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United Nations Organizations:
Enhanced Efforts Needed to Increase U.S. Employment at UN Agencies
GAO-07-1152T: Published: Aug 1, 2007. Publicly Released: Aug 1, 2007.
Additional Materials:
- Highlights Page:
- Full Report:
- Accessible Text:
(202) 512-9601
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This testimony discusses ways to improve the representation of American professionals at United Nations (UN) organizations. The U.S. Congress continues to be concerned about the underrepresentation of American professionals employed by some UN organizations and that insufficient progress has been made to improve U.S. representation. The equitable representation of Americans at UN organizations is a priority to Congress in part because the United States is the largest financial contributor to most of these organizations. Moreover, according to the U.S. Department of State (State), Americans bring desirable skills, values, and experience that can have a significant impact on UN organizations' operational effectiveness. This testimony is based on a report that we issued on September 6, 2006. This testimoney will discuss (1) U.S. representation status and employment trends at five UN organizations, (2) factors affecting these organizations' ability to meet U.S. representation targets, and (3) State's efforts to improve U.S. representation and additional efforts that can be taken.
The United States was underrepresented in three of the five UN agencies we reviewed, and increased hiring of U.S. citizens is needed to meet agreed-upon employment targets. Based on UN agencies' formal or informal targets for equitable geographic representation, U.S. citizens were underrepresented at IAEA, UNESCO, and UNHCR, and equitably represented at the UN Secretariat, though close to the lower end of its target range. UNDP had not established a target for U.S. representation, although U.S. citizens filled about 11 percent of the agency's professional positions. Given projected staff levels, retirements, and separations for 2006 to 2010, the Secretariat, IAEA, UNESCO, and UNHCR would need to hire more Americans than they have hired in recent years to meet their minimum targets for equitable U.S. representation in 2010. Summary While the UN agencies we reviewed faced some common barriers to recruiting and retaining professional staff, including Americans, they also faced distinct challenges. Most of these barriers and challenges were outside of the U.S. government's control. Six barriers common to UN agencies we reviewed included nontransparent human resource practices; a limited number of positions open to external candidates; lengthy hiring processes; comparatively low or unclear compensation; required staff mobility and rotation policies; and limited U.S. government support during Americans' efforts to obtain, or be promoted at, a UN job. These barriers combined with distinct agency-specific factors to impede recruitment and retention. For example, candidates serving in professional positions funded by their member governments were more likely to be hired by the Secretariat than those who took the Secretariat's entry-level exam; however, the United States had not funded such positions at the Secretariat. In addition, IAEA had difficulty attracting U.S. employees because the number of U.S. nuclear specialists was decreasing. State has increased its efforts to support the goal of achieving equitable U.S. representation at UN organizations, and additional options exist to target professional positions. State has targeted efforts to recruit U.S. candidates for senior and policymaking UN positions, and, although it was difficult to directly link State's efforts to UN hiring decisions, U.S. representation in senior and policymaking positions either improved or did not reflect a trend in each of the five UN agencies we reviewed. State also has undertaken several efforts to improve overall U.S. representation, including adding staff to its UN employment office and increasing coordination with other U.S. agencies that work with UN organizations. For positions below the senior level, State focused on "getting the word out" by, for example, disseminating information on UN vacancies through its Web site, attending career fairs and conferences, and other means. Despite these efforts, U.S. representation in entry-level positions declined or did not display a trend in four of the five UN agencies we reviewed. Additional options to target potential pools of candidates for professional positions include: maintaining a roster of qualified American candidates; expanding marketing and outreach activities; increasing UN employment information on U.S. agency Web sites; and conducting an assessment of the costs and benefits of sponsoring Junior Professional Officers (JPO), who are entry-level employees that are financially supported by their home government.
Jun 13, 2017
U.S. Foreign Assistance:Inventory of Strategies at Selected AgenciesGAO-17-563R: Published: Jun 13, 2017. Publicly Released: Jun 13, 2017.
Jun 12, 2017
Customs and Border Protection:Improved Planning Needed to Strengthen Trade EnforcementGAO-17-618: Published: Jun 12, 2017. Publicly Released: Jun 12, 2017.
May 24, 2017
Electronic Cigarettes:U.S. Imports in 2016GAO-17-515R: Published: Apr 24, 2017. Publicly Released: May 24, 2017.
Apr 26, 2017
SEC Conflict Minerals Rule:2017 Review of Company Disclosures in Response to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission RuleGAO-17-517R: Published: Apr 26, 2017. Publicly Released: Apr 26, 2017.
Apr 13, 2017
Trade Enforcement:Information on U.S. Agencies' Monitoring and Enforcement Resources for International Trade AgreementsGAO-17-399: Published: Apr 13, 2017. Publicly Released: Apr 13, 2017.
Apr 10, 2017
International Food Assistance:USAID Has Controls for Implementation and Support Costs but Should Strengthen Financial OversightGAO-17-224: Published: Mar 9, 2017. Publicly Released: Apr 10, 2017.
Apr 5, 2017
Conflict Minerals:Insights from Company Disclosures and Agency ActionsGAO-17-544T: Published: Apr 5, 2017. Publicly Released: Apr 5, 2017.
Mar 24, 2017
Building Partner Capacity:Inventory of Department of Defense Security Cooperation and Department of State Security Assistance EffortsGAO-17-255R: Published: Mar 24, 2017. Publicly Released: Mar 24, 2017.
Mar 22, 2017
Department of State:Foreign Language Proficiency Has Improved, but Efforts to Reduce Gaps Need EvaluationGAO-17-318: Published: Mar 22, 2017. Publicly Released: Mar 22, 2017.
Mar 16, 2017
Embassy Construction:State Needs to Better Measure Performance of Its New ApproachGAO-17-296: Published: Mar 16, 2017. Publicly Released: Mar 16, 2017.
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Thor - Revealed!
First picture of Marvel's Norse God
He may or may not make his first appearance - sort of - in Iron Man 2, but now Yahoo! Movies have the first official image of Chris Hemsworth as Marvel's Norse God, Thor.
With his enchanted hammer, Mjolnir, elsewhere for the time being, the moody shot focuses more on Thor's costume which, as any comic book fan would know, had the potential to look truly silly. Not this, though: while we'd hesitate to use the term, 'bad-ass', it's a lot cooler than we could have imagined, while remaining true to Jack Kirby's iconic visuals.
The discs, the red cape, the blond face fuzz and long hair are all here, but with a bit of a futuristic twist – the scale mail that covers Thor's bulging biceps, for instance – that is utterly bad-ass. Dammit, we said it. But that's just our opinion – in yours, does Hemsworth look the part?
Kenneth Branagh's Thor – which marks the big-screen debut of the God of Thunder – is set for release on May 5, 2011.

subset: commoncrawl


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Double Joker 10 Play Power Poker is the new Multiplay Power
Poker to join our 5 existing Power Poker games. The concept
of a Video Poker game with ten hands of cards, each hand with
a pack of 54 cards, has proved to be particularly popular amongst
our players.
This new game incorporates all the expected features of a Viper
supported Multiplay Power Poker, such as crisp graphics and
high quality sound, and combines these with a range of sophisticated
assists, such as the autohold feature that can hold the best
cards on a mathematical basis awaiting your decision. Also included
in the package are the analyser tables which give you guidance
on current odds and cover permutations to help you make the
right decision - a facility not found elsewhere either in land
or online operations.
The Viper autoplay capability adds yet another new dimension
to the game, and you can also set up your own "stop"
budgets by win amount, lose amount or credit balance. Double
Joker 10 Play Power Poker features a jackpot is 4 000 credits,
with a maximum Jackpot of 10 0000 credits achievable through
a maximum bet of 5 coins x 10 hands of 2.00 credits.
So play Double Joker 10 Play Poker today and you could be our
first Jackpot winner on this new game!


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Episcopal Hospital
100 E Lehigh Ave
(215) 707-1200
Open Map
Episcopal Hospital can be found at E Lehigh Ave 100. The following is offered: Doctors & Clinics. The entry is present with us since Sep 9, 2010 and was last updated on Nov 14, 2013. In Philadelphia there are 1117 other Doctors & Clinics. An overview can be found here.
by opendius on September 05, 2015 from
Information from the business
Rolando Juarez, MD provides critical care surgery in Philadelphia, PA. A Critical Care Surgeon, acute care, emergency medicine, surgery, surgeon, respiratory failure, shock, renal failure, sepsis, life-threatening illness, ICU, intensive care.
Please call Episcopal Hospital at (215) 427-7287 to schedule an appointment in Philadelphia, PA or get more information.
by wellness on July 12, 2014 from
Ita Brandman, MD provides internal medicine in Philadelphia, PA. Ita Brandman, MD is listed as an internist, which is a physician who studies Internal Medicine for adults.
To learn more, or to make an appointment with Episcopal Hospital in Philadelphia, PA, please call (215) 427-7052.
by wellness on January 15, 2014 from
Privacy & Terms


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Windermere House
1642 East 56th Street Chicago Illinois 60637
Are you the property manager?
Originally one of Chicago's most luxurious 1920's apartment hotels, Windermere House was designed to be the most sophisticated and elegant residence of its day. Today, it remains a testament to that vision. Carefully preserved and restored original plaster, wood, terrazzo, terra cotta, brass, copper and bronze details of French and Italian Renaissance styles combine with a myriad of modern amenities to create a remarkable coalescence of contemporary living in a timelessly refined atmosphere. Overlooking Jackson Park, it's ideally located for easy access and within walking distance from the University of Chicago, restaurants and shopping.
Other Apartments Nearby
The Loop, Downtown
|1 Bed
|2 Beds
|3 Beds
Zip Codes Near Chicago, IL
Cities Near Chicago, IL
Neighborhoods Near Chicago, IL
Colleges Near Chicago, IL
- Fox College, IL
- West Suburban College of Nursing, IL
- Concordia University Chicago, IL
- Dominican University, IL
- Morton College, IL
- City Colleges of Chicago Richard J Daley College, IL
- National Latino Education Institute, IL
- City Colleges of Chicago Kennedy King College, IL
- City Colleges of Chicago Wilbur Wright College, IL
- Northwestern College, IL
- Rush University, IL
- City Colleges of Chicago Malcolm X College, IL
- Illinois Institute of Technology, IL
- VanderCook College of Music, IL
- Shimer College, IL
- Coyne American Institute Chicago Green Street, IL
- Lexington College, IL
- Northeastern Illinois University, IL
- Telshe Yeshiva Chicago, IL
- Illinois College of Optometry, IL


