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As one of the world's largest countries and the most populous there is so much to discover in China.
Understanding the history of China is key to understanding modern China. The people are proud of it's past, and keen to share it's heritage with the world. In a country that defies superlatives the words 'vast', 'astonishing' and 'variation' don't really seem to cover it - China really does have it all. Jungle in the south, mountains in the west, desert in the north and 21st century cities.. well... almost everywhere.
Beijiing is the hub of political and international focus. With the 2008 Olympic games providing funds to modernise huge ares of the city, it is a truly modern city. However most visitors are most struck by it's old elements from celebrated site such as the Forbidden Palace to simple, traditional hutongs.
There's a lot of China to see and most of it is changing rapidly, so what are you waiting for? Get out there are discover it for yourself.
Wrapped around the Himalayan mountain range is the remarkable country of Nepal. It is the birthplace of the Buddha and is a land of legend and beauty. Within its narrow confines Nepal contains an utterly spectacular variety of culture and landscapes. Nepal has a stunning natural beauty and a simple charm.
Situated on the banks of the Bagmati River, Kathmandu is the hub of life in Nepal. A small medieval city, it is easy to get around on bicycles which can be hired very cheaply by the day or week. Worth visiting are Durbar Square, the Temple of the Living Goddess, the Royal Palace, Pashupatinath (Hindu Temple), Bodnath (Buddhist Stupa) and Swayambunath (Monkey Temple) - and all set against the magnificent Himalayan backdrop.
While many urban restaurants in the country have tables and chairs for meals, there's a chance to eat the traditional Nepalese way. Sit or squat on the floor as food is served. Eating is always done with the right hand, which is washed before and after each meal, while the left hand can only be used for holding cups. Try a traditional millet beer with your meal. The Tongba drink is an icon for the local Limbus people, and from the storing of the millet to the drinking of the beer can take 6 months, but the wait is worth it. Nepal is full of culture and this continues into the music scene. With a country of over 50 ethnicity's there is a wide variety of choice. The amazing Dolhori style of music is a rhythmatic style of conversation and with quick thinking, the song can carry on.
With traditional culture and diverse landscapes, this country has something for everyone, and added to the friendly atmosphere, it makes Nepal a memorable place to visit.
Border Information: Welcome to Kathmandu. If joining in Kathmandu you will enter Nepal at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan Airport.
Please note that our trips between Kathmandu and Xi'an travel through extreme environments and these itineraries WILL NOT NECESSARILY RUN AS PUBLISHED. We will adjust trip itineraries depending on weather, altitude effects, group make up and road conditions. This day by day itinerary is provided as a rough guide only.
Today we have a group meeting at 10:00hrs in our hotel in Kathmandu.
The rest of the day is free to explore this fascinating city, staying overnight in our comfortable hotel.
Hotel Tibet
Tel: 977 - 1 - 4429085 - 8
|Approximate Cost
Time to explore the sights of Kathmandu
|Included in Kitty
Discover Kathmandu on a guided city tour
Situated on the banks of the Bagmati River, Kathmandu is the hub of life in Nepal. A small medieval city, it is easy to get around on bicycles which can be hired very cheaply by the day or week. Worth visiting are Durbar Square, the Temple of the Living Goddess, the Royal Palace, Pashupatinath (Hindu Temple), Bodnath (Buddhist Stupa) and Swayambunath (Monkey Temple) - and all set against the magnificent Himalayan backdrop. The wonderful Indra Jatra Festival takes part here and the colours and chariots travel through the city.
The giant of Mount Everest lies on the border with China and with a chance to visit the base camp, it will feel like you have started to conquer on of the most enthralling challenges in the world. As soon as you set sight on this country you'll see that it was made for trekking. The pulse raising activities range from mountain biking and white water rafting, to the jaw dropping effects of one of the country's many national parks.
While many urban restaurants in the country have tables and chairs for meals, there's a chance to eat the traditional Nepalese way. Sit or squat on the floor as food is served. Eating is always done with the right hand, which is washed before and after each meal, while the left hand can only be used for holding cups. Try a traditional millet beer with your meal. The Tongba drink is an icon for the local Limbus people, and from the storing of the millet to the drinking of the beer can take 6 months, but the wait is worth it. Nepal is full of culture and this continues into the music scene. With a country of over 50 ethnicity's there is a wide variety of choice. The amazing Dolhori style of music is a rhythmatic style of conversation and with quick thinking, the song can carry on.
With traditional culture and diverse landscapes, this country has something for everyone, and added to the friendly atmosphere, it makes Nepal a memorable place to visit.
Kathmandu is not only the capital of Nepal, it is pretty much the only city in the country. Situated on the shores of the Bagmati river, it's a lively, bustling place where ancient collides with modern to create an exhilarating melting pot of sights, sounds and smells. Todays modern jumble of concrete buildings and busy streets has built up around the medieval old town, where wandering through the winding alleyways is like taking a step back in time. The heart of the old city is the magnificent Durbar Square, where Nepalese Royalty used to be crowned, and today it's a good spot to sit and watch the world go by. The buildings here date from the 17th and 18th centuries, although many of the original structures were even older and many suffered from earthquake damage in the 1930's. Other sights worth visiting are the Temple of the Living Goddess, the Royal Palace, the Pashupatinath Hindu temple, Bodnath Buddhist stupa and Swayambunath (the Monkey Temple), all of which are set against the magnificent Himalayan backdrop. When all the sightseeing gets a bit to much, you can kick back and relax in the numerous cafes and bars around the tourist areas of Thamel and 'Freak Street'. If you can afford the time, it's also worth allowing yourself at least a couple of days to explore the surrounding area of the Kathmandu Valley.
Leaving Kathmandu in the morning, we have a few hours drive to reach the cliff-top gorge resort of Kodari. We will be staying in Kodari for 2 nights at the Last Resort Tented Camp. This allows you plenty of time for a range of optional activities from bungy-jumping to bridge-swinging and canyoning - or just sit back and relax and enjoy the amazing views.
|Approximate Cost
2 nights at a stunning mountain resort, nestling in the foothills of the Himalaya
|Included in Kitty
Overnight stay at spectacularly situated mountain resort in the foothills of the Himalaya
|Included in Kitty
Free day in Kodari. Explore the area, kick-back at the Last Resort camp or get involved in some of the adventure activities on offer. Second night in tented camp.
|Approximate Cost
Time for optional adventure activities, canyoning, cycling & rope-walking
Border information: Exit Nepal at Kodari, enter China at Zhangmu
Today we drive along the Arniko Highway, zigzagging on poor roads past steep gorges up to the Chinese border. It can be very time-consuming crossing the border from Nepal into the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China, so some patience may be required - and time is built into the itinerary to allow for delays. Tonight we will probably stay in the small town of Zhangmu on the Chinese side of the border in a rustic local hotel.
Zhangmu is the border town in Tibet. It clings precariously to the sheer mountainside and is separated from Nepal by a cascading river, which spans the famous Friendship Bridge. This is the real frontier between the two countries.
We will spend the next 2 to 3 days climbing high into the mountains over the Lalungla Pass (5050m) up into the Himalaya. This is part of the famous "Friendship Highway", cutting through gorges, across plateaus and over high passes. On all the passes that we cross you will see the ever present pilgrim prayer flags, cairns and scattered "wind horse" papers.
We will travel slowly taking time to acclimatise to the altitude and wildcamping along the way. We may sometimes back-track on ourselves, enabling us to sleep at lower altitudes than we have climbed to during the day, as this helps the body to acclimatise to the conditions.
Arriving in Baipa (also known as New Tingri) we meet the junction for the road to Everest Base Camp in Tibet. We will stay here overnight in a local guesthouse, allowing us a time to explore and to acclimitise a bit more before our onward journey.
Baipa, also known as New Tingri is a small town in Tibet. This is the junction of the road to Everest and trips to the mountain can be arranged. It is one of the most fascinating spots in the world. Be prepared to be in awe of one of the most famous wonders in the world.
From Baipa we make the journey to the Rongbuk Monastery & Everest Base Camp. The drive is not an easy one, passing over another 5200 m pass, but the views are sensational and weather permitting, we should have excellent views of Mt. Everest. Once we have reached the Monastery it is about a two hour walk or donkey and cart ride further to Base Camp. We will usually camp here in Tibetan tents with pot-bellied stoves which take six to eight people. Hopefully when you open up in the morning, there will be a view of Mt. Everest. From base camp the view of the north face of the highest mountain on earth is something you will never forget.
|Approximate Cost
Overnight at Everest Base Camp, crossing Tibetan passes of 5200 metres en route.
|Included in Kitty
This morning we have some more time at Base Camp, before making the return journey to Baipa. We will stay overnight here once again tonight in the same local guesthouse as before.
Most of today will be spent travelling as we drive over high mountain passes to Shigatse, Tibet's second biggest city. We may have to ford a number of small rivers and the road is rough, but the stunning views and scenery make this one of the world's most visually fantastic journeys. Overnight in a friendly local hotel.
|Approximate Cost
Stopover in Shigatse and visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery
|Included in Kitty
This morning is free to explore Shigatse with time to visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery. Afternoon drive to rural town of Gyantse with optional visit to Gyantse fort. Overnight in a friendly local hotel.
|Approximate Cost
Visit to the stunning town of Gyantse and Baiju Monastery
|Included in Kitty
Leaving Gyantse we drive towards Lhasa stopping at Baiju Temple en route and crosisng the Karo La Pass. Tonight we will stop of en route and wildcamp overnight, maybe close toYamdrok Tso Lake. This is another stunning area of Tibet, with turquoise waters, picturesque islands and small villages - a wide plain surrounded by mountains.
