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Flashlights span the range from simple, basic light sources to sophisticated high-tech gadgets -- with prices over an equally wide range -- making choosing a flashlight trickier than it used to be. Some LED flashlights are now bright enough to replace traditional incandescent flashlights, and the best flashlights even use microprocessors or voltage regulators to boost efficiency. Some flashlights let the owner adjust the light to different levels, and voltage regulators keep the light consistent, even while the batteries drain. At the other extreme, cheap LED flashlights use switches that can break early, as well as poor-quality LEDs that can produce inconsistent or just plain weird light.
Consumer Reports magazine hasn't yet tested flashlights. For a time, FlashlightReviews.com more than made up for this absence, however, with comparison charts and top-ranked flashlights based on objective tests. The comparison charts are especially helpful because they include quite a few well-known incandescent flashlights. This site also provides detailed single-product reviews, including photos showing the light beam at about three feet. However, the author announced that he has stopped updating the site as of June 2007. Thus, while what's there is still relatively up-to-date, that will change over time. Another flashlight-enthusiast site, CPFReviews.com, covers fewer brands and models, but otherwise does a similarly excellent job. Especially noteworthy is a useful rating of each flashlight's "bang for the buck."
These two sites, like several others we review, abound in technical data. Less formal owner-written reviews and ratings provide a good balance, often comparing the output of a specific LED flashlight to one of the well-known MagLite flashlights. Amazon.com not only provides the largest number of owner-written flashlight reviews, but also makes them easy to browse by showing each flashlight's average rating right on the list of models.
You can still buy an ordinary 2D incandescent flashlight for about a dollar. As long as you keep plenty of replacement bulbs and batteries handy -- and if such a flashlight provides light that's bright enough for your tasks -- there's no need to pay more. However, experts and owners agree that for reliable light in emergencies -- for example, for a flashlight to keep in your vehicle -- it's worth paying more. The best LED flashlights are virtually unbreakable, can withstand heavy rain or even a dunk in water, and use high-quality LED modules that last 50,000 to 100,000 hours. Furthermore, LED flashlights with voltage regulators keep the light consistently bright even as the batteries fade, then shift to a lower level so you have plenty of time to replace the batteries.
Not surprisingly, expert reviews warn that cheap LED flashlights use poor-quality LEDs. This means the beam may be off-center or a strange color, and the phosphor coating that makes the LED produce white light may wear off early. For a trip to the bathroom at night, it may not matter. For a travel or emergency flashlight, however, experts recommend a waterproof, shock-resistant flashlight built for durability.
For casual use around the house -- to light up the back of a cupboard or find the camping lanterns during a power outage -- experts say an ordinary inexpensive flashlight (that uses an incandescent bulb) will do the job just fine. As long as you have spare batteries and ideally, a spare bulb or two, there's no need to pay more than a few dollars for a flashlight. Energizer, MagLite and Dorcy are well-recommended brands. Flashlights with Xenon bulbs (filled with xenon gas) are a little brighter than regular incandescents.
For an "everyday carry flashlight" -- to keep in the glove compartment, purse or pocket, or to hang on a key ring -- experts recommend picking a good-quality flashlight with an LED instead of an incandescent bulb. Incandescent flashlight bulbs are apt to burn out suddenly or break if the flashlight is dropped, so reviews recommend LED flashlights for possible emergency use. LED bulbs don't have breakable parts and last for 10,000 or more hours of use.
White LEDs (which are really blue LEDs with a special phosphor coating) show colors best -- important for reading a colored map. If you want to preserve night vision for stargazing or night hikes, experts recommend a red LED flashlight, as long as it's dim enough that the light it casts doesn't actually look red. However, for an everyday flashlight for a purse, backpack or belt holster, experts suggest sticking with white.
The LEDs in cheap flashlights aren't as bright and are more liable to be shaped or colored oddly. Reviews say even good-quality LEDs vary enough that even within the same flashlight model, the color of the light could vary somewhat, from slightly yellowish to slightly blue or purple. This is just the current state of the technology. If you really hate the color of the light a new flashlight produces, you may have better luck if you exchange it for another of the same model.
For everyday use, your best in an LED flashlight depends primarily on the size and weight you want to carry, as well as the brightness you need. (Note that most -- but not all -- flashlight specifications for weight include the batteries.)
Key-ring flashlights weigh less than an ounce and can also fit easily in a pocket -- fine for finding a keyhole or reading a map. Most are just barely bright enough to light your path, and get much dimmer long before the LED bulb gives up.
Pocket flashlights are still small enough to carry in a pocket, ideal for a glove compartment or backpack. The best pocket flashlights boost and regulate voltage so that as the battery loses charge, the light stays bright.
Glove-compartment flashlights are too big for a pocket, but take only a little space in a glove compartment. The best glove-compartment flashlights provide long runtime plus adjustable light levels, so you can read a map at one level, but get brighter light to change a tire.
Emergency crank flashlights are still small enough to fit in a glove compartment and need no batteries at all. The best run 30 to 60 minutes after one minute of cranking, and one model can also charge a cell phone.
Household flashlights are larger and often heavy, but they're fine for general household tasks such as rooting around in the attic or finding your way in a power outage. A high-quality plastic case is best if you might use the flashlight to work around wiring.
Rechargeable flashlights are usually limited to situations where an AC outlet is handy for recharging the battery, or where the sun shines enough to make solar recharging reliable
If you think you might get into a really dangerous situation -- facing a bear, a human assailant or a hazardous path at night -- reviews recommend relatively small, light, tactical flashlights . These can throw light far ahead or temporarily blind an attacker, but the best models let you adjust the brightness to lower levels as well. Tactical flashlights are designed primarily for police, military, firefighting and hunting use, so we cover them only briefly in this report (see the Alternative Considerations section below). Tactical flashlights are so bright that they should be kept out of reach of children, so one child doesn't accidentally blind a sibling temporarily.
Some LED flashlights can run on alkaline batteries, others use only more expensive lithium-ion batteries, and some run on a whole range of batteries (including rechargeable NiMH). Expert flashlight reviews recommend lithium-ion-powered flashlights for use in very cold weather, for flashlights stored in a disaster shelter or for when you need the brightest light and longest runtime. Longer runtime makes lithium-ion batteries ideal for hikes or long trips. (ConsumerSearch has a separate report on batteries.)
Brighter isn't always better. A flashlight that's too bright can wake your sleeping partner, create so much glare that a page is hard to read or make it hard to adjust your vision back to the dark. The most flexible (and expensive) flashlights let you select from among several levels of light. Lower light levels (7 to 9 lumens) are better for closeup tasks and night walks, while higher levels let you see much further. Intermediate levels (about 45 lumens) are good for changing a tire or cooking a meal. As a rough comparison, the familiar MagLite 2D flashlight (*Est. $20) averages 36 lumens -- with a Xenon bulb that's brighter than a cheaper 2D flashlight. A flashlight that provides 80 lumens, comparable to a MagLite 3D (*Est. $22), is bright enough to temporarily blind someone close to you, and some flashlights provide even brighter strobe lights to summon rescuers.
Not all flashlight manufacturers specify the lumens, and measurement methods vary even among those that do. Furthermore, two flashlights that put out the same light in lumens may concentrate that light in totally different ways -- with one throwing a small spotlight beam a long distance and another spreading the light more for closeup or intermediate tasks. Also, the quality of the circle of light varies -- smoothly graduated or with dim spots, rings or other unevenness.
As if this weren't complicated enough, brightness varies over time -- not only gradually as batteries fade, but also within a few seconds of turning some flashlights on. Minimizing this dimming is one major reason some flashlights cost much more than others. It requires more than a top-quality LED -- it also needs digital technology, which adds to the price.
For years, standard key-ring flashlights used incandescent bulbs powered by one AAA alkaline battery. The durable, water-resistant MagLite Solitaire is still available, but flashlight reviews say it can't compare with the tiny Photon Micro-Light LED flashlights. They produce about six times the total light of the MagLite Solitaire, but weigh less than half as much and are smaller than a quarter. Both flashlights carry a lifetime guarantee, but while the MagLite carries a spare bulb in its tail, the LED on the Photon Micro-Light flashlight is unbreakable.
Flashlight enthusiast and reviewer Daniel Rutter of Dansdata.com calls the Photon Micro-Light "the best single LED light in the world if you want something really, really small." All the Micro-Light models use a high-output 5mm Nichia LED powered by tiny 3-volt lithium-ion "coin" batteries (*est. $3). FlashlightReviews.com estimates that the Photon Micro-Light Freedom (*Est. $20) can throw light about 23 feet, but of course these tiny flashlights are designed for closer use -- to read a map, find a keyhole or follow a footpath.
The Photon Freedom Micro-Light is the model reviews recommend most, since it has a microprocessor that lets the user adjust brightness. Reviews say that it's bright enough for short walks, yet can be dimmed for use next to a sleeping partner. In addition, four strobe-light options provide light that's visible up to a mile -- useful for summoning rescuers while prolonging battery life. It comes with both a quick-release key ring and a lanyard with a rotating magnetic clip. When clipped onto a hat brim, the Micro-Light serves as a small headlamp. Photon says the white-LED version gets up to 12 hours of battery life even at the brightest setting, but earlier reviews say it gets significantly dimmer after three or four hours -- though it provides some usable light far longer.
