text:
Many businesses use and rely on the services provided by third parties. But while FCA-regulated firms are able to outsource a number of different activities they remain accountable in the vent something goes wrong.
With this in mind, it is imperative a firm conducts thorough due diligence on any service being outsourced, whether it be a regulated activity or not. Those in charge must assure themselves that the service being provided does not compromise the firm's ability to ensure fair treatment of customers.
The regulator's guidance on outsourcing makes it clear a firm is expected to take reasonable care to supervise outsourced functions.
Therefore, as part of the due diligence process, firms must consider the financial stability of the service provider, the reporting structures in place and how the arrangement will fit with their governance and general organisation.
This is important even where the customer is engaging directly with the third party, as they will view it as an extension of their relationship with you. Be cognisant of the potential reputational damage in the event something goes wrong.
So, what should you think about when engaging a third party? The following list is a useful guide and can also be used against any current relationships you have:
- Is the basis of the arrangement clearly defined within the service level agreement?
- Has the management information required from a third party been defined and agreed?
- What onsite monitoring activity will be conducted?
- What monitoring activity will be conducted by the outsourcer?
- Does the third party firm have the right culture? Does it align with yours?
- Where the third party is dealing with customers, are appropriate controls in place?
- Does the third party take its data protection responsibilities seriously?
- What disaster recovery arrangements are in place?
- Is there a clear exit strategy for if/when the relationship comes to an end?
Case study
In an ideal world, customers will have a positive experience every time they use a financial services firm. However, things do not run smoothly all the time and incidents can happen that cause a customer to complain.
As a firm, how you handle complaints not only determines your future relationship with the customer but also indicates what your culture and approach is towards treating customers fairly.
Complaints handling is one area that is often outsourced. How can you ensure your customers are being treated correctly and the handling of their complaint is appropriate?
The FCA has identified areas firms should be aware of when assessing the appropriateness of their complaints handling procedures. You should bear the following in mind when choosing an outsourced provider:
- Is the complaints process accessible for all customers (for example, are premium telephone numbers used? Are the opening hours restricted? Are considerations made for vulnerable customers?)
- Is the redress offered consistent across the customer base?
- Do staff understand what constitutes a complaint?
- Is the third party complying with all the relevant regulatory requirements?
A firm that outsources this service may feel some of these areas are out of their control. However, as you retain the responsibility for how your customers are treated, the FCA will expect you to have conducted thorough and ongoing due diligence.
There are key pieces of management information you should be requesting to help you make a judgement on the competency and appropriateness of a service provider: for example, time taken to respond to complainant, process for escalation, training and understanding of the complaint, redress offered and tone of communications.
This information will help you determine whether the service provided is appropriate but you should also use it to conduct root cause analysis to understand the reasons behind a complaint and whether your own processes need to change.
You should also consider engaging directly with your customers that have been through the outsourced complaints process to understand their experience.
Why is this important? As the FCA has said before, complaints matter and how a firm approaches one is indicative of its culture and attitude to its regulatory obligations to treat customers fairly.
Simon Collins is managing director, regulatory, at Eversheds Consulting


text: Bachelor's Eve tells the story of a handsome player, Uche, who is ready to finally tie the marital knot with the love of his life. Their relationship is made in Heaven and married life is destined to be great. 24 hours before d-day, he hangs out with his team of Casanovas to bid bachelorhood good bye. All goes well until a dark secret rears its ugly head and sets off a chain reaction that forcefully subjects their love to the burning test flames.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Oilers Coach Rips Mascot's Tongue Out
Edmonton Oilers coach Craig MacTavish ripped out the tongue of Calgary Flames mascot Harvey the Hound after the 6-foot-6 dog repeatedly taunted him at the bench.
With the Flames leading 4-0 early in the third period, Harvey _ a 200-pound white dog with a foot-long red tongue _ began mocking MacTavish during a timeout.
When play resumed, Harvey moved behind the bench and continued to razz the Oilers. At another stoppage, Harvey leaned over the glass behind the bench which prompted MacTavish to grab the tongue, rip it out and throw it into the crowd.
Undeterred, Harvey kept leaning over the glass. MacTavish reached for a hockey stick but was calmed by Oilers trainer Ken Lowe. Several Oilers players squirted Harvey with water bottles before security moved the mascot away.
"(Harvey) was in a place he shouldn't have been," Flames spokesman Peter Hanlon said.
MacTavish spent 17 seasons in the NHL, earning 891 penalty minutes in 1,093 games. He's in his third season as Oilers coach.
Edmonton scored three times in a span of less than four minutes late in the third period but lost to the Flames 4-3.


text:
Hopefully the brief hiatus I took from broadcasting my show last week hasn't cost me my regular viewers. For those still on board, I'm back tomorrow night drawing live on Ustream! As in previous weeks, I'll be broadcasting from 8 pm to 9:30 pm Eastern time on Wednesday night from this link.
This week's theme is Star Wars, a subject VERY close to my heart. I was five years old when my dad took me to see the original film, re-released to coincide with with new release of The Empire Strikes Back in 1980. Since then, I've been enamored with the wonky world created by George Lucas, and I'm thrilled to have the chance to draw his characters live for you guys!
This week, I'm doing things just a little different. Because of the complexity of some of the Star Wars characters, I'm asking you guys to come up with TWELVE Star Wars characters for me to draw before the show even airs tomorrow night. This will allow me time to gather reference material and draw the most faithful interpretations of the characters I can manage. E-mail me your suggestions NOW at: email@example.com. The first twelve ideas I get will be what gets drawn, so hit me up now before the list gets filled!
Even though I'm taking advanced suggestions for this week's show, you're still invited to contact me during the show via Ustream's chat window. You need to log in to Ustream to use the window, but registering is easy. It only takes a username and an email address. Once you've entered that info, you can chat with me and suggest stuff for me to draw. Just like last week, I'll have loads of useless trivia and my own brand of quirky humor to inject (or infect) into each sketch I create! I MAY even try to slip in some suggestions during the show if time allows!
Can't wait to draw and chat with you guys soon! Hope to see you there!


text:
As corn prices rise and nitrogen fertilizer prices are lower in some cases than in recent years, corn growers may want to increase the amount of nitrogen (N) they apply to their corn fields. However, University of Nebraska-Lincoln soil specialists caution against excessive nitrogen application.
"With corn prices currently in the $3.60-3.80/bu. range and N in the 25 cent to 45 cent/lb. range, the corn-to-N price ratio can range as high as 13-to-1 to 15-to-1," says Richard Ferguson, UNL soils specialist. "However, the incremental yield increase with more fertilizer is relatively small and the risk of leaving substantial residual nitrate-nitrogen in the soil becomes much higher."
To discourage over-application of fertilizer, UNL soil scientists are recommending a maximum 10-to-1 corn-to-N ratio and a minimum 5-to-1 corn-to-N ratio when calculating economic N rates for corn.
"We believe these limits will not significantly impact profit potential for Nebraska's corn growers and will allow for good stewardship and minimize excessive nitrogen applications from seeping into and contaminating groundwater," says Achim Dobermann, soil fertility/nutrient management specialist.
The demand for corn is being driven mostly by ethanol production and Nebraska corn growers anticipate a much more positive economic outlook for 2007 than in recent years.
From 2005-2006, producers were facing expensive N fertilizer prices and low corn prices. This, combined with recent UNL research evaluating optimal fertilization rates for irrigated corn, led UNL researchers to set N recommendations at a base price ratio of 8-to-1, where the value of corn is eight times the value of a pound of N fertilizer, Doberman says. With lower price ratios of 5-to-1 or 6-to-1 in 2006, the economic adjustment to N fertilizer recommendations reduced rates from this base by 20-40 lbs./acre.
"These lower rates slightly reduced yield potential, but more importantly maximized profit," Doberman says.
When applying N this spring, corn growers also must take into account all N sources, Ferguson says.
"In Nebraska, the UNL recommendation procedure for corn is based on accurate soil sampling every three to five years for organic matter, annually for residual nitrate-nitrogen and accurate yield goal estimation using at least five years of yield history," Ferguson says.
It also is important to account for other N credits that may be available, such as legumes as a preceding crop, nitrate in irrigation water and N derived from manure.
For more information about N rates, the most current N rate calculator for corn is available as a downloadable Excel spreadsheet from UNL's soil fertility Web site at http://soilfertility.unl.edu. The most recent version is called UNL N calculator 2007.xls.