We have a relaxed start this morning, with time to enjoy the beautiful scenery. It's then a short drive on the Friendship Highway over Kampa La Pass (4794m) to Lhasa, where we will be staying for the next 3 or 4 nights. Whilst in Lhasa we stay in a comfortable hotel.
2 or 3 full days to explore the Tibetan city of Lhasa. There will be organised visits to Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, with the option to also visit the Drepung and Sera Monasteries and the Summer Palace. Staying in a comfortable hotel.
|Approximate Cost
Explore the Potala Palace, Lhasa
|Included in Kitty
Guided tour of the Jokhang Temple, Lhasa
|Included in Kitty
Guided tour of the Sera Monstery, Lhasa
|Included in Kitty
Norbulingka (Summer Palace), Lhasa
Ganden Monastery, Lhasa
Drepung Monastery, Lhasa
Leaving Lhasa we head out across the Tibetan Plateau once again. We will spend the next few days overlanding, crossing the famous Tanggula Pass (5220m) and wildcamping along the way.
Once we have crossed the Tanggula Pass, we will have left Tibet behind, entering Qinghai Province. Our destination is the small town of Golmud, where we will stay overnight in a small rustic hotel.
For the next couple of days we will be overlanding through Qinghai, climbing high up on to the Tibetan Plateau as we drive. Here we are travelling through an area that is actually a giant basin surrounded by high mountains and en route we will pass the vast and starkly beautiful Qinghai Hu Lake. This lake occupies an area of over 4,500 square kilometres and the water is saline, teeming with fish. Yak graze the grasses and the icy blue waters stretch as far as the eye can see. The population of this part of the Tibetan Plateau is thinly spread and mainly comprises of Kazaks, Moguls and Hui. We will be stopping off and wildcamping along the way.
|Approximate Cost
Journey west through the lower realms of the Tibetan Plateau to the remote Qinghai Lake
|Included in Kitty
Today we will arrive into the town of Lanzhou, with time to explore in the afternoon. Overnight in a friendly local hotel.
|Approximate Cost
Guided visit to the vast Buddha and cave at Bingling Si near Lanzhou
|Included in Kitty
From Lanzhou we will have a full days drive on to the enchanting Tibetan town of Xiahe, where we will be staying for 2 nights, giving us a full day to explore. Whilst in Xiahe we will stay in dormitory accommodation in a rustic guesthouse.
|Approximate Cost
2 night detour to the Tibetan town of Xiahe, one of the main pilgrimage sites for Tibetan Buddhists
|Included in Kitty
Leaving Xiahe, we drive on to Liujiaxia, arriving in the late afternoon or early evening. Tonight we will be staying in a friendly local hotel.
This morning we will visit the Bingling Si Buddha Caves, returning to Luijiaxia for lunch. In the afternoon we will retrace our steps on the short drive back to Lanzhou. Overnight in comfortable local hotel.
|Approximate Cost
Guided visit to the vast Buddha and cave at Bingling Si near Lanzhou
|Included in Kitty
From Lanzhou we head for Pingliang where we will be staying for 1 or 2 nights. From Pingliang we will have the chance to visit Mt Kongtong and time to explore the small town and surrounding area. Wildcamping or staying in a small local guesthouse.
|Approximate Cost
Explore the stunningly beautiful Mt. Kongtong and its temples
|Included in Kitty
Full days drive from Pingliang to Xi'an where we will be staying in a comfortable hotel with good facilities.
|Approximate Cost
Bell and Drum towers, Xian
Folk house, Xian
Great Mosque, Xian
Shaanxi History Museum, Xian
Small Wild Goose Pagoda, Xian
Bicycle rental on city wall, Xian
Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Xian
The imperial centre of China for 2,000 years, Xi'an is now a vibrant, modern city dotted with many interesting historical sites. A monument pays homage to the fact that this was the start of the famous ancient trading route of the Silk Road and the city is still surrounded by city walls which you can climb and walk or cycle along, a unique way to experience the city. For a different view, haul yourself to the top of the Bell or Drum Towers in the centre of the city. Thanks to Xi'an's long and colourful history, the city is full of beautiful temples and museums and interesting cultural and historic sites, the most famous of which are probably the 2000 year old Terracotta warriors. Home to many Hui people, an ethnic Muslim minority, the city also has a unique Islamic flavour, particularly in the streets surrounding the Great Mosque, best explored by foot. Once you've worn yourself out with a hard days sightseeing, you can head out to the night markets to try some of the many tantalising local specialties on offer. Pao mo is a lamb broth that you break flat bread into, or try hand pulled noodles or hot pot. Later on, try your luck at karaoke, hugely popular here, or head down to the South Park to live it up with the locals as they dance, practice martial arts, play games, fly kites and watch the world go by.
Free day in Xi'an including a guided visit to the infamous Terracotta Warriors. Second night in comfortable hotel.
|Approximate Cost
Luxury in Xi'an: civilisation, a great hotel and guided tour of the Terracotta Warriors
|Included in Kitty
Border information: If you are starting in Xi'an, enter China at Xi'an or Beijing.
Welcome to Xi'an: Trip meeting at 10.00hrs in a good quality, centrally located hotel in Xi'an. This afternoon we visit to the remarkable Terracotta Warriors.
Overnight in a hotel.
No. 40 Yanyin Road (to the East of Dayan Pagoda)
Shaanxi Province
Tel: +86-29-87601111
|Approximate Cost
Bell and Drum towers, Xian
Bicycle rental on city wall, Xian
Small Wild Goose Pagoda, Xian
Shaanxi History Museum, Xian
Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Xian
Great Mosque, Xian
Folk house, Xian
Today is free to explore. Possibly cycle around the ancient wall, visit the
Overnight in a hotel.
|Approximate Cost
Luxury in Xi'an: civilisation, a great hotel and guided tour of the Terracotta Warriors
|Included in Kitty
Today we make our way to Yan'an. Yan'an is famous for being the final resting place for those on the Long March and became the CCP headquarters for a brief period. During our time here we visit the Revolution museum and the Headquarters site.
Overnight in a local hotel.
|Approximate Cost
Visit the Revolution museum and Headquarters site.
|Included in Kitty
When the diminished communist armies pitched up here at the end of the Long March, it signalled the beginning of Yan'an's brief peroid in the Sun. For 12 years, from 1935 to 1947, this backwater town was the CCP headquarters. During our time here we will have a chance to step back into history as we explore the area.
Today we visit the ancient Village of Lijiashan famed for settlement of cave dwellers and still home to more than 600 families.
We stay overnight in a cave room (Please note that some caves include a traditional 'Kang Stove bed'. The Kang bed is a hollow platform made from bricks that is used both as a bed and as a work area, these are common in remote villages in Northern China. In winter a coal fire can be lit under the bed, providing a huge amount of warmth day and night and it is very common for the whole family to sleep on one large bed. This means there may be times that members of the group may have to share 1 large bed with others in the group.
Lijiashan, located in China's Shanxi province is famed for its cave houses. This remote 550-year-old village, hugging a hillside set back from the Yellow River, has hundreds of cave dwellings scaling nine storeys.
We set off early this morning for a visit to the Black Dragon Temple. We then drive to China's best-preserved ancient walled town of Pingyao. There will be plenty of time to explore this ancient town during our time here.
We stay in a comfortable hotel for the next 2 nights.
|Approximate Cost
wander around the Black Dragon temple
|Included in Kitty
Pingyao old town.
|Included in Kitty
Bike hire in Pingyao.
Shuanglin temple.
Pingyao is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a traditional Han Chinese city, founded in the 14th century. Its urban fabric shows the evolution of architectural styles and town planning in Imperial China over five centuries. Of special interest are the imposing buildings associated with banking, for which Pingyao was the major centre for the whole of China in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
This morning we make out way to the stunning mountainous area known as the five terrace Mountains or Wutai Shan. Tomorrow we will have a full day to explore the area.
Accommodation for the next 2 nights will be in a comfortable hotel.
|Approximate Cost
Visit temples in the area known as the Taihuai Temple Cluster. There are many opportunities for Hiking in the area.
|Included in Kitty
The sacred mountain Wutaishan, located in Shanxi Province, is believed to be the earthly abode of the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, Manjushri, and for a thousand years it has been a focus of transnational pilgrimage for the Chinese, Tibetans, Mongols, and Manchus alike. This multi-culturalism, endemic of Himalayan art, is reflected in the objects in the exhibition coming from Nepal, Tibet, Mongolia, and China, including paintings, sculptures, masks, book covers and features a six-foot wide woodblock print, a panoramic view of Mount Wutai filled with temples and miraculous visions.
Today we drive to the city of Datong visiting the Hanging Monastery enroute. Tomorrow we will visit the Yungang caves.
The next 2 nights are spent in a comfortable hotel.
|Approximate Cost
2 nights to explore Datong's Hanging Monastery and the stunning Yungang Caves
|Included in Kitty
Journey through the remarkable industrial heartland of the north, the powerhouse of modern China
|Included in Kitty
This morning we drive to the Great Wall. This afternoon there will be time to explore.
