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Following an investor group purchase, Bethesda, Md.-based Balducci's LLC closed three stores and plans another.
According to a company statement, an investor group led by Jim Demme acquired stores in Alexandria, Va., Bethesda, Md., McLean, Va., Scarsdale, N.Y., Westport, Conn., and Greenwich, Conn., for an undisclosed amount. Demme is a senior advisor to the investment firm Angelo, Gordon & Co., New York.
Two stores in Manhattan and one in Ridgefield, Conn., closed April 26, and a store in Washington, D.C. will stay open until June 29.
A representative from Balducci's could not be reached for comment.
It is not surprising that Balducci's has closed stores, said retail analyst David Livingston of DJL Research, Pewaukee, Wis. However, it was not as much the economy as other factors, he said.
"Balducci's was more about the management than about the economy," he said. "They would be closing stores no matter how well the economy was doing."
Balducci's, founded in 1946 as a fruit and vegetable stand in New York, was sold to Bethesda-based Sutton Place Gourmet.
Bear Stearns bought the chain in 2003 and changed its stores to the Balducci's banner.
The retailer was known for its high-end ingredients, especially imported olive oils, cheeses and other specialty items.
The store has seen a lot of competition in the past couple of years, especially with the entry of Austin, Texas-based Whole Foods Market Inc.
It is not a good time to be in a premium market, Livingston said.
"We will probably see some closures and consolidations," he said. "Consumers are trading down and being smarter with their money. Therefore, the weak link in that grocery segment will be breaking."


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Admission to the MA Programs
The Department of Philosophy offers a two-year and a one-year MA programs.
One-year or Two-year option?
The choice between the one- or two-year option usually depends on the previous education of applicants. Holders of three-year BAs, or of degrees in subjects other than philosophy, are advised to apply for the two-year program. Holders of degrees of four or more years, with at least a minor in philosophy, may consider the one-year option.
If applicants are uncertain which option would suit them the best, they can submit an application for both programs. The application materials are the same for the two options.
For Application Deadlines please visit the webpage of CEU's Admissions Office here.
For further dates in the application process please visit the webpage of CEU's Admissions Office here.
If you cannot get hold of all the required documents by the deadline, please contact the departmental coordinator, Kriszta Biber.
Entry Requirements
- An appropriate first degree from a recognized university or institution of higher education, or documentation indicating that the applicant will earn their degree from such an institution by the time of enrolling in the program
- Proficiency in English. Applicants whose first language is not English must submit standardized English language test scores, e.g., the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- Submission of the general CEU application form with its appendices, including the specific departmental requirements
- Availability for admission interviews, possibly by telephone.
(see the general CEU admission requirements)
Documents to be submitted with the applications (same for both one- and two-year options)
General CEU requirements:
- Completed online CEU Application Form (Available for the one year program and for the two years program.)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Academic records
- A full curriculum vitae or resume, including a list of publications, if any
- Proof of English proficiency
plus department specific requiriments:
- A statement of purpose (1-2 single spaced pages). The statement should indicate the applicant's main interests in philosophy, the topics they would particularly like to study while pursuing a degree at CEU, and their general purpose in acquiring a philosophy degree
- A 1500-2000 words long sample of academic writing. This can be (part of) a course essay, or a chapter of a thesis that the applicant produced while studying for their first degree, and it should be in English. Applicants who do not have a recent sample of academic writing may submit an essay (on a philosophical topic) which is similarly suitable for assessing their language abilities and argumentation skills.
How to Apply
Please follow the instructions available here.
Degree Accredited in Hungary and the US
The two-year Philosophy MA program is accredited both in the US and in Hungary. The one-year program is accredited only in the US. For those enrolled in the two-year program, the following options are available:
- Hungarian citizens who would like to study for a Hungarian-accredited degree at CEU (in effect, at Közép-európai Egyetem), can apply through the central Hungarian admissons office at felvi.hu. However, anyone who is applying through felvi.hu needs to apply also through CEU, by the CEU deadline.
- Hungarian citizens who apply directly to CEU can be accepted for the US-accredited program. There is a second round of admissions administered by felvi.hu ("pótfelvételi") in the summer. So in effect, if a Hungarian citizen is accepted for the US accredited program after applying directly to CEU, they will also be able to apply to study for the Hungarian accredited degree in the summer.
- Non-Hungarian citizens who apply directly to CEU and are accepted can express and intention upon enrollment to study not only for the US accredited degree but also for the Hungarian accredited degree, if there is a sufficient number of students who chose this option. If there are any differences in the requirements (which would be minimal, in any case), students will be informed about this.

subset: commoncrawl


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Sometimes a baby just must be worn. I have a distinct memory of marching up and down my stairs with Julian in my arms, just to get him to stop crying and relax. If I had been smarter, or hadn't just blown all my brain cells giving birth, I might have just worn him and saved my arms the trouble. And, now as a sophomore mom, if Scarlett wasn't already trained to nap in her crib so well (yes, I am the best parent ever), I'd probably be stair climbing right now instead of typing at the computer.
I recently met Darcy, a woman who had the same experience as a new mom. She, being a dancer, had a solution that was less monotonous than a staircase. She danced. She soothed her baby to sleep while getting her own heart rate up and toning muscles. Call it overachieving, or call it crafty, but I have to give her a (virtual) high five for figuring out how to get something for herself out of a marathon soothing session.
If you are like me, you are not going to do this yourself. You might need someone to boss you around, er, I mean guide you. And Darcy put her work out on a video, so now you have it. It's called Chicks-n-Chickens Lullaby Exercises and the DVD shows a room full of baby-wearing women getting a workout.
No time for the gym? Restless baby? Here you go. What do you think? Would you try it? Does your baby demand to be worn?
Related link: Order Lullaby Exercises DVD


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Wednesday, February 8, 2012
02/08/12 - Marriage Post
I hope this encourages you, whether married or single.
Intentional Marriage
Do you remember the first time you laid eyes on your husband? Do you remember what you wore on the first date? Do you remember your first kiss with him? When is the last time you and your husband talked about the story of your courtship? When is the last time you had a date?
When we're up to our necks in poopy diapers, dirty dishes, paying bills, "projects", and life, one area that can quickly be put on the back burner is our marriage. God has stirred in my heart a passion for marriage! To see people have deeply satisfying, God-honoring marriage, not just roommate-type marriage.
But this type of marriage doesn't come naturally. Actually if we aren't intentional in our marriages we will drift towards isolation and loneliness. This summer I will celebrate my 9th anniversary with my husband, so I've just begun to learn about marriage, but I want to share some of the things we've done to protect our marriage and fully enjoy the oneness God designed for marriage!
1)We have a place that is our marriage sanctuary. This "place" is our bedroom! It's a kid-free zone. There's no pictures of them or toys. Hanging on the walls are pictures of us and tell the story of our love! We have been intentional to keep this place special and sacred for us to connect there!
2)We pray together daily!
3)There's no topic off limits for discussion. We've cultivated a marriage where we can openly discuss any issues and share our thoughts openly and freely. This, of course, means laying aside pride so we can share without getting defensive. (To some this is very difficult, especially if they come from a family that never talked about important emotional issues.)
4) We've asked another couple to be our "blind spot" friends. Basically they have the "right" to ask us anything and we share freely with them any arguments or mis-understandings we've had. We try to get together with them two times a month to make sure we're "doing" life with them. They pray for us and there's nothing hidden from them. We're trying to live as honestly and transparently with this couple to avoid any pitfalls that may be in our blind spot. This has taken a great deal of intentionality, with both couples!
5)We're always working towards oneness. John and I try to evaluate what we're doing through the question: Does this cause us to have oneness? This can include: ministry, work, hobbies, TV watching habits, vacations, extra-curricular activities, how we spend money, church involvement, raising our boys, and even bedtime. The more we keep this question in the front of our thinking, the more we're able to filter out what is important to our marriage. (Oneness is not sameness.)
6)An important aspect of protecting our marriage has been dealing with our own emotional "junk". This may not sound like a way to protect our marriage, but knowing that we've worked through and dealt with emotional pain allows us both to feel freedom in this area. (If you're wondering if you've worked through stuff, ask "Can I openly talk about this past issue or pain?")
7)We go out of our way to laugh together! Laughter is like a cold drink of water on a hot summer day!
8)John and I don't communicate with members of the opposite sex without the other knowing about it. For example, if I send an email to a male, I BCC John so he sees every communication going from me to a male. This is one way to not allow even a shadow to creep into our marriage! We also don't spend any one-on-one time with a member of the opposite sex! (This type of openness also includes full access to any and all password protected accounts we may have separately.)
Again, my passion is to see marriage thrive! Not just my marriage, but your marriage as well! I pray these help you find new ways to be intentional in your marriage!
4 comments:
Thank you for the marriage inshightful posts. Please keep writing about that.
Godly thriving marriages are on many people'hearts, and mentoring in this area is crucial.
Thank you, be blessed and rewarded by God!
PS: Hope to see more activity on this blog : ) but I know you're so busy so we take whatever and whenever we can : )
- February 9, 2012 at 12:11 AM
- Heather Patenaude said...
Roxana...you're so sweet to ask for more! I really appreciate the encouragement!
God has placed on our hearts (me and my husband) a deep desire for marriage. He's just growing it!
So thanks for your words!
When people leave comments I know what they are looking for!! It helps!
- February 9, 2012 at 6:51 AM
Keep what God has put on your heart regarding marriage : )
Even if they don't comment, I think there are plenty people online who read your blog, and other Christian blogs.
So, even if the encouragement is not so much present (wish it were), just keep with God's passion for marriage on your heart!
I appreciate it and dare I say...sometimes people from my local church have not taught me or answered some of my spiritual struggles, but I have found by the grace of God...some answers and mentoring....on the internet from Christian women I have never met face to face.
Strange world wwe're living in, right? Even stranger, now in 2012....
- February 10, 2012 at 12:11 AM
Oh my gosh! LOVE THIS POST! I love how you two are completely open to each other! No room for secrets, no mis-communication, no room to allow any negativity creep in! Agh! So cool!
- February 28, 2012 at 9:52 PM


