text:
Last Thursday, I was summoned to court. No, I wasn't the one on trial. I'm innocent. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. (They don't know about my compost pile, or why my flowers, are really so pretty.) But I was quite miffed at the summons. It's not that I don't think it's my civic duty, I'm fine with duty, but not re-duty. I'd been hit with jury duty three weeks before. Why is it that my number gets drawn at the courthouse and not at the official Texas Lottery Building? And why is it that the summons never comes when I don't have a ton of deadlines?
Anyway…I was miffed. I considered accidentally losing the envelope in my still blooming flower bushes as I walked in from the mailbox, but then with my luck I'll be the one they decide to make an example of and they'd wind up on my doorstep, handcuff and arrest my butt for not showing up. I can see the headlines now: Romance Author of Divorced, Desperate and Delicious is dragged away from computer, braless, sobbing, still wearing PJs, no makeup, and having a bad hair day. (Photos available.) Meanwhile an investigation is undergoing to uncover exactly what said author uses to fertilize her flower garden.
I really don't want those bodies found.
So…here I am, going to the county courthouse, protecting my flower-garden secrets, miffed, and only mildly looking better than I imagine the picture of me if I was arrested. (Hey, I managed to put a bra on.) Now, for those who don't know me, let me explain something. I'm emotionally whacked. When I'm sad, I get funny. Confused, I make a joke. When scared, I go for hilarious. But when miffed…oh boy, I don't hold back, I'm firing with all cylinders. Basically, humor is my defense mechanism for dealing with emotions.
I'm barely seated when the Bailiff eyeballs me from across the room. I see in his expression that I've been tagged. By tagged, I mean I'm the one he's decided to pick on. This probably doesn't happen in all courthouses, but our county Bailiffs have the misconception that they are comedians. And they use some poor unsuspecting juror to be the butt of their jokes. Now…remember, I'd just been there three weeks before, so I'm not so unsuspecting and he's basically toast.
After his first wise-cracky remark, directed at yours truly, he chuckles and tells everyone he's only joking, but then his wife had told him that morning that he wasn't funny. I politely raise my hand and he calls on me. I, in a very serious voice, advise him that he really needs to start listening to his wife.
When I get more laughs than he did, well, that upsets him, and he starts firing harder, but of course, I'm ready, and remember, I'd heard his routine, so sometimes I tell his jokes before he gets a chance too, and that gets his goat. He finally catches on and asks me… "You've been here before, haven't you?"
I smile. "Yup, and you need a new routine."
Well, that went over about like a fart in church, and he thinks he's being clever and holds a vote. "How many people think we need escort Ms. Craig over to the ticket line? Please raise your hands." Not one hand goes up. Then I take the floor, (yeah, I'm pretty much out of control by then) and I make my case and then poll the audience on how many think our Bailiff needs to be ticketed for not being funny. Sixty hands go up.
Bailiff crosses his hands over his barrel of a chest and asks, "What do you for a living?"
I don't lie. (Well, not about that.) "I write romantic comedies that involve murder."
Audience laughs and someone says to the Bailiff, "And you, might have your own chapter."
I answer, "Yup, but it's going to be a long chapter, because he's gonna die slowly."
Now, I'm having so much fun heckling the Bailiff that I don't stop and think about the possible repercussions. And when I do think about it, it's too late. He's standing there with the list of twelve jurors, out of sixty, mind you, that have been chosen for the jury. Randomly, selected of course.
Randomly, my butt! I saw the look on that Bailiff's face when he went back to get the randomly-selected list!!!
Now I wish I could tell you that the case was some high-profile murder case—we have plenty of them in Texas, mostly 'cause we know how to kill people—but nope. Some lady didn't want to pay her speeding ticket. We all lost a day's work, wasted the court's time because she didn't want to pay for going 27 miles over the speed limit. We sent her to the chair—yep, we do that in Texas, too. However, on the positive side, I ended up passing out my cards and promoting my book. So, there you have it, my day in court. Moral of the story, if you go for jury duty and don't want to get selected to serve on the case, don't heckle the Bailiff.
Have any of you been chosen for jury duty? Got any juicy stories? Ever been pulled over for speeding?
Remember the contest? Post a comment and you're entered to win a great prize.
Oh, here's another contest that might interest you: A couple of Dorchester authors have graciously designed a contest to help promote a few of the new authors, (yours truly as one of them). Details are at http://www.bonnievanak.blogspot.com and http://www.jennifersromances.blogspot.com This contest will run until the end of November, and then they'll draw a winner. So, go check it out.
Crime Scene Christie
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
My Day In Court, Or Why I'm Killing the Bailiff in My Next Book.
Posted by Christie Craig at 8:30 AM
46 comments:
- Suzan Harden said...
Christie, you're only really in trouble if you had pulled that routine with the judge. Some of them here think Judge Roy Bean is God.
- November 6, 2007 at 7:23 AM
- Christie Craig said...
I'm often a few fries short of a happy meal, but not that short. Judges still scare me.
Thanks for posting girl.
Crime Scene Christie
- November 6, 2007 at 7:29 AM
OMG that is too funny. And I hope it helps you sell lots of books. I, for one, can't wait until my copy arrives. :-)
- November 6, 2007 at 8:19 AM
- Christie Craig said...
Thanks for stopping in. I've already gotten a few emails from the other jurors. So it may have sold me a few books.
Have a great day and I hope you enjoy DD&D!
Crime Scene Christie
- November 6, 2007 at 8:25 AM
- Jenyfer Matthews said...
I'm not surprised that you've gotten emails from your fellow jurors - you sound like you stole the show! LOL
Never had jury duty - but then I've been out of the country for 8 years so that may have something to do with it...
- November 6, 2007 at 8:33 AM
Girl, didn't your mama ever tell you not to tease men with guns? LOL.
- November 6, 2007 at 8:34 AM
- Christie Craig said...
Hi Jenyfer!
Oddly enough, I didn't go in to steal the show, but that happens when I get my feathers ruffled.
Thanks for posting girl! And maybe when you get back in town you'll get your chance to serve on a jury. In all honesty, it's a very interesting study on human nature. Twelve people together, from all walks of life, trying to agree on somthing. Great character study tool!
- November 6, 2007 at 8:48 AM
- Christie Craig said...
Unfortunately, I didn't listen to a lot of what my mom told me.
Thanks for posting girl!!
Crime Scene Christie
- November 6, 2007 at 8:51 AM
ROFL! I don't think I'd have the nerve to sass the bailiff.
As far as I can recall I've only received a summons once and luckily for me I'd moved to a different state at the time, so I got out of it easily.
- November 6, 2007 at 9:27 AM
- Jana DeLeon said...
Too funny, Christie, and fantastic job taking an opportunity to promote your books!!!! That one goes in the marketing hall of fame.
I do wonder though - in Dallas if you've been called for jury duty in the last six months, all you have to do is call the courthouse and you can opt out of attending again. Maybe you should check into that. You know, given your luck and all.
In fact, are you sure you weren't a character in my latest book?
- November 6, 2007 at 9:33 AM
- Christie Craig said...
Basically, I've got my nerve than smarts sometimes.
Thanks for posting. And seriously, while it's pain in the butt to be told you have to do something like appear for jury duty, it is very interesting and thought provoking.
Crime Scene Christie
- November 6, 2007 at 9:35 AM
- Gemma Halliday said...
CC, I'm gonna end up posting bail for you at some point, aren't I?
- November 6, 2007 at 9:40 AM
- Christie Craig said...
I thought the same thing, but when I asked the Bailiff, he just snickered. Of course, he could have just been getting even. However, there was another man there that had also been called less than a month before. So who knows...
And yeah, I was beginning to think I might have been connected or at least a distant relative to your character!!
Congrats again on your Dorch deal!
Crime Scene Christie
- November 6, 2007 at 9:41 AM
- Christie Craig said...
I've you down as the first person to call!! So when you get that collect call please accept!!!!
Crime Scene Christie
- November 6, 2007 at 9:44 AM
- Kimberly Frost said...
I wish you'd been there on the day I was summoned for Jury Duty. That would have made the morning so much more entertaining!
Meanwhile, what a great way to promote books! The next time someone does an RWA panel on promo, you should share that story. "I can promote anywhere, anytime. Author's cards...don't leave home without them." by CC ;)
- November 6, 2007 at 10:33 AM
- Christie Craig said...
Thanks for stopping in. And yup, a few promo cards in your purse is a must.
Hmmm...I wonder if we can request to called to duty at the same time.
Crime Scene Christie
- November 6, 2007 at 10:50 AM
- Lucy said...
So, I'm reading your response to my comment and wondering why you used my real name, only to see that's what posted. Not sure how that happened.
Anyway, Christie, you should stop by my "secret" blog to see what your local chapter members are willing to do to sell a book. ;-)
- November 6, 2007 at 11:18 AM
- Christie Craig said...
Okay...there you go blaming me for outing you, when you outted yourself! (smile)
By the way, I checked out your secret blog and loved, loved the video. Very funny girl. Do you mind posting the addy for others to check it out?
- November 6, 2007 at 11:39 AM
- Lucy said...
Here's the video. Remember...anything to sell the book. ;-)
- November 6, 2007 at 11:52 AM
- catslady said...
Okay cats are looking at me strange because you made me really lol. I hope I get someone like you to keep things interesting if I get called to jury duty. I'm knocking on wood here. I got called twice but that was over 20 years ago and I had two small kids with no one to watch them and they accepted that. (That doesn't work any more)so I've been lucky. I too don't mind the idea of jury duty but the getting there would be hard. Thanks for the laughs.
- November 6, 2007 at 12:30 PM
- Christie Craig said...
I'm sure the cats enjoyed the show.
And I know what you mean about getting to the courthouse. Getting called for my county isn't bad, but getting called for Houston is a nightmare. The last time I took the bus. And you would know I got picked. So for a week, I was up at the crack of dawn at the Metro station.
Thanks for posting. And congrats again on your win of Jana's prize package.
Crime Scene Christie
- November 6, 2007 at 12:57 PM
- Hellie Sinclair said...