The Photon Micro-Light II (*Est. $16) has just one brightness level, while the Photon Micro-Light I has to be squeezed to stay on. The budget model, the Photon X-Light is made in China, but reviews say it's still better than knock-offs made by other brands. One review notes that the light from the X-light is slightly less even than that of the Micro-Light flashlights, but gives a nice broad beam for walking at night.
The newest model, the Photon ReX (*Est. $30) isn't reviewed yet at any of the big flashlight-review sites, but we did see a preview at BackpackingLight.com, plus some owner-written reviews. The Photon ReX provides brighter light with four LEDs instead of one -- and uses rechargeable batteries that lower the lifetime running costs. The rechargeable lithium-ion batteries recharge from any ordinary 1.2- to 3-volt battery, so each charge costs only about six cents. Recharging it from an AA rechargeable NiMH battery brings the cost per charge down to less than half a penny. It takes about two hours to recharge the flashlight, and it can't be overcharged. A solar charger is in the works.
These are great features, but owner-written reviews at the Photon forum indicate that it may have some bugs to resolve. Some owners have trouble with the recharging system, and reports of battery life vary from four hours down to 15 minutes. It's also bigger (1.25 by 2 inches, about half an inch thick), though even with batteries, it still weighs only 0.66 ounces.
Some flashlights powered by a single AAA battery, such as the MagLite Solitaire mentioned above, can also be considered key-ring flashlights. However, they're so much bigger than the Photon Micro-Light flashlights that it makes more sense to think of them as pocket-size or travel flashlights.
The waterproof Arc AAA Premium (*est. $45), often recommended in reviews, can get much more light out of a single AAA battery than the MagLite, because it boosts the voltage with a regulator. The voltage regulator keeps the light consistently bright for five hours, then automatically dims for at least another two hours before the battery needs replacement. This gives the Arc AAA Premium a big advantage over the MagLite flashlights and the Photon Micro-Light models as well -- all of which dim as the battery fades.
In addition, the Arc AAA Premium flashlight is waterproof, not just water-resistant, and it uses lithium, alkaline or rechargeable NiMH batteries. Like the Micro-Lights, it uses a 5mm Nichia LED, but the flashlight itself is bigger -- about 2.75 inches long -- and at 0.8 ounces, a bit heavier. The light output is about 9 lumens. For only about $5 more, the newer Arc AAA Premium w/GS LED (*est. $50) is slightly brighter at 10.5 lumens.
Those light levels are high enough for closeup work or to light a footpath, but for brighter, adjustable light, reviews recommend the single-AAA Fenix L0D (*est. $40) or L0D-CE. The Fenix L0D uses a Luxeon LED while the L0D-CE uses a CREE XR-E bulb; both are twice as efficient as the 5mm Nichia bulb. This makes the Fenix L0D-CE bright enough to serve as a general-purpose flashlight -- amazing from an AAA battery. The Luxeon-LED version is similar, but it uses a textured reflector that spreads the light a bit more.
The brightness from these flashlights adjusts to 7.5, 20 or 50 lumens -- plus there's a strobe and an SOS light for emergencies. The expert review at FlashlightReviews.com says that at maximum brightness, the Fenix L0D-CE puts out as much light as a large 3D MagLite flashlight -- and at medium brightness, as much as a 2D MagLite. Owners say it can easily light up a yard. For many situations, therefore, the lowest light setting -- which runs 6 to 9 hours per battery -- will be bright enough. Unlike the Arc AAA, the Fenix flashlights have flat tails (even with a key ring inserted) so they can stand upright for general illumination.
One minor disadvantage of the Fenix L0D-CE is that instead of using a voltage regulator to adjust light levels, it uses pulse modulation -- the same method used by the Photon Micro-Light Freedom. This can result in some slight flickering at the low light level. Stepping up to the single-AA Fenix L1D-CE flashlight brings you a voltage regulator for consistent light, plus even brighter levels: 9, 40 and 80 lumens (plus a 90-lumen turbo/strobe mode) and longer runtime (two to 25 hours, depending on the light level). It's less than four inches long -- about the size of a typical Swiss Army knife -- and weighs 1.73 ounces. In a Cool Tools review at Kevin Kelly.org, Vincent Tseng, a flashlight enthusiast, says that of all the flashlights he's tried, the Fenix L1D-CE is the one he uses most.
For an even better combination of size, brightness and runtime, FlashlightReviews.com calls the 2-ounce Fenix P2D-CE (*Est. $55) the "perfect every day carry light," because it's "smaller than the 1D, with the output of the [bigger] 2D." It uses a high-quality Cree LED and a single CR123A cylindrical lithium-ion battery, so it's only about 3.25 inches long.
The Fenix P2D-CE also earns top ratings from owners reviewing it at Amazon.com, where one says it's "as bright as my 6D cell MagLite and fits in my pocket." Light levels adjust to 9, 40 and 80 lumens, plus a 135-lumen turbo/strobe mode. It runs about three hours on the high setting, 8 hours on medium and 30 hours on low. The sole disadvantage is that it uses only lithium-ion batteries.
As a budget pocket LED flashlight, staff at OpticsPlanet.com recommend the 3-LED, 3AAA Streamlight Clipmate. It produces just one level of light (27 lumens), but runs up to 40 hours per set of 3 AAA batteries. Despite the number of batteries, it's pocket-sized at 3.5 inches long, but comes with a lanyard and removable clip. For use with the clip, the head rotates 360 degrees. The Clipmate is only water-resistant, not waterproof like the Fenix flashlights, and at this price, it lacks a voltage regulator or pulse modulation -- so the light gradually dims as the batteries fade.
Most 2AA flashlights are about six inches long -- too big for a pocket, but fine for a glove compartment. In this size range, reviews give top marks to the waterproof Fenix L2D-CE (*Est. $55), which uses two AA batteries and weighs just under two ounces. A voltage regulator boosts light levels and keeps the light consistent at any of three levels: 9, 40 or 80 lumens -- plus a 135-lumen strobe for emergencies.
Since it uses two CR123A lithium-ion batteries, the Fenix P3D-CE Premium Q5 (*Est. $70) is even shorter at about 4.5 inches. It's ranked third at CPFReviews.com, but among the top four flashlights, the Fenix P3D-CE gets the highest rating for "biggest bang for the buck." It provides both very bright light (at 9, 40 and 90 lumens) and nearly twice the runtime (5, 13 and 65 hours). For emergencies, the 215-lumen turbo mode could definitely signal rescuers.
If you only want a flashlight to help you stay on a path or read a map, a less expensive 2AA flashlight may be all you need. Like other MagLite flashlights, the Mini MagLite (*Est. $10) is water- and shock-resistant, adjusts from spot to flood beam, holds a spare bulb inside and carries a lifetime warranty. It provides about 5.5 hours of runtime, with brightness averaging about 15 lumens. Since it lacks a voltage regulator, the light will gradually dim.
The LED version of the MagLite 2AA flashlight (*Est. $20) produces nearly five times as much light as the incandescent model, and you shouldn't need to replace the Luxeon LED for about 100,000 hours. The main drawback is shorter runtime per set of batteries. Tests at FlashlightReviews.com show the light dimming to 50 percent in a little over three hours, and shortly thereafter, the batteries need replacing. This flashlight gets mixed reviews from owners at Amazon.com, partly because the light goes out so suddenly.
The MagLite 2AA LED produces a single light level that, with fresh batteries, is similar to the middle levels on the Fenix flashlights discussed above. However, the MagLite starts dimming right away, and total runtime is much shorter. It's a good budget choice, but the cost of battery replacements will eventually make the Fenix L2D-CE a more cost-effective flashlight -- with better features to boot. In addition, the Fenix P3D-CE offers even longer runtime -- ideal for a glove-compartment emergency flashlight.
For use around the house, it's hard to beat a regular flashlight that uses alkaline D cells. You get a lot of light for the price. For example, owners reviewing flashlights at HomeDepot.com give top grades to the MagLite X0101H two-flashlight combo (*Est. $20) (*est. $20). The combo includes one 3D flashlight with a Krypton lamp plus a smaller 2AA flashlight, both with beams that adjust from spot to flood. They're water- and shock-resistant, with aluminum alloy cases.
Among incandescent flashlights, reviews give MagLite models top marks for quality, performance and durability. However, as noted earlier, all incandescent flashlight bulbs are relatively fragile, and they don't last as long as LEDs. The LED models are brighter, too. For example, tests at FlashlightReviews.com show the MagLite 2D LED flashlight putting out the same amount of light as the incandescent MagLite 3D (*Est. $22) . Surprisingly, the LED flashlights also get longer runtime.
Since the MagLite 2D LED lacks a voltage regulator, tests show brightness dropping to about 50 percent almost immediately; then staying fairly steady for about 22 hours before dimming even more. The MagLite 2D LED flashlight has gotten mixed ratings from the handful of owners reviewing it at Amazon.com. Owners agree that it's bright, but one says the LED module can pop out and break if the flashlight is dropped. A spare incandescent bulb -- which this flashlight can also use -- is stored in the tail, but replacing the LED is expensive.
This problem isn't noted by owners reviewing the MagLite 3D LED flashlight (*Est. $30) . Although this flashlight is big and heavy -- over 12 inches long and almost two pounds with batteries -- owners give this model top marks so far. One says it "can light up a building 200 feet away." Tests show the 3D flashlight doesn't dim to 50 percent as fast as the 2D model, and total runtime is slightly longer. Therefore, if the size isn't a problem, the MagLite 3D LED flashlight is a good budget choice. It puts out nearly twice the light of the incandescent MagLite 3D (*Est. $22) , with far better runtime as well.
Owners rating flashlights at Lowes.com give high marks to the Task Force Super 3 Watt LED Aluminum (*est. $30). Like the MagLite 2D and 3D LED flashlights, it uses a 3-watt Luxeon LED, but powers it with two C batteries instead of D batteries. We found no objective tests of this flashlight, but it would be reasonable to conclude that the MagLite flashlights get longer runtime. The main advantage of this Task Force flashlight is its smaller size and lighter weight.
The Dorcy 6-watt K2 Luxeon LED 41-4295 (*Est. $40) gets good ratings from owners reviewing it at Sears.com. It incorporates a heat sink to dissipate the heat from the bright 120-lumen LED. Though it weighs 1.6 pounds and is about ten inches long, this Dorcy model comes with a detachable belt clip. Owners say that it throws light over 100 feet and that its single light level is brighter than a MagLite 2D.