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Posted by James McQuivey on December 9, 2009
Frankly I am surprised that it took this long. But today, we read in the Wall Street Journal that two major publishers have decided to pull a music industry mistake. Simon and Schuster and Hachette Book Group have announced that they will not release most eBook editions until the hardbacks have been on shelves for four months.
And I quote David Young, CEO of Hachette Book Group, whom the article cites as saying: "We're doing this to preserve our industry, I can't sit back and watch years of building authors sold off at bargain-basement prices. It's about the future of the business."
Correction: This move is about the past of your business.
I'm just being a historian here when I point out that language like "We're doing this to preserve our industry" is a classic symptom of what we at Forrester loving call The Media Meltdown. I wrote a whole report on this ailment and its many symptoms, chief among them is that media businesses attempt to preserve analog business models in the digital economy, even when analog economics no longer apply. This is exactly that scenario.
I have two very important messages to offer the book industry (most all of them clients, so I'm trying to be delicate here, the way a group of friends running an intervention for an alcoholic have to act even if it involves summoning tough love). The first message is the hardest to hear and it will make me some enemies. But the second message offers some hope and I encourage you book types to give it a fair hearing, because I have history and economics on my side.
Posted by James McQuivey on December 8, 2009
The official announcements about the Nook went out yesterday and much has been said about the device, such as whether it trounces the Kindle (it does not) and whether the delay in shipping (units you buy today, for example, are expected to ship January 15) will permanently keep the Nook out of the running (it will not).
Because so much has already been said, we paid attention to what hasn't yet been said -- as far as we can tell, by anyone. It's this: the Nook is the first eReader to hit the market that has any kind of social connectivity built in to it. I'm referring to the "loan a book" feature the Nook offers. Read reviews like the one at CNET and you'd think that the book loaning feature is a flop because: a) it only applies to select books (at the publishers' whim) and b) it only lasts for 14 days.
I'm gonna tell you a secret: it doesn't matter how limited today's loan a book feature is, it's a huge step in an increasingly important direction for eReaders.
People share books. They share them, and then they talk about them. A lot. This fact is so critical to the way people read books that it is amazing that none of the eReaders yet offered to the market have any meaningful book sharing built into them. So even though the Nook is shipping late (folks, this is the eReader market, demand has been outstripping supply for the past two years now, stop acting surprised that Barnes and Noble and Sony are experiencing delays), we applaud its arrival because it opens Pandora's social box in this space. Once it's open, this box will set free all kinds of goodies that we are excited to have, including:
Posted by Sarah Rotman Epps on December 4, 2009
We've been writing a lot about eReader devices, but let's focus on the content for a moment. Why? Because selling a lifetime of eBook content to consumers is the end game of many companies in this space, especially Amazon and Barnes & Noble. They sky's the limit here. Consumers don't own digital libraries of books, as they did with music: When mp3 players came out, most consumers owned CDs that could be easily burned to a computer and downloaded to a device. Not so with books.
And the market for digital books, while catalyzed by the existence of dedicated eReader devices, will extend across multiple devices including desktops, laptops, mobile phones, netbooks, tablets, MIDs, portable gaming devices, and devices that haven't been invented yet. As we discuss in a new Forrester report, Forrester's data (based on a mail survey of 4,711 US consumers conducted in Q3 2009) shows that 3% of US consumers read eBooks on their desktop computers today; 2% read on laptops; and fewer than 1% read on dedicated eReaders, mobile phones, or netbooks, respectively. When it comes to future demand, 19% of US consumers say they're interested in reading eBooks on their desktop PCs, 14% say they're interested in reading on eReaders, 11% voice interest in reading on netbooks, and 5% say they're interested in reading on their mobile phones. What this means: Consumers are reading books digitally on multiple devices, and they will continue to do so.
Posted by Sarah Rotman Epps on December 1, 2009
2009 has been a breakout year for eReaders and eBooks--device sales will have more than tripled by the end of this year, and content sales are up 176% for the year--but 2010 will be anything but boring. Here are Forrester's predictions for what will happen in the next year:


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Houston Contemplating Natural Gas-Powered Buses
(Houston--Wendy Siegle, KUHF News) Over the last 10-15 years or so, transit agencies across the country have been switching to natural gas technology to fuel their bus fleets. Many cite the rising price of oil as an incentive for the shift. In Los Angeles, nearly 100 percent of the bus fleet runs on natural gas-powered vehicles. Transit officials there estimate that ditching diesel-fueled buses has slashed nearly 300,000 pounds of CO2 emissions per day. Other major cities, such as Chicago, are also considering adding CNG buses to their systems. Now, Houston's jumping on the bandwagon. . . well, maybe.
Houston's Metro has just launched a study into the viability of natural gas-fueled buses. Right now, Metro operates around 1250 buses, more than a quarter of which are diesel-electric hybrids. The question is whether it would make sense to diversify the fleet with other kinds of alternative technologies. "One thing that's happened is, all these technologies have come closer together in terms of their environmental impact," said Metro president and CEO George Greanias at today's board meeting. "They all work better in terms of keeping the environment as pristine as possible."
The study will help determine what the overall cost will be for operating and maintaining a bus that runs on compressed natural gas (CNG). Greanias notes that cost factors, such as the price of CNG, are some of the big questions the study will address. "Can we control the cost factor better with a CNG vehicle?" he wonders. "But on the other side of the coin, there's also significant infrastructure up front that you have to use with CNG technology."
Metro tested natural gas buses a decade ago, but found it was too costly for the agency. Back then, the fleet had four CNG buses. They were converted into diesel-electric hybrids in 2002. But the technology has advanced a lot since then, which why METRO is taking another look.
Greanias says, in addition to cost, Metro will have to weigh the environmental benefits of CNG against other fuels, such as the hybrid technology that the agency has already adopted. Metro will also have to decide if it would be best to use the same technology across the entire fleet, or if it would work to mix it up a bit. "Right now we've been moving in a single direction," he says, referencing the diesel-electric hybrids. "As we go forward, will we want to expand that and have one or two or three different options?[That raises] operational questions and maintenance questions."
Metro board member Christof Spieler stresses that it's important the agency not rush into anything. "When we're buying a new bus it's not like buying a new car; this is a 12 year commitment. We want to keep these buses on the road. So when we're making a decision now it's going to have ramifications for a long time to come."
METRO expects to have the results of the natural gas study by autumn.


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Mike Florio answers calls, emails and tweets from PFT Planet during the final segment of PFT Live, including whether he thinks Chad Pennington will retire, lockout trading rules and more.This video is no longer available. Click here to watch more NBC Sports videos!
PFT Live, Segment 3: Hearing from PFT Planet
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Inhalants can be fatal the first time they are tried, and the long term and irreversible health effects of inhalant abuse are tragic. The really scary part is that the most common abusers of inhalants are our very young kids.
Parents need to be on the lookout for any of the signs of inhalant use, and if any usage is suspected, need to get immediate professional help. More than 17 million Americans have used inhalants at least once.
Inhalants, which are a class of drugs in which the user inhales the vapors of a gas, are incredibly damaging and can be very addictive; and studies report that a whole lot of young people are experimenting with these scary drugs. Inhalants tend to be most widely used by the very young, presumably due to ease of access, and when the drug of choice is located in the closet or in the garage, it's very convenient for these young people to get a cheap and very intoxicating drug.
Some commonly abused inhalants are paint thinner, shoe shine, turpentine, hair spray, gasoline, glue, and many many others. There is both the risk of immediate cardiac arrest from the use of inhalants, and a very real and very frightening possibility of long term, severe and irreversible cerebral and physical impairments.
Inhalant abuse seems to attack the central nervous system in a way very similar to alcohol, but at an extremely exaggerated pace. It's very important for parents to be aware of the abuse of inhalants, and also to be aware of the signs that may indicate the usage of this class of drugs.
Some of the signs of inhalant usage are:
- Chemical odors on the body or clothes
- Paint or other chemical stains on the face hands or clothes
- Hidden inhalant paraphernalia (empty spray cans, rags, strong smelling plastic bags)
- Looking drunk, confused or un coordinated
- Frequent nausea and a loss of appetite
Because the health effects of these drugs are so severe, and because the most common abusers are our very young kids, parents need to be especially aware of the risks of inhalant abuse, and need to get professional help if they ever suspect that their kids may be abusing inhalants.
Warning signs video
Watch How They Do It


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International Space Station Commander Chris Hadfield will lead a high-tech concert Monday, joining thousands of young voices from around the world with his own voice from space.
Students, musicians and other participants across Canada and as far away as Singapore and Australia will sing along with Hadfield, belting out ISS Is Somebody Singing, the song Hadfield co-wrote with Ed Robertson of the Barenaked Ladies, to celebrate the ninth edition Music Monday, an annual celebration put on by the Coalition for Music Education.
Its possibly the most poignant version of the song ever created and you may recognise the name of one of those involved in its creation.
Were talking about Chris's fellow Canadian, the lovely Emm Gryner, who was a part of the Bowie live band in 1999/2000. Heres what she said on her blog regarding her involvement:
The task was in front of me. I came up with a piano part. i then enlisted my friend, producer and fellow Canadian Joe Corcoran to take my piano idea and Chris' vocal and blow it up into a fully produced song. Drums! mellotrons! fuzz bass! We also incorporated into the track ambient space station noises which Chris had put on his Soundcloud. I was mostly blown away by how pure and earnest Chris' singing is on this track. Like weightlessness and his voice agreed to agree.
And voila! And astronaut sings Space Oddity in space! I was so honoured to be asked to be a part of this. You wouldn't get too many chances to make a recording like this and not only that, to make music with someone who - through his vibrant communications with kids in schools to his breathtaking photos to his always patient and good-humoured demeanour - has done more for science and space than anyone else this generation. Planet earth IS blue, and there's nothing left for Chris Hadfield to do. Right. Safe travels home Commander!


text: Oli - Unregistered April 29, 2010 11:47 AM @alex Stoner in 07 beat Rossi far more comfortably, Nicky lucked into it to an extent in 06, with Rossi being taken out, breaking down, riding injured etc. Whatever people want to say about the 07 Ducati being better than the Yamaha that year, fact is Stoner walked it. But the big difference between the two is that Stoner is a moaning ****, where as Nicky is a top bloke. 2006 was a 5x MotoGP champ v a guy who (you felt even at the time) would probably never get another chance. After Estoril especially when Pedrosa took him out, I think even Rossi fans couldn't feel bad about Nicky winning it. There is something very sweet about seeing a nice guy's entire life's work come good. 23 agree 2 disagree


