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Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs
Remarks by Secretary Eric K. Shinseki
Air Force Sergeants Association
Daytona Beach, FL
August 15, 2012
President Ledoux, many thanks for that kind introduction, for your many years of service to the Nation, and for your leadership of the Air Force Sergeants Association. Let me also acknowledge:
General Mark Welsh—congratulations to you, Chief, and Mrs. Welsh. All best wishes in your leadership of our Air Force.
General Gary North, my thanks to you and Shelly and your family for 36 years of outstanding service to our Nation and the men and women of the Air Force. Congratulations on a well-earned retirement, and best wishes to you both as you turn this page.
Lt. Gen. Jack Klimp.
Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Roy, and command chiefs of the major air commands.
AFSA CEO "Doc" McCauslin and your leadership.
AFSA members, fellow Veterans, other distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen:
First, let me congratulate the enlisted leadership, active, guard, and reserve, serving and retired, of the United States Air Force. Yours is the finest air force in the world, and it is your professionalism as noncommissioned officers that makes that air force possible, day-in and day-out.
My own time in uniform was shaped by noncommissioned officers. Like other Soldiers of my generation, I grew up in Vietnam. My instincts about what is important to the profession of arms were born there. We, too, were part of a "surge," President Lyndon Johnson's surge. Prior to April of 1965, there were 16,000 Americans in Vietnam. A year and a half or so later, Johnson's surge had taken us to roughly 540,000 Americans.
When you deploy forces that quickly, you are bound to break some rules. We did. Many of us, second lieutenants, were sent into combat mere months after commissioning, without the benefit of our branch officer basic courses. The same was true for some young NCO's.
The army of 1965 was largely a draft army—no Sergeants Major Academy and no robust Army NCO education system.
So, we lieutenants went to war on the hard-learned skills of our noncommissioned officers, and they grew us into company commanders. In my case, Sergeant Ernie Kingcade was my officer basic course for the two weeks that we deployed to Vietnam by troopship. He sought me out aboard the heavily loaded USNS General Nelson M. Walker, and took the time to teach me what I would have learned in officer basic, drilling me until we were competent as a fires team. You can appreciate why this has remained a warm memory for me for over 46 years now. Had it not been for Ernie's own competence, his skills, knowledge, and attributes, I would not have survived my first combat test.
I am here today because Ernie Kingcade was a professional noncommissioned officer who was competent at his tasks, cared for his soldiers, and took the time to develop his lieutenant. NCO competence and leader development became important priorities in every unit I commanded thereafter.
I didn't grow up in VA, and I am not a clinician. During my 38 years in uniform, I had little to no contact with VA—not out of the ordinary for the active force. There should be a closer working relationship between our departments, but two large and proud departments have not made that a priority. So, when I accepted this appointment, there was much to learn about running a fortune 15 equivalent operation.
You don't get many "do-over's" in life. Serving as Secretary of Veterans Affairs is a "do-over" for me. I get to take care of the kids, like Ernie Kingcade, with whom I went to war 46 years ago. I get to take care of the youngsters I sent to war as a service chief, and I get to take care of those giants of World War II and Korea, on whose shoulders I, and my generation of Soldiers, stood as we grew up in the profession of arms.
Most people see VA as a large healthcare provider, and for the most part that is true—152 medical centers, each affiliated with at least one of the top 104 medical schools in the country, powerful teaching and research affiliations. Each medical center serves as flagship to a cluster of Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (817), Readjustment Counseling VetCenters (300), and mobile clinics (70), reaching out to the most remote of our rural Veterans—over 1,300 healthcare access points nationwide.
But here's what's also true about VA:
- VA is the second largest educational assistance program in the country, providing $10 billion annually.
- VA guarantees nearly 1.7 million home loans with an unpaid balance of $250 billion. Our foreclosure rate is the lowest in all categories of mortgage loans at 2.25 percent, and we are the only zero-down lender in the Nation.
- VA is the Nation's eighth largest life insurance enterprise with $1.33 trillion in coverage, over seven million clients, and a 95% satisfaction rating. For active-duty personnel covered by Service Members Group Life Insurance (SGLI), VA is your insurer.
- VA operates the country's largest national cemetery system—131 cemeteries. Nearly three-quarters of our cemetery employees are Veterans, and for the past 10 years, they have been the top-rated public or private organization in the Nation in customer service, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index, outperforming Google, Lexus, Apple, and all others.
Over 316,000 good people come to work at VA every day. One third of them, over 100,000, are Veterans. The determination, initiative, and leadership these Veterans demonstrated in uniform continue to define their performance at VA today, as we transform VA into a 21st century organization—my charge from the President three and a half years ago.
In 2009, o¬f the over 23 million living Veterans in this country, only 7.4 million of them were enrolled in VA healthcare, and only 3 million were receiving compensation and pension benefits. We had an outreach problem. Many didn't know about VA. We had an access problem because even if they knew about us, some couldn't get in. And even then, we were carrying a backlog in compensation claims.
Three-and-a-half-years ago, we were still grappling with some unresolved issues from past wars, the Gulf War, over 20 years ago, and the Vietnam War, nearly 50 years ago now. We didn't take care of business decades ago, when we should have, and some Veterans were dying without benefits.
Three and a half years ago, an estimated 107,000 Veterans were homeless in this rich and powerful country. The President has said, we won't "be satisfied until every Veteran who has fought for America has a home in America." Veteran homelessness was a problem long before 2009. The economic downturn of 2008 threatened to drive it up to a whole new level. In spite of the somber outlook, the President was resolute, clear, and unwavering; it is immoral for anyone who has defended this country to be homeless in America. Fix it.
Well, that was the landscape in 2009. After consulting with key stakeholders, we settled on three key priorities, which remain unchanged today:
- Increase Veterans access to VA benefits & services;
- Eliminate the backlog in compensation claims in 2015;
- And end Veteran homelessness, also in 2015.
None of these are achievable without the Department of Defense because very little of what we do in VA originates in VA; most of what we do originates in DoD.
So, our first order of business had to be establishing closer, more collaborative working relationships with DoD, at all levels. It takes both departments to create a seamless transition so that separating Servicemembers return home ready to study, to train, to work, and to strengthen our economy.
Secretaries of Defense Bob Gates and Leon Panetta and I have personally met nine times in the last 18 months. Three weeks ago, Secretary Panetta and I testified, for the first time, together before a joint hearing of the House Armed Services and the House Veterans Affairs Committees. We are focused on making the transition from DoD to VA as seamless and as productive as possible.
Our second priority was to fix VA's budget process. Creating change requires resources, and if you want to go faster, it will take more resources. For the past three and a half years, VA has been forceful in arguing its resourcing requirements, and the President has been stalwart in supporting us.
In 2009, the VA budget totaled $99.8 billion; congressionally enhanced, it was a good budget. In 2010, the President increased that budget from $99.8 billion to $127.2 billion—spectacular—a near 30 percent increase in a single year. Even better, the President's 2013 budget request, currently before the Congress, is for $140.3 billion, a 40 percent increase since 2009.
I was once asked, "Mr. Secretary, what do you value?" And before I could answer, I was lectured: "Show me your budget, and I'll tell you what you value." This 40 percent increase to VA's budget demonstrates that the President values Veterans, their families, and our survivors. He understands our obligation to Veterans, and to Servicemembers as well, and he won't let them down.
So, what have we put into motion at VA in the past three and a half years? First, to increase access, we have added 57 new Community-Based Outpatient Clinics, 20 more mobile health clinics, and a fifth polytrauma center in San Antonio, Texas. We have three new hospitals under construction in Denver, Orlando, and New Orleans. We just opened the spectacular, state-of-the-art VA medical center in Las Vegas last week, the first new VA hospital in 17 years. This is about promise making and promise keeping. It's taken us years, but as President Obama remarked recently, "we keep our promises."
We have also invested heavily in new telehealth-telemedicine initiatives to overcome the tyranny of distance. Enhanced information technologies are also beginning to make it easier for Veterans to make appointments, access their medical records, and find out about available benefits and services.
We've placed full-time women Veterans' program managers at 144 medical centers to advocate for women Veterans, and named women Veterans coordinators at all 56 regional offices to assist women Veterans with their claims. Since 2009, we've opened 19 clinics specifically designed to serve women, and trained more than 1,200 healthcare providers in women's health.
We've also increased access to our national cemeteries, opening three new national cemeteries and 14 state cemeteries—much needed burial access.
Besides these initiatives to increase Veterans access to VA services, we also took care of some long-overdue business, cleaning up the battlefield:
- For Vietnam Veterans, we granted presumption of service connection for three new agent-orange–related conditions: Parkinson's disease, hairy cell and other chronic b-cell leukemias, and ischemic heart disease. It's been 45 years. It was time.
- For Gulf War Veterans, we granted presumption of service connection for nine diseases associated with Gulf War Illness. It's been over 20 years. It was time.
- Finally, PTSD is as old as warfare itself. For all combat Veterans with verifiable PTSD—World War II, Korea, Dominican Republic, Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, Somalia, Operation Desert Storm, Iraq, Afghanistan, and others—we granted the presumption of service connection.
These three decisions alone have dramatically expanded access to VA care and benefits for nearly a million Veterans. Understandably, they also led to an increase in the number of compensation claims. Veterans, who previously had no access, are now enrolling in VA and submitting claims. Growth in the number of claims and the backlog is what happens when we increase access. But it was the right thing to do, for Vietnam Veterans, for Gulf War Veterans, and for combat Veterans of all wars; and, we would do it all over again.
It's a big numbers process, and we do most all of it on paper. Paper is what we receive from DoD today. With the planned draw-down of up to a million troops over the next five years, the number of new claims will continue to grow. It will take both DoD and VA to enable VA to achieve paperless processing. Hence, my close working relationship with Secretary Panetta. He and I are pulling our departments into the future.
VA has spent the past two years developing a new automation tool called VBMS, a paperless Veterans Benefits Management System. It's being piloted at two regional offices for over a year now. We'll have VBMS up and running at 16 regional offices by the end of the year, and at all 56 regional offices by the end of 2013. VBMS is key to that strategy. It's here; it's about to be fielded. And in 2014, we will expect DoD to begin providing all transition documentation in electrons. Because of the President's strong support, VA has the resources it needs. We'll end the backlog in 2015.
In 2009, I observed that Veterans lead the Nation in homelessness, depression, substance abuse, suicides, and they rank right up there in joblessness, as well. We've had a full-court press on to rescue Veterans from the streets. As I indicated earlier, the estimated number of homeless Veterans in this country in 2009 was 107,000. By 2011, that estimate had dropped to 67,500. When the Department of Housing and Urban Development announces its 2012 estimate of homeless Veterans, we expect that the number will be below 60,000, keeping us on track to break 35,000 in 2013 and end the "rescue phase" of Veteran homelessness in 2015.
The "prevention" phase of Veteran homelessness is ongoing and will continue indefinitely, requiring VA to focus its significant capabilities on keeping "at risk" Veterans from slipping into that downward spiral that ends in homelessness.
For example, we have roughly 800,000 Veterans and eligible family members in training and education today at universities, colleges, community colleges, tech schools, and in the trades. They must graduate; anyone who flunks out in this economy is at high risk of homelessness. Prevention—stay in school; complete your studies. So my one-word speech to student Veterans, as I did at Boise State University last month, is "Graduate! Graduate! If I sound like your dad, I am. I'm paying most of your bills—so graduate!"
Mental health: In 2005, at the height of operations in Iraq, we had 13,000 mental health professionals handling the healthcare needs of our Veterans. Today, that number is greater than 20,000, and we recently announced that we're hiring 1,600 more clinical staff to address the growth in mental health requirements spawned by a decade of tough, high risk, high stress, repetitive, combat deployments.
We know that when we diagnose and treat, people get better. Among the 8.6 million Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare, mental health treatment is up. At the same time, for Veterans receiving VA treatment, our suicide rates are down. Treatment works.
However, too many Veterans still leave the military with mental health issues we never find out about. Most Veterans who commit suicide, perhaps as many as two-out-of-three, were never enrolled in VA. So, as good as we think we are, we can't help those we don't treat—another reason increasing access and developing a seamless transition between DoD and VA is so important. These are magnificent young people, and we are not going to let them down.
One of our most successful outreach efforts is our Veterans' crisis line. DoD knows it as the military crisis line—same number, same trained VA mental health professionals answering the phone, no cost to DoD. Since 2007, over 640,000 people have called in, including over 8,000 active-duty Servicemembers. We've made over 99,000 referrals for care and rescued over 23,000 from potential suicide. Younger Veterans are more comfortable with chatting and texting, so in 2009 we added on-line chat, and in 2011, a texting service. We always reach out to Veterans in need of support.
We have worked at greater collaboration between VA and DoD, especially in that critical phase before Servicemembers leave the military. We simply must transition you all better. We do this best with warm handoffs between the departments; that is key to preventing the downward spiral that often leads to homelessness and sometimes to suicide.
Secretary Gates and I worked these initiatives hard, and Secretary Panetta and I have worked them even harder. For example, we have committed both our departments to a single, common, joint, integrated Electronic Health Record (iEHR)—open in architecture, non-proprietary in design. We expect initial operating capability in 2014; final operating capability in 2017.
Good jobs are essential for Veterans, and we are proud to have partnered with the First Lady's Joining Forces initiative and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Hiring our Heroes campaign. The President challenged private companies to hire or train 100,000 Veterans and military spouses by the end of 2013. 2,100 companies have committed to 175,000 hires, and 90,000 Veterans and spouses have already been hired.
VA has held its own hiring fairs in Washington, DC, and Detroit in the first six months of this year. Over 12,000 Veterans showed up, over 8,000 interviews were conducted, and more than 1,700 job offers were made on the spot. Job offers continue to flow.
We have also conducted two Veteran-owned small-business training expositions in the past 12 months—our opportunity to educate Veteran small business owners on our procurement requirements and allow the 3,500 who showed up to demonstrate their capabilities and improve their preparation of competitive proposals for government contracts. Bottom line: Veterans hire Veterans; so, the more successful Veteran entrepreneurs we cultivate, the better the opportunities for Veterans' employment.
A little history—as a young battalion commander serving in Cold War Germany, I heard one of our senior generals declare in a Memorial Day speech: "I know that when I die, I will die a free man, on my feet, not on my knees, with my head up, not bowed." Then he pointed east and said, "and not far from here, there are people, a whole nation, who cannot say that and would not really understand the fundamental importance of those words."
Well, his words struck me. I realized that I had been taking the privilege of my American citizenship a bit for granted. You see, those words are my legacy, as well. "I know that when I die, I will die a free man, on my feet, not on my knees, with my head up, not bowed." And those words are your legacy also. And because we share that legacy, our children and grandchildren inherit it from us; they are able to make the same unequivocal statement.
Only the free, who cherish freedom and love liberty enough to fight for it, can bequeath such a legacy to others. The shackled cannot. And the free, who are not willing to fight and die for it, cannot. Only the free, who cherish freedom and love liberty enough to fight for it, can bequeath the gift of freedom to others, as our ancestors did for us, and as you, in uniform, are doing today.
We've been at war for about a decade now. It takes a superb, disciplined fighting force to handle that kind of strain. The men and women who wear our Nation's uniforms are magnificent. Thank you for your service and for preserving my legacy as a free man.
God bless all who serve and have served the Nation in uniform. God bless our President. And may God continue to bless this wonderful country of ours.
Thank you.