If runtime is more important than brightness, you might consider the Craftsman 3D LED 41-5830 (*est. $20). It uses only a 1-watt Luxeon LED, compared with the 3-watt Luxeon LED used on the MagLite 3D LED flashlight, so overall output has to be lower. The Craftsman does provide two light levels, though, running up to 200 hours on the brightest level and 280 on the lower. Owners reviewing it at Sears.com give it reasonably high marks.
The Stanley MaxLife Tripod 369 (*Est. $25) is even dimmer, though it uses up to six LEDs. Its main advantage is its versatility. You can use it as a handheld flashlight with the three aluminum legs folded together, or spread them out for a hands-free work light. Though it doesn't make the "Top Picks" list at FlashlightReviews.com, Doug Pribis gives it a "good" rating and adds that it's a "great utility light for around the house and fantastic for power outages."
Pribis praises the MaxLife Tripod's runtime, saying "plop in 9 cells and it'll run for days on only one LED." Stanley officially rates the runtime as 200 hours with nine AA alkaline batteries. The flashlight will also operate from three or six batteries. The number of LEDs lit is user selectable at one, three or six.
Though we've seen some complaints regarding brightness -- which FlashlightReviews.com measures at just 7.18 lumens with six LEDs lit -- most users at Home Depot, Lowes and Amazon.com give this unusual flashlight fairly high marks. The other issue worth noting is that reviewers and users say the head doesn't always stay aimed where you want it, and there's no way to tighten it. Pribis also claims that the MaxLife Tripod is a little awkward to hold as a conventional flashlight. This flashlight has some interesting features, but can be considered "budget" in most ways -- it's not very bright compared to others, and it has some usability issues, but most owners say it's a useful gadget.
Paying more for an LED flashlight with a voltage regulator keeps the light from dimming rapidly, as it does with the less expensive household flashlights discussed above. The Streamlight ProPolymer Luxeon 3C #33244 (*Est. $40) is the top-rated 1-watt LED flashlight at FlashlightReviews.com. This review praises the way its light stays consistently bright (at about 44 lumens) for six hours before dropping to 50 percent. Therefore, it's an excellent flashlight for close-up and intermediate-range tasks.
The sturdy polymer body is also an advantage for jobs where electricity might make a metal flashlight case dangerous, and it comes with a clip. This flashlight's only drawback is you can't stand it upright on its tail. It puts out a little more light than an incandescent MagLite 3D, but not as much as a MagLite 2D or 3D LED.
Bear in mind that a household flashlight can be a lot smaller and put out even more light. As noted earlier in the sections on pocket-size and glove-compartment flashlights, reviews and owners praise the Fenix LED flashlights for consistent, bright, adjustable light with long runtimes. Their ultra-durability just isn't usually as important for household use.
For emergency use, a "crank flashlight" can be ideal because it needs no replacement batteries at all. Instead, you turn a handle for about a minute at a time, which recharges the internal battery. Crank flashlights, also called windup flashlights, are an especially good choice for a disaster-preparation kit. The main caveat is that we didn't find any windup flashlights with lifetime warranties or tight weather seals.
As the most useful crank flashlight, two reviews recommend the five-LED Electrilite (*est. $20), because it can also charge your cell phone. At DigitalReviews.net, reviewer Mike Regtien confirms that one minute of cranking is enough to get a bright light for 30 minutes. After that, the brightness gradually declines. For even more runtime per windup, you can lower the light level by using fewer than all five LEDs. You can also get a version with four white LEDs plus one red, so you can use just the red LED for night vision.
Reports say that it takes three minutes of cranking to get eight minutes of cell phone usage -- not bad for emergency calls. A voltage regulator protects the cell phone, and the Electrilite comes with adapters for various cell phone brands. At 3.5 x 2.25 x 1 inches in size, this flashlight is just barely pocket-size, and it isn't waterproof -- but it's a good choice for a glove-compartment flashlight. That way, if you're stranded on a highway with a car that won't start and a cell phone that's lost its charge, you can still make emergency calls.
For light alone, without cell phone charging, the three-LED Wind 'n Go flashlight gets high ratings from owners reviewing it at Amazon.com. Owners say it fits comfortably in the hand and is bright enough for a nighttime walk. For longer runtime, you can use just one of the LEDs. Most owners say cranking the Wind 'n Go flashlight for one minute gives an hour of bright light (followed by several hours of dimming light). There may be an occasional lemon, since one owner complains he gets only a few minutes of bright light. The warranty is for one year.
Also at Amazon.com, one especially useful review of the Dynamo Illuminator provides a detailed comparison with the Garrity Power-Lite . Both get average 4-star ratings from owner-reviews at Amazon.com, but the Garrity Power-Lite -- though a bit harder to crank -- provides bright light much longer, and it focuses the light into a stronger beam. It's fairly big -- 1.1 x 6 x 2 inches -- and weighs over a pound (about as much as a can of soda). However, the rubberized grip makes the Garrity Power-Lite reasonably easy to hold, and owners also give it high ratings at Wal-Mart.com. The lifetime warranty doesn't cover the internal NiMH battery, and we found a few reports of quality-control problems.
Shake flashlights recharge an internal battery when the user shakes them vigorously. This might seem easier than hand cranking, but we read disappointed owner-written reviews of quite a few shake flashlights. Owners say this type of flashlight produces too little light for the effort, recommending it only as a children's toy. For that purpose, a shake flashlight does, indeed, save batteries.
The main drawback to windup or crank flashlights is that they're not built for durability, and warranties are short or even unspecified -- which lessens their value for emergency use. It would be wise to keep a more durable "lifetime" flashlight on hand as well. Note that some crank powered emergency radios also include flashlights and cell-phone chargers. These are covered in our separate report on weather radios.
Some emergency rechargeable flashlights are designed to provide relatively brief light at the start of a power outage. They're left plugged into an AC outlet, then turn on automatically when the power goes out. After that, a rechargeable model can serve as a handheld flashlight to help you find candles or a lantern (or go out to start your portable generator). Or you can leave them in place like a nightlight.
Owners reviewing rechargeable flashlights at Amazon.com give reasonably high marks to the Intermatic Three-Way Emergency Power Failure Light #PR3C (*Est. $12). Owners like the six-year warranty as well as the pass-through outlet, which lets you plug in other devices. The main complaint is that the flashlight stays bright only for about 15 or 20 minutes; after that it's dimmer -- though it can still serve as a nightlight. We found similar complaints about other models.
A solar-powered flashlight isn't as reliable for emergency use, since the sun may not be shining enough when you need to recharge it. As an extra flashlight, however, the fairly new 6-LED BoGo Light is getting quite a bit of attention because when you buy one, the manufacturer also sends one to the developing country of your choice -- or to United States servicemen in Iraq or Afghanistan. Articles at Newsweek, The New York Times, National Public Radio and elsewhere praise this program. Villagers can replace relatively dangerous kerosene lamps with solar BoGo flashlights. Experts estimate that about 2 billion people in the world live off the electrical grid, and in some African countries, a third of a household's income goes to kerosene.
The 13-ounce BoGo Light needs about eight hours of sunlight to provide four to five hours of light. Reviews -- and villagers -- say the light is bright enough to read by. The solar panel should last 20 years, and the three AA rechargeable NiMH batteries can be recharged up to 1,000 times. The hard ABS plastic case is water- and shock-resistant, and comes with a hook for carrying on a backpack or to illuminate a room. An even better BoGo Light will be available later in 2008; see The Buzz section below.
Most rechargeable flashlights have a shorter runtime per battery charge and are pretty expensive for the light you get. The halogen MagLite RX1019 (*Est. $90) gets top rating among owners reviewing flashlights at Amazon.com, but owners say it only provides about two hours of runtime, then must be recharged for another two hours. Some owners recommend the Streamlight Stinger Rechargeable Flashlight 75014 (*Est. $85) as a brighter yet lighter-weight alternative. At 10 ounces, it weighs only about a third as much as the MagLite RX1019, but it has only half the runtime -- about an hour.
Rechargeable flashlights with removable batteries let you replace a drained battery with a freshly recharged one (as long as you have at least two batteries). This gives you unlimited runtime, as long as you have access to an AC outlet for the charger. The best buys usually come bundled with other cordless tools. These kits usually include two batteries and a charger, plus a cordless drill, flashlight and possibly more tools as well. We cover these in our reports on cordless drills and circular saws.
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SAN JOSE -- The Earthquakes want to keep a majority of their players who won the 2012 Supporters Shield but it won't be easy with a limited payroll. Here's a look at those who might not return:
SIMON DAWKINS: The English striker wants to stay in San Jose but has played in MLS through a loan with English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur. The Quakes probably don't have the money to buy him outright -- and Dawkins, 24, doesn't want another loan deal.
JEAN-MARC ALEXANDER: The 26-year-old defender barely makes the MLS minimum but is expendable after playing only eight minutes this season.
RAMIRO CORRALES: The aging fullback says he would retire if he doesn't play in San Jose next year. Corrales, 35, might need to make less than his reported $183, 875 earnings to remain with the team.
JOEY GJERTSEN: Gjertsen, 30 didn't play this year because of injury after starting 29 games the previous two seasons. The right-side midfielder who earns $93,625 might be too expensive to keep.
SERCAN GUVENISIK: The 32-year-old Turkish striker played in only five games in his first MLS season. Guvenisik, who was not with the club the past two weeks because of a personal leave, is vulnerable with a salary of $103,333.
KHARI STEPHENSON: The Jamaican midfielder's playing time was cut in half from 2011 because of the fierce competition at his position. Stephenson, 31, might be too expensive at his current salary of $203,333.
TIM WARD: The fullback has played in three games in two years because of injuries. With Steven Beitashour and Justin Morrow developing into top-notch defenders it's doubtful the Earthquakes have room for Ward, 26.
Contact Elliott Almond at 408-920-5865 and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/elliottalmond.