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Check coolant light, coolant is tad low, but "bobber is full up
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resident, old fart
Location: N.W. Indiana
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,873
Mein Auto: 2002 540i sport
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What makes me think I have lost coolant? The low coolant warning on the dash and the fact that I can't easily see the coolant level by looking in the reservoir. The float is full up sticking 2" above the neck. I push it down and it is free and "bobs" right back to way above the neck. I add coolant and after adding about a pint, the coolant is an inch from top of filler neck-technically too full. If the float is so high, I don't know why I'm getting an alarm in the first place unless the float below the bobber is down telling the system I'm low. I believe by how much I add that I am losing ever so little at a time, but don't know of a "broken float" issue which causes the red tipped float to stay up as high as it will go with real coolant level actually low???
Follow me? I must be losing coolant as about once a month, I get the warning and the system takes about a pint, but every time the flaot is way above the neck-cold or hot. I add coolant until I can see the coolant level and all is fine. Ignoring the float for a minute, the next time I get a check coolant light, I can't see the actual fluid level as where I filled it to last time. It's going somewhere. I fear into the combustion chamber as I am getting a short puff of smoke (white mostly) every morning when I start the car which I never used to. I guess I need to pressure test system. Float is giving me just a false sense of security and means nothing now.
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Deprecated Browser Error
I'm new to the pistol world, I'm big in rifles an shotguns but I'm looking for a good Concealed Carry pistol, I currently carry a cobra ca.380 and it's not the most reliable so I'm looking for a good brand with a little more fire power, I've seen some Taurus guns in my price range which is around $500 give or take but have heard good and bad.
I'm looking for a compact gun that I can easily slide in an out of back pocket or a good concealed carry holster, I work on the railroad in some rough places.
I have seen a S&W 40 compact that seems to be the right size but just looking for some good info. Thanks
Deprecated Browser Error
9mm Subcompact Pistol Roundup - Because You Asked for It | The Truth About Guns
Isn't a complete list, but it will give you a few options
Stay away from anything Taurus, and I do mean anything.
I have several compacts, but I do have to say, my current favorite one is my Sig P250C, chambered in .40 cal. It's also available in 9mm, .357 Sig, and .45 acp.
And, the Sig is competitively priced with the others that would fit in it's category.
For years, I carried an AMT .45 Backup. It fits easily into any pants pocket. I carried it in a pocket holster by Robert Mika. (Yes, it has to be in a holster.)
The AMT Backup line is no longer made, but you can find them used for a reasonable amount of money. Mine cost $600.00, but that was a while ago.
Be advised that every AMT Backup you find will need trigger work by a decent gunsmith. But they are accurate, reliable (if kept clean), and, in .45 ACP, properly powerful.
Pocket pistols, even in holsters, are lint magnets. Frequent cleaning is a necessity.
Pocket pistols in 9mm and .45 require practice of the user, since small, powerful guns are very hard to shoot effectively and accurately.
I don't know how big you are but my husband just picked up a XD9 after my brother got one and loves it.
Hubby loves it too.
It is small enough to carry easy, shoots great, easy enough to clean and should stand the test of time. Cost us about $500 plus transfer fee.
My husband is 5' 9" and 150 so he is not a big guy. He is very lean and so it isn't easy for him to hide a piece. He can hide this. Our state is conceal only. I can't quite conceal it. I am 5' 6" and 130. If I wore a sweat shirt, sure but It is getting hot in Florida soon...hubby carried today in a Tshirt and jeans...he is not a shorts kind of guy.
Hope you find your piece.
I will second the Taurus warning. My brother in law got one NIB a couple of years ago and never got it to function properly and ended up sending it back. I think it was a .45.
At one time, I did buy a Taurus mdl. 85 revolver. It was NIB and I came across an offer that Taurus would do a trigger job and port it, all for $99.00.
I sent it back and when I got it back, I was showing it to a friend, and he fell in love with it. He wouldn't leave my house unless I sold it to him.
Anyways, I sold it to him (for more than I had into it) and he left a happy camper. I got a range report about a week later, and he said it was the sweetest shooting snubby that he had ever fired. And, he's a very experienced shooter, so that meant quite a bit to me.
I knew that I should have asked more for it.............
And it always hit what I pointed it at, out to my "outer limits"20 yards.
I admit doing a ramp-and-chamber polish job, and a trigger job on it.
No, I did not cut the hammer spring: I only carefully polished the inner works, and made the face of the trigger dead smooth.
My EDC is the Beretta BU9 Nano, and I love it. They run for around 450 dollars.
You will note that previously in this thread I wrote: "Pocket pistols in 9mm and .45 require practice of the user, since small, powerful guns are very hard to shoot effectively and accurately."
You may also remember that my usual mantra, in response to questions about little guns, is that mini-pistols are experts' tools, unsuited to beginners.
But in this case the OP said that he was already using a tiny gun, and he then asked for other suggestions.
I ALWAYS wanted an AMT backup, my friends AMT was flawless..
My favorite compact is the Springfield XDs in .45 ACP. They are fairly new, so hard to find, and still in the $550-600 range.
In your price category, the Kahr CM series might be available in 9mm and .40 S&W. Also, a lot of folks have had good luck with the KelTec 9mm, which sells for under $400, I think. You might find a S&W snub-nosed revolver in .38 Special for that price range, if you aren't locked in on a semi-auto.
There are lots of other good ones that come to mind, but compacts are very much in demand right now, so the good ones aren't cheap, and they may be hard to find. I would stay away from Taurus, personally, but some folks have owned some models that apparently worked well enough to suit their needs.
If I were in the market for a slim and compact 9, I'd go for a Shield, CZ RAMI or Nano. I'm a big Sig fan, but the new P938 recently received an "F" from Gun Reports. I'd also steer clear of any Taurus products as they are very hit-or-miss.
There are many good options out there in compact handguns. You might also consider a 357 revolver like the LCR 357. You can shoot both 357s and 38s with that baby. And it's in you price range.
Check out CZ...from the RAMI in sub-compact to the P-07 and P-06/01 compacts. They are based on the best 9mm platform ever, the CZ-75.
Oh, and I forgot...check out LW SEECAMP. Very reliable, high quality, old school guns.


text:
Heavy Mach 2 Rating: Mecha is perhaps one of my favorite types of Anime. Whether it be the classic Robotech, the great North American Battletech, or newer variations like Gundam; I've always enjoyed Mecha stories and playing Mecha games. So it was with great enthusiasm and sense of anticipation that I looked forward to my review of Heavy Mach 2 from … Read More
Momento for iPhone | Great Application to Unload Your Real and Online Life
Momento Rating: Not enough time to keep a diary? Tell it to your iPhone! With Momento in your pocket you can write your diary on the go, capturing moments throughout the day in the short spaces of time you find free. Tag memorable events, people you meet and places you visit for a fast and effective way to browse and … Read More
Tumbledrop for iPhone is a Star in the Physics Puzzle Genre
Tumbledrop Rating: If you've played a lot of iPhone/iPod touch games then you may have played Topple 2, the block building puzzle game. Well as part of that game there was a level were instead of building towers you had to "un-build" them while attempting to not break an egg that was placed on top of the building. Starfruit Games … Read More
Dark Nebula Full Version Now Free | Limited Time
We reviewed Dark Nebula – Episode One in October and it scored 4 stars. The game is an impressive futuristic action game with edge of the seat excitement. 1337 Game Design the developers of Dark Nebula have dropped the price of the full version to free and it will be back to its normal price on Monday (01/18/2010) Download Dark Nebula … Read More
Dive Deep With Mission: Deep Sea for iPhone
Mission: Deep Sea Rating: I am continually amazed at the depth and quality of games produced for the iPhone. Super Monkey Ball was the first game I ever played on the iPhone platform. It was a fun game with some good qualities but it pales in comparison to the games available today. The iPhone platform supports such incredibly immersive environments … Read More
Unleash Your Wraith With Babel Rising for iPhone
Babel Rising Rating: Most gaming genres have one application that defines the whole genre. The games that follow that original hit often strive to imitate the original instead of going off in a new direction. When you think about the space occupied by the "wraith of god" type games on the iPhone, your mind will probably immediately go to Pocket … Read More
Bee Spelled iPhone | Fantastic Word Game With A Unique Twist
Bee Spelled Rating: Word games on a touch screen device are one of the most addictive casual games. There are many word based games in the App Store but, Bee Spelled is very different and casts its spell on you before you are through with the first level! Help Chub the spelling bee to fend off waves of diabolical enemies! Spell words … Read More
Search Out Kayak First Class Flight and Hotel Search for iPhone
Kayak First Class Flight and Hotel Search Rating: Kayak.com has long been a premiere destination for travel services on the Internet. Unlike some sites, Kayak is not a travel service in itself but rather an aggregator of other services on the Internet. Kayak provides the capability to search through other offerings through one, simple interface. The Kayak First Class Flight … Read More
Visit Paris For iPhone | Great App To Explore and Learn About Paris
Visit Paris Rating: Don't just see the sights, learn something about them too. 'Visit Paris' is the first application to let you explore Paris through videos on an iPhone or I Pod Touch. Relive in pictures the building of Notre Dame cathedral, or the last days of doomed Queen Marie Antoinette. The new price allows you, as a special offer, … Read More
Parcel Panic – Post Car Racer 3D For The iPhone Is A Cause For Excitement
Parcel Panic – Post Car Racer 3D Rating: Racing games have a special place in my heart. In everyday life I am a cautious father of two who rarely goes over the speed limit. I start to get sweaty and anxious if I go even a little bit over the speed limit. Get me in a racing game however and … Read More
Starball For iPhone: Simple, Crazy and Addictive Game
Starball Rating: Just when you thought you were on the wagon… Starball is an addictively simple pick-up-and-play style game which is fun for all ages and skill levels. Take advantage of our unique and amazingly responsive tilt controls to guide your ball around the play area collecting as many stars as possible. …along comes another crazy, simple, and addictive game … Read More
Bubble Spinner For iPhone Is Out Of Control Fun
Bubble Spinner Rating: AddictingGames.com has long been a destination for online gaming. Offering an extremely wide range of mainly Flash games, it has provided endless hours of entertainment and enjoyment. AddictingGames has taken the next logical step in the gaming experience and started to reproduce many of its most popular games for the iPhone platform. The latest such transformation is … Read More
Shaun White Snowboarding : Origins iPhone | Exceptional Snowboarding Game
Shaun White Snowboarding : Origins Rating: Shaun White may have started snowboarding at the age of 9 years to become a prominent competitor in professional snowboarding, but with Shaun White Snowboarding : Origins iPhone game you can master snowboarding by simply touching and titling your iPhone! Shaun White Snowboarding : Origins for iPhone is the latest game from Advanced Mobile Applications Ltd. and it is … Read More
BandMate: Personalized Live Music Calendar
BandMate Rating: Apple introduced 'genius' feature for songs first and then extended it for apps. Personalized suggestions make your next purchase very easy and certainly makes more sense. We have been noticing a rise in web and 3rd party applications which are offering personalized suggestions either for music or apps. BandMate is a genius app for all music lovers as it helps … Read More
Fallen EP-1 | Good Introduction To What Could Be A Very Good Franchise
Fallen EP-1 Rating: Youoco.com have already launched a couple of games in the App Store but none with the expectations that Fallen Episode 1 has had. For those of you that haven't heard about it Fallen EP-1 is the first in what promises to be a series of survival horror style games in the style of Silent Hill or Resident … Read More


