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Activity note: Please be aware that program activities and scheduled times could change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Morning: Road Scholar group flights arrive in Santiago. Proceed through Immigration, Baggage Claim, and Customs. After exiting the restricted arrivals area, participants should look for the Road Scholar representative who will be holding a Road Scholar sign (only applies to group flights). Transfer to the hotel for check-in. Early check-in is based on hotel availability and is at the discretion of the hotel. Participants will be able to store luggage at the hotel until their rooms become available. Early check-in can only be guaranteed by booking/paying for an additional night at the hotel. Those interested in reserving an additional night should contact the program provider at 1-800-866-7111 or firstname.lastname@example.com for assistance. Free time until the program orientation in the afternoon.
Lunch: At the hotel.
Afternoon: Program Orientation. Get to know your group leader and fellow Road Scholar participants during a welcome and introduction session at the hotel. We will review the up-to-date daily schedule and any changes, discuss responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Lecture: An Overview of Chile. Catch panoramic views of Santiago during a visit to San Cristobal Hill (a.k.a. Cerro San Cristobal). Board a funicular and travel uphill through the city's largest green space, the Parque Metropolitano, to reach the Terraza Bellavista on San Cristobal Hill. Once at the summit, take a deep breath and enjoy the spectacular views! Return to the hotel.
Dinner: At the hotel.
Evening: Time at leisure. Get a good night's rest in preparation for a full day of activities tomorrow.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: Lecture: A History of Chilean Wine. Chileans have produced fine wines for over a century, although the conquistadors also planted vines. The origin of today's world-class Chilean wines stems from cuttings brought over from French vineyards in the mid-19th century before their stock was decimated by disease. Later, the European vines were grafted onto disease-resistant American stock. Chilean growers, however, had the advantage of original, non-grafted vines from France as well as an ideal climate in the Central Valley. Orientation to downtown Santiago with a museum visit. Pedro de Valdivia founded the city on the Mapocho River in 1541 in the fertile Central Valley, but the hostile Mapuche almost wiped it out. Spaniards stubornly held out, establishing farms, ranches and mines. Return to the hotel.
Lunch: At a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Enjoy an orientation to greater Santiago to view local architecture, shops, and neighborhoods. The capital of Chile is a city where residents have traditionally looked to Europe as a model for architecture and culture.This influence can readily be seen in its stately palaces, plazas, parks and churches. Santiago is the country's colonial center, surrounded by 31 comunas or communities with their own municipal administration. Return to the hotel. Time at leisure.
Dinner: On your own, for a chance to explore local fare.
Evening: Time at leisure.
Activity note: Valparaiso is located 70 miles northwest of Santiago. Driving time: approx. 1:20.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: Depart for Valparaiso. Enjoy a railcar ride and walk in Valparaiso with a view of the harbor and city. Valparaiso is the country's most important seaport, and now said to be the cultural capital of Chile. Built upon dozens of steep hillsides overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Valparaíso boasts a labyrinth of streets and cobblestone alleyways, embodying a rich architectural and cultural legacy. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is also host to the National Congress of Chile.
Lunch: At a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Afternoon field trip to a Casablanca Valley winery. Chile's Casablanca Valley has developed an international reputation among wine connoisseurs for turning out deliciously crisp white wines. The Valley is located just 20 miles from the Pacific Ocean and less than 50 miles northwest of Santiago. As the nutrient-rich Humboldt Current makes its journey northwards from Antarctica, it moves up along the coast of Chile bringing cool ocean breezes. The cool Mediterranean-like climate in the area is perfect for producing high quality Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Riesling wines. Return to Santiago.
Dinner: On your own, for a chance to sample local fare.
Evening: Free time to explore Santiago's evening entertainment options.
Activity note: Flight from Santiago to Puerto Montt takes 1:45 hours. Drive from Puerto Montt to Puerto Varas takes approx. 20 mins. Puerto Varas is 12 miles (20 km) north of Puerto Montt. **Airlines in Chile and Argentina are notorious for changing flight routes and schedules without much notice. In the event of flight delays or airline schedule changes, it might be necessary to adjust the timing of some program activities. Your group leader will keep you updated on any changes to your itinerary.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: Transfer to the airport. Board a flight to Puerto Montt (1:45 hrs). Founded by German settlers in the mid-19th century, Puerto Montt still retains a distinct middle European face, with Nordic and Alpine architecture. The city is best known as a gateway to the southern lakes of Chile, Chiloé Island and Chilean Patagonia. Located nearby is the fishing and ferry port of Angelmo. Excursion to the bustling Angelmo Fish and Craft Market.
Lunch: At a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Transfer to the hotel and check-in. Time at leisure. Field trip to an equestrian farm for rodeo demonstration by local huasos (Chilean cowboys). Site lecture: Training a Show Horse, a Labor of Patience and Love.
Dinner: Enjoy a traditional meal at the farm.
Evening: Return to the hotel followed by free time.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: Lecture: German Immigration. Puerto Varas is nestled between the towering peaks of the Andes and the shores of Lake Llanquihue in Chile, twelve miles north of Puerto Montt. Puerto Varas is known for its spectacular views across Lake Llanquihue to the Andes Mountains. The area was settled by predominantly German immigrants in the middle of the 19th century, and remnants of their culture are evident in many small communities in the area. Puerto Varas, founded in 1854, served as an important port on the lake during this period. Because of the hilly land and curved shoreline the street plan is irregular, but the town displays a well-preserved concentration of European architecture. Excursion to German Museum with site lecture. Short walk through the small German town of Frutillar and its new performing arts theater.
Lunch: At a local farm with a site lecture.
Afternoon: Return to the hotel. Time at leisure.
Dinner: On your own, to explore local fare.
Evening: Time at leisure in Puerto Varas. Meet some of your new Road Scholar friends at one of the local watering holes for drinks and musical entertainment, try your luck at the town's casino, or enjoy a relaxing evening on your hotel's terrace admiring the twinkling lights reflected off the waters of Lake Llanquihue.
Activity note: The lake crossing from Chile to Argentina takes approximately 9-12 hours and includes a series of boat and coach transfers.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: Field trip to the Petrohue Falls and begin your lake crossing journey to Argentina (across Lake Todos los Santos). The scenic crossing, from Chile into Argentina, takes approximately 9-12 hours from start to finish. En route to the lake crossing, participants will have the opportunity to visit the black rock waterfalls of Petrohué at the end of the Todos Los Santos Lake crossing. Petrohué Falls lies in the threshold of the mighty Osorno Volcano, and the unique falls are comprised of a series of oddly twisting chutes among crystallized black volcanic rock. The rock is particularly resistant to erosion, lending the falls a peculiar shape.
Lunch: En route to Bariloche.
Afternoon: Continue lake crossing with a series of boat and coach transfers. Arrive in Bariloche and transfer to the hotel. Bariloche is the primary city in the Argentinean Lake District and is a hub for accessing alpine resorts in the area as well as the Nahuel Huapi National Park. The area was once inhabited by Mapuche Indians, but after General Roca's brutal "Conquest of the Desert" campaign, both Argentinean and foreign settlers began to colonize the area. The land for the Nahuel Huapi National Park was set aside in 1904 to preserve local flora and fauna. The park is home to pristine Andean-Patagonian forests and rare animals like the huemul (Andean deer) and pudú (miniature deer). Many Germans, Swiss and northern Italians came to the region, leaving an indelible cultural influence. In the last 20 years, the area has experienced considerable growth in the resort industry owing to its natural beauty. Bariloche lies on the south shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi's eastern end. The city itself is a modern urban and commercial center set amidst a spectacular panorama of mountains and lakes.
Dinner: Soup and sandwiches at the hotel.
Evening: Time at leisure in Bariloche.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: After breakfast participate in a lecture on European Immigration and Settlement. We will continue our day with a scenic chairlift ride to Cerro Campanario and its look-out point, set high above Bariloche. Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a coffee break at the on-site restaurant and appreciate the views of the city. A site lecture on the economic and agricultural activities in the region will complement this activity. Following the chairlift ride, enjoy visiting with a local immigrant family to learn about their experiences settling in Bariloche.
Lunch: At a restaurant owned and run by a local immigrant family.
Afternoon: After lunch we will drive approximately 30-minutes outside of Bariloche to a boat drop-off site on the Rio Limay. After receiving instructions and donning life-jackets we will board inflatable rafts in preparation for a leisurely "float" down the river. Our journey will take us past interesting volcanic landscapes and areas with rich bird life. After we get back to the hotel, we will have the rest of the day at leisure for independent explorations.
Dinner: On your own for a chance to sample local fare.
Evening: Time at leisure in Bariloche.
Activity note: The flight from Bariloche to Buenos Aires takes 1:05 hours. **Airlines in Chile and Argentina are notorious for changing flight routes and schedules without much notice. In the event of flight delays or airline schedule changes, it might be necessary to adjust the timing of some program activities. Your group leader will keep you updated on any changes to your itinerary.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: Lecture: The Mapuche Indians and Early History of Argentina. Walking orientation of Bariloche, including the downtown museum.
Lunch: We will enjoy a light snack before heading to the airport to catch our flight to Buenos Aires.
Afternoon: Transfer to the airport to board a flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival we will transfer to our hotel, check-in and freshen-up in preparation for our evening activities. Lecture at the hotel: The Tango, So Much More than a Dance. A way of life for the people of the city, the tango pulsates with the lifeblood of romantic Buenos Aires. The dance has its origins in the brothels and tenements of late 19th-century Buenos Aires and was a synthesis of Spanish and Italian music, Negro candombe and bawdy Gaucho verse. It was popularized by legendary performers like Carlos Gardel, and soon spread from the fringes to the middle class, and then to the elegant salons of Buenos Aires. The tango has enjoyed a modern resurgence, and as the country's most famous cultural export it is a staple of Buenos Aires nightlife. To this day, Gardel has thousands of followers.
Dinner: Enjoy dinner and a tango show at a local restaurant.
Evening: Time at leisure.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: After breakfast we will attend a lecture at the hotel before heading out into the streets of Buenos Aires to visit the world-famous Colon Theater and the Evita Museum dedicated to Argentina's best-known former first lady. Lecture: Contemporary Argentina: a Social, Economic, and Political Overview. Since 1908 visitors have marveled at the imposing seven-story Teatro Colón, a truly world-class center for opera, ballet and classical music. The theater's basement houses impressive workshops, costume designs and rehearsal studios. The majestic hall seats 2500 and has standing room for 1000. The Teatro is the site of regular Presidential Command Performances. The Museo Evita is housed in a historic mansion built for the Carabassa family during the early 20th century. During the late 1940s the Fundación Eva Perón bought the property and turned it into a shelter for homeless single mothers. Since there was no love lost between the Argentinean upper class and Eva Perón, many believe she purposely chose that site in order to slight the residents of this wealthy Palermo neighborhood. Evita, as she was affectionately called by her followers, was a polarizing figure during her years as First Lady and even after her death in 1952. The museum showcases her life and political history through photographs, clothing, and all nature of personal artifacts, providing a window into the life of a complex Argentinean public figure.
Lunch: At a local restaurant.
Afternoon: After lunch we will take time to explore, on foot, Buenos Aires' colorful multicultural neighborhoods at La Boca and San Telmo. La Boca was founded by European immigrants, many of them from Italy, and is known for its vibrantly colored houses, artsy shops, and restaurants. Visitors interested in learning more about the tango should take a walk along Caminito street for a chance to witness street performers dancing to the sensuous music of Carlos Gardel and other famous tango crooners. San Telmo, the city's oldest barrio, emerged from its working class roots to become an artsy, multicultural hub. Colonial buildings and cobbled stone streets stand in contrast to boutiques, hip restaurants, and bars. Every Sunday the Plaza Dorrego comes alive with vendors selling antiques as well as a multitude of street artists, tango dancers, and more during the famous San Telmo Antiques Market. After returning to the hotel, we will have the rest of the day at our leisure for independent explorations.
Dinner: On your own, to explore local fare.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: The flight from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls takes 1:45 hours. **Airlines in Chile and Argentina are notorious for changing flight routes and schedules without much notice. In the event of flight delays or airline schedule changes, it might be necessary to adjust the timing of some program activities. Your group leader will keep you updated on any changes to your itinerary.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: After breakfast we will check-out of our hotel and then transfer to Recoleta to admire the neighborhood's attractive architecture and visit its famous cemetery. Recoleta's attractive plazas, parks, tree-lined avenues, and elegant turn-of-the-century architecture helped Buenos Aires earn the moniker "Paris of South America." Expensive shops, elegant restaurants, and luxurious mansions and apartments cater to the country's elite. A popular historical site in the area is the Cementerio de la Recoleta where important political figures and the rich and famous are laid to rest (including Eva Perron). The avenues and side streets of this grand necropolis are lined with elaborate mausoleums and statues.
Lunch: At a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Transfer to the airport to board a flight to Iguazu Falls. Once we arrive at Iguazu, we will transfer to the hotel located between Puerto Iguazu and the Falls. Note: Activities while at Iguazu will focus entirely on the Argentinean side of the falls. This program will not spend any time in Brazil; therefore, no special visas are necessary. Pre-dinner lecture at the hotel: Iguazu Falls: Its Geology and Economic Significance.
Dinner: At the hotel.
Evening: At leisure.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: This day will be spent visiting the Argentinean side of the Iguazu Falls. Board a park train for a scenic ride through the jungle, along the edges of the mythical waterfalls. This excursion takes us along the upper and lower trails of the Iguazu National Park, allowing you to get a closer look at some of the 275 falls that drop from the Iguazu River. Enjoy the fantastic wildlife and jungle that surrounds it. At the end of the trail, we will appreciate from a short distance, a view of the Devil's Throat Cataract.
Lunch: At a local restaurant at the Falls.
Afternoon: After lunch, we will continue exploring the area around the Falls. We will return to the hotel late in the afternoon.
Dinner: Farewell dinner at the hotel.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Please have luggage packed and ready for hotel check-out today. The flight from Iguazu to Buenos Aires takes just under 2 hours. From Buenos Aires' domestic airport (AEP) to the international airport (EZE) is approximately 27 miles and usually takes just under 1 hour by bus.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: After breakfast, participants will have free time to finish packing and prepare for check-out. Before transferring to the airport to catch our flight to Buenos Aires, we will enjoy a brief walk to a local lookout point to get one final view of the beautiful waterfalls. The scenic spot is located at the confluence of the Parana and Iguazu Rivers and offers views of three countries: Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. We will transfer to the airport to catch a late morning flight to Buenos Aires.
Lunch: Late lunch at a local restaurant in Buenos Aires.
Afternoon: Our South American journey comes to an end. We'll catch a final glimpse of Buenos Aires as we depart for the international airport to board our overnight flight to the U.S. This concludes the program. We hope you enjoyed your Road Scholar adventure! When you get home, remember to stay in touch via the Road Scholar Social Network; share memories, pictures, and comments about your recent travels.


