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Elton John has long been regarded as a gifted songwriter. Besides his numerous top 40 hits, he has written for stage (Aida, The Lion King, Billy Elliot) and screen (The Lion King). Along the way, he has won five Grammy Awards and a Tony (for Aida). He and longtime musical collaborator Bernie Taupin have been creating music since 1967.
I've been an Elton John fan for a long time. Growing up, I even had a poster of the cover of "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy" on my bedroom wall. I have a rare copy of "Goodbye, Yellow Brick Road" on yellow vinyl. What I didn't realize until today is that either Elton John or lyricist Bernie Taupin (or perhaps both) is a genealogist.
What made me realize this is the name of Elton's new son Zachary Jackson Levon Furnish-John. "Levon" is a song off his album "Madman Across the Water." That by itself isn't proof, but think of the song. "Levon" is a great genealogical song. In it, we learn:
- Levon was born "a pauper to a pawn on a Christmas Day, when the New York Times said 'God is dead and the war's begun. Alvin Tostig has a son today and he shall be Levon.' " (So we have a date of birth and father's name.)
- Levon has a child Jesus, so named " 'cause he likes the name."
- "Levon" might be a family name ("And he shall be Levon, in tradition with the family plan.")
- Levon has a war wound (though we don't know if he was in the military or was a civilian casualty).
- Levon has a family business selling cartoon balloons in town. Jesus works there, too, blowing up balloons all day. Levon appears to be successful, as he spends his days counting in a garage by the motorway.
- Jesus goes to the finest school in town. (Also, if we lose track of Jesus, we might want to look in Venus, since Jesus wants to go there.)
How many other popular songs contain that many genealogical references?! We have three generations, a date of birth, and information about occupations, schools, and possible military service.
Consider, too, the name of Elton John's album from the late 1980s "Reg Strikes Back." "Reg" is a reference to his real name (Reginald Kenneth Dwight).
Put the three together (the name of Elton's son, all of the genealogical references in "Levon," and the album "Reg Strikes Back") and I believe that you have a case that Elton John and/or Bernie Taupin is a genealogist. (I wonder how long before one of them will be on the British version of Who Do You Think You Are.)


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While Iron Man was the first film of what we now know as the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it was far from the first Marvel film. That distinction belongs to…ugh…Howard The Duck. But they followed that up with The Punisher…starring Dolph Lundgren. And then Captain America and Fantastic Four films so bad they never received theatrical release. Marvel was really not off to a good start.
But starting in 1998, though there would still be some bumps in the road going forward, Wesley Snipes came along and saved the day. Yes, Wesley Snipes.
Read more about Blade and all the other Marvel movies on the infographic from shirts.com after the break.

subset: commoncrawl


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Going digital—it's everywhere today, including in the beauty realm. But brands are still constantly looking for ways to connect with consumers, as well as for their loyal consumers and brand advocates to connect with each other. To learn what some companies are doing to attract this kind of attention, GCI magazine had a chance to interview the CEO of social commerce platform Blucarat, Tom Kwon, which aims to give a more social experience to shopping online.
GCI: Can you give me your elevator pitch for Blucarat and its services?
Tom Kwon: Blucarat makes static online shopping experiences social by embedding customer-created photos and conversations directly within any retail website, known as on-site social. Using a simple website plug-in, companies can activate existing social content from brand advocates all over the web and foster shopper collaboration that ignites new levels of trust in buying cycles. Blucarat solutions deliver more intimate, recurring and lasting customer engagements in a way never done before.
GCI: Why is social-centric interactivity between brands and consumers so important?
TK: Shopping has always been a social activity. In contrast, today's online shopping is relatively static and solitary. Brands depend on social interactions to provide affirmation for their products and in the process develop the consumer's trust. This is one of the critical factors to success for brands. The challenge is how to bring the social interaction, affirmation and trust that is natural in the offline shopping world to the online shopping world.
GCI: Why did you target the beauty industry for work with Blucarat?
TK: The beauty industry is a natural fit for us because shopping for cosmetics is inherently social. It's natural to want affirmation before making a purchase, from a fellow shopper, a friend or the expert at the counter. We are bringing those same social interactions into the online community.
One of our first customers, Laura Geller, already had a community of 100,000 "Geller Girls." Community and social were already a natural part of the brand's culture, which is why we believe they have experienced tremendous success creating an even more interactive community with the Blucarat solution.
GCI: How would using Blucarat help set a beauty brand apart?
TK: Most important is that Blucarat can bring social interactions and affirmation to the online shopping community that helps to ultimately create trust in the brand. Most cosmetics brands have presences on other social networks that link back to their sites, so there is really nothing unique there. By establishing the community on their own website, they can create a more intimate experience and control the content and discussion much more.
Retailers of all kinds increasingly measure themselves on Lifetime Customer Value, or LCV. This concept is especially important to beauty brands that work hard to encourage customer loyalty. One of the key ways to forge loyalty is by increasing opportunities for engagement between brands and customers. Likes, follows and tweets offer one avenue, but the on-site social interactions enabled by Blucarat create more intimate connections between like-minded shoppers within the shopping experience itself. The resulting sense of community increases loyalty and helps drive LCV more quickly than other methods.
GCI: What kinds of efforts are required from the brand's side in working with Blucarat?
TK: The on-boarding process is relatively straightforward. Most brands interested in this type of functionality already have an e-commerce play, so they also have a digital product catalog with pictures, information and a path to purchase. We connect into that electronic catalog and provide a host of functionality around it—sign up/sign in, user-generated content and photos, discussions, expert advice and Q&A, trending products and more.
By integrating user-generated content with a product catalog, Laura Geller now has user-generated commerce wherein every social contribution is linked to a product catalog and is shoppable.
GCI: How can beauty brands successfully use Blucarat to promote products and ideas?
TK: Like any social networking platform, once Blucarat is in place, it's really up to the brand to engage the community. And, like any social networking success, the goal is to become viral. We provide assistance with best practices, and there are many ways to promote products and ideas through an online shopping community. Creating special offers for the community, creating excitement and engaging discussion around new offerings, bringing compelling content like video into the community, leveraging user-generated content from both on and off the site… [these] are a few ways that brand can engage and create "stickiness."
GCI: What ideas are on the horizon for Blucarat?
TK: We are a fairly new company, which gives us the technology advantage—we use the most leading-edge technologies to make this all happen. We also have the advantage of adding new features and functionality fairly quickly based on customer feedback. We continuously improve upon user experience and existing functionality. Our main focus right now in the upcoming new software releases is bringing in user-generated content from all over the web so that members of a shopping community can share their content from other sources.
GCI: Anything else you think it's important to point out?
TK: It's no longer a question that brands recognize the need to make their online shopping experiences more social; the question is, how they will do it? Attempts at "social commerce" over the past five years have been underwhelming, so it is not a question of whether social interactions will occur on retailer sites but how. Large online retailers like Amazon and eBay are piloting approaches, and others are embedding social tools in select sections of their sites. This convergence of social networking and commerce means that 2014 will present digital marketers and social media managers with many new options—and decisions—to make if they want to make the shopping experience even more social and stay ahead of the competition.


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The last time I reviewed a Longwood Symphony Orchestra concert, we got Silvestre Revueltas's Sensemayá, the Coronation Scene from Mussorgsky's Boris Godunov, and Janácek's Glagolitic Mass. Before that, it was Samuel Barber's Night Flight and the Beethoven Ninth. One of the virtues of having so many "second-tier" orchestras in Boston, like the Longwood and the Boston Philharmonic (which just performed the Revueltas a couple of weeks back), is that we get to hear repertoire that doesn't make it to the BSO. The members of the LSO are mostly area medical professionals, but they play like musical professionals, and they have one of Boston's best conductors in Jonathan McPhee (who also directs the Lexington Symphony, the Nashua Symphony, and the Boston Ballet Orchestra).
The program last Saturday was Rachmaninov's ferociously difficult D-minor Piano Concerto (a/k/a "Rach 3"), with British guest soloist Philip Edward Fisher, and Danish composer Carl Nielsen's World War I–haunted Symphony No. 4, the "Inextinguishable." The Rachmaninov is one of those "standard" pieces that doesn't actually get played very often — Gabriela Montero did it with Benjamin Zander and the Boston Philharmonic last year, but BSO maestro James Levine is not known for Rachmaninov, and the last time I remember hearing this piece in Symphony Hall was way back when David Helfgott (the Shine pianist) was in town. As for Nielsen, he hardly turns up at all.
Challenging the conventional wisdom that you have to anchor your program with its biggest and most popular work, McPhee led with the Rachmaninov. Fisher, who was new to me, began with a forthright statement of the opening theme, but as the movement went on, the composer's birch trees and snowflakes dissipated into a forest/snowstorm of banging, overpedaling, and quirky phrasing that veered between impetuous and inert. Fisher can play the notes — no small thing — and there were moments of melting poetry, as in his final solo statement of the second theme. But too often the orchestra was reduced to a blurry haze, with bloopy solos poking through now and again. I had the same impression when I heard Montero in this piece (in Harvard's Sanders Theatre): the Boston Philharmonic's otherwise idiomatic Rachmaninov sound kept, like the Longwood's (when you could hear, there was some pretty decent playing), getting obliterated. I wonder whether Rach 3 as performed by a full orchestra and a powerhouse pianist simply isn't too big for venues the size of Jordan and Sanders. Or maybe I needed to be sitting in the balcony.
The slow movement was closer to an Andante than the marked Adagio — interpretive license that would have worked better with more breathing room around Fisher's relentless passion. The third movement didn't improve till the end, when he cut through the orchestra with a singing rendition of the surging second theme (the one that Soviet-era pair skaters Ludmila and Oleg Protopopov made famous, at least in America). It's the kind of moment that can redeem an entire performance. The audience didn't think redemption was necessary — most everybody stood and whooped, perhaps hoping for an encore. That didn't materialize — but even those who'd paid $40 (the top price) had got their money's worth out of Fisher's technique.
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2049.0 - Census of Population and Housing: Estimating homelessness, 2006
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 11/09/2012
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Official ABS estimates of homelessness: 90,000 homeless people on 8 August 2006 Today is the first time the ABS has released official estimates of the prevalence of homelessness in Australia at the time of the 2001 and 2006 Censuses. Today's release found that there were 89,728 people who were homeless on 8 August 2006, or 0.5% of the Australian population (45 homeless people for every 10,000 persons). Between 2001 and 2006 there was a 6% decrease in the number of people who were homeless (the rate of homelessness declined from 51 homeless people per 10,000 persons in 2001). The fall in the boarding house population (down 5,840) drove the overall decline in homelessness. ABS's estimates of homelessness adopt the ABS definition of homelessness that was published on 4 September (Information Paper - A Statistical Definition of Homelessness (cat. no. 4922.0)). Under the ABS definition, a person is homeless if they do not have suitable accommodation alternatives and their current living arrangement:
ABS has developed a transparent, consistent and repeatable methodology for compiling estimates of the number of people enumerated in the Census who were likely to be homeless on Census night. The ABS methodology was published on 5 September (Information Paper – Methodology for Estimating Homelessness from the Census of Population and Housing (cat. no. 2049.0.55.001)). Estimates for Census night in 2011 will be released on 12 November 2012. On Census night 2006 the rate of homelessness was highest in the Northern Territory (792 per 10,000 persons) and lowest in Tasmania (24 per 10,000 persons). Most homeless people were not sleeping rough or in improvised dwellings - these people accounted for only 8% of all homeless persons. People living in severely crowded dwellings were the largest homeless group (35%), followed by people staying temporarily with other households (20%) or staying in supported accommodation for the homeless (19%). At the time of the 2006 Census six in ten homeless people were aged under 35 years, and just over half were men (57%). Today's publication also presents estimates of people who were not homeless but who were living in some form of marginal housing on Census night. These include people who may be at risk of homelessness. On Census night in 2006, there were 43,149 people (22 people per 10,000 persons) living in crowded dwellings just below the severe threshold of homelessness. There were another 7,724 people (4 people per 10,000 persons) living in improvised dwellings in a range of circumstances that do not meet the definition of homelessness, and 12,444 people (6 people per 10,000 persons) who were marginally housed in caravan parks. For more information see today's publication Census of Population and Housing: Estimating Homelessness, 2006 (cat. no. 2049.0), and both the Information Paper - Methodology for Estimating Homelessness from the Census of Population and Housing (cat. no. 2049.0.55.001) and Information Paper - A Statistical Definition of Homelessness (cat. no. 4922.0). Media note: When reporting ABS data you must attribute the Australian Bureau of Statistics (or the ABS) as the source. Document Selection These documents will be presented in a new window. |