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Today . . . and . . . in the Future
Click here to view Euper Lanes's ACSIP in Indistar.
Username/Password: guestSAR1515
Open Month View
Scholastic Book Fair - shop online!
October 31-November 4
Greetings from the Principal:
On behalf of the Euper Lane faculty and staff, welcome to the 2016-2017 school year! My name is Melissa Braddy. I am very excited and proud to be the new principal of Euper Lane Elementary. We are looking forward to serving our school community and continuing a tradition of excellence as we begin Euper Lane's thirtieth year.
Continuing the rich heritage of Echols Elementary, Euper Lane opened in 1986 and quickly established a reputation for excellence in education. Over the years everyone in the community has worked closely together to provide a warm and friendly learning environment for children. As Euper Lane's fifth principal, I am proud to continue this tradition. A common thread throughout our school is the strong teaching staff and support personnel. We are fortunate to have a group of dedicated teachers who work collaboratively to provide each student with an outstanding quality, diverse, innovative, and relevant education. Our goal is to encourage a school community and culture that inspires every child to utilize their full potential.
One of the most outstanding aspects of our school is how our parents and teachers work together for the success of our students. Euper Lane's students profit greatly from the involvement of parents through our many PTA committees. If you have not already volunteered to assist with some of these PTA activities, I encourage you to do so.
We look forward to working with you this year to provide another fruitful year for our students. Our staff is ready and eager to work closely with you as partners in your child's growth and development. You are welcome any time, and we would love to have you drop by for a visit and/or tour.
Enjoy browsing our website!
Melissa Braddy, Principal
Euper Lane Mission Statement
This School is accredited by the North Central Association and the Arkansas Department of Education.
Because of Act 696 of 2013 schools are given a letter grade. The annual report card grades are issued by the state Department of Education. The letter grade is based on numerous factors such as student performance on statewide math and literacy tests, progress toward yearly performance goals, and the size of your achievement gaps. The scores are based on 300 points. Euper Lane received all 300 points! Only 15% of the schools in the state received an A. We are proud of the teachers and the students of Euper Lane. To see the full details of our achievement, go to the Arkansas Department of Education website.
Copyright © 2017 Fort Smith Public Schools
| 479-785-2501PO Box 1948 | 3205 Jenny Lind Road | Fort Smith, Arkansas 72902
In compliance with federal nondiscrimination laws, the Fort Smith Public School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, genetic information, or disability in its employment or educational practices. If you have questions regarding the professional qualifications of your child's teachers or paraprofessionals, you are encouraged to ask Dr. Annette Henderson, Associate Superintendent for Human Resources and Support Services. • Le invitamos a que hable con la Dra. Annette Henderson si usted tiene alguna pregunta sobre las capacitaciones profesionales de los maestros o asistentes de maestros de sus hijos.


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Just in case any one is wondering WTF we are talking about......
I actually have a cat named poster nutbag
Yup. I was walking my dog, McGrupp and fell through a magical door and ended up here.
In any case, thanks for the great information and a really good video tutorial pureh@t3. I totally feel you on why we had do it this way.
Thanks again.
Just in case any one is wondering WTF we are talking about......
I actually have a cat named poster nutbag
As another note and further testing indicates.
All of the tools created by ShamenVirtuel work with out any problems so far.
Which means that not only can you "pwn like a rockstar in7" w/ a cube"
But you can use a big hax0r it n0w button too!
To be successful here you should read all of the following.
If you are new to Back|Track
Back|Track Wiki
Failure to do so will probably get your threads deleted or worse.
Correct I use charon, the wpa line tool and ezpawn and they all work fine.
Hello together,
i got BT3 perfect running on a SDHC Card with these Posts here.
Thanks for all - very good work!
However, the most changes will be saved on the second partition in the changes folder. But not a language change. When i change the Keyboardlayout to German, it is only for this session. After a reboot the default is English instead of German. Why ? Any fix about it?
Second, i start BT3 in the GRUB Menü with the prestistens changes.
Is there a Option to get the presistens changes running with Compiz Fusion ?
Would be nice to use BT3 with Compiz and be able to save the changes.
Thanks for all.
Greez BeNe
Hey all!
I'm having some issues with compiz on my eee, everytime I start up my screen is kinda messed up for some seconds before compiz acutally starts and everything is back to normal again. The same problem occurs when I switch to Kwin as the window manager. Does anybody have similar problems?
Another thing I experience under Compiz is, that if I try to drag some things like icons in the Launch Panel (oddly, files or folders can be dragged) my eeepc locks up completely, even ctrl alt backspace won't restart X. But pressing the power button turns it off, with clean unmounting and everything.
Moreover, for the few of you who are as new to Linux as I am, h**p://slackeee.strangled.net/ has a nice optimized Kernel for the eeepc, which boots a bit faster, at least on my system. But beware: I had to reinstall alsa for sound and still have some issues with Klaptop, acpi is not directly compiled into the kernel but is loadable through modules what I think Klaptop might dislike.
PS: Wheeee! Hello World!
Today UPS should drop off my EEE, and then we'll get to see if I wind up in the "User" pile, or the lamer list.
The suspense is killing me. :/
I've just installed bt3 in real mode on the ssd disk more or less following the i-hacked tutorial. I'm a bt3 noob as I usually install everything individually but decided to use it on my brand new eeepc !
Given the ssd's theoretical degraded lifetime, i considered mounting the /pentest directory from the sdhc card instead of internal disk and modifying fstab accordingly:
/dev/sda1 /pentest ext2 auto,defaults 0 0
Each time I reboot my sda1 partition gets scrapped... the filesystem just is not recognized anymore. fdisk shows the partition as unformated... However, a secondary sda2 partition which I have not listed in fstab is working properly, so the problem does not come from the sd card.
Is this linked to issues I saw about the slax rc.M script rebuilding fstab? (my supplementary line is still intact after rebooting)
What directories would you mount from sdhc instead of ssd to reduce write operations? I went with /pentest because of fast-track.py...
McBud: I've done the same thing as you, I've mounted my root home directory to my 4G usb stick. That seems to have a lot of rewrites done due to KDE or other program setting saving there. Only draw back i've noticed is a tiny lag in KDE, not too bad. If you wanted you could also mount your /var/log directory to your SD card, which I think I may do next.
Here is what I have in my fstab:
Code:/dev/sad1 /root ext3 defaults 1 1 # Root partition


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Getting Here…
Monhegan can be reached from three ports in Maine: Port Clyde, New Harbor, and Boothbay Harbor. Parking for all cars is available at each port. (There are no car ferries to the island)
Monhegan Boat Line
est. 1914
The Balmy Days II
'Maine's favorite all-day cruise'
Hardy Boat Cruises
Ferry to Monhegan Island
Your Own Boat
A few guest boat moorings are available for short term and overnight mooring. The Harbormaster, Sherm Stanley, can be reached at (207) 542-9345. He can help you find one or suggest suitable anchorages. Private boats should not be tied up at the dock when mainland boats arrive and depart, nor be left unattended there. Lines must be long enough to accommodate changes in the tide which may be as much as 11 feet.


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Game ChangerSubmitted by Luca on March 8, 2011 - 1:35am. chumi-chickboy
the feel of your thighs on my finger tips
and the smell of rain on your hair
the weight of your head resting on my lap
the breath on your hip with my touch.
» read more | Luca's blog | 11 comments | 1282 reads


text:
INTERNET BANKING WITH BILL PAY AND ESTATEMENTS Pay bills any time and access your monthly account statements online with check images.
Business Internet Banking User's Manual
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Download an Internet Banking enrollment form
Trusteer Rapport is online fraud and identity theft protection software that we offer to our Internet Banking clients that protects your Login ID, password, and other information from fraudsters.
DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL WIRE TRANSFERSSubmit requests for Wire Transfers quickly, easily and safely through Internet Banking. Download an Internet Banking enrollment form.
REORDER CHECKS Checks or deposit tickets running low? You may place your order online if you have previously ordered checks through Tompkins Mahopac Bank; want checks beginning with the next sequential check number, and have no imprinting change.
Please call us at 1-866-GO-BANK8 or visit your local branch if you have any questions or would like additional information about our Business Online Services.