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Follow these cow-calf management tips moving from winter to spring.
Spring-calving Herd
• Replacement heifers should be gaining adequately to reach target breeding weights by May 1. Be sure that their feeding program is adequate for early breeding.
• Overall condition of the cow herd should be evaluated. Cows losing weight now are most likely to have weak or dead calves. These cows will likely be a poor source of colostrum milk for the newborn calf. Feed cows, if necessary to keep them in good body condition.
• Have calving equipment, supplies and labor ready for the spring calving season. Some supplies which may be needed are: eartags and applicator (put numbers on eartags now), tattoo pliers and ink, record book, scales for calf weights, iodine for calves' navels and colostrum supplement. Calving equipment (puller and chains, etc.) and facilities should be ready and clean.
• Heifers should begin head-start calving in early February. Move them to a clean, accessible pasture, away from cow herd and near facilities so that calving assistance can be given. Cows may start calving later this month. Signs of calving are relaxation of pelvic ligaments, enlargement and swelling of the vulva, and enlargement of the udder. Expect calving difficulty if (1) calf's head and two feet are not visible, (2) only the calf's tail is visible, and (3) the cow has been in labor for 1½ hours. Be sure calf is being presented normally before using calf puller. Recognize situations that are beyond your capability and seek professional help as early as possible. Calves that aren't=t breathing should receive assistance. Try sticking a straw in nostril to stimulate a reflex or try alternate pressure and release on rib cage. Commercial respirators are also available. Calves should consume colostrum within 30 minutes of birth to achieve good immunity.
• Record birthdate, cow I.D., and birthweight immediately (use your Beef IRM calendar). Identify calf with eartag and/or tattoo. Registered calves should be weighed in the first 24 hours. Male calves in commercial herds should be castrated and implanted as soon as possible.
• Separate cows that calve away from dry cows and increase their feed. Avoid muddy feeding areas so that cows' udders won't become contaminated and spread scours. Don't confine cows to muddy lots.
• Increase feed after calving to 25-27 pounds of high quality hay. Concentrate (3-4 lb. for mature cows and about 8 lb. for first-calf heifers) may be needed if you are feeding lower quality hay. Supplementation may have a beneficial effect on date and rate of conception. The most important time to feed a beef cow is after calving. Thin cows don't come into heat very soon after calving. We must have cows in good condition, if we plan to breed them early in the season for best pregnancy rates, especially on high-endophyte fescue pastures.
• Sub-zero weather can mean death for newborn calves. During extremely cold spells, bring the cow(s) into a sheltered area as calving approaches to protect the calf. Be prepared to warm-up and feed newborn, chilled calves. Calving in mud can also cause problems.
• Replacement heifers should be gaining adequately to reach target breeding weights by May 1. Be sure that their feeding program is adequate for early breeding.
• Watch for scours in newborn calves. Consult your veterinarian for diagnosis, cause, and treatment. Obtain fecal samples and submit to diagnostic lab, if scouring begins.
Fall-calving Herd
• Breeding season should end this month. Remove bulls and confine them so that they regain condition.
• Consider creep feed or creep grazing (wheat, etc.) to supply extra nutrition to fall-born calves which may have to depend solely on their dam=s milk supply for growth. They are not getting much except their dam=s milk now (i.e. there is nothing to graze). February/March is the worst time of the year for fall-born calves.
• Provide windbreaks or clean shelter for calves.
• You should be feeding a mineral supplement with adequate magnesium to prevent grass tetany (~ 15% Mg) now. The Hi-mag UK Beef IRM mineral can be used now.
• Provide shelter or increase feed as temperature drops. When temperature falls below 15 degrees, cattle need access to windbreaks. For each 10 degree drop below 15 degrees, add three pounds of hay, two pounds of corn, or six pounds of silage to their rations.
• Provide water at all times. Watch for frozen pond hazards.
• Start looking for herd sire replacements, if needed.
• Control lice. Watch for signs such as rubbing.
• Begin pasture renovation. You can overseed clover on frozen or snow-covered pastures.
Source: Dr. Roy Burris, University of Kentucky Beef Specialist