Overnight in a local hotel.
|Approximate Cost
Explore the awe inspiring Great Wall of China at Jinshanling.
|Included in Kitty
A relaxing morning spent at the Great Wall. Afternoon drive to Chengde. Whilst in Chengde we will visit the Puning Temple and the Bishu shanzhuang, or better known as the Imperial Summer resort.
We will stay in a comfortable hotel for the next 2 nights.
|Approximate Cost
Explore the Imperial city of Chengde, summer home to the Emperor's family
|Included in Kitty
After Breakfast we get back in the truck for our drive to China's capital, Beijing.
Tomorrow morning we will take you on a guided tour of the
We spend the next 2 nights in a comfortable hotel with good facilities.
|Approximate Cost
Beijing Opera, Beijing
Acrobat show, Beijing
Guided visit to the Forbidden City in Beijing
|Included in Kitty
Beijing Zoo (including Aquarium), Beijing
Hutong cycle tour.
Kung fu show.
Lama Temple.
Summer Palace.
Temple of Heaven.
Free time in Beijing.
Most countries we visit on our travels will require visas. Some are best obtained before you leave home and others can be obtained en-route. Whilst the ultimate responsibility for obtaining visas is yours, we will endeavour to assist you wherever possible.
The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. The information provided is given in good faith and we do try to keep the visa information as up to date as possible. Please be aware though that rules do change, often without prior warning, which is why it is important that you check for yourself.
For visas that are needed in advance you can choose to submit the applications directly to the relevant embassy/consulate. However our recommendation is that you use a visa agent to assist you with your applications. While this does increase the cost it will make the process much easier for you. Dragoman have teamed up with 'The Visa Machine' to create a safe, secure, hassle-free way of obtaining visas and visa advice. Our unique link within their website is designed to make the visa process as straightforward as possible. Simply go to https://dragoman.thevisamachine.com and click on your region of travel followed by your trip route and 'The Visa Machine' will advise you about not only the required visas but also the dates by which you should apply. 'The Visa Machine' can then assist you in the actual visa application thus taking all the worry and hassle out of the process. This should apply for ALL nationalities and countries of residence.
As you will need to submit your passport together with your applications, we recommend that you avoid making any travel plans in the weeks leading up to your departure. However if you do need to travel in this period please let us know as soon as possible so that we can help you work out the options for your visa application process.
All foreign nationals (except Indians) require a visa to enter Nepal.
Visas are obtainable from embassies abroad, at land borders and on arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan airport. If you plan to get the visa at the airport be prepared for long queues. There have been instances when passengers were asked to show return flight tickets. You will also need to provide one passport photo and the following fees in US dollars cash only:
single entry visa valid for 15 days - USD25
single entry visa valid for 30 days - USD40
single entry visa valid for 90 days - USD100
Please note if you are staying in Nepal for less than 24 hours while in transit a transit visa can be issued on presentation of your international flight ticket, there is a nominal charge of USD5 and one photo is required.
For trips departing from Kathmandu, do not apply for your China visa in advance, as these will be obtained as a group visa in Kathmandu with the assistance from our ground agent in Kathmandu. The Tibet permits will be arranged en route with the help of our local agent. You will need to send Dragoman a quality-scanned copy of your passport in order for us to arrange this approximately 2 months before departure.
As of March 2014, you will also no longer need to apply for a Guarantee Letter from China to be included on the group visa. I.e., there is no special preparation that you will have to do to obtain your visas for Tibet except for sending us a scan of your passport photo page.
The local costs to the embassy in Kathmandu for the China visa are approximately as follows but please note that visa costs can change and often do without notice for which Dragoman are not responsible for:-
For US Citizens:
3-day service (express) - USD175
1 week service (ordinary) - USD140
For all other:
3-day service (express) - USD85
1 week service (ordinary) - USD50
Please note that working days of the Embassy are Monday, Tuesday and Friday only.
IMPORTANT - SEPARATION COSTS (Chinese visa): The group visa then has to be split in Xian into individual visas in the passport due to passengers different travel plans within China and beyond at the end of this trip. There is an additional cost of approximately USD50 for EU citizens and USD170 for US citizens. Dragoman cannot be held responsible for these additional costs, as it is unfortunately an unavoidable cost due to the laws surrounding the China/Tibet group visa.
Please apply for your China visa in advance. Please note that only UK and EU passport holders are able to get this visa in the UK. The visa is valid for 3 months from the date of issue and has a validity of 30, 60 or 90 days. All nationalities should check with the respective embassies for more information and costs.
You require a single entry visa. Please do not mention Kashgar, Turpan or Tibet anywhere on your application form as this is likely to result in your application being rejected.
Name of Host –
Jason Tours,
China YTS.
2 nd Floor, 19
Dongchenggeng Street.
Tel: +86-28-89075414
Tibet permits will be arranged en route with the help of our local agent. You will need to send Dragoman a quality-scanned copy of your passport and a copy of your Chinese visa in order for us to arrange this approximately 2 months before departure or as soon as possible.
Please also be aware that a sudden change in the political situation can lead to an immediate change in visa issuance policy, especially in Tibet: This can create unforeseen delays, as the authorities can suddenly require additional information from visitors, or suddenly increase the prices for visa issuance.
We intend following the planned route but exact night stops cannot be guaranteed. It sometimes happens that we decide to make a change to our basic planned itinerary. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, road or bureaucratic conditions may demand it. By their very nature overland itineraries need to be flexible and the regions that we are travelling through are often unpredictable. We run adventure journeys in off the beaten track areas, often in areas without western infrastructure. You should expect that some these areas do not adhere to western safety standards.
This itinerary is liable to change at any time before or during the journey. Although this trip is designed to stay in hotels every night, because of the unpredictable nature of overland travel, we may camp for a night or two and you should be prepared to bring along a sleeping bag and a roll mat.
Tibet authorisation is included in the trip price but we cannot guarantee that everyone will be authorised for travel to Tibet as this authorisation is out of our control.
We advise you to book flexible airfares where possible.
NB: There will be additional costs to obtain a Chinese visa.
The airport is about 40 kilometres away from the hotel, approximately one hour's drive.
It is also possible to take a taxi (use registered taxis only) directly from the airport arrivals area to the hotel (have the address of hotel ready). This will costs approx 100 CYN.
Another option is to take the subway (Airport express) from Terminal 1,2 &3 from Beijing international to Donzhimen Subway station on line 2 (25 CYN). Then transfer to Line 2 and go to XIZHMEN, then transfer to Line 5 (2 CYN) to Ping'anli subway stop. The Htl is near PIAN'ANLI.
Alternatively, an airport transfer can be booked in advance, this will include an English speaking guide. For more details and prices please contact your agent.
Physical preparation for Asia Itineraries
In Asia you will need to be healthy enough to cope with extremes of climates from the hot deserts through to the colds of the high mountains. Overland travelling can be demanding - long, rough travel days, dusty conditions can be challenging to some. You will need to be fit enough to help every day with the camp chores (cooking, washing up, general camp set up) as well as putting up and taking down your own tent. There are some long driving days and some early morning starts. The step up into the overland vehicle, while not overly high can become tiring and you need to judge yourself to be physically fit enough to haul yourself up and down the step at least 8-10 times a day. By and large our Asia trips have a good range of hotel accommodation mixed up with camping so that life is not too rough.
Please note that this trip spends time above 2800 metres/9200 feet where it is possible for travellers to experience some adverse effects on your health due to the altitude, potentially including Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) and High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE).
Because of this it is very important that you make yourself aware of the cause and effects of travelling at altitude and monitor your health during this trip.
For further information please click here to download our AMS information sheet or check out the following website www.high-altitude-medicine.com
Your leader will also hand you a copy of the AMS information sheet during your trip as well as holding a short meeting prior to travelling to altitudes above 2800m/9200ft for the first time.
If you are starting your trip in a destination above 2800m/9200ft we strongly advise reading this information prior to arrival.
Most countries we visit on our travels will require visas. Some are best obtained before you leave home and others can be obtained en-route. Whilst the ultimate responsibility for obtaining visas is yours, we will endeavour to assist you wherever possible.
The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. The information provided is given in good faith and we do try to keep the visa information as up to date as possible. Please be aware though that rules do change, often without prior warning, which is why it is important that you check for yourself.
For visas that are needed in advance, you can choose to submit the applications directly to the relevant embassy or consulate. However, our recommendation is that you use a visa agent to assist you with your applications. While this does increase the cost, it will make the process much easier for you. Dragoman have teamed up with 'The Visa Machine' to create a safe, secure, hassle-free way of obtaining visas and visa advice. Our unique link within their website is designed to make the visa process as straightforward as possible. Simply go to https://dragoman.thevisamachine.com and click on your region of travel followed by your trip route and 'The Visa Machine' will advise you about not only the required visas but also the dates by which you should apply. 'The Visa Machine' can then assist you in the actual visa application, thus taking all the worry and hassle out of the process. This should apply for ALL nationalities and countries of residence.
As you will need to submit your passport together with your applications, we recommend that you avoid making any travel plans in the weeks leading up to your departure. However if you do need to travel in this period please let us know as soon as possible so that we can help you work out the options for your visa application process.
All foreign nationals (except Indians) require a visa to enter Nepal.
Visas are obtainable from embassies abroad, at land borders and on arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan airport. If getting the visa at the airport be prepared for long queues. There have been instances when passengers were asked to show return flight tickets. You will also need to provide one passport photo and the following fees in US dollars cash only:
single entry visa valid for 15 days - US$25
single entry visa valid for 30 days - US$40
single entry visa valid for 90 days - US$100
Please note if you are staying in Nepal for less than 24 hours while in transit a transit visa can be issued on presentation of your international flight ticket, there is a nominal charge of US$5 and one photo is required.
