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Coming Soon
Below is a list of movies we are considering. In an effort to improve our movie selection, we invite you to please vote for each of the movies you'd like to see at the Drafthouse as we will be using your vote to help decide which films to bring in and when to play it. Click on the button below each poster to vote for a movie. You can vote for more than one movie, but only one vote per movie. Thanks!
Into the Storm
(PG-13) (89 min)
In the span of a single day, the town of Silverton is ravaged by an unprecedented onslaught of tornadoes. The entire town is at the mercy of the erratic and deadly cyclones, even as storm trackers predict the worst is yet to come. Most people seek shelter, while others run towards the vortex, testing how far a storm chaser will go for that once-in-a-lifetime shot. Told through the eyes and lenses of professional storm chasers, thrill-seeking amateurs, and courageous townspeople, "Into the Storm" throws you directly into the eye of the storm to experience Mother Nature at her most extreme. (C) Warner Bros
The Expendables 3
(PG-13) (126 min)
In THE EXPENDABLES 3, Barney (Stallone), Christmas (Statham) and the rest of the team come face-to-face with Conrad Stonebanks (Gibson), who years ago co-founded The Expendables with Barney. Stonebanks subsequently became a ruthless arms trader and someone who Barney was forced to kill... or so he thought. Stonebanks, who eluded death once before, now is making it his mission to end The Expendables -- but Barney has other plans. Barney decides that he has to fight old blood with new blood, and brings in a new era of Expendables team members, recruiting individuals who are younger, faster and more tech-savvy. The latest mission becomes a clash of classic old-school style versus high-tech expertise in the Expendables' most personal battle yet. Lionsgate and Millennium Films present a Nu Image production. (C) Lionsgate
If I Stay
() (107 min)
Mia Hall thought the hardest decision she would ever face would be whether to pursue her musical dreams at Juilliard or follow a different path to be with the love of her life, Adam. But what should have been a carefree family drive changes everything in an instant, and now her own life hangs in the balance. Caught between life and death for one revealing day, Mia has only one decision left, which will not only decide her future but her ultimate fate. Written by Warner Bros.
Sin City: A Dame to Kill For
(Unrated) (102 min)
Co-directors Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller reunite to bring Miller's visually stunning "Sin City" graphic novels back to the screen in SIN CITY: A DAME TO KILL FOR. Weaving together two of Miller's classic stories with new tales, the town's most hard boiled citizens cross paths with some of its more reviled inhabitants. SIN CITY: A DAME TO KILL FOR is the follow up to Rodriguez and Miller's 2005 groundbreaking film, FRANK MILLER'S SIN CITY. (c) Weinstein Unrated
As Above, So Below
(R) (93 min)
Miles of twisting catacombs lie beneath the streets of Paris, the eternal home to countless souls. When a team of explorers ventures into the uncharted maze of bones, they uncover the secret of what this city of the dead was meant to contain. A journey into madness and terror, As Above, So Below reaches deep into the human psyche to reveal the personal demons that come back to haunt us all. Written by John Erick Dowdle and Drew Dowdle (Quarantine, Devil) and directed by John Erick Dowdle, the psychological thriller is produced by Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni, Drew Dowdle and Patrick Aiello. Alex Hedlund serves as the executive producer. (C)Universal
No Good Deed
() (84 min)
A lonely mother, invites a handsome car accident victim into her home. Desperate for a little attention, she doesn't realize she's entertaining a sociopathic, yet charming escape convict. In one terrorizing night her life completely changes as she fight for her own life and the life of her children in No Good Deed. Written by Anonymous
() (102 min)
When podcaster Wallace Bryton goes missing in the backwoods of Manitoba while interviewing a mysterious seafarer named Howard Howe, his best friend Teddy and girlfriend Allison team with an ex-cop to look for him.
() (98 min)
John Form has found the perfect gift for his expectant wife, Mia - a beautiful, rare vintage doll in a pure white wedding dress. But Mia's delight with Annabelle doesn't last long. On one horrific night, their home is invaded by members of a satanic cult, who violently attack the couple. Spilled blood and terror are not all they leave behind. The cultists have conjured an entity so malevolent that nothing they did will compare to the sinister conduit to the damned that is now... Annabelle. Written by johntyler249
The Judge
() (141 min)
Big city lawyer Hank Palmer returns to his childhood home where his father, the town's judge, is suspected of murder. Hank sets out to discover the truth and, along the way, reconnects with his estranged family.
One Chance
(PG-13) (103 min)
From the director of The Devil Wears Prada, ONE CHANCE is the remarkable and inspirational true story of Paul Potts, a shy, bullied shop assistant by day and an amateur opera singer by night. Paul became an instant YouTube phenomenon after being chosen by Simon Cowell for 'Britain's Got Talent.' Wowing audiences worldwide with his phenomenal voice, Paul went on to win 'Britain's Got Talent' and the hearts of millions. Fresh from celebrating his Tony Award-winning Broadway run in 'One Man, Two Guvnors', BAFTA winner James Corden (THE HISTORY BOYS) stars as Paul Potts and is supported by an acclaimed ensemble cast that includes Julie Walters (MAMMA MIA!, CALENDAR GIRLS, BILLY ELLIOT), Mackenzie Crook (THE PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN), Colm Meaney (GET HIM TO THE GREEK), Jemima Rooper (KINKY BOOTS) and rising star Alexandra Roach (THE IRON LADY). Directed by David Frankel (THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, MARLEY & ME, HOPE SPRINGS) and written by Justin Zackham (THE BUCKET LIST), ONE CHANCE is produced by Mike Menchel, Brad Weston, Kris Thykier (KICK-ASS, THE DEBT, I GIVE IT A YEAR), Simon Cowell, and executive produced by Bob and Harvey Weinstein. (c) Weinstein Co.
Step Up All In
(PG-13) (112 min)
In the next exciting chapter of the international phenomenon STEP UP, all-stars from previous installments come together in glittering Las Vegas, battling for a victory that could define their dreams and their careers. (c) Lionsgate PG-13
The Giver
(PG-13) ( min)
The haunting story of THE GIVER centers on Jonas (Brenton Thwaites), a young man who lives in a seemingly ideal, if colorless, world of conformity and contentment. Yet as he begins to spend time with The Giver (Jeff Bridges), who is the sole keeper of all the community's memories, Jonas quickly begins to discover the dark and deadly truths of his community's secret past. With this newfound power of knowledge, he realizes that the stakes are higher than imagined - a matter of life and death for himself and those he loves most. At extreme odds, Jonas knows that he must escape their world to protect them all - a challenge that no one has ever succeeded at before. THE GIVER is based on Lois Lowry's beloved young adult novel of the same name, which was the winner the 1994 Newbery Medal and has sold over 10 million copies worldwide. (C) Weinstein
When the Game Stands Tall
() (115 min)
Inspired by a true story, WHEN THE GAME STANDS TALL tells the remarkable journey of legendary football coach Bob Ladouceur (Jim Caviezel), who took the De La Salle High School Spartans from obscurity to a 151-game winning streak that shattered all records for any American sport. Written by Sony Pictures Entertainment
The November Man
() (108 min)
An ex-CIA operative is brought back in on a very personal mission and finds himself pitted against his former pupil in a deadly game involving high level CIA officials and the Russian president-elect.
The Identical
() (107 min)
In 1936, William and Helen Hemsley (Brian Geraghty, Amanda Crew) welcome identical twin boys into the world. But their joy is quickly tempered by a sobering realization; how could they give these children any kind of a life beyond the desperate poverty that haunted many families in the midst of the Great Depression? When evangelist Reece Wade (Ray Liotta) reveals that he and his wife Louise (Ashley Judd) cannot have children, William feels the Lord's prompting to give them one of the infant boys. Both brothers are born with passion, drive and awesome musical talent, but take very separate, yet converging paths. Drexel Hemsley (Blake Rayne) rises like a comet and changes the music world forever. His adopted brother, Ryan Wade (also played by Blake Rayne) struggles to find the purpose for his life. All the way into manhood he wrestles with pleasing Reverend Wade, his loving but controlling father, who is convinced his son Ryan is called into the ministry. Ryan is encouraged by his ... Written by Anonymous
A Walk Among the Tombstones
() (114 min)
Matt Scudder is a former cop now a private eye. He is asked by a drug dealer to find the men who kidnapped his wife. It seems like they killed her even after he paid them. Scudder refuses. But the man later goes to see him and tells him how his wife was killed. Scudder takes the job. He does some research and thinks the men he is looking for have done this more than once. And that everyone they grabbed is connected to a drug dealer. He was about to give up when they grab another girl and Scudder tries make sure she's returned alive. Written by email@example.com
Gone Girl
() (149 min)
On the occasion of his fifth wedding anniversary, Nick Dunne reports that his wife, Amy, has gone missing. Under pressure from the police and a growing media frenzy, Nick's portrait of a blissful union begins to crumble. Soon his lies, deceits and strange behavior have everyone asking the same dark question: Did Nick Dunne kill his wife? Written by Twentieth Century Fox
Kill the Messenger
() (112 min)
A reporter becomes the target of a vicious smear campaign that drives him to the point of suicide after he exposes the CIA's role in arming Contra rebels in Nicaragua and importing cocaine into California. Based on the true story of journalist Gary Webb. Written by IMDb editor
Dracula Untold
() (92 min)
At the turn of the century, the young lord Vlad and his family live a peaceful life ruling over their small kingdom, but when a Turk warlord demands from Vlad a thousand boys and his son to create an army Vlad seeks a terrible power that will allow him to protect his kingdom and family from the Turks at a terrible cost. Written by Blue_EagleUK
St. Vincent
(PG-13) (103 min)
Maggie (McCarthy), a single mother, moves into a new home in Brooklyn with her 12-year old son, Oliver (Lieberher). Forced to work long hours, she has no choice but to leave Oliver in the care of their new neighbor, Vincent (Murray), a retired curmudgeon with a penchant for alcohol and gambling. An odd friendship soon blossoms between the improbable pair. Together with a pregnant stripper named Daka (Watts), Vincent brings Oliver along on all the stops that make up his daily routine - the race track, a strip club, and the local dive bar. Vincent helps Oliver grow to become a man, while Oliver begins to see in Vincent something that no one else is able to: a misunderstood man with a good heart. (C) Weinstein
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MedExpress opens first walk-in health care center in Del.
