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Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie was born in 1977 in Nigeria. She is the author of two novels, Purple Hibiscus (2003) and Half of a Yellow Sun which won the 2007 Orange Broadband Prize for Fiction. A collection of short stories titled The Thing around Your Neck was recently published by Fourth Estate.


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The National Weather Service did a good job forecasting the path and impact of Hurricane Sandy but did not give enough warning about the massive storm surges that wreaked much of the damage, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said in a report released Wednesday.
NOAA, the government agency that oversees the weather service, said that officials in New York and New Jersey didn't get storm-surge forecasts early enough, and those projections were often in formats that were difficult to use.
"We found that …forecasters performed well predicting the track of this extremely large and complex storm, which undoubtedly saved lives," NOAA official Peyton Robertson said in a statement. "But we also found problems with NOAA's ability to communicate the impacts associated with storm surge, one of the most significant hazards associated with Sandy."
U.S. & World
Stories that affect your life across the U.S. and around the world.
The 66-page internal review details the development of the October 2012 storm, and how the weather service tracked its approach and communicated that information to authorities along the Atlantic coast.
At nearly 1,000 miles across, Sandy was one of the biggest storms ever to hit the United States, affecting 24 states in some way. In the most hard-hit areas, such as New York and New Jersey, storm surges rose above eight feet. It dumped more than three feet of snow in West Virginia and North Carolina.
In the end, 72 people died as a direct result of the storm. More than 650,000 homes were destroyed, and more than 8.5 million households lost power. The total damage has been estimated at more than $50 billion.
The NOAA report recommended nearly two-dozen changes at the National Weather Service, starting with a revamp of its storm-surge forecasting system to include better maps and graphics.
NOAA also said the weather service needed to put out storm surge warnings earlier, to give people more time to figure out how to respond. Many said they they did not expect the surges to rise as high as they did.
The NOAA review included interviews with emergency management officials and media representatives, and relied on third-party surveys of people's perception of the storm.
Many of the reccomendations were similar to those made in a similar review after Hurricane Irene in 2011.
Investigators found that many people had a hard time understanding National Weather Service jargon, and were frustrated with the amount of time it took to find information on agency websites. Some websites gave confusing or mixed messages about the projected impact.
Those websites need to be streamlined, redesigned and made compatible with mobile devices, the review said.
The weather service said it is already moving on many of the report's suggestions in time for the 2013 hurricane season, which begins June 1.
The National Hurricane Center, for example, has agreed to issue forecasts and warnings for storms that are dangerous but don't maintain all the technical aspects of hurricanes. That was the case with Sandy, which was downgraded to post-tropical cyclone just before it made landfall.
National Weather Service Director Dr. Louis Uccellini said in a statement that his agency hadn't been thoroughly modernized in two decades. Most of its communications systems date to the 1980s, he said.
The agency will get help from a newly passed bill that provides NOAA with $48 million to supplement its "response and recovery capability," including better computers and higher-resolution forecasting models.
"I'm committed to implementing these recommendations to give America a National Weather Service that is second to none," Uccellini said.


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Serial numbers
I realize that there are more important problems at the moment, but there still appears to be a free download of Hexagon. The download works to deliver the program, but never delivers a serial code. Sorry to be stupid, but is going to be the free full version for a while longer, or has that ship already sailed?
Romancefantasy Posts: 0
Try looking in the Readme file. If not there it should be in your account under serials.
RedSquare Posts: 0
Hello, we're back in action at last. :coolsmile:
But please say that we haven't lost all the tutorial & video links from the old data base !!!! ?Post edited by RedSquare on
exquisitus.flinders_5168fe22a4 Posts: 0
Hate to pester...
But is there a serial number for the free version of Hexagon?
Not just me, but quite a few people seem to be having this issue, where
Hexagon downloads but delivers no serial number. It is not in the readme,
and I don't see it in my serial number list in the account profile. Should this
just be attributed to the general problems the DAZ site has been having
exquisitus said:...is there a serial number for the free version of Hexagon? It is not in the readme
??? How is it NOT in the readme?
A better question is: What IS in your readme?
My readme has the serial and nothing else.
ba_aca2a9241d Posts: 55
It seems like they've changed things again. Before there was a zip file in the download link. Now there is an exe file in the download. The zip file containted a readme with a serial number, the exe does not have that. Looks like we're back to account linking serials or they just added the wrong file to the download link. Check your account for a serial number and if it's not there contact support.
3D Toons said:It seems like they've changed things again. Before there was a zip file in the download link. Now there is an exe file in the download. The zip file containted a readme with a serial number, the exe does not have that. Looks like we're back to account linking serials or they just added the wrong file to the download link. Check your account for a serial number and if it's not there contact support.
And the plot sickens... :)
I just checked, and the link itself is explicitly for the zip file: http://freedownloads.daz3d.com/Hexagon_18.104.22.168_Win32.zip
But clicking that link just returns a 404.
The exe may have been erroneously placed during the revamp, and hopefully the zip file will be back soon.
Just for kicks I tried 3D Toons suggestion to "Check your account for a serial number", and "bingo"!
I clicked on "My Account", then clicked "My Serial Numbers" on the left, and it shows the serial numbers for Bryce, Hexagon and DS4.Post edited by emfederin_9bc0c524c8 on
I have checked both my readme file as well as my account's serial numbers. I still can't find my serial number for Hexagon 2.5 free. Someone, PLEASE help me.Post edited by nazmy2_a263cf7a4b on
GeorgeA7299 said:I have checked both my readme file as well as my account's serial numbers. I still can't find my serial number for Hexagon 2.5 free
Wait...this isn't making any sense to me.
*IF* you have a readme, and *IF* that readme is inside a "Hexagon_22.214.171.124_Win32.zip" file that you downloaded from DAZ, then it has the serial number in it.
Right at this moment, you can't download Hexagon_184.108.40.206_Win32.zip at all, so you would have had to have downloaded it before the website revamp which means the zip file readme has the serial number in it.
Where did you get your "Hexagon 2.5 free" from, and what exactly does the readme that you say you "checked" have in it?Post edited by emfederin_9bc0c524c8 on
I have flagged this problem up. Of course it is still very early in Dazland, so don't expect any answers until they arrive at Daz_Towers, some 4 to 5 hours from now.
eyeliner Posts: 0
I find it odd that there's a readme file with a serial. Isn't the serial supposed to be located on your account page?
Just go to your account and then My Serial Numbers and there it is...
eyeliner said:I find it odd that there's a readme file with a serial. Isn't the serial supposed to be located on your account page? Just go to your account and then My Serial Numbers and there it is...
You're describing the system that was in place before DAZ made their software freely available.
Under that system, you had to register an account with DAZ and then order the software and pay for it. Then you were assigned a unique serial number which was sent separately to your account, along with a link to download the executable installer.
When the software first became free, that system was still in place except that there was no option to pay for it - but you still had to register, and you still received a unique serial number in your account.
After a short while, DAZ pulled out all the stops and just posted a link to a zip file which was accessible to anyone visiting the site without registering. Anyone could now download the file anonymously, and everyone got the same installer and the same serial number. This serial number is in the zip file's "readme".
I just downloaded Hexagon today. It was a free version, but it wasn't a zip file. It was a setup program. The setup program installed everything okay, but when I ran it, it asked for a serial number. A readme file was included but all it had was a list of features for Hexagon. There was no serial number. As I said, I also checked My Account, looked under My Serial Numbers, and found nothing. Could you tell me were I can find the zip file you mentioned?
eyeliner Posts: 0
Oh, I wasn't aware of the change. Sorry.
I repeat this postchohole said:I have flagged this problem up. Of course it is still very early in Dazland, so don't expect any answers until they arrive at Daz_Towers, some 4 to 5 hours from now.
Daz3D is aware of the problem. THe Download should be a zip, but is currently downloading as the older .exe.
THere is a thread here http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/115/ Giving some contact email addresses, which can be used until such time as the support system is bak up and working properly. Be aware though that they are getting a wee bit inundated with email queries, so it may take time for them to work through to your query.
We will keeep you uupdated as to what is happening.Post edited by Chohole on
musilligregory Posts: 2
It's possible to have the serial for hexagon Pleaseeeee
Thanks to all of you who replied. I really appreciate your timely assistance.
Drakpa Posts: 0
Same problem: I've downloaded a .exe for hexagon, it asks me a serial at launch but there is no serial in readme or in account so I can't use it.
Roygee Posts: 2,232
Hi musilligregory
When you write in these forums, you are read by other users, not by officials of Daz 3D - we can only point you in the right direction. Your best bet is to contact Support
Tjohn Posts: 10,094
Great, then I'll just have to be patient then (I've had a lot of practice at that lately :) ). Thanks to all for responding. Now I don't feel so alone anymore...
darknight666 Posts: 13
can i just ask, i understand the download error, so we dont get a serial key with the present exe., what will happen here, will the download be changed to the old zip containing the code or should we put a ticket in requesting one?
Wouldhe Posts: 33
I'd avoided the free studio 4 pro as I assumed that it would be a limited time evaluation but seems fully featured (not that I've really got around to using it properly). Just dowloaded and installed Hexagon (just in case) and this does seem to be for evaluation only as you can't save a model without a licence key. You can't really judge a model until you see it in a render so wondering if there is something I'm missing here?
FeralFey Posts: 3,221
It should be the full version. The serial number should be in your account dashboard on the left hand side under "My Serial Numbers". You should see one listed for Hexagon. If not, contact sales.
r_yanis Posts: 1
Hi everyone. I'm new. Does anyone know how I get the Hexagon 2.5 serial code? I downloaded it free, but can't get in. Thanks.:cheese:
This is a problem we are aware of, and it has been logged. You should have received a readme with the download, and the serial number should have been in the readme.
Was your download a zip file, or an exe ?
I have merged 2 threads on the same subject, so the convo is all in one place.Post edited by Chohole on
Wouldhe Posts: 33
Ah OK - sorry for the wrong posting..
I'll keep an eye here and possibly get on to sales at some point. Really can't be looking gift horses in the mouth and unbelievable that these products are actually free :-D
I am going to move this thread, and merge it with the ongoing conversation about this issue.
DaremoK3 Posts: 610
For all those wanting to enable your copy of Hexagon now without waiting for DAZ to fix the download link back to the ZIP, or don't feel like re-downloading (maybe you don't have the allocated bandwidth?) the software again.
You can find the current *PUBLIC LICENSE* (same for everyone) in the old Hexagon Forums. It was posted shortly before the changeover.
To access the old/archived forums just add "archive" after "forum" in the address header (looks like this: http://forumarchive.daz3d.com/ )
Hope this helps.
Take care all...
***EDIT: Appears the new forums auto-link URL's, so there you go, just click the link, and navigate to the Hex Forums. You can find it. I have faith in you...***Post edited by DaremoK3 on
darknight666 Posts: 13
my download was an exe, so no readme, also you wont find in your serial numbers in your account as it was not an add to basket item,
Also if im looking in the right thread in the above link thats a 025 code, we need a 026Post edited by darknight666 on


