text:
Skip to main content
Detroit Lakes Online
UPDATE: Detroit Lakes Walmart cleared after alleged bomb threat
Pearl Harbor victim from Minnesota has remains returned home
It's a mystery: Bronze Star earned by DL man in WWII found at gun show
'I will never let our town forget': Soldier and boy who 'knew every foot' of DL streets is remembered
100 deadliest days on Minnesota roads
More Topics
detroit lakes
Lake Park-Audubon
Tags: Detroit Lakes
Nielsen 22nd at NCAA West prelims
Busker, Lakers head to postseason with win in Bemidji
Raider runners qualify for section track
Frazee wrestlers aid VFW with holiday flags at Oak Grove
Parsons, Lormis repeat all-conference performances
More Topics
college sports
state tournaments
Honoring our heroes on Memorial Day
Column: Big winners, big losers
Turning back the pages
Ehnerts celebrate 50 years together
Yliniemi is UMC's Student Volunteer of the Year
More Topics
Friends & Neighbors
Okeson named Director of Nursing for Emmanuel Nursing Home
Food waste is money down the drain
MN gas prices up two cents
DL Public Utilities earns Reliable Public Power Provider designation
Outlet Graphics has new graphic designer
More Topics
business briefs
employee milestones
money management
Make your summer vacation plans with library's help
Minnesota judge officially confirms heirs to Prince's $200M estate
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, other acts headed to Fargo later this year
Local chef publishes culinary memoir
Column: There's nothing quite like a fresh-grilled burger...
More Topics
Victor M. Lindstrom
Dale Wayne Fagerlie
Marcella O. Jernberg
Florence I. Gilbertson
Neil L. Edwards
Sen. Amy Klobuchar column: Honoring our fallen heroes, by caring for those heroes still with us
Remember to look around at the hurting heros among us
Lynn Hummel column: Everybody needs a Bud
Letter: Bad time to cut opioid drug prevention program
Letter: More than just a three-day weekend
More Topics
lynn hummel
Jake Pfeifer
other opinions
Blane Klemek column: Starlings and sparrows both play to win
Conditions prime for nice bass bite opening weekend
Getting squirrely: Be creative in keeping critters out of bird feeders
Walleye opener dubbed a 'big success'
Blane Klemek column: Minnesota wouldn't be the same without haunting call of the loon
More Topics
blane klemek
brad laabs
Consume those leafy greens for a healthy body
You've gotta have faith: Christian filmmakers start up business, teaching academy in rural Audubon
My Christmas in Denmark: Different traditions, same feel
Late arrival for New Year's baby: First birth of 2017 at Essentia Health-St. Mary's is Azyloh Roberts
DLHS named 'Safe Sports School'
Pine to Palm
Weather Forecast
UPDATE: Detroit Lakes Walmart cleared after alleged bomb threat
brad laabs
May 21, 2017
Walleye opener dubbed a 'big success'
The walleye opener in the Detroit Lakes area was a big success. Not everyone caught walleyes, but the wonderful weather and other active fish made for a great opener. My son Jake was able to join me for opening day and we were fortunate enough to find active walleyes on Ottertail...
outdoors/Brad Laabs
May 21, 2017 - 6:00am
May 16, 2017
Preparing to slay? Suggestions for opening weekend
Now that opening weekend for walleye and northern is here, I have a couple suggestions that may be helpful (and might save you a couple bucks!). The first tip has to do with keeping live bait fresh and alive. We will talk about minnows first as in the early season, shiners, redtails,...
outdoors/Brad Laabs
May 16, 2017 - 8:00am
May 6, 2017
Brad Laabs column: Here's where to find fish on the opener
We are a week away from the "fishing opener." Along with the deer hunting opener, these are the most popular of the unofficial Minnesota holidays. With the weather we are having now and the forecast through next weekend, it is shaping up to be a very good opening weekend. The warm...
outdoors/Brad Laabs
May 6, 2017 - 8:00am
April 23, 2017
Brad Laabs column: Enjoy hunting panfish until 'fishing opener' May 12
We will have several weeks of panfish action available before the May 13 "fishing opener" arrives. As of 12:01 a.m. (just after midnight Friday, May 12), the season opens for gamefish, which include walleyes and northern pike. The bass opener will be May 27 this year. As of last year,...
outdoors/Brad Laabs
April 23, 2017 - 6:00am
April 19, 2017
Brad Laabs column: Ice is gone, get ready to launch your boat
Ice free at last, ice free at last, thank God Almighty we are ice free at last! Through the weekend there will only be a few lakes left in the area to become totally ice free, but 95 percent of all our lakes are able to float a boat now. It is early, but for some reason, it seems...
outdoors/Brad Laabs
April 19, 2017 - 6:00am
Brad Laabs column: There's still quality lake ice for fishing
We still have quality ice conditions on our area lakes. The last week of cold weather has kept ice conditions stable, and even developed a new inch or two of solid, clear ice. Ice thickness on most lakes still ranges from 16 to 22 inches.
outdoors/Brad Laabs
March 19, 2017 - 6:00am
March 12, 2017
Brad Laabs column: Get your poop in a scoop and clean up the lake, anglers!