Forget making an appoint, walk-in health care centers are popping up all over, and now there's yet another in Newark.
MedExpress has opened its doors with its first facility in the First State.
The center in Newark's Chestnut Hill Plaza can treat everything from the flu to broken bones.
"We can provide you with a limited range of laboratory services. We have an x-ray on site, and we also are able to provide oyu with certain medications that we dispense here within our facility," says Dan Gray, Area Manager for MedExpress.
Gray says the the Newark center is also very convenient, open seven days a week from 9am to 9pm.
"Injuries or illness doesn't happen on any particular schedule so when you find yourself in need of some immediate care, you can come into our walk-in center and be treated friendly by professionals, and get in and out in a pretty expedient fashion," says Gray.
MedExpress will be offering free flu shots for the next two week to celebrate its grand opening.
The company is also opening three more walk-in health care centers in Delaware, in New Castle, on Kirkwood Highway, and on Concord Pike, before the year's end.
The company currently operated more than 80 locations in Florida, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Copyright © Dec 22, 2014, WDEL/Delmarva Broadcasting Company. All Rights Reserved.
Advanced permission from Delmarva Broadcasting Company required for publication or rebroadcast.

subset: commoncrawl


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This Christmas holiday week I plan to slow down and reflect on the year that has passed. I will set time aside to find some peace, joy, focus, forgiveness, thankfulness, and renewal for my own soul before the next year begins. I want to take some extra time to just be, and breath, and feel gratitude and joy. The best present I may receive this year may simply be the opportunity to be present. And maybe in that presence I will more deeply experience the very presence and Spirit of my own divinity.read more
The day after the first Shabbat in Advent, Mary and Joseph took Jesus, who was eight years old, To the Great Mall of Bethlehem. There, in the middle of the huge indoor shopping complex, Was a stately …read more
What will be the unifying principle behind this community? Is love and mutual support enough to hang it together? Will some distinctive message or activity or ritual be necessary to give the group an identity and a reason to continue gathering? The experiment is just getting started. The evidence and the conclusions are not in. Meanwhile, Bart's experiment has the attention of secular humanists nationwide. He's not a theist any more, but he's not a normal atheist, either.read more
The church as we know it came about when one group of believers was opposed by a dissenting group. Then it became necessary for each group to define their concepts of Christianity and to label all others heretics.read more
Quickened by my attention to what surrounded me
As I sat on one of the pale yellow rounded boulders in the creekbed.
American-born Muslim young people, growing up post 9/11, are more marked as just-plain-Muslims than they are as Ismaili or Sunni or Shia or Ahmadjyya or Sufi Muslims. Or Turkish or Syrian or Jordanian or Saudi Muslims. They've been thrust into a wide realm of choice by historical circumstance. There's no one way to do their faith, and for some this opens the door to creative expressions of their religion.read more
I have often said so-called "progressive Christianity" is a notion forever in search of its own elusive definition; and that's as good a way of explaining it as we may be able to find. We live in a post-modern world that considers the age of Enlightenment to be a post-facto reality. As such, "progressive" thinking in an age of Reason has pushed the boundaries of nearly every facet of life, except one: those 'traditional' or 'orthodox' beliefs, based on certain creeds, doctrines and dogma that still dominate what it presumably means to be "Christian." It hardly needs to be said that it is also why so many one-time believers have outgrown their one-time faith. Calling them merely "lapsed" is misleading. So much has elapsed in the world we have all come to know and take for granted, that the once-dominant Church — — despite all its denominational varieties — has fast become a post-modern relic. Yet any critical examination of how Christian scriptures developed and how the history of the tradition evolved will quickly demonstrate how it has always been in a constant state of flux. Or, if you like, "progression." It was only when it stopped and got stuck that we traded in the tent for a temple, and snuffed the life out of a movement that is progressive by its very nature. What then would constitute an honest statement of belief for at least this "progressive Christian?"read more
The Greek word for "faith" in the New Testament is pistis, which occurs 243 times. As a noun, pistis is used as a technical term for "forensic evidence." In other words, faith is not blind; we must investigate to establish the facts. I agree with retired Episcopal bishop, John Shelby Spong, who writes, "My problem has never been my faith. It has always been the literal way that human beings have chosen to articulate that faith." To many Christians, faith means believing highly suspect claims, which is a problem for me. Thinking isn't a sin. God created our minds and I'm certain that we were intended to use them.read more
Mindful Christianity is mysticism: the experience of a human being in spiritual union with the divine, seeing each other with the same eye. The observer within you, when you are deep in mindfulness meditation, is God. God is lovingly attentive toward your every experience, every feeling, urge, and thought. In mindfulness practice, God notices all of that is going on inside of you, with deep compassion and without judgment.read more
An extremely small percentage of the world's Muslim population recognizes ISIS as having any sort of authority over their lives. In other words, being Muslim does not equate with ISIS affiliation. We need to stop acting as if the two are interchangeable and start acting out of love, rather than from hate or fear. Jesus said, "Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples" (John 13:35). If there is no love, there is no Christianity. Period. There is just an empty label that leaves the world seeing us in ways that will make you cringe.read more
The idea that we humans have been given dominion over the animals, the trees and the waters is just wrong. At some point we are going to have to admit we have been blind to what we have done and are continuing to do. If we do not begin to function in harmony with all Creation, I am afraid Homo sapiens will have a short history on this earth. Even more tragic, we humans will have missed an opportunity to experience an amazing awareness that could have led to a profound, life changing spiritual experience and a very different worldly experience.read more
For those like me who see Jesus, not as the divine Son of God in our midst, but as a courageous sage and social prophet, and for those of us who see God as other than an all-powerful distant deity – the language of reverence is rooted in the story of existence and the universe itself. That becomes a religious story whispering of a larger meaning of our existence or in Bumbaugh's words each of us is "a self present in the singularity that produced the emergent universe; a self present at the birth of the stars; a self related through time to every living thing on this planet; a self that contains within it the seeds of a future we cannot imagine in our wildest flights of fantasy." That non-traditional evolutionary sacred story invites us to stand in awe; and it calls us to create a whole new vocabulary of reverence even as we commit to cherishing and caring for the earth.read more


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Reviews for Mazda Millenia years:
Owners' Reviews
2002 Mazda Millenia Reviews and Owner Comments
3 ReviewsWrite Your Review
Overall Score (3 reviews)
2002 Mazda MilleniaVisitor, Mount Sidney, VA, April 16, 2013 13:35$8K and have had it for almost 3 years.....only real issue was to replace the thermostat...rides like a dream on new tires..... turbo is great....holds a sheen and great looks after every washing.....can't believe it's 11 years old.....
2002 Mazda MilleniaVisitor, San Antonio, TX, June 23, 2011 03:54My gas gauge seems to be stuck?? Keeps telling me i have a full tank of gas? 140,000 miles on s-series
2002 Mazda MilleniaVisitor, Lake Park, GA, April 06, 2010 09:38Have an '02 going on a year now and could be happier but for 92K and $7000 I'm a bit surprised at the luxury and performance I get out of this used car. Just a few quirks electronically to work out like the air bag light blinks Morris code every now and then but never stays on and only does it on occasion and the steering wheel incline motor is shot (at least its in the most comfortable spot and not like a bus driver mode, thanks God, but other than that its cherry.


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This season has seen it all. Another lockout. The first post-Lidstrom era season. No chemistry to players disappearing after not being able to shut their mouths to the media. About 3 dozen defensemen and nearly as many rookies.
Zetterberg's era dawning…
Wings fans should be proud..
I was going to write a post today about how great it is to see the youth movement in Detroit coming up big in the playoffs. The new era is shifting well though its growing pains. Gustav Nyquist made NHL history when he became the first rookie to record his first two playoff points both in overtime (goal, assist - two different games for those that were all "huh?").
