text:
The global economic crisis generated significant challenges across the Government's policy agenda, both at the domestic and international level. The department played an important role in advancing the Government's G20 objectives—including in support of the Prime Minister's attendance at the G20 Leaders' Summits—and strongly advocated Australia's interests in the G20 through international networks. The department contributed to an effective whole-of-government international response to the crisis.
The department helped focus the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum on the core objectives of accelerating regional economic integration and intensifying work on structural reform. We worked to ensure that APEC provided support and momentum to the multilateral trading system through calls for the conclusion of the Doha round and for avoidance of protectionist responses to the crisis. The department also reinforced APEC's links with business.
The department maintained a very active trade development and policy coordination role, involving extensive liaison with business, community groups and state and territory governments. We also monitored closely developments in trade finance markets.
G20 Leaders' Summit
The severity of the global economic crisis precipitated an unprecedented degree of coordination between countries in their formulation of economic policies. The G20 Leaders' Summit, to which the Government made a substantial contribution, has emerged as the pre-eminent international forum to coordinate the global response. It contains a balanced geographical and emerging/developed economy membership. It is outward-looking and has proved itself capable of establishing the political momentum vital to achieving necessarily ambitious outcomes.
The Prime Minister, Mr Rudd, addresses the G20 Leaders' Summit on Financial Markets and the World Economy in Washington, November 2008. Photo: Auspic |
Enlarge image :: Photo gallery |
Through two summits, in Washington (in November 2008) and London (in April 2009), G20 leaders have made considerable progress in addressing the fundamentals underlying the economic crisis and setting a course for long-term global recovery. At the London summit, leaders committed to measures to restore global growth and jobs, to modernise international financial institutions, and to build a stronger, more globally consistent supervisory and regulatory framework. They also agreed to combat protectionism and to make all efforts to conclude the WTO Doha Round. The department supported the participation in both summits of the Prime Minister and other Australian ministers and officials.
The department played a significant role in supporting the Government's G20 objectives and advocated Australia's interests in the G20 through international networks. Both the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Smith, and the Minister for Trade, Mr Crean, encouraged implementation of the G20 commitments. Mr Crean focused on the G20 commitment to combat protectionism and to conclude the Doha Round.
Australia's diplomatic missions strongly supported the Prime Minister and Ministers in the G20 process through active advocacy with senior policy-makers. Our missions in non-G20 countries engaged in outreach to host governments to ensure that the views of other countries—particularly in Australia's region and the Pacific—were reflected in the G20's deliberations. As the global economic crisis will have profound local social and political implications, all posts played an important role in assessing the impact of local developments on Australia's interests, and how the Government might best pursue Australia's foreign, strategic and trade policy interests in this changed environment.
At 30 June 2009, Australia was weathering the global economic crisis much better than other advanced economies. The crisis, however, was still having a substantial impact. The direct economic effects included large falls in the prices of many of our commodity exports, reduced demand for manufacturing exports and substantial falls in the value of the stock market. The crisis has led to significant changes in the international environment in which Australia's foreign and trade policy objectives are pursued.
The Global Economic Crisis
The global economic crisis had its genesis in the collapse of the US subprime mortgage market in mid–2007. A rapid increase in mortgage defaults left financial institutions that had invested in these mortgages with fragile balance sheets. Many suffered large losses and some, such as long-established investment bank Lehman Brothers, collapsed in September 2008. Unable to accurately value many of the assets on their own balance sheets and fearful that institutions to which they normally lent money might also collapse, US and European banks dramatically scaled back their lending to clients and to each other.
The rapid contraction in credit flows led to dramatic declines in economic activity in the US and Europe. Although other regions, including Asia, were not so directly exposed to subprime mortgages, the impact of the crisis spread quickly around the world. The contraction in US and European demand led to large falls in Asia's exports, while global capital flows shrank rapidly as US and European banks repatriated funds to their parent companies. In Central and Eastern Europe governments were forced to seek funds from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other bodies such as the European Central Bank to stabilise their currencies and replace the capital withdrawn by foreign banks.
As a result, the global economy suffered its deepest and most synchronised recession since the Great Depression. Annualised global GDP contracted by around 6.25 per cent in the December quarter 2008. Almost every advanced economy, with the exception of Australia, fell into recession or recorded a decline in GDP in the final months of 2008.
Trade flows were particularly hard hit by the global contraction. As at 30 June 2009, trade flows are expected to fall anywhere between 10 per cent (WTO forecast) and 16 per cent (OECD forecast) in 2009, before a modest rebound in 2010. The GDP of eight of Australia's top 10 trading partner economies is expected to contract in 2009; China and India will continue to grow, but much more slowly. China's forecast growth of 6.25 per cent is less than half the rate recorded in 2007.
APEC has evolved to become the leading economic forum in Australia's region, bringing together the leaders of 21 Asia-Pacific economies, including many of Australia's major trading partners. APEC economies account for 68 per cent of Australia's two-way trade in goods and services. Together, APEC economies accounted for 56.0 per cent of global GDP, 43.7 per cent of world trade and around 40.5 per cent of the world's population in 2007. APEC is a major driving force in promoting open trade and investment, sustainable economic development and prosperity in our region. In 2009, APEC celebrates its 20th anniversary.
The department continued to push the Government's ambitious and forward-looking agenda in APEC, helping to maintain the Asia-Pacific as the world's most economically dynamic region. We coordinated the involvement of 15 Australian Government agencies that, with the department, were active in 22 APEC forums—Australia played a leadership role in all and chaired ten.
Our work on regional economic integration and structural reform focused on facilitating trade in services, making rules of origin more business-friendly, enhancing trade logistics, supporting ongoing analytical work on a possible Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) and implementing APEC's Second Trade Facilitation Action Plan. The plan aims to reduce business costs by five per cent while APEC's Investment Facilitation Action Plan aims to improve investment flows across the region. We worked with Peru in 2008 and Singapore in 2009 to drive forward the implementation of the initiatives set in train during Australia's host year in 2007.
Regional economic integration
The department played a key role in APEC's adoption of a work plan to accelerate regional economic integration through trade and investment liberalisation and facilitation. The centrepiece of this plan is the work associated with a proposed FTAAP. We continued to be a main driver of streamlined formalities for rules of origin. We also contributed substantially to an APEC initiative to promote expanded trade in environmental goods and services.
Trade and investment facilitation
Parliamentary Secretary for Trade, Mr Anthony Byrne, with Singaporean Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr Lim Hng Kiang, at the APEC Supply-chain Connectivity Symposium, in Singapore, May 2009. Photo: Courtesy of Ministry of Trade and Industry, Singapore |
Enlarge image :: Photo gallery |
The department secured agreement to develop an APEC Services Action Plan, and co-hosted, with Singapore, a Supply-chain Connectivity Symposium in May 2009 in Singapore. The outcomes of this symposium will inform the development of an APEC Supply-chain Connectivity Framework, including the development of a logistics action plan. A ten per cent improvement in the efficiency of transporting goods between the borders of APEC economies is estimated to produce a total benefit across all economies of US$21 billion (in 2004 real dollar terms). We worked closely with the recently established Policy Support Unit to improve understanding of the benefits to business of APEC's trade facilitation and investment facilitation action plans.
Reinforcing the Government's commitment to strengthening APEC's links with business, the department continued to support Australia's APEC Business Advisory Council, which is made up of three senior Australian business leaders appointed by the Prime Minister to ensure APEC's work aligns with the priorities of business and generates economic benefits.
Structural reform
The department helped secure APEC agreement on the fundamental importance of tackling behind-the-border barriers to trade and investment. In August 2008, we supported APEC's first ministerial meeting dedicated to structural reform hosted by the Treasurer, Mr Swan, in Melbourne. The meeting was one of APEC's major achievements in 2008 and kick-started the APEC Leaders' agenda to implement structural reform.
Key outcomes of the APEC structural reform ministerial meeting included decisions by ministers to:
- cement behind-the-border structural reform as an important element of APEC's agenda
- endorse an APEC Good Practice Guide on Regulatory Reform
- set out action points for integrating structural reform issues into trade and investment policy, structural policy and macroeconomic and financial sector policy
- identify different institutional frameworks, processes and strategies to help with economic reform
- instruct APEC officials to develop a forward work program for capacity building; specifically, ministers tasked the Economic Committee to support voluntary reviews of member economies' own institutional frameworks and processes for reform, and for APEC to provide practical assistance to these economies.
Human security
The department was instrumental in advancing APEC's human security agenda to build resilience to disruptions, including from terrorism, natural disasters and disease. We chaired a number of workshops to help detect and prevent terrorist smuggling of cash across borders and to protect non-profit organisations from terrorists. Together with Indonesia, Australia co-chaired APEC's Task Force on Emergency Preparedness which builds capacity in the region to deal with emergencies and disasters. The department led work with Standards Australia and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) on consumer product safety. Australia announced an additional $1 million contribution for APEC human security projects in November 2008.
APEC institutional reform
Strengthening APEC is a key priority for the Government. The department contributed to efforts to create the position of APEC's first fixed-term Executive Director, to provide greater continuity and leadership in the APEC Secretariat. A successful applicant was selected in June 2009 and will take up the position in November 2009. We provided advice to ensure the smooth establishment of the principally Australia-funded Policy Support Unit which significantly boosted the analytical capacity of the APEC Secretariat. The department is also leading efforts to reform APEC's project management system and maintain the financial viability of the organisation. At the APEC ministerial meeting in November 2008, Australia announced a $1 million assistance package to strengthen APEC's project management systems. We also assisted in achieving significant budget savings for APEC as the 2008 chair of the APEC Budget Management Committee.
Trade finance
A major focus this year has been the impact of the global economic crisis on trade finance. We undertook extensive analysis of the impact of the crisis on the availability of trade finance for Australian exporters and overseas investors and on the policy responses of other countries.
In April 2009 Australia, along with 27 other members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Working Party on Export Credits and seven non-OECD members, agreed to coordinate export credit support to boost international trade and investment during the economic crisis. Some of the rules of the OECD Arrangement on Officially Supported Export Credits were modified to enhance support for several lower-income countries and for the renewable energies and water sectors. An improved peer review process was introduced to monitor implementation of the OECD Recommendations on anti-bribery measures and on the environment. In addition, there was a two-year extension to the pilot program aimed at providing greater transparency and efficiency.
We continued to represent Australia in the Paris Club group of creditor nations, which coordinates the response of official creditors to requests from countries seeking debt relief. On 17 December 2008, Australia implemented the final tranche of forgiveness of Iraq debt, bringing this to a total of 80 per cent of the US$1072 million (as at November 2004) outstanding debt owed to Australia by Iraq. This follows the Paris Club's decision to forgive 80 per cent of Iraq's debt contingent on Iraq entering into a suitable IMF program. Iraq's remaining debt to Australia (the 20 per cent not forgiven plus accrued interest on this amount) will be repaid between 2011 and 2028.
The department worked closely with the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC), a statutory corporation that provides finance and insurance services to support Australian exporters and overseas investors. EFIC operates in that segment of the market where private sector financiers or insurers lack the capacity or willingness to assist Australian companies. A key issue has been ongoing assessment of the impacts of the global economic crisis on Australian trade finance conditions. In 2008–09 EFIC signed 51 new facilities that supported 39 clients. These transactions had an aggregate value of $576.5 million and supported exports and overseas investments with an aggregate value of $1.35 billion.
Trade policy coordination and business liaison
Ministerial Council on International Trade
In March 2008, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) established the Ministerial Council on International Trade. The Council replaced the existing National Trade Consultations as the primary ministerial-level mechanism for consultation between the Australian Government and state and territory governments on international trade issues. The department and Austrade provide the secretariat for the Council.
The role of the Council is to facilitate cooperation on measures to enhance Australia's international competitiveness and export performance. It consults on issues such as international trade negotiations, trade development and trade promotion activities, investment promotion and international business activities, and domestic competitiveness issues related to export performance and productivity.
The Council's inaugural meeting took place in Melbourne in August 2008. Ministers agreed on several new initiatives, including coordination of inward investment activity through a National Investment Advisory Board, and more effective use of Brand Australia across the states and territories for international trade and investment promotion purposes. The Council's COAG status facilitates close cooperation with other COAG initiatives. The Council provided advice on trade competitiveness issues in decisions on infrastructure development, skills, regulation, broadband and climate change.
Review of Export Policies and Programs
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Smith, and Minister for Trade, Mr Crean, at the APEC Ministerial Meeting in November 2008. Photo: Courtesy of APEC Peru 2008 Taskforce |
Enlarge image :: Photo gallery |
In September 2008, Mr David Mortimer AO and Dr John Edwards submitted to the Government a comprehensive Review of Export Policies and Programs, a process set up by the Minister for Trade in February 2008. The review provided input into government consideration of the future direction of Australia's trade policies and programs. We provided staff for the review's secretariat. We have implemented many of the Review's recommendations. These include completing negotiations on free trade agreements (FTAs) with Chile and with ASEAN. Beginning FTA negotiations with Korea, joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement discussions, and a renewed focus on trade policy dialogue with the EC are some of the other initiatives already underway (see sub-output 1.1.7).
Submissions to policy reviews
The department contributed to the Government's White Paper on the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, completed in December 2008, and to the Energy White Paper. Our submissions highlighted the possible implications for Australia's international competitiveness and trade performance of the policies under consideration and outlined Australia's obligations under its international trade agreements.
Conflict diamonds
The department worked with the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism and the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service in leading Australia's participation in the UN-sanctioned Kimberley Process Certification Scheme for rough diamonds. The scheme aims to ensure that so-called 'conflict diamonds' cannot be traded internationally. 'Conflict diamonds' are rough diamonds mined and sold by non-government groups to finance wars and civil conflict.
As a result, Australian exports of rough diamonds, worth more than $400 million in 2008, benefit from a secure trade regime which involves more than 70 countries, including the world's major producers, traders and polishers of rough diamonds. The scheme assures buyers that diamonds purchased from Australia are mined in Australia and are not tainted by the conflict diamond trade. It also provides consumers in Australia and overseas with confidence that the diamonds they buy are not being used to fund armed conflict.
We led Australia's delegation to meetings of the scheme's participants in New Delhi, India, and in Windhoek, Namibia, where participants agreed on responses to allegations of illicit diamond smuggling from Zimbabwe, Venezuela and Côte d'Ivoire.
Live animal exports
The department continued to work actively with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) to support Australian livestock exports, worth about $1 billion in 2008. We supported negotiation of memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with several countries in the Middle East, including Bahrain and Oman, and amendments to the MOU with Egypt. The MOUs allow Australia to help our trading partners improve animal welfare-related post-arrival handling and slaughter practices. The department also supported projects worth more than $2.4 million provided by DAFF under its Live Animal Trade Program aimed at improving animal welfare practices in importing countries in the Middle East, North Africa and Asia, including upgrades to livestock facilities in the Middle East and Asian regions.
Supporting the Government's efforts to promote recovery in the world economy and ensuring that Australia's voice is heard—and its interests protected—in international economic forums will continue to be a priority for the department. The next G20 Leaders' Summit will be held in Pittsburgh, United States, in September 2009. Ensuring an effective G20 summit process remains one of the Government's top international priorities. The department will focus on advancing this priority in 2009–10.
The department will advance APEC's trade and investment liberalisation, facilitation and reform agendas, including further work towards a possible FTAAP (which could also be advanced through the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement negotiations—see page 102). We will work with the current and the two incoming APEC hosts—Singapore, Japan and the United States—to ensure that APEC remains ambitious and able to achieve the immediate and longer-term priorities set by leaders and ministers. Ensuring APEC remains the pre-eminent economic grouping in the region and contributes to a strong regional economy will continue to be a priority.
The department will support the second meeting of the Ministerial Council on International Trade in August 2009 in Brisbane. We will also continue to engage actively in whole-of-government review processes on issues with significant trade implications. A targeted, comprehensive trade outreach program to enhance understanding of the Government's trade policy agenda in the wider community remains a priority for the department. We will also maintain our oversight of trade finance issues, in particular in the context of the evolution of global economic and financial market conditions.