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text:
Mon., Nov. 11, 2013, 8:57 a.m.
Medical expenses thrown out in repo man case
A federal judge ruled Friday a Liberty Lake father had not proven the police officers who used a stun gun to subdue him were liable for the man's past and future medical expenses.
Franklin Duncan rested his case against Victor Grant and the Liberty Lake Police Department on Friday afternoon after four days of testimony from his family, doctors and other parties in the civil case. Duncan alleges Grant, a repo man tasked in February 2010 with towing a 1997 Audi A8 belonging to Duncan's son, intentionally crushed his hand using the truck's winch, while Grant says Duncan struck his girlfriend in the truck's cab then attempted to strangle him before police arrived. When they did, the officers - including Liberty Lake Police Chief Brian Asmus - eventually used a stun gun to arrest Duncan on charges of vehicle prowling and assault.
Duncan was seeking medical damages totaling less than $20,000, according to his attorney, Marcia Meade. But U.S. District Judge Thomas O. Rice ruled Friday that Meade had not proven Liberty Lake should have to pay any amount for Duncan's medical expenses.
Claims that the officers made Duncan's existing injuries worse through their conduct and used excessive force in detaining him remain in play with jurors, who will this week consider a countersuit brought by Grant against Duncan before their deliberations. The federal court is shuttered Monday in observance of Veteran's Day, but the trial is scheduled to resume Tuesday morning.
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Twelve tracks in the compilation album are previewed a week before the record is available for sales on September 18.
Getting closer to its release date, G.O.O.D. Music's "Cruel Summer" has been previewed online. A 30-second snippet to each of the songs is available on iTunes, while an extended sneak peek to the tunes makes its way out via SoundCloud.
R. Kelly's "To the World" kicks off the record, which features plenty of bass-heavy beats and anthemic refrains. Kanye West, Big Sean, Pusha T, 2 Chainz, The-Dream, John Legend and Kid Cudi are among other artists listed in the compilation set, which has spawned four singles, "Mercy", "Cold", "New God Flow" and "Clique".
"Cruel Summer" is now due September 18 after being pushed back several times. Yeezy's "Mercy", which serves as the lead single off the album, is currently sitting at No. 5 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.


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Aspen Technology
Mid-cap software firm Aspen Technology ( AZPN) is forming a channel of its own, with a twist. Instead of consolidating sideways like Symantec, Aspen has been bouncing higher in an uptrending channel. That uptrend gives traders a high-probability range for shares to move through. Aspen's trend channel has been intact since the beginning of the summer, as shares pinballed in between the glut of demand for shares at trendline support and the glut of supply at resistance. The fact that support has stopped the decline in shares the last five times it's been tested bodes well for the strength of that line going forward. Any stock in an uptrending channel presents a buying opportunity, but for risk-averse investors, the best time to buy comes after a bounce off of support. That bounce is important because all support levels do eventually fail, and when they do, you don't want to be left holding the bag -- it shows that AZPN can still catch a bid at support before you buy. If you decide to be a buyer, I'd recommend keeping a protective stop just below the 50-day moving average.


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Raytheon Systems of the UK has received a contract from Eurocontrol to install four ADS-B (automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast) ground systems to support trials aimed at validating the use of the technology as an alternative to radar for ATC surveillance.
The ADS-B systems will be located in Ireland, the UK, the Netherlands and Germany for testing expected to last two years. The first ADS-B ground station was delivered to Ireland in late August, according to Raytheon Systems. The company has developed a prototype 1090-MHz ADS-B ground station with so-called extended squitter decoding functionality.
Trials conducted over the last year have shown that the system works effectively in congested air traffic environments, extracting and successfully decoding ADS-B messages even when overlapped or garbled by other signals, the company said.


text:
Please note "BBC Sunday AM" must be credited if any part of this transcript is used.
Now, as we've been saying, the UN summit has not gone well. Jack Straw, the foreign secretary, was, I have to say, unlike the Americans sitting there listening to a hard-line speech from the new president of Iran, insisting on his right to develop nuclear technology, whatever the West said. I spoke to Mr Straw a little earlier and began by pointing out that the president could not have been more hard-line if he'd tried.
This was a disappointing and unhelpful speech by President Ahmadinejad, all the more disappointing given the fact that the E3, that's France, Germany and the United Kingdom, and Xavier Solano, the EU foreign policy representative, have spent much of the last few days in discussions with Iran and with intermediaries like Kofi Annan, explaining that yes we would and we were ready to go the extra mile with the Iranians, notwithstanding their breaking the November Paris agreement and their restarting the facility at Isfahan, the conversion facility at Isfahan, we've done all of that and yet we have to hear this speech.
Foreign Secretary, let's be clear, Iran's offer of more transparency on the nuclear programme is nothing like enough to reassure you or the Americans, is it?
Well, look, I mean let's be clear about this, and it's not just about the Europeans and the Americans, this is about what we call the whole of the international community, but there is a board of governors at the International Atomic Energy Agency, which if you like is a mini version of the general assembly of the United Nations - it has 35 or 36 members on it, some key states from around the world, including Russia, China, South Africa, Brazil, India and so on.
This has decided on seven successive occasions, unanimously, that Iran must bring itself into full compliance with its own obligations - which have been there for years and years - for complete transparency under the non-proliferation treaty. So offering to be transparent now is simply saying you're going to be compliant and really accepting that you've not been compliant in the past.
You've put an awful lot of hard work into this, Foreign Secretary - as did the French and the German - a speech this hard-line is a heck of slap across the face for you - do you trust the president now when he says it's all about civil nuclear power and nothing to do with military stuff at all?
Well, look, I don't regard it in that way, it was not unexpected, given the position that President Ahmadinejad had taken during the course of the Iranian elections three months ago. But as to whether we trust him, it's not about an issue of personal trust - successive Iranian ministers and presidents, and indeed the supreme religious leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, have said we have no nuclear weapons and we have no intention of gaining nuclear weapons. The problem is not what they say it's that at the moment what they are doing and what has been disclosed, and also what has, we think, not been disclosed, fails properly to add up.
The president says he's going to offer this technology to other Islamic countries, going ahead completely regardless - you've offered him all these carrots and he's not interested in them - he doesn't want your diplomacy, does he?
Well, hang on a sec, but I say here's the big question, it's important that people should understand it - Iran has one nuclear power station under construction, a place called Bushehr. The technology is Russian and the Russians are providing the nuclear fuel and they say they'll only run it on their fuel. So the question then arises, to which we've never had a satisfactory answer, why does Iran need to develop this nuclear fuel technology when they don't have any power stations in which it can be used. As to your question, Andy, about the end of the diplomatic road, we'll go on trying here - we've always said this has to be resolved by diplomatic means within international organisations.
We've got this large Shiite population, of course, in the South of Iraq, are you worried about a grand coalition between them and Tehran?
I think it's important to separate these issues. I think they're separate in the minds of the Iranian government and they need to be separate for everybody else. Any Iranian government has an interest in a stable Iraq - its neighbour - it doesn't have an interest in fomenting huge trouble, not least because if they leave Iraq to democratic processes, there is bound to be a government which has a majority of people representing the Shiite community.
But after all the bloodshed, we could end up with an Islamic republic in Iraq as well as Iran, is this really the kind of better, happier, stabler Middle East we were promised before the war?
If you read, as I have, the Iraqi constitution it is a different constitution from that in Iran because in Iran, although there are indeed Sunni and some Christians, it is overwhelmingly Shia, and it had a particular history over the last century or more.
In Iraq, yes, they in their constitution pay homage to their majority religion of Islam, just as I may say in many countries around Europe we pay homage to our dominant religions of Christianity. But they do provide for clear balance between the Sunni, the Shia and the Kurds, they provide for freedom to practise religions, it does not say that Sharia Islam is the sole source of all law in Iraq.
Finally, Foreign Secretary, we've been told that Ariel Sharon, the Israeli prime minister has been invited to Britain but doesn't want to come because he thinks that as a former general he could be arrested for war crimes. Can you assure him, A that he's welcome, and B that if he arrives at Heathrow he wouldn't simply be arrested and hauled off to jail?
I think so, although let me say these are ultimately matters for the courts and not for me. Prime Minister Sharon has been to the United Kingdom on many, many occasions and in the past there have been some people who have been trying to stir up trouble against him but these have not come to fruition and I doubt very much indeed that they would come to fruition again. Moreover he is a serving prime minister in a very different capacity from somebody who had retired from the Israeli army.
Thank you very much indeed Foreign Secretary.
NB: this transcript was typed from a recording and not copied from an original script.
Because of the possibility of mis-hearing and the difficulty, in some cases, of identifying individual speakers, the BBC cannot vouch for its accuracy
The BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & Conditions


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If I was going to blog again, then I hope this answers the question. Yes, I know. I really should do it more often, and I will. That's a promise. I don't like making excuses but its been a bit busy lately. The team has been hard at work getting our latest version of Flash ready and I've been on the road a lot talking to the press and attending shows. Speaking of shows, I was at GDC 2007(Game Developers Conference) in San Francisco a few week ago. We had a small booth and we were showing Flash and Director. A few times I had the the StarWars papervision demo running on my computer , and it was amazing how many people were shocked when they learned it was all done in Flash and especially when I told them it was all code. PaperVision3D you rock!
If you haven't seen it already definitely check it out. Also check out the ObstacleCourse game John Grden put together using the same idea. Very Cool.
I have to admit that some of the Papervision3D demos are some of the coolest demos I have seen lately. But please, if you know of any other great Flash sites or examples please share!
The last thing I am going to mention is that flying 6 hours cross country between Newark and SanFran on a 737 with a seat that doesn't recline should be illegal! I'm done with Continental. nuf said.