Awesome kickass job heckling! He deserved it; sorry you got the chair for it.
Yes, I have served on a jury (BORING) and in the end, after we arrived at our verdict (but before we could present), they walked in and said they decided to settle. Nice. I don't even remember what it was about. It was like 10 years ago.
Yes, pulled over and ticketed for speeding. 72 in a 60. $100 fine, since it was state trooper. Memorial Day weekend--you'd think I'd pay attention. But that was about 8 years ago...and so far, my last ticket. *knocks on wood*
- November 6, 2007 at 1:40 PM
- Christie Craig said...
Kickass heckler. I like that description.
I've had only one speeding ticket. 60 in a 45. Yikes. Everyone told me not to get a red car because I would get ticketed, and sure enough the second day I got the car, I get a ticket.
Thanks for posting.
Crime Scene Christie
- November 6, 2007 at 1:55 PM
- Cheryl said...
Oh my gosh, that is so funny. It's one of those moments where someone with guts says all the things everyone else is thinking but is too chicken to say. Kinda like the things I wish I could come up with. I bet you were the hero among all the jurors that day.
- November 6, 2007 at 2:07 PM
- Christie Craig said...
You may be right, but most of those people who kept their mouths shut got to go home while I got snagged for the jury! ;-)
But if I went back tomorrow, I'd do the same thing again. I'm a real slow learner.
Thanks for posting!
Crime Scene Christie
- November 6, 2007 at 2:16 PM
- Minna said...
I'm so thankful we don't have your system here in Finland! I never have to worry I might be chosen for jury duty.
- November 6, 2007 at 2:59 PM
- Christie Craig said...
Hmm...So you guys don't have jury duty? Do you have professional jurors? Or do you not have trials by jury?
Crime Scene Christie
- November 6, 2007 at 3:15 PM
- Estella said...
I have had jury duty several times. I even had Grand Jury once. Didn't like any of them.
- November 6, 2007 at 3:48 PM
- Christie Craig said...
I've never been picked for a grand jury. I hear it's quite different.
Not that I want to be called anytime soon, mind you. I've had my court fix for a few years.
Crime Scene Christie
- November 6, 2007 at 3:52 PM
- Stacy S said...
Too funny! I've had jury before. I didn't really care for it. After getting picked once, I got picked 2 more times. Didn't have to do it though, only once a year!
- November 6, 2007 at 6:41 PM
- Christie Craig said...
Thanks for stopping by. Jury duty is something I think most of us have lived through. Not always fun, and I think we deserve the right to whine a little.
Thanks again for posting.
Crime Scene Christie
- November 6, 2007 at 6:44 PM
- Enchanted by Books said...
Too funny! I never did jury duty before. Knock on wood.
- November 6, 2007 at 6:55 PM
- Christie Craig said...
I'm glad I gave you a chuckle. It's bad when you really don't want to be there, but if you start thinking of it as a chance to study people it can be interesting. And a chance to sell a few books. :-)
Thanks for posting girl!
Crime Scene Christie
- November 6, 2007 at 7:00 PM
- Unknown said...
I have never been chosen for jury duty and I hope they don't choose me. lol.
- November 6, 2007 at 7:10 PM
- Kathy Bacus said...
All I have to say is if you were on trial for BSP (blatant self-promotion) in the first degree, Christie, the verdict would be GUILTY beyond a reasonable doubt. And then some!
Too funny!
~Bullet Hole~
- November 6, 2007 at 7:18 PM
- Christie Craig said...
Thanks for popping in.
Generally, we all have our day in court . . . with a jury summons in hand. But I think some people have made an art of avoiding getting chosen. Unfortunately, I don't seem to be talented in the art.
Crime Scene Christie
- November 6, 2007 at 7:23 PM
- Christie Craig said...
I'll fess up to that crime.
Thanks for posting!
Crime Scene Christie
- November 6, 2007 at 7:25 PM
christie , once again your story kept me on the edge of my seat. I thinking i better call Christie and make sure she is alright . she got picked up for not going to jury duty? How could this happen to Christie, i kept waiting for you to say its all a joke.
I have been lucky the 2 times i have been selected for Jury Duty was after we had our own business and i didnt have anyone to run the shop. You see in Gadsden , if it's a hard ship for you to serve then you can get out of it.
But im sure if you tried to loose the notice you'd get picked up and hauled in here in Gadsden Alabama too.
I cant wait for your book to come out . im telling everyone here about it.
recently our home town paper asked for book reviews , yep you all guessed it i recommened killerfiction.net
i hope i when i prize.
im tring to help . My niece says since she seen the video of DDD.
She knows she has to have the book.
thanks again for the laughs Christie.
- November 6, 2007 at 9:55 PM
- Michele L. said...
Hi Christie,
Ha, ha, ha.....now that is funny! Well, you never fail to entertain or amuse me! Yes, I have been called to Jury Duty but I found it utterly fascinating! I was transfixed by everything that went on! I was in for 2 and half days. It was about a traffic accident. Nothing out of hand happened though. Oh! I do remember during the process when you all are asked questions before they select you, one lady said she new the witness. Boy did they grill her! She got totally unnerved and was dismissed.
Well, I am up for Jury duty selection again. Just got my notice a month ago. I am waiting for a reply in the mail.
- November 6, 2007 at 10:05 PM
- Minna said...
OK, here's how it works in Finland:
Trial by jury does not exist in Finland as such. In most civil cases, there are no non-professional judges involved in the process. In criminal cases, the common sense and popular sense of justice are represented by the three (or four, in complicated matters) Lay Judges. However, they participate both in the trying of fact and of law, as well as in sentencing.
The municipal councils appoint the Lay Judges for terms of four years. Each Lay Judge participates in a hearing approximately once a month. The District Court pays a hearing fee to the Lay Judges and reimburses them for loss of income.
- November 7, 2007 at 1:50 AM
- Christie Craig said...
I'm glad you found jury duty fascinating, because I did. Yes, it can be a pain to have someone else tell you that you have to do something and when, but it did make for some interesting thoughts and a even a decent blog. And as a writer, I've found that I have to stay with one foot in real life or my creativity drains dry.
Thanks for posting Michele.
Crime Scene Christie
- November 7, 2007 at 6:39 AM
- Christie Craig said...
If I'd gotten picked up and put in the slammer, I'd given you a call to bail me out!!!
And oh my, I'm so happy you are talking up my book. Seriously, word of mouth is the best...the best advertisement that there is.
Thank you so much good friend!
Crime Scene Christie
- November 7, 2007 at 6:45 AM
- Christie Craig said...
Thanks for that info. I think it's interesting to how things work other places. Of course, here, things can work differently from state to state or even county to county. And I would have to live in Texas where everything is is a little different. Probably because we were our own country at one time.
Thanks for posting!
Crime Scene Christie
- November 7, 2007 at 6:59 AM
- Colleen Thompson said...
Lol -- to quote the song from CHICAGO, "He Had It Comin'".
- November 12, 2007 at 3:29 PM
- Lily said...
Thanks for telling us about another contest :)
- November 14, 2007 at 7:09 PM
I love Jennifer Ashley... I had already entered her contest :)
- November 14, 2007 at 7:17 PM


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The chemistry of vanadium, niobium and tantalum
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acid solution Acta Chem Acta Cryst alkoxides allgem alloys anhydrous anion anorg bromine Brown carbide carbon Chem chemical chemistry chloride cluster compounds complexes coordination crystallographic crystals cubic diamagnetic dimeric electron elements fluoride given in Table H. G. von Schnering halides halogen heating Hexagonal Hexagonal hydrofluoric acid hydrogen infrared Inorg known Lattice parameters Less-Common Metals ligands listed in Table melting metal atom molecule Monoclinic NbCl5 niobium and tantalum niobium atom niobium pentachloride niobium(V nitride nitrogen octahedral Orthorhombic oxide oxygen atoms Oxyhalides oxytrichloride P. J. Jones paramagnetic pentachloride pentafluoride pentahalides pentavalent pentoxide phases Phys prepared properties pyridine R. J. H. Clark range of homogeneity reaction reacts reduction Rhombohedral Russ salts Scand Schafer sodium solid solvents species spectra spectrum stable structure sulphur symmetry TaCl5 tantalum(V temperature Tetragonal tetrahalides tetrahydrofuran tetravalent thermal decomposition transition trigonal undallgem vanadium atom vanadium tetrachloride vanadium trichloride vanadium(III vapour

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Projects Abroad Human Rights Office – Cape Town, South Africa – Monthly Reports
Projects Abroad Human Rights Office - Cape town - Monthly reports - December 2010
It has been a quiet month for PAHRO as the numbers of volunteers decreased and the Christmas and New Year period caused many businesses and schools that we work with to be closed. This meant that many of our social outreach programmes have been unable to operate throughout December
However the Sports Day that was being organised by one of our volunteers last month took place at the beginning of December and all volunteers went along and took part. A number of games were played with just over 100 children from Khayelitsha. We were able to secure food donations so that all the children were fed as well as receive a food parcel to take home with them to their families.
- Bonnytoun – For the first part of December volunteers continued to visit Bonnytoun and interact with the boys there. However as volunteer numbers dwindled visits had to be postponed until a new intake of volunteers arrived in the New Year.
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Department of State
FAQ's – Impact of the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 on New Jersey Department of State operations and/or services.
- What budget area(s) and/or agencies under the Department of State's purview will be impacted by the $787 economic stimulus bill signed into law by President Barack Obama on February 17, 2009?What budget area(s) and/or agencies under the Department of State's purview will be impacted by the $787 economic stimulus bill signed into law by President Barack Obama on February 17, 2009?Two specific budget areas stand to be directly and indirectly impacted: The New Jersey branch of the national AmeriCorps Program, which is housed under the Department of State, and the New Jersey Council on the Arts.
- How will New Jersey's AmeriCorps Program benefit?How will New Jersey's AmeriCorps Program benefit?While not a direct appropriation for New Jersey's AmeriCorps Program, the stimulus bill appropriates $201 million nationally to the Corporation for National and Community Service. These funds will place approximately 16,000 additional AmeriCorps members to work meeting the needs of vulnerable populations and communities hit particularly hard by the current national economic recession.