text:
Organic Certification with Foundation in Food Safety
Learn how you can protect the integrity of your organic products with the integration of an Organic Systems Plan and Food Safety Programs. Protect consumers, your brand name, and your company's image with the valuable information learned in this seminar with Oregon Tilth and AIB.
What |
When |
Sep 29, 2009 08:00 AM
to Oct 01, 2009 05:00 PM |
Where | Portland, OR Red Lion Hotel |
Contact Name | Connie Karr |
Contact Phone | 503.378.0690 |
Add event to calendar |
vCal iCal |
AIB International and Oregon Tilth, a leader in Organic Certification, have teamed together to bring you a unique seminar, Organic Certification with a Foundation in Food Safety.
Learn how you can protect the integrity of your organic products with the integration of an Organic Systems Plan and Food Safety Programs. Protect consumers, your brand name, and your company's image with the valuable information learned in this seminar.
With the increasing focus on health and nutrition, sustainable agriculture, and going "green", the demand for organic certified food products has greatly increased. Organic foods are a growing market and a way of life.
"Organic" refers to a specific set of standards used throughout the entire process of food production. Food that is certified organic comes from manufacturers inspected and approved by a third-party agent under the USDA's guidelines. The handling or processing of organic food must be done by certified companies.
In order to be labeled as organic, food products must meet the rigorous National Organic Program Standards. This added pressure may seem daunting to food plants that are scrambling to comply with government regulations, food safety standards, and specific customer requirements.
So, how does your company become Organic Certified? And, once certified, will your Organic Systems Plan be compatible with the Food Safety Programs already in place at your facility?
Companies with established Food Safety and Quality programs will find it easy to mesh the concepts of an Organic Systems Plan into their daily activities. With a little work, adaptation and documentation, Food Safety and Integrated Quality Systems complement organic production. Companies that intertwine their Organic and Food Safety Systems are bound to be successful!
You will learn about:
- National Organic Program regulations
- Organic Certification process
- Commingling and contamination prevention
- Labeling and monitoring practices
- Product compositions and general prohibitions
- Management systems for food safety
- Cleaning programs that maintain product and organic integrity
- Incoming materials inspection
- Foreign material and pest control
Full Agenda
Register Online Now!

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Hello all!
I'm new to gardening, and started a container garden in Spring of 2009. Last Spring, 2010, when I went in and prepped the containers for planting again, I noticed that several of them (big, half wine barrels) had small centipede-looking bugs in them, that seemed to be living under the dirt. Are these harmful bugs? I also found a few spiders (daddy long-leg kind) the first year, but left them in there because I thought they might eat the bad bugs. Any advice is much appreciated! |
Follow-Up Postings:
I don't think they will harm your plants although, some feel they might nibble on roots. They are attracted to moist, damp conditions. You could cover your pots over winter to keep them dry. You might want put fresh potting mix for next spring. Jane |
- Posted by jojosplants Az. Z9 (My Page) on Thu, Oct 21, 10 at 10:48
We have them around here too. They don't seem to do any harm to my plants. Least none that I can tell. I've even found them in containers at the Home Depot, when I tip a plant out to look at roots before buying. I see it as more trouble than it's worth to keep them out, and hope they do no harm. :) JoJo |
- Posted by jojosplants Az. Z9 (My Page) on Sun, Oct 24, 10 at 20:08
I did a quick google, and here's a little info on them if your still interested. It sounds like they won't hurt your plants. |
Here is a link that might be useful: Centipedes
Thanks so much for the feedback! I like the idea of covering the containers in the winter--I didn't do that last year, but I'll do it this year. :) |
You might want to identify them as common house centipedes and not millipedes, which have an entirely different appetite than the centipedes. The reason I mention this is that centipedes are less likely to be found in the containers than the millepedes. So, can you describe these critters? |
I have these in all my plants. They are very small (maybe one inch long the most), with lots of legs and sometimes more of a seed shape about a half inch long. They are colorless, albino, and I find them under saucers and in the soil. They scatter at the sign of light. What are they? |
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Container Gardening Forum
Information about Posting
- You must be logged in to post a message. Once you are logged in, a posting window will appear at the bottom of the messages. If you are not a member, please register for an account.
- Please review our Rules of Play before posting.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review your post, make changes and upload photos.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- Before posting copyrighted material, please read about Copyright and Fair Use.
- We have a strict no-advertising policy!
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.
Learn more about in-text links on this page here