subset: commoncrawl


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Back spasms push back Pettitte's next start
NEW YORK -- In what manager Joe Girardi deemed a precautionary move, veteran left-hander Andy Pettitte will not make his scheduled start Sunday against the Orioles due to back spasms.
The injury doesn't appear to be anything serious, and Girardi hopes to have the 40-year-old southpaw back on the mound either Tuesday or Wednesday, when the Yankees host the Diamondbacks. Phil Hughes -- originally expected to be skipped over after his Thursday start was rained out -- will now take the mound on Saturday, while Saturday's scheduled starter, Hiroki Kuroda, will pitch on Sunday.
Pettitte initially felt his back tighten up during Tuesday's outing against the Indians, but the left-hander said he was able to pitch through the pain in his middle back without it affecting his game. Though a little sore Wednesday, Pettitte felt back to normal during his bullpen session on Thursday before his lower back locked up at home Thursday night.
"I came in [Thursday] and threw my bullpen and felt great -- just threw a really good bullpen," Pettitte said. "I did my normal routine, as far as my whole upper-body workout, and then [Thursday] night just getting up off the couch, I had a spasm in my lower back and it just kind of locked up."
Though Girardi admitted Pettitte's age is something the coaching staff will take into account when dealing with potential issues this season, he doesn't believe it will play a factor this time around.
"Back spasms [are] just something that comes up," Girardi said. "If it reoccurs all the time, then it becomes a concern, but I've had them plenty in my lifetime and I didn't think it was going to keep me from playing. It might knock you out for a few days, but hopefully it's just a one-time event."
For Pettitte, the spasms come after two dominating outings to start his 18th Major League season. He allowed just one run on eight hits over eight innings in his season debut against the Red Sox before also limiting the Indians to one run on just five hits in seven innings of work on Tuesday.
"It's frustrating, you just never know," Pettitte said. "I had seven weeks of Spring Training, not one problem. So it is worrisome for me because I want to be healthy and I want to make my starts, but yet I also think that it's just a muscle spasm, and if it goes away, I'll be fine to pitch."
Paul Casella is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @paul_casella. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Apologies in advance if this is a re-post:
Clippers claim Anderson off waivers
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Associated Press
Posted: 11 hours ago
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - The Los Angeles Clippers claimed veteran point guard Kenny Anderson off waivers Monday.
Anderson was waived by Atlanta on Thursday, the same day the Hawks sent Antoine Walker back to Boston in a trade with the Celtics.
Anderson averaged just 18.4 minutes in 39 games for the Hawks this season. Anderson played for Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy in Portland during the 1997-98 season and has also played for the Nets, Celtics, Hornets and Pacers.
"Just to be playing in the league as long as I have is a blessing," Anderson said before the Clippers' game at Utah on Monday night. "I knew they were interested. I just didn't know what was going to happen. I'm excited about it. I can continue to play in the league."
Anderson has averaged 12.6 points and 6.1 assists in his 14-year career.
The Clippers released guard Maurice Baker to make room for Anderson.


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Charter schools across the United States are proliferating and expanding at a record pace, with the trend particularly pronounced in California and Los Angeles County.
This past fall, the number of students served by charter schools jumped by 275,000 nationwide - the largest one-year increase since the movement's inception 20 years ago, according to a report released this week by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. The number of charter schools nationwide rose by 381.
California led the nation in one-year growth, increasing its school count by 81 and its number of students by a whopping 17 percent. Los Angeles County led the state, adding 33 schools.
"It's challenging to start a brand-new school even in the best of times," said Sierra Jenkins, director of communications with the California Charter Schools Association. "It shows how excited parents are about the options."
But critics locally and nationwide fear it is all happening too fast - and with too little oversight. They cite studies showing that students in charter schools do not perform better than their peers in traditional public schools and claim that charter schools exacerbate racial segregation.
"Increasingly, the proliferation of charter school chains is undermining public schools across America, draining them of students and resources," said Diane Ravitch, the nation's leading critic of charter schools, in an email to the Los Angeles News Group. "I look on this growth as an ominous development for public education."
For better or worse, the surge is on. Spurring it along in many parts of the country is the Obama administration, which, as part of its Race to the Top initiative, has dangled federal dollars as an incentive for states to ease the process of creating charter schools.
California didn't qualify for Race to the Top funding, but the legislation is part of the high-profile milieu that has made charter schools a media phenomenon of late. This includes the state's 2010 parent-trigger laws that allow parents to convert underperforming schools into charter schools via petition and a spate of documentaries about charter schools, such as "Waiting for Superman" and "The Lottery," both released in 2010.
"In our polling over the past couple years, awareness and support is up," Jenkins said. "When we look at those polls, it's like, wow. You usually don't see a year-to-year jump in awareness of that many percentage points. We ask: What has happened in the past couple years to make that jump happen?"
California has long been a particularly friendly state for charter schools. In 1992, the year after Minnesota became the first state in the nation to pass a law allowing for their creation, California became the second. (In November, the state of Washington became the 42nd state to legalize charter schools.)
Now, California lays claim to 1,063 of the nation's 6,000 charter schools. One in 13 of all of California's public-school students attends a charter school.
The Los Angeles Unified School District has more students in charter schools than any other U.S. district. About 110,000 of its youngsters are so enrolled - or about one of every six kids districtwide.
The expansion of the movement in LAUSD has been so rapid, it's difficult to even track how many charters are operating in the 700-square-mile district. The California Charter Schools Association puts the total at 241, while LAUSD officials say there are 228, including those run by independent operators and campuses that have converted from traditional schools.
That explosive growth has raised concerns among members of the LAUSD board, who are responsible for approving, renewing and rejecting charter applications.
This week, LAUSD board member Tamar Galatzan voiced some misgivings as the board considered a slew of charter applications.
"What it comes down to is that the criteria for rejecting a new charter or for not renewing a charter need to evolve," she said Wednesday. "We have seen school after school after school that we have discomfort with approving, but we have no flexibility to deny them. This has to be revisited by the state Legislature."
The charter movement's soaring popularity can make it a politically dangerous entity for elected officials to criticize.
Last fall, LAUSD board member Steve Zimmer sought to impose a "voluntary moratorium" on new charter applications to give district officials time to develop a strategic plan for overseeing the schools.
His plan failed, as thousands of parents demonstrated outside LAUSD headquarters, protesting what they saw as a challenge to their right to choose the appropriate school for their child.
Similar politics played out recently in San Bernardino County.
The former president of the Adelanto Elementary School District board, critical of the parent-trigger petition process there, lost his bid for re-election in November.
Carlos Mendoza was at the center of much of the battle over the future of Desert Trails Elementary, which made history last week by becoming the first school in the United States to be converted into a charter school via the parent-trigger law.
Mendoza has a mixed view of charter schools: His daughter is going to be attending one, but he doesn't believe they're the cure for what ails California's public schools.
"The best students are going to flock away from traditional public schools and go to charter schools," Mendoza said. "And charter schools will keep those students, leaving students that are struggling in the traditional public schools. ... That's basically the reason their test scores are better. As a parent, I'm not going to complain about that."
Even as its momentum hits a fever pitch, the charter movement has taken a few PR hits in recent years.
In 2010, a cheating scandal led to the demise of Crescendo schools, a cluster of six charter schools in the Los Angeles region that were ordered shut down.
In June, the U.S. Government Accountability Office released a report concluding that charter schools tend to enroll fewer students with disabilities than traditional public schools.
But the biggest blow might have come from a 2009 report from Stanford University's Center for Research on Education Outcomes (CREDO) that remains the largest study to date on the academic performance of charter school students. Widely cited as "the CREDO study," the report concluded 83 percent of the charter schools observed nationwide provided learning opportunities that were no better than or worse than those from traditional public schools.
(In November, CREDO released a study showing that charter schools in New Jersey tend to outperform traditional schools.)
Parents seem undeterred. Matthew Wunder, executive director of the Da Vinci charter schools in Hawthorne, said that despite the studies and the academic debates, parent demand is booming - and that's what matters most.
"While I think it's an important conversation to have, there's this practical side, one that says: `You guys keep debating - you smart people in think tanks. But here's what I want for my kids,"' he said. "People vote with their feet."
Criticisms notwithstanding, charter schools are often seen as the bleeding edge of education reform. For example, the Obama administration has long held up Green Dot Public Schools - a cluster of charter schools in Los Angeles County - as an exemplar. In 2009, two years after Green Dot's successful takeover of Locke High in Watts, U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan began meeting regularly with Green Dot's founder to discuss how to replicate the success elsewhere.
Charter schools often shirk seniority-based pay for teachers in favor of what is widely referred to as merit-based pay. They are more likely to tie test scores to teacher performance evaluations, and enjoy greater flexibility in the hiring and firing of teachers.
Surprisingly, one thing that hasn't directly contributed to the charter boom is the parent-trigger law. Besides Adelanto, the trigger has been pulled only two other times since the Parent Empowerment law was enacted by the state Legislature in January 2010.
One occurred just this week, when a group of parents at 24th Street Elementary School in Los Angeles submitted a petition, marking the first time the trigger has been pulled in LAUSD.
Meanwhile, although the total number of charter schools is on the rise, it isn't uncommon for them to close down. While 109 charter schools opened across California, 28 closed down - leaving a net total of 81 new schools.
Two of the closures happened in Long Beach. Colegio New City high school and Constellation Middle School both closed following low enrollment and financial problems. Constellation was Long Beach's oldest charter and shuttered halfway through the school year after running out of funding.
New City K-8, a school of about 500 students on Long Beach Boulevard, was in danger of losing its charter last year due to concerns over the school's financial and academic struggles. The school, however, reached an agreement with the Long Beach Unified School District and is now working to correct its deficiencies.
In any case, charter schools and traditional schools need not be in opposition, charter advocates say.
"Charter schools can and should be the research-and-development arm for traditional public schools," said Wunder of Da Vinci schools in Hawthorne. "So it's not a competitive thing. We're a division that can move a little quicker and adjust a little faster. ... All kids can benefit from the things we're learning."
Follow Rob Kuznia on Twitter at http://twitter.com/robkuznia
Staff writers Barbara Jones, Beau Yarbrough and Kelly Puente contributed to this report.