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Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Cast your vote for the future
Philip Gets His Groove Back
Saturday, September 27, 2008
James Joyce wins BGHB?
[Update--the link was to a German blog titled "Boston Globe Horn Book Awards" filled with English words and sentences strung together in a way that occasionally made sense but more often were simply madly stream-of-consciousness insanity. Apparently now it takes you to another site. This is the kind of spamming I don't understand. I mean, the gold-farm people want your money but this didn't have anything like that.]
Friday, September 26, 2008
"Well, here's one thing in the mail that is not a bill."
But who can top her? Lisi Harrison (The Clique), that's who, caught by Chasing Ray in a delicious quote that, with any justice, will come back to haunt her:
"I don't mean to brag -- but I get literally thousands and thousands of letters, thousands and thousands of e-mails from these girls, and I do read them and not one of them has accused me of perpetuating poison into their world and their society," she said. "Every one of them says, 'I suddenly realize that it's not so important to be popular anymore. I used to be like this with our friends, but we've all changed. Truly. I really, really mean it.'"
Which would you rather read thousands and thousands of times? I suddenly realize that it's not so important to be popular anymore or Where do you get your ideas?
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Palin/McCain for peace and quiet
Star bar
Of all the devices that devalue the function of criticism, the bar of stars is among the most pernicious. It suggests that artistic creation can be ticked off like a school essay and subjected to a set of SATs, in which the individual, expert guidance of teachers and examiners is set aside for the one-rule-fits-all solution of 21st century politicians.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Well, that's one way around it.
In middle school I knew a girl who "objected" to Huckleberry Finn because of the racism and her mother said something and she read something else. In private she told me she tried to read it and it was so boring she just told her mother she had a problem with it so she could read something else. I was 12 and knew that was wrong (and slightly jealous because it was boring).
When Worlds Collide
Lolly emailed me, "It made me wonder what other experiences like this people have had while still in the thrall of a children's book." It reminded me of when I saw Independence Day one summer day in New York, emerging afterwards into the full-on Manhattan Friday five o'clock rush hour just like the mad dash from the aliens the New Yorkers made in the movie. They ARE here. I also remember a train trip on a rainy day through a wooded portion of Connecticut while listening to an audiobook of The Fellowship of the Ring--full-on cognitive assonance!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Holding Mary Sue's Feet to the Fire
I'll have to remember this argument come January.
From the NYT report on the Emmy Awards, interviewing David Shore, executive producer of House:
"There are awards for [popularity]; they're called ratings," Mr. Shore said. "There are really good shows on cable, and even if only 10 people are watching them, if they're good they should be recognized."
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Princess Delite
Friday, September 19, 2008
From the land of the long white cloud
"Ki raro au!" hei tā ikā.
E kore pai ki āu!
Ki raro!" hei tā ikā
"E KORE au hia takā!"
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
From the people who brought you . . .
R.I.P. Coleen Salley
Coleen Salley died yesterday. Her professional life was spent mostly at the University of New Orleans, where she was a distinguished professor of children's literature, and that's the excuse most of us in children's book publishing used for inviting her out for dinner whenever we were within hailing distance of a bayou. But the real reason was that she was the funniest person ever born. When Colleen began to wrap her smoky southern drawl around a story, we cradled our drinks and prayed that story would never end. In her 70s, she began writing down some of those tales she'd been telling. If you never met Coleen, search for one of the several audio books she recorded over the years, then imagine her sitting across your table. That might give you some sense of the terrible loss so many of her friends are feeling today.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
That Marilyn McCoo Thing
I had to explain this phenomenon to another editor today. (Don't ask why.) I call it That Marilyn McCoo Thing. Back when "One Less Bell to Answer" was the number one song in America, the Fifth Dimension made a guest appearance, as themselves, on It Takes a Thief. On the show, they were recording "One Less Bell to Answer," and lead singer Marilyn McCoo was insisting on finishing the song with an odd sequence of four dissonant chords. She would not be moved, even though everyone around her--Billy, Lamont, Ron, Florence and the recording engineers--said it was a bad idea. Well. It turned out that Marilyn's brother had been kidnapped by bad guys who threatened to kill him unless the song was recorded with this ending--because the sound waves of the chord sequence, when played over the radio, would cause a bomb, secreted in a ship-in-a-bottle that sat on the desk of someone the bad guys wanted dead, to go off.
So when you ask someone to murder their darlings, be careful.
Monday, September 15, 2008
In other news, dog bites man
And to paraphrase Florence King, when will liberals learn to think before they speak? To complain that Sarah Palin "has a small town mind" is not helpful.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Urban legend alert
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Check your in-box
But enough about you. Or me.
Pullman then clutches his rhetorical pearls for this response:
The people who matter most?
Whoever wrote that – whoever read that and believed it – needs to be reminded that without us, without our work, our talent, our willingness to put up with almost anything in the way of reduced royalties, humiliating treatment over jacket design, endless travels to this bookshop, that school, that library, anything to help our books reach the readers – without us there would be no editors, no designers, no marketing teams, no publicity people, no secretaries, no helpful personal assistants, no senior executives, no expense account lunches, no pension schemes, no company cars, no sales conferences in attractive places, no publishing industry whatsoever. Any of the people who do those other things could be replaced with very little difference. Take us away, and you've lost everything. The people who matter most? Authors and illustrators are the people who matter most, and no publisher with any sense of what's right and true would have allowed that sentence, and that attitude, to stand.
Monday, September 08, 2008
Score one for the big guys
Saturday, September 06, 2008
The happy couple
Yeah, I only have the one suit
Friday, September 05, 2008
The Invigilator Strikes
The poem is a good one and can be found at the link.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
There's a thousand library trustees just like her.
I wouldn't elect Sarah Palin to anything, but this old censorship charge is really reaching. As far as we know, as mayor of Wasilla she asked the public library director three times about the possibility of removing "objectionable" books from the collection. Three times the director said no. (Positively biblical!) Then Palin tried to fire the director but changed her mind. Unless that former director (who is not talking) tells us otherwise, we have no reason to believe that Palin's request went beyond the hypothetical.
This is actually pretty typical of people who get power--and three-year-olds, come to think of it. They want to see how far they can push it. Mayors, school superintendents and library trustees alike are often surprised to discover that they don't get to personally decide on library purchases or discards. It's the librarian's job to explain to them why this is a bad idea and arguably illegal.
I'm reminded of the time when Chicago aldermen removed--at gunpoint--a satiric portrait of the late Harold Washington from an exhibition at the School of the Art Institute. THAT was censorship. But just asking? Nope.


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by Bob San
SUN PRESS Newspapers
Coming off a season in which they played in their first section final, the Maple Grove girls' lacrosse team enters the 2014 campaign with high hopes.
Crimson coach Morgan Kingstedt lost nine of last year's 10 starters to graduation but welcomes back a team that has a mix of veterans and young new players.
"We are a young squad with only a handful of seniors," Kingstedt said. "We have only three seniors, seven juniors, six sophomores and five freshmen."
But the Crimson have many talented players. Senior captains Brittany Throndson (attack), Helena Nguyen (midfield) and Mary Perron (attack) lead the way. Other top returners are junior defense Emily Naasz, Ritika Patel and Maggie Cowan.
The Crimson need to fill holes vacated by the graduated seniors and Kingstedt is confident the young players are up to the challenge. New players who are expected to contribute are freshman midfielder Paige Cassibo, junior defense Bailey Wendt freshman goalie Coco Francis and sophomore midfield Claire McLean. Kingstedt credits assistant coach Haley Corradi for developing new talent through her summer youth program.
"We have a great smattering of new defenders, attackers and midfielders. The younger players are coming in with better stick skills," Kingstedt said. "We will be young, fast and extremely versatile."
The Crimson are setting their goals high and making the program's first state tournament is the No. 1 goal. Kingstedt said because the league has increased the number of sections from four to eight, the Crimson's chances of making it to state has improved.
"There are more opportunities to get to state," she said. "I think it's very, very possible."
To reach that elusive goal, the Crimson will need to work hard on team cohesion.
"We are working really hard at cohesion between our girls, because we have such interchangeable and talented athletes, more interchangeable than in years past," Kingstedt said. "There isn't necessary a really strong first string and weaker second string. Our "second string" girls are very similar in talent to our starters."
Maple Grove opens the season Monday, April 21, at St. Louis Park.
Contact Bob San at [email protected]


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The Stark County Association of Realtors will host "Smart Growth in the 21st Century" from noon to 4 p.m. June 15 at 4344 Metro Circle N.W., North Canton (Belden Village).
A community functions best with homes for all income levels, jobs, schools, open space, desirable destinations and services and different ways to reach them -- by foot, bicycle, public transit or automobile. Smart growth is about recognizing and understanding the various facets of a vibrant community and how to achieve and maintain a balance among them. Studies show smart growth communities cost less for individuals to live in and cost less for local governments to administer.
More than ever, homebuyers want the convenience and value of smart growth. Learn to describe and discuss the key principles of smart growth planning, compare smart growth precepts to other planning approaches and list how smart growth benefits various constituencies.
Nathan R. Norris, principal, director, implementation advisory at PlaceMakers LLC in Alabama, will teach the course, which is described as an excellent resource for community organizations and government officials interested in smart growth in their
Norris, a licensed attorney, real estate broker and advocate for great placemaking, has expertise in land development, management, design generation, project build-out, phasing, marketing, sales and green building. He works with communities on how to leverage their K-12 assets by integrating smart growth principles into the school planning, design and management process.
The class is $25 and is open to the public. Class size is limited to the first 40 attendees. To make reservations for the class or for additional information, contact Lisa Yelichek at 330-494-5630 or visit www.starkrealtors.com.


