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Piper Jaffray Companies Announces Share Repurchase Authorization
Piper Jaffray Companies (NYSE: PJC) today announced that its board of directors has authorized the repurchase of up to $100 million of the company's outstanding common stock, effective Oct. 1, 2012. The principal purpose of the share repurchase program is to manage the firm's equity capital relative to its overall capital structure and to offset the dilutive effect of employee equity-based awards. Under the firm's three-year syndicated bank facility, share repurchases cannot exceed the amount of employee equity grants issued in a calendar year. The firm has substantially reached the covenant limit for 2012 under the bank facility, which expires in Dec. of 2013.
The share repurchase authorization expires Sept. 30, 2014. As of Aug. 10, 2012, Piper Jaffray Companies had 17.8 million common shares outstanding.
About Piper Jaffray
Piper Jaffray is an investment bank and asset management firm serving clients in the U.S. and internationally. Proven advisory teams combine deep industry, product and sector expertise with ready access to global capital. Founded in 1895, the firm is headquartered in Minneapolis and has offices across the United States and in London, Hong Kong and Zurich. www.piperjaffray.comCautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. Statements that are not historical or current facts, including statements about beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. These forward-looking statements cover, among other things, statements made about our share repurchase plans, our liquidity and capital resources or other similar matters. These statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both known and unknown, and important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated or discussed in the forward-looking statements, including (1) our ability to effect the repurchase program depends in part upon our results of operations and profitability and may be impacted by negative operating conditions, (2) an inability to access capital readily or on terms favorable to us could impair our ability to effect the repurchase program, and (3) the other factors described under "Risk Factors" in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Part II, Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, and updated in our subsequent reports filed with the SEC (available at our Web site at www.piperjaffray.com and at the SEC Web site at www.sec.gov). Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on them. We undertake no obligation to update them in light of new information or future events. © 2012 Piper Jaffray Companies, 800 Nicollet Mall, Suite 800, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402-7020
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- Three female fugitives wanted in New Jersey restaurant theft arrested in Illinois
- Man guilty in 2012 crash into home that injured 8-year-old
- McDonald's: Federal complaint says company is joint employer
- T-Mobile settlement: $90M for cell phone bill cramming
- Shelter Care Ministries gets $30,000 grant
- Even more dead bees?
- Holiday travel: 98.6 million plan getaway, most on record
- Scam artists posing as utility reps, demanding payment
- Holiday mailing deadlines approach, Rockford Post Office warns
- Hispanics more than half of all renters, yet most are uninsured
Celebrate Thanksgiving without cruelty
Thanksgiving is a time for celebration, not cruelty. Here are five reasons to spare a turkey and enjoy a vegan feast instead:
1. Turkeys are gentle birds who like having their feathers stroked and gobbling along to music. Poultry scientist Tom Savage says, "I've always viewed turkeys as smart animals with personality and character, and keen awareness of their surroundings."
2. Factory-farmed turkeys are packed so tightly together in filthy sheds that flapping a wing is nearly impossible. To keep the birds from pecking one another in frustration, farmers cut off part of the birds' sensitive upper beaks with a hot blade – using no pain relievers.
3. At the slaughterhouse, these "true American originals" are hung upside down, and their throats are cut while they're still conscious. Many are scalded alive in the tanks of water used for feather removal.
4. Turkey flesh is high in fat and cholesterol, and it's frequently contaminated with salmonella bacteria.
5. It's not fair to take a turkey's life to celebrate the blessings in your own. Vegan foods are healthy, humane and delicious. See www.PETA.org for holiday recipes and product suggestions.
Have a happy and humane Thanksgiving.
Heather Moore
PETA Foundation
Norfolk, Va.
From the Nov. 21-27, 2012, issue

subset: commoncrawl


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RossellRate Rossell: Do you like this name?
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Meaning and name origin
Rossell \r(o)-sse-ll\ as a boy's name has the meaning "headland, cape" and is a variant of Ross (Scottish, Gaelic): a place name in Scotland.
Rossell is also pronounced similarly to Roussell, Russel and Russell.
Rossell is not a popular first name for males but a very popular surname or last name for all people (#22677 out of 88799) (2000 U.S. Census).
Displayed below is the baby names popularity of Rossell name for boys (2012 statistics). Compare Rossell with its source form and related boy baby names.
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Middlebury zoning officer suspended 1 month
MIDDLEBURY -- The Planning and Zoning Commission has suspended the town's zoning enforcement officer for one month following a hearing Monday night.
The commission met to discuss whether Jean Donegan, who has been the town's zoning officer since 1999, should be disciplined after some commissioners complained that she overstepped her authority.
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You've probably played loads of tower defense games on Android. There's a reason they're so popular, though. See, tower defense games are fun and hard to screw up. Still, the same old thing can get boring after a while. So it's nice to see Anomaly Korea show up and continue turning the genre on its head like its predecessor did. In Anomaly Korea, you play the creeps trying to get past the towers.
My fondest memories of the original Star Wars films were the starfighter dogfights. The first time you see the assault run on the Death Star, or the ill-fated attack on the second before it was finished, it's really cool to watch a bunch of fighter craft flying around, blowing the heck out of each other. Every once in a while, you can get the same sense of scale and calamity in a game - usually of the real-time strategy variety.
It's safe to say that while point-and-click adventure games have a very niche market, there's a select few mediums where they work well. Touch devices and PCs have always been prime candidates, as their interfaces lend themselves to a control scheme that isn't overly complicated: click to move, click to interact, click to do everything.
Especially with this year's The Walking Dead games garnering so much praise, the genre could be in for a little bit of a renaissance.
I want to start this review by saying I love Top Gear. I really, truly do. The show's had its ups and downs, but I've seen every one - twice. So when I heard that the only mobile game to be graced with the trademark television series' name was headed for the Play Store, I was actually a bit excited.
It then took my hopes, shot them in a dark alley, and stuffed them in the trunk of a rental PT Cruiser.
I first played Cipher Prime's Splice when it was part of a recent fourth Humble Bundle, and it still enjoys a place in my Installed Games list on Steam. It's a puzzle game that involves taking different strains of bacteria and "splicing" them, moving around cells in order to fit an provided outline. Of course, you have a set amount of moves, and added "mutation" cells will change the game in different ways: for instance, one mutation will cause each cell attached to it to grow, or split identically.
Twenty years ago you had to pump quarters into an arcade machine to enjoy the punishing shooter known as Raiden. The game was so successful that multiple sequels followed. Now you can play four Raiden arcade games on your mobile device for a one-time fee. This is a retro gaming experience that tries to preserve the feel of the original game, and still make it work on a touch screen. So is Raiden still awesome?
As gamers, we've all become familiar with the tie-in title. These are usually released in conjunction with a movie or TV show to widen its exposure, and historically they're usually pretty sub-par.
However, Disney's Wreck-It Ralph subverts this trope because it's in the unique position of being based off of video games. That's kind of hard to mess up.
Wreck-It Ralph is a series of three (soon to be four) arcade games that feature characters and environments from the movie.
I've been enjoying video games for most of my life, and some of them come with a seizure warning before I start playing. This is to make sure that people who are prone to seizures or headaches know that there is a large amount of strobe effects in the game they're about to start.
I've never felt that been susceptible to the problems the warnings are meant to address, but then again, I hadn't played Beat Hazard Ultra, either.
For all the shooters and racing games that mobile fans see, there's another subset that seems specifically made for the touch environment. "Zen" games are popular because they're relatively simple, can be played in short bursts to cure boredom, and ultimately allow their audience to sit back and relax. Pixel Twist fulfills all three of those criteria.
Pixel Twist starts off quite simple: you're given an exploded view of an image, like a lime, painting or game controller, and by moving the camera around you can line up the pixels so that they form a complete picture.
What looks, plays, and sounds like a Final Fantasy game, but isn't? If you answered Chaos Rings Omega, I'd like to give you a no-prize. This game comes to us from publisher Square-Enix, who also handles a lot of the other JRPGs that have shaped the genre into what it is today.
Like my colleagues at AP have commented, the Chaos Rings series may be their way of testing the waters before a full-fledged Final Fantasy mobile title, and it shows; the game is one of the most beautiful that I've ever played on the Android platform, and it is worth every penny of the $12.99 price tag.


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Two armed robbers hit up fast food restaurant on Government Street
POSTED: Friday, March 23, 2012 - 11:44am
UPDATED: Friday, March 23, 2012 - 5:04pm
BATON ROUGE, LA (NBC33) — The Baton Rouge Police Department is currently investigating an armed robbery that happened earlier this afternoon, Friday, March 23.
We're told two men went into the location with guns. They managed to get away with an undisclosed amount of cash. Police are currently tracking those suspects down.
NBC33's Brix Fowler is out on the scene and will have all the details on NBC33 News at 5:00 p.m.


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On Tue, Apr 10, 2007 at 02:20:32PM +0200, Pieter Palmers wrote:
> Robin Gareus wrote:
> > 24404.495 frames ?? Inv
The ?? mean that jdelay doesn't trust the signal. This is confirmed
by the frequent polarity inversions - jdelay tries to find out
which of the two polarities is correct and can't decide.
The reason could be either insufficient level (unlikely, as jdelay
can work with very noisy signals), or a frequency-dependent delay.
Jdelay uses phase measurements of a number of tones. The ?? mean
that the results are in contradiction. Try to verify the signal
Follie! Follie! Delirio vano è questo !
LINUX® is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds in the USA and other countries.
Linuxaudio.org logo copyright Thorsten Wilms © 2006.
Hosting provided by the Virginia Tech Department of Music and DISIS.


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I have a weakness for cute anime things, especially if it looks like it's from the 80s or 90s. While I had heard of the Japanese Umihara Kawase series, I've never been too big into importing. All of the games have passed me by until the most recent Nintendo 3DS release, which was localized under the name Yumi's Odd Odyssey.