text:
Detail Information
- Clinical research on acupuncture. Part 1. What have reviews of the efficacy and safety of acupuncture told us so far?Stephen Birch
Foundation for the Study of Traditional East Asian Medicine, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
J Altern Complement Med 10:468-80. 2004..For smoking cessation, tinnitus, and weight loss the evidence is usually regarded as negative. Reviews have concluded that while not free from serious adverse events, they are rare and that acupuncture is a relatively safe procedure... - A review and analysis of placebo treatments, placebo effects, and placebo controls in trials of medical procedures when sham is not inertStephen Birch
Stichting Foundation for the Study of Traditional East Asian Medicine STEAM, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
J Altern Complement Med 12:303-10. 2006..Trials of surgery and acupuncture should be re-examined in light of this... - Clinical research on acupuncture. Part 2. Controlled clinical trials, an overview of their methodsStephen Birch
Foundation for the Study of Traditional East Asian Medicine, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
J Altern Complement Med 10:481-98. 2004..Improved trial quality will lead to greater ease interpreting the results of trials, especially in systematic reviews... - Multilevel health promotion research: conceptual and analytical considerationsAnita R Kothari
Community Health Research Unit, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Room 1118, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada
Can J Nurs Res 36:56-75. 2004..While multilevel pathways to health outcomes have been suggested at the conceptual level, analytical techniques that produce only average overall effects fail to reveal the various other influences on health behaviour... - Human papillomavirus triage of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance: cost-effective, but at what cost?Joy Melnikow
J Natl Cancer Inst 98:82-3. 2006 - On the impossibility of trigger point-acupoint equivalence: a commentary on Peter Dorsher's analysisStephen Birch
J Altern Complement Med 14:343-5. 2008


text:
The 25 Best Movie Plots Of 2013
You know when you're really enjoying a movie. You're deeply engaged in the subject and lost in the moment, forgetting that you're sitting in a packed theater munching on Whoppers. This year had plenty of great silver screen story lines. From Gravity to Captain Phillips, major motion pictures to indie projects, VIBE looks back at the 25 best cinematic plots of 2013.


text:
Super Stardust HD
Title Data
- Genre:
- Action > Shooter > Static
- Developer:
- Housemarque
- ESRB Descriptor(s):
- Fantasy Violence
- Number of Players:
- 1-2 Players
Release Data
Data and credits for this game contributed by Joni, DelitaHyral, odino, leafsgogo, _Genesis, Guard Master, discoinferno84, and oliist.
Know Something We Don't?
You can update or add release data for this game using our Data Submission Form, or submit credits using our Credit Submission Form.


text: I am not a browser-savvy user. I am not a browser hater though for several tasks a terminal still works better for me. I prefer vi for typing mails via mutt, use mutt as default email client. Always wished I could read those occasional devanagari contents in emails in mutt, in a terminal. Waiting for years for that to work for me. One of my old posts in PLUG drew 0 responses on the topic, probably because there aren't any good options that work. http://www.plug.org.in/pipermail/plug-mail/2010-November/008049.html Yes, there are gnome-terminal, konsole, uxterm and mlterm, though none sufficiently satisfactory such that you can read decently well. Even tried exotic options like a terminal plugin in firefox browser, to no avail. Anyone tried anything that works? Mayuresh


text:
Claims that last year would set a new record for the global temperature have proved slightly wide of the mark after the Met Office said it had not been quite as warm as it had predicted. The temperature probably equalled the record set in 2010 but the error range in the measurements was greater than the small differences in temperature between several recent warm years. The Met Office had predicted in December 2013 that the global average temperature in 2014 would be 0.57C above the average in the 30-year period from 1961 to 1990. The actual difference recorded was 0.56C, the same as in 2010
For high-concept restaurants, a whole new vista of pretentious menu opportunities has opened up: scientists have managed to unboil an egg. However, there is one ingredient in this culinary process that might put off even the most adventurous of diners — the "uncooking" involves more than a soupçon of urea. Researchers from the University of California, Irvine have detangled the proteins in the white of a hard-boiled egg to return them to the state they were in before being heated. The technique might not revolutionise your dinner table but it has important implications
An asteroid 550 metres wide will whizz past Earth during the night, close enough to be visible through binoculars. The mountain-sized lump of rock named Asteroid 2004 BL86 will pass about 745,000 miles away from our planet, scientists say, making it Earth's closest encounter with a space object until 2027. The asteroid should be bright enough to be visible with a even low-powered telescope from about 0100 GMT until around 0600. The close pass presents a rare opportunity for scientists to scrutinise it at comparatively close quarters. The 305 metre wide Arecibo Obser
Few investment schemes in American history have been as wild or woolly as that is about to burst onto the US stock market like a beast from the undergrowth. The initial public offering for Bigfoot Project Investments will offer $3 million (£2 million) of shares in a company whose future profitability depends, to some extent, on the discovery of the Sasquatch — a giant ape-like creature that is said to roam the backwoods of North America. Tom Biscardi, the longtime Bigfoot hunter behind the IPO, which is expected to gain approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission,
Bananas are under threat from a rapidly-spreading fungus, Fusarium wilt or Panama disease, that could endanger supplies of the fruit
Tomato plants that can produce up to 11 fruit measuring 10in in diameter and weighing more than 3lb have been developed by breeders
Competitive dieting can, in more than one sense, rapidly lead to a large group of friends getting suddenly smaller, according to new research
Various Position - Coventry - West Midlands
lbhf - Opera Holland Park
Heathrow Community Fund - £50,000 pro rata - Based Heathrow area
100s of Graduate Jobs & Schemes. Start your Search Here.
The UK's number 1 prestige finance company. Click here now for a quick competitive quote!
McLaren MP4-12C GT3 RACE CAR - unique opportunity
The ultimate name dealing in luxury and performance cars - click here to view stock
Rolls Royce Phantom 6.7 Saloon - diamond black with seashell interior
Go to Fairlawn, KT2 7HY 5/6 bed hses. from £2.5m.
Piste-side properties with great views & the highest rental returns in the French Alps.
Salcombe's first development of new properties right on the water's edge for almost twenty years.
Find your next flat or house for sale in the UK with Zoopla and The Times
Prices from £999pp including return economy flights with Qantas.
Your personalised luxury Southeast Asia holiday from £1,790 + flights
3 free nts at 5* The Crane, Barbados. 7nt holidays from £949pp. Book by 27 Jan.
Book now: enjoy the south of France with a hand picked selection of family villas. ABTA.
World leaders will be condemned if they fail to take action to save rainforests and prevent dangerous climate change, the Prince of Wales has said
Dozens of French trawlers have been ordered to stop targeting sea bass after the European Commission took emergency measures to protect stocks
Dartmoor hill ponies are being shot with contraceptive darts in an attempt to control their numbers after the population was left unchecked in recent years
Britain is on high alert for a year of 'super tides' that raise the risk of floods with six periods of extreme tides expected in 2015
A "haphazard" system of diagnosing cancer in Britain causes up to 10,000 unnecessary cancer deaths a year
The most popular social butterflies should be given the flu jab first to prevent the virus spreading through extended social networks
Lung cancer death rates among European women are expected to overtake those of breast cancer for the first time this year
Figures obtained by The Times show a fall of nearly a third in Indian doctors working in the National Health Service since 2010


text:
Who do you think looks best today? (5 photos)
The best street style from London Fashion Week: http://ow.ly/p48HS via @StyleCaster
Beauty Products We Love
Our holiday fragrance lineup just got more decadent thanks to #Marni's...
snapped a scenic shot at a wedding she planned. "Love open air tents and hanging florals," she wrote.Read MoreLess