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A sluggish economy isn't stopping users from buying new and increasingly powerful mobile phones, as the industry continues to experience double-digit growth over last year, a new IDC report found.
Device makers shipped 306 million units during the second quarter of the year — up 5.6 percent from last quarter and a 15.3 percent increase from the second quarter of 2007.
"Communication is vital to everyone's daily lifestyle, and nowadays, it happens to be mobile communication — as compared to 10 years ago when wireline communication was a standard," Ryan Reith, IDC senior research analyst , told InternetNews.com.
"What this shows is that this market is powerful and still has room to grow," he said.
The report is the latest testament to the staying power of mobile phones despite macroeconomic conditions slowing consumer spending elsewhere. In May, a study from J.D. Power and Associates found that consumers are willing to pay extra for advanced phone features, driving costs to their highest level in years.
In the IDC report, the high-end mobile device segment in particular continues to see very strong demand, with sales growing at a 40 percent year-over-year rate.
"This tells us that not only are people still buying phones, but they are buying that ones that come with larger price tags," Reith added.
Popular smartphone features spurring such trends include GPS navigation and Wi-Fi capability, according to Reith.
"You hear a lot about touchscreens because of the iPhone effect, but GPS and Wi-Fi are very cool applications that are making peoples lives easier," he said.
IDC said vendors are pushing out a wide range of mid-priced and high-end devices to meet demand for more feature-packed phones and to keep the sales channel full. Samsung, for instance, is benefiting from high-end devices such as the Soul, F480, and the launch of the M800, IDC said.
Partially as a result, Samsung retained the No. 2 slot in worldwide sales, according to IDC. The Korean electronics giant reported 22 percent year-to-year growth in unit shipments during the second quarter, totaling 45.7 million.
Market leadership remains dominated by Nokia, however, which posted 21 percent growth in worldwide shipments compared to a year earlier. The Finnish company shipped 122 million devices during the quarter.
While high-end sales helped its rival, Nokia's (NYSE: NOK) success came more as a result of its "relentless focus on and ability to meet demand within emerging markets." In particular, the company saw its best quarter to date in shipments within India, IDC said.
Despite continued problems facing its handset business, Motorola managed to stay ahead of LG Electronics during second quarter to hold onto the No. 3 spot.
The handset maker debuted several phones with advanced features, including the ROKR E8, two new MING devices, and several new 3G devices, according to IDC.
In its earnings report this week — following a better-than-expected quarter — Motorola (NYSE: MOT) said it plans to ship 34 new models by the year's end.


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Functional cookies are strictly necessary to provide the services of the shop, as well as for its proper functioning, so it is not possible to refuse their use. They allow the user to browse through our website and use the different options or services that exist on it.
These are cookies that collect information about the advertisements shown to users of the website. They can be anonymous, if they only collect information about the advertising spaces shown without identifying the user, or personalised, if they collect personal information about the user of the shop by a third party, for the personalisation of these advertising spaces.
Collect information about the user's browsing experience in the shop, usually anonymously, although sometimes they also allow the user to be uniquely and unequivocally identified in order to obtain reports on the user's interests in the products or services offered by the shop.
These are used to improve the browsing experience and optimise the operation of the shop.
These are cookies without a clear purpose or those that we are still in the process of classifying.
It is the DNA of Albertine. Its deep V-neckline has already made more than one head turn! Its bottom is a high panty enough covering and its back is a wise bare back. With the Camarat, everything happens from the front! It will also be sublime worn as a bodysuit because the Camarat is a ready-to-wear swimsuit, from morning to night, from the beach to the restaurant, to life to love!
- Seamless swimsuit, fully lined at the panty level- Tie at the neck- Normal coverage at the buttocks
♻ Albertine products are created in Hossegor and manufactured in Tunisia. Our fabrics come from France, Spain or Italy. Since our beginnings, we have woven relationships of confidence with our partners manufacturers chosen for their know-how and their concern of quality.
Composition : 69%Polyamide 19%Elasthanne 12%Fibres métalliques - 74%Polyamide 26%Elasthanne
Fast deliveryDelivery in France by Colissimo (2-3 days), Europe (4-5 days) and the rest of the world (5-6 days). Delivery is free in mainland France for orders over 200€.
ReturnsYou have 14 days to return an article if it doesn't suit you. Returns are free in mainland France for orders over 250€.
Questions?We are available by phone on +33 (0)684918865, from Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm and via the chat console. You can also send us a message.
Daniela wears a size 1.
Our advice size: This model size normally, we advise you to take your usual size. For people measuring 1m70 or more, we advise you to take a size above.
In the team, Ines wears a size 1 for a 34, 85A and 1m70 ; Andréa a size 1 for a 36, 85B and 1m65 and Chloé a size 3 for a 40, 90C and 1m63
Our care advice:We advise you to rinse your swimsuit with clear water after each use. Avoid leaving it to dry in the sun because, just like your skin, it doesn't like it very much. You can wash your swimsuit in the washing machine in a delicate program (30° max) without spinning but the best is to wash it by hand with similar colors.
Pour trouver votre taille, suivez les indications dans les tableaux ci-dessous puis votre correspondance de taille Albertine. Si vous avez un doute, utilisez le tchat en bas de page ou écrivez-nous!
Lacer le ruban de mesure sous la poitrine sans soutien-gorge.Exemple: Mon tour de dos fait 68cm, je fais donc un 85.
Placer le ruban autour de vos hanches.Exemple: Mon tour de hanche est de 91.5cm, je fais un 38.
Placer le mètre au niveau de la pointe des seins.Exemple: Je fais un 85 et mon tour de poitrine est 89 cm, je fais donc un 85C.
Nous vous conseillons de prendre en compte la hauteur de buste. Si vous êtes grande (+1m72) prenez une taille au-dessus, surtout pour les maillots Camarat, Jane, Calypso et Nico! Vous garderez l'aspect blousant si élégant et féminin.


text: Several grml developers met at the Grazer LinuxDay (Austria) on 19th of april 2008. Alexander held a talk about Nagios3, Jimmy talked about Backups, Gebi held a talk about "Lockless Multithreading using Erlang" and I (Mika) was talking about "Systemadministration++ - What really helps". Check out the gallery to get an idea of the event. Oh, and at the grml-booth we had a Lenovo X300, running grml of course. :)