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Story highlights
- Charges are dismissed against a woman suspected of murdering her husband
- Suspect Lois Goodman is a tennis umpire who had worked the U.S. Open
- The prosecutor's office says the case was dropped because of "additional information"
- Goodman's attorney said earlier in November that his client's husband died in an accident
New evidence has persuaded Los Angeles County prosecutors to drop murder charges against a U.S. Open tennis umpire.
Lois Goodman, 70, had been accused of bludgeoning her 80-year-old husband, Alan, with a coffee mug, and then fatally stabbing him with the broken mug's shards at their California home in April.
"We received additional information regarding the case," Sandi Gibbons of the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office said Friday. "Based upon this information, we announced that we are unable to proceed with the case at this time. The court granted our request to dismiss the case without prejudice."
The district attorney and police are still investigating the case, and "will not make any further statements that might compromise that investigation," Gibbons added.
Police arrested Lois Goodman in New York in August as she was preparing for the U.S. Open tournament. Her preliminary court hearing had been scheduled for December 7 by Van Nuys Superior Court Judge Jessica Silvers.
On November 8, Mrs. Goodman's lawyer, Robert Sheahen, maintained his client's husband died "an accidental death," and volunteered to let prosecutors check out Goodman's property.
"It is not something we would be doing if we had anything to hide," he said at the time. "We don't feel we have anything to hide, and we want them to be able to come out and actually look at the scene so that they can see the scene consistent with the way we view it."
In August, the assistant chief Los Angeles County coroner said Alan Goodman's death was no accident. "Mr. Goodman had injuries that were not, as reported, from a possible fall, and we did an autopsy, and it was determined that he died at the hand of another," Ed Winter said.
The prosecutor had claimed on November 8 that the state had a "strong circumstantial case" against Lois Goodman.


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Quick Links
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The Section of Infectious Diseases is committed to educating and training medical students, physician assistants, residents, and fellows. Our faculty and fellows have won numerous teaching awards for their outstanding educational contributions.
Our Section has maintained an active and highly respected fellowship training program for the past 30 years. Our three-year ACGME fellowship training program provides comprehensive ID clinical experience in addition to broad research opportunities. Physicians who are board eligible in pediatrics will receive at least 12 months of in-depth training in the clinical and microbiological aspects of infectious diseases. This will include inpatient consulting, infectious diseases clinic, HIV clinic and infection control. At least 21 months will be devoted to research. Upon completion of the program fellows will be eligible for subspecialty boards.
Training for residents in pediatric infectious diseases is provided through clinical consultations to the ward team and outpatient clinics. A month-long elective provides a more intensive experience as an infectious diseases consultant and a brief period in the clinical microbiology laboratory.
Training for students begins with core lectures for third-years taking the pediatric clerkship. An elective in pediatric infectious diseases is available for fourth-year medical students who have completed a pediatric clerkship.
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Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. All trademarks are registered property of the University. Used by permission only.


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Via Jezebel, which has a sharp post on female confessional journalism: Christa D'Souza writes about her breast implant saga in the Daily Fail. D'Souza clearly had a terrible time, and her article highlights the ways in which the reality of implants differs from the promise of implants. The short version is: she's dissatisfied with her post-baby 34B breasts; she gets implants (34E), which "encapsulate" (i.e., scar tissue wrapped around them, making them hard and immobile); she downsizes to 34D, which encapsulate; she downsizes to 30D; she gets breast cancer, has radiation, and decides to remove the implants altogether when radiation is done. Clearly, D'Souza has had a complicated relationship with her breasts, driven partly by self-consciousness brought on by teasing as a girl, partly by her regret at the drastic solution she opted for. Getting breast cancer must have felt even more hideously unfair than it always is. I wish her well and hope she continues to recover safely.
But, since this is SP and I am a humorless feminist, I want to talk about the body-shaming language D'Souza uses throughout the article. You'd think that a confession about what a mistake it was to get implants would have a less judgmental about the female body than other articles; you'd be wrong. Here's how she describes her natural breasts: spaniels' ears, fried eggs, a bog standard 34B, virtually flat-chested. Here's how she describes her enhanced breasts:
when I unwrapped the bandages a few days later my breasts were . . . gargantuan.
Instead of feeling sexy and young, I felt like a superannuated porn star. And when I didn't feel like a superannuated porn star, I felt like Alastair Sim in St Trinian's, with this new massive 'monobosom'.
So here I was . . . wearing a puffa jacket, two cardigans, two sweatshirts and a pair of scruffy Ugg boots – and still attracting wolf whistles from workmen in the street.
The truth was I felt like a transvestite. Instead of giving me the desired Jessica Rabbit silhouette, the implants had made me feel butch (if you don't have the hourglass waist to begin with, that's what happens).
This is not an article about the size of her breasts. This is an article about self-hatred, only D'Souza doesn't know it.
This article boggled me even more than I expected it to at first glance because the size that makes D'Souza feel like a gargantuan, transvestite porn star—34E—is my natural size. (Most of the time, anyway.) Now, I'm not as thin as D'Souza seems to be in the old (implant-having) pictures, but still: I don't feel like a superannuated porn star. I don't feel like Jessica Rabbit, either. I feel like a woman with big tits. There is very little acknowledgment in the article that some women actually do have naturally large breasts. Everything that is described as a post-implant horror—except for the encapsulation—is something that just comes with having large breasts, whether they're natural or not.
I couldn't see my feet in the shower, which was strangely disturbing, and I'd also started to hunch my shoulders in the way congenitally huge breasted women find themselves doing.
I have spent most of the past decade having to wear two sports 'minimiser' bras if I want to go for a run, and having to buy separate bikini bottoms and tops because the tops would never normally fit, of looking improper in anything even vaguely tight.
Now I long to go braless, to wear all those pretty little spaghetti strapped tops, to have that elegant, cherry-pipped silhouette that all the models in the magazines have.
Sound familiar to anyone? I haven't gone braless since I was 12, personally.
The problem is not that D'Souza didn't like her implants; it's her body and her life, and I'm sorry that she had what was clearly an awful experience with plastic surgery. The problem is that her article perpetuates the distortions about the female body that are so prevalent in our culture. Big breasts are gargantuan, improper; small breasts are elegant and let you wear pretty clothes. 34E is a "massive" size, but 34B looks like a 12-year-old. The range of acceptable racks, like the range of acceptable dress sizes, is shockingly narrow. On either size, you're not "really" a woman at all: you're a transvestite or a prepubescent, unwomanly, unnatural even if what we are talking about is your natural body.
The most telling line in the article, to me, is this one: Implants point not only to footballers' wives, but a bygone era. In a nutshell, I feel terribly '20th Century' with these two boulders of silicone in my chest. What body types are fashionable changes, and quickly. Keeping up a trendy body costs money, time, and pain. My gargantuan tits and I are just fine being out of style.


