text:
Gator hunt a family affair
Houma clan ventures onto the water every September
Published: Sunday, September 17, 2006 at 6:01 a.m.
Last Modified: Saturday, September 16, 2006 at 11:25 p.m.
ts kind of like fishing, except the catch has strong jaws filled with jagged teeth and, even more frightening, a muscular tail lined with pointy bones.
Trapping alligators calls for a simple arrangement of relatively primitive items: a pole, a sturdy piece of brush, a 3-inch hook, some rope, a chunk of rotting chicken and a pistol. But gator hunting also requires a steady vigilance. A single careless moment can leave permanent damage.
Alligators fill a wide range of roles in south Louisiana, many requiring they be hunted.
The giant reptiles have long been the star of the swamps, the piece de resistance for tour guides and some adventurous chefs. Their scaly skins shine around the world from purses, watchbands, boots and wallets, often a symbol of wealth.
To locals, they are a good meal, an eccentric neighbor, a source of income, a fun sight, a nuisance.
To some alligator hunters, theyre also a source of adventure and family tradition.
Setting the traps
Its 2:30 on a Friday afternoon in September, and people throughout Terrebonne Parish are preparing to leave work or board school buses.
Dan Davis, his wife, his stepson and his daughters boyfriend pile into a pair of boats behind the parish landfill and glide into Bayou Chauvin.
Just outside of Houma, the scenery rapidly changes from homes and businesses to soggy swamp. Despite cool weather only the day before, its hot, the kind of heavy suffocating heat that comes right before a rainstorm.
Davis, an oilfield salesman who has trapped alligators for 26 years, annually takes time off work to hunt the reptiles with his family. The Houma man wears white boots to avoid lashings from gator tails; scars on his arms show the damage the creatures can cause.
As the boats pass forests of dead cypress trees victims of saltwater intrusion Davis and his crew scan the bayous bank line for prime spots to set traps. The ideal location has a tree or sturdy branch to anchor the line, but not too much brush or other obstructions.
Once an alligator is hooked, the animal fights, rolling, swimming and thrashing to get free. Fighting an angry alligator is dangerous enough without trying to get a line untangled from surrounding brush at the same time, Davis explains.
Hunters try to set lines where the big males hang out, spacing them 100 to 150 yards apart, Davis says.
Theyre very territorial, he says. Gators might move a few miles to breed but generally spend their entire lives in a 2- to 3-mile radius, he adds. The state sets alligator hunting season in September, when mother gators are nesting onshore, in efforts to protect breeding females.
Finding a decent spot, Davis nudges the boat toward the bank line, where he and his stepson, Toby Prosperie, begin the routine work of laying a snare. The operation takes only a few minutes. The pair tie a rope around a tree trunk, then hang the loose end from a bamboo pole they stick at an angle in the muddy bank. A rubber band keeps the rope attached to the end of the pole until an alligator snaps its jaws around the raw chicken dangling from a metal hook at the end of the line. The gators usually swallow the chicken, landing the hook in their guts. The rubber band releases the rope, leaving the line tied to the tree.
The branches act like a fishing rod, offering just enough play to avoid breaking from tension, Davis says.
Before pushing the chicken onto the hook, Davis swishes the meat in the bayou water, leaving a smelly, oily film on the surface to lure in his prey. The chicken had sat out all night, giving the meat a chance to start fermenting, a more appealing treat for the reptiles.
The chicken parts swing about a foot above the water, a stinking, tempting prize for a hungry alligator.
Farther along, Toby ties another line around a tree limb, leaving another piece of putrid chicken dripping into the bayou.
Dans wife, who usually pilots the boat on these excursions, takes the reins now, steering the boat down the bayou. Trudy Davis doesnt give the impression of a gator hunters sidekick.
Unaware that she would be part of that days trip, Trudy wears a green blouse embroidered with flowers, a shiny bronze purse and capri pants. She has pink fingernails and styled hair.
A saleswoman turned homemaker, Trudy has been part of the annual alligator adventure since marrying Dan 20 years ago. Jamie Triche has gradually become more involved in the hunt since he started dating Dans daughter, Jaime, several years ago.
Dan Davis spent his childhood hunting ducks and deer with his father, but learned to trap gators from an elderly hunting buddy, eventually earning the nickname Alligator Dan D.
Toby got a much earlier start, taking to the marsh at age 6 to hunt ducks, and adding gator hunts to his repertoire soon after. He learned to trap the swamp creatures by watching his father and grandfather, then continued the tradition with Dan.
I dont remember having a choice to do it. Its something thats passed down. Ive been doing it ever since I can remember, Toby says later.
Every year, gator season brings the Davis family together. We usually have two or three boats on the water, everybody laughing and cutting up, Dan says. Familys the most important asset anyone can have. We do everything together.
That morning, Tobys 3-year-old daughter also put her boots on. Dad, I go gator hunting, too, she told her father. The toddler has seen alligators but never been on a hunt.
Jaime Davis, who lived with her mother as a child, remembers bonding with her father, stepbrother and other family members during weekend hunts.
We all hunt and fish together, Jaime said. I didnt have an option to be a little dainty girl.
Dan and Toby usually trap 10 to 15 alligators a year. Alligator hunting was outlawed in Louisiana between 1962 and 1972, after the reptiles neared extinction. The state worked to bring them back, allowing hunting to resume in parts of the state in 1972, but not until 1980 in Terrebonne Parish. Gator hunting is strictly regulated, with licensed trappers receiving a set number of tags, one for each animal.
Farther south near Lake Boudreaux, the trees give way to marsh and the shrubs lining the bayous banks turn to stalks of marsh cane. The bayou grows wider, and the boat passes an even larger field of dead trees separated from the bayou by a thin strip of eroded bank line. Mosquitoes begin making their debut.
An oil platform appears near the bayou, the rumble of machinery and purr of helicopters awkward among the delicate marsh and wading birds.
Toby sets a trap anchored to a branch sticking out of the cane.
Alligators can -- and have -- snapped the lines, usually when they get hooked in the jaw instead of the gut. A hook in the jaw allows them to move around with less pain.
Then you have a fight on your hands in the morning, Toby says.
An angry gator once bit off a chunk of Dans boat, despite the hook in his mouth. Others have invaded his boat.
Sometimes, hooked alligators crawl onto the bank.
Thats when its scary, Toby says. Theyre in the water, youre in the boat, its OK. When youre on the land, youre in their territory.
Suddenly, another threat emerges from the bank.
Wasp nest, wasp nest back up! says Toby, a hint of panic in his voice.
A menacing pack of wasps flies out of the brush, stinging Dan in the arm and eyebrow before the boat can retreat from the bank. He gets stung once or twice a year by insects, he says.
The crew finishes setting 29 traps as the sky bursts open with a sudden thunderstorm.
Tomorrow morning, we make the big assault, Dan says.
The hunt
Its 7 a.m. on Saturday. The sky is overcast, the air cool and a constant drizzle drums at the bayou.
Dans boat creeps up on an alligator swimming along Bayou Chauvin, Toby is poised on the bow with a gun aimed at the reptile. The creature ducks under the murky water with a forceful splash before Toby has a chance to fire.
The boat passes a gator carcass on the bank, the victim of a random shooting, then pulls up to a line barely moving in the water.
Toby quietly pushes back branches before tugging the rope. A green, reptilian head surfaces. Wild-eyed, the animal jerks and thrashes. Toby points a .22 at a soft spot near the back of the gators head. Pop. Pop. Pop. The gator stops fidgeting, the eyes grow still, and blood pours from its mouth.
A lot of the traps still have chicken twirling above the water, a few have none.
Alligators dont like to feed when the weathers cool, rainy or windy, Dan explains. The best harvest time for gators comes in hot days without rain or wind, especially during a full moon.
A tug on the next line reveals a smaller gator with an open, snapping mouth. The crew holds its mouth shut, hauls it aboard, and shoots it in its soft spot. Vomit and blood flow from its mouth.
I dont have a weak stomach, Dan says later. He worked as a licensed embalmer for 10 years, quitting when he nearly died of meningitis contracted on the job. Every year, he spends four hours in training to keep his embalming license. Being an embalmer, I saw horrible things. But I have a zeal for life.
The men grow quiet as they pull in their catches, training their eyes on the placement of feet and fingers to ensure they stay free of the line.
Dan and Toby say their careful habits have allowed them to suffer only cuts, scrapes and bruises. Dan has fallen overboard twice trying to untangle lines, but he avoided harm.
The boat pulls up to where a hooked alligator has buried itself in the muddy bank. The men shoot the gator in the head and pull him from the roots entangling him.
In the back of the boat, Jaime mentions how much she loves animals. She mothers her four horses and has taken in two Labrador retrievers found at gas stations. She used to hunt ducks and deer, but as she grew older, found she could no longer watch them get shot.
But with alligators, she doesnt mind.
Especially since they themselves are hunters -- often less merciful than their human counterparts. Dan says he watched a gator break a deers legs with its tail, then drag the animal into the bayou by its neck to drown it. The gator hauled the deer back onto the bank, then let it rot for two days before eating it. Gators eat turtles, birds, fish, nutria, each other. Once, as Dan pulled a gator to his boat, a larger gator devoured the hooked animals bottom half.
If alligators were not trapped, high populations would cause them to die from disease or cannibalism, says Davis, who sits on the Louisiana Fur and Alligator Advisory Council. The council promotes alligators as a renewable resource.
Davis doesnt let the animals suffer; he kills them instantly, he adds. By the end of the morning, six alligators lay wrapped in tarp in the familys boat.
Delivery time
The Davis home sits in a Houma neighborhood that probably looks like a lot of other neighborhoods in the United States. Except for the six dead alligators lined up across the front lawn.
The gators range between more than 5 feet and 7 1/2 feet long, averaging 6 feet in length. The gators he catches the next day are bigger, more toward the 7- and 8-foot end of the scale. Larger alligators have become rarer due to hunting during the past 26 years; alligators take a while to reach 12-foot and greater lengths. The biggest gator Dan has caught measured 12-foot-six-inches.
A neighbor passing in a van stops to get a look at the Davis row of gators. A young boy rolls up on a scooter, and another saunters into the yard to view the catch.
Tobys wife and daughter arrive, and the family photos begin. The men pose near their catches, then the children, then the entire family. The Davis have photo albums filled with nearly identical pictures reaching back decades.
Toby and Dan run a tape measure along each of the creatures, calling out tag numbers, sexes, lengths and other information to Jaime, who records the information. Alligator skins sell by the foot, about $50 a foot this year, so the length determines the pay.
This is our hunting money, Dan says. The family spends their profits on hunting leases when the time comes to switch their efforts to deer and ducks.
The family jumps into trucks and cars to deliver the gators to a local processor. At an alligator farm in the Bayou Black community, the Davis family slings the gators into large, blue crates and covers the creatures in ice.
Within yards lies every stage of the commercial process, from the skinning room to a display of shiny alligator-skin purses.
No part goes to waste, Dan says. Heads, feet, skins and meat become boots,
accessories, meals or souvenirs.
Dan cooks gators into fettucines and stews but prefers the animal fried. Gator handling has left most of the family with a distaste for gator meat.
Ill eat it if I dont know what it is, Toby says. You tell me what it is, Im not eating it.
Far more tasteful is the thrill of battling such a monstrous creature and sharing the rewards with family.
Reader comments posted to this article may be published in our print edition. All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.
Comments are currently unavailable on this article