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Land speculation stimulates the expansion of plantations across Brazil, increasing land conflicts and displacement of campesino and Indigenous communities.
Historically, Indigenous and peasant communities in Brazil have resisted against violence and displacement. Land concentration is a root cause of social and economic inequality, in a country where 1 percent of large landowners control over 90 percent of agricultural land. In the past 12 years, 390 Guarani Kaiowa Indigenous people were assassinated in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, where agribusiness corporations and local large landowners have expanded monocropping of commodities.
Land Grabs Soar, Worsen Land Conflicts and Climate Change: Report
The BAMAPITO region, which combines the states of Bahia, Maranhão, Piauí and Tocantins, has also become a target for land speculation and the expansion of agribusiness. This savanna area, rich in biodiversity, has been the home of traditional peasant communities for hundreds of years. Recently, this so called "last agricultural frontier" is at risk of destruction by a wave of land speculation, deforestation and pollution of water sources. Land market speculation consists of the same logic as the stock market, by the "secret" purchase of "cheap" land and its negotiation at higher prices.
Especially since the global economic crisis that erupted in 2008, financial corporations have created new mechanisms to invest in farmland in the global South. After the collapse of real estate markets in the United States and Europe, pension funds, banks and other financial institutions targeted farmland as a "safe" asset or as a "material" base that could facilitate the flow of international financial capital.
By 2012, over 1,200 land deals by foreign investors were identified, covering 83.2 million hectares, or 1.7 percent of the world's agricultural lands. This global trend represents a massive transfer of natural resources from rural communities to agribusiness and financial corporations. Pension funds from Europe and the United States have made large investments in farmland in recent years.
WATCH: Bronx - Brazil Community Gathering with MST Denounces Coup
Brazil has been one of the main countries where land speculation has greatly increased. One of the main local players is the sugarcane agribusiness corporation Cosan through its real estate subsidiary Radar Agriculture Properties. This corporation is the largest sugarcane producer in Brazil, which preceded and laid the foundation for the current speculation on farmland.
By November 2012, Radar Corporation had acquired 392 farms in Brazil, covering 151,468 hectares, with an estimated value of around US$1 billion. Radar's main source of funding is an international pension fund linked to the Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association – College Retirement Equities Fund Corporation (TIAA-CREF). This company manages pension funds in the United States with an estimated value of US$886 billion, and owns TIAA-CREF Global Agriculture LLC (TCGA), which operates on international land markets.
TIAA-CREF receives investments from other sources, such as the Second Swedish National Pension Fund (AP2), the Canadian-based Caisse de Depots et Placement du Quebec, the British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (bcIMC), the Stichting Pensionenfonds AEP from Holland, the Arzteversorung Westfalen-Lippe from Germany, the Cummins UK Pension Plan Trustee Ltd., the Environment Agency Pension Fund, the Greater Manchester Pension Fund and the New Mexico State Investment Council.
Brazil Coup Government to Legalize Foreign Land Grabbing
In order to operate in Brazil, TIAA-CREF Global Agriculture created a local holding company, Mansilla. Together, Mansilla and Cosan are the main shareholders of Radar, as they own 89.1 percent and 18.9 percent of the company, respectively. The creation of local subsidiary companies represents a strategy to subvert Brazilian laws that limit land acquisition by foreign corporations.
In addition to attracting investors from financial markets, the Brazilian sugar-energy sector have engaged in a series of mergers with oil and commodity trading corporations. The Royal Dutch Shell oil company entered the ethanol market by establishing a joint venture with the Cosan Group in 2008. This association resulted in the creation of Raizen Corporation, which has become the largest ethanol producer in Brazil. This merger contributed to the monopoly of ethanol production, which is now largely controlled by the oil sector.
Farmland speculation can be seen as a new round in "idle" capital's search for profit after the end of the 2003-2008 cycle of high commodity prices, which caused the price of arable land to grow exponentially. The increase in prices of Brazil's main agricultural commodities for export led to the inflation of land prices as well. However, since 2008, the price of agricultural commodities have decreased, but the price of farmland continues to grow.
This process reveals a "detachment" between land markets and commodities markets, which means that land as an asset became the main target of financial investors, independently from agricultural production. Although the expansion of land markets stimulated extensive monocropping of agricultural commodities, such as sugar and soybeans, which increased labor exploitation and environmental destruction, the main purpose of this business is not necessarily agriculture production, but land speculation.
Land speculation stimulates the expansion of plantations across many states in Brazil, increasing land conflicts and displacement of campesinos and Indigenous communities. The territorial expansion of agribusiness occurs mainly in regions that are rich in water sources, biodiversity and infrastructure. As a result, the potential social and environmental impacts are alarming and can have severe consequences for Brazil's capacity to guarantee food production for its internal market.
*Maria Luisa Mendonça is a professor at the International Relations Department of University of Rio de Janeiro and Director of Brazil's Network for Social Justice and Human Rights.


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Los Angeles, CA – Hanley Ramirez cracked a two-run homer to back eight flawless innings from Ricky Nolasco, and the Los Angeles Dodgers took a 2-0 win in the opener of a three-game set with the Boston Red Sox.
Nearly a year ago, the two clubs agreed to one of the biggest waiver wire deals in MLB history and met each other for the first time since.
In the midst of a disappointing season, the Red Sox shed more than $250 million of payroll by shipping first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, outfielder Carl Crawford, pitcher Josh Beckett and infielder Nick Punto to the Dodgers.
Los Angeles mustered only three hits, with Crawford accounting for two of them, but Nolasco (10-9) held the Sox to just two hits while striking out six. Kenley Jansen finished off the impressive outing, setting the Red Sox down in order in the ninth for his 22nd save.
"I felt good tonight, I had good tempo and good rhythm," said Nolasco. "I tried to stay focused. I just tried to match (Boston starter) John (Lackey) and he made just one mistake. My fastball and slider were good, throwing strikes was the key."
John Lackey (8-11) was once again a hard-luck loser, pitching all eight innings for Boston, which with the loss, fell into a tie atop the AL East with the Tampa Bay Rays.
Lackey's only blemish occurred in the fourth inning, when Ramirez reached him for a two-run shot over the wall in center field. He went on to retire 13 of the last 14 batters he faced, but for the sixth time this season, his offense failed to score a run for him.
"As right-handers go, that was about as good as we have seen against us," said Boston manager John Farrell. "One starter falls victim to less run support, and John has been that guy."
Boston's best chance to score off Nolasco was in the fifth. Daniel Nava was hit by a pitch and Stephen Drew came through with a single, but Nolasco got the red-hot Will Middlebrooks to ground into an inning-ending double play.
Middlebrooks entered batting .441 with seven RBI in 11 games since being recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket, but was 0-for-3 on the night.
In last August's trade, the Red Sox received first baseman James Loney, shortstop Ivan DeJesus, Jr., outfielder Jerry Sands and pitcher Rubby De La Rosa, but only the latter still remains with the team.
Game Notes
The Dodgers are 10 1/2 games ahead of Arizona in the NL West. It marks the first time Los Angeles has held a double-digit divisional lead since finishing the 1977 season 10 games ahead of the Reds in the NL West ... Boston fell to 11-5 in interleague play ... Dustin Pedroia had the only other Red Sox hit.