text:
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text:
Selsey Golf Club welcomed their new captains for the coming year.
Tony Nelson is club captain and his vice-captain is Andrew Terry. Nelson first started playing golf with his father in the 1970s at Selsey, then played on and off until 2007 when he became a full member of the club.
He has a young son, David, who is hoping to follow in his father's footsteps.
Peter Senth is the veterans' captain and his vice-captain is Reg Ewens.
Senth has been playing golf for more than 45 years and first joined Selsey in 1981. His parents also played at the club and he was club captain in 1992. His wife Teddy plays in the ladies' section.
Sue Bywater is the lady captain and her vice-captain is Barbara Ewens. She first joined the club in 1997 and has played an active part in the ladies' section, having been treasurer for several years before becoming vice-captain last year.
President is Keith Homer, entering his fourth year in office. He has been playing golf for more than 40 years and first joined Selsey about 30 years ago, serving as club captain in 1992.
Members wished the new captains an enjoyable and successful year.
GOODWOOD golfer Marco Penge is part of a strong England team defending the men's title at the European Nations Championship in Spain later this month.
The up-and-coming 17-year-old is joined in the side by James Allan of Essex, Adam Chapman of Cumbria and Ashton Turner of Lincolnshire.
England won the men's championship last year for the sixth time, when the team held off a charging Spanish side to secure a one-stroke victory. All four members of that team have since turned professional.
The European Nations Championship will be played at La Reserva Golf Club in Sotogrande, Spain, from February 24 to 27.
It is contested over 72 holes of strok play, with the best three cards each day in the men's event, and the best two in the women's, counting towards the team event. An individual competition runs simultaneously with the Nations Championship.
Penge won the 2015 England Boys' Order of Merit having won two junior titles and the Scottish men's strokeplay championship. He was a creditable sixth in the recent South American Amateur.
Thirty-two ladies played in a Dovetail competition on a sunny but cold day.
Dovetail is a Stableford game played over 18 holes with a partner, and at the end of the round each player must have nine of their scores recorded.
Both players play the hole individually then select whose score is going to be recorded on the card before beginning the next hole.
Results: 1 Marilyn Davis and Sue Brown 36pts; 2 Judy Stillwell and Tessa Stockwell 36; 3 Sally Williams and Terry Hughes 35; 4 Myrna Heustice and Brenda Rees 34.
After a few dry days, the Cowdray course had dried out sufficiently for buggies to be allowed for the first time this year, meaning some players were going to play their first game of 2016 in the third round of the Captain's Prize.
Among those was the old warhorse Dave Hirons, who was returning from a knee operation. He showed he still retained his touch with a highly satisfactory score of 33 points.
There was a strong, swirling wind which made conditions difficult on the open fairways. One man who made light of the conditions was club chairman Terry Adsett, who returned with a superb score of 42 points to put himself back in the chase for the overall title.
He was five points clear of his nearest challengers Robin Phillips, Paul Chater and Chris Hutchings.
With such a large score from Adsett, his partnership with Phil Pett proved the best on the day, with a combined total of 74 – ahead of Chris Hutchings and Roger Poat on 72.
With the final round allowing each player to discard their lowest score, things at the top of the leaderboard could change.
Other prizewinners: Nearest the pin in two on the 18th: Chris Hutchings; Twos:- Robin Phillips, Dave Fowler; John Durrell (2), Phil Pett, Mick Folkes, Dave Lucking, Roger Poat (2), Chris Hutchings and Bill Birnie.
Leading scores to date: 105 Dave Lucking (32, 38, 35); 104 Chris Hutchings (33, 34, 37); 103 Phillip Singer (33, 34, 36).
Don't miss out on all the latest breaking sports news where you live.
Here are four ways you can be sure you'll be among the first to know what's going on.
1 Make this website your homepage
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4 Register with us by clicking on 'sign in' (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.
Share with your family and friends - so they don't miss out!


text:
Date: 06/05/2013
Writer: Jane Moorman, 505-249-0527, firstname.lastname@example.com
FARMINGTON, N.M. - The microbrewery industry in the Four Corners region, including southwest Colorado, is potentially looking for a local source of hops, one of the key ingredients in their brew.
New Mexico State University researchers have proven that the plant, which provides the aroma and bitter flavor of beer, will grow in the region.
Now it is time for small-scale producers to learn of the pros and cons of producing and marketing hops so they have research-based information to make their decision whether to raise the crop.
NMSU, with funding from the New Mexico Department of Agriculture, will host a symposium on hops production and marketing in the Four Corners Region Friday, July 12, and Saturday, July 13. Friday's meeting will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Three Rivers Brewery banquet hall, 107 E. Main St. in Farmington. Saturday morning a tour of the experimental hops trial will be conducted at NMSU's Agricultural Science Center at Farmington.
Pre-registration is encouraged; call 505-960-7757. Cost for the two-day event is $40, which includes lunch on Friday. To view the agenda, visit http://farmingtonsc.nmsu.edu/workshops.html#anchor_116228.
"As with any new commercial crop a grower may be considering, it is important for them to carefully research market needs and consumer preferences first, then appropriate scale production and post-harvest practices before planting that new crop. That's why we want people who may be thinking about growing hops to attend this symposium," said Kevin Lombard, NMSU horticultural researcher who has conducted the hops variety trail with his cooperators since 2008. "Emphasis will be placed on commercial, small-scale farm production and niche marketing. It will include presentations by brewmasters, growers and university agricultural researchers."
The program will include Bob Beckley of Three Rivers Brewing Company in Farmington and Dave Thibodeau of Ska Brewing Company in Durango, Colo., discussing the market and brewer equipment demands for utilizing non-pelletized hops from a small-scale to large-scale brewing perspective.
Ron Goddin of Colorado State University will present information about hops production in Colorado. While Beth LaShell of Fort Lewis College in Durango and Lombard give an update on the Four Corners hops variety trail, Heather Darby of the University of Vermont will discuss the New England Hops Alliance. Ram Acharya of NMSU agricultural economics and Goddin will give an economic forecast of hops in New Mexico and Colorado.
Todd Bates from Taos, N.M., will talk about his work with native New Mexico hops and De Smet Farms in Bosque Farms, N.M., and other small-scale commercial producers will also talk about their personal experiences with growing hops.
"Our research has demonstrated that hops will grow in the region and that there is a potential niche market," Lombard said. "With more New Mexico growers interested in hops, we are now hoping to provide a forum for discussion on production and marketing realities so they can decide if this is a crop they would like to include in their agricultural operation."
For more information email Lombard at firstname.lastname@example.com or call NMSU-ASC Farmington at 505-960-7757. Learn more about NMSU's hops variety trail at the Farmington agricultural science center at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRIOJy37KP0
© 2013 New Mexico State University Board of Regents
NMSU - All About Discovery!