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the act of copulating with a girl too repulsive to consider removing extraneous articles of clothing, in which case one merely unzip's one's zipper to engage in intercourse
Man, i got really drunk at the party last night and ended up having to drop the fly on some whale. Probably should have brown bagged it...
by thundercock Sr. January 02, 2013
The Urban Dictionary Mug
One side has the word, one side has the definition. Microwave and dishwasher safe. Lotsa space for your liquids.Buy the mug


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Hot Off the Presses! Noah's Ark Foundation's "A Boatload of Goodness" Cookbook!
Chock full of recipes from the Noah's Ark Foundation Board Members, this adorable cookbook makes the perfect gift for any occasion. The book contains "people" recipes from Appetizers to Soups, Main Dishes to Desserts. And there's even a section with treat recipes for your favorite canine or kitty companion!
"A Boatload of Goodness" cookbooks are available for sale at $10.00 each through Noah's Ark Foundation (call 209.740.7211 to order). Proceeds from the sale of these books go directly to helping provide medical care for sick and injured animals in the Tracy Shelter.
Cool Fundraiser with Menchie's Frozen Yogurt!
Noah's Ark Foundation of Tracy announces a super frosty fundraising event with Menchie's! On Saturday, August 16, from 11am to 11pm, come to Menchie's at 1888 W. 11th St., mention the attached flyer and 20% of your purchase will be donated to Noah's Ark Foundation!
Menchie's Frozen Yogurt offers a great variety and something for everyone: Nonfat, Low Carb, No Sugar Added, Non-dairy Sorbets, Gluten Free, Vegan and Kosher options!
Mark your calendar for Saturday, August 16, between 11am and 11pm. Come on down to Menchie's in Tracy, enjoy some fabulous frozen yogurt and help support Noah's Ark!
Donate Online!
Show your support for Noah's Ark Foundation by donating ONLINE at the link below:
Fantastic Flapjack Fundraiser!!
Dog Costume Contest Registration
Dog Costume Contest!
Join Noah's Ark Foundation of Tracy as we partner with Animal Rescue of Tracy, Pampered Pet Boutique Grooming & Spa and USA Trophies to present a Dog Costume Contest!
When: Saturday, October 26, 2013
Time: 10am
Where: West Valley Mall in Tracy (parking lot near Famous Dave's)
Entry Fee: $10.00 per Dog
eWaste Fundraiser to Benefit Noah's Ark Foundation!
Got "stuff"? Have old electronics/phones/speakers/cords/appliances that are collecting dust and no longer useful? Noah's Ark Foundation of Tracy is partnering with another local nonprofit, eWaste4Good, in an ongoing fundraising program. Simply call or email eWaste4Good to arrange a FREE pick-up of ewaste items at your home or office. All electronics will be recycled with a portion of the proceeds coming back to Noah's Ark Foundation. See below for a list of items that are eligible for pick-up:
Pet First Aid/CPR Class Coming to Tracy!
What better way to protect your best friend than to know what to do if he or she becomes sick or injured or goes into cardiac arrest. You may be the only hope your pet has before getting to the vet. Check out our Pet First Aid/CPR Class on Saturday, August 17, at Platinum, 902 Central Avenue, 3rd Floor (9th & Central in Downtown Tracy), from 8am to 1pm. Class is FREE to the public, and donations are accepted. Space is limited, so call 209.740.7211 to reserve yours NOW!!
Announcing Tracy Applebee's "Enjoy a Short Stack for a Tall Cause" Fundraiser to Benefit Noah's Ark Foundation!
Visit our "Events" page to learn more about our Fabulous Flapjack Fundraiser with Tracy Applebee's!!


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European 7th Framework research project titled Enabling the Flourishing and Evolution of Social Entrepreneurship for Innovative and Inclusive Societies (EFESEIIS).
Period: December 2013 – December 2016
Partners: PIN S.c.r.l. Servizi Didattici e Scientifici per l'Università di Firenze (Italy, project leader), Münster University (Germany), University of Southern Denmark (Denmark), ALTERRA research institute (Netherlands), Glasgow Caledonian University (United Kingdom), FREN (Fondacija za Razvoj Ekonomske Nauke, Serbia), University of Northampton (United Kingdom), University of Warsaw (Poland), THE HUB Gmbh (Austria), Fondation Nationale des Sciences Politiques (France), Promoting Social Business (Albania).
Primary Objectives:
1) To construct an evolutionary theory of Social Entrepreneurship that explains the differences of development throughout Europe, taking into account the history and trends of Social Entrepreneurship and how social entrepreneurship and institutions co-evolved over time.
2) To identify the features of an "Enabling Eco-System for Social Entrepreneurship", i.e. the conditions under which Social Enterprises can contribute effectively and efficiently to build an inclusive and innovative society, with the goal of building a set of good practices.
3) To identify the "New Generation" of Social Entrepreneurs, emerged in the last five years, in order to harness its potential to policy making and for other stakeholders such as financial institutions and support organizations.
4) To provide advice to stakeholders. The project targets policymakers both at a European, national and local level as well as banks and other organizations such as chambers of commerce, associations of entrepreneurs and local development agencies. Every stakeholder will be provided with advice on how to draft policies and services to foster Social Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation.
Secondary Objectives:
- Understand the main problems in accessing resources for Social Enterprises: the sources, management and sustainability of the physical, financial and human resources that Social Entrepreneurs draw upon and rely upon.
- Understand how Social Entrepreneurs are able to bring resources together, develop networks and formulate and implement strategies to develop a viable organization and exploit the market opportunities.
- Understand the degree of appropriateness of the legal environments in which Social Enterprises operate.
- Understand how the linked concepts of Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship are related to Social Enterprise under an evolutionary perspective.
- Increase the visibility of the local, domestic and international role of Social Enterprise.


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Ausra Kel Retoucher
winndee wonderlandModel Female Huntington Beach, California, US
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About MeI am a tattooed ER/Trauma nurse with a love and passion for 40's and 50's pin-up models. The elegance, beauty,grace, purity and sexiness of that era is AMAZING! I am an energentic, outgoing, firecracker who after much urging from friends, family, co-workers and strangers is taking a chance, and hoping to bless others with images of such a wonderful era. My goal is to grace the cover of a tatto/hot rod mag or model for retro/rockabilly ads to show the world the beauty a tattooed kitten has! XoXoXoXo
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Mark Jackson, 38, from Doncaster, became a sperm donor last year after reading the BBC News website.
"I was reading about tsunami in January last year and saw that the site was also running a story about lifting the anonymity of gamete donors which had a link to a website.
"I got some information and phoned clinics in Leeds and Sheffield, but they said they weren't recruiting".
Mark was eventually accepted as a donor at St Mary's Hospital in Manchester.
He doesn't have children, but says he is not worried about children "turning up on his doorstep" in 18 years time.
"I'm not worried about it whatsoever. To be quite honest I think, if they do, it'll probably just be out of curiosity rather than anything else."
He thinks donating was a worthwhile thing to do.
"I spoke at a conference, and ladies came up to me afterwards and showed me photos of their children who were fathered with donor sperm.
"It makes you feel really good."
Most Popular Now | 56,514 people are reading stories on the site right now.";