The Mysterious Murasame Castle
Nintendo has a weird interest in The Mysterious Murasame Castle. There's only been one game in the series, which was released for the Famicom Disk System in 1986. But it's a title that they keep referencing quite often in their modern games. Takamaru, the main character, has had cameos in a handful of titles. He's featured in a spin off mode for Samurai Warriors 3, he's a resident of the main island in the Japanese only Captain Rainbow and he's set to appear as an assist trophy in the upcoming Super Smash Brothers on Wii U and 3DS. The 3DS Virtual Console release is the first time the game has left leaving Japan.
Can Phantasy Star Online on Xbox be Played Offline?
For some reason I have this strange fascination with Phantasy Star Online for the original Xbox despite it being nearly identical to the release on the Nintendo GameCube. However, unlike the GameCube versions, Phantasy Star Online for the Xbox costs only a few bucks. There is one issue with the Xbox version: That little orange tag on the box that says, "Xbox Live required to play."
Onslaught Review
I've started panicking about the future of WiiWare's availability, so I'm turning around and purchasing WiiWare titles I've been dragging my feet on. Onslaught, a first person shooter on WiiWare, was one of these. Despite being an early title for the service and having to work with significant size limitations, the developers Shade, Inc. surprisingly squeezed in a decent experience.
Drakengard 3 Review
I'm not really sure what I expected coming into Drakengard 3. I've never played a main entry in the Drakengard series, but I fell in love with the spin-off title NIER. While NIER was far from a AAA polished experience, what made it stand out was how unique it was. NIER had standard hack and slash gameplay, but the title constantly experimented by mixing in elements from other genres. Some of the most striking examples were the bullet hell-style boss battles and the text adventure sequences. The story had an amazing localization that perfectly portrayed loveable characters with playful and often foul-mouthed dialog despite being in the middle of devastatingly depressing world.
Part of me wanted Drakengard 3 to recapture what NIER was. However, Drakengard 3 is not NIER. So you can throw out most of those expectations.
Losing the Future of Retro Downloadable Gaming Starting with WiiWare
Recently Nintendo's Wi-Fi functionality across their Wii and Nintendo DS platforms were shutdown. In-game online services and downloadable content are no longer available. Thanks to Nintendo half ignoring online gaming over the last generation, the Wii and DS had the least to lose. The Wii's and DS's online experiences were passable at best and few titles embraced DLC. It's sad to see the online functionality and additional content disappear, but what terrifies me the most is what the future holds for the Wii's online store, WiiWare.
The Retro Retro Indie Game Cave Story
I'm finally giving up on ignoring indie games. They just won't go away. I've gotta deal with them eventually, so it's about time I start playing some. I thought it'd be fitting to make one of my first forays into the space with Cave Story, a title that pre-dates the modern indie movement.


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Former home of Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning, with a garden overlooking the surrounding countryside.
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Where do you want to go ?
New Travel Articles
By Al Dieste
One can spend less in Cuba, if the old college-hippie-backpacker-sleep-on-the-floor days appeal to your sense of nostalgia. One can certainly spend a lot more, if the days of decadent-Mafia-Tropicana-drinking-gambling-sin-and-sun-days appeal to your bulging wallet.
However, $50 a day in Havana can provide a very comfortable vacation, in a style which will not only appeal to your needs for American creature comforts, but also allow you to get a taste of the true Cuba of today.
Ah, that can be tricky. While it is not illegal for Americans to visit Cuba, it is illegal to spend money there, as that is a violation of the trade embargo. (Did you know that John F. Kennedy stocked his humidor full of Havana cigars the day before the embargo was to begin!?!) It certainly pays to plan ahead in Camelot.
Going in the front door, I was able to get to Cuba legally by obtaining a State Department authorization for Cuban-born American citizens to visit family. Other legal avenues include medical and missionary trips, sports and cultural exchanges, authorized university classes, etc. All of these can be expensive, as much as $2000 per week.
What To Take
Advice abounds regarding what to take to Cuba, so I'll offer just tidbits of advice.
Clean out your closets, medicine cabinets, and desk drawers of the clutter, and take it to Cuba. Some things can't be found, while other things, even a 25-cent bar of soap, are very expensive for the average Cuban. Bring those little bars of soap that you get for free in any hotel, for example, or a pack of lightbulbs or batteries. You'll be amazed at how much this can mean to the average Habanero.
The Swiss Army can always be called upon to slice that ready to be eaten mango or avocado, and help fix that perpetually broken down "whatever".
Zip lock bags help keep the moisture out of your expensive camera, CD player, etc.
While there are numerous good casas in El Vedado, I give a five-star-plus recommendation to the $25 per night Casa Antigua, the home of Horacio and Marta Santana, off 23rd street (the main drag of Vedado), on 28th Street. I visited both the National Hotel in El Vedado, the grand dame of pre-1960's Havana, as well as the elegant Conde de Villanueva Hotel in the pricey tourist section of Havana Vieja.
An open air veranda with tropical plants hanging from the archways, and wrought iron rocking chairs to enjoy a daiquiri or mojito, a Cuban espresso coffee, or an authentic "Habano" cigar
Formal living/sitting room featuring a fully mirrored wall, and a baby grand piano (Horacio is a classically trained pianist, and when the mood strikes, will entertain you for hours at a time!)
Elegant stained glass windows, antique furniture, paintings, prints, vases, and other collectibles throughout the home
Formal dining room, for your breakfast and/or dining pleasure
Free phone service (only about 10% of homes in Cuba even have a phone)
Computer room with limited, but free, internet email access (cost $5 per hour anywhere in Cuba)
Complimentary babysitting services, along with Spielberg, the friendly non-biting, non-scratching cat
A warm, friendly, intelligent, liberal, educated family with whom to become friends (if one wishes to do so)
I spent three weeks with Horacio and Marta, and became intimate friends during my visit. Their gracious hospitality, sense of humor, and eagerness to please cannot be described in words. Moreover, their bedrooms alone would cost $150-$250 in an elegant Havana tourist hotel. Okay, so you don't get a swimming pool…
So we've spent $25, or 50% of our budget at Casa Antigua. Can we survive on just $25 per day? Sure!
Where to Eat
Casa Antigua offers breakfast for $3 per day. You can get it cheaper on the street, but the convenience of rolling right out of bed into a formal dining room three steps from your room is a bargain. Breakfast includes a fresh fruit plate of bananas, mangos, guava, watermelon, and/or pineapple, eggs, ham, cheese, bread with butter and guava marmalade, fresh mango or guava juice, coffee and milk. Try getting that at you local Denny's Grand Slam Breakfast for $2.99!
You'll be playing tourist, so lunch on the street. Nothing fancy, just eat as do the Cubans…ham and cheese sandwich (40 cents), small cheese pizza (20 cents) "Cristal" draft beer (60 cents), ice cream cone (4-12 cents). By the way, every evening, stop by the corner "bodega" (market) and buy a 60 cent 1.5 liter bottle of water. Freeze it overnight, and you're ready to hit the hot streets the next day.
Dinner at any number of middle-of-the-road restaurants anywhere in town costs $3-$6 for chicken, pork, or fish, usually coming with rice and black beans, small salad or French fries. Every once in a while, splurge for dinner at a nicer restaurant, with air conditioned comfort, linen table cloths and napkins, and attentive waiters, for $10.
There may be shortages of certain items in Cuba, such as American cars built past 1959, but one thing of which there is an abundant supply is music, dancing, beer and rum! Just get out of your car anywhere in the city, and follow your ear to the nearest restaurant or bar with music.
"Cristal" beer is the national favorite, along with "Tropical" and "Buccaneer". Store bought beer is 75 cents, pay $1 in most restaurants and bars, $1.50 in a more upscale restaurant, and $2.50 for a Hotel Nacional splurge.
"Havana Club" is the national rum of choice, a bottle selling for $3 in the store. As with beers, daiquiris and mojitos start at $1, depending on the club's atmosphere and clientele. Anyway, $5 per person goes a long way if you are not a heavy drinker. Even if you are, a store-bought bottle of rum, and a couple of Cokes at the club go a long way!
Taxis are everywhere in Havana, but can be expensive for the average tourist. But you are not the average tourist, you are a GoNOMAD reader...
Look for any American 1950's classic car on the street, as it is a "colectivo" (communal) taxi. While they are not supposed to transport tourists, you will never be refused a ride, unless the driver's route does not coincide with your general destination. Simply hold out your hand on the street, and practice saying one or two words indicating your destination…"Capitolio" (the capitol building, 5-15 minute walk from everything) or "La Rampa" (hip Vedado area)…10 pesos.
Late at night, when the bars close down, "los colectivos" no longer run, so the price for a private cab back to your Vedado casa is $3. They may quote you more, but when you indicate that you know the price, they will gladly drive you home for that amount.
For an occasional change of pace, take a "bicitaxi" (rickshaw-like bicycle taxi for 10 pesos), or a cocotaxi (tourist motorcycle-type coconut shaped contraption for a couple of bucks). If you want to be a real "Ma-and-Pa-Kettle-Bermuda-shorts-with-black-socks-and-sandles-Hawaiian-shirt-wearing-camera-around-your-neck-Toto-I-don't-think-we're-in-Kansas" type tourist, pay 8-10 bucks for a horse and buggy ride down through Habana Vieja or El Malecon. However, beware of any drivers who look like Cosmo Cramer, as their horse may have been fed "Beefarino"!
Average Prices, Occasional Splurges, and Souvenir Ideas
Listen to music, dance to you heart's content, people watch, communicate with Habaneros in any way you can. Take along small gifts for the poor people on the streets, such as motel size soap, a small tin of aspirin, a pencil or a pen, photos of you and your family back home, etc. The average Cuban simply cannot afford what you and I take for granted, and they will instantly repay your kindness with a warm and broad smile, and a broken English "thank you". They will also be thrilled to have their picture taken (except for the "professionally picturesque", who will expect a tip).
