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Apr 26
Paramount Theatrical Production: Les Misérables
This monumental novel comes to life in one of the greatest musicals of all time. It's the story of ex-convict Jean Valjean and his journey for redemption. On that road, he encounters the never-wavering love of a mother, the innocence of a child, the steely determination of a hunter and the passion of youthful freedom fighters.
CITY: Aurora
John Lithgow at Paramount Theatre
The Tony®, Emmy® and Golden Globe® Award winning actor offers a touching and humorous reflection on storytelling as the tie that binds humanity. Invoking memories of his grandmother and father before him, Mr. Lithgow traces his roots as an actor and storyteller, interspersing his own story with two great stories that were read to him and his siblings when they were children. STORIES BY HEART provides ample evidence of the power of storytelling, the magic of theatre, and the talents of one of our greatest actors.
CITY: Aurora
Poi Dog Pondering at the Paramount Theatre
POI DOG PONDERING comes back to their suburban home-away-from-home in Aurora for one night only. It's Frankie, Susie, Max, Dag, Ted and the rest of the POI family together for a sensory-overload experience. Plus, they're bringing some very special and talented guests to join them on the enormous Paramount stage. If you've seen POI at the Paramount, then you know exactly why they sell out here every year. If you've never seen POI DOG PONDERING live, then now is the time to experience these amazing artists.
CITY: Aurora
David Sedaris at the Paramount Theatre
David Sedaris is one of America's preeminent humor writers. Just check out any of his New York Times bestsellers including Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls, Me Talk Pretty One Day, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim and When You Are Engulfed in Flames – which is just a partial list of his works that have sold over 7 million copies. But there's nothing like seeing and hearing this one-of-a-kind artist in person share stories, observations, works-in-progress and readings from some of his pieces.
CITY: Aurora
Pilobolus at the Paramount Theatre
You've seen them…you just might not have known it. They stunned the world at the Academy Awards with their shape-shifting performance behind the screen. They've done numerous car commercials that leave your jaw on the ground. They've been on Conan, Oprah and over 100 other TV shows. They're the dance group that defies gravity, taxes muscles beyond conceivable limits and adds an element of unforgettable beauty through dancing. All of this from a group whose name means "a phototropic fungus that thrives in farmyards." Seeing is believing. See Pilobolus.
CITY: Aurora
Soulfeed Smooth Jazz Festival
Soulfeed Smooth Jazz Festival™ is proud to present the 7th Annual Smooth Jazz Festival featuring Hiroshima, Walter Beasley AND Mambo Express with Emcee: Denise Jordan Walker.
CITY: Aurora
23 - 24
Barrington Art Festival
Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend at the Barrington Art Festival. The festival offers the work of 125 juried artists from around the country in a variety of mediums, including ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, photography, watercolors and wood. Live music, great food and fun activities for kids make the Barrington Art Festival a perfect family experience!
CITY: Barrington
Berwyn Cruise Nites in the Depot District
Head to the Depot District for the 9th Annual Cruise Nites presented by Berwyn Kia, Paisans Pizzeria & Bar, Mike & Sons Auto Services, Cicero Auto Parts, Deece Automotive! Cruise Nites take place on Tuesdays from 6-9pm in the Depot District at Windsor & Grove Avenues steps away from the Berwyn Metra Station. Enjoy your summe evenings while taking a stroll through a combination of car show and nightlife.
CITY: Berwyn
Cruise Nites in Berwyn
Head to the Depot District on Tuesday, August 6th for a combination of car show and nightlife. Evening begins at 6pm in the Depot District at Windsor & Grove Avenues steps away from the Berwyn Metra Station.
CITY: Berwyn
August 20th Cruise Nite in Berwyn
Come down to the Depot District and enjoy Cruise Nites with other families, residents and car enthusiasts. Learn more about Berwyn's proud classic car culture and historical automotive heritage. Cruise Nites are free! Just show up and have a great time!
CITY: Berwyn
Retro Prom
Pick any decade and come ready to dance! Vote for King & Queen, groove to the DJ mix, bid on original artworks, win raffles & prizes, dine on finger foods & desserts from local restaurants, and enjoy a local celebrity Lip Sync Battle. General admission tickets are $75, or VIP tickets are $100. *Money raised from this fundraiser will be used to sustain OPAL's historic building.
CITY: Berwyn
One Earth Film Festival Edible City Documentary
Edible City is a documentary film that introduces a diverse cast of extraordinary characters who are challenging the paradigm of our broken food system. The film digs deep into their unique perspectives and transformative work, finding inspirational, grassroots solutions based on growing local food systems and economies. This screening is a special View & Brew at Wire. Food tastings will be provided by Sugar Beet Co-Op and, of course, beverages will be available for sale!
CITY: Berwyn
Retro Prom
Pick any decade and come ready to dance! Event fundraiser features: *King & Queen voting *Groove to the DJ mix *Raffles & Prizes *Finger foods & desserts from local restaurants *A Local Celebrity Lip Sync Battle General Ticket $75: includes open bar, appetizers & desserts and coat check.
CITY: Berwyn
Depot District Mini-Golf Pub Crawl
Grab your putter and 3 friends and tour the Depot District's repertoire of taverns and restaurants at the 11th Annual Depot District Mini-Golf Pub Crawl! Each venue will display a handmade mini-golf green to challenge the event's spirited crowd! The event will tour Berwyn's Depot District and takes place rain or shine! A free heated trolley will be available. Sign-in from 11 am to Noon at Connie's Family Restaurant with Tee off at Noon from our participating venues. Join us at the "19th Hole" after-party with food, beginning at 6 pm at Perception Lounge. And don't forget about the prizes! Prizes will be awarded for team's with the lowest - and highest - scores, and the Twisted Putter Trophy will be awarded to the venue voted as having the best designed hole.
CITY: Berwyn
Drivin' the Dixie Centennial
Discover America's Greatest Rolling Car Show! Follow the route along the historic Dixie Highway and uncover points of interest and new destinations. Great fun for everyone! Enjoy all day tour celebrating Historic Dixie Highway's Contennial visiting historic sites, car shows and community events with your vintage car or contemporary vehicle. Along Dixie Highway from Blue Island to Momence!
CITY: Blue Island
IKEA Family Presents BYOF Day
IKEA will host its 4th BYOF (Bring Your Own Friends) Day, a national in-store shopping event that offers IKEA fans and their friends a special shopping experience which includes exclusive deals, in-store activities, giveaways and discounts on many IKEA products.
CITY: Bolingbrook
19 - 27
Boo! at the Zoo
Halloween fun awaits families at Brookfield Zoo's annual Boo! at the Zoo celebration. The popular daytime event, presented by Fisher-Price, features a Costume Parade, Costume Showcase, professional pumpkin-carving demonstrations, not-so-scary games and activities, special animal Zoo Chats, and haunted hayrides. For more information, visit www.CZS.org or call (708) 688-8000.
CITY: Brookfield
11 - 12
The 12th Annual Buffalo Grove Invitational Art Festival
Currently rated as one of the top 100 art festivals in the country, the festival hosts more than 100 juried artists from around the globe. Art enthusiasts will have the opportunity to watch the masters at work with art demos and booth chats taking place all weekend long! In addition to the work of the 100 juried artists, festival-goers will have the opportunity to view and purchase works from young artists, ages 18 and under, who participate in the Youth Art Division of the festival taking place on Sunday. In addition to the artwork, festival-goers will enjoy live performances from a variety of musical acts, great food and art activities for kids, including an art scavenger hunt and spin art at the festival and much more!
CITY: Buffalo Grove
9 - 13
Taste of Chicago
Taste of Chicago is the nation's premier outdoor food festival showcasing the diversity of Chicago's dining community. The delicious array of food served at Taste of Chicago is complemented by music and exciting activities for the entire family. Every summer since 1980, Chicago's beautiful Grant Park on the city's magnificent lakefront has been home to the world's largest food festival.
CITY: Chicago
14 - 22
Chicago Flower & Garden Show
There's even more color, fragrance and roll-up-your-sleeves, good ideas at the next Chicago Flower & Garden Show presented by Mariano's, March 14-22, 2015 at Chicago's Navy Pier, the No. 1 tourist destination in Illinois. More than 20 feature gardens from top designers bring visitors the first joys of spring and exciting ways to "Do Green. Do Good." The Marketplace's 100 exhibitors is a shopper's paradise; the Kids Activity Garden is so much fun, kids don't realize how much they're learning about greening our world. Garden Gourmet features top chefs with cooking demos. Experts present seminars on the best tricks and tips of gardening; Tablescapes show the most gorgeous, dreamy decor for indoor or outdoor dining, and the "Art of Floral," features interpretive floral designs. For more information and tickets, including group tour rates, visit www.chicagoflower.com/
CITY: Chicago
Oct 4
Mercury's Canine Cruise
Dogs on boats? Yes! Bring your pooch on a leash and enjoy quality time with your dog while cruising on Chicago's waterways. This tour highlights dog-friendly hotels, restaurants, dog parks and fire hydrants. Enjoy the cool breeze in your hair (and fur!) aboard the Skyline Queen which offers plenty of safe outdoor-seating. Dogs may choose to sit on your lap, in a seat or on the deck. Don't worry, we have one-restroom for humans and one lined with newspapers for your pet. Water bowls are also onboard. Buy online or at the ticket office open daily at 8:30am.
CITY: Chicago
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Kick off the holiday season and create your special memories on The Magnificent Mile in 2014! The BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, the nation's largest evening holiday celebration, jump starts the holiday season on Saturday, November 22 with a full day of family friendly activities, concerts by top musical artists and the best holiday shopping. The day's excitement culminates with a grand evening parade down Michigan Avenue marshaled by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, illuminating one million lights on 200 trees. The parade concludes with a grand finale fireworks show over the Chicago River.
CITY: Chicago
St. Patrick's Day Parade & River Dying
One of the largest in the country, the annual downtown St. Patrick's Day Parade honors Chicago's Irish heritage. The Chicago River goes green as 40 pounds of vegetable dye color the water between Columbus and Wacker drives. Festivities continue after as revelers parade up Columbus Drive with floats and flags to the sound of bagpipes. Hours: Dyeing 9:30 a.m., Parade 12 p.m.
