurs through the fault of our craftsmanship. I ask that you ship the item back to me for repair and I will do so free of charge. You must cover the shipping costs.
Do you do custom orders?
At this time we are only offering personalization (initials, names, dates) on our products. We are not accepting commisions for new designs.
Does the leather pictured look exactly like the product I will receive?
Please be aware that every roll of leather absorbs dyes differently and colouring may appear slightly different than shown in our pictures. Finally, this is a hand-made piece; expect minor imperfections - this is what makes your product unique and gives it character.
Horween Chromexcel
Our Chromexcel leathers do not require initial treatment. We reccomend that this leather gets cleaned and conditioned every 6-12 months with Saddle Soap and our leather cleaner.
World famous, full grain, USA leather.
Everything is crafted right here in our workshop.
All our goods come with a lifetime guarantee.


text: From time to time, the Lieberthal-Rogel Center for Chinese Studies hosts conferences and symposia on topics related to the study of China. Information on upcoming conferences can be obtained from the center and will also be posted on the LRCCS website. All presentations are free and open to the public.


text:
Guy Wire Bracket - 7" Twinwall Flue (175mm)
A guy wire bracket can be used to brace a flue system when it protrudes more than 1.5m beyond its last support. It is clamped to the flue body and allows for the fixing of guy wires to ridge stays and slate brackets. The guy wires are located at 120° angles around the flue.
- Available in Stainless Steel and Matt Black
- Guy wire - available in multiples of 5m lengths
Additional Information
|7 inch (175 mm)


text:
sac(redirected from air s)
Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Medical.
Related to air s: Air Supply
Sac:see Sac and FoxSac and Fox,
closely related Native Americans of the Algonquian branch of the Algonquian-Wakashan linguistic stock (see Native American languages). Sac and Fox culture was of the Eastern Woodlands area with some Plains-area traits (see under Natives, North American).
..... Click the link for more information. .
A soft-walled cavity within a plant or animal, often containing a special fluid and usually having a narrow opening or none at all.
Indentation in the contour lines of equal depth showing submarine relief.
a pouch, bag, or pouchlike part in an animal or plant
1. An early system on the Datatron 200 series.
[Listed in CACM 2(5):16 (May 1959)].
[Listed in CACM 2(5):16 (May 1959)].


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Bertil Roos Race Weekend @ Poc S/E
Bertil Roos Racing School
Registration closed May 16, 2018 10:05 AM on May 16, 2018 10:05 AM EDT Registration ends May 16, 2018 10:05 AM on May 16, 2018 10:05 AM EDT Registration opens December 1, 2017 12:00 AM on December 1, 2017 12:00 AM EST Registration runs from December 1, 2017 12:00 AM to May 16, 2018 10:05 AM
The Bertil Roos Racing School Race Series
The Bertil Roos Racing School's in house racing series is the best place for competitive road racing mixed with driver training. Drivers of all skill levels compete in our series, ranging from long time Bertil Roos Racing Series veterans to newcomers who have recently graduated from our schools. No matter what your skill level is, you are guaranteed to be involved in battles with other drivers at your skill level, and learn new road racing knowledge along the way.
The beauty of the Bertil Roos Racing Series is that the learning never ends. The Bertil Roos Racing School's instructors are always an open source of knowledge for any driver that attends our events. The more experienced, veteran drivers are also always willing to give advice to their lesser experienced competitors. Even though competition on track is very high and intense, the off track setting is quite relaxed, and drivers are always able to converse with one another and our staff about their favorite sport.
The Bertil Roos Racing Series is also conducted in a unique manner to make the event more interesting and more fun. Upon registration, drivers will be separated into 2 groups via a random number drawing. There is no difference between these groups. The purposes of this are:
- To make competitors sharing cars work together throughout the event.
- Offer the chance that the competitive field of a group varies from event to event.
- Allow for more racing to occur via two groups instead of one.
- Allow for drivers to watch a racing event occur in the same cars they are competing in.
- To accommodate a racing packed schedule with minimal empty time.
The Cars
The Bertil Roos Racing School utilizes in-house built formula cars that were designed by the school founder himself, Bertil Roos. Our cars run with a Ford 2.0L, 4 Valve engine that pushes 150bhp. With a weight of only 1200lbs, with the driver, our cars are capable of reaching 130mph in a draft and can stop on a dime! Front and rear wings on our cars allow cornering speeds capable of pulling up to 2Gs! Above performance, our cars have also been redesigned for safety. The entire chassis and roll bar are welded together with rigid steel that makes the car very durable and tank-like. A modern 5 point harness is installed in our cars to keep drivers safely secured as well. Each of our cars have different cockpit sizes, and the seat and pedals are fully adjustable, which allow for virtually any size driver! Each car is race prepped for every event and given a maintenance check every morning. The cars are given a neutral setup at the beginning of every event and offer the ability for some setup changes during the event at the discretion of the drivers assigned to the car.
Rain? Of Course We Race In The Rain!
The Bertil Roos Racing School will not postpone or cancel an event due to rain. Rain is a part of road racing and we will keep it that way. Our cars are given a setup that allows for dry and wet conditions so no additional prep is necessary when the rain begins. Our instructors are always on hand to offer wet racing advice to any driver with minimal rain racing experience. Only weather that poses a danger to the drivers and cars will yield postponement or cancelation of the event. Please refer to our website, racenow.com, or call our office to learn about our weather-related cancelation policy.
Weekend Event Schedule
Practice Day
- 8:00AM - Registration Opens
- Drivers' Meeting
- Group One Practice 1
- Group Two Practice 1
- Group One Practice 2
- Group Two Practice 2
- Lunch
- Group One Practice 3
- Group Two Practice 3
- Group 1 Qualifying for Top 4 Positions
- Group 2 Qualifying for Top 4 Positions
Race Day
- Group One Qualifying for Rest of Field
- Group Two Qualifying for Rest of Field
- Drivers' Meeting
- Group One Race 1
- Group Two Race 1
- Lunch
- Group One Race 2
- Group Two Race 2
Please note that this is a tentative schedule and is subject to change. Practice sessions are 20 minutes each and qualifying sessions are 15 minutes each. The length of the races vary from track to track based on track lap distance. At the beginning of each day, drivers will have the option of riding in our streetcars with our instructors for a quick preview of the track. Pending track regulations, drivers may also have the option of conducting a track walk before the day's activities begin.
Contact Us And Start Racing NOW!
For more information regarding the Bertil Roos Racing Series, feel free to contact our office via calling 1-800-722-3669, or emailing firstname.lastname@example.com. Our instructors are always on call in the office to discuss racing. Drivers may also refer to our website, racenow.com, for other information regarding the Bertil Roos Racing School.


