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January 2, 2014
The bards and sages of the Associated Press news service, who do this stuff as well as anybody, have ranked the top sports stories of 2013 and the winner – if you will pardon the use of that thinly appropriate term – is our own Boston Marathon, albeit for all the wrong reasons, you may grimly recall.
Obviously the citation has little to do with this sweet event's essence rendered over more than a century with much pastoral dignity, but everything to do with the unhappy and random choice terrorists made of it last April to express their irrational rage. Innocent or otherwise, it is a burden our Marathon will bear forever more.
Well more than mere irony is served when such an unspeakable twist of fate offers up the year's most significant historical impact in the realm of Sport, which purportedly is aimed at celebrating the nobility of the human spirit, the excellence of physical achievement, and the joys of friendly competition. It raises to the level of a scream the protest: "Is nothing sacred; no one safe?" Apparently not!
Further affirming how rotten the year in the world of fun and games was is the fact that all of 2013's top five sports stories, at least according to the AP's distinguished panel of electors, had nothing to do with championships won on fields of play or anything resembling heroic endeavor. Rather, it was all about the craven and cheap.
In second place was the bringing down at last of the cyclist Lance Armstrong. In third was the NFL's multi-billion dollar payoff for the injury claims of its alumni. In fourth was the flock of performance-enhancing drug suspensions in baseball, led by that infamous pair of cheats, Ryan Braun and A-Rod. And in fifth place was the astonishing tale of the Patriots' Aaron Hernandez, the tight end accused of orchestrating serial crimes and homicides.
Amazing, is it not!
Nor is this some sort of passing fancy. This year's selections mark the fifth straight year that the alternately dark, corrupt, sleazy side of modern, megabuck sport has been thusly dis-honored. Last year it was the prosecution of the Penn State abuse scandal that ranked number one. The year before it was the revelation of Penn State's disgrace that resulted in Joe Paterno's total humiliation. In 2010, it was Tiger Woods's epic fall from grace. In 2009, the spectacular outbreak of PED charges that had sullied some of baseball's biggest names.
Might we detect a trend here?
If so, the prospects of 2014 changing it would seem slim with the old year ending with the A-Rod fiasco on-going and the new year beginning with the countdown to the anxiety-ridden Winter Olympics at Sochi. You needn't brim with pessimism to regard 2014's potential as chilling.
But that's enough of that for the moment. There is another ritual to mark the annual big bend in the calendar and it is rather more elegant. It is the paying of tribute to those who departed this past year, leaving behind memories of moments that both pleased and touched us and should be remembered well. Herewith, the sporting class of 2013.
In boxing we said goodbye to the estimable Kennie Norton, who gave Ali all he could handle. Also Carl "The Truth" Williams, amiable fodder for both Tyson & Holmes, and Tommy Morrison, who died of AIDS. X-Games thrill-seeker Caleb Moore was too young. In golf, there was Ken Venturi, one of that game's great thinkers. In tennis, Gussie Moran, nicknamed "Gorgeous" for the glamor she brought to the pro game when it was much in need.
NBA alums included Tom Boerwinkle, Flynn Robinson, the always colorful and high-living Lakers' owner Jerry Buss – and Vern Mikkelsen, who partnered with George Mikan to make the original Lakers out of Minneapolis the pro game's first dynasty. Bill Sharman! A superb athlete as stylish as they come and seemingly effortless in his excellence, on and off the court. With Bob Cousy he formed with the Celtics what may have been basketball's classiest backcourt ever. In hockey, there was Allan "Snowshoes" Stanley. Briefly a Bruin, he gained Hall of Fame distinction with the Leafs. From the press box, "Dancing" Dave O'Hara of the AP, as engaging a rascal as we all ever featured there.
D. Leo Monahan, NHL scribe a half century. No fellow knew and loved the game more than this Hockey Hall of Famer.
Football's losses were heavy. Rick Casares, Chuck Muncie, Dave Jennings, George Sauer, who wouldn't bend to the system, and Deacon Jones, the most fabled of the Fearsome Foursome. Odin Lloyd hung out with Aaron Hernandez. Frank Tripucka was an AFL original. Jack Butler was an old-fashioned, leather-helmeted Hall of Famer. L.C. "Daddy Wags" Greenwood co- anchored mighty Pittsburgh's Steel Curtain. Pat Summerall! Un-erring with his toe on the field. he was lyrically laconic in the broadcast booth thereafter. Ace Parker, an All-America in three sports at Duke. Dick Kazmaier of Princeton and Wellesley. He won the Heisman back when it really meant something. Artie Donovan! He was a loveable football troubadour from Boston College, a delightful man. Owner Bud Adams, an AFL founding father.
From the ranks of the coaches we lost Don James of Washington, Jack Pardee, also a high-quality player and one of the Bear's Boys, Paul Dietzel of LDSU and West Point, Bum Phillips, who was full of country-wisdom and seemingly too good-natured to be an NFL stalwart. Chuck Fairbanks! Overnight he transformed the Patriots from patsies to powerhouse, and had he been more focused, he might have been the equal of Lord Belichick. Chuck always seemed a bit bored. Maybe he squandered potential greatness but, perhaps to his credit, he didn't seem to care.
From the national pasttime, baseball, the bells tolled for Matt Batts, he of the perfect baseball name and long ago of the Red Sox; Mike Hegan, son of Jim and a Holy Cross man; Gus Triandos, Bob Turley, Paul Blair, and Johnny Kucks. Nicknamed "Fire," Virgil Trucks tossed two no-hitters for a last-place team. Andy Pafko led the Cubs to their last World Series date. Gates Brown was called "Swinging." Dan Osinski mopped up for the Impossible Dream Red Sox.
George Scott! He craved to be known as "The Boomer" and when he arrived he seemed straight from Central Casting with a potential near unlimited. But life was never easy for George, on or off the field. He was the first black star fully groomed by the Red Sox and he will forever make us wonder what might have been. Earl Weaver, the bantam mentor, forever irascible. Who could imagine the raspy old Earl exiting while mellowing out on a leisurely Caribbean cruise.
Lavonne "Pepper" Paire was a star catcher of the WWII-era All-American Girls Baseball League. In a movie, Geena Davis gave her a fame too long denied. Posthumously, she could yet land in Cooperstown. Ray Grebey was major league baseball's iron-willed labor-negotiator. But Marvin Miller was even tougher. Michael Weiner, a gentleman from Williams College who too briefly held Marvin's old post, succumbing to cancer at 51.
Stan Musial! An extraordinary ballplayer deemed even more extraordinary as a human being. Stan was completely unaffected by his own greatness. He, and he alone, was known as "The Man." Of him, that's all you need to know.
Lou Brissie! He represented a long and distinguished company of ballplayers, most of whom we would never know, who laid down their careers during the WWII years. In fierce combat on the Italian front in 1944, exploding shell fragments left Brissie with both feet broken, an ankle smashed, a fractured leg, and both hands and arms severely wounded. He was awarded the Bronze Star to go with his Purple Hearts. After 23 surgeries and with ravaged limbs patched and re-strung with plates, splints, wires and screws, he won 30 games in two seasons for Connie Mack's A's while lasting five painful but uplifting years in the Bigs. Corporal Lou Brissie, as brave a man as ever played this or any game, died at age 89.


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How to Import a User Profile
Following is a simple how-to for importing user profiles within Dragon. Please get in touch with us if you have any further questions on operating your software.
Step 1: From the Dragon toolbar, choose Manage Users.
Step 2: From Manage Users, choose Advanced, then Import.
Step 3: Locate the directory containing the user files to import.
Step 4: Click 'OK' when the files have imported successfully.

subset: commoncrawl


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Our second article in Windword. We're really enjoying writing these together. Asa started this one off with some ideas and points... then we kind of take turns making revisions, passing it back and forth between ourselves.
You can also find a PDF and Print Versions at BCYC.
May 2016
What do we really want?
We've talked to many boat owners and former boat owners since we've decided to round the world at a walking pace.
The one thing we found many of them had in common was that they ended up with something quite different from what they originally sought. In our experiences thus far, it comes down to knowledge gained, experiences, and the steady pace from day to day thinking, visualizing, and trying to make that dream a reality.
When we first started looking for our future floating home, we had little idea of what exactly we were looking for; we had a pie in the sky dream of living aboard a beautiful boat and eventually sailing her around the world. We scoured cruiser blogs, forums and Youtube channels.
![Bumfuzzle Adventures](/content/images/2016/04/Adventures-1.jpg)
In the course of plying Youtube cruisers, we stumbled across a younger couple who had sold everything chasing down their dream. They had limited sailing experience, but were ready and willing to traverse the steep learning curve from comfortable landlubbers to full-blown cruisers in a very short amount of time. Like us, they did everything right that turned out to be wrong - copious amounts of research, saved every penny, found the best surveyor, bought their first catamaran and began sailing her with reckless abandon.
They were brave enough to post their experiences online and quickly felt the wrath that is the collective consciousness we all know as the internet.
We guess we didn't realize it then, having joined in on the chorus of neigh saying, but their experience became part of our own.
We first thought that a small catamaran was what we wanted. We visualized ourselves laying out with sea spray coming through the trampoline along the backdrop of an infinite expanse of blue. We imagined having two separate cabins and a bridge with plenty of room for us to lounge and entertain family and friends. We took mental notes of the errors they made and said we'd know better.
Then the realities set in, and we're still learning about how difficult it really is to even get started. Every sea worthy catamaran was priced well above our budget. We realized that despite all our research, we knew nothing. Despite all our planning, we would only really repeat the same mistakes - just in our own ways.
We consulted financial planners to avert the risk of financial catastrophe only to essentially be told to give up.
We researched the cost to cruise only to find that it's expensive beyond our means.
We scoured the internet for boats and found that we had no idea what made a good boat a good boat.
It's interesting because after we decided to do this, and took our own small steps to somehow getting there, the message gradually started to change.
Every now and again, we'd talk to someone like Paul Terrell, a great friend and mentor who runs a donation-based yoga studio in Portland, who simply said that he had lived on a boat before and they were some of the best years of his life - and left it at that.
![Clody and Mingus](/content/images/2016/04/Clody-from-NIMBYspace.jpg)
While trying to find a place to park our RV in San Francisco, we were invited to camp out at NIMBYspace. Clody, a chance rideshare from Craigslist we had given a year earlier turned out to be running an artist community - and the two weeks we spent there were filled with encouraging messages of, "Cool, my friend fixed up and sailed a boat, let me give you his number."
That was a year ago, and now we've discovered that a small catamaran is inconceivable for our purposes. We've had to throw out everything we thought we knew and begin again.
So no to catamarans, on to monohulls.
Throwing out the catamaran version of our dream opened up a whole 'nuther world from which we had previously unconsciously excluded ourselves.
We started to create a list of necessities and deal-breakers for our future monohulled-home. We gathered that the boat should be at least 32 feet long for our blue water aspirations. Sure, people have completed circumnavigations on smaller vessels- however, just because you can do something doesn't make it a good idea. We want to feel safe and happy after all.
Being honest with ourselves about why we want to sail quickly removed the land loving luxuries that helped us to decide that the simplicity of less is more - we would like to able to comfortably and competently handle our vessel with just the two of us, and solo should the other be sick or incapacitated in some way.
With some basic guidelines in place, our boat search continues…