text:
Howl or whistle by HumanDescentWatch
©2007-2016 HumanDescent
Lol, it's soo weird and cute. Good Job.
this is adorable, in a disturbing manner, lol
This is so kewl
omg its so cute
that's awkwardly cute
errrr, wait something's not right... say nothing...
lmfao that is just too cute
i wantz one ^^ it's so cute!!!
So cute!!
oh god its so cute! i want one!
Very very cool, still laughing.
aww! omg!
This is weard...but awesome at the same time...and extremelly cute Good job
this is the cutest thing i've seen in my whole life...
...must crush bird-dog creature!
...must crush bird-dog creature!
Oh man. Howling sparrow... Or something. Love it.
lol you need terapythis is great
awwww dat is sooo adorable
*sigh* if only they were real lol
*sigh* if only they were real lol
he's so cute! this is magnificent, and looks so natural. wonderful job.
Hilarious, but still, amazing work! i love it +fav!
(I've never understood how you manage to do those)
(I've never understood how you manage to do those)
WHAT THE!?!? Awesome pic!! hows' you do it?
This thing is frickin adorable!!!
you should make it look like fire's coming out of his mouth and name it chili pepper or spicy
That looks like its a natural species
so adorable
This just tugs at my heartstrings
thats sooo cute
thats awwsome but did you photoshop it or are the area 69 people doing crazy experiments
aww, this little guy looks too cute
and the title fits the picture so well!
definitely a !
and the title fits the picture so well!
definitely a !
omg! a borf!
I like how u did this.
I absolutely LOOOOVE it! It is so adorable I wish they were real so I could have one of my own!
How cute!....In a slightly disturbing way....?0.o;
so cute!
Awwwr. :3
crazy idea, but very interesting and fantastic
the wolf cub's face is cute
that is cute! very well done. looks like a real animal!
soooooooooo cute!
Awwwwwwwwwwwww I want one!!
wow. that is extremely well done.
and very cute
does this specie has a name
and very cute
does this specie has a name
I wish I had one as a pet...

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Higher Education Webinars
News, tips, and practical insights about technology for student affairs practitioners by Eric Stoller.
July 2, 2013 - 5:38pm
New survey on technology and student affairs.
June 24, 2013 - 5:56pm
Advice for a high school senior.
June 20, 2013 - 9:16pm
Working with people who "get it" and those who don't.
June 13, 2013 - 7:01pm
Check Out Mosaic.
May 23, 2013 - 8:43pm
The virtual keynote experience.
May 16, 2013 - 8:46pm
Creating a tweet wall.
May 7, 2013 - 7:56pm
It's time to embrace social media.
May 2, 2013 - 9:11pm
The challenge of cobbling together a web of professional experiences.
April 25, 2013 - 10:01pm
Consulting is oftentimes an exercise in troubleshooting or problem solving.
April 16, 2013 - 9:41pm
Last year, more than 1,000 stories, photos, videos or tweets were collected and curated during #UWRightNow. Framed as a "multimedia project designed to capture the breadth, depth and spirit of the University of Wisconsin-Madison during a 24-hour period," the 2012 version of #UWRightNow was a crowdsourced social media masterpiece. Combining "staff-produced and user-generated content," the day-long project provided a snapshot of what it meant to be a member of the University of Wisconsin-Madison community.
- Viewed
- Commented
- Past:
- Day
- Week
- Month
- Year


text:
Okay, I am trying to build a page in which all my galleries initially are viewed as a grid of single image thumbnails. Clicking any thumbnail then creates a slideshow of that gallery at the top of the page (including captions), while still preserving the grid of single image thumbnails below.
Any advice on how to go about doing that?


text:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently raised its estimate of the prevalence of autism in the U.S. from 1 in 86 children to 1 in 50. A disorder characterized by antisocial behavior, communication difficulties and a range of other possible symptoms, autism is being diagnosed in children at an increasing rate across all lifestyles and income and education levels.
For Gravois area resident Nathan Bebermeyer, autism has meant challenges over things that other might take for granted, but with help from family, he is learning to deal with it.
Just a few months ago, the 11-year-old couldn't swim — afraid of the water and sensitive to the chlorine in pool water.
People with autism sometimes have heightened senses. In addition to having sensitive skin, Nathan is bothered by noises — even just the buzz of the school cafeteria.
But despite the challenges, the soon-to-be 6th grader is learning to swim. Nathan began taking swimming lessons about six months ago with Theresa Gramke at Westlake Aquatic Center in Laurie.
Gramke is "helping me not get afraid of the water," says Nathan.
A swim cap and goggles help shield him from the chlorinated water where he is most sensitive.
When Nathan first started, Gramke says he wouldn't let go of her or go where his feet couldn't touch the bottom.
"It was a real challenge. I didn't know if I would be able to get him to swim, but now he floats and swims and is doing great," says Gramke.
Since Nathan's mother died in 2009, he has lived with grandparents Bob and Millie Bebermeyer.
Being autistic and then losing his mother, Nathan has anger issues, says Millie, but he has come a long way since they brought him to Gravois from Texas four years ago.
She enrolled Nathan in swimming lessons as something constructive but soothing that he could do after finding karate too stressful. He now enjoys his time at the pool and sometimes swims with his cousins after his lessons are over.
Nathan is also taking piano lessons with Bethany Nichols and will have his first recital in July.
"He's just doing real well," Millie says. "Everything is a challenge when you have autism, but he's overcome so much."
Like his fear of the water, Nathan is learning to deal with things even when he doesn't like it. He eats lunch in the school cafeteria even though the noise bothers him, and he's learning to deal with bullying from kids who don't understand his disorder, says Millie.
"He knows there are consequences when he's done something wrong. He's learned to man up and take it, and we get through it," she says.
Nathan is also a straight A student, and he's regularly on the honor roll. Nathan is also a good speller, says Millie, and often helps grandma get her spelling right.
Page 2 of 2 - "He's a really good kid — bright and knowledgeable," she says.
Location, ST | website.com


text:
Kansas State wasted little time filling the hole left at quarterback by Daniel Sams. The Wildcats have signed junior college quarterback Taylor Laird, which gives the team another viable candidate to backup Jake Waters. With Sams' departure, the battle for the backup job this fall
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Kansas State track and field team wrapped up a solid effort at the NCAA West Preliminary Round in Fayetteville, Ark., on Saturday with five more Wildcats earning trips to Eugene, Ore. Three of the four qualifications came from the field, as Devin
Four of Kansas State's 2014 football games are among the Big 12 Conference's early national television selections, highlighted by the Sept. 18 matchup with SEC Champion Auburn. On Thursday, the league announced, television designations for the opening three weeks of the season and special Thursday night
Daniel Sams is on his way home. The former Kansas State quarterback will transfer back to his home state and play at McNeese State in Lake Charles, La. — first reported by GoPowercat.com on Wednesday night. Sams, who was granted a conditional release to attend
The Kansas State track and field team will compete in Fayetteville, Ark., this week at the NCAA West Regional Preliminary Rounds, set to start today and go through Saturday. The Top 48 in each event in the West Region will square off over the three-day meet
Senior Allison Dorau was named to the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association South All-Region team, announced this past week. For Dorau, it is her second straight season earning the honor, as well as the first time she has been named first team. Dorau's latest accolade
The Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association announced the 2014 National Scholar-Athlete Award recipients this past week with 11 K-State rowers making the grade. Leading the way for the Wildcats was Allison Dorau (Elementary Education), who was named Scholar-Athlete for a third straight year. Ally Franken (Civil Engineering), Meggie
The early bird deadline for 2014 K-State volleyball season tickets is drawing near —set for Friday — the last day to receive exclusive benefits. Fans that purchase season tickets, which start at $2.50 per match with the Wildcat 4 Pack by this Friday will have the $10 processing fee waived,
Former Kansas State point guard Leticia Romero has been granted her release. Announced Tuesday morning, K-State modified institutional policy that prohibited the decision of a campus appeals committee to be overturned, giving sole discretion to the athletic director to review all denial rulings. Romero, who
When Leticia Romero first asked for her release more than two months ago, she had no idea she'd still be waiting for it today and in the fight of her life with the university she's called home for the past year. The All-Big 12
Get the latest news, weather and sports updates from The Mercury sent to your phone.
Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | The Manhattan Mercury, 318 North 5th Street, Manhattan, Kansas, 66502 | Copyright 2012
Reproduction of any kind is prohibited without written consent.