CITY: Chicago
24 - 26
The Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo
Known as C2E2, this convention spans the latest and greatest from the worlds of comics, movies, television, toys, anime, manga and video games. Bringing the best of popular culture to downtown Chicago, C2E2's show floor is packed with hundreds of exhibitors, panels and autograph sessions giving fans a chance to interact with their favorite creators, and screening rooms featuring sneak peeks at films and television shows months before they hit either the big or small screen!
CITY: Chicago
Chicago Cubs Opening Day
Celebrate the unofficial start to spring with the Chicago Cubs home opener against the St. Louis Cardinals. First pitch is at 7:05pm at the historic Wrigley Field.
CITY: Chicago
20 - 26
Chicago Improv Festival
The 18th annual Chicago Improv Festival takes over the city for a week, showcasing the best local, national and international on-the-spot comedic talent!
CITY: Chicago
12 - 14
Ribfest Chicago 2015
After being selected and featured on the Food Network's 2014 "Eating America, with Anthony Anderson" and televised to 100 million households and 150 countries, Ribfest Chicago returns with more smokin' music and barbecue as we cook up Chicago's favorite food and music festival. From humble beginnings, Ribfest grew to five city blocks and from 5,000 attendees to 70,000 fans (in 2014). The BBQ component has grown to thirty Chicagoland rib and non-rib vendors, while the quality of entertainment has made Ribfest an internationally-recognized music festival that hosts premier touring bands. But despite its impressive growth and success, the fest has maintained its neighborhood feel. More highlights include the celebrity-judged "Best Ribs" award and "RibMania," the Midwest's only professional rib-eating competition featuring top ranked eaters and sanctioned by IFOCE/Major League Eating. For more information visit www.Ribfest-Chicago.com. WHAT: It's no wonder that Ribfest Chicago has been recognized as Chicago's "Best Food Fest" for the past three years. This festival remains one of the city's best summer attractions. As a nationally-recognized music festival, our twenty original bands are a hot blend of Indie, rock, roots and alt country. The 6th Annual RibMania hosts world ranked pro eaters at the Midwest's only sanctioned rib-eating contest, and families can spend the weekend in Kids Square enjoying entertainment, inflatables, games and more. Ribfest Chicago has contributed $250,000 to more than fifteen Northcenter schools and nonprofits to improve education, assist special needs and fight hunger, in addition to funding chamber projects and annual programming. WHERE: 4000 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago WHEN: Friday, June 12, 2015 - 5 pm to 10 pm Saturday, June 13, 2015 - Noon to 10 pm Sunday, June 14, 2015 - Noon to 10 pm
CITY: Chicago
Jerry Kleiner's over the top restaurant in this 35,000 sq. ft. space is an explosion of taste, color and sound. "Latino flavors with the spice of life." Authentic soulful cuisine offers simple dishes from all over Latin America. A kaleidoscope of colors, salsa music and playful decor ignite the sense of being in a Latin house party.
CITY: Chicago
12 - 13
ARTumn Harvest Art Festival
Come out and discover Deer Park Town Center's 4th Annual ARTumn Harvest Art Festival. Approximately 70 artists come from across the U.S. to participate in our juried art show held around the gazebo. In addition to fantastic fine artists, enjoy the live music, hands on kids art fun and food.
CITY: Deer Park
Deer Park St. Paddy's 5k Run/Walk
The Deer Park St. Paddy's 5k features live Irish music to get everyone in the spirit, pucker up as you run beneath the on course kiss me I'm Irish arch. At the finish enjoy green soda pop, chocolate gold coins and more Irish inspired treats. The course weaves through the Deer Park Town Center and then onto the streets of the Village of Deer Park. The USATF certified 5k (3.1 mile) course is a completely paved course. All miles will be marked with a water stop along the way. Awards will be awarded to to the top 3 of each age category. For more information or to register please visit the website.
CITY: Deer Park
30 - 31
Deerfield's Annual Fine Arts Festival
Fun for the whole family featuring art from across the U.S., live music, catered festival food, kid's art activities and more! Artists representing media such as painting, photography, jewelry, fiber, sculpture, mixed media and ceramics hail from 20 states will be exhibiting.
CITY: Deerfield
Essence Of Freedom Run
The Essence Of Freedom Run is an annual event to raise funds that are desperately needed by the brave men and women both active duty and Veterans, who defend our country in the armed forces. Choose from a 5K or 10K race and run through the streets of downtown Deerfield. Active Duty, including Police and Fire Departments, run free. Register before February 15th and save $5.
CITY: Deerfield
Elmhurst St. Patrick's Day Parade
Elmhurst proudly presents its 19th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. This year's Grand Marshall is Governor Bruce Rauner. The parade features floats, marching units, and animated characters along with local organizations, businesses and clubs. Don't miss your chance to see over 80 floats, marching units and entertaining entries such as Irish dancers and local team mascots. Come early and enjoy the music. Celebrate Irish tradition with leprechauns, clowns, and jugglers, bagpipe players and marching bands. The parade is only the beginning to this festive day - for the food, music and fun is sure to continue as Elmhurst merchants, restaurateurs and friends welcome visitors for this special community celebration. The parade will begin at noon at the intersection of Wilson Street and Spring Roads and continue north on Spring Road.
CITY: Elmhurst
Apr 5
Let Children Be Children: Lewis Wickes Hine's Crusade Against Child Labor
A telling look at the industrialization of America, this photographic exhibition from the George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film in Rochester, NY reveals the circumstances that poor working children endured until legislation against child labor prevailed as late as 1938. Lewis Wickes Hine (American, 1874-1940) was a sociologist whose photographs captured his abiding concern for children, immigrants, and working-class people. He was hired by the National Child Labor Committee (NCLC) in 1906 to document the harsh conditions in which children worked. Hine spent ten years photographing in the canneries, coal mines, cotton mills, farms, and sweatshops common during the early 20th century. Through the use of photography, Hine and the NCLC gained the attention of government officials and aroused public sentiment against child labor practices in the United States.
CITY: Elmhurst
May 3
Driving in Style: Promo Cars of the 1950s and 60s
The innovative and flamboyant car designs of the 1950's are now iconic. To whet consumers' appetites for the "latest thing," the Big Three American automakers (General Motors, Ford and Chrysler) began to release new models with slightly redesigned features every year. To promote the new vehicles, dealers distributed highly-detailed plastic models or "promos." Like their full-size versions, these colorful miniatures boasted streamlined tail fins and polished chrome grilles, reflections of the period's Space Age design and general prosperity. Given to potential buyers and their children, these salesman's samples are highly collectible today. Lent by Robert Reinhold and John O'Halloran, the promos in EAM's presentation will be on view in the McCormick House, also designed in the 1950s.
CITY: Elmhurst
May 3
A Gift: Selections from the Cleve Carney Bequest
In 2014, Elmhurst Art Museum was bequeathed nearly 300 works from the collection of Cleve Carney (1939-2013), a longtime Board member, donor and supporter of the museum. The largest gift in EAM's history, these paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints and video installations by an international group of artists will be a significant addition to the collection, broadening the scope of the museum's holdings of contemporary art. This presentation highlights select work from the donation and serves as a tribute to the vision, the patronage and the generosity of Cleve Carney, who will be truly missed.
CITY: Elmhurst
May 3
On the Brink: New Work by Nnenna Okore
EAM presents new work by internationally celebrated sculptor Nnenna Okore. Through repetitive, labor-intensive processes, Okore transforms discarded and organic materials like burlap, newspapers, plastic bags and twine into large-scale wall hangings and installations. Okore-s dramatic and undulating forms float in and across space, often casting shadows on their surrounds. Influenced by the textures, colors and landscapes of her Chicago milieu as well as the more rural environment of the small town in Nigeria where she was raised, Okore's new fiber and paper works explore the fluidity of life, finding beauty in the inevitable processes of aging and decay. Okore is a professor of art at Chicago's North Park University and was the recipient of a Fulbright Scholar Award in 2013.
CITY: Elmhurst
6 - 7
Fountain Square
Now celebrating its 34th year, Fountain Square Art Festival is the largest and oldest fine arts fair on Chicago's majestic North Shore. Featuring the eclectic works of more than 225 juried artists, this sprawling art showcase epitomizes words like "cosmopolitan" and "sophistication." The festival takes place in downtown Evanston, just steps from the eponymous Fountain Square. It also features a popular children's art tent with fun activities overseen by the acclaimed Evanston Art Center, food, and a soothing jazz-centric music lineup.
CITY: Evanston
23 - 28
Swedish Days Festival
This "granddaddy" of Illinois festivals features a host of family-friendly activities with live musical entertainment, a carnival, rosemaling show, pet parade, kids' day fun, grand parade, the state's largest music competition, multi-ethnic food plus great shopping in our historic downtown. Geneva's train station is located just blocks from the festivities.
CITY: Geneva
25 - 26
Geneva Arts Fair
The Geneva Arts Fair transforms downtown Geneva into a venue for over 150 esteemed artists and draws a crowd of more than 20,000. The juried show was voted a Top 200 Fine Craft Fair by Art Fair SourceBook and a previous winner of "Best Craft or Art Show" by West Suburban Living magazine. Admission is free and includes a children's art area with special activities.
CITY: Geneva
5 - 7
Festival of the Vine
Geneva restaurants create an array of specialties under an outdoor tent at the "Flavor Fare" partnered with wine and live musical entertainment. The Fall Harvest Market offers food and floral demos, unique displays plus Kid's Patch activities. An arts and crafts show, flower market, horse-drawn carriage rides and several exceptional wine tasting and dinner events also take place around the historic downtown.
CITY: Geneva
12 - 14
Geneva Film Festival
Celebrate the art of filmmaking by setting the stage for independent filmmakers to showcase their talent to the world. The Geneva Film Festival features workshops with industry professionals providing educational opportunities for filmmakers and film enthusiasts alike.
CITY: Geneva
Apr 1
Chicago Botanic Garden- Weekend Family Classes
Together, adults and children can explore cool things about how plants connect to science, art, history, and culture. Each program includes a variety of hands-on activities and projects, as well as opportunities to bring the Garden home. Programs run from November through April on Saturdays.
