text:
'Speedy camera and futuristic voice command capabilities'
'Customizable design, Snappy performance'
'Excellent size for one-handed use, Fast'
'Reasonable size, Durable build that feels great'
'Beautiful phone with a brilliant operating system and robust features'
'Classy, simple design'
'Bright and beautiful display, Very swift overall performance'
'Easy to activate Quick Capture mode'
'Pros: Motorola's hardware is brilliant, Android remains solid.'
'Comfortable design, Moto Maker customization is phenomenal'
'Big eye-popping screen and luxurious design'
'Outstanding battery life'
'Fast processor and data speeds'
'Great battery'
' Colors are vibrant and the 1,280-by-720 pixel resolution is sharp'
'Fast 4G LTE speeds'
'Good, solid, but not flashy phone'
'Good performance'
'Brilliant screen and powerful internals'
'Excellent Battery Life'
'Fast performance'
'Good call quality'
'Solid build quality'
'Strong call quality'
'Excellent performer '
'Good performance for a dual-core handset'
'Looks awesome and gives the premium feel you want from a smartphone'
'Durable and refined smartphone'
'Lovely looking, great screen, decent battery life'
'Excellent signal strength'
'Features a fast processor, a lovely screen, 4G LTE'
'Remarkable compact size, thanks to the almost bezel-less display'
'Great performance for the money'
'Affordable and compact'
'4.55 inch HD display with ColorBoost technolog'
'Snappy dual-core S4 processor'
'Great phone for beginners AND experienced users'
'Big screen in a small package'
'Compact design, Good specs, Great price'
'Compact, well constructed design'
'Incredible keyboard'
'Well designed, comfortable to use physical keyboard'
'Sublime hardware keyboard'
'Speedy 4G device with a 1.5-gigahertz processor for fast downloads and application performance '
'Bright sharp display with vivid color'
'Excellent keyboard'
'Wonderful edge-lit keyboard'
'Great screen'
'Fantastic Phone'
'Great form factor'
'Very slim and attractive design'
'Good design and materials used'
'Excellent all-around performance'
'Hi-res AMOLED'
'Battery life king'
'Dual-core processor'
'Snappy overall performance'
'Dual-core processor keeps phone running smoothly'
'Spectacular battery life'
'All that Droid RAZR goodness, with nearly 2x battery life.'
'Big, bright screen & a fast processor'
'Nice, mostly stock ICS experience'
'Stock Android experience'
'Powerhouse of a device in a sleek package'
'Excellent 720p display'
'Crystal clear and vibrant display'
'Large 2530mAh battery'
'Unique features like Smart Actions'
'Solid LTE data speeds'
'Active noise cancellation with dedicated mic'
'Perfect size, Fast performance, 4G LTE support'
'Bang for your buck in terms of both performance and style'
'Fast data speeds and a great typing experience'
'Great calling quality'
'Superb hardware keyboard, Fast'
'Excellent keyboard, Smooth performance'
'Healthy battery life, Fast LTE speeds'
'Superb QWERTY keyboard, solid build'
'Best and most PC like keyboard ever found on a mobile phone'
'Great keyboard, Comfortable design'
'Amazing slide-out keyboard with number row'
'Battery on this thing is a champ'
'Plenty of multimedia features'
'Fantastic qHD display, blazing LTE speeds'
'Stand-out design, materials and build quality'
' Ultra-powerful and fast'
'Hi-res AMOLED screen'
'Super slim yet solidly built'
'Verizon LTE is ridiculously speedy'
'Physically stunning'
'Excellent voice'
ReviewGist helps you find the best products to buy by making sense of online reviews.
We are currently aggregating 360,836 reviews
covering over 28,844 products. See what the press says about ReviewGist here.
The Best Cellphone Buying Guide for 2014 is the definitive starting point for your next cellphone purchase.
© 2007-14 ReviewGist.com. All Rights Reserved.


text:
All you have to do is group the bulbs into little bouquets and then put them altogether with gold floral tape and then wrap a lovely ribbon around it. Voila! Check out my full instructions on Etsy Weddings.
Project for Etsy Weddings
Soo very cool, I've never seen these before!
So amazing bouquet, veru original! and what a dress and model, very lovely combination!
So beautiful! Kind of makes me wish I'd been a Christmas bride :)
That is SO BEAUTIFUL. I kind of wish I could get married again and make my own bouquet. And the dress is to die for, too!
just make it for your mantle!
this is beautiful! not for me for a wedding, but maybe centerpieces for a winter wedding?
so beautiful... i like the idea of just making it for a mantle or perhaps hanging it up in place of some mistletoe! so shiny and pretty - thanks for the wonderful inspiration (always) x
beautiful! the golden leaves are delightful.
It is very pretty and unique, though I know it is something I wouldn't want for my own wedding. I'm into flowers and I want a beautiful one for me and centerpieces for every table in our reception.
It's very nice and unique, though like Margaux, I chose a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers for my wedding. But those things are being taken care by my wedding planner, what I'm looking for right now is a perfect honeymoon destination for us.
Forget the (amazing) bouquet. I am particularly astonished on the wedding gown. I think this wedding has been a blast. Oh, your blog is beyond lovely. I think you are, too!
Thanks Donna! The dress is Jenny Packham. Isn't it amazing?!
Thank you for sharing this! I might use this for my wedding because it goes perfect with my gown! I'm so glad I came across your site.
Nice and unique bouquet for the wedding. The gown looks pretty smooth and evokes a sense of mystery and purity.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
7/21/2014 Trans Fall Mailer
mouse over photo to zoom click for larger image
Sleeveless Silk Surplice Blouse
Silky soft blouse in a pastel hue exudes femininity. Wrapped surplice neckline and blouson fit flatters flawlessly.
- Blouson fit.
- Smocked back hem.
- Epaulettes at tops of shoulders with silvertone buttons.
- Wrapped surplice neckline with secure snap.
- Pleats from shoulders and at side hem.
- Fully lined.
- 100% silk. Hand wash, cold. Imported.
- Regular: Approximately 24" in length. Hits at the hip.
- Petite: Approximately 23" in length.
We're so sorry: this item sold out sooner than expected. For an equally stylish substitute, please call our Style Experts at 1.877.948.2525. Or click on Live Help below for immediate assistance.


text:
Close X
Vigo VG15272 VIGO All in One 30-inch Farmhouse Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink and Faucet Set
Product Description
This Vigo All in One 30-inch Farmhouse Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink and Faucet Set has a stainless steel finish.
VIGO All in One 30-inch Farmhouse Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink and Faucet Set
Give your kitchen a complete makeover with a VIGO All in One Kitchen Set featuring a 30" Farmhouse - Apron Front kitchen sink, faucet, soap dispenser, matching bottom grid and sink strainer. This single bowl sink is manufactured with 16 gauge premium 304 Series stainless steel construction with a commercial grade premium scratch resistant satin finish.
- Fully undercoated and padded with a unique multi layer sound eliminating technology, which also prevents condensation
- All VIGO kitchen sinks are warranted against rust
- Distinctive 15 mm radius curved corners with rear standard 3 1/2" drain placement
- Exterior dimensions: 30" W x 22 1/4" B2F
- Interior dimensions: 28" W x 18" B2F
- Depth: 9 7/8"
- Required interior cabinet space: 30"
- Kitchen sink is cUPC and NSF-61 certified by IAPMO
- Sink model: VGR3020C
- Faucet features a dual function spiral pull-out spray head for aerated flow or powerful spray, and is made of solid brass with a stainless steel finish
- Includes a spray face that resists mineral buildup and is easy-to-clean
- High-quality ceramic disc cartridge
- Retractable 360-degree swivel spout expandable up to 30"
- Single lever water and temperature control
- Standard US plumbing 3/8" connections
- Faucet height: 18 1/2"
- Spout reach: 9 1/2"
- Kitchen faucet is cUPC, NSF-61, and AB1953 certified by IAPMO
- Faucet is ADA Compliant 2-hole installation with soap dispenser
- Faucet model: VG02001ST
- Soap dispenser is solid brass with an elegant stainless steel finish and fits 1 1/2" opening with a 3 1/2" spout projection
- Matching bottom grid is chrome-plated stainless steel with vinyl feet and protective bumpers
- Sink strainer is made of durable solid brass in chrome finish
- All VIGO kitchen sinks and faucets have a Limited Lifetime Warranty
Dimensions & Weights
|22¼ inches
|Bowl Back to Front:
|18 inches
|Bowl Width:
|28 inches
|9.875 inches
|Faucet Height:
|18½ inches
|Liters per Minute (Max):
|Gallons per Minute (Max):
|Spout Reach:
|9½ inches
|36 inches
Would you like to update product info, give feedback on images, or tell us about a lower price?
Questions & Answers
Didn't get the answer you needed?
We'll respond to your question in three days or less
There are no questions from the community yet
Customer Reviews
This product has no customer reviews yet
Write an online review and be the first to share your thoughts with other customers
Write an online review and be the first to share your thoughts with other customers
Tag This Product
A tag is a keyword assigned to a product which helps describe the item and allows it to be found by other customers
Add a new tag:
Separate multiple tags with commasWhat's this?
Additional Details
|Mfr Part #
|Group #
|Apron Kitchen Sinks - 542
|Modern - 3
|Sales Rank
Your Recently Viewed Items
You have no recently viewed items. After viewing product detail pages or search results, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to products you are interested in.
Your Recommended Items
You currently have no recommended items. Browse a few more items to give us an idea of what you like.
©1999 - 2014 ATGStores.com.Copyright notice | Site Map | By using this site you agree to our Terms & Conditions of Use and Privacy Statement
Server: EASTWEB121 DBServer: EASTDB04 Created On: 12/29/2014 8:55:06 AM