text:
Dear all,
I'm currently asking for your kind help to help me go through the particular situation I'm in :)
Headlines: I was doing a wp photoblog site for a friend and I just realized that we need a category based navigation instead of date based navigation.
Front-end: http://www.monteauxphoto.com/portfolio
Theme: Monolit
Plugins: Multi-level Navigation Plugin & Yet Another PhotoBlog
Details: We have two buttons named "previous" and "next". Thing is, they follow an order by date and we need in fact a category order, meaning users can't leave the category without clicking in the desired category.
Problem: I should understood this need since the beginning but I just realized that we don't have 'tons' of material (photos) to 'go through them in a timeline'.
I'm not a php developer (shame on me) and I can't find in forums/site some threads or articles that could eventually lead to the solution to my problem.
Other than that I love you community :)


text:
Capitol Hill Critics Second-Guess Agencies Using...
Clinical-Style Validation, Regulation, and Quality Control...
Loss of Lives in Clinical Trials...
Co-Sourcing Improves Pharmaceutical Laboratory Productivity
Last month on May 22 the NY Times ran an article in its Sunday magazine about a new pill being developed to increase women's sex drive. Combining testosterone and a drug similar to Viagra, the pill, named Lybrido, demonstrated "very impressive" results in a recent clinical trial, according to its developer, Netherlands-based Emotional Brain, and could hit the market in three years.
Despite the long-prevailing view that it is men who are more likely to bore of a current female sexual partner, turns out, according to the Times, that it is the XXers who are the first to consider bailing out of the love boat, usually within one to four years after the beginning of a relationship with a man. Excruciating boredom with monogamy seems to be a lust killer.
Whether a pill will ultimately be the answer for this sense of sexual monotony remains to be seen, despite the drug manufacturer's claim to the contrary. For most people, sex comes with an acquired set of cultural beliefs and emotional expectations, maybe more often the case for women than men. I'm not sure a pill is the "cure" here. News reports indicate that women still handle most of the home-related tasks, including cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the kids. More women are doing so in single-parent households, and a Pew Research Center study just reported that working mothers now serve as the sole breadwinners for 40% of all U.S. families. Seems to me like women are being stressed to the hilt. How do you use a pill to treat this as some type of disease?
A paragraph in a story in London's Daily Mail on the female sex pill also raises some reservations: "Some experts fear Lybrido will put women under pressure to perform, while others are skeptical about whether the pills can boost female sex drive. They point out that a tablet is not going to fix a broken relationship or ease the stresses of work and childcare." Yep. Just what women need—more pressure.
Another instance of received wisdom regarding the sexes appears to have been put to rest by the Times article. A main tenet of evolutionary psychology is that men are naturally more promiscuous than women because, acting primarily as sperm purveyors, men ordinarily do not have the same degree of vested interest in children as women do. Only women can become pregnant, and it is women who must deal with the time, energy, complications, and sometimes danger involved in carrying and giving birth to a baby. Thus, a corollary theory holds that women are genetically programmed for fidelity because the future of the human species lies largely in their bodies and behavior. The Times piece, however, casts doubt on the evolutionary psychological viewpoint:
"In research published last year, Meredith Chivers, a psychologist at Queen's University, played pornographic audiotapes for heterosexual women and compared, among other things, genital reactions to scenarios involving a handsome male stranger or a hunky male friend. The friends made the machine flatline. The strangers made it jump."
Indeed, old ideas die hard.
John Sterling is editor in chief at GEN.
To enjoy more articles like this from GEN, click here to subscribe now!
John Sterling is editor in chief at GEN.
To enjoy more articles like this from GEN, click here to subscribe now!
To save this item to your Favorites,
log into GEN Select.
We'll be sure to take you back here after you do.
Not a member of GEN Select?
To comment on this article,
log into GEN Select.
We'll be sure to take you back here after you do.
MDMA (commonly known as the empathogen "ecstasy") is classified as a Schedule 1 drug, which is reserved for compounds with no accepted medical use and a high abuse potential. Two researchers from Stanford, however, call for a rigorous scientific exploration of MDMA's effects to identify precisely how the drug works, the data from which could be used to develop therapeutic compounds.Do you agree that ecstasy should be studied for its potential therapeutic benefits?
Be sure to add [email protected]
to your Address Book or Safe Senders List.
here for instructions.
If you have any questions about your subscription, click
here to email us or call at (914) 740-2189.
You may also be interested in subscribing to the GEN magazine, an indispensable
resource for everyone involved in the business of translating discoveries at the
bench into solutions that fight disease and improve health, agriculture, and the
environment. Subscribe
today to see why over 60,000 biotech professionals read GEN to
keep current in the areas of genomics, proteomics, drug discovery, biomarker discovery,
bioprocessing, molecular diagnostics, collaborations, biotech business trends, and
© 2016 Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News All Rights Reserved


text:
Affluent Lifestyle Guide
The Mercedes-Benz CL 500 is well-known for its high performance. Wrap Works selected a CL 500 from 2007 as their pre-facelift model and gave the vehicle a power boost and a complete White Matte Metallic Wrap. The nice tuning treatment by Wrap Works gave Mercedes-Benz CL 500 (C216) a white metallic matt foliation that is accentuated with green shade on the mirrors, hood, doors and on its roof. The CL 500 is fitted with a steel sport exhaust system at the price of 1,200 EUR.... Continue Reading »


text:
The Office of Pluralism and Leadership (OPAL) is one office based in two locations: the Student Academic Support Services Center (SASSC) and the Center for Gender and Student Engagement (CGSE).
The SASSC is located at Carson Suite 125 @ Baker-Berry Library
The CGSE is located at 6 Choate Rd, nestled in the Choates Cluster.
Phone: 603-646-0987 (SASSC)
Fax: 603-646-9168
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Detailed advisor contact information can be found in the Dartmouth directory.
Last Updated: 2/1/16