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|500 Gs
|First appearance
|Cyber Nightmare
'Altair' (アルタイル Arutairu) was the first Mechanical Bakugan created by Professor Clay. It was used by Lync Volan during the events of Bakugan: New Vestroia.
Altair is used mostly by Lync to battle the Resistance and was the first Mechanical Bakugan. The lenses in its red eyes glimmer brightly to see at night. Its fangs and horns are sharp as swords. The widespread wings have spinners to hover and white steam shoots from his mouth. It possesses a fierce battle cry that deafens its opponents. The huge mechanical monster was created by Professor Clay.
Bakugan: New Vestroia
Altair, the first of the notorious Mechanical Bakugan, made its debut in Cyber Nightmare. A prototype of Altair was first found by Mira Clay who watched as her father Professor Clay finalized it and transformed it into its ball form within the same laboratory and equipment used to detain Alpha Hydranoid. Later on, in the same episode, when Mira was discovered, the Bakugan was given to Lync Volan, who at the time had no Guardian Bakugan. In the battle that ensued the scientists who created it constantly monitored its vitals. Altair proved to be undeniably powerful, as it was more than a match for both Mira and Thunder Wilda. However, Altair, being a prototype, revealed itself to have many fatal flaws, the most noticeable being that it couldn't successfully execute subsequent Double Abilities.
Despite this setback, Altair was not finished yet. The Vestal scientists at the lab used the data to make the necessary repairs and enhancements, making it even more powerful and upgrading its systems to allow it to combine with the next Mechanical Bakugan Wired to allow it to form Meta Altair. Despite its vast improvements, Altair only participated in three brawls on-screen and won none of them. In its battle against Baron Leltoy and his Guardian Bakugan Mega Nemus, Altair and Wired were damaged beyond repair and put out of commission.
Despite its ultimate fate, Altair's designs were likely used for Aluze, its "evolution" of sorts.
- Ability Cards
- Spinal Saucer: Adds 200 Gs to Altair.
- Mega Shield: Adds 200 Gs to Altair.
- Thunder Fire (Thunder Flare): Transfers 200 Gs from the opponent to Altair.
- Thunder Booster: Transfers 300 Gs from the opponent to Altair.
- Shock Cannon: Adds 500 Gs to Altair.
Altair is considered to have many bugs in the anime, being the first of its kind;
- Before Professor Clay made modifications on Altair, its power would be significantly drained when it used a Double Ability. This could cause it to collapse, fall from mid-flight, or in extreme cases, lose the battle due to overload.
- Altair's sensors cannot keep track of multiple fast moving opponents.
- Altair can barely get up when knocked down, leaving it highly vulnerable.
- Damaging Altair from the wings can give it a hard fall.
These factors are likely the reason why Altair never won any battles.
Altair is identical to its show counterpart with the exception of missing the rotating ring which exists solely in the anime. It has 710 or 640 Gs in B2 BakuSteel Ventus. There is also a BakuSteel Haos version that has 750 Gs. The Pyrus version has 670 Gs, in the Lync Combat Set.
|670 Gs
|650 Gs (Translucent), 750 Gs (BakuSteel)
|500 Gs, 630 Gs, 640 Gs, 650 Gs (BakuSteel), 710 Gs (BakuSteel)
How to Connect Altair and Wired to form Meta Altair
There are two methods to connect Altair and Wired:
- First method
- To connect Bakugan together open both completely including the feet.
- Take Wired and rotate the wings until facing inward. Fold the wings out.
- Move Wired's feet until exactly half-way unfolded.
- With Wired facing Altair's back, place the small prongs on Wired's feet into the slots located at rear of where Altair's feet close into.
- Second method (Anime)
- Open all parts on Altair and Wired.
- Connect Wired to the holes where Altair's feet are in closed form with the peg in Wired's feet.
- Use the gap between Wired's head and neck and connect to the bar between Altair's tail blades.
- Altair is likely named after a star with the same name. This star is the brightest in the Aquila constellation and the twelfth brightest in the sky from Earth's perspective.


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Learn Times Table is a key stage for kids to get fluent in math. As my son's math teacher told me, you want the child be able to memorize the basic facts, so he can tell you the answer without even thinking about it. This is not an easy job. Luckily, there are quite some tools helping kids to achieve the goal, MultiFlow is one of them. MultiFlow is an app to drill the kids on multiplication facts. There are… Read More
There are so many math apps out there. It is hard to tell which one is at the right level for my child. While looking for a math App that is linked with school's curriculum, I found the SplashMath series. It the series, there is an App for each grade, ranging from grade 1 to 5. All are aligned with state standards. This takes a lot uncertainty out when parents are trying to decide which app to buy for the kids. … Read More
I found this today - it is free only for one week, and seems the free week started Mar.19, so it probably will end Monday Mar.26. There is only one day left if you want to get it for free. I did not have time to take a close enough look, but by playing quickly, it seems a fun game. You have to get the math problem right to kill the zombies before they can attack you. The math problems… Read More


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Tutors motivate and inspire their students to do their best. Some of us are born with a natural ability to inspire others. So, where do we get our inspiration and how do we stay motivated? Tutors, especially freelance tutors, often work in isolation, and their flexible schedules can be liberating, but at times stressful and de-motivating. Below are 3 simple ways for tutors (and other freelancers) to stay motivated.
1. Get outside and move
"Physical activity is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of creative and dynamic intellectual activity."
- John F. Kennedy
Make time for physical exercise each and every day – even just 20 minutes will do the trick! Your body and brain will thank you, and you'll be amazed at how much more productive you are. Take in the beauty of your surroundings; inspiration is all around us. The benefits of exercise are countless; here are 13 of them.
2. Read
"The more you read the more things you know. The more you know the more places you'll go." – Dr. Seuss
And the more you know the more you'll be motivated! Reading opens up our worlds' to new perspectives and inspires us to think differently, empathize and relate to others, and get our own creative juices flowing. So, what should you read? How about inspirational quotes or some of these books recommended by TEDsters?
3. Organize your work space
"If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, what's an empty desk a sign of?" – Albert Einstein
Tutors' desks are never empty, but they do get cluttered from time to time. Shuffling through papers, clicking through electronic folders, and working around mess is unproductive, mentally exhausting, and de-motivating! Don't just take my word for it, learn more about how clutter affects you and what you can do about it on Ooomf. A simple way to end the clutter is to set aside 10 -15 minutes at the end of each day to de-clutter or invest in some tools to keep you organized. I'm a fan of Adrianne Meldrum's tutor office ideas on Pinterest. If you don't have an office, organize files on your laptop and create a binder or folder for each student.
And if you're looking for ways to make scheduling and invoicing easier, check out Tutors Nirvana.
How do you stay motivated? We'd love to hear from you!