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Jessica Simpson and boyfriend John Mayer are heating things up Down Under while Mayer's tour continues. Between performances, the two got a chance to hit Byron Beach, where Jess showed off an adorable red dress. We are loving her new hippie chic style — could it be the influence of her laid-back guy? This red and white pocket jumper is actually an old vintage piece, but we have found some very similar ones that will be perfect additions to your spring wardrobe. Now only if a rockstar boyfriend come along with it.
Get the Look:
Super Suite Seventy Seven Melinda Pocket, $245, shopintuition.com
Seven Hills cotton halter dress with drawstring empire waist, $98, anthropologie.com
Red Sweetheart dress with white heart buttons, on sale $40 from $70, urbanoutfitters.com
Island dress with fern print, spaghetti strap and front pockets, $23, forever21.com
Click here to see more photos, news and a full bio of Jessica Simpson, and click here to discuss her style in Off the Rack.
Click here to see our Ultimate Guide to Summer Style. Everything you need to beat the heat — from the hottest shoes to the coolest shades and the sexiest bikinis!
Photo: Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic


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This winter, there will be only one.
In a free-agent market where aces command the top dollars, only Zack Greinke can come close to claiming ace status this offseason, and even that is a bit dubious. That uncertainty will likely be just a negotiating ploy, however, and it won't turn off enough teams to where Greinke's price drops.
Greinke's strengths are his strikeout totals, strikeout-to-walk ratios and Fielding Independent Pitching numbers. He was also 8-2 with a 2.98 ERA and 1.054 WHIP at home (15 starts), although about half of that production came at Miller Park before the Milwaukee Brewers traded Greinke to the Los Angeles Angels. He was 4-2 with a 3.45 ERA in seven starts at Angel Stadium.
It is Greinke's away numbers—3.91 ERA, 1.322 WHIP in 19 starts in 2012—that might not get him paid like a true ace. The lack of anyone else as good as him on the free-agent market could balance that out, though.
We can examine the numbers all day, and all it's going to lead to is what we already know: Greinke is pretty close to a true ace and this market will pay him as one.
In fact, Greinke's makeup should play more into which teams are willing to shell out that kind of dough. His first trek into the market comes six years after Greinke nearly quit baseball because of depression and social anxiety disorder. No team knows how that might affect Greinke later in life, including during whatever contract he signs this offseason.
The label on Greinke is that no big-market team can touch him because of his past issues. While the issues haven't seemed to return and affect his game since his trade to the Brewers in December 2010—if they have, they haven't been made public—teams in major markets with unforgiving media will probably shy away from him unless the price is somehow driven down.
Then there is another issue that is viewed as worse for a team dynamic: Greinke quit on the Kansas City Royals in 2010. He stopped preparing for starts and pitched without much focus at times because he was frustrated with the team's direction and losing ways. He eventually demanded a trade and was sent to Milwaukee.
The Brewers and Angels believe that won't be an issue in the future and both teams plan to pursue Greinke. The Angels have already called him their "top priority."
The Texas Rangers are also showing interest, but it depends on Greinke's asking price. The newly rich Los Angeles Dodgers could also be a bidder.
With Jake Peavy off the market (he and the Chicago White Sox agreed on a two-year contract Tuesday), Kyle Lohse, Edwin Jackson and Hiroki Kuroda are the best of the remaining free-agent starters.
Lohse is the biggest risk among those three. He is 34 years old and his 16-3 record, 2.86 ERA, 143 strikeouts, 1.090 WHIP and 134 ERA-plus are all by far career bests. Those numbers likely are the product of the instruction he received from former St. Louis Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan, under whom Lohse didn't pitch in 2012.
Lohse is rumored to be seeking a deal in the neighborhood of $75 million, or close to the five-year, $77.5 million contract C.J. Wilson received from the Angels last winter. It's highly unlikely that Lohse will get that. It's more likely he'll get something around three years and $45 million, maybe less, with the Dodgers, the Minnesota Twins and maybe even the Royals stepping into negotiations.
Jackson is seen as a solid mid-rotation option and at 29 he is still in line for a big payday. His troubles in September and October (6.54 ERA in his final six regular-season starts) won't be a big hindrance. Several scouts, mainly those from the Toronto Blue Jays, attended his starts for the Washington Nationals down the stretch.
Kuroda has the best history of the three but he also has the least upside; he'll be 38 when next season starts. Kuroda has proved he can pitch in the pitcher-friendly National League West as well as the hitter-friendly American League East, so leagues or parks aren't problems. He also could have plenty of suitors because it could take only a one-year deal to nab him. The New York Yankees could re-sign him, with the Dodgers, Royals and Twins as other possible destinations.
One of the long-term gambles/projects on the market will be 18-year-old Japanese high-schooler Shohei Otani, a 6-foot-4 right-hander who has hit triple digits with his fastball. The Dodgers and Boston Red Sox are among the teams who have scouted him.
It's not just the starter market that lacks a frontline arm. The market for relievers is the same, with only one shutdown closer, Mariano Rivera, available, but it's safe to assume he won't be changing uniforms.
Rafael Soriano took over as the Yankees' closer after Rivera suffered a season-ending knee injury, and he is now the closest thing to a dominant reliever. Soriano opted out of the final year of his Yankees contract, and agent Scott Boras has reportedly told the Yankees he thinks Soriano can get a better deal than the four-year, $50 million contract Jonathan Papelbon got from the Philadelphia Phillies last offseason. If that's the asking price, and assuming the Yankees make a qualifying offer ($13.3 million for one year) and Soriano declines it, signing him will also cost that team a draft pick.
Cincinnati Reds setup man Jonathan Broxton looks to be the next best option, and he's surely liking that the Dodgers signed Brandon League to a three-year, $22.5 million deal because he is in line to go north of that contract.
Detroit Tigers closer Jose Valverde was all set to get a massive contract, probably better than Papelbon's, after a perfect 2011. But he was a mess this season, especially toward the end, and he lost the closer's job in the playoffs. That has caused his stock to plummet. Anything more than a one-year deal would be a surprise.


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I really read a lot trying to motivate myself - and when looking there was the people who allways gave the advice "just do it" that is an extremely annoying advice -
but i read "the key to getting motivated : give up " by Oliver Burkeman
http://99u.com/articles/14721/the-key-t ... ed-give-up which says more or less "just do it" but it says it in a great clear way - cause to "just say" "just do it" is easy and of course everybody know that but this is actually explaining it
""Give up on yourself. Begin taking action now, while being neurotic or imperfect, or a procrastinator or unhealthy or lazy or any other label by which you inaccurately describe yourself. Go ahead and be the best imperfect person you can be and get started on those things you want to accomplish before you die." -- Shoma Morita, MD"
" Nearly everyone I know (including me) believes they should be more self-disciplined. And one very simple definition of self-discipline is "doing what you know you need to do." This is where Morita therapy can be very helpful, because it eliminates the complexity of trying to get your feelings/thoughts in sync with your actions. How do you feel when you get out of bed in the morning? I almost always feel tired, lethargic, heavy, sluggish. When I get out of bed (usually around 5:30am) I virtually never feel energetic and raring to go! But I take my feelings of tiredness and sluggishness with me as I leave my bed and walk to the bathroom. This is what Morita therapy is trying to teach us – to take our unpleasant feelings with us as we do what is important to do. Rather than allow our lives to be directed by our feelings, we are guided by the important purposes that present themselves as we move forward. Feelings don't get discarded, but neither do they run the show."


text:
Evolution Hoax
Excerpt from Mr. Adnan Oktar's interview on A9 TV dated 6 April 2012
Verse 57
"When an example is made of the son of Maryam," as a human being, including his importance, his existence and his return. "your people" Allah is addressing the Prophet (saas), "laugh uproariously." Almighty Allah says they will oppose Jesus the Messiah in this way. And we are facing the same problem in our own day.
Verse 61
"He is a Sign of the Hour. Have no doubt about it. But follow me. This is a straight path." Says Almighty Allah.
Verse 51
"Pharaoh called to his people, saying, 'My people, does the kingdom of Egypt not belong to me? Do not all these rivers flow under my control?"
There was a communist system at that time. The state had nationalized everything. Property and people all belonged to the state. There was no private property. There was a communist, Darwinist system. You ask how people came into being, and they say, "From the muddy waters of the Nile." What was the governing principle of state? Communism. What about religion and ideology. "Whatever Pharaoh wants is what will happen," they say. There was a deep state in charge. That is the system that dominates Islamic countries now.
Verse 52
"Am I not better than this man who is contemptible and can scarcely make anything clear?"
How do the members of the alleged terror organization regard the public? With the same mentality. What does Pharaoh say? "Am I not better than this man who is contemptible and can scarcely make anything clear?"
Verse 54
"In that way he swayed his people," this is the same in all pharaonic systems. They despise the ordinary people. "and they succumbed to him." And they submit to that pressure. They do not seek democracy and human rights. They submit. "They were a people of deviators," says Allah.2012-06-27 13:02:39