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CSU-Pueblo, Mines ranked in preseason Division II football poll
The CSU-Pueblo ThunderWolves, the defending Division II football champion, and the Colorado School of Mines Orediggers were ranked in the top 25 preseason poll by D2Football.com.
The ThunderWolves were ranked No. 2, just behind Minnesota State (the Mavericks, not the Screaming Eagles), and the Orediggers came in at No. 17.
In addition, the website also honored CSU-Pueblo RB Cameron McDondle and Colorado Mesa punter Austin Pitchford as first-team preseason All-Americans. Mines TE Cole Spurgeon and CSU-Pueblo OL Zach Martinez made the second team.


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For more than 40 years, Uponor has been the standard by which all other radiant heating and cooling systems are measured. The first to bring radiant heating to North America, Uponor (formerly Wirsbo), is the leader in hydronic radiant system design and application.
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|EPM Scientific
US-IL, Health Economics & Outcomes Research Director 452431264098-MZ
|Health Economics & Outcomes Research Director needed for top Global Pharmaceutical Company!
A global leader in the Pharmaceutical Industry is looking for a HEOR Director to join their growing team! Functioning as a stand alone team in an organization that employs 30,000 people worldwide and markets medicines in more than 180 countries, the opportunities are limitless. The Director of HEOR will be responsible for facilitating the alignment of HEOR, Commercial, and Medical plans. Reporting into the VP of HEOR, this individual will function as a key point of contact on a global level.
The HEOR Director will have the following Responsibilities:
Please visit our website at www.epmscientific.com


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Greek Key Embroidered Outdoor Pillow, Grey
Easy, hassle-free returns online and in-store for eligible items.Learn More
Earn 5% Back in rewards4 plus free standard shipping3every day when you shop with your Williams Sonoma credit card at Williams Sonoma.Apply Now Learn More
- Summary
Embroidered with a pattern dating back to ancient Greece, our pillow brings distinctive style to patios, porches and terraces. Sewn of weather-loving spun polyester and plumped with fast-drying polyfill, it provides a comfortable, color-rich accent for early spring throughout the summer.
- 22" sq.
- Sewn of spun polyester and plumped with polyfill.
- Greek key frame is satin stitched on the front.
- Knife-edge finish.
- Dimensions & More Info
- 22" sq.
- Made in China.
- Use & Care
- To maintain the pillow's original appearance, we recommend storing it indoors when not in use.
- Spot clean with a damp cloth, blot to remove excess water, air dry.
- Shipping
Shipping Information
This item is shipped from our warehouse by UPS to arrive within five business days of our receiving your order.
Shipping Rates
The shipping rate varies depending on your order total and shipping destination. View Shipping Options and Charges.
Return Policy
Our products are designed with your comfort and style in mind.
Should your item arrive damaged or with a defect, please contact us at 888.922.4108 within 7 days so that we may arrange for a replacement. Frames and springs are warranted to be free of manufacturing defects for the product's life, subject to the following conditions: warranty applies only to original owner and normal residential use. Defects resulting from negligence, abuse or use in a commercial, hospitality or other non-residential setting are not covered. For warranty service, call 888.922.4108.
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• Final sale items (with prices ending in $.X7 or $.X9)
• Items damaged through normal wear and tear
All other items may be returned within 30 days of receipt for a refund of merchandise only. View Full Returns Policy.


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The caregiver's forum was created shortly after the old 'sci-wire' forum was up and running. For those of you who remember what an elephant that was, we've come a long way! Thank you, Wise, for keeping it going!
As the mom of a C5-6 quad, the early forums were very informative for me, as we were still pretty new to all this SCI-dom. But I felt like there was a need for caregivers and family members to communicate about our own needs, and feelings, and problems while incorporating our loved ones back into the life of the family.
Sooo, I emailed Wise and suggested a 'caregivers' forum, specifically created for caregivers and family members. The response from Wise was, 'sure, I'll create it - you moderate it!' The forum began as a haven for us as family members; we, for the first time, felt the freedom to be able to express our own feelings as they related to the sorrows, guilt, ups and downs of our new lives. SCI is a life-changing injury, not only for the person with the injury, but for all those around him/her.
We certainly welcomed comments and points of view from other members of the forum; but as we had, ourselves, been told many times; you folks with SCI don't know what it's like on the other side of the table, which is our side; the family side, the caregivers side. So if you don't have anything positive to say, don't come in here and blast someone for expressing their feelings.
It's a shame that we lose so many new members because of topics that turn into personal diatribes, either with another member or with the original poster. People who come here for help, and find themselves at the business end of a loaded verbal gun just by asking for help.
I would like to remind anyone who posts here, especially in the caregivers forum, to have respect in answering questions raised, or don't reply at all. You have plenty of opportunities in other forums to vent, and take jibes at each other. If you don't have anything helpful to contribute, we would respectfully like to show you the door.
Obieone is doing a terrific job as moderator, even in the face of very difficult times for her and her husband. Please also offer her the respect she deserves.
I'd like to see the caregivers forum turn back into the haven it once was.