1 peso (4 cents):
Authentic Cuban cigar (bought in a locals-only bar), long thin cone of peanuts sold by street vendors, fresh ripe avocado from a "pregonero" (street wandering merchant), Dairy Queen style ice cream, general admission to a world class sporting event (baseball, volleyball, etc.), rest room attendant tip.
2-5 pesos (8-20 cents):
Personal size cheese pizza, a bag full of fresh mangos, bananas, or guava pasteries, Cuban citizen price to enter any national museum or attraction (The average price is $5 USD for tourists. Offer to pay a Cuban's entrance if they will buy your ticket for you, and do all the talking. Keep your mouth shut, look straight ahead, hide your camera so as not to look too conspicuous, and its win-win for everyone, except the state!).
10 pesos (40 cents)
Communal taxi ride, ham and cheese sandwich, good tip at a funky restaurant or bar, cover charge to hear a Cuban rock'n roll band at the National Arts Center (across from La Plaza de la Revolucion).
beer in restaurant, tip for the band (they play up to 10 hours per day!), great tip in a funky restaurant or bar.
hand-crafted wooded items, such as figurines, ash trays (they travel well and generally will not break in your luggage) authentic Cuban claves (hand-held percussion instrument…talk a deal 2 for $5, learn the basic clave beat, and sit in with every band you hear!), authentic Cuban cigar bought in a government store (prices are fixed, and anything on the street is guaranteed to be counterfeit) There is no such thing as a $1 Cohiba or Montecristo!, dinner at a "paladar" (private home restaurant), one or two drinks at the Hotel Nacional (but hanging out with the internationally rich and famous, in the comfort of luxurious surroundings is an affordable splurge for a few afternoon or evening hours), bottle of "Havana Club" rum (impossible to get in the US, and a bitter corporate enemy of Puerto Rican-based Bacardi.)
Dinner at a nicer, air conditioned and comfortable restaurant (possibly with drinks and tip included), buggy ride through Habana Vieja (a really affordable splurge for a party of four), bottle of "Havana Club Anejo" (seven year aged) rum, tour of the Partagas tobacco factory (or avoid the camera-clicking tourists, and watch it being done outside the tobacco shop of the Hotel Nacional for free), CD of your favorite Cuban bar band
Dinner at an even nicer, air conditioned and comfortable restaurant (definitely with drinks included).
Private car and driver for a full day and night of personalized city touring to those hard to reach destination.
Concert ticket to hear Polo Montanez, Compay Segundo, or any Buena Vista Social Club artist.
pair of professional level, authentic Cuban bongos (talk a deal with any band's bongo player).
guided day trip to famous Varadero Beach in air conditioned van, lunch and changing room included.
round trip across Cuba, from Havana to Santiago, in air conditioned Viazul Greyhound-style bus, stops along the way are prorated proportionally – prices for sleeps and eats in the provinces are always less than in Havana.
Havana, Cuba: Politics Before Breakfast
The smell of coffee and movement in the kitchen wakes me up, but I lay there for a few moments registering other sounds; the cooing of pigeons on the windowsill, voices below on the street as they pass by. As I push back the covers and pull on some clothes, I notice, too, the sounds that are missing. Absent is the noise of commerce.
No metal shop window shutters rattling open or salesman unloading goods from carts or trucks. Silent, too, are the church bells, whose tolling are the ubiquitous hymn of Latin America. Only an occasional horn or coughing of an old engine come from the narrow, cobbled streets of Old Havana below.
Opening up the door to my room, I step out into a sunny courtyard set with a breakfast table of fresh fruit and coffee. So begins my first day in Cuba.
Arriving last night after dark, I found this casa particular by the mark above the door; a blue symbol on a white background that resembles an abstract anchor pointing you inward. After ringing the doorbell below, I looked up as a small window was pushed open and a key lowered down on a string. Climbing up the narrow stairway, I noticed colorful tiles with borders of filigree detail worn down by years of wear and cracks of time that spoke of a building constructed in a more fanciful era.
Sleepy Luis
At the top of the staircase I was greeted by the warm, sleepy smile of Luis, whom I had clearly woken up. After inquiring politely about my trip and taking down my passport information he showed me to the room I had just rented for the night in his family's home.
Until a little over a year ago, no Cuban had owned a home in over half a century. After the revolution in 1959, all private homes became property of the state as the buying and selling of property was viewed to be a central pillar of capitalism.
People were allowed to stay in the home they lived in, but if they wanted to move could only do so through a complicated system of permuta (exchange).
As time went on, families could pass down their houses to children, but as families grew, square footage decreased with few new properties being built and older properties becoming harder to maintain. "Everyone has a roof over their heads here," mused Luis, "but the walls grow closer as the years go by."
Seen as a way to equalize living conditions throughout the country and prevent the rise of the foreign land barons seen elsewhere on Caribbean islands, this nationalization of property was part of the socialist reforms sweeping the country in post-revolutionary Cuba.
According to the Cuban geographer, Antonio Núñez Jiménez, it was estimated that almost 75% of arable land in Cuba was owned by foreign companies or individuals prior to the revolution.
No Class Warfare
The effects of these sweeping reforms can be seen both in the refreshing absence of class warfare as well as the disincentivization of much needed home renovations. Couple this with an embargo that keeps most goods from finding their way into the country and home repairs become a bit of a challenge.
While some families found themselves in crowded apartments badly in need of infrastructure, others had homes in nicer areas with views of the sea. While not entirely equitable, this situation has given the enterprising Cuban an opportunity in a land where most tourist hotels are large, expensive, state-run affairs.
In a nod to their growing tourism industry and a slight relaxation of anti-capitalism laws following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Cuban government began allowing some forms of private industry. Among these changes was the allowance to families to rent out a room in their house to travelers in exchange for money.
This system, called casa particulares, was established in the 1990's as a way of helping families earn some extra income in a struggling economy that uses two different systems of currency; one for Cubans and one for foreigners. Locals with access to the convertible pesos carried by tourist often have access to goods that can't be gained with the Libreta; a ration book that Cubans use for food and other necessities.
100% Literacy Rate
Staying in a casa particulares, as opposed to the government-run hotels, has many benefits besides the price. Thanks to a strong investment in an education system that turns out an almost 100% literacy rate in even the most rural areas, Cubans tend to be well-informed, loquacious speakers. As someone who had grown up with an American version of history in this region, it was fun to compare notes on front stoops and rooftop patios.
After spending the day following my hosts' advice on sites to see and places to go, it was essential to come home and ask the questions that would help me unravel some of the puzzle that is Cuba.
Speaking around the kitchen table after breakfast (included in the nominal $25 usually charged for a night at most casas),the talk frequently turns to Raul, the younger Castro. Seen as more economically liberal, he has been making some changes since becoming president in 2008.
One seen as the most significant came in November of 2011, when Cubans were allowed to buy and sell property. Many rules still surround the process, with the aim of preventing speculation and the concentration of wealth.
To many, the cost will still be prohibitive, though thanks to remittances from Miami and a lot of local entrepreneurial spirit, many will be changing addresses this year. Most casas I stayed in had been in the family for g enerations, and most said they expect to have family there for generations to come.
Over a small glass of rum on the terrace overlooking Old Havana, Luis shares his thoughts on the recent changes. He, along with most Cubans I spoke with, had mixed feelings about the current state of affairs.
While opening up the housing market would bring much needed investment and renovation, gentrification and its nasty habit of dredging up class conflict are seen as unwelcome in a country that prides itself in homegrown socialism.
Creative Side Enterprises
Many Cubans I met had devised creative enterprises on the side to help gain access to resources outside what the Libreta could support. Renting a car and hiring out as an unofficial taxi driver or selling second rate cigars from the factory where one works on the side are fairly common practices.
At a personal level, dabbling in the free market is viewed as almost a necessity when goods are so highly controlled or severely limited by an embargo but even those who dabble are not so comfortable seeing this shift at a national level.
While a healthy black market and other flirtations into capitalism are given an indulgent shrug, most casas I stayed in were hesitant to open the door any further to the dark stranger and his unwelcome baggage that capitalism has become since the revolution.
Rather, Cubans have opened their doors to intrepid travelers hoping to educate themselves on the natural and national treasures of the island.
Much like the dichotomy of a two-currency system, the exchange of ideas and experience that one encounters while staying in a casa particular allows the traveler to see the country, and the locals to see the tourist, at a truly domestic level.
Leaving my cigar in the ashtray to "morir con dignidad," as Luis instructed, I listen to the faint strains of a Cuban son band drifting over from the plaza. They play for locals and tourist who gather at tables spilling out onto the cobblestone patio, drinking sweating glasses of the national beer or filing cups of ice with a shared bottle of rum.
Below I can hear them laughing over a table of clicking dominoes at the smooth voice singing along to the band in the distance. There is music in the air tonight, and the sounds of change down below on the streets of Old Havana.
H. R. Ridge sees the world as her classroom. As a high school science teacher herself, she has spent the last two decades getting her best lessons from trotting the globe and meeting the people that help it spin. Through international teaching experiences in Asia, USAID development work in South America and scientific research in Africa, she hopes to connect the students in her classroom in Boulder, Colorado to the global community at large. She is currently working on a book about vocational training and it's impact on the global workforce in the 21st Century.
Love Cuba? Then you'll love our Cuba Plane Reader, with dozens of articles to get you ready for your Cuba Vacation. For Kindle, Nook an iPad!
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Uruguay: South America's Best Kept Secret
It is South America's best kept secret. This secret destination has a World Heritage site, a plethora of beaches, thermal spas, working guest ranches, friendly people, and a tranquil ambiance that is hard to find in today's frantic world. Tucked between Brazil and Argentina, two of South American "tourist biggies," is Uruguay. It is a nice place to visit and, yes, you just might want to live there. You might even be one of those tourists who is seeking a little herbal pleasure--in Uruguay, marijuana is now legal.
Wooed in the Capital
Montevideo, the capital, doesn't wow visitors it woos them. As the southernmost South American capital, it is home to half the country's 3.5 million people whose diversity has influenced the architecture, food, and celebrations. Located on the banks of the Río de la Plata, the city started as a Spanish fortress that became a major port in the mid-18th century luring Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, and British immigrants.
