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Welcoming Belle B. Cooper to the RescueTeam!Posted: January 3, 2017 Filed under: RescueTime News 4 Comments »
We're excited to welcome Belle B. Cooper to the RescueTime crew. She'll be joining us part-time as a content marketer and copywriter. You'll be seeing her around the blog and she'll be helping us generally improve the conversations we have with the RescueTime community.
If Belle's name sounds familiar, it's because she's done some really awesome things. She's been published all over the place, and has written a ton about productivity, freelancing, and thriving in the modern workplace. She's also one half of Hello Code, a startup that, among other things, makes an awesome Quantified Self app called Exist that finds correlations between the data in all your fitness and productivity apps. (hint hint, check out the Exist integration with RescueTime 😉).
We've been big fans of Belle's writing for a while. In fact, as I was writing up the job description for this position, her name kept popping into my head as someone who would be a perfect fit. I reached out to her thinking there probably wasn't much chance she'd be available, but might be able to refer someone. Turns out, the timing was just right, and we're so happy to have her officially on board!
This is also a small milestone for us as a company, as Belle is the first person from outside the United States to join the team. Organizationally, it will be fun to figure out how that works. I'm really looking forward to learning how to work effectively across a 17-hour time difference. 😀
Welcome, Belle!
Updates to our Zapier Integration!Posted: September 28, 2016 Filed under: RescueTime News Comments Off on Updates to our Zapier Integration!
The RescueTime app on Zapier helps you connect your time to hundreds of applications, letting you make updates in other apps based on your time and logging important actions that happen outside of RescueTime. We recently added some new features that we're really psyched about: offline time logging, actions and weekly report exporting.
If you're unfamiliar with Zapier, it's a service that makes it easy for non-developers to connect two (or more) different web applications together. It's a great way to automate tedious parts of your work so you can focus on other things. You create Zaps, small workflows that chain two or more applications together to accomplish a task. It's one of the tools we get the most mileage out of around the RescueTime offices. It's a fantastic Swiss-army knife of a tool that just seems to get better the more I use it. Every week or so I stumble on something really valuable to automate.
Here's how RescueTime works with Zapier
You can log offline time
You can connect any other app that exports events with a start / stop time – such as your calendar – and automatically log that time in RescueTime. Lots of people have requested this feature and we're really thrilled with the number of services that Zapier makes this possible with. You can track workouts with RunKeeper or MapMyFitness, meetings with Google Calendar, or import time logged with Harvest or Toggl.
One thing to keep in mind: Calendars can be tricky, noisy messes, and if you aren't careful, you can accidentally log inaccurate or useless time. Zapier's advanced filters really shine here, though. You can use them to weed out the noise from your calendar and only log the activities you really want.
You can export weekly & daily summaries
Every week, a new summary is available with details about how you spent your time. You can use these summaries to construct your own custom email reports, log a note in Evernote, update a spreadsheet, or post a status to Slack or HipChat.
The logic you can add within a Zap comes in handy here. You can get really fancy with it if you want. For example: If a weekly summary comes in, you can check it to see how much productive time you logged, and if it's an absurdly high number, you can post a message in Slack bragging about it, but silently do nothing if your time that week was less flattering. 🙂
Other apps can respond to your RescueTime alerts
RescueTime alerts keep you informed in real-time about how your day is shaping up. They can also trigger actions in other apps. You can brag to your co-workers on Slack when you've been super-productive (or to your friends on Facebook, for that matter), track your alert times in a Google Sheet, or update a goal on Beeminder. My personal favorite is the Zap I have that calls my phone when I'm working too late at night and tells me to knock it off.
You can automate your FocusTime sessions
Sometimes, really important stuff happens in other apps that you need to respond to with your full attention. Or there are times you just want to focus and not be disturbed. FocusTime and Zapier are your best friends in those moments. When Pingdom alerts you that your website is down, you can automatically start FocusTime so you won't be distracted while looking for a fix. If you use Toggl for time tracking, you can automatically start FocusTime whenever you start a new timer so you can devote 100% of your concentration to getting the job done.
You can log data points from other apps as Actions
Actions in RescueTime are a new-ish feature*. They automatically collect data points from other applications so you can see what you're accomplishing alongside the time you're spending on different activities. Any trigger from another app can automatically log an action in RescueTime. You can log actions for blog posts in WordPress, completed cards in Trello, tasks completed in Todoist or Asana, or even checkins at coffee shops in Swarm.
*actions used to be a subset of Daily Highlights, but they've been upgraded and can now be categorized and scored just like time logs. You can still use Zapier to log daily highlights as well.
For more ideas on how to use the RescueTime integration, check out some of the popular RescueTime Zaps on Zapier.
Connect RescueTime to hundreds of apps with our updated IFTTT channel!Posted: July 24, 2016 Filed under: RescueTime News, Workplace Productivity 1 Comment »
We just made some exciting new updates to the RescueTime IFTTT channel. You can now use weekly summary reports in your Recipes and log offline time from other apps (like your Google Calendar).
IFTTT is a service that connects hundreds of applications via simple connections that let one application respond to actions in another. You can use the RescueTime IFTTT channel to connect to hundreds of apps to automatically log time, export data for reports, respond to alerts, and add daily highlights. You can even use it to control your FocusTime sessions!
Here are some of the things you can do:
Log Offline Time
This is something a lot of people have asked for. You can connect your Calendar (or any other app that exports events with a start / stop time) and automatically log offline time.
Export Weekly / Daily Summaries
Every day at midnight a new summary is available with details of your time. Use this to construct your own custom email reports, log time in a spreadsheet, or update a personal dashboard.
Control FocusTime
FocusTime just got a LOT more powerful. Mute your phone, or post a do-not-disturb note on your calendar. You can also control FocusTime from other apps. Like starting a FocusTime session when you park your car at the office in the morning.
Respond to Alerts
Whenever your RescueTime alerts are triggered, you can respond by taking an action in another app.
Log Daily Highlights / Action Datapoints
Daily Highlights and Actions help you keep track of your accomplishments. Any trigger from another app can automatically log a highlight or action in RescueTime.
Check out the RescueTime channel page on IFTTT.com to learn more. There are literally thousands of possibilities. Please let us know your favorites in the comments!
Get the most out of RescueTime with integrationsPosted: July 23, 2016 Filed under: RescueTime News Comments Off on Get the most out of RescueTime with integrations
RescueTime now offers a wide array of integrations with partner services. These allow users to greatly expand the scope and functionality of what can be done with RescueTime data and feature actions. Many of these features are based on user requests over the years, some are new ideas that we have had ourselves that we think will help improve your productivity and enhance your digital lives. Check out all that you can do with RescueTime!
Connect RescueTime to hundreds of apps with IFTTT and Zapier
RescueTime now provides links to two connective services, If This Then That (IFTTT) and Zapier, which give users the ability to connect RescueTime data and feature events to a large number of other services. Features such as Alerts, FocusTime, Daily Highlights, and daily Activity Summaries can interact with applications and apps on your computer, mobile devices, and other internet-enabled devices. Each of these relations is called a recipe (IFTTT) or a Zap (Zapier) and is set up with a few simple steps on the partner website. There are now over 300 connected services and you can even create new connections yourself!
Here are some of the possibilities:
Enhance the functionality of FocusTime. You can do a number of things like start and stop a session based on the date/time or Google calendar events, or have a session block out other distractions by posting "do not disturb" status in your media outlets. You can start a FocusTime session automatically when you arrive at work or mute you phone when it is in effect (some features require additional products).
Use daily summaries to do more with your data. You can have summaries emailed to you at the end of each day to get automated daily reporting. You can have this summary logged automatically to a Google spreadsheet or in a service like Evernote. You can have them logged as a detailed event in Google calendar or receive them as Slack messages.
Extend the range of Daily Highlights. Have a highlight logged when you have a meeting scheduled in Google calendar or when you post a Tweet, or post your Highlights as Tweets. Create a highlight for each email you send in Gmail.
Use Alerts in new ways: post them to Slack or Facebook, send them via SMS, or schedule a phone call when an alert in triggered; send an alert via Gmail based on specific criteria, like after a day when you spent more that 20% of your time on email and communication
Keep track of your photos with timestamps in your logs from iOS devices or Daily Highlight entries from an Android device
Log your visit to your favorite coffee shop with Foursquare
These are just some of the things you can do with IFTTT and Zapier. There are over 300 available services. Find out more information about IFTTT here and Zapier here and start creating your own new features.
Developers, keep track of your code commits with Git and GitHub
Git is a popular version control system for software projects. You can use Git's flexible hook system to maintain a log of your code checkins within your RescueTime account, so you can see what you accomplished on days when you spent lots of time coding. If you host software projects on the social code hosting repository GitHub, you can keep a log of your code checkins in your RescueTime account. Checkins will show up as highlights on your dashboard and in your weekly emails.
Learn more about connecting RescueTime to your Git or GitHub repositories here.
Find correlations between your time, sleep, fitness, etc…
You can do more with your data with the data analysis tools Gyroscope, Zenobase, and Exist.io. Gyroscope, for example, is "A personal website powered by your life." Connect your online accounts and see beautiful weekly reports showing how all your productivity and fitness data fits together. RescueTime can add time about your productivity levels to your weekly Gyroscope reports.
Supercharge FocusTime to limit distractions
To really block out distractions while in a FocusTime session, connect RescueTime to Slack and you will be automatically marked as 'do-not-disturb'. If you are feeling more masochistic, try connecting RescueTime to a Pavlok wristband and shock yourself every time you hit a blocked page during a FocusTime session. You can also use IFTTT and Zapier to mute your phone, post do-not-disturb messages on your calendar, and much more.
Learn more about integrations that work with FocusTime here.
Many more integrations
Some of the other notable integrations we have:
Automatic: Track your driving time just like an app or website
Beeminder: Commit to meeting your productivity goals or pay a fine
See the full list of integrations here.
At RescueTime, we are always looking for ways to expand our horizons. Have a suggestion for an integration? Let us know in the comments!
Introducing the new FocusTimePosted: September 28, 2015 Filed under: RescueTime News, Workplace Productivity 8 Comments »
Today we're launching an exciting new version of FocusTime to help people be less distracted at work.
We've added integrations that let your apps and devices take actions that support a positive work environment. This makes it easy to create the best conditions for focus, on demand and at the right times.
For example, when you are in a FocusTime session, you can:
- Silence your phone, including notifications
- Set your Slack presence to 'away'
- Post a do-not-disturb note to your calendar, group chat, or company social network
- Block access to distracting websites
Everyone's work situation is different so we've added integrations that connect to a lot of different services so you can find the right combination of actions that works for you.
New integrations that support your productivity
FocusTime is now connected to IFTTT (If This Then That), Zapier, and Slack. We expect to add more integrations in the future, but here's an overview of where we are right now.
IFTTT connects hundreds of apps and devices together. Combined with FocusTime, it can do some REALLY interesting things to set up a good environment for sustained focus. Their support for devices and home automation is particularly interesting, enabling things like silencing your Android phone, dimming your Philips Hue lights, even adjusting your Nest thermostat so you're more comfortable while you're focusing (which can be a nice bit of motivation on it's own!)
I have an ORBneXt light sitting on my desk that glows blue when I'm in a FocusTime session. It's a nice way to let other people know I'm in the zone, and it's also a subtle reminder to me to stay on track.
Zapier is similar to IFTTT in that they both connect multiple services together, but Zapier has more of a focus on business applications. If you want to post a do-not-disturb note to your coworkers, Zapier has support for Slack, HipChat, Flowdock, Basecamp, Yammer, and many more.
I have a Zap set up connecting Trello and FocusTime that's proven to be really useful for me. I manage the things I'm working on in Trello, but I have a special list for really high-priority tasks that are "On Fire!", like critical bugs. Whenever a new card gets added to that list, a FocusTime session automatically kicks in so I can devote my full attention to the problem.
Seems like Slack is a common fixture in most offices these days. It's really great at keeping people connected, but it can be a bit of a monster when you're trying to focus. We added a Slack integration that will automatically set your presence to 'away' and optionally post a note in the channel of your choice letting people know you're stepping away for some concentration, and when to expect you back.
Are work distractions really that big of a problem?
Multiple studies have shown that it can take between 15-30 minutes to fully return to a task after an interruption (that's not counting tasks that are completely abandoned). The problem with even the most optimistic of those numbers is, most people get some kind of interruption roughly every 5 minutes This is a huge deal, because it basically means no one can get into a solid state of flow.
So essentially no one is working at their peak potential. Why aren't more people up in arms about this? I'm not sure, but I think it's because after a while, that level of distraction starts to feel normal. And the alternative – simply unplugging – doesn't feel very good. We're conditioned to be ultra-responsive, and that's become a general expectation in many offices. But the levels of interruption are clearly reaching unsustainable levels.
We're connected to all these apps and devices that constantly spew information at us, but they have no awareness of whether or not we actually WANT that information at a given time. That seems like something that should be fixable, so that's what we set out to do. My hope with FocusTime is that we give people a way to disconnect "just enough" so they can get back to more solid levels of focus.
What we're launching today is a really good start, but there's a lot to explore in the future, and I'm really excited to see what other ways we can find to turn down the noise, and get people prepped for focus.
I'd love it if you'd give the new integrations a try and let us know what works well for you, and what you find missing that you wished was included.
New integration with Automatic: Track your driving time like your computer timePosted: May 19, 2015 Filed under: RescueTime News, Self Tracking Comments Off on New integration with Automatic: Track your driving time like your computer time
Today we're launching a new integration with Automatic that will make it possible to track your driving time just like you would any other application or website. There are SO many interesting questions that can be answered here, like: "How does your commute relate to your time at work?", "Do you tend to log most time in the car around rush hour?", "If so, does shifting your time one way or the other help you spend less time in traffic?"
What is Automatic?
Automatic is a mobile app and small adapter that works by plugging into your car's diagnostic port. It fits on nearly all newer cars and gives you information about gas milage, check engine notifications, and your driving efficiency. Read more about how it works over on the Automatic web site.
How Automatic works with RescueTime
After setting up Automatic and connecting it to your RescueTime account, all future trips will be logged in RescueTime as "Driving". These will fit into your existing RescueTime reports just like any other application or website, and you can categorize them however you like. You will also unlock a special driving report that will give you details about when you drive, how it relates to the other time you log, and what other activities you might be logging while you are driving (be careful out there!).
Some of the things you can do with this integration:
- See the overall amount of time you spend driving per day, week, or month.
- Set an alert letting you know when you've been in a car for more than 2 hours in a day (reminding you to go for a walk to balance things out)
- See how much time you spend working vs. driving to work.
- See how much time you spend driving compared to other categories of activity. How do you feel about the balance?
- See activities that are logged while you are driving. If you have the RescueTime Android app installed, this will give you a valuable look into how distracted you may be while driving.
- If you are a RescueTime premium subscriber, you can categorize your individual trips, allowing you to separate out your commute from the rest of your driving time, for example.
For a real-world example, check out this post about some of the unsettling things I learned about my own driving and phone use habits.
How to link your accounts
Once you have Automatic set up in your car, visit our integration page and link your account. You can unlink it at any time if you decide you want to stop logging your driving time.
If you don't currently have an Automatic car adapter, you can get one for a 20% discount here.
We're really excited to open up this new data stream into our reports, and can't wait to see what insights it generates. I hope you enjoy it! Please let us know what you think!
Two new integration updates for GitHub and GyroscopePosted: May 2, 2015 Filed under: RescueTime News Comments Off on Two new integration updates for GitHub and Gyroscope
We're launching some new integrations this week, giving you new ways to keep track of your time and tell interesting stories with your data.
Log highlights for your code commits directly through GitHub
Several weeks ago, we launched support for logging your code commits from your Git projects. It's been pretty popular, and we've logged thousands of commit messages since launching the feature. We did, however, get some feedback that the setup could be simplified. Today we're launching an alternative way to log commits for your projects that are hosted on GitHub. Instead of configuring and installing a post-commit hook, you can just connect your RescueTime account to GitHub and select the projects you would like to track. From then on, whenever you push code to GitHub for those projects, all your commit messages will be logged.
Learn more on the GitHub integration page
The original post-commit hook method is still available, and should be used for projects that are not hosted on GitHub, or for projects that you do not have admin rights on the repository.
Use Gryroscope to see beautiful reports for all your different data streams
Gryroscope is a new lifelogging aggregator that combines several streams of data into beautiful reports. Combine your Tweets, Foursquare checkins, Fitness trackers, and RescueTime productivity data. Each week you'll get a gorgeous infographic report summarizing all your activities.
Learn more on the Gyroscope integration page
More integrations coming soon
We're working on some more integrations and hope to have new things to share soon. Keep checking back on our integrations page for the latest and greatest.
Do you have any other services you'd like to see RescueTime work more closely with? If so let us know in the comments.