April in the D is almost over; but hopefully that does not mean Johan Franzen is done playing.
April is when the Mule finally decides to wake up and play some hockey and he did not disappoint in that fashion yet again..
About an hour north of Hockeytown Flint, Michigan sits as a slowly dying hockey area.
Born in Flint and raised in a small town, and by small I mean one stop light at the time small town, outside of Flint I can remember as a kid the excitement of going to what was then the Flint IMA to see the … again THEN Flint Generals..
Officially Official once again.
That's right once again the NHL has announced that the Detroit Red Wings will play host to the Toronto Maple Leafs for the next Winter Classic.
2013 has become the new 2014..
This past weekend Team Tootoo finally made its presence known in the Detroit area.
Not much talk anymore about impact the lockout had on the communities; but one angle that was not touched on often were charity events. Annually the Detroit Red Wings have the Salvation Army Red Kettle bell ringing competitions with players and staff trying to raise money.
And so it begins…
In just a few hours the NHL will finally drop the puck and start the 2012-2013 season and the Red Wings will officially begin The New Era.
"Sons of Detroit! Of Windsor! My brothers. I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me. A day may come when the courage of all fails, when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship, but it is not this day.
Long past are the days of the Yzerman Era in Detroit. No longer does Steve Yzerman suit up in a winged wheel; rather now he puts on a suit and is developing the Tampa Bay Lightning.
No longer does Nicklas Lidstrom patrol the blue line in Detroit, leading the Red Wings by example of the greatest defenseman to ever play the game..
Now that the NHL is looking to start up soon lets not forget that these are not the only hockey athletes we have.
In fact college hockey has been here all along.
On February 2nd college hockey returns to Joe Louis Arena in Detroit with a cause other than playing hated rivals: Battle of the Badges.
Finally snow has fallen on Michigan and that means the lakes will be freezing soon and pond hockey will be keeping hockey fans busy during this NHL lockout.
January 18th-20th The Lake Fenton Winter Classic is returning!.
Off-Ice Instigating is where you can find the views and opinions of Monica McAlister. For 140 character chirps be sure to follow @MonicaMcAlister on Twitter.
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A month after revealing her pregnancy, Basketball Wives star Evelyn Lozada is engaged to Los Angeles Dodgers player Carl Crawford.
Check out other celebs who got engaged this year
Basketball Wives star Evelyn Lozada is expanding her family.
"I am so excited to announce a wonderful blessing — I'm pregnant!" Lozada told People.
The reality star, who divorced Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson in 2012, is six months along. She is keeping the identity of the baby's father a secret.
Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson has been charged with misdemeanor battery, springing from the August incident with his then wife Evelyn Lozada, TMZ.com reports.
Chad Johnson's wife Evelyn Lozada files for divorce
In August, Johnson was...read more
Chad Ochocinco and his "Dancing with the Stars" partner Cheryl Burke talk about their elimination from "Dancing"? Plus, will Cheryl watch Chad's new dating reality show?
Chad Ochocinco and his partner Cheryl Burke rehearse for the next Dancing With The Stars.
Hollywood.TV catches the football star
at "The Standard Hotel" in Los Angeles.
Cincinnati Bengals Pro Bowl wide receiver Chad Ochocinco talks about his experience as Raw Guest Host.
More Clips & Interviews
Alex and Thad deal with the ramifications of a pornographic photo that Thad sent from Alex's phone after it makes its way around campus.
Also Available On Amazon Instant Video and Crackle
Chad and Evelyn get into it when Evelyn spots him having lunch with another woman. Watch the full episode now!
Also Available On Hulu Plus, iTunes and Amazon Instant Video
Comedian Patrice O'Neal looks back at the top ten moments from Basketball Wives' current season.
Also Available On Hulu Plus, iTunes and Amazon Instant Video
Andre, the League's reigning champion, has pulled out all the stops and hosts the draft in Las Vegas. Jenny wants to be in The League this year, and when one member drops out she throws her hat in the ring.
Also Available On iTunes, Amazon Prime and VUDU
More Chad Ochocinco On TV Videos
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Our top moments of the week:14. Mr. Wrong Award: Never go out again with a guy who sleeps with you and then goes MIA for three months. Maura never gets that memo on Rizzoli & Isles, as her on-again beau Dennis (guest star Eddie Cibrian) turns out to be the serial killer that Jane has been tracking. As police burst into his home, interrupting their "date," Dennis takes Maura hostage and explains that she ...
read more
Following Chad Ochocinco Johnson's arrest, his wife Evelyn Lozada has filed for divorce, TMZ.com reports.
Lozada, who wed Johnson...
read more
On the heels of Chad Johnson's arrest, VH1 has canceled the upcoming reality series Ev and Ocho, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Johnson was...
read more
NFL wide receiver and Dancing with the Stars alum Chad Ochocinco (né Johnson) was arrested on domestic violence charges, NFL.com reports.
Johnson, 34, allegedly...
read more
It was the $9 billion question: Could NFL owners and players reach an agreement to end the bitter lockout threatening the 2011 season? After a resounding yes on July 25, teams scrambled to get ready. Record-setting TV ratings last year cemented the game's status as America's favorite sport, but what can fans expect on the field in the wake of the time-consuming labor dispute? "Teams that had very little change are going to have a huge advantage once the season starts," says CBS analyst Rich Gannon. "Some teams that have new quarterbacks, new systems, they're going to struggle." As the season kicks off tonight, TV Guide Magazine asked NFL analysts to tackle five burning questions...
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Download the TV Guide app for iPhone, iPad and Android!


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Oregon bans gillnets on Columbia
Dec 7, 2012
By The Associated Press
By JONATHAN J. COOPER
Of the Associated Press
PORTLAND — The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission voted Friday to ban the use of gillnets to catch fish on the main stem of the Columbia River, relegating the primary commercial-fishing tool to side channels and tributaries.
Washington's fish commission was scheduled to decide soon on similar rules, eliminating the centuries-old practice from both sides of the river.
The gillnet ban was pushed by Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber, who hopes to mediate a longstanding conflict between commercial and recreational fishers while transitioning to new methods of commercial fishing. Recreational fishers say gillnets are harmful to the recovery of endangered salmon.
The proposal has infuriated commercial fishers, who say it'll be impossible for them to earn a living by fishing only in the limited areas where they'll be allowed to use gillnets. They say the proposed new fishing gear won't work and see the move as a ploy by recreational fishers to eliminate competition for strictly limited fish harvests.
"Main-stem fishing should not be taken away because greedy people want more," Matthew Evans, a gillnetter from Astoria, Ore., told the commission. "There's a lot of people out of work, and I don't want to be one of them."
First used by Native American fishers long before the Lewis and Clark expedition charted the Pacific Northwest, gillnets are still the primary method of commercial fishing on the Columbia. They snag fish by the gills, preventing them from breaking free.
Critics say the nets are cruel to fish and kill thousands of endangered salmon.
"Protecting and enhancing our wild steelhead and salmon benefits commercial fishers, recreational anglers, the public at large, and, most importantly, the fish," said Dave Schamp, chairman of the Coastal Conservation Association's operations in Oregon.
Kitzhaber's proposal was advanced after Schamp's organization gathered signatures to ban gillnets altogether on the Oregon side of the river.
Kitzhaber said he was committed to improving economic benefits for commercial and recreational fishers alike. He viewed the ban as part of a larger strategy that includes increasing the availability of hatchery salmon returning to side channels and legalizing alternative gear for commercial fishing.
In a letter to the commission Friday, Kitzhaber acknowledged that a lot must go right for his plan to work and asked the commission to consider backing off if shared economic benefits don't materialize.
Washington is studying alternative fishing gear to see whether it is safer for endangered fish. The most-touted method is a purse seine, which encircles fish in the river then is pulled shut at the bottom to trap them. With fish still in the water, fishers can sort out endangered fish and set them free.
Gillnetters say seines require larger boats and may not be profitable on the Columbia or will concentrate the catch in the hands of a few fishers with extensive experience and money to buy new equipment.
Seines are illegal in Oregon, but the Legislature is expected to consider legalizing them next year.
"As a sport fisherman, I appreciate the increased opportunity to catch more fish, and as a conservationist, I thank you for giving the fish a better shot at survival for the next generations," Wallace Beck of McMinnville, Ore., told commissioners. "These fish belong to no one, and at the same time they belong to all of us."
About 200 gillnetters are active on the Columbia, many of them from families that have been commercially fishing for generations.
Kitzhaber has requested money to increase hatchery fish in areas where gillnetters would be allowed to operate, and to help them weather the economic consequences.
But gilnetters remained unconvinced, saying there's not enough money to make it work.
"We're not fighting for a job or a livelihood," said Joe Parker, a third-generation gillnetter from Astoria. "We're fighting for a way of life."
Fish recovery plans allocate a certain number of endangered fish that can be impacted by fish harvests. Such limits are divided between tribal, commercial and recreational fisheries.
The rules would steadily decrease limits allocated for commercial fisheries and increase the allocations for recreational fisheries. They also would require recreational fishers to use unbarbed hooks.
Tribal fisheries are not affected by the proposed new rules.