text:
|21 Jan 2011
Windowx 7 Pro
Administrator Password Change, few thousand PCs
We have about 3300 PCs running Windows 7 and need to change the local administrator account password when someone from the company leaves due to security policies we have. Is there any way to run a script or batch file to do this instead of having to physically touch each machine? It was easy to do with a batch file in Windows XP but it will not work in Windows 7.
|My System Specs
|21 Jan 2011
7 Pro
|My System Specs
|Thread Tools
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How to change Administrator account password
All, I realized today that I do not have access to my system's "Administrator" account though happily I do have admin privileges in another user account. Using "net user administrator" I learned the Administrator account is not active but a password is required to to make any changes....
|General Discussion
How to prevent administrator to change super admin's password?
Hi! I have 2 users for now on my pc: Super admin and admin. For some personnal reasons, i want the user admin to have the rights to install software...have more rights.. But I don want admin to be able to change the super administrator's password: is there a way, strategy or something i can do...
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administrator account/password need to delete / change
i got this computer from someone and i want to delete the other users and the admin..or make me the admin..however i can not do anything because i dont have the password for the adminastrator...i cant get into the bios without a password i cant even do a diskcheck..it just pops up with the name...
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Forgotten password to Administrator i can't change them.
Dear users, i need some help with my administrator account because i forgot my password and nothing helps me...I readed some threads soon but,my tip for the password cannot be displayed and i can't change the options for users.When i searched for the password change with ISO file and tested it then...
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Want group to enable administrator account but not change its password
Is this even possible?
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text:
- 6
Mexico City to Antigua BOLT
- Code #BMM
- 31 Days
Trip Overview
How about a month of tropical beaches, ancient ruins and some of the best snorkelling on the continent? This trip takes in some of the best beach and cultural locations in Mexico before skipping over the border to Belize and Guatemala. Think Aztec, Mayan and Latino culture, some great party towns and warm Caribbean seas, this the perfect mix of adventure and paradise!
- Visit Mexico, Belize & Guatemala
- Toe-tap to a mariachi band in Mexico City
- Embrace a kaleidoscope of colour at a Mexican market
- Walk amongst waterfalls and clear limestone pools
- Escape the Mexican heat in San Cristobal de las Casas
- Explore the cathedrals of the Yucatan capital, Merida
- Sparkling Caribbean Sea and sprawling jungles
- Bask on Playa del Carmen's white sand beaches
- Learn the history of ancient Guatemalan ruins
- Kick back on the beautiful coast of Belize
- Experience traditional Guatemalan life with a local homestay
- Enjoy colonial buildings and surrounding volcanoes in Antigua
- Haggle in the markets of Chichicastenango
- Entrance and visit to Chichen Itza
Accommodation & Transportation
Food & Meals
- All meals paid locally
Other Inclusions
- Services of a professional bilingual tour leader
- All transport by BOLT (Buses or Local Transport)
- All accommodation - 20 twin share & 6 multi-share hotel nights, 2 sleeper coaches, 1 homestay & 1 camping night (no sleeping bag required)
Essential Information
- Budget approximately US$48 for border-crossing fees (additional fees may apply for air departures). Fees are subject to change.
- Prices quoted are land only. Call us on 0333 999 7951 for a flight quote (UK only).
- The age range for this tour is for travellers between 18 and 29 years old.
- This tour requires a minimum number of five to operate. On rare occasions we may run with lower numbers.
Our routes have been carefully chosen to include the best night stops, highlights, and included experiences, and lots of optional activities to choose from. With stops at some of your tour leader's favourite places and occasional changes to the itinerary no two Trek trips are the same, so get ready for one awesome adventure.
You will meet your tour leader and group at 1800 hrs in the hotel lobby on day 1. Full details will be sent with your final documentation. If you would like to book additional nights before your tour please request at the time of booking.
Itinerary note – 2018/19 CHANGES: From 1 October 2018 this trip's duration will shorten from 31 days to 30 days; dropping 1 night in Antigua. These changes come as a result of traveller feedback. Extra nights in Antigua can be booked through our sales team.
An incredible mix of old and new awaits in Mexico City. Over the next couple of days you'll have the chance to acclimatise on an orientation walk of the city, where you'll discover a whole host of archaeological, cultural and exciting options ensuring you really get to hit the Aztec trail at full pace. There's so much to do in Mexico City that it may take you a while to stop your head from spinning however, once you get your bearings it's time to have fun. Having the option to watch a football match, explore anthropology museums or find out more about the ruins of Teotihuacan all present a wide array of choices. So, best advice is to research, ask your guide and then hit the ground running.
Optional Activities
Wave adios to the ancient pyramids and urban excitement of Mexico City as you head by local bus further south to the colonial streets and handicraft markets of Puebla. Get ready for plenty of haggling as well as the chance to hike by a volcano or for something a little different why not make the delicious local sauce, mole poblano. Cookery lessons are a great way to learn a bit of the local lingo and take home a couple of recipes to impress the folks back home with your newfound skills.
Optional Activities
Take an afternoon local bus to Oaxaca where you'll be met by a mix of native and colonial buildings including the legendary UNESCO World Heritage Site of Monte Alban. This is an exceptional site and an absolute cultural experience to savour no matter what you're into. Monte Alban is literally carved from the mountain and features: terraces, canals, pyramids and ceremonial alters that pay testament to the ingenuity of the pre-Columbian inhabitants of Oaxaca. On day seven you're free to enjoy your Oaxaca before boarding your overnight bus to San Cristobal de las Casas.
Optional Activities
The effects of Spanish colonialism are littered throughout Mexico, and nowhere is this more evident than the cobbled streets of San Cristobal de las Casas. Get out of the city discover what life was like before the arrival of the early European explorers. Optional village tours are a great way to explore the local area and renting a bike will allow you to travel at your leisure and experience life at your own pace.
Optional Activities
Wind your way through the jungle to the ancient city of Palenque by local bus where you'll find one of the finest collections of Mayan architecture and carvings in existence. Palenque is situated on a hilltop in an area of hot jungle and is home to possibly the most impressive series of Mayan ruins, which date back at AD600. Whilst walking amongst the ruins it is often possible to hear the eerie calls of howler monkeys echoing from the jungle, giving an added dimension to this magnificent site. The temples are superb relics of Mayan culture and there are many ruins here still unexcavated and hidden in the surrounding forest. On day 11 you transfer to the bus station and board an overnight bus to Merida (approx. 8-9 hrs).
Optional Activities
Leave the jungles behind as you explore the museums, galleries and cathedrals of Merida, the capital city of Yucatan. This is a great chance to collect your thoughts amongst the markets and mansions of this cultural hub and if you're still hankering for more Mayan ruins then the site of Uxmal is easily within reach. Cultural activities of a different nature can be found in Merida every Sunday and if you fancy slipping on your dancing shoes then you won't be disappointed. Salsa and merengue are the order of the day to finish off the weekend and as some of the streets close and turn into dance floors you may not be able to stop yourself from joining in, Strictly Come Dancing here you come! For some more spectacular sites of the feathered variety head to the pink flamingos of Celestun Bird Sanctuary, which always proves to be one of many colourful highlights on this stretch of your Mexican adventure.
Optional Activities
Chichen Itza is just one of those 'must see' Mayan destinations and that's why we've included a visit for you. After you've had your fill of pyramids, inscriptions and gigantic stone staircases then it's time to let your hair down and celebrate in Playa del Carmen. Although close to Cancun, Playa isn't as full on and if you're hoping for a spot of snorkelling, or simply watching the sunset with a tropical cocktail or two then why not - you deserve it!
Optional Activities
Take a scenic local bus trip south to even more gorgeous beaches and the warm waves of Tulum. White sand, cocktails and palm trees have never looked so sweet and if you'd like the opportunity to get your first taste of Mayan ruins then Tulum is the best place to start. Renting a mask and snorkel is a great idea to see the colourful fishes up close and personal. One of the best spots for snorkelling are the ruins of Tulum where you can actually swim around some of the ancient walls that have made their way into the sea, this trip just keeps on getting even more epic!
Optional Activities
Say "adios" Mexico and "what's up?" `Belize as you journey across the border on a combination of public and private transport on what promises to be a real culture jolt to remember. Once in Central America you'll be whisked over to the Caribbean island of Caye Caulker where you'll be able to swim and snorkel amongst some of the most incredible marine reserves on the continent. This is pretty much where things go all Captain Jack Sparrow, from grilled shrimp to rum with absolutely everything, keep your eyes peeled for the Jolly Roger flag and you won't go far wrong. If you've had enough of landlubbing and fancy a trip out to sea then there are plenty of options to sail, kayak and snorkel out on the ocean wave, this is the life!
Optional Activities
After bidding the manatees and coral reefs a fond farewell it's time to travel inland by local bus as you encounter the forest covered highlands that sit beyond Belize's capital city, Belmopan. Get ready for rushing rivers, tumbling waterfalls and ancient ruins, with a chance to visit the ceremonial temples of Xunantunich and the incredible caves of Tunichil Muknal. This is a true outdoor adventure playground and for many will prove to be one of the active highlights of the whole tour. Tubing, caving and canoeing are all excellent optional activities for the energetic and the opportunities to have awesome adventures whilst in Belize is going to stay with you for years to come. If you're not that into the extreme side of life then don't panic - there are plenty of more laid-back alternatives with bike hire, butterfly gardens and trips to nearby ruins always proving excellent for learning more about the area.
Optional Activities
Travel by `collective minibus' and step back in time by opting to visit the awesome Tikal temples - don't miss this one! The Tikal Temples are magnificent and although the pilgrimage does involve a climb through the jungle the views from the top of the ruins are nothing short of jaw-dropping.
Optional Activities
Next stop is one of the absolute legends of the Central American circuit - the awesome Rio Dulce. This has long been a draw for boaters and if you're looking for things to do on your free day then why not take a tour of Lake Izabel or explore up river in search of manatees and hot springs. If you'd prefer to keep your feet on dry land then there are loads of other choices to do just that. With other options including nature reserves and the San Felipe fort at Livingstone, you're bound to find the right pace to suit your mood and whatever you're into you're sure to come away happy, experienced and hungry for more.
Optional Activities
Take the bus to Antigua for a taste of delicious local street food before settling down for the night in preparation for tomorrow's meeting with your host family and your stay in a traditional Guatemalan home, things are about to get crazy good!
Optional Activities
Pick up a gift for your host family at the handicraft stalls of Chichicastenango before heading by private minibus to San Jorge La Laguna and a real opportunity to practise your Spanish and learn more about the customs and lifestyles of Guatemala. Although living conditions can be pretty basic this is a genuine chance to see what life is like for local people and through a combination of hand gestures and phrase books you'll be surprised what you can learn during just a short period of time.
Today it's time to make the most of Guatemala's natural beauty as you swim, hike or kayak within a stunning volcanic backdrop.
Optional Activities
Travel onwards by private transport to Antigua. Salsa lessons, coffee tours and strolls over cultural cobbles are all possible in Antigua . The beauty of this irresistible part of the world will most definitely stay with you long after you return home.
Optional Activities
Our BOLT tours depart and finish at designated hotels in our gateway cities starting with a pre-departure meeting at 18.00 on the evening of day 1 (check your tour voucher for details) and finishing in the morning of your final day. If you would like to do some extra sightseeing we can request the extra nights for you in our hotels. You must book these hotels in advance either online with your tour or by contacting our friendly sales team.
Calle Luis Moya #39, Cuauhtemoc, Centro, 06050 Mexico City
Located in the heart of vibrant Mexico City, this comfortable tourist hotel boasts an on-site restaurant & lobby bar.
Full room (Your own single or double room)
From £70 | US$91 | Eur84 | AU$119 | NZ$125
Price per room per night
The easiest way to get from the airport to your hotel is by taxi. On your left as you exit customs you will find 'Transporte Terrestre" - you need to purchase your ticket from the named "Sitio 300". Rates are fixed and a ride to your hotel should cost you approximately US$15. You should avoid taking taxis from outside the airport.
Our BOLT tours depart and finish at designated hotels in our gateway cities starting with a pre-departure meeting at 18.00 on the evening of day 1 (check your tour voucher for details) and finishing in the morning of your final day. If you would like to do some extra sightseeing we can request the extra nights for you in our hotels. You must book these hotels in advance either online with your tour or by contacting our friendly sales team.
9 Calle Poniente # 17, La Antigua, Guatemala
This colonial style hotel is located in an exclusive area only four blocks from Main Plaza with easy access to restaurants and bars and El Carmen Church. Enjoy the big terrace with views of volcanoes where you can just sit and relax while you watch the sunset. The stylish rooms offer cable TV and free high-speed Wi-Fi.
Full room (Your own single or double room)
From £90 | US$117 | Eur108 | AU$153 | NZ$161
Price per room per night
The easiest way to get from Guatemala City airport to Antigua is by taxi and will take around 45 minutes and costs about 350 GTQ (US$45). Negotiate the price before boarding the taxi. Alternatively, "Antigua Shuttle" buses are available hourly from Guatemala City airport to Antigua. This service is provided by freelance drivers authorized by Antigua Shuttle. The trip takes approx 1 hour and costs around 80 GTQ (US$10). Look for the sign reading "Antigua shuttle" as you exit the main hall. If you have pre-booked an arrival transfer make sure you go outside of the airport arrivals section. The driver will be waiting with a sign with your name.
There are no forced supplements for single travellers. Accommodation for our BOLT tours is based on twin-share, so if you're travelling on your own, you'll share with a fellow passenger of the same sex. However, if you prefer your own space, request our Solo Sleeper option for an extra charge. This will guarantee you your own room for every night of the tour. Simply select the "Solo Sleepers" checkbox on the booking form or request over the phone.
£495 | US$649 | Eur594 | AU$842 | NZ$884
Sticking around for a day or two after your trip? Arriving early for some big city fun? We don't blame you. Making sure you catch ALL the highlights, we've partnered with GetYourGuide to show off the ultimate things to do in our fave cities.
Check out our city tours below >
Our specialist flights department can offer UK customers a great airline fare to all of our Trek destinations. We have preferred contracts with many international carriers and have secured some of the most competitive prices in the industry.
Why Book Your Flights with Trek?
- Secure your flight with a deposit of only £125 per person
- Date changes free of charge (subject to terms)
- We are ATOL protected and IATA licensed
- Personal service - you're more than just a number
Call us now on 0208 682 8920 for today's special offers or
At TrekAmerica we believe that your safety and enjoyment are the most important parts of your holiday. That's why we recommend you take out insurance as soon as your booking is confirmed. TrekAmerica can offer you comprehensive travel insurance which is completely tailored for your trip and is specially designed to include all the activities listed we do.
If you do not take our policy, you must ensure that the policy you do take offers an equivalent level of protection and covers you for the activities involved - be aware that some policies do not include, or restrict, coverage for this type of travel.
See our insurance page or download our insurance tips pdf for more information.
There are loads of exciting optional activities available for you to choose from during your trip giving you the flexibility to do the things you want to and leave out the things you don't. A list of optional activities and approximate costs are shown at the end of each day by day itinerary descriptions above.
Your tour leader will arrange your chosen activities during the tour so no need to pre-book. You'll also pay for these locally so ensure you budget for the bucket list items!
As local weather conditions and seasonality can change not all optional activities may be available on your trip and prices can be subject to change.