text:
Wednesday, April 28, 2010 | |||
1. Soup to Nuts (Part 1) Moderators: Speakers: | National Harbor 10/11 Distinguished panelists and the audience will have an opportunity to review the resolution of practical day to day issues dealt with by compliance and legal personnel of exchanges, clearing houses, FCMs, IBs and CPOs and CTAs, including a review of last year's legal and regulatory developments and a spotlight on unique issues related to e-trading. This panel is intended for persons unfamiliar with futures, as well as experienced veterans who may be seeking a quick refresher on basics. | ||
2. Soup to Nuts (Part 2) Moderators: Speakers: | National Harbor 10/11 Distinguished panelists and the audience will have an opportunity to review the resolution of practical day to day issues dealt with by compliance and legal personnel of exchanges, clearing houses, FCMs, IBs and CPOs and CTAs, including a review of last year's legal and regulatory developments and a spotlight on unique issues related to e-trading. This panel is intended for persons unfamiliar with futures, as well as experienced veterans who may be seeking a quick refresher on basics. | ||
Reception | |||
Orchard Terrace, Gaylord National Harbor Say hello to friends and colleagues at the Opening Reception immediately following the conclusion of the S2N session. We invite you outdoors to enjoy drinks and light snacks overlooking the historic Potomac River. | |||
Hospitality Suite | |||
Baltimore 415, Gaylord National | |||
Thursday, April 29, 2010 | |||
3. An Evolving Customer Asset Protection Regime Moderator: Speakers: | Woodrow Wilson C/D This session will discuss issues relating to customer funds held as margin to trade futures and securities in the global markets, as well as developments in the treatment of customer funds in the context of OTC derivative transactions. Issues to be discussed include the treatment of cleared swaps and implications for the rights of other parties that are clearing futures or other products through an insolvent FCM, and the interplay of SIPC and the FCM bankruptcy rules. The panel will also compare the U.S. and U.K. customer funds protection and bankruptcy regimes and provide an update on the Lehman bankruptcy. | ||
4. Position Limits and Hedge Exemptions in Energy and Agriculture Moderator: Speakers: | Woodrow Wilson B This session will review recent developments relating to the imposition of position limits and the availability of hedge exemptions in the U.S. energy and agricultural markets, with a focus on legislative and regulatory initiatives to address the role of speculators and investors. Topics will include the obligations of the speculators and the intermediary, whether it be an FCM in a futures market or an OTC swaps dealer. The panel will also consider comparable initiatives in overseas jurisdictions. | ||
5. Professional Responsibility Moderator: Speakers: | Baltimore 1/2 This panel will facilitate a discussion, with hypothetical examples, concerning the professional responsibility and ethical obligations of lawyers for derivatives issuers under the ABA's Model Rules of Professional Responsibility and the SEC's Attorney Conduct Rule for Issuer's Counsel. | ||
6. What's New at the CFTC? Moderators: Speakers: | Woodrow Wilson A This panel will include representatives of the different divisions and offices of the CFTC who will discuss recent regulatory initiatives, rule-makings, enforcement actions during the past year and possible agenda items for the next year. | ||
Keynote Luncheon | |||
Cherry Blossom Ballroom Speaker: Dr. Frank Luntz, Pollster & Communications Professional Frank Luntz is one of the most honored communication professionals in America today. "The Nostradamus of pollsters," said Sir David Frost; Time magazine named him one of "50 of America's most promising leaders aged 40 and under;" and he is the "hottest pollster" in America according to the Boston Globe. Frank was named one of the four "Top Research Minds" by BusinessWeek and was a winner of the coveted Washington Post "Crystal Ball" award for being the most accurate pundit. His focus groups have become so influential that presidential candidate Barack Obama had this to say following the PBS presidential debate, "When Frank Luntz invites you to talk to his focus group, you talk to his focus group." Luntz has written, supervised, and conducted more than 2,000 surveys, focus groups, ad tests, and dial sessions in over two dozen countries and four continents over the past decade. He has become the go-to consultant when Fortune 100 companies and their CEOs need communication and language guidance. In some capacity he has helped almost 30 Fortune 100 companies navigate the economic climate and connect more closely with consumers. Luntz is the author of the New York Times best seller Words that Work: It's Not What You Say it's What People Hear. Now out in paperback, the book explores the art and science of language creation. His latest book, What Americans Really Want … Really addresses the private hopes, dreams and fears of the American people. When he is not consulting, Luntz can often be found in front of a classroom. From 1989 until 1996, he was an adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania. He has also taught courses at Harvard and George Washington University. | |||
7. Exchange and SRO Developments Moderator: Speakers: | Woodrow Wilson B This session will examine exchange and SRO developments since May 2009 with a particular focus on exchange rules governing trade execution and governance, as well as differences in exchange agreements. The session will also discuss legislative and regulatory initiatives relating to the role of SROs and exchange governance. | ||
8. International Compliance and Regulation Moderator: Speakers: | Baltimore 1/2 This session will address compliance issues relating to U.S. and non-U.S. laws and regulations applicable to conducting a global business, including a discussion of the obligation of firms to have effective compliance programs. Emphasis will be given to recent regulatory developments in Canada and the European Union, as well as the many legal challenges of obtaining access to foreign markets. Additional topics to be discussed include cross-border compliance, supervision issues and conflicting U.S. and non-U.S. requirements (e.g., FBOT doing business in the U.S.) for intermediaries (including FCMs, Broker-Dealers and their affiliates). | ||
9. The Regulation of OTC Derivatives, Swaps Dealers and MSPs Moderator: Speakers: | Woodrow Wilson C/D After providing a basic introduction to OTC derivatives, this session will discuss the evolving regulatory and legislative landscape for OTC derivatives, swap dealers and major swap participants. Issues will be addressed in connection with compliance requirements relating to swap dealers' and MSPs' reporting obligations. The panel will also address legislative developments in connection with other duties imposed upon swap dealers and MSPs such as registration requirements, capital and margin requirements, the need for standards of conduct for risk disclosure and fair dealing, the application of making appropriateness or suitability determinations, and statutory disqualifications. | ||
10. Developments for Hedge Funds and Investment Managers Moderator: Speakers: | Baltimore 1/2 This session will provide an overview of U.S. and international regulatory and legislative initiatives and their impact on investment advisers and commodity pool operators. Issues that will be addressed include questions concerning the newly amended SEC custody rule; the proposed EU Directive on hedge funds; current U.S. legislative proposals including private fund adviser registration, systemic risk reporting and OTC derivatives potentially impacting hedge funds; new CFTC rules for account and financial statements; update on new NFA rules concerning reporting, loan prohibitions and social networking; CFTC/SEC harmonization; and industry trends relating to managed account platforms, transparency, fees and risk controls. | ||
11. Litigation and Enforcement Moderator: Speakers: | Woodrow Wilson B This session will summarize significant futures and derivatives industry case law and enforcement actions since May 2008. The panel will discuss whether futures and derivatives industry participants should consider changing how they operate in light of these actions. | ||
12. The Clearing of Listed and OTC Derivatives Products Moderator: Speakers: | Woodrow Wilson C/D This session will focus on recent developments relating to the clearing of derivatives products, with a special emphasis on the clearing of over-the-counter products such as credit derivatives and OTC agricultural swaps. The various industry models relating to cleared CDS will be discussed. The panel will analyze the similarities and differences of the rights and duties of a futures commission merchant clearing a client's futures and OTC derivatives transactions. | ||
Reception and Dinner | |||
Rosa Mexicano, 153 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD Please join your fellow conference delegates as guests of the Law & Compliance Division for dinner and drinks at Rosa Mexicano. Located just one block from the conference venue, Rosa Mexicano offers an elevated version of mexican cuisine. A relaxed evening of networking and good food await you. | |||
Hospitality Suite | |||
Baltimore 415, Gaylord National | |||
Friday, April 30, 2010 | |||
13. A Futures Compliance Update Moderator: Speakers: | Woodrow Wilson B This panel will discuss recent changes in the regulations regarding various types of transactions, including: EFFs, EFPs, EFRs, Block Trades, and Order Handling Rules related to open outcry versus electronic executions. It will also discuss what the parameters for establishing the prices of these transactions may be (i.e., APS/market versus daily trading limits). The panel will also discuss what tools firms and exchanges, alike, use to monitor trading activity and the open positions that result from that trading. Additionally, it will discuss the training of traders, middle and back office alike, on these rules. | ||
14. Environmental Markets Moderator: Speakers: | Baltimore 1/2 This session will review recent developments in new commodities markets such as renewable energy products (e.g., RECs and S-RECS) and carbon trading in the U.S. and overseas. The panel will discuss recent legislative and regulatory initiatives, including issues related to overlapping jurisdiction of regulatory agencies, and the emergence of new platforms to trade, register and/or manage the risks associated with renewable energy commodity transactions. The panel will also address developments in the bio-diesel, solar, wind and other alternative energy markets. | ||
15. The Future of Intermediation: The Next Generation Moderator: Speakers: | Woodrow Wilson C/D This session will examine the changing role of the intermediary as the financial markets evolve, particularly in the context of futures, securities and OTC derivatives. The panel will consider the practical implications for a joint broker-dealer/FCM offering products across borders in compliance with CFTC Part 30 and SEC Rule 15a-6. The panel will discuss the internalization of trades and the prospects for portfolio margining in competing and developing regimes. | ||
16. SEC and FINRA Regulatory Hot Issues Update Moderator: Speakers: | Woodrow Wilson C/D This session will discuss significant developments in the past year relating to various securities regulatory issues faced by broker dealers. The discussion will include issues in connection with rule-making initiatives and enforcement matters of the SEC and FINRA. Among the topics to be addressed are proprietary trading, FOREX leverage limitations, "naked access", dark pools and flash trading, insider trading and short sales. | ||
17. New Account Documentation Moderator: Speakers: | Woodrow Wilson B This session will discuss issues relating to FCM documentation for futures and cleared OTC derivatives. The panel will discuss the regulatory and legal risk issues to be addressed as part of the new account opening process, including CFTC, exchange and NFA requirements, bankruptcy issues, and capacity and authority requirements. This discussion will be a refresher for some, centering around current case law and the legal basis for what is generally found in customer agreements. |


text:
Miley Cyrus 'X Factor' Judge? Why Simon Cowell Wants 'Wrecking Ball' Singer On Board Next Season (VIDEO)
Could Miley Cyrus have the X Factor? With Demi Lovato leaving after this season, Simon Cowell is on the lookout for new judges. Why does Cowell want the "Wrecking Ball" singer for next year?
"I recently met Miley Cyrus, and I really liked her," Cowell told Mashable. "She has an opinion for sure." Cowell recently said that the show will be coming back despite lower ratings. "We'll be coming back in the U.S. next season, but my role on the show may change," Cowell said. "It might just be on one night a week. It could work well. [Two nights] is probably too much."
One thing is for sure, that Lovato will be leaving after two seasons. "It's been an awesome experience, but I'm itching to go back to music," Lovato told E! News. "I always thought with Demi it'd be a maximum of two years because she has the tour next year," Cowell said about his co-judge. "People leave and they come back, we're used to that on our show. So the door's open."
SEE ALSO: Is X Factor Over After This Season?
Lovato is getting ready to go on her Neon Lights tour. The tour kicks off Feb. 9 in Vancouver. Lovato will be joined by girl groups Fifth Harmony and Little Mix. "I think it's going to be so much fun," Lovato said. "There's nothing better than woman empowerment and having an all-girls tour." Lovato also has a guest stint on Glee. "I think ultimately my main thing is singing," Lovato said. "Maybe movies once in a while, if the right role comes along."
If X Factor lost Lovato to touring, Cowell may not be able to get Cyrus either. The singer is starting her Bangerz tour in Vancouver on Feb. 14. "dammmmmmmmmnnnnn just saw some of these #bangerztour2014 sketches" Cyrus tweeted "@TheBlondsNY f---ing killllllllllllled ittttttt #justthebeginning"
People Cowell may be able to get for X Factor? His old judges and friends Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. "I would pick Paula and Randy from American Idol — they were my favorite judges because we had an incredible time together," Cowell said about his "dream team" of judges. "It was never planned to be what it became, and it was really special."
Catch X Factor's finale tonight at 8 p.m. at Fox.