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Gazing upon the towering, steeple-like peaks of Patagonia's Cordillera del Paine for the first time, you'd swear they were lifted straight from a Lord of the Rings movie. But these massive rock formations are very real. Built for physically-active travellers, not hardcore mountaineers, this trip brings you to remote, lesser-visited sections of the Torres del Paine National Park and the truly unimaginable scenery to be found here. With top-notch mountain guides at your side, you'll be able to concentrate on spotting condors in flight instead of staring blankly at a map.
What's Included
Camping and hiking excursion of the full circuit through Torres del Paine National Park with porters (9 days). All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Soak up the stunning scenery of Torres del Paine National Park, watch the ice floes of the Grey Glacier, Trek through incredibly diverse scenery
Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Important Notes
This tour hikes the full circuit of Torres del Paine, staying at different campsites each night. As such, all travellers will need to carry backpacks with personal items with them for the duration of the hike. You will have porters to carry camping equipment and food. You will also have extra porters to carry a total of 5 kg of personal items per passenger, included within this 5kg is your sleeping bag which weighs 2.5 kg. The porters will give you a bag to store these items.
You will need to carry your daypack everyday which will be approximately 5 -10kg. Items you will need to carry in your day pack include: water, lunch for the day, an extra layer of clothing and any other personal items over the 2.5 kg carried by the porters. Porters can be hired to assist with the carrying of belongings. Extra porters can be hired to assist with the carrying of belongings, each porter can carry a maximum of 15kg. Please ask us at the time of booking if you would like to pay to arrange extra porters for your hike.
Group Leader Description
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
Group Size Notes
Max 16, avg 12
Meals Included
10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 8 dinners
Eating is a big part of traveling. G Adventures understands the importance of breakfast to start your day, we strive to include a basic breakfast wherever possible. A typical breakfast may include toast, coffee and tea, however this may vary depending on the city. Should breakfast not be included, your CEO can suggest some local options.
Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. While trekking in remote regions etc. food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients.
For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Van, boat, hiking.
Local Flights
All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your correct passport information in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.
Solo Travellers
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Hotels (2 nts), camping (8 nts).
My Own Room Exceptions
Nights 2-9: only the nights in hotels in Puerto Natales will be in a single room.
Joining Hotel
For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.
Joining Instructions
If you are arriving to Puerto Natales airport, you can take a taxi into town for approximately 25,000 CLP (38 USD).
As there are only a few flights per week to Puerto Natales, you may find it more convenient to arrive to Punta Arenas airport, which is 3 hours away from Puerto Natales but has daily flights.
A taxi from Punta Arenas is approximately 115,000 CLP / 175 USD (3 hours travel time). There are also public transport options. Bus Sur has 7 buses from the airport per day and travel time is 3.5 hours. Bus tickets cost about 8000 CLP/ 12 USD per person and operate between 7am and 7pm, some days there is a later bus at 9pm as well. (http://bussur.com/?lang=en)
Arrival Complications
We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Emergency Contact
Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Representative (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:
Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, we will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer however we cannot guarantee this. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel.
G Adventures Office Buenos Aires, Argentina
During office hours (Weekdays 9am-6pm Local Time)
From outside Argentina: +54 11 2150 2581
From within Argentina, but outside of Buenos Aires: 011 2150 2581
After hours Emergency number
From outside Argentina: +54 9 11 3425 0380
From within Argentina, but outside of Buenos Aires: 011 15 3425 0380
If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.
Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
Finishing Point Instructions
Although the tour finishes in Puerto Natales, you might find more convenient international flight options from Punta Arenas or El Calafate.
If you are flying out of Punta Arenas at the end of your trip, your CEO can help you with booking transport from Puerto Natales back to Punta Arenas. A taxi should cost approximately 115,000 CLP / 175 USD (3 hours travel time). Bus Sur has 7 buses to the airport per day and travel time is 3.5 hours. Buses Pacheco also have a couple of buses per day. Tickets cost about 8000 CLP/ 12 USD per person and operate between 7am and 7pm, some days there is a later bus at 9pm as well. (http://bussur.com/?lang=en)
You could also consider flying from El Calafate in Argentina. If flying from El Calafate, please bear in mind that there are normally only public buses leaving early in the morning from Puerto Natales. The journey takes about 6 hours and involves a border crossing, so we would recommend booking a flight after 4pm.
What to Take
Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but in Patagonia the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night.
All camping equipment for the Paine trek is provided and included in the cost of your trip, apart from hiking poles, waterproof overpants and gaiters. You can bring these items with you or rent them in Puerto Natales. You may leave the bulk of your gear and anything not needed while on the trek in storage in Puerto Natales. A good size daypack is essential.
A sleeping bag and mat are provided.
Packing List
Available for Rent:
• Walking poles (3000 CLP per day)
• Windproof rain jacket (4000 CLP per day)
• Windproof rain pants (2000 CLP per day)
Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Patagonia Trekking:
• Day pack (30 litres is a good size)
• Pack liners to waterproof bags
• Sleeping bag liner/sleep sheet (sleeping bag and sleeping mat are provided on the trip)
• Windproof rain gear
• Gloves
• Hat
• Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes
• Hiking pants (Convertible/Zip-off and quick dry recommended)
• Snacks (Protein bars, chocolate, dried fruits, candies, energy sweets.)
• Socks (Trekking socks (woollen or synthetic, not cotton).)
• Thermal base layer (Woollen or synthetic, not cotton.)
• Walking poles (Highly recommended.)
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
Note: The best clothing for trekking is either wool or synthetic materials in layers, as this is quick-drying and can keep heat in better. We suggest a base-layer, then a mid-layer such as a light fleece jacket or similar, then a windproof and waterproof layer.
Note: All other camping equipment for the Torres del Paine trek is provided and included in the cost of your trip. Porters will carry 2.5kg of your personal gear for you while on the hike. You will be required to carry only what you need for the day in your day pack. Any luggage not required for the hike will be left at the hotel in Puerto Natales.
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Visas and Entry Requirements
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent.
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Money Exchange
The currency in Chile is the Chilean Peso (CLP).
Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank.
You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies.
Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money, a combination of US dollar cash and cards is best. Please bear in mind that cost of living in the southern cone countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile) is much higher than the rest of South America, and more comparable with Europe. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.
We do not recommend bringing travellers cheques as they are very difficult to change in country.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).
As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
Emergency Fund
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected – though not compulsory – component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels.
Also at the end of each trip if you felt your local mountain guide did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $5-$10 USD per person, per day can be used.
Optional Activities
No optional activities
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveler from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
Safety and Security
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home – you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your CEO has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your CEO will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.
Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.
Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).
Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.
We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety. For ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling, please visit:
A Couple of Rules
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation
The Planeterra Foundation planeterra.org is a Canadian non-profit organization that helps empower local people to develop their communities, conserve their cultures, and create humane and supportive systems for their endeavours. Planeterra provides capacity building and catalyst grants to get community social enterprises off the ground. These businesses address local challenges by providing benefits for indigenous people, empowering marginalized women, and granting disadvantaged youth access to education, employment, and brighter futures. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating programs into G Adventures' itineraries globally.
G Adventures is Planeterra's largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.
Dollar-a-Day Program
G Adventures' Dollar-a-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar for every day you are on trip. 100% of these donations go directly to support community development projects worldwide that are implemented by Planeterra.
After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at email@example.com and we will send it on to you.
Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G Adventures, subscribe at www.gadventures.com/newsletters/
Stay current on how our company invests in our global community through our foundation – Planeterra. Sign up for Planeterra's monthly news to learn more about how to give back and support the people and places we love to visit.
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
International Flights
Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Max Pax
Group Leader
G Adventures representative in Santiago, certified mountain guide in Torres del Paine National Park.
Day 1: Puerto Natales
Arrive at any time. If arriving into Punta Arenas in Chile or El Calafate in Argentina we recommend arriving prior to 14:00 to allow enough time to transfer to Puerto Natales for the welcome meeting.
Additional Notes:
Please note the airport in Puerto Natales is small with limited flight connections. Most flights will be through Punta Arenas in Chile or El Calafate in Argentina which would involve taking a public bus or transfer. Rental equipment will be available at the welcome meeting in the late afternoon, if you wish to rent equipment you must arrive in time for the meeting (5-6pm at the latest, as the shops close after this time).
Included Activities:
Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting
Day 2: Puerto Natales/Torres del Paine (1B, 1L, 1D)
Transfer by van to Torres del Paine NP. This two-hour journey through ranch country includes a stop in Cerro Castillo, the principal site of wool and meat exportation to Europe during the 1960s.
Trek to the base of the Torres themselves, a spectacular hike to view the three pink granite towers that make the park famous. Torre (Tower) Sur rises 2900m (9512 ft) above sea level, Torre Central is 2850m (9348 ft) high and Torre Norte measures 2600m (8528 ft). The Cuernos (Horns) del Paine, massive blocks of various rock layers visible from great distances, are as spectacular as the towers themselves.
Spend the next few days hiking and camping in this spectacular park, visiting the Towers, Grey Glacier and French Valley, before making your way back to Puerto Natales.
Included Activities:
Torres del Paine NP (Full Trek – Day 1)
Cross the pampas of Patagonia first on asphalt roads to cerro Castillo, stopping for a quick break. Then, continue by dirt road and stop to take photos of the spectacular views! Keep an eye out for wildlife— guanacos, condors, geese, and other birds. Enter the national park and continue for another 30 minutes to the start point of the trek.
Private Vehicle (2.00 hour(s))
Day 3: Torres del Paine/Camp Séron (1B, 1L, 1D)
In the morning, meet our porters, load up the gear and head out across ancient glacial moraines around the Paine Massif toward Camp Séron. The trail takes us through Lenga forests where we often see Austral parakeets, several species of geese, and the occasional guanaco and fox.
Included Activities:
Torres del Paine NP (Full Trek – Day 2)
Day 4: Camp Séron/Lake Dickson Camp (1B, 1L, 1D)
Eat breakfast early, then hike to Lago Dickson, a glacial lake on the edge of the Southern Patagonia Ice Cap. Walk past bright red blooms of Notro bushes and cross a stream along the lake. Today's trek is an epic eleven-hour traverse. At the campsite, take a hot shower and buy a cold beer!
Included Activities:
Torres del Paine NP (Full Trek – Day 3)
Day 5: Lake Dickson Camp/Los Perros Camp (1B, 1L, 1D)
Pack up and head out through pristine, old growth beech forest. Look and listen for the red-headed Magellanic woodpecker. Just before we arrive to camp, trek past the Perros glacier and enjoy fantastic close-up views of the ice and the lake. Spend the night camping at the base of Paso John Garner at Los Perros.
Included Activities:
Torres del Paine NP (Full Trek – Day 4)
Day 6: Los Perros Camp/Grey Glacier Camp (1B, 1L, 1D)
This is the biggest day yet as we climb over Paso John Garner and hike down through thick forest directly above the massive Grey Glacier. Once on the pass, look out over rugged, glaciated peaks and the Southern Patagonia Ice Cap – a view not to be missed! The glacier stretches out below like a giant white highway.
Included Activities:
Torres del Paine NP (Full Trek – Day 5)
Day 7: Grey Glacier Camp (1B, 1L, 1D)
After breakfast, begin the five-hour hike descending towards Grey Lake through lenga (southern beech) forest. Every so often, stop at a terrace to look out over the Grey Glacier and the Southern Patagonia Ice Cap. Relax in the afternoon and enjoy these peaceful surroundings.
Included Activities:
Torres del Paine NP (Full Trek – Day 6)
Day 8: Grey Glacier Camp/Paine Grande Camp (1B, 1L, 1D)
Cross a high plateau overlooking Grey Lake and see icebergs and views across Grey Glacier on the way to Lake Pehoé. Pehoé means "hidden lake" in the Tehuelche language. The afternoon is free to relax at Lodge Paine Grande and enjoy the area. At night, enjoy a pisco sour cocktail in the bar overlooking Paine Grande & Los Cuernos mountains.
Included Activities:
Torres del Paine NP (Full Trek – Day 7)
Day 9: Paine Grande Camp/Cuernos Camp (1B, 1L, 1D)
Continue the trek to the French Valley. Surrounded by hanging glaciers and an amphitheater of granite walls and spires, this is the most beautiful valley in the park and one of the most unique in the world. After, trek out of the valley to the extraordinary turquoise Lake Nordenskjold. After six to eight hours, end the day at Cuernos Camp for dinner and sleep.
Included Activities:
Torres del Paine NP (Full Trek – Day 8)
Day 10: Lake Nordenskjöld/Puerto Natales (1B, 1L)
Trek along Lake Nordenskjöld and below the hanging glaciers of Mount Almirante Nieto, to the reach Hosteria Las Torres, where our van awaits us. Transfer to Puerto Natales.
Included Activities:
Torres del Paine NP (Full Trek – Day 9)
Private Vehicle (2.00-2.50 hours)
Day 11: Puerto Natales (1B)
Depart at any time.
Additional Notes:
The airport in Puerto Natales is small with limited flight connections. Most onward flight connections will be through Punta Arenas in Chile or El Calafate in Argentina which would involve taking a public bus or transfer of 3-4 hours, if you are flying out of one of these airports we recommend flying out in the afternoon to allow time to get to these airports.
Included Activities:
Departure Day