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Molly Shannon is set to join her former "Saturday Night Live" alumnus Maya Rudolph on NBC's "Up All Night."
The actress will play an "incompetent associate producer" on Maya's character Ava's talk show, according to TV Guide.
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Funny Ladies! The Glorious Women Of TV Comedy
U.S. & World
Presently, Molly's stint is just one episode, but the mag reported that the door will be open for her return.
Molly recently had her own show on NBC – the comedy "Kath & Kim" – with actress Selma Blair, which ran for one season between 2008-2009.
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Shows & Stars of Fall Television 2011
She also appeared alongside Cameron Diaz in "Bad Teacher," which was recently released on DVD.
Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Photo Fun With Hollywood's Hottest Comedians!
VIEW THE PHOTOS: 'Saturday Night Live'
PLAY IT NOW: Dish Of Salt: Why Did Christina Applegate Hesitate Staying 'Up All Night'?
PLAY IT NOW: Nick Cannon Talks His Fashion Feud With Piers Morgan & Joining The Cast Of NBC's 'Up All Night'
More from Access: [ 'Up All Night' Molly Shannon Maya Rudolph ]


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Shadow Stars League
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Gutter snipes: What if the helmet leaks?
Gutter Helmet's promise– "Never clean your gutters again!"– was mighty appealing to Rey Berry. "Since leaves and debris are a four-times-a-year cleaning problem at my house," he explained, "$3,500 to refasten the gutters and install effective covers seemed a fair deal."
Of all the available devices, Berry concluded that Gutter Helmet "owns the patents on the best technology." The company's website (gutterhelmet.com) waxes rhapsodic when it describes how those patents protect against "a variety of maintenance nightmares," such as soaked ceilings, mold in attics, and ice damage to gutters.
The regional dealer, Gutter Helmet of Central Virginia– which is part of Quality Improvements, Inc., of Stuarts Draft– installed Berry's system last January. That's no simple task, by the way; according to the website, "trained installers clean, seal, check, and adjust the alignment" of existing gutters as needed. Next, reinforced steel brackets (one of three models, depending on special needs such as heavy snowfalls or high winds and the existing gutter system's design) are attached, after which Gutter Helmet panels are "individually prepared and custom-fitted" over the gutters. Finally, "depending on a professional dealer inspection" of the home, the panels are installed either over or under the shingles so as to blend in with the roof's architecture.
Berry was dismayed to discover that his $3,500 gutter-protection system appeared to be inviting one of the very maintenance nightmares it was supposed to protect against: roof rot. Two leaks sprang up after the pricey helmets had been installed, he claimed, which caused rainwater to build up underneath the custom-fitted panels and drip down behind the gutter "for days" after a rainfall.
Berry reported the problem to Quality Improvements, and someone was dispatched. But because Berry and his wife weren't home when he arrived, the employee simply left a note on the door. "I phoned the firm several times," Berry says, and was told every time that his message would be given to "Tom," but no one called or came back.
In September, almost nine months after the Gutter Helmet system had been installed, Berry used the website's "Contact Us" link to report the problem– but, he claims, "nothing came of it." On September 27, he contacted me.
I spoke with Eric Bohner, national sales manager for Gutter Helmet, on October 3, and he contacted Quality Improvements. The dealer's service manager and an assistant were on their way to Berry's house almost immediately, where they surveyed the situation and, according to Barry, sealed the leaks.
Barry had a second concern, which appears to have been taken care of as well. Although Gutter Helmet touts a "transferable lifetime materials and product performance warranty," he claims he never received the written documentation of this– even though, by his account, the dealer "promised repeatedly" to get it to him.
A secretary at Quality Improvement called Barry on October 3 to say that an "after-sale packet of Gutter Helmet materials" had been mailed on January 5, but he claims that he never received it. Finally, Barry learned that the elusive Tom, who had held a "major sales and service position at the dealership," was no longer employed at Quality Improvement.
One part of Barry's saga is so familiar that it merits special mention, and that's his experience with the company's "Contact Us" website link. This is something I not only hear frequently from consumers, but can attest to myself: Precious few businesses, seemingly, respond to customers who take that route to report problems.
At the same time they're urging us to email them for help, I've noticed something else about company websites. It's getting harder and harder to find a company's phone number– to the point that searching for one, in tiny type at the bottom of the page or deep inside a FAQ page, can feel like digging for dinosaur bones alongside a freeway.
Do you have a consumer problem or question? Email the Fearless Consumer or write her at Box 4553, Charlottesville 22905.


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ACADIS Expands Data Management Services
The Advanced Cooperative Arctic Data and Information Service (ACADIS) system has expanded to meet data management needs of all research projects sponsored by the NSF's Arctic Sciences Division. ACADIS, funded in 2011 with investigators from the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC), the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), and the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), builds on the Cooperative Arctic Data and Information Service (CADIS) project that supported data management needs associated with the Arctic Observing Network (AON). The updated ACADIS Gateway portal (http://www.aoncadis.org) now provides data preservation and access services for all projects funded by Arctic Natural Sciences (ANS), Arctic System Sciences (ARCSS), and Arctic Social Sciences (ASSP) programs.
ACADIS offers data management planning, sharing, preservation, and consultation to the arctic research community. Second year activities have included infrastructure augmentation and metadata work that will enable additional services such as cross-archives searches. Based on user feedback the ACADIS team has improved the data submission forms to better facilitate data sharing. ACADIS also now provides a citation and corresponding Digital Object Identifier (DOI) for submitted data. To submit data, contact ACADIS Support (support [at] aoncadis.org).
Several ACADIS team members plan to attend the 2012 American Geophysical Union (AGU) Conference 3 – 7 December in San Francisco, California. They will be available at the NSIDC or NCAR booths to answer questions about the data management services.
For more information about ACADIS, go to: http://www.aoncadis.org or contact Mark Serreze (serreze [at] nsidc.org) or Jim Moore (jmoore [at] ucar.edu).


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Archive for July 9, 2014
Explore Smithsonian Gardens' Orchids Online!
At the end of April, after ten months of planning, coordinating, and troubleshooting, the Smithsonian Gardens Orchid Collection (SGOC) went live. No, we didn't kill off all of the plants over the winter and revive them for this announcement . . . I mean live as in on-air, online, and freely accessible! SGOC is now available for the world to explore on the Smithsonian Collections Search Center and is the only living collection to join the multitudes of objects, specimens, and archival records that are contained within the site. Below is a snapshot of what an individual catalog record looks like:
Records are updated twice a month and contain basic information about each accession, such as scientific name, flower color, range (if a species), and taxonomy. One of the best parts of having the collection online is being able to peruse the beautiful images taken by our talented volunteers Gene Cross, Bryan Ramsay, and James Osen. So far, about a third of the records have images associated with them. We only photograph the orchids when they are in bloom, but many of our orchids (especially the species) are either too small to bloom, or haven't yet bloomed during their time at the greenhouses.
SGOC's presence on the Collections Search Center is serving as motivation to improve Smithsonian Gardens' collection records in BG-BASE and correct plant identification errors. Our hope is that these records can be a valuable resource for educators, students, researchers, and curious individuals, and a source of orchid inspiration year-round.
-Julie Rotramel, Smithsonian Gardens Living Collections Contractor


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BERWICK, Maine — A former "Fugitive of the Week" with ties to Berwick, Maine, and the Seacoast region was arrested Thursday afternoon in Haverhill, Mass.
Richard Saunders was previously aired in the weekly feature "Fugitive of the Week" on Oct. 4 after the New Hampshire Department of Corrections Parole Board issued an arrest warrant for him for violating conditions of parole for his original conviction on second-degree assault charges. The N.H. Probation and Parole Division later requested the assistance of the U.S. Marshals-N.H. Joint Task Force to assist in locating and arresting Saunders.
During its investigation, the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force determined that Saunders was no longer in the Seacoast and had likely fled the state. He was last known to be residing in a Nashua, N.H., homeless shelter.
This week, the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force received information from several callers indicating Saunders was living with family members at a residence on Mechanic Street in Haverhill. While checking the area, members of the Haverhill Police Department observed Saunders and were able to arrest him without incident.
Saunders is currently being processed as a fugitive from justice at the Haverhill Police Department. He will be held pending his court appearance at Haverhill District Court and pending his return to the N.H. State Prison.