New Jersey's AmeriCorps Program has been allocated $839,218 in increased funding based upon an established population funding formula. This is in addition to having increased opportunities to apply for competitive funding from the Corporation for National and Community Service. Only CURRENT GRANTEES are eligible to apply for additional AmeriCorps members through the New Jersey Commission on National and Community Service, which is part of the New Jersey Department of State. You may go to the national website at www.nationalservice.org or contact the New Jersey Commission by phone at (609) 633-9629.
- How will the New Jersey Council on the Arts benefitHow will the New Jersey Council on the Arts benefitThe federal stimulus bill includes a $50 million allocation for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Forty-percent (40%) of the funding will be distributed through state and regional arts agencies and, as we understand at this time, awarded using existing grant-making procedures. Nationally, the $50 million will go to support arts projects and activities which preserve jobs in the non-profit sector threatened by declines in philanthropic and other support during the current economic downturn. New Jersey will receive at least $336,900 from the stimulus package. This funding will allow the New Jersey Arts Council to help make up some of the losses in funding experienced by arts organizations statewide, thus helping to preserve valuable jobs in New Jersey's diverse cultural community. New Jersey's non-profit arts industry generates $1.5 billion in economic impact, returns $36 million in State tax revenue, employs 82,000 workers, and helps support 17,000 businesses.
Additionally, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts is currently ranked among the top state arts agencies nationally by the NEA, and therefore stands to possibly benefit from a considerable percentage of the funds awarded based on the merit of the Council's programs.


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Escapist Podcast: 083: SimCity, Story-Based RPGs and Google Glass
Pages PREV 1 2 3
Stopping mid podcast to discuss the Sim City stuff.
EA put out plenty of updates and news about the game before launch saying that it should have be well known that there will be no offline single player. And now, of course, there is no offline single player. They stated plenty of times that the main thing they were doing with SimCity was making into a game of multiplayer co-op.
You have to be online for single player. If you want someone to blame, blame pirates, because it is a tactic to keep track of all people that play so they know if people are pirating and/or hacking.
It is another well reported fact that EA has stated that one of the big reasons Sim City was going to be so hard for pirates to make working copies of was that a vast majority of the city simulations were going to be personally handled server-side then sent back to the player.
This would mean that if you are running some bogus copy of the game, the EA servers will know it and won't be processing the important simulations your game and city need to run properly.
The only way I see pirates working this one out is if they purchased large amounts of similar type servers and got the exact codes and make-up of what EA's servers calculate for the city simulations and then run their own version of it on their own server farm.
With the time and money it would take to do that, I don't see pirates wasting their time and money(and I'm glad, good riddance). But if they do, it will be the longest time in history for a game to get cracked and playable by filthy stinking pirates.
On this whole situation, I agree with Susan. These days you have to be a smart consumer. It is pretty much a giving that a game that requires you to be always online will not have a perfect launch. Not everybody or nobody will get to play until it is fix.
And I as a consumer if I did have the money and computer to run the game, I would have bought it and waited patiently for them to fix it. If it means that they get it fixed and running along with the stuff that is for wacking pirates upside the head, I'm all for it.
Well, there goes one of the podcasts I used to listen to...
You put the audio only version into goddamn iTunes! Sorry, but no. I am not going to go even CLOSE to any goddamn Apple service ever again, not even for you guys. Adios, it was fun.
According to the RSS, the audio version of this episode is at http://www.themis-media.com/videos/get/0/e15a29097a5b663fa43b258772591ecc/6974.mp3 which redirects to http://video2.themis-media.com/766d9ea2d7d02d7e2dec3a7c47146f9d/mp3/escapist/escapist-podcast/407591a6bd29a27cce7def3aee1f45a5.mp3
Those are some crazy ass filenames, btw.
The problem with EA's strategy is that at this point, they no longer sell video games. They sell lifetime membership to small MMOs with a large solo component, to run for an indeterminate amount of time until that service is no longer profitable for them, they shut it down, and the game no longer exists.
But they'll still market it in terms of selling a game. I'll stick with solutions that have an offline mode, thanks all the same.
Despite the RSS feed currently being wonky, you WILL be able to download the podcat as an MP3. Cool your jets, don't make any hasty decisions!
Or you could just download the mp3 from our RSS feed. Up to you.
As to the Google Glass discussion. A number of these issues have been raised in public photography discussions. (A lot of reading I've done has been on here: http://www.photographyisnotacrime.com/ . I admit they might be a little photographer-biased, though not unreasonably so) The legal issue that seems to crop up, and that I find appealing, is that you cannot expect to have the protection of privacy if you are in a public area. I think that makes sense, as people can see you when you're out there (*cue horror fanfare*). There are other legal protections for individuals / organizations improperly using images captured of you while in public.
I like that we're having the discussion about the issues though. I think that Google Glass, with admittedly huge software improvements, could eventually see someone's face and link to their public Google Plus information, etc. Google is great (and scary) at information aggregation. This is yet another reason to make sure you've thought very hard and are being very careful about the information you make public about yourself to the internet!
As to the bandwidth / video vs. audio issue, I connect to the webbertubes using my cell phone (tethered via USB). I'm in the middle of a building which is was designed back before human flight was actually popular. It has a bit of a Ghostbusters 2 motif, Tungsten, other exotic building materials, etc. My speeds are not great. If you start the video, pause, and walk away for a bit (ten, fifteen minutes) and restart it works just fine. (Kudos to the Escapist infrastructure on your buffering allowances! Thanks for not making it stop at 20%!) The iTunes versions work pretty well for me as well, but watch out. If you forget about it for awhile iTunes will "stop updating the feed because you haven't listened to it in a while". It took me a few days to realize that it wasn't a problem with the RSS / Escapist end.
Still news for me. I don't go to EA's or any other game website besides really the escapist. And if they don't mention it on the podcast, news segment or something I can watch in my lunch break I don't see it. Usually I can either have time to play games or read about games, so I rather just play them.
I actually knew about the custom of brass rings from some children's comics, but had no idea it was a phrase.
*sigh* Yeah, I suppose I should have waited a little longer before posting. In my defense, it was mostly the sleep-deprivation (and my intense hatred towards iTunes) talking, but still, my bad. -.-'
Susan - Was the subtitled film you watched called Jar City by any chance? It has a good storyline, if a little depressing, but I have to agree the casual eating of the sheep head made me want to lose my own dinner. The story is set in Iceland and I believe boiled sheep's head is a delicacy there. Although I think the true problem was the way that it was filmed as if the guy was doing nothing more unusual than picking up a take-away curry and eating it at home! Truly disturbing.
On the subject of names... my name is Jonathan. I used Jon for a short time (without the h, that was very important!) but now it feels really weird if anyone calls me that. I like Jonathan, it's my name and that's what I use. Lord help you if you call me Jonny though; I can't stand it! A fact that causes my friends to use it all the more.
Spelling is a big problem too. Although I use the most common spelling I have seen some truly mind-boggling spellings in relation to my own name, mostly involving an overenthusiastic use of the letter h.
Ok, next time you're about to unreasonably flip out, maybe take a minute and think about the fact that the people you're talking to are actual people who are doing their best to do a good job and provide you with solid entertainment, day after day, free of charge. We all have our bad days, and I'm not asking you to be perfect, but you know, just maybe think about how the people on the other end of your vitriol might feel.
On the subject of saves, there is this little phenomenom I'd like to call "Last Save Rampage", and I'm sure I'm not the only one who does that.
When I play properly, I tend to play fairly good characters, helping out the community and generally being a nice, polite hero, which makes it all the more fun imagining how it must be like for the poor villagers when their friendly neighbourhood dragonslayer suddenly goes feral and decapitate the town soap maker. "What did we do?! Was it something I said?! Guards! Haaalp!"
As for names and nicknames, I've got a fairly entertaining one. My name, Marc, rhymes very well with knark, which is slang for drugs (think as in narcotics) and that apparently never ceased to be hilarious, it was practically my proper name throughout school. If I ever wake up one morning and decide to launch a career as a ganster rapper, I'm going to use that as my nom de plume.
Still, I was better off than a friend of mine, his last name was Bong. Yeah, I'll so get him a spot on my crew if that ever happens.
Why is Susan so mad about the definition of "literally"? Isn't the word meaning a consensus among the speakers of that language? Something is right or wrong depending on the overall consensus of the people.
Because the word has a meaning, and that meaning is being changed not because of natural evolution, or societal changes, or technological changes, or even consonental shift, but rather because people don't try to use it correctly. Changing a word because people we're not willing to expect more of people? No, sorry, I'm never going to be down with that.
Dumb people using a word the "wrong way" IS a societal change. Just not a good one.
It's not one I consider to be an acceptable reason to change the language. You wanted to know why I was mad. That's why.
Ok... (^_^)
Ok about the sound check... Giving birth is not some monumental, impossible feat. It's doable, it may be hard, but not impossible. We're always hearing horror stories, but everyone keeps forgetting that the cast majority of labors go well. No one ever tells the positive, happy stories. My labor was four hours, not twenty-four, not four days, four hours. And my first, too. But that doesn't make me a superwoman or anything.
Back on gaming. I was so glad that you guys mentioned Plague Inc!! I've basically been playing it nonstop since the guys and Susan on the Gamers With Jobs podcast discussed it, and it's really well done! It's hard to believe the developer has no deep scientific knowledge on the matter, the different mechanisms involved in modifying your pathogen, spreading it, etc are very intricate, extremely well done. Also, I had the same reaction as Justin: "Greenland!!" Oh gosh Greenland has caused me to fail more than once...
About SimCity... I love the franchise, I played the first games "back in the day", and was very curious about this iteration, but... ugh, I just had a feeling this kind of debacle would happen. And it's really a shame, because from little feedback there has been, from what little people have played, it seems to be a great game, but all the "stuff around it" just makes it entirely unappealing.