CITY: Glencoe
4 - 5
Chicago Botanic Garden Art Festival
The festival showcases the work of 95 unique artists in a pristine setting overlooking a lake, spectacular gardens and 385 acres of majesty. All of the artwork embodies a botanic theme, use or material. Festival-goers will have the opportunity to see the masters at work, with interactive art demos and booth chats taking place all weekend long!
CITY: Glencoe
Oct 25
Model Railroad Garden: Landmarks of America
The 7,500-square-foot "Model Railroad Garden: Landmarks of America" exhibition at the Chicago Botanic Garden features trains running on 1,600 feet of track, for train and garden enthusiasts to enjoy the delightful sights and sounds of the miniature trains traversing high and low through tunnels, across bridges and around buildings.
CITY: Glencoe
27 - 28
Highland Park's Art Center's Festival of Fine Arts
Situated on the beautiful tree-lined streets surrounding TAC, the revamped festival will showcase original works from 120 juried artists. Exceptional examples of fine arts and fine craft, including ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, wood and more will be featured at the festival. The Art Center's Festival of Fine Arts will offer activities for children and families, as well as live entertainment and tasty festival treats throughout the weekend. Art enthusiasts will get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into making these original works of art with live art demos taking place at the festival.
CITY: Highland Park
29 - 30
Port Clinton Art Festival
Port Clinton Art Festival is one of the most successful juried art festivals and attracts more than 250,000 art enthusiasts from places near and far. More than 260 of the world's most celebrated artists come together to showcase their work over the course of the weekend, creating an atmosphere brimming with renowned creativity. Alongside established artists, a youth art division celebrates the talents of young artists ages 18 and under, offering them the opportunity to participate, exhibit, and experience the inner workings of an art festival.
CITY: Highland Park
North Shore Classic Half Marathon and 5K
On May 31st, the North Shore Classic Half Marathon & 5k is headed back to Chicago's North Shore! Enjoy a beautiful course running through the Highland Park neighborhood while sporting the premium goodie bag. Please visit the website for complete details and to register.
CITY: Highland Park
Get the Led Out (Tribute to Led Zeppelin)
Dubbed by the media as "The American Led Zeppelin," Get The Led Out brings what the audience wants…a high energy Zeppelin concert with an honest, heart-thumping intensity. From the bombastic and epic, to the folky and mystical, Get The Led Out (GTLO) have captured the essence of the recorded music of Led Zeppelin and brought it to the concert stage.
CITY: Joliet
The Priests
The Priests are a classical musical trio made up of three Roman Catholic priests from Northern Ireland. Frs. Martin O'Hagan, Eugene O'Hagan and David Delargy are amongst the most recognized and successful acts in both the religious and secular worlds. Their debut album, sold at such a pace, it secured them a place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the fastest-selling classical debut ever.
CITY: Joliet
Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra- Let The Music Move You!
Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra- Let The Music Move You! A Collaboration with Chicago Mulit-Cultural Dance Center. John Adams- The Chairman Dances, Lee Actor- Dance Rhapsody Chicago Multi-Cultural Dance Center, Shostakovich- Symphony No. 12. Featuring high-energy dances choreographed for live orchestra.
CITY: Joliet
The Buddy Holly Story
Now in its 25th amazing year, the "World's Most Successful Rock 'n' Roll Musical" continues to thrill audiences on tour in the U.K. and around the world. Viewed by more than 20 million people over 20,000 performances worldwide, Buddy opened in London's West End in 1989, and has been seen on Broadway, throughout Canada, the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Germany, Scandinavia, South Africa, the Netherlands and Singapore; wining numerous awards along the way. Buddy tells the story of Buddy Holly through his short yet spectacular career, and features the classic songs, "Peggy Sue", "That'll Be The Day", "Not Fade Away", "Oh Boy", Ritchie Valens' "La Bamba", The Big Bopper's "Chantilly Lace" and many more!
CITY: Joliet
Painting with Wine
Join us at the Joliet Area Historical Museum for an evening of flavorful wine and fun as you create your own masterpiece with the help of a local professional artist. Special admission price of $40 for Museum Members and $45 for Non-Members includes all materials, as well as free access to the Museum exhibits & galleries. Register online to reserve your spot now.
CITY: Joliet
2 - 3
9th Annual Red Carpet Corridor - Joliet Area Historical Museum
The 9th Annual Red Carpet Corridor including activities at the Joliet Area Historical Museum. It is all about family fun on the most famous road in America - Route 66. This year's event will be Saturday, May 2, from 8 AM to 5 PM, and Sunday, May 3, from 8 AM to 3 PM. Sponsored by the twelve communities which make up the 90-mile linear museum from Joliet to Towanda, the annual festival invites everyone to experience the good life in the slow lane. Each community will produce its own events. From full-blown festivals to antique and craft sales, art sales, car and motorcycle shows, live entertainments, and plenty of yard, garage, and sidewalk sales along the way, everyone is sure to discover something unique. Food, snacks and treats will be in abundance, and there are plenty of historic sites, outstanding free museums and unique mom & pop businesses to help create a nostalgic journey for all to enjoy. Visitors can simply enjoy the drive, stop and have their picture taken with Elvis, or do a little shopping in any of the great stores along the Mother Road.
CITY: Joliet
Sep 25
Lake Zurich's Farmer's Market
Enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables along with pies, doughnuts, Wisconsin cheese, dips and sausage, fresh made cookies, gluten free snacks, eggs, poultry, breads, soaps and much more. Sharpening by Kris, who sharpens knives, garden tools, skates and more, will also be there. Also local artisans will be displaying artwork and handcrafted items. Market held at Paulus Park.
CITY: Lake Zurich
St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festival
Be sure to line-up by 12:30 p.m. at Lemont Safety Village on Stephen Street. Parade Route: South on Stephen to Main, West to Lemont VFW Hall. Plenty of free parking at the Metra Lot or the downtown parking garage. Featuring: Lemont's Own Irish Queen, The Chicago Stockyard Kilty Band & Hughes Academy of Irish Dance. Bring your family and friends and join the Parade! Visit the VFW Hall following the parade for refreshments, entertainment and fun!
CITY: Lemont
15 - 16
The 18th Annual Lincolnshire Art Festival
The festival hosts 100 juried artists from around the country in the Village Green of Lincolnshire and offers extraordinary examples of fine art and fine craft in a variety of mediums and price points. Take in the tranquility of Lincolnshire with a wonderful weekend that combines the fun of art with the art of fun. Live music on the music stage, great food and fun activities for kids, including an art scavenger hunt and spin art, make the festival a perfect family experience. Art enthusiasts will have the opportunity to see the masters at work with interactive art demos and booth chats taking place all weekend long! Festival-goers of all ages will have an opportunity to get into the "art-filled" action by contributing to a mural on-site at the festival.
CITY: Lincolnshire
Mar 29
La Cage aux Folles
La Cage aux Folles has become a classic musical comedy. Set against the glitter of a Saint-Tropez nightclub, a middle-aged gay couple agree to hide their relationship when their son returns home with his fiancée's ultra-conservative parents. Feathers get ruffled and households upended in a poignant tale of one family's struggle to stay together, stay fabulous and above all else, stay true to themselves.
CITY: Lincolnshire
Jun 7
Anything Goes at the Marriott Theatre
Anything Goes is non-stop laughs and madcap fun on the S.S. American with an unusual array of passengers including a gangster, a wealthy debutante, a charismatic nightclub singer and a lovesick stowaway. With spectacular dance and a boatload of Cole Porter tunes like You're the Top, I Get a Kick Out of You and the title song, the audience will get a 'kick' out of Anything Goes.
CITY: Lincolnshire
Aug 9
City of Angels
Los Angeles, 1940's. It's double the laughs and double the intrigue as two plots unfold at once when a young New York writer is brought to Los Angeles to turn his best-selling crime novel into a screenplay. As we follow the writer's travails in the film industry, the novel's private-eye comes to life in the evening's split screen plot.
CITY: Lincolnshire
Lockport Chamber 2015 Community Expo
The Lockport Chamber 2015 Community Expo features health screenings, local business booths, children's activities, performances, DJ, food court, raffle with prizes and more! Fun and healthy awaits you.
CITY: Lockport
2 - 17
Lilac Time Festival
A stunning 8.5-acre horticultural display with 800 breathtaking lilacs & 25,000 eye-catching tulips! Take tours, shop the art and craft fair, and enjoy food, drinks & sports. Enjoy the old-fashioned hospitality, free concerts and attractions that will be provided in Lilacia Park during Lilac Time!
CITY: Lombard
25 - 27
Long Grove's Annual Apple Festival
The distinctive Long Grove shops and restaurants help celebrate the Apple Festival with unique seasonal gifts and foods, including cider donuts, caramel apples and the Long Grove Apple Haus' famous brown bag apple pie. Live toe-tapping music, carriage rides, hayrides and children's activities round out the fest.
CITY: Long Grove
15 - 17
Long Grove's Chocolate Festival
Enjoy the sweet life! Back by popular demand, Long Grove invites you to enjoy the annual Long Grove Chocolate Fest, held every May. Families can fill a day – or a weekend – with chocolaty treats, live music, great food and distinctive shopping in charming Long Grove. Enjoy chocolate demonstrations and workshops, wine parings, live music all over town and plenty of children's activities. Long Grove combines the best of trendy shopping and dining with the ambiance of yesteryear. You will discover beautiful gardens, trendy shops, art galleries and one-of-a-kind restaurants.
CITY: Long Grove
26 - 28
Long Grove's Annual Strawberry Festival
The pleasures of summer are celebrated with "berry" wonderful strawberry-inspired treats. Strawberry lovers of all ages flock to Long Grove's renown fest to enjoy chocolate covered strawberries, fruit smoothies, and other strawberry drinks, ice creams, strawberry donuts, baked goods and, of course, the farm-fresh berries themselves. There is free live entertainment all three days at venues all over town and most of Long Grove's many shops, galleries, cafes, and restaurants offer variations of strawberry-themed foods, drinks, and merchandise. Fun for All Ages Strawberry Fest features plenty of activities and fun for children, including a variety of kiddie rides, face painting and outdoor activities and tents full of family and education-oriented products.