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Claire Adams is a backstroke specialist from Carmel, Indiana. Her family moved from Houston when she was 9 years old and her parents put her on a swim team to help her make friends. Four years later, Adams was at her first Olympic Trials at her first national meet.
High School Swimming
Over the course of her career at Carmel High School, Adams became the first swimmer in Indiana state history to win 16 state titles and the first to win the 100 yard backstroke all four years. But the record she's most proud of was the one she earned with the rest of her team. Becoming the best high school sports team in American History. In her senior year Carmel High School won its 30th straight state title, which earned the school the longest state title winning streak of any high school sports team in US history.
National and International Career
In 2014 Adams made her international debut at the Junior Pan Pacific Championships where she finished 9th in the 100 meter backstroke and 11th in the longer distance.
Breaking the Junior World Record
At the 2015 US National Championships, Adams raced her way to national titles in the 100 and 200 meter backstroke setting a new 100 meter backstroke world junior record in the process. Her time of 59.58 was a one and a half second drop of her time coming in to the meet and was the third best time of an american so far that year. In the 200 she also saw huge a huge drop in her best time and posted the fourth fastest time of an American for the year.
2015 Junior World Championships
In Singapore, Adams was voted by her teammates to become captain. After setting a new world record in the 100 backstroke weeks before she looked to be the favorite. But she settled for a silver with Australia's Minna Atherton touching first and tying Adams junior world record. In the 200 meter backstroke she finished 5th and she helped USA to 4th in the medley relay.
US National Team for Dinner
With the 2015 Duel in the Pool set to take place in Indianapolis, just down the street from Adams home, her family invited her USA teammates over for their team meal. She helped team USA beat Europe with her points from a third place finish in 100 backstroke and added a 4th place finish in the 200.
University of Texas
As the number 3 recruit in the nation, Adams opted to return to the state she was born in to swim for head coach Carol Capitani at the University of Texas.


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In September 2015, we launched the first-ever Lean Business Survey to gain insight into how people were applying Lean across all disciplines of knowledge work. In two short months, we gathered responses from more than 3,000 executives, consultants, and team members in a variety of industries, hailing from 75 countries across the globe.
Thanks to the strong response to our survey, we're pleased to announce the release of our inaugural Lean Business Report. This report is the first of its kind, and this exclusive research has never been released until now.
92% of teams surveyed experienced moderate to significant improvements after implementing Lean. Download the report to learn what practices and principles are guiding them to success.
Why Lean?
We know the profound impact of Lean first-hand — it's in our name, and it's who we are. The Lean pillars of continuous improvement and respect for people have become synonymous with our company values, guiding how we shape our culture and build our products.
Over the years, we've heard similar reports from our customers. Many of them adopted Lean to help them better navigate necessary change, so they could respond with agility and speed — whether it was for their team, department, or across the entire enterprise. We wanted to know how people like them are applying Lean to knowledge work and what has made them successful.
The 2016 Lean Business Report
The Lean Business Report combines our exclusive survey research with educational content from thought leaders in the Lean for business space. By reading this report, you'll not only gain an understanding of how others are practicing Lean, you'll also find specific, actionable tips to advance your Lean practice, both at the team and organizational levels.
In the 2016 edition of the Lean Business Report, you gain valuable insights into:
- Who's practicing Lean
- How Lean is being scaled across organizations
- What tools and metrics Lean teams are using to get ahead
- The traits of highly effective Lean teams
- The benefits teams are experiencing from implementing Lean
- The surprising role executives play in Lean transformations
Download the 2016 Lean Business Report
Download the Lean Business Report here, and share it with your network.


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For the team at Sal Salis one of the 'perks' of the job is hearing great feedback from our guests, sometimes you guys feel more like family! Thank you to everybody for taking the time to share your experiences, here are just a few recent snippets –
Don and I spent five amazing nights in tent #16 from April 12 to 17, 2017, and we just want to thank Candice and Paul, Brendan, Alex, Julien, Monty, Izzy, Nush, and Tiffany (a.k.s. Stephanie!!!) for such a truly memorable time! We have now returned to Canada, and our time with you at Sal Salis was definitely the highlight of our five-week trip to Australia. The gourmet meals created by Brendan were delicious, our tent was always clean and exceedingly comfortable, the day trips recommended by you all proved to be amazing, and we just loved our time with you. Our surprise "trolley" at breakfast on Easter Monday was one of the very best things that has ever happened to us, and we are grateful beyond words! We are also happy that Paul has published such a beautiful book of his photographs that we were able to purchase so that we can reminisce about our time at Sal Salis each and every day. Thank you all so very much from your friends in Canada. Cheers!
Kathy & Don
April 2017
It is a very remarkable environment, and we enjoyed connecting with the land and ocean. This was made very easy as a result of the hard work of your wonderful team. Candice and Paul made us feel extremely welcome and we instantly relaxed. Eugene as our guide was remarkable, and provided great insight on each tour with a relaxed and engaging personality, a great asset to the trip. Other team members including Harvey, Brendan and Sean all contributed greatly to our experience, and we appreciate their hard work behind the scenes.
The Thompson-Hales
Victoria, Australia
September 2016
Our lovely guests Vicky & Ross have their own blog posts that we loved so much we thought we would share with you! (with their permission of course)
Here is Vicky's: https://vickygoestravelling.com/2016/09/09/having-a-whale-of-a-time-on-ningaloo-reef/
And here is Ross' : http://rosscattell.net/travel/ningaloo.htm
Ross & Vicky
London, United Kingdom
September 2016
It is hard to believe that a week ago I was standing on a beautiful beach watching white plumes of ocean waves breaking on Ningaloo Reef whilst an extraordinary chef prepared a full classic breakfast metres from the peaceful water's edge. Just reward for a small group of intrepid kayakers who had set off before dawn to snorkel once more the blue lagoon (also known as the washing machine). And sheer indulgence for the rest of the guests at Sal Salis who had remained in their comfortable beds until after the butcher birds' morning serenade insisted they get up and enjoy the day. For this place is like no other resort. A magical blend of starkly beautiful gorges inviting exploration, the normally arid coastal plain turned green after recent rains, and almost invisible among the sea front dunes an encampment of luxurious tents treading ever so lightly on this fragile environment. Water is a precious resource not to be wasted, and a 20 litre daily limit ensures that guests understand and respect this. The profusion of wildlife is simply breathtaking, from amusing encounters with echidnas to snorkelling among the vast variety of marine creatures, massively capped off by an unforgettable swim with a whale shark. However when it comes to creature comforts any normal measure of five star luxury is useless. Sal Salis is on its own in providing a unique experience blending care for the environment with incredible hospitality and personalised service. As a previous reviewer put it, the place is extraordinary and worth every cent. But mostly it is the very best people, doing everything very, very well. Indeed a paradox in paradise.
Penny & Greg
Bonny Hills, NSW, Australia
June 2016
Just wanted to say thank you and that we three had the most magical time, it was all perfect and we were soooo lucky with the day of our whale shark swim, Murray's trip was fantastic and Nat and Sev really great, so very memorable. The staff at Sal Salis, as last time, all delightful, and it was especially excellent to see Brendon again, what a character he is and marvellous food he provides!
Judi, David + Daisy
Perth, Western Australia
June 2016
Overall, our stay at Sal Salis – including our day with the whale sharks – was simply one of the best short holidays Heather and I have ever had. It was perfect for our anniversary celebration. The location, accommodation, staff and activities all added up to an experience we will long remember.
Andrew & Heather
Lilli Pilli, NSW, Australia
May 2016
My wife Kerry and I just stayed at your resort at Salsalis and I felt compelled to write you and say what a wonderful experience we had. Most importantly, I guess, it exceeded our expectations in every way. I found the service to be five star but friendly and casual and very appropriate to tents and the beach. The team, I thought, worked as one. Everybody seems to be a jack of all trades and they delivered our experience seamlessly, happily and graciously. Yet, you can never see them sweat. Some of them are amateurs, some of them are pros, but they all work together as one. We spent three days at the camp but walked away with a month's worth of memories. The combination of location and operations are more than the sum of its parts. So, bravo and everybody on the ground.
JT and Kerry Kuhlman
Florida, USA
May 2016
The food and accommodation is beautiful, plentiful and very comfortable. The surroundings are idyllic – a haven away from the modern busy world. With no internet or phone signal, it was the perfect break. Laying under the clearest night sky watching the stars for ages in the evening to swimming in what felt like an aquarium and an unforgettable swim with whale sharks, a truly unique and memorable holiday. Thank you Sal Salis – we absolutely loved it!!
Sal Salis is very hard to review, because it truely is unique. Nestled in a National Park, fronting an amazing azure blue sea with Ningaloo reef just metres offshore, you are amazed by the environment, the food served in the resort and the mesmerising sunsets over the sea. The staff are all enthusiastic and helpful, but it really was a surprise that all the guests were wonderful to spend time with.


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To post a scam to this website, fill out this form:
If you would rather sign up for a free account and post using a dashboard, follow these steps:
This website is based on the WordPress blog software. If you are interested in detailed posting and editing instructions, click here.
Why post here?
Most people find this website after searching for details regarding an individual or sales process. By publishing the details of scams, you enable others to find out the seller they are dealing with is a rip off before they lose their money.