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Sunday, September 24, 2017
Asperger`s syndrome
My grandson has aspergers syndrome . He will not go to shower on his own and when he is almost physically taken their, he then will not get out on his own. My daughter is a wonderful mother and father is a good father. There are other two children and one on the way. The other children are fine. The oldest is 12. My grandson will not do this with rewards, or correction. My daughter was hoping that the other children doing this basic care task would help but has not done so at this point in time. Sure would help to have suggestion. He has doctors care, psychiatric care etc but no luck thanks
I recommend consulting a behavioral psychologist who has experience with behavior problems and autism for a comprehensive evaluation.
Perhaps some strategies such as using a schedule (where the moment for showering is identified) and a timer (to assist with length of the shower) would be beneficial. This needs to be coupled with reward-based strategies. If your child does not respond to rewards, it means you are not using the right rewards!
Rewards need to be something/an activity that the child really wants/enjoys and doesn't have access to otherwise. Everybody responds to rewards. One common mistake is to make them available all the time (e.g., the computer or TV won't be as effective as a reward if the child has access to them throughout the day).
Luc Lecavalier, PhD
Associate Professor of Psychology
Associate Professor of Psychiatry
College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
The Ohio State University

subset: commoncrawl


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Corn futures are tumbling midmorning. Profit taking and after an impressive run-up in prices has corn futures trading defensively. Weak demand for U.S. corn is also weighing on the market despite price friendly WASDE estimates. Export sales were reported at 14,200 tonnes, significantly lower than trade expectations. Although prices have dipped from session highs, the market will continue to see support as ending stocks become tighter and productions numbers declined. USDA lowered domestic ending stocks to 619 million bushels while global ending stocks were lowered to 117.270 million tonnes. December corn is trading 19 cents lower.
Soybean futures are experiencing sharp declines at this hour. Soybeans futures are adding to overnight losses and export sales data reveals slowing demand for soybeans. Weekly export sales for the ended Oct 4th, totaled 500,7000 tonnes, 249,000 tonnes below the lower end of trade expectations. The market has not been able to sustain Thursday's gains due to particularly bearish estimates for soybean production and yield estimates. November soybeans are trading 34 cents lower.
Lackluster demand for U.S. wheat is weighing heavily on futures prices. Wheat futures have dropped over 3% from the previous trading session on poor export data and overall weakness in the grain complex. Weekly export sales data reports wheat exports at 279,900, well below trade expectations. The market is also following corn and soybeans lower at this hour. Yesterday's October WASDE was neutral for wheat but futures garnered strength from large gains in the corn and soybean markets. December wheat at CBOT is trading 28 cents lower, KCBT is trading 26 cents lower, and MGE is trading 21 cents lower.
Live cattle futures trading mixed midmorning. Cattle futures are weighed down by weak export data. Weekly export data showed total beef exports for the week ended October 4th at 15,100 tonnes, down 5 percent from the previous week. However, higher wholesale beef prices and cash trade optimism should limit losses. Light cash trade was reported in Kansas on Thursday with prices steady to higher with the trade expecting the remainder of cattle to go even a $1 higher. Preliminary asking prices are $126 plus in the South and $195 plus in the North.
Lean hog futures are mixed midmorning. Reminder: Front month October contract is scheduled to retire today at noon. Nearby contracts remain strengthened by the bullish momentum of pork cutout prices. Cash prices are reported steady to lower, but are being offset by cut out strength. Deferred contracts are posting firm losses at this hour due to significant losses in the grain complex. However, grain prices remain at unprecedented levels, therefore limiting downside momentum.