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Derek Jarman, painter, designer for the theatre and the ballet, maker of films and again a painter at the very last, was born on January 31, 1942 and died, aged only 52, on February 19, 1994, making this a 20th anniversary year. By now he must be almost forgotten by everyone over 40 and quite unknown to everyone under, but King's College London is determined to resurrect him. How odd, for of all the institutions that played a part in his life, King's, where in 1960-63 he took a BA General in English, history and the history of art (a degree long since discontinued and one that gave him only a meagre and erratic grasp of his cultural background), was surely the least significant.
The Slade School, where he was one of the brighter students in 1963-67, a time of great upheaval in the visual arts there (William Coldstream, its head, had started a film department as early as 1960), is the proper body to honour him, but King's has usurped the responsibility with an "immersive" exhibition under the title Derek Jarman: Pandemonium, with associated installations, screenings of his films, coach trips to his last home, Prospect Cottage, a sentimental evening "Remembering Derek", and a symposium on his life's work — though his activity as a painter seems rather underplayed. All this is only the first part of a year-long commemoration of which all contributions are (or will be) listed on the websites kcl.ac.uk/cultural and jarman2014.org.
No exhibition devoted to Derek, whether alive or dead, succeeded. No matter how fascinating the proxy of his presence in home movies, or the recorded interviews that echoed through them, or the many photographs hanging on the walls, or how much memorabilia and ephemera was crowded in glass cases, without the man the inspiration faded, the anger and the protest fell silent, the transitory achievement turned to dusty curiosity and relic, and the fragile essence of this lively, ingenious, courageous and decent man became impossible to grasp.
Courageous and decent? How can that be said of a loud-mouthed and flamboyant homosexual, proud to be gay from top to toe? Gay? Derek preferred the word queer, and that in itself was brave, for in using of himself this old-fashioned and abusive term of dismissal, he challenged all who in their bold and clean-limbed heterosexuality damned those who looked the other way. His relish for the word also challenged homosexuals too niminy-piminy to confront it, preferring the evasive euphemism. As for decent, Derek's decency lay in his generous willingness to campaign on the matter, not through the joyless Campaign for Homosexual Equality or the pointless provocations of the Gay Liberation Front, but through his work that in all its forms risked the slamming of doors.
A brief essay on an art exhibition may seem no place to engage in controversy on sexual restrictions half a century ago, ploughing yet again the unyielding furrows of the Wolfenden Report of 1957, but in Jarman's case it is, for once his early years as a student were over, everything he painted, designed or directed was informed by his homosexuality and his anger, and as the years passed, his protest against society's restrictive views grew stronger and more strident, until, in the end, Aids destroying him, there was screaming, yelling protest but no art.
He was never much of a painter, except, perhaps, at school and at the Slade, where he won prizes. His creative instinct was powerful, but the instinct to perform was stronger and the cross-pollinating indisciplines that had begun to blur the boundaries between the ancestral forms of art and advertising, the serendipitous happening, the contrived performance, film (and eventually video) and the theatre were seductive. Unaware of how he might shape his destiny (the condition of most boys of his generation), his only identifiable talent as a boy was his ability to hack an imitation of a modern master (an early self-portrait is Fauve Matisse tamed); and at the Slade he pursued the mannerisms of then contemporary American art — Cornell, Twombly, Rauschenberg and Reinhardt, with Klein, Pop and pale Magritte tagged on — and developed a plain pattern of landscape that worked well on a small scale but disintegrated when writ large.
Far more important, he had access to the theatre design department where the male students were predominantly queer, and there he began, very slowly, to recognise where his true talent lay. It has often been said that Derek turned away from painting because Hockney already occupied that field, demanding with queer images that the liberal patrons of the Sixties declare their liberality, but this is not so; from my conversations with him at the time, I know that he felt his paintings to be contrived and empty, glad enough when people bought the little ones for £30, but unconvinced, unfulfilled, and quite uncertain that he could find his way beyond them.
He did find a way, but it was into the films that made him a cult figure and an icon of sorts for every political homosexual in the land, a hero to man the barricades when Mrs Grundy, Mrs Whitehouse and Mrs Thatcher, the three Norns of every faggot's Götterdämmerung, were on their petty warpaths — but these flawed and whimsical excursions into historical drama are subjects for another critic's pen, neatly described as "significant mischief" by Nicholas de Jongh, the former theatre critic of this paper.
I observe only that the first of the most notorious, Sebastiane of 1976, was a life and death of the soldier-saint as it might have been conceived by the Californian photographers of Physique Pictorial, a coy little magazine in black and white in which, for the private benefit of elderly bachelors and the public inspiration of the early works of David Hockney, never quite nude muscular youths lent an erotic gloss to heroic and classical poses. As the film's director, Derek seemed less interested in plot and polemic than in the serendipitous eroticisms inevitable in the circumstances, and the camera wanders and lingers at the expense of dramatic structure. To impose a dialogue in Latin was wilfully pretentious without in any way convincing us that we were back in the third century AD. Was it of this film that David Puttnam said "… an Oscar is nothing that Jarman will ever have to worry about"? Had it been made by Cocteau in 1946 it might have some merit as a period piece, but Derek was 30 years too late. With Caravaggio of 1986 he was, perhaps, 20 years too early: since then there has been a spate of exhibitions that might have helped him (and bad books that might not) to make more of his film than a series of exquisite tableaux that have spawned a new genre of pictorial still photography.
His strength and eyesight failing, he returned to painting later in his short life — not that he had ever deserted it, only that the brush was usurped by other interests. Its resumption was largely therapy for his anger against Aids after his HIV-positive diagnosis in 1986 — angry stuff indeed and very physical. "I dip my hands in the paint," he wrote in his diary, "and then claw the canvas as if I am trying to break out of the limits of my painted language"; but he had not the strength to mix the paint, needed assistants to prepare his canvases, and enlisted words to lend meaning to his clawing — Love, Sex and Death, Vice Boys, cocks and arse, Fuck me blind and Scream. When he considered employing his own blood as a medium (did he know of Marc Quinn's Self of 1991?) his doctor warned him that there was not enough of it.
With such assaults on tame good taste he threw back the insults of the tabloid press, but his rejoinders were an ineffective protest against its homophobia. Worse, they are of scant interest as paintings, for they still hark back to Warhol, Twombly, de Kooning, Klein and Schnabel. Pressing discarded condoms into beds of pitch may have been powerful medicine for Derek, and still seem powerful magic for his few surviving courtiers and their dark medieval awe for relics of his life, but it is hardly the apparatus with which Michelangelo achieved the painted ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
At the same time, having moved into Prospect Cottage on the beach at Dungeness, he began to make sinister constructions from the jetsam lying there — scarcely an innovation (could he have been ignorant of the work of Margaret Mellis and others of her ancient generation?) — and to assemble kindred sculptures in his garden as exotic supports for the few dry and glaucous plants that shrivel there in the salt winds driven from the east. Both were more therapy than art.
This may be the last Jarman anniversary to be recognised: 2042 will mark the centenary of his birth and 2044 the half-centenary of his death — and by then, mourners who knew him will be very few indeed, such works of art as have survived will be mere curiosities, at best his films will be judged quaint, and Prospect Cottage will have been swept away by the effects of global warming or nuclear disaster. Thus, by all means, let his pursuivants, paramours and parasites make Pandemonium now, for there will be no other opportunity — but without the alchemist himself, witty, kind, generous, determined, heroic, angry, mocking and malicious, there can be no alchemy.
Derek Jarman: Pandemonium is presented by the Cultural Institute at King's at the Inigo Rooms, Somerset House, WC2 (020 7836 5454, kcl.ac.uk/cultural) Jan 23-March 9. Daily 12-6pm, Thurs until 8pm. Admission free. For associated events consult kcl.ac.uk/cultural and jarman2014.org.
The latest from Brian Sewell
The latest from Brian Sewell
1/23 The First Georgians: Art and Monarchy 1714-1760
The splendours of an elegant era are a joy — and the familiarity of royal genes a surprise, says Brian Sewell
Read Brian Sewell on The First Georgians: Art and Monarchy 1714-1760
(Picture: Royal Collection trust © Queen Elizabeth II)
2/23 Pangaea: New Art from Africa and Latin America
A globetrotting new show offers astonishing enchantment and terrible beauty — if you ignore the curatorial gobbledegook crawling over it, says Brian Sewell
Read Brian Sewell on Pangaea: New Art from Africa and Latin America
© Sam Drake
3/23 William Kent: Designing Georgian Britain, V&A
The architect and designer was a favourite of kings and his work can be seen in the grandest homes but a cramped show can't convey its majesty
Read Brian Sewell on William Kent: Designing Georgian Britain
© National Portrait Gallery, London
4/23 Veronese: Magnificence in Renaissance Venice
One marvellous altarpiece is the star of an audacious display that all but captures the brilliance of a 16th-century master
Read Brian Sewell on Veronese: Magnificence in Renaissance Venice at the National Gallery
© The National Gallery, London
5/23 Ruin Lust
Bombed-out buildings and ancient rubble feature in a bewildering show about our fascination with ruins — with only two masterpieces among the detritus, says Brian Sewell
Read Brian Sewell on Ruin Lust at Tate Britain
6/23 The Great War in Portraits
Moving photographs of teenage Tommies lost at war and medical paintings of reconstructed faces speak louder than self-important portraits of the great and the good in a small but important display
Read Brian Sewell on The Great War in Portraits
7/23 Strange Beauty: Masters of the German Renaissance
This show includes a handful of beautiful and familiar paintings but the mostly tenth-rate works will only confuse and appal visitors.
Read Brian Sewell on Strange Beauty: Masters of the German Renaissance
8/23 Brian Sewell on Richard Hamilton
Some of Richard Hamilton's work now looks as shallow and vapid as its time but the father of British Pop Art also left something more lasting.
Read Brian Sewell on Richard Hamilton
© The estate of Richard Hamilton
9/23 New Order II: British Art Today
On seeing this exhibition, Brian Sewell wants to overturn the New Order and suggests art critics should mount their own exhibition of contemporary British artists.
Read Brian Sewell on New Order II: British Art Today
© Sarah Dwyer, 2012
10/23 Giorgio de Chirico: Myth and Mystery
Estorick Collection, until Sat Apr 19
This informative show of late work is a lesson in just how far the once innovative painter of urban dreamscapes fell into inferior repetition says Brian Sewell.
Read Brian Sewell on Giorgio de Chirico: Myth and Mystery
11/23 Why should we save Van Dyck's selfie, asks Brian Sewell
Before making a final push to save this overpriced self-portrait for the nation, the National Portrait Gallery might first establish whether more than one hand has been involved in its creation.
Read Brian Sewell on Van Dyck's self-portrait
Pic: Philip Mould & Co
12/23 Queer without fear: Brian Sewell on Derek Jarman
A year of events is planned to mark the 20th anniversary of the death from Aids in 1994 of influential film-maker Derek Jarman but, says Brian Sewell, without the loud-mouthed and flamboyant homosexual himself present, no exhibition will ever feel adequate.
Read Brian Sewell on Derek Jarman
Pic: Geraint Lewis/REX
Geraint Lewis/REX
13/23 Uproar! The First 50 Years of The London Group 1913-1963
Ben Uri Gallery, until Sun Mar 2
A modest show about the now mostly forgotten London Group has some treasures — and the gallery it is in merits our support, says Brian Sewell.
Read Brian Sewell on Uproar! The First 50 Years of The London Group 1913-1963
Pic: Copyright 2003 Southampton City Art Gallery
14/23 Turner and the Sea
National Maritime Museum, until Mon Apr 21
A large and striking show examines JMW Turner's lifelong fascination with the sea and contains many of Britain's greatest maritime painter's best works, says Brian Sewell.
Read Brian Sewell on Turner and the Sea
Pic: Tate Images
15/23 Castiglione: Lost Genius
The Queen's Gallery, until Sun Mar 16
A revealing show of astonishing drawings by Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione, the greatest Genoese Baroque painter, suggests that a major retrospective of his work is long overdue says Brian Sewell.
Read Brian Sewell on Castiglione: Lost Genius
Pic: The Royal Collection
The Royal Collection
16/23 Stanley Spencer: Heaven in a Hell of War
Somerset House, until Sun Jan 26
As the centenary of the Great War approaches, many commemorative exhibitions are to come, but they will struggle to top what is this season's must-see show, says Brian Sewell.
Read Brian Sewell on Stanley Spencer: Heaven in a Hell of War
Pic: National Trust Images/John Hammond
17/23 Body Language / The Male Nude: Eighteenth-century Drawings from the Paris Academy
Saatchi Gallery, until Sun Mar 16 / Wallace Collection, exhibition finished
Why would anyone prefer childish simplicity to a complex drawing that grapples with form, musculature, accumulated fat, the tension of the skin and the bones and joints beneath?
Read Brian Sewell on Body Language and The Male Nude: Eighteenth-century Drawings from the Paris Academy
Pic: Chantal Joffe, 2004. Image courtesy of the Saatchi Gallery, London
Saatchi Gallery
18/23 An American in London: Whistler and the Thames
Dulwich Picture Gallery, exhibition finished
An intriguing new show offers an insight into Whistler's earliest work and illustrates how the most important years in the American painter's swift development were spent in London.
Read Brian Sewell on An American in London: Whistler and the Thames
Pic: National Gallery of Art, Washington
19/23 Daumier (1808-1879): Visions of Paris
Royal Academy, until Sun Jan 26
An exciting but too small show displays the familiar wit and fluent draughtmanship of Honoré Daumier's political lithographs, but it is the quality of his paintings that astonishes, says Brian Sewell.
Read Brian Sewell on Daumier (1808-1879): Visions of Paris
20/23 The Young Dürer: Drawing the Figure
Courtauld Gallery, exhibition finished
At the heart of this small show are self-portraits that offer tantalising glimpses of a German artist whose genius was regrettably unfulfilled, says Brian Sewell.
Read Brian Sewell on The Young Dürer: Drawing the Figure
Pic: Oxford, Ashmolean Museum
© Oxford, Ashmolean Museum
21/23 Masterpieces of Chinese Painting 700-1900 / Shunga: Sex and Pleasure in Japanese Art
V&A / British Museum, both exhibitions finished
Two very different shows from Asia reveal how art from other cultures can have alluring languages of their own — and one of them is so good it deserves a second visit.
Read Brian Sewell on Masterpieces of Chinese Painting 700-1900 and Shunga: Sex and Pleasure in Japanese Art
Pic: The Trustees of the British Museum
The Trustees of the British Museum.
22/23 Paul Klee: Making Visible
Tate Modern, until Sun Mar 9
The light and colours of North Africa triggered the abstract shapes and visual vocabulary that became Paul Klee's trademarks, says Brian Sewell.
Read Brian Sewell on Paul Klee: Making Visible
Pic: Norton Simon Museum
23/23 The BP Walk Through British Art
Tate Britain, ongoing
Tate Britain's chronological rehang makes perfect sense and turns four centuries of British art into a pure pleasure — it's after 1920 that it all goes to pot, says Brian Sewell.
Read Brian Sewell on Tate Britain's BP Walk Through British Art
- More about:
- Art Exhibitions
- Artists
- Brian Sewell
- Film Directors


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QUOTE (Tukom @ Dec 10 2010, 06:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi, you might find the beginner's guide to digital photography at http://dslrtutorials.com/ very interesting if you are learning the basics of the DSLR world.
Almost as soon as I'd posted I came across that page. But really good to have it on recommendation. Thanks you.