The last couple of years this time of year (as we clear fish houses off the lakes and near the end of the ice season), I have written about my frustration with the messes left on the ice. This year, our area lakes seem to have been left in better shape than the past several years....
outdoors/Brad Laabs
March 12, 2017 - 5:00am
March 5, 2017
Brad Laabs column: Got the bug? Lots of fishing opportunities in the region
I made a mistake in last week's article. I was reminding anglers of all the upcoming important dates to remember including re-licensing, fish house removal, and closing of the inland gamefish angling season. I mistakenly wrote March 26 instead of February 26. Hopefully you remembered...
outdoors/Brad Laabs
March 5, 2017 - 8:00am
February 25, 2017
Brad Laabs column: Ice fishing gets tricky now, but it's not over yet
The significant amount of rain we received last Sunday and Monday, along with the week or more of warm weather the week before, has deteriorated ice all over northern Minnesota. The snow cover on the lakes is gone. With the re-freeze we are getting now, conditions will be very slippery...
outdoors/Brad Laabs
February 25, 2017 - 1:30pm
February 18, 2017
Brad Laabs column: This thaw won't last, better block up your fish houses
By the time you are reading this, we will already be a couple of days into another unseasonably warm weather situation. This February thaw will eliminate a significant amount of our snow cover. When we lose our snow, we also trend toward warming weather. The snow reflects the sun's...
outdoors/Brad Laabs
February 18, 2017 - 6:00am
February 12, 2017
Brad Laabs column: Is it time to lower 50-year-old walleye limit?
I will be a little "all over the map" this week as we close in on the middle of February.
outdoors/Brad Laabs
February 12, 2017 - 6:00am
January 29, 2017
Brad Laabs column: With colder temps, ice anglers need lures with more sound, color, movement
The unseasonably warm January thaw of the last week or 10 days has knocked the snow cover on the lakes to almost nothing on the majority of our area lakes. During the warm stretch, fishing the lake conditions was slushy, wet, and flooding occurred around heavier permanent houses (nothing...
outdoors/Brad Laabs
January 29, 2017 - 6:00am
January 7, 2017
Brad Laabs column: Getting the drop on winter: Ice fishing augurs well on area lakes
Both last winter, and this winter, have been years of late-developing ice. We are coming into the first full weekend of the new year, and finally have enough ice for full size trucks to venture onto area lakes. Last year, with a late ice start, and an early ice out, we had limited...
outdoors/Brad Laabs
January 7, 2017 - 6:00am
January 1, 2017
Hold off on big trucks - weird weather made for weird lake ice
Weird weather so far to start the ice season. Cold, wind, snow, wind, melt, snow, wind, cold, wind, melt, rain, snow, cold. Anticipating what is next might be a challenge! I think this was our family's first Christmas in the rain. Fortunately the rain didn't seem to negatively impact...
outdoors/Brad Laabs
January 1, 2017 - 4:00am
December 27, 2016
Here's how to catch fish when water visibility is poor under the ice
Hard to believe we are at Christmas already and the ice season is really just getting going. The ice has been walkable for a couple weeks now, and safe for sleds, wheelers, or side-by-sides for the last week.
outdoors/Brad Laabs
December 27, 2016 - 5:00am
Older »


text:
The Lens Grinder
A niche lens grinder goes on a journey born of macabre curiosity.
Lobster Wraparounds
I used to make lenses for animals. Any animal at all, from the gargantuan blue whale to the smallest flea. Any animal that could be short or long sighted was a potential recipient. Besides, I couldn't really afford to be picky about my clientele, since most people don't seem to care about the diminished advantages of their short sighted cousins. They'll buy their pets hats and clothes, treat them like their children, let them eat at the table, but they won't give a hoot as to whether their dog can appreciate the "Life is Ruff" t-shirt they're wearing.
I was lucky to get a customer a month; my income was barely enough to pay for my one room apartment. Most of them were zoo owners, who hoped that bespectacled gorillas, snakes and lions (I also made prescription goggles for the sharks and manatees) would draw in the punters, but I also got a small number of eccentrics who bought monocles and lorgnettes and pince-nez for their flamingos and iguanas and chimpanzees. This was fine, since it left me sufficient time to perfect my craft, and fashion lenses of popular sizes in advance.
But one day I received a visit from a customer that appeared neither to be an extravagantly rich eccentric nor a smartly dressed zoo manager. He was slightly older than me, maybe twenty five, and wore a blue and red poka dot jumper with jeans, and combed over brown hair. The gentleman was thoroughly average, except for the gleaming diamond teeth jutting out of his ever-grinning mouth. With cut-glass diction, he made a request that would soon end my career as a lens grinder. He moved into the light of my dusty workroom, above the small shop that looked antiquated and out of place on the high street.
"Good morning. Is this Optical Kingdom?"
"That's what the sign above the shop says."
"Wonderful. Then I would like you to make a contact lens for me."
"Just one?"
"Interesting. What animal is it for?"
"The... animal, doesn't have a name."
"Okay. How big do you want the lens to be?"
"The exact measurements are quite precise, do you have a pen..."