text: I just got it in the mail today! I am just going to do a quick review now b/c its getting late and include a few pics. This pics were taken with a junky cell phone. Hi-res ones will be up tomorrow. I will do a more in-depth one tomorrow and update this thread. Does anyone else have this? This is the one that works with the Innocase not the one for a naked droid. Here is the link to the Holster on their site: Innocase Holster Here are some Pictures: This is my 1 Big concern.... Where the arrow is. This rests against the case pretty tight. its pushed down by a heavy spring. i am afraid after pulling this up and down all the time to take out and put the phone in, it will ruine the case there or def scratch off all the rubberized coating. I can see this happening very quickly too. it rubs against the phone when u pull it up and when u put it down to secure the phone. The red circle below is what you pull up to take out and put the phone in. its not an easy clip in and clip out design. you physically have to pull this up and put the phone in the 2 bottom clips the let do so it stays secure. As of this minute... I am not sure what i would rate or say about this. I am honestly thinking of packing it back up and returning it tomorrow due to the fact that i feel my case will be ruined by this. we will see tomorrow.


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Air fares normally drop faster than leaves during the fall. But this autumn, a series of ticketing fees promise to keep prices a little higher.
Northwest Airlines announced it would add a surcharge of between $5 and $15 for tickets booked offline. As I write this, several other airlines, including American Airlines, Continental Airlines and US Airways, have matched the fees.
Most travel pundits say these new charges are terrible. I disagree.
Consider how some travelers reacted to the news. When asked if the fees would change the way they purchased their tickets, 61 percent of travelers told Cyber Survey "no." I know, it isn't a scientific survey, and it's skewed towards those who already use the Internet.
But it does raise an interesting question: Will this fee have impact those who travel the most? I don't think so.
Nearly 75 percent of U.S. households have Internet access at home, according to a July 2004 Nielsen//NetRatings survey. The remaining 25 percent of homes without Internet access chiefly comprise the elderly and lower-income populations.
Yes, these new fees which most likely will be instituted by all major airlines will disproportionately prejudice these groups. However, these groups do very little air travel to begin with.
The reality is that these fees will affect those who travel the least.
In fact, the fees have the potential to actually benefit that group.
Think about it. Those who travel infrequently typically require a higher level of service. This new approach will provide that superior service. For a nominal fee, callers will have shorter wait time and more attentive service.
Psychologically, agents will feel obligated to assist paying customer, and not rushed with fewer calls waiting in queue.
Keep in mind that airlines are a business with profit and loss statements, obligations to shareholders and employees to pay. The U.S. consumer has been the beneficiary of an excellent air transportation system. We enjoy low cost, secured air travel throughout the world with relative ease. To continue this boon, consumers should realize what's in our best interest.
In the latest edition of the Penny Pincher's Passport to Luxury Travel I talk about the value principle. I describe this as a relationship between your cost of business, and the receipt of preferential treatment and services. To maintain our preferential services, we need to help our travel providers maintain a sustainable cost structure that will permit their on-going existences.
Bear in mind that charging for support services is not limited to the major airlines. Southwest, JetBlue and Independence Air offer cheaper flights on their Web sites. Travel agents and third-party web sites commonly charge booking fees that range from $10 to $25.
This fee is not unlike that which other companies charge for using in-house services.
Call your satellite or cable provider to order pay-per-view, and pay an extra dollar-over the Internet or through your TV, it's free. Order a book from Barnes & Noble's Web site and pay less than you would in its stores. Buy stocks on-line for much less than talking to a broker (a task much more complex than purchasing an air ticket), talk to a bank teller and pay a fee.
Last week, when I called the manufacturer of my computer for support, the overseas outsourced employee took 22 minutes to comprehend my name and computer model. Another 47 minutes later, a technical support person attempted to assist me in broken English.
Although, I've made a habit of pinching pennies, I would have gladly paid $10 for a shorter wait time, and a representative who clearly understood my needs.
As a side note, Northwest has stated that this fee will help them avoid laying off any reservation agents. So it can be argued that these fees will help create and save much-needed employment for U.S. workers.
Although this is unfortunate, companies from all industries are trying to get you away from the human interface, which costs so much to maintain. So if you like to talk with people, it will cost you. If you can figure out how to buy something on your own, you'll save.
Despite our best attempts, we can't create a perfectly fair society.
Joel Widzer