text:
On I-95 north on the Piscataqua River Bridge. This sign is technically still in NH, but since it reffers to a Maine exit, I'll but it here.
A view of the Piscataqua river bridge.
Just entering Maine on I-95 north. This appears to be NHDOT signage. Hmmm.
The first real freeway sign seen in Maine on I-95 north in Kittery.
exit 1 and also approaching exit 2 and 3. Notice in the middle sign, you see the control city of "Traffic Circle". Traffic Circle is not a city, it is indeed a traffic circle and shouldn't be used as a control city.
exit 2 and approaching exit 3. If you notice, you'll see an Eisenhower Interstate System shield on the left sign. I have never seen one of those signs before on a freeway sign.
The ever popular Welcome to Maine sign on I-95 north approaching exit 3.
exit 3. I don't know why there is a blank space on the top right of the left sign, so I might figure its a Maine Turnpike shield, since it begins at the toll plaza just ahead. The sign to the right shows how Maine likes to advertise US 1 as "Coastal Route". The signs on the poles to the side show Maine's state law for boaters to remove all plants to avoid milfoil.
Seen on the exit 3 ramp.
After exit 3, an advance sign for a rest area and info center for all info on Maine stuff (no kidding).
This sign tells motorists that you are entering the Maine Turnpike. Even though this is the Maine Turnpike, the Maine Turnpike Authority doesn't begin its maintenance till after the toll ahead.
Indeed, Maine can be tough when it comes to drinking and driving, hence "TOUGH" being written in red. Zoom in for a closeup.
The exit to the rest area between exit 3 and 7 (mile based exits in Maine).
First sign for the upcoming exit 7.
Before exit 7, is a weigh station.
First sign for the upcoming toll plaza on I-95 north in York, ME.
exit 7. Dig how the yellow sign says its the last exit for the toll "highway" instead of just "road".
More toll signs.
Lane identification signs for the upcoming toll.
A view of the toll itself which lies on a curve after exit 7.
Better view.
Closeup of one of the changeable signs that is backlit at night. Notice the signal and how the center section is sat unused.
The first Maine Turnpike shield seen right after the toll plaza. Also, where is the directional plate?
The Maine Turnpike is one of the very few roads in America to use the metric system. Here is the first english/metric distance sign.
Down at the beginning of the Maine Turnpike, the MTA (Maine Turnpike Authority) advertises any major tourist destination for the long distance travelers. I kinda like it!
The MTA also advertises where the 3 Maine Turnpike service plazas are.
Right before exit 36 on the Maine Turnpike, there is an exit to the Saco Hotel and Conference center. I'll tell you more when we get there.
A red freeway sign advertises when the Maine Turnpike was first signed.
For travelers to Boothbay Harbor Region, you get onto the Falmouth Spur to I-295 north to US 1. More signs are posted when ya get there ;).
A sign that looks all too temporary seen before exit 19. Since the font is way too small, zoom in for a little bit better view. It shows the beach points that are accsessed at the next exit. C'mon MTA, you can do better than this.
The first sign for the upcoming Kennebunk service plaza.
approaching exit 19. I am not sure why the "2 MILES" and "3.2 km" is patched over or what is underneath it.
For the beach goers.
For the typical park & ride.
exit 19.
A typical view of the 6-lane stretch of the Maine Turnpike south of I-295 in Scarborough.
approaching exit 25. Kennebunkport is also home to the President George Bush ocean home!
The Kennebunk Service Plaza is accessed as well just at the exit 25 interchange.
Kennebunk Service plaza exit sign.
exit 25.
A view to show how close exit 25 is with the Kennebunk service plaza.
Approaching exit 32.
Another advance sign for the Saco Hotel and Conference Center. It would be more easier to show how far it is rather than what mile marker its at.
exit 32.
Notice how the sky changed? This was taken the next day on a trip down to Biddeford to a dive shop we like to go to. Anyway, this is approaching exit 36 to I-195, a short interstate to Old Orchard Beach. I like how this tall sign is mounted on the bridge.
A sign that basically says the previous one seen just after the previous one. "EXIT 36" is patched over "NEXT RIGHT" due to confusion for the Saco Hotel exit just before exit 36.
Another sign for the upcoming exit 36. I always thought this sign was extremely tall (one of the tallest I've seen). Zoom in for a better view of the patches underneath the sign.
Approaching the Saco Hotel exit.
The exit to the Saco Hotel and Conference Center. This used to be a trumpet interchange that was exit 4A (before the exit renumbering) to ME 112 but now is an access road to the Saco Hotel and is only accessed northbound.
exit 36.
For those travelers to Freeport and Maine's Mid-Coast, take I-95 north to the Falmouth Spur to I-295, then US 1.
approaching exit 42.
The University of Southern Maine can be accessed by this exit and the next (I-295).
Scarborough Downs, Maine's largest race track and can be accessed at this exit.
For the Portland Sports Complex, drivers go onto I-295 north.
The Casco Bay region is accessed by the next exit by getting on I-295 north to US 1.
A rather large freeway sign is here to show drivers what exits to go to for the Portland points.
exit 42.
Approaching exit 44 with NHDOT spec metric signage by having the metric to the side of the english and have it in perenthesis.
approaching exit 44 and 45.
exit 44. I think the exit 44 sign shouldn't just have S. Portland and Downtown as its control cities because I-295 accesses much more than that. Its also not every day you see 3 control cities on a pull through sign.
more exit 45. Be afraid, be very afraid of Payne Rd =O.
exit 45.
approaching exit 46, the main road to get to the Portland International Jetport.
exit 46.
These are the runway landing lights for the runway at the Portland Jetport.
Approaching exit 47. Notice the space to the left of the ME 27 shield. It used to be "TO ME 27" before the Westbrook Arterial was built.
exit 47 and approaching exit 48.
exit 48.
approaching exit 52. A lot to say about this one. If you look closely, you can see that the "TO" above I-295 is patched on. It covers "NORTH" and the I-295 shield covers an I-95 shield actually. Why? Well, I-95/Maine Turnpike used to be I-495 north of exit 52 and the north end of I-495 used to be where the north end of I-295 now is. When I-495 exsisted, I-95 turned onto exit 52/Falmouth Spur and then turned to continue onto the current I-295 north of the Falmouth Spur. This all happened in 2004, so its not rare to find evidence of when I-495 exsisted, like these patched signs and 3-digit wide I-95 signs. The Falmouth Spur however, now has the unsigned I-495 designation.
Next in line for exit 52, is this diagrammicle sign. If you notice, the I-95 shield to the left is wider than normal. Well, that does cover an I-495 shield. To the right, the I-295 and US 1 shields look out of place and patched over. When I-495 exsisted, that just said "NORTH I-95".
This sign guides motorises to the coastal route/US 1. This shows Maine's obsession for calling US 1 the coastal route, even though US 1 barely even touches the ocean.
exit 52 with the same evidence of I-495 (3-digit wide I-95 and patched "TO"). Its also not common for the sign for the next exit to be left of the pull through sign.
Now on I-95/Maine Turnpike/Old I-495 north approaching exit 53.
exit 53.
A view of a typical Maine Turnpike toll plaza. Drivers exiting the turnpike, normally don't have to pay a toll. Drivers entering the turnpike, do. If one was entering the turnpike, say, here, and wanted to exit at, say, Biddeford, that one driver would only pay 1 toll. But if he were entering, say, here, and going to either end of the turnpike, he would pay 2 tolls (the end point tolls). There are also exiting tolls at exits 52 and 44, so if he were getting on here, and exiting there, he'd pay 2 tolls aswell. Make sense?
Typical Maine box wire span signal with signals having the New England color combo and backplates. If you'll notice, the signal wires are mounted on telephone poles, which is also standard in Maine.
Closeup of the signal heads.
Another closeup showing the normal backplates being louvered. I really like the look of these signals, so I have many views :P
Side view.
And... another view.
At the exit 53 onramp to the Maine Turnpike. It lacks any interstate or turnpike shields and appears that the "Old Orchard" and "Quebec" signs are afterthoughts.
An interesting looking arrow sign showing the curve around the trumpet interchange.
Going southbound on I-95/Maine Turnpike approaching exit 52.
exit 52. This used to be the south end of I-495, but even when it exsisted, there were no evidence that it ended, just the transition from I-495 shields, to I-95 shields.
On the Falmouth Spur/Unsigned I-495 east approaching the toll.
The said toll. This is one of the rare instances on the Maine Turnpike where exiting Maine Turnpike travelers have to pay a toll (the other being exit 44 to I-295). But since this did used to be I-95 and would get a ton of traffic, exceptions were made.
After the toll, we come to this sign where it shows destinations along the central Maine coast. It appears as if "TOPSHAM" was an after thought.
What seems to be new signage before the US 1/I-295 split up ahead.
Here, Maine Turnpike maintenance ends, not the road itself. But I like your effort.
The split between US 1 and I-295. There is no way to get onto I-295 south from the Falmouth Spur without getting onto surface streets and encountering traffic signals. Traffic has to get onto US 1 south and then onto Bucknam Rd to get to I-295 south.
Signage after where US 1 north branches off.
Now on I-295 north, we see distances for the upcoming cities.
These seem to be standard on the freeways of Maine (except for the Maine Turnpike). I think they could be due to dangerous weather conditions. The center lights up a speed and the sign is solar powered. Just one question: what flashes? The speed? I dunno. All I know is that before 2005, there used to be cooler verseions of these signs where there would be a single flasher at the top and the center would be a light up "45".
I-295 north approaching exit 15.
exit 15.
Now on US 1 north in Yarmouth.
Standard freeway entrance signs in Maine with an unstandard ugly stretched 2-digit I-295 shield.
Older Maine signal with all dark green signals.
Anyone notice whats wrong here? US 1 in Yarmouth (same location for the next few photos).
Older looking Maine signal with a modern signal brand.
Another older signal installation with older signals.
And another older signals with blocky looking backplates.
Closer view.
Even closer view.
Interesting signal approach arrangement approaching an intersection on US 1 with a connector road to Old Country Rd (bridge in background). The lights wig-wag.
The intersection showing a modern box-wire signal arrangement.
Closer view. I do like the look of these signals.
US 1 at I-295 (exit 17) showing the typical Maine wooden post arrangement aaaaannnndd... STATE NAMED SHIELDS! Ooo I'm glad Maine still uses them :D.
Ah yes, standard Maine blue destination signs. These are pretty much seen on all non-freeway roads in Maine and they are seen EVERYWHERE!
A typical Maine flasher beacon showing a tiny bit of an overkill. Are 2 flasher beacons that wig-wag needed for a simple rural intersection? Eh...
US 1 north approaching another encounter with I-295. Now in Freeport.
A typical back road Maine destination sign showing lack of mileage.
The intersection.
Now entering downtown Freeport (home to L.L. Bean!) with a typical Maine mast arm signal. US 1 at West St.
US 1 at ME 125/136. This is the southern end of ME 125 and ME 136. I have many views of this intersection later on since I really do like the look of it.
Closer view of the doghouse signal.
South of Freeport on US 1 with ANOTHER friggin intersection with I-295. There are many.
Here we are! An ancient speed limit sign with the old MDOT (Maine Dept. Of Transportation) font! This is on US 1 approaching downtown Brunswick.
Closer view!
Here is US 1 approaching the business district of Brunswick. This is at the east end of a short connector from I-295 to US 1. This sign shows how Maine grabs your attention of the signs by putting flourescent orange diamond signs on the top corners of the sign (kinda looks like flags on the signs). These are typical on most signs, especially speed limit signs.
Yay, more I-295...
Now on US 1 north through Brunswick. This shows older Maine span wire signals with backplates.
At the next intersection north, we encounter even older signals! Econolite bulls-eye signals!
Closeup of some of the signals. The doghouse and the signal facing left are LFE/Automatic signals while the signals facing the other way are Econolite bulls-eye signals! The red siren light flashes when emergency vehicles are present.
Up at the east end of the Brunswick business district (but not the city itself), we come to an intersection of a road that connects to ME 24, ME 123, and US 201. US 1 however, turns left onto a smaller side street before it becomes a full-blown freeway over to Bath.
The intersection with older mast armage signals. This is also the last real traffic signal intersection for about 35 miles. The next signal is at US 1 and ME 32 in Waldoboro.
Right before the freeway starts to Bath, we have an exit onto ME 24 south.
Now onto the US 1 freeway between Brunswick and Bath, we come to the first eastbound exit with ME 196. This is the east end of ME 196 also.
Here is a shot of one of 2 stack interchanges within the entire state of Maine. The other being along I-295 in Portland.
Along US 1 after ME 196 we see this sign. This reffers to low flying aircraft from the Brunswick N.A.S. (Naval Air Station). Though, since the Brunswick N.A.S. will soon be killed, signs like this will go with it.
Approaching ME 24.
These poles are actually height detectors. The bridge at the trumpet interchange up ahead is at a low clearance so vehicles that exceed the height limit, must exit off at the next exit.
Here is the signal which tells you that you are too tall.
And here is the ME 24 exit which leads to the Brunswick N.A.S., a naval air station that is in the process of closing.
US 1 north approaching New Meadows Rd.
the exit...
After the New Meadows Rd exit on US 1 north, there is a state police truck and bus check. I am not too farmiliar with what goes on here, so may be someone who is seeing this can help me out :D. I think when the state police is active here, the lights that are said to flash will be installed at the top of the sign.
Right before the end of the US 1 freeway between Brunswick and Bath ends, there is an exit into downtown Bath, which also leads to a visitor info center.
here is the state police truck-bus check.
Now entering the metro Bath area, we see a sign directing to its exits.
Approaching the first Bath exit.
Now we enter the more populated Bath area were the speed reduces to 35 m.p.h. This also shows Maine's style of reduced speed signage and shows how Maine likes the orange diamond signs.
Bath, city of ships!
For travelers who want to go through Bath and head north onto US 1 toward Wiscasset, Rockland, etc., you go onto the left lane and for the local traffic motorists, keep to the right for the exits to Bath.
The first Bath exit where this sign shows how Maine likes installing some freeway signs on just one pole like so.
Now into the more commercial area of Bath, US 1 encounters small side streets into the town and its homes. This street also happens to be an alternate to ME 209.
Notice the sky and vehicles changed? Yea, this was taken at a different time. Anyway, after Western Ave, US 1 has a small intersection with Quimby St.
US 1 at the final major intersections before the freeway ends and crosses the Sagadahoc Bridge over the Kennebec River into the small town of Woolwhich.
At the ME 209 exit, MDOT provides u-turn access for motorists wanting to access the businesses missed going north because of the barrier in the middle of the highway. The brown sign directs motorists to the Maine Maritime Museum. Though IMHO, the more direct route toward it, would be to take the "BATH" exit to Washington St and go that way. More direct.
Now, as the US 1 freeway ends and goes over the Kennebec River, it has its final exit which happens to be the main exit into the city of Bath.
At the bottom of the ramp we get to an intersection with older all green Crouse Hinds type R signals. The intersection as you can see has a rail road crossing in the middle.
On ME 209 south just entering the town of Phippsburg from Bath. This shows how Maine can get crazy with putting freeway sized speed limit signs with the flashy looking orange diamond sign on small rural 2-lane roads with light traffic. Overkill?
On ME 209 south approaching ME 216, a very short and minor route heading south to Small Point.
The intersection. From here, ME 209 makes a turn to the left toward Popham Beach. This shows how Maine doesn't like using directional tabs at times.
This shows the beginning of ME 216. This is basically how ME 216 looks on its entire route.
Here further down 209, we come to some more of those Maine destination signs showing how they can be come all sorts of different colors and fonts. All are made of wood.
Here at the intersection seen in the previous photo. Here, 209 has a curve and turns south at an intersection with Parker Head Rd.
More ME 209 south approaching the entrance to Popham Beach State Park. I also really like the look of the yellow sign below showing the lane movement. Never seen one of those like it before.
Here is the entrance to the right. If you zoom in, you can see a closeup of the blue sign to the left. It tells you the way to Fort Popham, an old 1600's fort thats placed at the south end of ME 209.
Closer view showing an interesting shape for the park entrance sign. There are some interesting shaped signs around here, not just this one.
Here at the parking toll at Popham Beach State Park, we see a very odly shaped STOP sign. This is the most oddly shaped sign in the park aswell as down the road at Fort Popham and Fort Baldwin, which is also maintained by the same people. Also notice the off font and lack of white outline.
After the state park entrance, is this very old ME 209 shield and is also the last one seen before the southern end.
Here is a closeup of the sign! It is made of wood and has the old MDOT font. Its different because the 9 is curly at the bottom and the bottom hump of the 2 is higher. Dates back from the early 70's!
The last passing zone seen before the southern end of ME 209 and gives a shot of how narrow the highway gets toward the end.
ME 209 makes one final turn at Fort Baldwin Rd, which leads to another fort thats a twin of Fort Popham.
More Maine destination signs.
Here is a vew of the southern end of ME 209, where the lines end. After they end, the state park commission maintains the road aswell as Fort Popham.
Now looping around onto ME 209 north. Here is a typical sign in Maine where it warns you about a hidden driveway as well as show you where it comes off the road. Common site in Maine.
A view of the sign assembly seen at the entrance to Popham Beach State Park guiding motorists where to get back onto US 1. It also shows Maine's use of wood. On the bottom left corner of each sign is the standard MDOT dating sticker.
ME 209 north at Parker Head Rd.
ME 209 north approaching ME 216.
The final sign before the ME 216/ME 209 intersection. This shows another early 70's spec MDOT sign. This shows how Maine once used unisigns. Next photo shows a closeup.
Here is a closeup showing the early MDOT font. There is a date stamped on the bottom corner of the 216 square. It reads "3 87" which tells you that it was put up on March of 1987!
Now onto US 1 north at the mid point of the Sagadahoc Bridge leaving Bath and into the small town of Woolwhich. Now approaching ME 127.
The ME 127 exit. From here, ME 127 has a very short multiplex with US 1, but signage here doesn't show it.