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STARTING INVENTORY: Credit Notes, Minicom, Elevator Card, Magnetic Pen and Small Key
Pick up the Foil Paper between the two aircars.
Open the door to the building and enter
the APARTMENT BUILDING.
Press the elevator button – the fuse inside the panel blows. Remove the Fuse (blown) and wrap the Foil Paper around it. Replace the Fuse (working) in the panel to repair the elevator button. Press the button to open the elevator. Slide the Elevator Card through the slot inside the elevator. Take the elevator to Simon Ruby's apartment.
Examine the door to his apartment (on the left of the elevator) – [17 – S. RUBY]. This activates the 'letterbox for number 17' in the foyer. Return to the foyer.
Open the 'letterbox for number 17' with the Small Key – get a Letter (with signature) from inside. Go back to the apartment.
Put the Letter
(with signature) on the pen pad on the door. Now use the Magnetic
Pen on the pen pad to open the door. Enter the apartment.
Take the Note Paper from the table in the living room. It has a message [ROTMALL 17 11.30 PM] on it – this activates the map in the SUBWAY (see later). Take the Photo from on top of the refrigerator. Open the refrigerator and look inside. Take the Bottle (of Vodka) from the refrigerator. Go to the bedroom.
There are two switches next to the
window that lower or raise the shutter. Press the bottom switch to lower
the shutter. Now open the window to reveal a piece of sticky tape. Remove
the Key from the tape. Open the wardrobe and
move the clothes aside to find the safe. Unlock the safe with the Key.
Inside the safe are a Pistol, a Tube
(of acid) and Ruby's Report (to Hugh).
Insert the Credit
Notes into the vending machine (outside Ruby's apartment) – it dispenses
a Can (of beer). Check the coin return and
get Coin (change). Go to the ROOF.
Melt the barrier (next to the rail on the bridge) with the Tube (of acid). Take the Bar.
Return to the foyer inside the APARTMENT
Examine the map on the wall – this
activates the SUBWAY option in the elevator. Take the elevator to
the SUBWAY.
Examine the map above the ticket machine – this activates the ticket machine for use. Insert the Coin (change) into the ticket machine. Place your thumb on the scanner and go through the access gate.
Talk to the Bum at Rotmall 17. Give
him the Bottle (of Vodka), then show him the
He will still be 'thirsty', so give him the Can (of
beer) as well – he is now prepared to sell the Skate.
To buy the Skate select the [I
feel for the guy, what the hell…] option. Go up the escalator
to get to the SQUARE.
The Doorman outside the FREE CLIMAX tells you that you need a membership card to get inside. You must have spoken to him in order to activate the topic of the membership card with the Storekeeper. Enter the LIQUOR STORE.
Take note that the Storekeeper's Wife is afraid of rats. Examine the Membership Card on the shelf behind the Storekeeper. Try to take the Membership Card – this activates the topic with the Storekeeper. Talk to him and select the [Ask him about the membership card] option. He tells you that he is prepared to swap it for a bottle of Chateau Lafitte '85. Climb over the railings to get to the alley between the LIQUOR STORE and the FREE CLIMAX.
Open the manhole with the Bar. Go down the open manhole to the UNDERGROUND TUNNEL. Pick up the Rat near the grating at the far end. Return to the alley.
Use the Tube (of acid) to melt the padlock on the trapdoor. Open the trapdoor and go down to the STOREROOM. Attach the Rat to the Skate, and then roll the Rat (on the Skate) towards the Storekeeper's Wife. When she runs away – open the case on the floor and take out the Bottle (of Chateau Lafitte '85). Go back to the LIQUOR STORE.
Give the Bottle (of Chateau Lafitte '85) to the Storekeeper – he gives you the Membership Card in return.
Show the Membership
Card to the Doorman outside the FREE CLIMAX – he will now allow
you access. Enter the FREE CLIMAX and have a conversation with Eva. Return
to the SUBWAY.
Use the Minicom
contact Hugh Martens (this is the only place it will work). The fax machine
needs to be fixed in order for Hugh to transmit a map. Pick up the Plastic
Plate (on the floor under the graffiti). Attach the
Plastic Plate to the fax machine on the left – you now have a fax
number to give to Hugh (PK64768). Use the Minicom
to contact Hugh Martens again. Take the Map
from the fax machine – this activates the grating in the UNDERGROUND TUNNEL
(down the open manhole). Go to the UNDERGROUND TUNNEL.
Open the grating at the far end of the tunnel. Go through the grating to get to the PLATFORMS.
Use the Pistol to shoot the lock on the door leading to the MAINTENANCE ROOM. Open the door and enter.
Inside the middle cabinet is a bag containing various tools. Open the middle cabinet and remove the Leads, Screwdriver and Tool (Socket Spanner) from the bag.
Unscrew the logo on the advertisement board with the Screwdriver. The logo is a Metal 'S' – which you attach to the chain lying next to the pipe near the door. You now have a makeshift grapple. Throw the makeshift grapple onto the overhead pipe (above the tracks). Cross the platform to the other side.
Open the panel next to the magnetic field with the Tool (Socket Spanner). Attach the Leads to the contacts, and then pull the lever to turn the current on. Apply the other end of the Leads to the magnetic field – this will short-circuit and deactivate the magnetic field. You are now able to pass through.
At the extreme left of the DESERTED PLATFORM is a shed. Take the Pliers that are inside. Use the Bar to knock the loudspeaker off the wall – a Magnet falls onto the floor. Pick up the Magnet. Note: By going down the trapdoor inside the shed; the door leading to the BOOKSTORE will be visible on the other side of the chasm.
Climb onto the BRIDGE. There is a sign
suspended by a cable over the rubble on the tracks. Cut the cable with
the Pliers – the sign drops down and forms
a passage allowing you to cross over to the ZOO.
Open the curtain in the BAR. Take the Broom and the Cylinder (of gas). There is a Small can (of oil) on the counter, which you take. Take the Can (empty) from the table. Go to the SPHINX.
Try to enter the SPHINX – the recorded message gives the access codes for the 3 WHEELS:
"…under the supreme eye of the father of the gods…"
"…sits the solar protector of all men…"
"…to the right of he who delights in the eternal becoming of his being…"
This activates the Book
in the BOOKSTORE. Return to the MAINTENANCE ROOM on the PLATFORMS.
In order to cross back over the tracks you need to reach the chain (attached to the overhead pipe). Use the Magnet on the Bar to make a Magnetic Bar. Use the Magnetic Bar to 'attract' the chain and cross the tracks.
Open the extreme right cabinet in the MAINTENANCE ROOM. Take the Key from inside. Pour the oil from the Small can (of oil) onto the hasp of the door in the MAINTENANCE ROOM. Now turn the hasp and open the door to enter the STOREROOM.
The STOREROOM is in darkness. Press
the switch (to try turning the lights on) in the STOREROOM. Examine the
bulb – it's not working. Open the trapdoor (on the floor as you enter).
Go down the trapdoor to get to the UNDERGROUND PASSAGEWAY.
Unlock the door at the end of the passage
with the Key. Open the door and enter the
Remove the Book from the middle shelf (immediately to the left of the well as you face it). Read the Book, it contains clues to the access code of the 3 WHEELS.
RA (TOP) = Head of all Egyptian Gods
KHEPRER (LEFT) = Image of God always becoming in his continuous cycle of dying and rising again
HORUS (RIGHT) = Protector from all sickness that afflicts mankind
Remove the Bulb
(working) from the light on the desk. Climb down the well to return
to the UNDERGROUND PASSAGE. Go to the STOREROOM.
Remove the Bulb
(faulty) from the light socket (in the STOREROOM), and replace it
with the Bulb (working). Press the switch
to turn the lights on. Take the Three-way Adapter
from the shelf. Make your way back to the SPHINX at the ZOO.
Turn the 3 WHEELS to the correct settings:
Press the button in the centre of the 3 WHEELS to gain access to the CONTROL ROOM.
The red buttons on the panels indicate that the barriers are active. Press the red button (2nd from the left) to deactivate the barrier at the GODDESS (the button turns green). Press the red button (extreme right) to also deactivate the barrier at the FISSURE (again the button turns green). Take the Gun from the shelf. Go to the FISSURE.
Try crossing the footbridge – a dinosaur appears. Shoot the dinosaur with the Gun. Now cross the footbridge and enter the CAVE.
Take the Flare from the table. Examine the key on the wall next to the cage and note that it has a 'Xame Electronics' cell. Go to the GODDESS.
Move the bush to reveal a faucet. Turn the faucet once to extinguish the fire in the brazier. Turn it again and the brazier fills up with fuel. Fill the Can (empty) with fuel from the brazier – you have a Can (of fuel). Go to the POND.
Open the machinery panel – the tank opens and the Kid (on the other side) falls down. Pour the fuel from the Can (of fuel) into the tank. Note that you are left with 2 Cans (empty). Also pour the gas from the Cylinder (of gas) into the tank. Finally, throw the Flare into the tank – the resultant explosion opens the sluice gate. Note what happens to the Minicom, i.e. the sparks! Cross the bridge to get to the Kid. Search the Kid and get the Remote Control. Examine the Remote Control and note that it is also a 'Xame Electronics' gadget (the same as the key in the CAVE). Return to the CAVE.
Activate the key with the Remote
Control to open the elevator. Take the elevator to the WAREHOUSE.
Search the open crate (on the extreme left) and get the Pincers. Search the same crate a second time to get the Projector. Take the elevator (on the far right) to get to the metal walkway above. Press the push-buttons to open the trapdoor. Climb up the staircase to the ROOF.
Note that the trapdoor is sealed shut. Use the Magnetic Bar to open the door that leads to the MACHINERY ROOM. Enter the MACHINERY ROOM.
Note the two canisters filled with gas. Pull the lever (above and to the right of the mixer faucet) to turn the gas off. Loosen the pipe by cutting it with the Pliers. Now bend the pipe upwards so that it is visible (and accessible) through the window.
Turn the gas supply on again by pulling the lever. Go back to the ROOF.
Place the Minicom on the lock on the sealed trapdoor. Disconnect the hose from the faucet and attach it to the pipe (visible and accessible through the window) – see picture above. Use the hose to get gas onto the Minicom and ignite the sparks. The trapdoor will be blown open.
1. the fire alarm goes off
2. the previously hidden passageway where the Guard comes from
3. how he deactivates the alarm
4. he drops a match
Return to the ground level of the WAREHOUSE.
Pick up the Match dropped by the Guard. Open the panel (in which the alarm is housed). Unscrew the cover with the Screwdriver. Disconnect the earth (middle) wire and join it to the negative (right) wire.
Replace the cover – the booby trap is now ready. Go back up to the metal walkway.
Light the Broom
with the Match to make a Torch.
Touch the sensor (near the push-buttons) with the Torch
set the alarm off again. The Guard will come investigate and gets electrocuted
when he switches it off. Go to the HIDEOUT through the passageway.
Insert the Three-way Adapter into the socket (on the lower part of the wall near the entrance). Plug the Projector into the Three-way Adapter. Switch on the Projector to activate the hologram. After overpowering the Terrorist, search him and get a Laser and a Key. Take the elevator to the DESERTED ROOM above.
Unlock the left desk drawer with the Key. Search the drawer to find a (Security) Card. Move the picture on the wall to reveal a Piece of Paper. Take the Piece of Paper – it gives a clue to the correct sequence in which to press the buttons on the security system (downstairs). Note that the colours range from 'white' to 'black' in gradual shades. The sequence to follow begins with 'white' and ends with 'black'.
Return downstairs.
Fire the Laser at the panel to open it and reveal the security system. Insert the (Security) Card to activate the system. In order to deactivate the retina scanners (upstairs); press the buttons in the correct sequence.
Remove the (Security) Card and go back to the DESERTED ROOM.
Look through the spy hole in the door to the right – the room behind it is empty. Open the door and enter the MEDICAL ROOM. Press the panel on the partition wall to open the partition. Open the panel inside the partition wall to get a Stethoscope, a Syringe and Simon Ruby's (Medical) Report. Return to the DESERTED ROOM.
Look through the spy hole in the door
to the left – there are two people (Al and Eva) in the room behind it.
Use the Stethoscope to listen to Al and Eva
through the door. Select all the 'talk' options to get the full
story line as well as a clue to the mirror (see later) being non-reflective.
ONLY INVENTORY ITEM: Positioner
Enter THE LABYRINTH.
Take the Coin out of the water font. Take the Cloth that the skeleton is holding. Go to the cablecar area in the AMUSEMENT PARK.
Pick up the hammer and hit the drum with it – part of the hammer breaks off. Take the Hammer. Enter the hut through the door. Open the left drawer of the ticket office and search inside it to get a Match. Go downstairs to the boiler room. Shut down the boiler by turning the handle with the Cloth. The spider leaves – revealing gunk (on the floor) and mildew (on the wall). Take the Mud (gunk) and Saltpetre (mildew).
Go to the slot machine. Hit the spider (on the slot machine) with the Hammer – it's leg holds one of the 'skulls' on the slot machine in a fixed position. Insert the Coin into the slot and then play the slot machine. Remove the Coins you win. Go to the shooting range.
Slow down the targets by throwing the Mud on the runners. Insert the Coins (you retain one) into the slot. Fire the gun and win a prize. Take the prize – a Puppet (with a Remote Control). Return to the hut near the cablecar.
Open the right-hand drawer of the ticket
office and put the Puppet inside – you are
left with the Remote Control. Get into the
cablecar cage and then press the button on the Remote
Control to get the Puppet to start
the cablecar.
Go to the CHURCH. Break off the Torch (on Joshua's left as he enters). Pick up the Skull from the centre of the pentacle. Note that there is a hole in the cranium. Open the brazier and remove the Charcoal Slack. Go to the ALCHEMIST'S STUDY.
Read the book on the podium – it contains two clues on werewolves:
1. …kill a werewolf with a silver bullet…
2. …werewolves' blood corrodes metal…
Pick up the Parchment on the left (on the table) – it contains instructions for making gunpowder:
…make gunpowder from saltpetre, charcoal and sulphur…
Read the parchment on the right (on the table) – it contains a clue to the mirror puzzle:
…the mirror is enveloped by the mists of the waters of the Styx…
Take the Small Bag from the shelf and examine it – the Small Bag contains papaverine, a sleeping drug. Take the Jar from the shelf and examine it – it's filled with sulphate. Put your foot on the tile (under the water vessel) and note that the flow of water stops. Put the Skull on the tile to stop the water flow. Insert the Torch into the Skull, and then light it with the Match. Kick the Torch off the tile to start the flow of water again – the mirror mists up and the numbers 7 8 4 5 are visible. Take the Shaft that's standing next to the vessel. Go to the TOWER.
Insert the Shaft into the meridian circle. Next fill those numbered holes (with the Shaft) in the same sequence as the numbers visible in the mirror, i.e. 7 8 4 5.
You find Moreau's diary and are transported to HUGH'S OFFICE.
Study the picture behind the Secretary – it's the 1st clue to the access code to Hugh's computer. Empty the Small Bag (of papaverine) into the chocolates on the Secretary's desk. She eats a chocolate and falls asleep. Press the button on her desk to open the door to the Meeting Room. Enter the Meeting Room.
Open the showcase and remove the Pistol
Iron Balls. Take the Club from the
Suit of Armour. Examine the door to the right and note that it has a metal
lock. Use the Positioner to go back to the
cablecar area in THE AMUSEMENT PARK.
Hit the drum with the Club – the Bell falls to the ground. Pick up the Bell. Go to the lava in THE LABYRINTH.
Put the Bell on top the lava. Next put one Iron Ball on the Bell, which is now floating in the lava. Also put the remaining Coin on the Bell. The Coin melts and the Ball becomes silver-coated. Remove the Bell with the Cloth – the Ball (silver) falls on the floor. Pick up the Ball (silver).
Go the Werewolf in THE LABYRINTH. Mix the Saltpetre with the Charcoal Slack to make a Powder. Now mix this Powder with the Jar (containing Sulphur) to make the final Powder (gunpowder) solution. Note that you are left with an empty Jar. Load the Powder into the Pistol, then insert the Ball (silver) into the Pistol. Fire the Pistol at the Werewolf – the 'silver bullet' kills it. Take the Blood from the Werewolf by putting it into the empty Jar – you now have a Jar (of blood). Return to the Meeting Room in HUGH'S OFFICES.
Pour the Blood (in the Jar) onto the lock on the door to the right – it melts, allowing the door to be opened. Enter Hugh's Office. Open the drawer in Hugh's desk and remove the Slide. Insert the Slide into the projector (in the Meeting Room) to get the 2nd clue to the access code to Hugh's computer.
Switch on the computer and enter the access code 5 6 2 3 9 6. You learn the truth about Martens. You go to ROCAS PERDIDA with Al and Eva.
ADDITIONAL INVENTORY ITEMS: Laser, Wrist-comm and Parallel Cutter
Take note of the turtle walking into the ocean as you arrive.
Sift through the tracks (those nearest to you) left by the turtle – you find an Egg. Go to the FENCE.
Throw the Egg towards the Snake – it comes closer. Shoot the Snake with the Laser, then use the Pincers to pick it up. Go to the CONDUIT.
Open the grating by shooting the padlock
with the Laser. Throw the Snake
into the pond to feed and distract the piranhas. Climb through the grating
to enter the LAUNDRY.
Move the sheets to reveal the Detergent. Take the Detergent and empty it into the bucket. Pour the contents of the bucket down the conduit to make it slippery. Close the grating that you entered through. Put the 2 Cans (empty) into the washing machine on the right and switch it on – the guard hears the noise and comes to investigate. The guard falls through the grating. Take the Keys that the guard left in the door.
Unlock the red door with the Keys and enter the ISOLATION WARD. Open the window on the door to the 2nd cell on the left and talk to Moreau. He tells you that the fence has 100000 volts. Select the following options:
[ask him how to open his cell door] – he tells you about the door to the prison governor's office
[ask him where the laboratory is] – he tells you that he can recognise the sounds of the keypad
Take the MDVD from the desk at the SENTRY'S POST. Film the audio and visual of the keypad on the wall with the MDVD. Take the MDVD and give it to Moreau through the window – he tells you that the code is 446677.
Enter the code into the keypad and enter the LABORATORY. Take the Tester, Tubes (containing poison) and the Gloves. Look at the blackboard – it has sketched formulae and calculations on it that are clues to opening the door to the Governor's Office (see later).
Unscrew the panel along the wall at the SENTRY'S POST with the Screwdriver. Examine the box with the Tester – there are 3 identical wires. Cut the correct wire (the box) with the Parallel Cutter. Eva and Al will be able to get past the fence. Eva finds a code, but is captured. Al is killed.
Unlock the door to the INFIRMARY with the Keys. Search the coat (through the reinforced bars) – you get Floss and a Thermometer. Inflate the Gloves with gas from the cylinder (also through the reinforced bars). Look out of the window – the windows of the prison cells are visible. Call Eva – she is in the 1st cell, i.e. the one closest to you. Fill the Syringe with the poison from the Tubes. Tie the Floss to the Syringe, then attach the Syringe to the inflated Gloves. Float the Gloves across to the window of Eva's cell – she now has a weapon to use to overpower the guard.
Unlock the red door with the Keys (again) and enter the ISOLATION WARD. Take the Laser from the guard on the floor. Open the window to Eva's cell – she gives you the Paper (code) she found.
Information Known:
(1) The laboratory door access code is 446677
(2) The symbols for this code don't appear on the equations on the blackboard
(3) Therefore the numbers 4, 6 and 7 are excluded from the equations
The equation can be divided into two parts:
PART ONE: abc x dc = defc
PART TWO: defc + cbfc = agecb
From PART TWO:
defc + cbfc = agecb
agecb is a number in the "ten thousands"
but agecb cannot be 20 000 or greater
so agecb must be a number between 10 000 and 20 000
therefore a = 1
From PART ONE:
abc x dc = defc
c is the last digit in all the numbers
so c x c = c (or a number ending in c)
so c can only be 0,1,5 or 6
but c cannot be 1 (a = 1) nor 6 (excluded)
therefore c can only be 0 or 5
Back to PART TWO:
defc + cbfc = agecb
again look at the last digit in the numbers
so c + c = b (or a number ending in b)
but c cannot be 0 (0 + 0 = 0 doesn't fit)
therefore c = 5
also: if 5 + 5 = 10 (c + c = b)
then b = 0
Staying with PART TWO:
defc + cbfc = agecb (def5 + 50f5 = 1ge50)
look at the last two digits in the numbers
so f5 + f5 = 50 (or a number ending in 50)
therefore f can only be 2 or 7
but f cannot be 7 (excluded)
therefore f = 2
What do you know so far?
a = 1, b = 0, c = 5, f = 2
missing letters are d, e and g
missing numbers are 3, 8 and 9
From PART ONE:
abc x dc = defc (105 x d5 = de25)
using "trial and error":
if d is 3: 105 x 35 = 3e25
but 105 x 35 = 3675, therefore d cannot be 3
if d is 9: 105 x 95 = 9e25
but 105 x 95 = 9975, therefore d cannot be 9
if d is 8: 105 x 85 = 8e25
and 105 x 85 = 8925, therefore d can only be 8
therefore d = 8 and e = 9
also by process of elimination g = 3
The governor's door access code – as on the Paper from Eva is e c d g f b
Therefore the code is 9 5 8 3 2 0.
Enter the number 9 5 8 3 2 0 on the keypad.
A Walkthrough by Malcolm Schmidt