Based on the range that previous travellers have spent on this trip, we recommend you allow between a minimum of US$15 and a maximum of US$30 per day for Central Asia, China and Burma and between a minimum of US$10 and a maximum of US$20 for India, Nepal and South East Asia.
This will cover individual expenses such as drinks, meals whilst out and also when staying in hotels, souvenirs, tips and personal permits.
Please note: For trips in Southern India that occur over Christmas and New Year please allow approximately $160USD extra on the kitty for seasonal increases in accommodation costs
It is not really worth trying to buy local currencies before you travel. Do also bear in mind that many countries have strict regulations about the amount of their own local currency you are allowed to import - if you are found with amounts in excess of the allowed amounts, it may well be confiscated!
For trips in Turkey, South East Asia, India and Nepal, a sensible mix of cash and ATM cards is best. However, most of our past passengers have said they wished they had been told to bring more cash. Apart from the convenience of being able to change money in many more places, you will sometimes get a much better exchange rate for cash.
For trips in Central Asia, China, Burma and Mongolia please refer to the money exchange notes.
You should take a mixture of denomination notes. Banks and moneychangers in most countries will now only accept bills with a metallic strip running top to bottom of the bill and which are dated from 2003 or later. You should not take worn or damaged notes, or any that have been written on. Cash machines are readily available in most areas but are not always reliable therefore we recommend that you do not rely on them as your only source of cash. Credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express are the most commonly accepted, but be prepared for very high commission charges. Please do not rely on cards for daily use, as they are not always accepted outside of larger towns and cities. Please bring a mixture of small and large denominations as in more remote areas it can be hard to change amounts over USD50.
At Dragoman we believe you should make the most of the places you visit, so if you would like to see more of your joining or finishing point cities, why not book additional accommodation to extend your stay. Dragoman can take away the hassle of time zones and language barriers by making the booking for you. This accommodation is only available at the joining or finishing city of your trip, immediately before or after the trip you are travelling on.
While Dragoman is happy to assist with booking your pre and post trip accommodation, it is important that you understand you may be able to book your own room at a cheaper rate directly through the hotel or on the internet. Our additional accommodation prices are based on the hotel's rate plus an administration fee. Please note our rates do not reflect last minute walk in rates or internet specials.
We can also book arrival airport transfers for you as long as we have your flight arrival details. These are normally payable in cash upon arrival, however we do have pre paid transfers in a few destinations.
Please contact our reservations team for details of the accommodation and transfers that we can offer as not all hotels offer this service.
Dragoman overland trips are designed for shared accommodation, whether camping or staying in hotels and therefore do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers will share with people of the same sex for the duration of the trip, in accommodation ranging from twin to multi-share. The type and variety of accommodation is determined by conditions on each of our routes. The campsites will range from rather basic to those with excellent facilities, including swimming pools, restaurants and bars. In some cases it may also be possible to upgrade locally to bungalows, lodges or even tree-houses. One of the highlights of overlanding is that in more remote areas we will wild camp. This allows us to get far away from the tourist crowds to some beautiful, secluded spots. On some of our trips we are able to stay in villages or local homestays, this allows us to get close to indigenous populations and ensures our money stays within local communities.
The maximum group size we take on our overland journeys ranges from 19 to 22 depending on the geographical location, however the average number of passengers is more likely to be around 16.
Please note that there is an overlap of 2 trips in Zanzibar. This means a group starting a trip in Nairobi for example will visit Zanzibar at the same time as groups starting their trips in Dar es Salaam. In practical terms this means there could be up to 44 group members in Zanzibar at the same time.
Our passengers come from around the world and are always an interesting mix of nationalities and ages. On average there is a pretty even split, males to females and between solo travellers, couples and small groups of friends. We believe that overlanding should be open to as many people as possible and so although we have a minimum age limit of 18, as long as you are fit, healthy and passionate about travel, we are happy to take you, whatever your age is. One of the beauties of group travel is the camaraderie and friendships that are formed along the way and as well as the variety of people that you will meet.
At any time before or after you book you can join our community - Dragoland. This is a great place to ask questions before you travel and catch up with your fellow travellers once your trip has finished. You can share photos, videos and stories You can also download a selection of free travel apps. See the home page to sign in, it's free and easy.
We also have a Facebook page where travellers regularly swap info with each other - you can join here
Our crew are passionate about travel and always up for adventure. It takes someone special to become a Dragoman leader. Our crew undergo the most intensive training program of all overland companies, spending 10 weeks learning the ropes at our base in Suffolk, UK and then up to six months on the road as a trainee. On all Dragoman overlanding trips two western crew who are responsible for the group and the overall organisation will accompany you. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad knowledge of the places visited and to offer suggestions of things to do and see. On trips South of Nairobi in East and Southern Africa we will also have an African camp master/cook who is in charge of running the camp and organising all of the meals. Their knowledge of the local produce makes shopping at the markets great fun and you will learn how to prepare and cook some unusual dishes. In the rest of Africa, South America and the majority of Central Asia and China we use local guides who may stay with us for just a few hours or will actually travel with us for some or all of the journey. In these cases they become a third crew member and are able to offer their local knowledge as well as a real insight into the lives of the local people.
Dragoman endeavours to provide the services of experienced crew however, due to the seasonality of travel, situations may arise where your crew is new to a particular region or training other crew.
Your tour leader has a duty of care to all of their passengers and therefore they have the authority to ask passengers to leave the trip if they require medical assistance, are behaving in an anti-social manner or refuse to comply with local laws and customs. In all matters relating to the trip, the leader's decision will be final and we appreciate your respect of this.
All Dragoman travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully in our trips. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please note that if, in the opinion of our leader, any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, Dragoman reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without a refund.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information prior to travel, particularly if you have a pre-existing medical condition. We also advise you to declare any pre-existing medical conditions to your travel insurers upon purchase.
For trips that travel to areas of high altitude we also require all travellers to complete an altitude questionnaire. The ratings for each trip are a good indication of how challenging they are and in some cases customers should be prepared for some long driving days and possibly limited facilities. We are always happy to give extra advice if you have additional concerns.
Recommended vaccinations and other health protection vary according to regions and recent bulletins issued by health authorities. It is essential to get the latest advice on the region(s) you are planning to travel in. It is essential that you check with either your doctor or travel clinic in good time before you travel.
In the UK we have been working with Nomad travel for many years and their website has comprehensive, up to date vaccination and health information. Dragoman customers will receive a 10% discount off all vaccinations given at Nomad Travel clinics.
A good source of up to date information is the world Health Organisation - http://www.who.int/en/
Get expert advice before travelling about types of malaria pills and take them as instructed. Recommended types do change from time to time and from area to area. Consult your vaccination centre for the most up-to-date requirements
The mosquito usually bites between the hours of dusk and dawn and so covering up by wear long-legged and long-sleeved clothing, preferably light coloured and buttoned at the wrists can help. Do not sleep without closing windows, tent doors or, if sleeping out, use a mosquito net. Wear repellent applied directly to the skin or soaked into clothing.
Treating clothes and mosquito nets with a Permetherin solution provides significant protection. It should be available at most travel stores. Mosquito coils are useful on still nights, in hotel rooms but cannot be used inside the tents.
On an overland journey you are more than just a passenger - you're part of the crew. You are expected to pitch in to set up camp, shop for food, cook and generally help out. As part of your trip you will be assigned a truck job which could be collecting water and firewood, sweeping out the truck, loading the back locker, etc.
While camping on overland journeys, all meals are included in the kitty. This means that you will have to work together to cook for everyone in your group. You will be divided into smaller units of 3-4 people and take it in turns to cook for the whole group according to a rota system. When it is your turn to cook you will have to plan the meal, shop for the ingredients in local markets or supermarkets and then prepare the meal for the whole group. The secret to cooking for 20+ people in a basic camping kitchen is to keep it simple! (On trips south of Nairobi we have a cook on board the truck; however you will still be required to help prepare meals).
If you have any dietary requirements please tell us at the time of booking and also remind your crew at your welcome meeting. An example of a typical camp breakfast might be toast with spreads, fruit and cereal as well as tea and coffee. When time allows it will also be possible to serve something hot such as eggs or pancakes. Lunch is almost always a sandwich heaped high with healthy salad and assorted fillings, with fruit to follow. Dinner might be a BBQ, risotto or pasta dish and there is always the chance to try some local cooking. Generally our passengers find the more they put into a trip, the more they benefit from it.
Dragoman is committed to ensuring that we have a positive impact on local communities and that we implement policies to minimise any negative impact on the local environment. We are dedicated to making sure that we adopt a responsible attitude to the areas through which we travel and believe that our trips should benefit the local people and their environment. Dragoman recognises that we are guests of local communities and strive to make these communities our partners, so that they benefit directly from our visit. You can find full details of Dragoman's responsible tourism policy linked from the home page.
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. Possessing or using drugs is not only against the law, but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for Dragoman customers. It is one of our core values to treat all people we encounter with respect which of course includes all the local people who make our destinations so special. The exploitation of prostitutes or children is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes or abuse children. Equally Dragoman will not tolerate any violence or threat of violence towards local people, other group members or any member of our staff.