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There was a quiet storm in Charlotte tonight.
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There was a quiet storm in Charlotte tonight.
Charlotte's defense was pretty solid tonight. I think they're playing above their talent level, especially defensively. There's no reason they should be playing good defense when Al Jefferson is their paint protector and Kemba Walker is their first perimeter defense.
I still love me some Josh McRoberts so it's weird for me to say this, but I don't think he'd have a spot in the rotation on our current team. I'm not sure where he'd even fit on the current roster, for that matter.
We are a fun team to watch! I'm trying to soak it all in while we still have our team. It won't last forever.
Honestly, their defensive talent is not horrible. They are a mostly young team with several athletic players. If they are put in a good defensive system then they're going to be quite decent.
Do I believe that they will still be a top 5 team defensively at the end of season? Not really. But they can be in the top half of the league.
Tonight, all flags must burn, in place of steeples.
Autonomy must return into the hands of the people.
You can't get champagne from a garden hose.
CJ Watson's 3 pt % on the season went from .207 to .333 tonight!
Had to work so I missed the game.
What the numbers tell me:
We held them to 11 points in the first quarter! That's eleven measly freakin' points!
I gotta hand it to those brave bobcats for draggin' azz back up to the court for that second quarter.
Also I see that anytime Roy and PG were in together OR the Cats starting front court were in then we were spanking them.
That would seem to be most of the time.
Roy's numbers look pedestrian: 14 and 10 with "only" 2 swats.
But then I see he's got a fantastic +/- (biggest of anyone's) and I understand.
I've seen it enough.
When the big fella's roaming the paint it's just real hard for opponents to find a shot that they like.
He alters shots.
And he alters plans.
When they round the corner and come to the foot of Mt. Hibbert... they make a new plan.
Shot never even goes up. There isn't a block or anything that shows up on the stats but that possession
becomes a pass to some poor dude who has to do something in 2 seconds while he wears Paul George.
"I pity the fool"!
I didn't see it.
But I can see it.
I love this team!
Last edited by solid; 11-28-2013 at 01:57 AM.
I like to think we let Kemba go 3/17 on purpose.
Can we go ahead and nominate this for quote of the year in the P.D. end of season awards? lol
"They want to be famous. We want to be champions. They want to be rappers and backup dancers. We want to play football." - T.J. Ward, Denver Broncos
I'm as excited as all of you guys, but lets slow the roll a little until we get some measuring stick games against the like of San Antonio, Miami, OKC, and Portland. If the Pacers can dominate a West road trip it will be a great sign.
I don't get why they didn't use Biyombo more, it seemed like he was the, oh crap all our bigs are in foul trouble emergency guy. I thought he was a decent defensive player.
"It's just unfortunate that we've been penalized so much this year and nothing has happened to the Pistons, the Palace or the city of Detroit," he said. "It's almost like it's always our fault. The league knows it. They should be ashamed of themselves to let the security be as lax as it is around here."
----------------- Reggie Miller
You know the refs were bad, when the NBA.com spends a good portion of the 2-minute highlights footage to their foul calls. Awful. Bavetta go home. Am sure the league appreciates your service all these decades.
We're playing these teams soon. We will see what happens by then. We can be happy about our team at the moment
Tonight, all flags must burn, in place of steeples.
Autonomy must return into the hands of the people.
anyone know what happened to peck recently? it seems like he took off the same time that vnzla got the block for a month. Is he having some sort of silent protest by not posting around here while V is gone or is he just busy and no time to contribute to the board?
Just watched the replay. The third quarter was the worst basketball I've seen in the NBA this season. Hard to believe that was the same team in the fourth quarter.
I like a lot of the pieces on Charlotte. They're gonna be good soon if they can make a couple moves.
I was a tad annoyed with Pacers' bigs last night outside of Roy Hibbert in 1st quarter and his general effort on the glass. Thought it was a lazy performance on the glass by most, and boxout efforts were just not there. Specifically with Mahinmi, honestly, and I've been trumpeting his worth all year.
That said, yet again, this team is winning by 20, 20+ even when I find myself more annoyed with them than impressed. Glass half full part of me says that's a mark of a great team. Glass half empty part of me says the upcoming road trip is going to punish the Pacers for some of these rope-a-dope performances. So we'll see what wins out!
They probably concluded they want more than zero points against our defense. It's tough when you have to face a long, athletic team on the perimeter...and IF you get by them you have to climb Mt. Everest only to get blocked. I'd just quit if I faced our defense.
Lance is finally home. Whether he becomes our starting PG or he's 6th man, he's getting big minutes and he's here to stay. #llortontnia
Change is neither good or bad, it simply is.
There was an article in the Charlotte Observer that his backup has just simply outplayed him. The coach had gone over the plus minus and his backup was doing much better in that regard.
To my surprise, when Bismack subbed in, the fans went nuts. I didn't put much credit into the Bobcat fan base considering the Pacers had more fans wearing gear there than the Bobcats did. The fans were very smart though.
Being more intelligent than the rest of us common folk.
You should watch more Cavs games.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free
I read about that on a Bobcats forum and most fans are killing their coach for that. Most of them like Jeff Adrien (the player that has a better plus minus than Bismack) but they consider that reason for Bismack's benching preposterous (and rightfully so). I don't know how their coach thought that putting Adrien (who is barely 6'7 in shoes) on Hibbert was a good idea. Yeah, Adrien has some length (7'2 wingspan) but that's still too small to guard Roy.
Tonight, all flags must burn, in place of steeples.
Autonomy must return into the hands of the people.
No kidding.


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Don't miss out on a lower price on this hotel
Get an overview of this hotelOn the sands of Cayman Island's Seven Mile Beach
Popular property highlights
Surrounded by beach
Centrally located on Grand Cayman's famed Seven Mile beach, this oceanfront Marriott Beach Resort is within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and night clubs; George Town is 2 miles away.
Oceanfront pool
This smoke-free resort provides a snorkeling reef 50 yards off the beach, an oceanfront pool with adjacent spa tub, a watersports center that arranges rentals and excursions, a full-service spa, and a kids' club.
Private balconies
Spacious rooms at Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort offer relaxed décor, private balconies and ocean, courtyard, or island views. Extras include pillowtop mattresses and 300-thread-count linens.Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!Opens in a new window
Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort
Renovations & Closures
- Swimming pool
Hotel Amenities
Hotel Amenities
Less than 2 miles from George Town, the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort sits along famous Seven Mile Beach and neighboring snorkeling reef. Snorkeling gear and other equipment can be rented at the watersports center, which also arranges scuba-diving lessons, fishing trips, and other excursions (surcharges). A kids' club featuring complimentary supervised activities for ages 5–12 is open year-round. Birdwatching is possible nearby. Bicycle rentals are available onsite.
La Mer Spa offers massage, body wraps and scrubs, facials, waxing, hair braiding, and hair styling for men, women, and children (surcharges). A complimentary fitness center is also provided.
Indoor, oceanfront, and in-room dining are available. The lobby offers three computer workstations with Internet access.
This resort is entirely smoke-free.
- 24-hour front desk
- Babysitting or childcare (surcharge)
- Children's club (surcharge)
- Supervised childcare/activities (free)
- Arcade/game room
- Babysitting or childcare
- Number of bars/lounges - 2
- Breakfast available (surcharge)
- Business center
- Coffee/tea in common areas
- Coffee shop or café
- Concierge services
- Free newspapers in lobby
- Conference space
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Elevator/lift
- Express check-in
- Express check-out
- Fitness facilities
- Full-service spa
- Gift shops or newsstand
- Hair salon
- Computer station
- Billiards or pool table
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Free WiFi
- Children's club
- Spa treatment room(s)
- Meeting rooms 5
- Multilingual staff
- Number of floors - 5
- Total number of rooms - 295
- Picnic area
- Poolside bar
- Porter/bellhop
- Luggage storage
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Free self parking
- Beach umbrellas
- Beach sun loungers
- Beach towels
- Number of restaurants - 2
- Smoke-free property
- Number of buildings/towers - 1
- Spa tub
- Supervised childcare/activities
- Outdoor pool
- Wedding services
Family Friendly Amenities
- Family Hotel
- Outdoor pool
- Supervised childcare/activities (free)
- Free Wi-Fi
- Babysitting or childcare (surcharge)
- Arcade/game room
- Refrigerator
- Cribs/infant beds (complimentary)
Available in all rooms:
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Free self parking
Room Amenities
- Premium TV channels
- Air conditioning
- Bathrobes
- Refrigerator
- Private bathroom
- In-room climate control (air conditioning)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Free toiletries
- Desk
- Hair dryer
- Daily housekeeping
- Hypo-allergenic bedding available
- In-room safe
- Iron/ironing board
- Satellite TV service
- WiFi (surcharge)
- Premium bedding
- Shower/tub combination
- Room service (limited hours)
- Free cribs/infant beds
Where to Eat
Anchor & Den - A Great Room welcomes guests to connect at this innovative venue serving locally sourced ingredients for breakfast and dinner daily. Eclectic style, chic music, and cocktails set the mood for a memorable dining experience.
Veranda on Seven Mile Beach - Serving international fare for lunch and dinner, this seafood grill has a vintage ambiance and alfresco dining. Dress code: smart casual.
Anchor Bar & Lounge - Serving international cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this casual venue offers coffee in the mornings, grab-and-go selections in the afternoons, and handcrafted cocktails and local draft beers in the evenings.
Vista Bar - This casual beachfront and poolside bar serves American cuisine and cocktails daily.
Room service - Available early morning to late evening.
Nearby Things to Do
Furnished with lounge chairs and umbrellas, the Marriott resort's 100-yard beachfront is part of Seven Mile Beach's powdery coastline. A reef 50 yards off shore provides snorkeling opportunities directly in front of the resort. Freshwater swimming is available in the resort's freeform pool with a large, adjacent spa tub. A complimentary fitness center includes cardio machines and free weights. Bicycle rentals are available onsite.
A watersports center rents snorkeling and scuba diving gear, personal watercraft, kayaks, speedboats, sailboats, and pedal boats. The center also books submarine trips, snorkeling and scuba-diving excursions, fishing charters, sunset and dinner sailing cruises, tube and banana-boat rides, water skiing, and parasailing. Scuba-diving lessons and certification courses are also available. Surcharges apply for activities and excursions.
Encircled by a 2-mile jogging/cycling/rollerblading path, the Links at Safehaven's 18-hole golf course lies 2.5 miles from the resort and is open to the public.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site at Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort, or near the hotel; fees may apply.
- Golfing nearby
- Personal motorized watercraft on site
- Kayaking nearby
- Sailing nearby
- Scuba diving nearby
- Water skiing nearby
- Free bicycles on site
- Hiking/biking trails nearby
- Parasailing nearby
- Snorkeling on site
Spa Services
- Manicures and pedicures
- Body wraps
- Body scrubs
- Aromatherapy treatments
- Hydrotherapy treatments
- Massages
- Body treatments
- Facial treatments
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please note them at check-out when you book your room.
- Accessible bathroom
- In-room accessibility
- Roll-in shower
Hotel Policies
Check-in time starts at 4 PM
Check-out time is 11 AM
Payment types
Children and extra beds
- Children are welcome.
- Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
- Free cribs (infant beds)!
- Pets not allowed
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy.
- Resort fee: USD 50.00 per accommodation, per night
- Pool access
- Beach access
- Beach towels
- Fitness center access
- Internet access
- Self parking
- Additional inclusions
Optional extras
- Breakfast fee: between USD 15 and USD 35 per person (approximately)
- Fee for in-room wireless Internet: USD 16.00 per day (rates may vary)
Hotel Name
- Grand Cayman Marriott Beach
- Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort


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A unique and fun shaped custom football drawstring backpack that is perfect for any football fan, school or summer camp!
Beat the heat this summer with a HydroPouch! collapsible custom water bottle with spray top.
Use football promotional novelties for your next promotional campaign! No matter what your cause, use football-shaped items to send the right message. With the wide selection of football-related promotional products ePromos provides you, your company logo will look great imprinted on these promotional sports products!