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The Most Beautiful Women of All Time
List Rules Voting should be based on a woman's beauty during her peak years as all beauty inevitably fades with age . . .
Here are the most beautiful women of all time ranked not on looks alone, regardless of their talent. This is a test to see if the so-called "wisdom of the crowd" will actually be able to determine the most beautiful woman of all time. If you'd like to rank these women on more than their beauty, consult The Best Actresses in Film History list. This list does not only include the prettiest current actresses but the most beautiful women in history.
So, who is the most beautiful woman ever? Of course, that person may very well be a total unknown, but since it's impossible to list every woman who's ever existed, and users are less likely to rank people they don't know, this list will be comprised of female celebrities. All of these women are gorgeous which means more than simply being the hottest woman in the world.
These ladies are at the top of the list in the conversation for sexiest woman ever and prettiest woman in the world. With that being said, you can vote up all the women you find to be attractive on the list below.


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As trading begins in 2016, investors fret over the trends in oil and equities that dominated the last two years. U.S. equities ended 2015 with a 2.15 percent loss, as measured by the S&P 500 excluding dividends.
Both large cap stocks and small cap stocks underperformed the broader market, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average ending down 3.43 percent and the Russell 2000 losing 6.57 percent in 2015.
Some analysts find themselves scratching their heads, asking where the money went. While equities suffered mild losses in 2015, other asset classes did much worse. Gold plummeted in 2015, losing 11.6 percent of its value and consistently breaking through floor resistance levels that technical analysts insistent signaled a bottom in the precious metal.
On the other side of the risk spectrum, long-term U.S. Treasuries also suffered declines, losing about 3 percent throughout 2015. Corporate debt suffered much worse, with high-yield bonds losing about 10 percent of their value in 2015.
Much of these declines trace back to a general deleveraging in the financial markets that will prove a closer focus in 2016. With fewer investors borrowing money to invest in assets, selling pressure has brought these assets down, but further declines remain possible as more sell-offs could happen throughout 2016.
Oil Crash, Rising Rates
Meanwhile, equity markets have become increasingly skittish thanks to a decline in purchasing activity that economists struggle to explain.
Pointing to a decline in oil prices, economists in 2014 confidently asserted that consumer spending would accelerate sharply as savings at the pump and on energy bills translated into greater consumption of manufactured goods, consumables, and general services. The real rate of GDP growth did not accelerate in 2015, and consumer confidence remained weak throughout much of 2015.
However, in December, consumer confidence showed signs of strength, with the Conference Board announcing that its consumer confidence index rose to 96.5 in December, up sharply from 90.4 in November, originally seen as an indicator of a stuttering economy.
Oil remains severely depressed, with oil prices down about 26 percent in 2015 and over 65 percent down from its pre-crash peak in 2014. This has caused inflation rates to stutter, but did not stop the Federal Reserve from raising interest rates in December on the argument that several soft indicators showed overall strength in the U.S. economy.
2016 Themes
Economists already predict two major themes for 2016.
The first lay in the FOMC rate decisions, with interest rate hikes likely to come two or three times in the year. This increase in interest rates, which will make borrowing more difficult and expensive for governments, companies, and individuals, could cause GDP growth to slow and reverse much of the progress seen since the 2009 Global Financial Crisis.
Additionally, economists foresee high default rates for corporate debts, which began to rise even before borrowing costs went up. According to Moody's, a credit rating firm, defaults rose to over 3 percent for high-yield debt by the end of 2015, and many analysts expect those default rates to rise even further in 2016.
Higher defaults, combined with slow growth and higher borrowing costs, could result in a perfect storm of recessionary headwinds to the economy next year.


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4011 Sycamore Dairy Road, Suite 105
Fayetteville , NC 28303
Phone: (910) 275-5420
Parents call it a break from the kids. Kids call it a break from their parents. That sounds like a win-win situation to us. Our Parents' Survival Nights out let you enjoy some adult time to see a movie, catch up with friends or enjoy a meal without—ahem—your pint-sized food critics in tow. Meanwhile, your children get some quality "kid time" in a safe, fun, familiar place with trained instructors who lead them through music, games, and fun LEGO® building activities. We schedule Parents' Survival Nights out for select Friday and Saturday evenings. Spots fill quickly, so book soon for your win-win night off.
Ages 3-12
There are no Parents' Survival Night schedules available at this time. Please contact us at (910) 275-5420 to learn more.
Ages 3-12
The Little Gym is the exclusive childhood development center home to LEGO®-based activities. Look for special building experiences in "Let's Build, Let's Play" Parent/Child events, WonderKids Club, Awesome Birthday Bash parties, Camps and Parents' Survival Nights!
LEGO, the LEGO logo, and DUPLO are trademarks and/or copyrights of the LEGO Group. ©2020 The LEGO Group. All rights reserved
Come join us to make new friends, learn new things and build self-confidence in a super fun, supportive environment.


