text:
Fact: The Guy Who Sang 'Rock On' Made a Sequel to Marley & Me
The 2008 holiday hit Marley & Me might not seem like an ideal candidate for a sequel since, uh, you know. But there it is, just sitting in my inbox: "Hear Marley Speak for the First Time in MARLEY & ME: THE PUPPY YEARS." And it gets better.
In all reality, the straight-to-video follow-up does make sense when you realize that the first film -- starring Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston as married journalists who learn life lessons after adopting, interacting with and eventually euthanizing "the world's worst dog" -- reportedly raked in almost $70 million in revenue on DVD and Blu-ray. (That's in addition to its $240 million global box-office haul.) So even if the Grogan family adopted the canine from a litter shortly after birth and wound up burying it years later near their favorite tree, no self-respecting studio like Fox would allow the laws of time, physics and mortality to interfere with a bag of fledgling franchise loot.
Except wait: Marley talks?
Listen: We can be as revolted as we want, but if this is what putting America to work looks like in the doldrums of 2011, then by God, get me to Walmart or Sam's Club, where this film is available exclusively starting tomorrow. Especially if it's the creative brainchild of Michael Damian -- stage veteran, 18-year Young and the Restless cast member, and now director of such family efforts as Flicka 2, Moondance Alexander and A Princess For Christmas.
But you probably know Damian as the '80s pop heartthrob who sang "Rock On":
Believe it: The guy who sang "Rock On" has co-written and directed a sequel to Marley & Me. For the record, the movie is about this:
Fall into puppy love with "the world's worst dog," who now has a frisky voice and an attitude to match. Join Marley for his mischievous puppy years, as he and his summer pal, Bodie Grogan, wreak havoc on a neighborhood dog contest. Marley outwits Dobermans, Shepherds and Collies, while stealing hearts in his own unique and lovable way. Get your paws on MARLEY & ME: THE PUPPY YEARS and fetch big laughs for the whole family!
Spoiler: THE DOG LIVES.
[Photo: Fox Home Entertainment]


text:
Pakistan: At least six killed in car bombing outside Danish embassy
|Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
|Publication Date
|2 June 2008
|Cite as
|Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Pakistan: At least six killed in car bombing outside Danish embassy, 2 June 2008, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/4844f66d1a.html [accessed 14 November 2018]
|This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
A suicide attacker detonated a car bomb in front of the Danish Embassy in Islamabad, killing at least six people and injuring more than a dozen.
A suicide bomber killed at least five people outside the Danish Embassy in Islamabad (AFP)
Authorities say about 30 kilograms of explosives were packed into the car. The blast heavily damaged the embassy and destroyed its gate and nearby vehicles in the upscale residential district of the Pakistani capital. A huge crater was gouged into the road outside.
All of the dead are reportedly Pakistani, including two police officers.
Pakistani Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir visited the scene of the bombing and called it a "very devastating attack."
In Copenhagen, Danish Foreign Minister Per Stig Moeller called the bombing cowardly and "totally unacceptable."
Rehman Malik, the Interior Ministry's adviser to the Pakistani prime minister, told journalists that investigators are still trying to confirm exactly who carried out the attack. No one has claimed responsibility.
Malik says security officials believe the suicide attacker was targeting the Danish Embassy in reaction to an editorial cartoon that was republished by a Danish newspaper in February. He said the embassy had been receiving threats for a long time.
"This is a very sad incident, and it's a tragedy for the whole nation," Malik said.
Originally published by Danish newspapers in 2005, the controversial cartoon infuriated Muslims around the world by depicting the Prophet Muhammad wearing a turban with a bomb in it. Since Muslims consider any depiction of the Prophet Muhammad as blasphemous, a cartoon depicting him as a terrorist hit a particularly sensitive nerve in the Muslim world – leading to violent protests in 2006 that included attacks on Danish diplomatic missions around the world.
The newspaper cartoons also have led to calls within Afghanistan for Denmark to withdraw its 700 soldiers from the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force.
The blast also raises concerns about a peace accord that was signed last month between pro-Taliban militants and the local government in the Northwest Frontier Province. Security analysts had warned that the truce would give militants space to plan and carry out new attacks in other parts of Pakistan, as well as in neighboring Afghanistan.