Most of the historic aspects of Montevideo can be conquered in a day but the charm is found when wandering along La Rambla. The Ramble stretches along the water from the Old City to the neighborhood of Carrasco past parks and beaches dotted with fishermen, bathers, street performers, and home to the popular weekend Port Market.
Montevideo lets all the stops out during Carnaval. It is not as commercially popular as Rio's, but it is the country's biggest party and includes Semana Criolla where participants recreate rural Creole life with equine activities, music, story telling and songs.
Wowed on the coast
Looking to be wowed by a 5-Star world-class hotel on a beach? Then head to Punta del Este, a coastal destination that has attracted visitors for more than100 years. It is where the beautiful people play and second only to Rio as the place to be seen in South America. There are beautiful beaches, whale and seal watching boat trips, great restaurants, Vegas-style shows, casinos, art galleries, golfing, and everything one would expect from a world class destination. Punta del Este is proud of its weeklong Carnaval that rivals Montevideo's.
A favorite spot to enjoy a spectacular sunset is Punta Ballena only 10 minutes from the heart of Punta del Este. Punta Ballena is also home to the unique Casapueblo. The architecture of the rambling home, studio, and hotel created by artist Paez Villero brings to mind peaks of whipped cream.
Visitors looking for something less Miami-like need only head east or west of Punta del Este to find quiet, laid-back places like Punta del Diablo, a little fishing-surfing village of wooden cabins and winding dirt streets plus miles of sandy beaches to wander. With over 400 miles of coastline there is a beach to wow everyone.
Wandering in Colonia
West of Montevideo is Colonia del Sacramento, an UNESCO World Heritage City, and a great place to wander along the cobblestone streets. Dating from the 17th century, the old city boasts a beautifully preserved colonial ambiance. While it is easy to view the entire historic area in a couple of hours, visitors find themselves sitting for hours at one of the alfresco dining areas.
One of the restaurants, El Drugstore Café, has the interior of a 1920s Model T Ford set up as a private dining area. Antique car lovers will think they are in car heaven. Well-preserved antique cars are a common sight in Colonia as well as the rest of Uruguay.
Occasionally the pulsating rhythm of Candombe can be heard on the streets and in the restaurants. Dancing to the beat of barrel-shaped drums that recall the ceremonial processions from the days of African slavery are the historical personages Mama Vieja, Gramillero, and Escobillero chasing away the bad spirits and encouraging the good ones.
Located on the Rio de la Plata, Colonia offers accommodations in colonial buildings in the historic district and first-class hotels with river views plus the Balinese-style Four Seasons Carmelo is only an hour away. The Four Seasons was the choice of singer Shakira, the actor Robert Duvall, and other notables who wanted to keep the paparazzi at bay.
Getting in hot water
While Montevideo, Punta del Este, and Colonia are the most popular tourist destinations, the thermals north of Colonia near Salto are all-season destinations. In the 1940s while drilling for oil, pockets of pure hot water were discovered that led to the development of resort hotels.
The Hotel Horacio Quiroga, located on the Rio Uruguay, is just one of several resorts with thermal pools, a water park, spa, golfing, sailboat rides, and nightly events that include tango dance lessons. The temperature of the pure water in the pools and piped to the accommodations averages about 104 degree Fahrenheit and is considered therapeutic. Tours of the Salto Grande Dam and several museums are close by.
Working Farms
The interior of the Uruguay is mainly farmland and where visitors can really feel the pulse of Uruguay while staying on an Estancia Turistica, a working ranch. Dotted throughout the country most estancias offer excellent accommodations with the opportunity to get up close and personal with the day-to-day running of a ranch, maybe even riding with the gauchos.
Each estancia is different with many offering bird watching, horseback riding, and other eco-related activities. La Paz Estanc
ia, near Paysandu, was one of the first tourist ranches. It continues as a Charolais breeding farm and sheep ranch.
La Paz has maintained its rustic character with accommodations in an historic 1860s building, their own church, and plenty of open space to breathe free but it also has a pool and a small spa. Guests can help herd the sheep if they so wish, enjoy the spa, or, best of all, do nothing.
Wining and Dining
Still a niche player in the world of wine, Uruguay boasts some 300 wineries with a wine heritage that goes back to Spanish immigrants who introduced grapevines over 250 years ago.
At the Carros de San Juan winery, near Colonia, visitors have the opportunity to taste "tannat," a local red wine with an extremely tannic nature that often requires years of aging to become drinkable. However, the most common libation is "mate," a tea prepared by steeping dried leaves of the yerba mate. It is the national drink of Uruguay.
It is a common sight to see Uruguayans carrying what appears to be over-sized leather binocular cases. They hold the water thermos, calabash drinking gourd, and metal sipping straw for their mate. With three-fourths of the land dedicated to grazing beef lovers will enjoy excellent Uruguayan steaks along with their wine and mate.
Way to Go
Pie-shaped Uruguay is the second smallest country in South America after Suriname and about the size of Washington State. It is sometimes referred to as the "New Zealand" or "Switzerland" of South America," due to its peaceful democracy, strong agricultural economy, and highly literate population.
Direct flights to Uruguay are basically nonexistent but the fun way to get there is by the one-hour Buquebus ferry from Buenos Aires to Montevideo or Colonia. Within Uruguay bus connections are frequent and reasonable, but the roads are good and fairly devoid of traffic making renting a car an excellent option. The climate is mild but remember "beach time" is during the South American summer – December to March.
Uruguay is a place that visitors like to tell their friends about when they return home. "Uruguay is a great place, it has amazing beaches and…," then stop mid-sentence and think, "Do I really want people to know what a wonderful destination it is? Will telling people ruin it? Should I keep it a secret?" The truth is that a secret this wonderful needs to be shared. For more information check www.uruguaynatural.com.
Sandra Scott
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Beautiful Desolation:
Nearly 100 years later the immense, wide-open landscapes of Patagonia remain untamed — from its Ice Age valleys and moraines to the jagged mountain ridges, and the endless prairies that lie in between.
Fjords and glaciers, native forests and an abundance of waterfalls make the human visitor aware, at every moment, of the nature around them. For the nature and wildlife lover, Patagonia is the place to come in South America; whether you are a hard-core adventurer or a traveler more interested in light hiking, fishing or horseback riding.
Blending Nature
In the town of Puerto Natales, Remota Hotel was built on the concept of blending nature with human civilization. The property was created with the idea of mixing the architectural design with the natural surroundings, designed by legendary architect German del Sol who won the National Prize for his work on Remota.
The buildings are integrated in harmony with the Patagonian landscape, at times blurring the lines between where nature ends and Remota begins.
Using construction techniques such as earth-and-grass covered rooftops, sustainable local materials and energy-saving implementations was key for Del Sol.
And these are no mere "nod to green concerns" gestures. The entire hotel utilizes a system that recycles the indoor air two to three times a day, using no energy whatsoever.
It's a place where visitors can feel at one with Patagonia, and be in the present moment. Del Sol believed that beauty was in the imperfections, and embraced those aspects of his natural materials to create a place that offers an experience to guests, not just a hotel stay.
"The loneliness of the vast landscape is perhaps what seduces the wanderer's soul," says del Sol. "Everyone can make a discovery if one sees the same old things with new eyes. Maybe, because we only get to know that which puts up some resistance, the place where it is hard to get to is that which we believe, somehow, that we deserve.
Thus, perhaps, the myth of Patagonia is the myth of a remote place, where we feel that the journey has been accomplished, and we are delicately returned to what is ours."
Details about the Hotel Remota
The guest rooms are an invitation to rest body and soul, the relaxing aroma of the lenga wood together with the light radiating from the heat reflecting windows and the magnificent views to the fjord of Last Hope are the perfect setting for perfect comfort. Remota offers 72 wonderfully appointed, spacious rooms.
The common areas are divided into multi levels, with several comfortable and stylish living rooms built around large fireplaces, leading eventually up to the restaurant and bar.
The amazing food is part of the Remota experience, with skilled chefs creating a variety of inventive dishes from the fresh seafood of Patagonia and local ingredients.
A separate building houses a relaxing indoor heated pool, open-air Jacuzzi and men's and women's locker rooms with saunas.
Every stay at Hotel Remota is a program that includes:
• Accommodations
• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, with soft and alcoholic drinks or house wine.
• 8 Daily Excursions offered according to the day's program, with a bilingual guide. (English-Spanish)
• Excursion hours are pre-established. Consult reception.
• Use of the sauna, open-air Jacuzzi, and heated indoor pool.
• Complementary transfers.
Premium wines, massage services, outdoor equipment, personal goods, gift shop items, fly-fishing gear and tips are not included.
Patagonia Sights and Excursions in Chile
Hotel Remota tour guides are among the best in Chile, specially trained in the hotel's own guide school. Remota is the only operation that offers certified fly fishing experience, as well as navigations, hiking, horseback riding, bicycle tours and bird watching, with world well-known specialists.
Every evening the guides gather in the bar of the hotel, where they can plan with guests their excursions for the next day out of more than 30 possibilities in Torres del Paine National Park, as well as beyond mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers and forests, cattle farms and caves of ancestral native cultures. Tours can be done by vehicle (4x4), horseback, bicycle, or walking, sailing the fjords; it all depends on the guests preference and the area they would like to visit.
Tours of the region are divided into 7 sections of interest.
I. Puerto Natales and Sierra Dorotea
Puerto Natales is the geographical center of Chilean Patagonia, and it boasts one of the most picturesque ports in Chile, grandly displaying the ingenuity of the resident locals, who in turn have learned to adapt to this land from the indigenous before them, as well as the first explorers and adventurers, so that they may live a good life in the middle of sometimes brutal climate.