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Inn Love
Twenty-five hotels captured our hearts for this year's annual roundup.
Bass Harbor, Maine
You could call this waterfront inn a bed-and-breakfast. It's hidden on Mount Desert Island's southwestern tip and certainly exudes the warmth of a B&B: King beds and gas fireplaces anchor four spacious rooms, and owners Phil and Lesley DiVirgilio serve blueberry Belgian waffles for breakfast. But the indoor heated pool, Finnish sauna, clutter-free rooms, solid walls, and wireless Internet service make the onetime summer home feel more like a resort. Phil and Lesley can recommend jaunts to nearby Acadia National Park or help launch a kayak off the back lawn into Bass Harbor's sea of colorful lobster buoys. Adventurous types might climb aboard Phil's biplane for a whirl over the photogenic coastline. Afternoons at this not-so-bed-and-breakfast feature complimentary wine-and-cheese tastings; evenings end with freshly baked cookies and milk. Details: $155 to $345 (additional for the biplane ride); 207/244-9595 or annspointinn.com.
Georgetown Island, Maine
A favorite Coastal Living photographer, Sara Gray chose this inn for her honeymoon and returned years later for visual nourishment. "When you park behind the inn, it seems nondescript, but step onto that porch and you are transported," she says. "You won't find a better view in the state of Maine. You gaze out to a few islands and peninsulas and finally to the open Atlantic. Wrought-iron beds, fine linens, eclectic furnishings, lace, hatboxes, historic photos, and nautical artifacts take you back in time. The interior's knotty pine gives a dark feeling, but that draws you even more to the views. The four turret rooms look to the ocean and islands, and room number six has a balcony and rockers." Breakfast features the inn's signature blueberry pudding, plus local fruit in muffins and pancakes. Details: $160 to $280 (open May through October); 800/431-2316 or greyhavens.com.
Newport, Rhode Island
Castle Hill Inn's beach cottages make a stunning first impression. The 10 hideaways began as rustic "summer shacks" on this historic New England seaside resort's private beach. A recent renovation turned the property into a luxurious beachfront destination―without losing the feel of rough-hewn simplicity. Somehow, marble countertops and fluffy Frette towels meld perfectly with industrial-style light fixtures and exposed studs and rafters. The lullaby of the waves and a veritable ocean of feather pillows ensure slumber. Sunrise filtering through the draperies starts the day on a gentle note. Details: $309 to $1,059; 888/466-1355 or castlehillinn.com.
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Here she is, Miss America. Or, at least, here are some of her gowns and other memorabilia, in the lobby of a business-oriented hotel. The Miss America Pageant has taken its runway elsewhere, which lends poignancy to the displays―especially those that recall the pre-TV days, when the event (first held in 1921) had more of a small-town flavor. The Sheraton, with its retro-ish decor and embrace of local history, offers a lot more character than most chain hotels. Four blocks inland from the boardwalk, beach, and waterfront casinos, the Sheraton's location means either a slight inconvenience or blessed peace and quiet, depending on one's point of view. Casino-facing rooms provide the best views. Shoppers will love the outlet mall a block away. Details: $139 to $529; 609/344-3535 or sheraton.com.
Annapolis, Maryland
Cory Bonney left his corporate job and purchased a run-down, 1902 house that he converted to a comfortable, somewhat quirky bed-and-breakfast. Cory loves the setting, a block from the water in Eastport―once a place of noisy boatyards and rollicking sailors, and now a leafy residential neighborhood. He also loves the great restaurants within walking distance and the funky Victorian decor in the five guest rooms, each named for a vintage yacht. (Sequoia has the most sybaritic bath, plus a tiny private balcony and a gas fireplace.) But Cory really, really loves creating sumptuous homemade breakfasts, and his guests wake up smiling in anticipation. Details: $159 to $289; 410/268-1126 or innathornpoint.com.
Smithfield, Virginia
Breakfast spotlights ham biscuits at this 18th-century inn in the greater Chesapeake Bay area. After all, Smithfield Foods, the famous ham purveyor, owns the property. Mozell Brown has been baking the perfect, piping-hot morsels here for more than 40 years. She brings a homey touch to the Colonial splendor of the nine guest rooms and dining room. At cocktail hour, locals swing by the inn's William Rand Tavern, or gather on the front porch to sip what one neighborly doyenne calls her "hummah" (bourbon). Here in peanut country, dining room favorites include peanut-crusted pork medallions. Small galleries and shops entice visitors to stroll down Main Street, Norfolk lies 40 minutes away, and it's 25 minutes to the car ferry to Jamestown and Williamsburg. Details: $85 to $155; 757/357-1752 or smithfieldinn.com.
Nags Head, North Carolina
This three-story, 1932-vintage building, with its cedar shingles and wraparound porches, seems utterly at home on the salty, windswept Outer Banks―though it actually was moved to its present location in 1988. Inside, whatever thoughtful touch a guest can imagine usually materializes in just the right place. Rooms offer a variety of comfy spots to curl up. Antiques mix elegantly with microwaves and remote-controlled heating and air-conditioning. The baths supply plenty of shelf space, plus the luxury of heated towel racks. Just off the back deck, a boardwalk leads to the beach, a block away. The second-floor library stocks plenty of books and other rainy-day amusements. Details: $69 to $299; 252/441-2343 or firstcolonyinn.com.
Savannah, Georgia
For Southern decadence blended with boutique-hotel chic, this is your home away from home. In the heart of Savannah's Historic District, the 126-room hotel overlooks Forsyth Park and stands within walking distance of the city's famous squares, restaurants, and shops. At the hotel, you can admire the Grand Bohemian Gallery's artwork, or put on your fluffy robe and slippers and venture into the Poseidon Spa for a facial or Mansion Bliss Massage. In the evening, head to the on-site restaurant, 700 Drayton, for dining, and to its Casimir's Lounge for live jazz and the local arts scene. The 700 Drayton also hosts a cooking school with the restaurant's culinary director, Chef Darin Sehnert. Details: $199 to $900; 888/711-5114 or mansiononforsythpark.com.
St. Simons Island, Georgia
When owner Joe McDonough turned his Mediterranean-style home into an inn, he did ocean-loving guests a great service. Across the street from St. Simons Sound (which opens into the Atlantic), the house has four guest rooms and two gracious oceanfront suites. At low tide, you can walk several miles along the coast, but at high tide, expect drama: The beach disappears under the waves, which crash against the stone wall that separates the inn from the water. The staff is friendly here―whether cooking up a tasty breakfast, making dinner reservations, or mapping a path for your spin on the inn's retro bikes. In rainy weather or after the day's outings, head downstairs to the "Beach Theater," where a big-screen TV and impressive DVD collection await. Details: $300 to $500; 877/634-2800 or beachbedandbreakfast.com.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Soft music and a delicate fragrance welcome you to your stylish room here. Though it features lush bedding and almost every conceivable amenity, you'll spend little time in this cool retreat. Instead, you'll lounge around the pool or watch from the shade of a palm tree as million-dollar yachts cruise the Intracoastal Waterway. You might catch the Water Taxi to explore Fort Lauderdale's shopping, dining, and other attractions. Or you might visit the beach, a short walk away. With 22 individually decorated rooms and suites, The Pillars represents a nearly perfect escape. Nearly? Well, breakfast (not included in the room charge) rates as merely OK. But you'll probably want to hoard your daily calorie allotment in anticipation of the exquisite, reservation-only private dinners, served waterside under the stars. Details: $175 to $549; 954/467-9639 or pillarshotel.com.
Key West, Florida
A half-block from Key West's legendary nightlife, The Gardens' 17 rooms cluster among five buildings in the quiet of a lush estate. Once the site of the island city's first botanical garden, the property includes a 19th-century mansion, and brick and cobblestone pathways that meander among vibrant orchids and hibiscus flowers. Most of the tropically decorated guest rooms have vaulted ceilings, paddle fans, and spa tubs. Judiciously installed flat-screen TVs do not detract from veranda views to the pool and gardens. Details: $150 to $655; 800/526-2664 or gardenshotel.com.
Yachats, Oregon
What could be cozier in autumn than a log cabin with a wood-burning stone fireplace? On the woodsy Central Oregon coast, six such choices form the soul of Shamrock Lodgettes, a 1950s beach resort on an evergreen-studded rise where the Yachats River flows into the Pacific. Each cabin has one or two bedrooms, a kitchenette, and a river or ocean view. Nearby, more-modern units include two new "spa cabins" with jetted tubs and propane fireplaces. It's only a few stair-steps to the beach, and a handful of shops and eateries lies just a short walk north, in the main part of Yachats (population 670). Details: $59 to $179; 800/845-5028 or shamrocklodgettes.com.
Tiburon, Northern California
Across the bay from San Francisco, the tony Marin County village of Tiburon merits more than a day trip, especially now: Built in 1965, The Lodge at Tiburon recently emerged from a sorely needed interior/exterior makeover. The resulting 102 tastefully styled rooms and landscaping are designed to attract discriminating guests and business clientele. Outside, private poolside cabanas shelter visitors from the afternoon sun; fireplaces and teak seating allow them to relax with a glass of wine or enjoy alfresco dining at the hotel's Three Degrees Restaurant and Bar. At breakfast, a waiter will gladly whip up a frothy latte to go with specialties such as the Dungeness crab omelet. Tiburon's many shops, cafés, and fine dining establishments await within walking distance of the full-service hotel. Details: $149 to $399; 415/435-3133 or thelodgeattiburon.com.