We expect all our customers to obey all the laws of the countries through which we pass. This particularly applies to the smuggling of contraband and possession of narcotic drugs (as above), firearms, antiquities and ivory.
Any customer found contravening such laws or customs will be required to leave the trip immediately with no refund of the trip price.
One of the real advantages of overland travel is that the vehicle provides a very real level of security when travelling. There is no doubt that a properly equipped overland vehicle, with safes, fully lockable doors and windows is an obvious advantage when travelling in much of the world. We recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt whilst travelling for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items (although most of these can be locked in the safe whilst you are on the trip) and advise passengers to leave any valuable jewellery, watches etc at home. Generally speaking, you will not be travelling on local public transport and will have the added security of travelling in a group with experienced crew on hand to offer advice.
Please note: Any personal effects that are left on the truck, even if they are stored in the safe, are left at your own risk and Dragoman cannot be held responsible for any damage or theft that may occur.
The safety of our passengers, leaders and operators is a major priority of Dragoman. With this in mind we monitor world events very closely. By the very nature of the adventure travel that we take, there are risks and hazards that are inherent in our itineraries. Dragoman makes operational decisions based on informed advice from a number of sources:
The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice
Reports from other travel companies and local suppliers
Leaders reports from off the road
Local contacts we have built up over 31 years of experience
Dragoman has also teamed up with the UK Foreign and commonwealth office (FCO) in their 'Know before you go campaign' www.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo. This website offers straightforward travel advice, top tips, and up to date country information to help you plan a safe trip.
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. You should always make yourself aware of the travel advice before you book and again before you travel. Below are links to some of the websites
Britain. http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country
Australia. http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
New Zealand. http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/
United States. http://travel.state.gov/travel/travel_1744.html
Canada. http://www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/menu-eng.asp
Dragoman has comprehensive passenger liability protection and tour operator insurance. These policies have total indemnities of £3,000,000 and £10,000,000 respectively. This is in addition to local vehicle insurance and your personal travel insurance.
We have a dedicated 24 hour telephone number which should only be used once you have left the UK and in the event of a real emergency. Should you need to call the number, we will do what we can to help but please bear in mind that real progress or action may not be possible until normal office hours.
If your flight is delayed or cancelled, please let us know and then make your way to the joining hotel as instructed in theses trip notes. If you cannot get through leave a message and a contact number as these will be regularly checked and the crew informed if necessary.
Emergency Number: +44 (0) 7985106564.
It is a condition of booking that you have comprehensive travel insurance. Without evidence of valid travel insurance you will not be allowed to start the trip.
Whatever policy you choose, you must ensure that it is designed for adventure/overland travel. As such it must cover you for adventure activities such as white water rafting, trekking, horse-riding and that the 24 Hour Emergency Assistance Company must be experienced in handling situations in developing countries – for example they have the ability to arrange repatriation from remote areas such as the Sahara or if you were trekking in the Andes. Please double check if you have annual travel and/or credit card policies to ensure they have the cover you require, as many of these policies are not able to cope with adventure travel to remote areas. We recommend that any policy has the following minimum levels of cover: Medical (incl. repatriation) £5,000,000 Personal Liability £5,000,000 Cancellation and Curtailment £5,000 Loss of Baggage, personal effects, money and other inclusions are down to personal choice.
While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local partner straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognise that there may be times when your group leader may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction. If this is the case please contact our customer relations department on email@example.com. You may also choose to provide details in your feedback questionnaire which we ask you to complete at the end of your trip but we do ask you to be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is complete.
Check that your passport will still be valid for 6 months after the end of the trip - this is important as some countries WILL refuse entry to anyone whose passport is due to expire. A temporary or "visitor's" passport is not valid on our trips. You will need to provide us with your passport details prior to departing for you trip. If you change your passport please remember to inform us.
Although you will not have to carry your main bag long distances you will need to help load and unload them onto the truck. For this reason we recommend that you use a backpack or soft bag rather than a heavy suitcase. During your trip your main luggage will be kept in the back locker so you will also need a small daypack. This can be used to carry your camera, water bottle and other personal effects for daily use.
The size of baggage that can be brought on this tour is limited by the locker space on the truck. Different trucks have different-sized lockers however to be safe we recommend that your bag be no larger than 66cm deep, 30cm wide, and 30cm high. The weight limit for luggage on all trucks is maximum 20kg. Backpacks should not have an external frame unless it can be easily removed and stored separately to avoid damaging other people's luggage.
Your clothes and equipment should be appropriate for the conditions you are travelling in. On overland trips Dragoman will provide all camping equipment apart from sleeping bags and ground mats (except on routes between Nairobi and Cape Town where ground mats are provided).
The clothes and equipment should be appropriate for the conditions you are travelling in, which will vary depending on which part of the world you're heading to. On overland trips Dragoman will provide all camping equipment apart from sleeping bags and ground mats*, so you'll need to bring those with you. Think about the climate and altitude of the areas you'll be travelling to, there's nothing worse than being cold at night so it's worth investing in a decent sleeping bag if it's likely to get cold. And remember even when it's warm during the day, it can often get cold at night, particularly in desert regions.
IMPORTANT: Ground mats are provided on all of our overland trips that run in South and East Africa, between Nairobi and Cape Town. This includes our Family trips between Nairobi and Cape Town.
For a general idea of what you need this list provides a guide:
For a comprehensive kit lists take a look at the Dragoman kit list that Nomad Travel have created. Dragoman customers will receive a 10% discount on all equipment purchased either online or in store. Click to see the kit lists www.nomadtravel.co.uk/kitlist/overlanders-kit-list
The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments.
Please avoid the purchase of bottled water by using the chemically sterilized water stored in the purpose built storage tank or in water jerry cans in your Overland vehicle. You are free to refill your bottle as many times a day as you like. You are helping the environment and your hip pocket!
All of our trucks have a fully stocked medical kit onboard for use in emergency situations only. Therefore in addition to this we recommend that you purchase your own personal medical kit. In the UK we have teamed up with Nomad Travel Stores and Clinics to produce the Dragoman Travel Medical Kit. It has been designed in conjunction with the truck kits and contains everything you would need for any minor accidents. For more details please visit their website:
Your vehicle will be equipped with a 12 volt socket so to charge your iPod, MP3 player, camera, laptop and mobile phone you will need a DC 12 volt adapter - the type that can be used from a cigarette lighter in your car. Please be aware that only one piece of equipment can be charged at a time and it will not be allowed if there is a risk of running the vehicle's batteries low. Batteries may also be recharged from hotel room wall sockets and the majority of the campsites we stay at have electricity points so please bring along your normal charging adapters as well. You will need to ensure that you have the correct country adaptor for your specific charger.
For mobile phones, please note that most countries in the Americas operate at 850MHz and 1900 MHz which is not the same frequencies used in Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. Most modern tri-band and quad-band mobile phones will be able to operate on these frequencies but please check your mobile phone specifications before travelling to ensure that you'll be able to use your phone in the Americas.
In addition to the trip price on our overlanding trips you will also be required to pay a kitty specified for your trip. The kitty is payable in instalments at the start of each section of the trip for combination trips, and in full at the start of the trip for individual trips. Each customer joining a trip pays their kitty into a central fund. The fund is managed by the Dragoman crew & kitty accounts can be viewed by all throughout the trip.
The Kitty covers all things that the whole group does, such as:
The kitty system is very unique to overlanding and we believe it allows us to have flexibility & transparency on our trips. You can see exactly how your money is being spent and ensure that you are getting the best value by buying locally. It also helps to keep the costs competitive & save on administration costs so that we can pass the saving on to you. Dragoman makes NO PROFIT on kitties as they are the group's fund.
We constantly update the kitty prices on our website and the kitty advertised in the brochure is an estimate at the time of printing. Prices can go up or down with no notice and exchange rate fluctuations will affect costs. If there is money left in the kitty at the end of your trip then this is divided between the group and you receive a refund. Once you book your trip it is very important that you check our website on a regular basis and just before departure for any changes to the kitty amount.
At least half of your kitty should be paid in cash in the specified currency on the website (US Dollars or Euros in West Africa). The outstanding amount can be paid in local currency during your trip; your leader will give you the exchange rate. Most of our travellers choose to bring a cash passport with them for withdrawing local currency (you can visit www.cashpassport.com for further information on these). This is a very secure way of carrying your money whilst travelling. You treat them exactly like an ATM card and draw out local currency from an ATM to give to your leader within each country.
Travellers cheques have become increasingly difficult to change around the world with passengers and our leaders experiencing huge frustration and numerous hours spent trying to find a bank which will change travellers cheques. For this reason we no longer accept them on our trips.
Sometimes, civil or political unrest, or reasons beyond Dragoman's control (e.g. a natural disaster), can mean that an itinerary is disrupted and we have to make a contingency plan. This may involve hiring alternate transport or even the whole group flying over an area. Although Dragoman will help organise travel arrangements, in circumstances outside Dragoman's control you should be prepared to contribute towards the costs and therefore we ask you to bring along a 'Contingency Fund' of USD400. In almost all cases trips run smoothly and this fund is therefore never used. We also recommend that you take along an internationally recognised credit or charge card with a decent limit in case of emergencies, such as medical treatment en route, or even the need to be repatriated; though these occurrences are rare. Remember that travel insurance policies usually only refund you for expenses after you have already paid out.