CITY: Long Grove
Oak Forest Fleadh
The Oak Forest-Crestwood Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Oak Forest, will host the 4th Annual Oak Forest Fleadh (pronounced "flah") on Saturday, March 9 on Cicero Avenue between 151st Street and 159th Street. Oak Forest Fleadh will include customer appreciation parties, a 5K race, an open bike ride, a family parade, and the 5th annual pub and restaurant open house.
CITY: Oak Forest
22 - 25
Gaelic Park Irish Fest
Irish Fest brings together the best in Irish music from America, Canada and Europe. In addition to all of the music, there will be Irish sports, dancing, theater & story-telling, a petting zoo, Irish dogs and ponies, and Irish import stories. For the little people, there are magicians, puppets, jugglers, and clowns, and most importantly, unlimited carnival rides are included in the admission price in addition to free parking.
CITY: Oak Forest
20 - 29
Jesus Christ Superstar
Come out for this great production! Show dates are 3/20, 3/21, 3/22, 3/27, 3/28 & 3/29.
CITY: Oak Lawn
Sep 2
2nd Annual Outdoor Sculpture Walk
Take a self-guided tour of public art from June 2 to September 2 as part of the 2nd annual Sculpture Walk in downtown Oak Park. The walk features 12 world-class sculptures prominently placed among Oak Park's many shops and restaurants.
CITY: Oak Park
Jul 13
Amadeus Performance
Amadeus, the renowned tale of Mozart as seen through the eyes of his most envious competitor, composer Antonio Salieri. The play is an interesting representative style of the style and values of the time. Jeff Recommended!
CITY: Oak Park
Uncorked Summer Nights
Experience the Oak Park Conservatory from a fresh perspective with Uncorked Summer Nights! Admission includes 2 drink tickets and appetizers. Also, included is showcase tours of the Fern, Tropical and Desert rooms. Enjoy music by the Grosso Family Band and art by Phil Malhiot. Appetizers provided by New Rose Catering and wine and craft beer by Marion Street Cheese Market.
CITY: Oak Park
20 - 21
Art on Harrison
Seeking a way to announce the emerging Arts District, galleries and building owners in partnership with the Oak Park Arts Council inaugurated Art on Harrison in 1995. Conceived of as an informal Friday evening gallery walk, the event has continued each September since its inception, expanding to include entertainment and performances at participating galleries. Come out and see what the area has to offer in a convivial atmosphere, a celebration of what the creative spirits of this community have accomplished.
CITY: Oak Park
Art Dans La Rue
Join us on Tuesday, August 6th from 12-9pm for Downtown Oak Park's authentic urban French Street Festival! Featuring: art exhibits by local artists, special showing of a French film, Can-Can dancers, French music by "Paris La Nuit," Poodle Parade, French lessons, Fresh made crepes, Wine tastings, Sidewalk chalk contest, Bike Rentals, and much more!
CITY: Oak Park
Mar 12
Twilight Tours
Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. January 8th, February 12th and March 12th. Experience the beauty of historic Pleasant home at night! Bring your friends and take this rare opportunity to tour the mansion after dark. The evening will include a wine & cheese reception with live music, while our docents give station tours of the beautiful rooms located on the first floor. Cost is $30 per person ($25 members). Reservations required.
CITY: Oak Park
Jazz Thaw
Sizzle, swing and get lost in the music at Jazz Thaw presented by 90.9 fm WDCB "Chicago's Home for Jazz" and Downtown Oak Park featuring a jazz tour throughout local restaurants. Pop in and out of free live music performances at any jazz tour location with the option to order from the host restaurant's menu. Three renowned jazz performers wrap up the evening with free signature concerts in select restaurants from 7-10 pm. Bobby Broom Trio will be at the Sushi House, Scott Burns Quartet at Khyber Pass, and Tony do Rosario Organ Trio at Bar Louie.
CITY: Oak Park
Uncork Illinois Wine Festival
Wine aficionados will have a unique opportunity to sample over 150 wines from more than 15 local wineries and taste locally-produced artisan foods at Downtown Oak Park's Uncork Illinois.
CITY: Oak Park
Mar 29
West Side Story
Drury Lane closes its 30th anniversary season with one of the world's greatest love stories. A modern retelling of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story tells the tale of two star crossed lovers caught between rival gangs. A revolutionary work that changed the course of the American musical, West Side Story features an electrifying Latin and jazz-infused score including "Somewhere," "Tonight," "I Feel Pretty," and "America."
CITY: Oakbrook Terrace
Jun 7
Billy Elliot The Musical
Based on the internationally-acclaimed lm, the smash hit musical Billy Elliot follows a young boy as he trades in his boxing gloves for dancing shoes. In a small town in the English countryside, Billy discovers a passion for dance that inspires his family and his whole community, and changes his life forever. The musical phenomenon is set to an explosive hit score by Elton John. Don't miss this joyous celebration of one boy's journey against the odds to make his dreams come true!
CITY: Oakbrook Terrace
Aug 16
Beaches follows two extraordinary friends through 30 years of camaraderie, laughter and sorrow. Vivacious, outlandish Cee Cee and beautiful, privileged Bertie meet as children and become fast friends. From pen-pals to roommates to romantic rivals, Cee Cee and Bertie's oil-and-water friendship perseveres through even the most tragic trials. With a touching vulnerability, Beaches exemplifies the triumph of the human spirit and the bonds of sisterhood.
CITY: Oakbrook Terrace
Oct 18
Peter and the Star Catcher
An enchanting, swashbuckling prequel to Peter Pan, Peter And The Star Catcher is an epic romp through the Neverland you never knew. A company of twelve actors play more than a hundred unforgettable characters on a journey to solve the mystery of how Peter Pan become "The Boy Who Never Grew Up." This regional premiere of the hit Broadway play is the captivating coming-of-age tale of one of classic literature's most beloved and unforgettable characters.
CITY: Oakbrook Terrace
Jan 3
White Christmas The Musical
Celebrate the holiday season with Irving Berlin's White Christmas, the merry and bright stage production based on the classic silver screen romantic comedy. When two former Army buddies, who are now Broadway performers, follow a sister act booked at a charming Vermont Inn, they soon discover that it is owned by their former commander. With no snow and no customers, the General is nearly bankrupt. To save the lodge, the two acts team up and put on a festive show packed with Irving Berlin favorites like Blue Skies, Count Your Blessings, I Love a Piano, and, of course, White Christmas. White Christmas is joyful entertainment for the entire family and will have audiences dreaming of tree tops glistening and sleigh bells in the snow.
CITY: Oakbrook Terrace
Mar 13
Bye Bye Birdie
To conclude its 2015-2016 season, Drury Lane Theatre presents the classic All-American musical Bye Bye Birdie. It's the late 1950's, and teenagers from across the United States are going crazy for the handsome rock star, Conrad Birdie. Meanwhile, his manager Albert is going into debt and is banking on Conrad's success. Disaster strikes when Conrad receives a draft notice to join the military. Albert stages a publicity stunt for Conrad to kiss one lucky fan on The Ed Sullivan Show before he leaves for the army. Fifteen-year-old Kim MacAfee from Sweet Apple, Ohio is selected. Conrad Birdie gets more than he bargained for when he arrives in the Midwestern town which is reeling with excitement for his visit.
CITY: Oakbrook Terrace
26 - 28
Party in the Park Celebration
A three day outdoor festival which includes live entertainment, food, children's games, activities, car show/cruise night and fireworks.
CITY: Orland Hills
Active Aging - An Expo for ages 50 and older
This free event will offer information to baby boomers and seniors on financial planning, real estate, health, travel and more. 9AM-2PM.
CITY: Orland Park
18 - 21
This festival is attended by approximately 50,000 during the course of the weekend. PrairieFest events are held throughout Oswego with the main festival grounds located at PrairieFest Park, 91 Plank Road. The event features main stage entertainment, children's performers, expo village, petting zoos, pony rides, camel rides, children's activities, parade, bed races, touch a truck event and more. The event is free, compliments of our generous business sponsors.
CITY: Oswego
2 - 3
Wine on the Fox
Don't miss the opportunity to sample award-winning Illinois wines while enjoying live entertainment and delicious local fare. Free & Open to the Public. Wine Tasting is $15 per day for a souvenir wine glass, a wristband and 5 tasting tickets. An Advanced Two-Day Pass may be purchased for $25 which includes 1 souvenir wine glass and 20 tasting tickets (10 per day). Advanced Two-Day Passes are non-refundable. Additional tasting tickets are $1 each. Must be 21 with proper identification to taste wines.
CITY: Oswego
First Midwest Bank Half Marathon & 10K
Be a part of the 7th annual First Midwest Bank Half Marathon and enjoy one of the Midwest's finest events of its kind. Proceeds will benefit American Cancer Society for Prostate Cancer and Research, The South West Special Recreation Association and Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens.
CITY: Palos Heights
Concert In The Park
This will be the 32nd annual Concert In The Park. Join the Palos Park community as we enjoy a concert band perform crowd favorites. A dance floor is provided. 5-9:30PM.
CITY: Palos Park
Anne Hills & Michael Smith in Concert
Join us at West Suburban Temple Har Zion for a great Folk Concert, starring Anne Hills and Michael Peter Smith! Tickets are $25, doors open at 8:30 p.m. and the concert starts at 9 p.m.
CITY: River Forest
Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem Concert
Musically, Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem are a melting pot of American folk melody and style, "a mini music festival of different styles filtered through the vibrant interaction of all four players." (Dirty Linen) Their shows sparkle with songs and stories that celebrate and tackle the human condition. Tickets starting at $26.
CITY: River Forest
Walking Tour of Historic Riverside
The Frederick Law Olmsted Society is pleased to offer great opportunities to learn about our historic landmark village. Discover the winding roads, delightful parks, beautiful landscapes, varied architecture and much more!
CITY: Riverside
16 - 17
Riverside Arts Weekend
The Riverside Arts Weekend (RAW) features a juried arts fair, theater, music, architecture and other arts-related events. This is a vibrant cultural weekend that brings thousands of visitors and residents together to mingle and walk the streets of historic downtown Riverside. The weekend will be located inside Guthrie Park in Riverside, IL.