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Two classic car organizations helped put food on some plates — and bought a few nails — in a dual-pronged fundraiser Saturday at the Vallejo Yacht Club.
The local Boyz Under the Hood group was joined by the Bay Area Freewheelers of San Francisco to help lure visitors to about 65 eye-catching vehicles, with proceeds from a $12 barbecue, raffle and some of the bar sales helping Rebuilding Together Solano County and the Benicia Community Action Council.
"I'm totally thrilled," said Kerry Scott, who found himself in the perfect storm for the event.
Scott is a member of the Boyz Under the Hood and Yacht Club, and is involved in Rebuilding Together and the CAC.
There was no question there would be a second Vallejo Hot Rod Car Show and BBQ after last year's launching did so well, Scott said.
"Everyone at the yacht club enjoyed it," he said.
Scott said he expected from 350 to 500 visitors Saturday and 35 cars. Both numbers were surpassed, he said.
"We certainly met our goal," he said.
Doug Hirsch, who works with the food bank on behalf of the Benicia CAC, said the event "is a nice deal. And it's a beautiful day."
Benicia's Alex Mines drove his black 1927 hot rod to showcase and was glad he could be part of a fundraiser.
"I'm more than willing to show my car for a good cause or, in this case, two good causes," Mines said. "People like classic cars and it gives those who own them a chance to enjoy them as well."
Chip Carter, co-founder of the 95-member Boyz Under the Hood, said when the club is needed, it comes through. The organization is known for raising thousands of dollars for Toys for Tots.
"It's a lot bigger this year," Carter said.
Mike Browne, executive director at the Vallejo Convention and Visitors Bureau and a first vice president of the Rebuilding Together board, said he was impressed with the event.
"It's a pretty cool bunch of cars and a lot more than I thought would be there," Browne said. "And really good BBQ."
The glistening vehicles impressed 15-year-old Buddy Gonzalez, a volunteer for Rebuilding Together.
"These are better than cars today because they're nice and they're old," the teen said. "They have old engines that can go faster."
Rebuilding Together provides repairs and renovates homes for low-income homeowners and community facilities in Solano County with the partnership of local companies, businesses and service organizations.
The Benicia CAC provides food and other items for the less fortunate, mostly through its Season of Sharing program.


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i worked for dolphin bathrooms for seven years/ three years sub contract and four years employed by dolphin then cuts were made / despite all the bad reviews they are a good employer ,they have a difficult job/ due to some of the so /.called bathroom fitters / they trust to do a good job on their behalf . i have now had to retire from work //which i enjoyed for fifty years // ops//90786// ken j
If you are considering a bathroom re-fit with Dolphin Bathrooms, I urge you to reconsider. I have just had an en-suite installed by Dolphin bathrooms, and the experience has left me bewildered. I actually can't believe these people are still operating and I feel a complete fool to have been sucked into their marketing.
A 'designer' came to our house back in January, keen to sell us a design and commence the work immediately. Actually, customer care came back to us with a date 8 weeks later, and that was just the beginning.
I'm ashamed to write that the work cost £9k - it wasn't worth £5k - and I'm being kind.
The first installer left me speechless, tiling that looked like a chimpanzee had done it, (amatuerish tile cutting, grout smears over the slate grey tiles, over wide and uneven grout lines - why use the provided tile spacers when you can just guess!!)
2 days arguing over a shower niche, while he was convincing me to get a metal holder - basically couldn't be bothered.
and the solution to a too small a shower base? - build out the cubicle wall, at a width loss of 6cm, which resulted in the shower door not fitting, not to mention the visual impact.
After 7 weeks of this, instead of the advised 2 weeks, and numerous complaints to Dolphin customer care - we were eventually provided with another set of fitters - these are the guys that put right all the botched jobs - yes they actually have a team for this!! we were the fifth customer that this previous fitter had let down - why do Dolphin keep employing him??
The job has been done to a standard that I would describe as below average. I have had to call them back twice - to fill a big gap between the ceiling and the tiling in the shower cubicle, to correctly fit the bathroom furniture, drawers askew, to fix our shower - previously ran on cold only! and the grout lines are uneven and range from 3mm to 7mm thick!
After having the first installation ripped out, and a total of 10 weeks of chaos, I'm afraid I whimped out of asking them to re-do the job again - I just couldn't face the mess - this is what Dolphin rely on!!
I have been in business for over 12 years, and I fully understand that people let you down - it's how you handle it that matters. Dolphin handled our situation appallingly. We were promised an on site project manager and project coordinator at customer care every step of the way to check on standards and progress - we finally had contact with these people after 8 weeks of crisis - please be warned...when things go wrong, you are on your own and only after threatening court action did we receive even a flicker of interest.
The communication between designer, surveyor, fitters and customer care is non-existent. The customer care staff are completely disinterested in any custmer feedback, never mind complaints. The on-site project manager seemed more interested in moaning about how much money they had lost on our job, after delivering an over-rehearsed apology speech.
I have never felt the need to complain about a company on an internet forum, preferring to iron out differences with the comapny direct. However, when a company's parting response to our completed work is to send us a letter offering a £100 voucher if we recommend them to a friend...well it says it all really!!
My parents recently had a Dolphin bathroom installed and had to have it all completely ripped back out after the first fitter installed it!!!!! It was an utter disgrace with tiles not lined up properly and the shower not fitted to anything behind the tiles (only notcied when taken out by second fitter). There were large gaps left around the window where the fitter had not filled it in with plaster, the toilet seat was fitted with the brackets the wrong way around!!!! When they approached Dolphin bathrooms they were very abrupt and rude on the telephone and wanted to send out a guarantee for this bad workmanship but luckily enough the second fitter came and took it all back out and did it to a better standard. They have had nothing but upset and inconvenience for the last 6 weeks and Dolphin dont seem to be bothered!!! They have been offered a mesely amount of compensation which does not account for half of the stress they have had to go through. My message to anyone thinking about having a Dolphin bathroom is DO NOT USE......... they are nothing but cowboy fitters as they do not use their own fitters but sub-contractors !!!! They offer you a stunning bathroom with ease and peace of mind........ but what you get is stress, worry and a botched up job.
Just had a complete bathroom installed by Dolphin and the tiles are misaligned, the bath panel wedged in with toilet paper and the fitter spending most of the day on his mobile phone. Now I have a fault with the bath and they will not even reply to my e-mails, phone calls and letters. Terrible company, keep well away.
Most of the problems we experienced during and after installation were relatively minor. It was the terrible customer support that has really got me down and decided me never to recommend Dolphin to anyone. For example, replacement tiles never delivered despite daily phone calls - they were only delivered several days after installation was complete! Intermittent problem with toilet flush first occurred on a Saturday. Consulted the "Out of hours emergencies" leaflet to find that all it says is "Contact Customer Services. Our office hours are 9-5 Monday to Friday" (I kid you not!) After installation, found that tiles are from two different lots. After a visit from the area manager, we were promised a compensation offer to "live with" the problem, and FIVE WEEKS later we received a derisory offer by second-class post! (This, once again, after daily phone calls and reminders.) Some Customer Service staff appear to have a real attitude problem - when asking why I had not received the promised call back from "the person who is dealing with it", I got the reply "she does have other customers to deal with, you know"!
I start this with the free and honest admission that I am a Dolphin Bathrooms Designer! Also that these comments are mine and in no way represent Dolphin Bathrooms. I, like many of my collegues, regularly read the reviews of Dolphin on sites such as this one and i'm sure you can understand our frustration at reading some of the comments posted. Like anyone we like to feel a sense of pride in our profession and the company we work for!
It would be foolish to try to suggest that a company the size of Dolphin receive no complaints and that ALL our customers are 'Happy Bunnies' ALL of the time. Dolphin fit more luxury bathrooms than any other company in the UK by a mile! Yes Dolphin do receive genuine and justifyable complaints from valued customers but sites such as these do not offer a fair and in context appraisal. So can I suggest that we look more closely at these complaints?
If you look at the number of complaints on this particular site you will see that they go back many years. Now look at the tiny number of complaints for the last 12 months and consider that last year Dolphin fiitted in excess of 6000 bathrooms I believe! I would suggest that looked at in this light Dolphin have a track record to be envied in today's world.
One other thing to be considered is that I know for a fact that a very large proportion of these complaints are written by 'Disgruntled' ex employees. I know from my own experiences with Dolphin as a self employed person that the training and guidance we are given both at the start and continuing through our association with the company is designed to make us the very best at what we do. It follows therefore that a number of individuals will enevitably fall short of the high standards of competence and ethics Dolphin demands and are quite simply sacked. These people often vent their feelings on sites such as this. In particular a lot of former Dolphin Fitting Crews fall by the wayside due to poor workmanship etc and then enjoy calling the company that they were simply not good enough to represent!
So can I suggest that anyone reading this and in the process of purchasing a new Bathroom finds out for themselves what the Dolphin Experience' is really all about and not be put off by the comments they read? I, and the rest of my collegues would appreciate the chance to show you just how good we are.
Best Wishes
Gavin Patterson
Dolphin Sales Designer (Self Employed)
Had a quote from dolphin and not only was the sales rep really really pushy, the service I received while decided whether to use them or not was disgraceful! They want to sign you up on the day, and if you don't, forget it! They don't want to know!
I had a bathroom fitted by Aqualina and I have to say it was the best choice I ever made! The service was second to none, and my bathroom, which was finished 2 weeks ago (on time!) looks better than I could of imagined!
My friend got a bathroom from dolphin, started around e same time as mine, and her house is till a bilding site, and she is already regretting using them and its not even finished!
I would recommend at least getting a quote from Aqualina, then you can see for yourself which one you would choose! They do such a good job from the beginning!!
I hope this information is useful!
I used to work in the Customer Service Dept and quickly realised what the main problem was.
An ex fitter on here was not quite right in saying that the system is badly planned.
The main problem is that Dolphin as a company has commited themselves to the bank in repaying so much money every month.
This brings tremendous pressure on all the workers in every dept to do what they can to bring money in.
The management ensures the workers are severly disciplined if it all goes pear shaped.
Every day there are nice, hard working girls trying to do the impossible running outside in tears because of the pressure and harsh discipline.
Success is rewarded though but, ultimately, the customer is paying for all this.
Some of the fitters come for training at H.O. but then release inexperienced workers when they get back to the customer's house. Some of them cannot speak a word of English.
Beware! Your house is basically their training room and you are paying for all this.
Everyone gets stitched up in the end whether you are a fitter, office worker but most of all the customer.
I worked there for 3 years but resigned over moral issues.
If anyone wants to know any more or if they are experiencing any problems then please email me;
Please put subject matter as DOLPHIN
Had a Dolphin Bathroom fitted last year and since then have had no end of problems. The toilet kept getting blocked and had water leaking quite badly through the lounge ceiling in two places from the bath. Apparently both weren't installed properly. They tell you they only use Dolphin fitters but they use sub-contractors and mine were cowboys. You have to pay upfront (apart from about £360) which I would never agree to again for anything. Paid £7,000 for a tiny bathroom. This was more than I expected to pay but didn't mind paying extra as I thought Dolphin were experts as they are bathroom specialists. How wrong can you be! Also, my extractor fan wasn't working but they refused to mend it or put a new one in - I have since found out that it's too near the shower unit so should have been moved anyway for safety reasons.
Forgot to mention, I had nowhere to store the bathroom so it was in my lounge for over a week!
Dolphin started installing my new toilet on the 10th of November. The workmen are doing a good job. The toilet that was supplied was of the wrong type. The replacement is of a cheaper different make than what was on the contract. The shower base was damaged, the replacement is of inferior qualityand cheaper. Checked prices on the net with what was on the contract and what the replacement cost. The sink and toilet are of different white glaze. Once they had our money they have lost interest. One lady I spoke to needs lessons in telephone manners. Scottish area manager, just hired has been dropped in at the deep end. They will not provide me with a price breakdown. They don't adhere to their own terms and conditions. 15th of December, door still off toilet, radiator still in garage, cheap toilet still in place, damaged shower tray still in place. Can someone please advise as to what legal rights I have.
The sales agent that came to our home was very aggressive and pushed us very much to sign a contract to secure the price he would offer us on the day (dropping the price from >16000 to 7000).I had no idea about the quality of dolphins bathroom installations and was genuinely interested but wanted to get another offer of yet another bathroom installation company (as would anyone I guess). Nevertheless, I stupidly secured the price with 100 pounds and signed the contract after having asked, how much time I would have for cancellation.The answer was - within 2 weeks.Now, fortunately I read the terms and conditions a day later - 7 days and it has to be in WRITING.Be warned - there are 2 addresses for the cancellation dep. M19 9HQ and M16 9HQ.I so do hope to come out of this unscathed...
We paid nearly £8000 for what was to be our dream bathroom. The original plan they produced contained major errors - the bath we agreed would not even fit in the room. Several of the materials we chose later proved to be out of stock. Also salesman removed half tiling to get the job within our budget, but didn't tell us and we didn't spot it in the small print until it was too late. A 7-10 day project was only completed after two months. The original fitters (contractors) were very poor. Workmanship and attitude was well below standards promised by Dolphin. Shockingly poor in their attitude to us as customers - leaving house unlocked on many occasions and sweeping debris under bath to hide it. Customer service incompetent and sometimes very defensive, but after much wrangling we did get most issues resolved after Dolphin agreed to send another fitter to put things right. Neighbour paid less than us for two bathrooms and a toilet. Honest opinion is that this job was worth about £4000.
Though the bathroom is good, the after sales service is appalling. My bathroom was planned by a Dolphin rep; surveyed by a Dolphin surveyor and fitted by Dolphin. Their recommendation was to reverse the opening of the door. You would think you would be able to fit a standard door on the bathroom but you can't! A standard door would hit the basin on opening and the light pull chord will be behind the door. Clearly the basin hasn't been placed where it should have been!
I have telephoned Dolphin on numerous occasions, and have been made promises to ring me back and they don't. I am sick and tired of trying to get somebody out to rectify the problem. I will now seek legal advice and will contact Watchdog for their opinion. I feel I am constantly being fobbed off. I work in the communication industry; people will certainly hear my opinion of Dolphin bathrooms.
W. Butterworth
Order No 872725
Though the bathroom is good, the after sales service is appalling. My bathroom was planned by a Dolphin rep; surveyed by a Dolphin surveyor and fitted by Dolphin. Their recommendation was to reverse the opening of the door. You would think you would be able to fit a standard door on the bathroom but you can't! A standard door would hit the basin on opening and the light pull chord will be behind the door.
I have telephoned Dolphin on numerous occasions, and have been made promises to ring me back and they don't. I am sick and tired of trying to get somebody out to rectify the problem. I will now seek legal advice and will contact Watchdog for their opinion. I feel I am constantly being fobbed off. I work in the communication industry; people will certainly hear my opinion of Dolphin bathrooms.
W. Butterworth