subset: commoncrawl


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|Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer
|(361) 825-3674
Brett is the Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer responsible for the Islanders Baseball team. He is a graduate of Missouri State University in Springfield, Mo.
In addition to clinical practice and being a full time graduate student, Brett teaches courses in the Texas A&M - Corpus Christi Athletic Training Education Program.
His professional interests include research in human movement, manual therapy skills, and performance enhancement training. Brett is Functional Movement Screen certified and has special training in various manual therapy techniques. Brett is a native of Branson, MO.


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SAN JOSE — Ryane Clowe returned to HP Pavilion on Tuesday for the first time since his stick-slamming outburst that earned him 37 minutes in penalties in the Sharks' 4-1 victory over Vancouver on Sunday night, and he wasn't at all contrite.
"There's no secret how I play. I'm an intense guy and I'm an emotional guy. I try to play on the edge and sometimes you go over. I don't make any apologies for that," Clowe said after a morning skate in preparation for that night's game against the Anaheim Ducks.
He acknowledged, however, that he didn't like the fact he earned an extra two minutes in the penalty box for unsportsmanlike conduct for protesting a high-sticking call late in the second period.
"I don't like taking those penalties, that extra penalty where you hurt your team," he said. "Obviously that wasn't my plan, but I don't make any apologies for going over the edge."
Clowe was in the box before the opening faceoff Sunday night as linemate Logan Couture ended up exchanging shoves with Canucks forward Alex Burrows. A first-period fight with Zach Kassian followed as did two other minor penalties before the outburst that ended Clowe's night.
"The last one put me over the edge," he said, referring to the penalty drawn by Vancouver defenseman Keith Ballard at 19:30 of the second period. "It was a stupid call. I tried to finish a guy and he just skated out of trouble. I don't know if I even got a piece of him and the guy gives me a high-stick. It was just a constant march to the penalty box and it got frustrating."
Clowe banged his stick around the penalty box while continuing to complain, then slammed the stick to the floor when he drew an additional 10-minute misconduct and a game misconduct.
The referee who made the call, Dave Jackson, is scheduled to officiate Tuesday night's game as well.
So did Clowe and coach Todd McLellan talk about the incident?
"Not really," he said. "He knows how I play and nothing I do intentionally is to try and put the team in trouble. I'm smart enough to know I can't take those penalties, but sometimes that happens."
Clowe said he did hear from the San Francisco Bulls, the ECHL team he helped coach during the lockout.
"I did get a couple texts that said, now I understand why you didn't suit up for us," Clowe said.
For more on the Sharks, see David Pollak's Working the Corners blog at blogs.mercurynews.com/sharks. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/PollakOnSharks.


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Campbellsville University senior Natalie Olp will be showcasing her artwork April 2-10 in the art gallery located on the campus of Campbellsville University.
"I don't create my artwork with a grand purpose or with a deeper meaning in mind," the Christian County High School graduate said. "I create art for art's sake and for my sheer love of creating. Ever since I can remember I have always felt a passion, a sort of need, to make art."
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ATV Storage Covers-RealTree AP Camo XX-Large ATV Storage Cover
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The ATV Storage Cover by Classic Accessories, uses durable ProtekX2 fabric with water-resistant backing and an exterior coating for great weather and abrasion protection. The design is updated for an improved fit that fits a wider variety of ATVs. The elastic hem cord provides a custom, quick, and tight fit to protect your ATV. Each cover comes with it's own storage bag to keep your cover clean when it's not in use.
Technical Specs
Weight: 3.6 lbs.
Dimensions: Fits ATVs up to 88 inches long, 48 inches wide, and 48 inches high.
Manufacturer: Classic Accessories
Mfg Part #: 15-060-064704-00
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Washington's source for compelling television and inspiring classical music. Donate Online
You don't have to live in England to watch TV from the UK! Right here in DC, MD, and VA, watch British television 24 hours a day, 7 days a week all for free and without commercials on WETA UK! Read on for our highlights in this week's WETA UK schedule!
Monday tune in for the conclusion of I, Claudius at 8:00pm! All the drama and excitement will come to a close in this last episode of the series Old King Log. We hope you've enjoyed this rare and monumental series.
Tuesday at 6:00am, we begin All Creatures Great and Small season 2! This wholesome series is a family favorite and British classic. Download or print our WETA UK ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL SEASON 2 EPISODE GUIDE. This show also airs Sundays at 8:00am, Tuesdays – Fridays at 6:00am, and Mondays – Thursdays at 2:00pm on WETA UK.
Tuesday at 7:00pm, you can find your laughs with Last of the Summer Wine season 17 episode 1! This series is so funny it ran for 32 seasons. Don't hesitate, jump right in!
Tuesday at 8:00pm, continue watching the period drama Call the Midwife. In this episode, a baby girl recently delivered by Jenny is snatched from her baby carriage. The local community unites as they search for the missing child. Meanwhile, Cynthia witnesses another type of loss as she assists soon-to-be parents David and Margaret.
Wednesday is full of thrill, drama, and crimes! At 8:00pm, catch part 2 of Inspector Morse: Happy Families, then at 9:00pm the final installment of Prime Suspect: The Last Witness, and on Hustle at 10:00pm, the team cons a pair of ruthless venture capitalists by posing as a PR company.
Thursday we want to feed your mystery and crime fix with the best of British dramas. First at 8:00pm Rosemary & Thyme are on to a new case, at 9:00pm Waking the Dead concludes the mystery In Sight of the Lord, and at 10:00pm on New Tricks, the team takes on Powerhouse.
Friday start watching the light-hearted comedy My Hero from the very beginning! We're airing season 1, episode 1 at 4:30pm on WETA UK! Check out this WETA UK MY HERO SEASON 1 EPISODE GUIDE for an outline of the season!
Friday is the last day of back-to-back episodes of Doc Martin. Return to this blog soon to see the new WETA UK Friday evening lineup and remember to watch back-to-back episodes of Doc Martin on WETA TV26 and WETA HD every Saturday at 8:00pm!
Saturday starting at 8:00pm, we conclude the most recent season of Masterpiece Mystery! Sherlock during the WETA UK Event: The Complete Sherlock! The Hounds of Baskerville is a twist on the classic tale: A gigantic hound is legend around Baskerville, a top-secret military compound where, it's rumored, chemical and biological weapons experiments are conducted on genetically engineered animals. Henry Knight has just seen the hound's footprints in the very location where it killed his father decades before. Sherlock Holmes gleefully sets off to track the demonic hound with John Watson in tow. Then the big finale The Reichenbach Fall: Insane criminal mastermind Jim Moriarty is busy plotting the crime of the century. But bringing Britain to its knees is just a prelude for Sherlock's arch-nemesis, who orchestrates a perilous cat-and-mouse game with the object of his obsession.
Sunday starting at 8:00pm get your laugh on with Yes, Minister, Miranda, Black Adder, and Mr. Bean!
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Thursday's letters: Learn a lesson
Published: Thursday, March 28, 2013 at 4:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at 7:04 p.m.
To the editor: As we all know, the White House discontinued tours to save $74,000 a week. Of course, this was conveniently blamed on the advice of the Secret Service, in typical Barack Obama fashion. This is a property, incidentally, that happens to belong to all of us, and we pay a pretty steep price to maintain it in tax revenue!
While $74,000 sounds like a lot to some, maybe Obama should leave Air Force One on the runway for a little while since it costs $187,000 an hour for him to jet around the country to continue to campaign and push his socialist agenda, even though the campaign ended last November. Additionally, maybe when Michelle travels, she might consider taking the same flight rather than taking Air Force Two at similar expense for ski trips to Aspen, for example.
Its obvious that they are enjoying the ride on the backs of the taxpaying public who continue to sponsor this excessive behavior without a whimper. If the new pope can take the bus and live modestly, given his position as a world leader, maybe our precedent can take a lesson and do the same!
Bob Jopson
Smoke screens
To the editor: Your recent Associated Press article on Sen. Rob Portmans changing stand on gay marriage hit the nail on the head. With the issue of gay marriage and with the issue of immigration also shifting rapidly under Republicans feet, they seem increasingly focused and united on one overarching goal: keeping income taxes from rising.
It seems that Republican conservatives fanning the flames of hate against gay rights, stirring the populace against illegal and legal immigrants, and claiming to be the representatives of conservative values were only ploys, or smoke screens, for the real Republican conservative issue: saving the money in their own wallets even if it means doing so on the backs of those middle-class children who are simply trying to get an education in order to better themselves, often out of poverty, and often on the backs of those who cannot afford adequate health care, including those who have severe mental illnesses.
Abraham Lincoln, the founder of the Republican Party, in his Gettysburg address spoke eloquently of government of the people, by the people, and for the people, and to see the recent picture in the Times-News of local Republicans standing in front of a portrait of Lincoln is blasphemous to his memory and to his principles.
Clay Eddleman
Reader comments posted to this article may be published in our print edition. All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.