text:
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After completing the form, please click on the "Submit" button. Your information will be emailed to our offices and we will process your request. All information will be kept confidential.
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Hey gang, check out this blog to read about my thoughts on this week's Lost finale. It's bound to be a treat. And don't forget to click the links as you go for a more fulfilling adventure.
Monday, May 11, 2009
My theories on the LOST finale
Hey gang, check out this blog to read about my thoughts on this week's Lost finale. It's bound to be a treat. And don't forget to click the links as you go for a more fulfilling adventure.
Posted by John Gagnon at 11.5.09 0 comments
Thursday, May 07, 2009
**update** Robby the Robot makes his way! (i.e. new family blog)
Hello, all six of you that actually read this blog. And by read, I mean in the past tense, seeing as how I haven't posted since September.
Yikes. I guess that's the curse of a first-year law student. Luckily, things are about to wind down as I have just three finals left (for which I ought to be studying right now).
But just an update: my wife has started a "family" blog of our family. Really, it's just a bunch of photos of our 4-month-old son, which are ad-or-able.
The picture is a representation of my Halloween costume for this year. Kelsi is going as my wife, and Jack is going as my oil can. Brilliant.
More posts to come with some sort of regularity. Stay tuned!
So here's the link to the family blog: www.johnandkelsigagnon.blogspot.com
Posted by John Gagnon at 7.5.09 3 comments
Labels: robots
Thursday, September 11, 2008
I'm sorry in advance
I know I haven't posted in what may seem like weeks, and it seems like that because it's true, but I have some good news.
Before I get to the good news, I need to apologize for this video. It's kind of representational of my life growing up in the suburbs, and I guess I just sorta connected with the mullet. Enjoy.
End of post. Good news to come.
Posted by John Gagnon at 11.9.08 5 comments
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Boyz in the Hood
OK, so I'm selling security systems door-to-door this summer to help pay for law school. Here's an excerpt from a conversation I had whilst speaking with on of the prepubescent youths I met on my route near inner-city Indianapolis:
9-year-old boy
Hey! Whatchoo doin' there?
Just selling alarms. What are you doing?
9-year-old boy
Tricks on my bike. How old are you?
25. You?
9-year-old boy
Na-ane (nine). Can you do tyyyte tricks like this?
(Boy sits on seat of bike with legs hanging over the handle bars.)
(Trying not too sound too lame) Yeah, but it'd have to be a bigger bike.
9-year-old boy
Tyyte. Now what about ramping one of those cars up to the street lamp? Then down the roof? That'd be tyyyyyyyyyyte!
Probably if I had a harness.
6-year-old brother of 9-year-old boy
HJakjshasjh h bike jaijfn jkljlakj bike lalkh. Tyyyyyyyyte!
9-year-old boy
Hey, shut up. Man's gotta go to work!
Can you like stand on the top of the bike and then do a flip and then land back on the bike? That'd be tyyyyyte!
You mean like SpiderMan?
9-year-old boy
I don't think so.
6-year-old brother of 9-year-old boy
HJakjshasjh h SpiderMan jaijfn jkljlakj SpiderMan lalkh. Tyyyyyyyyte!
9-year-old boy
Hey, shut up. Man's gotta go to work.
Can you ramp up the car on the light, then do a pop-a-wheelie on the top? That'd be tyyyyyte!
Posted by John Gagnon at 22.6.08 7 comments
Sunday, June 15, 2008
My wife is sick, but I'm pregnant too. I think.
OK, so I don't know where my little peanut of a son or daughter gets it from, but ultrasounds show that our new baby is rhythmically astute. Now, I've seen Kelsi "dance" and those of you who know me know understand that I require two sets of parenthesis when using the term dance, so I'm not sure.
The friendliness of our baby has to come from Kelsi. It was waving to the camera during the length of the its debut, but we're not sure until it comes out what that all means. It could simply be mocking us.
Probably mocking.
But yeah, we're having a baby. Which is a funny thought. Not really the baby part of it, but that couples say "we're having a baby." The last time I checked, I'm not the one with a fetus inside my uterus (I have one?) causing uncontrolled nausea fits and a weak bladder.
Yet, we're preggers. Which is the endearing term I give my wife.
So we have pictures of the ultrasound, and they'll be up shortly, but for now anyone interested will just have to check this out, it's the closest thing to what I saw in the doctor's office:
On a side note, I could blog about that video for days--mainly as to why there wasn't any soundtrack to the taping.
But it's a really happy time for me right now. And it mostly all has to do with "us" being preggers. Kelsi is due January 2, so I might have her induced for tax purposes. Oh the bliss of modern medicine.
So we've considered names (well, I've got a list) that starts with Zero if it's a boy and Seffola if it's a girl. Let me know what you think, and let me know if you or anyone else had an ultrasound that looked like an alien. And we'll have pics up shortly.
Pace, gioia.
Posted by John Gagnon at 15.6.08 9 comments
Sunday, May 25, 2008
It's OK; Call Me a Basker
Is someone that basks in nostalgia known as a nostalgia basker? I don't think that basker is an appropriate noun, but right now I don't care much.
Who doesn't get a little bit nostalgic when times change and we move on in life?
Maybe Kevin Sorbo, but certainly not for any one reason.
I've been working this summer doing some door-to-door sales in order to try and pay for law school in the fall, and any down time I have is rare. We're working long, rigorous days and when i do have a moment or two, I try to spend it with my wife Kelsi. off and on for the last few weeks, however, I've been playing with Adobe CS3, and to get some things down, I work on Comic Frenzy media: posters, websites, and the like.
In some of the latest ideas I've had for a CF poster, I Facebook-stalked some of our older troupe members and began to reminisce about the good ole' days of my college-level improv comedy. Doing mediocre-at-best-designs gives me outlet, but also binds me to CF memories.
I'm done with my undergraduate work, and thereby done with Comic Frenzy.
Comic Frenzy has been many people's improv troupe of choice (in terms of participation) since early 2002. We've become friends, performed for mothers and high-schoolers, and even created theme song (see JD Taylor).
For six years Comic Frenzy has had a prominent place in my consciousness: eclipsing school, food and water, and even old videos of Whoopi Goldberg screen tests.
Often I think that after law school I'll open up an improv comedy club and run my law office out of it (see Ed ). But I catch myself thinking that I won't find actors suitable for the brand of comedy people would laugh at, and eventually attach themselves to. Because Comic Frenzy, to me, is more than just putting on a good show; we sought connections with our audiences. With most comedy, people found the laughter in embarrassing situations without being embarrassed themselves.
I hope that people who know us can sense that for an hour and a half on a weekend's show (and sometimes 15 hours of preparation during a week) , we seek to relieve--albeit momentarily--
whatever troubles they might bring with them to the show.
If people could leave our shows without thoughts of their own problems, we felt success.
And though I'm only a short time removed from being able to perform as a member of Comic Frenzy, I miss it as though it's been much longer. And with an indeterminate time in which a passion of the past 10 years has no more outlet for me, I reminisce.
Void of James Blunt.
Posted by John Gagnon at 25.5.08 7 comments
Saturday, April 19, 2008
James Blunt is a lyrical marauder
OK, so it's been a long while since my last post, and I'm sure not many people noticed. But here's something that has been bothering me lately:
Traveling from Idaho to Oklahoma recently, my wife and I listened to XM Radio and endured many a James Blunt song.
I have concurred that James Blunt is fooling us all. He's a singer, but certainly not a songwriter. Allow me to illustrate.
In his song "You're Beautiful". By the way, I hate this song--and mostly for its inconsistencies.
Here's the first verse of that atrocity:
My life is brilliant.
My love is pure.
I saw an angel.
Of that I'm sure.
She smiled at me on the subway.
She was with another man.
But I won't lose no sleep on that,
'Cause I've got a plan.
OK, he says he has a plan. I'm curious now. I want to know what exactly his plan is. But I'm not quite sure why he mentions that his life is brilliant and his love is pure. Aside from that tangent, let's proceed to the next verse--the verse that logically ought to enlighten us with what Mr. Blunt's plan is.
Yeah, she caught my eye,
As we walked on by.
She could see from my face that I was,
Flying high, [ - video/radio edited version]
And I don't think that I'll see her again,
But we shared a moment that will last till the end.
Did I miss something, or does this verse just not make sense in relation to the previous? Basically, it's the same introductory verse as the first--just with different lyrics. And he still doesn't go back to his plan. So now I have to be left wondering, "Is he going to stalk her? Beat up her other man? Imagine she's with him while at the petting zoo?"
I'm getting sick thinking about it.
And if I search the chorus of the song, I still can't find anything. Look for yourself.
You're beautiful. You're beautiful.
You're beautiful, it's true.
I saw your face in a crowded place,
And I don't know what to do,
'Cause I'll never be with you.
OK, really. How has this "love" song become popular? Is society just drawn to guys that play guitars and sing falsetto?
Let me know what you think.
Posted by John Gagnon at 19.4.08 12 comments


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Senior Investment Analyst – renewable energy projects
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Senior Investment Analyst – renewable energy projects, London based, base salary up to £50,000 + benefits
The company & the opportunity
This will be a key role working in a small team with broad responsibilities working for an ethical investment firm.
You will be based in the company's head office in London and will have exposure to various responsibilities – from preparing the financial models and structure for the investment of the projects through marketing and project management on the transactions.
The person
You are an investment analyst (or associate) with a keen interest in the renewable energy investment field. You are confident in your financial modelling skills and are ready to get involved in the different aspects of the role.
You will be required to liaise with the developers and the third parties involved in the projects to be able to assess all the relevant financial inputs.
You are sociable with a friendly approach and will be keen to join a very ethical investment firm.
Essential skills:
High quality degree, 2:1 or above from a top tier University, and or Masters
Investment management experience preferably in renewable energy or energy efficiency projects
Highly advanced modelling & analytical skills
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BOGO half off! Buy and item and receive the second item of equal or lesser value for half off!
**Cyber Monday Specials**
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And ...
FREE DOMESTIC SHIPPING and half price international shipping!
Discount will be refunded through paypal or wait for a revised invoice. Sale ends Monday night!
Mention "NEQ BLOG" at checkout and receive a free ornament!


text:
The recent trade that added Evan Gattis to the Astros leaves the team with an unusual problem. They have too many catchers. What are they going to do with all of those guys? By the time the season starts, they're going to need to shave it down to two or three at the most.
Read this article at Climbing Tal's Hill.


text:
MCS Announces New Distributor in Ohio
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Press release from the issuing companyGaithersburg, MD - MCS, Inc., the leader in industrial and mailing inkjet and camera systems, is pleased to announce the addition of Add-Jet, founded by Mike Liciejewski, as the newest distributor of MCS inkjet and camera products.
Formerly with Ohio Addressing, and with over 20 years of experience with inkjet, mail and industrial printing, Mike has assembled best-in-class product lines and support personnel to launch Add-Jet as a next-generation provider of technology to the industry. The mix of new digital technology and traditional technologies in print and mail have created many opportunities in terms of new processes and equipment for mailers and printing companies. To help bring clarity to equipment acquisitions, Add-Jet combines project management, consulting and the latest technology to bring its solutions to the industry. Add-Jet can synthesize the best offering from top industry suppliers to bring about the best return on investment.
Add-Jet has also brought aboard Stephen Liciejewski and support personnel to handle the upper-central states of Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Kentucky.
As the largest independent manufacturer of inkjet and camera products in the mailing industry, MCS looks forward to its increased presence in the region. MCS President and CEO, David Loos, commented on the new territory expansion with Add-Jet: "As a long-time admirer of Mike and the reputation he has built in the industry in the last 20 years, I am excited that our future customers can also now benefit from his professionalism." Mr. Loos added: "With the upcoming launch of new MCS products at Print09, Add-Jet is joining the MCS distribution team at the best time."
Industry News
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text:
China vows to resolve boundary dispute peacefullySeptember 21st, 2012 - 3:48 pm ICT by IANS
Beijing, Sep 21 (IANS) China Friday vowed to resolve its differences with neighbours concerning territorial rights through friendly negotiations.
China will be more determined to pursue peaceful development, and implement the policy of building friendship, Vice President Xi Jinping said at the China-ASEAN summit in Nanning city.
"We are firm in safeguarding China's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity and are committed to resolving differences with neighbours concerning territorial land, territorial sea and maritime rights and interests peacefully," Xi said.
"Having gone through numerous vicissitudes in modern times, we are deeply aware of the importance of development and peace," Xinhua quoted him as saying.
"Despite many difficulties and challenges, Asia has on the whole maintained the momentum of a fairly rapid growth," the Chinese leader added.
China and the ASEAN, as strategic partners, need to size up the situation and work together to deepen cooperation for sustained development, he said.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.


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The Molina Curse
Charles L. Fields
Outskirts Press (2013)
Reviewed by Michel Violante for Reader Views (9/13)
In "The Molina Curse" by Charles L. Fields, the story begins when Charles Stone, a lawyer, receives a package at his office. Stone opens the package and finds his Special Forces' friend Bo Jackson's finger. The box contains a note stating that the next time he will find Jackson's dead body. The backstory from the previous book - "Tainted Dish" - is that Jackson and Stone murdered Frank Molina, who was a leader of the Sacred Mafia. The remainder of the story presents how Stone has continued his normal life as the Sacred Mafia goes after him to avenge their leader's murder.
In "The Molina Curse," Charles L. Fields basically presents Stone's day-to-day life as assassination attempts occur all around him and his family and friends.
I think that the idea of a person going about his own life and day-to-day activities, as he eludes the Sacred Mafia's numerous assassination attempts, was a great idea as a storyline. However, I was disappointed with the delivery as most of the book details the day-to-day activities of Stone making the read monotonous. I also found some errors in the editing that I feel the need to mention because it totally confused me, pulling me out of the story. For example: in Chapter 9 when Jayson Wash Burn is later referred to as Jarred Wash Burn.
I believe that with a little more development this book could have been a very entertaining and even fun mystery due to the main character's brushes with death could have been developed with some humor. I recommend readers to read the previous book, "Tainted Dish," before reading "The Molina Curse" to get the background story, as there is no mention in this book as to why, or how, Stone murdered Molina.
Overall, "The Molina Curse" by Charles L. Fields is a good story that could have been more entertaining and funny.