I stood up in shock and disbelief. The size of lens he asked for was too large. Too large for any animal on this Earth. I scolded the gentleman for wasting my time, and ordered him to leave, before I called the authorities. He left, and blood gushed through my ears, warming my entire body. I cleaned the lenses of my glasses, nervously.
That evening, as I locked up for the weekend, I couldn't help but feel that someone, something, was watching me, from far away.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
american apparel
American Apparel Will Live On After Bankruptcy
A judge decided in favor of reorganizing the company, so the brand will live–without Dov Charney, thankfully.
American Apparel To Finally Sell Clothes Instead Of Vaginas
American Apparel, your one-stop shop for mesh bralettes and pants marketed to adult women but sized for children, is having an image crisis. Disgraced CEO Dov Charney is a proven…
The Marines Are Testing Female Soldiers For Front Lines
Women in combat, frats being fratty(terrible) and so much more.
American Apparel Ad Banned For Showing Underage-Looking Model In A Thong
I dunno, I think the ad campaign featuring exposed asshole was worse, but that's just me.
Oh Shit: To Celebrate Independence Day, American Apparel Posted A Picture Of The Challenger Disaster On Tumblr
Just when you thought American Apparel was pushing limits via racy ads with exposed buttholes and mannequins with pubic hair, they go and cross that line one more time for their biggest…
Creepster Dov Charney Fired From American Apparel
Dov Charney is out at American Apparel (finally). The board of directors voted last night to oust him as CEO and president of the clothing line that he himself…
Forget Bush, American Apparel Experiments With Exposed Butthole (NSFW)
Hi there, American Apparel. I was prepared to defend your bush mannequin and I was responding really positively, as Tim Gunn would say, to your 62-year-old lingerie model. But then you…
American Apparel's Latest Lingerie Model Is A Gorgeous, Grey-Haired 62-Year-Old
American Apparel's latest lingerie model is gorgeous, standing at six-feet tall with long hair and beautiful full lips.
She is also 62.
Jacky O'Shaughnessey is modeling…
Making Fun Of Hipsters: It Just Never Gets Old
There's a dark period in my life that I don't walk about very much. It's the time when I lived in a Brooklyn neighborhood called Bushwick. You've probably seen it…
American Apparel Store Mannequins Have Pubic Hair Now (At Least This One Does)
Look, American Apparel has done something I actually like! No, not that ridiculous nerd glasses/high-waisted panties/knee socks outfit — I'm talking about the hairy bush poking through the edges of…
American Apparel's "Period Power" Shirt Is Almost Too NSFW To Show You
But I will. After the jump. With ample warning that it is very NSFW. And bloody. So, you know, if you click onward, don't blame me if you hate what you see.
American Apparel Finally Hired An Adult To Star In Its Ads
Meet Jacky. She's the newest American Apparel model, and someone who is solidly outside of its 15 to 30 demographic. We're not sure how old Jacky is, but it's safe…


text:
Ghana goalkeeper Razak Brimah helps Cordoba to another vital win in Spain
R. Brimah
Ghana goalkeeper Razak Brimah was in full time action for Cordoba in their 2-1 win at Cacereno on Sunday.
The Black Stars shot-stopper made some crucial saves throughout the game played in Caceres to help his side to the vital win.
The win was the response needed by Jose Antonio Romero's side following last weekend's disappointing 1-1 home draw with La Roda.
The win over Cacereno lifts Cordoba to 15th in the Spanish second tier as they continue to steer away from relegation.
Razak Brimah latest videos
VIDEO: Ex-Black Stars goalie Abukari Damba gives testimony to psyche Razak Brimah ahead of Cameroon clash - 4 months ago
VIDEO: Former New Edubiase skipper Asiedu Attobrah pleads with Ghanaians to forgive Razak Brimah - 4 months ago
CommentsThis article has 23 comment(s), give your comment
keith from germany says:March 09, 2014 06:54 pmI dont understand why kwesi appiah is punishing this guy just because he flopped in the game against japan in Tokyo. I always stand by my view that u cant take 1 game to judge a player. I can bet my last euros that dauda wont even be able to command a number spot in the spanish segunda division. This guy must be invited regularly based on his current form.
mark says:March 09, 2014 07:02 pmGhanasoccernet....its about time u guys start getting serious. The Black stars is meant for the matured and not the ordinary.
real sabacious says:March 09, 2014 08:41 pm@ Keith Akwasi Appiah isn't punishing the guy but the truth is he's clueless and vision. This is a coach who doesn't know what he's doing. Up to date, he simply can't figure out that we have a big problem with with the left and right full back. Any good thinker of the game sees what I'm talking about but not our coach and his assistant . This is a coach who prefers average players. I mentioned Jeffrey schlup the last time, this is a guy who is premiership bound and can play both left back and as a striker as he has been doing for his club but AA prefers Afful who is below average. I wonder who are AA advisers aaaaba! Any serious ccoach will never doubt the quality of Braimah, it takes exceptional qualities for an African keeper to be playing regularly for his club,no wonder we few plying their trade in Europe. The Spanish segunda is been rank among the top leagues in the world. Akwasi Appiah please wake up! U have been sleeping for sooo long!!