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MARIETTA-With day three of the 20th annual Reds Legends Youth Baseball Clinic in the books, baseball players from around the area have taken in an experience they will most likely never forget.
"It's been pretty sweet seeing all these legends out here in Marietta," said Cale Hill, who will enter the seventh grade at Marietta Middle School this fall.
Hill, an infielder, especially enjoyed getting to work with former Reds two-bagger Bret Boone. Boone shared one story in particular that Hill found interesting. To improve in fielding, Boone said he would often practice getting into a fielding position while doing mundane tasks at his house.
"He said he goes around his house in an athletic position getting ketchup and hamburgers and stuff," Hill explained.
For Hill and his brother Turner, 14, attending the Reds Legends camp at VFW Field has become a tradition. The two have participated at the clinic since they were around five-years-old.
As die-hard Cincinnati Reds fans, the camp is something they both cherish.
Turner said working with former Reds star outfielder Eric Davis on Thursday was his biggest thrill of the summer.
"I learned a lot from the hitting that Eric Davis was teaching me," he said, "and hitting off of the tees."
Turner will begin his freshman year at Marietta High School this fall and will look to make an impact on the Tiger baseball team. He believes he will greatly benefit from what he has learned the past three days from the former Reds greats and other camp volunteers.
Along with Boone and Davis, former Reds Don Gullett and Leo Cardenas were also on hand to share their wisdom. Gullett worked exclusively with pitchers, while Cardenas focused on hitting and fielding.
For camp director Mike Wagner and his staff, the 20th anniversary year will definitely go down as a success.
"Outstanding," Wagner said. "It's everything I hoped it would be. The weather has been great. I'm just real happy with the feedback I've gotten. Everybody's had a good time and everybody seemed to learn a lot. Bret Boone and Eric Davis as the special guests this year, everybody was real impressed with them as well as myself. They did an awesome job.
"Coming into it, all the expectations that I wanted to have, we've met all those and far exceeded the expectations for the camp. I'm real pleased."
Along with Wagner and his family, some of the volunteers that helped make the camp a success included Steve Hill, Ron Casey, Luke and Tim Moore, Jim Wilhelm, Joe Matheney, Kevin Pierson, Mike and Jeff Hopkins, Curtis Whitlak and Jim Rogers, among others.
"I'd just like to thank God," Wagner said. "I'm a praying man and I want to thank God for what He's done for this camp. I pray all the time and take faith that He's gonna help me, and that's a big part of this. How do we get through 20 years, the way we have, without some help from God?"


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Editorial Staff and Contributors
An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of structures in the body. A
Doppler ultrasound
is a special type of ultrasound that can show blood flow in the vessels.
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
An ultrasound is used to show details of structures in the abdomen. It can show features like the size and movement of organs, cysts or growths, or fluid collections. An ultrasound of the abdomen is most often done to:
In most cases, there are no complications with this test.
A physical exam may be done. Your bodily fluids may also be tested. This can be done with blood or urine tests.
In some cases, your doctor may instruct you to:
You will lie on a table. A gel will be placed over the area that will be checked. The gel helps the sound waves travel from a wand to your body.
The ultrasound machine has a hand-held wand. The wand is pushed against your skin where the gel has been applied. The wand sends sound waves into your body. The waves bounce off your internal organs and echo back to the wand. The computer can convert echoes into images on a screen. The images on the screen are examined by your doctor. A photograph of them may be taken.
You may be asked to change positions or hold your breath during the exam.
The gel will be cleaned off your abdomen. You will be able to leave after the test is done. You will be able to return to your normal activities.
30 minutes
No. But, if you have a full bladder during the test, you may feel uncomfortable.
The images are looked at by doctors. A report will be given to your doctor. Based on the results, you and your doctor will talk about more tests and treatment options.
After the test, call your doctor if the symptoms you had before the test become worse.
In case of an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.
Association for Medical Ultrasound
Radiological Society of North America
Health Canada
Radiology Consultants Associated
ACR practice guideline for performing and interpreting diagnostic ultrasound examinations. American College of Radiology website. Available at:
Updated 2011. Accessed March 5, 2013.
General ultrasound imaging. Radiological Society of North America Radiology Info website. Available at:
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=genus. Updated 2014. Accessed January 26, 2015.
Sanders RC.
Real-time ultrasound in abdominal examinations.
Radiology. 1979 Dec;133(3 Pt1):825.
Ultrasound—abdomen. Radiological Society of North America Radiology Info website. Available at:
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=abdominus. Updated February 12, 2014. Accessed January 26, 2015.
Last reviewed January 2015 by Michael Woods, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © EBSCO Publishing. All rights reserved.


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The New School
Spring 2013 Dance Production - Friday
The Arts program at Eugene Lang College presents the annual Spring Dance Production.
The program will feature work produced by the John Jasperse Residency, the David Thomson Movement Research Residency, Neil Greenberg's First Year Repertory, and original student work.
All pieces will be performed by students of Eugene Lang College.
New York Live Arts Theater, 219 West 19th Street
$5; free to all students and New School faculty, staff, and alumni with ID at the door or at the Box Office.
New York Live Arts Box Office 212.924.0077 firstname.lastname@example.com
If a person attending your event has a special needs request, i.e. hearing assistance or wheelchair accessibility, they should contact the organizer of the event at:
Email: email@example.com
Email Updates
Browse Events by School


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https://github.com/ps3mediaserver/ps3me ... .java#L176
Replace "virtual_folders" with "vfolders"
I little bit lost here
I remember it worked with virtual_folders param but it seems during the time it changed to vfolders and format how to define folders is JSON only from some day.
It seems old format how to define folders stopped working because there were some cleanups is code? I suppose yes, old implementation was replaced with json one.
Have no time to read it right now but more info here:
So format should be like:
- Code: Select all
vfolders = [{"name":"teste","files":["D:\\\\downloads","C:\\\\"],"childs":[{"name":"teste1", "files":["C:\\\\"]}]}]
- Code: Select all
vfolders = @vfolders_json.conf
JSON validator: http://jsonlint.com/


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This is an excerpt from EERE Network News, a weekly electronic newsletter.
March 30, 2011
Nation's First Solar District Energy System Heats Up with DOE Support
The solar collectors atop St. Paul, Minnesota's downtown RiverCentre convention hall are providing hot water to the nation's largest solar district.
The first U.S. solar district—supported with $1 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding under DOE's Solar America Communities program—was officially launched on March 18. District Energy St. Paul provided matching funds and now operates the system, which heats water using 144 solar collectors atop St. Paul, Minnesota's downtown city convention center. The water heats the convention center and neighboring buildings in North America's largest hot-water district heating system, which covers 80% of downtown St. Paul. The city was selected because the Twin Cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul are among the 25 cities in the Solar America Cities program in Solar America Communities.
The rooftop project is designed to peak at 1 megawatt thermal capacity. While it will primary supply the city's downtown Saint Paul RiverCenter convention center with hot water and space heating, any excess solar-heated water will travel to the district's other customers. The collectors will heat the water up to 160°F for the building, but once the convention center's needs are met, the excess will be heated up to 195°F and fed into the district heating system. The solar water heating system is expected to reduce the center's carbon footprint by an estimated 900,000 pounds per year, equivalent to removing the emissions of about 90 vehicles per year. The Solar America Communities program is designed to increase the use and integration of solar energy in communities across the United States. See the St. Paul mayoral press release, the original District Energy St. Paul announcement, and the Solar America Communities website.


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Main Content
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Prove you are the #1 Nashville Predators fan with this Wooden iPhone 5 case! Access to all the ports and controls, and laser-cut graphics all make this a fun way to protect your phone in Nashville Predators style. Add this to your phone and you'll be an unstoppable fan! Get yours today and show everyone your Nashville Predators love! NHL Shop is your source for officially licensed Nashville Predators gear.
- Durable and lightweight
- Fits the iPhone 5/5s
- Laser-cut graphics
- Access to all ports and controls
- Snaps onto phone
- Made of hard rubber with wood backplate
- Made of wood
- Measures approximately 5.25" x 2.75" x .5"
- Officially licensed
- Made in the USA
- Brand: Coveroo
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Although Hannibal's County Market in Steamboat Bend Shopping Center is open 24 hours, some special events are planned from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. today, Oct. 1.
At 5:30 p.m. the store will have a ribbon cutting grand re-opening ceremony to celebrate its remodeling and expansion of services, according to Gerry Kettler, director of consumer affairs with Niemann Foods, owner of County Market.
Between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. the new salad bar will be open, and foods also will be cooked in the new Asian fresh wok. The expanded dining area is nearby, and meats will be offered in the deli from the new "Smokin' Jack's" barbecue.
"We are smoking County Market's own meats and it will also be available in the deli," Kettler said. "It is a whole new shopping experience. ... And the public is invited to come and sample the new Asian fresh wok.
"While we have done a complete remodel and added a lot of new services, we also added over 35 new jobs," he said. "With the expanded department we needed to expand the service, so we have added jobs and have almost 150 people employed, but we have maintained the price structure. All the good prices and the good sales will remain to be important."
Also during the celebration, Kettler said, "we are donating one ton of canned goods to Douglass Community Services. That is our way of giving back to the community and helping celebrate the Hannibal area."
Location, ST | website.com


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Brimming with ancient ruins, amazing works of art, and fragrant wineries, Italy offers a little something for everyone. A handful of celebrated cities pepper the Mediterranean peninsula, each with its own enchanting ambiance and character. In Florence, Milan, and Rome, you'll likely find the top cheap hotel deals in Italy as well as some of the region's most intriguing sights.
Rome's landscape is dominated by breathtaking art and architecture across seven hills. Atop Capitoline Hill, bustling Piazza del Campidoglio is a fitting start to a Roman adventure. Surrounded by stunning basilica Santa Maria in Aracoeli and entrancing museums, the piazza is a 15-minute walk from Rome's ancient Colosseum. Other notable landmarks, fountains, ruins and museums are scattered around Rome and are easily accessed via train or public bus. Lodging in Rome is abundant and varied, with the best Italy hotel deals available at three- and four-star properties during winter and summer months.
The world's preeminent fashion scene is north of Rome in cosmopolitan Milan. Top boutiques, galleries, and shops fill Milan's Fashion Quadrangle between Duomo, San Babila, and Cavour Squares. Duomo Square is the heart of the city and the home of the iconic Gothic white marble Duomo cathedral and the 18th-century Royal Palace.
East of Milan lies mysterious Venice, host of the opulent Carnivale festival. Traverse this car-less city by foot or by canal to Byzantine St. Mark's Square, where the famed Basilica, Doge's Palace, and Campanile offer hours of enjoyment. Venetian lodging is plentiful, but the best discount rates on Italy hotels are available about 20 miles north in beautiful Treviso.
Southwest from Venice/Treviso, journey to the warm, glowing Tuscany region. Known for its fabulous wines and rolling hills, Tuscany overflows with museums and buildings spotlighting its Italian Renaissance roots. Capital Florence holds some of the world's most recognized masterpieces, including Botticelli's "Birth of Venus" at Uffizi and Michaelangelo's "David" at the Galleria dell'Accademia. Florence offers a variety of special Italy hotel packages with low prices on rooms in three- and four-star properties.
Traveling through Italy's extraordinary sites is affordable especially when you look for a cheap Italy hotel deal in Rome, Milan, Treviso, or Florence. Book your reservations during inexpensive winter or summer months, and choose locations near your must-see attractions. With all that you'll save on hotels in Italy, you'll feel victorious enough to quote Julius Caesar, "Veni, vidi, vici!"
4.3 out of 5 (2,561 reviews)
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4.1 out of 5 (1,085 reviews)
4.3 out of 5 (191 reviews)
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4.3 out of 5 (216 reviews)