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Andy Worthington, who has conscientiously and effectively documented the fates of hundreds of prisoners held at the U.S. prison at Guantanamo (see his book The Guantanamo Files), has posted a "Habeas Corpus Scorecard" at his website.
Surely it is a scandal that the government has been shown not to have a reason to hold 34 of the 47 Guantánamo cases brought before Federal judges with habeas petitions. In other words, the courts have refused to accept the U.S. government's claim that these people are dangerous, the "worst of the worst," in almost three-quarters of the cases that have come before them. As Worthington describes it, the explanation for this incredible statistic lies in the flimsiness of the cases. And even more:
Primarily, the judges have exposed that the government has been relying, to an extraordinary extent, on confessions extracted through the torture or coercion of the prisoners themselves, or through the torture, coercion or bribery of other prisoners, either in Guantánamo, the CIA's secret prisons, or proxy prisons run on behalf of the CIA in other countries.
This week, Worthington plans to dedicate his postings to covering these 47 cases decided to date, in what he calls "Guantánamo Habeas Week". His first entry in the series considers the case of Yasin Qasem Muhammad Ismail, a Yemeni who was captured (or sold to U.S. forces) in Afghanistan in 2001. He was either 19 or 22 at the time (as his age is uncertain). There is plausible evidence, from his testimony and witnesses, that Ismail, a small-time jihadist at best (despite claims from the government that he was "Emir" of the Bagram front), was tortured at Guantanamo. Despite that, his habeas petition was denied by Judge Henry H. Kennedy, Jr. of the U.S. District Court, Washington, DC. His unclassified opinion in the case has not yet been released.
Worthington writes of the plight of prisoners like Ismail:
If anything, Ismail — and other prisoners who have lost their habeas petitions, like Ghaleb al-Bihani, who served as a cook for Arab forces supporting the Taliban — should have been held as prisoners of war and protected from ill-treatment according to the Geneva Conventions. On this basis, they could be held until the end of hostilities, and we would now be arguing about whether it is conceivable that an invasion to overthrow the Taliban, which began eight and a half years ago, and which met its immediate aims, leading to the fall of the Taliban as Afghanistan's government and the election of Hamid Karzai as the Afghan President, is legitimately part of a "War on Terror" that might last forever, and that, as a result, even the most minor players in that initial conflict can be detained indefinitely.
As it stands, however, Yasin Ismail — a man who, by all accounts, never took up arms against anyone — remains imprisoned in Guantánamo on an apparently legal basis, and those of us who regard his continued detention as an overreaction, to put it mildly, must also reflect on the fact that, far from being treated humanely for the last eight years, he has been subjected to physical abuse and sexual humiliation for no justifiable reason, but that this is considered irrelevant to the case against him.
This kind of injustice is even more galling in the light, as Worthington points out, of revelations in a sworn statement by Colonel Lawrence Wilkerson, former Chief of Staff to Secretary of State Colin Powell, that the vast majority of the prisoners at Guantanamo were not dangerous at all. In fact, they were never even properly vetted, but sucked up by U.S. forces for political reasons, and neither Bush, nor Cheney, nor Rumsfeld cared a whit about the innocence of any of these people. Wilkerson says former Vice President Cheney, for instance, "had absolutely no concern that the vast majority of Guantánamo detainees were innocent, or that there was a lack of any useable evidence for the great majority of them."
From Mr. Wilkerson's filing (PDF):
With respect to the assertions by Mr. Hamad that he was wrongfully seized and detained, it became apparent to me as early as August 2002, and probably earlier to other State Department personnel who were focused on these issues, that many of the prisoners detained at Guantánamo had been taken into custody without regard to whether they were truly enemy combatants, or in fact whether many of them were enemies at all. I soon realized from my conversations with military colleagues as well as foreign service officers in the field that many of the detainees were, in fact, victims of incompetent battlefield vetting. There was no meaningful way to determine whether they were terrorists, Taliban, or simply innocent civilians picked up on a very confused battlefield or in the territory of another state such as Pakistan....
It was clear to me that, as I learned about how the majority of the Guantánamo prisoners had been detained, the initial group of 742 detainees had not been detained under the processes I was used to as a military officer. It was also becoming more and more clear that many of the men were innocent, or at a minimum their guilt was impossible to determine let alone prove in any court of law, civilian or military. If there were any evidence, the chain protecting it had been completely ignored.
So it comes as no surprise that the majority of the habeas cases have been granted by the courts. Yet still, many of these prisoners formally freed remain in Guantanamo, and others, unable to obtain a lawyer, or too depressed or ignorant to defend themselves, remain in the limbo of indefinite detention, while the Obama administration debates how to keep some of them in prison for the rest of their lives, feeding the Cheneyesque lie that these people are the worst criminals on the planet.
If some of them are criminals, then let that be decided in a court of law. Hundreds of thousands have died over the decades to make that principle stand. Let us not unceremoniously bury it because of fear-mongering.
I applaud Andy Worthington's work in telling us these prisoners' stories, and hope readers will follow his new series, and show him support. I hope readers will also look carefully at his excellent analysis behind issues such as the resuscitated military commissions, the trials of the terrorist suspects, and the continuing obeisance to the deeply flawed Authorization for the Use of Military Force passed after 9/11.
I also applaud those other news sources who are keeping track of the habeas decisions, such as The Washington Independent, Center for Constitutional Rights, and the Miami Herald. They're all worth looking at.


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The Beatles' Scandal: "We Are More Popular Than Jesus Christ"
To be honest, most Beatle fans, those between 9 yrs. and 15 yrs. in 1965-66, did not care one iota about John Lennon's observation made during an interview. Well, it actually was true at the time especially to that age group! The remarks were made a full year in England before they crossed the Atlantic, In England, there was no hoopla about it at all. However, when Datebook, a teen magazine ran the story in the USA, the overly sensitive Americans living in the bible belt went ballistic
Within five days after the story broke, 35 radio stations refused to play Beatle records, hundreds of their fans burned their records and stores refused to sell them. Some communities had public drives to collect all Beatle records or went house to house canvassing for them to destroy. Nearly all of this insanity came from the American religious groups who were offended by the comment. How could anything be more popular than Jesus?
The KKK in South Carolina declared war on The Beatles and nailed their records to crosses and threatened to kill them if they came to their State. Even, the Vatican warned the group about making such outlandish statements. Beatle concerts in the USA were cancelled. Worse, in South Africa, the ban of Beatle records (airplay or purchase) continued until 1970.
Brian Epstien, their manager, insisted that John must apologize, to which, John refused to do. John was expressing a valid opinion that he felt was true, why an apology? The fact was, The Beatles were more popular than Jesus to their millions of fans, like it or not. John, after some arm twisting, agreed to clarify his statement when The Beatles arrived for their tour on August 11, 1966. The press met the members in a very antagonistic manner, far different than in 1964. John's clarification, well, it was a jumbled mix of babble trying to explain what he meant without actually saying, "I'm sorry". Once he was finished, the reporters were silent. They were totally baffled. Suddenly, a reporter asked, " But are you prepared to apologize?" This is when John, who had thought he just had apologized, began to lose his temper and restated his clarification in a more concise, clear manner. Again, once restated, reporters continued to ask John for an apology. John and Brian glanced at one another. Then John said, " I wasn't saying whatever they're saying I was saying". John paused, "I'm sorry I said it. I didn't mean it to be a lousy anti religious thing..if it will make you happy, I'm sorry". Then, John went on to denounce America's involvement in the Vietnam war.
When the Beatles reached Memphis on August 19 to play, the KKK picketed the stadium and the Beatles were paranoid that a sniper was in the crowd because of the threats from the klan members. Police were everywhere and looking for suspects. Then, when firecracker went off that resembled a gunshot, George nearly panicked during a song. When they played in Cincinnati, Paul was so nervous, he puked often off stage.
The whole incident really angered the band. 1966 would be their last tour.


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Request new features
Hello, I've been using Vivaldi since TP 4, and I would just like to say that it is absolutely the best browser that I have ever used!! Fast, sleek, and feature-rich, this browser will definitely be my default browser for my lifetime!! However, I do have two feature requests: First, there is no option to disable the password manager; as I use lastpass password manger, I need to somehow disable the Vivaldi password manager, but there is no setting to disable it (or am I just not seeing it?) Second, I would like it if there was a way to customize the address bar (e.g. I cannot reorganize the extension buttons at the top right) (in chrome, all you have to do is click and drag to reorganize the extensions) Third, a master password that would prevent unauthorized access to vivaldi would come in handy.... Anyway, it would be greatly appreciated if vivaldi has these three small but useful features implemented into it.... Thank you very much. Regards, -werty8763-
Vivaldi can't turn off the passwords manager yet, but the underlying Chromium can. Go to chrome://settings/search#pass and find the setting there.
Hmm, is this the right place to request new features??? :dry:
VikMorroHun last edited by
Google Chrome has a nice feature: if I upload a file to a site it shows the percentage in the lower left corner. This would be useful in Vivaldi too.
Doesn't that work with vivaldi too?
I mean, vivaldi and chrome are based on the same chromium source code….
Hadden89 last edited by
But doesn't share the same UI. If the function is coded in the google UI, won't work on Vivaldi until implemented. At least I think so :silly:
If you mean uploading status (which I think opera has, and firefox too, even if requires a status bar addon), probably will be implemented when possible.