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Schenectady County Courts
Daily Call-In Message
Telephone Standby: All trial jurors are on standby and report to the courthouse when instructed to do so by means of a recorded message. The recorded message will refer to you by juror number. Please report promptly at the time indicated in the message. The telephone call-in number is (518)285-8700.
Parking: The Broadway Parking Garage located at 220 Broadway, Schenectady, offers discounted juror parking at the rate of $3.00 per day. Please bring your ticket for validation when reporting for service. One-hour on-street metered parking is available but not recommended. There is no reimbursement for parking tickets, transportation fares or parking lot fees.
Absence/Emergency: If an illness or emergency prevents you from reporting, please call (518)285-8503.
Court Hours: Court normally operates from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. with a lunch recess. There are brief recesses throughout the day based upon the discretion of the Judge. Court sessions do not often continue beyond 5:00 p.m., except for extraordinary circumstances.
Court Security: All persons and packages entering the court facility are subject to magnetometer and x-ray screening. Weapons of any kind and all sharp or dangerous instruments, including knives and scissors, are not permitted. Any use of video/audio recording equipment, including video/audio capable cell phone/smart phones, is strictly prohibited.
Dress Code: Please dress in a manner respectful to the Court. No shorts, cut-offs, halters, tank tops, etc.
Meals: All meals are your own responsibility. You are free to bring your own lunch. There are restaurants within walking distance of the courthouse. Vending machines are located in on the first floor of the courthouse as well as the lobby area of the County Office Building.
Verification of Attendance: Upon request, a voucher will be provided. The voucher will provide information regarding the date of appearance and times of appearance and dismissal.
Jury Pay: By New York State Law, the daily pay rate for jurors is $40.00. Jurors who are employed and who receive regular wages while they are serving as jurors are not entitled to payment from the Court system unless they serve on a regularly scheduled day off.
For help figuring out how the rules apply to your individual circumstances, you can use the chart: Juror's Fees


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We no longer have the item you are looking for. You may find something similar in our current selection.
A perfect way to please at the holidays and throughout the year, the Ralph Lauren Gift Card arrives presented in our signature box. Available in denominations starting at $50 up to $1,000. Makes a perfect corporate gift. Please contact a corporate gifting specialist at 888-475-7674 for assistance.
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text:
IS MSI getting ready to release an epic overclocking motherboard for the Intel Haswell LGA1150 platform? MSI has released a video that talks about a secret weapon for what we expect is the Intel Z87 chipset that will allow for overclocking Intel Haswell processors.
The board was not shown, but could the company be building buzz for the Z87 XPower motherboard? The folks over at LAB501 grabbed a shot of an MSI Z87 board at Haswell that is shown below. Some think that this could be the Z87 XPower board since it had two 8-pin EPS connectors and a 16-phase VRM design. The blue connector by the 24-pin ATX power header is also unknown.
Our best overclocking motherboard is coming on the market soon! Get a very early look at it here and prepare for something amazing.
Comments are closed.


text:
A Weremo is like a Werewolf in many respects. Like the Werewolf, the Weremo is most likely to strike on a night with a full moon. His appearance however, does not change. A Weremo is a closeted male homosexual who attacks unsuspecting streight males. He comes in three types; the filtly fart box tongue puncher, the blower and the most dreaded and feared of all Weremos, the Bull Weremo. The Bull is the only Weremo known to rape the unsuspecting and he is the only one with the power to turn a streight male gay. Pre attack indicators are a sweaty upper lip. This is almost immediately followed by an attack. Weremos can be detected before this however. Weremos most often approach streight men with a pitch that will entice and lure the unsuspecting target into a secluded location where he can be compromised. A Weremo may approach you with offers to buy your beer, take you to another bar where "there are lots of chicks" or simply bait you by leaving gun, sports and porno magazines in plain view; all in an effort to lure you in. However, he lacks any real interests in these things and can easily be tripped up. He will say things like "I have tickets to a Washinton Redskins hocky game," or lets go score some "Tigers and Milks," not knowing that it is Cougars and Milfs the streight male seeks. Further, the bull can be easily identified by his goatee and shaven head.
Any man driving a Miatta is likely to be a blower or salad tossing Weremo. Likewise men who order skim or latte anything at Starbucks. A bull is often found wearing Harley Davidson gear though he may or may not own a bike of any type.
by Jack Magnum, Weremo hunter February 16, 2013
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- 15. spooky boi
- 16. abd
- 17. ac milan
- 18. tennessee log jammer
- 19. ching chong
- 20. fudder
- 21. scooby dooing
- 22. carpin all those diems
- 23. tkfb
- 24. tko
- 25. breadcrumbing
- 26. brown eyes
- 27. dissertation
- 28. snowblowing
- 29. murphy's law
- 30. stashing


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Holland America Line Offers Luxury Cruise Vacations To Alaska In August And September
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Oggy Boy
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Valley Center, CA 92082
Posts: 2,362
Its not too late for travelers to enjoy exceptional vacation value by booking a luxury cruise to spectacular Alaska with Holland America Line, the leader in Alaska cruises and CruiseTours. There is still availability on select Alaska cruises departing in late August and September. Travelers may enjoy Holland America Lines legendary service and amenities in an ocean-view stateroom for as little as US $699 per person, double occupancy, on seven-day Glacier Discovery cruises sailing between Vancouver and Seward. For a seven-day Glacier Bay/Inside Passage cruise which travels round-trip from Vancouver, fares for an ocean-view stateroom start at just US $899 per person. All fares are subject to availability.
Our cruises provide the best glacier viewing in Alaska and we offer the widest variety of shore excursions in Alaska, from mild to wild, said Richard D. Meadows, senior vice president, marketing and sales. When you put all that together with our award-winning service, theres no question that Holland America Line offers the best value to any traveler on an Alaska cruise.
Holland America Line offers the best itineraries in Alaska
Winner of the Porthole Magazines prestigious Readers Choice Award for Best Alaskan Itineraries, Holland Americas Alaska cruises combine breathtaking views of Alaskas stunning glaciers with the fascinating ports of the famous Inside Passage of Alaska and Canada. Glacier Bay Inside Passage cruises depart on round-trip, 7-day voyages from Vancouver on board Holland Americas twins, the 1,440-passenger ms Zaandam (departing every Saturday) and her sister ship, the ms Volendam (departing Wednesdays). The voyages take in the placid, scenic waters of Canadas Inside Passage and tour Tracy Arm before calling at Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. Each cruise features a day of cruising Glacier Bay National Park, including the stark vistas of the Johns Hopkins Glacier and the stunning, bright white and blue Margerie Glacier in Tarr Inlet. Glacier Discovery Cruises sail the waters between Vancouver and Seward. Departing on alternating Sundays, the ms Statendam and ms Veendam cruises feature Glacier Bay National Park and the sixteen glaciers of secluded College Fjord. The ms Ryndam, embarking on Fridays, visits inspiring Hubbard Glacier. Each ship carries only 1,258 passengers, half the number of guests of the other ships on similar itineraries. Limited space is still available on Alaskan Explorer cruises that sail round-trip on 7-day voyages from Seattle. The 1848-passenger Vista class ship ms Oosterdam sails Saturdays and visits Hubbard Glacier. The Holland America flagship, ms Amsterdam, sails Sundays from Seattle, visiting Glacier Bay National Park. Port calls include Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and Victoria.
More Glacier Bay National Park visits than any other cruise line
Holland America offers more Alaska cruises that visit spectacular Glacier Bay National Park than any other cruise line. Every Glacier Bay visit includes commentary and presentations from a National Park Service ranger and the Huna Totem native speaker.
Were proud to be the only cruise line that offers Glacier Bay on all major Alaska cruise itineraries: roundtrip Vancouver, between Vancouver and Seward, and roundtrip Seattle, said Meadows. Our comprehensive itineraries are another reason our Alaska cruises provide such great value for our guests. The Holland America fleet is visiting more glaciers than ever this season, with cruises touring the imposing 5-mile wide, 40-stories-tall Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm with the Sawyer Glaciers, College Fjord, and Glacier Bay National Park. Many cruises will give passengers two separate days of glacier viewing. Port calls include dozens of optional excursions available to guests in each port, including dog-sledding, glacier hiking, flightseeing, kayaking and guided city tours.
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CHICO — Police are trying to determine why a 30-year-old woman allegedly stabbed a 53-year-old woman to death early Thursday morning at the victim's home on West Sacramento Avenue.
Diane Luke of Chico was pronounced dead at Enloe Medical Center, said Sgt. Scott Franssen of Chico police.
Officers arrested Shawnda Mollison on suspicion of homicide, Franssen said.
Neighbors and family said just after midnight Mollison came to Luke's door on the 1100 block of West Sacramento Avenue asking for a glass of water. Mollison was allowed in, wouldn't leave when asked, and allegedly stabbed Luke and fled.
"Diane was a very loving, caring, giving friend," Rhonda Messer said. "She would do anything for anybody."
Messer said Luke and her husband welcomed anyone into their home, even if they didn't know the person.
Officers responded to a 9-1-1 call at 12:49 a.m. Thursday and found Luke stabbed in the upper torso inside her apartment, Franssen said.
Medics took her by ambulance to the hospital but she did not survive.
Bystanders had followed Mollison and detained her until officers took her into custody, Franssen said. Mollison was booked into the Butte County Jail in Oroville.
Luke's relatives, friends and neighbors mourned at her apartment complex Thursday.
Maxine Rutherford said Luke took care of the residents and their children.
"She didn't have no enemies," Rutherford said.
Connect with Katy Sweeny at 896-7760, firstname.lastname@example.com, or on Twitter @KatySweeny.