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Assistant Professor (EXPIRED)
Department of Philosophy, Hendrix College
|Job category
|Junior faculty / Tenure-track or similar
|Philosophy of Mind
|AOS categories
Philosophy of Mind
|Metaphysics and Epistemology
|AOC categories
History of Philosophy
Metaphysics and Epistemology
|Full time
|Conway, Arkansas, United States
|Job description
Assistant Professor of Philosophy: Tenure Track
Hendrix College seeks applications for a tenure track position at the level of assistant professor in the Department of Philosophy, beginning August 1, 2013. The Ph.D. is required. AOS: Philosophy of Mind and AOC: Metaphysics and Epistemology. The successful candidate should complement the current strengths of the department, have an interest in the history of philosophy, and enthusiasm for representing philosophy in the conversations of liberal arts disciplines. The College seeks a person dedicated to undergraduate teaching, professional activity, and the purposes of a small, academically rigorous, liberal arts college. Salary and benefits are competitive. The application deadline is December 1, 2012.
Application should include a letter addressing the candidate's interest in teaching in a demanding liberal arts environment, a curriculum vitae, writing sample, and three letters of recommendation (including the phone numbers and email addresses of the referees), and transcripts of all graduate and undergraduate work. Applications from candidates with an interest in participating in the common freshman course and other interdisciplinary programs, and in using instructional technology where appropriate, will be particularly welcome. Application materials should be sent to: Dr. Lawrence K. Schmidt, Hendrix College, 1600 Washington Avenue, Conway, AR 72032.
Hendrix is a distinguished liberal arts college with an endowment of $160 million, sheltering a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, located in Conway, Arkansas, thirty miles from Little Rock at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. The College, related to the United Methodist Church, has a strong commitment to excellence in teaching liberal arts. Hendrix is an equal opportunity employer. Women and members of minority groups are especially encouraged to apply. Please visit our website at www.hendrix.edu.
|How to apply
|Application type
|Unknown (see text above)
|Hard deadline
|December 1, 2012, 11:59pm CST
|Web address for more information
|Contact name
|Lawrence K. Schmidt
|Contact email
|Time created
|October 2, 2012, 12:30am EST
|Scheduled expiry date
|December 1, 2012, 11:59pm CST
|Expired on
|December 1, 2012, 11:59pm CST
|Last updated
|October 2, 2012, 4:52pm EST
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Norweigan Star 3/11/12: Norwegian Star Cruise Review by karlam
Overall Member Rating
Norweigan Star 3/11/12
Destination: Western Caribbean
Embarkation: Tampa
I saw some negative review from our cruise and frankly none of us had any complaints and believe me, we are pretty picky. There was a nice variety of food, I can't complain about any meal. We ate at the buffet and the other two restaurants. Also, at Cagney's. The beef was excellent there. Our rooms were also cleaned, the staff was pleasant and friendly.
My husband had a family emergency and had to leave the cruise early. The staff was very accommodating for helping him get off the ship early. On cruise days, the pool area is crowded, but that is to be expected. This is why I would get a balcony cabin next time. We all liked the entertainment on board. I went on cruise critic roll call in advance of our More cruise and got some very helpful information. A very nice couple planned a Meet and Greet. From the M&G we did get a bridge tour. The Captain was very gracious and answered everyone's questions. Very informative. We are now discussing doing it again next year but we want to go to the southern Caribbean.
We would definitely cruise with Norwegian again. I forgot to mention that my kids cabin did have a leak from a burst pipe. After reporting it they immediately came in a romoved the carpeting, dried it out, gave them complimentary chocolate covered strawberries and a bottle of wine. (They are over 21) Less
Published 03/29/12
Cabin review: IE10521 Mid-Ship Inside
Cabin 10521 was an inside cabin. They are small but there was plenty of room for the two of us. There was enough storage so we didn't have things laying around. The suit cases fit nicely under the bed. I liked it because it was nice and dark and I was able to get a good nights sleep. It was pretty quiet too, did not hear alot of noise from the hallway.Read All Mid-Ship Inside (IE) Reviews >>
Port and Shore Excursions
My family and I did cave tubing in Belize through VIV Tours. We had a great experience. Kareem was our tour guide. He was excellent. There was a bit of a walk to get to the river, but it wasn't too bad. Two people in our party had a little trouble so Kareem took them separately a different way to make it easier on them. I like the tubes, they had neck rests and were tethered with ropes and not your feet. I would highly recommend VIV Tours.
Beach Break
In Costa Maya my family and I took a beach break. We booked through Tropicante. It was perfect. Steve and his staff were great. You only paid for what you ate, drank or activity. We ordered quite a bit for lunch, had margaritas, a bucket of beer and two 1 hour massages. Total, $125. The cab ride was $2 pp from the cruise terminal. It was a good time, very relaxing and we would definitely do it again.
Bar Hop
In Cozumel we experienced the Cozumel Bar Hop. It was so much fun. Met a number of good people. Had a lot of laughs. We did order extra drinks at the various bars and we had some great food. The margaritas were fresh, the salsa a guacamole were very good and the coconut fried shrimp at Rastas was the best I ever had. The bus was very comfortable with nice air conditioning. I can't say enough good things about the Cozumel Bar Hop. I would highly recommend it.
We went through Victor Bodden Tours. There were five of us so we did the personal tour. We asked our driver Frankie to give us a brief tour of Roatan, take us to see the monkeys (alot of fun) and then he took us to a hotel and we got a day pass for $10 to enjoy the beach. Frankie was very nice and gave us alot of information about Roatan. Would highly recommend him.
Read Cruise Critic's Norwegian Star Review >>
This cruise had something for ...
First time Mediterranean cruis...
Poor Guest Services and Websit...
Excellent Ship and Holiday
Fabulous Cruise to Cuba
Good but lots of overpricing w...
Better than expected
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This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Were the Osmond Brothers secretly hip rockers?
That's the argument being made by Dave Swanson on the website Uliimate Classic Rock, as he found a freaky parallel between the Osmonds' 1972 song "Hold Her Tight" and Led Zeppelin's 1970 classic "Immigrant Song."
"Now, the Osmonds mention nothing about ice and snow or hammers of the gods here, but check the riff. They're very similar! Were the brothers Osmond heavily digging on 'Led Zeppelin III'? Looks like it! ... We are not suggesting by any means that the Osmond contingent outshines Led Zep, but check out the tunes side by side. They both do rock. That guitar riff plus Merrill's raspy vocals pretty much kick ass! Take that Bobby Plant!"