spellBOUND says:March 09, 2014 10:20 pmhahahaha. i never hear news on kwaresay here.... could it be because there isn't any bad news on him to report? fire burn all the HE-GOATS at gsn.
selfmade says:March 10, 2014 03:19 amThis keeper ll nor make it to the WC so people so give us a break!! Playing in second division doesn't make u good and besides been good at a club doesn't automatically means that u can be good at the national team!! He was given the opportunity to justify his inclusion and he messes it up so DONT PUT THE BLAME ON APPIAH!!
selfmade says:March 10, 2014 03:24 amHe should be invited on regular form on what bases? Because he is playing in the Spanish second division? They did the hype job for him and when he finally get the invitation to justify his inclusion, he was all nerves and conceded soft goals!! Is not every tom, dick and harry that can be invited into the national team so get it MISTER! what kind of behavior is this!! No coach changes a winning team and pple speak like appiah should invited every player because they are on form which is wrong!! Some players can be on form at club level but can flop bad at national level so get it mister!!!
selfmade says:March 10, 2014 03:30 amThe national team is not justify your inclusion platform!! We have a standing team and players are drifted in gradually and not calling each and every player based on form!!! Please give APPIAH A BREAK!! FOOTBALL ROOKIES!! In football terms, opportunity comes but once!!
maka says:March 10, 2014 03:31 amis it not better than warming d bench in SA premiership? U tell me...what is Dauda doing now? SMH...beats me...
maka says:March 10, 2014 03:34 amstanding team my foot! since AA became coach...its been almost 3 years...can u confidently name a starting 11? Fire burn u...he cant even see where d problem areas are! ...n it sucks...ok?
real sabacious says:March 10, 2014 04:19 am@maka don't waste ur time on selfmade, seems like he doesn't know what he's talking about, Appiah was a footballer him and once or twice had a bad day . A such it will be stupid for any fan of the game to judge a keeper or a player in just one game. And for ur information, the Spanish segunda is much better and competitive than the Norwegian and the south African league. As common sense will tell you that, Braimah is doing a good work to merit his position which a clueless can't see.
real sabacious says:March 10, 2014 04:19 am*himself
johnny says:March 10, 2014 05:37 amA second division team which is 15th in the league. There aren't enough spots for everyone on BlackStars roster. Stephen Adams and Kwarasey are good enough.
real sabacious says:March 10, 2014 07:55 am@ Johnny ur favourites adam and Dauda won't be able to make in the segunda 2 trust me! ! We all want the best for Ghana, I've been watching Braimah recently playing for his club and I boldly tell you that He's better both Dauda and Stephen Adam. I wonder who are the scouts for Ghana and if we indeed have scouts ,then all to be sack asap!!!! Because they aren't doing their work.
selfmade says:March 10, 2014 11:57 am@ johnny... Thank u dude!! These fools think anyone journeyman can play for the national team!! This guy sucks and appiah invited him and he was all nerves!! He won't make the team so forget this hpe!!
selfmade says:March 10, 2014 12:01 pm@ real sabacious... U making it seems like we haven't seen this dude bf! Appiah invited him and he failed to make use of it!! Again playing in second division in the Spanish league doesn't mean he is good!! He can been invited in future assignment but stop blaming the coach!! Again mister know all, the SCOUTS were sent out to watch our opponents we gonna play at the WC and NOT TO GO AND SCOUT FOR PLAYERS FOR GHANA!! U INDEED CONFUSED!!
selfmade says:March 10, 2014 12:05 pm@ maka... U one of the most smart dudes so think!! People making it seems like appiah should be blamed for not calling this guy but he did and the guy finds to take advantage of that!! In Ghana have been so many instances of players failing to glitter in one match and that's the end of their national team career so is not new!! Do u remember ISAAC BOAKYE against burkina Faso in Kumasi? He messed up and that was the end of his national team career!!
real sabacious says:March 10, 2014 01:37 pm@ selfmade how many chances have been given to Afful ? Yet dude is still a bomb! U don't know shit about football to shut up! In the said match, Braimah wasn't that bad. It was the defenders who let hi down
selfmade says:March 10, 2014 02:36 pmAfful is a bomb? U retarded moron! Do I have to teach u everything? If u remember, afful was dissed and dumped by Ghanaians when he started playing very bad for the national team and he was hardly recalled by appiah till HE MOVED TO TUNISIA and when he was given the second opportunity to justify himself, he did marvelously!! Afful has provided a lot of wonderful assists to Ghana during the WC qualifers and am not SURPRISED A SMALL TIME football analyst cannot see!! Gyan scored two of his WC goals against sudan by afful crosses!! Again against Sudan in Kumasi, wakaso scored his stunner thru afful assist so what, u saying u BUM ASS HOOD RAT!!
selfmade says:March 10, 2014 02:44 pmHarrison afful has provided three assists during Ghana WC qualifers and I want u to proved me wrong!!! Go and watch the videos again and educate yourself!!! U underrate me at your peril dude!! How can u called afful a bomb when he has provided three wonderful assists? Thinking like a man!!