text:
This course is a 7-day field study of glaciers in south central Alaska. It includes an introduction to glacial processes and land forms, and a viewing of different types of glaciers including small cirque glaciers, valley glaciers, and glaciers calving into lakes and tidewater. This trip will include hiking! There will be hiking along the terminus of the glacier and onto the ice itself to view ice structures and modern glacial processes. For walking on glaciers, warm clothes, daypacks, and hiking boots are required. Hiking sticks are recommended for those who prefer more secure footing.
Day 1 – |
Will involve a trip along the scenic Turnagain Arm fjord to Portage Lake and a boat trip to the terminus of the iceberg-calving Portage Glacier. |
Day 2 – |
A trip along the Seward highway, considered the most scenic highway in Alaska, to Exit Glacier. An all-day, 7-mile round trip, climb along the right side of the glacier to the Harding Icefield. The only trail in the world to visit an ice field on foot. In the evening we will visit the Alaska Sealife Research Center in Seward. |
Day 3 – |
The third day will be a 6-hour boat trip out of Whittier to view fjords and 23 tidewater glaciers in Prince William Sound (College Fjords). Whittier was connected to Anchorage in 2002 when the longest highway tunnel in North America was completed. Thus, everything you see here will be true Alaskan wilderness. |
Day 4 – |
The fourth day we will drive 2 hours to Matanuska Glacier, which is one of a few Alaskan glaciers accessible by car. A professional guide will help lead you through a step-by-step approach to the art and technical know-how of ice climbing and glacier travel. We will then hike onto the mountain of ice and learn about glaciology, geology, and the natural history of the Matanuska Glacier. |
Day 5 – |
If weather makes this possible, we will drive to the town of Talkeetna, built to serve people aiming to climb Mount McKinley in Denali National Park. We will fly with mountain climbers in a small plane over Ruth Gorge, deepest in the world and over the largest mountain glacier in the world, and land on a glacier on Mount McKinley. By doing Denali this way, we stand a better chance of seeing the mountain than anyone else, and we avoid the National Park school bus ride into the park and have the pleasure of visiting a town with some character. If the weather doesn't cooperate, we will visit wetlands and boreal forest sites around Anchorage, which will include a study of moose, bear, and salmon, and visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center in the afternoon. |
Day 6 – |
The last day will be a boat trip with National Park personnel to Kenai Fjords National Park. The Glacier-Wildlife cruise includes the Aialik or Holgate Glacier and the Chiswell Islands, a national wildlife refuge. The area includes over 100 species of birds, seals, sea otters, sea lions, puffins, and various species of orca and humpback whales. |
We will stay in dorm room units, which include 2 bedrooms that share a bathroom in a new building at the University of Alaska in Anchorage. Days will be long. We will leave the dorms in Anchorage around 7:00 A.M., and for all 6 days, allow for late returns to the dorm. Remember the sun is visible for 20 hours a day at this time of the year.
Cost will include everything: plane tickets, boat tickets, dorm, van rental, park fees. You will need to pay for food, although lunch is included on our boat trips.


text:
23 - 24 August
The annual Leyburn Motor Sprints, one of Australia's leading historic and classic car competitions, will return to Queensland's Darling Downs.
Spectators and competitors are treated to an array of exciting sprint racing classes including open wheelers and sports cars of various engine capacities and ages, as they hum around the timed one kilometre circuit, leisurely winding their way around the houses and through the heart of Leyburn, is an accurate description of Leyburn's biggest annual event.
... moreYou will find the small town of Leyburn completely taken over by racing drivers, their friends and family and spectators. The tiny town explodes from only 150 people to thousands every August, for two days of motor racing. The race weekend event commemorates the running of the first Grand Prix in Queensland at Leyburn in 1949.
... less
Children are welcome at this family friendly event.
The venue is at ground level and is wheelchair accessible.
General Comments
The facilities in Leyburn include the Leyburn Motel, General Store, Historic Royal Hotel (owned by Shane Webcke) and two historic churches.
How To Get There
Leyburn is located in the Southern Downs Region, Queensland, Australia. A sleepy little township which was once a bustling goldfield. Leyburn is 219 kilometres southwest of Brisbane and 36 kilometres from Clifton, Toowoomba is approximately 75 kilometres away and Warwick is approximately 60 kilometres away so it is out there on its own, except for two days each year when it comes alive.
Pet Extract
No animals are allowed at this event as they are a danger during motor racing.
23 - 24 August
Frequency: Annual
Entry | Cost | Valid From | |
Adult | $15.00 | 23 - 24 Aug |
* Please note: These rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available costs of listed products and services. To obtain a firm price from the provider, please use the contact the operator. All prices are quoted in Australian dollars.


text:
Page 1 of 4
KARNAL: Wrestler Lokesh Kumar, 18, who has won medals in national tournaments, suffered critical injuries when he was pushed out of a moving train at 6pm on Monday, near Bazida village on Ambala-Sonipat section. He was found in an unconscious state on Tuesday around 6am by some farmers.
The victim is a sportsperson at Sports Authority of India's Chaudhary Devi Lal Stadium in Bahalgarh in Sonipat district. He was on his way to Sonipat from Karnal in Dadra Express. "When I asked for some space to stand in the crowded train, five students, who were already there, started quarrelling with me. Suddenly, one of them kicked me out of the train," Lokesh told ToI.
He was admitted in trauma centre of Karnal civil hospital and later shifted to a private hospital. Doctors said he received multiple injuries and a fracture in the backbone.
Lokesh, who hails from Kamlapur village near Muzzafarnagar in UP, was attending a camp to get selected for sub junior cadet wrestling championship in Thailand scheduled next month, said his brother Pradeep Kumar.
In the national wrestling games held at Hisar last year, Lokesh, a class 9 student, had bagged a silver medal in the 69kg category while he won gold medal in a championship organized by Sports
Authority of India the same year, said his brother. Railway police are inquiring into the matter.
Stay updated on the go with Times of India News App. Click here to download it for your device.
Interest Network
itimes | Email


text:
Rotor Clip University from Rotor Clip is said to be the most comprehensive training manual of its kind on retaining rings and related products. According to the company, the literature is a layman's guide, as well as a refresher for the expert, on types of retaining rings, the features of each and how they are used in actual applications. The manual includes important information about materials, finishes and packaging. The manual also contains technical information about how to calculate edge margin and computing beveled groove location.
Rotor Clip Co. Inc.