CITY: Riverside
Dec 31
Village of Robbins Open Air Market
Year round, each Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday. Thinking of going into business? Let us be your testing ground. Become a vendor or shop til you drop. We have new and used merchandise.
CITY: Robbins
Aug 28
Rockin' at the Park
Free Summer Concert Series The Rockin' in the Park festival will be a summer-long concert series, beginning in May and continuing through August. The festival features live bands, fireworks and food and beverage tents on the great lawn in the center of MB Financial Park at Rosemont. Visit www.mbparkatrosemont.com for complete line up!
CITY: Rosemont
The Stadium at the Ballpark
The Stadium at the Ballpark at Rosemont is the 2,000-seat home of the Chicago Bandits, the 2011 NPF World Champion women's softball organization, East Leyden High School's girls softball team and the Rosemont School's boys and girls softball team. It is located on the west side of 1-294, and is the first facility of its kind in the nation built expressly for women's professional sports. The team plays 25 home games a year, from June through August.
CITY: Rosemont
Blue's night with Nick Moss & Kevin Purcell and the Nightburners
Singer/songwriter Kevin Purcell welds the gritty, back alley sounds of Chicago blues with the back roads soul of southern rock.Nick Moss was weaned on postwar electric blues, his timely and topical songwriting enveloped in new rhythms and guitar innovations have resulted in music of a higher intensity. Together, these blues heroes, backed by incredible bands, deliver a no-holds-barred show that's gritty, rockin' and, above all, a blast.
CITY: Schaumburg


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eyes to kill intense eyeshadow, bronze collection
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Neither a cream nor a powder, this incredible hybrid formula acts like a colour suspension that delivers a dreamy, ethereal beauty to eyes with a 24 hour hold.
customer ratings & reviews

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Anyone been to this website? My kid told me about it the other day. Type in an address and zoom right in.
Anyone been to this website? My kid told me about it the other day. Type in an address and zoom right in.
"panic" only comes from having real expectations
google earth is one of my favorite programs.
i'm a huge SimCity 4 fan...not because of the ability to build cities, but the ability to build realistic terrains (thanks to some very nice modifications).
Goggle Earth has helped me further this, by letting me study various terrains from various vantage points and different zooms. yes, it is fun zooming in on someone's house...but i got a kick out of being able to take a virtual tour of Monument Valley and Devil's Tower and The Grand Canyon and Mt. St. Helens and....
This is one cool program, I was able to find my house in school from 6th grade in Michigan and check out the layout of Tiger Stadium compared to Commerica... plus it's GREAT way to check out Fire Roads (that's an unpaved road in wilderness for you folks surrounded by farms) It's also a great way to look at Golf Courses too... too bad I don't golf.
Last edited by westofyou; 09-12-2005 at 12:10 PM.
Can you tell how old an image is?
"I've never understood the term "women and children" as if their lives are somewhat more important than men."
Not really, if you know of recent construction (like all of NW Cincinnati) you might find some things that are different.Originally Posted by TeamCasey
Looking at UC's campus, those were taken in Septemberish 2004.
What if this wasn't a rhetorical question?
All models are wrong. Some of them are useful.
Well, thanks alot GAC. Now, I might as well just quit work completely....Originally Posted by GAC
Apparently, these images are somewhat dated on the Free Trial. I know that it is showing my backyard circa 2002-2003. Still, it is way cool...
"Booing on opening day is like telling grandma her house smells like old lady."--WOY
That is cool- but are the pictures supposed to be blurred at near max zoom? Or is it my system? I zoomed in on my house and the one I grew up in and I could find them, but they were blurred.
I've been to dinner at Jimmy Buffet's house, and I've eaten it at a homeless shelter. And there's great joy and harrowing terror to be found in both places.
-Todd Snider
Different areas were photographed at different resolutions. It might just happen that your area isn't at the highest.Originally Posted by 919191
What if this wasn't a rhetorical question?
All models are wrong. Some of them are useful.
When I first read this, I thought you guys were talking about Google Maps. I just downloaded this ........ wicked cool!
"I've never understood the term "women and children" as if their lives are somewhat more important than men."
I found my house
I can make out my car
HEY! those rats down the street put in a pool
Go Gators!
I found my truck too
What if this wasn't a rhetorical question?
All models are wrong. Some of them are useful.
I'm keeping my curtains closed you perverts.
"panic" only comes from having real expectations
I can't get this to work. Says can't connect...I am on line! I am always on line
There are so many trees where I live that it's basically all I can see, but it's still awesome.
Championships for MY teams in my lifetime:
Cincinnati Reds - 75, 76, 90
Chicago Blackhawks - 10, 13
University of Kentucky - 78, 96, 98, 12
Chicago Bulls - 91, 92, 93, 96, 97, 98
Board Moderators may, at their discretion and judgment, delete and/or edit any messages that violate any of the following guidelines: 1. Explicit references to alleged illegal or unlawful acts. 2. Graphic sexual descriptions. 3. Racial or ethnic slurs. 4. Use of edgy language (including masked profanity). 5. Direct personal attacks, flames, fights, trolling, baiting, name-calling, general nuisance, excessive player criticism or anything along those lines. 6. Posting spam. 7. Each person may have only one user account. It is fine to be critical here - that's what this board is for. But let's not beat a subject or a player to death, please. |


text:
You probably know about Nail Yakupov, Alex Galchenyuk and Mikhail Grigorenko. They're high first-round picks from way back when (the 2012 NHL draft) who will get their chance to make the big club over the next few days. You've also probably heard of Justin Schultz, Ryan Strome, Mikael Granlund and Dougie Hamilton. They're recent blue-chip prospects themselves who are likely to start the season in the NHL—and, in Schultz's case, as a leading Calder Trophy candidate for the Edmonton Oilers.Start Slideshow
There are other rookies worth watching across North America in truncated training camps who have already opened some eyes. A primer on under-the-radar prospects who could bring some fresh legs to the 48-game season.
Bennett, a first-round pick in 2011, was AHL Wilkes-Barre Scranton's leading scorer before the Penguins brought him to camp. He brings something the Penguins' system doesn't have in abundance: top-six skill.Next
By Tuesday, he was working out on a line with Evgeni Malkin. It's no guarantee that he'll be there on Saturday in Philadelphia, but it signifies, if nothing else, that he's close to earning a top-six spot over players like Tyler Kennedy and Eric Tangradi.
Bennett's issue will be adapting his game to the Penguins' system, which has caused problems for skill players in the past,
"They've made it pretty clear to me that Pittsburgh Penguins hockey is all about north and south," Bennett told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review last week. "That's been a change for me a little bit, but I'm getting used to it, and I have a pretty good idea of what they want out of me."
Laughton, 18, failed to make Canada's World Junior team after the Flyers took him in the first round, but his two-way play and fresh legs—he played throughout the lockout for OHL Oshawa—give him every opportunity to make the club in a bottom-six role. Plus, he's cheap—always a plus for the cap-conscious Flyers. Think Sean Couturier.Next
"He certainly didn't look out of place," coach Peter Laviolette said of Laughton on Sunday, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
GM Paul Holmgren sounded more than open to the possibility. Laughton had 33 points in 32 games with Oshawa and was nasty enough to earn a 10-game suspension for a hit to the head. It was dirty, but the Flyers couldn't have minded much.
"He brings an element of toughness to his game," Holmgren said. He's really good on faceoffs. I think this week is good for him, and we'll see where it goes."
Jenner is in a similar position with Laughton, though his team is markedly worse. The 2011 second-rounder has played all season in the OHL and in the WJC, despite a three-game suspension for an illegal hit.Next
He's a physical forward and was one of the OHL's leading scorers before leaving for the tournament. Columbus, meanwhile, needs whatever it can get.
"I would have been ready for a camp in September," Jenner told Yahoo! Sports' Buzzing The Net. "Throughout the year, you always have it in the back of your mind that they (the NHL) might start up at any time. It's good to have it, finally ... Having 3-4 months of OHL hockey under your belt helps ... your game is a little farther along than it is coming off the summer when you haven't played much."
Brunner is probably the biggest lock to make an impact on this list. He's 26 and dominated the Swiss League (25 goals, 32 assists) alongside Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg. Not a bad way to open some eyes before camp begins. He's already working with the team's top power-play unit and could wind up on a line with Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk.Next
"It worked out as good for him as it possibly could have because he was leading the (Swiss) league in scoring again, and Z comes over, he develops a friendship, a confidence to play with real good players. Now he's just got to keep doing the same thing. So we're excited about having him," Red Wings coach Mike Babcock told MLive.com.
Baerstchi, a 2011 first-rounder, made an NHL cameo at the end of last season. Now 20, he's in line for a lot more than three goals in five games—and has a prime locker-room spot next to captain Jarome Iginla.Next
"Last year was a great experience for me. I had a free mind. I was just playing. That's why I think it went so well," Baertschi told the Calgary Herald. "I can't promise anything but I'm gonna work as hard as I can during camp, and I'm going to work as hard as I can when the games come up."
If he does what he needs to do, he'll bring skill to a lacking crop of forwards. Baertschi had 33 and 34 goals in his last two junior seasons and 18 points in 21 AHL games.
"Obviously," defenseman Mark Giordano said, "his strengths are playing with confidence and he's a guy who's going to produce offensively. But he does a lot of little things right. Noticing just the few times we played with him last year, along the walls and making good plays even from the D zone.
"For our organization and for him it's a matter of getting him into games of this speed and making him feel comfortable.
The 2010 first-round matured into a star in the KHL, scoring 14 times in 31 games, and now he's in St. Louis, where finding the net was an issue last season despite a second-place finish in the Western Conference.
He had his first Blues practice on Sunday, and his teammates are trying to make the transition easy for him. Sort of.
"I'm going to remember this when Vladi is making $10 million a year and I'm out of the league ... when I'm old and he's an All-Star," Blues defenseman Ian Cole told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "I'm going to remember when Vladi went and got me a Gatorade."