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Sobieski's main mission is making good, honest vodka. That means using the best ingredients and a distilling process that are beyond reproach. Its focus on keeping it real makes it hard to let certain misconceptions about vodka go unchallenged. That's why Sobieski is setting the record straight and sharing these hard truths about vodka.
- Not All Vodka Is Russian
Great vodka comes from around the world, not just Russia. Sobieski, the pride of Poland, is one example of amazing non-Russian vodka. It's made from 100 percent, rye, giving Sobieski a fresh, citrusy and nutty taste that's different to vodkas made from wheat or a blend of grains.
- Putting Vodka Through a Water Filter Doesn't Make It Better
There's no shortcut for making great vodka. Putting cheap vodka through a water filter won't change the fact that it wasn't made with the best ingredients. Here's a foolproof way to improve the vodka you're drinking: Buy better vodka.
- All Vodkas Aren't Made the Same
Every vodka is different, and it's not just quality that distinguishes vodkas. The spirit can be made with rye, potato, wheat, grapes and more, and each of these ingredients gives vodka a unique profile. For instance, rye vodka comes with a fresh and lemony aroma, citrusy and nutty flavor and clean, smooth finish. Sobieski is probably the best example of this, since it's made with 100 percent pure rye.


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Board of Education
Northport Public School District is governed by an elected Board of Education composed of seven members.
Northport Board of Education Regular Board Meetings are held the Second Monday of each Month. Each session is held in the Room 300 at 6:00 p.m.
Lynelle M. Wilcox-Irvine
President (2020)
Benjamin Purdy
Vice President (2022)
Daniel Duffiney
Treasurer (2020)
Jeannette Reynolds
Secretary (2022)
Thomas Wetherbee
Trustee (2024)
Nancy Peterson
Trustee (2022)
Kirk Richards
Trustee (2024)


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By now you've probably read the story about how United Airlines, too cheap to give enough passengers enough money to make skipping their flight worth their while, physically removed a passenger who was already seated and refused to surrender the seat he paid for. There's good video, too, including of the passenger bloodied by his encounter with the airline's goons.
Invoking "I'm a doctor" tells us that the passenger in question is a bit of a schmuck, but that in no way excuses United. For reasons that make no sense at all unless you own or run such a company, airlines are permitted – by law! – to sell more seats than they have and then, if they cannot find "volunteers" willing to take underwhelming bribes to surrender their seat, to bar passengers from boarding the flight for which they have already paid their fare. We all know United handled this poorly not only by sending goons to physically eject the passenger in question but also because it boarded passengers for the flight and let four of them take seats from which they were about to be ejected. Obviously, the airline should have addressed this matter before anyone was permitted to board the flight – but that's United, utterly stupid.
As for the schmucky passenger, The Curmudgeon is with him. The Curmudgeon would have to be dragged kicking and screaming out of that seat once he occupied it, too. He may have even evoked "Finders keepers, losers weepers" before they tried to knock out his teeth.
But one aspect of this situation has been underplayed amid all the attention to the very fine video and the photos of the passenger's bloodied face: the reason United needed to remove four passengers from this flight was that it decided to compound its poor business practice of selling more seats than it has on an airplane by also deciding to kick off four paying passengers because it wanted those four seats to transport its own employees. Those employees, it said, were needed for other flights in Louisville, the flight's destination.
Because United's employees are apparently more important to the people who run United than paying customers.
And because United's convenience, and its need to fix a staffing mistake 100 percent of its own making, is also apparently more important to the people who run United than paying customers.
Over the years the airlines have been among The Curmudgeon's favorite whipping boys – with good reason. For examples, go here, here, here, here, here, and here (and there are others). But this one really takes the cake: United's customer service is awful and it absolutely screams that if you have a choice of airlines, United should probably be your last choice.
Last choice like a loan shark when you need cash. Like an urgent care center when you're sick. Like the kid next door when your car is making a funny sound. Like Elio's when you're jonesing for pizza. Like Sears for any reason.
Even now we see every sign that United hasn't learned its lesson: as of this writing it's still defending its response to this situation.
Which only makes it easier for the rest of us to defend a decision not to fly United if we have any reasonable alternative.


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AceShowbiz - It's been a year since Luke Bryan released his latest album "What Makes You Country", but that doesn't stop him from releasing music video for tracks off the effort. The country singer unearthed the visuals for its title track on Thursday, December 13.
Directed by his longtime collaborator Michael Monaco, the clip gives viewers an inside look at his personal life at his farm in Nashville. It opens with the singer and his family gathering around a campfire as they recall their activities during the day. His sons, as well as his nephews, then ask if they can go on a game of spotlight, to which Bryan reluctantly agrees.
The scene then changes to show the young boys exploring the woods before entering a cabin, where they find a book called "What Makes You Country". Inside the book, photos of them playing various games at the farm are included. They can be seen smiling brightly to each other while reminiscing what they do when the photos are taken.
Written by Bryan with Dallas Davidson and Ashley Gorley, "What Makes You Country" is the fourth single off his gold-certified album of the same name. He previously said of the song, "What makes you proud to be country is the fact that I've navigated so many aspects of this career and held onto being country in a lot of ways. I've gotten to follow all of my dreams and still remain true to who I am as a person. Be proud of what makes you country -- there's room for everybody to be country."
Bryan recently wrapped up his headlining tour in support of the album. He is expected to perform at Crash My Playa festival in Riviera Maya, Mexico in January 2019 before returning as a judge on "American Idol" in March.


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About Cladea
The Latin American Council of Management Schools – CLADEA is an international organization that joins brings together education institutions and international organizations committed to the teaching and research of management.
Currently, CLADEA is formed by 235 public and private member institutions that come from America, Oceania and Europe 14 new members joined during the Assembly 2019.
- Improving management teaching as well as promoting research on management science.
- Promoting management among the social and economic organizations of Latin America.
- Developing international standards cooperation systems between directors and academics of different countries as well as varied topics of interest, promoting research, cases development and bibliographical support.
- Maintaining mutual help bonds with the world's most important institutionals networks, this way creating a global communication network based on the study of management and similar disciplines.
- Through the membership, provide a high quality certification that ensures international quality standards and academic progress potential.
Get to know the members of our committees.
- Workshops and specialized seminars
- Active participation in the CLADEA Innovation and Entrepreneurship Network
- Support in the promotion of own investigations and of the students of the Institutions
- Investment support for research through the Emerald / Cladea Award
- Convention
Our members are institutions from Europe, Latin-America and Oceania that are dedicated to teaching and researching both the sciences and techniques of management that applied for a membership and were accepted in the Members Assembly.
A space in where it's possible to easily access a wide variety of articles, researches, publications, etc. that have the support of academics from Latin-America's best institutions. Moreover, CLADEA publishes theoretical and practical researches on different platforms such as the Academia magazine, CLADEA Balas Case Consortium, Guide to Responsible Business Education in Latin America, etc.


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Like many churches within Prague this church was built on the site of an earlier church. However, this church is the only church that is used as a physical landmark of the Old Town Square. Also another difference is that this church was in the early 17th century the main Hussite church of Prague. This church today, is known for its pipe organ that occasionally plays concerts within the church.
This Gothic church had finished its construction in the mid 14th century, replacing the earlier Romanesque church. The steeples reach 80 meters into the sky. As you walk into the church you will see beautiful scenes of Christ's passion. Located within the church is the tomb of a Danish astronomer.
Walking tour through the historical city center begins on the main Prague square – Wenceslas Square. You can see Old ...
Enjoy totally Prague day out on this ultimate tour of the capital!
Prague All Inclusive Tour shows you the very best of Prague in one tour. Travel on foot, by boat and by tram to get the most ...
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text: Turrican was a cult classic on the C64 and Amiga back in the day and now. The object is to navigate a space soldier through nine challenging levels, blowing away all manner of aggressive robots, attacking plants and avoiding dangerous traps along the way. The game plays very well, allowing you to shoot updwards as well as horizontally. Anyone who's a fan of the original like me will be pleased with this recreation as the graphics and sound are very true to the Commodore classic on Aros.


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Bounce TV, the nation's fastest-growing television network designed for African-American audiences, will celebrate Black Music Month by airing a special selection of films throughout June honoring the most iconic African American artists in music history, including Michael Jackson, Diana Ross as well as a special birthday tribute to Prince.
Bounce TV Celebrates Black Music Month Programming Highlights:
- Who's the Man (12:30pm/ET – June 4) – Ice-T, Dr. Dre, Ed Lover, Bernie Mac and Bill Bellamy star in this comedy following two inept barbers that decide to join the police force. As they discover corruption within their city, each barber takes measures into their own hands even if it means creating their own crime-fighting plans.
- The Wiz (2:00pm/ET – June 6) – The King of Pop Michael Jackson stars in the classic adaption of "The Wizard of Oz" alongside Diana Ross as Dorothy, Richard Pryor as The Wiz and Lena Horne as Glinda the Good Witch.
- The Five Heartbeats (10:00pm/ET – June 6) – Robert Townsend, Leon, Michael Wright, Diahann Carroll, and Harry Lennix star in this popular musical drama following five friends that leave their poor neighborhood to become a top rhythm & blues singing group. On their way to the top, these musicians tackle fame as they face issues such as unpredictable romantic relationships, substance abuse and new found fortune while trying to save their brotherly bond.
- Graffiti Bridge (10:00pm/ET – June 7) – Bounce TV celebrates Prince's birthday with the sequel to Purple Rain – which won the Oscar® for Best Music. Prince returns as "The Kid" who must fight to keep his club and the love of his life safe from his musical rival.
- Under the Cherry Moon (12:00 midnight/ET, June 7) – Following Graffiti Bridge, Prince returns in this drama which follows two brothers on a mission to France to scam millions of dollars from beautiful, well-off families. As one brother seeks to get all the money he can bear, the other accidentally falls in love with one of their wealthy targets; Oscar®-nominee Kristin Scott Thomas co-stars.
- Echoes: 'Cross the Tracks (1:00am/ET June 19) – This acclaimed documentary chronicles the history of the Blues across the Mississippi Delta. Morgan Freeman lends his legendary voice as narrator.
ABOUT BOUNCE TV: Bounce TV – the only emerging broadcast network producing original scripted series – is the fastest-growing African-American (AA) network on television. Bounce TV features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and more. Bounce TV has grown to be available in more than 93.5 million homes across the United States and 93% of all African American television homes, including all of the top AA television markets. Among the founders of Bounce TV are iconic American figures Martin Luther King, III and former United Nations Ambassador and Civil Rights icon Andrew Young.