selfmade says:March 10, 2014 04:34 pm@ boro.... Thank u dude!! This is what am saying!! He blew his chance with that pathetic performance against Japan!! Sammy adjei was the no 1 goalkeeper till he started committing unpardonable errors and he became an outcast to Ghanaian fans!! Goalkeeping is diff from all other aspect of the game because one mistake and the fans ll never forgive u!! Am surprised someone can blame appiah when he gave him a chance but he blew it!! Finally, all the Ghanaian goalkeepers always impressed in their debut match!! Kwarasey was great against Brazil!! Dauda was awesome against cape Verde etc but this young man blew his so stop blaming appiah!!
boro says:March 10, 2014 03:29 pmThis guy has had his chance but blew it off. I must say he has the potential of being great and may be taking up the no.1 spot someday. I like his distribution or how he starts the buildup, from the back but still not convince to be among the best three goalkeepers Ghana has at the moment.
selfmade says:March 10, 2014 03:13 pm@ real sabacious... Www.mtn.com... How black stars rated against Japan!! Read it for yourself!!
selfmade says:March 10, 2014 02:53 pmGo and watched the goals he conceded and tell me frankly if they were let down by defenders!! The guy even conceded after the match that he made a terrible mistakes and that he is sorry and u say defenders let him down!! The truth is one and this all happened because we rushed him early into the bs and some fans like u needs to take the blame now!


text:
Your Store:
item(s) totaling $
Driving safety tips for rainy weather: use these safe driving tips to keep you out of trouble in the rain.
Driving in the rain is most hazardous during the night when visibility is minimal, so slow down and don't assume that others see you. If you don't have automatic headlights, always turn them on when driving in rain.
Drive in a lane with the least standing water, as even shallow puddles can cause hydroplaning and loss of control. If you drive through a puddle, your brakes will be wet and will require extra distance to work properly. Keep flares, emergency lights or reflectors on hand in case you have a breakdown or accident.
Why you should be extra careful when driving in the rain:
Rain makes driving more dangerous. Traction is reduced, decreasing your ability to stop and negotiate corners. Your visibility is impaired (especially at night), which increases your chances of having to make an emergency avoidance maneuver. To make matters worse, many people start driving before their defroster has cleared the windshield.
To ensure your safety when driving in the rain, make sure your tires and wiper blades are in top condition, and that all your lights work properly.
How to prepare for driving in rain or wet conditions; what you will need:
Do-it-yourself difficulty guide: make driving in rain safer
Estimated time required - 30 Minutes
Driving in the rain, plus dirt, ice and snow dramatically reduce traction and control. What should you do?
Anti-lock brakes (ABS) will keep your wheels from locking but, without ABS, wheels tend to lock up easily. Here are more safe driving tips:
Replace your windshield wiper blades every season, and use a rain water treatment on your windows every time you wash your vehicle.
These driving safety tips may seem minor – but they could save your life.
Be sure to practice these safe driving tips. For high quality auto parts on all of your vehicle maintenance, trust Advance Auto Parts!


text:
|430 sq. ft.
|Property type
|Minimum Stay
|7 nights
This is the original farmers cottage which has now been completely refurbished to the highest standards with the whole of the downstairs as an open plan living room and kitchen. It retains the rustic rendered walls which contrast nicely with the modern granite surfaced kitchen. There is a wood burning stove for the early and late season visitors which is very cosy and romantic.
The kitchen itself has a dishwasher, fridge and separate freezer (for all the ice-cream). The cooker has an induction hob and electric oven.
The cottage overlooks the meadows, play areas, woodlands and pool.
The two bedrooms upstairs comprise one with a large double bed and the other has two single wrought iron beds all with sumptuous mattresses.
The bathroom has a full length bath and a large walk in shower as well as loo and basin.
Sol du Mazel is situated in a most beautiful, quiet rural setting, yet it is close enough to the village to take a morning stroll down the age old footpath to the local boulangerie for fresh croissants.
Situated in the Dordogne, near Domme, Daglan and Castlenaud, nestled in 4 acres of its own land the two gîtes overlook a walnut orchard and wild flower and grass meadow. On the other side of the valley the woods are the home to deer and wild boars which can often be seen at dawn if you manage to get up that early.
Rest and relax by the gorgeous 12 x 5 m swimming pool (heated from May through to end Sept - so that it is still pleasant).
Watch the children play on the trampoline or the climbing frame while the grown-ups might build up the energy to read a book in a hammock.
Later enjoy a barbecue outside sitting under the shade of the abri, or perhaps visit the gourmet restaurant in the village (remember to book). From the end of June to the end of August every Saturday evening the village square and road is taken over by the 'Marché Gourmand Nocturne' which can best be described as a street party where everyone is welcome and all sorts of food and drink are on tap.
We wanted to create a holiday home that was a happy place; overflowing with love and laughter; safe but filled with adventure. We wanted a place that can be special for someone at every age. Whether still feeding from a high-chair; learning to dive or swim a width for the first time; climb a tree fort; explore the woods; sunbathe ,read, walk, cycle or canoe; or simply drink fine wines and taste gourmet local cheeses.