text:
quote:The mindset we see from these people is a direct result of this country losing it's Christian principles as the bedrock foundation that our moral code is based on and replacing it with the supposed greater wisdom of science (a.k.a mankind).
quote:Do you believe it's okay for different people to set their own stage of human development as gaining the right to life?
quote:Yes... people are entitled to their opinions.
quote:The question then is how do you measure it?
quote:In our country? By our Constitution and by vote.
quote:"Heart doesn't beat until 24 weeks"
quote:If the vote doesn't go your way, let's say it votes that murder is illegal past whatever your cutoff point is. Do you just take it or fight for those that you believe are being unrightly murdered?
quote:At 5 weeks, the baby has fingers, toes, and full human form.
quote:Abortion opponents have every right to fight for ending abortion.


text:
Comprehensive Condom Use Programs
I. Definition of the Prevention Area
Unprotected sex is the leading cause of HIV transmission, accounting for more than 80 percent of the total number of infections. Male and female condoms, when worn correctly, serve as an impermeable barrier to the sexual exchange of secretions that carry HIV and a number of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), providing protection against transmission.
In recent guidance on HIV prevention, the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) recommends programming that combines multiple, evidence-based approaches to increase availability, accessibility, acceptability, and use of condoms in targeted groups and in the general population. Comprehensive condom programming remains an essential component of combination prevention programs.
II. Epidemiological Justification for the Prevention Area
Condoms, both male and female versions, are the most effective barrier method currently available to sexually active individuals who require protection from HIV and other STIs and from unwanted pregnancies. Male condoms reduce the risk of HIV by 80 percent or more when used correctly and consistently. Modeling studies indicate female condoms can provide the same level of protection against HIV infection, although evidence is limited.
Consistent and correct use of male latex condoms is associated with lower rates of transmission among higher-risk groups, notably sex workers, men who have sex with men, and serodiscordant couples. In countries with concentrated epidemics (e.g., Thailand), programs promoting 100 percent condom use in the commercial sex industry have lowered overall prevalence levels. While the impact of condom use is unknown at the population level in mixed and generalized epidemics, condom programming remains an important aspect of the overall prevention portfolio.
III. Core Programmatic Components
Components of comprehensive condom programs are identified by the United Nations Population Fund as well as by PEPFAR in its recent guidance on prevention:
- Create demand: Understanding the local environment and characteristics of specific client groups is necessary to target individuals at higher risk and the venues they frequent. Demand can be accelerated by promoting condoms along with treatment and prevention, particularly for serodiscordant couples and for dual protection.
- Increase supply and availability: This is important for both male and female condoms in low and middle income countries. Managing the pipeline is critical to maintaining a constant supply of condoms. Advocacy for female condoms at both the international and national levels will increase demand, reduce production costs, and increase supply.
- Ensure high quality and low cost: Making both male latex condoms and nitrile female condoms available for free or at very low cost at key distribution points frequented by men and women (e.g., marketplaces, hair salons, workplaces) can increase use.
- Address acceptability: Confront prevailing cultural myths and inaccuracies using media campaigns and behavior change strategies--education and individual training--to target specific groups and communities, as well as larger audiences. Female condoms have unique advantages for women (greater control and dual protection) and men (increased sexual pleasure). Programs can capitalize on these features.
- Conduct monitoring and evaluation.
IV. Current Status of Implementation Experience
Meta-analyses and well-designed evaluations have shown that when coupled with education and counseling, condom promotion programs can be effective in increasing male condom use among youth and among such marginalized groups as sex workers, men who have sex with men, and serodiscordant couples. Successful condom programs employ multiple strategies, such as ensuring high coverage in accessible venues, training people on how to use condoms, building negotiation skills and self-efficacy, and working within social networks.
Condom programs have been implemented using mass media campaigns, community-level initiatives, and interpersonal outreach. They have also targeted people in the general population who engage in higher-risk sex (e.g., multiple partners, concurrent partners, commercial sex) in high-prevalence settings. Although these initiatives have shown success, male condom use between longstanding sexual partners, such as married couples, does not persist over time.
Demand for condoms exceeds availability; only a quarter of the total number of male condoms needed is available. Female condoms are even less available, due primarily to high cost and policymaker bias. Greater international funding and support for both male and female condoms must be increased to reduce the current gap and meet future needs.
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This study reviewed data from 14 longitudinal studies of sexually active serodiscordant heterosexual couples. In 13 of the studies, all the participants were 100 percent condom users, while the cohort in one study comprised those who never used condoms. Overall, the studies showed that consistent condom use for all acts of penetrative vaginal intercourse was associated with an 80 percent reduction in HIV seroconversion. The authors note a lack of detail in the studies (e.g., on correct use), and there were inconsistencies in terminology about condom use across the different studies. There was also a lack of information on disease-free exposure time, the review found. The results imply that condom use is less effective for HIV prevention than it is for pregnancy prevention. Recommendations for future studies include improving the way that condom use is coded to give more detailed information.
This meta-analysis concludes that structural-level condom distribution interventions are effective in preventing both HIV and sexually transmitted infections. Structural interventions improve the availability, acceptability, and accessibility of male condoms. The analysis shows that structural-level interventions are particularly effective for increased condom acquisition, carrying, and use; abstinence or delayed sexual debut in young people; and reduced incidence of sexually transmitted infections. Limitations of the meta-analysis include extreme heterogeneity in the studies, exclusion of some important studies for methodological reasons, and a cut-off point of September 2007, after which other relevant studies were published.
This synthesis with links to abstracts places research on condoms, both male and female, in the wider context of integrating family planning and HIV prevention services. Links to research papers and other documents demonstrate that the correct and consistent use of latex male condoms reduces the risk of HIV transmission by an estimated 80 to 90 percent. Other studies show that interventions targeted at both long-standing and serodiscordant couples significantly improve self-reported condom use rates; concentrated counseling can increase acceptability of condoms; and condom use has increased in high-risk groups, especially if condoms are widely available where risky sex takes place.
Condom use is among a range of HIV-related indicators in this report on 23 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The report illustrates great variation in use, but in all countries more men than women reported ever using a condom and using one in the previous 12 months. Similarly, condom use during high-risk sex varied widely across sub-Saharan Africa, while condom use at first intercourse among those aged 15 to 24 varied but was low overall. Detailed tables present country-level data with figures for two time points where available.
This report is based on expert interviews and an extensive literature search. It highlights the unique nature of female condoms as a means of protection from HIV that women can initiate. Female condoms are not readily available and awareness of this method of HIV prevention is low, the authors write. The way to stimulate demand for female condoms is to ensure high-quality female condom programming, including creative solutions to distribution; training for both providers and consumers; and promotion through civil society organizations that work with vulnerable population. The report makes recommendations to U.S. agencies involved in female condom programming to promote their integration into HIV prevention and family planning efforts, expand technical assistance, and scale up programming efforts. The scope of female condom promotion should be widened to the general public to avoid stigmatization of female condoms and supports the removal of hallmarked funding for abstinence-based HIV prevention programs.
Over 100 studies were reviewed to compile this summary of data on male-to-male sex, including condom use, in low- and middle-income countries. Asia accounted for the highest proportion of recent research, and there were also new studies from sub-Saharan Africa revealing epidemics of HIV among men who have sex with men. However, the authors found there is still a paucity of information from other regions, and Latin American studies were less extensive than anticipated. This newly available data should be used in the development of future interventions, but more systematic data collection would improve the evidence base for HIV prevention planning, the authors conclude.
This report stresses the importance of male and female condoms and other forms of contraception in HIV prevention and advocates scaled up access as well as integration into wider prevention strategies. Expanding access to condoms continues to face cultural and policy barriers and wide regional variations in condom use persist, the report finds. One section is dedicated to how programs address barriers to use and to improve rates of condom use among young people, those in long-term partnerships, serodiscordant couples, sex workers, and other socially marginalized groups. The section highlights specific issues such as gender-based violence as an obstacle to condom use and the experience of 100 percent condom use programs.
This is a systematic review of 28 interventions targeting female sex workers. The interventions are presented in four categories: structural interventions, behavioral interventions incorporating condom promotion, provision of vaginal microbicide, and treatment for sexually transmitted infection. The evidence supports condom promotion as a HIV risk reduction strategy when combined with other sexual risk reduction and better access to treatment for sexually transmitted infections.
Condom promotion interventions targeted at sex workers and their clients can result in significant increases in condom use, according to this systematic review of 62 studies in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. The evidence in support of such interventions with long-term partners who are not serodiscordant, and also with young people, is far weaker, the review finds. The findings were consistent across different countries. Relying on self-reported condom use leaves the studies open to reporting bias, and biological outcomes would be optimal. Standardized measures of condom use would also help future synthesis of condom promotion intervention evaluations, the authors note.
This systematic review of 137 articles on the female condom, including five randomized controlled trials, looked at the impact of female condoms on risk reduction and incidence of sexually transmitted infections. Among the five randomized controlled trials, two indicated notable decreases in STI incidence and all five indicated increases in the number of protected sex acts. Data from multiple studies showed that female condoms are used by women who are not as likely to use other dual protection methods. Of the studies reviewed, almost half looked at acceptability, while other studies focused on cost-effectiveness, facilitators and barriers to use, negotiation, and promotion. The authors suggest that future research should move away from the focus on acceptability to examining the effectiveness and impact on diverse settings and to more closely examine the view that female condoms empower women to negotiate safer sex.
Thailand's 100% Condom Program, which mandates enforced condom use in brothels, stands out as a significant success story in two decades of HIV prevention via condom promotion. Condom promotion among men who have sex with men and among sex workers and their clients can be successful, but there is less evidence in support of promotion to the general public, the review finds. Condom promotion strategies should be examined in conjunction with other interventions, such as partner reduction because of the potential for interaction, and interventions should truthfully represent the less than total efficacy of condoms in prevention of HIV transmission, the authors conclude.
Condom use errors are widespread globally and continue to lessen the efficacy of condoms. These results are from a systematic literature review of 50 articles on condom use representing 14 countries and a diverse set of populations (e.g., sex workers, clients at clinics for sexually transmitted infections [STIs], monogamous married couples, etc.) from 1995 to 2011. According to the authors, common errors involve incomplete use (e.g., putting on a condom after intercourse has begun or early removal of a condom followed by unprotected intercourse), not leaving space at the tip, not squeezing air from the tip prior to use, putting the condom on inside out and having to remove and replace it, not using water-based lubricants, and incorrect withdrawal. Some common problems include breakage, slippage, leakage, erection problems during condom application, erection problems during condom use, and problems with the fit or feel of a condom. The authors found that the majority of articles discussed breakage and slippage, yet argue that other problems, such as early removal of condoms and incomplete use, may be just as serious, particularly when they expose a partner to STIs. Some under-researched areas include duration of condom use during intercourse and condom-associated erection difficulties. The authors offer some guidelines on correct condom use before, at the time of, and after intercourse, and offer a Condom Use Experience model to guide future research.