Regarding names and nicknames, I just had to sigh and nod when I heard this part. Growing up in an English-speaking country with a distinctively French name has not done me any favors; people have downright massacred my name, I mean botched it beyond recognition. So I now when I say my name, I just say a English version people can handle, and that's fine. Until they have to spell it.
And finally, the Google Glass. I was so glad Susan brought up Greg's daughter, because I had bee basically crying out in my car "what if it was your child?" for the past five minutes. This is definitely a concern for me, not only as a woman, but also as a mother. I'm not sure I find the concept all that appealing, and at the very, very least, it's a double edged sword (and what Justin had to say on the matter was spot on in my book). Before the Google Glass, we had cellphones with cameras (and I've had some total random stranger in the street snap a picture of me in broad daylight, for absolutely no apparent reason, that's very uncomfortable), and that can be an issue too. Of course, the benefits are there, it's incredibly useful to be able to take a picture on the fly and send it to friends and family (particularly when you live so far away from each other, as is my case). Fundamentally, the problem is the same with Google Glass. In the end, it's not the technology itself that matters or that will make a difference, but the people and how they use it.
Sorry for the wall of text, but thanks for the awesome podcast! I always look forward to it, and you always spark a variety of thoughts and insights!
Uhuh? I don't use Iturds and your RSS feed leads me to a bunch of XML gobbelldygook, even when I load it to outlook it breaks... Nice.
Why not just provide the podcast as an MP3 download? A simple file link? Why do I have to go through IT/RSS(Both broken) when every other podcast in the industry provides a link to a file to download, It would cost nothing at all.
Or if that offends you why not provide it in your videoplayer like you did previously? Then you'd make money again.
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Spicy chicken kebabs
Nutrition and extra info
Nutrition: nutrition per kebab
- kcal103
- fat7g
- saturates1g
- carbs3g
- sugars1g
- fibre0g
- protein6g
- salt0.23g
- 3 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
- knob of fresh ginger, roughly chopped, plus extra to serve
Mainly grown in Jamaica, Africa, India, China and Australia, ginger is the root of the plant. It…
- 1 orange, grated zest and juice
One of the best-known citrus fruits, oranges aren't necessarily orange - some varieties are…
- 3 spring onions, roughly chopped
Spring onionsp-ring un-yun
Also known as scallions or green onions, spring onions are in fact very young onions, harvested…
- 2 tbsp clear honey
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
Soy saucesoy sor-s
An Asian condiment and ingredient that comes in a variety of of varieties ranging from light to…
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 small skinless boneless chicken breast fillets, cut into cubes
- 20 button mushrooms
- 20 cherry tomatoes
- 2 large red peppers, seeded and each cut into 10
Grind the garlic, ginger, orange zest and spring onions to a paste in a food processor. Add the honey, orange juice, soy sauce and oil, then blend again. Pour the mixture over the cubed chicken and leave to marinate for at least 1 hr, but preferably overnight. Toss in the mushrooms for the last half an hour so they take on some of the flavour, too.
Thread the chicken, tomatoes, mushrooms and peppers onto 20 wooden skewers, then cook on a griddle pan for 7-8 mins each side or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and golden brown. Turn the kebabs frequently and baste with the marinade from time to time until evenly cooked. Arrange on a platter, scatter with chopped spring onion and eat with your fingers.


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Antonios 'Tony' Sajih Mokbel is not, by many accounts including the Australian TV series Underbelly, a very nice chap.
The show details how Mokbel was involved in a violent gang war in the Australian State of Victoria, which recently sent him down for 22 years and confiscated $AUD18million of assets said to have been generated by drug dealing.
In short, he's not the kind of fellow one would want to be associated with.
Melbourne man Michael Trkulja certainly didn't want to be associated with Mokbel, not least because he was shot by a masked gunman in 2004 for reasons that remain murky to this day.
But Google seemed to want to associate Trkulja with Mokbel, as in 2009 a search on Trkulja's name produced pictures of Mokbel and links to articles about the villain.
Trkulja asked Google to do something about it, the Chocolate Factory either declined to do so or acted slowly because Trkulja may not have filled in the right forms, and the matter wound up in court where this week a jury agreed with Trkulja's defamation claim.
Google has clammed up about the case, which went against it because the jury felt it had not done enough to meet Trkulja's requests and could therefore be responsible for the links in its index.
Trkulja is understandably chuffed at having won, describing a battle against Google as exhausting and difficult.
Yahoo! has already coughed up $AUD225,000 after a similar case went Trkulja's way. Just what Google will be forced to fork out, or whether it will appeal, is yet to be decided. The case's ramifications for search engines around the world will also be watched with interest. ®


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Attractions and distractions
Use the quick links below to jump to a particular section of our sights and activities coverage for Downtown Singapore.
Everyone loves a bargain, and while many of Singapore's world-class museums are worth the full admission fee, with a little planning you can save on regular prices or even get in for ... Read more about Guide to Singapore museum discounts .
The National Museum of Singapore is housed in a beautiful 1887-built building (the former Raffles library and museum) and offers an array of galleries celebrating Singapore's history and culture. Singapore is home to oodles of museums, but thanks to informative displays, a range of exhibitions and a lovely gift shop and choice of restaurants, this is one to include on your essentials ... Read more about National Museum of Singapore .
Singapore is awash in museums, so it can be difficult to determine just which ones are really worth your time if you're here on a quick trip. Among them all there is one museum a step above the rest: the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) near Boat Quay in the heart of central ... Read more about Asian Civilisations Museum .
Despite its somewhat out of the way location, the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum is a fabulously presented and diverse museum well worth the half-day of your time you'll probably need to get the most out of it. The museum dates back to Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles' times and is located within the grounds of the National University of Singapore. It's part public display, part research ... Read more about Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum .
A sister to the Asian Civilisations Museum, The Peranakan Museum is set in a gorgeous three-storey building on Armenian Street and is well deserving of an hour or two of your time. You'll find it at the base of Fort Canning Park and just a short walk from the National ... Read more about Peranakan Museum .
Get a crash course in the kebaya, keris and everything else Malay at the Malay Heritage Centre in Singapore's historic Kampong Glam neighbourhood. This museum was totally overhauled a few years ago and is bigger and better than ever ... Read more about Malay Heritage Centre .
Singapore's infamous Changi POW Prison was demolished long ago, but this museum and replica of the prison chapel serve as a reminder of the suffering during World War II and the Japanese occupation. The u-shaped museum may be small but it does an outstanding job taking visitors through the effect World War II had on Singapore, While many museums tend to focus on the British and other allied ... Read more about The Changi Museum & Chapel .
Revamped and reopened in January 2016, Chinatown Heritage Centre is an excellent interactive museum well worth a couple of hours of your Singapore stopover. ... Read more about Chinatown Heritage Centre .
If you're curious how a backwater trading post blossoms into a high-tech metropolis of more than 5 million people, you can get some insights at the URA Gallery. With so many people in so little space, every detail of Singapore's growth needs to be carefully planned and the URA (Urban Redevelopment Authority) are the people who do ... Read more about URA Singapore City Gallery .
Singapore's largest university has a diverse collection of more than 7,000 pieces of Asian art and artefacts. The Chinese, Indian and Southeast Asian collections can be seen at the main campus in a traditional museum set-up with informative signs, but the Straits Chinese antiques are housed in the Baba House, a restored Peranakan mansion in the Tanjong Pagar conservation district, which is ... Read more about NUS Museum .
A part of the Marina Bay Sands organisation, Singapore's ArtScience Museum seeks to explore the relationship between the seemingly contrary realms of art and science. Designed by Moshie Safdie, the unmissable design resembles two hands held palms upwards with the fingers jutting towards the sky. Each fingertip has a skylight which is used to illuminate the interior. Within the museum there are ... Read more about ArtScience Museum .
The Istana (palace in Malay) is the official residence of Singapore's president, located at the very end of Singapore's bustling Orchard Road behind a large white gate flanked by sentries. The building was completed in 1869 and originally served to house the governors in the British colonial ... Read more about The Istana .
When you were a kid, how did you treat your toys? Did you tear into a new toy and play until it broke, or were you the type who kept your favourites in mint condition with the original box? The Founder of the Mint Museum, Singaporean Chang Yang Fa, was definitely the latter and his collection of more than 50,000 toys has been turned into one of the city's best niche ... Read more about Mint Museum of Toys .
A museum showcasing luggage, iPod stereos, and thermal underwear? The Red Dot Design Museum's collection may seem oddly mundane, but if you're familiar with the award of the same name it makes a lot more ... Read more about Red Dot Design Museum .
Singapore's Civil Defence Heritage Gallery is a lot more fun than the name suggests, with antique fire engines and the opportunity to stick your arm into a hazmat (hazardous material) suit. It's the perfect place to take aspiring firefighters and admission is ... Read more about Civil Defence Heritage Gallery .
If you don't know a lot about modern Asian history, and think Singapore is all about British colonialism, the excellent Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall is sure to enlighten you. ... Read more about Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall .
Tucked away on a peaceful hill off Singapore's Pasir Panjang is a stately restored colonial bungalow housing World War II exhibit titled Reflections at Bukit ... Read more about Reflections at Bukit Chandu .
The multi-tiered Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is one of Singapore's most important religious sites and is a must-see on any walk around Chinatown. But there's more to it than the impressive exterior; head inside to experience the chanting monks, museum of Buddhist art and peaceful rooftop ... Read more about Buddha Tooth Relic Temple .
One of the oldest standing temples in Singapore, Thian Hock Keng is an important Hokkien temple honouring Ma Zu Po, the Chinese goddess of the sea who is believed to protect seafarers and ... Read more about Thian Hock Keng Temple .
Visit Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple to see the role that religion plays in the daily lives of Singapore's Chinese ... Read more about Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple .
If this temple reminds you of Bangkok you're not imagining things — it was founded by a Thai monk. The monk, Vutthisara, arrived in Singapore in 1927 and built a small shack housing a Buddha image on Racecourse Road. The shack quickly grew in popularity and after funds were garnered from local philanthropists Aw Boon How and Aw Boon Par, the present day temple was built. The highlight of the ... Read more about Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple .
Surrounded by bankers' skyscrapers, this Taoist temple dating back to 1850 is a well preserved relic in the middle of Singapore's central business district down behind Boat ... Read more about Wak Hai Cheng Bio Temple (Yueh Hai Ching Temple) .
Despite its location in Little India, Leong San is a Chinese Taoist temple. It was established in 1913 by a monk who travelled to Singapore with little more than a statue of the Goddess of Mercy Kuan Im. Chuan Wu heralded from Fujian province in China and upon arriving in Singapore in 1913 he set about setting up a centre for serving the sick with what was initially just a gaggle of huts. ... Read more about Leong San Temple .
Sri Mariamman is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore — its roots can be traced back to 1827 when it was the only Hindu temple in the city and its priests had the authority to officiate over Hindu ... Read more about Sri Mariamman Temple .
Slip off your shoes if you want to enter this South Indian testament to Singapore's religious harmony, set near a turn on the pedestrian section of Waterloo St in downtown ... Read more about Sri Krishnan Temple .
The temple's origins date back to 1859 and it is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the six-faced patron god of India's Tamil Nadu state. Every year around January or February the temple acts as the end point for the dramatic Thaipusam festival, a procession of people who pierce their bodies and carry spiked metal cages to show their devotion to Lord Murugan. On most days the temple is less bloody and it ... Read more about Chettiar Temple .
In many religions women are considered to be the gentler sex. To see why this definitely isn't the case in Hinduism, visit the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple in Singapore's Little India neighbourhood, which is dedicated the fierce goddess ... Read more about Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple .
This Hindu temple in the heart of Little India dates back to 1855 but had a much humbler appearance before the five-tier Gorupam roof was added in the 1960s. If you look carefully at the carvings you'll see many representations of Vishnu, the preserver of the universe and god the temple is dedicated to, plus his female consort Lakshmi and eagle sidekick Garuda. This temple is the starting ... Read more about Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple .
Opened in November 2015, Singapore's National Gallery joins the ranks of the Asian Civilisations Museum and Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum as absolute must-sees in the city state. Boasting a growing art scene and spectacular architecture matched by the impressive views from the rooftop, the museum is well worth a few hours of your ... Read more about National Gallery .
Considering that Singapore is not known for its creativity and free-thinking, the avant-garde paintings, photography and sculptures by local artists at the Singapore Art Museum may surprise you. Set on Bras Basah Road, the building was originally the home of the St Joseph's Institution -- a missionary school that was founded by the French in 1852. It grew over the years and remained as a ... Read more about Singapore Art Museum .
Singapore's National Design Centre (NDC) is a hub for all things design in Singapore. Essentially a space for design businesses, the rotating exhibitions will be of interest to design-savvy travellers (check if there's anything on first). The handy location in the Bugis and Bras Basah area occupies the restored art deco premises of the former St Anthony's Convent. Aside from the ... Read more about National Design Centre .
Even if religious sights are usually the last thing on your itinerary, you'll definitely notice St Andrew's Cathedral beside City Hall SMRT, with its steeple so high it just about contributes to the ... Read more about St Andrew's Cathedral .
Singapore's oldest church, the small, white Armenian Church was built way back when in 1835, making it not just the oldest church in Singapore but one of the city's oldest still standing buildings. At the time of the construction, Singapore was home to just 12 Armenians, but with funds raised from Armenian communities in India and Java -- along with European and Chinese residents of Singapore ... Read more about Armenian Church .
An iconic landmark in historic Kampong Glam, golden-domed Sultan Mosque is the centrepiece of Singapore's Muslim community. If you've never been inside a mosque before, Sultan Mosque is very welcoming, with friendly guides on hand to greet non-Muslims and answer any questions you may ... Read more about Sultan Mosque (Masjid Sultan) .
Unusually named after a woman, Hajjah Fatimah Mosque is an interesting small historical mosque in Kampong Glam, the Malay heritage area of ... Read more about Hajjah Fatimah Mosque .
Half-lion, half-fish, the Merlion is the trademarked mascot of Singapore. No, this absurd creature isn't from a local myth or children's story; it was dreamed up by the Singapore Tourism Board in 1964 to use as their logo. ... Read more about Merlion Park .
Feel on top of the world, or at least on top of Singapore, with views from one of the world's largest cantilevered platforms. The SkyPark, an open-air wooden observation deck, perches on the rooftop 57 levels above the city and offers unobstructed 360º views of Singapore's skyline as it overhangs the triple towers of Marina Bay Sands Hotel. ... Read more about Marina Bay Sands Skypark .
While exploring Singapore's Chinatown neighbourhood it's impossible not to notice the massive Pinnacle @ Duxton looming in the distance. This is the world's tallest public housing building and its 50th storey observation skybridge is open to the public. With an entry cost of just S$5, you can think of it as a poor man's Marina Bay ... Read more about The Pinnacle @ Duxton Skybridge .
Singapore isn't called "the garden city" for nothing – you'll find a shady green refuge in nearly every neighbourhood. Here's a rundown of our favourite public parks offering everything from open-air concerts to cycling along the ... Read more about Singapore's best public parks .
Lush gardens and enclosures that use natural barriers instead of bars make the Singapore Zoo one of the most beautiful and modern in the ... Read more about Singapore Zoo .
Ever been to the zoo when the lions weren't napping? See them in a different light is the motto of this zoo spin-off and it's true. Many animals normally dozing through the daytime heat are awake and active come the evening. The simulated moonlight lets you get a good look and a few blurry photos of big cats, hyenas and deer and you can get a little too close for comfort with bats and flying ... Read more about Singapore Night Safari .
If you're looking for respite from the glitz and rush of Singapore, the Botanic Gardens offer a variety of enticing green gardens and spaces to explore or simply retreat to with a good book. And with an MRT station open right by its entrance since 2011, it's easier to reach than ... Read more about Singapore Botanic Gardens & National Orchid Garden .
Rounding out the trio of animal-themed attractions is Jurong Bird Park. It ranks as the world's second largest bird park in terms of size, but comes out on top for their number of feathered species (600) which range from the beautiful (birds of paradise) to the downright bizarre (cassowaries). All of the birds are in free-fly aviaries so have plenty of room to stretch their wings. If you ... Read more about Jurong Bird Park .
The newest addition to Singapore's urban skyline is the spectacular Gardens by the Bay, perhaps best described as the city state's version of New York's Central Park. Located right in the heart of town, with its intriguing structures visible from the nearby highways, it's worth making an effort to ... Read more about Gardens by the Bay .
The Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is the largest rainforest left in Singapore and is a refuge for more than 500 species of animals. To educate the public about one of the park's most commonly-sighted but peskiest creatures – the long-tailed macaque – the Jane Goodall Institute of Singapore leads a free "Monkey Walk" once a ... Read more about The Jane Goodall Institute of Singapore Monkey Walks .
Fort Canning, once a sought after vantage point over Singapore and rumoured to be the resting place of the spirits of ancient Malay kings, sits close to the centre of Singapore city, easy walking distance from the Quays to the south and Orchard Road to the north. It makes for a very worthwhile excursion for those weary of shopping malls and ... Read more about Fort Canning Park .
As they walk around Marina Bay, few people probably realise they're actually walking around the largest fresh water catchment in Singapore. Marina Bay is one of 15 fresh water catchments spread across the city state and encompasses more than 10,000 hectares — or roughly one-sixth the size of ... Read more about Marina Barrage .
Need a break from the city? Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is a world-class conservation area set within a sprawling 202-hectare mangrove swamp along Singapore's northern coast — a paradise for migratory birds on their journey from Siberia to Australia for winter. ... Read more about Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve .
Singapore has many public parks, but if you want to picnic by the seaside, walk through dense jungle and learn about World War II history there's only one that fits the bill: the Labrador Nature ... Read more about Labrador Nature Reserve .
Tampines Eco Green is a 36-hectare park in Singapore's east, boasting grasslands, freshwater wetlands and secondary rainforest — right in the midst of a high-rise, high-density township. As part of Tampines Park Connector, the park is linked from Bedok Resovoir Park to Sun Plaza Park, then to Pasir Ris Town Park and finally to Pasir Ris Park on the north coast. All up it's about a ... Read more about Tampines Eco Green .
Punggol is a new town in the northeast heartland of Singapore; most newlyweds applying for their first new public housing apartments will end up living here. It may not be near to Singapore's shopping or business districts, and it may still be peppered with large patches of undeveloped land and swamps, but it's where many future Singaporeans will grow up — and where travellers should head ... Read more about Punggol Waterway Park .
It's no secret that Singapore is an expensive city. But even if you're down to your last Sing-dollar, it's possible to sightsee without spending a cent. Can? Can! (That's Singlish for yes, it's really possible). Here are some of our favourite freebies. Have fun ... Read more about Fun free things to do .
With its squeaky-clean streets and English-speaking population, Singapore is a hassle-free destination for a family holiday. It's also home to some world-class attractions that kids will go crazy for. ... Read more about Singapore's best attractions for families .
With its exclusive casino and luxury shopping Marina Bay Sands has become the playground for Singapore's rich and famous, but that doesn't mean it can't be enjoyed by the average person. Within this ultra-modern shopping mall you'll even find activities that kids will enjoy. Here are some ... Read more about Family-friendly activities at Marina Bay Sands .
We love a fairground ride, and a fairground ride with a view, what could be better? Well, a fairground ride with a view and Champagne of course! Ok, we're getting carried away — we didn't do the Champagne ride, but it's an ... Read more about Singapore Flyer .
If you're in Singapore right now you've probably become well acquainted with your umbrella, with November through January the rainiest months of the year. Don't let the gloomy weather stop you from enjoying the city – there are plenty of indoor attractions for these rainy ... Read more about Rainy day suggestions for Singapore .
With gleaming skyscrapers, colonial hotels, the world's tallest ferris wheel, and a Merlion, there's no mistaking the Singapore skyline for anywhere else in the world. If you're hoping to get some panoramic photos of this dazzling city-state, these viewpoints are where you'll want to ... Read more about Where to photograph the Singapore skyline .