text:
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 25 (UPI) -- U.S. actor-director Ben Affleck's political thriller "Argo" was the best-reviewed wide-release film of 2012, said website Rotten Tomatoes.
The aggregator of film reviews said "Argo" received a 96 percent positive rating, based on 253 reviews. In addition to scooping up the Golden Tomato Award for best-reviewed film in wide release, the movie was also named best thriller.
With a 99 percent positive rating based on 146 reviews, Jafar Panahi's Iranian documentary "This is Not a Film" was presented the Golden Tomato awards for best-reviewed film in limited release, as well as best foreign film.
"Skyfall" won Golden Tomatoes for best action/adventure film and best U.K. release with 92 percent positive reviews, while "The Secret World of Arrietty" won in the animation category with 94 percent positive reviews.
"Bernie" won for best comedy with 91 percent, "Marvel's the Avengers" for best comic book adaptation with 92 percent, "Coriolanus" for best drama with 94 percent, "The Cabin in the Woods" for best horror flick with 92 percent, "Moonrise Kingdom" best romance with 94 percent and "Looper" for best sci-fi/fantasy with 93 percent.
Eddie Murphy's "A Thousand Words" was presented with the Moldy Tomato for worst-reviewed film of 2012. It earned zero percent positive reviews.


text:
Exploring the reefs of the Turks and Caicos Islands
Sixty feet below the surface of the aquamarine Caribbean, Maddie, my 12-year-old daughter, glided gently along the reef, her arms crossed in Buddha-like meditation. n To the left, out where the sea dropped off hundreds of feet, a black-tipped shark cruised ominously in the near distance. Closer, a curious parrot fish, a school of yellow-striped grunts, and a bug-eyed squirrel fish swam just an arm's length away, perhaps hoping for a handout from our group of six divers and our guide. n Directly below us, a green sea turtle chomped on a chunk of coral, oblivious to our presence. I moved in to photograph its sleek head and it didn't move an inch.
The visibility was more than 80 feet, and we could see other divers from our Beaches Resort boat off in the distance. The tips of the sea anemones fluttered in the mild current and a bright orange tube sponge seemed to jump out from the surrounding coral.
It was a far cry from a recent outing we'd had in Devil's Lake in southern Wisconsin, about 30 miles from our home in Madison. There, the "viz" — as divers call it — in this murky freshwater lake was a mere five feet, if that.
It was only this past summer that Maddie, a sixth-grader, had gotten her open water SCUBA certification. Though diving in the Great Lakes can offer great visibility — often well over 60 feet — it can't compare with the pleasantly warm Caribbean. (Besides, there aren't any sea turtles, manta rays, lobsters or sharks in Lake Michigan or Superior, which border Wisconsin to the east and north, respectively.)
Back on the surface after her first saltwater dive, Maddie told me and her mother, Kathleen:
"This is great. I never thought I'd see a shark right away. And that turtle was totally cool. Thank you so much for bringing me here."
Fifty minutes later, after we'd munched on sandwiches and fruit and let dissolved nitrogen gas escape from our bloodstream, we were ready for another go. Maddie did a giant stride into the water, followed by her mother and the rest of the crew.
We dropped to the bottom, swam through a coral tunnel and came upon a colorful lionfish. Known to scientists as the Pterois and native to the Indian and Pacific oceans, this critter has red, white and black bands, fan fins that look like a lion's manes and — here's the kicker — poisonous spiky fin rays.
We'd been instructed not to touch anything in the underwater preserve where we were diving, and for this football-sized beast, that was especially true. Its venom, delivered from an array of up to 18 needlelike dorsal fins, is painful and can even cause breathing problems. (Fortunately, it's usually not fatal.)
Unlike other aquatic creatures that are threatened, lionfish are troublemakers — an invasive species — in this part of the world because they are ferocious predators. That's why locals are encouraged to capture and eat them.
But, with their poisonous spines, that's been a bit of a hard sell. Still, the fish are a delicacy in Asia and some restaurants here and in the Bahamas, just to the northwest, serve them.
Further on, we found a pair of brightly colored nudibranchs — a kind of marine snail — perched on an outstretched arm of fan coral. Nearby, a pair of lobsters hunkered down in a small cave, trying their best to avoid our attention.
And on it went. Over the next few days, we saw more sharks, plenty of four-eyed butterfly fish, blue tangs, starfish, boxlike spiny puffers, goatfish, moray eels and even some narrow pipe fish.
Bryant Lum, a Ventura ophthalmologist who was diving with his two sons, said he was making his third visit to the Turks and Caicos Islands for their reefs and the abundance of marine life.
"We especially enjoyed the rays," he told me later. (Darn, we missed those.)
Lum said he chose the Beaches Resort for its unlimited diving for himself and his sons, ages 12 and 15, and the other options for his wife and daughter, who were not diving.
Lum, who has dived up and down the West Coast and all over the Pacific — including Fiji and Tahiti — said the all-inclusive Beaches Resort appealed to his family because of its kids and teen programs, restaurants, water park and swim-up bars.
"We may be headed to Australia's Great Barrier Reef for our next dive trip, but the Turks and Caicos Beaches Resort is the only place our kids have said they wanted to return to," he said.
It worked well for my family, too. While Kathleen, Maddie and I dove, Anders, our 10-year-old, kept busy at the Kids Club with a buddy he met from New York. They took a "Bubbles" scuba course, where they learned the basics in a pool. And we snorkeled together, too, just off the beach.
Lum said the only downside for his family was that, unlike a five-hour flight to Hawaii, getting to the Turks and Caicos required a connection on the East Coast and a full day of travel.
Beaches Resortalso offers windsurfing, night scuba diving trips, a dozen miles of white sand beach, paddle boarding, trips to outer islets and other activities.
But one day, I decided to break free from the all-inclusive cocoon. I hopped in a cab and headed a few miles east to Leeward, where I met up with Big Blue sea kayaking guide Ben Zirin.
We headed out into shallow, crystal-clear waters between the mangroves, where we startled a snoozing lemon shark that bolted when we were nearly on top of it. A warm and gentle rain fell on our backs.
Zirin explained the difference between the black mangrove and the dominant red mangrove plant, which sends out roots from above the waterline. He also found a conch shell, complete with its inhabitant. But the best discovery was a slimy mangrove jelly fish that he placed in my hand. Fortunately, it did not sting.
As we paddled toward a cul-de-sac in the mangrove, a nurse shark shot under our kayaks, zipping out toward open water.
Back at the Big Blue headquarters, guide service co-owner Mark Parrish said his company offers everything from mountain biking to caving to eco-trips to remote sections of the islands — as well as scuba outings to outlying reefs.
Parrish, a marine scientist by training, said he came to the islands from his native England to work on a conch farm in 1997 and found a home.
"It's a little tricky getting from island to island," he said. "But that just means there is so much to discover here, especially if you are interested in eco-education."
Back at Beaches, we hunkered down for the arrival of
After Sandy moved north — it only sideswiped the Turks and Caicos Islands — we waited a day and then decided to try one more dive.
But the Caribbean was still angry. Even down in the coral, 50 feet below the surface, the surge was strong. Worse, I felt like I was skiing in a whiteout because of the low visibility caused by the stirred-up sand.
I grabbed Maddie's hand so she wouldn't be swept off to Cuba, and we kicked hard to stay with our group. On the surface once more, I told her we'd visit again some year down the road, when the seas were calm once more.
If you go
For more details on diving and other activities in the Turks and Caicos Islands, see the Turks and Caicos Visitors Board website at turksandcaicostourism.com.
For information on the all-inclusive Beaches Resort, see beaches.com/destinations/turks-and-caicos.cfm; and for Big Blue, see bigblueunlimited.com.