II. Southern Fjords
The first navigators here sailed through the Patagonia's labyrinth of fjords seeking protected bays, fish, and fresh water, and a more protected path to the Atlantic Sea, much like the Strait that Magellan discovered on November 1, 1520. Before them, the indigenous groups Kawésqar and Yamanes plied these waters, followed by colonists. Yet even today, these fjords are still some of the most unpopulated on the planet.
III. Lake Sofía
This is one of the most important archeological sites in the far south of Chile. The first inhabitants of Patagonia lived here at Lake Sofia together with now-extinct mega fauna such as the prehistoric horse (caballo enano), the milodón (giant sloth), saber tooth tiger, and more.
This area is also attractive for its beautiful geography, its mix of lagoons and lakes such as Sofía, and isolated peaks that are home to condor and eagle nesting sites, and extensive native beech forests that are full of flowers.
IV. Torres Del Paine
Torres del Paine National Park, created in 1959, was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1978. In spite of the fact that the entire region is a natural and cultural reserve, the park itself is one of the best-known attractions in the world. Its beauty is easy to seek out, but hard to forget. No one who has visited Torres del Paine can forget the view of the sun cast upon the park's tall peaks, coloring the tips of the Cuernos (Horns), the Paine Grande peak, the Espada Peak, or the Shark's Fin Peak in pink tones.
V. Sierra Baguales
Los Baguales is a little-known area where travelers can soak up the pleasure of distancing themselves from the "well-known," the essence of any good trip. A person's sense of distance disappears as the vast pampa that is Patagonia appears, creating a sense of mystery of that which one sees but doesn't understand. The area is home to wild horses, guanacos, rheas and pumas, although the latter is difficult to spot. Los Baguales is known for fascinating, strange geological formations, that the local indigenous groups believed were the fossilized remains of extraterrestrials and the flat plains their landing areas.
VI. Mount Rotundo
A very attractive area for its dense forests, lakes and fjords, Mount Rotundo is rich in flora typically found near channels, such as evergreen beech, canelo, and Guaitecas Cypress, flora that needs a lot of humidity. In the forest shade, we find here a varied amount of mushrooms and lichens. The landscape offers surprises such as the snowy peaks of the Pinto mountain range and the impressive Mount Rotundo.
VII. Fly fishing Remota
The diversity of its landscapes lead us to discover a huge amount of water resources in the province of Ultima Esperanza its lakes, lagoons, rivers and streams reflect unforgettable purity and richness of its waters. Hundreds of seasoned anglers come to Patagonia in search of a unique and indescribable natural paradise to perform this activity. A variety of highly prized fishes such as Fario trout, Coho Salmon, Salmo salar, and Salmo King are among those that can be found in the area.
More Information:
About Chile and Patagonia:
Hotel Remota website
Contact information: Ruta 9 Norte, km 1.5
Puerto Natales, Chile
56 | 2 | 23871500
Shelley Seale is a professional freelance writer who has written for National Geographic, Andrew Harper Traveler and GoNOMAD.com among others. She fell in love immediately with Wuzhen, considering it the most charming place she visited in China. She can be reached at shelleyseale.com.
Read more stories about Patagonia on GoNOMAD
Museums of Lowell, Massachusetts: Jack Kerouac's home town
For $6 per adult and $4 per child, the Boott Cotton Mills Museum in downtown Lowell allows visitors experience the immigrants' work and trials on location. The pulse-pounding noise of the fully functional weaving room is enough to make your heart reach out to the women who worked there for roughly 12 hours a day, but the museum is more than that.
Photography and video documentaries show children with dirty faces and hard-working young women surrounded by the city's original backdrop of cobblestone streets and brick buildings.
Through a prop-filled, interactive boarding house, the museum tells a story of the immigrant's path and the human condition that many native citizens take for granted.
Fabric FunIf you've got a flair for textiles, downtown Lowell is also home to the American Textile History Museum. Here you can catch a glimpse into the American textile business from it's beginnings. Exhibits include a look back into American textile history as well as cultural textiles from other areas around the world.
The American Textile Museum also hosts special events and programs for the whole family, such as Free Fun Fridays and textile arts programs for children and for adults.
The New England Quilt Museum also offers a look into the evolution of the art. Here you can find quilting and clothing dating as far back as the 1800s. You can also attend quilting programs as well as lectures to immerse yourself in the history and art of quilting.
Opening times and Prices
Boott Cotton Mills Museum open daily 9:30 am - 5 pm
$6 adults, $3 children
American Textile History Museum open Wedesday to Sunday 10 am - 5 pm
free for children under 6, $6 for kids 6-16, $8 for 17 and older
New England Quilt Museum open Wedesday to Saturday 10 am to 4 pm, Sunday noon to 4 pm during November through April. May through October open Wednesday to Saturday 10 am to 4 pm.
$8 admission, free for kids 12 and under
For more information visit Boott Cotton Mills Museum, American Textile History Museum, and New England Quilt Museum.
Kaitlyn Silva writes from rural Massachusetts.
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The Magic of Ilulissat Greenland: Photo Gallery
By Pamela Roth
Read Pamela Roth's story about Ilulissat


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Cricket Fishing for Prepaid Customers with $100 Lure
Cricket Wireless is hoping a $100 bill credit will convince customers of Cincinnati Bell, MetroPCS, Boost Mobile, Virgin Mobile, Sprint, and T-Mobile to hop on over to Cricket. New customers must switch from the aforementioned carriers, purchase a new device, and activate a new line of service on a qualifying rate plan in order to receive the credit. The credit will be applied at the end of the first billing cycle. Cricket's service plans cost $40-$60 per month, depending on options. Cricket offered a similar promotion over the summer months, but only targeted Sprint and T-Mobile. The current promotion runs through Dec. 31.
Cricket Alters Policy for Unlocking Phones
Cricket recently indicated that it will soon require customers to wait an extra two months before they can unlock their handsets. Under the old policy, customers had to wait four months before they could ask for their handsets to be unlocked. Under the new policy, they must wait six months. Other facets of the policy remain the same. In order for Cricket customers to have their phones unlocked, the device must be designed for Cricket's network and purchased from a Cricket or authorized Cricket dealer. The change goes into effect December 7.
Cricket to Sell Nokia Lumia 635
Cricket Wireless today announced the Nokia Lumia 635 will go on sale November 7. The phone, which is a small step up from the 630, features a 4.5-inch screen, Snapdragon 400 processor, and 5-megapixel camera. Cricket is charging $100.
ZTE X Max to Arrive in Cricket Stores Oct. 10
Cricket Wireless today announced the ZTE X Max, the second big-screened phone to join the prepaid carrier's ranks. The X Max features a 6-inch 720p HD screen and 1.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon processor. The main camera rates 8 megapixels with an LED flash and HD video capture, and the user-facing camera rates 1 megapixel. The X Max includes 8GB of internal storage and supports memory cards up to 32GB. It runs Android 4.4. KitKat. The phone comes with the Peel Smart Remote app, which allows owners to discover TV content directly on their handset. The ZTE X Max goes on sale online and in stores October 10 and will cost $200. For a limited time, Cricket is offering a $100 bill credit to customers who switch from MetroPCS or T-Mobile.
Cricket to Sell Lumia 530 for $50 Starting Oct. 3
Cricket Wireless today announced it has added the Nokia Lumia 530 to its lineup of low-cost smartphones. The 530 is Nokia's entry-level smartphone, which includes a 4-inch display, 5-megapixel camera, quad-core processor, and Windows Phone 8.1 with Cortana. The Lumia 530 will be available online and in select stores beginning October 3. It costs $50. Cricket also noted that it plans to roll out Windows Phone 8.1 to the Lumia 1320. Owners of the 1320 can expect to see the update arrive in the coming weeks.
Cricket Selling First-Gen Moto G with LTE
Cricket Wireless today said it will sell the first-generation Moto G on September 19 for $150. The first-gen G has a 4.5-inch screen, 5-megapixel camera, and Snapdragon 400 processor. It supports Cricket's LTE service.
Sprint, Boost, and Virgin to Sell the HTC Desire 510
Sprint today announced it and its prepaid brands will all soon offer the HTC Desire 510. HTC announced the 510 last month. It is an entry-level handset with LTE 4G on board. It features a 4.7-inch display, a 1.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 410 processor with 1GB of RAM, and 8GB of built-in storage. The main camera captures 5-megapixel images, and the user-facing camera captures VGA images. Connectivity features include Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi, GPS, and DLNA for sharing media. The 510 runs Android 4.4 KitKat and includes HTC Sense and Blinkfeed. Sprint plans to sell the device with its postpaid service. It will reach Sprint stores on September 19. It will cost $9 per month with Sprint Easy Pay. The full retail price is $216. Sprint didn't spell out the contract price. Boost Mobile will begin selling the Desire 510 on September 22 for $100, and Virgin Mobile will begin selling it on September 23 for $100. Neither Boost nor Virgin Mobile requires contracts. The Desire 510 is also being sold by Cricket Wireless.
Hands-On: HTC Desire 510 for Cricket Wireless
Cricket today committed to selling the HTC Desire 510 in the U.S. This entry-level smartphone from HTC offers the company's best features in an affordable package. Here are our first thoughts.
Cricket to Sell HTC Desire 510 for $150
Cricket Wireless today said it will offer the HTC Desire 510 to customers beginning September 19. The handset will cost $150 and is compatible with Cricket's array of prepaid service plans. HTC announced the 510 last month. It is an entry-level handset with LTE 4G on board. It features a 4.7-inch display, a 1.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 410 processor with 1GB of RAM, and 8GB of built-in storage. The main camera captures 5-megapixel images, and the user-facing camera captures VGA images. Connectivity features include Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi, GPS, and DLNA for sharing media. The 510 runs Android 4.4 KitKat and includes HTC Sense and Blinkfeed. The handset will be available from Cricket's web site first, with a phased rollout across the company's 6,000 retail points through October.