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People's Choice: Vote for Outdoor Living Features
We've arrived at round six of our People's Choice voting program! Please help us select outdoor features for Blog Cabin 2013, from outdoor seating to fire pit style.
We've arrived at round six of our People's Choice voting program! Please help us select outdoor features for Blog Cabin 2013, from outdoor seating to fire pit style.
Ha bloggers! Great voting last round. I wish the deck was a diffrent choice. I've voted on every choice but the built in colum, I love the natural ring it goes with everything that we've voted on in the pasted rounds. (NATURAL) I'm hope they put in a clothes line!:)
I'm with you on the natural ring – it's rustic, permanent and needs no care. I think we could all manage to put up a clothesline ourselves.
Ha! WE-Z, I'm still trying to get my husband to put in a clothes line. AND a rack for beating my rugs!
Lots of the old ways are still the best ways.
SO EXCITED for this round!!
Me too!!! Much Love!! <3<3
I wonder how long the copper mail box will stay there if it wins?
I was wondering the same thing. With the price of copper sky high, probably not too long, unless it's enclosed in a brick or stone pillar, and even that would be chancey.
Doesn't copper turn green? I was surprised it is ahead. Plus it might get stolen.
Unfortunatly thats how the voting goes when people dont think befor they vote.
The patina of aging copper is one of the reasons it's been used for centuries. I'm sorry to see so many people concerned that their new neighbors might swipe their mailbox. Copper for me – now how about a matching weathervane for the top of the cupola?
That's one of the beautiful things about copper, the patina!
The new neighbors are my least concern. I'm sure they are wonderful people. It's the ones that are stealing it out of vacant houses, as well as the copper tubing out of outside AC units. A mailbox by the road at the end of a fairly long driveway would be very tempting.
Amen to that! At the end of a fairly long driveway, on a public highway with probably quite a bit of traffic.
Exactly. Not one post has even hinted, nor suggested that neighbors might take it. When I suggested the possibility, I simply was basing it on news of police reports of a growing trend, about which we all need to be cautious about, because of the rising value of this beautiful metal. I think Ishmael's idea for a weather vane on the cupola is awesome.B):D^_^<3 Kitty
Crime reports from Cartaret county indicate an extremely low crime rate. Most crime is seasonal. With tourism there can come other things both good and bad.
Thank you, PeterNC! Personally, since I collect copper, the temptation for me is huge! It is SO heartening to know the crime rate is low in Carteret County! That's wonderful! Someone will be very lucky and blessed to win this beautiful property!xD^_^ Kitty
Miss Kitty,
Are you saying the temptation for you to "collect" that copper mailbox would be high?:p
LOL! Windsmurf that's a GOOD one! I didn't think of how what I wrote would sound! It was suggested that the copper mailbox would make a good breadbox–I thought that might be a cool idea… I have copper pots & pans hanging in my kitchen. And, yes, because it is copper, I'm voting for it–with a bit of trepidation, because the mailbox is on a thoroughfare and one just never knows…. Sadly, for example, people who are ad dicted use rs often find themselves desperate and will take anything to feed their need. I had a relative who did that. It can be tragic and desperate.:( But you are too funny–thanks–you got me on that one! xD:p;)<3
All fun to read! Enjoying your posts and the humor. Just thought that the copper mailbox was (by the way, my choice too)attached to the front siding at the door, like the same one pictured in Pottery Barn Catalog. I've been hinting for one for a gift for years here at my house, since the postman said he would come down our gravel road which is part of our landlord's property, to our cottage if we had a box. Evidently, they are not able to hand
deliver, as they used to… Does anyone else see it installed that way? Maybe that would solve the "temptations" we might face. LOL, Trish
Oh, Windsmurf got me big, and How, on that one!!!:$ I do love the soft glow of copper and have lots of it hanging in my country kitchen. Appears to be a landslide winner, but I still have trepidation about leaving it up front. Somebody suggested bricking it in, but that defeats the purpose, I think. Boo suggested using it as a breadbox–thought that was brilliant. More copper in my kitchen–should I win–now that IS a long shot! Good luck to you, Trish!xD^_^<3 Kitty
That's way good! And it really isn't about the neighbors. I think it's about the highway, and tourists making trips along it. I live in Sacramento, and any recycling place you take anything to has to keep track of it..People still copper out of street lights, empty houses, exposed a/cs, where ever. I hate to admit it, I live in a good neighborhood, mostly, but my street has a "bad boy "neighbor that was arrested for stealing from an empty business, did some time, and was dumb enough to go back and do it all over again..he doesn't steal from neighbors, but I wouldn't trust him on that highway
I figured as much. Thanks for the info, PeterNC. Crime always seems to be lower in rural areas, not because the population is lower, but I think the residents of the smaller rural communities are a closer knit group watching out for each other, and there is a higher moral code among all. I grew up in a small town, and I was even afraid to skip school because I knew someone would see me and tell my parents! I don't think I could ever live in a city. That's why I live in the middle of 5 acres.
A cemetery in So Calif, only alowed copper headstones back in the day, now they have all been stolen, including my grandparents and siblings. So I am not voting for a copper mail box, unless it is fake. Plus 1,000 of people will know where this mail box is.
It probably wont be a neighbor.
Where we work we do not have street lights because the have stolen the copper wire so I would vote for any of the other mail boxes but then again I think all mail boxes would fit in.
I guess that is a concern, but I love the look and I'm willing to take a chance.
I actually loved all the mailbox options, even people's least choice of reclaimed
The copper mailbox should be fine. Husband & I talked about that being a target for theft. And it may be. But most people don't look at mailboxes as a source for copper. It will verdigris beautifully in the salt air, and with a little chemical help, even faster. (I have an easy recipe for anyone who wants it).
I did think about the risk of theft but I think the copper is beutiful and much more durable. If you're thinking of crime then the other 2 mailboxes are more likely to be vandalized by being struck by a bat from a passing car for of kids out for kicks because they look so unique in shape.
I'm thinking I'll just put an alarm on it, so the copper thieves should beware. What a great voting choice this time, I'm pretty OK with it all. NOTHING would keep me from accepting this beautiful gift no matter which choices win, huh?
We recently cleaned out the crawl space under our house which included some leftover copper pipes and a SS sink. I took them outside and put them behind my car in the driveway, preparing to load them into my car to take them to a salvage recycling yard. Someone came up onto the driveway and stole all of it the next day. There are opportunists around every corner. I wasn't even thinking about that when I voted for the copper mailbox. It will most definately be stolen unless it's mounted with a bunch of inaccessible hidden screws on a very sturdy post. Guess I'll be changing my vote!
Yeah!!!! Great round this time, all my choices are winning so far except the Outdoor Shower and I chose the Traditional one because it had a Roof and looked more Solid and Secure in case of windstorms…I liked the Rustic one But looks as though it could be blown down with a few strong winds…
It was good to see "Our Past Blog Cabins" from Susan,Virginia and Bethel, NY, showing off their Styles of Firepit…Good Memories!!
Lot of good things this Round…No Fish cleaning station up for votes..I think the Winner will have to build their Own, "if" they're a fishing Family! The Pergola was really nice but was not shown as a "Carport." But If it should win, depending on the location on the property, it could be turned into a parking place for one Car..just a thought!..I voted for the Wood with Trellis sitting area because it looked so Cozy and had lattice which reminded of "Our"other little Cottage Porch!! <3:) It's a Beautiful Day at the Cottage but Chilly for the hard working Crew!!! Brrrr
"Everything is Coming up like Roses"….I Love this Cottage and Everything about it..Have A Happy Day Everyone! <3:pB)
Jennie, I agree with you on the traditional shower..has a little more privacy, too!:*:)
Not a good idea for the pergola. Birds love pergolas and have very active digestive systems.
A roof? To keep you from getting wet while showering in the rain? A roofless shower allows the sunshine in and gives the birds and spiders less places to take up housekeeping.
Ishmael, did you read all of the Reason for my choosing the traditional shower, I also said it looked more Solid and Secure for windstorms!!! It does look as though the roof will open up for sun to come in if you choose to…What is the matter with a little privacy when Someone is taking a shower!!! If they install the shower over close to the Mud Room and the Powder room, when the Owners have Company that shower could be used by the guest and would serve as a third full Bathroom……What is wrong with that???
The shower that was put in at the VA BC always bothered me as it looked like people in the house could look down into it. So I have been voting for the traditional shower.
I know I had questioned that at the time. They never did addressed that issue?:( Who builds a shower under a window? I agree I do not want anyone looking in on me and I want something strong.Very strange. I am voting for the traditional also.
ruffybc, as awsome as that shower was, I loved the floor, it just was crazy not to have a roof, and to be under a window like you said. I sure wish the traditional was doing better in the voting.
Hi, Jen. The picture they have for the rustic shower is the one at the Mathews BC. Does that change your mind now? Besides, no matter which shower they build, I'm sure they have taken wind into consideration and the corner posts will be in concrete or at least secured to concrete.
Hi Dottie, YOUR Kidding!!! You know I looked at that Shower and was anxious to get to the next ones, so I totally didn't recognize "Our" one of a Kind Shower!!! I really liked that shower. The workmanship was tops and the floor was so beautiful, Sooo I guess I will have to change my vote…Thank you Dottie!! <3:p
I remember how worried We were that the Hurricane was going to blow the Shower away and flood the whole property? After the Hurricane was gone we were looking on the side of the shower to estimate how high the water came up to the Twin Coves…Love that Place… Do you happen to know what Hurricane that was? It was scary for the Twin Coves. No Storage either remember? Did they store it all in the BC? I Can't remember!….Good times with that BC too!!!:p<3
That was hurricane Irene. Yeah, I won't forget that. I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Richmond…….on the 8th foor……no power…..and all the stairwells led to the outside! I hope I don't have to go through THAT again! Not the storm….. but that stupid hotel!!!!o.0:p=/xD
I remember that Dghawk4, we were all worried about you. I laughed so hard at your comment about only taking 1 bottel of wine. I think I remember them saying that the realestate lady came and took some of the outdoor things for safe keeping until after the storm.
I like the traditional shower too! Not just privacy,which is great, but because it's next to the house and I like the white surface, matching the trim on the house.
I am just happy we will have the outdoor shower I am not sure which I love the best. I am certain this one will be unique, roomy, practical and beautiful. Now about that screened in porch it seems the new owner might have to screen his own and build a garage.
As with everyone else, I am SOOOO excited about this round. Most everything I voted for is in the lead…I wanted the hammock–I can get Adirondack chairs anywhere—I live 2 1/2 hours away from the Adirondack Mountains…
Of course I can get the hammock any where, also, but anyway…GREAT CHOICES!!!!
Too funny Tisha!! I voted for the rustic bench because I thought in NC you can buy "Adirondack chairs anywhere"!! Of course if you need to replace one, it would be really easy.
I rationalized my vote here, LOL! Hammock=less expensive and easy to carry/move.I can buy. Love the rustic bench=heavy and gotta store in event of storm, plus not as comfy for sitting out and relaxing–yet, would be awesome, along a pathway or pergola (can you tell I'm having trouble here???); Adirondack chairs may be plentiful and less costly up North, but if a storm warning is issued, they may be a bit easier to move. DIY may give MORE of them and the cost will= higher, so I figure more bang for the Winner. So I defaulted there. If I happen to win, there will be 2 hammocks, which I'll buy, along probably, with 2 really cool rustic benches. And I'll add these to the at least 4 Adirondack chairs gifted by DIY!!! LOL! :p;)<3^_^ Kitty
The rustic bench didn't look very comfortable to me, I can get a hammock anywhere & I don't live anywhere close to the Adirondack Mts. To get those chairs around here, they are very costly. So, geography plays a large part in the voting.
I didn't mean to upset anyone (WCG) . I agree that the rustic bench didn't look very comfortable. I did vote for the hammock but I am torn with the Adirondack chair. They are costly, even here.
Okay- but if you win, you should purchase the hammocks from "The North Carolina Hammock Company"!! Just kidding! They are all lovely and we get to vote our own preferences!!!
Tisha, you WAY did not upset me. I don't know why you thought that, but – no. Oh, my, no! I'm merely commenting like everyone else. I'm rationalizing, like a lot of others – get the most for BC. I'm figuring the A. chairs (plural) come out better in the long run for the winner. I've looked at the really "pricey" hammocks and looked at them closely. After experiencing several, I discovered that all hammocks feel wonderful to loll in. Even the cheap ones. But, I've never seen a cheap A. chair!
I'm sorry…I was stressed a little last night, and thought that if I could "get away" and read some these comments, which seems to make me feel better, I could get back to what I was doing…so I may have misread….
Thinking about it, one would probably get more "A" chairs than hammocks, so that would be the better choice. Yes, I would buy one from NC Hammocks…
Whooo Hooo! New pickin's! Thank You for putting this up!
I have to say this is definately my favorite peoples choice vote! The fact that there is a dog park and it will have an invisible fence to cover 1/2 acre is so awesome. You can definately rescue several dogs with this much land and to have a seperate area especially for them is amazing. Thank you DIY for thinking about the animals. The house seems to be coming along too not to mention the dock! I am also amazed there will be an outside shower to. Designers you guys really out did yourself with this one!!! Much Love to you guys!! <3<3
Jennie…agree with you and allows a little more privacy!<3:)
Oops! Meant this for that traditional outdoor shower!! Love all the options and tough to choose!! Thanks DIY!!:p<3
Thanks for offering us more things to vote on for the Blog Cabin.
As usual, all the choices are winners. Personally I go for the free standing fire pit because the other two designs have already been used in previous blog cabins and I would like to see how they install something different. The same goes for the shower. We had the rustic design in 2011 (the image is of that shower) and it was great, especially the custom glass floor. Also, we know it can stand up to a hurricane ^_^ . This time I prefer the 'traditional' style just for a change.
Interesting that there was nothing on the dock up for voting. I do hope they put in power and a boat lift otherwise it's a long way to jump in and out of a boat. .xD
It looks like the dock sits pretty low, hopefully it would be easy enough to get in and out of a boat. I keep trying to figure out how to get the boat down to the dock though? Maybe work out a deal with the neighbors with the canal, drive down to the water from the driveway?….something to figure out later I guess
If you planned to leave it in the water all season, trailer it to a local marina, sail/drive it to your own dock and leave it in there until the winter or until a major storm comes by, then sail/drive it back top the marina and haul it out onto your trailer and drive it home.
Thanks, makes sense and it's always there waiting .
You can't leave boats in the water moored to a pier on water like this. Even overnight is risky. Either anchor offshore and swim, wade or use a tender to come ashore or moor at the marina in Atlantic and walk, cycle or drive back to the cottage. Boats moored at piers will quickly be damaged and can inflict serious damage to piers also.:)
Very true Clive, I have owned boats for many years and my larger ones were not trailerable and left in the water. I have been through at least 6 hurricanes without damage to boat or pier and all in water exactly like this. Most people this happens to are inexperienced. I remember after one storm we sat and watched unmaned boats going by with the tide. We lost count.
Not sure where this is coming from, but coming from a coastal area, there are boats at docks like this all over the place. The most common solution is using a section of floating dock attached to the stationary one with a hinged ramp connecting the two. Less involved is just using an extra set of pilings away from the dock with the boat tied up between.
I believe it's coming from locals who actually know this piece of coast. If you don't believe them look at the satellite images. No floating docks and no boats moored at piers except in marinas. Plernty of boat hoists on simple piers though.
The dock decking will be at least 4 ft above water,maybe a little less at high tide. There will need to ba a ladder for safe boat embarking. That should be easy and inexpensive for the winner even if it's not included in the package.:) Also neeed a ladder for swimmers to get out unles they have to swim to shore.
I looked again, and started thinking ladder. -). Also rethinking leaving the boat there all the time. Something to figure out later
How generic are boat lifts? I'm thinking that the lift used may be dependent on boat width and weight. I guess that will be something I'll have to put in myself!
Boat lifts can be fairly expensive. Maybe the DIY team wanted to put the money in another area.
Boat lifts aren't generic in that one size can't fit all. Hwever, they are built for a range od sizes. Given the small size of the pier and the relatively shallow water only a smallish (probably less than 20 ft with no more than an 18 inch draft) boat will be able to use it.:)
FYI if you look at aerial images of all the Core Sound many have boat lifts and nne have floating docks. As a local has already blogged, floating docks don't work on these coastal sounds due to wave and current action. o.0