Now just passed the previous intersection on US 1/ME 127 north, we approach the intersection where ME 127 leaves US 1 and heads north.
The intersection showing more standard Maine blinkers.
After leaving Woolwhich on US 1 north, US 1 goes into a swamp like area where at certain times, flooding of US 1 is possible so here are flashers warning motorists if such event happens.
Now on a somewhat rural stretch of US 1 between Bath and Wiscasset (with some businesses/gas stations etc.), we come to this sign which is common in Maine. It tells you to watch for vehicles who have to slow down or stop when they are turning (duh).
And just down the road we come here to this sign which speaks for itself (saves me the caption).
Here on US 1 at Nequasset Rd, we see another style of signal arrangement.
And again just down the road on US 1 north, we come to another common flasher seen at Mountain Rd.
On US 1 approaching ME 144. The airport shield leads you to the small Wiscasset Airport.
The intersection. This is the north end of ME 144.
Just after the ME 144 intersection on US 1 north, we come to this sign telling motorists to the towns that lie ahead.
Now entering downtown Wiscasset on US 1 north, we come to an intersection with ME 27 where this sign telling which towns are which way.
Notice anything odd here? Yup, these signs are legit. You are going on US 1 NORTH and ME 27 SOUTH. But you can't go both north AND south! Well, this is one of those rare occurrences known as a "wrong-way" multiplex. You are really going east at this point. US 1 will continue north to Rockland in a few miles and at that same point, ME 27 will go south down to Boothbay.
On US 1 north/ME 27 south still in Wiscasset approaching ME 218.
The intersection signage. This is the south end of ME 218.
At the same intersection we see how Maine installs their route signage. All the signs are mounted on wood posts and you can see the signs at the top have green posts connecting each other. This is common in Maine.
A shot of the bridge just leaving Wiscasset carrying US 1 and ME 27.
Just over the bridge (and I mean just) we come to another common flasher with just one beacon. This style is fading out and now 2 flashers are being installed at intersections like these. There are many more like this still around though. This is at Eddy Rd.
Now approaching the split where ME 27 branches off of US 1. ME 27 is the main road down to the Boothbay Harbor Reagion therefore there is a lot of info for traveler help.
The intersection which marks the other end (no idea which end to call it. May be the east) of the US 1/ME 27 wrong way multiplex. US 1 continues north/east toward Damariscotta and Rockland, while ME 27 goes south toward the Boothbay Harbor Region.
Now northward to an intersection with River Rd, an alternate into the town of Damariscotta.
As we approach Damariscotta, we see a sign which leads you to the Pemaquid points. To get there, one must take US 1 Business (just ahead) and go through the town of Damariscotta. Then, you get onto ME 129 south, to ME 130, and that'll pretty much take you there.
Approaching US 1 Business on US 1, Maine gets crazy with these blue destination signs (this is common).
Approaching US 1 Business, an old alignment of US 1 into Damariscotta. US 1 was killed through the town and remarked as US 1 Business when a super-2 by-pass of the town was built.
Just before the split between US 1/US 1 business, we see signs to ME 129, ME 130, and ME 215, which are minor roads that lead you to various points off of US 1.
The split.
The US 1/US 1 Business shields at the split. Notice how the right sign says its US 1B. Now, this is an error. Its not US 1B Business, its just plain US 1 Business.
Now onto US 1 Business, we enter Damariscotta with a junction with ME 215. This is also a view of older 70's spec Maine shields! Many more to come in this small town.
Shield assembly just after the junction with ME 215. If you can tell, the "BUSINESS" plaque is the oldest sign in this assembly where the font is older MDOT font (biggest hint is the rather curvy "S").
Through the town and at an intersection with ME 129. This shows what seems to be town erected signals with old fashioned curvy mast arms that are black. These signals were just installed in 2008 I believe. If you zoom in on the sign assembly to the right, you'll see it says "SOUTH ME 130". This is an error as it should be "TO ME 130". ME 130 doesn't begin till a few miles south of here on ME 129 in Bristol.
Now on ME 129 south with correct signage showing "TO ME 130". Also, my camera isn't eskew, the pole is really at that angle.
On ME 129 south with an intersection of Miles St in Damariscotta. A not too common flasher beacon which is mounted on a mast arm.
Just south of an intersection with School St on ME 129 south, we come to this intersection.
On ME 129 south in Bristol (I think), we come to an intersection with ME 130.
The intersection. This is the north end of ME 130. ME 129 heads south toward South Bristol, Rutherford Island, and Christmas Cove while ME 130 heads also south toward Bristol, New Harbor, and Pemaquid Point.
Now on ME 130 south.
On ME 130 south at an intersection with Harrington Rd in Bristol.
ME 130 south approaching an intersection with Fort Rd.
The intersection. Fort Rd heads west toward Fort William Henry and Colonial Pemaquid aswell as Pemaquid Beach.
ME 130 south approaching ME 32 in New Harbor.
The intersection. Notice the shields are smaller then normal. These can become common at rural intersections.
Where the lines end marks the southern end of ME 130. This is in Pemaquid Point, home to the lighthouse that is on the state quarter.
Swing on up back to US 1 Business in Damariscotta we see another old US 1 shield and the Business shield is even older, possibly original to when this became US 1 Business. Its so old, it went from its original white color, to a dark green, and is hardly visible to motorists. The "1" in the US 1 shield is older MDOT font where the top is curly.
Closer view. The Business also has the old MDOT font.
Literally just accross the street is this old ME 129 shield that seems to be doing well. Again, has the old MDOT font. On the top right, there is a very small text that says "M 78" which tells you it was put up on March of 1978.
Now down to ME 27 in Bar Harbor is the back of a typical doghouse signal in Maine. If you can see, the top section is aluminum while the rest are polycarbonate (poly). The reason that is, is because of strength. The reason a poly section isn't at the top, is because a single poly section couldnt support the weight of two 2-section signals. This can be standard in any state that uses poly signals, doghouses, and span wires.
This shows today's version of Maine's dating sticker. Just the year, thats it. This one is of course from 2007. The older ones were at least more interesting with having the year and the month.
Hehe. This was in a restaraunt in Boothbay Harbor. This is just a decoration. Though, this is not a Maine US 1. It came from Florida. Mile 0 refers to the beginning of US 1 down in Key West.
Now on ME 27 south in Boothbay we see this construction sign. This seems to be common in Maine and I have never seen this anywhere else.
Here on ME 27 south of Boothbay, we come to a swing bridge. These aren't too common.
A view from aside.
Luckely, when we went accross it, the bridge was just openning up!
A view from when it was just openning!
We watched the whole thing!
This guy has to lube it three times daily. This is looking at the center to see where its controls are.
Facing northbound on ME 27 approaching the bridge.
And the warning sign/signal with some older flashing lights.
A closeup of the back of the signals shows 2 things: 1) they are one of my favorite brand of traffic signals, Safetran :D, and 2) they appear to have been painted yellow before they were painted green.
Now on ME 27 south just after the bridge approaching ME 238, Maine's highest numbered state route.
The intersection. This is the north end of ME 238.
Now swing around onto a perspective of the previous intersection from ME 238 north.
Now north to ME 27 at ME 96 in Boothbay Harbor. This is the north end of ME 96.
And to the next intersection north on ME 27 north at the entrance to the local high school in Boothbay Harbor. The side that I took the photo from had its bulb burnt out. I am not sure on the brand of the signal. It may be Marbelite, but not too sure.
Now north of Boothbay Harbor on ME 27 north, we come to this lonely assembly directing motorists to US 1.
Zoom up north to the junction with US 1.
Now pop over to (haven't we dont enough of that?) ME 209 north in Phippsburg, ME. This shows the current style of Maine school signal. Notice how high up its mounted.
Now onto US 1 south in Bath just after the Sagadahoc Bridge. This is also at the start of the US 1 freeway between Bath and Brunswick.
US 1 at Congress Ave.
US 1 south at the New Meadows Rd exit.
approaching the ME 24 exit.
ME 24 exit with the lights serving as a height detector for a low bridge ahead.
Approaching ME 196. A pedestrian/bike walkway is to the right.
At the ME 196 interchange. Notice how both ways lead to ME 24 and I-295. If you want to get to I-295 fast, take ME 196. That way, you avoid the unbelievable bottleneck on US 1 through Brunswick where the freeway ends.
Approaching US 201 and ME 24. In the background is a view of a stack interchange. 1 of 2 in the whole state of Maine, the other being on I-295 in Portland.
Approaching the US 1/US 201/ME 24 interchange, we see this sign showing which cities are accessed by which lanes. Since the sign is partially obscurred by tree branches and leaves, the sign to the left says "BRUNSWICK LEFT LANE" and the sign to the right says "TOPSHAM RIGHT LANE".
The intersection showing how to save money on everhead "EXIT ONLY" signs and just having it say "RIGHT LANE EXIT ONLY". This is also the south end of US 201.
Now at the west end of the US 1 freeway between Brunswick and Bath, US 1 rises up onto surface streets and the first intersection is a road that leads toward ME 24 south.
Now approaching the first traffic signal for many miles, we see this assembly. An accsess freeway type road leads from US 1 to I-295 begins in a few miles after the awful traffic that lies ahead throught he Brunswick business district.
Now on US 1 south at an intersection with River Rd (right) and Webster St (left). Here, you can see a variety of old signals such as Econolite bulls-eye signals, LFE/Automatics, and Econolite short groves (ped signals).
A closeup of one of the Econolite bulls-eye signals in the previous photo.
To the next intersection to the south we come to Church Rd with older LFE/Automatic signals on span wire.
A closeup of one of the signals. As you can see, the 4 section signal has a 3 section signal backplate. Which tells you that possibly the bottom section (2-color LED arrow) was an add-on.
Now on US 1 south past the Brunswick business district. This is at the beginning of a short freeway that connects US 1 to I-295 in Brunswick.
For those motorists who want to stay on US 1 south, you must turn around ahead and get on the other side of the freeway where an exit leads to US 1 south.
US 1 south u-turn to the left.
On the connector freeway approaching I-295. Its not every day you see a diagrammicle sign on pedestal posts like so. What this sign doesn't tell you is how far I-295 is up ahead, which is only like a 1/4 of a mile.
At the split.
Now onto I-295 south approaching exit 22.
exit 22 and also approaching exit 20.
exit 20 where now its saying that it leads to US 1, which it does.
I-295 south shield after exit 20.
approaching exit 17.
exit 17
approaching exit 15.
exit 15 (alright, enough of the US 1 exits already).
Approaching I-95/Maine Turnpike with a rather large diagrammicle sign.
Closeup of the sign (taken another day).
Any turnpike info can be found at said radia station.
More southbound assemblies. Notice the lack of direction tabs on the I-295 shield. You may recognize these signs if you saw the Steven King movie "The Mist". These were seen toward the end of the movie. It may have been these signs, or the next pair of signs.
Just after exit 11, is exit 10 (I know, so surprising).
The fastest way to the Portland Int'l Jetport is to take I-95/Maine Turnpike south.
exit 11 and also approaching exit 10. I also like how it says "TOLL HIGHWAY" rather than "TOLL ROAD", in which most states do.
Now merging onto exit 11 and now onto the Falmouth spur east at the beginning of the Maine Turnpike maintenance.
Approaching the toll.
Seen just after the toll is this sign showing a little turnpike history.
This is standard MTA signage showing to slow down when bad weather (as if you didn't already know).
Now toward the end of the spur (more of a connector really), we see our first signs for the I-95 junction.
As I already explained earilier on, I-95/Maine Turnpike north of the Falmouth Spur used to be I-495. If you zoom in, you can see that 95 is more blue than the rest of the interstate sign. Well that of course covers I-495! Zoom in for a better view.
Closeup showing the 3-digit I-95 shield covering an I-495 shield.
Now on I-95/Maine Turnpike south we see signs like these for the Maine ski resorts and lake regions.
Now entering the Portland area, we see the exits for the area.
approaching exit 48.
approaching exit 47.
I-95 and Maine Turnpike shields seen after exit 48. These are the more standard look to the shields.
exit 47.
approaching exit 46, which is also the main road to the Portland Jetport.
For the travelers who want to get to the Old Orchard Beach area, you get off at exit 36 and onto I-195 east.
Approaching exit 45. Since I-295 can't be accessed by I-95/Maine Turnpike south directly, one must get onto a short connector freeway to I-295 north from here.
Seen just before exit 45, is this brown sign showing when the Maine Turnpike first opened and showing its a national historic civil engineering landmark. Since this is a toll road, the Maine Turnpike can actually afford to waste money and put up signs like these :D.
Approaching exit 42.
The first sign for the Kennebunk Service area.
approaching exit 36.
exit 36
approaching exit 32.
At the exit 32 offramp, we see another standard Maine Turnpike toll booth.
Lets shimmy up to Freeport shall we? Here on US 1 north approaching ME 125/ME 136 with a New Hampshire style "JUNCTION" unisign.
The intersection (which happens to be the south end of ME 125 AND ME 136. This is seen earlier in the album, but since I really like the look of the signals, I have my photos...
A view of a newly installed sign assembly (2008 according to the sticker) at the intersection. Did I mention I love that Maine is still doing state-named interstate shields??
A view of the intersection from the sidewalk.
Closer view of the signals.
Another view. The red section is aluminum while the rest are poly. The signals at the intersection are McCain signals.
A view of the ped signals. Maine likes installing ped signals where the hand/man are in the center of it and the hand is outlined.
On ME 125/ME 136 north after US 1. I-295 is just ahead.
An extreme closeup of the I-295 shield. This is today's version of the shield. The text at the bottom reads "MDOT03" which shows that MDOT doesn't always put stickers on their signs. It was of course put up in 2003.
And, more of the intersection.
Perspective from US 1 north.
Lookie there, another closeup!
And from ME 125/ME 136 south.
Going south on US 1.
In downtown Freeport, we see another I-295 Maine shield.
On ME 125/ME 136 north at I-295. Compared to the other Maine I-295 shields, these look a little funky.
Now on I-295 north after exit 22.
approaching exit 24. The sign looks a little cramped doesn't it?
Another shot of these maximum speed signs. I do like the look of them.
exit 24. This is a northbound exit/entrance by the way
I-295 shield just after the exit.
Carpool info signs are common on the freeways of Maine.
Now approaching Brunswick and Topsham, we see a sign for different exits to US 1.
Approaching exit 28. This does show how Maine likes to advertise US 1 as the coastal route, even though it barely even touches the coast.
Since the sign is partially obscured by a tree, the second like reads "BOOTHBAY REGION" and the bottom city reads "ROCKLAND". This is also the only time I have ever seen the word "OR" on an exit tab.
exit 28.
now the real exit 28 ;) (hehe, I was tired when I captioned these).
approaching exit 31.
a good view of a typical I-295 state named shield seen on the road itself.
A better way to US 1 is to take ME 196 east instead of the previous exit since US 1 through Brunswick has AWFUL traffic.
This sign (the exit 31 sign, not the speed limit) actually used to be mounted on the bridge you see to the left, and the sign in the previous photo used to be mounted on the posts the exit 31 sign here is currently mounted on (make sense?).
exit 31.
At atop of the exit 31 offramp, we see this assembly that lacks ME 196 shields AND "TO US 1" shields.
Signal for right turning traffic. Its also not standard in Maine to have turn signals not have red arrows.
Now on ME 196 east at an intersection with Topsham Fair Mall Rd in Topsham. These signals are all yellow, which are sometimes seen in Maine.
Closeup of the signals. The middle signal actually has one of those white strobes in the red sections.
Signals that face the Topsham Fair Mall Rd in the previous pic. I don't think I have ever seen 4-section signals 3 in a row before.
After the intersection, is this assembly with an ugly looking US 201 shield.
At the next intersection with Mallett Dr.
And at the next intersection with Hamilton Ct. The red light in the left signal is not out. The type of LED wouldn't show up on my camera.
Now down ME 196 south approaching the intersection with US 201 with New Jersey style signs (showing black background in the US shields). Note how US 201 north isn't mentioned here.
The shields.
And the intersection. I thought this intersection looks exactly like one out of Pennsylvania. The only thing that makes it unlike PA, is the fact that the left turn signals have red arrows in them (PA hates those).
On ME 196 east at an intersection with Village Dr in Topsham. This shows today's style of Maine's mast arm signals.
Closer view. Notice how the through arrow sign lacks "ONLY" written at the bottom. Thats standard in Maine.
And now at the next intersection with a connector road to ME 24. This is again in Topsham.
Closer view of one of the signal heads shows that the red section has a strobe in it.
Popping into Topsham with an intersection at ME 24 and US 201.
At this intersection is the official south end of US 201, at an interchange with US 1 in Brundwick. The signals here are on permanent flash mode.
Closeup of one of the sign assemblies in the previous photo.
Now in downtown Brunswick, we come to a pedestrian crossing.
Closeup of the signals and the signs. The signal to the left is actually an old 12-8-8 inch Singer brand signal and the one to the right is an old 12-8-8 inch Eagle flatback signal.
Now at an intersection of ME 24 and Pleasant St.
ME 24 south approaching ME 123, the main road down to Harpswell and that peninsula.
The signs at the intersection.
The intersection showing not all modern Maine signal's get backplates.
ME 24 south at an intersection with a small mini mall in Cooks Corner.
Closer view of the signals and showing how faded a lot of aluminum Maine signals can get (now wonder they switched over to poly).
Now at ME 24 south at the entrance to the Brunswick N.A.S.
I decided to include this since the naval air station is being decomissioned this year.
ME 24 south at an entrance to more shops in Cooks Corner.
ME 24 south at an intersection where ME 24 turns to the south toward Orrs and Baily Islands. To the left, is a short connector road to a trumpet interchange with US 1. Straight ahead, you'll be on Bath Rd, an old alignment of US 1 before the freeway between Bath and Brunswick was built.
Arrows anyone? Closeup of the signals in the previous photo.
Old font ME 209 shield northbound in Bath. Notice the older reference marker on below the shield. Not sure what it means though.