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Whatever you believe about the best diet to control diabetes, this new documentary "Fat Head" is bound to shake up those beliefs. I have been studying and trying to practice good nutrition for years, and even so, some parts of it disturbed me. Still, most of it delighted me. This is a funny movie.
About half way through I almost stopped watching. "Fat Head" was beginning to look like a movie in praise of fast food.
A guy named Tom Naughton wrote, directed, and starred in this 104 minute film. Like Morgan Spurlock in his 2004 documentary "Super Size Me," Naughton lived on fast food for a month. But unlike Spurlock, Naughton lost weight.
For one thing, Naughton didn't eat anywhere the 5,000 daily calories that Spurlock claimed to consume. But neither did Spurlock, according to Naughton, who says that it doesn't jibe with the record. For another thing, Naughton ate a lot more wisely, limiting himself to 100 grams of carbohydrate per day.
That's how the new documentary starts off. Since I never eat at fast food restaurants — except one that specializes in great salads — I was disturbed. Then, I heard Naughton say in the movie, "A fast food diet is not a good diet."
And the movie moved on. It turns out that Naughton wasn't making an apologia for fast food. The fast food industry, he says, is not at fault for what he calls the "so-called obesity epidemic," which he argues is really a high blood glucose epidemic. Instead, he argues for personal responsibility and against government intervention and interventionists like Michael Jacobson of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, who he calls "a tireless propagator of junk science."
But Naughton reserves his greatest contempt for Ancel Keys, who got so famous that Time magazine featured him on its cover for his manipulating the "lipid hypothesis" statistics in the "Seven Countries Study." Data from those seven countries seemed to show a relationship between a diet high in saturated fat and heart disease, but Keys conveniently ignored data from even more countries that didn't fit his hypothesis, which then became — and still is — the accepted wisdom of our medical establishment.
This makes "Fat Head" sound like a serious, dull movie. It is anything but that. In fact, it's closer to being a comedy than anything else. Naughton is a professional comedian who is also a former health writer. Consequently, "Fat Head" both funny and exceedingly thought-provoking.
Naughton just didn't eat in fast food restaurants, mostly McDonald's. He also went around interviewing real people. The people he talked with were men and women in the street as well as experts like Michael Eades, M.D., and his wife Mary Dan Eades, M.D., the authors of Protein Power; Mary Enig, Ph.D., and Sally Fallon, the authors of The Skinny on Fat; Al Sears, M.D., the founder and director of The Wellness Research Foundation and the author of The Doctor's Heart Cure; J. Eric Oliver, Ph.D., of the University of Chicago and the author of Fat Politics; and Reason magazine editor Jacob Sullum.
And Naughton even roped in members of his family, interviewing his mother and his wife. One of my favorite lines from the film was when Naughton went into the bedroom where his wife was was reading a magazine on the bed. He asked her to tell us how much better their sex life was on his new diet.
She paused dramatically. And then she replied, "Are you really a moron?"
So we don't learn all the benefits of wise eating. But we can get the point. And Naughton not only lost weight but also improved his cholesterol numbers.
The best of anything shakes us up. And for me the really disturbing statement in this documentary was that statistics — correlations — of people who have a high normal BMI or are even overweight live longer than people whose BMI is at the low end of the scale. Like mine. I find that hard to accept, and of course I don't believe everything that I read or hear, but I will look into it for a future article here. Request: any leads to those studies or insights explaining them.
You can view the trailer for "Fat Head" on YouTube. The movie also has a website. And just a few days ago Amazon.com started to offer the DVD for as little as $11.72.
I bought one of the first copies. It was certainly worth the money for both the entertainment and information that I got from watching "Fat Head."
This article is based on an earlier version of my article published by HealthCentral.
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text:
Bronchodilator medicines
Bronchodilators are a type of medication that make breathing easier by relaxing the muscles in the lungs and widening the airways (bronchi).
They're often used to treat long-term conditionswhere the airwaysmay become narrow and inflamed, such as:
Bronchodilatorsmay beeither:
Inhaled corticosteroids are the main treatment to reduce inflammation and prevent flare-ups in asthma.
But some people may also benefit from taking bronchodilators to keep the airways open and to enhance the effects of corticosteroids. Long-acting bronchodilators should never be taken without corticosteroids.
In COPD, initial treatment is with short- or long-acting bronchodilators, with corticosteroids added in some severe cases.
Treatment with corticosteroids and bronchodilators may require the use of separate inhalers, but increasingly these medications are provided together in single inhalers.
The three most widely used bronchodilators are:
Beta-2 agonists and anticholinergics are available in both short-acting and long-acting forms, whereas theophylline is only available in a long-acting form.
Beta-2 agonists are used for both asthma and COPD, although some types are only available for COPD. They're usually inhaled using a small, hand-held inhaler but mayalso beavailable as tablets or syrup.
For sudden, severe symptoms they can also be injected or nebulised. A nebuliser is a compressor used to turn liquid medication into a fine mist, allowing a large dose of the medicine to be inhaled through a mouthpiece or face mask.
Beta-2 agonists work by stimulating receptors called beta-2 receptors in the muscles that line the airways, which causes them to relax and allows the airways to dilate (widen).
They should be used with caution in people with:
In rare cases, beta-2 agonists can make some of the symptoms and possible complications of these conditions worse.
Anticholinergics (also known as antimuscarinics)aremainly used for COPD but a few are also licenced for asthma. They're usually taken using an inhaler but maybe nebulised to treat sudden and severe symptoms.
Anticholinergics cause the airways to dilate by blocking the cholinergic nerves. These nerves release chemicals that can cause the muscles lining the airways to tighten.
Theyshould be used with caution in people with:
In people with benign prostatic hyperplasia or a bladder outflow obstruction,anticholinergics can causeurination problems. Glaucoma canget worse ifanticholinergic medication unintentionally gets into the eyes.
Theophylline is usually taken in tablet or capsule form, buta different version called aminophylline can begiven directlyinto a vein (intravenously) if your symptoms are severe.
It's unclear exactly how theophylline works, butit seems to reduce any inflammation (swelling) in the airways, in addition to relaxing the muscles lining them.
The effect of theophylline is weakerthan other bronchodilators and corticosteroids. It's also more likely to cause side effects, so is often only used alongside these medicines if they're not effective enough.
Theophylline should be used with caution in people with:
Theophylline may cause these conditions to get worse. In people with liver problems, it can sometimes lead to a dangerous build-up of medication in the body. Other medicines can also cause abnormal build-up of theophylline in the body and this should always be checked by your doctor.
Elderly people may also need additional monitoring while taking theophylline.
The side effects of bronchodilators can vary, depending on the specific medication you're taking. Make sure you read the leaflet that comes with your medication to see what the specific side effects are.
General side effects of bronchodilators include:
In most cases, bronchodilatorsshould be taken as normal while pregnant or breastfeeding.
However, speak to your GP if you regularly use bronchodilators and are considering having a baby or think you might be pregnant.
Pregnancy may affect your Asthma , so it's importantto continue taking your medication and have it monitored regularly, to ensure the condition is controlled.
Bronchodilators may interact with other medicines, which could affect the way they work or increase your risk of side effects.
Some of the medicines that can interact with bronchodilators (particularly theophylline) include:
This isn't a completelist of all the medications that can interact with bronchodilators, and not all of these interactions apply to each type of bronchodilator.
You should always carefully read the patient information leaflet (PIL) that comes with your medication.You may be able to find a specific PIL in the MHRA database onGOV.UK .
If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist or GP.
Read about bronchodilators, a medication used to treat asthma and COPD by relaxing the muscles in the lungs and widening the airways (bronchi)
Read about the side effects of bronchodilators, including beta-2 agonists, anticholinergics and theophyllines.