San Francisco, Northern California
Elegance rides high in one of the Bay Area's tallest buildings, where 158 guest rooms occupy the 38th to 48th floors. Small wonder the Mandarin Oriental chose San Francisco for its first U.S. location (in 1987). Windows frame a dazzling waterfront panorama: the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and Angel islands, North Beach, Russian Hill, and Nob Hill. Ignore the bustle of the Financial District, far below, while you sip a complimentary jasmine infusion delivered to your room at check-in. Fresh, sophisticated fabrics, upholstery, and colors were part of a $4 million restyling completed in 2006. Plan on dinner (Tuesday through Saturday) at Silks, the hotel's showcase for Chef Joel Huff's culinary art. Details: $605 to $3,100; 415/276-9888 or mandarinoriental.com.
San Francisco, Northern California
Aptly named Panoramic Suites make the most of this stylish hotel's prime spot on the revitalized Embarcadero. Each features a bay window pumped up to room size, capturing a 180-degree vista from the Oakland Bay Bridge to the landmark Ferry Building and beyond. The spacious accommodations have modern furnishings in restful hues and―for a spectacular soak―windowside tubs for two. Separate, limestone-clad baths hold rainfall showers. Fitness buffs can start the day on a waterfront jogging path or in complimentary morning yoga and stretch classes. The ground-level Americano Restaurant & Bar draws a lively evening crowd from the nearby financial district. But you'll be tempted to order room service and dine in your suite while gazing at the city lights below. Details: $299 to $599 (penthouse, $1,500); 888/890-8688 or hotelvitale.com.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, Central California
Pets are invited to bring their humans to this legendary overnight oasis a few minutes' walk from the beach and Ocean Avenue shopping. The 1929 white-stucco, Spanish Colonial inn reflects the style and personality of its owner―actress, singer, and animal advocate Doris Day. She lives in nearby Carmel Valley and pays occasional visits to the hotel. Even if you don't see her in person, nicely framed posters in the lobby and bar depict Pillow Talk and other classics starring the plucky gamine of 1950s and '60s films. With or without Fido, you can choose among 44 handsomely furnished guest rooms―two with water views. The hotel is fastidiously maintained, and no animals are allowed unattended in rooms. But with the concierge's list of vetted petsitters in animal-friendly Carmel, there's always a companion at the ready. Details: $145 to $575; 800/443-7443 or
Santa Monica, Southern California
Noted Los Angeles designer Kelly Wearstler should be crowned for the regal decor she brought to this proper hotel in a casually hip beach town. British Regency-style furnishings fill every room and public spaces. The hotel entry features an eye-catching 14-foot sculpture and elaborate fine-china display, and the on-site restaurant (try the splendid crab croquette) is named Whist, after the vintage British card game. The Viceroy can arrange hair and beauty treatments by a celebrity stylist. Better yet, you might spot George Clooney sipping wine with his agent at a terrace cabana or overhear, say, Kirsten Dunst chatting at the trendy Cameo Bar. Details: $359 to $1,500; 800/670-6185 or viceroysantamonica.com.
Laguna Beach, Southern California
On a hillside overlooking Pacific Coast Highway and the ocean beyond, Casa Laguna Inn & Spa enchants guests with Mission-style architecture and lush landscaping. Paths of Catalina tiles weave among fountains and bougainvillea to 10 different styles of accommodations. The higher the room, the better the view. Or, from the Bell Tower, all guests catch spectacular sunsets and a Pacific vista. Rooms fronting the highway may not buffer all traffic noise, but the setting makes up for that. If you must leave the inn's verdant courtyard and ocean-view pool, you're just a short stroll from the beach and a quick bike ride from downtown. Details: $250 to $590; 800/233-0449 or casalaguna.com.
MOANA SURFRIDER, A Westin Resort
Honolulu, Hawaii
For civilized calm amid bustling Waikiki, the Moana Surfrider embodies the best of Old Hawaii. Despite its size (793 guest rooms), the hotel makes each visitor feel at home. New arrivals are greeted with a fresh lei, a chilled towel, and a glass of tea. Suddenly, the long flight seems completely worth it. The beloved Moana, this area's first hotel, opened in 1901―on the same pristine oceanfront location it commands today―and underwent a $50 million renovation in 1989. Its plantation-style porch, lined with rocking chairs, opens onto a courtyard canopied by a soaring banyan tree. After snorkeling, surfing, or lazing about, visitors enjoy live island music beneath the banyan. Small, tidy guest rooms feature plush bedding―ask for a courtyard or oceanfront room to avoid nighttime street noise. Details: $395 to $710; 808/922-3111 or moanasurfrider.com.
Galveston, Texas
Only 11 years after the devastating Galveston hurricane of 1900, Hotel Galvez rose majestically from a site directly across from the sturdy new seawall. Built in the style of the grand hotels of its time, the Galvez enjoys new life today thanks to Texas preservationists George and Cynthia Mitchell, who bought it in the mid-1990s. All 226 rooms have been handsomely redone, and a new 8,000-square-foot spa was completed in 2007. The eight-story hotel's U-shape design allows ocean views from most of the guest rooms. From the hotel, it's a short drive to world-renowned Moody Gardens or a quick trolley ride to the historic Strand neighborhood for shopping, dining, and nightlife. Details: $99 to $595; 409/765-7721 or galveston.com/galvez.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Here's one way to help post-Katrina NOLA: Just show up. Your tourist dollars can make a difference while you anchor at International House, two blocks from the French Quarter. In 1998, local visionary Sean Cummings transformed the historic Beaux Arts building into a boutique hotel with 117 sleekly styled guest rooms. Built as a bank in 1906, the lofty space later thrived for 40-plus years as the country's first World Trade Center. Today it exudes the spirit of that storied past―artfully blended with a neutral color scheme, streamlined furnishings, vivid art, and homages to local culture. Candlelight shimmers in Loa, the lobby bar. Details: $89 to $319; 800/633-5770 or ihhotel.com.
Mobile, Alabama
At last, this historic seaport city has a hotel to boast about. A $250 million investment in downtown included restoration of the grand old Battle House (abandoned since 1974); the shining new version opened in May. In the lobby and among 238 guest rooms―126 in the historic section―architectural details recall an ornate era, while woven red, blue, and gold fabrics add color and whimsy. Amenities include hotel-wide wireless Internet access; suites offer plasma TVs and iPod speakers. About half the guest rooms view downtown or the Mobile River, which leads to Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico beyond. The hotel's gorgeous Trellis Room serves a delectable dinner (and breakfast and lunch), and other hip dining choices are close by. Details: $179 to $400; 251/338-2000 or rsabattlehouse.com.
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
From scenic Highway 30-A, on the Florida Panhandle, A Highlands House looks like a honeymoon bungalow tucked into a nook. However, one quick turn into the drive reveals a large, Charleston-style home and a land- and seascape of lush vegetation and deep blue-green water. For weddings, quite popular at the inn, all 10 rooms are available for guests. Otherwise, among the eight regular guest rooms, five command glorious Gulf of Mexico views. At sunset, head to the water-facing front porch. Afterward, explore nearby Grayton Beach's fine and funky bars and restaurants. But don't stay out too late: Every morning, the innkeeper plates up a classic Southern breakfast. Details: $150 to $250; 850/267-0110 or ahighlandshouse.com.
Chicago, Illinois
It's all about the urban, waterfront view from 43 stories of glass designed by architect Harry Mohr Weese. A standout among Chicago's renowned skyscrapers, this branch of the international Swissôtel group welcomes guests to 632 rooms and suites with vistas that define The Windy City. They can ooh and aah over panoramas of Lake Michigan, the Chicago Harbor, boats plying the Chicago River, and nearby landmarks from the Navy Pier Ferris wheel to stunning Millennium Park. In addition to huge windows, rooms feature high-speed Internet access and furnishings that meld seamlessly with the contemporary design. The scenery from the 42nd-floor health club ($10 fee) and pool (complimentary) inspires guests to stay in shape. Service in the hotel and its fine-dining restaurant, The Palm, is Midwestern-friendly. Details: $109 to $1,500; 312/565-0565 or chicago.swissotel.com.
St. John's, Antigua, West Indies
The touch of a masseuse is the only pressure you'll feel at this Caribbean destination. Service staff, who keep the 77 rooms, suites, and villas tip-top, magically appear if needed. Otherwise, you can enjoy splendid isolation amid tropical gardens, two white-sand beaches, and three freshwater pools. Tennis, kayaking, windsurfing, and snorkeling can wait until after that novel. Or until you've had an old-fashioned rum punch from the open-air bar. With alfresco Palm Restaurant and air-conditioned Vyviens restaurant on-site, you won't have to venture into town, but if you do, it's 10 minutes by taxi or shuttle to Antigua's lively capital. The resort successfully caters to honeymooners, empty nesters, and young families alike. Details: All-inclusive daily rates (includes three meals, afternoon tea, branded bar drinks, and house wines): $340 (double guest room) to $2,000 (three-bedroom beachfront villa), plus $121 charge per day per person; 800/557-6536 or bluewaters.net.
Contributors: Mandy Bolen, Jeff Book, John Brandon, Sarah Brueggemann, Sara Gray, Bonnie Henderson, Susan C. Kim, Steve Millburg, Abigail B. Millwood, Ramsey Prather, Kelly Brown Tomas, and Vicki J. Weathers