We designed our holiday home to be like this because we knew that as our family grew we wanted it to be the place each person could look forward to returning to the following year. We wanted a place where memories could be created, where the photos are simply aide-memoirs to the joyful experiences shared together.
Katie & Andy Tanswell purchased this cottage in 2010
Sol du Mazel is nestled into an idyllic rural setting , with the two gîtes looking over the meadow up towards a small woodland from which deer and wild boar can sometimes be seen at dawn. Sol du Mazel is just a short walk from the beautiful village of St Pompon, is nestled into the lovely mix of undulating land covered in woods and meadows, where poppies add a splash of colour to every roadside. The textured sandstone houses of the villages in the area are so picturesque they could easily be described as the 'Cotswolds' of France. Yet when we bought the place in 2010 the property was a far cry from what it is now. The cottage was, to say the least, in 'a state' and the barn was just that, a barn which years ago had been used to dry tobacco.
We set about not just restoring but re-invigorating. The two gîtes at Sol du Mazel are Hope Cottage and Rose Barn. Both have huge open-plan downstairs rooms built to the highest of standards and quality. Large doors connect you with the outside living space where many a meal is enjoyed in the cool of the morning or warmth of the evening sun. The bedrooms, with the chestnut wood floors and wrought iron beds are so quiet and peaceful it is hard not to have a wonderful night of sleep.
Its a simply beautiful setting. Somehow we manage to notice how loud the birdsong seems to be, yet never breakings the peace and quiet we feel.
Normally the loudest noise is the splashes from the pool and the laughter of our children.
5* review left on TripAdivisor Jun 24, 2016 for a stay in Jun 2016
Hope Cottage is situated in a really sweet village a manageable drive from Bergerac airport. The village is a short, picturesque walk from the cottage and conveniently has a small supermarket, boulangerie and restaurant. We had a really wonderful time staying in the cottage. The weather was lovely, and there was a delightful family in Rose Barn who we got on really well with. The pool was beautifully warm with so many toys there was never a dull moment, and the fabulously equipped garden kept the children entertained for hours. We ate wonderfully, enjoying a barbecue most nights, having shopped in Sarlat with it's enormous supermarket(s). The welcome pack was most helpful with loads of comprehensive instructions and ideas for activities suitable for all weathers. It was great that the house came with wifi too! We had such a great time and are hoping to return next year.
Hope Cottage is exactly what springs to mind you imagine your perfect French Gite holiday. Beautiful location, beautiful facilities, everything thought of and everything taken care of. However you're travelling - with kids, as a couple or anything else you'll find what you want here.
Everything is spotless and done to a very high standard. The kitchen has almost everything you need to cook (including a set of scales which is very useful if you want to make croissants, which I did), and there are lots of helpful suggestions if you want to eat out locally. It's peaceful and quiet and if you are travelling with kids it is very, very safe.
Coming again!
Beautiful grounds & kids loved running around the garden. Gite was very well equipped & clean, it had all the basic essentials needed for young children eg potties, high chairs, kids crockery & cutlery.
One downside was that was told that the pool would be heated which it wasn't and meant that the children couldn't really use it as too cold which was disappointing. On enquiring was told that they were trying to get pool engineer out so hopefully will be sorted for next guests.
The information provided was useful in describing what was available in Saint Pompont, do need to book to eat in the restaurant l'envie des mets, food was very good and local boulangerie does great chocolate almond croissants. Also check the local supermarket opening hours as tend to be a bit random. Very picturesque area & lots of places to explore.
Hope cottage is a fantastic place for a family holiday. The cottage itself was very clean, well equipped (fab induction hob and sharp knives, lovely walk-in shower!) and we enjoyed cosy evenings in watching movies. The terrace is perfect for sitting out to eat, drink and watch the kids play in the garden. We really enjoyed the pool area, lots of inflatables for the kids and hammocks and sun loungers for relaxing. There are lots of things to see and do within easy reach – beautiful hilltop towns and villages, castles, chateaus, dinosaur parks and caves etc. as well as traffic free cycle paths (make sure to pre-book bike hire in peak season) and of course canoeing down the Dordogne (which was a particular highlight for us and our two girls (4 & 6). Out of all the holidays we've had in France, I would definitely recommend this place above all!
We stayed in Hope Cottage for 10 nights and had a wonderful time. The gite was beautiful with all the equipment needed for holidaying with babies/children. The setting was peaceful and only a short walk into the local village. There is lots to see in the area within driving distance but the gite was so nice you may not want to leave it! We can't wait to visit again!
Myself, my husband and our eleven month old enjoyed a wonderful stay in hope cottage. It had everything we needed - lovely bedding, towels, spotless kitchen and equipment, lots of child friendly bowls and plates, oversized dog soft toys and rocking horses which our little girl loved, good BBQ and of course a veranda with sunset and a beautiful garden and pool. We explored the local area, walked down to the village for our croissants, relaxed and just generally existed. It was brilliant.
The only caveat is you do probably want to take gps if you are arriving in the dark and perhaps ask for some wood and paper to be left out if you know it's going to be cold. Otherwise, enjoy! We will be back we hope...