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Although it doesn't have the sprawl of Tokyo or even nearby Osaka, choosing where to stay in Kyoto is hardly a walk through the park—or, perhaps more fittingly for Japan, a Zen garden!
The top tourist attractions in Kyoto are spread throughout the city, finding themselves in diverse neighbourhoods that each flaunt their own unique vibes. As you could imagine, this makes sorting through the best areas to stay in Kyoto all the more difficult.
The good news is that no matter which neighbourhood you choose for your stay in Kyoto, you're bound to encounter a mystical Shinto shrine, ancient temple or mouthwatering meal that'll place an impossibly large smile on your face.
Not sure where to start looking for your accommodations? Get your trip crackin' with the complete guide to the best places to stay in Kyoto including the 15 top hotels for every travel budget…
Need more advice for visiting the former imperial capital of Japan? Check out our Kyoto Travel Guide!
Table of Contents
The best areas to stay in Kyoto: Top neighbourhoods for travellers
Whether you have 10 days in Japan or several weeks, no destination will stir you into a bigger frenzy than the former imperial capital of Kyoto. Like most cities of its ilk, Kyoto is a collection of diverse neighbourhoods that each reveal a different face of the city.
From the busy wards in downtown Kyoto to quieter ones on the fringe, choosing the best area to stay in Kyoto depends on what you're determined to see and how far away from the urban buzz you want to be.
For most, the best areas and neighbourhoods for travellers are those in & around central Kyoto. You'll often find that many of the best places to stay in Kyoto ring around the four city centre wards: Nakagyo, Higashiyama, Shimogyo, and Kamigyo.
Going a little further outside, however—to areas like Sakyo and Arashiyama—you'll find a little more breathing room, and get to see a quieter side of Kyoto. This, of course, comes at the expense of being further away from central Kyoto and from many of the city's star attractions.
Nonetheless, whether you've set aside just one day in Kyoto or are able to savour it at a more relaxed pace, you're bound to discover a place that will hold your attention for the rest of your life.
A little confused? Here are our recommendations for the top areas to stay in Kyoto…
- Nakagyo: The best area to stay in central Kyoto for travellers looking to get close to the best restaurants & some of the most top-notch attractions in Japan.
- Higashiyama: An excellent choice for culture-seekers looking to experience the air of old Japan first-hand and have a little more to spend. With all of the sightseeing options nearby, it's also a great area when travelling as a family.
- Gion District: A traditional area in the heart of downtown Kyoto that's one of the most famous places to explore in any Japan itinerary. Like Higashiyama, this area is a fantastic choice for where to stay in Kyoto for mid-range/luxury travellers who are seeking out the classic Kyoto accommodations experience. It's also perhaps the most popular place to stay in Kyoto during cherry blossom season.
- Shimogyo: Home to the main train hub of Kyoto Station, this is the top area to stay for anyone looking to travel beyond Kyoto on a day trip. Thanks to the central location, you'll also find plenty of sightseeing opportunities nearby.
- Kamigyo: This quiet mostly residential ward is the perfect choice for where to stay in Kyoto for budget travellers looking to escape the sky-high prices of downtown Kyoto while still staying close by some stellar star attractions like the Imperial Palace.
- Sakyo: Although there's a limited selection here, the proximity to major sites like Nanzen-ji, Ginkaku-ji, and the Philosopher's Walk make this a great area to stay for temple-hopping and more relaxed sightseeing opportunities.
- Arashiyama: Located outside of central Kyoto, this ward is the perfect place to stay in Kyoto for nature lovers and anyone seeking out a smaller-town feel while still being a quick commute into the centre.
Now, let's dig a little deeper into each, shall we?
✔ Best area to stay for anyone looking for a central location with plenty to eat, see & do
The centre of Kyoto hinges around Nakagyo, the "central capital" ward. Nakagyo has long moved forward from its medieval trading roots and is today one of the busiest shopping and entertainment districts in central Kyoto.
Anyone who's serious about getting to know downtown Kyoto will spend much time exploring Nakagyo. From the food stalls of Nishiki Market and the restaurants of Kawaramachi to the majesty of Nijo Castle and Nakagyo's hidden temples and shrines, there's plenty to see & do in this fascinating ward, making it an excellent choice for solo travellers & families to start searching for where to stay in Kyoto.
Attractions in Nakagyo: Nijo-jo Castle, Nishiki Market, Kawaramachi, Kyoto International Manga Museum, Museum of Kyoto, Kyoto Art Center
Recommended hotels in Nakagyo
Despite its location in central Kyoto, there's a good range of value-laden budget guesthouses & family-friendly ryokan to choose from when picking out where to stay in Nakagyo. The mid-range in Nakagyo is a little swollen in price with 2-stars sometimes even fetching prices that would nab you 3- and 4-star properties in other wards in downtown Kyoto.
- Guest House Oumi: A unique budget Kyoto ryokan that feels more like a home than a hotel. From the well-manicured garden to the interior design touches, there's an unmistakable traditional vibe pushing through every inch of this awesome little ryokan.
- Booking.com | Agoda
- Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo: A stylish 3-star offering excellent value for the mid-range in central Kyoto. Besides the large modern rooms, the on-site restaurant, headed by award-winning chef Monsieur Ito, serves up Western food with a unique local twist.
- Booking.com | Agoda
- The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto: A top-end 5-star pick that's among the grandest in downtown Kyoto. Stay in one of the garden terrace suites to whisk yourself away from the urban core into a zen-like state of pure relaxation.
- Booking.com | Agoda
✔ Best area for mid-range travellers and families who love culture & sightseeing
If there's any choice for where to stay in Kyoto that will instantly capture your imagination, it's Higashiyama. Clinging to the foothills of the city's eastern mountains, Higashiyama is the perfect place to explore and snag a backwards glance at the charms of old Kyoto.
Even without its heavy-hitters like Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Yasaka Shrine in Southern Higashiyama and Heian Shrine and Nanzen-ji Temple in Northern Higashiyama, this lovely downtown Kyoto area delights travellers with its traditional wooden buildings, set upon narrow hilly lanes (like Ishibei-koji Lane) that hide teashops, cafés, restaurants, ryokan, and homes.
Among all the wards, Higashiyama is the coolest area to simply get lost, explore, and discover the Japan you've always imagined (with the exception of the sometimes intense crowds). Even if you need to get to the district's fringes for a little elbow room, staying in Higashiyama provides the perfect excuse to take it slow and let the surreal scene unfold before your eyes.
If you decide to take your stay further south to Southern Higashiyama, you'll be close to Fushimi-Inari Taisha and all the wonderful hiking trails in & around Mount Inari. Alternatively, if you go north into Northern Higashiyama, you'll be more in touch with top attractions like Nanzen-ji and Honen-in.
Attractions in & around Higashiyama: Kiyomizu-dera, Yasaka Shrine, Maruyama Park, Shoren-in Temple, Chion-in Temple, Kennin-ji Temple, Gion District, Fushimi-Inari Shrine, Nanzen-ji Temple, Honen-in Temple, Kyoto National Museum, National Museum of Modern Art, Tofuku-ji Temple, Kodai-ji Temple
Recommended hotels in Higashiyama
As one of the premier sightseeing destinations in downtown Kyoto, choosing where to stay in Higashiyama isn't always so budget-friendly. The selection in Higashiyama is, however, quite extensive, and it's unlikely that you'll be shut out if you choose this district as your base.
Get started on your search with one of these top picks in Higashiyama:
- Imano Kyoto Kiyomizu Hostel: Located close to the majesty of its namesake temple, this budget-friendly Kyoto hostel puts you in the midst of Higashiyama's charms without busting the bank. Both private rooms (with and without private bathrooms) and dorm beds are on offer.
- Booking.com | Agoda
- Kyoto Granbell Hotel: A modern 4-star boutique Kyoto hotel screaming with the styles of old Japan, from its tatami-floored rooms to the rock garden in the pool area. Its prime location puts Kyoto's finest moments at your fingertips. Book ahead as this is one of the most popular places to stay in Kyoto.
- Booking.com | Agoda
- Seikoro Ryokan: A traditional ryokan in the heart of Kyoto. From kimono-wearing staff to the tatami-style rooms, watch the full classic Asian hospitality experience unfold before your eyes during your stay here.
- Booking.com | Agoda
- Four Seasons Kyoto: A brand-new 5-star gem that's unlike any you've ever stayed in. Rooms fuse both modern and classic Japanese design to create an aesthetic wholly unique to Kyoto. The central pond and Shakusuien garden is simply breathtaking.
- Booking.com | Agoda
Gion District
✔ Top area for soaking up the culture of Japan at its finest
Although technically part of Higashiyama, Gion District deserves a special mention. Gion is old entertainment district of Kyoto, famed for its geisha culture. The streets here are among the most atmospheric in downtown Kyoto, lined with wooden merchant houses now filled with shops, ryokan, teahouses (ochaya) and restaurants.
Besides simply wandering around Gion, the area is one of the best places to try kaiseki ryori, one of the most famous haute cuisines of Japan. It won't come cheap, but chowing down in some of top restaurants in Kyoto will be an experience your tastebuds will never forget.
And, of course, no visit to the the geisha district of Gion is complete without dabbling in the geisha culture. It's less likely than in the past that you'll spot geisha wandering around the streets when you travel here. But if you have the wherewithal—and the yen!—Gion is the premier place in Japan to take in the geisha experience. (Or opt for the cheaper and more accessible maiko experience!)
If your happen to be lucky enough to visit Kyoto during cherry blossom season, the canal-side Shirakawa-minami Dori, often touted as one of the most beautiful streets in Japan, lies in wait as one of the best places to hanami in Kyoto and see the cherry blossoms at their finest.
Attractions in Gion District: Gion Corner, Kenninji Temple, Gion Shirakawa, Hanami-koji Dori, Shijo Dori, Yasaka Shrine
Recommended hotels in Gion District
Given the area's popularity, your travel budget won't go far in Gion. Although you'll find better value elsewhere in downtown Kyoto—and even elsewhere in Higashiyama—there's something to be said about narrowing down your picks for where to stay in Kyoto to this special little corner.
- Gion Maifukan: A traditional ryokan just steps away from Gion's biggest attractions. Staff goes above and beyond to enjoy your stay is comfortable. Both Japanese- and western-style rooms are available.
- Booking.com | Agoda
- Hana-Touro Hotel Gion: You don't get much closer to the action than in this 4-star gem that features the traditional stylings of Japan. Rooms are spacious and fitted with terraces that peer upon the cityscape of downtown Kyoto.
- Booking.com | Agoda
- Gion Hatanaka: A traditional ryokan experience amid the bustle of Gion. Escape from the trappings of urban life as you're greeted by the zen-like garden before settling down in the inn's large tatami-style rooms.
- Booking.com | Agoda
✔ Top-rated area for mid-range travellers interested in day tripping & sightseeing
Although it may not possess the outward tourist swagger of Higashiyama or Nakagyo, Shimogyo is still one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Kyoto for travellers, if for no other reason than housing the city's main transportation hub, Kyoto Station. The area stretches roughly between Kyoto Station in the south to Shijo-dori in the north along the Kamo River.
Besides being the perfect launching pad for your Kyoto day trips, Shimogyo is a great neighbourhood to stay to eat, shop, and to put your finger on the pulse of the city.
There's even plenty of opportunity for both sightseeing and relaxation as Shimogyo is home to some of the city's most eye-popping temples and gardens making it an excellent choice for where to stay in Kyoto.
Attractions in Shimogyo: Nishi Hanganji Temple, Higashi Honganji Temple, Ryukoku Museum, Umekoji Park, Shōsei-en Garden, Kyoto Station
Recommended hotels in Shimogyo
With Kyoto Station at its fringe, Shimogyo has the highest concentration of hotels of all the wards. While there's no shortage at any budget, most of the top choices for where to stay in Shimogyo fall into the mid-range in both price and quality. What you'll find here will generally offer better value than in downtown Kyoto neighbourhoods like nearby Higashiyama or Nakagyo.
- Guesthouse Kyoto Compass: A budget guesthouse rich in classic Japanese style. Both tatami-style and dorm rooms with shared bathrooms are available.
- Booking.com | Agoda
- Luck You Kyoto: A beautifully-minimalist boutique guesthouse rocking out traditional Japanese-style rooms with futons and tatami. Unlike many ryokan, all rooms are equipped with private bathrooms.
- Booking.com | Agoda
- Daiwa Roynet Kyoto Ekimae: A brand-new 4-star featuring richly-modern decor with an Asian twist. Kyoto Station is a short 4-minute walk away to launch your most epic day trips.
- Booking.com | Agoda
- Hotel Granvia Kyoto: Attached to Kyoto Station, this grand 4.5-star is among some of the city's sleekest luxury hotels that doubles its value with its convenient location. With nine on-site restaurants, an indoor pool, and spa with a steam room and hot tub, we wouldn't blame you for spending as much time here as in downtown Kyoto. (Okay, maybe at little.) Book well ahead to get a shot at the best deals.
- Booking.com | Agoda
✔ Recommended area for a quieter setting at a cheaper price
Set away from the major commercial buzz, Kamigyo is a quieter residential area situated north of the more historic Nakagyo Ward. Kamigyo has a deep connection to the history of Kyoto. It's one of the city's two original wards, and long played home to imperial rulers and nobles.
Although you'll appreciate having more room to maneuver and think in choosing to stay in Kamigyo, the ward isn't short on sightseeing either. Kyoto Imperial Palace, one of the city's grandest monuments, calls the Kamigyo area home, as do a handful of beautiful temples and shrines.
Attractions in & around Kamigyo: Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kyoto Gyoen National Park, Kitano Tenmangu, Seimei Shrine, Nishijin Textile Centre, Daitoku-ji, Kyoto Railway Museum, Kyoto Aquarium, Umekoji Park
Recommended in Kamigyo
Compared to other wards in downtown Kyoto, you won't find as large of a selection when choosing where to stay in Kamigyo. The slightly less central location though means that what's offered in this area can generally be had at prices slightly lower than normal for Kyoto.
- Mosaic Machiya KSK: Set in a traditional wooden machiya (townhouse), this 2-star guesthouse oozes with classic appeal. The hotel's area, Kamishichiken, is famed for its geisha and is like a smaller, cheaper, and quieter alternative to the more popular Gion District.
- Booking.com | Agoda
- Ryokan Tori: An authentic ryokan nestled in a quiet neighbourhood. Rooms are offered up in traditional Japanese-style with both shared and private bathrooms.
- Booking.com | Agoda
- Suzakukan Suzaku Crossing: Super comfortable apartment-style rooms with everything you need for a full self-catering stay in Kyoto. Located within walking distance of Nijo Castle, but the more adventurous might be inclined to rent one of the property's electric bikes to travel around even quicker.
- Booking.com | Agoda
- Kyoto Brighton Hotel: A delightful 4.5-star that's surprisingly budget-friendly in the Kyoto luxury market. Room shun the usual small Japanese standard, showcasing large windows and luxurious bathtubs. The four on-site restaurants feature award-winning cuisine including Kyoto kaiseki (haute cuisine) at Hotaru. Book ahead well in advance to find the best deals.
- Booking.com | Agoda
✔ Top area for temple-hopping & quiet contemplation
It's slightly further afield, but don't discount Sakyo as one of the top-rated neighbourhoods in Kyoto to stay quite yet. Sakyo stretches north from the edge of Northern Higashiyama and the Gion area to the city's hilly northern fringes. Within it you'll find yourself face-to-face with some of the city's most coveted attractions.
Whether it's gawking at the must-see temples of Ginkaku-ji or Nanzen-ji or contemplating life's problems along the cherry-blossom-lined Philosopher's Walk (also known as Tetsugaku-no-Michi Street), Sakyo is one of the best choices for where to stay in Kyoto for travellers to attack their travel sightseeing itinerary with gusto.
Even outside of the heavy-hitters, Sakyo hides traditional teahouses, shops, and noodle joints that deliver the prospect of those bygone flavours of old Japan that brought you here in the first place.
Attractions in Sakyo: Ginkaku-ji, Nanzen-ji, Philosopher's Walk, Mount Hiei, Enryaku-ji
Recommended hotels in Sakyo
Like Kamigyo, Sakyo's "fringe" area status lowers the selection of availability when nailing down where to stay. Prices here though are more in line with what you'd expect closer to the centre. The quality, however, isn't quite as good as elsewhere.
You're likely to find a larger selection of better Kyoto hotels, surprisingly, at the same or better prices in Northern Higashiyama, Southern Higashiyama, Shimogyo, and Nakagyo.
- Ryokan Sawaya Honten: An elegant authentic ryokan in a quiet neighbourhood. Rooms are traditional Japanese-style with tatami floors and futons. A public onsen-style bath is available for use.
- Booking.com | Agoda
- Ryokan KANADE: A beautiful ryokan featuring bright and spacious rooms decked out in traditional style. The higher-end rooms feature a private Japanese stone garden to capture some zen moments amidst the stress of travelling.
- Booking.com | Agoda
- Ryokan Inn Yoshida-sanso: Occupying a former royal residence, this 4.5-star property is one of the most unique top-end hotels in Kyoto. The setting could hardly be more perfect, nestled in its own leafy corner of Kyoto and pushing forward tremendous views of the cityscape and surrounding mountains.
- Booking.com | Agoda
✔ Best district for escaping the buzz of central Kyoto for nature
Located outside of the central Kyoto in Ukyo Ward, Arashiyama is an area that most travellers either breeze through or never reach in the first place. It's a shame. There's a lot going on here, and if escaping the urban buzz is on your agenda, this might be the best area to stay in Kyoto to do it.
About thirty minutes outside of central Kyoto by public transportation, Arashiyama doesn't curry much favour among travellers thanks to its location. But it's serenity and smaller-town feel just might.
Arashiyama is home to the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, an otherworldly experience that's unmissable while visiting Kyoto. Throw in a handful of stunning temples and the cheeky monkeys at Kameyama-koen Park and it's easy to see how a stay in the Arashiyama area would add a little colour to your trip.
Attractions in Arashiyama: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple, Kameyama-koen Park, Nison-in Temple, Jojako-ji Temple, Adashino-Nembutsu-ji Temple, Gio-ji Temple, Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa, Tenzan-no-yu Onsen, Togetsu-kyo Bridge
Recommended hotels in Arashiyama
It's a bit of a stretch from central Kyoto, so don't be surprised to find there's not much in the way of selection when searching for where to stay in Arashiyama.
- Guesthouse Kyoto Arashiyama: Two bus stops from the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, this budget guesthouse features private rooms with both private and shared bathrooms.
- Booking.com | Agoda
- Mulan Hostel: A brand-new hostel in the limited Arashiyama lodgings scene. Both private rooms and dorms are available, all featuring shared bathrooms.
- Booking.com | Agoda
- Arashiyama Benkei: An elegant ryokan uniquely set upon its own private hot spring. Some reservations include a delicious multi-course Kyoto kaiseki dinner.
- Booking.com | Agoda
The best hotels in Kyoto: 15 top accommodations at every budget
As Kyoto is the top sightseeing city in Japan, it shouldn't be surprising that accommodations range between budget hotels and hostels to some of the most luxurious digs in the country. Of course, in a city this big, searching for the perfect place to stay isn't necessarily going to be easy!
In whatever price range you're in on search for where to stay in Kyoto, keep in mind that Japan has a well-earned reputation for not being the most budget-friendly of travel destinations. Kyoto definitely follows suit.
Like other major Japanese cities, Kyoto hotels don't come cheap. For a price that could, for example, snag you one of the top hotels in other cities like Seoul or Kuala Lumpur, you'll be barely cracking the mid-range in Kyoto. That's not to say good deals and excellent value can't be found here.
To help you sort through the chaos, we've created this round-up of the top 15 Kyoto hotels at every budget… Whatever you're willing to spend, you'll find the perfect room right here…
Let's face it: If you're practicing extreme travel budgeting, Japan is probably not the place for you. Much like staying in Tokyo, your budget will get stretched to the max here. Even dorm rooms in hostels in high season can inch towards the triple digits!
In this category, expect to pay up to $120-150 per night for a single room. Here are a couple of the best budget hotels in Kyoto…
Kyoto Morris Hostel
Setting new standards in the hostel industry the Kyoto Morris Hostel in central Kyoto is brand new and spotlessly clean. This stylish and well-designed hostel is furnished with large, comfortable beds, each one curtained off for privacy. If sharing a room is not for you, there are also private rooms on offer.
Ready to get your morning started? Wake up to a sumptuous breakfast buffet at the Kyoto Morris Hostel, and be on your way. In the evening the breakfast area is transformed into a comfortable bar, where guests can share the day's adventures with the friendly, English speaking staff.
Conveniently situated near shops and restaurants, this top choice for where to stay in Kyoto is a the perfect place to borrow a bicycle from your hosts and scoot around to make the most out of your trip to the city.
Guest House Oumi
A little gem in Nakagyo, Guest House Oumi is full of little Japanese touches from bamboo gardens to bonsai trees and paper lanterns. Air-conditioned rooms lead out onto balconies, and you can save on costs because the facilities include a communal kitchen and a laundry.
Enjoy a tasty breakfast in your room before relaxing in the sunroom or the garden. For a more active holiday, rent a bike from your hosts and venture into the exciting streets of downtown Kyoto.
Centrally located, Guest House Oumi is close to Nijo Station, and several tourist attractions including Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, the Manga Museum and Nijo Castle are within walking distance.
Bird Hostel
Enjoy bright and airy rooms that peer out onto the gardens at the affordable Bird Hostel. Your overnight stay includes a tasty breakfast. There's even a limited dinner menu for guests.
Enjoy an authentic Japanese food party hosted by the staff every week. For a lazy afternoon, sip coffee or grab a late drink in the popular coffee bar and get to know your fellow travellers.
From Bird Hostel, it's easy to rent a bike during your stay to explore the surrounding neighbourhood, an area teeming with Japanese history, quaint shops and tasty restaurants. The magnificent Kyoto Imperial Palace is just steps away.
Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
Enjoy the uniquely Japanese stylings of the modern and well-run Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo. Each of the hotel's comfortable rooms sport private bathrooms and are equipped with a refrigerator, a kettle and a television.
Wake up at Hotel Gracery to delicious Western or Asian breakfast buffets served daily in the breakfast room. If you would prefer not to purchase breakfast, the property offers complimentary sweet rolls and coffee to start your day.
The Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo sits in a super central location making it an amazing choice for where to stay in Kyoto. It's located near several major bus and train routes and is alongside a busy shopping district containing loads of shops and Japanese restaurants. The concierge at the front desk will gladly help you to plan out your day.
Vessel Hotel Campana Kyoto Gojo
Modern and functional, the Vessel Hotel Campana Kyoto Gojo offers Western-style accommodation in the heart of Japan's former imperial capital. Grab a tasty and convenient meal at the restaurant and relax in the lounge bar before retiring to your comfortable room.
Start each day of your stay with a Japanese or a Western-style breakfast before borrowing a bicycle to explore your surroundings. To head a little further afoot, hop onto the subway. The property is conveniently located just a stone's throw away from Gojo Station.
The Vessel Campana Kyoto Gojo offers a complimentary drink service in the restaurant daily between 2 pm and 11 pm where you can quiz other guests on their Japan travel experiences. End your evening in the sauna or the public onsen bath and experience true relaxation Japan-style.
Spend a little more in Kyoto and you're bound to find a whole new world open up to you. The middle of the lodgings market is where the former imperial capital of Japan sees the lion's share of its offerings. What you'll get can be surprisingly good value if you sort through it enough.
Expect to pay between $150-$250 per night. Here are 5 of our top choices for the best mid-range hotels in Kyoto…
Hotel Keihan Kyoto Grande
You'll find a variety of rooms on offer at the Hotel Keihan Kyoto Grande from luxurious units with free movie channels and free access to the lounge to ladies' rooms with face steamers and massage cushions.
Enjoy a Western or Japanese breakfast at the start of the day and tuck into a wide range of Mediterranean cuisine at the on-site restaurant in the evening. From June to August, the Keihan Kyoto Grande hosts a rooftop beer garden and Brazilian barbecue with once-a-week live entertainment.
And, for travellers, the location doesn't get much better. The hotel connects directly to Kyoto Station, and is within walking distance of several shrines, temples, gardens, and a popular shopping area.
Kyoto Granbell Hotel
The stylish Kyoto Granbell Hotel swaggers with a blend of modern and traditional Japanese styles. The hotel's plush décor features tatami floors and other Japanese elements scattered throughout. Rooms are light and airy and not too small.
The Western and Japanese breakfasts at Kyoto Granbell will have you coming back for more during the course of your stay. The communal bath is a great way to end the day, followed by a meal in the restaurant and a sundowner in the bar. If you'd rather eat out, the hotel is located in Gion, just around the corner from some of the district's tastiest restaurants along Hanamikoji Dori.
Situated within minutes from the Keihan Train Station and within walking distance of a number of tourist attractions, the Kyoto Granbell is the perfect place to launch your travel adventures.
Hotel Vista Premio Kyoto
Combining modern functionality with traditional Japanese décor, the rooms at Hotel Vista Premio Kyoto shun the usual tiny Japanese size standards to give you a little more breathing room. At this delightful 4-star, you're always assured a good night's sleep. All the rooms are soundproofed to keep the sounds of the world at bay.
With its four on-site restaurants, the Vista Premio Kyoto is perfect for foodies who want to stick close to home. Whether its Japanese BBQ beef at Itsushima, Italian pasta at Roccaccio, a breakfast buffet at Mokumoku or Chinese hotpot at XiaoFeiYang, there's a dish to suit every taste here.
And the location of the Vista Premio Kyoto gets top marks, too. Located next to a shopping centre, one of the busiest pedestrian roads in Kyoto and within walking distance of Gion and Nishiki Market, this hotel is the perfect base to explore the city to its fullest.
Royal Park Hotel The Kyoto
The stylish Royal Park Hotel The Kyoto impresses with an unstated modern elegance that's low on flashiness and high on comfort. The modern air-conditioned rooms are a tad larger than you might expect in most Kyoto hotels.
Extras like carbonated spring bathtubs and in-house massages makes the Royal Park the perfect spot for relaxing after a busy day on the town. There's even two on-site restaurants including Monsieur Ito, a restaurant run by an award-winning chef that served Western food sprinkled with local flavours.
For those who want to enjoy all Kyoto offers, you can't beat the location. With two train stations within two blocks, you'll be able to spread your wings and scoot around the entire area & Kyoto with ease.
On foot, you're within walking distance of the beautiful cherry-blossom-lined Shirakawa-minami Dori across the river and Kiyo-machi Dori, one of the yummiest food streets in Kyoto.
Aoi Hotel Kyoto
Sip sake when you arrive at the brand-new Aoi Hotel Kyoto. The hotel is small, so the service is highly personalized. Staff here will always go out of their way to make you feel special.
If it's space you're looking for when figuring our where to stay, the boutique Aoi Hotel delivers. The modern and spacious suites feature balconies overlooking the river and en-suite bathrooms that boast both bathtubs and showers with electronic water systems and washlet toilets. The suites even come equipped with full kitchenettes to help you save costs by eating in.
Best of all, the Aoi Kyoto is only a five minutes' walk from Kawaramachi Station, and ten minutes from some of the city's most exciting shopping and entertainment areas. Even the charms of Gion and Higashiyama dwell just across the Kamo River from the hotel.
With Kyoto's popularity rising among travellers, it's no surprise that the city hosts some of the country's finest 5-star properties to stay at. Unlike in other cities like Tokyo, Kyoto's top-end hotels steal less from modern gleaming skyscraper playbook and incorporate more traditional elements into the experience.
When you're looking at the top 5-stars in the city, expect to pay at least $250 per night—and, oftentimes, much, much more! Here are our top picks for the best luxury hotels in Kyoto…
The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
If you're looking for pure, unadulterated lavishness when deciding where to stay look no further than The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto. Clinging to the banks of the Kamo River with splendid views of the mountains, this 5-star gem was awarded Condé Nast's Best Hotel in the Japan Traveller Readers' Choice Awards 2017.
Just one kilometre from the city centre, the large suites at The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto are modelled on traditional Meiji era houses. Here tables are adorned with orchids and window sills with bonsai trees. Each room features large marble bathrooms with a rain shower and soaker tub. For a particularly unique stay, book yourself into one of the spectacular garden rooms that lead off into traditional Japanese Zen gardens.
At this top Kyoto hotel, you'll never find yourself twiddling your thumbs. Learn Japanese floral design and origami, or, if crafts aren't quite your thing, relax with a massage in the spa, sweat out some sake in the gym or float aimlessly in the indoor pool.
There's even three top-notch on-site restaurants including the meticulously crafted kaiseki meals at Mizuki and the fresh Italian flavours of La Locanda making this hotel the perfect choice for where to stay in Kyoto.
Hyatt Regency Kyoto
The beautiful Hyatt Regency Kyoto combines modern comfort with Japanese tradition. In its grounds, this top-end 5-star hotel features an 850-year-old garden was once part of Kyoto Imperial Palace.
Paper lanterns gently light the spacious rooms where framed kimono fabrics line the walls. After soaking in the tub in the large granite-laden bathrooms, head off to one of the three on-site restaurants to sample the fine French, Italian or Japanese cuisine.
Indulge yourself at the spa of the Hyatt Regency Kyoto which offers more treatments than any other hotel spa in Japan. Here you can enjoy aromatherapy, shiatsu massages, and acupuncture.
The Hyatt Regency is conveniently situated next to the Sanjusangendo Temple, one of the most popular & fascinating temples in Kyoto, and is right across the road from the Kyoto National Museum.
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
In the temple area at the base of the Higashiyama mountains, the serene and stylish Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto offers light and spacious rooms with full wall windows that overlook gardens or lead onto balconies. The décor inside and out combines both modern style and traditional touches, embodying Japanese culture with bamboo forests and manicured gardens, tatami, and shoji screens.
Cross a glass bridge to an ancient 800-year-old pond garden where you can experience a tea ceremony. You can even enjoy the garden views while you eat local dishes at The Brasserie. Additional amenities at the Four Seasons Kyoto for your stay include massage services, steam rooms, saunas, and a swimming pool.
Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto
For the past four years the prestigious Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto has received three black pavilions from the Michelin Guides. The enormous rooms are stylishly furnished with luxurious finishes and all the conveniences you expect in a top end hotel.
When staying at the Nikko Princess Kyoto, take the chance to indulge in a spa or a massage in the beauty parlour. Or if you prefer to get moving, splash around a bit in the pool or workout in the fully-equipped gym.
End off the day at the Nikko Princess Kyoto with a pre-dinner cocktail in the cozy bar followed by a French, Japanese or Cantonese meal in one of the hotel's five on-site restaurants.
The convenient Nikko Princess is located just three minutes from Shijo Station. Many of the most popular historical & cultural attractions lie within a short walking distance, making this elegant hotels one of the top places to consider when wondering where to stay in Kyoto.
Hotel Granvia Kyoto
The elegant and contemporary Hotel Granvia Kyoto boasts nine restaurants, three cozy cocktail lounges and an art gallery displaying over a thousand works of art. Located in Kyoto Station, the city's main train station and transportation hub, this modern property is at the centre of the activity.
Experience the true taste of Japan in one of four on-site restaurants or feast your eyes onto the cityscape while indulging your taste for French cuisine.
If you prefer to eat alone, private dining facilities offer both Western and Japanese cuisine. A modern lounge and cozy bar round off the offerings at the Granvia Kyoto.
Before retiring to the comfort of your stylish suite, stopover at the indoor pool, relax in the Jacuzzi or work out in the on-site fitness centre.
Summary: The best places to stay in Kyoto
Still scratching your head on where to stay in Kyoto? Here are a few final accommodations recommendations…
- Need a great budget Kyoto hotel with a good location? The tastefully Japanese-inspired Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo offers 4-star lodgings for 2-star prices in a central location that can hardly be beat.
- Craving modern boutique lodging at a mid-range price? The beautiful Royal Park Hotel The Kyoto indulges its guests with large comfortable rooms and a spectacular on-site restaurants run by an award-winning local chef.
- Searching the pinnacle of luxuriousness? There's no better 5-star home away from home than the Four Seasons Kyoto, combining a stunning setting, luxurious amenities, and traditional design elements for an experience like none other in Kyoto.
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Little Huia Café – Shanghai
ADDRESS: 403 Dagu Lu, near Shimen Lu, Jing'an (on the other side of apartment complex Top of City)
NEAREST METRO: Nanjing Rd (W), 15 mins. Walk
ACCEPTS: Cash, Local and international cards accepted (No American Express)
WEB: www.littlehuia.com
Where we stayed upon arriving in Shanghai was really close to a few choice eateries. After our long flight from Sydney we decided to wander (in a haze) around and happened across this café, so being true kiwis we thought we should at least go and frequent the café, more so out of curiosity rather than necessity.
The first thing that sprung to mind for me as we entered was how dark the décor was. Presumably to represent the black out of most modern kiwi symbols i.e.: The All Blacks (rugby team), the silver fern emblem (silver fern on a black background), most NZ national sports teams' attire etc. The upstairs seating area is selectively lit but predominantly dark. The main area as you enter has all the natural light coming in so is consequently well lit. (Not sure if it is to contrast between the silver and black…who knows)
The second thing that struck me was the background or "ambience" music that was being played, not sure about most people but Kiwi music is not Taylor Swift or whatever it was that was playing which sounded eerily like Taylor Swift,(not that we have anything against Taylor Swift or the like) but being called Little Huia and marketing itself as a Kiwi Café you would at least expect some quality NZ sounds a little Dave Dobbyn, Fat Freddys Drop, Rhombus or other equally as amazing NZ Music artists to be played (we are by no means NZ music elitists, but every time we went there it was the same music!)
It's a quaint little place with lots of Kiwi themed food (i.e lamb, organic etc ) and beverages available and even some Australian drinks as well. As you can come to expect with most Shanghai wait crew, the staff tentativeness is hit and miss, same crew on most days but some days they paid attention to you and were amazing and some days they just looked like you were hindering them from doing nothing.
It's fairly reasonably priced for laowai/foreign food and seems to get a good trade which is always warming to see. They also do a monthly event where you can head in and have a cuppa with other expats of the same ilk arranged via the Kea network in Shanghai.
Brunch Menu range: 40RMB for Blueberry Pancakes or Omelette to 65RMB for the Big Breakfast (bacon, egg, sausages, hash brown, mushies, tomatoes and toast)
Lunch Menu range: Wraps, pastas, burgers, sandwiches, pizza and soup 45RMB to 90RMB eg.NZ lamb wrap w/pepper, onion, goats cheese and fries 55RMB, Kiwi Burger w/lettuce, onion, cheese, lamb Pattie, side of fries 90RMB.
Dinner Menu range: STD Mains, Salads and Desserts. Salads 40RMB – 65RMB e.g. Rocket & asiago Salad 40RMB. Mains 90RMB to 198RMB e.g. Shepard's Pie – lamb patty with mash topping and side of steamed greens 90RMB, NZ Sirloin (250grms with a choice of chips, mash and red wine or black peppercorn sauce) 198RMB
All desserts 30RMB – Pavlova, Manuka Honey panna cotta (delicious) Cheesecake, Brownie, Sticky Date pudding or NZ Ice cream.
Drinks Menu range: Alcoholic and non-Alcoholic. 15RMB for Soft drinks through to 60RMB for a glass of red/white wine. Beer is 25RMB local and 30RMB for import – Corona, Stoke gold, Coopers etc.
Given the locale we ended up frequenting the café a few times and tried various beverages and meals.
The best meals we had there was the Kiwi Fish and Chips, the fish (snapper) was fantastic (didn't taste frozen) and there wasn't tons of batter coating the pieces and the chips were cooked to perfection and the rocket and asiago salad. Yes, a salad! I think the combination of the asiago with the delicious pacific rose apple slices and the white balsamic vinegar dressing really made this a delicious side dish (or even main if you're so inclined). Also the Manuka Honey panna cotta dessert was really truly delicious, smooth in consistency with the right amount of Manuka honey and the tartness of the kiwifruit offsetting the creaminess of the panna cotta and the sweet from the honey.
All in all a good little place, we both really like it and we hope they continue their success and that it remains as a mainstay for the expat kiwi community here in Shanghai.
Note: No photos were taken but if we ever head back there again I will endeavour to snap away!