Tipping is entirely voluntary. The Dragoman crew may be travelling with you for many weeks and usually they become good friends with most members of the group. It is sometimes easy to forget that they do work hard to ensure that you do have a great trip. If you feel you would like to tip them, they certainly would appreciate it. On a number of our trips, we also use a local guide as well as our own Dragoman crew. These guides live and travel with you through their home country and it is usual to tip them when they leave. We recommend USD10 to USD15 per person.


text:
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Ben Folds Presents University a Cappella!: A Cappella Mixed Voicesby Folds, Ben
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Questions About This Book?
Why should I rent this book?
Renting is easy, fast, and cheap! Renting from eCampus.com can save you hundreds of dollars compared to the cost of new or used books each semester. At the end of the semester, simply ship the book back to us with a free UPS shipping label! No need to worry about selling it back.
How do rental returns work?
Returning books is as easy as possible. As your rental due date approaches, we will email you several courtesy reminders. When you are ready to return, you can print a free UPS shipping label from our website at any time. Then, just return the book to your UPS driver or any staffed UPS location. You can even use the same box we shipped it in!
What version or edition is this?
This is the edition with a publication date of 6/21/2010.
What is included with this book?
- The New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any CDs, lab manuals, study guides, etc.
- The Rental copy of this book is not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. You may receive a brand new copy, but typically, only the book itself.
Sing the a cappella versions of Ben Folds songs that the artist curated for the album University A Cappella!. Titles: Not the Same * Jesusland * Brick * You Don't Know Me * Still Fighting It * Boxing * Selfless, Cold and Composed * Magic * Landed * Time * Effington * Evaporated * Fred Jones Part 2 * Army * Fair * The Luckiest.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Thursday, April 24, 2014
By BRIAN MAHONEY, The Associated Press
HOUSTON - The last All-Star game in Houston was a glimpse of what Miami Heat games would become.
LeBron James, right, and Dwyane Wade have the Miami Heat playing some of their best basketball seven years after the two played in the All-Star game in Houston. Both are back in the city for this year's All-Star game.
The Associated Press
WHO: East vs, West
WHEN: Sunday, 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Toyota Center, Houston
LeBron James scored 29 points and was the MVP. Dwyane Wade added 20 and made the go-ahead basket to cap a huge comeback, and the Eastern Conference beat the West 122-120 in 2006.
"I had a pretty good experience the first time around, looking for the same thing this time," Wade said Friday.
The way things are going for the Heat, why not?
And think about this: James was already the best player that night, and he was nowhere near the player he is today.
"I'm a better player. At that point in time I wasn't a complete basketball player. I couldn't shoot as well as I can now, I never posted up back then," James said. "More games, more playoff games, more knowledge. You continue to learn each and every day, it makes you a better player. That's what you want, to become a better player. That's what I want. I want to be the greatest of all time. I try to do whatever it takes to get me in that position.
"Seven years, I've tried to improve each and every year."
Back where they first teamed up as All-Stars, Wade, James and Chris Bosh will start together for the East on Sunday night, another highlight for the NBA champions.
Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard and the Los Angeles Lakers aren't having nearly as much fun in a season so disappointing that Bryant was asked Friday if the All-Star weekend was a "retreat" for him.
"I don't know if it's a retreat, it's just more of an opportunity to get some rest, regroup, put the first half of the season behind us and move on," he said.
As Wade knows, the All-Star break can be just that -- a break -- from a forgettable season.
He arrived for the 2008 All-Star game with a 9-43 record after the Heat lost on Valentine's Day to the Chicago Bulls, on their way to a 15-win debacle just two years after they won the NBA title.
"I put all that aside, though, and I came and I enjoyed the weekend, and when I went back to Miami, it was like, 'Oh my God, we're back in it,' " Wade said. "But All-Star weekend, you just enjoy being an All-Star."
This time the Heat celebrated Valentine's Day in Oklahoma City with a 110-100 victory over the Thunder, the team they beat in five games last summer for the title. They have won seven in a row, James is playing arguably the best basketball of his career, and they can relax and reminisce as they return to Houston.
"It's really indescribable," Bosh said, "just to not only win a championship with great guys, be in a great locker room, and just to have fun doing it, but just to be an All-Star every year, play with great teammates. I mean, to play in front of a lot people in arenas every night. I don't take those things for granted."
James just ran off an NBA-record six straight games with at least 30 points and 60 percent shooting from the field, and seems to be distancing himself from anyone else that can take the MVP award he won last year for the third time in four years.
"He's doing well," Bosh said in a Texas-sized understatement. "That's the best way to put it."
Bosh was chosen as a starter Friday by Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra, who will lead the East. He replaces Boston guard Rajon Rondo, who pulled out with a torn ACL.
(Continued on page 2)


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photos of his very teeny, very fluffy kitten, Daisy, look like they took years of training to achieve. He gets super-cool action shots and effects: water in mid-splash, Daisy airborne in mid-pounce. Even more impressively, he somehow got the kitten – whom Torode and his wife adopted on impulse from a pet store – to cooperate on "stories" like sitting quietly while bubbles fly past; wriggling through a leg of jeans; peeking out from under a hat; and napping in a mixing bowl.
According to My Modern Met, Torode deliberately sets up his compositions to emphasize how teeny Daisy is (in one shot, she's next to a miso soup bowl, which is only about 10 cm across – and she's not a whole lot bigger). But how does he get a kitten, not exactly the most trainable creature in the animal kingdom, to collaborate? My Modern Met interviewed Torode over the weekend, and based on his comments about
Blog Posts by Sarah D. Bunting
Is this the world's cutest kitten?By Sarah D. Bunting | Pets – Mon, Sep 24, 2012 1:28 PM EDT
photos of his very teeny, very fluffy kitten, Daisy, look like they took years of training to achieve. He gets super-cool action shots and effects: water in mid-splash, Daisy airborne in mid-pounce. Even more impressively, he somehow got the kitten – whom Torode and his wife adopted on impulse from a pet store – to cooperate on "stories" like sitting quietly while bubbles fly past; wriggling through a leg of jeans; peeking out from under a hat; and napping in a mixing bowl.Ben Torode is an Australian translator living in Japan; he's not a professional photographer. But Torode's Read More »from Is this the world's cutest kitten?
Skiing bad boy Bode Miller engaged to beach volleyballer Morgan BeckBy Sarah D. Bunting | Healthy Living – Wed, Sep 19, 2012 2:07 PM EDT
engaged to model and former Cal volleyball player Morgan Beck, 25. (And said ring is fierce.)Olympic champion and alpine "bad boy" Bode Miller has put a ring on it – he's
The world learned about the engagement via Twitter when Miller, 34, tweeted, "I have found the one!!! And convinced her to marry me."
Beck retweeted her new fiancé, but apparently she made him work a little bit for that "yes"; Miller tweeted later that "It was a process MorganEBeck is hard to convince. I'm super excited."
Beck plays beach volleyball professionally. At six foot three, Beck occasionally gets comparisons to another model/volleyballer, Gabrielle Reece. Beck was previously married to Penn State volleyball player Matt Proper.Read More »from Skiing bad boy Bode Miller engaged to beach volleyballer Morgan Beck
Speaking of bad boys: Shaun White apologizes for hotel fracas
Beck wrote on her blog earlier in the month of her plans to move to San Diego and live with Miller on his yacht. (She also wrote about some disappointments at the Association of Volleyball Professionals championship – and
Hoops coach to kids: Play everything!By Sarah D. Bunting | Healthy Living – Mon, Sep 17, 2012 1:20 PM EDT
Cathy Rush has seen a lot change since she started coaching college basketball in 1970 -- and when it comes to kids getting too specialized in sports, she's not sure that's a good thing.Read More »from Hoops coach to kids: Play everything!
When Rush signed on as the women's hoops coach at Immaculata, PA's Immaculata College in 1970, she had "no budget"; her team practiced in a novitiate because the gym had burned down; and the uniform consisted of pleated wool jumpers, ironed white shirts, and bloomers.
Rush modernized the team and led the school to three straight national championships in 1972-4, upping the nation's interest in women's college hoops, and thanks to Title IX, a lot has changed since the early '70s – but Rush thinks that might be hurting kids who focus too much on a single sport, not just injury-wise but interpersonally as well.
Rush, who retired from coaching in 1977 and went into a family business running day and sports camps, addressed the St. Mary Health Expo in Falls, PA last weekend, and her keynote covered not just
Ko's early success sparks debateBy Sarah D. Bunting | Healthy Living – Fri, Sep 14, 2012 12:49 PM EDT
underway at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club, with 15-year-old Lydia Ko a member of the field.The British Open is Read More »from Ko's early success sparks debate
Ko, who won the Canadian Open to become the LPGA's youngest winner ever, seemed excited for the challenge: "I have had an amazing summer, and I feel it can only get better." But as an ESPN-W piece by Lewine Mair points out, that kind of success at Ko's age may have its downside. Ko has admitted that she's had to forego typical teen activities in favor of golf and practice. Ko's not the only adolescent in the tournament, either – Lexi Thompson, who had held the record for youngest winner, is still just 17, the UK's Charley Hull 16 – and the presence of these prodigies does raise some questions as to how hard they're pushed, how fast, and whether players "getting better sooner" is worth it.