We're having a fabulous time and absolutely love rose cottage and our meadow, play area and pool. The cottage was spotless when we arrived and had everything we need for our nearly 3 year old and one year old - high chair, toys, plastic cutlery etc. It has a gorgeous french feel with beautiful furniture. There was also small items like picnic ware and good knives and pots and pans which make the holiday much nicer when cooking. The area is great with lots to do with smallies within a short distance. There are lovely markets for picking up fresh produce and foires on in different villages in the area. We would recommend it big time for families with or without toddlers.
The area is fabulous for those looking for fun activities or who want to explore the beauties of the region. Kayaking on the Dordogne is very popular with tours that allow you to start upstream and be collected hours later downstream. You could start in the amazing town of Castlenaud where three fairytale castles stand guard over the river beaches. Alternatively, Domme is the enchanting medieval market town which overlooks the river as it bends through the rich landscape below, explore the caves or take the miniature train around the town. La Roque-Gageac, on the northern shore is described as 'outrageously picturesque' and has an artist studio where you can certainly bargain to get a good deal on a beautiful original watercolour.
There are some wonderful vineyards in the area, some are very commercial - others very artisan and off the beaten track - certainly worth exploring.
Cyclists love the area and St Pompon is even host to the exciting and horizontally–challenged, dramatic, annual French VTT competition.
There are all sorts of caves with evidence of habitation dating to pre-historic times, châteaus and castles galore - check them out by hot air balloon; 5* gourmet restaurants the suspended gardens of Marqueyssac. The animal reserve at Calviac has some lovely lemurs but at Conquil they look back in time to the dinosaurs and cavemen (as well as tree adventure park).
There are town markets to explore pretty well every day of the week – you just need to know which day they are on.


text:
It only takes a minute to get started. Fill out our uncomplicated sign up form and login to the site.
This step is noncompulsory but will greatly multiply your chances of getting interest from other over 50s members on the site. Introduce yourself, your pasttimes and upload some good photos of yourself.
Utilise our website's state-of-the-art search to discover over 50s members who match your needs. Or just browse through listings and discover singles that you like.
Located someone who looks suitable? Send a message to them or just a wink and see how you get along. With a little luck you'll be on your way to an amazing adventure.
It's quick and easy


text:
Reporting the Sony Hack
Did the contents of the Sony hack reveal newsworthy information, juicy gossip, or just our own voyeuristic tendencies? Bob talks with the Poynter Institute's in-house ethicist, Kelly McBride, about the ethics of exposure.
BROOKE: And I'm Brooke Gladstone. So let's talk about this big Sony hack. A group calling itself the Guardians of Peace claims to have stolen upwards of 100 terabytes of data from Sony Pictures Entertainment, releasing everything from salaries and social security numbers, to emails full of snotty studio gossip, to such work materials as the latest James Bond movie script. Unnamed intelligence officials reportedly point the finger at North Korea, But North Korea attributes what it calls the righteous deed to supporters and sympathizers, who share its view that Sony committed an act of terrorism when it produced the Seth Rogen comedy, called "The Interview.
Movie Clip: Wanna go kill Kim Jong-Un Totally! I'd love to kill Kim Jong-Un, it's a day.
BROOKE:The Interview was to be released Dec. 25th. That date has been pushed back to never, because the Guardians of Peace threatened the movie houses slated to show it, in a message saying "Soon all the world will see what an awful movie Sony Pictures Entertainment has made. The world will be full of fear," and "We recommend you to keep yourself distant from the places at that time." First some big cinema chains dropped it, and then Sony pulled it, incurring which could amount to 200 million dollars in losses. But critics, like Matt Miller on Bloomberg News, say the loss can't be reckoned only in dollars and cents.
FEMALE ANCHOR:They cancelled the movie how do you feel
MALE GUEST: All you need is computer skills and how to know how to dial 911 to be able to get what you want from Sony.
FEMALE VOICE: Oh c'mon
MALE GUEST: It seems such a gigantic wussy move such a wussy move. If North Korea and do this than anyone can do it! C'MON!
The Department of Homeland Security says there is currently no credible evidence to suggest that there's a plot against American movie theaters.
On Friday at a White House news conference, President Obama said "I am sympathetic to the concerns that they face. Having said all that, yes, I think they made a mistake," "
PRESIDENT OBAMA: "We cannot have a society in which some dictator some place can start imposing censorship here in the United States," Obama said. "That's not who we are. That's not what America is about."
Meanwhile a group called Fighters for a Free North Korea, which uses balloons to sail radios and DVDs across the North Korean border reportedly plans to airlift copies of "The Interview" as soon as it can. They think it could have an impact.
FRANCO: This is the biggest interview since Frostee Nixon.
ROGAN: Frostee Nixon?
FRANCO: I mean in 10 years, Ron Howard's going to make a movie about this. We do this, we can interview any President on the planet. And then you can ask them the real questions. This is like eating our vegetables. Once you eat those...then you get to eat the steak. And we know Aaron wants his steak.
The Interview makes fun of American media, as much as North Korea. And it's fair to say that the current international incident makes both look pretty bad.