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13,096pages onAdd New Page
this wiki
this wiki
The Trin'ga was a Nuras-class heavy scout that saw service with the Cardassian Guard during the 24th century.
In 2369, the Trin'ga was captured while spying in Federation space. (Ship Recognition Manual, Volume 2: Starships of the Cardassian Union)
|Nuras-class starships
|Kend'dhar - Nuras - Ortetha - Trin'ga

subset: commoncrawl


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Quick Look
Property brokered by
Get more listing details on brokerage site
Property DetailsLooking for the serenity of living in the country while being only minutes from town? You have found it in this spectacular Tudor style home nestled on 5 acres, located in Deerwood Estates! This home has been totally remodeled and finished to perfection w/ no detail left out and is sure to impress you. The outstanding kitchen features Wolf stainless appliances, granite countertops, travertine flooring, tiled back splash w/ brick accents, nice breakfast nook, and a huge pantry along with a see through wetbar that opens up to the family room. Wonderful spacious living areas all with upgraded judges paneling, crown molding,gleaming hardwood flooring and plantation shutters. The second level Owner's suite includes a fireplace and a luxurious bathroom w/ whirlpool tub, and Italian Marble. You will enjoy the backyard oasis complete w/ a pebble tech saltwater pool, large patio and a gorgeous pond w/ fountain stocked w/ catfish. Visit this masterpiece home and you will want to stay forever!
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Additional Property InformationThis single family listing located at 4400 Deerwood Lane, Evans, GA boasts five bedrooms, four bathrooms and one partial bathroom. The property is presently priced at $907,000.
This property is listed by Meybohm Realtors based in Georgia.


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Of course, there are urban pockets where mansion flats exist, catering to a dwindling demographic of dowagers and poodles. There are lofts, which don't amount to much nationally. Then there is the world of social housing and council flats, some attractive but often held in such low esteem that it can be difficult to get a mortgage. Indeed, it could well be residual snobbery towards the "council flat" that is responsible for the British antipathy towards apartment living, which is valued far higher on the continent.
As an Australian who is now resident in the UK, David Robinson will have grown up without such negative attitudes, although before he bought his ex-council flat in Bloomsbury he had looked in Chelsea for conversions. "I was looking for a large one-bedroom flat, but finding a conversion that gave me everything I wanted was difficult." Since finding his home he has become an advocate of the dedicated flat. "Houses can be too much work," he says. "Flats are lower maintenance."
Therefore, when Robinson came across this flat in a beaux-arts mansion block in Bloomsbury - 1893 vintage with a delightful frontage of polychromatic brickwork, carved bosses, and window boxes - it made sense, particularly as he is already the happy owner of an original art deco flat in Sydney. Much excitement stemmed from its location, facing the British Museum. It is also an area of high tourist traffic: an open- topped tourist bus drives by each day and Robinson always hears the same refrain tailing away - "In 1872, the museum ... " But as the tourist curfew starts at 5pm, he is not unduly bothered.
Most of the building is owned by Camden Council, but Robinson bought his flat from a right-to-buy tenant in 1996. It wasn't a bargain, though - "more than I wanted to pay". But the location was central, and as the new head of marketing for ITN, he can walk to the office in nearby Clerkenwell. He doesn't own, or need, a car.
Robinson has enjoyed discovering his new home area. "I didn't know a lot about Bloomsbury but it's such an interesting area with a wonderful mix of architecture." He has been surprised at how many residents there are, even in this central zone. And he is delighted that he is so close to the British Museum, which he views a room at a time.
Since January he has converted from a four- to a two-bedroom flat. "It was very plain and slightly rundown," he says, although he was happy to live in it until he got the design work done. This was executed by Robinson's friend, Peter Leonard, a designer known for restaurants such as Scotts in Mayfair, and who specialises in a warm, neo-classical style. "I had to spend a bit more than I thought, but the investment has been worthwhile," he says.
Nevertheless, Robinson has been careful "not to over-capitalise. I didn't have masses to spend." Nor did he want to spend more than the flat's potential worth. He consequently put in kitchen units from IKEA, and tailored them with granite tops and more expensive handles. The floor tiles were bought in a sale, as were the big marble slabs in the bathroom.
Not all fixtures and fittings could be kept cheap. The oak parquet floor, as it was built in individual pieces, was another necessary expense. And power showers were essential - "Australians like their showers hot and strong." But he seems reasonably happy with the balance sheet, and the flat is certainly covetable. "I am always being asked if there are any others for sale."
Robinson's tastes "incline to the minimalist". Pendant lights have been replaced with inset halogens; the paint throughout the flat is graduated shades of what he calls "mushroom", and hefty "Parliament" hinges have been put on the doors, enabling them to be folded right back, preserving the wall plane. Splashes of colour are provided by paintings and flowers, and there is one aubergine wall in the kitchen. The effect is peaceful rather than severe. "I find it a very calming place," he says.
The main living space consists of the old living room knocked through into one of the previous bedrooms. Touches of late Victorian eclecticism remain from the original building: a cast-iron Adam-style fireplace, an oval moulding on the ceiling and the room's most compelling feature: a small sentry-like bay window. "Visitors always go straight for it, look out at the view of the British Museum opposite and go `wow'," he says.
There are other delights of flat-life, such as the view on to the light- well beyond the frosted rear windows, which recalls those secretive urban spaces that lurk behind Parisian apartments. The communal parts were once elegant, with flunkies and open fires, but sadly have been "improved" in a fireproofing effort. But even the municipal veneer, complete with council-issue silver bullet lift, cannot disguise the block's elegance. As such, it is tempting to call it an apartment because, in this instance, the word "flat" sounds far too, well, flat
- More about:
- Fireplaces And Ovens
- Kitchen (room)
- The British Museum
- Tourism