text:
You can't teach an old dog new tricks, but at the very least, you can serve as a fashionable role model for your pup—and we've got just the celebrity looks to inspire you. Ladies like Olivia Palermo, Gwen Stefani, and Miranda Kerr always seem to nail the balance between on-trend style and laid-back comfort when it comes to their dog-walking ensembles.
Dog Days: What Celebs Wear While Walking Their Pups
- 1 of 11
Whether or not you have a furry friend of your own, you'll certainly want to take note of these casually chic outfits—and the adorable tail-waggers too! Click through our slideshow to find out more.
- 2 of 11
WHO: Anne Hathaway
WHAT: Taking a stroll with her chocolate Lab, Esmeralda, in Brooklyn.
WEAR: White blazer; striped top; flared jeans; sneakers.
Get The Look: ASOS Blazer With PU Lapel ($93); American Apparel Striped Baby Rib Crop T ($24); 7 For All Mankind Slim Trousers ($215).
- 3 of 11
WHO: Jessica Biel
WHAT: Walking her pit bull Tina (left) and one of husband Justin Timberlake's boxer dogs (right).
WEAR: AllSaints Lira Sweat T-Shirt ($110) and Colby Dress ($68); Nike Dunk Sky Hi Sneakers ($90).
Get The Look: Barney's Original Leather Jacket With Zip Detail ($187); White Chocolate Stripe T-Shirt Dress ($68); Nike Air Max Leather Sneakers ($120).
- 4 of 11
WHO: Jessica Hart
WHAT: Spending quality time with her Yorkshire terrier, Charlie, after lunch.
WEAR: Intermissi top; American Apparel shorts; Carrera 6000/L Sunglasses ($98) in Beige; Prada bag; Soludos Lace Flower Lace Up Shoes ($55).
Get The Look: Splendid Super Soft Knit Henley ($27); Rag & Bone/JEAN Mila Destroyed Cut Offs ($119); BP Mirrored Sunglasses ($12).
- 5 of 11
WHO: Olivia Palermo
WHAT: Taking her Maltese terrier, Mr. Butler, for a walk.
WEAR: Westward Leaning Children Of California Sunglasses ($180); Alexander Wang Handkerchief Tie Dress ($445); Mar Y Sol Tote ($109).
Get The Look: Kimberly Ovitz Alban Dress ($198); Michael Stars Streamline Straw Tote ($88).
- 6 of 11
WHO: Miranda Kerr
WHAT: Spotted with her Yorkshire terrier Frankie in New York.
WEAR: Stella McCartney Leopard-Print Cat's-Eye Sunglasses ($225); Temperley London Blue Petra Sleeved Dress ($980); Aurelie Bidermann for Balmain The Pierre Bag ($4350); Pretty Ballerinas shoes.
Get The Look: Jones New York Striped Dress ($69); Gap Leather Ballet Flats ($40) in Cognac.
- 7 of 11
WHO: Gwen Stefani
WHAT: Spending the day with her Pomeranian, Chewy, in Malibu Beach.
WEAR: Asymmetrical white top; drawstring silk trousers; Viktor & Rolf Bombette Bag ($1995); L.A.M.B. sandals.
Get The Look: Hache Asymmetrical Top ($194); Ramy Brook Drawstring Cropped Pants ($295); Deena & Ozzy Cutout Lace-Up Sandals ($39).
- 8 of 11
WHO: Emma Stone
WHAT: Walking Ren, the golden retriever she adopted with boyfriend Andrew Garfield.
WEAR: Sandro coat.
Get The Look: The WhitePepper PU Biker Jacket ($149); Three Dots Jersey Leggings ($58).
- 9 of 11
WHO: Karlie Kloss
WHAT: Walking her terrier Joe in New York City.
WEAR: The Reformation Possum Jumper ($198, available in Black).
Get The Look: BCBGMaxazria Casli Crossover Halter Jumpsuit ($71) in Larkspur Blue.
- 10 of 11
WHO: Julianne Hough
WHAT: Taking out her Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Lexi and Harley, for a stroll.
WEAR: Rachel Zoe Karla Openwork Sweater ($195); Denim of Virtue Rosette 8010 Jeans ($198).
Get The Look: Surface To Air Waffle Long Sweater ($176); James Jeans James Twiggy 5-Pocket Leggings ($70).
- 11 of 11
WHO: Alessandra Ambrosio
WHAT: Bringing her a teacup Maltese, Lola, on an errand run in Los Angeles.
WEAR: Ella Moss Dixon Paisley Crop Pants ($138); Sam Edelman Gigi Sandals ($65) in Almond.
Get The Look: Acne Copy T-Shirt ($41); GUESS Bazaar Paisley Crop Pants ($89).


text:
At Evolution Auto we carry a huge inventory of used cars from a variety of manufacturers. We put all our used vehicles through an extensive inspection before hitting the lot in order to ensure that they are of the highest quality. Whether you are looking for a used truck, car, van, or SUV, we're confident that we have what you are looking for. Give us a ring or visit our dealership for a test drive today. We invite you to experience why we are one of Sanford's most trusted used car dealers.
Evolution Auto is a premier used car dealership in the Naples, Orlando, and Sanford, Florida region. Our two locations throughout Florida has made Evolution Auto a preferred destination for used cars, trucks, and SUVs. We stock a huge inventory of used BMW, Toyota, Chevrolet, Honda and Nissan models, all of which have been priced to sell. Not sure you can afford a used car from Evolution Auto? Come speak to the financing experts at our auto loan department today.


text:
Kicking off your working week in the best possible way, Soccer Reviews has scoured the globe in search of the best boot spots. From the Premier League to the A-League, we've gone through this weekend's action to bring you the latest and greatest boot spots!
Hulk (Porto) – Mizuno Morelia MD
Lucas Leiva (Liverpool) – Nike Tiempo Legend IV
Mohammad Zbida (Syria) – Nike Mercurial Vapor V
Ruben Zadkovic (Newcastle Jets) – adidas Copa Mundials (Custom)
Vincent Kompany (Manchester City) – Nike Total 90 Laser III
Abdul Wahab (Bahrain) – Puma V1.10 Lightning SL
Emiliano Bonazzoli (Reggina Calcio) – adidas Predator adiPower SL
Unknown player (China) – adidas Predator Absolute
Dominique Martinho (AC Cesena) – Nike Mercurial Glide II
Armand del Rosario (Kaya Cignal FC) – Mizuno Morelia Neo
That's it for this week's boot spotting. What was your favourite spot this week? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.


text:
Vacuum Cleaner Bags
Vacuum cleaning systems that offer the best cleaning ability – is that what you are seeking? It's also likely that you believe that cleaning ability is related to power or suction. Actually, it's not. While there's no single factor that determines the cleaning ability of the vacuum cleaner you use, understanding how vacuums work and how you can help maintain your vacuum cleaner to perform its best is important. Changing your vacuum cleaner bag is an important step in maintaining the efficiency of your vacuum cleaner. While most vacuum cleaners come with an indicator to help you determine when your cleaner's dust bag needs to be changed, you can perform a check yourself to see if it is over 50% full as that's when you need to replace it. Don't wait until the dust bag in your vacuum cleaner is completely full as it can reduce the suction and cleaning capacity of your vacuum cleaning system. If you use your vacuum cleaner frequently, it is recommended that you change vacuum cleaner bags once a month, especially if you are cleaning a large area over 2000 square feet or if your pet sheds a lot.
What you need the most when you are considering vacuum cleaner bag replacement is a bag that is well-matched with the model of your vacuum cleaning system. You can find original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or replacement type bags online. While both serve the purpose, that is enhancing the cleaning capacity of your vacuum cleaning system and providing you an easy way to get rid of all the dirt that you vacuum cleaner collects, you can choose one according to your budget and cleaning needs. At GoVacuum, we have got a vast range of vacuum cleaner bags from the biggest and the best brands around. You'll find them here at great prices and shipping offers. We are the vacuum cleaning system experts and can recommend the right bag for your existing system all while staying within your budget.
Aerus /Electrolux Style C Paper Bags, 12 PackAerus /Electrolux Style C Paper Bags are MicroLined, MutiFilter, AirPlus Bags that come in a pack of 12 bags. These are nice quality generic bags Learn More
Hoover Type A Allergen Vacuum Cleaner Bag 3 packHoover Type "A" Allergen Vacuum Cleaner Bags Made By The Hoover Company Style A UPC 073502507377. These Hoover A Bags Are Great With 60 Day In Home Trial. Learn More
Hoover 4010100Y Type Y 3 Pack Allergen Filter Bag WindtunnelHoover Y vacuum bags fits all windtunnel upright Hoover vacuums using the type Y vacuum cleaner bag. The Hoover 4010100Y Y bags are allergy filtered. Learn More
Hoover Type Y Allergen Filter Bag, Part # 4010100Y3 Pack, Hoover, Style "Y" Wind Tunnel Allergen Filtration Vacuum Bag, Fits All Wind Tunnel Models.1 Learn More
Generic Hoover Style "D" Upright Vacuum Cleaner Bags 3pk.Fits Models: Upright Dial-A-Matic Learn More
Generic Hoover Type S Micro-Filtration Bags, 3 Pack Fits Futura, Spectrum and WindTunnelEnvirocare Technologies are the nicest quality after market vacuum cleaner bag and filter manufacturer. These bags are designed with allergy sufferers in mind, as each bag consists of a multi-ply constructed bag, with an inner layer of electrostatically Learn More
Generic Hoover Type SR For Duros Canister Vacuums 3pk.For Hoover SR Duros Canister Vacuum. 3 pack.Replacement for Hoover Original part# 401010SR. Not sure which hoover bag fits your vacuum? Check out our handy Hoover Bag Chart Learn More
$8.99 As low as: $7.95
Genuine Hoover Type Y Allergen Filtration Vacuum Bags#4010100YFits All Hoover Tempo Uprights, as well as Hoover Windtunnel upright models.Product Features - 99.7% Filtration - Convenient See Thru Dust Window so there's no guess when bag is full - Desgined to fit All Hoover Windtunnel machi Learn More
Hoover Style W2 HEPA Bags (2 pack) # 401080W2This is the Hoover Windtunnel 2 Series HEPA filtration vacuum cleaner bags, part# 401080W2. High quality bags great for allergy sufferers. Learn More
Hoover "A" Allergen Bag Hoover Part # 4010100AThis is a 3 pack of genuine Hoover Type A Upright Replacement Vacuum bags, part# 4010100A, for a variety of Hoover Upright Vacuums. Learn More