Did you know ice skating was a thing in Singapore? It's possibly not the first activity that springs to mind when you think of the tropics, but it's a great way to cool ... Read more about Ice skating .
You've got the sari and the gold jewellery, now all you need to complete the look is a henna tattoo. Read on to learn what to expect of this traditional form of temporary tattooing and where to find a henna artist in Singapore's Little India ... Read more about Henna tattoos in Singapore's Little India .
After the cleanliness and crazy prices, what friends who've visited me in Singapore commented most about was the heat. Though the temperature is similar to Bangkok or Bali, Singapore feels hotter. Maybe it's the relentless humidity or the extreme difference between the icily air-conditioned indoors and sweltering outdoors, but you'll sweat through your shirt in less time that it takes to ... Read more about Where to go for a swim in Singapore .
After six years of construction and at a cost of S$1.3 billion, the Singapore Sports Hub finally opened its doors in June. The 35-hectare complex is filled with athletic venues, public spaces and a sports-themed mall — Kallang ... Read more about Singapore Sports Hub and Kallang Wave .
While Singapore is easy enough to explore on your own, you can learn a lot more about the city by exploring with a knowledgeable guide. Here's a rundown of various walking tours of Singapore covering everything from historical sites to nature reserves to ... Read more about Walking tours of Singapore .
If you're thinking of joining a guided walking tour of Singapore you can't go wrong with Original Singapore Walks. Their guides speak perfect English and have in-depth knowledge of Singapore's cultures and history – including the city-state's dark ... Read more about Original Singapore Walks .
With a promise of tasting around 40 various dishes of Singaporean food, how could I not go on the Betel Box weekly food walking tour of Joo Chiat when I was staying with them last week? Aside from eating, the tour promised to tell visitors all about how Singaporeans live, play and pay, so quite a bit of the tour was culture ... Read more about Betel Box Food Walks .
Singapore may be a long way from Europe, but this little island played a pivotal role in World War II. Whether you're a war buff or just want to learn more about this chapter of history, here's an itinerary that will take you to Singapore's most important WW2 sites and memorials. Note that these sites are spread across Singapore — you'll need to start early and take a few taxis to see ... Read more about Itineraries: Singapore for World War II buffs .
It's pretty easy to take cheap shots at Singapore and its near manic shopping scene. It's not just the quantity of department stores and high-end outlets that can grate, but the sheer volume of shoppers can overwhelm too. I realise some Singaporeans do have a job, but on most visits I'm struck by how it seems that the job is ... Read more about Public sculpture on Singapore's Orchard Road .
With its bustling markets, fascinating architecture and mouthwatering food, Singapore's Chinatown is not to be missed. It's possible to rush through this walking tour of Chinatown in a few hours, but we'd advise setting aside most of the day so that you can take it at an easy pace. A lot of walking and sightseeing is involved, but we've added in eating too just to keep everything all ... Read more about A one day walking tour of Chinatown .
With its beautiful temples, exotic markets and delicious food, Singapore's Little India neighbourhood is not to be missed. Even if you only have a couple hours to spare you can still see the highlights of this ethnic enclave. This quick walking tour takes about two hours, including time for some shopping and a cup of masala tea, or you could rush through it in one ... Read more about A quick Little India walking tour .
Emerald Hill is one of the most colourful streets in Singapore and makes an easy detour from the shopping belt of Orchard Road. Come for the beautiful Peranakan architecture, a bit of antiquing, or maybe a drink at one of the trendy ... Read more about A walk along Singapore's Emerald Hill .
Eurasians are among the ethnic groups in Singapore that make up that cryptic official "others" category of the local population. Travellers typically know little about them, but the Eurasian Association in Singapore, founded in 1919, is the perfect place to learn ... Read more about Eurasian Singapore .
Armenia's difficult physical conditions saw enterprising merchants move abroad from the 19th century, many landing in Asia, including a few in Singapore. The community here numbered merely around 100 families at its peak, but the people left a a disproportionate imprint on Singaporean culture and heritage. Here are a few of the contributions the Armenian diaspora ... Read more about Singapore's Armenian heritage .
Everton Park is a cluster of six old public apartment blocks in the Outram area opposite The Pinnacle@Duxton boasting an array of old-style shops and restaurants with an increasing number of hipster joints opening right along side them. Come for a coffee and browse and see an example of how old and new Singapore ... Read more about Everton Park .
When you think of Singapore and shopping, don't think of Orchard Road's swanky mainstream designers, repetitive chain stores and cookie-cutter coffee houses. Nestled between busy North Bridge and Ophir Roads instead you'll find Haji Lane, Singapore's fashionista haven, offering quirky boutiques, vintage and local fashion, unusual homewares, and offbeat little cafes and ... Read more about Singapore's Hip Haji .
Maybe Singapore is a nation of shopaholics – or maybe Singaporeans and visitors here just love free air-conditioning – but the city-state has more than its fair share of shopping malls. Most can be found along Orchard Road, but there are mega-malls in every area of Singapore. Here are our top picks for malls not on Orchard ... Read more about The best malls not on Orchard Road .
Finding a souvenir that sums up the Singapore experience can be a bit of a challenge because there aren't many locally-made products. Some may be quite cheesy, but these are the most popular souvenirs of ... Read more about What are some popular souvenirs in Singapore? .
Singapore's an ideal place to stock up on fresh English-language reading material. You will find bookstores in the shopping malls, but true bookworms will want to support these independent bookstores specialising in quirky reads and works by local ... Read more about Singapore's best independent bookstores .
Situated right in the heart of the Orchard Road shopping district, Lucky Plaza is the unofficial hub for the Filipino diaspora in Singapore. ... Read more about Lucky Plaza .
Welcome to Singapore, where the streets are free of touts, prices are the same for everyone, and taxi drivers always use the meter! So is Singapore truly scam-free? I'd have to say the answer is almost, but not quite. Tourists do occasionally get ripped off and nine times out of ten it happens at Sim Lim Square, Singapore's largest IT mall, located between Little India and Bugis. According to ... Read more about How to avoid rip-offs at Sim Lim Square .
For many tourists a visit to Singapore is an excuse to indulge in some serious retail therapy. After window shopping for luxury brands on Orchard Road and browsing cheap souvenirs at the Chinatown Street market, the next stop on the Singapore shopping spree is usually Sim Lim Square to check out the latest electronic ... Read more about Tips for buying electronics in Singapore .
Singapore is often dismissed as being the most Westernised country in Asia, but the older generation has hung on to many customs including traditional Chinese funeral rites. While funerals are deeply personal affairs that visitors probably shouldn't intrude upon, you can gain some insight by visiting a Chinese funeral supply ... Read more about Inside a traditional Chinese funeral shop .
Whether you're shopping for a designer watch, durian cookies, football cleats or the latest smartphone you can find it in Singapore – and all under one roof at the 24-hour shopping mecca of Mustafa ... Read more about 24-hour shopping at Mustafa Centre .
While Chinatown and Little India are so big they have their own MRT station, Singapore does have other, less obvious ethnic neighbourhoods. Migrant workers from nearby countries like Thailand, Burma, the Philippines, and Indonesia all have their own enclaves where they go for a taste of home on their weekly day off (that's right, just ... Read more about Golden Mile Complex .
As the economic hub of Southeast Asia, people from across the region are drawn to Singapore to try to make a buck. These groups add to Singapore's colourful cultural diversity and, as the communities grow, they establish their own restaurants, temples, and even shopping malls. Golden Mile Complex is the domain of the Thais, Lucky Plaza fills with Indonesian and Filipino domestic workers every ... Read more about Peninsula Plaza .
Ever wish your flight would be delayed just so you could have more time to take advantage of the shopping at Changi Airport? If you can plan ahead a little, you can avoid that by shopping for duty-free goods anytime you like at DFS ... Read more about Buying duty free in Singapore city .
If your Singapore itinerary includes a shopping spree on Orchard Road you'll be happy to learn that the 7% GST included in prices can be refunded when you leave the ... Read more about How tourists can get a sales tax refund in Singapore .
While there won't be snow glistening or sleigh bells ringing in sunny Singapore during Christmas, on the main shopping street of Orchard Road, retailers do their best to create an enchanting winter wonderland. This year, walk down two-kilometre long Orchard Road from Tanglin Mall to Orchard Central and take in the elegant show, "Christmas on a Great Street", in hues of blue and ... Read more about Orchard Road Christmas Light Up .
Sungei Road Thieves' Market is Singapore's largest and oldest flea market; bursting with all kinds of retro bric-a-brac, it's a top spot to unearth an unusual souvenir. But thanks to Singapore's art and design scene blossoming in recent years, you can also pick up more on-trend stuff at other markets these days. Here's the lowdown on where to ... Read more about Markets in Singapore .
Follow your nose into this bustling indoor market just off Serangoon Road. The ground floor is half wet market and half hawker centre, so you can feast on Indian food like rich curries, dosai and briyani rice, or buy the ingredients to make them yourself. The produce from Tekka Centre is known for being extremely fresh and extremely cheap, so this is the time to splurge on luscious Indian ... Read more about Tekka Centre Market .
Cheongsams, T-shirts, cameras, tea and dubious antiques: the sidestreets of Chinatown overflow with opportunities to spend your Sing-dollars -- generally with a poor value result. Many shops sell exactly the same goods and the quality is so-so, but the price is always right. Small souvenirs like magnets are 5 for $5 and you can get a real silk (as in, not real) robe for under $10. This is a ... Read more about Chinatown Street Market .
Some travellers dismiss Singapore as "Asia lite": sanitised, commercialised and dull. Dispel such silly notions with a visit to the wet market at the Chinatown Complex where some of the produce is so fresh it's still ... Read more about Chinatown complex .
Why just eat chilli crab and chicken rice when you could be learning how to make them? For the souvenir that keeps on giving, enrol in one of these cooking classes to learn the art of making Singapore's mouth-watering ... Read more about Cooking classes in Singapore .
Whether you're on a tight schedule or just have aching feet, a cruise along the Singapore River is a great way to sit back and soak up Singapore's ... Read more about Boat tours of the Singapore River .