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This game was classified by the community with the following category scores - Violence=3/3, Sex=0/3, Mature Content=3/3. You are Santa Clause. Zombies have invaded the North Pole. The kids are counting on you to gather all of the presents that the zombies have scattered all over the North Pole, and return them to the sleigh. Only then can you deliver them and save the holidays! Enjoy endless random levels of holiday cheer.
Buy Xbox content on Xbox.com. Your Xbox 360 console will automatically download the content next time you turn it on and connect to Xbox Live.Learn More


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Yesterday's home runs don't win today's games. --Babe Ruth
As the new year starts to unfold, the big question for us to ponder is whether the action will look similar to what we've seen the last few years. The most notable feature in this period has been very streaky trading, driven primarily by central bankers and politicians.
Individual stock-picking has often been fruitless, given that shares have tended to move in a correlated fashion. In fact, this sort of action has become so obvious that the media has adopted the phrases "risk on" and "risk off" to reflect that the only thing that really matters in the market is timing.
On Thursday afternoon we got a small hint that things might change in 2013. In the minutes from the last Federal Reserve meeting, there was some discussion that quantitative easing may cease before the end of the year. That would be a dramatic change, as nothing has been a bigger market driver over the last few years than QE.
Unfortunately, we will very likely have to deal with a political battle over the debt ceiling in the coming months, and there is also a great likelihood that the European sovereign-debt issue will raise its ugly head one again. Still, a change in the QE program will have more impact than anything else, and we will need to watch very closely for developments in that area.
One thing that is very likely to impact the Fed's decision on QE is the unemployment rate. The central bank has made it clear that its policy of very low rates will continue as long as joblessness remains elevated. Some question whether the Fed policies really do anything to impact employment, but the Fed apparently thinks so, and that is all that matters.
The reaction to the jobs news this morning will be interesting. For a while now, bad news has been good news, as it's kept the Fed's printing press running. On the other hand, positive news has also been good, as some economic improvement is always welcome -- so long as it doesn't cause interest rates to rise. When the market starts to sell on good news, we will know inflation worries may be kicking up, and that the Fed will likely feel it must back off.
For years now, the one simple adage that has mattered more than anything has been, "Don't fight the Fed." When the Fed starts to back off on QE, the whole nature of the market will change. So we need to watch the response to data, as in jobs growth, to see if the market is starting to anticipate a Fed move.
The emotions surrounding the "fiscal cliff" agreement and the start of the new year are going to cool off quickly now as we start to anticipate fourth-quarter earnings reports. Alcoa (AA) is due to kick off the onslaught next week, but the big reports don't start to roll in for another few days. As you'll recall, third-quarter reports were weak, and quite a few stocks struggled. As a result, expectations are pretty low; but hopefully we'll see some new leadership emerge and a boost for stock-picking.
After the fast start by the indices, there is plenty of performance anxiety out there right now, and that is likely to give us some dip-buying support. But market players took the Fed minutes as an excuse for profit-taking, and they may do so again on the next headline number.
I'll be looking for some long buys after market open, but I'm hoping for some backing and filling. That would provide for some better setups, as many things are currently extended.