text:
FRANKFORT, Ky. (4/17/14) — Funding to widen and straighten two roads in Muhlenberg County near the West Kentucky/Wendell Ford Center exit and the Muhlenberg High School West Campus is included in the 2014-2016 state Road Plan approved by the Kentucky General Assembly on Tuesday, State Rep. Brent Yonts announced today.
"Hopefully, these improvements will lead to some economic development venues near where the roads converge at the West Kentucky/Wendell Ford Center," Yonts, D-Greenville, said. "It will be a great improvement all the way around."
The improvements are found in two separate projects: The first will widen KY 181 from Hwy. 601 to near the West Kentucky/Wendell Ford Center. The second will straighten Dean Road leading from the bypass to KY 181. The projects will take approximately four years each to complete, and each will cost several million dollars.
"These two roads are corridors that will serve a new multi-million-dollar central athletic complex sponsored by the Martin Foundation and the Muhlenberg County Board of Education via a near-century long lease agreement," said Yonts. The Martin Foundation provides funding for various projects in Muhlenberg County—educational and otherwise—under the perpetual trust of Felix Martin, who bequeathed millions of dollars for the perpetual benefit of Muhlenberg County.
"The central athletic complex is a flagship item in the intensive park development plan being developed in the county," said Yonts. "Widening of KY 181 and straightening of Dean Road will create ease of traffic as well as improve safety on these two roads, both which are extremely narrow."
State-authorized funding for the KY 181 project is $4.8 million in the next biennium through fiscal year 2018. State-authorized funding for the Dean Road project is $2.75 million in the next biennium through fiscal year 2019.Rep. Brent Yonts represents the 15th House District, which includes all of Muhlenberg County and portions of Hopkins and Christian counties.
SurfKY News
Information provided by Rebecca Hanchett
© Copyright 2014 SurfKY News Group, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, or rewritten without permission. SurfKY News encourages you to share this story by using one of the social media links below.
|< Prev
|Next >


text:
What a big month!
I resigned from my job. Started another. Prepared for Christmas, our special visitor and all our festive entertaining. Oh, and somehow managed to squeeze in some Christmas baking in between!
The beginning of the month hailed the end of my job for six years. I returned to work from maternity leave at the end of August, but quickly started to search out a part-time alternative – as the work-life balance in the Mélanger household lacked the necessary harmony, to say to least! Fortunately, a few months later, I secured the perfect part-time alternative at a brand new company, and immediately made the switch.
But there was no time to dwell on leaving my old job, as Christmas was fast approaching. Much to organise and prepare!
I have to say, this year has been one of my best Christmases yet, thanks to my pint-sized minature.
It may technically have been baby Melanger's second Christmas, but it certainly felt like her first. With bub only a few months old last year, the day came and went without much fanfare. This year, however, was bursting with endless shrieks, giggles and laughter at the endless stream of everything 'new'.
The tree attracted the greatest attention. There was nonstop pointing and 'talking' with lots of fast hand movements. And there were quite a number of dances in front of the tree, including the odd twirl or two for added effect. It seems to have made quite an impression!
Our visit from bub's Ukki, also added much to the festive cheer. It was such a delight for baby Mélanger to meet her grandfather face-to-face for the first time, and for her Ukki to see her BIG personality first hand.
I also had a lot of fun baking up some new traditions this year. The Joulutortut and Joulupulla were the firm favourites. And I have no difficulty visualising baking these goodies up year after year (whilst trialing some new flavours and ideas, too!). Many thanks again to my friend Celina Laaksonen who was an enthusiastic guide in this month's menu.
I hope you all enjoyed the selection this month, too? I may or may not take a little break in January, but I hope to post a new exciting theme again soon. In the meantime, here is the round up of this month's recipes.
:: I hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday and that 2012 brings much joy and happiness to you all xxx ::
{ Joulutortut :: Finnish Christmas Stars } For some time I have greedily eyed off these tender butter pastries, simply shaped as a festive star, and dotted with a small kiss of sweet prune filling in the centre. This recipe produces a soft, cream based pastry. It is incredibly simple to put together, and fairly easy to work with. These little Finnish Christmas stars got an immediate thumbs up from Mr Mélanger. { Read more here…. }
{ Jouluriisipuuro :: Finnish Rice Pudding & Joulupiparkakut :: Gingerbread } Traditionally, this Christmas rice pudding can be served alongside a dried fruit soup (sekahedelmäkeitto), and there is always a whole blanched almond hidden inside (a bit like hiding a sixpence in a Christmas pudding!). But I could not resist sharing this combination as a tribute to Celina! The idea is genius. The creaminess of the pudding, goes deliciously with the spicy, crunchy gingerbread. I particularly love the gingerbread. As soon as you warm up the spices with the syrup, the entire kitchen starts to smell a little of Christmas. { Read more here …. }
{ Taatelikakku :: Finnish Christmas date cake } Finland has some light, fragrant and curiously bundt shaped Christmas cakes. Far different from my Christmas cake memories. I selected to bake up the taatelikakku, as part of this month's experiment. This is a wonderfully light yet moist cake. The addition of coffee to the mixture adds a lovely depth of flavour against the sweetness of the dates. And in my opinion, this cake should not be reserved just for Christmas. It is simply too delicious! { Read more here….}
{ Joulupulla :: Finnish Christmas buns } This is really just a basic pulla dough shaped into the special festive shape. I have made pulla more times than I can remember, and I have ultimated adapted this recipe from a few different sources (Beatrice Ojakangas, the Nordic Bakery Cookbook plus my friend Celina Laaksonen). My father-in-law mentioned his mother's pulla was less sweet, but he preferred the extra sugar in this recipe. So feel free to experiment! { Read more here….}


text:
A Close Look at Four Trendy Diets
Sometimes it feels like there's a new revolutionary diet or list of superfoods being "discovered" every other day, especially during Spring, when everyone is getting ready for swimsuit season! Weight issues plague both people with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes, but some of these diets can be tricky to understand. When you have diabetes and are trying to balance blood sugars, it can be difficult to know whether any given diet is a…Read more »


text:
Practical Actions for a DIY World
How to Save Bats in Your Own Backyard
by Heidi Bruce, Shannan Stollposted Jul 17, 2012
- Bats are mammals, shy creatures of the night, and fascinating to watch. They're also endangered by loss of habitat, disease, and pesticide poisoning. You can help by providing protection.
6 Tips for Green Pet Care
by Jennifer Kaye, Lindsay Kuceraposted Apr 23, 2012
- Sustainable, low-cost, and natural ways to care for your critters.
A DIY Civilization
by Colleen Shaddoxposted Mar 26, 2012
- Can we create the machines of modern life sustainably, cheaply, and close to home?
How to Find Meaning and Money in Your Work
by Billy Parishposted Mar 05, 2012
- Millions of us are resigning ourselves to work that hurts us, hurts others, and damages the planet. We're wasting our greatest assets.
Don't Be Stupid, Cupid: How to Show Your Love Responsibly
by Annie Leonardposted Feb 13, 2012
- Annie Leonard: What classic Valentine's gifts are linked to exploitation—and what can you do about it?
Bank Transfer Day: A Guide to Closing Your Account
posted Oct 25, 2011
- To protest the behavior of big banks, thousands pledged to switch to small credit unions on November 5. It's not too late to join them by following these steps.
7 Smart Solutions for DIY Jobs
posted Oct 04, 2011
- One alternative to looking for a job is to make your own. Here are seven ways communities are offering tools, training, and bright ideas to get workers started.
Need a Job? Create Your Own
posted Sep 21, 2011
- Meet five entrepreneurs who said no to corporate jobs.
10 Tips for a Zero-Waste Household
by Bea Johnsonposted Sep 14, 2011
- A year's worth of solid waste from Bea Johnson's home fits in a quart-sized jar. Here's how you can reduce yours.
7 Ways to Cook Up a Sustainable Diet
by Vicki Robinposted Sep 08, 2011
- Get ready for No Impact Week: Helpful tips for planet-friendly eating.
How To Build a People's Movement
by Seth Borgosposted Aug 17, 2011
- Now's the time to challenge economic orthodoxy—but only a massive social movement can turn things around.
Cotton With Conscience
by Lily Hicks, Krista Vogelposted Aug 10, 2011
- How to wear cotton without wearing out the planet.
YES! But How? Composting Toilets
by Oliver Lazenbyposted Jul 14, 2011
- I've read that composting human waste is much more environmentally friendly than disposing of it in water-based sewage systems. Could I install a composting toilet in my home?
You Don't Have to Move Out of Your Neighborhood to Live in a Better One
by Joanna Gangiposted May 11, 2011
- Majora Carter: How to break the cycle of economic, environmental, and social degradation.
How to Fight Fracking and Win
posted Apr 26, 2011
- What started as one couple's fight against gas drilling in their local park grew into a campaign to save more than 700,000 acres of Pennsylvania forest.
Next 15 items » [1] 2 3
YES! Magazine encourages you to make free use of this article by taking these easy steps., YES! Magazine. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License


text:
Modern Marvels: Tower Bridge DVD
Sale Price: $19.99
To Order by Phone Call 1-800-933-6249
- Additional Details
- Format: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD-Video, NTSC
- Rating: Not Rated
- Number of Discs: 1
- Run Time: 50 Minutes
- Region: Region 1
- Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
- Language: English
- Studio: History Channel
- DVD Release Date: May 25, 2000
The world's largest bascule bridge appears to be something it is not.
More than a century after it was built, it remains the largest bascule bridge in the world. But this instantly-recognizable symbol of London is not entirely what it appears.
Built at the same time as the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower, London's TOWER BRIDGE, like those other monuments, quickly became an icon of its nation, a symbol of industrial might and technological daring combined with a deep sense of tradition. For the Gothic stonework that meets the eye is merely a fagade--the bridge itself is a steel structure swaddled in stone to blend in with its setting. MODERN MARVELS ventures from the Victorian era to the present day to tell the complete story of the famous span. Rare photos show the bridge under construction, and Bridge Master Keith Patterson tells what it takes to keep his precious charge in good condition.
Beneath the ornamental stone is the skeleton of a structure that defied conventions and remains a MODERN MARVELS to this day.


text:
Document Actions
Cable Complaint Form
Report concerns about cable television service.
City Employee Mediation Request
Request City employee mediation.
A follow-up response form for the City of Albuquerque's Community Mediation Program
Land Use Facilitation Program Applicant Survey
For Land Use applicants.
Land Use Facilitation Program Participant Survey
For Land Use Facilitation participants
For participants in the Community Mediation Program.


text:
Kommersiella tjänster ✈ Premium Accounts
Premium Accounts
For professional users including aircraft operators, dispatchers, FBOs, and other service providers, FlightAware offers premium account types on a monthly subscription basis that offer more data and greater functionality. From this page, you can easily change your subscription status.
If you have any questions about these accounts, please contact us via email or phone.
Get started now by clicking below. You can cancel online anytime.
Account Types
Your Current Account Type: Guest
Get started now.
Join or Login
You need a FlightAware account before you can purchase any commercial services.
No problem. Feel free to contact us via phone, email, or online chat.