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sbs2003 needed a new web page design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 35 designs submitted by 15 freelance designers.
Professional looking - clean - classy website
Desired Color Scheme:
Business type
Desired Style:
Clean, classy, professional.
Accepted File Formats:
.psd (unlfattened) if you code, valid html/css
I prefer to pay with PayPal, but if you require a different type of payment that charges the sender, like Western Union, I will take the cost of sending money out of the prize money.


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Maryland Higher Education Commission
The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) awards a variety of grants to students that are Maryland residents. These awards are based on financial need and are in addition to aid awarded by UB. Students who wish to be considered for state aid must submit the FAFSA by March 1 each year. For a full list of programs, deadlines, separate application, and eligibility requirements, please visit their Web site.
MHEC reviews the information from FAFSA applications received by the March 1 deadline date and begins their awarding process in late April each year. Awarded students are notified via email to create an online MDCAPS account to view their award offer(s). Students must accept their award(s), confirm/update their housing status, and the school that they are attending through their MDCAPS account.
Starting in May, after MHEC has completed its review process, the Office of Financial Aid receives rosters listing students who have accepted their state awards. These awards will be reflected in the student's award package on MyUB.
MHEC may adjust or cancel your award(s) at any time during the year based on receipt of updated information. Some information that may impact your eligibility for state awards include:
- Housing status - off-campus or with relatives
- Enrollment status - full-time or less than full-time
- Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standing
- Verification process changes
To ensure that your award package reflects the most accurate information about your state awards, make sure that your housing status is correct in MDCAPS and promptly respond to all requests for information from our office or from MHEC.
For additional information, please visit www.mhec.state.md.us.


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Bamboo Whale Mighty Push Toy
$ 29.00
$ 18.00
Slide, glide and roll! This solid push and play toy moves gracefully across any hard surface.
Made from sustainably harvested bamboo, the beauty of the smooth grain is worthy of being showcased. Accented with brightly colored wheels using water-based paints. Sealed with a non-toxic water-based finish.
* Dimensions:7.8 x 6.5 x 0.8 inches.
* Recommendations: 18 months +
Standard Delivery ( 3-7 business days )
Free standard shipping for most orders over $49 and flat rate of $4.99 for orders below $74.99. Free shipping promotions is not available for some oversize items or for items shipped outside the contiguous 48 states. view complete shipping details. >
3 Day Rush Delivery ( 3 business days )
We offer 3 day rush delivery for a flat rate of $15. Orders must be placed by noon EST (Monday-Friday) to be shipped on the same day and will be delivered in 3 business days. view complete shipping details. >
International shipping
Please contact us via email with list of items you wish to purchase as additional shipping charges would apply.
Sales Tax
My Sweet Muffin L.L.C is required to collect an 6.625% sales tax on some items for the orders shipped to a New Jersey address.
If, for any reason, you are not satisfied with your purchase, we gladly accept your returns within 60 days after you receive the item. Items must be returned to us in new, unused condition, and be in original packaging, with all tags attached. View complete return details. >


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Law enforcement agencies from across the U.S. have reached out to Jalopnik for help with car identifications since your input was "critical" to solving a hit-and-run earlier this year. This time we've got a Redditor who was the victim of a hit-and-run.
He says he was hit by a truck with the mirror pictured above and below. Can you identify the mirror and help this person out?
Here's the full text from user June6HitandRun, who I'm guessing was hit on June 6th.
While cycling, I was a victim of a hit & run today. Officer who came to the scene didn't seem to care much, didn't collect this evidence, so I took it home. Vehicle was a red (pick-up?) truck. Can a helpful redditor find out more about what kind of truck this was?
A large number of Redditors have reached out to us asking if we can put our crack team of car identifiers on the case. Here's your chance to help.
What's the truck?


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M banking closes the poverty gap" says the BBC website and "Could Mobile Banking End Poverty in Africa?" another website proclaims. Both articles elaborate about the new m-Kesho product recently launched by Safaricom in Kenya (I also referred to it in this blog). The connection between providing an electronic means to save and the eradication of poverty shows a massive lack of understanding of the challenges of the poor. Poor people save anyhow (with our without electronic saving accounts). It is not their ability to now suddenly be able to save electronically that is going to make poverty go away.
It is my (unscientific) opinion that poverty is fundamentally caused by two factors:
- The cost of money to poor people are much too expensive. The cost of storing, moving and multiplying money is extremely expensive, especially if the indirect cost (loss of money, transport to get to money etc.) is taken into consideration. This cost of money has been estimated to be as high as 25% of the income of poor people. Mobile Money can (without a doubt) reduce this cost.
- The skill with which money is used often lead to an increase in poverty. Inappropriately timed loans, wasteful spending or badly balanced portfolios always destroy wealth. Even in more affluent communities this behaviour leads to poverty. If the skill in using money can be improved in poor people, poverty will also be dealt a death blow. And, yes, Mobile Money can help in many ways to increase money management skills.


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Port Charles is becoming a haven for useless characters.
It's no secret that the 'General Hospital' cast is far too bloated – but things are really starting to get out of hand.
One of the biggest problems associated with the big cast is that all forward momentum is lost every two weeks or so.
Why? Because then the writers shift to covering another set of characters.
Quite frankly, there are just too many characters to give everyone the time that they deserve. When was the last time we saw anything more than fleeting glimpses of Lucy, Kevin, Scotty and Laura?Read more here