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I think that we can say that King David had a good plan. We certainly know that Mary did. But what neither of them knew beforehand was that God had something even greater planned for them. He has something planned for you too.
I think most of us can remember an occasion when we had something all planned out. It might have been something relatively minor or it might have concerned something of greater significance to our lives. And then, everything changed and the plans we had made had to be set aside for a while or even abandoned entirely.
Not all that many years ago, I thought I had my life all planned out. Business was literally booming and our thoughts turned to looking for a second home. I first met my wife, Cathy, in Philadelphia. Most of her family lives in the Philadelphia area and two of her sisters have vacation homes on the Jersey Shore—one directly on the beach and the other on the bay across from the Atlantic City Coast Guard station. The South Jersey Shore is a really beautiful and fun place, so naturally we imagined having a shore home of our own. I don't know just how serious we were, but we were heading in that direction.
Becoming a deacon and cutting back on the high-pressured life of a corporate executive was not on my radar. I could not have then imagined the change in course my life was about to take.
On the Fourth Sunday of Advent (Year B), the Church gives us readings for Mass that tell the stories of two of our faith's great figures and how their lives were changed when God made known to them His plan for their lives.
In the first reading from the Second Book of Samuel (2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16), we have a glimpse of King David who seems to be awfully satisfied with himself to the point that maybe he is feeling sorry for God. His intentions were certainly good, but that is the point in one sense—they were his intentions. He had accomplished so much since being chosen by God to lead Israel. At last, he had defeated the Philistines and all of Israel's other enemies. Resting in the comfort of his cedar palace, he decided that it was not right for God to rest in the ark under a tent, outside. He told Nathan the prophet that he, King David, would build the House of God for the Lord. Again, there does not seem to be anything wrong about David's desire to build the Lord a house fitting for God. Indeed there isn't. But God had other plans. God desired to build the House of David which would be the House of God in covenant history.
So God instructed Nathan the prophet to remind David of a few salient facts:
"It was I who took you from the pasture and from the care of the flock to be commander of my people Israel. I have been with you wherever you went, and I have destroyed all your enemies before you. And I will make you famous like the great ones of the earth. I will fix a place for my people Israel; I will plant them so that they may dwell in their place without further disturbance. Neither shall the wicked continue to afflict them as they did of old, since the time I first appointed judges over my people Israel. I will give you rest from all your enemies. The Lord also reveals to you that he will establish a house for you. And when your time comes and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and I will make his kingdom firm. I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall stand firm forever."
– 2 Samuel 7: 8b-12, 14a, 16
David may have been experiencing just a touch of human pride, only God knows. But in any event, God reminded David that all that had been accomplished through the shepherd boy King had been accomplished by the hand of God. God had a plan for David, it wasn't completed and King David needed to learn it.
The Gospel passage for the day (Luke 1:26-38), recounts the event of the Annunciation when the Archangel Gabriel presented to Mary news of God's plans for her life and the whole human race. Becoming a mother was not in Mary's plans for herself. But her divine maternity was a part of God's plan, a plan that was first proclaimed in the Book of Genesis (cf. Genesis 3:15) and very much in mind as the Lord instructed Nathan to speak to David. What would Mary's answer be? So very much depended upon her answer.
Mary is the greatest example for us as we seek God's particular will for ourselves. Her plan was to dedicate her life to God in consecrated virginity. She prayed fervently always. She loved the Lord God with everything she had to give. And she always, in humility, placed God before herself. All creation owes her deep gratitude for her fiat. In spite of the obvious difficulties that God's request introduced into her life, she humbly answered, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word."
I think that we can say that King David had a good plan. We certainly know that Mary did. But what neither of them knew beforehand was that God had something even greater planned for them. He has something planned for you too.
Through David, God expanded His covenant with Israel, establishing the Davidic National Kingdom.
Because of Mary's yes, Jesus Christ mediated the New Covenant, redeemed mankind and established the Catholic Church as the Family of God; a family that includes all the Nations.
The plans of David and Mary were good; God's plan was greater. Advent is a season all about watchfulness and waiting—preparing for the coming of the Lord: in history, in our lives and at the end of time. It is a time when the people of God are to be especially vigilant in deepening their spiritual life, growing in holiness and discerning the particular will of God for them. We need to be watchful for when God has a different, better plan than we do.
Let's face it—not all of us have a prophet like Nathan living in our home and we are not likely to be visited by an Archangel. So how are we to discover God's plan for us? I think too many of us look for a great sign and fail to hear the quiet voice of God when He speaks to us in our hearts and through others. So here are what I believe are five essentials for discovering and living God's Will:
- Live in Christ's Friendship – We Catholics refer to this as being in a state of grace. That is, live the sacramental life and, particularly, seek forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation whenever you become aware of committing a grave sin. Mortal sin particularly deafens our spiritual hearing.
- Practice Humility and Surrender to the Lord – We are all inclined to be prideful. If we think we already have all the answers, we won't be open to new ones, so get into the habit of practicing humility daily. Humbly surrender your will to the Lord.
- Pray Daily – Do we really love God above all else? Then we should be praying before and above all else. That's what you do when you love someone; you spend time in their company. Prayer is spending time with God. In prayer, we must ask God to reveal His Will to us.
- Be Aware and Listen – Do you normally limit your prayer to speaking to God? If so, you need to set aside time during and after your prayer to listen. Trust Jesus. He said, "Seek and you will find, ask and you will receive, knock and the door will be opened." Have faith that God will answer and you will discover that answer—one way or the other.
- Decide to Act – The desire to live God's Will is not the same as the decision to live God's Will. The former is a feeling; the latter is an act of human will. This is not always easy and it can sometimes be painful, but you can believe that God has only the good for you in His answer. We cannot always see very far down the road. We won't always understand the specific purpose and end, beyond our own salvation, for our actions and decisions that God has in His Plan of Divine Providence for us. It is only ours to trust and act.
So what about that plan I had for my life?
God used my wife to encourage my prayer life. I am certain that the prayers of my mom played a part. And thanks to the example and encouragement of many people in my parish, my plan would change. So, in my prayers, I surrendered and asked Jesus to reveal what He wanted of me.
God used three people to plant the seed of my vocation to the diaconate in my heart. One of them was Deacon Martin Lampe whose words of wisdom and encouragement and, especially, his prayers set my life on a different course.
We did not end up with that vacation home but we ended up with a far greater "vocation" home at St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church. I don't say this with pride. I believe the same is true for most of us who sincerely try, however inadequately at times, to live in Christ Jesus.
Reflect this week on how the Lord has guided your life. Submit to His Will totally. Pray for the grace to know and understand His will and the faith and courage to live it.
We cannot see very far down the road. We can only see the present moment. If we learn anything from the examples of King David and the Blessed Virgin Mary, learn to humbly seek the Lord, to trust in Him, to be watchful for the varied ways He might answer and say yes to Him always.
Into the deep…
Editor's Note: The Mass readings for the Fourth Sunday of Advent (Year B) are: Second Samuel 7:1-5, 8-11, 16; Psalms 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29; Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38.
Image credit: "King David in Prayer" (detail) Pieter de Grebber [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
A popular and engaging speaker, Deacon Bickerstaff is available to speak at your parish or event. Be sure to check out his Speaker Page to learn more. Into the Deep is a regular feature of the The Integrated Catholic Life™.
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Time travel to the Carolina Renaissance Festival where history comes alive with non-stop day-long entertainments, arts and crafts, games and rides, jousting knights on horseback, feasting and so much more! Each day inside the 25 acre Village of Fairhaven is filled with an abundance of attractions and entertainments for all ages. Enjoy your best day out in history 8 consecutive weekends, September 30th - November 19th. Details online at Carolina.RenFestInfo.com
MBP readers get to save with your visit! FREE Child Admission! - Receive one FREE child admission for children age 5 - 12 with purchase of one full price adult ticket at Festival gate. Children under 5 are always free. Coupon is valid at the Festival ticket booth!
We can't wait for this year's Ren Fest! Our family attends every year. Have you ever attended Carolina Ren Fest? If not, don't miss this year's festival!