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As seen on TheBradentonTimes.com
Published Tuesday, February 22, 2011 2:00 am
by Dennis Maley
BRADENTON – Sunday's 2011 Lincoln Day Dinner, was a showcase of GOP heavyweights rallying in a Florida stronghold going into a pivotal election season. Republican stars like Congressman Vern Buchanan, FL Senators Mike Bennett and Mike Haridopolos warmed up an excited crowd with a consistent theme of less spending, lower taxes and less regulation of industry.
Haridopolos, who is running for the GOP nomination in the 2012 U.S. Senate race to dethrone incumbent Bill Nelson was warmly received after a glowing introduction form his colleague Bennett and would seem to have a good jump on early support from the local area. In what was expected to be a a very crowded primary, Haridopolos is quickly emerging as the front-runner, raising a million dollars in a single day recently, when he launched his campaign.
The main event was Fox News correspondent and political consultant Dick Morris, who whipped the crowd into a frenzy with broad condemnations of President Obama's fiscal policies from health care reform to misspent stimulus and flawed tax policy. Morris, who is best known for managing President Clinton's reelection in 1996, as well as his return victory after losing the Arkansas governorship, has most often worked with Republican candidates and is roundly viewed as one of the most influential conservatives in Washington.
The sold out event was held by the Republican Party of Manatee County at the Municipal Auditorium, with a VIP reception at the South Florida Museum preceding.
Senator Pat & Charlene Neal
Bill Galvano for State Senate, District 21
Benderson Development Company, LLC
U. S. Congressman Vern & Sandy Buchanan
Medallion Home
Sabrina's Gulf Coast Window Cleaning
Schroeder Manatee Ranch, Inc.
Bogey's Sports Pub
County Commissioner Donna Hayes
East Manatee Republican Club
Gulf Coast Builders Exchange
Larry Lieberman
Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A.
MCREC Chairman Kathleen King
Merchant Services Consulting Group, Inc
Mills Gilbane
Mixon Fruit Farms
Representative Jim Boyd, District 68
Republican Manatee County Commissioners
Robert M. Levy & Associates
Ron and Shannon Ciaravella
Shinn & Company LLC
Waste Management
Representative Greg Steube, District 67
Storage Now
TriEst Ag Group, Inc.