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Weekly Queer Student Alliance Meetings
|Feb 14, 2019–May 2, 2019, 6:15 PM–8:00 PM Thursdays
|Sierra Hall 2422
First time? Returner? Come check out QSA's weekly meetings for a chance to make new friends, connect with other queer leaders and allies on campus, and learn more about the rich histories and herstories of the queer community. For more info or to stay connected please check out our Instagram - @qsa.csuci or Twitter - @qsa_csuciThis is a safe/brave space so please come respectful and open-minded towards all members of our club. See you here! *NOTE*Not all meetings will be running until 8PM. Check social media channels and emails for meeting times for the week.
|Add to My Calendar


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WASHINGTON—Moved by the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, the U.S. bishops stand with Pope Benedict XVI and the bishops of the region as witnesses against violence and appeal for peace "for all peoples and nations in the Middle East," according to a statement issued by the Administrative Committee of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Gathered in Washington for the Administrative Committee meeting March 14, the bishops said the suffering of people in the Middle East was close to their hearts, minds and prayers and that all people should be concerned.
"While we have special bond with the suffering Christians throughout the Middle East, our care extends to all peoples of every faith and every nationality," said the bishops. "We urge a change of heart and mind on the part of all those who sow division and hatred. We plead with leaders of nations to show respect for the rights and dignity of all the citizens of their respective countries. We insist that peace, which is ultimately a gift of God, must be made the goal of every nation not only internally but in consort with all the nations and peoples of the region."
The bishops said Catholics, other Christians and all people of good will "must reach across the divisions that have separated them and become peacemakers" and refuse to caught up in hatred, violence and death.
Full text of the statement follows in English and Spanish:
Concern for Peace in the Middle East:
During the meeting of the Administrative Committee of the U.S. Bishops, the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East were never far from our minds, hearts and prayers.The daily reports of conflicts, turmoil, bloodshed and violence can leave no one indifferent and unconcerned. With Pope Benedict we share a special bond with our brother bishops, especially of the churches of the East who continue to guide their precious faithful and care for them in the most difficult of circumstances. We are one with them in their witness of opposition to violence from any quarter and in their appeals for peace for all peoples and nations in the Middle East.
While we have a special bond with the suffering Christians throughout the Middle East, our care extends to all peoples of every faith and every nationality. We urge a change of heart and mind on the part of all those who sow division and hatred. We plead with leaders of nations to show respect for the rights and dignity of all the citizens of their respective countries. We insist that peace, which is ultimately a gift of God, must be made the goal of every nation not only internally but in consort with all the nations and peoples of the region.
When innocent women and children are slaughtered, when journalists are killed pursuing their profession, when the defenseless are cut down on their way to work or even in their homes, then those responsible must be brought to reasonable justice. Violence so often leads to more violence. War is always a loss for humanity whether it be civil and internal or nation to nation.
In a time of political uncertainty, economic suffering and social and cultural crisis, men and women of good will must reach across the divisions that have separated them and become peacemakers refusing to be caught up in the whirlwind of hatred and death that violence sustains. As bishops of the Catholic Church, we urge our brothers and sisters in the Christian Churches as well as all our brothers and sisters and the religious leaders of all faiths to renew their commitment to work together, to pray and to use all their good offices to offer an alternative to division, conflict and violence. May their words and their example be heeded by one and all including nations outside the Middle East whose own words and actions must serve reconciliation and not division, mutual respect and not hatred, justice and not violence. In this way conflicts might be resolved by peaceful means and peace based on justice, freedom and security might be the new heritage of all the peoples and nations of the Middle East.
Preocupación por la Paz en el Oriente Medio
Durante la reunión del Comité Administrativo de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos, no dejaron nunca de estar presentes en nuestras mentes, corazones y oraciones los continuados conflictos en el Oriente Medio. Los reportes diarios sobre conflictos, caos, violencia y derramamientos de sangre no pueden dejar a nadie indiferente y despreocupado. Junto al Papa Benedicto compartimos un vínculo especial con nuestros hermanos obispos, especialmente los de las iglesias del Este, quienes continúan guiando y cuidando a sus queridos fieles en las circunstancias más difíciles. Estamos unidos a ellos en su oposición a la violencia, de dondequiera que esta venga, y en sus súplicas por la paz para todas las gentes y naciones del Oriente Medio.Aunque estamos unidos de forma especial a los cristianos que sufren por todo el Oriente Medio, nuestra preocupación se extiende a todos los pueblos de cualquier credo y nacionalidad. Urgimos a todos aquellos que siembran la división y el odio a que ocurra un cambio en sus corazones y sus mentes. Rogamos junto a los líderes de las naciones, a que se respeten los derechos y la dignidad de todos los ciudadanos de sus respectivos países. Insistimos en que la paz, que es a fin de cuentas un regalo de Dios, debe ser a lo que todas las naciones aspiren, no solo internamente, sino también entre todos los países y gentes de la región.
Keywords: conflict, violence, Middle East, Syria, Afghanistan, Catholic Church, bishops, Pope Benedict XVI, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, USCCB, peace, Christians, good will, hatred, suffering, cycle of violence, justice
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Will Ferrell has probably made enough money that he can do more or less as he pleases without jeopardizing his financial security. So what does a man of Ferrell's talents do with that sort of commercial and artistic freedom? Well, he makes a Spanish-language comedy that's a spoof of the wildly popular telenovelas, aka Latin soaps.
Make no mistake, "Casa de mi Padre," Ferrell's latest film, is a Spanish-language film with English subtitles. If you have no tolerance for foreign films, be warned that this film is more than 90% in Spanish.
"Casa de mi Padre" is the story of a once proud Mexican family that gets caught in the crossfire of a drug war. Ferrell is Armando Alvarez, the dim-bulb son who still lives at home with his father. Armando has never shown any interest in women until his brother, Raul (Diego Luna), returns home with his fiancé, the gorgeous Sonia (Genesis Rodriguez). You can guess where this is going.
Though papa Alvarez is proud of Raul for being a successful businessman, it's soon clear that he's not come by his wealth honestly. And in short order the Alvarez clan is exposed to Raul's battle with fellow "narco," Onza (Gael Garcia Bernal). All the while, DEA Agent Parker (Nick Offerman) is busily stoking the fires of the burgeoning drug war between the two factions.
The film was written by "SNL" alum Andrew Steele, and directed by "SNL" alum Matt Piedmont, who have clearly spent far too much time together watching telenovelas. The film is both homage and spoof, a succession of riffs on arch melodrama, family intrigue, the faraway looks, the heavy-handed use of music… It's like "Dallas" on steroids and Red Bull.
"Casa de mi Padre" takes the low-budget look that is a hallmark of the genre to the extreme. Background extras that are mannequins, painted backdrops with visible seams, stock footage used for multiple scenes, a mountain lion that is obviously a stuffed animal, and a host of continuity issues.
Because a lot of the best laughs are sight gags, if you feel compelled to follow the subtitles, you'll miss many of them. Though that may end up being one of the film's strengths when it moves to home video, helping it stand up to repeated viewings by the chemically compromised audience for which "Casa de mi Padre" has clearly been made. They will surely hoot with glee upon each new discovery.
There are genuinely hilarious moments sprinkled throughout this film, and it's got a strong chance of being a cult favorite on campuses across the land, but if you're a Will Ferrell fan looking for another dose of "Anchorman"-style laughs, you'll be sorely disappointed.
"Casa de mi Padre" opens in limited release Friday