text:
Please login to get more out of this site
You are currently not logged in, do so now to add comments, like articles as well as photos, submit to competitions, translate articles and gain access to unlimited photo upload! If you are not registered yet, go here to find out more about Lomography and join now! If you just want a limited account for now you can use Twitter or Facebook. We would love to have you as a member here!
10 people like this photo
Liking photos helps us to present the best ones to you and others. 10 people like this photo. 10 people like this photo: aanum, gasord, amagus, vgzalez, escudero, isabel_mebarak, atria007, lightblue, elenagm, and alexgreg87.
Where is this?
Nearby popular photos – see more
Nearby LomoLocations
Lovely Beaubourg Centre shot with Diana-mini.
Look at one of my favorite place in Paris shot with Diana-mini !
Le jardin des Halles
Located just above the famous shopping center "Le Forum des Halles", in the heart of Paris, …
(Requested Location) Pompidou Centre Paris
One day in Paris can be as long or as short as you want. We planned for a long day filled wi…
The Pompidou
The Pompidou Center in Paris' 4th arrondissement is one of the best museums in one of the cr…


text:
Lil' Sibs FAQ
Can siblings of the opposite gender sleep in the dorms?
Siblings under the age of 7 are permitted to stay in any of the dorms. For children 8 years and older, arrangements should be made so the lil' sib can stay in a dorm with students of his or her same gender.
How does the little sibling eat all weekend?
If the students choose to eat on campus, they can use the older sib's meal plan to "swipe" in the little sib. If they choose to eat off campus, it is up to the family to provide the money.
What if there is an emergency with the lil' sib?
Please give all emergency information, insurance, and phone numbers to the student that is housing the lil' sib.
What is the Lil' Sibs Package?
Package - $10 (CASH OR CHECK ONLY)
- Package includes T-shirt and bracelet.
- Bracelet allows sib a free entrance to Dativus AU's Got Talent , Booster's Encore, Novus Dux skate night (skate rental is an extra $2.50), and Basketball games (men's and women's). To get the package deal you must register by 2/3/2014.
- Package is for Sibs only; not AU students.


text:
- You are here:
- Photos >
- 2009 amd championship winners
- amd-winners-large_06
- amd-winners-large_08
- amd-winners-large_10
- amd-winners-large_07
- amd-winners-large_09
- amd-winners-large_11
- amd-winners-large_12
- amd-winners-large_13
- amd-winners-large_14
- amd-winners-large_15
- amd-winners-large_01
- amd-winners-large_04
- amd-winners-large_02
- amd-winners-large_05
- amd-winners-large_03
Cook Custom Choppers wins AMD World Championship of Bike Building
by Jeremy Korzeniewski (RSS feed) on Aug 12th, 2009 at 9:30AM
Considering America's well-known love affair with custom motorcycles, you might think that the Official World Championship of Custom Bike Building would be dominated by U.S.-based builders. Interestingly, though, this year marks the first time the top prize has been won by an American, in this case Dave Cook of Cook Custom Choppers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The winning bike is called Rambler, and it's definitely not the typical custom Harley. In fact, it's not even powered by a V-twin engine. Instead, an air-cooled 550cc four-cylinder engine from International sends power through a... Read More


text:
Monday, December 22, 2014
Follow us:
Mohawk Valley
Time Warner Cable video customers:Sign in with your TWC ID to access our video clips.
Sign in
To view our videos, you need to
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.
Then come back here and refresh the page.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - The SU basketball team is working through final exams this week while also gearing up for game nine of the season Saturday against Canisius.
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
© 1999-2014 Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Web design and web development by Tipit.