Previous "generations" of young golfers prioritized school and "regular" life. Today, young golfers like Ko may treat it more like a job – a full-time one that leaves less room in their
Cat arrives at Disneyworld after 10 hours in suitcaseBy Sarah D. Bunting | Pets – Thu, Sep 13, 2012 4:37 PM EDT
This cat's trip to Disney is no fairy tale: Bob-bob came along on his owner's annual trip to Orlando – in her suitcase.Read More »from Cat arrives at Disneyworld after 10 hours in suitcase
Ethel Maze, who runs the Maze Residential Care Home for disabled veterans, had a lot to do in the lead-up to her yearly jaunt to Florida. She had to confirm flight and hotel reservations for her group – 18 disabled veterans and volunteers – and find someone to watch her six pets. But according to the Orlando Sentinel's story on Bob-bob's unlikely journey, the 14-month-old cat was not trying to hear about staying home in Circleville, OH. As Maze packed the last of her things Monday morning, Bob-bob made sure he got packed as well, sneaking into her suitcase.
PHOTOS: The Cutest Kittens on Instagram
Mike Groleau, who wrangles the group's baggage, did think he saw the bag move – but it had been a long night, so Groleau just tagged the green suitcase and put it with the others. "This was the last bag I grabbed," he told the Sentinel, and "somehow it got zipped up."
When it
Great Dane Zeus now world's tallest dogBy Sarah D. Bunting | Pets – Thu, Sep 13, 2012 12:50 PM EDT
The king of the gods is now king of the dogs: Zeus, a Great Dane from Otsego, MI, is the world's tallest dog, according to the Guinness World Records 2013 book released today. The 3-year-old Zeus measures 44 inches from his shoulder to his foot -- just one inch more than Giant George, now relegated to world's second tallest dog.
When he's standing on his hind legs, Zeus is seven feet four inches tall, dwarfing owner Denise Doorlag. Zeus presents some challenges thanks to his size, though. Doorlag had to buy a van big enough for Zeus to fit into, and he eats 12 cups of dog food each day -- the equivalent of a 30-lb. bag. Doorlag also seems rather weary of the constant jokes about putting a saddle on the dog.Read More »from Great Dane Zeus now world's tallest dog
Doorlag says the whole family (which includes two other dogs, who appear positively toy in comparison) is proud of Zeus. Zeus has lots to brag about, as he's a therapy dog -- and he needed some therapy of his own to conquer his fear of the T-square, the device used to measure him.
Best of times and worst of times for two teen athletesBy Sarah D. Bunting | Healthy Living – Wed, Sep 12, 2012 3:46 PM EDT
Adventure blog, trail running gives female athletes more opportunities to truly compete with men than most sports – but Outside's Katie Arnold notes that it's also a sport in which top runners may not peak until their thirties or even forties. Top runners like, say, Claudia Spooner, a 42-year-old and triathlete who typically dusts her competition in XTERRA events, and who finished two minutes behind Welch last month. (Welch, modestly: "I think she was sick that day.")First, the good news: 12-year-old Katylynn Welch is an excellent runner. How excellent? At an XTERRA half-marathon event in Waco, TX on August 18, she won the women's field and placed 11th overall. True, according to Outside Magazine's Read More »from Best of times and worst of times for two teen athletes
Finishing behind Spooner, meanwhile, was another mighty mite – Welch's sister, Heather. Their father, Rodney, hinted that Heather's the real threat, since her main goal is to keep up with her older sister, who has finished the Houston Marathon in well under four hours. Unfortunately,
VIDEO: Man builds box tower as apology to catBy Sarah D. Bunting | At Home – Wed, Sep 12, 2012 12:16 PM EDT
different. It's about a cat feeling sad, and his owner trying to cheer him up – by building him a large and complex tower of cardboard boxes to play in."Rufus Tower" isn't your average internet cat video. Popular AV cat memes mostly fall into two categories: cats cutely doing something human, like playing the piano; or cats cutely being somewhere they shouldn't be, like on top of a Roomba. "Rufus Tower," shot by Australian commercial and music-video director Billy Browne, is Read More »from VIDEO: Man builds box tower as apology to cat
The five-minute video, starring Browne and his beleaguered orange cat Rufus, is up to a half million YouTube page views as of this writing. It kicks off with an explanation from Browne about what led to this architectural marvel. Rufus had an ear infection; the treatment was ear drops, which Rufus hated, running away from Browne when Browne came home from work. Browne admits that Rufus has been hiding from him for two weeks now (we know the feeling, although with our sulking orange tabby, it was eye drops).
70-lb. Dachshund put on Biggest Loser-style programBy Sarah D. Bunting | Animal Nation – Mon, Sep 10, 2012 1:25 PM EDT
going on a major diet to try to slim down.Cue up the "pig in a blanket" jokes – a 70-pound wiener dog, a Dachshund named Obie, is
The average Dachshund has a maximum weight of 32 pounds; five-year-old Obie (who used to be called AJ; we assume the "Obie" nickname is short for "obese" – aw, poor guy) weighs more than twice that, topping out at 77 pounds when new owner Nora Vanatta met him last month. (That's seven times what a Miniature Dachshund would weigh.)
His previous owners, an older couple, had to give Obie up because of their own declining health, but thanks to what must have been expert begging by the dog, they'd managed to feed him almost to death in the meantime.
VIDEO: Halloween comes early as bat annoys Omaha newsroom
Read More »from 70-lb. Dachshund put on Biggest Loser-style program
Vanatta first heard about Obie because she follows Oregon Dachshund Rescue on Facebook, but when she read his weight, she assumed they'd gotten confused about the breed. Nope: he's a purebred. He's also really lucky; Vanatta already owns a couple
SportsDivas offers busy women a sports "cheat sheet"By Sarah D. Bunting | Healthy Living – Fri, Sep 7, 2012 2:44 PM EDT
the new site's note to readers, she felt overwhelmed with all the sports intel she had to get on top of fast. "I realized that there was no quick way to really learn sports; no way to break through all the sports news and clutter targeted to educated fans," she remembers.Monica Murphy-Vargas, the founder of SportsDivas, grew up immersed in sports. She played softball, golfed, and swam; she rooted for the Indians; she became, in college, a self-described "obsessed and annoying Ohio State fan." But when she landed a job at ESPN, Murphy-Vargas says in Read More »from SportsDivas offers busy women a sports "cheat sheet"
It's an issue I've given a lot of thought to myself, for several reasons. One, my boyfriends never know that much about baseball, and I've many times considered printing and laminating "Bunting's Baseball Basics" wallet cards to save me trying to explain why a given play or at-bat has me in the fetal position on the couch. Two, that cuts both ways – my attempts to learn about the NFL meant that my patient friend Alesh spent an hour drawing


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The Deshler Tigers extended their winning streak to eight games and in the process eliminated No. 1 ranked Piedmont from the Class 3A football playoffs in the second round. The final was 28-6. The loss, coming after 11 consecutive wins, was difficult to swallow and 45 minutes after the game ended the Bulldogs and their coaches were still in the visitors' dressing area talking and listening.
"I'm extremely proud of our guys," Piedmont coach Steve Smith said later. "We've had a great season. It didn't end the way we hoped it would but there's only one way for it to end the way where you're happy. I'm just very proud of our guys."
"I knew we'd have to play lights out to be able to beat this team. Piedmont's a very, very good football team, well-coached, well-disciplined. … I thought it was a huge advantage playing here, to be on our home field," veteran Deshler coach John Mothershed said.
The game began ordinarily enough. Piedmont (11-1) forced a three-and-out punt on the initial series. After picking up two first downs, the Bulldogs stalled at midfield. The punt attempt was blocked and Deshler (9-3) took over at the Piedmont 41-yard line. Six plays later, all on the ground, and Tigers led 7-0 after sophomore fullback Terrance Byrd scored on a 10-yard run with three minutes left in the first quarter.
The ensuing Piedmont possession ended when quarterback Cade Bradley was sacked from his blind side and fumbled. Lineman DeAndre Acklin recovered for Deshler at the Piedmont 45.
"I think the blocked punt early in the game was a huge turnaround for us right there and then we came back on the next series and forced a fumble and it kind of put Piedmont on their heels a little bit ," Mothershed said. "I don't think they've been in that position this year and I think that kind of hurt them."
Despite outstanding field position, Deshler had to settle for a 30-yard field goal attempt that never reached the uprights. The stop energized the Bulldogs on offense. Piedmont drove 80 yards in eight plays, just over half on a 42-yard Bradley to C.J. Savage bomb that reached the Deshler 20. From the 18, Bradley connected with Jamie Major in the left flat and Major did the rest. Dillon Terry's kick was ruled wide and Piedmont trailed 7-6 with 5:19 to play before halftime.
Three minutes later, Deshler was up 14-6 on a 39-yard touchdown pass by quarterback Justin Cantrell. With a little more than four minutes remaining in the third quarter, Cantrell completed a 40-yard scoring strike to bump Deshler's lead to 21-6.
"They were the better team (Friday) night. They did all those things that they had to to win and we didn't. … The two long touchdown passes, those were killers," Smith said.
An interception late in the third quarter led to a 1-yard scoring run by Byrd with 10:21 to play and set the final score.
"It just seemed like when we had to have a big play, somebody stepped in and made it," Mothershed said.
Bradley was 11-for-20 passing for 168 yards. Savage had four receptions for 74 yards. Cass McCord caught four passes, all in the second half, for 54 yards. Darnell Jackson ran eight times and netted 48 yards. Jackson also picked up 20 yards on a pass reception.