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NORWICH -- Zane Grey Family Day will unfold on Sunday, April 27, from noon to 4 p.m. at the National Road/Zane Grey Museum with a variety of activities planned.
Activities will kick off at 12:30 with a Wildfire Horsey Race for children under 8. The ODNR "Passport to Fishing" program will begin at 12:45 for boys and girls 8 years old and older. (Registration begins at noon.)
At 1 p.m., the Ohio Village Muffins will take on a local team, the Zane Greys, in a game of vintage baseball and, at 2:30 p.m., they'll play the team fielded by the Muskingum County Sheriff's Department.
Dutch oven cooking demonstrations will take place throughout the afternoon as well as beading and bracelet making with a local Girl Scout troop.
"One More Time" string band will provide musical entertainment and the Friends of the Museum group will sponsor a concession stand. Admission for the event is by donation.
The museum will also be open for free tours. Exhibits include The National Road, Zane Grey and Zanesville Art Pottery.
The 2014 season will officially begin on Thursday, May 1, and hours will be Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Groups are also welcome at other times by appointment and dinner or lunch tours can also be arranged.
The National Road/Zane Grey Museum is located at 8850 East Pike, Norwich.
It is managed by the John and Annie Glenn Museum Foundation which also operates the John & Annie Glenn Historic Site in New Concord. It is one of 58 sites administered by the Ohio Historical Society, a nonprofit organization that serves as the state's partner in preserving and interpreting Ohio's history, archaeology, natural history and historic places.
For information, visit www.ohiohistory.org/nationalroad or call 800-752-2602 or 740-826-3305.


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LISTEN: Christina Aguilera Drops New Single 'Telepathy'
"I know you and you know me, we got telepathy." More »
"I know you and you know me, we got telepathy." More »
Check out what's in the works at the streaming giant!
… More »
Gisele Bundchen surfs, works and cries tears for her one true love in this new short film for Chanel No. 5.
… More »
With The Great Gatsby retreating into his rearview mirror, Baz Luhrmann is moving on with work. But that doesn't mean a new movie.
For now, the director is taking a breather from the big screen to tackle other "creative things," he told us, sitting in the The Fitzgerald Suite at The Plaza in New… More »
Just hours before hopping a plane to premiere The Great Gatsby in China, director Baz Luhrmann sat down with us to discuss the significance of showing his adaption of F. Scott Fitzgerald's iconic American fiction to Chinese audiences.
"There's this fascination with the American Dream," Luhrmann enthused. "And I'm so intrigued about it." More »
Gisele Bundchen, Bar Refaeli, Erin Heatherton… Leonardo DiCaprio has had his fair share of beautiful women over the years.
But at 38-years-old he's still very much single and now he's confessed to Esquire magazine that work might just be the reason.
"Six months of being on location or being off in… More »
Carey Mulligan is going back to her roots.
The An Education actress debuted a new brunette 'do when she stepped out with Moulin Rouge director Baz Luhrmann at a restaurant in New York City on Tuesday night. The pair are currently gearing up to film The Great Gatsby with Leonardo DiCaprio. Carey will… More »
The Great Gatsby's female lead has been cast and–sorry, Blake Lively–the role has gone to British actress Carey Mulligan.
Director Baz Luhrmann tells Deadline that he has picked the An Education actress to star in his highly-anticipated film adaptation of the famed F. Scott Fitzgerald novel.
Carey's casting comes as a bit of… More »
Twilight star Kristen Stewart has ratted out one of co-star Robert Pattinson's favorite artists to sing in karaoke.
Stewart and Pattinson were recently in Tokyo to promote Twilight, and spent an evening at a karaoke bar with Wolverine himself, Hugh Jackman and Jackman's Australia director Baz Luhrmann.
Stewart reveals that she… More »
E! Online reports that Zac Efron, High School Musical co-star and real life honey Vanessa Hudgens, Beyonce Knowles, and Mamma Mia! lovers Amanda Seyfried and Dominic Cooper will sing with Oscar host Hugh Jackman in a Baz Luhrmann-directed musical spectacle on Sunday night's telecast.Jackman and Knowles have been rehearsing their act at the Baryshnikov Arts… More »


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I'll Tell You Who You Are: Back Then…The Unofficial History Of NJ 101.5
I guess someone somewhere once said that you can tell a lot about someone by the cut of their clothing.
I have found that, over the years, people in New Jersey have come to recognize that symbol of our radio station…you know, that little logo, "New Jersey 101.5?" And I have frequently received feedback when someone recognizes it, mostly good, sometimes, not-so-good.
I remember, back then, I am covering the original opening of the Aquarium in Camden… February 29, 1992. Now you will know it as, "Adventure Aquarium." It was a Saturday back then, and the coldest day of the year.
It was originally dubbed, "The Thomas Kean State Aquarium at Camden," named for the former Governor who was there, back then, and joked about how weird it is to have something named after you while you are still upright.
Anyway, I am on my way into the opening event with a lot of other reporters. One of the locals saw my jacket with THAT LOGO and he says something like, "oh, New Jersey 101.5. Why do you guys always stick it to Camden?" Why so many negative stories about Camden?"
I explained to him that one of the reasons I was there that day, back then, was to do a positive story about Camden, its aquarium.
We used to wear these heavy bright red jackets that really stood out in a crowd, with the New Jersey 101.5 logo embroidered large and boldly across the back.
Occasionally, I would find myself in some checkout line somewhere. Invariably, someone behind me would see the jacket, (you couldn't miss it), see the logo, and a voice behind me would say something like, "New Jersey 101.5." Then I would hold my breath and count to three, waiting for the comment, good or bad, about our very own radio station. Most of the time it would be something good, such as, "I like the way you give the traffic reports and the weather every ten minutes or so."
Occasionally, it would be negative, like the fellow in Camden.
But one thing is for sure. We have ALWAYS been controversial. We have always been a lightning rod.
Last winter, I was shopping. I am waiting to pay for something, standing next to an elderly lady who recognized my jacket and started a conversation. She told me that she listens to Jim Gearhart all of the time.
After I thanked her for her support, she volunteered that she is a retired school teacher. So now I am waiting for the other, "shoe to drop" in our conversation. She told me that she does not like the way we are always downing school teachers, but that she still enjoys Jim because he is intelligent and always entertaining.
Whatever the comment, positive, negative or in-between, I always try to be a good listener.
I am buying at burger at the Moorestown Mall recently, my wife by my side. A pretty young woman, early twenties, a manager at this restaurant, sees my logo-emblazoned clothing and starts into this long discussion with me about how much she enjoys that we talk about the issues that really matter in the Garden State.
Again, I thanked her for her interest and support and after a few minutes, she went back to her job and we resumed our task of consuming burgers. My wife said something to the tune of, "She sure picked you out of the crowd with that jacket on." To which I replied, "one of the reasons that I wear this is because it's a 'chick magnet'."
Our intrepid reporter, David Matthau, talks about the time a few years ago, when he was on the road covering some story, and he parked a station news vehicle in the lot of a fast food place in North Jersery to get some lunch. When he came out of the restaurant, a large woman who recognized the station logo on the sides of the car approached David.
Matthau says the woman looked at the car and said to him, "New Jersey 101.5…? You got any prizes…?"
You can read archived editions of "Back Then…The Unofficial History of NJ 101.5″ anytime online.