text:
Write Review
Compare Entertainment Companies
Universal Studios Orlando
out of
, based on
ratings and
reviews & complaints.
Most Popular
More Options >
More filter options:
Product/Service Quality
Pathetic Customer Service
Posted by
ORLANDO, FLORIDA -- During my spring break, I visited some of my relatives in Orlando and headed to Universal Studios on Sunday, March 10th, 2013. All seemed to go accordingly during our trip until later in the evening. While we were in line for the Disaster show with my uncle and young cousin, there was a group of middle-aged people drinking beer and other alcoholic beverages in front of us - most were clearly intoxicated. I was wary about the situation but did not think anything of it when suddenly, one of the men who was drinking spat a mouthful of alcohol at my head and face. I was completely shocked, and so were those around me. The man laughed it off, took off his shirt, and offered it to me to clean myself off - though I quickly refused. His half-assed apology could do little about the fact that his spit and alcohol covered my face and hair, ruined my shirt, and splashed on to my 8 year-old cousin as well, right there in the middle of this line.
I got out of line and told one of the staff members immediately and was told to wait for security to arrive while the perpetrator and his friends went into the show. Security took about 15 to 20 minutes to show up and I was asked to write a witness statement. As compensation, I was offered a one-time-use express pass, and both my uncle and cousin received one as well. I also went to a nearby souvenir shop where my cousin and I each received 1 free t-shirt (though the total for both could not exceed $50) to replace our beer-soaked tops. I was also told that the perpetrators were in custody and would be taken to the "office", talked to, and charged with assault and battery.
I felt alright about the situation, albeit upset and shocked, until a short while later when I was in line for another ride, who did I see but those same people. And they were STILL openly drinking in line. I was ultimately lied to as it did not seem as though any charges were pressed nor that they were talked to in any way since they were carrying on with the same behavior that led to the incident. On top of that, I had to face these same people who had put such a damper on my day. To top it off, when I asked whether or not I could have my ticket refunded because all I wanted to do was leave right after the incident, my request was vehemently denied.
I understand that Universal Studios was not responsible for this "accident" but they allowed these adults to openly drink while in line for a "family ride" and following this situation, the perpetrators faced no consequences. They were not even asked to leave. So thanks Universal Studios, thanks for that free t-shirt and the lovely memories but I will not be coming back and neither will my family. My 8 year-old cousin is now scarred by the incident and refuses to go back as well for fear of encountering "mean strangers" again.
Was this review helpful?
Read 2 Replies
Add reply
Review Link:
User Replies:
trmn8r on 03/11/2013:
If this person spat at you with no other interaction, it sounds like battery, though a minor one.
From your description, the establishment did multiple things in an attempt to compensate you, to make up for the thoughtless actions of another guest who was not in their control.
If I were Universal, depending on what was the result of their investigation, I would consider ejecting the alleged perpetrator. But I can't see that report and I wasn't there.
I hope your 8-yr-old cousin recovers and isn't "scarred" for life. Someone randomly spitting on another isn't unlike some things that young people due to each other.
JR in Orlando on 03/11/2013:
How children remember and react is as much a factor of their parents' responses as it is of the incident inself. If parents react extremely, not saying the op did, children will think the threat is everywhere.
From what you said, you spent at least 40 minutes after the incident waiting for security and getting new t shirts. As you further said: "I was also told that the perpetrators were in custody and would be taken to the "office", talked to, and charged with assault and battery." The latter three are future tense assertions as to what might occur.
During that 40+ minutes, Universal may very well have taken them into the office and discussed it with them. However, a battery requires "intentional" touching. If the other customers say it was an accident, like from a big laugh or from carbonation which backs up, Universal and the police officers may very well have decided not to arrest anyone because there was no evidence of intent.
This was a very unfortunate experience for you. Most of the parks around here in Orlando make an effort to treat their customers well. I personally think they are too crowded and overpriced to be fun.
Close comments
Add reply
Modified Seats? For whom exactly?
Posted by
ORLANDO FLORIDA, COLORADO -- This review is for any big girls or guys out there wanting to ride Harry Potter in Universal Studios Islands of Adventure in Orlando. I consider myself a big girl 5'6" tall 274lbs. Last year I rode Harry Potter and totally loved it. I did however had to ride the "modified" seat. You pull the harness down and click it into place. No problem. Well a few days ago, (a year after the first ride) I'm still 5'6, but lost a little weight 266lbs. I stood in line for 90 minutes with my husband.
When it was our turn, I asked the attendant for a "modified seat". I sat down and brought the harness down to click it once. She informed me that I had to click it in toward me two more times. I tried to but there isn't any room for my right arm to get far up enough to get a descent grip. I asked her if she could help, and she said "she isn't allowed to" I fussed with it a little longer, then he said "I'm sorry, but you'll won't be able to ride today" and popped off the harness. My husband was already clicked in or he would have pushed it in for me before he did his own. I tried again, to no avail. I got off the platform with tears in my eyes. I had carpal tunnel surgery twice this year and needed some help, my grip still isn't 100%. Any other ride I went on at other parks they check every single harness for you. Help you click it in if needed. I never felt so appalled in all my life.
I read on the modified seats sign that it is for "upper body". I swam in that dang seat just needed help pushing the harness down. Who is this seat made for? I'm informing all my friends and family about this. I don't recommend going to Universal if you are more than a size 18. Thank you for taking the time to read my post.
Was this review helpful?
Read 4 Replies
Add reply
Review Link:
User Replies:
trmn8r on 06/08/2012:
My guess is they are not allowed to assist you in getting secured. I *have* been on rides where staff checks your safety bar/harness *once you are* secured.
It is only a guess, but they may be held responsible if they assisted in securing you.
Comfortably_Numb on 06/09/2012:
I suspect trmn8r is correct. wondering why your husband was not able to un-click, help you, and re-click himself in? disappointing as it may have been, I do hope you were able to enjoy the rest of your day.
CatNJ381 on 06/10/2012:
Thanks for your replies. I knew someone was going to ask about my husband clicking the seat. :) He was already secured in the seat. When I was released, so was he, but I told him just to go on the ride. I didn't want to ruin it for him. I then thought I would try again. He was already on the ride. We both thought of it after we left the ride. I know the attendant was only doing her job. It wasn't my intent to make it seem she was the "bad guy". If we go back (my son hasn't experienced the ride yet) I'll try that. Now, that I'm in a calmer state, I'll be losing that weight and getting fit. So I will never have to feel that way again.
Ironic on 07/11/2012:
I remember a time years ago that the attendant was responible for making sure the riding apparatus was secure. The extra time it would have taken the attendant to see about security was very minute in my opinion. How can it be an attendants fault if you got hurt because they failed to do their job in the first place.
Close comments
Add reply
Ripped Off
Posted by
ORLANDO, LOUISIANA -- I purchased a vacation package and went to the theme parks in early March of 2012. I also purchased five tickets for breakfast at The Three Broomsticks Restaurant. On the scheduled day of the breakfast, there was literally a torrential downpour going on. It made no sense to go into the theme parks just for the breakfast and waste an entire theme park pass, when it was scheduled to rain the whole day. I called the vacation packages line early and informed them that we would not be attending due to the weather, and also asked if I could reschedule for the next morning. They informed me that there was no availability for the next two days. I then asked if we could use the voucher towards dinner at that same restaurant and was told that they could neither do that nor could they give me vouchers to eat at any other restaurant or spend in the theme park. I was told to go to the guest services window in the park, turn in the vouchers and wait six entire weeks for a refund.
I did this and on 4/23/2012 I called back to inquire about my refund which I still had not received. Of course, I was told to hold forever while they researched this. The agent, Celeste, that I spoke with then came back on the line and stated "sorry", for some reason they had not even started processing the refund. But, she did see that the vouchers for five breakfasts was turned in to guest services. She then stated that she was submitting it for processing and it should take a few more weeks. She also offered me five All Day Dining Meals for the inconvenience.
I called on 5/28 to see about the refund that I still have yet to receive and also about redeeming the All Day Dining meals. I was then told that there was no record of my visit, at which time I supplied them with my original reservation number and offered to email the original reservation. I also gave a comment number that I was told by Celeste to use on future inquiries. At that point, I was basically told that they had no idea what happened to my refund and to contact the revenue dept.. As for those promised meal deals, well they must have just been a figment of my imagination. They also had no record of that. I asked to speak directly with Celeste and was first told she was on another call and then that she was off altogether.
I asked for a manager and spoke with someone named Jimmy, who claimed to be a manager but was by far the rudest person I have ever spoken within a customer service dept.. He basically yelled at me and implied that I was a liar because Celeste would never promise those things. When I asked who I might speak with to file a formal complaint he told me that he was it, there was no one above him and that even if I submitted a complaint online it would be forwarded to him. Which is why I am now taking every available forum to vent my frustration, including the consumer affairs website.
This vacation package was a nightmare from the beginning. What should have been a relaxing vacation for my son who just returned from bootcamp, turned out to be miserable. From the bed at the Portofino Bay hotel that was made up beautifully, but when my daughter got in it the first night of our arrival turned out to be very wet with some unknown fluid, to the horrible treatment I encountered for over a simple refund. I spent over 3,000 dollars with Universal and I can"t believe that a company would allow its employees to treat a customer so badly over a situation like this. At this point, it is no longer about the money, but about principle. I feel like I was being riped off from the start which is why the refund could not be processed while I was actually at the resort.
It now seems like a concerted effort in hopes that customers will just go home and forget about the fact that they just lost some money through no fault of their own. Therefore, I am now telling all of my friends, family coworkers and the Facebook community about my awful experience and that they should steer clear of a Universal Vacation Package unless thay want to be ripped off.
Was this review helpful?
Read 1 Replies
Add reply
Review Link:
User Replies:
trp2hevn on 05/30/2012:
I wonder if somewhere on the voucher it says something like non-refundable or something like that. Did the park cancel the breakfast or did you just decide not to go because it was raining?
Close comments
Add reply
Very Disappointed
Posted by
We went to Universal on 12/28/2010. We purchased our tickets, at which time the ticket agent told us the park was very full, we understood that we would need to wait in long lines but we were glad to be there, so we purchased our ticket.
We went into the park with the intention of going to see the Harry Potter world. I had seen it before, so I know that it was only three rides so we figured we would simply see how long the lines were and if nothing else just enjoy the Hogsmeade area and purchase some gifts.
What shocked us was that they had closed off the Harry Potter area, as if it were a separate park. No one informed us of this when we purchased our tickets, no one told us that we would need to be designated a time that we could enter that portion of the park, we were simply sold our (very overpriced) tickets and told to enter the park.
We spent a total of 45 minutes in the park and left without seeing a single thing that we wanted to. The cost of the adventure for two people $175.00. When we complained to customer service, the woman told me, "hmmm...I didn't know they had the Harry Potter section closed off, you should just come back later...but I am sure it will just be busy then too."
Where did customer service go? If you are going to close a portion of the park off, you should tell people BEFORE you have them purchase a ticket. From what I can see here, I am not the only one who experienced this bait and switch move by Universal, so needless to say, they made a lot of money and didn't offer much of anything to their customers.
The interesting part is that I love Harry Potter and the stories, so I tolerated the fact that Universal boasts they have a Harry Potter world. I tried to simply take in everything while I was there on my first visit (prior to the Christmas visit) but in reality the park created a very small Hogsmeade section with only a few places that are actual buildings that you can go into, created an interesting castle, but then simply re-purposed two rides that were already a part of the park to begin with. With such little effort into this section on Universal's part, you would think that they would be thankful that people want to go there, want to be part of it, when really there is not much to see.
I still love the area, although small, simply because I try to see the magic in bringing a story to life, but Universal should be ashamed by their performance not only in creating a World that is more of a small neighborhood and by the way their extorted money out of unsuspecting visitors during the Christmas week.
Was this review helpful?
Read 15 Replies
Add reply
Review Link:
User Replies:
MDSasquatch on 01/13/2011:
Good Grief, not again!
We went to Universal on 12/28/2010.......
PepperElf on 01/13/2011:
Many people don't want crowds & they want the parks to do something about it.
What they DON'T realize is that the best way to keep crowds down is to prevent too many people from going in. Or rather... they realize this, they just don't always understand that THEY themselves might end up being the person who is told "Sorry it's closed cos it's too full".
Anonymous on 01/13/2011:
Just a guess but I'm thinking the OP would have been much happier if they were told, "Sorry it's closed cos it's too full". It's no different than being told a movie, sporting event or rock concert is sold out.
Obviously judging by all the complaints Universal dropped the ball on this one.
PepperElf on 01/13/2011:
1) They were notified the park was pretty packed - they said it was fine.
2) They never told the ticket agent they specifically wanted the Harry Potter section. Or perhaps they might have been notified.
3) Sometimes people just don't understand that when you start limiting the numbers that it's not always going to be OTHER customers who get pushed out.
Anonymous on 01/13/2011:
1) I might still attend a movie even though I was 'notified it was packed' but that doesn't mean I wouldn't be pissed if there were no empty seats.
2) When I buy a movie ticket I don't tell them I want a seat.
3) I do believe most people realize that if you start limiting numbers that it might preclude them from entering. No different than a movie theater, playhouse or sports arena.
trmn8r on 01/13/2011:
Seems to me that by allowing these packed crowds Universal is doing themselves a disservice. On the other hand, if enough people complain perhaps word will spread and people will actually not go during this hectic time.
Viewed from a cynical point of view, Universal may view it something like Dell views its customer base - it is unlimited and there will always be new sucke.., er customers to come along. And they make money in the meantime.
KBuck on 01/13/2011:
I agree that although I did not tell them I was going to the Harry Potter section - I had visited the park three months earlier and it was not a closed off section - it was something you could freely walk through - whether or not you decided to ride the rides.
If you are going to change the venue (close off an area that is not normally sectioned off) you should tell people prior to a person paying for entry into the venue.
It is not the consumers responsibility in this case - I was never complaining about the crowds - I knew it would be busy. I complained because I paid to enter the entire park, but was only given access to a piece of it. I should have been notified of this.
PepperElf on 01/13/2011:
as for the movie.... that fails as a comparison because a park has more than one section. while for a movie you specify which movie and time you're buying a ticket for.
PepperElf on 01/13/2011:
"you should just come back later...but I am sure it will just be busy then too."
sounds a bit like it wasn't closed for the whole day but perhaps they had reached limit.
if that's the case the person selling the ticket won't know whether or not a specific section is temporarily closed due to capacity, or when the other paying people will move out to make room.
Anonymous on 01/13/2011:
I think you're missing the core point PepperElf.
Anonymous on 01/13/2011:
You go to any theme park with the fastest, highest, biggest, baddest roller coaster that year you will be standing in lines 2 to 3 hours to ride it. Why do people think it would be different for a ride based on the biggest grossing movie and book for kids of all time? Especially when every kid has off that week? I read complaints on this site about universal not limiting crowds. This one is about universal limiting the crowd. You don't get refunds in the park if a ride is broken, there are hundreds of other things to do beyond that one ride. Your best bet is to educate yourself about what you are going to do before you do it. They have this thing called the Internet that makes this easy to do.
momsey on 01/13/2011:
Yes, the park should limit the number of people allowed in if they can't handle more than a certain number. I don't know why so many people think it's to be expected that a person should spend hundreds of dollars and not really get anything for that money.
Yes, the person selling the tickets said it was packed. Of course it's going to be packed. But to not be able to see major parts of the park? That's beyond packed. Obviously Universal had a major problem that week and they need to fix it. Sure, I'd be upset if I was turned away at the gate, but I'd rather be upset about missing something than having wasted hundreds of dollars.
KBuck on 01/13/2011:
I think some people are missing my point. I am not complaining that there were lots of people there. I am not complaining because the park limited the amount of people in a section of the park. I AM complaining that we were not notified of this. If you change the park (and we checked the Internet before we left - there was no mention of sections of the park being closed, they merely said it was crowded) then you need to let people know.
If you have sections of the park that are normally open all the time and you physically block them off for a week - then you need to notify people.
I agree with parks limiting people into them - it gives those who came a better experience. I would have been disappointed if we got there and were turned away, but I would have understood as it was a busy week. I understood all of that. But I wasn't given that opportunity - I was sold a ticket for the entire park and I was not able to see the ENTIRE park. That's my complaint. It wasn't one ride that was broken, it was an ENTIRE section that was closed off to people. Not a ride - a SECTION.
Slimjim on 01/13/2011:
It's not hard to imagine both Universal parks, as well as, all Disney Properties (including Anaheim's), were packed Christmas week, yet most complaints all seem to be directed specifically with Universal Florida's Harry Potter exhibit. I going to have to conclude this is more than just some people not being realistic with expectations and more like, there really was some bad planning on US part regarding the handling of the crowds in this area.
yoke on 01/13/2011:
The OP knew when driving into the park it was mobbed. The OP knew when buying the tickets it was mobbed. The area the OP wanted to go to was closed off for the time being due to it being full, from those who got there earlier. It is frustrating when you spend that kind of money and it is to crowded to enjoy, but unless the park turns people away (sounds like the OP would have been one to have been turned away) when it hits a certain capacity then I don't see any other options.
Close comments
Add reply
Universal Studios - Broken Rides and Not Able to Get Into Harry Potter
Posted by
ORLANDO, FLORIDA -- We went to Universal Studios the week on 12/27 for our family vacation. We experienced several problems and weren't able to enjoy the park. When we complained to guest services, we were offered a one-day return pass after 4pm OR $5 credit per person. We were extremely disappointed. Here are the problems that we experienced:
1. The Harry Potter area was closed on the 29th and 30th. We were unable to enter this attraction at 2pm on the 29th and also on the 30th. We were told to go to Toon Lagoon and wait in line for a later entry time ticket. We went to Toon Lagoon and had a difficult time finding the line for the re-entry tickets (the employees there did not know where the line is for re-entry into Harry Potter and the lines are not well labeled). Once we found the line at around 3pm, the re-entry tickets for a 9pm return time were sold out and we were told to wait in a 180 minute line to enter the attraction. That was our only option which is not an acceptable one. It's not easy waiting in a line for 3 hours with an 11 year old!
2. The Revenge of the Mummy ride was down on 12/29 from 4:45 to 5:45 (or longer). We were in line and heard an audio message to wait for further information. After 45 minutes in line, we were told that the ride would be closed. We spoke with Mary and Bob at the ride and asked for compensation. They offered us express passes, which were of no used to us since we were staying at Portofino and already had paid for Express entry. Mary and Bob told us to speak with Guest Services. We spoke with Alejander and were not satisfied with her response (a return pass after 4pm or $5 voucher per person).
3. The Jimmy Neutron ride was broken at noon on 12/30. We were told to return at a later time. We returned at 1:00 and the ride was still down.