Commercial fishers say they're catching fish for consumers, so the commission's action will limit the public's access to valued fish originating upriver.
The commission also voted to prohibit the retention of white sturgeon beginning in 2014 because of declining populations — a move the several sport-fishing guides said would harm their income. Sport fishers will be allowed to retain one white sturgeon next year.
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Quiz the Coach
I really like soccer but I'm too scared to head the ball. I'm afraid it'll hurt my head, so I just move out of the way. Then my coach and the other guys on my team yell at me. Any tips? Back to Article
CookieDevil wrote:report
2013-01-06 18:14:17 -0800
This is a bit like Dear-Dish-It but for sport advice.


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Best Dressed Celebs of the Week
This week's most stylish stars prove that whether they're at a red carpet premiere, or getting off of a plane, a fashionista always looks chic! Check out our picks for the best celebrity outfits.
Shay Mitchell
Our Seventeen Prom cover girl was out in full color-blocking force, signing copies of our latest issue. I must say, her pink, orange, and blue moment was not to be missed. GO SHAY!


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AUSTRALIA'S MOST DRAMATIC HOLIDAY HOME and LUXURY WEDDING VENUE
Perched 750 feet above the Pacific Ocean It's a vivid image of the beautiful villas on the Cote d'Azure in the South of France
The driveway will lead you to a Villa giving you and your guests privacy not normally enjoyed in Holiday Homes...the moment you arrive you will be mesmerized by the stunning views on what is possibly the best any home can offer on the Sub - Tropical North Eastern coastline of Australia.
We have been in the hospitality business for more than 30 years and we are here to ensure your stay with us exceeds your expectation.
With 3 separate pavilions the villa is perfect for four - five couples or two families looking to share the magic of a peaceful yet exciting getaway in this 5 bedroom Villa.
You will be captivated when living in this beautiful space by the best sight lines, the view through the windows or arched passageways to an uninterrupted panorama, achieving a perfect compromise with nature. On the rare occasion when you get that tropical storm you are treated for a small period to a fabulous mist that rises from the Ocean with rainbows appearing to embrace this extraordinary view.
For the ultimate in-house movie experience, lounge back and be entertained by the worlds leading entertainers in the 3 tiered theatrette. To keep your fitness in check be impressed by the professionally equipped gymnasium or enjoy a hit on the day/night tennis court, both guaranteeing views never offered by such sporting facilities.
Villa Vivante defies description in more ways than one simply being here on a beautiful sunny day or with a passing storm the views are always extraordinary, Villa Vivante is the perfect host.
Bedrooms and Bathrooms
All bedrooms are very private, situated on the second floor allowing for peace and solitude. Each bedroom boasts its own private deck or balcony along with lounge-style seating to enjoy the views of the stars at night or the amazing sunrises.
Bedroom One: Suite with king bed, open plan en-suite with inside and outside shower, bath, air-conditioning, lounge, TV, ceiling fan, walk in robe.
Bedroom Two and Three: Suite with king bed, full bathroom with shower, deep soak bath, air-conditioning, TV, ceiling fan, walk in robe and panoramic ocean views.
Bedroom Four: Suite with king-split bed (can be two singles), full bathroom with shower, free-standing bath, air-conditioning, TV, ceiling fan, walk in robe and panoramic ocean views.
Bedroom Five: Three single beds (or can form 1 king and 1 single), ensuite, ceiling fan, minibar refrigerator, TV. Although attached to the house, please note this room is not suitable for younger children due to the separate entry (not directly accessible from inside the house).
Villa Vivante is a dream wedding and event venue. It is truly world-class with its chic European styling and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The lounge and dining area is transformed, allowing up to 90 people for a seated glamorous affair or 110 people for a cocktail soiree.
We have appointed North Coast Luxury Weddings, as our preferred wedding coordinator to help you bring your wedding dreams to reality. Their meticulous attention to detail, creative flair and flawless service creates beautiful weddings, that are not only memorable, but always exceed expectations.
Weddings and all bookings are based upon a 5 night stay at Villa Vivante.
There is a Wedding Day Function Fee of $1500.00 on your numbers (11 - 110 Guests)
This covers the removal and return of furniture for your wedding day, public liability and additional reasonable cleaning.
To get a better picture of a Villa Vivante Wedding, Photographer David Moore has some stunning examples.
Click on the following links:
Sheree and Duncan -
Shelly and Craig -
Our terms and conditions include:
- No parking for non-house guests (transport will be arranged)
- Wedding concludes 11.00pm, non-house guests offsite by midnight
- No outside external fires excluding Villa Vivante BBQ
- No swimming in pool during the reception
- No Camping
- 3 tiered 12 lounge seat theatrette
- Professionally equipped gymnasium
- iPod docking station
- Ceiling fans in all bedrooms
- Ducted air conditioning throughout
- Very impressive gourmet kitchen with butlers station and walk in store/pantry
- Oversized laundry housing sophisticated equipment
- Televisions in kitchen, living, gymnasium and all bedrooms
- 2 Powder rooms of the living room and gymnasium.
- 2 to 3 car garage (including Billard table and table tennis)
Villa Vivante feels more like a private intimate resort, with every facility catered for you and your guests enjoyment.
The pool deck and terraces are great places to enjoy the sun, sip an aperitif or just lay back relax and enjoy the views of the ocean, islands and rainforest mountains.
- Pool is 22 x 3 meters infinity edge
- 8 person heated spa
- Lounge pavilion beside pool
- Sundeck lounges
- North and south facing covered terraces
- All bedrooms have private balconies
- BBQ facilities
- Helicopter Pad
- Day and night tennis court
- Sunset views
- Parking
- Daily housekeeping if required ($250.00 spring clean bathroom/linen change or $400.00 spring clean villa bathroom/linen change or $750.00 full clean and linen change
- Chefs on request (additional costs)
- Security guard on request (additional costs)
- Helicopter available (additional costs)
- Tennis Pro / Massuer (additional costs)
- Maximum 11 guests
- No smoking within villa
- No pets (on request)
- Weddings & Special Celebrations permitted on requests
- Check in time 3.00pm
- Departure time 10.00am
- From Sydney i hour flight....Up to 7 flights per day with Qantas and Virgin blue. Car 6 hours
- From Brisbane i hour flight....Brindabella Airlines daily.....Car 4+ hours drive.
- From Melb Flying....Virgin Direct Sat/Sun ...Qantas Direct Sat....Car 14 hours drive
- From Gold Coast.....Car 3+ hours
- From Newcastle....Car 4 hours
- Beach 5 minutes
- Airport: 15 minutes by car
- 5-10 minutes to your choice of many beautiful beaches.
- 5 minute to majestic rainforest walk
- 10 minute drive to swimming with the Dolphins.....Pet Porpoise Pool
- 20 minute drive to Bonville Golf Course
- 5 minute drive to 100+ shopping centre
- 10 minute drive to wide selection of Restaurants
- Swimming with the Dolphins
- Scuba Diving
- Golf
- Whale watching
- Beaches
- Rainforest
- Horse riding
- Deep sea fishing
- Go Karting
Airconditioning, Swimming Pool, Washing Machine, Parking, Dishwasher
- Airconditioning
- Alfresco Dining
- Barbeque
- Ceiling Fans
- Clothes dryer
- Cooking Facilities
- Cot
- DVD player
- Dishwasher
- Gym
- Gymnasium
- Heated Spa
- Heated Spa (not spa bath)
- High chair
- Home Theatre - 12 seat
- Infinity Pool
- Ironing Facilities
- Linen Supplied
- Microwave
- Non-Smoking
- Parking
- Pay Television
- Rumpus room
- Stereo
- Swimming Pool
- Tennis Courts
- Thatched Day Bed
- Towels Supplied
- Washing Machine
- Wedding Venue
- iPod docking station
Note: Pricing is subject to change, and a minimum stay period and other conditions may apply. You should confirm pricing with the property owner.
Prices listed based on 11 adults. Property has 7 beds and can sleep a maximum 11 people.
Request a booking or make an enquiry
* indicates a required field


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Don't Let Your Credit Become A Greek Tragedy
The ancient Greek tales of misfortune would have us believe that angering the gods might be the cause of all our financial woes.
However, these hubristic scenarios aren't the plots of Greek tragedies; they're common problems with credit card debt that plague many Americans.
Discover how our heroes might overcome their financial fate and learn something from their cautionary tales.
Ignoring credit card balancesOur hero relies on credit cards to live an extravagant lifestyle -- one that he truly can't afford. He wants the finest things and is so consumed by his desires that he can't be bothered to budget or even acknowledge his growing debt. He makes minimum payments, hovering just below his credit limit and figures he can continue on like this forever.
Make a plan to pay off debtOedipus might tell you it's no use to run from your problems. Get a handle on your debt by creating a budget you can live on without using credit, and factoring in debt repayment. Consider utilizing a 0 percent APR balance transfer credit card to save on interest while paying down debt. Good choices may include the Citi Simplicity Card and the Slate from Chase. If you've been eating nothing but ambrosia, the food of mere mortals might take some getting used to, but consider how much sweeter life will be living debt-free.