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Before I came to Research In Motion® (RIM), I was the publisher of a small local magazine that kept me running around from early morning till late at night. I was so swamped with tasks every day that I felt like I didn't even have time to investigate ways that I could save myself time or make the business more money. It was a strange predicament to be in – I loved what I was busy with, but I just felt so bogged down!
Yet instead of having to block hours of time at the beginning, middle and end of my day to respond to email, return calls, update our social media and review proofs, I COULD have done all of those things when I had a free moment before a journalist arrived or a customer was ready to chat with me. What I know now is that this is a common issue with many Small and Medium-sized business owners – ones who are balancing so many different roles in a day.
Read more success stories at the Inside BlackBerry for Business Blog »


text: So I was standing in line today in Court waiting to pay a ticket (Thanks Shelby county sheriffs department) when I noticed the guy behind me was using a DROID! I nonchalantly whipped mine out, in his view of course, and checked facebook, gmail,. etc. Immediately he noticed mine as well and we sparked up a convo about our favorite apps, how much we love the phone, all that cool stuff. Have you met any other DROID users? Let's hear your stories!


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RegistrationFriday, January 30th, 2009
In the UK, you have about a month in which to register the birth of your baby. It's at this point that he or she gets a name, and becomes "official". It is unclear what happens if you neglect to register your baby. The local government are certainly informed of the birth, so perhaps they send you a reminder… and then a red letter… and then they send bailiffs to reposess your child?
We took Cillian to be registered in Cambridge this afternoon. Daddy was not in the best of moods, since he had already had to spend almost all of the morning at the car dealership, waiting for a new key to be programmed for the car. In the end, the engineer found that they had been sent the wrong key by the manufacturer, so it wouldn't work, and we'd have to come back. Grrr.
Anyway… registration. This was a painless experience, and took about 30mins. The nice lady asked us where we were born, what we do for a living, and please can we remind her how to spell "Cillian". She hadn't heard of Senegal (Karyn's birthplace), and had a bit of difficulty with he name of my Welsh birthplace. Dad's a web designer, and mum's a scientist, so that bit's easy.
In order to get a UK passport, your kid needs a full birth certificate, which is a legal document, as opposed to the short version, which is decorative. The full one cost us £3.50. We bought two, because we'll also need one so that we can get his French ID card, even though I know a bloke called Christophe who swears he can get us a fake one for 50 Euros Just kidding.
So, that's all done, and Cillian is officially our parental responsibility now. *phew* He'll be relieved to know that we have to take care of him! While we were at the Registration Office, I asked the lady if we could have called him anything. In France, they sensibly restrict parents to choosing real names… there is some system by which you have to prove that whatever you choose is a real name, and means that your kid doesn't end up being called, for example (and this is real), Chocolate Merrimount Marmite. Eeek.


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Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Polly Wales - Love These Earrings
These fabulous earrings by Polly Wales make me feel just a little bit Summery. I love those soft ones, I would imagine they would feel so soft against your cheek when wearing them.
Posted by Di Overton at 5:06 pm
Labels: jewelry
3 comments:
- Flights of Fab Fashion Fancy said...
Love, love, love these-especially the green pair.
- 11:33 pm
- tongue in cheek said...
wool balls? How clever to mix elements like that.
- 6:50 am
- Babelfish said...
They are adorable! The coloured balls makes me dream of spain.
- 7:08 pm
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My High St is the UK's first free online shopping portal for local independent retailers. MyHigh marries the individuality and choice of products on offer from our brilliant independent shops with the convenience of being able to shop online anytime.
Are you an independent retailer? are you on-board the Nationwide high street concept? /myhigh.st
Read how it started; myhigh.st


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Wood-Fire Bistro
Fall & Winter Hours:
(9/1 through 4/30)
Mon & Tues - Closed
Wed -Thurs - 11:30 am - 8 pm
Fri - 11:30 am - 9 pm
Saturday - 12 pm - 9 pm
Sunday - 12 pm - 7 pm
Spring & Summer Hours
5/1 - 8/31
Mon - Closed
Tues - 11:30 am - 9 pm
Wed - 11:30 am - 9 pm
Thurs -11:30 am - 9 pm
Fri - 11:30 am - 10 pm
Sat - 12 pm -10 pm
Sun - 12 pm - 7 pm
Type your paragraph here.
Lucca Wood-Fire Bistro is located on Main Street in the village of Victor.
We use only the finest freshest ingredients to make the best pizza in town!!!
Come taste the difference of a wood-fired oven at
Lucca Wood-Fire Bistro
Welcome to Lucca Wood-Fire Bistro, located in the village of Victor. Lucca serves up Victor's best wood-fired pizza, paninis, appetizers, and salads. At Lucca every dish is created using only the freshest, finest ingredients. We hand prepare and hand toss every pizza using only fresh toppings just for you. Lucca is proud of its outstanding menu and friendly service.
Dining is available inside and seasonal dining on our porch or patio, or if you would rather... please call ahead for your take-out order. Because of our intimate size, we cannot accommodate parties larger than 8, and we do not accept reservations or call-ahead-for-dine-in requests. Seating is available on a first-come first-serve basis. Take-out orders must be consumed off premises.
We serve beer & wine for your dining pleasure. Also, gift certificates are available.
Thanks for your support and patronage.
Proprietor, Chef Matthew Gervasi
90 West Main Street, Victor, NY 14564
-Looking for a gift for that special someone? Gift certificates are available.
We have created a unique, intimate setting for your dining experience; and because of that, we cannot offer off or onsite catered events, accommodate parties larger than 8, nor can we accept reservations or call-ahead-for-dine-in requests. Seating at Lucca's is done on a first-come first-serve basis so it would be unfair to those patrons who have been waiting for a seat to allow folks who have reservations, called ahead or changed a takeout order to a dine-in order to be seated ahead of them. For that reason, if you call ahead for a take-out order, it must be consumed off premises.


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I have been using Feedly for some time now for news feeds and found it very user friendly.
Just in case you are changing over to Feedly here is the html. Don't forget to insert your blog name under the YOURBLOG section hereunder. I have placed mine on my blog home page top left . . . try it.

Hope you are all enjoying today. I am on my break before going back to work and I have been able to catch up with some sewing . . . keep you posted. Cheers, S


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G. Ramachandran, a young scholar from Shantiniketan, Rabindranath Tagore's ode to life, learning, and all that is beautiful, spent a few days with Gandhi in Delhi, in October 1924. Bapu took the time to engage in wide-ranging conversations with this young student, and in them, the two covered much ground. Ramachandran managed to draw out the old man's views on art (anything that "helps the soul to realize its inner self"), how beauty and truth are effectively the same (I didn't realise how much he loved Keats before I read this), and ultimately, how he felt about machines, given his well-known aversion to them, on account of the fact that they 'dwarfed' human capacity. Ramachandran asked Gandhi quite straightforwardly if he was against all machinery - or the idea of machines, even. To this, Gandhi's response was one which might have surprised his young interlocutor: "How can I be when I know that even this body is a most delicate piece of machinery? The spinning-wheel itself is a machine; a little tooth-pick is a machine. What I object to, is the craze for machinery, not machinery as such. The craze is for what they call labour-saving machinery. Men go on "saving labour" till thousands are without work and thrown on the open streets to die of starvation. I want to save time and labour, not for a fraction of mankind, but for all. I want the concentration of wealth, not in the hands of a few, but in the hands of all. Today machinery merely helps a few to ride on the backs of millions. The impetus behind it all is not the philanthropy to save labour, but greed. It is against this constitution of things that I am fighting with all my might,"[1] (my emphasis). Remarkably prescient for a text that is 93 years old, don't you think?
And why, pray, do I feel the need to revisit Bapu today, apart from the fact that I'm currently spending my days at the Ashram (and my nights reading that other architect of modern India, Babasaheb Ambedkar)? We were asked, this month, to think about what it means for us as a species, living and working our way through the 'Fourth Industrial Revolution' which seems to be upon us. I would imagine this means dealing with the ubiquity of the internet, fast-changing everything we do, the ways in which we 'know' (in terms of knowledge production/dissemination, the professions that are currently available to us, economic and business models and c.); more, we'd also have to venture into the post-human space (and you would have no choice but to recognise quite quickly how much the 'future' looks like the present when you read about the various biohackers, cyborgs and other suchlike who 'walk among us' already[2], or note the popularity of shows like the dystopian (but is it? really?) 'Black Mirror' which indicate the firm grapple-hold this theme seems to have on popular culture, always an excellent barometer of the spiritus mundi).
But I realise I haven't answered my question yet, and to it my response is a simple one: the reason I bring Gandhi into play today, to frame this discussion, is that I don't see how we can theorise the so-called Fourth Revolution when we haven't adequately managed to wrest ourselves from its predecessor: you know, the one which gave us Modernity (with a capital M, no less). In the form of late-capitalism and the global corporate order we function (or, more accurately labour and suffer) under today, this is not something we've finished living through quite yet. From it emerges that which will be, and this is why something that was true in 1924 remains so to-day: we run the risk of being 'dwarfed' by technology; slaves to machines (big ones, of course, but so too little ones, as Tagore was to remind Gandhi, on the subject of his precious spinning-wheel). How are machines or the 'craze' for them which now seems inescapable, given how thoroughly they've permeated every aspect of our existence, going to transform our lives? In myriad ways, forcing upon us new epistemes; reconfigurations in how we define 'privacy', 'relationships', 'knowledge', 'work', 'leisure', and other givens around which we've thus far constructed meaning in and for our lives. Is there a chance that this will have to involve re-imagining and re-defining what is meant by the descriptor 'human' itself? Hasn't it always?
[1] CWMG, Vol. 25, pp 247-256. You can access the entire 100-volume Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi at the Sabarmati Ashram's online archive, https://www.gandhiheritageportal.org/
[2] See this fascinating piece for more: http://www.nbcnews.com/tech/innovation/cyborgs-among-us human-biohackers-embed-chips-their-bodies-n150756