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is planning to offer training contracts in its London office, underlining the Chicago-based firm's commitment to the future of its UK practice.
The firm is talking to students at law schools across the country with the intention of taking on between six and 12 interns this summer, as first revealed on www.thelawyer. com (15 May).
Corporate partner Jim Learner, who heads the firm's London office, said the intention is for between four and six of the interns to return as trainees.
The interns will each spend two weeks at the firm's office in the Gherkin, with the long-term view of offering some of them training contracts starting in 2009.
This is the first time the US firm has run a training programme in London. Learner said it is part of the firm's organic growth strategy.
Kirkland focuses on four core practice areas, with corporate, particularly private equity fundraising and transactions, being a key area.
Litigation is another big area for the firm, especially in the US, and there is also an arbitration team based in London. The firm also handles a lot of work on IP and restructuring matters.
Kirkland, which has its largest office in Chicago, entered the UK market in 1994, dealing initially with the US law aspects of transactions for UK-based clients.
In 2000 the firm expanded in the UK on the back of its private equity practice and now boasts 75 lawyers in London, around 20 of whom are partners.


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Monday Start-Up: Hurricane Sandy and Prepping for Forced Vacation
For those of us on the East Coast, we are prepping the sandbags for flooding, buying out bottled water and bread and peanut butter and anxiously following the hashtag #Frankenstorm. I am writing this post in advance because I fear my WiFi may not be operational tomorrow. According to reports, Hurricane Sandy may be the worst storm to hit the United States in recent history. The message is clear – stay safe, and stay indoors.
The other message is this: Your daily routine may not be operational for the next few days. It is Sunday evening at 6:30pm as I write this post, scheduled for publication tomorrow morning. The Manhattan Transit Authority is shutting down in a mere 30 minutes. We were also warned that power may be unavailable for days (yes, days plural).
As I sit in my Harlem apartment charging all of my electronic devices, I'm also scrambling to get as much work done as possible in case I'm forced into holiday while Sandy takes her toll on East Coast. Usually when one isn't working, it's by choice. It could be a vacation or you're in a non-Internet-enabled airplane or you're so sick that the computer screen makes you nauseous. But the potential of no Internet, no power and no way to get around outside of your home – well that is almost more scary than the hurricane itself.
So dear East Coasters, scramble now and answer those emails, set your clients' and company's expectations on your availability, and make sure you have extra batteries for that flashlight. Or better yet, light some candles, listen to your fully-charged iPod and read a book. You know that vacation you keep forgetting to take? Well, this can be considered a form of one. Let's just hope the subway doesn't flood to impact next week's schedule.