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About The Alcatel GO FLIP 4GB (Black)
Feature Highlights:
- Alcatel Proprietary OS.
- LTE Bands B2/4/5/7/12/13/17,
HSPA / UMTS Bands B2/4/5, GSM/GPRS/EDGE Bands 850/900/1800/1900MHz.
- Quad-Core, Qualcomm, Snapdragon™ 210 Processor.
- 2.8", 240 x 320, QVGA TFT-TN main display and 1.44" eternal preview display.
- 2MP front-facing (main) camera with dedicated capture button.
- 4GB memory (end user amount varies), expandable up to 32GB via MicroSD cards (sold separately).
- 512MB of RAM.
- Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
- Bluetooth 3.0.
- 3.5mm audio jack.
- 0.7 watt speaker.
- Micro USB charging port.
- 1350mAh embedded (non-removable), quick-charge capable battery providing up to 8 hours of talk-time or up to 330 hours of standby time (optimal conditions).
- This device utilizes a Nano SIM Card.
OEM Support:
- 1 year limited warranty covered by Alcatel.
- Alcatel Call Centre support is available by phone at 855-844-6058. Hours of operations are 8am - 8pm Monday to Friday & 8am - 4pm Saturday (CST).
Included Accessories (may not be exactly as pictured)
Standard Battery
Wall AC Adapter