Pakistani officials said they are doing everything they can to protect all foreign diplomats and embassies.
RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan contributed to this report, which also incorporates agency material

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Best of Central America
About Guatemala
From ancient ruins to active volcanoes, get off the beaten track and discover extraordinary Central America. Make sure your passport has space because this exciting 33-day trip hits most of Central America, as it covers tropical rainforests, volcanoes, colonial cities, and all the breathtaking scenery in between. Explore Indigenous Mayan villages and soak in the region's incredible culture. Our CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) will ensure your accommodation and transportation are covered — so you can choose the activities and sights that interest you most — the adventure is yours to choose!
What's Included
G Adventures for Good: Life Monteverde Visit, Monteverde
G Adventures for Good: Posadas Mayas Homestay, San Juan La Laguna
G Adventures for Good: Belize Bike with Purpose Tour, Caye Caulker
Carte Blanche: La Fortuna
Carte Blanche: Monteverde
Carte Blanche: Antigua Guatemala
Big Night Out: Antigua Guatemala
Carte Blanche: San Ignacio
Carte Blanche: Caye Caulker. Guided tour of Tikal. Orientation walk in Antigua. Beach time in Santa Teresa and Mahahual. Free time in La Fortuna, Monteverde, Ataco and Suchitoto. Internal flight. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Bliss out on Costa Rican beaches, walk the colonial streets of colourful Antigua, experience an overnight homestay in Guatemala, explore Mayan ruins, visit six countries in a month.
Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Itinerary Notes
Due to recent political protests, we have rerouted this itinerary to avoid Nicaragua for all departures through Dec 31, 2019. See the full itinerary for details of the changes.
Important Notes
1. As this trip crosses national borders, please be prepared to pay some border fees for certain countries ranging from $1 to $30 USD. Please check with your local embassy or consulate for up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent.
2. Please note that this tour is a combination of two G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may swap out mid-tour.
It may be required to show a Yellow Fever certificate upon entering Nicaragua if you have travelled to certain countries with Yellow Fever risk prior to arriving. Please check in with your local health expert for advice on Yellow Fever and other inoculations required for this area.
Group Leader Description
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
Group Size Notes
Max 18, avg 14.
Meals Included
2 dinners
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Local bus, boat, van, taxi, ferry, walking.
Solo Travellers
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Simple hotels/hostels (31 nts, most multi-share), homestay (1 nt)
About Accommodation
Accommodation will be varied throughout your adventure. Some nights we use multi-share accommodation, on a single-sex basis (typically 4-6 people per room). We have specifically chosen unique accommodations to give local flavour to your trip.
Couples: Please note that due to the variety of accommodation used in Central America, couples will be split into separate rooms when we use multi-share hostels. Pending availability, couples may be able to pay extra while on tour to have their own room in some destinations.
Joining Hotel
For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.
Joining Instructions
If you have paid in advance for an arrival transfer, a G Adventures representative will be at the airport to meet you. If for any reason you are not met at the airport, please call our local support line. If you are unable to make contact for whatever reason, please make your way to the joining point hotel via taxi.
Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned for that day other then your welcome meeting in the evening, so you can arrive at any time. Similarly the last day is a departure day during which no activities have been planned.
A G Adventures Representative will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip. A welcome note will be left for you in the hotel so you have all the necessary information regarding the meeting time. If you arrive late, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning.
Arrival Complications
We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Emergency Contact
Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Operator (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:
Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, we will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer however we cannot guarantee this. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel.
G Adventures Office San Jose, Costa Rica
During Office hours (Weekdays 9am-5pm Local Time): +506 2224 5560
After hours emergency number: +506 8322 9140
If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.
Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
What to Take
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.
Costa Rica Water Activities:
• Drybag (Will help keep cameras and essentials dry)
• Sport Sandals or Water Shoes (if you plan to do waterfall rappelling and/or rafting)
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Visas and Entry Requirements
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.