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If only the food was good, it would have been perfect.: Celebrity Solstice Cruise Review by cobalt206
Overall Member Rating
If only the food was good, it would have been perfect.
Destination: Eastern Caribbean
Embarkation: Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)
Disembarkation: This was very smooth and simple. We flew a red eye from Seattle, took a cab to Port Everglades and were on board within about 15 minutes. For a ship this size, one could not expect anything better.
Cabin: Our cabin was ready as promised by 1:00pm and we had ample time to eat lunch and explore the ship prior to finding our aft Sunset Verandah cabin (7317). The cabin was excellent, especially the bathroom that was the nicest we have ever had on a cruise. There was plenty of storage and we never felt cramped. The bed was very comfortable and we slept extremely well. We love aft cabins especially for the balconies. We ate breakfast from room service almost every morning. The room service was quick and we only ordered fruit, More pastries and coffee and all were fine. We enjoyed wine on the balcony every evening and made friends with some of the neighbors as the privacy is not as good as other aft balconies. This was not a problem for us but might be for others. There is only about one foot of overhang so the aft balconies are very exposed. While seated close to the door, you will have privacy. We did not have any rain on our voyage so we really did not mind having the exposure as we like the sun. If you want a more shaded balcony, these aft locations are not for you. We did experience a little bit of soot on the balcony floor but it was not a big deal.
Service: The overall service onboard was excellent. Our cabin attendant was very thoughtful and went out of his way to greet us and cater to any need we requested. The overall staff was very friendly and helpful. Our waiter in the Grand Epernay was not the best but he was ok but very difficult to understand with his sharp accent. The assistant waiter was outstanding and should have been the head waiter. The sommelier was good and helpful too.
Food: One word describes this, "Disappointed". After hearing how great Celebrity is with their fine dining, our expectations were set pretty high. We were prepared to have one of our best dining experiences ever on a cruise. Instead, this was by FAR the worst food we have ever had on a cruise. We've cruised 5 times on RCCL and once each with Carnival, Windstar and Princess. While we did not expect the cuisine to match Windstar, we thought it would be better than the other three ... not even close. I believe there are some major problems in the kitchen on this ship. Friends who have sailed Celebrity have only sailed their smaller ships and perhaps the larger ship has caught them into a transition they are not prepared for. Our entire table of eight was extremely disappointed with the food in the main dining room and the other three couples were Celebrity regulars. They are all seriously considering never returning to Celebrity after this experience. While we consider ourselves, "Foodies", we also realize its difficult to feed 1000 people per shift and maintain high QC standards. Our last cruise on a similar size ship was FAR SUPERIOR in taste, presentation and cooked properly to order. The food served at Grand Epernay was bland, not cooked to order and in some cases, not really desirable to eat. We did go to The Tuscan Grille twice and it was EXCELLENT!! This was the type of food we expected from Celebrity in the main dining room. We had one breakfast at the Bistro on 5 at that was also very good. The Mast Grill by the pool served decent quality burgers, fries and onion rings. The Oceanview Cafe buffet was sub standard in my opinion. The traffic flowed well and they offered several choices but again, the quality was marginal. I did not try the sushi but was warned by others to stay away if you like real sushi. Sorry for the negative stuff but I'm telling it like it is. We appreciate good cooking and expected much better. I hope Celebrity can figure this out soon because they are going to lose loyal customers if they keep this up. As a business owner, if I knew my company was delivering poor quality or service, it would get fixed pronto or heads roll. Celebrity has worked hard to earn their reputation and this needs to be addressed right away.
Entertainment: Average. The Solstice singers and dancers were sub par compared to previous cruises. Karen Grainger was the lone highlight and her act is of Vegas headliner quality. She is a singer/impressionist and she really puts on a great show. We decided to try the comedy show Friday night at midnight. We got there 5 minutes early to get seats, only to find the comedian (forgot his name already) did not show up till 12:15am. Then the show started and he was not funny AT ALL. I think the entire audience felt sorry for him. We would have left but I felt embarrassed for him so we endured this painful and not funny show. The Sizzle party dance by the pool one evening was fun and entertaining. Most of the entertainment was by fellow passengers who all had a great time.
San Juan - We waited over an hour to get off the ship. This worked perfectly as we were able to explore the entire ship and take many pictures with no other people around. Once we left the ship, we just walked around and shopped. Been to this port several times so not much more to see or do.
St Maarten - We booked a snorkel tour though an independent company, Captain Alan's charters. Alan and Collen are fantastic and they arranged easy transportation for the pier over to the Oyster Bay Marina. There were about 24 people and they split us into tow groups on two comfortable boats. We snorkeled at two reefs and the water was crystal clear, teeming with many tropical fish and lots of coral. Alan also took us to a remote beach for a mudbath. This was a lot of fun and really exhilarated the skin. Finally, we stopped for a short visit to Pinal Island on our way back. For $69 plus cab, this was a great 4 hour tour that is an excellent value. For those who don't like excursions with hordes of people, this is perfect.
Tortola - We really wanted to go the The Baths at Virgin Gorda but I got concerned that this would be the excursion most people would opt for. I was right, they had several busloads of people going to the Baths and I heard from some that they did enjoy but it was too many people. We decide to go to Jost Van Dyk through Celebrity as we did not want to chance missing the boat on a very short stay. We made a GREAT decision. We took a 5 minute cab then a 30 minute boat ride to White Bay. They dropped us off with chaise chairs, a BBQ lunch and a drink. This beach is postcard perfect and famous for visits by Jimmy Buffet and Kenny Chesney. We sauntered down the beach to the Soggy Dollar Bar and started drinking "Painkillers" at 9am, and they went down easy. Mic the bartender is a hoot and the other customers were fun to chat with. Too bad we could not spend all day here. We were tempted to stay here and fly back to FLL as we were very apprehensive going to Haiti.
Labadee - We had mixed emotions visiting Labadee with the terrible tragedy just 10 days old with maybe 200,000 dead and many others suffering. We agree with RCCL/Celebrity wanting to stop here to help the Haitians with supplies as well as donating all proceeds from Labadee to charities. We felt a little guilty for going on shore to enjoy ourselves. I inquired with guest relations and the shore excursion desk to see if we could volunteer our time to do anything to help. There were no options other than to donate money and purchase items while on shore. So we did go to the beach and made the most of the day. They have made some nice improvements since our last visit. This is truly a beautiful place, you would never know the devastating destruction is less than 100 miles away ... very sad. It would be great to see a shore excursion developed for passengers to volunteer their time to do anything like packing boxes or something to feel like you are helping out in the humanitarian efforts. I'm not suggesting going to Port au Prince as the security and liability and timing would not make this possible. But anything else that would be constructive and make people feel better about the entire tragedy would be a nice option for some.
Disembarkation: This went very smoothly and we were off the ship in no time and breezed through customs. We were in a cab within 15 minutes and headed to the Doubletree Hotel for one night. We had the best dinner of the week (even better than Tuscan Grill)at Casablanca in Ft Lauderdale. If you get a chance, do yourself a favor and try this place, you will not be disappointed.
Overall, we had a great vacation. The ship is the nicest we have sailed and the service was excellent. If not for the bad food experiences in the main dining room, the trip would have been perfect. I truly hope Celebrity can get to the root of the problem in their kitchen. I doubt I would sail on Solstice again due to the poor food quality. We might try one of Celebrity's smaller ships if I can be reassured the food is better than what we just experienced. While we did not expect 5 star dining, we were dismayed to get food probably worse than Applebees, Red Lobster, Olive Garden ,et al. Less
Published 01/28/10
Cabin review: SV7317 Sunset VerandaSunset Veranda (SV) Reviews >>
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Halloween Murder Mystery Dinner Theater at Club Hood
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R.S.V.P. by October 15, Seating is limited so call now and reserve your spot 254-532-5073 or 254-532-5329. You must have a DOD sticker or visitors pass to get on post.


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TALENTED teenagers Kody Davies and Lauren Price are looking forward to the experience of a lifetime as they prepare to represent Wales at Glasgow 2014, writes Andrew Penman.
The pair, both aged 19, are part of what has been described as Wales' best-ever Commonwealth Games boxing team.
National coach Colin Jones believes that every member of his squad could come back with a medal with the likes of Andrew Selby, Fred Evans and Sean McGoldrick the leading lights.
Pontllanfraith heavyweight Davies is certain that the Welsh boxers can dominate in Glasgow next month.
"It's been a big build-up and we're looking forward to it but we're still working hard as well," he said.
"This is the best shape I've ever been in and it's great to be part of such a strong team. I'm sure we're going to bring back lots of medals.
"There's obviously pressure on us but I'm only 19 and this is my first Commonwealth Games and I'm looking to enjoy the experience. Time is on my side."
Time is also on the side of Bargoed's Price, who is delighted to be making a bit of history as women's boxing is introduced to the Commonwealths for the first time.
"It will be a really great experience for the whole team and especially the three of us women," she said.
"It took off in the Olympics and I think the Commonwealths will be another big boost for women's boxing.
"I think we can all come back with medals because this is the strongest boxing team Wales has ever taken to the Commonwealth Games," she added.
"We've got Andrew Selby who is number one in the world, Fred Evans who won a silver medal at London 2012 and Sean McGoldrick who won gold in Delhi four years ago.
"Obviously they've been there before to the Commonwealths and the Olympics so they're helping the rest of us through it.
"We look up to them and that's what we need going up to Glasgow."
Price is expecting the English and Canadian boxers to provide her biggest tests in the 75kg category.
"England's Savannah Marshall will probably be the biggest threat, alongside the Canadians," she said. "But I'm just going to take it one fight at a time and enjoy it."