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TV Favorites
Log in to copy items to your own lists.
Lost (2004 TV Series)
The survivors of a plane crash are forced to work together in order to survive on a seemingly deserted tropical island. (44 mins.)
Stars: Jorge Garcia, Josh Holloway, Yunjin Kim, Evangeline Lilly
The Sopranos (1999 TV Series)
New Jersey mob boss, Tony Soprano, deals with personal and professional issues in his home and business life, which affects his mental state and ends up seeking professional psychiatric counseling. (55 mins.)
American Horror Story (2011 TV Series)
Seasonal anthology series that centers on different characters and locations, including a house with a murderous past, an insane asylum, a witch coven, a freak show, a hotel and a sinister farmhouse. (60 mins.)
Stars: Lady Gaga, Kathy Bates, Angela Bassett, Sarah Paulson
Damages (2007 TV Series)
A law school graduate becomes the protégée of a successful high-stakes litigator. (60 mins.)
Stars: Glenn Close, Rose Byrne, Tate Donovan, Zachary Booth
Boardwalk Empire (2010 TV Series)
An Atlantic City politician plays both sides of the law, conspiring with gangsters during the Prohibition era. (55 mins.)
The Tudors (2007 TV Series)
A dramatic series about the reign and marriages of King Henry VIII. (60 mins.)
Battlestar Galactica (2004 TV Series)
When an old enemy, the Cylons, resurface and obliterate the 12 colonies, the crew of the aged Galactica protect a small civilian fleet - the last of humanity - as they journey toward the fabled 13th colony, Earth. (44 mins.)
Being Human (2008 TV Series)
A werewolf, a vampire, and a ghost try to live together and get along. (60 mins.)
Being Human (2011 TV Series)
Three twenty-somethings share a house and try to live a normal life despite being a ghost, a werewolf, and a vampire. (44 mins.)
Stars: Sam Witwer, Meaghan Rath, Sam Huntington, Kristen Hager
Bored to Death (2009 TV Series)
A well-meaning but struggling writer decides to lead a sort of double life by pretending to be a private detective using the methods he read about in old detective novels. (28 mins.)
The Borgias (2011 TV Series)
The saga of a crime family in 15th century Italy. (50 mins.)
Camelot (2011 TV Series)
King Uther dies suddenly. Britain is facing chaos. The sorcerer Merlin appoints the not so known son... (45 mins.)
Carnivàle (2003 TV Series)
During the Great Depression, an Oklahoma farm boy and a charismatic minister learn that they are key players in a proxy war being fought between Heaven and Hell. (55 mins.)
Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000 TV Series)
The life and times of Larry David and the predicaments he gets himself in with his friends and complete strangers. (28 mins.)
Stars: Larry David, Cheryl Hines, Jeff Garlin, Susie Essman
Deadwood (2004 TV Series)
A show set in the late 1800s, revolving around the characters of Deadwood, South Dakota; a town of deep corruption and crime. (55 mins.)
Stars: Timothy Olyphant, Ian McShane, Molly Parker, Brad Dourif
Defying Gravity (2009 TV Series)
Eight astronauts living aboard an international spacecraft on a mission through the Solar System, as the world watches from billions of kilometers away. (60 mins.)
Stars: Ron Livingston, Malik Yoba, Andrew Airlie, Paula Garcés
Dexter (2006 TV Series)
Dexter Morgan is a Forensics Expert, but that's what he seems to be, as that's not what he really is. Dexter is a serial killer that hunts the bad. (53 mins.)
Enlightened (2011 TV Series)
A self-destructive woman who has a spiritual awakening becomes determined to live an enlightened life, creating havoc at home and work. (28 mins.)
Stars: Laura Dern, Diane Ladd, Sarah Burns, Luke Wilson
Falling Skies (2011 TV Series)
Survivors of an alien attack on earth gather together to fight for their lives and fight back. (42 mins.)
Stars: Noah Wyle, Drew Roy, Maxim Knight, Will Patton
Flashforward (2009 TV Series)
A special task force in the FBI investigates after every person on Earth simultaneously blacks out and awakens with a short vision of their future. (42 mins.)
Flight of the Conchords (2007 TV Series)
Bret and Jemaine are Flight of the Conchords, a folk-rock band from New Zealand living in New York City in search of stardom. (28 mins.)
Stars: Jemaine Clement, Bret McKenzie, Rhys Darby, Kristen Schaal
The Forsyte Saga (1967 Mini-Series)
The extended Forsyte family live a more than pleasant upper middle class life in Victorian and later Edwardian England... (50 mins.)
Fringe (2008 TV Series)
An FBI agent is forced to work with an institutionalized scientist and his son in order to rationalize a brewing storm of unexplained phenomena. (46 mins.)
Stars: Anna Torv, Joshua Jackson, Jasika Nicole, John Noble
Game of Thrones (2011 TV Series)
Nine noble families fight for control over the mythical lands of Westeros, while a forgotten race returns after being dormant for thousands of years. (56 mins.)
Stars: Emilia Clarke, Peter Dinklage, Kit Harington, Lena Headey
Generation Kill (2008 Mini-Series)
A Rolling Stone reporter, embedded with The 1st Recon Marines chronicles his experiences during the first wave of the American-led assault on Baghdad in 2003. (70 mins.)
Get Smart (1965 TV Series)
Bumbling Maxwell Smart, Agent 86 for CONTROL, battles the evil forces of KAOS with the help of his competent partner Agent 99. (25 mins.)
Stars: Don Adams, Barbara Feldon, Edward Platt, Robert Karvelas
Ghost Whisperer (2005 TV Series)
A newlywed with the ability to communicate with the earthbound spirits of the recently deceased overcomes skepticism and doubt to help send their important messages to the living and allow the dead to pass on to the other side. (60 mins.)
Harper's Island (2009 TV Series)
Harper's Island was once the scene of a gruesome series of murders. Now, seven years later, family and friends gather on the island for a wedding, but one by one they begin to die. (40 mins.)
Stars: Elaine Cassidy, Christopher Gorham, Matt Barr, Gina Holden
Hell on Wheels (2011 TV Series)
Cullen Bohannon, a former soldier and slaveholder, follows the track of a band of Union soldiers, the killers of his wife... (42 mins.)
Stars: Anson Mount, Colm Meaney, Robin McLeavy, Phil Burke
Homeland (2011 TV Series)
A bipolar CIA operative becomes convinced a prisoner of war has been turned by al-Qaeda and is planning to carry out a terrorist attack on American soil. (55 mins.)
I Spy (1965 TV Series)
A pair of intelligence agents posing as a tennis pro and his coach go on secret missions around the world. (51 mins.)
Stars: Robert Culp, Bill Cosby, Abdullah Abbas, Kenneth Tobey
Intelligence (2005 TV Series)
Organized crime and the Organized Crime Unit (OCU) work together to achieve the opposing goals of each respective world.
Stars: Ian Tracey, Klea Scott, John Cassini, Matt Frewer
John Adams (2008 Mini-Series)
The life of one of the USA's Founding Fathers, its second President, and his role in the nation's first 50 years. (71 mins.)
Stars: Paul Giamatti, Laura Linney, John Dossett, Stephen Dillane
The Killing (2011 TV Series)
A police investigation, the saga of a grieving family, and a Seattle mayoral campaign all interlock after the body of 17-year-old Rosie Larsen is found in the trunk of a submerged car. (45 mins.)
Stars: Mireille Enos, Joel Kinnaman, Billy Campbell, Liam James
The Larry Sanders Show (1992 TV Series)
A comedic behind the scenes look at a late night talk show. (30 mins.)
Stars: Garry Shandling, Jeffrey Tambor, Wallace Langham, Rip Torn
Lights Out (2011 TV Series)
A former heavyweight boxing champion struggles to find his identity after retiring from the ring. (60 mins.)
The Listener (2009 TV Series)
A young paramedic discovers he has telepathic powers. (42 mins.)
Louie (2010 TV Series)
The life of Louis CK, a divorced comedian with two kids living in New York. (22 mins.)
Stars: Louis C.K., Hadley Delany, Ursula Parker, Pamela Adlon
Luck (2011 TV Series)
A TV series centered around characters who are tied to the same horse-racing track. (52 mins.)
Stars: Dustin Hoffman, Dennis Farina, John Ortiz, Richard Kind
Mad Men (2007 TV Series)
A drama about one of New York's most prestigious ad agencies at the beginning of the 1960s, focusing on one of the firm's most mysterious but extremely talented ad executives, Donald Draper. (47 mins.)
Mildred Pierce (2011 Mini-Series)
Divorced single mom Mildred Pierce decides to open a restaurant business, which tears at the already-strained relationship with her ambitious elder daughter, Veda. (336 mins.)
Misfits (2009 TV Series)
A group of young offenders doing community service get struck by lightning during a storm, and begin to develop superpowers. (60 mins.)
Mongrels (2010 TV Series)
A look into the dysfunctional lives of a group of friends, in a typical American sitcom. But, there's a twist... (30 mins.)
Stars: Dan Tetsell, Rufus Jones, Katy Brand, Lucy Montgomery
Once Upon a Time (2011 TV Series)
A young woman with a troubled past is drawn to a small town in Maine where fairy tales are to be believed. (44 mins.)
Director: David Barrett
The Pacific (2010 Mini-Series)
The Pacific Theatre of World War 2, as seen through the eyes of several young Marines. (530 mins.)
Paradox (2010)
Homicide detective Sean Nault, a cop on a parallel Earth whose technology is powered exclusively by magic... (83 mins.)
Director: Brenton Spencer
Stars: Kevin Sorbo, Steph Song, Christopher Judge, A.C. Peterson
Party Down (2009 TV Series)
A group of actors move to LA to make it big, but end up working as caterers. (30 mins.)
Director: Rob Thomas
Stars: Adam Scott, Ken Marino, Ryan Hansen, Martin Starr
The Pillars of the Earth (2010 Mini-Series)
Set against a backdrop of war, religious strife and power struggles which tears lives and families apart. (60 mins.)
Primeval (2007 TV Series)
When strange anomalies start to appear all over England, Professor Cutter and his team must track down and capture all sorts of dangerous prehistoric creatures from Earth's distant past and near future. (60 mins.)
Psychoville (2009 TV Series)
A group of seemingly unrelated strangers all receive a mysterious note stating "I know what you did," which sends their lives into a downward spiral. (30 mins.)
Rescue Me (2004 TV Series)
Tommy Gavin deals with the fears of his job as a firefighter and seeing his ex-wife dating other men. (60 mins.)
Robin Hood (2006 TV Series)
After 5 years of fighting in the crusades, Robin returns to England and leads a band of outlaws to outwit the Sheriff of Nottingham. (60 mins.)
Rome (2005 TV Series)
A down-to-earth account of the lives of both illustrious and ordinary Romans set in the last days of the Roman Republic. (90 mins.)
Stars: Kevin McKidd, Ray Stevenson, Polly Walker, Kerry Condon
Rubicon (2010 TV Series)
Will Travers is an analyst at a New York City-based federal intelligence agency who is thrown into a story where nothing is as it appears to be. (45 mins.)
Saving Grace (2007 TV Series)
An angel offers a jaded Oklahoma City police detective the chance to redeem her life. (60 mins.)
Stars: Holly Hunter, Leon Rippy, Kenny Johnson, Bailey Chase
The Closer (2005 TV Series)
Deputy Police Chief Brenda Johnson runs the Priority Homicide Division of the LAPD with an unorthodox style. Her innate ability to read people and obtain confessions helps her and her team solve the city's toughest, most sensitive cases. (46 mins.)
Seinfeld (1989 TV Series)
The continuing misadventures of neurotic New York stand-up comedian Jerry Seinfeld and his equally neurotic New York friends. (22 mins.)
Cheers (1982 TV Series)
The regulars of the Boston bar Cheers share their experiences and lives with each other while drinking or working at the bar where everybody knows your name. (22 mins.)
Stars: Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, John Ratzenberger, George Wendt
Shameless (2011 TV Series)
An alcoholic man lives in a perpetual stupor while his six children with whom he lives cope as best they can. (46 mins.)
Six Feet Under (2001 TV Series)
A drama series that takes a darkly comical look at members of a dysfunctional California family that runs an independent funeral home. (55 mins.)
Sleeper Cell (2005 TV Series)
An American undercover FBI agent is assigned to infiltrate a terrorist sleeper cell that is planning an attack in Los Angeles. (60 mins.)
Stars: Michael Ealy, Oded Fehr, Henri Lubatti, Melissa Sagemiller
Sons of Anarchy (2008 TV Series)
A man in his early 30s struggles to find a balance in his life between being a new dad and his involvement in a motorcycle club. (45 mins.)
Stars: Charlie Hunnam, Katey Sagal, Mark Boone Junior, Kim Coates
Star Trek (1966 TV Series)
Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of the Starship Enterprise explore the galaxy and defend the United Federation of Planets. (50 mins.)
Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987 TV Series)
Set decades after Captain Kirk's five-year mission, a new generation of Starfleet officers set off in a new Enterprise on their own mission to go where no one has gone before. (44 mins.)
Strike Back (2010 TV Series)
The actions of 'Section 20', a secretive unit of British military intelligence. A team of special operations personnel conduct several high risk missions throughout the globe. (45 mins.)
Temple Grandin (2010 TV Movie)
A biopic of Temple Grandin, an autistic woman who has become one of the top scientists in the humane livestock handling industry. (107 mins.)
Director: Mick Jackson
Terriers (2010 TV Series)
Ex-cop and recovering alcoholic Hank Dolworth partners with his best friend, former criminal Britt Pollack, in an unlicensed private investigation business. (45 mins.)
Terra Nova (2011 TV Series)
Centers on the Shannons, an ordinary family from 2149 when the planet is dying who are transported back 85 million years to prehistoric Earth where they join Terra Nova, a colony of humans with a second chance to build a civilization. (46 mins.)
Torchwood (2006 TV Series)
The members of the Torchwood Institute, a secret organization founded by the British Crown, fight to protect the Earth from extraterrestrial and supernatural threats. (50 mins.)
Stars: John Barrowman, Eve Myles, Kai Owen, Gareth David-Lloyd
Treme (2010 TV Series)
Life after Hurricane Katrina as the residents of New Orleans try to rebuild their lives, their homes, and their unique culture in the aftermath of one of the worst natural disasters in the USA. (59 mins.)
Stars: Khandi Alexander, Rob Brown, Kim Dickens, Melissa Leo
True Blood (2008 TV Series)
Telepathic waitress Sookie Stackhouse encounters a strange new supernatural world when she meets the mysterious Bill, a southern Louisiana gentleman and vampire. (55 mins.)
Stars: Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Sam Trammell, Ryan Kwanten
V (2009 TV Series)
An extraterrestrial race arrives on Earth with seemingly good intentions, only to slowly reveal their true machinations the more ingrained into society they become. (42 mins.)
Wallander (2005 TV Series)
A Swedish cop in a small town by the Baltic coast. (90 mins.)
The Walking Dead (2010 TV Series)
Sheriff Deputy Rick Grimes wakes up from a coma, to learn the world is in ruins, and must lead a group of survivors to stay alive. (44 mins.)
Wilfred (2011 TV Series)
The story of a depressed man who inexplicably is the only one who can see his neighbor's dog as a full grown man in a dog suit. (22 mins.)
This Is Wonderland (2004 TV Series)
Alice De Raey is a newly minted attorney who joins the chaotic world of criminal justice in Toronto. She's exposed to the seamier side of life, the backroom deals that make the system work accompanied by the usual eccentric characters. (44 mins.)
Director: David Warry-Smith, Anne Wheeler
Stars: Cara Pifko, Michael Riley, Michael Healey, Siu Ta
The X-Files (1993 TV Series)
Two FBI agents, Fox Mulder the believer and Dana Scully the skeptic, investigate the strange and unexplained, while hidden forces work to impede their efforts. (45 mins.)
Above Suspicion (2009 TV Series)
The murder of young actress Amanda Delaney starts an investigation that uncovers on-screen tensions, a complex private life, controversial memoirs, and suspected abuse. (46 mins.)
Director: Christopher Menaul
Apparitions (2008 Mini-Series)
Father Jacob Myers, a priest of the Roman Catholic Church, played by Martin Shaw, examines evidence...
Stars: Martin Shaw, Rick Warden, Siobhan Finneran, John Shrapnel
Baker Boys (2011 TV Series)
In the small village of Trefynydd the local bakery goes into liquidation making all it's employees redundant, only there's no money to pay the staff redundancy. After many heartaches the people decide to make a go of it on their own. (60 mins.)
Stars: Gareth Jewell, Steve Meo, Amy Morgan, Mark Lewis Jones
Bedlam (2011 TV Series)
Drama and supernatural chills in this series centered around a haunted insane asylum-turned-apartment building.
Stars: Hugo Speer, Charlotte Salt, Lacey Turner, Theo James
Black Mirror (2011 TV Series)
A television anthology series that shows the dark side of life and technology. (60 mins.)
The Body Farm (2011 TV Series)
A British police procedural, which follows the team from a forensic pathology facility that conducts scientific research to help solve crimes.
Stars: Tara Fitzgerald, Keith Allen, Wunmi Mosaku, Mark Bazeley
Cranford (2007 TV Series)
In the 1840s, Cranford is ruled by the ladies. They adore good gossip; and romance and change is in the air, as the unwelcome grasp of the Industrial Revolution rapidly approaches their beloved rural market-town. (60 mins.)
Stars: Judi Dench, Julia McKenzie, Imelda Staunton, Lisa Dillon
Death in Paradise (2011 TV Series)
A British inspector is transferred to Saint-Marie's police department, but he hates the sun, sea, and sand. The series follow his investigations into murders on the island. Later series see another British DI head the investigative team. (60 mins.)
The Day of the Triffids (2009 Mini-Series)
Up-to-date setting of the 1962 Sci-fi thriller. With most of the world blinded and the dangerous carnivorous triffids set loose, it falls upon a band of scattered, sighted survivors to fight this plant invasion and the madness following. (186 mins.)
Stars: Dougray Scott, Joely Richardson, Eddie Izzard, Brian Cox
The Deep (2010 Mini-Series)
A research submarine beneath the Arctic stumbles upon a terrifying secret with Earth-shattering consequences. (60 mins.)
Stars: James Nesbitt, Orla Brady, Goran Visnjic, Minnie Driver
Downton Abbey (2010 TV Series)
A chronicle of the lives of the British aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in the early 20th Century. (58 mins.)
Exile (2011 Mini-Series)
A father and son story, with a thriller motor. It explores a mystery from the past with a brutal and shocking revelation. (180 mins.)
Stars: John Simm, Jim Broadbent, Olivia Colman, Nico Mirallegro
Fawlty Towers (1975 TV Series)
Hotel owner Basil Fawlty's incompetence, short fuse, and arrogance form a combination that ensures accidents and trouble are never far away. (30 mins.)
Stars: John Cleese, Prunella Scales, Andrew Sachs, Connie Booth
The First Men in the Moon (2010 TV Movie)
In 1969 the Apollo moon landing is to be televised internationally but at a country fair in England... (88 mins.)
Director: Damon Thomas
Stars: Rory Kinnear, Mark Gatiss, Alex Riddell, Peter Forbes
Foyle's War (2002 TV Series)
As WW2 rages around the world, DCS Foyle fights his own war on the home-front as he investigates crimes on the south coast of England. Later series sees the retired detective working as an MI5 agent operating in the aftermath of the war. (90 mins.)
Garrow's Law (2009 TV Series)
Garrow's Law is the true tale of William Garrow, who acted as counsel for the accused, introducing the concept of 'innocent until proved guilty' at London's Old Bailey.
Inspector George Gently (2007 TV Series)
With the help of DS John Bacchus, Inspector George Gently spends his days bringing to justice members of the criminal underworld who are unfortunate enough to have the intrepid investigator assigned to their cases. (89 mins.)
Stars: Martin Shaw, Lee Ingleby, Simon Hubbard, Lisa McGrillis
The Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy (1981 TV Series)
An Earth man and his alien friend escape Earth's destruction and go on a truly strange adventure as space hitchhikers. (152 mins.)
Stars: Simon Jones, David Dixon, Peter Jones, Sandra Dickinson
Hornblower: Mutiny (2001 TV Movie)
Hornblower and his comrades come under the command of a revered but obviously mentally unstable captain and eventually must mutiny. (240 mins.)
Director: Andrew Grieve
Hyperdrive (2006 TV Series)
A sci-fi British comedy about the adventures of Her Majesty's Ship Camden Lock in the year 2151. It's... (29 mins.)
Stars: Nick Frost, Kevin Eldon, Miranda Hart, Dan Antopolski
I, Claudius (1976 Mini-Series)
The history of the Roman Empire as experienced by one of its rulers. (669 mins.)
Stars: Derek Jacobi, John Hurt, Siân Phillips, Brian Blessed
Injustice (2011 Mini-Series)
A defense barrister is faced with the proposition: what can you do when you have defended the indefensible? (300 mins.)
Jane Eyre (2006 Mini-Series)
A young governess falls in love with her brooding and complex master. However, his dark past may destroy their relationship forever. (230 mins.)