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Mountain Brook Craft Co-op
For more than 60 years, the members of the Mountain Brook Ladies Club have contributed time and money for the betterment of the community. The Mountain Brook Craft Cooperative was formed to provide a sales outlet for the goods created by members of the Mountain Brook Ladies Club. They have quilted, canned, cooked, and fashioned handicrafts to sell in order to put money back into the neighborhood. Members of the club are known for their beautiful quilts, but they are also skilled in a number of different forms of needlework and fiber arts.
The group sponsors an Annual Craft Market every October. Every item is carefully crafted by hand with no assembly-line products offered, and we are proud that our Market features Made-in-Montana items. Cooperative members also contract for a limited number of custom orders for quilts and other handcrafted items.
The Northwest Montana community of Mountain Brook is located in the shadow of the mountains of Glacier National Park. This is a community surrounded by natural beauty where people work together to make it a good place to live.
Mountain Brook Craft Cooperative from Montana Co-op Development Center on Vimeo.
(406) 727-1517
12 3rd Street NW, Suite #110
P.O. Box 3027
Great Falls, Montana 59403


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Trace: » faro_transfer_in_algarve_portugal
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Summertime is simply around the edge and for all those who are thinking about an Algarve trip then you must also think about some Faro Flight terminal transfers as well to your holiday location from Faro Airport.
Generally when preparing a good, warm, warm holiday to a specifically fascinating vacationing area, the majority of people have the tendency to concentrate on arranging for airplane tickets and holiday accommodation. Both of which are rather possibly the most essential things to organize as very early and as financially as possible, but most of the times they stop right there and they shouldn't.
When in the Algarve you'll should get to where you'll be going, and this implies organizing for some kind of transportation. This is true even if you're preparing on investing your vacation in Faro– since this is most likely where you'll be landing– since you'll should get from the Faro airport to your holiday accommodation.
The demand for Faro Airport transfers ares more poignant when your location is numerous miles away from Faro, perhaps it's an hour's drive from Faro, you'll need some kind of little automobile or minivan, depending of the number of people you are travel with, to take you there. faro transfer is an area most folks wanna know about and you can find out more by checking out this site: Cheap Faro Airport Transfers. Sure you can pick a taxi, but the problem with the taxis is that their fares are unknown and some locations can be more than a hundred miles away, that will cost you an extremely pretty penny. Much so, that it can be enough to seriously put a damage in your travel budget plan as well as your state of mind for the rest of your vacation.
With Faro transfers on the various other hand, you'll know the final and exact expense of the transfer, before you confirm it, so now you'll have a fixed expense– similar to your accommodation or plane tickets– that you can't truly skirt around, which you can now consider while preparing your vacation spending plan.
By booking some Faro transfers online, not only will you have an easy time doing it, but you can also book the transfer back at the exact same time, not to point out possible trips to any other destination around the Algarve region, like Albufeira, Lagos, Tavira, Vilamoura, Quarteira, Alvor, Praia da Luz and lots of more.
Take your time, look closely at exactly what Faro Airport transfers imply and make the selection early at the finest cost.