text:
Emirates Future Company was established in 1987, and it became a leading player in the livestock trading industry internationally. It is one of the most outstanding companies in trading, import, export and distribution of frozen and chilled meat all over the world.
Emirates future covers different business activities ranging from trading (livestock, meat, chilled, frozen and processed),manufacturing (beverages including soft and power drinks,meat processing, slaughterhouses,services(shipping worldwide,chartering and transportation,land transport) agriculture and farming grains, vegetables,oils),research and development (ship conversion,livestock,grains)
Our headquarter is located in Abu Dhabi and we have strong presence in more than 22 counties worldwide, including Australia, Brazil, China, Ethiopia, Georgia, Uruguay.


text:
I'd like to display all available feeds on one page, but I don't want to hard code each feed. Something like sending in a queryset of feeds would be perfect, like:
{% for feed in feeds %} {{ feed.link }} {{ feed.name }} {{ feed.description }} {% endfor %}
From what I understand, Feeds in the Django Syndication Framework are created as individual classes that inherit from class (feed). This means I can't create a queryset for all feeds, only for individual feeds.
How can I send in a queryset of feeds, if they are each a different class? Is this only possible by way of crafting a queryset from a class that references each feed using generic foreignkey relations? Or can I actually send in a queryset of the parent [feed] class?
Bonus question: is there a simple way to aggregate a "full-feed" from all individual feeds?
Many thanks!