Cricket Doubles Data Buckets
Cricket today announced a promotion that offers up to double the amount of high-speed data for the same price as before. Starting September 13th, the $35/month (using Auto Pay) "Basic Plan" will offer 1 GB of high-speed data instead of the previous 500 MB. The $45 Smart Plan will offer 3 GB, up from 2.5 GB, and the $55 Pro Plan includes 10 GB instead of 5 GB. (Plans cost an extra $5/month without Auto Pay.) Existing customers on these plans will automatically be upgraded to the larger data allotments. Once a customer uses up the high-speed data allotment, data is throttled to 128 Kbps. The offer is for a limited time, but customers taking advantage will be able keep the larger data allotment after the offer expires.
GameStop to Sell Cricket Wireless Devices
Cricket Wireless today said it has reached a distribution agreement with GameStop. The gaming retailer will sell Cricket phones and service in more than 2,800 stores around the U.S. The two companies trailed the service in 10 markets over the last few months and will begin to expand to more stores in the weeks ahead. Cricket, which offers prepaid, no-contract wireless service, is owned and operated by AT&T.
Cricket Offering Five Lines for $100
Cricket Wireless, which is owned by AT&T, today announced a new incentive to win over T-Mobile and other customers. Cricket is offering five lines for $100 per month. The plan includes one more line than T-Mobile's current promotion (four lines for $100). Cricket said, "People can sign up for the five lines for $100 up until January 2, and enjoy the promotion long after." It didn't provide an actual end date. Each line gets unlimited talk/text and 500MB of data. The pricing is based on five lines of service with an eligible $40 base plan. Each successive line gains a greater discount. For example, line two receives a $10 monthly discount; line three receives a $20 monthly discount; line four receives a $30 monthly discount; and line five receives a $40 monthly discount. The promotion is available to new and existing customers (in good standing, with two eligible lines of service). Accounts with multiple lines will automatically be enrolled into the new promotion. The $100 monthly cost includes all taxes and fees.
AT&T's Cricket Targets T-Mobile/MetroPCS with $100 Credit
Cricket Wireless is borrowing a play from T-Mobile by offering a $100 credit to customers who switch from the UNcarrier or MetroPCS to AT&T-owned Cricket. The $100 bill credit offer is available from August 24 to October 19 at Cricket stores nationwide and online. According to Cricket, there is no limit on the number of lines a customer can switch to Cricket. Each line transferred from T-Mobile/MetroPCS is eligible for the $100 bill credit. Cricket's prepaid Basic, Smart, and Pro plans cost $40, $50, and $60, respectively, per month. Each plan offers a $5 monthly reduction when customers choose to use auto-pay.
RadioShack No Contract, Spot Mobile to Cancel Services
Two low-cost providers, RadioShack No Contract and Spot Mobile, have decided to call it quits. RadioShack didn't operate a traditional MVNO, but branded and resold Cricket Wireless' service as its own. Now that Cricket is owned by AT&T, and RadioShack No Contract struggled to win over customers, the company will cease selling the service. According to RadioShack, customers who purchased the service will be able to continue using their device and will be transitioned to Cricket Wireless. RadioShack will honor its 30-day return policy so those who recently purchased a RadioShack No Contract device can get a refund. RadioShack's retail business is also hurting and the company plans to close a wide number of stores this year. Separately, Spot Mobile, an MVNO that resold access to T-Mobile's network, also decided to shut down. Spot Mobile has already ceased processing account refills, and will shut down service altogether September 7. Spot Mobile said customers can port their number out to their carrier of choice.
Cricket to Sell ZTE Grand X
Cricket Wireless today announced the pending availability of the ZTE Grand X, a large-screened Android smartphone. The Grand X features a 5-inch display with Gorilla Glass and a 1.2GHz dual-core Snapdragon processor from Qualcomm. The Grand X boasts two cameras. The main camera has a 5-megapixel sensor and the user-facing camera has a 1-megapixel sensor. The phone has a 2,300mAh battery that supports QuickCharge 1.0 for faster charging. The Grand X, which runs Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, will be available beginning August 8. It will cost $100 after a $50 mail-in rebate.
AT&T and T-Mobile Agree to Swap Some Spectrum
AT&T and T-Mobile recently filed paperwork with the FCC seeking permission to swap spectrum assets. The companies are looking at PCS and AWS spectrum in a handful of markets. First, AT&T was required to divest spectrum in 12 markets, mostly in Nevada and Texas, in order to win FCC approval of its Cricket Wireless acquisition. These assets will be transferred to T-Mobile. Second, the companies want to exchange assets scattered around California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington. In their filings with the FCC, AT&T and T-Mobile said the swap will "enable more efficient operations resulting from larger blocks of contiguous spectrum and/or the alignment of spectrum blocks held in adjacent markets." Such spectrum swaps are common in the secondary market for airwaves. The two companies didn't place a dollar value on the proposal, which requires FCC approval.
Cricket Offering Lumia 630 for Free and Other Deals
Cricket Wireless, which is owned by AT&T, today announced the availability of the Nokia Lumia 630 smartphone. The 630, which is a variant of the Lumia 635 (being sold by T-Mobile and MetroPCS), will reach Cricket stores on July 11. Cricket is offering the Lumia 630 for free with a $50 mail-in rebate card. The device is an entry-level Windows Phone with a 4.5-inch screen and 5-megapixel camera. Cricket is also offering discounts ranging from $20 to $50 on a wide selection of handsets, including the ZTE Sonata 4G, Prelude, and Overture 4G; the Moto G; the Nokia 520 and 1320; and the Samsung Galaxy Express 4G. Cricket is the new brand name being used by AT&T's former Aio Wireless unit. AT&T is transitioning Cricket's CDMA customers to its GSM network so it can eventually repurpose Cricket's spectrum. All the devices covered by Cricket's new promotion operate on AT&T's GSM network.
Cricket Wireless Adds the Nokia Lumia 1320 to Portfolio
Cricket Wireless today announced the pending availability of the Nokia Lumia 1320. The device, which Nokia announced last year, has a 6-inch 720p display with Nokia's ClearBlack technology and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for protection. It is powered by a 1.7GHz dual-core Snapdragon 400 processor with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage. The 1320 also has a 5-megapixel main camera and a VGA user-facing camera; a large 3,400mAh battery; and Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, LTE, and Wi-Fi radios. The 1320 ships with Windows Phone 8.1, which includes the Cortana personal assistant and Nokia apps such as HERE Maps, StoryTeller, and Camera. The Nokia Lumia 1320 will cost $279, though Cricket is offering a $50 gift card to those who mail in a rebate. It goes on sale June 18.
Rok MVNO to Combine Mobile with Music
A new MVNO called Rok Mobile plans to offer a merged mobile-and-music service when it launches in July. The company is working with two unnamed carriers (one GSM, one CDMA) to resell access to LTE 4G networks, but it will also bundle in its own streaming music service as part of the core offering. Rok has not revealed what its monthly cost will be, but the price will include unlimited voice, messages, and data service in addition to music streaming, downloading, and caching. Rok purchased access to 20 million tracks just last month, and will let people create their own playlists as well as automatically generate playlists based on customer interests. The company intends to sell the Apple iPhone as well as high-end Android smartphones, though it will also encourage potential customers to bring their own handsets. Rok will have dedicated Android and iOS apps for customers, and will also provide access to music via desktop web browsers at some point after launch. Rok's tack is a bit different from Cricket's Muve Music, which added unlimited music for just $5 more per month. Rok Mobile is using music as the centerpiece of its offering, not pitching it as an add-on. Rok plans to launch July 4, and more details should become available at that time.
Cricket Snags LG Optimus L70 for $50 After Rebate
Cricket Wireless today announced the LG Optimus L70 smartphone will be available online and in stores beginning Friday for $50 after a $50 mail-in rebate. The L70 was announced earlier this year and is already being sold by MetroPCS and others.
AT&T's Cricket Brand to Cut Off Lifeline Service
AT&T recently indicated via its support web site that it will eventually discontinue offering Lifelife service through its Cricket prepaid brand. Lifeline allows qualified Americans to receive free or heavily discounted wireless service through Cricket. AT&T will support Circket's current CDMA Lifeline customers for the next 18 months, but it will not sign any new customers to Lifeline service on its GSM network. The company explained, "Cricket is upgrading its CDMA network to 4G GSM and expects to stop offering CDMA wireless service as early as March 2015." Cricket spelled out in capital letters that CDMA phones - including those used by Lifeline customers - will no longer work after it completes the transition to GSM/LTE. "When you transition to the new Cricket GSM network and rate plan, you will not be able to keep your Lifeline credit," it said. AT&T said Cricket does offer plans as low as $25 per month, which are comparable to some of the Lifeline plans. AT&T didn't explain why it is discontinuing support for Lifeline.
AT&T Folds Aio Wireless Into Cricket, Launches Anew
AT&T today discontinued its Aio Wireless brand and merged the service with Cricket Wireless, which it acquired earlier this year. Today marks the official launch of the new Cricket Wireless, which now reaches nationwide with a better selection of smartphones. Much like what T-Mobile did with MetroPCS, the new Cricket uses AT&T's GSM/HSPA/LTE network rather than Cricket's legacy CDMA network. All new devices sold by Cricket will be compatible with AT&T's network moving forward. AT&T says its HSPA+ network reaches 97% of Americans, and its LTE network reaches 280 million Americans. Cricket's plans cost $40, $50, and $60 per month, though each is eligible for a $5 discount when customers sign up for auto-pay. Each of these plans includes unlimited domestic voice minutes and text messaging, but vary in data allowances: 500MB, 2.5GB, and 5GB of high-speed data, respectively. Cricket offers discounts for multiple lines, such as $10 of the second line, $20 off the third line, and $30 off the fourth and fifth lines. Customers can choose add-ons, such as 1GB of data for $10 per month or an international voice/messaging plan for $15. Basic feature phone plans start at $25 per month for unlimited voice/messaging. Cricket says it has a wide range of smartphones, which it is offering for $50 off (mail-in rebate) for a limited time. Customers are able to bring their own compatible handset if they wish. Cricket Wireless does not require contracts and charges full price for its handsets. Last, Cricket said customers who have a full 12-month period of on-time payments will receive a $50 credit towards the purchase of their next handset. Nearly 3,000 Cricket and Aio Wireless stores have been rebranded nationwide and are open beginning today.