Credit cards are an extension of spendingOur heroine budgeted for the groceries and paid the power bill, but when a good deal turns up, she just can't turn away. She knows she cannot afford the things she buys on impulse, but, as if under a curse, she can't resist the sale. She thinks that's what credit cards are for, right? She's confident they will carry her over until she can pay off the bill… which should be any day now. You don't have to be Cassandra the Prophet to see how this will end.
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Here's To Mom's That Rock.
We were thrilled to work with TX M.I.L.K. this past weekend for this super fun outdoor event: The afternoon was full of great music, yummy treats from Better Bites Bakery, Tiny Pies, Sweet Leaf Tea and more, shopping with m squared jewelry and the weather was perfect. This group is amazing and we wish only…Read More →


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Cherrytree Records
Your Pop Alternative Source
Hot on the heels of their debut Coachella performance this month, the French brother and sister duo CARBON AIRWAYS will follow their U.S. debut EP Black Sun (released March 2) with a brand-newEP YOU WALK AWAY. Due out April 22 on Cherrytree Records, the five-track release features new original music from the teenage electo-rock wunderkinds. United by their mutual love of hard-hitting acts like Th…
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Application for Canadian Citizenship: Adults
Get help to open an application form or to complete an application form in the Help Centre.
Effective February 6, 2014, the processing fee for adult grant (including adult adoption) and adult resumption applications has increased. Applications received on or after February 6, 2014 that do not include the correct processing fee will be returned.
Applications that were returned before February 6, 2014 because of missing information and/or documents and then received by CIC on or after February 6, 2014 will require the new processing fee ($300) plus the right of citizenship fee ($100) for a total of $400. If the application was submitted for concurrent processing with a family member and one of the applications is incomplete, the entire package is returned. Only the incomplete application will be subject to the fee increase.
Note: If your application is not complete or is missing information, we will return it to you. Make sure you include postal codes for all Canadian and overseas addresses.
This application package includes:
- Application for Canadian Citizenship — Adults (including the Document Checklist) [Form CIT 0002] (PDF, 2 MB) May 2014
- How to calculate residence [Form CIT 0407] (PDF, 1.2 MB) July 2014
- Citizenship Photo Specifications
- Instruction Guide
Use this application if you are a permanent resident, 18 years of age or older, and you want to apply for Canadian citizenship. To qualify you must:
- have lived in Canada for at least three of the four years before you apply,
- be able to communicate (read, write and speak) in English or French (if you are 55 years of age or older, this does not apply), and
- know about Canada and the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship (if you are 55 years of age or older, this does not apply).
If you have a criminal record, are facing criminal charges or have been ordered to leave Canada, you may not be eligible for citizenship.
Note: You must be a permanent resident for at least two years before you can apply for citizenship.
You can use the residence calculator to check if you have lived in Canada long enough to be eligible for citizenship. Print the results and attach a copy to your Application for Canadian Citizenship – Adults.
- Read the Instruction Guide and download the application forms.
- Fill out, sign and date your application forms.
- Pay your fees. There are two ways you can pay:
- online (preferred option) or
- at a financial institution in Canada.
For option 2:
- We will need to mail you an original receipt. It may take two to three weeks to arrive.
- Bring this receipt to pay your fees at the bank or wire service. They will keep one section and give the rest back to you.
- Send one section with your application and keep the other for your records.
- Mail your completed application to the Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia.
How-to videoSave Time: Send a Complete Application
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Beijing by BikeGeneral Info | Photo Gallery | Traveller Feedback
Be one of the estimated nine million bicyclists in China on this Beijing tour. Spin your wheels through the backstreets and hutongs, stopping for some market appreciation, lunch, green tea, and a game of mahjong with the locals. Good luck winning that one, you're gonna need it!
- Bike through the ancient alleyways and hutongs of Beijing
- Explore a neighbourhood on the cusp of development
- Indulge in a traditional Chinese lunch with locals
- Experience a local Beijing produce market
- Learn to play the popular game of mahjong (and even pick up a trick or two)
Tour style:Cycling, Food & Market Visits, Local Life & Culture
Local English speaking guide, bike rental, lunch, transportation, entrance fees as indicated.
Items of a personal nature, tips / gratuities for driver or guide.
Group size:Maximum 12
Schedule details:
- Duration: 7-8 hours
- Meeting point:
Sunworld Hotel 天伦松鹤大酒店 灯市口大街88号
No. 88 Dengshikou Street, Dong Cheng, Beijing, 100006
+86 10-58168999
Dengshikou Station, Metro Line 5, Exit A.
Turn left, then turn left at the Dengshikou Dajie, Sunworld is 250m down Dengshikou street on the left hand side of the road.
- Starting time: 8.30 AM
- Ending point:
Bike rental point near Drum and Bell Square, Xicheng District (GULOU area).
Additional information :
- Voucher exchange details:
Please present your voucher to the local guide at the beginning of the trip.
- Confirmation of booking:
If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point.
Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
- Additional information:
NOTE: Helmets are provided at the beginning of the tour.
- Dress standard:
You will need comfortable clothes for cycling.
- Child policy:
Children must be 12 years of age or older.
- Language: English
Beijing is a city that's both modern and traditional, forward-looking and connected to its past, and in our opinion, one of the best ways to experience it all is by bike.
Although modernising at a rapid pace, for now, China's capital still preserves its ancient and traditional heart in the winding alleyways and backstreets around the Forbidden City. Known as hutongs, these lanes are still home to many of Beijing's residents as well as shops, markets, temples, and historic buildings.
As our Beijing bike tour winds through the hutongs, you'll have a unique view of this traditional way of life and witness this neighbourhood as it slowly disappears and the developers move in. Cycle to the local market to check out the fresh produce, learn more about traditional ingredients in Chinese cooking, and maybe pick up some snacks for later in the day.
Climb back on your bike and head off to visit some of our local friends and enjoy a tasty Chinese lunch. If you're up for it, help with some of the meal preparation or watch how some local dishes are prepared before sitting down for a typical Chinese meal in a traditional courtyard.
After lunch, hop back on your bike as our Beijing cycle tour continues with a short ride to our next stop where we'll learn how to play the popular game of mahjong. Discover the intricacies of this tiled game while sipping cups of green tea with our neighbourhood friends. You may not have enough time to become a mahjong expert, but you might pick up some tips and tricks from well-played locals!
In the late afternoon, we'll make the final cycle through the alleys back to the drop off point, where this revealing local Beijing bike tour comes to an end.
Photo Gallery:
Traveller Feedback:
Want to check out what other travellers think of their Urban Adventure experience? See below for our traveller feedback.
- Your overall experience ...................................................................................... 4.75
- Your guide's enthusiasm, local knowledge and communication skills........................................................................................................................ 4.75
The level of opportunity to learn more about the culture, interact
with locals, and experience their way of life......................................................4.75
The Responsible Travel philosophy implemented on your
Urban Adventure................................................................................................... 4.50
- Did the trip match your expectations?.............................................................. 4.75
Mr. Gustaaf v.
USA ~ 24 Aug 2014[back to top]
Kevin readily adapted the trip to what I already had experienced in Beijing at earlier visits
Ms. Bernadette B.
~ 23 Jun 2013[back to top]
Had a great time with Feng even though my bicycle skills and traffic management were dodgy.
Maybe a better meeting place as we got confused by 2 similarly named hotels near each other.
Mr. Paul D.
United Kingdom ~ 20 Apr 2013[back to top]
My guide Jerry was great and the day was one of the best things I did in my time in Beijing. Thanks!
Mrs. Cathryn M.
New Zealand ~ 18 Oct 2012[back to top]
Our guide was great showed good knowledge, enthusiasm and patience
Your trip:
For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.
If you are happy with the services provided by your local guides a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid Urban Adventures destinations. Please consider this when budgeting for your extra expenses on this tour
- Cancellations made more than 2 days prior to travel receive a full refund
- Cancellations made 2 days or less prior to travel attract a 100% cancellation fee.
Beijing Urban Adventures unlock the secrets of the capital of the most populous country on earth. Join us on a Beijing tour to get under the ancient skin of this rapidly developing city, experience local life and customs and be amazed by the food and vibrant culture of today's China.
Feels like: 5°C
Passing clouds. Quite cool.
Sign up now and get $10 off your next tour!
Wherever we go in the world, we take a responsible attitude with us. That means travelling in a way which both respects and benefits local people, their culture, their economy, and their environment. Please read on for more information on our Responsible Travel policy and how you can be a responsible traveller for your entire journey.


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05 Sep 2014
Windows 8.1 hasn't really taken off in the PC market, let alone the tablet one. Despite its lack of widespread adoption manufacturers around the globe have been experimenting with new sizes, hoping to better show off the touch-focused operating system's finer points.
The Acer Iconia Tab 8W is the latest step in the Windows 8.1 experiment and is designed to entice users to the OS by offering them an affordable, travel-friendly alternative to the sea of more popular 8in Android and iOS tablets.