text:
Many of my trips are fun family adventures with my kiddo joining in on the excitement, but not all trips fall into that category. I am a big believer that many trips are fantastic with kids, but some trips are better served as "adults only" adventures. If you are lucky enough to have friends or family members that are willing and able to take your little one(s) while you are gone, then you can have the luxury of still having some adult vacation time even after the next generation comes along. That is just a personal choice and I know some families can't or don't want to ever leave their kids behind, but we like to have a "kids free" trip every now and then. About a year ago my husband and I started planning our adult-only adventure to Dublin and Ireland. I absolutely plan to take Little C to Dublin and Ireland when she is a little older, but not this time.
I know that lots of people save up their miles and points to visit Europe, so I plan to share lots of details about our trip in case it is helpful for someone in the future. In this first post I will cover some of the details that went into planning our trip.
My husband has family that originated from Ireland, and it was very high on his (relatively short) list of places he wants to visit, so Ireland was a "must do" for this trip. We were also interested in visiting a second location while we were there, but we decided to let award availability somewhat guide us to the second destination.
Our plan during the 2011 US Airways Grand Slam was to earn enough miles to use them for two off-peak Envoy Suites award tickets. The Grand Slam hasn't returned since 2011, but you can still rack up US Airways miles easily via getting their credit card or even by purchasing miles when they offer 100% mileage purchase promos. Those Envoy (a.k.a. business class) seats were priced at 60,000 miles round trip during the off-peak season of mid-January through February, but were only 55,000 miles each with the 5,000 mile discount given via the US Airways MasterCard. You had to fly on US Airways-operated flights, but I had heard good things about their Envoy Suites, and was very excited to try it for myself. 55,000 miles for a round trip business class award ticket was, in my mind, the best reward flight deal out there… I say "was" because about three or four weeks ago (before the AA merger was announced) that option was taken off of the award chart. However, you can still take advantage of the 35,000 mile off-peak option in economy, which is still a very good deal (40,000 if you don't have the US Airways MasterCard).
Since we were somewhat flexible on our second European destination, we let award availability dictate our options. I saw much better off-peak availability to London Gatwick and Paris than other European destinations, so we picked London (not knowing at the time we would be going to the Olympics in London in 2012) to fly in and out of, and decided we would just book the short 50 minute flights to Dublin and back separately at a later date. If you get nothing else from this post, this is the most important part. The more flexible your travel plans, the easier it is to book award trips. Many folks want to visit more than one place when they go to Europe, so if you can be a little flexible with what city you fly in to or out of, then your award flight choices will be greatly improved. If your dates have some wiggle room, then you will have even more options.
I booked our tickets to and from Dublin about a month before departure and we decided to go to Dublin via Aer Lingus and return to London via British Airways. It was a toss-up between the options, so we decided to do one of each and to book them thematically so we were on the Irish airline heading into Ireland, and the British airline heading back to London. It is a little silly, but it was actually pretty cool to do it that way, and it helped get us in the mood for our destination.
We purchased our tickets on Aer Lingus for about $100 USD per person one-way and we went for the slightly more expensive "Plus" option that allowed us to pre-select our seats and have a checked bag included. On our return to London we could have booked a British Airways flight for roughly the same price, but the ideal time for our return flight was much more expensive. We didn't want to get up super early to get the cheaper flight, and didn't want to wait around all day for the cheaper evening flight, so we used Avios to book the exact time we wanted since the flight price was over $200 each for economy. It just so happened that the flight we wanted only had Club Europe (business class) award availability, so we spent 9,000 Avios (plus about $27 USD in fees/taxes) each for that flight. It would have been half as many Avios to sit in Economy, but 4,500 Avios is hardly a significant up-charge for a more enjoyable flight while on vacation.
We decided to stay a night in London close to the airport the day we arrived in order to adjust to the time-zone and build in a buffer in case we had delays from the US. We booked the Sheraton Heathrow during one of their common "beat the timer" sales for about 50 pounds ($75 USD). With SPG we had the choice between the Sheraton Skyline and the Sheraton Heathrow, and the general consensus online was the Skyline is nicer, but it was also more expensive either via points or cash, so the Sheraton Heathrow seemed totally adequate to us for an overnight. We didn't book with points as it would have cost 7,000 points for a $75 room and that isn't nearly a good enough return for valuable SPG points.
Next up was selecting a hotel in Dublin…only I couldn't decide on one so I picked two. I don't really recommend others hop around hotels on vacation, but that's what we choose to do. We booked two nights at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Dublin on a cash and points rate. We could have booked the two nights on points, but it seemed a better deal to spend 90 Euros plus 10,000 points each night than to spend 44,000 points per night. Of course, if we had the Club Carlson card where you get the second award night free then I would have just spend 44,000 points and gotten two nights.
We booked our third night in Dublin at the Westin Dublin as I really wanted to try it out and had read they were very generous with Platinum elite complimentary upgrades. The rate hovered at around 200 Euros and up for our dates, so we used 12,000 SPG points instead of cash. We ended up scoring a nice upgrade to a two story suite thanks to my husband's Platinum status, and were quite pleased with our stay. Both hotels are in very good and walkable locations to many popular attractions and you can't really go wrong with either.
Before flying home we spent two more nights in London, and this time we wanted to stay somewhere nicer than an airport location. We opted for the Hyatt Andaz Liverpool as it is a fun property located right next to the Liverpool Tube Station. We could have used 18,000 Hyatt Gold Passport points per night, but instead booked the cheapest twin bed room for about £115 and used a Diamond confirmed suite upgrade to move up to the Andaz Suite. In other words, it came down to 18,000 points a night for a basic room, or about $180 USD for a suite, so it was an easy call.
Knowing our elite status with both Starwood and Hyatt would score us free internet and free breakfast each morning at those properties also helped as we knew that would help with those costs. All in all our plans had us spending less money on lodging and flights than you could probably do a week-long budget European trip for, but thanks to miles, points, and some cash, we were going to be in lie-flat seats and suites. This trip was meant to not only see some of the sights in Europe, but also just relax and spend time together, so having nice accommodations to hang out in was pretty important for us.
In future posts in this series I will highlight in much more detail each of our flights, hotels, and most importantly the many attractions, locations, and restaurants that we visited…..because let's be honest, the point of going to Europe is to get out and do things!
19 Responses to "Points Friendly Trip to London and Dublin: Planning"
Cant wait for more details! Considering the british airways card for the express purpose of flying first class from Boston to Dublin, so your insights are eagerly anticipated. Thanks
Nice to see everyone making use of some awards that are going away on trips to London. I am very sad to see the 60,000 Business class option on Star Alliance in winter disappear as I haven't even gotten a chance to use it.
My parents are staying at London Hilton Park Lane for 4 nights on the AXON award this summer for 145,000 Hilton points total. This is also going away and that hotel is going up to 70,000 points a night. It cost $833 a night for the time they are going!!!
Looking forward to more posts about London for ideas for my parents' trip.
In January, i used 35,000 us airway miles to fly to Amsterdam from SFO, with a connection in PHL. Amsterdam had a lot of award seats in economy and can be a good starting point to the rest of Europe. Get a Eurail pass and quickly travel from country to country.
Margo, you going on Aer Lingus?! Fun! I promise lots of good details soon.
The Miles Professor, I hope some of my upcoming posts are helpful for them!
Grant, Amsterdam can be great and is on our list to visit in the near future. Thanks for the availability tip! -
Aer Lingus is a nice airline, flew it from BOS-DUB and DUB-ORD in September, each seat has an IFE and the crew is very friendly.
@MP, I stayed at the Andaz Amsterdam for 2 nights on points and got upgraded to a nice canal room. When you make the reservation, there is a box you can check for "honeymoon" and they will provide a bottle of campaign in your room. They let you rent bikes for free and its a 5 minute walk to the Anne Frank house. -
What airline did you fly from Dublin to London? And did you use points for that trip? Or is there a cheaper way to get from Dublin to London. I am looking forward to your upcoming posts about this trip, as I am trying to plan one right now.
On a LON-DUB segment, tickets can be picked up cheaply and off award (Aer Lingus is great in the respect… BA offer BMI's old service).
Personally, I would had departed for the USA via Dublin – least of all 1) Pre clearance and 2) Tax efficiency (especially if you're flying J or F – Air Passenger Duty is a killer…)
Grant, sounds great!
Michelle, I flew Aer Lingus from London to Dublin and British Airways from Dublin to London. Used cash to fly Aer Lingus. Used points to fly BA as the price for the flight we wanted was a bit high.
Kevincm, award availability wasn't there for DUB using the miles we wanted to use – it was our first choice otherwise for the reasons you state. We did book Aer Lingus to Dublin on cash, but the flight we wanted coming back was pricier and it made more sense to book BA on points. -
Booked my first award trip for Ireland via Aer Lingus this summer. Using Club Carlson card to stay at Raddison locations from Dublin to Galway!
Cute couple you two are. Glad you didn't use Club Carlson points in that case (I'm doing similar in not using any points when I got a good rate at a great Hotel Indigo in London this summer ($190 a night).
Cool to look at your picture of the Sheraton Heathrow…I got it on priceline several years ago for a night back in London after returning from Spain before an early AM flight the next day. For $70 or so it was fine but otherwise nothing special and you're right that the Skyline was supposed to be way nicer. My ex gf at the time was lucky to get that as the hotel when I pricelined it for her before her flight to visit me. Go figure the lady gets the nicer hotel!
Anyway look forward to more of these types of posts from you.
Will be taking BA flight from LHR to FCO. Trying to decide if I should pay 54000 Avios for biz or 27000 for economy. From my research, business on BA intra-Europe just means a blocked middle seat and hot lunch. If you had a choice looking back, economy or business on BA flight?
Drsifu77, since the difference for mine was just 4,500 Avios it was certainly worth it. Yours is a bit more, so just depends how much you value a little extra room and a hot meal. It also depends on how highly you do or don't value Avios. We had a good experience and would do it the same again on that route for that price .
Were the taxes flying into London a factor in your planning since it can get pretty pricey especially in business/first class?
Brian, the taxes were a bit higher than some other cities would have been, but we still let availability dictate. It wasn't dramatically different than some cities and was our best option. Is something to keep in mind though!
Nice post. Planning to go to Dublin/London around April 7 this year and will use some of your tips to book our travel. We do plan to take our 3 year old along though:-)
I can't wait to read more. This is the exact trip our children are begging to go on. Hopefully, with lots of research, points, and patience, we'll make this trip a reality in 2014.Thanks for all the information!
[…] European trip to London and Dublin: Planning […]
[…] European trip to London and Dublin: Planning […]
Sorry for replying to a post that is a little old, but I've been using this info to help me plan a similar trip for May 2014.
While I can't yet search for flights that far out, I believe I've found a sequence that will work, or at least to use as a base when flights do list for next May. (I've been looking at 9/2013 and 1/2014 for prototypes).
However, reading the above, I TRIED to search for flights into Gatwick, but no matter which search engine I used (United, US Air, ANA) it keeps listing only flights to LHR. I was looking to see if there was still a benefit to targeting Gatwick, but I can't even get a light to list there!
How did you find flights that actually land in Gatwick??!!


text:
Bulldogs Return to the Save Mart Center Saturday
Jan. 3, 2014
Game #13 Jan. 4, 2014 2 p.m. PT
Fresno State (7-5, 1-0 MW) vs. Boise State (5-6, 0-0 MW) OPENING TIP Fresno State has won nine-straight games over Boise State, as the two schools were previously WAC foes from 2001-11 before renewing the conference rivalry last season when the 'Dogs joined the Mountain West. The Bulldogs opened up Mountain West play on New Year's Day with a 79-63 win at UNLV. Four of Fresno State's five starters scored in double figures in that game with Alex Sheedy (20 points) and Bree Farley (15 points) leading the way. Fresno State forced UNLV into 25 turnovers and had 15 steals in the win. Last season in three wins over Boise State, the Bulldogs forced the Broncos to turn the ball over 23 times per game. In the quarterfinal victory over Boise State in last season's Mountain West Tournament, Fresno State set a tournament record by forcing Boise State to turn the ball over 29 times. For Boise State, this will be its Mountain West opener as the Broncos did not play on Wednesday when league play began. They are entering the game coming off a 66-64 win over Cal State Fullerton in Boise that snapped a three-game losing streak. Both Fresno State and Boise State have four players scoring in double figures this season. Miquelle Askew leads Boise State with 15.2 points per game while Taylor Thompson is the Bulldogs' top scorer at 12.2 points per game.
Bulldog Headlines ► This will be the 30th all-time meeting between the two schools. Fresno State leads the all-time series 20-9 and won all three contests vs. Boise State last season, including a 72-55 win to open the 2013 Reese's Mountain West Tournament. ► Senior guard Taylor Thompson is closing in on a couple career milestones. She needs six more steals to become Fresno State's all-time leader in career steals and 32 points to become the 20th Bulldog in school history to score 1,000 points in a career. ► Fresno State shot a season-high 50.9 percent in Wednesday's victory to open Mountain West play. The Bulldogs were shooting just 37.7 percent entering that contest. Last season, Fresno State shot just 38.8 percent in non-conference play but 43.2 percent in league play. ► Guard Bree Farley and center Jacinta Vandenberg are coming off of games where they set career highs. Farley had a personal-best seven steals vs. UNLV while Vandenberg blocked a career-high five shots in Wednesday's victory. The Last Meeting
March 14, 2013
Las Vegas, Nev.
Boise State, who was picked to finish eighth in the Mountain West preseason poll, opens conference play by facing last season's top two teams in the Mountain West. After facing the Bulldogs on Saturday, Boise State then heads down to play at San Diego State. The Broncos are 5-6 on the year and recently snapped a three-game losing streak this past Sunday when they defeated Cal State Fullerton 66-64 in Boise. The Broncos have lost all four road contests this season. Boise State is being led by sophomore center Miquelle Askew at 15.3 points per game (6th MW) and team-best 6.8 rebounds per game (8th MW), followed by redshirt-sophomore forward Lexie Der at 11.2 ppg (22nd MW) and team-second-best on the glass at 6.6 rpg (10th MW). Series History with Boise State Sheedy Takes Over |