Perhaps due to its overworked population, Singapore is bursting at the seams with yoga studios. Most cater to residents with monthly membership packages, but some offer drop-in rates for travellers and other infrequent yogis. Here's a ... Read more about Drop-in yoga classes in Singapore .
In a climate like Singapore's, catching a new film release can be a great antidote to the sweat, and luckily the city state has dozens of cinemas to cater to the desire to cool down while munching ... Read more about Cinema in Singapore .
Who says Grand Prix motor racing is only for the rich and famous? Not in Singapore, where you can catch the only F1 night race in the world and first street circuit in the region every September at the Marina Bay circuit. Here's how to do it on the cheap – well, ... Read more about Singapore Grand Prix .
Anyone who says Singapore is boring has obviously never witnessed the gruesome-but-fascinating festival of Thaipusam. This year it happens on January 27. Here's everything you need to ... Read more about Thaipusam in Singapore .
Just when you thought Little India couldn't get any more colourful or chaotic, the biggest festival on the Hindu calendar pulls into town. This year Deepavali falls on October 26 but, like Christmas, half the fun is the weeks leading up to the big day. ... Read more about Deepavali celebrations in Little India .
With nearly three out of every four Singaporeans being of Chinese heritage, it's no surprise that Chinese New Year is the biggest festival of the year in the city state. It's also the only multi-day public holiday in this high-stress society, and for many Singaporeans it's the one time of year when they can forget about their jobs, turn off their smartphones, and spend some quality time ... Read more about Chinese New Year in Singapore .
While many people in Singapore are fasting this month for Ramadan, the city's ghosts are feasting! The seventh lunar month is the Hungry Ghost Festival in Singapore and this year it falls from July 31 to August 28. But Hungry Ghost month isn't really a celebration – it's a downright spooky ... Read more about Hungry Ghost Festival in Singapore .
Singapore is a good place to experience the Mid-Autumn Festival, one of the most important and prettiest Chinese celebrations, thanks to colourful lantern parades, mooncakes galore and a variety of folk arts performances such as Chinese opera and ... Read more about Mid-Autumn Festival in Singapore .
Around 15 percent of Singapore's citizens are Muslims, meaning the city-state, along with much of Southeast Asia, celebrates the month of Ramadan. It's a great time if you're in Singapore to get a flavour of the Malay culture ... Read more about Ramadan in Singapore .
No, I'm not about to reveal that Singapore is Southeast Asia's most underrated dive destination, nor that it really compares with some of the best. Of the sixty-some islands that make up Singapore, only one called Pulau Hantu is frequented by local scuba divers and ... Read more about Scuba diving at Pulau Hantu .
Once you've shopped your way down Orchard Road, slurped on char kway teow at a hawker centre, and spent more than the cost of your dorm bed on a Singapore Sling at ye olde Raffles Hotel, what more does Singapore have to offer? Well, it isn't known as the Garden City for nothing (and the Fine City, and the Lion City...), and visitors who venture beyond downtown will discover plenty of serene green ... Read more about Singapore: Escape the urban jungle .
Billed as "Asia's favourite playground", Sentosa attracts more than five million visitors and their dollars every year. Hotels, restaurants, bars and souvenir shops can be found across the island along with an array of attractions, including Universal Studios Amusement Park, Adventure Cove Waterpark and a sky-diving ... Read more about Sentosa .
If you just can't get enough of Singapore's local suds, you can arrange a tour of Asia Pacific Breweries, home of Tiger Beer. Considering how expensive it is to drink in Singapore, S$18 is a bargain for a brewery tour and the chance to drink your fill of Tiger Beer at the "tasting session" that ... Read more about Asia Pacific Brewery Tour .
Despite what the glossy brochures tell you, Singapore isn't all glitzy shopping centres and perfectly manicured gardens. See the darker, more dilapidated side of the city with a visit to the bizarre cultural theme park known as Haw Par ... Read more about Haw Par Villa (AKA Tiger Balm Gardens) .
Any Singapore trivia buff should know that the city-state isn't made up of just one island, but 63 small separate ones. One of the easiest to reach, just a quick bumboat ride from Changi Village out near the airport, is Pulau Ubin, one of the most rustic places left in ... Read more about Pulau Ubin .
Most of the 62 small islands considered part of Singapore are well off the tourist trail, but Pulau Semakau has a waiting list of eager visitors. Considering this island is used as Singapore's landfill, why would anyone want to go ... Read more about Pulau Semakau .
Continuing my exploration of Singapore's 62 lesser-known islands, I caught a ferry at the Marina South Pier for a 15-minute ride to St John's Island. After sailing through the busy port and getting my closest look yet at the huge container ships that dock outside of Singapore, underdeveloped St John's Island felt a world away from the ... Read more about St John's Island .
Here's a factoid for you: Singapore is actually made up of 63 separate islands. But most people, even locals, don't venture much further beyond the main island and Sentosa. Many of the outlying islands are explicitly off-limits to visitors because they're used for heavy industry or military ... Read more about Kusu Island .
Seafood aficionados love Singapore for its barbecue stingray, black pepper crab and cereal prawns — and with the city-state surrounded by water, the seafood here is as fresh as you can get. But where does your seafood come from, between the sea and your table? Enter Singapore's fish ... Read more about Senoko Fishery Port .
Although Singapore is so densely populated that the government has resorted to literally increasing the size of the island, the northwest corner of the country remains refreshingly rural. ... Read more about A visit to the farms of Singapore's Kranji countryside .
When Singapore split from Malaysia in the early 1960s, the government implemented a number of policies to rapidly modernise the newly independent ... Read more about Kampong Buangkok .
We're not quite sure how to describe Bollywood Veggies – a sustainable farm, a retreat from the city, an eco-learning experience or a bistro serving amazing organic food – regardless, it's one of Singapore's best kept ... Read more about Bollywood Veggies .
A visit to Singapore's Seletar area, home to a lush spread of trees, reservoir and charming houses, plus a still-in-use air base dating from when the British Royal Air Force (RAF) was stationed here, is like a step back to the British colonial ... Read more about Seletar: A heritage tour .
Are you looking for a uniquely Singaporean experience? Skip the malls and the theme parks and visit the NEWater Vistor Centre for a guided tour of the most high-tech water treatment plant in the world – one capable of turning sewage into drinking ... Read more about NEWater Visitor Centre .


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Marc Piscotty / Getty Images
Joseph Gabriele of Littleton, Colo., protests with fellow activists in support of gun rights Jan. 9 at the state Capitol in Denver. Lawmakers are calling for tougher gun legislation after recent mass shootings at an Aurora, Colo., movie theater and elementary school in Newtown, Conn.
As lawmakers from Connecticut to California rush to propose new restrictions on firearms and ammunition, state-level gun-rights activists are playing defense for the first time in years, with some saying they face fights they may not win.
"Our backs are against the wall," said Scott Wilson, president of the Connecticut Citizens Defense League, a pro-gun rights group. "We are in for the fight of our lives. I have never seen anything like it."
In a blog post after the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn., the CCDL admitted to its members that efforts to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines could succeed, despite their strident opposition.
The CCDL message said that "we simply do not know" whether they would be "successful in our efforts to protect us from bans on certain firearms or magazines."
As the White House formulates a list of federal proposals to combat gun violence, with recommendations from Vice President Joe Biden's task force expected by Tuesday, lawmakers at the state level are forging ahead to restrict the sale or possession of certain types of firearms and ammunition.
- In New Jersey, 18 new bills have been submitted to the state legislature, including one that would require gun buyers to submit to a psychological evaluation, according to the Star-Ledger.
- In New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo called on legislators to pass the nation's toughest ban on assault weapons and restrictions on high-capacity magazines.
- In California, which already has some of the strictest gun laws in the nation, Sen. Leland Yee, a Democrat, said he intends to introduce a bill requiring gun owners to register annually, and another requiring all guns to be kept in lock boxes when not in use.
- In Connecticut, Democratic Sen. Beth Bye wants to limit access to assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, and require that firearms be registered by model and serial number, Reuters reported. Bye also wants to impose a 50 percent sales tax on ammunition and magazines.
- In Colorado, Gov. John Hickenlooper, a Democrat, received a standing ovation from some state legislators Thursday when he suggested requiring universal background checks on all gun sales.
With so many lawmakers vowing action, gun rights groups say they face a stronger tide of public opinion and political pressure than ever before.
"I think they're going to pass a ban on semi-automatic rifles unless we stop them," said Dudley Brown, executive director of Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, a Colorado-based organization. "There is a zenith of activism that we are clearly reaching right now."
RMGO is currently running a drawing on its website to win an AR-15 – the same model of rifle police have said was used by alleged Aurora shooter James Holmes and Newtown gunman Adam Lanza.
"RMGO is facing dozens of battles in the Colorado legislature this year, so we need to increase the size of our pro-gun army," the group says on its site. "To do that, we're giving away a free Colt AR-15 Model 6920 donated by our good friends at Jensen Arms in Loveland, CO."
In New York, the Shooters Committee on Political Education, a gun advocacy group, struck a similar tone in a message to its membership.
"Your participation is no guarantee that we will win this important fight to protect your Constitutional rights, but we can say with certainty that anything short of overwhelming our legislators with calls, emails and letters we have virtually no chance," SCOPE told members on its website.
Recommended: NRA 'disappointed' with gun task force; recs coming by Tuesday
"We will do everything we can to preserve our constitutional right to keep and bear arms, and how that turns out is anybody's guess," SCOPE head Budd Schroeder said.
Saying that the National Rifle Association is too willing to compromise with gun-control advocates, 22 state and 5 national pro-gun groups have coalesced in recent weeks to form the National Coalition to Stop the Gun Ban. Among the national groups involved is Gun Owners of America, which claims a membership of 300,000.
The coalition formed out of a desire to stand against new regulations on guns, according to Charles Heller, spokesman for the Arizona Citizens Defense League.
Arizona became an epicenter of the gun control debate in 2011 after Representative Gabrielle Giffords sustained a point-blank shot to the head as a gunman turned a Tucson supermarket parking lot into a shooting gallery, killing 6. Giffords and her husband announced a new national campaign on Tuesday to "prevent gun violence" and "protect responsible gun ownership."