text:
Geraldine arrives. "Even if I won the lottery," she says, "I'd still come to work with Sophie. I love it." Geraldine is a professional carer who has supported us in many ways since my daughter left hospital severely brain damaged, six years ago. She is one of three women who come in daily to help and stay overnight to look after Sophie.
Sophie's care requirements are demanding and we are grateful for the extra assistance. It is usually older people who require this type of help, not the relatively young. But age is unimportant when the same issues must be faced and learned from.
It is very difficult to accept the situation in which we find ourselves, needing to rely on others in our everyday lives. It is not always comfortable or easy having strangers continually in our home, and although I recognise that we need the help, I resent the fact that we require it.
The carers working with Sophie always show sensitivity to our feelings and intrude on family life as little as possible. But the fact that a carer is here so much of the time can irritate me. And yet I know that they are very kind to Sophie and that without them, my life would be much harder.
Despite few formal qualifications, they are intelligent people with a wide area of expertise. Their knowledge and confidence has helped us through many crises, thus avoiding extra visits from our GP or district nurse. I don't understand why they lack the recognition or status given to other health workers.
Community carers don't usually wear a uniform and work predominantly within people's homes; as a result, their existence is barely acknowledged, let alone accredited. Before Sophie fell ill, I was aware of "home helps", who I assumed visited older people to help with the housework or cooking. I did not know that there are hundreds of thousands of (mostly) women, up and down the country, who routinely take themselves to different homes to help wash, feed and toilet those who cannot undertake these personal tasks unaided.
Traditionally, these carers were employed by local authorities, but Sophie's carers, along with the majority of others, are now employed by private agencies. If present trends continue, within a few years all home care will be provided by agencies. Since privatisation, vocational qualifications have been introduced to ensure a basic level of care, but the pay and conditions of employment are poor by modern standards. They are certainly worse than those offered by local authorities.
Agency carers who work in the community are only paid for the time they spend in someone's home; not the time it takes to travel from one house to another. Also, an individual's care requirements can vary each week depending on their personal need and state of health. This alters the number of hours the carer is employed. For example, when we take Sophie on holiday, or if she needs to spend a few days in hospital, her carers are not paid unless the agency finds them alternative work.
Wages are low and for some reason neither "sleepovers" (night shifts with some sleep) nor "wakeovers" (night shifts with no sleep) pay the statutory minimum hourly rate. There is a mileage allowance, but Sophie's carers are entitled to claim less than half that of visiting medical professionals.
Although we now have a steady team, I have met many different women in recent years who work as carers. Almost without exception they have been wonderfully thoughtful and caring people. But I do wonder why they choose such a difficult job. They are poorly paid, work in messy conditions and are often resented by the very people who need them.
"I can't imagine doing anything else," says Geraldine. "I started when my children were young and it fitted in with my family's needs. Over the years there's been more training about handling and health issues, but a lot of it is common sense. And it is hard for people who become ill to accept that they need help. They are grateful but obviously wish they could just get on with their lives like everyone else. That's natural."
· Judith Cameron writes here each month on her experiences as a carer.