This review describes the results of a meta-analysis on HIV prevention projects implemented among sex workers in low- and middle-income countries. The objectives of the review were to 1) evaluate and 2) assess the effectiveness of behavioral interventions in reducing the transmission of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among sex workers and their clients. Only randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials were included, a total of 13 studies. The outcomes of interest were STI and HIV incidence and prevalence. Secondary outcomes included changes in behavior such as condom use, sexual and drug use risk behavior, and STI treatment-seeking behavior. Two reviewers searched the gray and peer-reviewed literature from various sources, and included published data from 1980 to 2010. Primary outcomes were identified in seven studies (e.g., HIV incidence, STI incidence, and STI prevalence). It was found that a Social cognitive intervention did reduce HIV incidence among sex workers compared to standard counseling, and an intervention promoting both male and female condoms was more effective than promoting male condoms alone. Six interventions were effective in reducing STI incidence. Positive findings were also found among the secondary outcomes of successful interventions, such as an increase in condom use, reduction of drug use, and reduction of sexual partners. The authors concluded that a combination of behavioral interventions is the most effective, but not all interventions are successful in ameliorating health outcomes.
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This review compiles evidence from 11 studies on social network-based condom promotion interventions. All of the studies used social networks as defined by the study participants themselves, and 10 out of 11 studies measured significant improvements in condom use. Only three of the studies (among drug users in Thailand, Roma men in Bulgaria, and high-risk women in Baltimore, Maryland, in the United States) had biological outcomes, and the primary outcome of condom use varied greatly by timeframe. Eight of the nine studies with controls showed a substantial improvement in at least one condom measure among intervention groups versus controls. The authors conclude that social network-based HIV prevention interventions can increase condom use and reduce other HIV risk behaviors.
This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed 28 interventions for reported condom use and condom use intentions. It revealed that sexual behavior, whether risky or not, did not increase after sex education and condom promotion. However, only condom use by males at last sex increased, and the interventions did not result in positive changes to sexual behavior. The design of many studies was suboptimal, and the heterogeneity of studies suggests a lack of consensus on interventions and research into their efficacy.
This study compares prevalence data for HIV and sexually transmitted infections before and after the implementation of prevention campaigns targeting men who have sex with men (MSM) in Senegal, a group with high HIV prevalence and a high rate of risky sexual behaviors. Frequency of sexual practices remained unchanged, but condom use in male-to-male sexual encounters increased markedly. HIV prevalence remained the same, but prevalence of gonorrhea halved. Using the same sampling method in both surveys meant that the data could be meaningfully compared, but the authors caution that the results cannot be considered representative of the MSM population in Senegal, because the snowball sampling method likely caused selection bias.
An intervention in Taiwanese gay bathhouses to ensure availability and accessibility of condoms was successful in increasing use of condoms, according to this study. Bathhouse attendees were recruited before the intervention and were then surveyed six months later to assess whether or not greater access to condoms inside the bathhouses reduced unprotected sex and cut prevalence rates of HIV and sexually transmitted infections. Among attendees at bathhouses in the intervention group, self-reported consistent condom use during anal sex increased, but prevalence of HIV and sexually transmitted infections remained unchanged. It is important to ensure distribution of condoms in areas of the bathhouses where sexual encounters take place, the authors comment.
This intervention offered commercial sex workers in Guatemala biannual screening for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), condom education, and training in condom negotiation skills, and also comprised activities to reduce the criminalization of sex workers. It resulted in higher consistent usage of condoms with new and regular clients, as well as lower rates of HIV and STIs, according to this paper. The authors attribute the reduction in STIs and HIV to increased condom use. The study may be subject to bias due to the potential for greater loss to follow-up for subgroups at higher risk of HIV, as well as recall bias and misreporting.
This randomized controlled trial of 400 Californian women examined the impact of a four-session female condom skills training intervention. Women received instructions in female condom use including self-efficacy training at baseline and supplies of male and female condoms during the study period. Information on condom use was gathered using computer-assisted self-interviews at baseline and at three and six months. At follow-up, female condom use among the intervention group participants increased and the absolute difference in at least one incidence of condom usage was over 20 percent higher in the intervention group versus the control group at both time points. However, there was no difference in male condom use. The study showed that women in the intervention group exhibited safer sexual practices without reducing baseline male condom use, suggesting the intervention can be an effective supplement to other prevention strategies.
This study describes an intervention to provide Zambian HIV-positive and serodiscordant couples with male and female condoms and a variety of lubricants to assess their acceptability. It found that male condom use, already high at baseline, increased during the 6-month intervention and that the increase was sustained at 12 months. Female condom use also increased during the intervention, and men's attitudes shifted away from a cultural preference for dry sex. Use of lubricants was influenced by the need for communication between partners about sex, and interventions that encourage communication could be useful, the authors note. Gender roles pitting men as the sexual decision makers must be taken into account in such HIV prevention interventions.
This study looks at the relative effectiveness of female condoms as a HIV prevention strategy within the range of HIV prevention options. The study includes a comparative review of 14 female condom programs across 10 countries in the developing world as well as a wider literature review and interviews with stakeholders. There was also a cost-effectiveness analysis. This report found that female condoms are significantly less cost-effective than male condoms. Female condoms are not cost-effective for female sex workers due to the very high rate of substitution for male condoms; for women with regular sexual partners, they are not cost-effective because of the high cost relative to male condoms, the study found. However, the authors note that cost-effectiveness is not the sole criterion for funding decisions, that female condoms have utility in protecting women whose male sexual partners cannot or will not use a male condom, and that the benefits to women's empowerment are implied by female condom programming, but difficult to quantify.
This study looked at the impact among 1,000 sex workers in Madagascar of adding female condoms to male condom distribution. The study ran for 18 months, comprising 6 months when only male condoms were available to participants followed by 12 months when both types were available. Every two months, the women provided information on condom use and they were tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) every six months. Adding female condoms increased condom use from 78 percent of sex acts at the 6-month mark to 83 and 88 percent at 12 and 18 months, respectively. Over the same timeframe, prevalence of STIs also declined a fifth from 50 percent at month 6 to 40 percent at the 18-month mark. The authors conclude that female condom promotion has its place in the context of programs that first achieve maximum outcome from male condom programming, but that condom promotion is not sufficient on its own to control HIV and STIs.
This report describes in detail Thailand's 100% Condom Program and evaluates its success in significantly increasing consistent condom use in commercial sex settings, in turn dramatically reducing rates of sexually transmitted infections. Factors affecting the success of the program include the wide extent of implementation of all components of the program, the degree of collaboration between stakeholders, and taking account of different types of commercial sex establishments and their varying needs. This success story can be built upon by improving condom access in indirect sites of commercial sex, given that surveillance had found the number of such sites increasing in 2000 when Thailand's program was evaluated.
Condoms are a cornerstone of HIV prevention, yet the demand for and use of condoms remains low despite the high HIV and AIDS prevalence rates in certain countries. Negative rumors about condoms abound, and negative beliefs act as barriers to the intention to use condoms consistently and correctly. This study used the Negative Condom Belief Scale in Tanzania to quantitatively measure how negative beliefs affect willingness to use condoms. The cross-sectional study was conducted in the Maasai regions of Tanzania. About 360 individuals were randomly selected based on geographical and household clusters. Face-to-face interviews were conducted in the local language. The survey contained questions on socio-demographic variables, HIV risk perception, and HIV knowledge. Thirty semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted to develop the scale. Six commonly held beliefs emerged, including that new condoms contain worms, that these worms infect individuals with HIV, and that condom use can cause cancer. The dependent variable measured was "willingness to use a condom." It was found that between 35 and 53 percent of individuals in the survey agreed with the six negative condom rumors. Having a negative condom score on the Condom Beliefs Scale was a significant predictor of an individual's willingness to use a condom; other predictors were the ability to acquire a condom privately and condom self-efficacy. The results indicate a high level of negative beliefs about condom use and illustrate how those beliefs translate into reduced likelihood of actual condom use.
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This August 2011 guidance from the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) on prevention of sexually transmitted infections aims to support PEPFAR country teams to identify the best combination of HIV prevention strategies, based on country-specific epidemiology. It describes the overarching principles for prevention programs and then spells out the evidence base and implementation guidelines for specific interventions. The chapter on biomedical interventions includes a summary of evidence on the efficacy of male and female condoms for prevention of HIV transmission. It spells out three key factors in program implementation: condom availability must be increased; knowledge, acceptability, and demand must be stimulated; and access to antiretroviral therapy is driving increased demand and creating more opportunities for accelerated condom promotion. It also has chapters on behavioral interventions and on assembling a portfolio of interventions to optimize the PEPFAR contribution to a country's continuum of response.
This 16-page report states the rationale for condom promotion, arguing that condoms are central to HIV prevention because they are both effective in reducing HIV transmission and cost-effective. The study outlines a step-by-step strategic approach to developing a condom program, starting with establishing a national condom team, conducting situation analysis, and developing a comprehensive national condom strategy. This is followed by budget and operational plans linked to national commodity security plans, resources mobilization, capacity strengthening, and demand creation. The final steps are strengthening advocacy and media engagement as well as monitoring and evaluation.
A large-scale social marketing campaign under the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Avahan initiative resulted in condoms being more widely available in areas with a concentration of female sex workers. Improved coverage was achieved largely because of the increase in the network of non-traditional sales outlets such as bars, fuel stations, grocery stores, and restaurants. Areas were monitored to ascertain the availability and quality of condoms using lot quality sampling. The authors recommend lot quality sampling to do routine monitoring of geographic coverage because it is easy to collect data, sample sizes are small, and the data can be analyzed using simple methods.