Heller characterized renewed calls for gun control as an overly emotional response to the shootings in Arizona, Connecticut, Wisconsin, and elsewhere.
"It's going to be a very pivotal moment if we can't get people to stop emoting and start reasoning," Heller said. "They've been waiting for a long time for the perfect crisis. They tried to light the fire with the Batman shooting, and they're looking for the perfect victims to dance in the blood of so they can get something done."
Heller's AZCDL was among the 27 signatories of an open letter the coalition addressed to members of Congress asking them to not pass new legislation banning certain firearms and magazines, or requiring background checks on private gun sales.
"Members of Congress who support gun control by any means, procedural or substantive, will be targeted for defeat by coalition members," the letter reads.
'No compromise'
Tensions among pro-gun activists are running just as high in states where legislators have remained quiet on new measures, said Paul Valone, president of Grass Roots North Carolina.
"The coalition members have all agreed on a 'no compromise' approach on this issue," Valone said. "It needs to die. Period."
In an open letter to President Barack Obama, Valone speculated that some gun owners may use violent force to resist government attempts to confiscate assault weapons.
"The real question, Mr. President, is whether you so hunger for power that you are willing to foment what might be the next American Revolution," Valone wrote.
In the meantime, anxiety among hardline pro-gun rights advocates may be swelling the ranks of activist groups. The NRA told Politico that its membership grew by 100,000 in the 18 days after the shooting in Newtown.
"We can't take applications for membership as fast as people are sending them to us," said Heller. His group currently has about 7,500 members. He expects that number to grow to 10,000 over the next year. "People in Arizona are, they are just absolutely not going to give up a gun."


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The National Weather Service says Hurricane Sandy will bring "damaging winds, heavy rains and coastal flooding to most of Southern New England Monday and Monday night...with some lingering effects …
UPDATE: Oct. 30, 9:30 a.m.: The National Weather service says aside from some winds and light rain, conditions will gradually improve through Wednesday.
Oct. 29, 9 p.m: Sandy is now a "post-tropical cyclone" -- The National Hurricane Center says the storm "continues to lose tropical chatacteristics" since it made landfall. Sustained wind speeds still maxing out at 80 mph.
Oct. 29, 5 p.m.: National Weather Service says Sandy has max. sustained winds of 90 mph. They also remind us that today is the one-year anniversary of "Snowtober."
Oct. 29, 2 p.m.: National Weather Service says "worst of the wind" will occur now through 7 p.m. Gusts up to 80 mph are possible.
Oct. 29, 2 p.m.: Sandy is about 175 miles from New York City. National Hurricane Center says landfall will occur early this evening. Storm will bring "major coastal flooding and heavy rain."
Oct. 29, 8 a.m.: The National Weather Service is noting light precipitation in New England, with reports of splashover with the incoming tide. Wind gusts 35-40 KT along the coast. High wind and coastal flood warnings in effect.
Oct. 29, 8 a.m.: The National Hurricane Center says Sandy is about 310 miles SSE of New York City with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph.
Oct. 28, 11 p.m.: The National Weather Service says onshore winds will increase overnight, with spotty rain and a light drizzle. Hurricane Sandy "will bring damaging winds...heavy rains and coastal flooding to much of Southern New England."
Oct. 28, 11 p.m.: The National Hurricane Center says Sandy is "about to start its Northward turn."
Oct. 28, 8 p.m.: The National Hurricane Center says Sandy is expected to bring "life-threatening storm surge flooding to mid-Atlantic Coast," as well as strong winds and heavy Appalachian snow. Currently Sandy has 75 mph maximum sustained winds, and is about 485 miles from New York City.
Oct. 28, 5 p.m.: The National Weather Service says Hurricane Sandy will bring "damaging winds, heavy rains and coastal flooding to most of Southern New England Monday and Monday night...with some lingering effects into Tuesday."
Governor Lincoln Chafee signed a Declaration of Disaster Emergency on Sunday, which makes the state eligible for a variety of federal support.
"Out of concern for a prolonged and severe weather event, I felt that signing a declaration of emergency today was a prudent decision that will help us deploy important resources if and when the situation requires," Chafee said in a statement. "Given that predictions for Hurricane Sandy are still changing, I advise all Rhode Islanders to prepare themselves for power outages and other wind- and rain-related hazards."
Non-essential state offices closed for first shift Tuesday.
Cranston, Warwick and Johnston Public schools are closed Tuesday. CCRI, URI and RIC will be closed Tuesday. Full list of closures here.
T.F. Green Airport has cancelled all flights on Monday. Travelers are advised to check with their carriers. Area Amtrak service has been cancelled for Monday, and all local ports are closed as well. RIPTA service ended at noon Monday.
In the event of power outages, call National Grid at 1-800-465-1212. The company has this announcement on their website:
"National Grid has been preparing for Hurricane Sandy since early last week and our preparations continue around the clock. We have been urging customers to take precautions and prepare for the potential for a major storm. Be prepared by having working flashlights, a battery operated radio and an extra set of batteries in your home. If you use a generator to supply power during an outage, be sure to only operate it outdoors. Before operating generators, be sure to disconnect from National Grids system by shutting off the main breaker located in the electric service panel. Failure to do this could jeopardize crew and your safety."
See a real time map of power outages here.
A parking ban in Cranston will go into effect at noon Monday, and run through noon Tuesday. The Cranston Senior Center is also open now as an emergency shelter, located at 1070 Cranston Street. Cranston residents can turn to the city's emergency hotline for help, by calling 780-3243. They can also visit the city website for an emergency management checklist.
Trash pickup for Cranston is cancelled for Tuesday. Pickup will resume Wednesday, including bins normally picked up on Monday. For everyone else, there will be a one-day delay in your pickup schedule. Cranston Public Libraries will open at noon Tuesday.
In Warwick, there will be no trash/recycling pick up on Tuesday. McDermott Pool will be closed until Wednesday.
In Johnston, Town Hall will be reopen on Tuesday, and trash collection will be delayed one day (Moday on Tuesday)
Locally, Warwick Veterans Memorial High School at 2401 West Shore Rd. has been opened as an emergency shelter. Thayer Arena on Sandy Lane is being used to house pets, which should be dropped off with food, any medications and proof of vaccinations.
In Cranston, the Cranston Senior Center at 1070 is serving as an emergency shetler, open 24 hours a day.
In Johnston, anyone in need of shelter is urged to call the Johnston Police Department at 231-8100.
For other shelters throughout the state, click here.
*As always, in the event of an emergency, dial 911.*
Know of something that should be added to this? Questions? Email email@example.com


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The Program Planning and Administration Division was recently restructured into the Planning Division and the Programming Division. While our website is being rebuilt to accommodate the restructuring, service to the public will continue without interruption.
Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust SettlementPublic Comment
Upcoming Planning Consultant Contracts
Coal Resource Transportation Fund
Transportation Asset Management Plan (TAMP)
2019 Final TAMP (5 MB PDF)
Research and Special Studies is responsible for administration of all Federal, State, and State Planning and Research (SPR) funded research projects.
The Planning Division consists of three units with widely differing functions. The Grant Administration Unit manages federal transportation grant programs that provide funding for a variety of "non-traditional" projects, all of which are linked directly or indirectly to various modes of transportation. These grant programs include the Transportation Enhancement, Safe Routes to School, Recreational Trails, National Scenic Byways, and Transportation, Community, and Systems Preservation Programs. Also, the Grant Administration Unit hosts the State Trail Coordinator function and the Division of Highways' Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator function.
The Statewide and Urban Studies Unit manages the development and maintenance of a long-range statewide transportation plan. In addition, this unit coordinates the West Virginia Department of Transportation's involvement with Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) located in the state's seven urbanized (above 50,000 population) areas, overseeing and providing technical assistance in meeting federal metropolitan transportation and air quality planning requirements.
The Modeling & Visualization Unit provides regional travel model support to the State's Metropolitan Planning Organizations in the form of travel forecast model standardization, data gathering and manipulation, and other technical assistance. This unit also provides visualization services for the basic purpose of helping citizens, planners, designers, and decision-makers better understand highway projects. In addition, this unit provides landscape architecture services for various statewide projects including park-and-ride design, non-traditional grant project design, and roadside beautification design.
In addition to the three units described above, the separate Environmental Planning staff functions within the Planning Section to coordinate NEPA clearance for the Transportation Alternatives, Recreational Trails and other projects managed by the Grant Administration Unit, and provides planning/environmental linkage services for transportation studies conducted by the Statewide Planning Unit and for the Project Studies and Prioritization Section.
Preliminary Engineering performs engineering studies of proposed highway projects and corridors. The scope usually includes development of alternative locations and their evaluation in terms of cost and various social, economic and environmental effects.
Geographic Information System has been charged with spatially enabling various datasets within the DOT. The Highway Data Services unit maintains roadway data, ranging from surface type and widths to traffic usage. Visit the GIS homepage to find the latest geospatial news, standards, and spatial transportation data.
Program Administration is responsible for administering the Department of Highways Transportation Program. It programs and maintains project specific data for the renovation, improvement and expansion of the WVDOH roadway system. The STIP (Statewide Transportation Improvement Program) is used to guide and maintain a financial constraint program.
Each year, the WVDOT, together with its local and federal transportation planning partners, develop a conference in West Virginia to provide a venue for a statewide conversation concerning the practice of transportation planning in West Virginia. More information and archives of past conferences are available for viewing.
The West Virginia State Freight Plan can be accessed by clicking here. This plan identifies a comprehensive freight route network as well as a future freight planning framework for West Virginia. The plan evaluates the existing transportation systems and how they are used by different industry sectors in and through West Virginia. This plan better positions West Virginia for federal funding, while at the same time building and strengthening relationships with the freight industry through outreach activities.
Planning Division - Elwood Penn, P.E. - DirectorProgramming Division - Eva Melancon, P.E. - DirectorPhone: 304 558-3113Fax: 304 558-3783Email: Planning & Programming Divisions