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All Sorts of Weird Stuff offers news and information about George R.R. Martin, in particular about his A Song of Ice and Fire series.
"When I was young, I read all sorts of stuff. One week it would be Lovecraft, the next Vance. It was all imaginative literature, or as my dad called it 'Weird Stuff.' It was all 'Weird Stuff.'"
George R.R. Martin
New to the series? Read our spoiler-free review of A Game of Thrones.
Read our Privacy Policy.
In the third installment of George R. R. Martin's podcast series, GRRM gives advice to budding writers about how to get a start. Besides using iTunes and RSS feed aggregators as discussed here, the episode can also be directly downloaded for listening here.
The Westeros network consists of several different sites, including a forum and a wiki, for all your A Song of Ice and Fire needs.


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Ladies, it can definitely get hot in Chicago, but don't let the sweltering temperatures bring down your Bears spirit. Cool down with the Smashmouth heathered tank top. This racerback tank is highlighted with team colors and features a hurling Bears-colored football and the team name on the front. It also boasts a sewn-on Chicago team logo patch on the right chest. Even though you'll look hot in this Bears tank, you'll stay cool.
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Carolina Nut Company Gourmet Peanut Tower - Sweet
by Carolina Nut Company | Item #: 425806 | Model #: 25040 |
We're sorry, this item is not available in your selected Club. Check another Club
About this itemGourmet Nut Towers. Freshly roasted and seasoned nuts. Perfect gift for any occasion. Enjoy!
Includes honey roasted, chocolate covered, and golden gourmet peanuts.
- 3 pack tower
- Each container holds 10 oz.
- Gourmet Flavored Nuts
- Tower contains 3 flavors
- Traditional tower
- Seasoned tower
- Unique flavors
Assembled Country
Assembled Size
12.125"L x 4.125"W x 4.125"H
Component Country


text:
Thursday, 04/11/1991
The Cave, Carleton College, Northfield, MN
Soundcheck: Harpua
Set 1: Runaway Jim, Cavern, Paul and Silas, Tweezer, Magilla, Dinner and a Movie > Bouncin'Bouncing Around the Room, Foam, Carolina, YEMYou Enjoy Myself, CoilThe Squirming Coil > CDTChalk Dust Torture
Set 2: MSOMy Sweet One > Reba, Llama, TMWSIYThe Man Who Stepped Into Yesterday > Avenu Malkenu > TMWSIYThe Man Who Stepped Into Yesterday > LizardsThe Lizards, SOAMeltSplit Open and Melt, Lawn Boy, LandladyThe Landlady > DestinyDestiny Unbound, Mike'sMike's Song > HydrogenI Am Hydrogen > WeekapaugWeekapaug Groove
Encore: Fee > HYHUHold Your Head Up > The Prison Joke > HYHUHold Your Head Up, Possum[1]
[1] Charlie Chan and Random Note signals.
· Rhapsody in Blue tease in Possum
Noteworthy Jams: Reba
Average Song Gap: 1.83
Performers: Trey Anastasio, Page McConnell, Jon Fishman, Mike Gordon
Notes: This show is memorable for Fish's telling of "The Prison Joke." Possum included Charlie Chan and Random Note signals and a Rhapsody in Blue tease.
Song Distribution:
6 A Picture of Nectar
6 Lawn Boy
4 Junta
3 Stash
3 The Man Who Stepped into Yesterday
1 The White Tape
Songs by Debut Year:
This show was part of the "1991 Winter/Spring Tour."


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Jackson Dog Park plans grand opening event
March 29, 2013
VIENNA — A new park allows dogs to run free in Vienna. The Mid-Ohio Valley Paws' fourth Festival of Dogs will present the Jackson Dog Park grand opening celebration from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. May 5....
@Chris: take a chill pill. I see kids playing ball all the time in Jackson Park, off Rosemar Road.
3 Agrees | 0 Disagrees | Report Abuse »
Chris, Apparently you are no longer active with Vienna Rec sports or you would be aware that once the 6 new fields were developed on the Rosemar side of Jackson Park, this field was no longer in use. Furthermore, my children have been involved in Vienna Rec for years and I have never seen such a supportive group of parents, whether they are cheering their own children on, or others'. It sounds to me like you had a bad experience and are bitter, but that does not give you the right to accuse the City of Vienna of taking away from our children. You couldn't be farther from the truth. As for the Dog Park, many kudos to Vienna for recognizing the needs of our 4 legged family members. My 2 Goldens absolutely love their time there!
6 Agrees | 0 Disagrees | Report Abuse »
@Chris77 if you are so adamant about the youth in the area maybe YOU should be the one to take a stand and do as MOV-Paws has done for something they felt was and is needed in the area, and persue the youth center that you desire and once you raise awareness and money for your cause maybe the city will support it.
7 Agrees | 0 Disagrees | Report Abuse »
@north26103 Patches will be happy to know that they are working on an agility park in the near future! They are trying to make this into a great place for families and dogs. You have some good ideas!!!
6 Agrees | 0 Disagrees | Report Abuse »
This is ridiculous, its bad enough they have ruined the Youth Sports programs in Vienna, now they are taking from the kids by turning a perfectly good baseball field into a dog park! City of Vienna should be ashamed!Plenty of unused land at Jackson and you take what kids like to do so much away for dogs? It's bad enough $$$ rule the city so much it has caused baseball to be almost extinct in Vienna for Girls softball. What a Joke Vienna has become. The youth are our future Mr Mayor, keeping them healthy should be a top priority of yours, maybe building a youth center for our youth would be a great and sensible idea I think people would be on board with. Do something positive for our youth and not the dogs. This town has lacked in youth support for way too long and it is time this changes. Show us parents and our youth they deserve better
0 Agrees | 9 Disagrees | Report Abuse »
I'm happy to see this, even though I live in Pkb. I don't think Pkb cares much for animals, since they are always b****ing about it and fussing with the Humane Society.
I'd love to take my Chihuahua mix to a park so she could play. She lives with cats, and they don't play the same games. We lost our "Shelly" almost a year ago, and "Peaches" has been the lone canine since then.
4 Agrees | 0 Disagrees | Report Abuse »
Be careful where you step and try not to look like a fire hydrant. . .
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i wish the area had a real dog park with obsticles and water fountains etc like bigger cities do....Patches would love to go play at a park like that.....
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Showing 8 of 8 comments


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The candidates envision large savings from adopting electronic medical records, encouraging prevention, and better coordinating care for patients with chronic conditions. These proposals, however, are likely to boost spending in the short run, prompting White House hopefuls to propose curbs on outlays for prescription drugs. A related strategy is to identify which therapies have sufficiently high value to warrant high price tags.
Sen. Barack Obama promises to provide Americans with access to the "exact same drugs in Europe and Canada" that pharmaceutical companies sell at half the price as in the US. He plans to save up to $30 billion by repealing the ban on government price negotiations for drugs purchased by Medicare and wants to increase the use of generic drugs by government health programs.Similarly, Sen. Hillary Clinton promises to hold down fast-rising drug prices by removing barriers to generics competition, allowing Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices, and boosting oversight of drug advertising, "marketing excesses," and inappropriate financial relationships between manufacturers and providers. A major theme is to create a pathway for biogenerics competition—to end "the monopoly currently enjoyed by large biopharmaceutical companies" and thus save $5–7 billion each year.
While Democrats have long touted such tactics to curb drug prices, it's surprising to hear similar antipharma rhetoric from the presumptive Republican candidate, Sen. John McCain. He regards efforts to promote generics competition and to permit drug reimporting as compatible with his free-market approach to health reform. McCain wants to develop "routes for safe, cheaper generic versions" of drugs and biologics and "safety protocols that permit re-importation to keep competition vigorous."
In addition to attacking drug prices, health reformers want to steer spending to medical treatments and products demonstrating real-world effectiveness. Rising US healthcare spending is building support for more comparative effectiveness (CE) analysis of the quality and effectiveness of healthcare procedures and products. Such research promises to provide information that will help patients and their doctors choose the most appropriate care options, which ideally would include high-cost treatments that have data indicating higher benefits.
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) recommended in its June 2007 annual report that Congress establish an independent entity to sponsor "credible research on comparative effectiveness of healthcare services." In a January 2008 study, an Institute of Medicine (IOM) committee recommended establishing a national CE research program with "sufficient resources, authority, and capacity" to develop research standards and processes.
Not surprisingly, the presidential candidates have jumped on the CE bandwagon. McCain says that publicizing information on treatment options and developing national standards for measuring and recording outcomes can address rapidly rising healthcare costs. Clinton backs an independent "best practices" institute to provide better information on what works in healthcare and "how treatments compare to one another." Obama wants CE research on which drugs, devices, and procedures are the best for individual patients as one way to reduce the "considerable waste in our healthcare system."
Enthusiasm for CE research is boosting support in Congress for establishing a quasi-governmental effectiveness research organization. Senate Finance Committee chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) is looking to authorize such an entity as part of must-pass Medicare legislation needed to block a scheduled cut in payments to physicians. Some policymakers talk about expanding the CE program at the Agency for Health Research and Quality (AHRQ), which supports research to inform coverage and treatment decisions by Medicare and other government health programs.
The envisioned CE operation would be able to accept funding from private organizations and the federal government—an important consideration for raising the $200 million or so needed just to start such an operation. Any legislation adopted this year, however, is likely to establish only a placeholder to launch a CE program and not provide much more than the paltry $15 million that currently supports the AHRQ program.
Insurers and payers point out that the US is virtually alone among developed nations without an entity dedicated to comparing the effectiveness and value of new drugs, devices, and medical procedures. They look to the United Kingdom's National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) as a model for reviewing clinical and outcomes data to assess the added value of new medical technologies.