As of November 1st, 2007, the Costa Rica government, requires those entering Costa Rica from certain countries in South America and Sub-Sahara Africa, to have an International Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever. Those affected countries are: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, French Guiana and Venezuela.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure.
Effective January 1st, 2018, those traveling to Nicaragua from Panama via Costa Rica will now be asked to show proof of Yellow Fever vaccination at border crossings.
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Money Exchange
The currency in Costa Rica is the Colon (CRC), in Nicaragua the Cordoba (NIO), in Honduras the Lempira (HNL), in Guatemala the Quetzal (QTQ), in Mexico is the Peso (MXN), in Belize the Dollar (BZD).
Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank.
You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies.
Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US dollars cash and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.
We do not recommend you bring travellers cheques, as it is very difficult to exchange them in each country.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).
As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
Emergency Fund
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Departure Tax
Costa Rica exit tax: $8USD
Nicaragua entrance tax: $13USD
Nicaragua exit tax: $2USD
Honduras entrance tax: $3USD
Honduras exit tax: $3USD
Guatemala entrance tax: 10Q ($1.25USD)
Guatemala exit tax: 10Q ($1.25USD)
Belize entrance tax: free
Belize exit tax: BZ$40 or US$20
Border Fees must be paid in full at the time of entry and exit and are subject to change without prior notice.
It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected – though not compulsory – component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.
Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used.
Optional Activities
All prices are per person, in USD amounts and are subject to change as services are provided by third party operators.
San José:
Adventure Combo (Canopy & Rafting) (L) $126
Combo Tour ( Doka – Poas – Cataratas) (B,L) $126
La Paz Waterfall Gardens (Late departure) $90
Manuel Antonio National Park (Tues,Thurs,Sat and Sun)(B)(L) $118
Poas Volcano ( Half Day ) $63
San Jose City Tour $51
The Best of the Pacific (Punta Leona) (B)(L) $132
Rafting Class IV Pacuare (B)(L) $99
Irazu, Orosi and Lankaster Gardens(L) $99
RAM LUNA (Show and Dinner) $70
La Fortuna/ Arenal:
Rafting Class III and IV (Full day – 7 hours) $80 (includes fruit on the river and lunch)
Rafting Class II and III (half day – 4.5 hours) $62 (includes fruit on the river and lunch)
Canyoning/Rappelling tour $89 – $113 (includes breakfast or lunch depending on tour time – 4 hours)
Mambo Combo (Rafting II and III with Canyoning) $143 (8 hours)
Venado Cave Spelunking $72 (4 hours)
Stand up Paddle $59 (4 hours)
Mountain biking $68 (4 hours)
Caño Negro Reserve $68 (8 hours)
Volcano walk/viewpoint/dinner and entrance to hot springs $70 – $100 (incl. transportation)
Viewpoint/dinner/entrance to hot springs $36 (incl. transportation)
Hot springs only $15 – $39
Hot springs with dinner $41 – $72
Cerro Chato Extreme Hike (6 hours) $77
Safari float $50 (4 hours)
Horse trip to waterfall $59 (4 hours)
Bike Rental $15/day
Volunteer Program at Proyecto Asis (feeding animals, playing with animals, baby monkey, and some physical work, includes snack) $54 (4 hours)
Ziplining $45
Hanging bridges $30
Horseback riding ($25 for 1 ½ hours, $35 for 2 hours, $45 for 3 hours)
Butterfly garden $12
Trapiche Tour $32
Coffee tour $25
Frog Pond $12
Serpentarium $14
ATV $60 for a single, $85 for a double
Night Walk $25 – $28
Orchid Garden $10
Cheese Factory $10
Bat Jungle $10
Climb Vocan Concepcíon with a guide $45
Climb Volcan Madera with a guide $45
Bike Rentals $10
Ojo de Agua spring $3
Petroglyphs & Chaco Verde $40
Horseback riding $20 (4 hours)
Las Isleatas Boat tour $15
Laguana Apoyo & Mirador Caterina $18 – $30
Kayaking $30
Taxi to/from Masaya market $15
Tour of Mombacho volcano $35
Casa de Museo de Don Alejandro Cotto $4
El salto ¨Los Tercios¨ & Mirador Combine with tour of the pueblos for around $15
Hike Volcan Guazapa $20
Suchitlan lake tour $50
$50 for the whole group for transport to the lake in his pickup truck and a tour on the lake (to several islands: Isla de Pajaros, Isla de los Enamorados)
Tour cayonning and waterfalls: $45
4×4 Imposible NationalPark and beach tour $75
4×4 Apaneca mountainrange tour
Copan ruins entrance $15
Copan guide $25 for the group or usually about $5 per person depending on how many want a guide.