text:
Green River Preserve wins ECO award
Published: Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at 8:10 p.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at 8:10 p.m.
The Environmental and Conservation Organization not only strives to improve the area's natural resources and beauty, it encourages businesses to do their part in protecting natural resources.
And with that in mind, ECO director David Weintraub presented the Environmental Stewardship Award to Green River Preserve Wednesday at the Business Morning Update meeting at The Chariot.
Weintraub told the group of area professionals that ECO is celebrating its 25th anniversary in Henderson, Polk, Transylvania and Rutherford counties.
His organization works with residents, business and farmers to protect water quality, promote recycling, green energy and sustainability and works for better environmental policies.
ECO began its Big Green Business challenge last year when Jongo Java in Hendersonville won the first Environmental Stewardship Ward.
"We encourage businesses to take big, green steps," Weintraub said.
This year's recipient "has done many, many steps to educate the public about what it means to be green, what it means to leave a small (carbon) footprint."
Green River Preserve is a 3,400-acre private wildlife preserve where summer youth camp is held.
"We are very honored by the award," said Sandy Schenck, executive director of the preserve located in Cedar Mountain. "The Green River Preserve got the award because of its tradition respecting the land."
The camp was built 25 years ago and uses materials from the land, Schenck said.
Green River Preserve has built structures made of wood harvested from the land and has the largest conservation easement in Henderson County, which is about 100 acres, Weintraub said at Business Morning Update.
"It develops appreciation with the natural world with the kids and the community," Weintraub said.
They also allow schools to use their land as a teaching tool, Weintraub said.
ECO will be starting an initiative that encourages businesses to go green and in return rewards that company for its efforts.
Weintraub was referring to "carrot mobbing."
For instance, the organization would create a marketing campaign that would bring in customers for a business that buys a new energy-efficient lighting system.
"It's a win, win situation," Weintraub said. "It's a true green proposition for the community and for you as a business."
ECO is also launching a community education project this year working with neighborhoods and informing the residents on preservation.
"We are not here to tell people what to do," Weintraub said. "We are here to educate folks on best management practices and try to work with communities to solve their problems."
Weintraub said they will work with neighborhoods so they can retake ownership of the natural resources around them.
For instance, ECO will focus on Green River because it is the largest logging site in the county, Weintraub said.
More than 400 acres have been logged, and landslides and mudslides are issues at Pinnacle Mountain, he said.
Weintraub said there are "no meaningful rules" in Henderson County or North Carolina on logging. "We are hoping that working with communities there are some rules that balance conservation of trees with protecting natural resources."
Business Morning Update is cosponsored by the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Blue Ridge Community College's Small Business Center, Downtown Hendersonville, Inc. and the Hendersonville Merchants and Business Association.
Reach Schulman at 828-694-7890 or email@example.com.
Reader comments posted to this article may be published in our print edition. All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.


text:
You are here
Chicken Broccoli Casserole
|1⁄2 Cup (8 tbs)
|Lemon juice
|1 Tablespoon
|Curry powder
|1⁄2 Teaspoon
|Cream of chicken soup
|2 Can (20 oz)
|Chopped broccoli
|20 Ounce (Two 10 Ounce Packages)
|Chopped cooked chicken
|4 Cup (64 tbs)
|Bread crumbs
|3⁄4 Cup (12 tbs)
|Grated cheese
|3⁄4 Cup (12 tbs)
Combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, curry powder and chicken soup.
Set aside.
Cook broccoli 8 to 10 minutes, in a 3 quart casserole, covered, or until done stirring once.
Spread chicken overtop of broccoli and then top with soup mixture spreading evenly over the chicken.
Sprinkle bread crumbs and cheese over the top.
Cook, covered, 8 to 10 minutes on high or until hot.
Rate It
Nutrition Rank
Nutrition Facts
Serving size: Complete recipe
Calories 2688 Calories from Fat 1403
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 157 g241.1%
Saturated Fat 33.6 g168.2%
Trans Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 206.3 mg68.8%
Sodium 6074.7 mg253.1%
Total Carbohydrates 110 g36.6%
Dietary Fiber 16.4 g65.8%
Sugars 23.3 g
Protein 217 g434.6%
Vitamin A 100.1% Vitamin C 855.9%
Calcium 144.8% Iron 72.2%
*Based on a 2000 Calorie diet


text:
Obstinance - Ted Thompson's Downfall
There are 16 comments on the 620AM WTMJ story from Oct 5, 2009, titled Obstinance - Ted Thompson's Downfall. In it, 620AM WTMJ reports that:
Brett Favre extracted a smile this evening as the Vikings beat the Packers 30-23 but more importantly, Favre was brilliant.
Join the discussion below, or Read more at 620AM WTMJ.
#1 Oct 8, 2009
WE all knew Brett could still play football but
were unsure if he wanted to.
In summay, a good high school quarterback could have performed well in the Monday game with the
supporting cast Brett had.
#2 Oct 8, 2009
It will be the line, not Favre, that brings TT down.
#3 Oct 8, 2009
and possibly brings down Rodgers.
#4 Oct 8, 2009
im guessing Clifton at LT and Tauscher back at RT will improve things,and i hope they move Alan Barbre to LG and bench Daryn Colledge.
again the problem is the Left side so signing Tauscher isnt going to help the left side,but,it will improve the Right side,so we can maybe run more plays away from the LT side and buy Aaron a few more seconds to throw and maybe even allow a hit or 2 less per game,which isnt alot but that can add up during the course of a season.
#5 Oct 8, 2009
That sir, is an insult to Sage and TJ, who may not have won that game Monday. Brett played great. We all know he's capable. We all know he's capable of laying an egg, too. We get another chance in a month.
#6 Oct 8, 2009
The line is a big concern. I'd like to see us be more aggressive, which may mean sticking with the run a bit more, even when it's not always working. Firing out and hitting somebody is simpler (most times) than pass blocking. We've got three FBs and (allegedly) a new commitment to power running (as opposed to zone blocking). Let's put some hats on people and get some continuity going. It might mean less sexy stats, but the defense will improve if the offense can hold the ball. That is the Steelers football we all gushed about in preseason. I'm afraid we're vulnerable if we don't.
#7 Oct 8, 2009
MM is not committed to the run. I believe Grant only rushed 11 times against the Vikings, and we need to do a better job trying to balance that out. I know we're 2-2 right now, but we're not dead in the water. The offensive line is where we are getting killed and bringing Tauscher back should help the line along with Clifton healthy. I also think College is weak and would prefer Barbre at LG. After the Bear game Barbre has played decent. No question we need to address the line with the draft/FA as we need two tackles eventually. I know #4 burned us, but with seemed the focus was to shut AP down which we did. We put pressure on #4 and he will give us some opportunities next time. Let's take care of the Lions and Browns, then stick it to the Vikes in Lambeau!!!!
#8 Oct 8, 2009
"err-human favregive-divine"
Since: Sep 09
#9 Oct 8, 2009
You sir are dead wrong, yes he had time but he had incredible velocity on his balls and the throws he made,ie-across his body across the field few others can make.
United States
#10 Oct 9, 2009
and we will lose cuz were not invincible at home any more and were gonna get sacked a million times again. plus your not gonna shut down ap twice in one year, not gonna happen so even if favre has a bad game ap picks up the load packers lose by 10 we proably wont run for 100 yards all season that gets us to maybe maybe maybe 6-10 i c us droppin 11 cuz arod is still hangin on to dat bears game wen he went deep and won that doesnt happen every game but arod thinks it does he's really starting to upset me
United States
#11 Oct 9, 2009
thats another thing the packers dont believe n pickin up better players n free agency or actually payn players that r good they only paid arod like that to upset favre let him really now we've moved on we should move on without mm and tt and dom capers whose high powered defense is givin up 24 a game go back to 4-3 and lets play football especially aaron kampman he's a beast let him rush the passer a linebacker r u kidding me this is killn me what r they doing
#12 Oct 9, 2009
TT has gone into hiding. It's nice. I like it. It makes it easier to imagine he's already gone.
#13 Oct 10, 2009
It will be interesting to see Minn Viking fans reaction after Brett has his annual 4 or 5 INT game,and before the "Favreies" get on me,im not insulting him,,,he has a game like that every year,like almost any other qb.
#14 Oct 10, 2009
They beat us and that's all they care about for now. Let's just let Brett have his day. Tomorrow's another game. I'm glad we have the bye.
#15 Oct 10, 2009
NYL,im just saying since they beat the Packers,all of a sudden they are the powerhouse and heading to the Superbowl,so im wondering after BF has one of his bad games he has once a year,if they will still be so high and gongho is all im saying.
#16 Oct 10, 2009
Yeah I know. They'll find out. Unless this is some blessed experience. You never know...
Tell me when this thread is updated:Subscribe Now Add to my Tracker
Add your comments below
Mark Tauscher Discussions
|Last By
|Lambeau Field has hosted memorable cold games (Jan '14)
|Feb '14
|boo ya
|Reggie McKenzie Likes Carson Palmer (Apr '12)
|Apr '12
|Captain Canada
|Packers use last pick of first round on offensi... (Apr '11)
|Apr '11
|Rodgers, Packers arrive in Dallas for Super Bow... (Feb '11)
|Feb '11
|Rodgers, Packers arrive in Dallas for Super Bowl (Feb '11)
|Feb '11
|Packers' Bulaga shakes off penalties for playoffs (Jan '11)
|Jan '11
|Green Bay Packers' offense short on points, lon... (Oct '10)
|Oct '10
Find what you want!
Search Mark Tauscher Forum Now
Copyright © 2016 Topix LLC