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Dust-Mite Proof Protectors / Covers
Overview & Details
- Dust mite proof bed protectors.
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The patented membrane-free cotton fabric provides breathable protection for your finest sheets and bedding. The microscopic pores (averaging 4.91 microns) create a natural barrier against dust mites, pet dander, bed bugs and other allergens that can disrupt your sleep and leave you feeling groggy all day. Our dust mite-proof and allergen control bed protectors ensure you'll breathe easier and sleep more soundly all night every night. See what a difference they can make.
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Q:Is this mattress cover made of slick fabric? Our present cover, which was very expensive, causes the fitted sheet to slip and come off the corners, and we're trying to prevent that.Asked on 7/29/2016 by MJS
1 answer
A:Hi - The dust-mite proof collection is 100% cotton and shouldn't be slick. Thank you.Answered on 7/29/2016 by Anonymous
Q:Does this product change the feel of the mattress?Asked on 7/17/2016 by Cora from United States
1 answer
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Q:Why don't any of the reviewers want to recommend this product to friends when they like it? What else is going wrong?Asked on 5/17/2016 by Laura K
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Q:How do I know what size pocket my mattress is? Is there a certain way to measure for this? Ordering dust mite mattress covers for multiple beds in our home.Asked on 4/30/2016 by Melissa
1 answer
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|Length Overall
|75' 7''
23 m
|Dry Weight
101,412 lbs.
46 000 kg
18' 6''
5.65 m
|Tested Weight
5' 5''
|Weight Capacity
|Draft Up
|Person Capacity
|Draft Down
|Fuel Capacity
1,057 gal.
|Air Draft
|Water Capacity
264 gal.
|Length on Trailer
|Max Headroom
|Height on Trailer
|Bridge Clearance
|Trailer Weight
|Total Package Weight (Trailer,Boat & Engine)
|Prices, features, designs, and equipment are subject to change. Please see your local dealer or visit the builder's website for the latest information available on this boat model.
|Std. Power
|Not Available
|Tested Power
|2 x 1200-hp MAN V8 with ZF POD 4000
|Opt. Power
2 x 1200-hp MAN V8 ZF POD
2 x 1400-hp MAN V12 V-Drive
By Capt. Steve Larivee
The Beneteau Group is the world's largest builder of sailboats and Europe's largest builder of powerboats up to 50' (15 m). That is why, in my opinion, when Beneteau starts something new you can be sure it is going somewhere. I expect that the Monte Carlo Yachts brand name will become as well known and as well respected in the next few years as any in the large motoryacht business.
Under Beneteau Group's sure hand the new Monte Carlo Yachts line is being developed carefully in concert with what the company calls "the new values of luxury." That means avoiding ostentation, yet still being elegant, seaworthy and chic. It also means building motoryachts with purpose and with functional harmony.
The Monte Carlo Yachts line is being designed by the Nuvolari & Lenard design team located in Venice, Italy and it states that its mission is to create a forward-looking vessel that does not go to extremes and embodies a classic style of motoryacht that will be in fashion for decades to come. Everywhere I looked on the boat I could find modern design solutions drawn from traditional nautical concepts.
Currently Monte Carlo Yachts has three models, the 65, 70 and the 76, with more on the drawing board to come soon. They are being built just outside Trieste on Italy's Adriatic coast in a state of the art facility with very high production capacity.
We clocked the Monte Carlo Yachts 76 at nearly 30 knots powered by twin MAN 1200s with ZF 4000 pods.
Her Mission
This four (or three) en suite stateroom yacht with crew's quarters is designed to be an elegant and technologically-advanced alternative to current inboard-powered motoryachts currently on the market. She is intended for people planning to cruise the Mediterranean or elsewhere in the world with family or friends at both planing and displacement speeds. The four en suite stateroom option has been designed with this goal in mind and at the same time allows her owner to put the MCY 76 in the charter trade for a premium. With her double tables and sun pads on the bow, her large aft deck and her good-sized flying bridge, she is a floating entertainment platform able to handle more guests than most people have friends -- by day and night.
Her mission is also to stay in style and not to become obsolete by means of a forward-looking design that builds on classic nautical roots.
Capt. Steve backs the MCY 76 into a slip at Cannes using only the joystick.
Distinguishing Features
Two important differentiating aspects of the boat are fuel efficiency and tasteful styling in keeping with the times in which we live. We like her main deck layout which features an open, aft galley in one of its options. In others, the galley is below the main deck dining area next to the crew quarters. In this way the MCY 76 can satisfy both European convention which prefers the galley out of sight, and the American style of having a "country kitchen" with the dining area and galley together.
The MCY 76 is an entertainment platform that is hard to beat in 76'.
Four or Three Staterooms. We like the MCY 76 with both stateroom solutions and crew's quarters below.
The four stateroom version has four en suite heads, plus crew quarters. This model will be ideal for people who cruise with family and friends or for chartering and should fetch a pretty penny in the Mediterranean during the summer. Or, if you prefer, one guest stateroom can be turned into an onboard office.
With three en suite staterooms the master stateroom is the most incredibly large and creative we have seen in class.
Huge Master Stateroom. In either the three or four stateroom versions, the master is large. But in the three stateroom model the master is palatial, far larger than anything we have seen in this size range. Here, you will feel like a king.
Pod Drives. The Monte Carlo Yachts 76 is one of the first large motoryachts to take advantage of pods and they pay off, not just in greater efficiency but also in handling both at the dock and offshore. The added efficiency gained by the dual-prop, aft-facing pods allows the engines to be lower horsepower and burn significantly less fuel than would be the case with straight inboards.
Joystick. There are not many boats this size with a joystick. For owners of a 76' yacht who would also like to be owner/operators, the ZF joystick becomes the ticket to professional boat handling. If you choose the V-Drive version with stern thruster, no worries, a very similar joystick is offered as standard so you'll have nearly the same handling functions, including the sky-hook. Huge cruise ships have pods and joysticks, so why not 76' yachts?
Take a look at the four stateroom layout option to realize the value of the MCY 76's 18'6" (5.65 m) beam. Note the two guest cabins are amidships separated by a wide passageway. Two staterooms with proper sized beds and an aisle in between, and a passageway, could not be accomplished in a boat with a beam less than the MCY's.
Robust Beam. After the pods, perhaps one of the most important features of this boat is the width of its beam -- it is 18'6" (5.65 m). While some of that beam may be due to more bow flare than her rivals, one need only look at the accommodations plans to see how much more room there is athwartships in the MCY 76 at the waterline, where it counts.
Added waterline beam pays off all over the boat, from the engine room, to the guest staterooms, the saloon and to the dining area opposite the galley -- or the galley below opposite the crews quarters.
Relatively Light Displacement. By using carbon fibers and Kevlar, and by having careful weight management, Monte Carlo Yachts has been able to build a boat that is actually significantly lighter than most boats in class.
Handling Characteristics
As I mention in the video, when I pulled away from the dock, the first thing I noticed was how nicely the Monte Carlo Yachts 76 handled at low speed. With the new ZF 4000 pods under the hull, the MCY 76 responded instantaneously, rather than having to wait for the effect of prop wash against a pair of rudders. Remember, a pod drive boat has no rudders!
The ZF pods with joystick made some of the tight maneuvers around the dismantling of the Cannes International Boat Show a non-event. Now with the pods, even without the joystick engaged, I found that I have much more control over the yacht than I would have with conventional inboards with rudders. With the joystick, which is also a standard on the V-Drive version, it's all a piece of cake even with a 50 ton boat that is 76' long.
At speed, she's equally responsive to the helm, allowing me to make quick course changes in response to the occasional pot buoys that dotted the coast of the Mediterranean.
When turning at cruising speed, the MCY 76 enters a roughly 3-degree bank that I found to be quite comfortable, and due to the limited throw of the pods at cruise, we made a full 360-degree turn in a little over three boat lengths. Naturally, I was able to tighten that radius considerably by slowing down and thus increasing the range of motion of the pod drives.
We found her best cruise to be at 19 knots turning 1750 rpm.
While it was severely calm on the Mediterranean on test day, having a major yachting port as our point of departure allowed us to take advantage of the wakes of the departing and arriving yachts and this showed how solid and stable the MCY 76 really is. She tends to slice right through the waves, and with her wide flared bows, the water is thrown well off to the sides, while remaining low enough to resist allowing the wind to spray the foredeck.
Test Results
With an empty weight of 101,412 lbs. (46,000 kg), half fuel and 7 people onboard, we had a test weight of just under 106,700 lbs. (48,398 kg). We reached a top speed at 2280 rpm of 29.8 knots. At that speed we were burning a combined 125.2 gph (474 lph) for a range of 227 nautical miles, powered by the twin MAN 1200-hp engines.
Best cruise came in just above planing speed at 1750 rpm and 19 knots. Now we had a fuel burn of 67.3 gph (254.8 lph) for a range of 268 miles. This is a positive fuel consumption number at 19 knots for so large a boat. We reached planing speed in 19 seconds.
The flying bridge of the MCY 76 without the hardtop. Note that there is only one stairway to the bridge which saves lots of space both above and below.
Displacement Speed. If you want to go for distance, then back the speed off and you'll really be going places. At the idle speed of 6.4 kts -- the same as some expedition trawlers -- the MCY 76 had a range of 1,900 nautical miles burning only 3.2 gph (12.1 lph). At 10 kts, she'll go for 616 nautical miles. That is a comfortable speed for many large cruising yachts so just because you can go nearly 30 knots, don't feel as if you have to.
The ranges above are calculated considering the standard fuel tanks which have a total capacity of 1,057 US gals. (4,000 L). On request, larger fuel tanks are available, with a total capacity of 1,374 US gals. (5,200 L) the useful range will considerably increase.