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We now offer the Frontier Meats "Natural Raised" steak and ground products. These products are produced from grass/grain vegetarian fed, hormone and antibiotic free animals. Choose from our "Natural Raised" category.
Our Bison Ground is perfect for anyone wanting a lean ground. It's great for cookouts.
Eight 12oz Ribeye Steaks!
A mouth watering, full of flavor Texas steak. 12oz of pure beef ready for your grill.
For the health conscious, bison is a smarter, heart-healthier choice for people who want to enjoy the full flavor without all the fat.
Tenderloin Steaks
For the discernible meat lover, these healthy portioned steaks are perfect for the palate.
12oz T-Bone Steak.
The bold flavor will please your taste-buds.
Texas Wild Boar...
Range-Free and full of flavor. Try one of our delicious and lean wild boar roasts.
Frontier Meats, a rich heritage.
For several decades we have lived right in the middle of the world famous Fort Worth Stockyards.


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I have a LOVE for all things Nativity. I have 5 different nativity sets in my house in varying styles.
I saw a clothespin nativity ornament on Pinterest but it was really plain and I knew I wanted to add some color to it but didn't want just paint. I was in Michael's searching and I found some washi tape on sale for 50% off. I knew that is what I'd use to make this very simple, meaningful ornament.
I wrapped it with washi tape 3/4 of the way and then glued the furniture plug on for Jesus' head.


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Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
adverb uk /ˈkred.ə.bli/ us /ˈkred.ə.bli/
The family in the television programme could not be credibly compared with a real one.
(Definition of "credible" from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)
(Definition of "credible" from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)
Get a quick, free translation!
Create and share your own word lists and quizzes for free!
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Word of the Day
someone who studies astronomy


text:
glitter reindeer art
Friday, November 9, 2012
21 comments :
1. Love the art!ReplyDelete
2. Do we have the same entry table? Have we not discussed this before?
oh my. i love reindeer. i love glitter. i love your art.ReplyDelete
Looks great! Kelsie had a great inspiration with that glitter art! I had to do one too! I like that you did a profile to give it a different look. Great job! Love the holiday decor so far! xo KristinReplyDelete
I DO love tackling my Pinterest pins from time to time. I blogged about it here: http://jswfield.blogspot.com/2012/10/playing-with-pins-part-2.htmlReplyDelete
Awesome. Completely. The whole table. Awesome.ReplyDelete
must. do. this. now. So awesome@ReplyDelete
love it! I seriously want to come to a Christmas party at your house!ReplyDelete
These are great! I am not so good and tackling any projects on my to do lists. You have a lovely blog. Would you like to follow each other?ReplyDelete
Much Love,
I loveeeee the merry and bright sign -- did you make that and print it or did you free hand it? If you printed it, would you be willing to share? ;)ReplyDeleteReplies
The reindeer is the best! I have tackled 0 pinterest projects...I did make dinner though...and I plan on bathing my kids.ReplyDelete
It turned out so cute! I like the side profile reindeer too! Yay! -KelseyReplyDelete
Love this! Pinning it!ReplyDelete
Love, love, love it ! Definitely giving it a try.ReplyDelete
Love it, I saw that pin too and can't wait to try it! Love the Merry and Bright art too!ReplyDelete
Do you have a link to the reindeer that you used?ReplyDelete
I wanted to know the best sim which offers free app for iPhone, Android and Nokia and also can Save your mobile minutes.ReplyDelete
I love this! I have been looking for a template to use for the reindeer, but have not found one I like as much as the one you used. Could you add a link to it?ReplyDelete
I really hope you don't mind, but I've added this project to my latest post! http://glamorousbride.blogspot.com/2012/11/fab-pins-of-week_30.htmlReplyDelete
Fabulous. I made the reindeer. I love him! Next up is the Merry and Bright sign. You did that freehand? Overachiever! I'm using photoshop...as son as I find the right fonts. Thanks for the inspiration!ReplyDelete


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East Aurora, NY, USA < change city >
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Weddings By The Falls
1261 Wyoming Ave
Niagara Falls, New York 14305, USA
(716) 622-9517
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16 ratings, 15 reviews, 18 weddings
We had a dream winter wedding. It was like being married in an ice palace. We wo...
Lancaster Country Club Golf
6061 Broadway St
Lancaster, NY, United States
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3 ratings, 3 reviews, 6 weddings
Beautiful and had a great staff. Carol, the coordinator was very good and helped...
Kloc Blossom Grove
1245 Seneca Creek Rd
Buffalo, NY 14224, US
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Millennium Hotel Buffalo
2040 Walden Ave
Buffalo, NY 14225
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Kloc's Banquet & Garden
1245 Seneca Creek Rd
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Best facility! No problems and great to work with. The food was amazing, the bart...
Gregors Garden Grove
Clinton St
West Seneca, NY 14224, US
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Best place in wny. food was hot and perfect.buffet table was neat, refilled timel...
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West Seneca, NY, US
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Lucarelli's Banquet Center
1830 Abbott Rd
Erie County, NY 14218
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Mike Lucarelli LIVES to please his clients. His staff went well above and beyond...
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9504 Heath Rd
Erie, NY 14033, US
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275 Columbia Ave
Depew, NY 14043, USA
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0 ratings, 0 reviews, 6 weddings


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Meet the Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest winner
Glori Spriggs didn't have far to go to compete in the 46th Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest at the Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.
Spriggs, from nearby Henderson, was in fact the only finalist in the contest from Nevada, and made the state proud by earning the $1 million grand prize for her Loaded Potato Pinwheels.
Padma Lakshmi announced Spriggs' name during the awards ceremony last night, sending a deluge of confetti onto the stage.
In a news conference right after the announcement last night, Spriggs was clearly still soaking in her win.
"It's just amazing," Spriggs said. "I've entered the Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest before, but my recipe was not selected. This is the only contest I've ever entered."
She estimated that she made about 20 or 25 versions of her recipe before settling on the right combination to submit to Pillsbury.
She said her recipe was inspired by Green Giant Seasoned Steamers Frozen Backyard Grilled Potatoes, as she searched for an easy appetizer.
Spriggs said she's always enjoyed cooking for her family and friends.
As for her winnings, she plans to tell her daughter to quit one of her two jobs. She also wants to take her mother on a riverboat cruise. And, she's going to give her daughter her car, and buy herself a new car "with a back-up camera on it!"
She also joked about the dress she was wearing, which she recently bought. "My daughter said 'Do you think that's the dress you want to wear when you win a million dollars?'" Spriggs said, "Now when she comes back today I'm going to remind her, 'Yes it is!'"
Spriggs will appear on The Queen Latifah Show on Thursday.
Second prize in the 46th Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest went to Sheila Suhan of Scottdale, Pa., whose recipe was Easy Caprese Pizza Bake.
And, Antoinette Leal of Ridgefield, Conn., won the third prize for her Cherry Almond Brunch Tart.
Congratulations to the winners, and all the finalists!
For more information, visit BakeOff.com.
By the way, Pillsbury announced last night that the 47th Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest will be held in Nashville.
Start thinking of your recipe now!
Editor's note: You can see more photos of Glori at the Bake-Off Contest on our Flickr page.
By clicking "post" below, I affirm that I have read and agree to General Mills' Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, and Community Rules. I specifically agree that all information, suggestions, ideas, or other materials I provide are freely usable and transferable, including with attribution, by General Mills and all of its affiliates without compensation upon submission.