text:
This product is no longer available. Continue shopping at
Grand Cuisine Jacquard Table Runner
In celebration of our heritage, we partnered with our venerable long-time linen maker to create this special collection for the table. The century-old Russian company jacquard weaves the fabric with our world-famous intertwined "GC" logo, using yarn-dyed pure cotton for a with feel, an elegant drape and exceptional durability. Casual and classic, the runner is a great choice for everyday dining and entertaining, and they'll become even softer and more lustrous with time and use. Displays Williams-Sonoma "GC" logo jacquard woven against a black, green, or flax background. Finished with mitered corners. Machine-wash.
Customer Reviews for
Grand Cuisine Jacquard Table Runner
This product has not been reviewed.


text:
I think so.Maybe not.
Well with Distin signed and Hermann Herrriiiiiddeeeson due any minute it looks like we have enough defenders ....Dejan to Leicester wouldn't surprise me ? Bramble ??? Jury out on that one !Muntari due tomorrow ....I'd like to see a younger forward bought in as well as Viduka ?
Nice to see that your hopes are as high as viduka. Perhaps you'd like to bring in heskey too. Along with titus and james i'm sure you can make a european push next season.


text:
Zimmer & Preise
Rated 3.9 out of 5 by 363 reviewers.
Rated 1 out of 5 by TruthAndReconciliation No Folio I do not recommend staying here. They do not provide a folio. It's been weeks and I've called several times. I need my Folio in order to expense my trip. Terrible service. June 10, 2016
Rated 1 out of 5 by Yahmarra Billing Issues not resolved Staff was not completely responsive. I had and still have a billing issue with the hotel and was told misleading information and was told multiple reports that were inconsistent. I don't feel like this Aloft in particular values loyal business. Therefore after 8 weeks of staying here in a row I've canceled my reservations and will take my business else where. I would recommend not staying here because if issues arise the staff is not completely honest. May 20, 2016
Rated 5 out of 5 by Dammfamily First hotel worth reviewing I have stayed in many hotels at many price points. They all seem to be the same as their competitors. A 5 star is basicly like every 5 star... A boutique is like every boutique 4 stars are the same, 3 stars etc. This hotel from walking in the door was different. The vibe was amazing. After a 14 hour flight with a preschooler I was anything but easy to please. The place put a smile on our faces. The surprise kept coming. The staff was amazing with my son, the beds were the most comfortable beds ever ( The hotel could probably make a killing with a bedding catolog. I know I would have bought my very own Aloft bedroom set) My wide awake jet legged son loved the pool and the music. The table games were great. Everything about the hotel was comfortable and inviting. Thank you for a great stay. I will be back. May 15, 2016
Rated 5 out of 5 by Tonnea86 The hotel decor is This hotel was a overall GREAT experience from check-in to check out!!!! I only stayed one night in town for business, I wish I could have stayed longer..... Beautiful decor for a Fun personality! The shower & beds are so comfortable and room is VERY cozy, the staff are all so friendly and cooperative! I can't wait to visit AGAIN SOON!! April 5, 2016
Rated 5 out of 5 by Cece27 A great hospitality experience Coming into the lobby, it was obvious rhis was going to be a new hotel experience! I could have been in a tech company's gathering space istead of a hotel. The open lobby with floor to ceiling glass, video wall, colored lighting, and cement floors was welcoming and stimulating all at once. It was easy to see that my team and I could meet here for collaboration or play! The staff was welcoming, knowledgeable, helpful, and very professional, giving the feeling that It was important to them that I have a good guest experience. I didn't have time to use all the amenities, but knowing I could enjoy a game of pool, live local music in the evenings, or borrow a bike for a ride along the bay, added to my enjoyment. The 'grab 'n go' food offerings meant I didn't have to make a fast food stop and I felt better about what I was eating. The grilled tuna in my ciabatta sandwich waa delicious! Aloft has a refreshing concept and I'll definitely seek out this brand in my travels! March 11, 2016
Rated 5 out of 5 by Win2016 Great team EVERY team member was friendly & helpful. Side note: bar area could use more staff. First night there I got a cocktail with gin. I sat at the bar long enough to observe and knew hand washing was not happening. I told the guy to pass on my cucumbers, because I knew his hands were dirty... Said he couldn't. "The boss likes these to go out all dressed up". Hands, money, food. Not a good combination. March 11, 2016
Rated 4 out of 5 by Absolute Great SFO Choice - Less Noise, Access to Westin Facilities My first time staying at this particular Starwood airport location, and it won't be my last. The hotel is conveniently located south of the airport, and shares a parking lot with The Westin next door. It offers the typical Aloft lobby, and emphasized the nightlife of the location. My room was also a standard room, with plenty of desk space to work and a comfortable bed. Just what I needed for a few days of visiting clients south of the city. Facility-wise, there is a good gym, but as an added benefit guests may also access the Westin gym and restaurants - a nice bonus depending on what machines you're looking for. Finished off with an indoor pool and plenty of outdoor patio, it's a nice place to relax. You will hear the planes, depending on what runway is currently active, but I did't find that disturbing within my room. February 4, 2016
Rated 4 out of 5 by jl3254 Nice hotel I have stayed at Aloft SF Airport a few times now, and so far, I have enjoyed each of my trips there. I love the ambience of the hotel and it is has a very clean, modern feel. They have live DJs ever so often with a large lounge area including a pool table, bar, and comfortable seating. The pool and gym are also bonuses. The hotel is close to many small eateries and shopping and about a 10-15 drive from downtown SF. My only 'complaint' would be the parking. While parking is only $25 #much cheaper than you would pay at any hotel in the city# the parking lot is not owned by the hotel and is often overbooked with overnight parking from the airport nearby. I did not have trouble finding parking during my first stay, but during my second stay, the parking issue was ridiculous. People were double parking and parking in fire lanes just to "fit" into the lot. It really discouraged me from wanting to leave the hotel. If I'm paying $$ to park in the lot, then it would be nice to actually have a spot to park in, without having to worry if I'm going to be blocked in by another car, or be towed because there was no where to park. It is my hope that the hotel can work out a deal with the lot owners where a certain number of spots are reserved for hotel guests. Regarding the reviews about the noise of the airport, well...that is a given for me. If you book a hotel right next to an airport, and the hotel even has "airport" in it's name, I would expect to hear planes taking off or landing at all times of the day. In my opinion, there is not much you can do about it. Sound proofed walls would be nice, but is that truly a reasonable request? I would recommend this hotel for those who travel on business or need a nice place to stay just outside of the car-cramped city and don't mind a bit a noise. It was not that obnoxious in my opinion, but to each its own. February 2, 2016


text:
About Jeff Masters
Dr. Masters co-founded wunderground in 1995. He flew with the NOAA Hurricane Hunters 1986-1990. Co-blogging with him: Bob Henson, @bhensonweather
By: Dr. Jeff Masters , 1:13 PM GMT on July 11, 2008
Hurricane Bertha continues trundling along towards Bermuda, but is not in a hurry to get there. The storm has a rather sloppy appearance on satellite loops, thanks to the fact that the eyewall dissolved last night, with a new, much larger eye taking its place. Bertha will probably start to intensify today now that this Eyewall Replacement Cycle (ERC) is done. Wind shear is low (less than 10 knots) and water temperatures are warm (28°C). Shear if forecast to remain below 10 knots until Sunday, but the water temperatures will gradually cool to 26°C by the time Bertha reaches Bermuda's latitude on Sunday. Intensification back to Category 2 status seems probable, and Bertha still has an outside chance at reaching Category 3 status again. The Air Force Hurricane Hunters will make their first flight into Bertha this afternoon to check on the storm's strength.
Figure 1. Forecast of wave heights for 8am EDT (12 GMT) on Saturday, July 12, from the World Wave Model. Wave heights in excess of 4 meters (13-14 feet) are likely near the center of Bertha.
High surf is already beginning to affect Bermuda, and the World Wave Model (Figure 1) predicts that waves will continue to build at Bermuda through Sunday as the storm approaches. The Bermuda Weather Service is predicting waves of 9-13 feet in the island's outer waters by Sunday. There is about a 47% chance the island will experience sustained winds of tropical storm force (40 mph), according to the latest tropical storm wind probability forecast by NHC. None of the computer models currently foresee that hurricane force winds will impact the island, but given the very weak and unpredictable steering currents forecast to affect Bertha by Sunday, the storm could easily approach closer to the island than the current official forecast. Wind shear is expected to rise above 20 knots on Sunday and Monday, and this could knock Bertha down to tropical storm strength by Monday. Bertha could affect Newfoundland as a tropical storm in a week's time, as predicted by the GFDL model.
Elsewhere in the tropics
There are no threat areas to discuss in the tropical Atlantic. Three out of four of our reliable computer models are predicting that a tropical depression may form between Africa and the Lesser Antilles Islands 5-7 day from now. These models did a pretty good job forecasting the formation of Bertha this far in advance, so the potential of another Cape Verdes-type storm forming next week needs to be taken seriously.
I'll post an update Saturday morning.
Jeff Masters
Comments will take a few seconds to appear.
Please sign in to post comments.
Sign In or Register Sign In or Register
Not only will you be able to leave comments on this blog, but you'll also have the ability to upload and share your photos in our Wunder Photos section.
Dr. Masters co-founded wunderground in 1995. He flew with the NOAA Hurricane Hunters 1986-1990. Co-blogging with him: Bob Henson, @bhensonweather