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Pictured: Co-captain Long Ouyang and the Crimson open the
season at the Garret Penn State Open Nov. 21.
Photo courtesy: David Silverman Photography
The Harvard fencing team enters the 2009-10 season after
experiencing success throughout last winter. In 2008-09, the
Crimson finished the season ranked third on the women's side
and seventh on the men's on its way to a fifth-place finish
at the national championships hosted by Penn State. The women will
look to repeat as Ivy League champions after winning their third
title in five years last season.
Harvard returns four All-Ivy fencers, sophomores Naom Mills, Caroline Vloka, Valentin Staller and senior Karl Harmenberg. The Crimson graduated former All-Americans Kai Itameri-Kinter, Ben Ungar and Emily Cross. Other key fencers lost were Craig Gorin and Scott DiGiulio on the men's team and Maria Larsson, Elizabeth Bast and Lisa Vastola from the women's squad.
Last winter, the men finished with a 9-9 overall record and 1-4 mark in the Ancient Eight while the women went undefeated in the Ivy League with a 6-0 record and posted a remarkable 20-1 overall record. Harvard men and women placed second and fourth, respectively, at the IFA Championships held at Brandeis.
Men's Sabre
The sabre squad has plenty of youth to compliment its extensive experience heading into the season. Made up of two sophomores and two freshmen, Ivan Bochkov and Valentin Staller will be the leaders of the sabres. The departures of DiGulio and Gorin left a hole in which Bochkov, Staller and rookies Thomas Kolasa and Michael Tom will need to fill. Kolasa and Tom will be relied up due to their experience on the national and international circuits.
In 2008-09, Staller garnered first-team All-Ivy League honors as well as capturing the silver medal at the NCAA Regionals and 15th-place at the NCAA Championships.
Men's Foil
With five foil fencers, the Crimson has a healthy mix of experience, youth and leadership. A senior, two juniors and two freshmen gives head coach Peter Brand depth in the weapon. Former All-American Itameri-Kinter left big shoes to fill in the foil. The lone senior foil returning is co-captain Long Ouyang who placed 19th at last year's NCAA Regionals. Juniors Nick Culbertson and Hao Meng will be looked upon to perform well throughout the season. Meng placed sixth at the IFA Championships and 16th at the NCAA Regionals.
The Crimson added Thomas Snell and Tomasso di Robilant for the upcoming season.
Men's Epee
Harvard's men's epee squad boasts six fencers: two seniors, a junior, a sophomore and a pair of freshmen. Harvard lost just one senior in the epee; unfortunately it was Benjamin Ungar, a 2006 national champion. Seniors Christian Bjelland and co-captain Karl Harmenberg will be the leaders on the epee squad. Junior Wesley Talcott and sophomore James Harwot will also add experience and leadership to the squad.
Harmenberg, a second-team All-Ivy League selection last year, placed 23rd at the NCAA Championships and won the gold medal at the NCAA Regionals. Along with Harmenberg, Bjelland, Harwot and Talcott will add depth and be relied upon for their experience. Rookies Benjamin Cohen and Ben White join this year's Crimson team. White has international experience under his belt since he was a member of the United Kingdom junior national team.
Women's Sabre
Sophomore co-captain Caroline Vloka, the Crimson's top returning sabre, anchors an experience sabre squad. The first-team All-American and All-Ivy League selection, took second at the NCAA Championships and fifth at the NCAA Regionals. Junior Yunsoo Kim, sophomore Hayley Levitt and freshman Elena Helgiu round out the sabre squad. Levitt placed 16th at the NCAA Regionals in her rookie campaign.
Women's Foil
The foil squad is made up of a trio of seniors, a sophomore and a freshman. Seniors Artemisha Goldfeder, Arielle Pensler and Anna Podolsky will be the leaders of the foils and all will look to continue the success that they have experienced in past years. The departure of All-American and Olympic silver medalist Emily Cross will be softened due to the depth in the foil corps. Goldfeder was a first-team All-Ivy selection and took home the gold medal while Pensler took the bronze in the foil at the IFA Championships last year. Podolsky placed 18th at the NCAA Regionals last winter. Sophomore Shelby MacLeod had a successful first season, placing 17th at the NCAA Championships and earning the bronze medal at the NCAA Regionals. Freshman Katherine Chou joins the Crimson as the only rookie foil on the roster.
Women's Epee
Sophomore co-captain Naom Mills looks to make another run at the national title. Mills is coming off a seventh place finish at the 2009 European Championships in Bulgaria over the summer. She took second place at the NCAA Championships, garnered first-team All-America and All-Ivy League honors and won the gold medal at the NCAA Regionals in her first season. Rookies Nadia Eldeib, Alexa Fishman and Felicia Sun will compliment Mills in the epee and will look to fill the void left by Elizabeth Bast, Maria Larsson and Lisa Vastola.
The 2009-10 season commences Nov. 21-22 at the Penn State Open. Harvard will host two consecutive events, the Harvard Invitational Nov. 29 and a women's dual match against Tufts. Harvard will then take over a month off from competition until the St. John's Invitational Jan. 24. Harvard will travel to Brandeis to take on Duke, MIT and the Judges Jan 30. Once again, the Crimson will take almost a month hiatus from competition before traveling to Ithaca, N.Y. to compete in Part I of the Ivy League Championships Feb. 21. Bay State bragging rights will be on the line Feb. 24 as Harvard competes in the Beanpot against MIT, Brandeis and Boston College. The second edition of the Ivy League Championships is slated to be held Feb. 28 in Philadelphia, Pa. The NCAA Regionals are scheduled for Mar. 14 in Providence, R.I. and the NCAA Championships will be held Mar. 25-28.


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National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
Current Size: 100%
Hospice Care
Considered to be the model for quality, compassionate care for people facing a life-limiting illness or injury, hospice care involves a team-oriented approach to expert medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to the patient's needs and wishes. Support is provided to the patient's loved ones as well. At the center of hospice and palliative care is the belief that each of us has the right to die pain-free and with dignity, and that our families will receive the necessary support to allow us to do so.
Watch our "Basics of Hospice" video series:
Choosing a Quality Hospice
Hospice Frequently Asked Questions
What is hospice care? Hospice focuses on caring, not curing and in most cases care is provided in the patient's home. Hospice care also is provided in freestanding hospice centers, hospitals, and nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. Hospice services are available to patients of any age, religion, race, or illness. Hospice care is covered under Medicare, Medicaid, most private insurance plans, HMOs, and other managed care organizations.
How does hospice care work? Typically, a family member serves as the primary caregiver and, when appropriate, helps make decisions for the terminally ill individual. Members of the hospice staff make regular visits to assess the patient and provide additional care or other services. Hospice staff is on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The hospice team develops a care plan that meets each patient's individual needs for pain management and symptom control. The team usually consists of:
- The patient' s personal physician;
- Hospice physician (or medical director);
- Nurses;
- Home health aides;
- Social workers;
- Clergy or other counselors
- Trained volunteers; and
- Speech, physical, and occupational therapists, if needed.
What services are provided? Among its major responsibilities, the interdisciplinary hospice team:
- Manages the patient's pain and symptoms;
- Assists the patient with the emotional and psychosocial and spiritual aspects of dying;
- Provides needed drugs, medical supplies, and equipment;
- Coaches the family on how to care for the patient;
- Delivers special services like speech and physical therapy when needed;
- Makes short-term inpatient care available when pain or symptoms become too difficult to manage at home, or the caregiver needs respite time; and
- Provides bereavement care and counseling to surviving family and friends.
Moments of Life: Made Possible by Hospice offers stories in video and text that demonstrate all that hospice can do to help patients and family caregivers at the end of life.
Hospice Video Series – Here is additional information and the code necessary to share our "Basics of Hospice" video series on your digital plattorms.
History of Hospice
NHPCO's CaringInfo offers more information about hospice and palliative care, advance care planning, caregiving, coping with pain, grief and more.


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Remember how wonderful things were looking on the blue line about a week ago? Zach Bogosian was back, Byfuglien was healthy, Redmond was looking spectacular, and it looked like the Jets had pieces to move in their search for another man up front.
Flash forward a mere 7 days and suddenly the Jets have turned to Julian Melchiori for backup as the injury bug has invaded the Winnipeg locker room.
It all began last Friday night with Pittsburgh in town. The blue line was almost becoming overloaded with bodies; before the then league's highest scoring defensemen in Tobias Enstrom went down with a shoulder injury that has him out 'week-to-week' without a return date in site. Then Thursday morning in Carolina a truly horrifying incident occurred. Antti Miettinen accidentally stepped on Zach Redmond during a drill, severing his femoral artery and vein sending him immediately into a 3 hour surgery. A type of injury that is going to take a long time to recover from, thus most likely ending his season.
As I mentioned above, Julian Melchiori was recently called up to fill a roster spot, but it is still unknown whether or not he is going to see any game time. With Derek Meech out of the St. John's lineup to recover from a concussion, Melchiori was the reported next guy up as the first year AHLer has done his part with the Ice Caps thus far this season. He isn't exactly an offensive powerhouse (only 4 assists in 33 games this year), but he is only a -3 on a team that has allowed almost 40 more goals than they have scored. There is no rush to get him on the ice yet but Clitsome hasn't exactly been spectacular as of late, so at some point he may provide a good shake up to the bottom defensive pairings.
What do the Jets do from here?
It would truly be spectacular if Redmond comes back this year and nobody really knows how long Enstrom will be out, so the Jets need to do something in anticipation of another injury. Seeing as how NHL caliber defensemen don't grow on trees, the trading block may be the place to go. The franchise will not give away draft picks at this point in time and they certainly will not take on a ridiculous contract. Nor are they going to simply give away any of the young forwards that this team needs to add to, not necessarily subtract from.
That being said, Wheeler, Little, and Burmistrov are all approaching restricted free agency, and a team looking to add to their scoring may be willing to give up a defensemen with value for a skilled player up front. For those of you not willing to come to terms with losing one of those big three, a team looking for size might look at Jokinen, who hasn't exactly flourished with the Jets going pointless in the last 9 games.
It'll come down to the price and who becomes available over the next week or two, but it may not be smart to rely on Postma developing faster then he currently is and to expect Redmond to come back and produce at the same level he had been before getting hurt.
What do you think? Leave a comment below about whom you think the Jets should go after and who you would be willing to give up. Just remember: to get quality, you have to give up quality.