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1 High jinks in the French Alps
1 High jinks in the French Alps
Mountains are often overlooked after the snow has melted. But with the snow goes the crowds, providing a tranquil base for summer pursuits. Activities Abroad (0870-444 5320, www.activitiesabroad.com) is one company offering active family breaks in the French Alps. Its Beyond the Riviera week-long itinerary in Les Alpes-Maritimes is suitable for children from the age of eight, and offers up to five activities in a flexible package that allows you to choose to do as little or as much as you like. The package includes seven nights in a gite, home-cooked dinners, two lunches, all equipment, instruction and transfers. Activities include canyoning, mountain biking, lake kayaking and traversing the Via Ferrata in the Italian Alps. A week costs from £390 for adults and £340 for children aged eight to 14 without activities, or £590 for adults and £540 for children with all activities. There are two Sunday departures in July and four in August. Flights are not included but can be arranged with car hire, which is recommended, through Activities Abroad. A return flight to Nice with easyJet (0871-750 0100; www.easyJet.com) in July costs about £79 from Gatwick, Stansted or Luton.
2 Get on your bike in the Netherlands
The flat relief of the Netherlands makes it an ideal location for cycling with young children. Saddle Skedaddle (0191-265 1110; www.skedaddle.co.uk) offers two itineraries in Holland, one of which is The Green Heart of Holland. The tour starts and ends in Amsterdam, cycling along rivers, through 16th-century towns, past ubiquitous windmills and towards the coast to Rotterdam, with time reserved for museums and cultural attractions, such as the Keukenhof gardens. The group - six to 16 in size - travels about 45km each day, with some of the distance covered by boat. Accommodation is on-board a barge, which follows the route taken by the group. Monthly departures leave on Saturdays from May to August and cost from £525 for adults and £130 for children up to the age of 18. The cost includes full-board accommodation, bicycle hire, a tour guide and ferry fares. There is no minimum age for children, who are welcome to join their parents on child seats or on their own bikes (providing they can cycle competently without stabilisers). Transport to Amsterdam is not included. KLM (08705 074074; www.klm.com) offers return flights from £78 from regional airports to Amsterdam. Stena Line (08704-00 67 98; www.amsterdamexpress.co.uk) offers return fares on its Rail and Sail route from £50 per person from London Liverpool Street or Cambridge.
3 Go wild in Tanzania
Let the little ones go wild on a specially designed family safari. The Adventure Company (0870-794 1009, www.adventurecompany.co.uk) offers several safari itineraries specifically designed for families, one of which is its Safari & Spice tour in Tanzania. The group tour - three to five families - combines visits to the Saadani Game Reserve, Mikumi National Park and to the island of Zanzibar, combining cultural tours with beach relaxation. Children as young as five are welcomed and there are plenty of opportunities to see wildlife such as monkeys, hippos and zebras. The 13-night tour costs from £1,983 for adults and £1,820 for children aged five to 12. The cost includes return flights from Heathrow to Dar es Salaam on Gulf Air, internal flights and transfers, boat and land safaris, a tour of Stone Town and guides. B&B is also included with eight nights in a hotel, one night in a safari lodge and four nights in a fixed camp. The best time to visit is from December to February and June to September, when rainfall is at its lowest. The next departure is 17 July.
4 Get a culture shock in India
Look and learn on a trip to India. Explore Family Holidays (01252 760177; www.explore.co.uk/familyadventures) offers group tours - about 12 to16 in size - around the world for families with children from the age of six. Its Taj, Tigers and Palaces 12-day tour takes in less-travelled routes and towns in northern India as well as more familiar landmarks. The itinerary includes a tour of New and Old Delhi, a visit to Ranthambore National Park to see its protected tigers and other wildlife, a visit to the palaces and markets of Jaipur, to the 13th-century fort of Taragarh Fort, Keoladeo National Park and the Taj Mahal. One optional extra is an elephant ride at Amber Palace near Jaipur. The tour costs from £1,095 per adult and £899 per child aged six to 11. The cost includes b&b in hotels for nine nights and full board in converted Maharajahs' palaces for two nights, as well as return flights on Gulf Air from Heathrow, transfers, guides and entrance to parks and tours. The next departure is 20 October, for which there is limited availability. Tours are available during school holidays.
5 Join the club in Thailand
Take a chill while your kids get active. Families staying at the Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort (00 66 75 628 000, www.starwood.com) in southern Thailand can take advantage of its activity-packed Sai Roong Club aimed at children aged four to 12. Open daily from 9am-5pm with a break for lunch at 12pm, the programme includes batik painting, beach games, mask and necklace making, Thai boxing, swimming with Ra-ra the two-year-old baby elephant in the sea and kayaking. Children can participate in morning, afternoon or all-day sessions, leaving parents to enjoy the hotel's facilities, which include a diving centre and spa. They can also take time out to explore local islands such as Koh Phi Phi. The Sai Roong Club is free, although there is a small charge for certain activities. Kuoni Travel (01306 747008; www.kuoni.co.uk) organises seven-night holidays to the Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort from £888 for adults and £462 for children up to the age of 12, based on three sharing. The price includes return flights from Heathrow to Bangkok and a connecting flight to Krabi with Thai International, land and air transfers and b&b accommodation.
6 Explore Canada's great outdoors
Footloose (0870-444 8735; www.footloose.com) offers an 11-day family tour, Canadian Discovery, taking families with children as young as eight through British Columbia and Alberta. The tour starts in Seattle and heads to the Paul Lake Provincial Park in the heart of British Columbia with its mountain lakes and glaciers. From there, the group explores the Emerald Lake area in Yoho National Park and goes rafting on the Kicking Horse River. Next it's Alberta and the Banff National Park with a cable car ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain and time to relax in the park's natural hot springs. The tour also explores Lake Louise, Jasper National Park, Wells Gray Provincial Park and Vancouver, finishing back in Seattle. The cost is £859 for adults and £773 for children aged eight to 16, including accommodation in tents, camping fees, vehicle transportation, guides, park entrance fees, a glacier walk, and entry to the hot springs. Flights are not included. Extras include river rafting, horse riding, cycling, canoeing and hiking. The next departure is 19 June for which Footloose is offering a 20 per cent discount, then 17 July and 7 August. British Airways (0870-850 9850, www.ba.com) flies direct to Seattle with a return flight in August costing about £718 for adults and £503 for children aged two to 11.
7 Watch dolphins in Australia
Give the dolphinarium a miss and experience these amazing creatures in their natural environment. Austravel (0870-166 2002; www.austravel.com) offers a Monkey Mia Dolphin Delight three-day tour in Western Australia. The aim is to introduce families of all ages to wild bottle-nosed dolphins, which swim into the shallows of Shark Bay - a World Heritage Site. The tour departs Perth every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and costs from £310 for adults and £225 for children up to the age of 11. The price includes return flights from Perth, two nights' accommodation at the Monkey Mia Resort and transfers, as well as entry to the nature reserve. Austravel can organise packages in Australia to complement the Monkey Mia Dolphin tour and are currently offering a 10-night package to Perth at the three-star Sullivan's Hotel from £1,125 for adults and £915 for children aged two to 11. This includes return flights with Qantas either from London Heathrow or Manchester, room-only accommodation, and free bicycle hire as well as the Monkey Mia Dolphin package. This offer must be booked and taken by 30 June.
8 Get in the saddle in Tenerife
Explore the Canaries beyond the beach. In the Saddle (01299-272 997, www.inthesaddle.com) organises holidays on horseback across the world, but the Finca Verde trail is especially suited for families. Novices can train for four days to build confidence and competence before setting off on a trail around northern Tenerife, using an American Indian style of riding which encourages a close bond between horse and rider, with a light saddle and a bit-less bridle. The itinerary involves four days of riding off the beaten track, with three to seven hours of riding each day. The cost of the training week is from £585 per adult and £500 per child aged nine-14 years, and from £610 per adult and £520 per child for the riding week. The costs include seven nights' accommodation, all breakfasts, lunches from Monday to Friday and all riding. The weekends are free for riders to explore the island. Flights and car hire are not included but can be arranged through In The Saddle. The riding holiday operates throughout the year, starting on Mondays, with group sizes averaging about six. GB Airways (0870- 850 9850; www.gbairways.com) operates flights on behalf of British Airways from Gatwick to Tenerife North. A return flight in August costs about £235 for adults and children.
9 Fun and games in the UK
Let the kids take you on holiday. Manor Adventure (01584-861333; www.manoradventure.com) offers fully inclusive activity holidays for children with or without their parents at its centre in Ludlow, Shropshire. Its You Can Come Too package is for all the family, including children from the age of three, while unaccompanied children aged eight to 16 are also welcome. The activities are divided into age groups and visitors can choose to do as little or as much as they please from an itinerary that includes canoeing, abseiling, face-painting, trampolining, nature walks and caving. Adults and small children stay in en-suite rooms, while over-sevens sleep in dormitories. The cost for adults is £389, £349 for children aged seven to 12 and £379 for children aged 13 to 16 for seven nights. Two and three-night packages are also available. The costs include accommodation, all meals (buffet-style), accompanied outdoor pursuits and equipment. The week-long breaks are available in school holidays and there are weekend breaks throughout the year. There is no supplement for single-parent families.
10 Step out in Peru
Get your walking boots on. Walks Worldwide (01524 242000; www.walksworldwide.com) welcomes children of any age, even babes-in-arms, to join its An Inka Adventure, a 15-day tour of Peru. Time is set aside for acclimatisation and ponies aid the trip by carrying small children. The tour begins in Cusco, where families spend the first two days exploring the ancient Inka capital and getting used to the altitude. The hike begins taking in the Inca sites of Puca Pucara, Quenqo and Sacsayhuaman. After a night's camping, the tour continues through Andean villages to the Plaza de Chincheros. Later on, the group visits the salt mines at Maras, the caves at Pichingoto, Ollantaytambo's forts and temples, the hot springs at Aguas Calientes, the rescue centre for the endangered spectacled bear and a guided tour of Machu Picchu. A train then takes the group to Lake Titicaca, from where a boat takes them onto Amantani and the Taquile Islands. The tour costs from £1,895 for adults, £1,595 for children aged two to 11 and £95 for children up to the age of one (providing no plane seat is required). The costs include flights from any UK airport via Amsterdam to Lima, accommodation in hotels, camps and family homes, transfers, transport and ponies for children, all meals on the treks, guides and entrance fees. The group size is about 20 and the next departure date is 10 August.Reuse content


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Pittsburgh Chevy Burger and Shake Crawl 2011
Continuing on with the tasting at one of Pittsburgh's top burger places, BrGr it was time for the Shroom Burger. Once again they brought out a tray of burgers all sliced in quarters for us each to have a little taste. I was particularly excited to try this one because even though there was once again no bacon to be found it had mushrooms, and I love mushrooms.
Pilled high with shrooms and onions this is what a mushroom burger should be. Too many times have I tried a mushroom burger only to be disappointed that the shroom flavor was lost but I'm glad to report that this was not the case. The beef, onions, and mushroom flavors were blended together seamlessly and instead of one flavor being the star this was definitely a team event. I'm even going to go out on limb here and say this was one of the best mushroom burgers I have ever had the pleasure of eating and I will be returning to BrGr so I can devour a whole one.
To wash it down we got some Salty Caramel milk shakes. At first glance it looked just like a normal vanilla milk shake with a little squirt of caramel in it but at first taste I knew it was a little more complex than that.
When most people here the word salt associated with something that should be sweet they immediately think it's going to be bad. I see this all the time when it comes to things like chocolate covered bacon. People that have never tried it can't seem to wrap their heads around how well savory salt and sweet sugar go together but upon tasting it their minds become open to all kinds of possibilities.
Salt and caramel work together so well there is even a very popular candy that works of this premise, Sugar Daddy, and that's what this shake reminded me of. It was like having a Sugar Daddy without all that annoying caramel getting stuck in your teeth.
Speaking of thinks that are sweet, let's talk about the Equinox. The Equinox is a smaller SUV but don't let that fool you. It has some of the largest leg room in the business. It can easily handle multiple passengers over six feet tall and as mid size SUVs go it comes out on top in the gas mileage department with 32 MPG for highway driving.
One of the first things you will notice when you're driving down the road is actually something you can't notice at all, and that's outside noise. The Equinox has one of the quietus rides thanks to the Active Noise Cancelation technology that comes standard on the Equinox. It's equipped with microphones and subwoofers that can detect repetitive sounds, like the sound your tires make on the road, and then outputs the opposite frequency therefore canceling out the noise so you hear nothing. I would say the Equinox is worth the price tag coming in at around 24 thousand.
Still to come, BrGr has one more burger shake combo to go. So come on back for Part 3: Salmon Burger, Dark Chocolate Shake, and The Cruze (teaser, one of these things comes with bacon. Can you guess which one?)


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Double Shot #934
Monday, August 13, 2012 at 6:00AM
Another week, another few links.
- Average App Store Review Times - Just in case you want to know how long the darned things are taking. This is the worst part of iOS development.
- Debunking the Node.js Gish Gallop - Someone intimately familiar with ruby web servers and frameworks takes on the more extreme claims of the Node.js community.
- thin 2.0 - Out in alpha. Use at your own risk.
- Firebug Tip: Log DOM Events - The easy way to avoid sprinkling your code with console.log().
- Consuela - Log reader for the iPad.