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Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, 126 Charles St., Logan, will celebrate the 22nd pastor anniversary of the Rev. James H. Mosley Jr. on Sunday. The guest speaker for 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. services will be Pastor Jerry B. Madkins, of Greater Love Christian Church, New Braunfels, Texas. Dinner will be served after morning service. The church will celebrate its first lady with a luncheon at 1 p.m. today at Fifth Quarter restaurant in Charleston.
Bream Presbyterian Church will have a Project Safe Nest Crib Drive from 1 to 4 p.m. today. Donations of new cribs, bassinets, pack 'n' plays and cash donations toward the purchase of a new crib are sought. Tax-deductible contributions are accepted at the Gabriel Project Office, Bream Presbyterian Church, 319 Washington St. W. Pickup service will be available. For more information, call 304-414-4MOM.
Faith Missionary Baptist Church Youth Group will have a yard sale and hot dog sale from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 3 at the church to raise funds to attend Christian Camp at "The Wilds" Campground in North Carolina. The church is at 701 W. MacCorkle Ave., St. Albans, 1 mile west on U.S. 60, below the junction of County Route 817/60. There will be a lot of yard sale items, hot dogs, baked beans, potato and macaroni salads and homemade baked goods. Several classic cars will also be on display. For more information, call the church at 304-727-9491.
A spring craft show/hot dog sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at Dunbar Church of the Nazarene, corner of 16th Street and Lightner Avenue. Handmade items include jewelry, hair bows, arrowheads, baby kits, pillows, throws, knitted items, dog treats and more. Hot dogs, drinks and desserts will also be available for purchase. All proceeds to benefit the youth department.
A hot dog and bake sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today at Garrison Avenue Freewill Baptist Church, 597 Garrison Ave.
Fraziers Bottom Church of God will sponsor the Gift of Hope Food Pantry from 9 a.m. to noon May 10 at the church, 19064 Winfield Road, Fraziers Bottom. Proof of Putnam County residency is required.
The Lay Academy of Religion at First Presbyterian Church, 16 Leon Sullivan Way, continues with a study of the relationship between religion and science titled "What Are We Really Made Of?" at 4 p.m. Sunday in room 201 of the church activities building on Kanawha Boulevard. All classes are free. For more information, contact Bob Newman at 304-345-0225 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
The Multipurpose Community Center at Aldersgate United Methodist Church will be open for tours from 1 to 3 p.m. today at the facility, 6823 Sissonville Drive. The open house is being held for the public to see the facility. For more information, call 304-984-1164 or 304-989-1265.
The usher board of St. Paul A.M.E. Church will sponsor a spring bazaar, car wash and fish fry beginning 8 a.m. May 3 at the church, 1108 Second Ave. For more information, contact Gerva Coleman at 304-342-8896 or 304-550-1625, or call Ruth Nowling at 304-343-2998.
The Trinity Gospel Singers will sing at 6 p.m. Sunday at Rumble Community Baptist Church.
The BrighterSide Quartet and The New Life Quartet from Parkersburg will perform at 7 p.m. today at the annual gospel sing at Newton Baptist Church, Hollywood Road, Newton. The New Life Quartet members include Andy and Todd Anderson, former members of the Gospelaires Quartet.
Grace Church of the Nazarene, 499 Second Ave., South Charleston, will have its Easter cantata titled "There Stands a Cross," at 10:45 a.m. Sunday at the church.
The Believers will be singing at 7 p.m. Sunday at Mountain Heights Church on Spring Hill Mountain in South Charleston. They will also sing at 7 p.m. Monday at Farrar Memorial Baptist Church in Rand, and at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Hopkins Fork Community Church at Seth.
Mark Holmes will perform at 5 p.m. Sunday at Grace Bible Church, 600 Kanawha Blvd. W. Holmes will be retiring on the evening of his 43rd birthday and release of his new CD, "Finally, Favor Found Me." Special guests include Dr. Ethel Caffie-Austin, Greater Emmanuel Mime and Dance Team, minister of music Timothy Courts, vocalist Cynthia Jordan-Taylor and Melody Jordan. Holmes will be retiring after 35 years' service.
Fisher Memorial Church will have a gospel sing at 7 p.m. today at the church, located a half-mile on Dudden Fork Road off the Goldtown exit of Interstate 77. Bloodline, Fisher Memorial Quartet and Choir will sing. Refreshments will be served in the family center after the sing during the fellowship hour.
The praise and worship ministry of Greater New Jerusalem Worship Center, 4819 Washington Ave., Kanawha City, will host the "Every Praise Is To Our God" praise and worship songfest at 6 p.m. today at the church. Groups and singers include Central Community Tabernacle Praise and Worship Team, Abundant Life Men's Chorus and Greater New Jerusalem Praise and Worship Team. Special guest is recording artist Stephen "Steve O" Thomas. Thomas will have CDs available for purchase. For information, call 304-925-8062.
A benefit gospel sing will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. today at Sissonville High School. A love offering will be taken. Refreshments are available. Proceeds will benefit medulloblastoma brain cancer patient Brandon Joseph, 4-year-old grandson of Barbara Vance. Proceeds will be used to help with travel expenses to Columbus, Ohio, and household needs for the family to care for Brandon's illness. Performing will be the Tignors of Sissonville, Simply Bluegrass of Parkersburg and The Handyman Quartet from Browns Creek. For more information, contact Pastor Tim Warden and Sherri Warden of Chandler Drive First Church of God, 1420 Chandler Drive, or call 303-377-3911.
Living Word will sing at 6 p.m. Sunday at Parsons Chapel, Sixth Avenue.
Gospel soloist Jim Edens will sing at 7 p.m. Monday at First United Methodist Church of Beckley. He will also sing at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Leatherwood Baptist Church, Elkview, and 7 p.m. Thursday at Farrar Memorial Baptist Church, Rand.
Farrar Memorial Baptist Church, 5501 Church Drive, will have revival services at 7 p.m. nightly, Sunday through Friday at the church, located at the corner of Church Drive and Furman Avenue. Singing will be provided by Sunday, Farrar Choir; Monday, The Believers Quartet; Tuesday, The Hoy Family; Wednesday, Richard Robinson; Thursday, Jim Edens; and Friday, Amy Stephens and Jack Tucker.
Riverview Gospel Tabernacle will have a revival nightly Monday through May 3, with Pastor Doyle Young. There will be singers each night.
Maranatha Bible Missionary Baptist Church, 504 King Ave., Madison, will have its spring revival at 7 p.m. nightly Wednesday through Friday at the church. Guest speaker will be the Rev. Vincent W. Coleman of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church of Chesapeake. Church pastor is the Rev. Shawn P. Woods.
Good Shepherd Free Will Baptist Church will have revival services at 6 p.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. weekdays beginning May 4 at the church, 5470 W. Pea Ridge Road, Huntington. Evangelists will be the Rev. David Heavner and the Rev. Don Davis. Singing will be provided by: May 4, Laborers Quartet; May 5, Theresa Jeffries; May 6, Tignor Family; May 7, Langdons; May 8, Chadwick's Creek Boys; May 9, Bluegrass Gospel Boys; May 10, Forgiven; and May 11, Blessed.
Special service
The Upper Kanawha Valley Ministers and Deacons Fellowship will hold its Fourth Sunday Fellowship service at 7 p.m. Sunday at Eagle Central Baptist Church, Eagle. Speaker will be the Rev. Herman James, pastor of Mount Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Ansted.
Good Shepherd Free Will Baptist Church will have praise and worship services on Sunday. Pastor Jason C. Black will preach at the 11 a.m. service and the Rev. Phil Williamson will preach at the 6 p.m. service. New Horizon will sing at 6 p.m. Sunday. The prayer meeting and youth group meets at 7 p.m. on Wednesday. The church is at 5470 W. Pea Ridge Road, Huntington.
Greater New Jerusalem Worship Center, 4819 Washington Ave. SE., Kanawha City, will have a night of fellowship, praise, worship and word at 7 p.m. Friday at the church. Guest speaker will be Pastor Terrance Hamm, along with his congregation from Living Waters Family Christian Center, Montgomery.
The Breath of Freshness Apostolic Ministries will have their Women's Day program at 4 p.m. May 18 at Switzer Community Center, located to the right as you enter Orchard Manor. The theme will be "Healing." Women are asked to wear white. Music will be provided by Angie Richardson.
Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 442 McDonald St., South Charleston, will feature the Rev. Greg Richardson as guest speaker at the 11 a.m. Sunday worship service.
Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church will celebrate the annual Women's Day at 3 p.m. Sunday with the Rev. Carolyn Walker, from Central Community Tabernacle. Dinner will be served following the morning service.
King of Glory International Ministries welcomes Apostle Kirk McCoy from A Place of Deliverance Church and Training Center, Henderson, North Carolina, as speaker at the 11 a.m. Sunday morning service. The church is at 302 Delaware Ave. Apostle Tina M. Beatty is senior pastor. For information, call 304-720-5994 or email email@example.com.
The Rev. Dr. Thomas Tewell will speak from 9 a.m. to noon on May 3 in the dining room of First Presbyterian Church, 16 Leon Sullivan Way, corner of Leon Sullivan Way and Virginia Street East. He will also speak at the 9:15 a.m. May 4 at the church. The Rev. Dr. Tewell will speak at the 10:30 a.m. May 4 worship service at the church. For questions, call the church office at 304-343-8961.
Items for Church Activities may be submitted by mail to The Charleston Gazette, 1001 Virginia St. E., Charleston, WV 25301, faxed to 304-348-1233 or e-mail: email@example.com. Notices will be run one time free. Please include a contact person's name and a daytime telephone number. Information will not be taken by phone. The deadline is noon Thursday.


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full size
Product Details
Featuring the same modern silhouette as our famous Ludlow suit jacket, this sharp sportcoat is precision crafted in Italian wool from a small Tuscany-based mill (it's known for working with some of the finest yarns in the classic Pratese tradition). Some of the carefully constructed finishing touches you'll find include interior contrast pickstitching and contrast suiting-fabric trim at the welts—they're not details you can see from the outside, but we think they make all the difference.
Size & Fit Details


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Retail's BIG Show and EXPO is filled with insights for the IT Channel, with candid perspectives on technology needs and the role technology plays — or should play — in retail. The event, hosted by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and billed as the world's leading retail event, is being held Jan. 12-15 at the Javits Convention Center in New York City, preceded by a Super Saturday event on Jan. 11.
In Super Saturday's opening keynote, Jeff Roster, research VP of global industry for Gartner, said retail innovation will be enabled by four factors: cloud, social, mobile, and Big Data. Regarding where retailers will be spending their IT dollars, he commented, "Cross-channel, omni-channel is all about agility. You will be spending more on agility in 2014. Congratulations."
In his keynote on Jan. 12, Foot Locker chairman and CEO Ken Hicks pointed out where technology can help: "The biggest challenge we have is the need for more interconnectivity within the company. Retailers were siloed and now need to be more connected." Hicks added, "We need to arm our associates with more information than the customer has. They need scan guns to see what inventory is in-store and available elsewhere. Tablets will help them look up information online. These will help the associates merchandise better. They can tell the customer which T-shirt is designed to go with the LeBron James shoes the customer will purchase."
Hicks commented significant customer changes are driving changes in the retail industry, including payments methods. He said that it is the customer who dictates terms, whether cash, credit, debit — or alternative payments.
Other retailers stressed the importance of reporting and analytics. On Jan. 12, Peter Lewis, the senior director of customer analytics and loyalty for Loblaws, shared lessons learned while developing Loblaws' loyalty program. He said to fight to keep reporting a part of the program. "Without it, you're flying blind," Lewis said. He also stressed consistency in the loyalty program between the website and app and simplicity in the design of sign-up for program.
In her Super Saturday presentation, HSN (Home Shopping Network) CIO Karen Etzkorn talked about omni-channel, cross-channel, and her phrase of "boundaryless retail." Etzkorn said data analytics are the backbone of HSN's interactive experience between TV, tablets, mobile devices, and the desktop. The retailer has seen significant growth in online and mobile sales. Etzkorn said mobility is now 12 percent of HSN's overall business, a 57 percent increase compared to last year.
Super Saturday's "Retail Cool Panel," billed as "young innovative retailers doing things that are breaking the mold," also shared insights on the role of technology. During the panel, STORY founder Rachel Schectman said, "In retail, we're going to see more community and more entertainment. If you're going to put retail technology into a store, give me an experience I can't get at home."