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LIHEAP IM Attachment Funding Application Reminders FY 2014
Listed below are reminders that can be helpful in submitting a complete application for LIHEAP funding, especially if you are submitting your application in a form other than the Model Plan format.
For All Applications:
- Are you required to file a detailed application this year? Are you allowed to file an abbreviated application this year in lieu of a detailed application? Grantees that have submitted an Abbreviated Plan for the past two years must file a Detailed Plan for the third year. Also, grantees that are making more than two substantive changes should complete the detailed application.
- Have you used the current statute in developing your application? (See our website under "Guidance, Policies, and Procedures" at https://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/liheap/ ).
- Have you used the current implementing regulations in developing your application? (See our website under "Guidance, Policies, and Procedures" at https://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/liheap/).
- Have you stated the 16 assurances verbatim from the statute? Or have you used the blanket certification (i.e., I certify that the State [Territory] will comply with the 16 assurances contained in Title XXVI of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, as amended)? NOTE: Either Indian Tribes/Tribal organizations or Territories whose regular allotments are $200,000 or less are not subject to assurance 15.
- A Chief Executive Officer may delegate authority to a specific person to certify to the required assurances. If he/she has done so, have you included a signed copy of the written delegation? The delegation must state specifically that the person is authorized to sign assurances for LIHEAP, not just that he/she is authorized to administer the LIHEAP program or to sign assurances in general without specifying that the authorization includes LIHEAP assurances.
- Have you submitted the required LIHEAP Household Report which includes information on the number and income levels of those households applying for and those households receiving assistance and on the number of assisted households with elderly or disabled members or with children under 6? (Either Territories with allotments of $200,000 or less or Tribal applicants need only supply information on the number of households receiving assistance under each component of the program.)
- Have you submitted your report on funds to be carried over from FY 2013 to FY 2014 and/or available for reallotment?
- Have you described your public participation process? (Timely and meaningful public participation in the development of the plan must be conducted by all grantees before their plans are complete.)
- Have you filed the Lobbying, Debarment and Suspension, and Drug-free Workplace requirement certifications? (Tribes are not required to file the Lobbying certification.)
- Have you completed the Program Integrity Assessment and Plan? While LIHEAP grantees are not required to use the model format, the submission must include all of the information requested in the model format.
For Detailed Applications:
- Have you provided a description of how you will carry out each of the assurances? (You may omit descriptions for assurances 1, 9, 11, and 14.) Remember: If you are operating more than one LIHEAP component, you must provide a description of how you will carry out each assurance for each program component (i.e., if you are operating a heating component, your application should contain a description for each of the assurances as it relates to the heating component; if you are operating a crisis program as well, your application should also contain a description for each of the assurances as it relates to the crisis component.) If a description of how you will carry out an assurance is the same for all components, you may provide the description once and note that this description applies to all of your operating components (heating, cooling, crisis, and/or weatherization, as appropriate).
- For States, have you held or scheduled a public hearing and included the date?
- Have you specified whether you use any DOE rules for LIHEAP funds spent on weatherization activities? For those grantees whose applications do not state that they use DOE guidelines for weatherization activities: Have you provided a description of the kinds of weatherization activities you will provide to eligible households?
- Have you provided current income eligibility standards for each of your LIHEAP operating components? Does this description also reflect whether you are using poverty guidelines or State median income guidelines and the year to which those guidelines apply? (Assurance 2)
- Have you provided a description of your outreach efforts? (Assurance 3)
- Have you provided a description of how you coordinate LIHEAP with other programs? (Assurance 4)
- Have you described your benefit levels for each operating component? Does your description indicate how benefit levels are determined, including the elements by which they are varied, i.e., energy costs, household size, and income? Have you described any other actions you take to target benefits to households with the highest energy burden? (Assurance 5)
- Have you provided a description of how you selected local administering agencies? (Assurance 6)
- Have you provided a description to meet the requirements of the statute regarding required protections for households whose benefits are paid to energy suppliers on their behalf? (Assurance 7)
- Does your description reflect how benefit levels will not differentiate between categorically eligible households and income eligible households? (Assurance 8)
- Have you described how you treat owners and renters equitably for each of your LIHEAP operating components? (Assurance 8)
- Have you provided both a program monitoring and a fiscal monitoring description? (Assurance 10)
- Have you provided a description of your fair hearings process? (Assurance 13)
- Have you provided information on whether each of your components is administered at the local level by the department that administers the welfare program? If your program is administered by the welfare department, have you described your alternate process for outreach and intake for each component? (This requirement does not apply to Tribes or to Territories whose annual allotments are $200,000 or less.) (Assurance 15)
- Have you made sure that no more than 5% of your LIHEAP funds will be used for services to encourage and enable households to reduce their home energy needs and thereby the need for energy assistance? (Assurance 16)
- Have you described your criteria for designating an emergency?
- Have you described what you will do with any crisis funds not expended by March 15?
- Have you provided estimates of the amount of funds you will use for each of your operating components?
- If you have leveraging activities that you believe will count toward the leveraging incentive fund on the basis of the criteria in 45 CFR 96.87(d)(2)(iii), have you described those activities, and how they are integrated in your LIHEAP program?
For Abbreviated Applications:
- Have you described all changes in the above information from your most recent detailed application?
- Have you made clear that you are using current poverty level or State median income data and stated the percentage?
- For States, have you held or scheduled a public hearing and included the date?
Reminders to ALL Grantees
All eligible States and Territories interested in receiving LIHEAP funding must submit their LIHEAP applications electronically on or before September 1, unless the Department agrees to a later date. All information required to complete the LIHEAP application must be submitted by December 15, unless the Department agrees to a later date.
All eligible Tribes and Tribal organizations interested in receiving LIHEAP funding must submit their LIHEAP applications electronically by September 1. If technical limitations prevent electronic submission, a Tribe may make alternate arrangements. If LIHEAP applications are not submitted electronically (or, if mailed, postmarked) on or before September 1, the Tribe will be ineligible for direct funding from the Federal government under current regulations unless the State(s) in which the Tribe is located agrees that the Tribe may apply at a later time. Include a copy of the Statement from the State agreeing to the later application date. All information required to complete the LIHEAP application must be submitted by December 15, unless the State agrees to a later date.


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We've all been there, Girl Who Stores Game Controllers In Her Underwear. Sometimes, it gets really stuffy. You're sitting in your apartment in your underwear, playing some video games to make the afternoon go by faster.
You get up to pour a glass of ice water, but the controller you're holding is getting in the way! Nothing for it but to free up your hands by snapping that sucker into the band of your undies.
It all starts when you go shopping.
Don't worry! I won't tell anyone your secret: that you bought an Xbox 360 and a PlayStation 3! Such an indulgence. See, check it out!
Well, hey, I guess it's time to play some games. But wait… your controllers require more hands than you've got. This merits some deep thought.
Hmm… whatever to do? Oh! Here's the solution!
Well, this sure seems to work! Your hands are freed up to play Xbox, but you can quickly switch to PS3 at any moment! There's nothing weird about this at all!
But wait, you want to change games, but you don't know what to do with the extra game disc. Plus, you've got this second corded controller... where can that go?
Oh, OK. Well, that works. What's that off in the distance, though? Is that… some friends planning a surprise party for you? Sheesh, if they show up now for a party, you're going to look pretty silly…
Womp-womp. This isn't going to be a very fun party at all.
Photos: Shutterstock