Design and build
The Iconia Tab 8W has a slightly different design to past Android-powered Iconia tablets. The most noticeable difference is that the Iconia Tab 8W features a grooved, as opposed to smooth, textured polycarbonate backplate and metallic sides. It also features a reasonable selection of ports, including MicroSD, MicroHDMI and MicroUSB inputs.
While some may argue the white demo unit we tested looks cheap, we were fairly impressed with the design. As well as looking different to most tablets, thanks to its 9.8mm thickness and light 370g weight, the Iconia Tab 8W felt comfortable to hold and is suitably bag friendly.
We were also reasonably impressed with the tablet's build quality. It felt reasonably scratch and dirt resistant and left us reasonably assured it could survive regular wear and tear.
Acer has loaded the Iconia Tab 8W with an 8in 1280x800 HD in-plane switching (IPS) display. While the display's resolution isn't anything to write home about when compared with competing 8in Android or iOS tablets, we were reasonably impressed.
Thanks to the IPS tech – which works to improve the display's colours and whites by organising the liquid crystals used to create them on a fixed plate that's charged at a consistent rate – the Iconia Tab 8W's screen was pleasant to use. Colours were suitably vibrant and the display was fairly bright.
Text and icons were also crisp and generally readable. The only issue we noticed was that in certain situations text displayed on the Iconia Tab 8's screen could look slightly squashed. This was particularly true when viewing webpages in Windows 8.1's desktop mode, though being fair to Acer this is an issue for all 8in Windows 8.1 devices.
Operating system
For businesses and people with productivity in mind, the inclusion of Microsoft's Windows 8.1 operating system will be a bonus. As well as having the ability to run legacy Windows applications, the OS also comes preloaded with a one-year complimentary subscription to Microsoft Office 365 Personal, granting users access to key productivity services such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote and Outlook.
The Iconia Tab 8W isn't a powerhouse on paper and comes loaded with a quad-core, BayTrail-based 1.3GHz Intel Atom Z3735G processor and 1GB of RAM.
This means those looking to carry out demanding tasks on the Iconia Tab 8W, such as 3D gaming, will be disappointed, though considering its low price of £125 this isn't all that surprising.
That said, when faced with basic text-editing and web-browsing tasks, we didn't notice any performance issues, meaning it could still be a good choice for buyers who want a basic productivity aid or internet access point for when they are on the move.
Storage and battery
The Acer Iconia comes loaded with 32GB of internal storage, which can thankfully be upgraded using its MicroSD card slot and is powered by an unspecified battery Acer claims will offer users eight hours of multimedia use off one charge. We didn't get a chance to test the tablet's battery life during our hands on, but if Acer's projection is correct it'll be fairly standard.
While we're still not convinced Windows 8.1 works on small form-factor tablets, considering the Acer Iconia Tab 8W's low cost, it does definitely have potential and could hold some allure to buyers on a budget when it is released later this year.
Featuring a good display for its price, and what appears to be reasonable performance, coupled with one year's free access to Office 365, we can see the Iconia Tab 8W being a great choice for business buyers looking for an affordable travel companion for web access and document editing on the move. However, a big factor determining if the Iconia Tab 8W will make good on this promise is its battery life, one key thing we didn't get a chance to test during our hands on.
Check back with V3 later for a full review of the Acer Iconia Tab 8W.
By V3's Alastair Stevenson
09 Jul 2014
Since Microsoft first entered the tablet hardware market in 2012 it has been promising users the world, claiming its Surface series of devices would be able to function equally well as both tablet and laptop.
But because of a number of niggling flaws in the first two Surface Pro tablets' design and software, they fell somewhere between the two categories and didn't fully deliver on Microsoft's promise.
As a result, when Microsoft returned to the stage earlier in May to unveil its latest Surface Pro 3 shouting the same message as before, some buyers were justifiably skeptical.
Since then these doubts have grown and many buyers have been wondering exactly what changes have been made to differentiate the Surface Pro 3 from its predecessor, the Surface Pro 2, to let it deliver on Microsoft's "one device to rule them all" promise.
Design and build
The Surface Pro 3 features a completely reworked design to previous Surface devices, with Microsoft having worked to make its new tablet as light and thin as possible.
During our tests we were impressed with the Surface Pro 3's design and found the light aluminium tablet-laptop hybrid looks a lot sharper than its predecessor. Despite featuring a larger display the Surface Pro 3 is significantly lighter and thinner than the Surface Pro 2, measuring in at 292x201x9.1mm and weighing 800g.
The Surface Pro 3
We found the thinner and lighter design makes the Surface Pro 3 feel significantly more travel friendly and comfortable to use as a tablet than the 274x173x13.5mm, 907g Surface Pro 2.
What's more impressive, though, is that even though the Surface Pro 3 has less real estate along its sides, Microsoft has still managed to load it with USB 3.0 micro SD and Mini DisplayPort inputs.
Adding the new Type Cover and putting the Surface Pro 3 in laptop mode, we were equally impressed during our early tests. Unlike the Surface Pro 2, which has a kickstand that only features two standing options, the Surface Pro 3 can be manually adjusted to stand at custom angles.
While this sounds small, it's a serious upgrade. The ability to set which angle the Surface Pro 3 stands at not only makes it easier to rest and use the device on your lap, this also makes it more pleasant to use when doing tasks such as digital painting with the device's stylus. This is because the new kickstand let us set the Surface Pro 3 to sit at the same angle as a proper drawing board or Wacom tablet PC when doodling.
Microsoft has done some good work to improve the Surface Pro 3 Type Cover's trackpad. The Surface Pro 2 Type Cover's trackpad was one of its worst features, being too small for comfortable use and featuring unresponsive capacitive right and left click buttons. Microsoft has worked hard to fix this on the Surface Pro 3's Type Cover and has made the trackpad significantly larger and added physical left- and right-click buttons.
The Surface Pro 2
During our hands on we were impressed by how much more responsive the Surface Pro 3's Type Cover was than the Pro 2's, making it easier to use as a laptop replacement when editing Word documents or loading copy into a content management system, for example.
Microsoft made a lot of fuss about the Surface Pro 3's 12in ClearType Full HD 2160x1440 resolution screen at the device's launch. Specifically Microsoft claims that, as well as being 38 percent bigger than the Surface Pro 2's 10.6in ClearType Full HD 1920x1080 resolution screen, the Surface Pro 3's 12in display is able to display twice as many pixels.
During our hands on, we did notice a clear difference in quality between the two tablets' displays and found the Surface Pro 3 is significantly sharper and clearer. That said, we did notice, like the Surface Pro 2, the Surface Pro 3's display is still slightly prone to picking up stray light.
Both the Surface Pro 3 and Surface Pro 2 run using the latest version of Microsoft's Windows 8.1 operating system. This means users will have access to key Microsoft security and productivity services, such as Office, OneDrive, OneNote and Lync.
But thanks to the inclusion of the Surface Pro 3's upgraded digital stylus, it is easier and more pleasant to take advantage of the services than it is on Microsoft's previous tablet. Unlike the Surface Pro 2's polycarbonate digitiser stylus, the Surface Pro 3 is made of metal and features a number of improved shortcut features.
OneNote is a good example of this. Unlike the Surface Pro 2, OneNote can be activated at any time, even when the tablet is in sleep mode, simply by pressing down on the stylus's rear button. Once activated the app offers a blank page for Surface Pro users to scribble notes on, and a second push of the rear button will save the notes to the user's OneDrive cloud storage account. Little touches like this made the Surface Pro 3 feel slightly slicker and easier to use than its predecessor. Hopefully we'll find more nice touches when we write our full review.
Unlike the Surface Pro 3, which is available in Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 options, the Surface Pro 2 is only available with an i5 chip. Microsoft claims that the top Intel Core i7 Surface Pro 3 option will offer 10 percent better performance than the Surface Pro 2. Sadly we didn't get a chance to test Microsoft's claim as the demo unit we tested was powered by an Intel i5 Haswell processor. We didn't get a chance to see how the Surface Pro 3 performed with demanding tasks, such as large digital painting projects or 3D gaming, but found it was nippy and responsive when doing basic tasks such as word processing.
Microsoft claims the Surface Pro 3's upgraded 5MP rear-facing camera will offer radically better imaging performance than the Surface Pro 2's 3.5MP unit. Sadly we didn't get a chance to test the Surface Pro 3's camera during our hands on, but will be sure to in our full review.
Storage and battery
Both Surfaces feature the same 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB internal storage options, though Microsoft lists the Surface Pro 3 as being able to last a full hour longer than its predecessor, listing it as offering up to nine hours of web browsing off one charge.
Thanks to its more varied chip offering the Surface Pro 3 is the more affordable option, with prices starting at £639 for the 64GB Intel Core i3 model. By comparison the 64GB Surface Pro 2 costs £720.
Having had an opening look at the Surface Pro 3 we are very impressed. Featuring a radically improved, slimmer and lighter design, a more varied array of processor options and a larger and clearer display the Surface Pro 3 feels like a serious step up from previous Microsoft tablets.
From what we've seen the Surface Pro 3 has the potential to finally make good on Microsoft's "one device to rule them all" promise. Hopefully our positive impressions will ring true once we put the Surface Pro 3 more thoroughly through its paces in our full review later this year.