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Ten years ago this month, a political earthquake swept Turkey. The Justice and Development Party, an Islamist-oriented group better known by its Turkish acronym AKP, took 34 percent of the vote in parliamentary elections but, because of a quirk in Turkish election law, won 66 percent of the seats. The AKP's victory marked the first time any Turkish party wielded an absolute parliamentary majority since 1983 when Turgut Özal's Motherland Party took just over half of the seats. While an Islamist party held the premiership for a year in the 1990s, never had an Islamist government wielded such a substantial parliamentary block.
Turks voted for Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's party not because they agreed with his religious and sectarian agenda, however, but rather because he promised to put the economy first. The Turkish public blamed squabbling and often corrupt incumbents for the banking and currency crises which hit Turkey in quick succession at the beginning of the millennium. In one day alone before the elections, the Turkish lira lost one-third of its value, a significant hit to income and quality of life.
The AKP was true to its word. Not only did the government stabilize the Turkish currency but, less than two years after Erdoğan took the reins of government, it knocked six zeros off the Turkish Lira. While this move had more cosmetic than fiscal value, it was psychologically important for a country in which hyperinflation was for so long the norm.
The Turkish economy took off. From 2002 through 2005, Turkey's real GDP growth rate ranged between 6 and 8 percent, before stabilizing at the 4 percent rate for the next two years. The European debt crisis and global recession led to a sharp decline into 2009, but Turkey's economy proved resilient; for the last two years, growth has exceeded 8 percent, putting it only behind China in terms of modern, non-oil based economies.
A Fragile Economy
Turkey's success rests on tenuous underpinnings, however. Erdoğan financed Turkey's growth by accruing vast amounts of debt; in the first five years of his increasingly autocratic rule, he has saddled Turkey with more debt than all his predecessors combined since the foundation of the Turkish Republic in 1923. Debt is not a problem unless, of course, slowed growth or recession prevents Turkey from meeting its obligations. Unfortunately for Erdoğan, it appears Turkey is heading into a perfect storm.
In September, Turkey's Central Bank Governor Erdem Başçı suggested the government would miss its growth target of 4 percent. In January, inflation topped 10 percent for the first time in years, and while it has since fallen back to 7.8 percent, that is still nearly twice the rate of early 2011. The problem is not just government debt: David Goldman, who served as global head of debt research at Bank of America between 2002 and 2005, found that since late 2009, Turkish banks have lost $20 billion of foreign assets while they accrued $50 billion of foreign debt. The result is that bank liabilities now outpace assets by more than 300 percent.
Demand Is Falling
While Turkish exports have increased multifold in the last decade, recession and instability in Turkey's overseas markets will undercut Turkish business. The European Union debt crisis and unfavorable exchange rates have adversely affected Turkish business. On August 1, 2012, Economy Minister Zafer Çağlayan announced that Turkey's automotive exports had declined 22.3 percent in June 2012, when compared to June 2011. Shrinking demand in Europe also led to a 12 percent decline in sales of Turkish-made clothes.
Meanwhile, domestic demand is also plummeting. The Turkish government predicted demand growth at 4.1 percent, but demand has actually shrunk. Add into this personal debt. Household debt has increased 36-fold since the AKP took power. Because interest rates are so high—over 18 percent—many Turks borrow simply to pay interest without making a dent in principal. With the economy beginning to contract, the stability of the Turkish bubble is increasingly tenuous.
"There is no soft landing in the economy," Faik Öztrak, the vice chairman of the opposition Republican Peoples Party (CHP), observed.
The Syria Question
Against this backdrop, the Syrian crisis could not come at a worse time for Turkey. According to the Turkish Foreign Ministry, Turkey's trade has increased from $773 million in 2002 to $2.27 billion in 2010; the ministry predicted that figure would more than double within two years. Instead, Turkey and Syria are exchanging fire at their border and trade has plummeted to near zero, on top of which, Turkey must now house and care for tens of thousands of Syrian refugees.
Reverberations from the Syria conflict will ripple through Turkey. While the Turks claim that tourism has not suffered, Turkish economists suspect the government manipulates tourism statistics in order to cover debt; the statistics are based on relatively unscientific polls at sea and airports. Certainly, precedent matters. Ankara claimed that they lost up to $30 billion as a result of the 1990-91 Iraq War and no-fly zone operations; the Syrian conflict could become just as costly.
The ripples of war have already eroded Turkey's hopes of winning the 2020 Summer Olympics, which Erdoğan saw as a symbolic celebration of Turkey's first-world status. He may wine and dine the International Olympic Committee, but no amount of hospitality will overcome anxiety about regional war, refugees, and even chemical weapons.
Whereas Erdoğan sought to make Turkey one of the world's top ten economies, his chief rival Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu now suggests it could fall out of the top 20. If Syria bursts the Turkish bubble, even that estimate may be optimistic.


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After nearly a year of debate about the design of a monument in Leif Hanson Memorial Park, the Kenai City Council will hear from the public for the first time during tonight's meeting.
One month after the park memorial was installed last summer, creator Scott Hammond received word that some city council members had raised concerns to administration about a cross displayed on the statue. The 12-foot monument shows a soldier kneeling in front of a cross with the inscription, "Never Forgotten."
Kenai resident Bob Myles, a member of the National Veterans of Foreign Wars Committee, will give a 10-minute presentation to the city council addressing the complaints from his perspective. Myles, who served six years in the Marine Corps and fought in Vietnam, said he expects to see a large turnout of veterans at the meeting.
"The symbol does not represent religion, it is a memorial tomb for a fallen soldier," he said. "I do not want it changed and I have talked to a number of people who have the same view as me."
Kenai city council member Terry Bookey said he heard from a couple citizens last summer who were concerned about the statue as a potential liability to the city. Relating to the separation of church and state, Bookey said he was made aware of a similar memorial monument with a cross was proposed in Lake Elsinore Calif. The city was threatened with a lawsuit and eventually prohibited the statue from being built.
Bookey and council member Ryan Marquis brought the concerns from the public to the attention of city administrators and city attorney Scott Bloom. Bookey said he asked if the city would be open to a liability because of the depiction of a cross on the monument.
"As a council we have to look out for city not based on what our personal beliefs are, but for what is best for city as whole," Bookey said. "Right now the monument is not an agenda item and has not been discussed by council."
Hammond, owner of Metal Magic, said the council members concern of a religious symbol on city property is hypocritical. The City of Kenai has the Russian Orthodox Church on its seal, he said.
Hammond said the design is in respect to the Vietnam War veterans and the cross is recognized as a memorial tomb for fallen soldiers. When asked by city administration if he would compromise and consider moving the statue to in front of the VFW building, refused because it was built specifically for the memorial park, he said.
Hammond said he has contacted the Organization of American Center for Law and Justice, which deals with the separation of church and state issues. Because the primary effect of the cross is a soldier grave marker, he said they ruled there was nothing unconstitutional and it was acceptable on public property.
Hundreds of thousands of graves are marked with a cross all over the country, he said. Despite the concerns raised from council, he said he hasn't heard any complaints about his monument.
"Not to be an eccentric artist but I believe it has the right to be there," he said. "It's not like I built a 12-foot cross. It is obvious what it is."
Hammond said he will attend the council meeting but doesn't plan to speak unless any council members have a question for him. During the whole process, he said he invited the two council members who raised the issue to talk with him but he has not heard from them.
"They would rather have the issue go away, but I refuse," he said. "If we don't deal with it now, sooner or later the community will have to make a decision. Let the chips fall where they may I am prepared to fight for it."