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Guys, Using patented standards only does two things: it makes life tricky for everyone else and helps drive corporate interests further into the W3 standards. Remember the issues with MP3 and GIF? And how we've had to write them out of various open standards? The irony is that BETTER technologies have emerged from teh open source community than these were originally. Promoting open source for any technologies that have not been developed, would be FAR BETTER than joining forces with strong corporate interests as that will only polarize W3 towards corporations. Regards, Jeff Farbo Founder Farbo Consulting Inc.Received on Sunday, 30 September 2001 17:30:26 UTC
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.3.1 : Tuesday, 6 January 2015 21:06:43 UTC


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Organizations & Campaigns
This space is intended as a register for North Cornwall-wide organisations that wish to support the Transition Movement or that may be useful to Transition Groups.
To add your organisation either add in a new 'comment' or use the 'contact' form to send in the information you wish to publish.
- Login to post comments
- 41525 reads
CAT: Centre for Alternative Technology
Submitted by PaulS on 23 June 2011 - 10:22am.
Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth, UK
Inspiring a workforce for the future
This world-leading centre for practical learning on sustainable energy is training up to a thousand people a year in renewable energy technologies, green building and low carbon living to spread the skills and knowledge the UK needs to transition to a low carbon economy.


text: Ok, this is going to sound pretty stupid: I have begun to teach myself Java. I have a textbook that is great, except for one thing: It is primarily oriented for PCs. I have realized that Java is cross platform compatable, but I am having trouble figuring out how to 'run' programs. Basically my question is this: If I've created a program in Java (using jedit) and I can't figure out how to simply run the program. If I could just get a little bit of guidance on this, that would be great EDIT: Ok thanks, I figured it out I think


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Welcome to Starfish Class!
Starfish class consists of both Reception and Year 1 children. It is an environment in which children learn and grow, developing positive relationships with other children and the adults who work with them. We endeavour to provide a creative and inclusive early years environment that encourages learning through independence and exploration.
Children are offered a wide variety of activities and are given the opportunity to share and question their experiences in a caring atmosphere of trust and mutual respect. Physical development is promoted by daily sessions of "Leap into Life" or P.E. (including dance, gym and games) which we believe to be fundamental for the children's wellbeing. Our classroom provides a range of areas designed to meet and support the children's developing needs and current interests: A home corner encourages role-play and is used as an extension to the children's learning. There are regular performances from the puppet theatre, produced and presented independently by the children. In our outdoor area the children have free flowing access to many interactive resources such as water play, rock pools, sand, climbing apparatus and bicycles.
Whilst inside the children's development is nourished by key resources, such as interactive computer programmes and construction materials. Facilities for daily creative exploration and mark-making (emergent writing) are actively utilised both inside and outside our classroom. We like to get out and about and our "Wellie Walks" take place every Wednesday, come rain or shine! Favorite destinations include the beach, our local church, library, park and river. These are often the inspiration for literacy and numeracy learning, providing an endless resource for enquiry and discussion.


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First it was Los Angeles, then Bellingham, Wash., and San Diego. Now the move to stop Internet travel sites from charging customers for taxes the city never sees is moving to Atlanta. From The Atlantic Journal-Constitution:
- According to the suit, the companies buy blocks of rooms at a cost lower than what they charge customers, who book services on their sites. The suit said the sites charge customers a 7 percent tax based on a higher room rate but only pass along to the city the tax that would apply to the lower room rates they get by buying rooms in bulk.
I haven't heard much from the other side of the story yet, but I'm sure it's coming.
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My daughter has been asking for a new puppy for the longest time. After doing odd jobs for change, saving all her money - both earned and given - my husband and I were so proud of her that we decided to giver her a puppy for her birthday. Meet, Lollipop Snowcone...Lolli for short!I used a great new collab kit (Pet Shop) by Sweet Tomato Designs and Sunny Day Scraps!
Monday, August 15, 2011
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Port & Company Polypropylene ToteSKU #: SM-B156
Item DescriptionMore InformationAdditional Information
This go-anywhere tote has plenty of storage. Double-stitched seams add durability. 100 gram 100% polypropylene Self-fabric handles Dimensions: 15 h x 16 w Note: Bags not intended for use by children 12 and under. Includes a California Prop 65 and social responsibility hangtag. Due to the nature of polypropylene fabric special care must be taken throughout the printing process. Heat transfer or screen printing are preferred decoration options.
Price includes the cost of a one color imprint in one location. Please contact us at 888-206-3047 for more print options, a custom project, or additional print locations.
|Standard Production Time
|5-7 days


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The British Broadcasting Circus
The BBC is in a panic, and the old slogan, 'deputy heads will roll,' is no longer operative.
Fifteen years ago, to the strains of "Land of Hope and Glory," Chris Patten supervised the lowering of the Union Jack in Hong Kong. Mr. Patten, a pink-tinged Conservative, was the colony's last British Governor. The return of Hong Kong to China was seen as one of the final acts of British Empire.
Today, the drawling, deliciously grand Lord Patten is in charge of another historic institution, the British Broadcasting Corp.—and things are not going much better. The once-dignified BBC is in crisis, caught in a vortex...


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Americans have become much more adventurous about food and cooking. They eat out more than ever before and, as a result, they've become more familiar with dishes from other countries and with different ways of cooking.
"I'd love to be able to prepare that at home," people might say after a wonderful restaurant meal. For them, such cooking may seem beyond their culinary capabilities. But it needn't be. Learning to cook impressive meals doesn't have to mean taking a week's (or month's) worth of classes. Around the country, many chefs offer short cooking programs that can, if you like, be combined with a vacation.
On June 25, I wrote about two recreational cooking schools that are included my upcoming book, "Gourmet Getaways." To guide you to the goal of culinary finesse, here are two more.
The Washington Hotel Culinary School, Washington Island, Wis.
Visitors to Washington Island at the northern tip of Wisconsin's Door County have an unexpected surprise awaiting them. They will discover a bucolic and historic fishing and agricultural community committed exclusively to the sustainable food movement.
At the center of this movement is the Washington Hotel Restaurant and Culinary School, run with typical Midwestern graciousness by chef-proprietor, Leah Caplan.
An honors graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Chef Caplan is a local authority on the sustainable food movement.
Her interest in the subtleties of food preparation began during her formative years, while traveling abroad with her father. It was then that she acquainted herself with some important concepts about food preparation that have remained with her ever since.
The concept that influenced her the most was taught in Japan, where she learned to balance food harmoniously in quantity and quality with aesthetic simplicity. A crowning example of this influence is evident today in her thin-crust smoked whitefish pizza with a sour cream base. In this pizza, all parts are blended seamlessly to create a judicious balance of key ingredients, appetizingly presented.
As a chef, she makes it a point to stay in close contact with organic and sustainable food producers. Students in her classes will learn about the foods of local producers directly from the producers. Chef Caplan will then take their products and turn them into a delicious, unforgettable meal.
The year-round teaching program encourages students to buy, grow, and eat local and sustainable foods and to master sensible techniques for preparing and preserving food. Students are taught to create elegant (but restrained) meals that look the way meals ought to look – attractive without being artificially decorated.
At the end of each class, students receive original recipes to use at home.
Types of classes that have been offered include the science, secrets, and nuances of baking in a brick oven; how the cacao bean is grown and processed; techniques for creating superb chocolate dishes; and the art of making handmade pasta from wheat grown on the island.
Cost: from $35 to $150.
Class frequency: weekly in the summer; private classes available in the winter.
Class length: Two to three hours.
For more information, contact The Washington Hotel Restaurant and Culinary School, 354 Range Line Road, Washington Island, WI 54246; (920) 847-2169, www.thewashingtonhotel.com.
St. Regis, Monarch Beach, Calif.
The St. Regis Monarch Beach is an Italian Revival palazzo of polished stone with multilevel gushing fountains, located on the coast of southern California. It offers a memorable setting and European-style service and food.
Responsible for overseeing all food preparation is Frédéric Castan, the resort's executive chef. His impeccable training in well-respected kitchens enables him to bring to the St. Regis the refinement of culinary flavors that discriminating guests expect.
Chef Castan was born in Avignon, France, and received his early training in Marseille at the École Supérieure Hôtelière de Marseille. His most influential mentor was France's renowned Pierre Hiély of Hiély Lucullus in Avignon. Working closely with this very strict and passionate chef, Castan learned commitment to detail.
This, along with his natural affinity for artistic shapes and colors, is the main reason he's won many awards, including France's most prestigious culinary award, the Maître Cuisinier de France.
St. Regis guests interested in learning to cook with flair have from eight to 12 culinary experiences to choose from yearly. Ten are for adults. Each focuses on a different theme (they change yearly), and all are overseen by Castan. The classes provide guests with the opportunity to interact freely with the chef while enjoying an elegant meal at the end.
Some of the classes offered include: a Springtime Spa Cooking class in which the freshest available ingredients are combined to create a light but elegant meal; a grilling class in which such favorites as Malaysian chicken satay or steak bavette are prepared over an open fire; and a Cooking with the Chefs Series, in which chefs from the St. Regis Monarch Beach share their skills and special dishes with the students.
Sometimes these classes are hands-on, depending on the chef and the menu, but usually they are demonstration classes.
A children's program, offered during the summer for ages 5 to 12, is especially popular, because it is designed to provide kids with an irresistible opportunity to apply their ingenuity to creating their own meal. The simple-to-prepare menu is conceived to appeal to youngsters' tastes and skill levels.
Cost: Adult dinner classes range from $50 to $125 per person; children's classes, $50 per child. Lodging is extra.
Class length: adult demonstration dinner classes, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.; children's classes, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information, contact St. Regis Monarch Beach, Dana Point, CA, 92629; (949) 234-3200; www.stregismb.com.


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