text:
My Profile
Indian Trail, North Carolina
Member since Jul 2009
Flag This ProfileFlag as Inappropriate
Reviewed Bourbon Peach Cobbler
Sep 3, 2011 in Food Network Community Toolbox on FoodNetwork.com
"Taste grate,me and my family love it."""
Reviewed Venison and Black Bean Chili with Toasted Cumin Creme Fraiche and White Cheddar Cornbread
Feb 25, 2011 in Food Network Community Toolbox on FoodNetwork.com
"Loved it, loved it, LOVED IT. Bobby Flay is the greatest. Didn't make the corn bread but the chilli was amazing, even my 7 year old picki eater cleaned the plate. This is new family favorite. If you can't find the chile powders, buy dry peppers, dry toast them, and ground them in coffee grinder.""


text:
Item SKU: 4032B(BodyGuardz Pure Tempered Glass Screen Protector - iPhone® 5)
BodyGuardz Pure Tempered Glass Screen Protector - iPhone® 5
ScreenGuardz Pure is an ultra-thin layer of chemically-tempered glass exceeding the hardness of steel.Frequently Purchased Together
-$0.00 $0.00Accessory bundle pricing only applies to in-stock, regular priced items. Online only.
Transfer Your Number
To check the status of a transfer in progress, visit att.com/port.


text:
Trans Globe Lighting 4070
Single Light Up Lighting Small Outdoor Pier Mount Post Light from the Outdoor Collection
Trans Globe New Year's Sale
Start your New Year with 10% savings on all Trans Globe Lighting. Use coupon TG10 at checkout.
Offer Ends 1/31/2015
Contact us for advice or more details. Our product specialists are here to help.
- (800) 375-3403
- Email an Expert
- Live Chat


text:
- Women's Jewelry
- Women's Necklaces & Pendants
Mother's Day Necklaces Celebrate Mom, Celebrate Love
With Mother's Day on the way, it is time to start thinking about finding the best gifts for Mom. The Bradford Exchange Online is here to help you with our wide selection of exclusively designed Mother's Day jewelry that's not sold in stores. There are many different types of Mother's Day necklaces available on our site: diamond necklaces, romantic necklaces, family birthstone necklaces, religious necklaces and many more. Our unique selection includes everything from a diamond dog pendant to a freshwater cultured black pearl pendant. So whether you're looking for a treasure that reflects Mom's unique personality or mother-daughter jewelry to honor your special bond, you're sure to find the perfect way to celebrate Mom and celebrate love.
Birthstone necklaces make great gifts for Mom on Mother's Day because each one is customized just for her. Imagine how touched she'll be when she sees the pendant you've personalized with birthstones, each one a sparkling celebration of a beloved family member! Birthstones are not the only way to personalize our Mother's Day necklaces. Many of our fine jewelry designs can be engraved with the names of your choice to create truly unique Mother's Day gifts. Along with dazzling design and precious materials, the addition of loved ones' names makes these personalized Mother's Day necklaces extra special. And if you're looking for more Mother's Day jewelry options, our Mother's Day Gift Guide includes a fabulous assortment of bracelets, watches, rings and more. No matter which of our exquisite creations you choose, you can't go wrong with the gift of personalized jewelry for Mother's Day. So go ahead and make this May 11 really shine - Shop Now!


text:
- Todos os Posts
- Novidades
- Galerias
- Vídeos
Dakar 20152015 DAKAR - PHOTOJOURNAL
- Novidades
- Janeiro 20, 2015
Monster Energy Rally Raid Team #Dakar2015 photo journal
Dakar 2015HOLEK FINALLY ACHIEVES DAKAR DREAM
- Novidades
- Janeiro 18, 2015
After 14 days, 13 stages and thousands and thousands of kilometres across some of South America's toughest climes Krzysztof Holowczyc has ...
Dakar 2015ORLY GRABS HOME STAGE WIN IN STYLE
- Novidades
- Janeiro 17, 2015
Orlando Terranova sent thousands of Argentine fans wild by winning the 12th stage of the 2015 Dakar Rally.
Dakar 2015HOLEK CLIMBS INTO TOP THREE
- Novidades
- Janeiro 16, 2015
Monster Energy Rally Raid driver Krzysztof Holowczyc has climbed into the overall top three after 11 stages of the 2015 Dakar Rally.
Dakar 2015ANOTHER PODIUM FOR ORLY IN DAKAR
- Novidades
- Janeiro 15, 2015
Orlando Terranova landed his fifth podium finish of the 2015 Dakar Rally with a dominant performance in one of the toughest stages of the wh...
Dakar 2015NANI TASTES VICTORY AGAIN IN DAKAR
- Novidades
- Janeiro 14, 2015
He may not have expected to wait until Stage Nine but Nani Roma tasted success again in the 2014 Dakar Rally.
Dakar 2015ANOTHER BIG DAY FOR MONSTER IN DAKAR 2015
- Novidades
- Janeiro 12, 2015
It's been a long, tough eight days but the Monster Energy Rally Raid team head into a much-needed rest day with a string of great results.
Dakar 2015BIG DAY FOR MONSTER ENERGY RALLY RAID
- Novidades
- Janeiro 11, 2015
The Monster Energy Rally Raid Team enjoyed their best day of the 2015 Dakar with all three drivers coming home in the top five in Stage Seve...
Dakar 2015NANI SHOWING HIS CLASS IN DAKAR
- Novidades
- Janeiro 10, 2015
His chances of retaining his Dakar Rally crown disintegrated just 10km in to this year's race but Spanish driving legend Nani Roma refuses...
Dakar 2015GOOD DAY FOR MONSTER ENERGY RALLY RAID IN DAKAR
- Novidades
- Janeiro 09, 2015
It hasn't been the smoothest run so far for the Monster Energy Rally Raid team but they scored a triple top-10 finish in Stage Five of the...
Dakar 2015NANI'S LUCK TURNS ON DAY FOUR
- Novidades
- Janeiro 08, 2015
2014 Dakar Rally champion Nani Roma finally got a solid run in this year's race and took second place in Stage Four.
Dakar 2015ANOTHER STAGE WIN FOR ORLY
- Novidades
- Janeiro 07, 2015
Monster Energy Rally Raid driver Orlando Terranova charged to his second stage win in three days to put himself back in the mix for the Daka...


text:
Travelling with a daypack does not have to involve a series of stuffing, pulling out and re-stuffing your gear into a small bag. It is possible to pack everything you need, and keep it well-organised. Proof is in the pudding, they say. But, in this case, it is provided by the BlackWolf Tsunami 35 Technical Backpack Daypack.
Regarded as one of the most practical all-round daypacks, it boasts 3 main compartments that allow you to effectively separate your possessions and essentials in an organised fashion. The air suspension harness, complete with padded shoulder straps, means comfort is a guarantee, while sternum and waist straps ensure greater security. So, whether getting around the city or hiking through a mountain pass, you know everything is fixed firmly to your back.
Capacity: 35L
Weight: 1.18kg
Dimension: 43x33x23cm
Fabric: 420D mini ripstop PU, 450D ripstop PU, INVISTA Cordura®
Harness: air suspension
Colours: Steel / Chilli / Cactus / Blue / Black Titanium


text:
The Blood Type Diet Archives Volume 8
Posted By: SalGDate: Wednesday, 27 January 1999, at 12:25 a.m.
I have been following with interest the "veggie wars". There have been references to "vegans" and "vegetarians". I obviously am neither. Whats the diff? Also, what about the "lacto" or "ovo" type, what are they? Are there other varieties ?