AT&T Exploring Options for Cricket's Muve Music
AT&T is weighing how best to move forward with Muve Music, the subscription music service it acquired along with Cricket Wireless. AT&T is most likely going to discontinue the service and sell it to another company, according to sources cited by The New York Times. AT&T did not confirm the Times' angle, but did say, "After a careful review, we've decided to explore alternative music options to Muve. For now, nothing changes for our Muve customers. They'll continue to enjoy their Muve experience at this time, as we evaluate alternative[s]." Muve Music has about 2 million paying customers, which is more than similar services, such as Rhapsody, that have a higher level of visibility with consumers. AT&T has already formulated a bidding process to auction the business unit off, says the Times. AT&T already sells a music service with Beats Audio. Beats Music can be shared among family members on the same plan. It has been available since January.
AT&T to Relaunch Cricket By End of Second Quarter
AT&T plans to relaunch Cricket Wireless, the prepaid provider it acquired earlier this year, at the end of the second quarter. AT&T CFO John Stephens said new customers will be given devices that run on AT&T's LTE network, rather than Cricket's, as the company looks to transition customers away from Cricket's spectrum so it can be reused. Stephens said Cricket will be given a national presence, with 3,000 locations around the country. At the same time, AT&T's existing prepaid service, Aio Wireless, will be folded into Cricket. AT&T expects it will take 18 months to transition all Cricket's customers away from Cricket's CDMA network to AT&T's LTE network. AT&T is pursuing a path similar to one set by T-Mobile with MetroPCS. When T-Mobile acquired MetroPCS last year, it began selling new devices that worked on its own HSPA/LTE network rather than MetroPCS's CDMA network. AT&T's ultimate goal is to repurpose Cricket's spectrum.
Aio Wireless Takes a Page from Sprint's 'Framily' Plans
Aio Wireless, which is owned and operated by AT&T, today announced new service plans that offer increasing discounts for adding lines to a single account. The Group Save plans are available today to accounts with two to five lines of service. According to Aio Wireless, a two-line account will pay full price for the first line and then receive a $10 discount on the second line. A three-line account will receive a $10 discount for the second line and a $20 discount for the third line. Four- and five line accounts will receive a $10 discount on the first line, a $20 discount on the second line, and a $30 discount on the fourth (and fifth) lines. The idea is similar to that of Sprint's Framily Plans, which offer increasing per-line discounts the more lines are added to a single account. AT&T is in the process of acquiring prepaid provider Cricket Wireless. The Aio Wireless brand will eventually be retired in favor of Cricket Wireless.
Aio Wireless Brand to Be Abandoned in Favor of Cricket
With its acquisition of Leap Wireless now closed, AT&T was quick to provide some guidance to both Cricket Wireless and Aio Wireless customers on how the transition will unfold. To start, Cricket Wireless customers don't need to do anything right now. They can continue to use their existing device, number, and rate plan. AT&T will integrate Cricket's operations and network into its own. Cricket customers will be able to select a new device and plan once Cricket's back end is added to AT&T's. These new Cricket devices will run on AT&T's LTE 4G network, however, and not Cricket's existing CDMA network. AT&T said this integration will take several weeks to complete before the new devices and plans will be available. Customers of AT&T's existing prepaid brand, Aio Wireless, will notice only some minor changes. AT&T said Aio customers will be able to use the same devices and plans they've been using, but the Aio Wireless brand will be folded in favor of the Cricket brand. In a prepared statement, AT&T said, "The new Cricket is taking the very best from each brand and focusing on providing customers with simple, affordable no-annual-contract wireless that's easy every step of the way." More information will become available in the weeks ahead.
AT&T Closes Acquisition of Leap Wireless
AT&T today announced that it has closed its proposed acquisition of Leap Wireless. The transaction was just approved by the Federal Communications Commission this afternoon, though AT&T and Leap's boards had already approved the deal months ago. According to AT&T, Cricket will be integrated with AT&T's existing operations over the coming weeks to create "the new Cricket." AT&T is promising to shake up the no-contract market with low-cost plans, strong devices, and an expanded network. The new Cricket will take advantage of AT&T's LTE 4G network rather than Cricket's CDMA network. AT&T expects Cricket's 4.6 million customers to fully migrate to its devices and network within 18 months. In addition to acquiring Cricket's customers, AT&T landed PCS and AWS spectrum licenses that it calls "largely complementary" to its existing holdings. Some of the Cricket spectrum covers approximately 41 million people and is completely unused. AT&T will begin using this spectrum for LTE as soon as possible to provide additional capacity to its 4G network. AT&T said the deal's closing will impact its first-quarter financials. It will detail how much when it reports first-quarter earnings in April.
FCC Approves AT&T's Purchase of Cricket with Conditions
The Federal Communications Commission today approved AT&T's proposed purchase of Leap Wireless and its assets, including Cricket Wireless. The acquisition includes 4.6 million customers, as well as spectrum, network equipment, and other assets, all of which will be transferred from Leap to AT&T. However, based on the FCC's analysis of the proposal, AT&T has to agree to a handful of conditions. First, AT&T has to divest some spectrum in select markets in southern Texas. Second, AT&T has to deploy LTE on Leap's unused spectrum within three to 12 months after the deal closes. Third, AT&T has to deploy LTE in six Texas markets within 18 months. Fourth, AT&T has to offer certain low-cost rate plans. Fifth, AT&T has to offer a device trade-in program for both smartphones and feature phones. Further, AT&T has to maintain Cricket's current CDMA-based roaming agreements for as long as it continues to operate the CDMA network. Last, AT&T has to divest ownership that Leap has in a competitive wireless telecommunications provider (if Leap doesn't divest them before the deal closes). As long as AT&T does all these things, the FCC believes the proposal will have minimal impact on the competitive nature of the market and will be a net benefit to customers who will eventually gain access to AT&T's LTE 4G network. Neither AT&T nor Cricket has said exactly when they expect the deal to close.
AT&T Says It Will Be 'Disruptive' With Cricket
AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson today said the company expects to close its acquisition of Leap Wireless by the end of the month, and that it will use the pre-paid carrier's brand to shake things up. "We're going to be fairly aggressive [there]," said Stephenson, to "see if we can be a little disruptive down at that end of the market." Stephenson made the remarks at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference. He explained that though Cricket has a strong brand, potential customers often avoid it due to its limited network coverage. Once AT&T acquires Cricket, that story will change. "All of a sudden overnight, Cricket is going to have nationwide coverage," he said. AT&T didn't announce any specific plans regarding Cricket. Stephenson also noted that the AT&T Next program, which lets customers pay for their devices over time, has become very popular. By the end of December, 20% of new device sales were being financed through AT&T Next rather than subsidized with a standard two-year contract.
Cricket Plan Offers 5 Smartphones for $100 Per Month
Cricket Wireless today announced a new service plan that will let customers combine five smartphone lines for a total of $100 per month. The plan includes unlimited voice minutes and messaging, 1GB of data, and unlimited use of Muve Music. Further, customers who sign up for auto-pay will realize another $5 in monthly savings, with a total bill of just $95. In addition to the 5 Smartphone Lines for $100 Plan, Cricket also announced a new trade-in program that promises to "triple" the value placed on trade-ins. The Nation's Best Trade-In Program will offer customers a minimum of a $30 credit for Cricket smartphones and a $15 credit for all other phones. Phones that are worth more will be valued appropriately. Both the new smartphone plan and the trade-in plan kick off at Cricket Wireless retail stores on January 26.
Aio Wireless Offering Customers $25 for Referrals
Aio Wireless recently began offering customers the chance to earn up to $250 per year by referring friends and family to the prepaid service. Existing customers can submit email addresses to Aio Wireless, which will then send a message to the referrals with an offer to join. If they do,, both the customer and the referral are eligible for $25 (provided they each remain customers for a minimum of 60 days). The existing customer receives the $25 in the form of a service credit. Aio Wireless customers can refer up to 10 people annually. Aio Wireless is owned and operated by AT&T. AT&T has said that it will fold Aio Wireless into Cricket Wireless when it finalizes its acquisition of the prepared carrier, expected later this year.
Cricket to Sell Kyocera Hydro Plus for $140
Cricket Wireless today announced the Hydro Plus. The Hydro Plus is the latest waterproof Android smartphone from Kyocera that can withstand up to 30 minutes in one meter of water, in addition to blowing rain and dust. It features a 3.5-inch 480 x 320 display and comes with a 1.0-GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor with 512MB of memory, 2GB of internal storage, and support for microSD cards up to 32GB. The Hydro Plus includes a 3.2-megapixel camera with LED flash, Stereo Bluetooth (2.1+EDR), Wi-Fi, and GPS. Other features include a three-axis accelerometer, a number of sensors, and Kyocera's "Eco Mode" for power management. The Kyocera Hydro Plus is compatible with Cricket's Muve Music plan, which starts at $50 per month. The Hydro Plus costs $139.99, and does not require a new contract. It will be available in the coming days.
Hands On with the ZTE Sonata
The Aio brand's days may be numbered - since AT&T plans to replace the brand with Cricket - but for now, they're still around and pumping out new phones. Their latest is the Sonata from ZTE, a basic Android phone.
AT&T: Device Subsidies Likely to Go Away
AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson today said that the modern practice of device subsidies is unsustainable for the wireless industry. In order to convince people to use their network, wireless operators generally subsidize the cost of the handset. This is what makes a $649 device appear more affordable when priced by the carrier at $199. The carrier recoups the $450 in subsidies over the lifetime of the contract. "When you're growing the business initially, you have to do aggressive device subsidies to get people on the network," said Stephenson. "But as you approach 90% penetration, you move into maintenance mode. That means more device upgrades. And the model has to change. You can't afford to subsidize devices like that." AT&T recently dropped the cost of service plans for those customers who bring their own device to the network, or continue to use an old one. AT&T also allows more frequent device upgrades as long as customers agree to pay for a larger share of the device's actual cost. Stephenson didn't announce any concrete plans to move away from providing device subsidies, but the company has already laid the groundwork. Stephenson also noted that once it completes its acquisition of Cricket Wireless, it will move more aggressively into the prepaid space. AT&T has already said it will merge Cricket with its own Aio Wireless prepaid service.