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By Gregory Hale
Nothing good comes from a disaster, but if people and companies can learn not to let it happen again, then at least that is one positive.
That is what appears to be happening after the Piper Alpha disaster over 25 years ago and the BP Deepwater Horizon catastrophe four years ago. The positive signs came from a presentation Tuesday at the AIChE Spring Meeting and 10th Global Congress on Process Safety in New Orleans.
Safety Incidents: Finding Root of Incident
Safety Incident Leads to Pursuit of Excellence
Innovation: Look at Facts, not Hype
Digging for Details in WV Chemical Spill
Robin Pitblado of DNV GL talked about a conference held last year in the UK commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Piper Alpha disaster in the North Sea, which left 167 dead. At that conference Pitblado said there were presentations made that showed how much the industry has moved forward and appears to not be making the same mistakes. Piper Alpha was a gas platform destroyed in an explosion and the resulting oil and gas fires destroyed it on 6 July 1988. There were only 61 survivors. The total insured loss was $3.4 billion and at the time of the disaster, the platform accounted for 10 percent of North Sea oil and gas production.
"The Piper Alpha incident went escalating from a survivable event to an unsurvivable event very quickly," Pitblado said. "There was an inquiry (after the incident) and many good things came out of the accident."
Pitblado went on to discuss other papers presented at the Alpha Piper conference like the one that talked about the Lord Cullen inquiry that said "no amount of detailed regulations could make up for deficiencies in the way safety is managed by operators."
One of the things that also came out the Piper Alpha inquiries was the idea of the role humans play in the safety environment.
"In 1988, people didn't talk about the human factors at all," Pitblado said.
One of the outcomes since Piper Alpha occurred in 1988, has been a safer North Sea.
"Major incidents globally do continue at too high of a rate," he said. "The North Sea had two total losses in the 1980s and has not had one since then."
Piper Alpha happened over 25 years ago, but another major incident that occurred offshore is the infamous BP Deepwater Horizon incident. The company since that time is working to achieve greater levels of safety, said Steve Flynn, BP's global head of Risk, Learning and Health Safety and Environment (HSE).
He said tools can end up applied throughout the corporation to lower levels of risk. He also knows safety is also an enabler to a more profitable corporation.
"A safe business is very much a successful business." Flynn said.
One of the approaches BP does is it uses an operating management system (OMS), Flynn said.
In addition, among the many safety initiatives, BP has three levels of checks and balances. One is self verification, the other is assurance and the third level is audit.
During the four years since the incident in the Gulf of Mexico, Flynn said BP's safety mantra has grown and evolved.
"There is still more to do," he said, "this is a continuous journey for us and for the industry.


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Sold Out
Hand-Dyed 20/2 Bombyx Silk Yarn ~ Winter Sage
A delicate sage green bombyx silk weaving yarn.
This gorgeous silk yarn is hand-dyed by Treenway Silks in Colorado. Treenway Silks is will known in the weaving community for their expert dyeing and brilliant colors. If you're looking for a truly luxurious weaving yarn, this is it.
The skein is approximately 100 grams and 1,100 yards. 20/2 yarn with a recommended EPI of 24-28. Suitable for warp and weft.


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Summer may be over but t-shirts never go out of style. A simple t-shirt can undoubtedly be one of the most versatile outfits you can own.
You can pair it with jeans, shorts, skirts or even wear it underneath a vest, or throw on a blazer. There are so many options to choose from. As comfy and trendy a white t-shirt may be, it is time you step up your game to a new level and upgrade to movie t-shirts.
Countless people walk around wearing meaningless logos and slogans printed on their shirts but why would you do that when you can wear something that reflects your personal style and taste? Here's why you should ditch boring old tees and upgrade your style:
Whether you are a big fan of Clueless or just can't get enough of vampires, t-shirts are a great way to display your undying love for your favorite movies. The shirt will also help you locate other fans whether you are standing in a queue or running errands. Soon enough, you will be recognized as a hardcore fan anywhere you go.
You need not always compromise on comfort when comes to looking trendy and stylish. T-shirts are light and breezy to put on and are the perfect attire if you have planned a casual day out with friends or are going on your first date at a low-key restaurant.
Invest in a t-shirt in trendy colors, such as grey, blue, or black and pair it with a vest or a jacket depending on where you are headed. The final look is sure to make you a showstopper wherever you go.
You can find your favorite movie t-shirt in practically any size and color you want. A black shirt is perfect if you are heading out to run errands or a bright one will work perfectly if you are headed somewhere festive and want to appear trendy. The wide color selection allows you to buy a shirt according to your mood.
Make a style statement and ditch the trends that cause everybody to look the same. Everybody has their unique taste, hence if you are bored of wearing the same outdated clothes and cannot stand to follow celebrity trends, movie t-shirts are sure to help you stand out in the crowd.
With these customized t-shirts, you can express your personal style, whether you opt for a funny quote, a well-known slogan or a picture of your favorite movie character, the shirt will communicate your ideology and bring out your personality.
T-shirts are the most affordable yet trendiest piece of clothing you can get your hands on. You can always buy a bunch of t-shirts at an incredibly affordable rate. Be on the lookout for deals and discounts where you can buy your favorite t-shirts for less.
While you probably cannot wear your favorite t-shirt to work or to your friend's wedding, it is suitable for most occasions. Whether you are going to a concert, headed to a frat party or are going to town to run some errands, t-shirts are suitable for all occasions and can be even toned down.
For example, if you are wearing a horror-movie t-shirt and are going to the library, simply throw a blazer or a jacket on top and you will be able to avoid unnecessary stares without compromising on style.
Everybody from kids and adults to grandparents can enjoy this comfortable piece of clothing. Wearing customized t-shirts, hoodies and jerseys are a fun and casual way to express and highlight your sense of humor. Dressing up should be all about displaying your creative side and Expression Tees allows you to do just that.
Wear a T-shirt of your favorite movie quote to a concert and people are bound to stop and tell you how they are a fan as well. Such t-shirts are the perfect go-to attire if you are headed to a college reunion or somewhere you would like to socialize and meet new people. You will be overwhelmed by all the attention and are likely to find yourself under the spotlight if your shirt becomes a hit.
Are you and your friends a fan of the same movie character? Movie t-shirts make an affordable gift and are the perfect option if you are handing out presents to multiple people.
You can purchase t-shirts in bulk at an incredibly affordable rate without worrying about finding the right size and color. The t-shirts can also be used to create uniformity among team members of the same club or fan group.
Keeping up with the latest fashion trends can be exhausting, not to mention a waste of time in most cases. Luckily, throwing on a simple yet trendy article of clothing, such a vintage t-shirt, can save you a lot of time and effort. Depending on the style or quotation you choose, people will stop to catch a glimpse of your awesome t-shirt.
One of the coolest things about a t-shirt is the simple article of clothing leaves much room for accessories. Whether you decide to pair it up with a statement necklace or a cool pair of shades, the choice is yours. Boys may experiment with trendy backpacks or with a nice pair of boots to complete their look.
This versatile piece of clothing is sure to stand out as long as it is executed properly. Check out Expression Tee's wide range of t-shirts, jerseys and shirts if you are looking for something comfortable or trendy to wear.


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Been busy finishing my complete cover for the Novel.
Book cover images copyright (c) 2012 Nathan Toulane
Suffice to say, with my little experience I posses in PDF editing - I think I've done a good job.
Getting my 'publisher' icon on the spine - was an achievement in itself.
And to think, somebody wanted $300 dollars plus, to make me a cover!
A writer, lost amongst the mayhem of the 'cyber-world'.
About Me
- Nathan Toulane
- London, United Kingdom
- 'Inspiration and creativity cost nothing. Politicians and wars cost millions!'
Sunday, 29 July 2012
One Piece Cover
Posted by Nathan Toulane at 16:22 No comments: Links to this post
Friday, 20 July 2012
Press Release
Author Releases New Biblical Horror Tale: "The Ring in the Glass" Or Here Click Here
Posted by Nathan Toulane at 16:13 No comments: Links to this post
Sunday, 15 July 2012
Interview Vblog
Well I did a video - with me talking about my forthcoming novel 'The Ring in the Glass'.
I edited the video with Adobe Premiere Elements.
I edited the video with Adobe Premiere Elements.
Posted by Nathan Toulane at 19:44 No comments: Links to this post
Friday, 13 July 2012
Yesterday I sent an email to 'The Archbishop of Canterbury':
Wondering, if he may take a look at my forthcoming novel – I haven't heard back yet, nevertheless, hopefully he may request a copy.
As for promotion for my book – looking to do a press release soon, if, I feel it may help my purpose.
Well all for the moment.
Posted by Nathan Toulane at 14:39 No comments: Links to this post
Sunday, 1 July 2012
Literary Agent route with my novel
I'll be going it alone then. My novel is pencilled in for release: Autumn 2012, through Createspace.
However, if there're any hang-ups, it'll be January 2013 at the earliest.
Roll on the next few months...
THE RING IN THE GLASS' is dark and authoritative yet beautifully written. It has practically no equivalent when it comes to scaring its reader. This is thrilling stuff, dispatched with all the careful effort, which is Nathan Toulane's expertise. If the reader is eager to hitch a ride into true biblical, religious horror, 'THE RING IN THE GLASS' will not disappoint. Turn the pages if you dare.
Posted by Nathan Toulane at 15:21 No comments: Links to this post
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Here's a quick video of Pecx' 1971 Nissan Skyline 2000GT KGC10 Hakosuka. If you haven't already, make sure to check out the photos of this beast in our previous gallery post. We met Pecx at the Rice and Coffee meet in Houston Texas during Super Bowl weekend. He was gracious enough to let us shoot his Skyline which he purchased from Rocky Auto Japan and imported to the states. Awesome car and awesome classic Japanese car enthusiast! Thanks Pecx!
Make sure to check out our online store for all the best drifting and automotive gear. Thanks for watching!