text:
- Full Kitchen
- Gas Grill
- Honeymoon
- Hot Tub
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Mountain View
- Parking
- Washer/Dryer
Spectacular views of Mount LeConte, conveniently located in the Arts and Crafts Community, just 6 minutes from the Gatlinburg Parkway, minutes to the main entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains and Dolly wood - it's true - Life's A Bear!!! Just a perfect place to spend some time, Life's A Bear is a great combination of on sight luxury and convenient location to most attractions. Morning coffee on your balcony or deck with the mountains greeting you and evening fun in your hot tub on a starry night.
Cabin Bedrooms Layout
Master Suite 1
King Bed
Sleeps 2
Master Suite 2
King Bed
Sleeps 2
Great Room
Queen Sleeper
Sleeps 2
Full Description
Enter this beautiful Gatlinburg Cabin Rental and note the dramatic Great Room with vaulted ceilings and walls of glass providing you with beautiful views. Comfortable furnishings encourage gatherings with a full sized sofa and love seat to comfortably seat 4-5 adults. The sofa converts to a queen sleeper sofa for additional sleeping spaces.
Relax in front of the gas fireplace as you enjoy Cable TV or a movie on the DVD player and flat screen TV. The fully equipped kitchen includes all the cooking utensils and dinnerware you will need as you plan full course meals or light snacks - and, don't forget the grill! Very comfortable dining space is provided with a beautiful round table and individual seating for 6 guests.
The first floor features a beautifully furnished king bedroom with a tub/shower combination bath with hallway access.
Head upstairs in this Gatlinburg cabin to the second floor king master suite which offers a private tub/shower combination bath for your convenience.
For your enjoyment and comfort, both bedrooms are equipped with cable TV and DVD players plus ceiling fans.
Just outside the second floor bedroom is the loft game room - not only a pool table but a pub table and chairs too. Ah, yes, Life's A Bear ? you'll be a cub by the time this getaway is over!
*** This Property is located 5 minutes from Elk Springs Resort!
Views of Mt. LeConte
Outdoor Firepit
Hot Tub
Pool Table
FREE High Speed Wireless Internet
2 King Master Suites
Charcoal Grill
Electric Fireplace
Comfortable Dining seating for 6
Covered Deck / Porch
Full Kitchen stocked with Cookware and Utensils
4 TV's
3 DVD Players
6 Minutes to Downtown
5 Minutes to Greenbrier Entrance to the National Park
20 Minutes to Dollywood
2 Minutes to the Arts and Crafts Community
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Livonia, MI
"Cool cabin"Great experience. Fun ride to get there.
Manager Response:Thank you for your business and kind feedback. We look forward to doing business with you in the future. We have several cabin choices, so be sure to check them all out on our website or contact our sales department to assist you in making that perfect cabin selection for your next stay with Elk Springs Resort!
Lisa T.
Burlington, WI
"Spring Break Getaway"Beautiful! The cabin is just like we saw in the pictures. A great place to relax after a day of hiking and exploring!
Manager Response:Thank you for your 5-Star review, Lisa! We are excited to hear your stay was exceptional. We enjoyed having you as our guest and hope you will make plans to visit often.
Richard B.
Tuscola, IL
""Great Stay""The cabin was more then we expected and made our stay in the area a memorable vacation experience.
Manager Response:We are excited to hear we exceeded your expectations, Richard! You certainly chose the perfect cabin to experience a true dream vacation. We hope you will consider staying with us again during your next visit to our Great Smoky Mountains.
Angela T.
Jacksonville Beach , FL
"Life's A Bear- Exceeds Expectations"The cabin was awesome. Clean and cozy. Plenty of space. We loved the fire pit!
Manager Response:Thank you for your review! We are so happy that we exceeded your expectations. We hope that you come back to stay with us again! Please take advantage of our "return guest 10% discount" on all stays booked in the future.
Ivy S.
Daphne, AL
"We had a wonderful time and the cabin was perfect!"Easy check in and out and handled all of our needs perfectly.
Manager Response:Thank you for your wonderful review, Ivy! We are delighted to hear you enjoyed your stay. We enjoyed having you as our guest and hope you will make plans to stay with us again!
Tina P.
Sutherland, VA
"Awesome cabin & great location "Two king beds was a plus with this cabin, enjoyed our stay very close to grocery store and just outside of Gatlinburg not too far from downtown. Loved the swings with fire pit outside another plus! Ju…st overall a great experience the staff was on top of things from the time we scheduled our stay until checkout stayed in contact to make sure we had everything we needed and texted back right away great communication! We will definitely be back to book another cabin with Elk Springs Resort and recommend them to all our friends ??+ Read More
Manager Response:We love our guests! Thank you for allowing us to be a part of such a wonderful experience, Tina. We are excited to hear how much you enjoyed your stay. We certainly agree, Life's A Bear was built to entertain! It is the perfect cabin to relax and enjoy all that nature has to offer. We hope you will make plans to come back and visit us often. Please keep in mind, as a returning guest you will enjoy 10% off future stays. Hurry back, the Smoky Mountains are calling!
Hassan T.
Jamaica, NY
"Wonderful stay"Enjoyed every moment at this fantastic property
Manager Response:We are delighted to hear you had such a wonderful stay, Hassan! We enjoyed having you as our guest and hope you will make plans to come back and visit us often.
Amy K.
Coatesville, IN
"Great Family Vacation!"This cabin easily accommodated 4 adults and two children. There was plenty of room for all. We especially loved the outdoor firepit!
Manager Response:We are delighted to hear you and your family had a wonderful visit with us, Amy! Life's A Bear is the perfect cabin to simply relax and get away from the demands of everyday life. We hope you and your family will make plans to come back and stay with us as often as you can. Hurry back, new memories are waiting to be made!
Emily A.
Dayton, OH
"A great 4th of July get away"We had a great time, will def chose Elk R for our yearly Gatlinburg trip from now on :) ...... The keyless entry was great
Manager Response:Thank you for allowing us to be a part of such a wonderful celebration, Emily! We are thrilled to hear you enjoyed your stay. We hope you were able to enjoy some of the exciting festivities going on in town during your visit. We are honored to hear you plan on making Elk Springs Resort part of your annual Gatlinburg tradition. Please keep in mind, as a returning guest you will enjoy 10% off all future stays. Hurry back, your next adventure awaits!
Sam H.
North Bend, OH
"Great Smokey Mountain Trip"It was great! Everyone was kind and curtious. From Elk Spring to even the cab that we used. Had an amazing time ! We will definitely be back !
Manager Response:Wow! We are excited to hear that you had an exceptional stay. We believe in providing you with a top-notch, luxury cabin, while extending our finest southern hospitality. We want you to feel at home during your visit. We hope you will take the opportunity to come back and visit with us as often as you can. Your next adventure awaits!
Travis H.
Arlington, TN
"LOVED Life's a Bear!"My wife and I had a fantastic time! The cabin was easy to find, clean,very roomy and we had everything we needed. The hot tub and pool table are a nice touch. The location was close enough to town y…et just far enough away. Thank you so much for allowing us to use the cabin.+ Read More
Manager Response:Thanks so much for your review! We appreciate the positive feedback and always look forward to hearing from our guests!
Gloria E B.
Worth, IL
"Beautiful Getaway! "Our cabin was all I expected and more. My family and I had a wonderful time on Life's A Bear cabin and can't wait to go back. Thank you Elk Springs Resort for making our stay magical!
Manager Response:We are excited to hear that the cabin exceeded your expectations. We specialize in providing luxury cabins that you will fall in love with time and again. We hope you will consider making Elk Springs Resort part of your vacation plans when visiting our area. Come back and see us again soon!
William H.
Smyrna, GA
"Great weekend getaway"Stayed in "Life's a Bear" which had a beautiful view and the property was very well-maintained.
Manager Response:Thank you for your business and for sharing your 5-star review with us, William. We are pleased that you enjoyed your weekend getaway at this lovely cabin. We hope you are already planning your next vacation with us. Be sure to mention that you have stayed with us in the past and you will receive a 10% return guest discount!
Belmont, NC
"A Peaceful weekend getaway"We loved how secluded and peaceful this location was. We spent most of our time in the hot tub and by the outdoor fire pit. Very spacious cabin, plenty of room for 4-8 people to stay comfortably.
Linda L.
Oliver Springs, TN
"The HENS 3 rd annual getaway"This was the 3 rd time we had stayed in your cabin.+ Read More
Of course we had a blast. I hope next year to get a cabin that blows
Out heat from the fireplace. Our microwave did not work. The kitchen…r/>Needs to be supplied with more dishes, etc. ( bowls,plates,pitcher,etc).
I slept in the bedroom downstairs. The mattress had a dip on my side,
Which caused my back to hurt. I can say the laughs,friendship
Of 6 girls of 58 years overcome Al of these issues! We made the
Best of it! We hope to meet again next year if it is the Lords will.
Flushing, ml
"Awesome Getaway"We had a wonderful time visiting Gatlinburg and it was nice to come back to our spacious cabin that felt a little better than home.
Manager Response:Thank you for the great review Jennifer! We pride ourselves in providing a home away from home for you with our luxury cabin rentals. We look forward to having you back again soon. Be sure to use your 10% repeat guest discount when booking your next stay with us.
Jennifer E.
"Absolutely loved it! "Wonderful location easily accessible from downtown gatlingburg. Clean and modern.
Elanna B.
Farmington Hills, MI
"Couples Getaway"Beautiful! It looked just like the pictures. The cabin is well taken care of, clean, and spacious with nice appliances and furnishings.
Amanda T.
Troutman, NC
"Wonderful experience!"we stayed at the Lifes A Bear cabin for a weekend and we had a fantastic time! The cabin was very clean as well as the hot tub. Clean up was super easy for us. Customer service was very helpful and friendly!
Shannett M.
West Memphis, AR
"Relaxing getaway"Beautiful cabin and great customer service
Marie L.
Houma, LA.
"Life's a bear."At Elks spring resort. We experience some wonder things. This was suppose to be a family vacation,but my stepson couldn't make it so he missed out. The cabin was nice in size since we were short a me…mber in our group. We did discover the homey feeling when we got there so that was a plus,the sz. of the rooms were great. Master being down stairs for me was a plus,but I missed out on the hot tub. But it all made up for it when to our surprise it snowed. Coming from the south we don't see much of that and that was one of the things we were looking forward to. But it took us by surprise when it did so we ran out about 11:30 are so it was really late but we didn't care. During the day we were 10-15 minutes from the cabin. But u will have go to get to experience of those the wonderful views. If I go again I'll be at Elk Springs because I was able to experience a special moment with my family that will last a lifetime and I'm great full for that. We were higher up in the mountains that we thought we'd be but it was worth it.+ Read More
Johanna D.
Iron Station, NC
"A fabulous Last Minute getaway. "The cabin was in a perfect location, close to a quick store run, as well as to the main entertainment of Tennessee. The cabin was emaculate with easy entry. The cabin was spacious and well laid out.… The pool table was great and hot tub fabulous. We will defiantly be returning soon.+ Read More
Lane P.
Marietta, GA
"Very nice cabin and location."Enjoyed our stay. Would go back.
Leon M.
Pensacola, FL
"Gatlinburg visit 2015"Clean, comfortable and conveniently located. We wanted to be away from any noise and lights yet close enough to reach within minutes.
Aimee S.
Pooler, GA
"Serenity at its best"We went to the mountains to celebrate a milestone birthday and take in some skiing. This trip will remain in our memories for many years to come. The cabin was nestled at the top of the mountain and a…ll we could see was snowy woods- absolutely beautiful. We will be back to enjoy this special place.+ Read More
Tiffany L.
Thurmont, MD
"Two Thumbs Up, Five Stars, Excellent Stay, Beautiful View!"Had a fantastic time. The house was beautiful! It was far enough away to get the, out of town feel, yet close enough to the city to experience that as well. Restaurants were great, tons of things to s…ee and do, cabin was perfect. Perfect romantic getaway OR fun for the family. The young ladies from Elk Springs were very nice and helpful and very attentive to our needs. They were a pleasure and really helped in booking a last minute getaway. I would recommend this cabin to anyone and everyone and have already done so!+ Read More
Laura R.
Bardstown, KY
"Life's A Bear"Beautiful cabin in the Arts and Crafts Community. Quiet with 2 other cabins on a dead end street. 10 minutes from town/grocery. Huge firepit with swings were a wonderful at the end of the day. The dec…ks are on the front of the cabin. Would have enjoyed having one on the back to enjoy the tree views. Customer service was outstanding! Loved not having to check in at an office. Our keycode was texted to us prior to arrival. I would stay here again on a future visit.+ Read More
Miami, FL
"breath taking experience "I was amazed at the cleanliness and location of the cabin. My first time to the moutains so to say the least I was both scared and amazed at the awesomeness of God's had work. Another thing that stood… out to my family and I was the spirituality and Christianity of the residents. We ra rely entered a store that did not have something about God. Very patriotic community. Loved it but my children loved it more. Five stars from the flat land beacheck crew from Miami. We regret that we bib not know how to start a fire. Our fire lasted long enough to take a picture. We came home with our camp fire marshmellow kit. Hiking in the great smoky moutains was challenging and amazing. Every bone in my body was hurting the next day. I only wished that I could have stayed longer.+ Read More
Kimberly L.
San Marcos, TX
"First time in the Smokey Mountains"Peaceful and relaxing
Mark M.
Smithville, MO
"Life's a Bear"Awesome except view
Murfreesboro, Tn
"Life's A Bear relaxing weekend"Thanks to your customer service for helping me find this cabin!! This place was perfect for our first experience in renting a cabin. With two bedrooms and two bathrooms this cabin was perfect for our… family plus one. The kitchen had all the cookware we needed for preparing our meals during our stay. We enjoyed the hot tub and the pool table during our stay. the cabin and furniture was clean and well maintained. Definitely would stay at this cabin again.+ Read More
Kelvin V.
Manassas, VA
""Life's A Bear" Cabin Rental - Elk Springs Resort"Elk Springs Resort is the best placed we have ever stayed and we've stayed in a lot of places! The 2 bedroom 2 bath cabin was rustic, large, and comfortable as well as luxurious. We had everything we …needed in the spacious kitchen and the outdoor hot tub was an extra bonus, along with the pool table in the loft area. You won't be sorry for staying with Elk Springs Resorts!+ Read More
Jewel P.
Marietta, GA
"relaxing getaway"The cabin was beautiful. Every amenity was provided. Staff was exceptional and provided excellent customer service. I would love to make Elk Springs Resort cabins an annual destination.
Norm K.
Ontario, Canada
"Best vacation ever!!!!"Clean cabin , beautiful view. All the amenities of home plus more. Very near downtown Gatlinburg and entrance to national park . Can't wait to come back - 3 nights not long enough!! Do yourself a favo…ur - book with elk springs resort . This was the best family vacation we ever had . Quiet and private . Did I mention the view !!! My only wish is that there was a place to go for questions and reservation arrivals rather than all by phone. They were polite and helpful by phone though.+ Read More
Charles Eric W.
Smiths Grove, KY
"Stayed at Life's a Bear and it was AMAZING!! "The cabin was beautiful, everything worked properly, very clean...we loved it!!!
Mark T.
"Had a great time"Cabin was clean, was centrally located, and had nice appliances and amenities. Would definitely stay there again.
John Paul
Nashville, TN
"life's a bear all relaxed now!"Perfect
Hana I.
Nashville, TN
"Elk Resort Was Awesome!"I was impressed wight he Cabin, the quality of the furniture, cleanliness and view of the cabin. As we arrived, the water the jaccuzzi was filled with warm water. The area was safe and had our own pri…vacy and security lock at the door. My parents were visiting and were impressed!+ Read More
Phillip J.
Crestwood, KY
"Nice cabin, nice location, nice getaway"My family and I had a wonderful stay. Very quiet and a very clean cabin. Only issue is that the hot tub is on the front balcony, could be located at a more private location.
Robyn S.
Dearborn, MI
"Great place!"Perfectly awesome!
Ruth S.
Newburgh, IN
"Beautiful Smokies Weekend!"The perfect weekend retreat. We were a bit apprehensive booking a mountain cabin in late February but the weather was perfect and the location was lovely. We enjoyed the fireplace and the hot tub eac…h night. We planned to eat in the first evening and had brought everything needed to prepare a meal. Although the kitchen included most things needed there were a few item missing that should have been available. Hot pads to get hot items from the oven and a nice bowl to serve a salad in would have been appreciated. Otherwise it was a very comfortable stay. We would like to return and would certainly book this cabin again.+ Read More
Scottsboro, AL
"View to a victory"The turn off was it was hard to locate. However, the beast was the customer service in helping us locate the cabin. It was clean, the view was great and we had a great time.
Shelly Z.
Blue Island, IL
"happy sleeper"We enjoyed the view and location of our cabin. The main strip through town was not to far and the local grocery store was even closer. We would recommend it to family and friends.
Massillon, OH
"Life's A Bear Review"The cabin was very clean, and it had a nice view. We enjoyed our stay, and we would recommend the cabin to our friends.
Kennedyville, MD
"Nice stay"Very clean
Woodbridge, VA
"Elk Springs - FLAWLESS "We have stayed with Elk Springs resort properties three times now and have never had any issue with the resort staff. The check-in is super easy and the responsiveness to questions is same-day which …is great - even for the trivial questions like internet access, etc. They even helped us when we were lost!+ Read More
The property was gorgeous; the cabin was in great condition and the location was beautiful. We loved staying near the local crafts community and right outside of Gatlinburg - access to the park was a 10-minute drive.
Latonya S.
Talladega, AL
"Great Cabin!!!"My family & I really enjoyed our stay in Life's a Bear.
James I.
Ocala, FL
"Vacation 05-13"Very clean and specious. Beautiful scenery loved it, had a great time.
Wendy C.
Caledonia, MI
"Loved the cabin!"We spent an enjoyable week at "Life's A Bear" cabin at Elk Springs Resort. The check in process was so easy and the cabin was spotless when we arrived. The views and amenities are great and we felt …the price was fair. The views from the front porch and deck were fantastic. We also like the location tucked up in the mountains, yet just a few minutes from restaurants, groceries and downtown Gatlinburg. I'd highly recommend Elk Springs!+ Read More
Linda H.
Crestview Hills, KY
"nice"It was very nice.