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"Few musicians combine country, bluegrass, Cajun and rock in such rowdy, infectious, cure-all fashion as Leftover Salmon."
– San Francisco Chronicle
Seamlessly weaving a wide variety of influences into a fiery, improvisation-driven tapestry, Leftover Salmon has an indescribable ability to dazzle, enrapture, and intrigue audiences. Taking elements of Cajun, funk, Southern rock, boogie, Caribbean, Latin, and jazz, the Colorado-born jam band was created in 1989 by two members of progressive bluegrass band the Left Hand String Band (Drew Emmitt and Mark Vann) and Vince Herman of the Calypso/Cajun band The Salmonheads.
Leftover Salmon released their first two albums Bridges to Bert, 1992, and Ask the Fish, 1995, under their own label before they were signed to Hollywood Records, upon which they released Euphoria, 1997, and Nashville Sessions, featuring Nashville legends such as Bela Fleck, Waylon Jennings, and Earl Scruggs, 1999.
When Mark Vann was diagnosed with melanoma, he encouraged the band to stick through it and continue making music. After he passed away in 2002, Leftover Salmon signed with Compass Records and created the live album Live (pronounced "liv") in tribute to their friend and founder. They also took his wishes to heart and toured extensively, playing every major rock and folk festival and countless clubs and theaters.
In 2003, Leftover Salmon toured with bluegrass powerhouse the Del McCoury Band before creating the album O' Cracker Where Art Thou? with the rock band Cracker, released on Pitch A Tent label. In 2004, the band released their self-titled album, Leftover Salmon, on Compendia Records. At the end of that year, the band decided to take a break from touring in order to spend much-needed time with their families. Their last show was on New Years Eve, 2004-2005.
In 2007, Leftover Salmon reunited for a short Northwest tour before going back to their individual lives. The band continues to get together occasionally for specific dates, and though the future of the band is uncertain, Leftover Salmon remains open and at peace, and ready at any moment to pick up and begin again where they left off.


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A STOURBRIDGE paedophile who tried to avoid jail by accusing his four victims of concocting abuse claims to try and get their hands on his partner's inheritance has been jailed for 18 years.
Trevor Chapman was sentenced after a three-week trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court in which the jury heard disturbing details of abuse spanning several years.
The unemployed 52-year-old, formerly of Brook Crescent, Wollescote, was arrested in January 2013 by detectives from West Midlands Police's Public Protection Unit who were investigating a report of abuse in the 1990s.
Days earlier one of the victims, now in his 30s, had told police he had been repeatedly sexually assaulted by Chapman, who he had met through a friend when around 13-years-old.
The abuse took place at Chapman's flat in Halesowen.
Subsequent enquiries found other young boys would go to drink and smoke at premises linked to Chapman across Birmingham.
Following the allegation, specialist detectives launched a major investigation to trace Chapman and other potential victims.
Detective Constable Jen Rose said: "This was a challenging and complex case.
"The crimes happened two decades ago so we had to use all of our skills and the force's resources to find the men who used to visit Chapman's homes when they were boys.
"This was particularly difficult as some had moved away from the area. Others had moved on with their lives meaning considerable time and effort had to go into getting the men to open up and reveal their secrets."
DC Rose identified four victims and when the allegations were laid out in interview, Chapman claimed the story was a conspiracy with the men wanting a share of his partner's recent inheritance.
During the trial the jury heard Chapman would ply the boys - all aged between ten and 16 at the time - with cigarettes, alcohol and even cash in exchange for sex.
He was found guilty of 28 offences on March 12 and sentenced to 18 years behind bars. He was also placed on the Sex Offender's Register for life.
DC Rose added: "This has been a heavy burden for the boys Chapman groomed and abused over the years to bear alone.
"Their tormentor's crimes have had a significant impact on their lives with some being left unable to form meaningful relationships because of the abuse they suffered.
"I am pleased that after almost two decades they were finally ready to break their silence and tell us what happened all those years ago.
"This case demonstrates it is never too late to report abuse. West Midlands Police will always believe victims and investigate their allegations thoroughly.
"I would like to commend the bravery of the men because without them Chapman would still be free.
"He now has a long time behind bars to think about the impact his sickening crimes have had."


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Discover Author
Amy Ephron is the bestselling author of the acclaimed novels One Sunday Morning and A Cup of Tea. Her magazine pieces and essays have appeared in Vogue; Saveur; House Beautiful; the National Lampoon; the Los Angeles Times; the Huffington Post; Defamer; her own online magazine, One for the Table; and various other print and online publications. She recently directed a short film, [email protected], which was featured at the American Cinematheque's Focus on Female Directors Short Film Showcase in January 2011. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Alan Rader, and any of their five children who happen to drop in.
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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Belk has partnered with NFL quarterback Cam Newton to launch an exclusive line of men's apparel.
The Made Cam Newton collection will first include professional apparel options for men and will expand to include accessories and shoes in fall 2013.
"Professional sports play an increasingly important role in fashion, and as a fashion retailer, Belk is excited to be at the forefront of the trend through this brand," says Kathryn Bufano, president and merchandising officer for Belk. "Cam Newton personifies our company's dedication to family, community and the Southern lifestyle, and therefore is a perfect complement to Belk's modern Southern fashions."
By spring 2013, Made Cam Newton will be available in 133 Belk stores across the southeast and on Belk.com.


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Introducing the World's smallest hero.... 'No one trips over a mountain; it is the smallest pebble that causes you to stumble'
27th Jul 2017, 00:23
Got a problem with the world's smallest ninja? Here's the place to get help from Eidos and the community.
28th Mar 2017, 21:17
© 2016 SQUARE ENIX LTD. All Rights Reserved
SQUARE ENIX and the SQUARE ENIX logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.
Square Enix Limited, Registered in England No. 01804186 Registered office: 240 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NW.


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COLUMBUS (AP) -- Ashley Morrissette's greatest gift is her ability to make her teammates even better.
Since she plays for arguably the best team in Ohio, it follows in logical progression she would be an easy pick as the 26th winner of The Associated Press Ms. Basketball award, emblematic of the top player in the state.
"I would say that I'm an all-around player," she says when asked to describe her game. "I can shoot if you leave me open, I can take it to the hole. I play really good defense and I'm also a distributor for my teammates. I like to make other players around me better."
Since her team, Twinsburg, has won the last two Division I state championships and enters this weekend's big-school state tournament at Value City Arena with a spotless 28-0 record and the AP's No. 1 ranking in the regular season, she must be pretty good at what she does.
Her coach, Julie Solis, also said that she lifts the level of the rest of the Tigers. But she said Morrissette is much, much more than just someone who pads her stats on a great team.
"She's the kid who hits big-time shots. She wants the ball in her hands," she said. "But when it's not necessary, she's definitely making everybody around her better. Her passing, her vision -- she's got a lot of strengths."
A 5-foot-9 senior, Morrissette averaged 19.1 points, 6.5 assists, 5 rebounds and 5 steals while shooting 50 percent from the field and 82 percent at the line.
Twinsburg plays Lewis Center Olentangy Orange in a state semifinal on Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Ohio State's Value City Arena.
Few players ever get to step into the bright lights of a state tournament game. Morrissette appreciates that she's been surrounded by players and coaches who have helped her spend many glowing moments of her career there.
"Winning the first one really motivated me to keep winning," she said. "I just didn't want to win the first one and then fall off. I wanted to continue on with that habit of winning."
Of course, that draws the attention of everyone, from college scouts to other coaches and players.
"I really think that winning the second one and then to try and come and win the third one has really just been way harder than winning that first one," she said. "Because now people know and they scout and they're looking for your tendencies. It gets harder every game. They change up their defenses a lot and you just have to work around it."
Dozens of top college programs were after Morrissette's signature on a letter of intent. She eventually decided upon Purdue after consultation with her coach, friends and family. She has two younger brothers and an older sister. Her mom works in retail sales and her father is in the field of education.
Morrissette had 22 points and 8 rebounds in last year's state championship win over Kettering Fairmont. Late in that game, there was an ugly incident in which Morrissette tangled with a Fairmont player, who ended up on the floor. Morrissette was ejected from the game and was suspended, under Ohio High School Athletic Association rules, for the first two games of this season.
She sincerely regrets what happened. With Fairmont also returning to the state's final four, she knows that the incident won't go away.
"A lot of people have asked me about that now that we're coming up on our third one and, if and when we get there, it could be against Fairmont again," she said. "I really believe if I could go back in time I would definitely take that back. It's one of those things that just happens in the heat of the moment. You feel afterward that you know you shouldn't have done it because everybody thinks you're one of those players who plays dirty. It's one of those things that you would go back and change it if you could."
The opportunity to have played on such a big stage with such great teams is one thing she wouldn't change.
"I feel that I've been very lucky to even participate in one state championship," she said. "To say that I've participated in three state tournaments, I just feel that all the hard work and all the hard summers have paid off."
Morrissette was selected by a media panel from around the state. Others considered included Columbus Northland's Alexis Peterson, Amanda Cahill of Clyde, Solon's Kristen Confroy and Karli Bonar of Shadyside.
Past winners of the award include Ohio State, Olympic and WNBA star Katie Smith, along with the only four-time Big Ten player of the year, Jantel Lavender, also of Ohio State.


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ONTARIO – David Barlett, vice president of Land Entitlement for Brookfield Los Angeles will be the guest speaker at the Ontario Rotary Club meeting on Thursday. He will be discussing the economic impact of home building and the current status of home development in our community as part of Business Focus Rotary Club meeting.
Locally, the Edenglen project in south east Ontario is a Brookfield neighborhood.
Bartlett has been a part of Brookfield for eight years and is vice chairman of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.
The club meets at noon. Rotary Club meetings are open to guest. The cost of the lunch is $20.
For additional information please call Don Driftmier at 951-206-5731.