Universal needs to limit the capacity into the park. They also need to notify guests that they may not be able to enter certain exhibits due to capacity and technical issues. We were not able to get a refund and wanted this information to be available to others who may visit the park during peak times.
Was this review helpful?
Read 5 Replies
Add reply
Review Link:
User Replies:
Slimjim on 01/11/2011:
This isn't the first complaint written about this issue over the Christmas week there but you did offer valid suggestions I didn't see with the others. While there usually is wait times posted on a board, it generally is inside the park's entrance. Better wait and non-operating attraction disclosures before one buys tickets could be an improvement worth considering, especially during the busiest week of the year.
MDSasquatch on 01/11/2011:
"We went to Universal Studios the week on 12/27"
nuff said
Anonymous on 01/11/2011:
all I saw was 12/27.
Fufu487 on 01/11/2011:
with everyone else here, I'm sorry to say. You went during peak times, you contributed to the lines as well. Yes, they could limit park entry, but they can't control who wants to go to what attractions, and they sure as heck arn't going to refund your tickets just because you didn't get to go on the attraction you wanted to. Rides break sometimes, they are running all day, all the time. Even regular maintenance checks won't 100% guarantee they won't have occasional issues. That Harry Potter attraction is hot stuff right now, everyone wants to see it. Of course it's going to be hard to get into it.
stacey063 on 01/22/2011:
I too experienced the abhorrent situation at Islands of Adventure. I did contact Universal after the fact about it and they have been more than gracious and personal about getting me replacement tix to come another time. I only wish they'd been that personal and customer oriented at the park.
Close comments
Add reply
Universal Studio's Staff Needs Training In Manners And Cater A Little To The Disabled
Posted by
ORLANDO, FLORIDA -- We have been Premier Pass holders for 2 years and our Daughter and family came to visit and we went to all the parks in Orlando but Universal. So I told my husband who is disabled that the day they leave we will go to Universal for a few hours and head home, please keep in mind we have been to every park already in Orlando with no problems and they give the disabled a handicap fast pass to all attractions. Well be go to Universal and we park a long way a way because of not enough handicap parking, we get up to the check point and we have a cooler that has a hard plastic container in it where one side we can put his medicine that have to be kept cool and four drinks, this sits down inside his walker seat and the lid has to be cracked open about 2 maybe 3 inches because of the height, well the one security guard said we have to leave the cooler or go put it in the car we tried explaining to them the situation and another guard comes up and says" What's your problem".
Well that set us both off right there and we asked to speak to a supervisor and the supervisor goes gets a small cooler they sell that would not even fit my husband's medicines in one and he says you can take as many of these as you want or can in to the park, my husband spoke up and said I cannot let my medicines get wet and he says "That is not my problem" then I said those leak we have try bigger ones already and they leak and again "That is not my problem" so we go to put the cooler back into the car and we were going to leave when I decided to call the number on the back of my card and who ever answered the phone, said the best thing you can do is while you are currently at the park is to come speak with a supervisor.
So we put the cooler in the car and headed back in we get to that same line and a Sargent comes up and says they cannot go into the park with that cooler and he point to the seat on my husbands walker, my husband got so mad and turned to that boy and said "Son, who best go mind your F______ business and leave me the F______ alone and then two others went to get smart and my husband shut them right up, he was so mad I have never seen him like this. We get to guest services and a supervisor comes out and we said we want to get our money back on our passes since the last time we were here and she said we can not do that and wanted to know the story, so we told her everything above and she said that are our rules, and that they do not have the line for handicap anymore that they have to purchase the fast pass like everyone else and that they are the only ones around that is ADA compliant, well this ADA compliant, I sure hope the rest of the parks don't go that way because they bend over backwards for the handicap, needless to stay they said they only thing they can do is give us a free day of fast pass and cancel our membership.
For all that is handicap, beware of Universal Studios, but yet a mother with a child can take a big bag, a big cooler and back backs are being taken in and we watched so many much bigger bags being taken in.
I am going to fight this to the US Supreme Court, if I have too, there was no need of the embarrassment, hassle and humiliation that they put us through and wasted 3 hours of our time.
Was this review helpful?
Read 17 Replies
Add reply
Review Link:
User Replies:
Anonymous on 04/17/2009:
"Son, who best go mind your F______ business and leave me the F______ alone and then two others went to get smart and my husband shut them right up, he was so mad I have never seen him like this."
Right there you should have been shown the door. The whole spirit of the ADA is that people with challenges should not be discriminated against, they want and demand to be treated like everyone else. Like anyone else who acted in such a boorish manner, you should have been ejected from the park. You don't want to be treated equally, you want to be catered (your word) to.
Anonymous on 04/17/2009:
Smokey, I don't blame your husband for his frustration. It's hard enough to have a disability, let alone be harassed for just trying to transport medication safely. None of t should have never happened in the first place. Thanks for the post.
Anonymous on 04/17/2009:
It should read, "It should have never happened in the first place." I'm apparently typing faster than I can think, LOL.
BokiBean on 04/17/2009:
"..they bend over backwards for the handicap.." Ken is right. Bending over backwards is not the point of the ADA.
Your husband used the F bomb at security in line at a family theme park...I dunno what you expected after that, time to turn around and go home.
Anonymous on 04/17/2009:
Boki, I totally understand what you mean, but sometimes people do get pushed to the limit and the F-bomb happens when you least expect it. (She did say she had never seen him that mad.) It sounds like they were going to leave, but the person they called encouraged them to go back and speak to a supervisor. It seems they just couldn't win.
BokiBean on 04/17/2009:
Very true, knowitall2, and I completely agree with the original complaint they had about being able to get his medication into the park safely...they should have been accommodated. After that, it just deteriorated.
Anonymous on 04/17/2009:
I have to respectfully disagree with Ken. These folks were mishandled by testosterone-intoxicated security guards who have watched far too much "Homeland Security", "NCIS", and "The Unit". The place is a tourist attraction, not Pelican Bay SHU. Give a wannabe LEO a polo shirt with a badge sewn on it, some wrap-around sunglasses, and cargo pants and they turn into authoritarian thugs. In addition to their security function, these staff members are representatives of Universal who should endeavor to assist guests with special needs so, they too, can enjoy the attraction. After being mishandled, it is no small wonder the man lashed out with some language. 'Security' escalated an easily solved guest need into an excuse to exert their authority. Helpful review.
Anonymous on 04/17/2009:
Out of control Rent-A-Cop's, JMHO.
Anonymous on 04/17/2009:
Deteriorate is putting it lightly and very politely, I might add, lol. It was probably a scene, to be sure.
SB, maybe they were the same ones they used for the Target incident?
BokiBean on 04/17/2009:
Oh yeah, I'm sure it was quite the scene!
My sis was in a wheelchair for almost 5 years. I learned a lot during that time and still give people the stink eye for parking in handicapped without a placard.
I'm not comfortable with the idea of "bending over backwards" or "catering" to disabled people. My sister never expected that and would have been embarrassed and uncomfortable with it. She just wanted to get along like everybody else. Just my opinion.
Anonymous on 04/17/2009:
I totally agree with Ken and Boki's first comment. Once you start dropping 'F' bombs at a family attraction your argument loses all merit. I agree the guards may have been unreasonable but that is no call to get belligerent and profane. The best you can salvage from all this is a 'Lesson Learned'. Anger never adds to success in conflict resolution.
Good luck!
Anonymous on 04/17/2009:
Doc, I have to respectfully disagree right back. I saw no mistreatment. They told the OP the park policy. They offered to substitute other coolers. I think they went out of their way to be accommodating. The OP however was having none of it. THEY deserved to be exempted from policy, and nothing less was going to make them happy.
One other point, exactly how much medication would one need to carry for a visit to an amusement park? Note that they also had soft drinks in the offending cooler. I still think it was a clear case of 'no one is going to tell us what we can or cannot do!'.
Principissa on 04/17/2009:
I also agree with Boki and Ken. There is no reason to swear like that in a family oriented theme park. I don't talk like that in front of my kids and I would appreciate it if others didn't as well. If I had swore like that I'd have been given the boot no questions asked.
I think they were quite accommodating when they offered a different cooler for the medication, in fact I think that was more than they should have done after being spoken to like that. Rules apply to everyone disabled or not. They told them the park policy the poster wanted an exception made, they were willing to make that exception in the form of a different cooler and in turn were cussed out.
This has nothing to do with the ADA, it has to do with someone being told no and throwing a tantrum when they didn't get their way.
saj80 on 04/17/2009:
Their coolers leak, but yours, with the lid open 2-3 inches, doesn't?
Buddy01 on 04/18/2009:
I understand your frustration, but I assume you were not serious about taking your case to the Supreme Court. They hear less than 100 cases per year out of about 8,000 presented. I don't think they would be interested in a case where someone is angry because they were treated equally and not catered to.
madconsumer on 04/18/2009:
the disability did not cause this issue, nor did they dis-respect you. it was you who has little concern over their rules.
Frank on 05/15/2013:
If you are Premier Pass holders for 2 years, why didn't you know that large coolers are not permitted? Also, Universal has a Health Services building where they will store your medications and refrigerate if necessary. I don't know why you would want to lug a giant cooler all over the park. Also, cursing out the park security is very low class.
Close comments
Add reply
NOT Wheelchair Friendly
Posted by
ORLANDO, FLORIDA -- After 3 days at Disney World we were very disappointed by the way our 5 year old child with special needs in a wheelchair was treated today.
Upon arrival we immediately asked what WE needed to do to insure our child Ruby Jo was able to enjoy your park. The first thing we were told was 'We are ADA compliant but we don't do anything 'special' for wheelchairs." We asked if we needed any special pass, tags or access card for the wheelchair. We were told over and over that the park was 'ADA' and they don't do anything 'special' except if the wait is over 30 minutes then they may let us use an express lane. We were also told to just enter the park and we would basically have to figure it out.
Every attraction we attempted, we were told we needed some sort of special pass which we had previously asked for and never received. Each attendant seemed annoyed and frustrated saying that today was 'very busy and many features such as express lanes and check ins were not being utilized'. We kept trying over and over and every time the same story. It was very difficult to even distinguish who was an employee and who wasn't as there were no discernible uniforms. After a few hours of this nonsense I went to guest relations and asked to speak to a manager. I was told there were NO managers available. I calmly explained that I was not leaving until I spoke with someone. The guest relations team basically ignored me. I waited patiently until I saw a 'manager'. I flagged him down and explained that a child in a wheelchair was mistreated, he started to listen. After I told him the entire story he offered to refund the price of our tickets. I am writing to you because I want to do anything I can to make sure this NEVER EVER happens to another family with someone with special needs. I implore you as a company to seriously reevaluate your treatment of guest with special needs. Your staff should never tell a guest with special needs that they don't do anything 'special' for them.
Was this review helpful?
Read 3 Replies
Add reply
Review Link:
User Replies:
At Your Service on 12/28/2012:
Well written complaint. Did you stay within the park even though they had refunded your admission price?
madconsumer on 12/28/2012:
universal studio theme parks are owned by nbcuniversal 51% and general electric 49%.
olie on 12/29/2012:
The Universal website lists height requirements for different rides. Many 5-year-olds do not meet these height requirements. Add in your child's special needs, and the ride may not be safe for your child medically.
I found the link to the ADA accessibility to be very vague. (I can't read this: For a list of all attractions and their specific requirements and accommodations, please consult Universal Orlando's Rider's Guide for Rider Safety and Guests with Disabilities. Adobe is being stupid on my own personal laptop.)
If it's vague on the website, you can be sure it's vague to employees, too. I'm sorry that you had such a disappointing experience with a young child.
Close comments
Add reply
Left feeling ripped off at Universal Studios
Posted by
ORLANDO, FLORIDA -- My family and I had an experience at Universal Studio that has left us feeling disappointed and very. We entered the park around 11 am at the cost of $566.88 (6 Adult tickets plus parking of $30.) on December 22, 2010. Two hours passed (because of pushing and bumping through crowds and poor signage) beore we were able to experience anything the park had to offer â and that was lunch at an additional cost of $40. We had to wait until 3 PM to enter Harry Potter Theme Park only to queue up for a line a mile long for the Forbidden Journey.
There was no crowd control and no employees within sight to give direction. It was dangerously overcrowded. If one person panicked we would have been trampled to death. Families were forming chains, holding onto each other so as not to be separated. This was a very dangerous situation. After the ride we found ourselves again fighting our way out of the gift shop. My husband and I are seniors and we were so uncomfortable with the crowds that we had to escape Harry Potter Theme Park to Dr. Seuss land. We rested a few minutes then left the park at 4:30 PM. Our daughter and her family queued up for another line (40 minute wait) to purchase a wand for her two children - another $60 for two wands.
Almost $700 for us to enjoy 2-3 minutes on a ride compared to hours of frustrating, dangerous overcrowding for over a hundred dollars a person is a complete rip off.
Was this review helpful?
Read 14 Replies
Add reply
Review Link:
User Replies:
RestaurantGuy on 01/10/2011:
During peak times or days that are nice these theme parks are very crowded and busy. What you just described is a normal busy day at any major theme park nationwide. My advice would be to avoid them during peak times if you do not like crowds
unhappy999 on 01/10/2011:
I've been taking my kids (now almost grown) to amusement parts in the NJ/PA area since they were little. Hardly ever, if at all, did we buy souvenirs. I'm not sure why you are complaining about waiting in line 40 minutes to buy 2 wands for $60. This was your daughters choice. I would have saved that $60. I will stick to the smaller amusement parks in the Northeast. Your complaint about crowds seems to be the norm these days. I agree, the Fl and CA parks are not worth the money.
momsey on 01/10/2011:
I disagree that what the OP described is normal or to be expected in any way. Yes, it's a busy time of year to go to those theme parks, but if they will take all that money for tickets, there should be a limit on how many people are allowed in each day.
And she's complaining about the wait and the cost of the wands because it's a valid complaint. Yes, her daughter made the decision to go through with it, but it doesn't mean she's happy with it.
All of these reviews are very helpful to me because I know not to visit Disney or Universal anytime around the holidays.
Skye on 01/10/2011:
We've been to Disneyland in California, several times, and never had problems, because we've always gone off season, right after Labor Day. Less crowds, because the kids are back in school.
I know it's hard for some to travel off season due to work schedules, and school schedules, but it's something to think about.
trmn8r on 01/10/2011:
I would have been getting in line and forming a human chain around the management booth, with the expectation of demanding a refund. That's absurd. From what I have read, they let far too many people into this event.
Very helpful to those who might consider a similar trip at the same time of year.
localgod on 01/11/2011:
I agree both ways. Expect the unexpected in all theme parks, especially Orlando/Tampa parks during tourist season. They are probably oversold and not friendly to families with young children and those with limited accessibility. Learn a lesson from a long time Central Floridian; we love our tourists, but please use the discretion the locals use. Avoid peak times and weekends, especially with new attractions. Don't expect to be alone in your endeavors. Be patient, and wait your given turn. Expect to pay exorbitant prices for food and drink. It is what it is, if it's not your cup of tea to wait 45 minutes to 2 hours standing in line, and you didn't spring for the Fast Pass, your experience will be dissatisfying. Please enjoy our beaches and moderate Winter weather instead, the parks are overcrowded from November to April. BTW - Florida residents get deep discounts in the off-season when there are barely any lines.
Venice09 on 01/11/2011:
The overcrowding issue is a disaster in the making. I agree with this OP and others that better crowd control and supervision are essential. If the park permits overcrowding, the least it should do is have adequate staff and procedures in place to ensure that all patrons are safe, especially the children. One little thing could set these crowds into a frenzy, and the outcome could be very scary.
Complaining about the cost is pointless. By choosing to visit these parks, you are agreeing to the prices.
Anonymous on 01/11/2011:
All I had to read was December 22nd.
Inat on 01/11/2011:
I'll never, ever,ever, understand how someone can complain about crowds and queue lengths at theme parks during peak season
stacey063 on 01/11/2011:
I had the same experience as this person - very unsafe situation - this was WAAAAy worse than anything I have ever experience at any park during holiday times - total chaos - a major tragedy in the making due to their lack of crowd control. I have been to Disney many many times for holiday things - they've never come close to this crowd issue!!! Universal will go down when everyone gets trampelled to death soon at Harry Potter.
Anonymous on 01/11/2011:
Everyone wanted to do the Harry Potter ride for Xmas. I
M sure if Universal had turned people away there would be complaints about that. Your best bet is to do your research and go at a less crowded time. Christmas in Orlando is a bad time to go.
Venice09 on 01/11/2011:
Stacey, that's the point I was trying to make. I think people expect crowds, and that the real complaint is the lack of control. Certainly Universal must have anticipated a larger than usual crowd for the Harry Potter attraction. It sounds like they were completely unprepared. I'm afraid it's going to take a tragedy for them to do something about this.
stacey063 on 01/22/2011:
I emailed Universal about my similar Christmas week experience and detailed the horrible experience we had - they are giving me new tickets with no blackout/no expiration. I am sending in my receipts for purchase and they are sending me tickets. So let them know!
stacey063 on 01/22/2011:
I will also add I plan on trying it again during a midweek, non holiday time.
Close comments
Add reply
Universal Studios Orlando,its Not Worth the Money
Posted by
ORLANDO, FLORIDA -- When we got there July 20th at 10am, there was full crowd headed in and we expected that, but the time we spent in the lines for Despicable Me and Rock it were a joke. Not to mention twice we were in line for Transformers and the man came over the PA and said the ride would be down for up to 45 minutes! This is all during the time the WAIT sign said up to 140 minutes!!! What the hell,, Even Disney has max times of an hour, oh and that don't charge you for FAST PASS like they do at Universal.. And one other side note,, my daughter and I questioned when the EXPRESS Pass line was moving so fast versus us,, the Park Attendant says" we use a ratio of 60 Fast pass riders and then 40 regular park riders, so basically they want your money and then stick it to you if you don't give them more... Won't be back unless someone gives me FREE TICKETS and going to let everyone I know, on the AIR and NEWS, Facebook know about this BS.. As a Florida Resident I am appalled about how crappy Universal treats is guests forgiven or domestic!
Was this review helpful?
Read 2 Replies
Add reply
Review Link:
User Replies:
Weedwhacked on 07/22/2013:
That's what happens when you go on a busy day and attempt to ride the most popular ride. We were there the third week of June and expected those lines to be "a joke" or long.
I see you went on a Saturday. Perhaps the lines would have been better if you went on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
FoDaddy19 on 07/22/2013:
It doesn't sound like you received any worse treatment than the other bazillion people who were in the park. Sounds like it was just really busy. I mean it was a Saturday during the summer, what were you expecting?
Close comments
Add reply
Best Park Ever
Posted by
ORLANDO, FLORIDA -- I love this place and some people complain over it being busy but it's because everyone wants to be in the best park on earth! I bought a ticket and the operator helped me save a ton of money by offering me the best ticket for both parks universal and islands of adventure, and the express ticket to save time waiting in the regular lines. I also purchased a meal deal band so I could eat all day saving me a lot of money. I thought they was so nice and pleasant, it's always nice to see smiling faces and helpful people. I had a amazing time and loves all the rides, it's a happy place and everyone who works there are so amazing. You will love the place and have a wonderful time. I would recommend going to anyone.
Was this review helpful?
Read 1 Replies
Add reply
Review Link:
User Replies:
Anna Molly on 09/14/2012:
I haven't been to either park in years, but, when I did go, I had an awfully good time. I traveled off season, of course, so there was less of a crowd issue.. I agree that all the employees I came in contact with were pleasant and helpful. Good review!
Close comments
Add reply
Next Page >
Top of Page
Next Page >
Consumer Resources
Company Responses
Site Rules
Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy
About Us