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"Comparison with other unit"
About: Royal Bolton Hospital Royal Bolton Hospital Bolton BL4 0JR
Posted by Diane Lane
I have visit this unit on three occasions and found the staff friendly and informative. All decisions regarding my treatment where discussed with me. The treat at the end of treatment is the toast, butter jam and coffee, so much appreciated!
Response from Royal Bolton Hospital 2 years ago
It is good to know that your care was consistently good so thanks for letting us know. Don't know why, but tea and toast after a procedure or operation often seem particularly tasty!
- {{helpful}} of {{total()}} people think this response is helpful
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text:
12 Ways Science Can Make You Feel Better
It's easy to be delighted when you've got science on your side. GEICO customer service leaves you feeling delighted, and that's how you should feel all the time. No matter what's happening, science has an answer!
1. Feel like real life is boring?
Steve Jurvetson / Via Flickr: jurvetson
Fact via
2. Feeling insignificant?
Sweetie187 / Via Flickr: 58782395@N03
Fact via
3. Feeling a little too grown-up?
schnaars / Via Flickr: schnaars
Fact via
4. Feeling slow?
NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center Scientific Visualization Studio The Blue Marble data is courtesy of Reto Stockli (NASA/GSFC). Laura Rocchio (NASA/GSFC) / Via Flickr: gsfc
Fact via
5. Feeling short?
Fact via
6. Feeling like the world is out to get each other?
Flying Puffin / Via Flickr: flyingpuffin
Fact via
7. Feeling useless?
dvanzuijlekom / Via Flickr: dvanzuijlekom
Fact via
8. Feeling bummed out about the rain?
daita saru / Via Flickr: daita
Fact via
9. Feel like you slept a little too late today?
Aleksandar Cocek / Via Flickr: tamburix
Fact via
10. Feeling like the weather is a little too erratic for you?
Boudewijn Berends / Via Flickr: boudewijnberends
Fact via
11. Feeling like everything ultimately succumbs to its own mortality?
wohnai / Via Flickr: 13511355@N06
Fact via
12. And finally, do you wish you were at least part robot?
tinspoon / Via Flickr: 22014568@N00
Fact via
Will you only feel better when pigs fly? GOOD NEWS!
Preview Your Response
Latest Posts From GEICO


text:
Hilton Palm Beach Airport
Select your stay dates to check availability at Hilton Palm Beach Airport
Hilton Palm Beach Airport
About the Hotel
Property Location
With a stay at Hilton Palm Beach Airport in West Palm Beach, you'll be in the business district and convenient to South Florida Science Museum and Palm Beach Zoo at Dreher Park. This hotel is within close proximity of South Florida Science Center and Aquarium and Southdale Shopping Center.
Make yourself at home in one of the 245 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators. Your bed comes with down comforters and Egyptian cotton sheets. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available to keep you connected. Partially open bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers.
Enjoy a range of recreational amenities, including a nightclub, outdoor tennis courts, and an outdoor pool. This hotel also features complimentary wireless Internet access, concierge services, and gift shops/newsstands. Guests can catch a ride to nearby destinations on the complimentary area shuttle.
Grab a bite to eat at one of the hotel's dining establishments, which include 3 restaurants and a coffee shop/café. Relax with a refreshing drink from a poolside bar or one of the 2 bars/lounges. Buffet breakfasts are available for a fee.
Business, Other Amenities
Featured amenities include complimentary high-speed (wired) Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and limo/town car service. Planning an event in West Palm Beach? This hotel has 10000 square feet (929 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and meeting rooms. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available on request).
Hotel Facilities
- Meeting rooms 11
- Tennis on site
- Television in common areas
- Conference space size (feet) - 10000
- Wedding services
- Free WiFi
- Limo or Town Car service available
- Total number of rooms - 245
- Number of bars/lounges - 2
- In-room accessibility
- Roll-in shower
- Gift shops or newsstand
- Express check-out
- 24-hour front desk
- 24-hour business center
- Outdoor tennis courts - 2
- Fitness facilities
- Free area shuttle
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Number of meeting rooms - 11
- Number of floors - 10
- Nightclub
- Free airport transportation
- Terrace
- Pool sun loungers
- Free newspapers in lobby
- Porter/bellhop
- Number of restaurants - 3
- Conference space
- Luggage storage
- Concierge services
- Smoke-free property
- Breakfast available (surcharge)
- Coffee shop or café
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Free valet parking
- Multilingual staff
- ATM/banking
- Free long-term parking
- Accessible bathroom
- Conference space size (meters) - 929
- Free self parking
- Garden
- Outdoor pool
- Free wired high-speed Internet
- Poolside bar
- Spa tub
- Elevator/lift
Room Facilities
- Egyptian-cotton sheets
- Premium bedding
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- Separate bedroom
- Free local calls
- Coffee/tea maker
- Turndown service
- Television
- Down comforter
- In-room massage available
- Free WiFi
- Daily housekeeping
- Iron/ironing board
- In-room climate control (air conditioning)
- Partially open bathroom
- Free weekday newspaper
- Shower/tub combination
- Air conditioning
- Phone
- Free cribs/infant beds
- Free toiletries
- Premium TV channels
- In-room safe
- Pillow menu
Hotel Policy
Know Before You Go
- Children 18 years old and younger stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding.
The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check-in, or check-out.
- Fee for buffet breakfast: USD 14.95 per person (approximately)
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.Show all hotel policy Show less hotel policy


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ESPN adds to Wimbledon ties Gold Cup leads SUM's summer lineup Photos from Forty Under 40 ACBJ buys remaining portion of Leaders Champion Moments: Speeches from honorees First Look podcast: World Congress 2017 Faces and Places at World Congress Are sponsors wary of outspoken athletes? Varsity helps cheerleading bring it on World Congress of Sports: Don't panic
Upcoming Conferences and Events
May 24
May 31 - Jun 1
Jun 15-16
Sep 14
SBJ/July 2-8, 2012/Events and Attractions
With K.C. at the bat, sponsors step up as well to boost activation around All-Star events
Published July 2, 2012, Page 32
"It's a great baseball town, our sponsors are excited, so we're seeing more activity," said Lou Koskovolis, senior vice president of corporate sales and sponsorship at Major League Baseball.
State Farm, sponsor of the Home Run Derby since 2007, is expected to debut baseball-themed creative and is underwriting the construction of five homes in Joplin, Mo., and four in Tuscaloosa, Ala., cities devastated by tornadoes last year. The insurer also will continue its State Farm "Go to Bat" promotional platform, which supports charitable causes and offers a trip to the World Series, said Todd Fischer, State
|Sales of Majestic batting practice jerseys in shades of blue have been brisk, MLB's Howard Smith says.
MasterCard will again tie its All-Star Game activity to the Stand Up to Cancer cause-related initiative. The payment card, an MLB sponsor since 1997, has been less than active in recent years, but is nonetheless expected to break some baseball-themed creative tied to Stand Up to Cancer.
Pepsi will continue to leverage its "Field of Dreams" promo and is staging a local promo through which a dozen or so fans will win the opportunity to sit inside a luxuriously appointed Pepsi can mockup from Seating Solutions that includes air-conditioned recliners and flat-screen TVs.
Gate premiums from BD&A see State Farm giving all fans branded ticket lanyards at Monday's Home Run Derby. Taco Bell is offering its version of the same premium to fans attending the All-Star Game. Scotts is doing four local field refurbishments and will have its brand on the grounds crew at Kauffman Stadium, along with its "drag mats." MLB sponsors advertising in the All-Star Game telecast on Fox include A-B, Chevy, MasterCard, Pepsi, State Farm and Taco Bell.
On the licensing side of the house, MLB consumer products chief Howard Smith said that sales of Majestic batting practice jerseys in various shades of blue have been brisk and that the 12,000-square-foot store at FanFest was "like none other" in terms of customization, product selection and strong merchandising on behalf of MLB licensees.
Nike has added some nice spice to the fading interleague rivalry with the "I play for the AL/NL … We Will Win" T-shirts. Meanwhile, VF Licensed Sports Group President Jim Pisani said his company will have Majestic-branded pop-up stores downtown and at the stadium and more than 25 designs of All-Star Game T-shirts.