Byrd was to big ground gainer for Deshler with 139 yards. He ran eight times for 58 yards in the first half and added 81 yards on 14 attempts after intermission.


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The two sides were both kept out of the net in the first period, but not for lack of trying -- especially by the Jets. Winnipeg racked up 14 opening period shots, but Jhonas Enroth stopped each, including a penalty shot attempt by Evander Kane.
Buffalo fell behind 1-0 at 7:42 of the second on Aaron Gagnon's 3rd of the season. Gagnon was left alone in front of the Sabres' crease and tipped a Derek Meech pass over Enroth's left shoulder to put Winnipeg ahead. Thomas Vanek tied it up with a power play goal 4:15 later. Vanek redirected a Tyler Ennis pass into the Jets' net for his 18th, making it a 1-1 game.
Winnipeg regained the lead at 12:24 of the third period thanks to Antti Miettinen. Enroth appeared to get most of the shot, but the puck dribbled under his pads and over the goalline to put the Jets ahead for good 2-1.
Playing in his first game since March 12, Mikhail Grigorenko saw 15:18 of ice time over 15 shifts, with one shot on net. Grigorenko was a healthy scratch for Buffalo's last two games after rejoining the team from QMJHL Quebec.
The Sabres have just two games remaining, including Tuesday's postponed road trip to Pittsburgh. Faceoff against the Penguins will be 7:30 p.m. on WGR 550 and the Buffalo Sabres Radio Network.
1st Period
11:18 - BUF - Steve Ott (2 min., cross checking)
2nd Period
7:42 - WPG - Aaron Gagnon (3) (Derek Meech, Dustin Byfuglien)
11:57 - BUF - Thomas Vanek (PPG) (18) (Tyler Ennis, Drew Stafford)
11:57 - BUF - Thomas Vanek (PPG) (18) (Tyler Ennis, Drew Stafford)
3:48 - BUF - John Scott (2 min., high-sticking)
11:38 - WPG - Blake Wheeler (2 min., hooking)
19:34 - BUF - Steve Ott (2 min., roughing)
19:34 - BUF - Steve Ott (5 min., fighting)
19:34 - WPG - Andrew Ladd (5 min., fighting)
3rd Period
12:24 - WPG - Antti Miettinen (3) (James Wright, Mark Stuart)
WPG - Ondrej Pavelec (24 saves, 25 shots)
BUF - Jhonas Enroth (37 saves, 39 shots)
Power Plays
WPG - 0 of 3
BUF - 1 of 1
Three Stars
1.) BUF - Jhonas Enroth (37 saves)
2.) WPG - Antti Miettinen (1 G, 0 A)
3.) BUF - Tyler Ennis (0 G, 1 A)


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Skydive Equipment
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The r-Max Reserve has been drop tested at a speed of 250 mph with 20% more than the Maximum Operating Weight Limitation. If you like to skydive fast, the r-Max is for you.
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In the News
Original journalism from the Center's OpenSecrets Blog
- Capital Eye Opener, Jan. 31: FEC Increases Contribution Limits, Urban Outfitters Enlists K Street, and MoreJanuary 31, 2013 8:00 AM
The FEC's higher contribution limits may be better news for Republicans than Dems: far more contributors maxed out to Romney than Obama. Also, Urban Outfitters' new CEO leans right, a distinct change from the chain's last leader.
- SOPA Sponsor Smith Cleans Up: the Money Behind the Texas 21 GOP PrimaryMay 30, 2012 6:33 PM
The vote in Tuesday's GOP primary in Texas' District 21 was not close; the financial race was, if anything, more one-sided. Companies and industry groups that lobbied for SOPA -- including some that hired the lobbying firm run by Smith's former chief of staff -- contributed heavily to Smith's campaign.
- The NFL's Influence GameMay 3, 2012 3:46 PM
The nation's capital actually has quite a bit of say in what has become the extremely lucrative business of professional football. And in turn, the NFL has quite the presence in Washington.
- Capital Rivals: Rumble in Silicon ValleyApril 4, 2012 9:19 AM
Yahoo recently sued Facebook over allegations of patent infringement. In this edition of Capital Rivals, we're pitting internet companies Yahoo and Facebook against each other to see who wins the money-in-politics game. It's a closer match-up than you might expect.
- K Street Targets E-Verify, Interest Groups Double Down on Internet Poker and More in Capital Eye Opener: November 4November 4, 2011 12:20 PM
The contentious bill has not only gained attention during the GOP presidential debates, with shout-outs from former Massachusetts governor and current presidential candidate Mitt Romney, but also with some high profile organizations lobbying on the bill.
- OpenSecrets.org Informs Congressional DebatesSeptember 14, 2011 3:00 PM
Lawmakers in Washington, D.C., routinely rely on the Center for Responsive Politics to inform the conversation on some of the hottest topics and high-profile policy fights.
- Apple a Popular Asset in Congressional Portfolios, Powerful Lobbying ForceAugust 25, 2011 6:20 PM
Three dozen members of Congress held stock in Apple in 2009, the most recent year for which data is available. That makes it one of the most popular assets among all congressional investors.
- Amid Budget Debate, Some Members of Congress Own Bits of U.S. DebtAugust 1, 2011 6:15 PM
In 2010, at least 14 veteran members of Congress personally owned a portion of the U.S. debt, according to a Center for Responsive Politics review of congressional personal financial disclosure reports.
- Political Giants NBC and Comcast Merge, J Street Demands Refund and More in Capital Eye Opener: January 20January 20, 2011 6:00 AM
Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
- New Super PAC Lands RFK's Daughter, The NFL Plays Politics and More in Capital Eye Opener: November 29November 29, 2010 9:55 AM
NEW LIBERAL SUPER PAC GEARS UP FOR 2012: Kathleen Kennedy Townsend -- the daughter of slain senator and one-time presidential hopeful Robert F. Kennedy -- is calling on Democrats to "build an understanding of what's at stake" in 2012 by gearing up for an outside spending battle during the upcoming presidential election cycle.
- Top Recipients of Wyly Brothers' Campaign Cash Aren't TalkingJuly 30, 2010 6:53 PM
Few politicos receiving significant cash from the Wyly brothers were interested in talking about it Friday.
- Tea Party Caucus Members Bankrolled by Health Professionals, Retirees, Oil InterestsJuly 30, 2010 3:43 PM
A Center for Responsive Politics analysis shows that the biggest contributors to the 49 members of the newly-established congressional Tea Party caucus -- it so far includes only Republican -- are health professionals, retired individuals, the real estate industry and oil and gas interests. Furthermore, donations from health professionals, oil and gas interests and Republican and conservative groups are, on average, higher for Tea Party caucus members than for members of the House of Representatives in general and even their fellow House Republicans.
- Wyly Brothers, Top Republican Bankrollers, Accused of Massive FraudJuly 29, 2010 7:17 PM
Charles Wyly Jr. and Samuel Wyly, Texas businessmen and brothers who are among the most generous campaign donors to Republican political candidates and causes, were today hit with a Securities and Exchange Commission lawsuit accusing them of fraud worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
- Several Federal Lawmakers Financially Invested in Embattled Toyota's StockFebruary 10, 2010 6:34 PM
With automobile maker Toyota facing heavy congressional scrutiny for a series of damning safety recalls, it's worth noting that several members of Congress last year reported owning stock in the company, a Center for Responsive Politics analysis indicates.
- Third Quarter Campaign Finance Reports Show Money Race Is OnOctober 16, 2009 5:50 PM
An initial Center for Responsive Politics analysis has found that sitting members of the U.S. House of Representatives raised $48.2 million from July 1 through Sept. 30, 2009, based on the 336 reports we have in. The mean amount these lawmakers raised was $143,640, and the median amount was $126,680.
- New GM CEO is Longtime GOP ContributorJune 11, 2009 3:08 PM
Although the Obama administration and a Democratic-controlled Congress now own a majority stake of General Motors, the retired executive appointed yesterday to be the company's new CEO, Edward E. Whitacre, Jr., is a veteran Republican fundraiser.
- Obama, Ney and DeLay Also Among Stanford's InvestmentsFebruary 18, 2009 7:03 PM
As the story behind the embattled investment company Stanford Financial Group develops, we thought we'd take an even closer look at the seeds the company may have tried to plant in Washington via campaign contributions. When looking at ALL lawmakers to collect money from the company's PAC and employees (not just members of the current Congress), some additional, important names appear at the top of the recipient list.
- Investment Manager Stanford Was Big-Time Campaign ContributorFebruary 17, 2009 3:26 PM
Money manager Robert Allen Stanford now has two things in common with embattled investment manager Bernard Madoff: both have come under scrutiny for allegedly defrauding their investors, and both have given significant funds to politicians. Between its PAC and its employees, Stanford Financial Group has given $2.4 million to federal candidates, parties and committees since 2000.
- Money and Votes Aligned in Congress's Last Debate Over Bank RegulationSeptember 23, 2008 11:43 AM
The last time Congress seriously debated how to regulate the financial industry, the result was legislation that allowed the nation's largest banks to get even larger and take risks that had been prohibited since the Great Depression. A look back at that debate, which was over the 1999 Financial Services Modernization Act, reveals that campaign contributions may have influenced the votes of politicians who, a decade later, are now grappling with the implosion of the giant banks they helped to foster.
Feel free to distribute or cite this material, but please credit the Center for Responsive Politics. For permission to reprint for commercial uses, such as textbooks, contact the Center.