text:
After a gigantic eyeball washed ashore in Ft. Lauderdale last week (likely belonging to a swordfish) this week the ocean reminded us again what mysteries lurk in the deep when a 15 foot oarfish washed up on the Baja Peninsula.
By oarfish standards, though, 15 feet is scrawny. This little known and poorly understood creature has been documented to reach 36 feet in length making it the longest bony fish known to man. Reports of specimens topping 50 feet in length are not uncommon, and the fish is a likely inspiration for tales of sea serpents in centuries past. Oarfish live in tropical and temperate waters worldwide at depths of up to 3,300 feet, drifting in open ocean currents and feeding on fish, crustaceans and squid, but they are almost never seen or caught alive and little is known about their behavior.
Residents of Cabo San Lucas who struggled but failed to save the fish, were shocked to find it swimming in their waters, as were a group of Navy Seals who came upon a 23 foot oarfish during training in Coronado, California in 1996 (below).
©Wikimedia Commons
Apart from its length, oarfish are also notable for the brilliant red mane which crowns its head as well a dorsal fin that starts between its eyes and runs the length of its body.
©OCEANA Carlos Minguell
Click "read more" to find out.
Prepare to witness what has to be one of the strangest animals on planet Earth. Behold: the Pacific barreleye. As this video shot by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute demonstrates, NASA need not look to the heavens to find aliens. 2,000 feet deep in the Pacific ocean lurks this otherworldly creature inside whose bizarre transparent head, more colorfully described as a "cockpit" by some scientists, is a set of extremely sensitive tubular eyes, from which it derives its name.
Those eyes are capped by stunning green lenses, pointed ever upward to spot bioluminescent prey and faint silhouettes in the deep sea (the dark eye-like spots on the front of the fishes head are, in fact, olfactory organs). The barreleye is thought to steal food from siphonophores, a group of colonial jellyfish-like animals, and the transparent dome above its eyes provides protection from their stinging tentacles.
Like much life in the deep, extremely little was known about this fish until researchers came upon this specimen off of Central California. Bottom trawling and deep sea fisheries are quickly destroying deep sea habitat before scientists have the opportunity to study the fascinating animals that call this poorly understood region home. Who knows what other strange creatures await discovery in the deep?
Humans have an unlikely ally in the fight against global warming: sea otters.
According to a new study out of the University of California Santa Cruz, the playful, foraging mammals play a vital role in managing kelp forests, which in turn are capable of absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide. Sea otters prey on sea urchins, which, unchecked, can ravage kelp forests, but thriving sea otter populations help keep the urchins in check.
The study looked at 40 years of otter and kelp data from Vancouver Island to the Western Aleutian Islands in Alaska. The researchers found that in areas where otters flourished, so too did kelp. In fact, the kelp was able to absorb 12 times more carbon in areas that were not overrun by sea urchins. Giant kelp can grow as tall as 30 meters and kelp forests are provide important habitat for a number of fish species, including blue sharks.
"Right now, all the climate change models and proposed methods of sequestering carbon ignore animals," one of the study's lead authors, professor Chris Wilmers said. "But animals the world over, working in different ways to influence the carbon cycle, might actually have a large impact."
The study's authors noted that the carbon sequestered by otter-aided kelp forests alone could be worth between $205 million and $408 million on the European Carbon Exchange, a market for trading carbon credits.
Populations of California sea otters, which once numbered around 15,000 along the Pacific coast, were decimated in the 18th and 19th centuries by hunters. In 1938, one lone colony of 50 otters discovered near Big Sur represented the entire population. Today that number has rebounded to almost 3,000 but the animal still faces threats, especially from parasites and infectious diseases which thrive in polluted waters. Otters, which depend on their fur coats for insulation, are also especially vulnerable to oil spills.
A decision is expected this December about whether to reopen a "no-otter zone" enforced by the Fish and Wildlife Service which extends from just North of Santa Barbara to the Mexican border in California. The zone was originally established in 1987 to help the fishing industry, and sea urchins have removed large swaths of kelp forest in the area.