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As we close our Spring Issue, plan our Spring Revel, and try to find a new office, I've been taking refuge in two books at once. At dinner I'm reading Edward Limonov's outrageous and very funny "fictional memoir" It's Me, Eddie, about living as a penniless émigré in a New York SRO. In later years, Limonov has had a confusing political career (he may be the only living Russian poet to have raised a private army or campaigned for Zhirinovsky), but back in 1978 he was pure punk. After dinner it's the new translation of Climates, by André Maurois, an irresistible, micro-Proustian novel about a jealous husband and the woman who tries to save him. I can't explain why these two books go so well together, except to note that each one broods on a painful breakup, and that I don't want either one to end. —Lorin Stein
I've been paging through the late Richard Stern's Still on Call, a collection of essays, reflections, and general miscellany. In one section, Stern describes his encounters with other writers, including a near-stalking of Sinclair Lewis in Central Park and a leisurely lunch with Thomas Mann, but it was Stern's meeting with "Japan's most distinguished poet," Shuntarō Tanikawa, that especially interested me. Unfamiliar with Tanikawa, I tracked down a translation of his 1980 collection, At Midnight in the Kitchen I Just Wanted to Talk to You, and felt an immediate affinity after reading "My Favorite Things," Tanikawa's take on Oscar Hammerstein's famous lyrics. If you can't get your hands on a copy of the collection, you can still read the poem here. —Brenna Scheving
Who writes a novel-length lipogram, and furthermore, who translates it? Sadists? Cat lovers without a cause? Georges Perec and Gilbert Adair have, respectively, accomplished this feat. A Void (translation of the French title, La disparition) could rescue you from the winter doldrums as a cerebral, cleverly disguised detective tale. Written sans the letter e, it forces you to acknowledge the absence while following the protagonist, Anton Vowl. In this paragraph alone, I have used e sixty-two times. If you need further evidence of Perec's merit as a writer, look at his author photo. —Kendall Poe
I picked up a galley of The Other Typist on a whim, and from the first page was absorbed: I haven't been able to put it down. Suzanne Rindell's story of a 1920s police stenographer who becomes increasingly obsessed with a glamorous new typist reminds me at points of Notes on a Scandal and Patricia Highsmith, but has creepy charms all its own. —Sadie Stein
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You don't need to splurge on a trip to the Caribbean to spend time on the beach this winter. These eight U.S. islands have the sandy shores, seafood shacks, and sunny skies that will have you thinking it's summer— even when there's snow on the ground back home.
Amelia Island, Fla.
Average highs of 65/71 in February/March
About as far north as you can go and still be in the Sunshine State, Amelia Island's 13 miles of beaches are mostly deserted until March — so it's easy to find a spot where there are no other people in sight. Horseback riding along the sand is one of the most popular off-season activities. Kids have a blast exploring the nooks and crannies of Fort Clinch, one of the country's best-preserved 19th-century fortifications. It was also one of the last of its kind, as new weapons made brick forts obsolete during the Civil War. Boutiques and lovingly restored Victorian mansions make up the historic district.
Sleep: The Seaside Amelia Inn is steps from the beach and has a rooftop terrace perfect for taking in the sunset. Rooms start at just $69 a night.
Refuel: Grab one of the umbrella-shaded tables in the courtyard of Joe's 2nd Street Bistro, where the menu leans, naturally, toward seafood.
Easy escape from: Jacksonville (33 miles), Gainesville (101 miles).
Avery Island, La.
Average highs of 65/72 in February/March
Things get hot here, and not just because of the steamy weather. It's home to the Tabasco Pepper Sauce Factory, where you can taste the fiery mixture during the free daily tours. (If you come on a Friday, you won't see the sauce being made, however.) E.A. McIlhenny, son of the company's founder, converted his private estate into a bird sanctuary, which he opened in 1935 as Jungle Gardens. McIlhenny was intent on saving snowy egrets, then endangered because their plumage was popular for ladies' hats. You can still see the brilliantly white birds inside the sanctuary and out. Surrounded by bayous, the mostly undeveloped island is also a great place to spot alligators, deer, and raccoons. You'll want to base yourself in one of the nearby communities; New Iberia, a half-hour drive north, has a good selection of restaurants and gracious homes transformed into B&Bs.
Sleep: A bungalow dating from the early 1900s, the Estorge-Norton House in New Iberia is chock-full of antiques. Rates start at $85.
Refuel: Landry's Cajun Restaurant specializes in Cajun camp cooking with a menu offering all the classics like gumbo, crawfish etouffee, and oyster po'boys.
Easy escape from: Baton Rouge (85 miles), New Orleans (140 miles).
Caladesi Island, Fla.
Average highs of 73/77 in February/March
The three miles of white-sand beaches on this pristine barrier island offer some of the best shelling on the Gulf of Mexico. And because it's a state park, you won't search for sand dollars in the shadow of high-rise hotels. In fact, there's not a single place to stay on the island, unless you count the 108-slip marina. There are no cars, either. Once you disembark the ferry ($14 roundtrip from Honeymoon Island, a short drive from Dunedin), the only way to get around is with your own two feet. Not a bad way, actually, as the boardwalk nature trail passes through stands of mangroves and around sand dunes. As you stroll, you may spot one of the rare gopher tortoises. Kayaking around the bay side of the island is a popular pastime, as the sea-grass flats are populated with ospreys, herons, and other birds. Pack a picnic lunch because there's just one small concession stand on the island.
Sleep: You can fish from the dock at the Sea Captain Resort on the Bay in nearby Clearwater, a small city popular with water sports enthusiasts. Winter rates start at $101 through the end of January and at $122 for February through April.
Refuel: On the mainland, very close to Caladesi Island, Dunedin's kitsch-filled Casa Tina serves surprisingly authentic Mexican fare. A local favorite is the Veracruz-style fish, sautéed with tomatoes and onions.
Easy escape from: St. Petersburg (20 miles), Tampa (24 miles), Orlando (103 miles).
Catalina Island, Calif.
Average highs of 64/65 in February/March
You won't entirely escape the state's notorious traffic on this island 22 miles off the southern California coast. But since golf carts are just about the biggest things on the road, you probably won't mind. You can get your own cart through Island Rentals ($40 for an hour rental plus a $40 deposit), but to explore the island's rugged interior, you'll need to rent a two-wheeler from Brown's Bikes ($20 per day) or enlist the help of an outfitter like Discovery Tours. Spotting one of the island's bald eagles, which were almost entirely wiped out by chemical contamination a few decades ago, will put a feather in your cap. The island is an hour and a half from Dana Point on the Catalina Express ferry ($74.50 round-trip), which drops you off at the town of Avalon, a pleasant place for window-shopping. That cylindrical building on the edge of the harbor is the Casino, an art deco movie house that still screens the latest releases.
Sleep: On Avalon's main drag, the Hermosa Hotel welcomed its first guests in 1896. Standard rooms start at $75 per night from December through February and $100 March through November. Cottages with their own kitchens start at $100 from December through February and $150 March through November.
Refuel: This is California, so the home cooking at Original Jack's Country Kitchen includes free-range chicken, and beef and pork raised without antibiotics or hormones. Sound too wholesome? Try one of the gooey doughnuts from its adjoining bakery.
Easy escape from: Los Angeles (60 miles), San Diego (66 miles).
Daufuskie Island, S.C.
Average highs of 61/67 in February/March
Still weaving baskets from the sweetgrass that grows wild along the coast, Daufuskie Island's tiny Gullah population — descended from slaves — carefully tends to its traditions. You can take a peek into local life at landmarks like the white clapboard First Union African Baptist Church, built in the 1880s and still in use today. Less than a quarter of this 5,000-acre island has been developed, leaving plenty of open spaces to explore. (And we mean exploring by foot or by golf cart, as no cars are allowed.) One especially nice excursion point is the Haig Point Lighthouse, which has a tower extending from the roof of an antebellum-style house.
Sleep: As you might guess, Daufuskie isn't an all-inclusive-resort kind of place. A good option is the two-bedroom Daufuskie Island Cottage, a vacation-rental property that's on a quiet dirt lane in the historic district. In January and February, the rate drops to $115 (two-night minimum), including use of a golf cart.
Refuel: There's nightly live music at Marshside Mama's, which one local calls a "put-your-feet-up place." The ladies in the kitchen ladle out a tasty low-country gumbo.
Easy escape from: Savannah (44 miles), Charleston (116 miles).
Molokai, Hawaii
Average highs of 76/77 in February/March
When Hawaiians talk about Molokai, they often say it's "how the islands used to be." It's true that there are no traffic lights or sprawling hotels. The least visited of the major Hawaiian islands has a rugged northern coast with the world's highest sea cliffs, a southern coast that gently wades into the sea, and a rocky interior punctuated by three extinct volcanoes. The biggest town, Kaunakakai, has barely 7,000 people, along with a three-block-long main street and a tiny airport. The top tourist attraction is the former leper colony in what is now Kalaupapa National Historic Park, a peaceful place reachable only on foot or by mule. The scenery is exhilarating, and the remaining buildings, such as the pair of squat churches, are thought-provoking. There's also a nearly endless string of beaches, including the lovely Papohaku, a three-mile-long stretch of glimmering gold sand.
Sleep: Lodgings are limited and can be expensive. Try Kaunakakai's Hotel Molokai, a cluster of A-frame buildings set in a tropical garden. Winter rates start at $159 if you book online.
Refuel: A local favorite is the Paddlers Inn in downtown Kaunakakai. Enjoy island specialties like mahi-mahi on a breeze-cooled patio.
Easy escape from: Honolulu (50 miles).
South Padre Island, Texas
Average highs of 70/75 in February/March
Here's one place where the building industry is in full swing — if you count building sand castles, that is. Professional teachers have specialties ranging from one-on-one instruction to creating huge sculptures for weddings and other special events. Sons of the Beach, which has been around for more than 20 years, charges $25 for private lessons. This barrier island off the southern coast of Texas also attracts kids with rowdier activities in mind — spring breakers. Don't worry, though. Get there before the college crowd, and it's still a sleepy beach town. Among the dive bars are boutiques selling goods like rustic pottery and silver jewelry, much of it from Mexico.
Sleep: The Palms Resort is a hipped-up beach motel with an oceanfront café and a heated pool. Off-season rates start at $75 a night.
Refuel: The menu at Cap'n Roy's is exactly what you would expect from a pirate-inspired restaurant on a barrier island. Try the famous Camaronitas Diablitos — shrimp wrapped in bacon with cream cheese, jalepeño, and pineapple.
Easy escape from: Brownsville (26 miles), Corpus Christi (179 miles).
Tybee Island, Ga.
Average highs of 61/67 in February/March
Unlike many nearby islands with higher profiles (and higher prices), Tybee Island isn't out to impress anyone. It's more akin to Coney Island than Jekyll Island, and therein lies its nostalgic charm — imagine boardwalks, food vendors, and stalls selling beach-themed kitsch. This is the kind of place where the restaurants have place-mat menus and the lodgings are of the park-at-your-door variety. There's a wooden pier where you can stroll and five miles of sugary beaches fringed by sea oats. The Tybee Island lighthouse was picture-perfect enough to make it onto a postage stamp. On nearby Cockspur Island is Fort Pulaski National Monument, where you'll find a magisterial brick fort used during the Civil War.
Sleep: The Ocean Plaza Beach Resort has been thoroughly updated, but it still reminds many people of beach hotels from when they were kids. Even the rates are retro, starting at $69 in low season.
Refuel: The Crab Shack is a local institution that's all it's cracked up to be, serving you-shuck-'em steamed oysters. One favorite is the seafood low-country boil, filled with shrimp, sausage, and potatoes.
Easy escape from: Savannah (17 miles), Richmond Hill (34 miles), Charleston (124 miles).
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