Copan Museum $7
Horseback riding $15/3 hrs
Antigua (Guatemala):
City tour $20
Bicycle rental/tour $5 – $35
Coffee /Macadamia nut Plantation tour $20
Group Salsa lessons $5/hr
Massages $20 – $50
Mayan Horoscopes $40
Community Visit – $10
Lake Atitlan boat tour $10 per person
Bicycle rental $3/hr
Kayak rental $5/hr
Horseback riding $50 (full day)
San Pedro Volcano hike $25 (incl. transport + entrance)
Rio Dulce:
Hot Springs $20
Boat trip to Livingston $20 (includes a swim in the hot springs)
El Castillo Fort $5
Horseback Riding $25
Birdwatching Boat Tour $25
Nature Walk $18
Howler monkey kayak morning tour $13-26 (depending on number of people)
Boat tour: Lake Petén Itzá $12
Guided tour of Tikal – $85 divided by number of participants
Entrance fee for Tikal ruins $20
Transport to/from Tikal $8
San Ignacio (Belize):
Barton Creek Cave $40 (4-hour return trip)
Mountain Pine Ridge $50
Full-day caving (ATM cave or Crystal Cave) $80
Horseback riding $75
Bicycle rental $5/hour
Mountain Bike tour $40
Butterfly farm $5
Xunantunich $8
Caye Caulker:
Snorkel trips $35 – $70 (half day/full day)
Blue Hole dive tour $200
Manatee & dolphins tour $80
Snorkel equipment rental $10 (day)
Windsurfing $25 (for board & instruction/hour)
Sea kayaking $15 (half-day)
Two-tank dive $60
Sunset Sail Rum cruise $35
Playa del Carmen (Mexico):
Snorkel rental $15
Ferry to Cozumel $25 roundtrip
Tulum transport and ruins entrance $10-40
Diving course $350
Scuba diving (for already certified divers) $50-120
Bicycle rental $25 day
Horseback riding $50
Dos Ojos Cenote Snorkeling Tour $50
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information.
Safety and Security
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home – you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your CEO has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your CEO will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.
Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.
Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).
Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.
We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety. For ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling, please visit:
Trip Specific Safety
Like any city where tourism is on the increase, crime also tends to increase and while San José is not a noticeably dangerous city, there are certain precautions you should take. Make sure that you are aware of your things at all times and don't go out carrying expensive gear or jewellery.
Medical Form
Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility' is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our CEOs work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.
The medical questionnaire can be found online at:
A Couple of Rules
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation
The Planeterra Foundation planeterra.org is a Canadian non-profit organization that helps empower local people to develop their communities, conserve their cultures, and create humane and supportive systems for their endeavours. Planeterra provides capacity building and catalyst grants to get community social enterprises off the ground. These businesses address local challenges by providing benefits for indigenous people, empowering marginalized women, and granting disadvantaged youth access to education, employment, and brighter futures. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating programs into G Adventures' itineraries globally.
G Adventures is Planeterra's largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.
Dollar-a-Day Program
G Adventures' Dollar-a-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar for every day you are on trip. 100% of these donations go directly to support community development projects worldwide that are implemented by Planeterra.
After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at firstname.lastname@example.com and we will send it on to you.
Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G Adventures, subscribe at www.gadventures.com/newsletters/
Stay current on how our company invests in our global community through our foundation – Planeterra. Sign up for Planeterra's monthly news to learn more about how to give back and support the people and places we love to visit.
Minimum Age
Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.
International Flights
Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Max Pax
Group Leader
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides
Day 1 San José
Arrive at any time. Check into our hotel and enjoy the city. Please try to arrive before 6pm for an important group meeting where you can meet the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and the other group members.