Hands-On: ZTE Warp 4G and Source
Phone Scoop was able to spend a few moments with the recently announced ZTE Warp 4G for Boost Mobile and the ZTE Source for Cricket Wireless. Here are our initial impressions.
California Says AT&T Can Buy Cricket
The California Public Utilities Commission has concluded its own review of AT&T's proposed acquisition of Leap Wireless. It believes the acquisition would be beneficial to consumers and gave it a greenlight. The deal still needs approval from government regulators, however, including the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC is still reviewing the details.
FCC Piles Paperwork on AT&T Regarding Leap Acquisition
The Federal Communications Commission today sent requests for information to both AT&T and Leap Wireless regarding AT&T's proposed acquisition of its smaller rival. The FCC is looking for information regarding a wide range of topics, including: company organization charts, internal presentations regarding the acquisition, Leap valuation documentation, short-term and long-range business plans, spectrum utilization and efficiency analysis, service plan comparisons, and much, much more. AT&T and Leap have until November 22 to provide the documentation. AT&T wants to absorb Leap Wireless in the wake of its failed acquisition of T-Mobile. AT&T hopes to make use of Cricket's spectrum assets to bolster its own, as well as use its brand to sell prepaid services.
Leap's Shareholders Approve AT&T Merger
Leap Wireless, the company that runs Cricket Wireless, today announced that its shareholders have approved of AT&T's proposed acquisition of the small network operator. "Stockholder approval is an important milestone on our path to completing the merger with AT&T. I'd like to thank the dedicated representatives from both companies who are working hard to complete the transaction," said Doug Hutcheson, Leap's chief executive officer. The purchase agreement includes all of Leap's assets, including 3,400 employees, 5 million customers, a CDMA and LTE network, and radio spectrum licenses covering 137 million people. AT&T has agreed to pay about $1.2 billion for Cricket and its assets. The deal is still subject to FCC and Department of Justice review.
Cricket Prices iPhone 5s at $599, iPhone 5c at $499
Cricket Wireless today made available the Apple iPhone 5s and 5c. Cricket customers may buy the new iPhones at Cricket retail stores or via Cricket's web site. Cricket is only selling the 16GB models. It is charging $599.99 for the iPhone 5s and $499.99 for the iPhone 5c. Cricket also offers device financing. Well-qualified customers can get the new iPhones for as little as $25 down and payments as low as $21 per month (for iPhone 5c). Service plans start at $50 for unlimited talk, text, and data. Cricket does not require contracts.
AT&T Will Fold Aio Wireless into Cricket After Acquisition
AT&T has indicated that it will close its brand new Aio Wireless brand if it successfully acquires Leap Wireless. Leap owns and operates Cricket, and AT&T announced plans to acquire the pre-paid operate earlier this year. AT&T said through FCC filings that it would effectively merge its Aio Wireless operations with those of Cricket and continue to offer pre-paid services under the Cricket brand. Earlier this year, AT&T said to the FCC, "Aio still faces significant challenges to establish nationwide retail distribution, build brand recognition, and develop a significant customer base." It followed that statement this week by saying, "After the transaction's close, AT&T intends to combine the nascent operations of Aio with Leap's existing operations under the Cricket brand name."


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Why Russia's Dmitry Medvedev is visiting Syria
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev is visiting Syria as part of a bid to raise Russia's Mideast profile. He discussed possible atomic energy development, and called on Hamas to release captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.
Hussein Malla/AP
Damascus, Syria
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev spent part of his second day in Damascus in closed-door meetings with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, signaling Moscow's interest in bringing former Soviet allies back into its orbit.
In a joint press conference Monday evening, Mr. Medvedev, the first Russian head of state to visit Syria, said that Russia's commitment to Syria was consistent despite "changes in the world." President Assad, for his part, was quoted as saying that his country would "never forget how [Russia] stood by us during the battle for the Golan [Heights]" with Israel. He also requested Moscow's continued support in demanding that Israel return the land it seized during the 1967 Six-Day War.
Both countries have much to gain from improved ties. Syria could strengthen its hand by drawing closer to its one-time ally, whose veto on the UN Security Council could prove key in any conflict with Israel. Russia, for its part, wants to bolster its presence in the Middle East, and could also further cool Syria's recent but waning interest in restoring diplomatic relations with the United States. Assad had welcomed several high-ranking US officials to Damascus recently, though his rhetoric toward the US remained critical.
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Kochikens wrote:Apparently a package arrived for me from Seattle a few days ago from a person!! I'll get to open it Friday and take lots of pics. My parents didn't alert me because the house is being assaulted by packages from online retailers, sorry Satan! Well, if it is indeed from Satan.
Robert Khoo wrote: »MY GIFTS HAVE ARRIVED... I LOVE GIFTS.
Especially when they're ones I will use.
So first, please note the following:
This package was marked as means to make the Penny Arcade ping pong team better.
Contents included a sweet custom Khoo Woo Paddle, a really great book on table tennis technique, a full set of TableTennisMaster.com DVDs (Not pictured - already taken from my office by people... btw, i was TOTALLY looking at these earlier this year.. thank you for your psychic abilities) and of course, motivational music to really inspire the team (the best of Survivor)... but wait.. what ... what is that there... on the ground?
You are a terrible person, Satan.
So thank you, mystery Satan... i actually know your real name based on the packaging, but I have no idea what your handle is. BUT THANK YOU. I KNOW I AM NOT EASY TO SHOP FOR.
Haha, yeah! That's the bit of randomness for your 3rd package.@Bogey
Did this somethingstore.com thing that just showed up at my house come from you?
Because I don't remember ordering anything from there.
Bogey wrote:
Oh wow, that's great! I ordered one for myself too and it arrived today as well, it was a luggage scale.A really sweet tie!
Probably the best tie I own now.
I remember Bushido Blade being so fuckin good
A duck! wrote:Happy Holidays! The games included are from my own collection, and include the two you requested, another PS1 classic, and a thematically similar game. And Bushido Blade 1, because why not?
Some shirts are on the way too, hopefully those all get there in time!
Best wishes,
A duck!
Secret Satans! Post | Gaming Wishlist | General WishlistGrey Ghost wrote: »James Dean was the actor, Jimmy Dean was in the sausage business.
James Deen is both an actor AND in the sausage business.
trentsteel wrote:C'mon now
He invented rape rooms
Let's show a little respect.
Cardboard Tube wrote: »Kakodaimonos wrote: »Tube's just used to lifting to get the guys.
Curls might get the girls, but to catch bears you need traps.
Romanian My Escutcheon wrote:What do you mean, we people?
Secret Satans! Post | Gaming Wishlist | General WishlistGrey Ghost wrote: »James Dean was the actor, Jimmy Dean was in the sausage business.
James Deen is both an actor AND in the sausage business.


text:
Perkins serves breakfast all day long, including awesome omelettes, pancakes, waffles and eggs benedict. You'll also find fresh, crunchy salads with savory dressings, burgers and melts, sandwiches, seafood, turkey and steak dishes. With such a large selection, the only problem you'll have at Perkins is trying to decide what to order!More information and Specs
No other discounts or specials apply. One certificate per person. Valid for two $5 certificates.
Standard terms and conditions apply. Please visit our Terms of Service Page for more details.
Is there an expiration date on the Perkins discount coupons? Can more than one be used at the same time ?Reply to comment
These certificates do not expire. Typically, since they are offering you such a good deal, you would be limited to one certificate per table. Andrew - Seize the DealReply to comment
I purchased a voucher in Feb 2013 and n ow it says that I have purchases as many as I can. Are we unable to ever buy these vouchers again?Reply to comment
the same thing happened to me today when I tried to purchase again.Reply to comment
I just tried to buy 2 and it said I can't buy any more, I bought 2 a very long time ago last year.Reply to comment
The post said we could purchase two Perkins vouchers, but it only allowed me to purchase one, and I was not able to go online to order a second one. DianaReply to comment
Hi Diana, I can see where this is confusing. When it says " One Certificate Per Person. Valid for 2 $5 Certificates" what it means is that this deal is for one deal per person. What you actually get in the mail is 2 separate $5 coupons (technically one certificate). So you can only purchase 1 deal which is 2 $5 coupons since this is a $10 for $5 deal. I hope this helps. Thank you!Reply to comment
Why are we not allowed to buy another, if this is a NEW offer?? I bought one in 2013 not in 2014!Reply to comment
Hi Sheryl, We are working on this and trying to find a solution. I will post again once we figure something out. Thanks and sorry for the inconvenience!Reply to comment
Starting in August, you should be able to purchase another deal and be able to purchase one deal every month from then on. Please let us know if you are still having issues with this after August has started. Thank you!Reply to comment
Seize the Deal offers hundreds of discounts daily from local businesses – from restaurants, theaters and spas to golf courses, family fun and much, much more. The Value Vault opens twice a week with exciting new products. Click the bright blue ADD TO CART button to Seize the Deal. Hurry, before they're gone.
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Venerable Tomàs Cubells Miguel
Priest. Member of the Diocesan Laborer Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Martyred in the Spanish Civil War.
- 25 October 1867 in La Palma, Tarragona, Spain
- 10 September 1936 in Campredó, Tarragona, Spain
- if you have information relevant to this Cause, contact
Rev. Tomás Amable Díez Olano
Fraternità dei Sacerdoti Operai Diocesani
Via della Cava Aurelia, 145, int. 4
00165 Roma, ITALY
- "Venerable Tomàs Cubells Miguel". Saints.SQPN.com. 17 April 2013. Web. 18 December 2014. <>