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an Expert
Californians Say Their Neighbors Arent Doing Enough About Drought
Few Support Raising Gas Tax, Slim Majority Favor Legalizing Marijuana
SAN FRANCISCO, March 25, 2015Large majorities of Californians say the supply of water in their part of the state is a big problem and that people in their regions are not doing enough to respond to the drought, according to a statewide survey released today by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) with funding from The James Irvine Foundation.
Two-thirds of adults (66%) say the regional water supply is a big problem, near the record high reached last October (68%) on this question. Another 19 percent say it is somewhat of a problem (14% not much of a problem). Central Valley residents are the most likely to see the water supply as a big problem (76%), followed by Orange/San Diego (71%), the San Francisco Bay Area (63%), Los Angeles (60%), and the Inland Empire (56%). Asked about the water supply in their area 10 years from now, 69 percent expect it to be somewhat inadequate (26%) or very inadequate (43%) for what is needed. The share of residents saying the supply will be very inadequate has increased 12 points since last March.
Two-thirds of Californians (66%) say people in their part of the state are not doing enough to respond to the drought (24% right amount, 6% too much). Majorities across regions, parties, and racial/ethnic, education, and income groups say not enough is being done.
What is the most important issue facing people in California today? Residents are equally likely to name water and the drought (23%) as jobs and the economy (24%). They are much less likely to name other issues (education and schools 6%, immigration 6%, crime 5%).
"The ongoing drought is raising concerns about the long-term water supply, said Mark Baldassare, PPIC president and CEO. "Most Californians think their neighbors could be doing more to save water today.
Opposed To Paying More For Road Maintenance, Divided On High-Speed Rail
Governor Jerry Brown emphasized the maintenance of the states roads and infrastructure in his inaugural address. How do Californians view the condition of roads, highways and bridges? About a third (34%) say it is a big problem in their part of the state, another third (33%) say its somewhat of a problem, and a third (32%) say it is not much of a problem. Majorities of Californians (53% adults, 58% likely voters) say spending more money to maintain state roads, highways, and bridges is very important for the future quality of life and economic vitality of California. But when asked about three ways to increase state funding for this purpose, most Californians did not favor any of them. Just 18 percent favor increasing the states gas tax, 23 percent favor increasing the vehicle registration fee, and 47 percent favor issuing bonds paid for through the states general fund.
"Californians agree with the governor that highway, road, and bridge maintenance is important to the states future, Baldassare said. "But they are reluctant to invest their money in state infrastructure projects.
The survey asks about another transportation issue, high-speed rail. When read a brief description of the project and its associated costs, residents are divided: 47 percent favor it and 48 percent are opposed. Support for high-speed rail has hovered around 50 percent in recent years. When those who oppose it are asked how they would feel if it cost less, support increases to 64 percent. Just 28 percent say high-speed rail is very important for the future quality of life and economic vitality of Californiadown from previous years (33% March 2012, 36% March 2013, 35% March 2014).
Half Support Extending Proposition 30Temporarily
The share of Californians saying the budget is a big problem is 45 percentthe lowest since May 2007. The survey asks about extending the temporary Proposition 30 tax increases that have helped improve the budget picture. About half of Californians (51%) and likely voters (48%) favor extending these increases in sales taxes and the income taxes of high earners, which are set to fully expire in 2018. But when those who favor extending the taxes are asked about making them permanent, support drops from 51 percent to 35 percent among all adults, and from 48 percent to 32 percent among likely voters. Regardless of their opinions on the issue, 66 percent of adults and 68 percent of likely voters say state voters should decide whether to extend the tax increases.
Half Favor More Higher Education FundingIf Fees Dont Rise
With a budget surplus projected over the next several years, the survey asks whether Californians prefer spending it to pay down debt and build a reserve or restore some funding for public colleges and universities. Most adults (56%) choose restoring higher education funding. Likely voters are divided (48% pay down debt, 47% higher education funding).
The governor has proposed increasing funding for Californias public colleges and universities if they freeze tuition and fees for the next four years. When asked their views, 48 percent of adults and 52 percent of likely voters say state funding should be increased only if tuition and fees are not increased. Fewer (28% adults, 27% likely voters) say the state should not increase funding or that funding should be increased even if tuition and fees go up (19% adults, 18% likely voters).
Record-High Support for Legalizing Marijuana
As advocates for legalizing marijuana again consider putting the issue on the ballot, support for legalization is at its highest point since PPIC began asking this question in May 2010. Today, 53 percent of residents say marijuana should be legal and 45 percent say it should not. Slim majorities supported legalization in October 2014 (51%) and September 2013 (52%). Among likely voters, 55 percent favor legalization. About three-quarters of adults (74%) who have tried marijuana say it should be legal, while only a third (35%) who have never tried it favor legalization. Residents aged 18 to 34 (61%) are more likely than older adults to say marijuana use should be legal (47% age 35 to 54, 52% age 55 and older). Most adults without children under 18 (59%) favor legalization. Most parents with children (54%) are opposed.
If marijuana were legal, 53 percent of adults say it would not bother them if a store or business selling it opened up in their neighborhood, while 44 percent say it would. Most parents (54%) would be bothered.
Brown, Obama Have 55 Percent Approval
The governors job approval rating is 55 percent among adults (28% disapprove, 17% dont know) and 56 percent among likely voters (36% disapprove, 8% dont know). This is down from his record high in January (61% adults, 58% likely voters) but higher than his rating a year ago (49% adults, 52% likely voters in March 2014). The legislatures approval rating has also dipped since January. Today it is 45 percent among adults and 39 percent among likely voters (49% adults, 41% likely voters in January).
President Obamas approval rating among adults matches the governors, at 55 percent, but disapproval of his job performance is higher (41%, 4% dont know). Likely voters are divided (49% approve, 48% disapprove). Californians continue to disapprove of the U.S. Congress job performance. Just 24 percent of adults and 16 percent of likely voters approve.
Half of adults (50%) say things in California are generally going in the right direction (41% wrong direction), and 52 percent say we will have good times financially in the next year. Adults are more pessimistic about the direction of the nation, with 54 percent saying things are going in the wrong direction (40% right direction). Their opinion of the nations economic outlook mirrors their view for the state: 53 percent say the U.S. will have good times financially in the next year (41% bad times).
Californians Diverge From Adults Nationwide On Key Issues
The survey asks about four other issues being discussed at both the state and federal levels. Compared to adults nationwide, Californians are more likely to:
More Key findings
The PPIC Statewide Survey was conducted with funding from The James Irvine Foundation. Findings are based on a telephone survey of 1,706 California adult residents interviewed on landlines and cell phones from March 817, 2015. Interviews were conducted in English or Spanish, according to respondents preferences.
The sampling error, taking design effects from weighting into consideration, is ±3.7 percent for all adults, ±4.0 percent for the 1,427 registered voters, and ±4.7 percent for the 1,064 likely voters. For more information on methodology, see page 25.
Mark Baldassare is president and CEO of PPIC, where he holds the Arjay and Frances Fearing Miller Chair in Public Policy. He is founder of the PPIC Statewide Survey, which he has directed since 1998.
PPIC is dedicated to informing and improving public policy in California through independent, objective, nonpartisan research on major economic, social, and political issues. The institute was established in 1994 with an endowment from William R. Hewlett. PPIC does not take or support positions on any ballot measure or on any local, state, or federal legislation, nor does it endorse, support, or oppose any political parties or candidates for public office.
Press Release in Spanish
Los Californianos Opinan Que Sus Vecinos No Hacen Lo Suficiente Frente A La Sequía
PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and Their Government, March 2015


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GBP/USD: technical update
GBP/USD dropped by more than 100 pips to $1.5620 on Tuesday. Yesterday the cable touched a 4-month high of $1.5750.Today's report showed UK CPI accelerated in May for the first time since February.
RBS: The double top figure with a bearish turn in major oscillators and looming hanging man candlestick pattern suggest it might be a turning point now. If so, the target levels will be $1.5500 and $1.5400. A sustained break above $1.5740 would negate this view.
UBS: Yesterday the pair posted a new recovery high. Our focus is on the strong resistance at $1.5790. A closing break above this would be further positive opening $1.5880. Support is at $1.5615.
Chart. H4 GBP/USD


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Part 7 (Final)
In the morning when the mother came to wake her crippled boy,
She discovered that his features wore a look of sweetest joy;
And she shook him somewhat roughly, but the cripple's face was cold;
He had gone to join the children in the streets of shining gold.
Tommy's prayer had soon been answered, and the angel, death, had come,
To remove him from the cellar to his bright and heavenly home.
Where sweet comfort, joy, and gladness, never can decrease nor end;
But where Jesus reigns eternally, where time will never end.


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Robert Bruce, a 40-year-old anaesthetist from Winchester, Hampshire, ventured off-piste when he went snowboarding with a friend during a break in the seminar he was attending in Val D'Isere.
On Tuesday afternoon, Dr Bruce, who is believed to have two children, left the piste and headed into a steep gorge.
Scroll down for more ...
He struck a rock at a spot known as Face de la Bellegarde and then plunged more than 260ft.
A local said: "One wrong turn and that is it. People who know the mountain don't go there."
He was found by four mountain rescuers after his friend raised the alarm. He was airlifted off the mountain but unable to be revived.
A spokesman for the high mountain police, said: "It is not an area skiers and boarders should go. It is off-limits because it is very dangerous."
His family was informed on Tuesday night.
The death comes less than a week after British businessman David Monk, 46, was killed when a tobogganing prank went wrong in an Italian ski resort.
Mr Monk, from Hertfordshire, died after crashing into a ski barrier after removing its padding to use as a sledge.
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