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Prado excited to face former Braves teammates
PHOENIX -- D-backs infielder Martin Prado spent seven years playing for the Braves and another five years in Atlanta's Minor League system.
For the first time Monday, he will play against the Braves when they open a three-game series at Chase Field, and Prado is looking forward to renewing acquaintances.
"It's going to be fun to play against them," he said. "They know me well and I know them well, so it's going to be fun. I'm excited to see them."
Since coming over to the D-backs in the January trade that sent Justin Upton to Atlanta, Prado has remained in touch with a number of the Braves players.
"I've been talking to Eric O'Flaherty and Craig Kimbrel and they said, 'We're going to throw you fastballs right down the middle' and I said, 'Yeah right, I believe that,'" Prado said with a laugh.
Prado's close friend, Atlanta catcher Brian McCann, is back on the field after missing the first month of the season with an injured right shoulder.
"I'm so happy that McCann is playing," Prado said. "He's such a good teammate, a real professional. He takes winning very seriously, he's a competitor. He's a real humble guy and he helps a young team, the young kids. I'm just happy he's healthy."
Steve Gilbert is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Inside the D-backs, and follow him on Twitter @SteveGilbertMLB. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Collaborative Journal article regarding Caterpillar business practices earns top award
November 26, 2013
An article written by two Bradley professors, and two alumni received the Institute of Management Accountants' (IMA) top award.
An IMA member, retired accounting professor Dr. John Gillett recently received a gold medal in the annual Lybrand Awards Manuscript Competition. The gold medal recognizes the paper as the best paper submitted the past year. Dr. Gillett's co-authors, Dr. Ross Fink, management and leadership professor; Whitney Cox, a graduate student when the project began and a 2009 graduate of the master of science in accounting program; and David G. DeFreitas, a 1987 Bradley graduate of the accounting program and a Caterpillar Inc. executive, received certificates of appreciation.
"Getting Lean and Mean at Caterpillar with ABM", the award-winning article, was the cover story in the January 2013 issue of Strategic Finance, published by IMA. The article discusses how one of Caterpillar's divisions used a new approach with its time-honored, activity-based costing (ABC) methodology to pull it through the most recent recession and to prepare for the next downturn.
The article began when Dr. Gillett saw DeFreitas' presentation on the topic and approached him regarding the idea of converting his presentation into a paper. He recruited Cox, a graduate student at the time, and Dr. Fink to assist with the paper.
Dr. Fink said, "The interesting part of this article is that an executive from Caterpillar who is heavily involved with the Foster College of Business and an alumnus, a graduate student, and professors from two departments all worked together on the manuscript. It is rare that you see this type of collaboration. Obviously, we all are very pleased with the recognition this article received."


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Two weeks of furloughs for Customs and Border Patrol employees. That's the equivalent of losing 5,000 border patrol agents and 2,750 CBP officers all along the border. $75 billion in trade passes through El Paso's ports of entry each year and 100,000 jobs in and around El Paso depend on that trade. If the sequester happens, Secretary Napolitano has warned of 4 and 5 hour waits becoming common at our ports of entry and complete gridlock during peak times.
11,000 civilian employees at Fort Bliss in El Paso will be furloughed for 22 days. These are middle class Americans who care for our wounded warriors when they return from war and make our military bases run efficiently. These individuals will be facing a 20% pay cut, simply because Congress cannot muster the courage to come up with a responsible solution. Heck, last week we could not muster the courage to be in D.C. to work on this issue.
Due to planned FAA furloughs, El Paso International Airport is on the list to have its air traffic control tower shut down at night. This will mean the possibility of 10 cancelled commercial flights and putting the brakes on the largest air cargo facility on the US/Mexico border. This is self-inflicted economic damage that should be avoided.
In addition to the thousands of lost jobs in El Paso, children will bear a large burden through the elimination of 1550 teachers and classroom aides and 4,800 Head Start slots. Why are we asking our most vulnerable kids to pay for the irresponsibility of Congress?
There are real people behind these numbers and they deserve better from us. I stand ready to vote for any reasonable compromise, and perhaps even an unreasonable compromise, to end this dangerous game.


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Gourd Door Stop
Item# 8586497
This item is currently not available.
Additional Information
Exclusive | Naturally Graceful Gourd is Decorative and Useful
- Fun doorstop is a natural conversation piece
- Also makes a handy bookend and lovely in seasonal displays
- Each gourd is naturally unique
This shapely gourd is a lovely standalone sculpture. Filled with clay pellets, it's also weighty enough to prop open a door or support a stack of books on a shelf. Polyurethane coating protects against moisture, so it can be used year after year indoors or on a porch or other protected place outside. About 10" H.
Product Details
- Gourd, clay pellets
- Approx. 7" in diameter x 10" H
- Gardener's Supply Exclusive
Reviewed by 1 customer
I just wasn't pleased with the look. Not as glossy as photo'd
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Product InstructionsDownload instructions for Gourd Door Stop as a PDF


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Derek Jeter says he will retire at the end of the 2014 season: http://t.co/LrMjd4E4el pic.twitter.com/ygtBQAeorX— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 12, 2014
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Derek Jeter says he will retire at the end of the 2014 season: http://t.co/LrMjd4E4el pic.twitter.com/ygtBQAeorX— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 12, 2014
I hope that the Cap' has a great sendoff season like Rivera had. What a legendary career. Hopefully he can stay healthy this season and have a year similar to what he had in 2012. I really want to get up to the Bronx this summer and see him for a final time.
It's ironic that he's going out without A-Rod by his side. I doubt he'll shed a tear over that.
Last edited by Sollozzo; 02-12-2014 at 03:38 PM.
Well in my mind he's in the top 5 for best players ever to play baseball
Smothered Chicken!
I love Jeter but that's a stretch. He probably just makes it into the top 5 Yankees of all time (Ruth, Mantle, Gehrig, DiMaggio).
Yeah, those four are probably the permanent Yankee Mount Rushmore.
You can certainly make an argument for Jeter at 5. You can also make it for a couple of other guys as well. Yogi Berra won 10 World Series Championships and 3 MVP's. I also think you can make an argument for Mariano Rivera. Sure he wasn't an everyday player, but his dominance gave the Yankees an incredible edge over everyone else for a very long period of time. He was basically a cheat code for the Yankees year in and year out.
But yeah, Jeter is nowhere near a top 5 all time MLB player. He's barely top 5 in his own franchise. He was excellent for a long period of time, but he was never a truly "dominant" player. No MVP's, though I will always say he should have won it on 2006. Regardless, he will go down as another legendary single digit wearing Yankee.
Last edited by Sollozzo; 02-12-2014 at 05:25 PM.
They are opening the season here against the Astros. Would love to go.
I was just checking out the Yankees schedule and notice that they come to Chicago for 6 straight days in May. They play the Cubs at Wrigley for the first 2 days and then go play the White Sox for the next 4. After that, they are in St. Louis for a 3 game series. So that means that they will be in this region for a total of 9 straight days. Man, I really want to go see one of those games and see Jeter one last time. Those two Cubs-Yanks games will sell like hot cakes. They'd already be a hot ticket since the Yanks obviously don't play at Wrigley often, but you add the Jeter farewell tour to that and they will skyrocket.
I missed seeing Jeter's 3000th hit in person by one day back in 2011. Went on vacation to New York and had tickets for the Sunday game, but he hit it on the Saturday.
I hope i can go to a Yankees game in chicago or cincinnati this season to see him one last time
Smothered Chicken!
The Yankees don't play the Reds in Cincy this year. They only play them in the Bronx from 7-18 to 7-20.
This year, you can catch the Yankees in St. Louis, Chicago (against both teams), Cleveland, and Detroit.
The way he's handled the NY media, pressure, and just the prestige of the pinstripes has been amazing. I can't think of someone who's been such a class act both on and off the field. He reminds me a lot of Peyton Manning in that he's just universally respected by players, fans, and coaches a like. He literally is the face of baseball, has been for quite some time, so it will be interesting to see who's the next face of baseball is. I'm glad that he's decided to go out on his own terms, when he knows it's his last hurrah, rather than see diminished play, playing time, and maybe even a change of position.
Well said.
Things could have gotten a bit awkward if Jeter played mediocre in 2014 and wanted to return. I hope he has a great final season like Rivera. Personally, I find it interesting that he announced his retirement on Facebook instead of officially doing it through the Yankees organization. IMO, I don't think that he ever forgave the Yankees' brass with how the contract negotiations played out after the 2010 season. When Jeter was not happy with the Yankees' offer which was already higher than anything he would have received on the open market, Brian Cashman said something like, "he can see if there's something he would prefer other than this." IMO, Jeter was being unreasonable and needed to be brought back down to earth, but he holds a grudge and I don't think he ever forgave the Yanks with how those negotiations played out.
In hindsight, Jeter's agent really screwed up when he did not get him an opt out close in that 10 year contract he signed before the 2001 season. Had he been able to opt out after say year 6 or 7, he would have still been young enough where he could have cashed in big time on another huge deal. This is how A-Rod made so much money. He was able to opt out after year 7 of that 10 year deal he signed in 2001. Since he was coming off of an MVP season, the Yankees bent over and gave him another 10 years. So his original 10 year deal of insane money basically turned into a 17 year deal of insane money. Jeter and his agent could have pulled off something similar if they would have included an opt out in that 10 year contract. But since he couldn't do anything until the contract ended after year 10, he was in a position where he was old and didn't have a ton of leverage.
I wish that Jeter and Rivera could have gone out together. In 2012, Jeter had a fantastic season while Rivera tore his ACL early in the season. In 2013, Rivera had a fantastic final season while Jeter battled injuries and only played in 17 games. It's a shame that they weren't able to play together much over the last couple of seasons.
When the new Yankee Stadium opened, many said that it would be without a soul since it was without memories and history. But in it's short life, it's already had some pretty memorable moments. In it's first year, 2009, the Yankees returned to glory by winning a WS Championship with the Core 4 (Jeter, Pettitte, Posada, Rivera) all playing a huge role. It was very symbolic that those four guys who had so many championship memories at the old stadium were able to win a championship in the first year of the new stadium. It was a perfect bridging of history and Yankee tradition. Then you had the emotional sendoff to Rivera last year, and this year you will have a memorable sendoff to Jeter. Special memories are being created at the new stadium.
I'm a RedSox fan and even though I'm pretty sure it's in my DNA to despise the Yankees, I have nothing but respect for Jeter. He did it the right way from day 1 thru the end. Class act.
Now - for some Yankee entertainment - http://extramustard.si.com/2014/02/1...antle-farting/
And if you're not easliy offended, click on the "as evidenced by this letter" link. Yup - the All-American Boy.
Lmao @ that letter.
The Gift Basket King
Peyton Manning visits Derek Jeter
NEW YORK -- Derek Jeter had a special guest at batting practice Sunday morning at Yankee Stadium -- Peyton Manning.
"I came to see Derek play," Manning said. "Derek and I have been friends -- he's a couple years older than me, but we've been pretty much professionals at the same time. So I wanted to pay my respects and see him play for the last time."
Manning stood to the side of the cage and chatted with Jeter in between batting practice turns.
Major League Baseball tweeted out a picture of the two sports icons talking near the cage.
Manning, a five-time NFL MVP, also talked to New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi and a few other players.
Manning and his younger brother Eli, the New York Giants' star quarterback, were going to be Jeter's guests in his suite for the Yankees' game Sunday against the Tampa Bay Rays.
"It's the only time I'm gonna get to New York before our season starts, and they're not coming out to the [Colorado] Rockies this year," Manning said. "I wanted to see [Jeter] play in person, and get a good picture for my scrapbook."
Jeter is 29 games into his final season with the Yankees. The longtime Yankees captain, who will turn 40 in June, announced back in February that he will retire at the end of the year, his 20th in the majors.
Manning, who turned 38 in March, will be entering his 16th NFL season in the fall -- not including 2011, when he was forced to miss an entire year due to neck surgery. He returned in 2012 with a new team, the Denver Broncos, and in 2013 set NFL records in passing yards (5,477) and touchdowns (55), en route to his fifth MVP award.
Manning said he discussed retirement with Jeter.
"I feel a lot better than I thought I would coming off that surgery a couple years ago," Manning said. "When you miss a year for an injury, when you get back out there, boy you really feel rejuvenated and really just feel glad to be back out there. So I've really enjoyed the past two years, and I'm excited about this season.
"As long as I'm still enjoying the preparation part of it, as long as I can still produce and help a team -- I don't want to just be out there hanging on -- then I'm gonna keep doing it."
Manning predicted he will have a hard time deciding when to hang up his cleats.
"I hope I know when the right time is," Manning said. "I know it was a hard decision for Derek, I know it'll be hard for me. But I can tell he's at peace with it and he's enjoying this season."
The two future Hall of Famers have maintained a "unique friendship" during their respective careers, according to Manning. He estimated that he's seen Jeter play in person "probably six or seven times," including a couple playoff games.
"Derek's been to a number of Colts games through the years," Manning said, "and he's got an open invite to the Broncos games this fall after the Yankees finish their season."
As for Manning, he will be spending Monday in New York as well.
"I'm doing [the David] Letterman [show] tomorrow night, so I'm paying my respects to him, who's also retiring," Manning said, chuckling. "I'm sad to see some of these guys retiring. I'm not far behind."
Pretty cool article, thanks for posting. Glad to see Peyton pay his respects to Cap'. Two immortal icons.
What I gathered from the Manning article is that he's a Scrapbooker.
I wonder if Jeter will give him a gift basket?
A fan ran onto the field last night to try to hug Derek Jeter
Derek Jeter is making his farewell tour around the majors this season and one fan wanted to make sure he got his chance to say goodbye last night. It didnt go so well.
In the bottom of the sixth inning of last nights Yankees-Brewers game at Miller Park in Milwaukee, a young male fan jumped out of the seats behind the third base dugout and onto the field to where Jeter was standing at shortstop. The fan, who was wearing a Ryan Braun jersey, requested a hug from the Yankee Captain and was quickly taken down by security.
Jeter told Brandon Kuty of NJ.com that he wasnt alarmed by the fan and even warned him that he was going to get in trouble. They dont call him classy for nothing, folks.
He was saying he wanted a hug, the Yankees captain said. I was thinking, I wasnt gonna hug him. That was pretty much it.
Jeter said teammates were asking if he was scared.
If you saw his face, he wasnt coming out there with anger, Jeter said. You know what I mean? So, no, I wasnt scared.
Jeter just stood there for a moment before walking away, seeing the rush of security guards, dressed in red coats and khaki pants.
I told him, Jeter said. I said, Youre going to get in trouble. Then he repeated that he wanted a hug. And then I said, Look out.
I can only assume this is what happens when your friend tells you that its Hug a Derek Jeter Night at the stadium.
Michael Jeter? CBS News royally screws up Derek Jeter tweet | Larry Brown Sports http://t.co/8tmgebxRGN pic.twitter.com/e5DPNhZY3r— Trenspire Trends (@TrenspireTrends) July 16, 2014
Don't they mean "The Honors to Derek Jeter Show with a game playing in the background"? It got obnoxious after a while there.
I'm so ****ing tired of him. Just retire midseason and leave us all alone.
Someone I was talking to about this ASG mentioned they couldn't believe that Tony Gwynn, Don Zimmer and Bob Welch all who recently passed weren't mentioned at all. That is rather disrespectful since they had an impact on the game too.
Any one except Derek were lucky to get mentioned.
Kobe Bryant: 7 Finals, 5 Rings .614 playoff win % Derek Jeter: 7 World Series, 5 Rings, .614 playoff win %— Cavs Nation (@CavsNtn) September 28, 2014