NEWS CLIP ROGAN: It's stolen information that media outfits are directly profiting from - it's ill gotten gains, I would assume. Like, they're literally re-selling stolen shit. It's not like they're not profiting from it: it's click bait, it's salacious material. And the more clicks they get the more advertisers they get, the more shit they put out there.
BOB: That was Seth Rogen on Howard Stern's show. He's one among many in Hollywood who have condemned the media for jumping on the gossip-laden Sony leaks. Screenwriter Aaron Sorkin, whose own emails have been published, penned an op-ed for the New York Times denouncing as "morally treasonous" any journalist who passed along information gleaned from the hack. But is this a clearcut ethical breach by the the Times and many other mainstream news outlets? Kelly McBride is Vice President of Academic Programs at The Poynter Institute and their in-house ethicist. Kelly, welcome to the show.
MCBRIDE: Thanks for having me.
BOB: I know you're an ethicist, not a lawyer, but from a legal standpoint -- this is probably ok. The Supreme Court has ruled that the press may pass along even stolen information provided it serves the public interest. I just want observe though that public interest is not measured by how interested the public is in the juicy details, is it?
MCBRIDE: Well, not normally. Although some journalists would really consider a clamoring of interest to be the public interest. Most journalists, wouldn't though. Most journalists would say the knowledge of this information has to serve some sort societal good to really call it public interest.
BOB: Then, I have to ask you -- what part of this salacious gossip involving movie stars and studio executives rises to the level of serving the public good?
MCBRIDE: YOu know The New York Times did an article on how Sony and other studios are encouraging the attorneys general in many states to go after Google. That's a really interesting strategy when you have very powerful companies encouraging public servants to take action against other very powerful companies. I think that's interesting, and I think that is defintely in the interest of the public to know that that is happening.
BOB: Even though it was the fruits of a ransacking of a corporation's private emails. This isn't a Wikileak this is third-parties, possible even terrorists, just having it's way with the secrets of a corporation. Aaron Sorkin certainly believes that changes the situation. The Sony lawyers believe that changes the situation - they're threatening to sue everyone and his brother. And it's hard for not to see their point.
MCBRIDE: Their point is that you are playing into the hands of the hackers. But as journalists we have to consider where our primary loyalties reside. And our primary loyalties reside with our audience. So if information is available that will enhance our audience's understanding of any particular issue that is of significant public interest - and certainly how powerful Google is - is of public interest. And whether or not the state Attorney's General should be taking on Google and spending their resources, our resources - our tax dollar, taking on Google that is definitely of interest to me and to everybody else who pays taxes. So they're almost two separate issues here. One is, how was the information obtained? And there is no doubt that it was obtained by a hack. And the hack was done by people with bad motives. But then the second of whether or not any of information that has now become available is important to the public. You almost have to consider that outside of how the information is gained. Ethics are messy because you can't just say, 'Because you're not supposed to be here in the first place you should just back away and pretend it never happened. You can't un-ring a bell.'
BOB: And I guess you can see that I'm a bit reactionary on this subject. I have a lot of trouble getting past the receiving stolen property elements of the episode.
MCBRIDE: But the Pentagon Papers was stolen property.
BOB: With a clearly overriding public interest because it was stolen from the government, the government was lying systematically about the Vietnam War from the beginning and this was the smoking gun. Which is a whole lot different from whether a studio executive thinks a movie star is spoiled. Let's just say that burglars break into my house and they're frustrated that they find nothing of value. And they would be. (Laughs) And they locate my furry chipmunk costume that I hold quite dear for reasons best known to me. And they take it, display it on my sidewalk and because I'm sort of a public figure the media come by and take pictures of it. And all of a sudden my furry life is the subject all sorts of gossip and speculation. If I'm the media I don't write that story. Because it was ill-gotten gains.
MCBRIDE: No. See, I disagree.
BOB: And my furriness is of limited interest to anybody except for how juicy the gossip is.
MCBRIDE: Exactly. The second point you just made is the legitmate point. The fact that you have a furry chipmunk costume is of no significant value to the public. And in fact some of the emails that have gotten a lot of attention are really of no significant value to the public. They are merely curious and interesting. But, what if they had found when they broke into your house that you were running a, I don't know, an illegal gambling operation. What if they had found something that was of significant interest. I think that's the difference here.
BOB: I didn't go look for Jennifer Lawrence's stolen nude pictures and I haven't sorted thru the email traffic at Sony. I just continue to overt my glance. Is it because in fact I'm simply a superior human being?
MCBRIDE: (Laughs) It could be. Some people think voyeurism is a cardinal sin. and other people see it more as a misdeamonr. I don't know that there's any real harm that comes out of a voyeurism.
BOB: Not sure however that it represents humanity at its best.
MCBRIDE: It does not. By humanity is rarely at its best.
BOB: Kelly, thank you very much.
MCBRIDE: Kelly McBride is a Vice President at the Poynter Institute and the (in) house ethicist.


text:
Eye Lick Two Rhune
ON THE 7th DAY, GOD DID AN EASY 6 "Running is a big question mark that's there each and every day. It asks you, 'Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?'" - Peter Maher
Needs more cowbell!
• Chemo
• Chemo-Radiation
• Surgery