This report presents findings from three case studies of condom promotion activities in Cambodia, Jamaica, and India. All three case studies are described in detail, and there is a summary of the sociocultural, legal, economic, and financial barriers to condom access and use. Despite the diverse nature of the three settings, they had four elements in common. They all used a peer-based model; addressed stigma and discrimination as a precursor to condom promotion; had a practical, evidence-based approach; and integrated condom advocacy with other health services related to HIV as well as wider sexual and reproductive health services.
This document is published annually by the USAID | DELIVER PROJECT and spells out the ordering procedures for use by missions to procure male and female condoms as well as other contraceptive supplies. It includes logistics forecasts to individual countries to aid calculation of delivery lead times, guidelines on the disposal of expired contraceptive products, and a product catalog and price list.
This report is aimed at a broad readership including donors, public health officials, national HIV program managers, health care workers, and other stakeholders. It describes priority interventions for HIV prevention, treatment, and care. There are also policy and technical recommendations and guidance on setting HIV program priorities. Recommendations on prevention of sexual transmission of HIV include condom promotion for the general population as well as at-risk groups such as serodiscordant couples and sex workers. There is also a list of over 230 useful resources.
This 75-minute course explains the purpose and components of a logistics system and its role in supporting contraceptive and commodity security. There are modules introducing the basics of logistics in theory and in practice, covering topics such as forecasting, finance, procurement, and delivery. There are examples from the field to show how logistics can make limited resources stretch further and make programs more successful. The course also covers the importance of a logistics management information system and guidance on forecasting, inventory control, and storage. Users can monitor their learning with frequent multiple-choice quizzes, culminating in an online exam. There is a click-through glossary for technical terms throughout the course. Go to link below and then register (free), then click "Course Catalog" and select "Logistics for Health Commodities."
Launching a new condom program or improving an existing one can be done with the seven-step process laid out in this manual. There are detailed chapters on understanding condom users and the program environment; creating an action plan; ensuring a pipeline of high-quality condoms; expanding distribution, condom promotion at distribution points, promoting condoms in the community and at district and national levels; and program monitoring and evaluation. The manual provides a checklist of key actions, examples from the field, and useful worksheets and contacts. There are also fact sheets on male and female condoms, their dual role as protection against HIV and pregnancy, and gender and condom programming.
This report provides guidance on how to ensure optimal use of condoms as part of a comprehensive HIV prevention strategy. Steps include ensuring sufficient condom supplies, promoting their use within at-risk groups and the general population, clearly communicating their effectiveness, and addressing misconceptions. The report spells out the common features of condom promotion success stories and explains how to make condoms campaigns more effective. It gives useful but succinct information on the evidence base supporting condom promotion. Attention is given to recognizing and capitalizing on the interactions between different elements of condom promotion, such as social marketing and condom education.
Condoms for HIV Prevention
World Health Organization. (2011).
The World Health Organization's webpage on HIV and condoms provides links to general information as well as technical documents, scientific evidence, and data. There are recommended readings on a range of topics such as condom effectiveness and common myths and misperceptions associated with condom use, as well as a report on a 100 percent condom use program in China. A podcast on condoms for HIV prevention and links to condom-related information on the websites of related UN organizations are also accessible via the site.
HIV Prevention Gains Momentum: Successes in Female Condom Programming
United Nations Population Fund. (2011).
This report profiles specific country examples of successful female condom promotion programs. There are seven country profiles covering awareness-raising and behavior change to increase demand for female condoms, such as social marketing in hair salons and barbershops in Zimbabwe, and assertiveness training for women on Malawi. Programs in the Caribbean and Nigeria are cited as examples of successfully integrating female condom promotion into existing programs, while supply logistics and quality assurance are explored with examples from the Caribbean, Malawi, and Nigeria. Strengthening government capacity is also covered with four case studies from sub-Saharan countries.
View Report (PDF, 2.72 MB)
Prevention Now
Center for Health and Gender Equity. (2011).
The publications page of the Center for Health and Gender Equity's Prevention Now website has links to a wide range of materials on female condoms and female condom programming. There are fact sheets on female condoms and the Prevention Now campaign to increase donor funding for female condoms. A report on U.S. support for female condom programming is complemented by a poster detailing five-year trends in U.S. funding. There are country profiles from Malawi, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, and many of the publications are also available in French, Portuguese, and Spanish.
Condoms and STDs: Fact Sheet for Public Health Personnel
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011).
This three-page fact sheet explains how male condoms must be used correctly and consistently to reduce transmission of sexually transmitted infections, making a distinction between the degree of protection against diseases transmitted by genital secretions and genital ulcer diseases. It explains that male condoms offer a very high degree of protection from HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis, and reduced risk for transmission of genital ulcer diseases such as genital herpes, syphilis, chancroid, and human papillomavirus-related infections, i.e., genital warts and cervical cancer. For both categories of sexually transmitted infections, there are plain-language summaries of the theoretical basis for protection and the findings of laboratory and epidemiologic studies.
View Full Study (PDF, 1.4 MB)
Compendium of Evidence-Based HIV Prevention Interventions
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011).
The risk-reduction chapter of this compendium includes 74 HIV risk-reduction evidence-based interventions, identified by a thorough literature review through December 2009. Among the 43 individual- and group-level best interventions are those promoting condom use. The database can be searched according to different characteristics such as risk category, race, and gender of participants. Condom use interventions that have the most successful outcomes are those that provide education/training in condom use and are delivered to individuals or small groups using a social-cognitive theoretical approach.
Reducing Sexual Transmission
Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS. (2011).
The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) website has a range of documents on male condoms, including a joint UNAIDS/United Nations Population Fund/World Health Organization position statement on condoms and HIV prevention and review document on condom programming.
UNAIDS Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic 2010
Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS. (2010).
The 2010 Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) report on the global HIV epidemic draws on the latest available data from 182 countries, including incidence trend data from 60 countries, the first time such data has been included in a UNAIDS global report. Data is disaggregated by country and by demographic categories. There are chapters giving an update of the epidemic, HIV prevention, HIV treatment, human rights and gender, and HIV investments. The report can be downloaded in its entirety or chapter by chapter.
View Report (PDF, 3.9 MB)
U.S. Agency for International Development Documents
U.S. Agency for International Development (2006).
The Development Experience Clearinghouse of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is a searchable repository of documents from USAID-funded projects worldwide. There are currently more than 3,000 documents related to HIV, and the site is due to relaunch with more downloadable documents and more user-friendly search tools.
FC2 Female Condom
FC2 Female Condom. (2009).
This website provides detailed information on the FC2 second-generation female condom, which combines the same safety and efficacy of the first-generation female condom with lower cost. There is information on where to obtain female condoms from both the public sector and on the retail market in the United States. There are step-by-step instructions on how to use the female condom, also available in Spanish. Health professionals can find resources and training materials, and there are pages for quick facts, frequently asked questions, and FC2 in the news. There is also a link to a 55-page bibliography of research on the female condom.


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Tested by the Good Housekeeping Research Institute
Haier Touch Sense Electric Dryer
Product Review
About GHRI Ratings
XGood Housekeeping Research Institute (GHRI) ratings are based on laboratory tests conducted by our scientists at the U.S.'s foremost consumer products evaluation laboratory, and incorporate consumer feedback. GHRI is situated on the 29th floor of the Hearst Tower in New York City and is staffed by chemists, engineers, nutritionists, textile specialists, culinary experts, and other scientists.
Using state-of-the-art equipment, GHRI experts test consumer products — from microwaves to mascaras — for their performance, safety, and, with the help of volunteer testers, ease of use.
Established in 1900, before there was a Federal Drug Administration or a Federal Trade Commission, GHRI has always been the most trusted source consumers can rely on to choose products that are safe and effective.
Unfortunately the cons outweigh the pros for the Haier Touch Sense Electric Dryer. Though this dryer scored well when it came to ease of use and offers plenty of specialty cycles and features, the performance just wasnt up to par with the other dryers in our test. The Haier was also the only unit that could not complete our bulky cycle comforter test. Haier.com.
Steam Cycle: No
Color: Available in White with black trim
Manufacturers Warranty: One year parts and labor
*All dryers come in gas and electric versions; we list the model number and price for the type and color we tested. Performance is comparable across types.
GHRI Tested: Dryers
- Amana Tandem Electric Dryer NED7300WW
- Bosch MistCare Steam Dryer
- Bosch Vision 800 Series Vented Dryer with Steam
- Electrolux Perfect Steam Dryer
- Frigidaire Affinity 7.0 Cu. Ft. Gas Dryer
- GE Profile 7.0 cu. ft. Stainless Steel Capacity Electric Dryer with Steam & SensorDry Plus
- GE Profile 7.5 cu. ft. Stainless Steel Capacity Frontload Dryer with Steam
- GE Profile Frontload Dryer with Steam
- Haier Touch Sense Electric Dryer
- Haier Ultra Plus Capacity Electric Dryer
- Hotpoint 6.0 cu. ft. Capacity DuraDrum Electric Dryer
- Kenmore 7.0 cu. ft. Capacity Electric Dryer
- Kenmore Elite 7.3 cu. ft. Electric Dryer with Steam Generator
- Kenmore Elite HE5 Steam 7.5 cu. ft. Super Capacity Dryer
- Kenmore Elite Oasis ST 7.6 cu. Ft. Capacity Dryer
- LG SteamDryer with TrueSteam
- LG Top-Load SteamDryer DLEX5101V
- LG Ultra-Capacity SteamDryer DLEX3885
- Maytag 7.4 Cu. Ft. Bravos X Front Load Electric Dryer MEDX600
- Maytag Bravos Steam Dryer
- Maytag Centennial Electric Dryer MEDC300XW
- Maytag Maxima Electric Dryer MED6000
- Maytag Performance Series Front-Load Dryer
- Miele T9802 Eco-Optimum Capacity Electric Dryer
- Samsung 7.4 cu. ft. Steam Dryer
- Samsung 7.5 cu. ft. Steam Electric Dryer
- Whirlpool Cabrio 7.4 cu. ft. Dryer WED5700X
- Whirlpool Duet Steam 7.4 cu. ft. Dryer WED97HEXL
- Whirlpool Duet Steam Dryer
- Whirlpool Vantage 7.4 cu. ft. Electric Dryer
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