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Sales at Walmart's international division increased 11.5% to $27.9 billion, aided to a large degree by a $1.3 billion currency exchange benefit, without which the sales increase would have been a more modest 6.2%.
International sales would have been stronger except for the fact that the division operates on a different sales calendar than Walmart's domestic businesses, so sales related to Easter won't show in the international division's results until the second quarter. Mexico, China and Chile shined during the quarter, with those countries posting the strongest comp sales growth and the highest increases in year-over-year net sales.
The sales growth the division did experience did not translate into strong profitability as operating income grew 1.2% to roughly $1.1 billion and actually declined 3.3% to $1 billion when measured on a constant currency basis. Inventory growth related to new stores was also an issue.
"Our progress on inventory was disappointing for the first quarter of this year with days on hand increasing over last year in most of our markets," said Walmart International president and CEO Doug McMillon.
He also noted that much of the 11.4% increase in inventory was due to the addition of 54 new stores before adding, "Our management teams across all countries, especially China and Brazil, have [inventory control] as a priority."
Speaking of Brazil, McMillon said the company expects to add 80 new stores in that market this year on top of an existing 480 units and operating profit there could suffer due to the ongoing implementation of EDLP.
"Prices on more than 10,000 items, primarily in food, have been reduced, and this number increases each month," McMillon said. "As I've said before and as we saw in Japan, this is a long term initiatives o we expect to experience some pain during the conversion period."
The bright spot in Brazil was the online business,which grew 41% on top of last year's growth of 80%. Those gains are coming on a small base as the online business launched at the end of 2008 with 10,000 items in 11 categories and now offers more than 70,000 products in 21 categories.


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|6325 Gunpark Dr., Ste. G
Boulder, CO 80301
United States
|Full Time
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|Medical Device Start-up
|Web Site:
|6325 Gunpark Dr., Ste. G
Boulder, CO 80301
United States
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|JustRight Surgical exists to serve healthcare providers by developing precisely designed surgical instruments that allow access to confined and often delicate structures. By addressing this comparatively small market, we are able to meet the specific needs of surgeons and promote the advancement of surgical approaches that reach beyond what traditional instruments have allowed. We're doing it because it's the right thing to do. Founded in 2010, JustRight Surgical's team of medical device professionals brings an extensive patent portfolio and a record of developing breakthrough technologies that have transformed surgical procedures. Developed under the guidance of the world's leading surgeons, JustRight Surgical's product portfolio provides precision instruments that are just right for general surgery where access to surgical sites has traditionally been limited. JustRight instruments are designed to improve procedural approaches and promote better access in confined spaces. All of our products are designed and manufactured in the United States, and always will be.


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Roger Penske looked at bringing Ryan Newman back to the Penske Racing organization last year but couldn't make the deal happen.
Newman won 13 races in seven Cup seasons with Penske from 2002-2008 before moving to Stewart-Haas Racing in 2009.
With Newman's SHR contract up for renewal last year, Penske talked to Newman before settling on Joey Logano to take over the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil car. He also talked to Newman sponsor Quicken Loans — both Penske and Quicken have Detroit roots — but there wasn't enough sponsorship for Newman for a full season.
MORE: Stewart-Haas needs sponsors | Harvick-Childress | Danica and Ricky relationship
Quicken Loans will sponsor Newman for 18 races at SHR as part of Newman's one-year deal.
"I talked to Ryan at one point before we talked with Logano," Penske said last week. "Obviously sponsors help you make some of those decisions.
"Quicken was a company from Detroit and there was a potential opportunity to hook up with Newman. We just didn't have the balance of the support to run three cars."
Penske said that he would likely first consider Sam Hornish Jr., who drove for Penske in Cup from 2008-2010, for a Cup ride if the organization expands to three Cup teams. Hornish finished fourth in the Nationwide Series last year and will compete in the series again in 2013.
But that doesn't mean Newman, who has won three races and made the Chase for the Sprint Cup twice in four years at SHR, wouldn't get another look by Penske.
"He certainly would be one (to look at)," Penske said. "I think I've got to look at Hornish as the next person. If he meets the goals that we would expect and we get the support from the sponsors that we have, (Hornish) could be the next driver."
Penske said he could increase his Cup operation to three cars under his Ford contract but likely would then have to cut back from having two full-time Nationwide teams.
"One of the things that was our success last year was the fact that we only ran two cars," Penske said. "We could make these changes — almost race to race, we were running a different car. (Newman) is in a good place this year with Stewart for another year."
Newman has been reunited with the crew chief for most of those Penske wins as Matt Borland is now his crew chief at SHR.
"As with all these guys, it's got to be the scoreboard, what kind of results can you generate?" Penske said. "Borland is a smart guy and they will find out that Borland on the box will be a big asset for him. They like each other, they trust each other and they've won together."