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Anything can be an instrument, people—including a whole bunch of floppy drives!
Sixteen, in this case, to be exact. (You remember floppy drives, right?)
You might recognize this tune as "Those Who Fight Further," which is the boss theme in Final Fantasy VII. Here's the original, for comparison's sake.
Pretty close, right? Kudos to MrSolidSnake745 for making the floppy version, forreal.
FF7 - Those Who Fight Further on Sixteen Floppy Drives[MrSolidSnake745]


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The ex-husband of professional boxer Christy Martin was sentenced to 25 years in prison Tuesday on attempted second-degree murder charges.
James Martin, 68, was found guilty of all counts against him, including aggravated battery. Martin had previously rejected a 25-year plea deal and had faced a maximum sentence of life in prison. In addition to the 25 years for attempted second degree murder, James Martin also got 10 years for aggravated assault, but it is to run concurrent, not consecutively.
Martin shot and stabbed his then-wife in November 2010 in their Apopka home after learning she was leaving him for a woman. Christy Martin said on the stand she didn't marry for love and the relationship was business-based for both her and James Martin, her former trainer.
Christy Martin said she stayed with James Martin to protect her family from what she called "gay-bashing." Christy Martin also said her husband had threatened to release sexually explicit pictures of her to ruin her career.
During his sentencing on Tuesday, James Martin said he didn't try to kill his ex-wife and suggested that she was accidentally stabbed and shot as the two wrestled over the weapons.
Christy Martin spoke at the sentencing and said her trainer-turned-husband tormented her during their marriage and that she wanted him gone. She said she's satisfied James Martin got 25 years in prison because she thinks he'll probably die in prison.
Watch Local 6 News and stay with ClickOrlando.com for more on this developing story.