By V3's Alastair Stevenson
06 Jun 2014
TAIPEI: Microsoft unveiled its long-rumoured Surface Pro 3 tablet last month with a bigger and better 12in HD screen, touting it as "the tablet that can replace your laptop".
The Surface Pro 3 follows in the footsteps of its predecessor with an Intel Haswell processor, and is set to be made available in Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 chip variants.
Intel, which has worked closely with Microsoft, gave us a close look at the tablet at the Computex trade show in Taiwan this week, powered by a Core i5 CPU and running Windows 8.1.
Design and build
Measuring 9.1mm thick, the Surface Pro 3 is the thinnest Intel Core product "ever made", according to Microsoft, which it credits to the device's "fanless build". It might not sound like a vast improvement over the Surface Pro 2, which was 13.5mm thick, but you'll immediately notice a huge difference in aesthetics. It is much nicer to hold owing to the thinner design, and it's apparent that Microsoft has made an effort to make the device much more attractive to consumers.
The Surface Pro 3's aluminium chassis feels robust and this makes the device feel expensive, probably because it is. It will retail from £849 for the Core i5 model when Microsoft launches it on 31 August. However, it's reassuring to think that you're getting premium kit for your money.
Picking up the tablet we noticed that it feels much lighter compared with the Surface Pro 2, despite its larger screen size. Unfortunately, one thing that hasn't changed with the Surface Pro 3 is the keyboard dock. We are simply not fans of this, especially the coloured version that we saw in our hands-on review. Not only does it cheapen the overall look of the device but we found that it makes it difficult to use because of the odd layout of the trackpad and cheap-feeling keys, which have poor travel.
Although Microsoft has updated the trackpad, which we can confirm works much better than the previous version, it feels more akin to those found on full-size clamshell laptops.
On first impression we were rather impressed with the overall design of the Surface Pro 3. Its best feature is the display upgrade. This is the first time we've seen a Surface device with a form factor that actually makes us want to use it.
The Surface Pro 3's 2160x1440 resolution HD display is the tablet's biggest overhaul since the previous iteration and is also now its nicest feature.
While it's around 1.5in bigger than the Surface Pro 2, it feels much bigger in the hand, which is probably accentuated owing to the slimmer design. It's quite bright and the resolution doesn't lie - images displayed are impeccably detailed with no jagged text and with deep colour representation. It also proved very responsive to touch in our tests, in the same way the Surface Pro 2 did before. The updated screen is a welcome improvement over the Surface Pro 2's 1920x1080 display.
The Surface Pro 3's kickstand is also an improvement over the last version, which had only two angles to choose from. The Surface Pro 3's "full friction" kickstand allows the tablet to sit in almost any position, and in our tests it rested well at any angle without slipping, even when applying pressure to the screen.
Microsoft has said that an optional docking station will also be available at or sometime after launch, allowing users to hook the tablet up to a 4K display. It will ship with a Digitizer Stylus, too, which we can confirm works accurately.
Unfortunately we didn't have long enough with the Surface Pro 3 to really put it through its paces, but we did have a quick play around. Operations were fluid and the Windows 8.1 operating system proved very responsive. However, we are looking forward to testing the Surface Pro 3 thoroughly in a full review.
The Core i5-powered Surface Pro 3 will hit the UK sometime towards the end of August, priced at £849 and £1,109 for 128GB and 256GB storage options respectively.
The cheapest, an Intel Core i3-powered Surface Pro 3 model, has already gone up for pre-order in the UK, priced at £639. The most powerful and expensive Core i7 model will set users back an eye-watering £1,649.
22 May 2014
Microsoft made some pretty bold claims when it unveiled its latest Surface Pro 3 tablet-laptop hybrid on Tuesday. Without a doubt one of the biggest claims was that the Surface Pro 3 will outperform Apple's Macbook Air 13in laptop in close to every way.
Considering the popularity and very recent refresh of the Macbook Air line, many buyers have been left wondering whether the Surface Pro 3 has the on-paper specifications to make good on Microsoft's claim.
Surface Pro 3: 292x201x9.1mm, 800g
Macbook Air 13in: 320x227x17mm, 1.35kg
Apple has constantly prided itself on the Macbook Air designs, claiming that they are among the lightest and most elegant laptops in in the world. Aware of this, Microsoft has looked to outdo Apple, designing the Surface Pro 3 to be lighter and thinner than the Macbook Air 13in.
Surface Pro 3: 12in ClearType Full HD screen with 2160x1440 resolution
Macbook Air 13in: 13.3in LED-backlit glossy widescreen with 1440x900 resolution
Microsoft has made a lot of claims about the Surface Pro 3's 12in screen, one of the most interesting of which is that, despite being smaller, it will let users view and interact with "six percent more content than they can on a 13in Macbook Air". This is apparently due to its custom 3:2 aspect ratio and, if true, will make the Surface Pro 3's display one of the best currently available on a laptop-tablet hybrid.
Surface Pro 3: Windows 8.1
Macbook Air 13in: Mac OS X Maverick
Both the Surface Pro 3 and Macbook Air 13in run on the latest version of their respective companies' operating systems. This makes picking which is better difficult as the answer is determined mainly by user preference and the ecosystem in which they are already embedded.
Surface Pro 3: Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 options
Macbook Air 13in: Intel Core i5 and i7 options
The Surface Pro 3 comes with more varied chip options than the Macbook Air, being the only one of the two currently available running Intel's affordable Core i3 as well as its more premium Core i5 and Core i7 processors.
Surface Pro 3: 5MP and 1080p HD front- and rear-facing
Macbook Air 13in: 720p FaceTime HD front-facing
The Surface Pro 3 is the only one of the two devices to come with a rear camera. However, considering our experience using previous tablet cameras, we're not holding out high hopes regarding the Surface Pro 3's imaging quality.
Surface Pro 3: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB internal storage options
Macbook Air 13in: 128GB or 256GB internal storage options
The Surface Pro 3 comes with a more diverse range of storage options than the Macbook Air 13in. The two devices are also evenly matched when it comes to price, with the 128GB Core i5 model of the Surface Pro 3 and Macbook Air 13in both costing £850. However, for those willing to sacrifice a bit on storage and performance, the Surface Pro 3 is the more affordable option, with the 64GB Intel Core i3 model costing a more modest £639.
Surface Pro 3: Up to nine hours
Macbook Air 13in: Up to 12 hours
On paper the Macbook 13in easily beats the Surface Pro 3 and will last a full three hours longer on one charge.
On paper there is a lot to like about the Surface Pro 3, even when compared with Apple's ever popular Macbook 13in. However, being powered by Windows 8.1, an operating system that is far from universally loved even by diehard Microsoft fans, many may still opt for Apple's current flagship Air laptop irrespective of the two devices' hardware when the Surface Pro 3 is released this August.
Check back with V3 later this year for a full review of the Microsoft Surface Pro 3.
By V3's Alastair Stevenson
21 May 2014
Microsoft's entry into the hardware market was a slightly bumpy one. While taken as a game changer, Microsoft's first ever own-brand Surface Pro featured a number of niggling flaws that hampered its overall appeal, chief of which was its poor battery life.
Luckily, one year on Microsoft learned from its mistakes and released what in many people's eyes, including us here at V3, was one of the finest tablet-laptop hybrids, the Surface Pro 2. As a result, with Microsoft having once again chosen to radically rework the design of its latest Surface Pro 3, many have justifiably wondered how the new hybrid compares with its predecessor.
Surface Pro 3: 292x201x9.1mm, 800g
Surface Pro 2: 274x173x13.5mm, 907g
Despite featuring a similar magnesium chassis and set of port options, the Surface Pro 3 is significantly bigger than its predecessor. Making up for this, though, unlike the Surface Pro 2, the Surface Pro 3's Kickstand isn't limited to two standing options and can be set to a variety of angles, meaning it should be more pleasant to use as a laptop.
Surface Pro 3: 12in ClearType Full HD screen with 2160x1440 resolution
Surface Pro 2: 10.6in ClearType Full HD screen with 1920x1080 resolution
Microsoft claims that, as well as being 38 per cent bigger than the Surface Pro 2's, the Surface Pro 3's 12in display is able to display twice as many pixels. If true the display will be one of the best seen on any Windows 8.1 tablet.
Surface Pro 3: Windows 8.1
Surface Pro 2: Windows 8.1
Both of Microsoft's Surface Pro tablets run the latest Windows 8.1 software version. However, the Surface Pro 3's larger display is likely to make using Windows 8.1 in the desktop mode more pleasant than it is on the Surface Pro 2.
Surface Pro 3: Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 options
Surface Pro 2: Intel Haswell 1.6 GHz Core i5-4200U
The Surface Pro 3 is available with a variety of chip models. Microsoft claims that the top Intel Core i7 Surface Pro 3 option will offer 10 percent better performance than the Surface Pro 2.
Surface Pro 3: 5MP and 1080p HD front- and rear-facing
Surface Pro 2: 3.5MP 1080p rear-facing and 720p front-facing
Taking photos on tablets is never a pleasant experience but, as we noted in our review, the Surface Pro 2 was particularly bad at it. Coming with a higher megapixel rear camera, the Surface Pro 3 will hopefully offer better imaging performance.