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Jan. 7, 2009
State-Fish Art Contest Aims to Draw Student Interest
ATHENS, Texas-Deadline for entering the Texas State-Fish Art Contest is March 31, and students and teachers should take time now to review the contest rules and regulations.
Texas students who enter the contest can win prizes of up to $1,000. Entries are judged in three grade-level divisions: 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12. Thanks to funding from the Toyota Texas Bass Classic, the three first-place winners from Texas receive financial assistance for travel to Minneapolis, Minnesota, to compete in the national competition.
"It's important that entries be prepared in the format specified in the rules," said Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Zoe Ann Stinchcomb, Texas coordinator for the contest. "For example, artwork must be the proper size and have the entry form glued to the back. The complete set of rules is posted on our web site, http://tpwd.texas.gov/fishart. Links on that page contain everything you need to know to prepare entries and enter the contest."
Stinchcomb noted that a poster teachers can use to promote the contest to students can be found on the contest page as well. "However, home-schooled students are also eligible to enter the contest," she said.
The State-Fish Art Contest is a program of Wildlife Forever, a multi-species non-profit conservation organization that works to preserve America's wildlife heritage through conservation education, preservation of habitat and scientific management of fish and wildlife species. Working at the grassroots level, Wildlife Forever has funded more than 800 conservation projects in all 50 states, Canada and Mexico.
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text: OverviewBack to top Lifefactory - Glass Beverage Bottle With Silicone Sleeve and Flip Top Cap Raspberry Pink - 22 oz. Item# :114820UPC# :728028100518 Brand:Lifefactory Size/Form:22 oz. Ship Weight:1.20 Lifefactory Glass Beverage Bottle with Raspberry Pink Silicone Sleeve and Flip Top Cap - 22 oz. (650 ml.) Performance meets Purity with Life Factory's Glass Beverage Bottle with Silicone Sleeve & Flip Top Cap. The performance Lifefactory's Flip Top Cap meets the purity of Lifefactory's glass. Lifefactory's glass is a healthy and safe non-toxic material that contains no BPA, PVC, phthalates or lead. Lifefactory's Glass Beverage Bottle with Silicone Sleeve and Flip Top Cap offers a pure taste with no leaching from plastics, metals or liners. You only taste what you want with Lifefactory's Glass Beverage Bottle with Silicone Sleeve and Flip Top Cap. Lifefactory's Flip Top Cap collection offers easy on-the-go drinking from the narrow mouth spout with the convenience of wide mouth access. Lifefactory's 22 oz. Glass Beverage Bottle with Silicone Sleeve and Flip Top Cap offers a large capacity to quench a big thirst. Lifefactory's Glass Beverage Bottle with Silicone Sleeve and Flip Top Cap is clear and easy to clean. You can see what's inside and it's dishwasher safe. Lifefactory's Glass Beverage Bottle with Silicone Sleeve and Flip Top Cap is a clear soda lime glass bottle wrapped in a modern 100% silicone sleeve. Lifefactory's Glass Beverage Bottle With Silicone Sleeve and Flip Top Cap is an intelligently designed, clean tasting, chemical-free container for all your favorite beverages. Lifefactory's Glass Beverage Bottle With Silicone Sleeve and Flip Top Caps provides markings on the bottle in milliliters and ounces for convenient on-the-go measuring and mixing. Lifefactory's Flip Top Caps fit both sizes of their adult glass beverage bottles (22 oz and 16 oz). Mix colors for fun. The silicone Flip Top seals when closed properly and should not leak. However it does not lock in place and could be knocked ajar. As a result, it's not upside-down, bottom-of-the-bag leakproof. Features and Benefits: Flip Top Cap bottle with protective silicone sleeve Narrow mouth spout for easy on-the-go drinking Wide mouth access is ice-cube friendly and cleans easily Handle pivots upright for carrying and out of the way while drinking BPA, phthalate, PVC and polycarbonate free Cap and handle made of polypropylene (pp#5); Flip top made of silicone Dishwasher safe with sleeve on bottle; Place Flip Cap on top rack All materials are FDA approved With glass there is no chemical leaching and no metallic taste Patent pending silicone sleeve provides a great gripping surface and helps to prevent breakage Glass bottle made in France; All other components are made in the U.S. 16 oz (450ml) What is the new Lifefactory Beverage Bottle?In Lifefactory's first major product line extension, they have introduced a product for adults: a 22 ounce (650ml) glass bottle with a removable silicone sleeve that is ideal for people who carry water with them in the car, outdoors, in the office, or at the gym-or even for use at home. If you typically use bottled water, the Lifefactory Beverage Bottle is perfect for you.How is the Lifefactory Beverage Bottle different from (and better than) plastic or metal reusable bottles?First and foremost, it's glass, which means it's free of BPA, phthalate, PVC, and polycarbonate-nothing can leach into your water or other beverage in a glass bottle. Glass is also taste-neutral; no plastic or metallic taste will affect your beverage. The patent-pending silicone sleeve adds a distinctive touch to each bottle, and makes the bottle easier to grip and helps protect it from breakage. The silicone sleeve is also non-toxic and plastic-free. Finally, the wide-mouth design makes it easy to fill (add your own ice, citrus slices, tea bags, etc.), easy to drink from, and easy to clean. What are the benefits of glass? Why should I buy a glass bottle over a plastic or metal one?Glass has been a trusted material for centuries. It is one of the greenest materials on the planet and is 100% recyclable. And it is safe: You don't have to worry about BPA, lead, or other chemicals that can leach into liquids from plastic bottles. Moreover, water and beverages will taste better coming out of a glass bottle because glass is taste neutral--no unpleasant plastic or metallic taste. Those are the benefits to you. But using a Lifefactory reusable glass bottle also benefits the environment. Bottled water creates enormous quantities of waste. You'll save money and Earth's resources if you don't buy bottled water.Where are Lifefactory bottles made?Lifefactory beverage and baby bottles are custom made in France. Beverage bottle silicone sleeves are made in the United States, and polypropylene plastic caps are made in Poland. Baby bottle sleeves and plastic parts are made to meet Lifefactory's exacting standards in China, supervised by a reputable agency from Singapore. All components are FDA-approved and are compliant with US, Canadian, and European safety standards. The glass and plastic parts are recyclable, and the silicone can be sent back to us where it can be re-ground to make outdoor playground mats or mats for barn animals.Why do Lifefactory bottles have a silicone sleeve?Lifefactory's patent-pending silicone sleeves were designed not only to look stylish but also to protect the bottles and help prevent them from breaking. The material and design combine to improve the bottle's tactile quality and grip, which prevents bottles from becoming slick with condensation (or sweat, for athletes) and reduces the potential for breakage.What are the sleeves on Lifefactory bottles made of?Lifefactory's sleeves are made of silicone, which is non-toxic and has been strength-tested for durability. Silicone is made from silica, the most common constituent of sand. It is a great alternative to plastics, which can leach chemicals, and to rubber or latex, which some people are allergic to. Does Lifefactory sell its sleeves separately? Do the sleeves fit on other bottles?A Lifefactory bottle is the combination of a glass bottle and complementary silicone sleeve designed in tandem. Lifefactory only sells the complete package because that's the only way to ensure the sleeve fits perfectly-plus it's the only way Lifefactory could attain their exceptional standards of quality. That's why they don't sell sleeves separately. They could never be sure that they would fit other bottles precisely. How do I wash the bottle?All components of every Lifefactory bottle-the glass bottle itself as well as the sleeve and cap (or nipple)-are dishwasher safe or can be hand washed.Can I put boiling water in my beverage bottle to make tea? Can I put the beverage bottle filled with water in the freezer?Lifefactory beverage bottles are made from soda lime glass. This is the same container glass used for wine bottles and other food storage containers. It is strong but not impervious to rapid temperature changes or impact. Like any bottle, it will expand and crack if left in the freezer or hit with boiling water. Lifefactory baby bottles are made from borosilicate glass. Borosilicate glass is known for its superior durability, chemical and heat resistance, and is excellent for use in chemical laboratory equipment and cookware. This allows the baby bottle to go from the freezer to boiling water pot without incident. Do you need to take the sleeve off to wash a Lifefactory bottle?No, you can leave the sleeve on the bottle and wash the whole thing in the dishwasher. If you wish to remove the sleeve, it comes off best in warm, soapy water. SAFEAt Lifefactory, safety is their #1 concern. All Lifefactory products go through rigorous testing and score well above the industry standard for chemical content and durability. Lifefactory bottles and accessories are free of known harmful chemicals including bisphenol-A (BPA), phthalates, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). All components are FDA approved and made with medical grade silicone. Lifefactory is EN 71, EN 14350, and CPSIA (HR 4040) compliant.SIMPLELifefactory's sleek modern designs give Lifefactory products a sophisticated look that appeals to everyone. All products are easy to clean and are dishwasher safe.SMARTLifefactory's long-term future is determined by how they treat the earth now. Lifefactory uses glass and silica- low impact raw materials. Lifefactory keeps their packaging to a minimum to leave less of a footprint on our precious earth. Lifefactory is proud to be recognized as a Bay Area Green Business.


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Portland Head Light
Fort Williams Park 1000 Shore Road Cape Elizabeth, ME US 04107
Portland Head Light was first lit on Jan. 10, 1791.This light has a white conical tower, a charming Victorian keeper's house with a rambling red roof and eyebrow eves on the porch, a commanding setting at the southwest entrance to Portland harbor, and beautifully landscaped grounds.
Commissioned by George Washington and dedicated by the Marquis de Lafayette, it is the state's oldest lighthouse and one of its most beloved. The Museum at Portland Head Light is in the former Keepers' Quarters. The Museum contains a number of lighthouse lenses and interpretative displays. The light is now automated. The lighthouse and the adjacent Fort Williams Park are owned by the town of Cape Elizabeth.