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In December 2007, I predicted that there would be at least 8 - 10 absinthes freely available in the USA by December 2008. While the word "freely" was a bit careless and open to misinterpretation, the words "at least" were chosen very deliberately. I also predicted, "One or two unlikely alliances between some of the main players will start to be seen." More of the second prediction later, but, firstly, I'll review the number of absinthes coming to the USA this year.
Bevlaw, a firm concentrating on the federal regulation of alcohol beverages. has been keeping track of the product and label permissions given to absinthes, and recorded 12 by May 2008, and subsequently updated. These include the early launches such as Lucid, Kübler and St. George, the more recent launches such as Grande Absente Originale, Le Tourment Vert, and La Fée Parisienne, and some that have yet to reach the market. The latter includes Mythe Absinthe Traditional, Libertine, and Mata Hari Absinthe Bohemian.
However there are a few more brands that Bevlaw didn't record by June 23, 2008 (but most of which have now been added to the site since the publication of this blog). These include some interesting developments such as the first absinthe cream liqueur: La Crème Kübler,
the first "big company" entrant,Vincent van Gogh Klasiek Absinthe from Luctor (of Vincent van Gogh Vodka)
Artemisia, from Fat Dog Spirits, Florida (which has nothing at all to do with the Artemisia Distillery of Claude-Alain Bugnon, the home of La Clandestine), and La Muse Verte.
Add the two Sirène labels from Chicago's North Shore Distillery, Denver's Leopold (all these shown on BevLaw), as well as Trillium and that makes the tally 17 launched or about to be launched absinthes.
I am also aware through contacts and forums of 5 other absinthes that are going through the US permissions process at the moment, with approved products and pending label applications with the TTB. These include Gwydion Stone's Marteau and Delaware Phoenix Absinthes.
Tempus Fugit Spirits, which states that they are "dedicated to importing the finest spirits from around the globe," also features Mansinthe, Vieux Pontarlier and Duplais, bringing the total of approved or apparently in process absinthes to 25! Pacific Distillery seems to be progressing an absinthe too, while the Seattle Times hints at more to come! 26, 27 ...
Of course, a good investigative blogger can go a lot further and it's interesting to do more research on US trademark registrations. A search for "absinthe" reveals some interesting issues of potential future launches, trademark clashes (putting it mildly!) and brand name ownership. Luctor International (of Van Gogh ) has registered several absinthe trademarks in the USA, while Emile Pernot seems to be registering every name they have!
And what is more surprising is the absence from the TTB and label registries of some of the really big names. Where is Pernod (apparently working on it, but nothing seems imminent)? And where are some of the Czech products that I have taken issue with previously, either here or on other blogs?
UPDATE: July 7th, 2008. The US launch of Pernod Absinthe announced. Reviews of this product at Fée Verte were fairly damning.
Did I say 17 absinthes launched or about to be launched? Did I say a total of 26, 27 ... including those "in process?" Well, that's not all ...
Today, after several months work in the USA and Switzerland, I am happy to announce a major initiative between two of the major forces in modern absinthe: Viridian (of Lucid fame) and La Clandestine (and that is the new approved label above).
In fact we have been talking for some while, starting in June 2007 when I emailed Jared Gurfein, President of Viridian to query some of the copy on the Lucid Absinthe website. In the space of a few emails, the tone went from formal to friendly, and it was evident that we had a lot in common: a love of real absinthe and a resolve to get the best absinthes into the USA.
So in late-summer 2007, Jared and Ted Breaux, the creator of Jade and Lucid absinthes, came to meet Claude-Alain Bugnon, the distiller of La Clandestine, and myself in Couvet, the birthplace of absinthe and the home of La Clandestine.
Firstly, we all tasted both Lucid and La Clandestine. Cheers, Jared!
Then as day turned into evening, we started to look into the long-term.
Within a day, we had the basis of an agreement that worked for both parties. More importantly, we could now begin the process of gaining US approval for the prize-winning La Clandestine, probably one of the most-loved of all absinthes.
Of course, that process was not 100% straightforward, and we had to make some very minor changes to the proposed US label. But following in the footsteps of Viridian, who had already launched the first absinthe in the USA for nearly 100 years, meant that the process was almost as smooth as we could have hoped and final label approval came through on June 16th, 2008.
Of course since we started this journey, several other companies have won permission from the USA authorities to launch their absinthes and absinthe lovers at the Wormwood Society have greeted some of them with less than total enthusiasm.
So we are delighted that one of the long-term favourites of absinthe lovers at the Wormwood Society, more generally (e.g. on MySpace) and of absinthe industry professionals will shortly be available in the USA.
Update (Summer 2012): La Clandestine Absinthe is now imported by Artemisia's new partners, DC Craft Spirits. They have been building on the start made by Viridian and have already extended distribution into new States such as Massachusetts and into new retailers such as BevMo!


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If you are looking for examples of how not to write your subject lines, you should take a look at your own email inbox right now. A cursory glance at mine shows:
- Newsletter: Issue 4
- April Newsletter
- Spring Sale
- Week 23 Insight
Bearing in mind you should send highly targeted campaigns only to people you know will be interested in your product or service, sending such ambiguous and bland subject lines is quite ridiculous.
Subject Line Best Practices
Let's look at some best practices for subject lines.
You are a fashion retailer who has segmented your list by gender, size and type of garments previously purchased (you can go much more granular than this). You've just taken stock of a number of summer dresses you want to shift quickly (while the sun is still shining). How would you write a subject line that really sells them?
Try this:
"Hot, Size 8 Summer Dress, Buy Today, Wear Tomorrow"
The above example highlights the fact that temperatures are up and the products you sell are stylish (or hot), it also lets the recipients know you have their size in stock and if they order today, you will post it in time for them to wear it tomorrow.
There is no mention of a sale, no promise of cheap prices or free delivery (devaluing the product and reducing your margin), and it is packed with benefits that can be expanded in the body copy. There is a very good chance this email will be opened.
It packs quite a punch in 50 characters (the optimum length of subject line you should be aiming for). If you thought writing inspiring 140-character tweets was difficult, email marketing will definitely hone your skills.
Email marketing is template-driven, so it is incredibly easy to create multiple campaigns based on your subscribers' previous purchase patterns (in this case, based on garment size). In this way you can tailor subject lines to make them more relevant and engaging, and more likely to encourage the recipient to read the full message.


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Julie Zetlin: It was surreal — I could not believe it was finally happening after so many years of hard work and dedication. I found out the morning of February 24, 2012. The president of the USA Gymnastics called my dad. My dad stormed into my room and said, "It's official! You're an Olympian!" I let out the biggest sigh of relief and just started crying. The first people I called were my grandparents. My whole family went through this journey with me!
17: What did it take for you to reach this point in your career?
JZ: I didn't have immediate success. I had to work really hard to get to where I am. I gave up normal school in middle school to home-school so I could work with my coach more. I went through training camps and competitions all over the world. I also experienced a lot of injuries.
17: Gymnasts always have their hair perfectly in place! What's your secret?
JZ: Lots of gel and lots of hairspray!
17: If we were to open your gym bag, what would we find?
JZ: You'd find all of my gymnastics gear, music, physical therapy supplies – sports cream, leg warmers, and a back warmer – and a notebook. I like to write down how my training sessions go or even something as simple as a random thought I have while training. A lot of the time, they'll be creative thoughts that I either apply to my routines or to my general attitude toward life.
17: What do you like to do for fun when you're not competing?
JZ: I love doing totally spontaneous and spur of the moment things with my friends and family. I want to be an actress, so I'm a huge movie buff. I love watching indie movies. I'm also really obsessed with fashion. I do a lot of online shopping when I'm on the road for competitions — it's a problem!
17: What type of guys do you usually crush on?
JZ: I look for someone who isn't afraid to be himself. I like someone with a wild personality, sense of humor — someone who can speak his mind. If he's into health and fashion that's a plus! But if not, he has to be into something and should be hard working.
Watch Julie compete in the Olympics starting July 27, 2012. Click here to see the official gymnastics schedule!