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It's good to have friends, especially in a cut-throat industry where competitors are often fighting for larger slices of an ever-shrinking pie.
That's the rationale behind airline alliances – families of airlines bound by ink and contracts, and sometimes by common enemies as much as common interests.
The Qantas-Emirates hookup is a buddy-system built around the needs of each airline, with Alan Joyce cannily keeping Oneworld membership in the Red Roo's pouch
Alliances don't fly their own planes. They're a 'virtual brand' straddling multiple airlines, each of which can pin hundreds of destinations on their route map by tapping into the network of partner airlines.
A global travel troika
Most Australian travellers would be familiar with Oneworld, one of the three global airline alliances.
It counts Qantas, British Airways and Cathay Pacific as foundation members, along with Japan Airlines, Finnair and as of last week, Malaysia Airlines.
With the Malaysian flag carrier on board, you can now fly direct to Kuala Lumpur from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth – with onwards legs to major cities including London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Mumbai – while earning Qantas Frequent Flyer points and status credits.
As with other Oneworld partner airlines you can book MAS flights through Qantas and also turn your frequent flyer points into reward seats and upgrades.
Malaysia Airlines has no premium economy cabin, though, so you'll need plenty of points to make the jump from economy to business class.
Next on Oneworld's list is Qatar Airways, the first of the big three Gulf airlines to sign up with an alliance.
Competitor Star Alliance has its own A-list roster including Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand, Lufthansa, Thai Airways and United-Continental.
Ansett Australia was part of the Star family until it collapsed in late 2001, taking with it untold millions of frequent flyer points belonging to Aussie travellers.
Rounding out the trioka is SkyTeam with Korean Air, China Southern, Air France and US carrier Delta in its corner.
Points and perks
Alliances are quick to spruik their benefits. There's seamless travel on a single ticket, even when you're hopping between several airlines, while your luggage (at least in theory) follows faithfully along from plane to plane.
You can earn frequent flyer points with your chosen partner airline even when travelling on another alliance member's metal, and you can use them to snare free seats and upgrades on those other airlines.
Then come on-the-ground goodies such as access to almost any lounge run by any partner airline, and status-based privileges like a higher checked luggage allowance.
While that all sounds pretty appealing, many airlines are picking their own dance partners rather than joining one of the three alliances and inheriting its membership like a clutch of foster-children.
Virgin Australia has adopted a DIY approach, forging close partnerships with Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, Etihad and Delta.
Virgin Australian chief John Borghetti says it's all about choosing airlines based on 'best fit' principles to strategically build Virgin's international network.
And across this network you can make multi-airline bookings, earn and burn frequent flyer points, enjoy reciprocal lounge access ... in other words, the same core benefits of a formal alliance.
Qantas's each-way bet
The forthcoming Qantas-Emirates hook-up is another example of a bilateral buddy-system built around the needs of each airline, and sees Alan Joyce cannily put a dollar each way in the alliance game.
Qantas retains Oneworld membership while stitching up a bespoke partnership with Emirates, which stands steadfastly independent. Emirates president Tim Clarke shuns formal alliances as "gang warfare" on a global scale.
"I'm so opposed to alliances because I believe they distort and channel and direct for the greater good of the alliance thing, rather than the consumers that are driving it all," Clarke explained in an interview last year with aviation industry website FlightGlobal.
"There is actually room for us and our way of doing things, and the way they do. I'd rather work with all these airlines on an independent basis, and that's what we do."
Understandably, Oneworld CEO Bruce Ashby has a different opinion.
"We don't bind anybody's hands," Ashby says. "That wouldn't be good for us, our members or the travellers. Look at Qantas-Emirates. There's a business niche and a need that Qantas wants to fill. Emirates is an excellent partner and Oneworld didn't have somebody who could step into that gap. That doesn't hurt us, and it helps Qantas, which is is one of our members, and that's what we're about."
How significantly do airline alliances shape your travel plans, and which do you rate as the best alliance of The Big Three, or are they becoming less relevant?
David Flynn is a business travel expert and editor of Australian Business Traveller.
Twitter: @AusBT


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Bedroom Sets
Design your dream space with bedroom sets from Crate and Barrel. Choose from platform beds upholstered with family-friendly woven fabrics and polyfoam cushioning for a plush, luxurious feel, and from beds and casegoods constructed with rich, textured wood for an organic, natural look. Details like buttonless tufting and unique geometric patterns add interest to your bedroom furniture. Browse coordinating nightstands, dressers, chests, wardrobes and mirrors. We offer a variety of bedroom sets to suit the style of nearly anyone—from mid-century modern to contemporary minimalism, we've got it all. Shop our selection of bedroom sets and create your perfect room.


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Rosle Onion and Vegetable Chopper
Kitchen & EntertainingHome
100 0
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Rosle Onion and Vegetable Chopper is rated out of 5 by 6.
Rated 5 out of 5 by scmg from Great purchase Fabulous product. A little pricey but still worth it!
Date published: 2013-01-31
Rated 5 out of 5 by Cinzio from Rosle Onion Chopper So fun to use and so easy. No more tears! Love it
Date published: 2013-01-08
Rated 5 out of 5 by sunnyboise from Gourmet Chopper I was in desperate need of a chopper for upcoming fall baked goods. I find it's best to chop up your whole nuts for cookies and cakes for tasty baked goods. I looked everywhere for one, even the fine kitchen store with no success. I looked to Frontgate and I lucked out to see they carry Rosle. An outstanding brand and I knew I would not go wrong. Along with it working well, it adds kitchen flare with the well finished stainess look.
Date published: 2012-07-15
Rated 5 out of 5 by genenmontana from Very Happy I got sick of that cheezy little plastic base breaking on my chopper(s) and was looking for a higher quality chopper. The Rosle Onion and Vegetable chopper has so far filled that role. Actually, it has performed flawlessly and has a much higher quality base.
Date published: 2012-05-01
Rated 2 out of 5 by northeastchef1 from Only for the strong and patient This chopper has a really neat design, but the blades aren't very sharp, and a lot of strength is required to push the blades into the vegetables.
Date published: 2011-07-13
Rated 1 out of 5 by Gideon from Exciting but not I bought this after a friend told me how great it was. The blades didn't seem to fall to the bottom so whether I put in nuts or onions, everything got smashed to the bottom creating one big mess.
Date published: 2013-06-05
Product:51349-Rosle Onion and Vegetable Chopper


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Behind junior Lizzy Tardieu, the Santa Catalina finished ninth in the CIF State Division V cross country championships at Woodward Park in Fresno on Saturday.
Tardieu finished the 5-kilometer race in 20:00 to take 36th overall. Senior Lucy Scattini placed 64th (20:41), sophomore Kate Loshkareva took 72nd place (20:53), junior Lily Patterson was right behind in 74th place (20:56), freshman Jessica Gutshall finished 82nd (21:04) and sophomore Brenda Melano placed 165th (23:37) for Santa Catalina.
Competing in the Division V girls race as individuals, Notre Dame junior Alex Lathos placed 58th (20:34) and her teammate, junior Jackie Tarsitano, finished 92nd (21:15).
In Division I, the Salinas girls team finished 21st. Sophomore Leah Meuter led the Cowboys by finishing with a time of 19:45 to take 122nd place overall. Fellow sophomore Cynthia Camacho took 148th place (20:11), sophomore Megan Mayfield placed 161st (20:41), senior Maritza Cardenas finished 174th (21:22), junior Alicia Cuevas finished 175th (21:23), sophomore Amber Varney took 189th place (22:39) and junior Malena Grover finished 194th (23:38) for Salinas.
In Division IV, the Greenfield girls team finished 19th. Freshman Jocelyn Sosa led the way for the Bruins by finishing 59th with a time of 20:15. Sophomore Nancy Rivera finished 66th (20:31), junior Alondra Jaime placed 121st (21:30), sophomore Odalys Barajas finished 157th (22:23), senior Abigail Romero finished 168th (22:59), senior Maria Jaime placed 189th (23:50) and sophomore Maritza Trujillo finished 191st (24:09) for Greenfield.
Competing as an individual, Carmel sophomore Maddie McKenzie took 43rd place in the Division IV girls race with a time of 19:55.
Seaside was one of two Monterey County boys teams competing at the state meet. The Spartans took 11th place as a team in the Division IV race.
Junior Zechariah Snel was the top Seaside finisher, taking 38th with a time of 16:39. Sophomore Jose Gonzalez placed 63rd (16:55), junior Arturo Miguel-Perez took 78th place (17:06), senior Carlos Millan finished 81st (17:08), senior Fesehaye Mock placed 94th (17:17), sophomore Parker Smith took 98th place (17:22) and sophomore Javan Flinn finished 166th (18:28) for Seaside.
Pacific Grove senior Timmy Matthews earned 37th place competing as an individual in the Division IV race with a time of 16:38.
York senior Kobi Lee had the best finish of any Monterey County runner, taking 21st place in the Division V boys race with a time of 16:24. Lee helped boost the Falcons to a 17th place finish.
Senior Roland Centeno placed 101st (17:48), junior Brendan Martin took 110th (17:57), freshman Ryan Ixtlahuac finished 143rd (18:35), sophomore Jorge Mata took 148th (18:41), junior Brian Clark placed 154th (18:52) and freshman Denny Baek took 173rd (20:25) for York.
Competing as an individual in the Division V race senior Diego Leon took 35th place with a time of 16:47.


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Podcast: Bad Coach Confidential
On the latest Sports Retort, we finally get to our long-promised NBA extravaganza, with author, podcaster and former professional benchwarmer Paul Shirley and the Journal's Chris Herring joining us.
Paul presents a theory about all the road upsets so far in the playoffs: loaded rosters matched with underwhelming coaches and limited teams guided by coaching geniuses. Along the way, he does not hold back on which coaches do not impress him—sorry, Houston fans—and wonders why fans don't get fired up about a classic underdog like Memphis.
As an Iowa State alum, Paul goes deep on Cyclone Memories with us. It's one thing to cry watching "One Shining Moment" at the end of the NCAA tournament. What if, like Paul, you're forever known as one of the players crying? He weighs in on whether he would have tried to join a labor union as a college player if given the chance. We wonder what would happen if Drake sponsored the Drake Relays track meet, and Jim honors the innovation of putting a pole vault competition in a shopping mall. (Paul joins us at the 17:25 mark.)
Chris weighs in on Phil Jackson's very public call-out of Carmelo Anthony regarding his next salary and his future with the Knicks, why Chicago and Houston may have an easier time signing him away and why people should short the surging Trail Blazers.


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Sneak Peeks Week of August 21, 2006
ohn and Natalie take action to get what they want. What is that exactly? Don't know for sure, but another question might be…are they after the same thing? Maybe, maybe not; all we do know is...Read more...
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|Page 212 of 229
|Days of our Lives "Better Living" a must have book
Looking for that perfect holiday stocking stuffer? Or just the right gift? Well! Look no further than the latest book from Days of our Lives called, " Better Living." The book takes you into the private lives of the stars as they share tips and pointers on how to improve the quality of your life as well as their own. The book features current and former cast members.
"Better Living" was written by Greg Meng, Sr. Vice president of Corday productions, Inc. and Co-Executive producer of Days of our Lives.
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