Surface Pro 3: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB internal storage options
Surface Pro 2: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB internal storage options
Despite offering the same set of storage options, the Surface Pro 3 is the more affordable option thanks to its more varied chip offering, with prices starting at for £639 for the 64GB Intel Core i3 model. By comparison the 64GB Surface Pro 2 costs £720.
Surface Pro 3: Up to nine hours' web browsing
Surface Pro 2: Up to eight hours in our tests
Microsoft claims that the Surface Pro 3 will offer superior battery life to its predecessor and will last up to nine hours from one charge. During our tests, the Surface Pro 2 generally lasted around seven to eight hours.
On paper the Surface Pro 3 is a significant step-up from the Surface Pro 2, offering a more diverse range of chip options, larger and crisper display, and significantly lower starting price.
Hopefully, the Surface Pro 3 will make good on its on-paper promise when it arrives in the UK this August. Check back with V3 later for a full review of the Microsoft Surface Pro 3.
By V3's Alastair Stevenson
20 May 2014
Microsoft made a big deal about its Surface Pro 3 when it unveiled it at its New York press event on Tuesday, claiming it will easily outperform all of its key rivals as both a tablet and a laptop. This has led many buyers to wonder how the new productivity focused Surface Pro 3 compares to the current ruler of the tablet market, the Apple iPad Air.
Surface Pro 3: 292x201x9.1mm, 800g
iPad Air: 240x170x7.5mm, 468g
Packing a sizable 12in display and robust magnesium chassis, the Surface Pro 3 is significantly heavier than the iPad Air. That said, it does have more connectivity options than the iPad Air, coming loaded with full-sized USB 3.0 ports, a microSD card slot and a mini Displayport. By comparison the iPad Air only has a Lightning port.
Surface Pro 3: 12in ClearType Full HD screen with 2160x1440 resolution
iPad Air: 9.7in 1536x2048, 263ppi in-plane switching (IPS) LCD Retina display
Microsoft made a big deal about the Surface Pro 3's 12in display claiming that as well as being 38 per cent larger than the previous Surface Pro screen it is also able to display twice as many pixels.
That said, it will still have a tough time dethroning the iPad Air, as its 9in Retina Display remains one of the sharpest and crispest seen on a large tablet.
Surface Pro 3: Windows 8.1
iPad Air: iOS 7
Microsoft designed the Surface Pro to function as a laptop as well as tablet and has loaded it with its full Windows 8.1 operating system. This means that on paper it could offer better productivity services and applications than the iPad Air, which runs the latest version of Apple's iOS mobile operating system.
Surface Pro 3: Intel Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 options
iPad Air: A7
The Surface Pro is available with fourth generation Intel Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 chip options. This means, despite Apple iOS being significantly less demanding to run than Windows 8.1, the Surface Pro 3 should offer superior performance to the iPad Air, which is powered by an A7 mobile processor.
Surface Pro 3: 5MP and 1080p HD front- and rear-facing
iPad Air: 5MP iSight rear and HD Facetime front
Both the Surface Pro 3 and iPad Air come loaded with 5MP rear cameras. This means we won't be able to call which is better until we've had some hands on time with the new Microsoft tablet.
Surface Pro 3: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB and 512GB internal storage options
iPad Air: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB and 128GB internal storage options
The Surface Pro 3 comes with a more robust set of internal storage options. It also competes with the iPad Air on price, with the cheapest 64GB model costing $799 (£475). Pricing of the equivalent 64GB iPad Air model starts at £479.
Surface Pro 3: Nine hours
iPad Air: 10 hours
On paper the iPad Air will last an hour longer than the Surface Pro 3, though we won't be able to tell if this is true until we've had a chance to battery burn the two tablets.
When viewed purely from a specification standpoint, the Surface Pro 3 is a seriously impressive device that does beat the Apple iPad Air. However, as we've seen with past Surface tablets, its focus on working as a laptop replacement could lead to some issues that make it less pleasant to use as a tablet than the iPad Air.
The Surface Pro 3 is set for release in the UK "by August." Check back with V3 closer to the time for a full review of the Microsoft Surface Pro 3.
By V3's Alastair Stevenson
11 Apr 2014
Microsoft's Windows 8.1 Update was made generally available for users to download on 8 April, a week after it was officially announced and released to subscribers of Microsoft's MSDN service.
As detailed by Microsoft, the update adds a number of changes to improve usability for desktop and laptop users working with a mouse and keyboard instead of a touchscreen. In doing so, the Windows 8.1 Update more successfully integrates the Desktop and Start screen environments than earlier builds of Microsoft's platform, though possibly not enough to please those hungering for the return of the Start menu.
We downloaded the Windows 8.1 Update by checking for it via Windows Update, but it only appeared once we had installed all other pending updates to bring our Windows 8.1 system completely up to date. Users who are not in a hurry do not need to do anything, as it will be distributed via Windows Update the usual way over the coming weeks. The update itself was over 800MB in size, and took some time to download and install.
For those using a tablet, the changes may not be too apparent at first. The Start screen and its array of tiles look pretty much the same, save for the addition of a Search tool shortcut and a power button, tapping which enables you to shutdown, restart or put the system to sleep directly from the home screen (shown left).
Perhaps the most noticeable change on our test system was that Windows goes straight to the Desktop rather than the Modern UI Start screen after signing in, though this can be configured by the user.
However, users still need to go to the Start screen in order to open any applications, apart from Internet Explorer and the Windows Store, both of which are now pinned to the taskbar on the Desktop by default.
For those users with a desktop or laptop that lacks a touchscreen, it is fair to say that Windows 8 has been a bit unwieldy to use. In an attempt to address this, the Windows 8.1 Update adds minimise and close buttons that appear at top right if you move the mouse pointer to the top of the screen in any Modern UI app. Likewise, the Windows taskbar now pops up if you move the mouse pointer to the bottom of the screen (see below), even on the Start screen, and context-sensitive menus appear if you right-click on tiles.
One interesting change is that Modern UI apps such as the built-in Mail or Weather tools now show on the taskbar (see below), allowing you to switch between them from the Desktop environment. Although the Modern UI apps still look the same, taking up the entire screen rather than running in a Window, this small change starts to make the Start screen and Desktop environments feel more integrated rather than two distinctly separate spaces.
One feature we did not test out is Enterprise Mode for IE11, which renders websites as if the user were running an older version of the browser, to handle compatibility issues with corporate websites and apps. This feature is hidden by default and must be enabled via an administrator using Group Policy.
Overall, the Windows 8.1 Update shows that Microsoft has been hearing the complaints of Windows users and is moving to address them. The software giant has perhaps not gone quite far enough yet to satisfy those users distraught over the loss of the traditional Start button and menus, but it does offer a greatly improved experience over the original Windows 8 and perhaps offers hints of what we can expect to see in Windows 9 next year.
For a full list of what's new in Windows 8.1 Update, see Microsoft's Windows website.
04 Mar 2014
Mozilla recently released the latest beta of its Firefox browser for Windows 8, and we downloaded it to a Windows 8.1 tablet to take it for a spin.
As this is a beta, it is available to download directly from Mozilla's website, rather than from the Microsoft Store. That said, we found the beta remarkably stable and polished – much more so than many of the release versions of apps we have tried from Microsoft's Store.
Our other first impressions of Firefox for Windows 8 Touch Beta are also positive; the browser is responsive, even on a relatively low-powered 8in tablet based on an Atom processor, and looks slick and modern when viewed in the Modern UI or "Metro-style" environment.
When used in Metro mode, Firefox follows the design conventions that Microsoft has dictated, using as much of the screen real estate for content as possible, while menus and controls are accessed by sliding in from the edges of the screen. Here, users will find an option to relaunch Firefox in the legacy Windows desktop instead, which keeps all your current tabs open.
In Metro mode, Firefox opens with a tile-based start screen giving one-tap access to recent or frequently accessed sites. The left and right edges of the screen also feature overlaid buttons to go back a screen and open a new tab.
Relaunching Firefox in desktop mode shows off a look and feel that will be familiar to existing users of Firefox for other versions of Windows, and provides access to all of the standard menus, including bookmarks, options and access to Add-ons.
Mozilla warned that the Windows 8 mode version of the browser does not share bookmarks, history or passwords with the desktop version at present. However, as a workaround, users can sign into the Firefox Sync service.
We ran Firefox for Windows 8 Touch Beta through the HTML5 compliance test website, which produced a score of 466 out of 555 points, compared with 372 for Microsoft's IE11 on the same system.
We also ran both browsers through Futurmark's Peacekeeper browser performance test. Firefox produced a score of 924 with 7 out of 7 for HTML5 capabilities, while IE11 produced a score of 680 with 5 out of 7 for HTML5 capabilities.
Overall, Mozilla's touch-based Firefox project is shaping up nicely, and looks set to be a viable alternative to IE for Windows 8 users when ready. We would be happy enough to use it as it stands, thanks to its responsiveness, ease of use and slick user interface.
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