While engines like these like to be loaded, remember their longevity has to do more with how much fuel is burned in them, not how many hours they are run. Think Greek Islands, or the inside passage to Alaska because with that kind of range you can easily do passages such as those.
What a beautiful use of space on the flying bridge. The entire area was warm and inviting, and regardless of where you cruise, the view is sure to be spectacular. Notice the center of the hardtop is retractable. The entertainment center is to starboard.
Features Walkthrough -- Flying Bridge
The upper helm electronics panel is concealed in a retractable lift in the console. It houses two 15" (38.1 cm) displays and a pair of MAN engine monitor screens that are selectable to display whatever you may wish. The wheel is leather wrapped as standard and fell right to my fingertips in the standing position (I'm 5' 8.5" - 1.74 m tall) and visibility is outstanding, including being able to see the swim platform through the companionway.
The boat deck on the MCY 76 can handle a tender up to 13'(3.85 m). A hydraulic platform on the stern for a tender is standard. You have a very nice terrace on the sea to put chaise lounges, if you prefer.
Next to the upper helm is a large sun pad and all through the MCY 76, whenever there's a cushion, there's storage underneath. The sun pad extends aft into a sofa with pedestal bases concealed under a pair of teak cubes. The table stores in its dedicated spot under the sun pad, and when in storage, the cubes protect you from the edges of the bases underneath and double as coffee tables.
It's a nice touch when you don't want a full sized teak table taking up space. When you want to utilize the table, pull off the cubes, and place the table on top of the stainless table mounts. Then you can raise and lower the table with a switch at the helm.
So what do you do with the cubes? They store in a dedicated "garage" in the radar mast.
Just abaft the upper helm is an entertainment center with sink, grill, refrigerator, icemaker and storage.
The boat deck is aft and relatively small for this size yacht, but the fly bridge layout has been designed to maximize the big living area in the middle. Case in point was our test boat. There were teak chaise lounge chairs on the boat deck, and the hydraulically activated swim platform was the dedicated home to the tender. The companionway is covered with a clear hatch that locks to protect the contents of your bridge deck and to prevent a mishap.
This entire area is under the extended overhead of the flying bridge so al fresco meals are an experience to be enjoyed. Note the bench seat to port, something that is unusual in this size boat.
Main Deck Exterior
There's a lot going on in the aft deck. I measured 16' (4.9 m) across by 9.5' (2.9 m) fore and aft. In the center is a table that seats 8 with a few nice features of its own. My first glance showed two levels making an ideal buffet table. A hinge is in the center to close a folded half making a single level dining table. A switch on the side bulkhead raises and lowers the table automatically increasing its utility by making it a coffee table as well.
To both sides of the cockpit were two sofas, a unique feature that I immediately liked, and again, all cushions have storage underneath. In the corners of the cockpit were two beefy cleats and warping winches. The cockpit is accessed from the swim platform by stairs to both sides with a passerelle retracted into the steps to port.
The passerelle retracts into one of the risers of the port stairs to the cockpit. When extended it has a pop-up railing.
Covering the side decks aft are these fashion plates that block wind and rain with future-classic good looks. Stainless frames surround thick, smoked safety glass to aid visibility.
The aft glass doors open full width to allow the cockpit and saloon decks to blend together seamlessly. Let the outside in!
Fully forward are two entertainment areas with dual tables flanking the walkthrough. Sun pads have flip-up seat backs and notice the recessed area at the anchor winch. The bow is a veritable spa by day and a disco lounge by night.
In the center of the starboard side is a clever door to the saloon. It lies flush with the cabin side and the touch of a button releases the watertight seal and allows for opening. In the open position, you still have ample room for traversing the deck. Close the door and it automatically seals itself shut again. I'm starting to see how this MCY 76 has won so many awards.
The Foredeck. Not being a sun worshiper I probably didn't grasp the full functionality and comfort of the forward lounge area, but it certainly allows for entertaining a lot of people in style. The sun pads have flip-up seat backs and storage that is, as usual all throughout the 76, under each cushion and there are side panels for additional storage access. Both tables raise and lower at the touch of a button.
At the bow is a step-down to the working area. Two hatches flank the anchor windlass. To port is fender and line storage that goes quite deep. To starboard is an anchor washdown, a remote for the windlass (to supplement the foot controls), and a fire fighting hose… all standard.
The whole main deck is all on one level for ease of access and beautiful sightlines. To the right you can see the two stairs to the lower decks.
For starters, the overhead is 6' 7" (2 m). The aft glass doors open flush against the bulkhead for a triple wide opening which really brings the outdoors in. The windows are low enough to present a view of the horizon line from the seated position, and my experience with non-boaters has shown that this does a remarkable job of keeping mal de mer at bay.
Notice how the main deck goes from teak to leather. To the right the cabinet houses the sound system and a 40" (102 cm) TV on an electric lift.
The glass dining table is a work of functional art. It's secured to the deck with thumb screws so it holds position in a seaway, but can be moved easily if desired. There are glass leaves under the table that swing out, and rotate to the level of the fixed panels so adding a seating area is simple and clever.
To my eye the entire saloon has a bit of a mono-chromatic look to it, but it's self-evident that this is exactly the way the owner wanted his boat. Monte Carlo Yachts will use any combination of colors and finishes to suit your desires as they are building semi-custom yachts.
MCY not only did an outstanding job on the layout, but the ergonomics of the lower helm were carefully calculated to be correct.
The lower helm offers outstanding sightlines thanks to the 360-degrees of glass in the saloon deck. Two 19" (48.3 cm) displays keep you informed of situational matters, and the starboard display is dedicated to the ship's systems and is fully customizable. Operating the 76 was equally comfortable from this lower helm as the upper.
To starboard are the access stairs leading to the lower decks. Forward for the accommodations, and aft for the galley and crew quarters. Notice the door leading to the side deck.
This is the master stateroom in the four-stateroom version. It is even bigger in the three-stateroom model.
In the three-stateroom model the master stateroom and its head occupy nearly half of the guest living area.
I've rarely seen a warmer and more inviting master stateroom. There are indirect lights throughout for subdued nighttime viewing, and in daytime, there seems to be as much light in this stateroom as on the foredeck.
The head is open on this boat with separate water closet and shower flanking the dual sinks. All water drains are hidden under marble plates. Forward is a large walk-in closet next to a 32" (81.3 cm) TV. All the same style of textured teak and leather seen from the deck above is repeated in this deck.
Stepping out into the companionway shows more of the bronze relief art that we saw in the master. The three guest staterooms are all en suite with the port head also having access to the companionway allowing it to double as a day head right at the bottom of the stairs.
The first guest stateroom is to port and it features 5'11" (1.8 m) of overhead clearance at its lowest. The two single berths are able to slide together to form a king with walking space to the side.
Guest Staterooms
The first two guest staterooms are largely mirror images of each other with the exception of the starboard having a larger head thanks to the lack of a second door that the first features, as it doubles as a day head.
The VIP is just as luxurious as the two guest staterooms but the difference is an island queen as opposed to single berths. A private en suite head is just abaft and to port.
This is the layout of the main deck with the galley down. Note that the saloon dining table is aft.
This is the layout of the main deck with a country kitchen.
Galley and Crew
On the MCY 76 tested, the galley was down the aft stairway from the main saloon and opposite the crew quarters. There's a top-loading freezer, so that when you open it the contents don't dump out onto the deck. A Dietrich flat surface stove is next with an opening portlight and an overhead vent to keep odors to a minimum. There's storage above and behind the sink. There is counter space for food prep. Below is a Miele dishwasher and convection oven. The decking is all easy to clean aluminum tile, and there's a Miele full sized fridge.
This is definitely a European-style galley and I doubt that many Americans would go for it, and certainly not in owner/operator situations. But here again Monte Carlo Yachts offers the country kitchen on the main deck and many possible layout configurations to accommodate your specific requirements.
The galley is a study in pure white and cleanliness. Full sized appliances and work space over an aluminum tiled deck.
The crew quarters offer sleeping for two. Under the left bunk is the washer/dryer combo.
The engine room is accessed from both the crew quarters and the swim platform. There's plenty of room for working around the 1200-hp MAN engines.
Reflections on a Motoryacht
Overall, I have to say that my experience on the MCY 76 left me with a solid impression of a stunning yacht, expertly finished, with creative use of space and innovative design features throughout. Her handling was outstanding, and being on and around the yacht felt luxurious and completely comfortable. In my opinion this boat has been done right in so many ways.
= Standard = Optional
|Warranties change from time to time. While BoatTEST.com has tried to ensure the most up-to-date warranty offered by each builder, it does not guarantee the accuracies of the information presented below. Please check with the boat builder or your local dealer before you buy any boat.
Full Warranty Information on this brand coming soon!
|Total GPH
|Stat. Mile
All fuel consumption numbers are the total for all engines in the boat. Speeds are measured with Stalker ProSports radar gun or GPS. Fuel consumption (gallons per hour) measured with Floscan digital fuel-flow meter or by on-board factory-installed diagnostic instruments. Range is based on 90% of published fuel capacity. Sound levels determined using Radio Shack digital decibel meter on A scale. 68 dBA is the level of normal conversation. Time to plane is measured from start of acceleration to formation of rooster tail behind boat.
|Time To Plane
|19.0 sec.
|0 to 30
|Test Power
|2 x 1200-hp MAN V8 with ZF POD 4000
|7 person, 1/2 fuel, full water, 1/2 lbs. of gear
|87 deg.; 29% humid.; wind: 0 MPH; seas; calm


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