text:
Want more? Choose from other designs.
istyles has wonderful selection and the shipping was very fast and the product was well protected in shipping.Nancy Ward, United States
iStyles is a fashion accessories provider for consumer electronics such as the iPhone. With coverage for 738 devices and a collection of 1580 designs, iStyles is the global one-stop brand that people turn to when they want to dress up their gadgets, to differentiate themselves from the crowd and to be stylish.
Get access to the latest news and promotions
Thank you for subscribing! We need to confirm your email address. To complete the subscription process and redeem your discount voucher, please click on the link in the email we just sent you.


text:
You are hereHome ›
Narrow Search
Now showing results 1-10 of 118
This series of ten lessons has been developed to teach students about local and global water issues. They are based on NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Mission. The activities are done largely outdoors and include scientific data... (View More) collection and analysis and integrate technology. Many of the lessons involve data collected based on protocols from the GLOBE Program. Each lesson is designed to take one hour; the lessons build on each other, but can also be used independently. Each lesson topic includes a lesson plan, PowerPoint presentation, student capture sheet and capture sheet answer guide. (View Less)
Materials Cost: $5 - $10 per group of students
This set of three videos illustrates how math is used in satellite data analysis. The videos feature NASA senior climate scientist Claire Parkinson. Parkinson explains how the Arctic and Antarctic sea ice covers are measured from satellite data and... (View More) how math is used to determine trends in the data. In the first video, she leads viewers from satellite data collection through obtaining a time series of monthly average sea ice extents for November 1978 – December 2012, for the Arctic and Antarctic. In the second video, she begins with the time series from the first video, removes the seasonal cycle by calculating yearly averages, and proceeds to calculate the slopes of the lines to get trends in the data, revealing decreasing sea ice coverage in the Arctic and increasing sea ice coverage in the Antarctic. In the third video, she uses a more advanced technique to remove the seasonal cycle and shows that the trends are close to the same, whichever method is used. She emphasizes the power of math and that the techniques shown for satellite sea ice data can also be applied to a wide range of data sets. (View Less)
Materials Cost: Free
Emphasizing the synergies between science and engineering, these video clips highlight the research of professional ocean scientists and engineers in various disciplines. The clips are accompanied by additional relevant content including images,... (View More) data visualizations, graphs, animations, and other information. Content has been organized into more than a dozen thematic areas such as Solving Old Problems with New Technology and Small Scale Observations and Large Scale Ideas. All content has been aligned with science and engineering practices from the Next Generation Science Standards, including "asking questions and solving problems" and "planning and carrying out investigations," providing applicable resources for teachers who want to provide role models of effective practice for their students. (View Less)
Air traffic (and therefore airplane contrails) was halted nationwide for nearly three days following September 11, 2001. Students will investigate whether that stoppage resulted in any changes to cloud cover, temperature and/or radiation. Using the... (View More) MY NASA DATA Live Access Server (LAS), students gather satellite data on each of the three atmospheric parameters around that time frame. Working in teams, they read, compare and discuss two accompanying articles, then use the data from the LAS to create a PowerPoint presentation contending whether it was the lack of contrails or simply natural weather patterns at the time that was responsible for the increase in the range of temperatures. This lesson uses student- and citizen science-friendly microsets of authentic NASA Earth system science data from the MY NASA DATA project. It includes detailed procedures, analysis questions, teacher notes, related links, background information, lesson extensions, and a list of related AP Environmental Science topics. (View Less)
Materials Cost: Free
Using the MY NASA DATA Live Access Server (LAS), students gather data on both solar radiation and surface temperature for two same-latitude locations. Students then create online graphs of that data to allow for analysis and comparison. This lesson... (View More) uses student- and citizen science-friendly microsets of authentic NASA Earth system science data from the MY NASA DATA project. It includes detailed procedures, analysis questions, teacher notes, related links, background information, lesson extensions, and a list of related AP Environmental Science topics. (View Less)
Materials Cost: Free
This collection of activities is based on a weekly series of space science mathematics problems distributed during the 2012-2013 school year. They were intended for students looking for additional challenges in the math and physical science... (View More) curriculum in grades 5 through 12. The problems were created to be authentic glimpses of modern science and engineering issues, often involving actual research data. The problems were designed to be one-pagers with a Teacher's Guide and Answer Key as a second page. (View Less)
In this activity, participants learn about the atmosphere by making observations and taking measurements. They will go outside and use scientific equipment to collect atmospheric moisture data (temperature, relative humidity, precipitation and cloud... (View More) cover). Students will use this qualitative and quantitative data to understand how water is found in the atmosphere, how the atmosphere determines weather and climate, and how Earth's spheres are connected through the water cycle. The data collection is based on protocols from the GLOBE program. This activity uses the 5E instructional model and is part of the "Survivor Earth" series of one-hour lessons. (View Less)
Materials Cost: $1 - $5 per group of students
In this lesson students investigate the effects of black carbon on arctic warming and are introduced to a mechanism of arctic warming that is not directly dependent on greenhouse gases in the atmosphere: black carbon deposition on Arctic snow and... (View More) ice. It can also be used to introduce the concept of albedo. Prerequisite knowledge: students understand the concepts of absorption and reflection of light energy. This lesson is designed to be used with either an Earth/environmental science or chemistry curriculum. It may also be used as an enrichment activity in physics or physical science during a unit on energy. Includes suggested modifications for students with special needs and low technology option. Requires advance preparation, including freezing ice samples overnight. (View Less)
Materials Cost: $10 - $20 per group of students
In this lesson students use climatograms from different U.S. locations to observe patterns in temperature and precipitation. After describing geographical features near these locations, they will use graphs to compare and find patterns in the... (View More) effects that mountains, oceans, elevation, and latitude have on temperature and precipitation. A research activity will then ask students to gather information on temperature and precipitation patterns around the world using the MY NASA DATA Live Access Server and other sources, with the goal of creating their own climatogram. This lesson uses the 5E instructional model. (View Less)
Materials Cost: Free
This 16-page booklet illustrates multiple NASA sources that allow educators to incorporate real Earth science data and images in their teaching and programs. Sample resources as well as firsthand accounts of how these are being used in the classroom... (View More) or informal education setting are included. (View Less)