text:
Mother Earth - on Acid Jazz Records
Mother Earth
Mother Earth had originally come together as a sample-based project in 1991. Long-time Acid Jazz associate, Bunny, convinced label owner Acid Jazz to help him make a record with some of his friends at a tiny studio on an industrial estate in Tottenham North East London, owned by engineer John DeBrett. The first track 'The Fifth Quadrant' was released on the label's flagship compilation series "Totally Wired"'s sixth volume, and an album was put together over the summer of 1991; slowly a group of musicians coalesced around the project. Some of these were Acid Jazz regulars such as the Brand New Heavies' guitarist Simon Barthlomew and organist James Taylor. Others, in particular singer/guitarist Matt Deighton, singer Shauna Greene, bassist Neil Corcoran, and drummer Chris White, started rehearsing as a group. They picked up organist Bryn Barklam and made their debut playing a short set at that year's Acid Jazz Christmas party – a party at which the only other performer was Jamiroquai.The album, "Stoned Woman" (Jazid LP 48) was released in the early summer of 1992, by which time its largely studio-based format was being redefined by the live act, which developed rapidly throughout the year. By the summer, with the LP receiving some incredible reviews (stand up Ian McCann in the NME), Mother Earth had come into their own, successes including a memorable weekend at Stockholm's Water Festival and a stormer at the Acid Jazz Dammit Weekender at the Milkweg in Amsterdam. Eddie Piller felt that now was the time to record a single. "I had wanted a live band to play the sampled album. Once they'd played together long enough, we hired the Roundhouse to record the first single. Matt Deighton had not yet emerged as a songwriter, so I chose a particular Santana single, 'Hope You're Feeling Better', because in my mind that is how I wanted the band to turn out. The experiment worked, so it was decided to record an album, which became "The People Tree".""The People Tree" was Mother Earth's masterpiece – a soul, rock, folk and funk blend that was crowned by some fine songwriting. Numbers such as 'Jesse' written by Deighton & Green and featuring the vocals of Dee C Lee and the sublime 'Apple Green' showed that this was a group who were true contenders. The album received rapturous acclaim and the sold over 100,000 copies. The group toured the world playing to full houses all over Europe, Japan and Australia. At the time it looked very much as if Mother Earth were about to become Acid Jazz' next big thing.Somehow it wasn't to be. 1995 brought a new album and another sold out world tour. But whilst "You Have Been Watching" contained many great numbers, it failed to capture the hearts of many new fans. Matt Deighton's head had been turned by love and a fascination with folk music that led him to record his classic "The Villager" album. It was to mark the disintegration of the group who would never record another album. However they left us with a legacy of music that will be remembered by all of those who heard them.


text:
hey guys, i've created a few "gag-sites", to redirect people to, for various reasons, such as http://whiny.me/
what i'm NOT happy with, is the wording of the "self-help plan". i tried for sarcasm but i feel it's a little on the "dark" or "violent" side and needs to be changed.
i don't want it to be violent, but, i still want it to be whitty and sarcastic and clever - with a LITTLE bit of sting to it. does any one have any ideas as to how to pull it off? thanks.
I think most of the points sound fine (as in not violent). You might want to re-word number two. That is the one that strikes me as a bit harsh. I'm assuming people will share this with people they like but that are being "whiny" for whatever reason. The idea of "self-help" is to empower a person to help themselves. That objective is defeated the minute you start telling them they are "worthless" and "burdensome" or unproductive.
Maybe this post can give you some more inspiration on how to tweak your other points,
Hope that helps you,
sentientsystem, why you want such website? how to use them?
You really great ! I like the BEFORE - AFTER images
i like the Introduction of your site
wish you more success with it
Best Regard
your website has uniqueness in its own way, i believed its fine if that's how you express who you are, i don't see anything wrong with it.
Your content is targeted to mean point of your website that makes it more attractive, so keep it up.
Hi,I quite like the concept although i am edging toward the side of thinking it may offend someone. For me it is written in quite a direct way which could be taken the wrong way if someone just sent you the link.
From what you say it is meant to be more of a jokey kind of thing you'd send someone if they did something stupid, for me i'd want that to be slightly more funny in it's execution so it's obvious that it is meant to be lighthearted fun as opposed to just abusing someone.
For example if you wanted to tease a workmate for something small i would think it would be quite harsh to send them the link in the current form even though it is tongue in cheek (some people may not get it). Some tweaking to the content could make it more like 'Doh you are an idiot and join the ranks of xyz who did this ridiculous thing etc'
I'm just thinking long term that people may want to use this as funny tool but if it is too cutting people may not send it on as they might feel concerned it wouldn't be taken the right way and not email it.
Just want to check that you have permission to use the images as i've seen some of them used before and if it becomes successful you might get in trouble if you don't own the images (ignore if they are royalty free/paid for etc)
Also on the idiot page there is a mistake thank you for doing your part in the **** effport **** to make the internet a better place for the rest of us.
hope that is useful
I don't think any problem with your content, i like your website.
This topic is now archived. It is frozen and cannot be changed in any way.


text:
Reviewer: Charles B. Simone, II, MD
Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
Last Modified: October 30, 2007
Presenter: Yixiu Kang, MD
Presenter's Affiliation: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Type of Session: Plenary
Materials and Methods
Author's Conclusions
Clinical/Scientific Implications
Partially funded by an unrestricted educational grant from Bristol-Myers Squibb.
Jun 3, 2014 - Researchers have developed a breathalyzer that can detect lung cancer and assess whether it is early or advanced, according to findings presented this weekend at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, held from May 30 to June 3 in Chicago.


text:
Just the other day, I was sitting in my office on the nineteenth floor; tasks-to-do in a mental queue and meetings pending as usual. A knock on the glass sliding door was heard. I motioned the universal hand sign for "come in," barely glancing up. A man not much older than I, wearing a black jacket with "Fedex" emblazoned, walked in carrying a mid-sized package. Admittedly surprised, even though I was forewarned, I signed for it. As soon as he left, sliding the door shut behind him (I was back within the safety of my corporate enclosure), I immediately and excitedly began to open the package with a pair of dull scissors. Inside of it was a Styrofoam icebox, wrapped with care in blue tissue paper, tied with red string and a small white envelope. I put the envelope aside for later (against the upbringing of the "read-the-card-first" mantra). I opened the icebox and to my delight, under a paper bag of very cold dry ice, lay anxiously six pints of Capogiro Gelato, compliments of Stephanie and John Reitano (proprietors of Capogiro Gelato, Philadelphia). The manifest of flavors was as follows:
Sweet Potato with Pecan Praline
Cioccolato Scuro
Pompelmo Rosso (Ruby Red Grapefruit) con Campari
Ananas (Pineapple) con Sage
Melograno (Pomegranate)
Fico d'India (Cactus Pear)
As soon as I got back to Kelli's midtown apartment with the gelato, she and I conducted a very professional taste test: we opened each container expediently and haphazardly and, both armed with an oversized spoon, commenced to quite properly stuff our faces (the way it was meant to be eaten, I'm sure). Beyond our stomach's limit, we broke infrequently to try and mutter our reactions: Kelli loved the Cioccolato Scuro (dark chocolate) gelato; I was in love with the Pompelmo Rosso (Ruby Red Grapefruit) con Campari sorbetto. It was much better tasting than we could ever dream gelato or sorbetto being.
Looking back on that night, it was gelato puppy love I'm sure. Now that my tastes have developed, and the initial passion has subsided, I can confidently say that it is true love bar none. Capogiro Gelato, like Kelli, is here to stay.
Ironically, as I write this in my warm apartment and it's snowing outside (supposedly a New York City eight inches), I am enjoying a heaping bowl of Fico d'India sorbetto (what's left, that is). I do not doubt that it is quite an experience to go to the Capogiro Gelato store in Philadelphia, but there is something to be said about eating it at home, in the comfort of warmth when it's blistering cold outside. It is, for lack of a better word, funny. Like love I guess.
Previous Post: Capogiro: Gelato Artisans
To get some delivered to your doorstep, order online:
Or, if you are in the Philadelphia area, visit their store:
119 S. 13th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 351-0900


text:
Return to: Medical School : Academic Health Center : myAHC : U of M Home
Our Center Research Highlights Faculty & Staff Using our Facility Resources Research Support Resources Collaborators Seminars Downloads Participation Opportunities Workshops Classes Safety Radiologist Scan Reviews Contacts & Directions Job Postings Internal Links Site Map CMRR Home CCIR Home
Professor 2-170 CMRR 612-626-2001
Dr. Lim is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry where he holds the Drs. T.J. and Ella M. Arneson Endowed Chair. Dr. Lim received a B.A. in Human Biology and an M.D. from Johns Hopkins University. He completed an internship and residency in psychiatry at Stanford University. Following a neuroimaging fellowship at Stanford he joined the faculty at Stanford as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. In 1998 he became a research psychiatrist at the Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Center for Advanced Brain Imaging in Orangeburg, NY, where he also held an appointment as an Associate Professor in the New York University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry. In 2001 he joined the University of Minnesota faculty in the Department of Psychiatry.
Current Projects and Directions Include:
Selected Recent Publications:
Alexopoulos GS, Kiosses D, Choi S, Murphy CF, Lim KO. Microanatomy of treatment response in late life depression: a preliminary study. Am J Psychiatry 2002; In press.
Lim KO, Choi S, Pomara N, Wolkin A, Rotrosen JP: Reduced Frontal White Matter Integrity in Cocaine Dependence: A Controlled Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study. Biological Psychiatry 2002; In Press.
Hoptman M, Volavka J, Johnson G, Weiss E, Bilder RM, Lim KO: Frontal white matter, aggression and impulsivity in men with schizophrenia. Biological Psychiatry 2002; In Press.
Pomara N, Crandall DT, Choi SJ, Johnson G, Lim KO, White matter abnormalities in HIV-1 infection: A diffusion tensor imaging study. Psychiatry Res 2001; 106(1):15-24.
Lim KO, Rosenbloom MJ, Faustman WO, Sullivan EV, Pfefferbaum A: Cortical gray matter deficit in patients with bipolar disorder. SchizophreniaResearch 1999; 40:219-227.
Lim KO, Hedehus M, Moseley M, deCrespigny A, Sullivan EV, Pfefferbaum A: Compromised white matter tract integrity in schizophrenia inferred from diffusion tensor imaging. Arch Gen Psychiatry 1999; 56:367-374.


text:
Free Photo Archive of over 30,000 vintage photographs. Find people and the places were they lived. Search for your surnames. Find photos of your ancestors. Make connections with genealogy cousins. Add your family's photos. |
Mollie Stutzman
Mollie Stutzman of Johnstown, Cambria County, PA.
Do you know more about Mollie Stutzman? Please let me know.
To make this photo larger, click on the word "original" above.


text:
First Lady Laura Bush will be stumping for summer reading later this week in Portsmouth NH. The Portsmouth
Herald reports on Mrs. Bush's visit to the library which had never been visited by a current resident of the White House.
Library Director Mary Ann List said White House staffers recently contacted the library to schedule the visit this coming Friday, July 9. The Portsmouth School system is a participant in the No Child Left Behind Program, a Bush initiative.