Amid the hustle and bustle of this busy capital, San José has beautiful parks, museums and an ornate National Theatre. Enjoy the view of the surrounding lush mountains from the downtown streets, head to the central plaza, shop for souvenirs and pass the time people-watching.
Included Activities:
Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting
Day 2 San José/La Fortuna
La Fortuna, the town near the Arenal Volcano, is an excellent base for adventure. Hike the area's nature trails, swim in chilly La Fortuna waterfall, or join a canopy tour and catch a bird's eye view of the forest greenery. Take an unforgettable night hike around the foot of the volcano, accompanied by a soundtrack of monkeys and the rumblings of the volcano.
Other optional activities include: full-day Class III & IV white water rafting on the Balsa or Toro Rivers, mountain biking, caving, horseback riding, or a tour of the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. Like much of Costa Rica, the area is a birders' paradise, with over 600 species as permanent residents.
After a long day of exploring, the Baldi Hot Springs might just be the answer for your tired muscles. Soak in one of the natural thermal baths and hope the clouds part long enough for a glimpse of Arenal´s slopes.
Local bus (3.00-5.00 hours, 150km)
Day 3 La Fortuna
Free day to get the adrenaline pumping with rafting and other outdoor pursuits or one of many other optional activities.
Day 5 La Fortuna/Monteverde (1D)
Costa Rica is a natural gem because of its breathtaking flora and fauna. Travelling into the cool cloud forest of Monteverde, appreciate how lush ecosystems truly are works of art. Take time to bird watch, ride a horse, mountain bike, or zip line over the forest canopy.
Included Activities:
Life Monteverde Visit
Shared van (0.50 hour(s))
Boat (0.75 hour(s))
Shared van (2.00 hour(s))
Day 6 Monteverde
Opt to visit a cloud forest reserve, fly through the jungle canopy via zipline or tour a coffee plantation.
Day 7 Monteverde/Santa Teresa
Journey to the small towns of Playa Santa Teresa and Malpais, which are frequented by surfers. Opt to hit the waves, or visit Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve – take a hike to explore the area or check out the snorkelling at Secret Beach.
Private Vehicle
Private Vehicle (1.50 hour(s))
Day 8 Santa Teresa
Check out Cabo Blanco NP to spot some wildlife, hike to the nearby waterfall for a dip or a jump in the local swimming hole or simply lounge on the beach.
Take a day trip to the beautiful Isla Tortuga, where you can snorkel along a volcanic rock reef or check out the nearby surf havens of Mal Pais and Santa Teresa. Adrenaline junkies can take their pick of activities as well – surfing, ziplining, ATV, boogie boarding, horseback riding or scuba diving are all options. On the other hand, if relaxation is what you seek, opt for a yoga class or take a leisurely hike to search for orchids.
Day 10 Santa Teresa/San José
Enjoy a free morning in Santa Teresa before travelling back to the capital for the night.
Local bus (8.00 hour(s))
Day 11 San José/Concepción de Ataco
Catch a flight to El Salvador, and travel to the 'Route of Flowers' region with its quaint Salvadorian towns and talented artisans.
Private Vehicle (3.00 hour(s))
Day 12 Concepción de Ataco
Day hikes, a coffee tour and shopping are some of many options for your time here. Hike El Impossible National Park, swim in the pools of Atzumpa, check out some of the other nearby quaint towns or just explore tiny Ataco. This is a coffee producing region of El Salvador, so be sure to sample some delicious coffee in a local café.
Day 13 Concepción de Ataco/Suchitoto
Travel to El Salvador's colonial town of Suchitoto. Don't forget to try the delicious pupusas, a local Salvadorian specialty.
Private Vehicle (3.00 hour(s))
Day 14 Suchitoto
Enjoy a free day to discover the cultural capital of El Salvador. Opt to visit nearby waterfalls, hike to caves, or go for a swim in beautiful Lago Suchitlán.
Day 15 Suchitoto/Copán
Travel into Honduras and opt to visit the Mayan ruins of Copán. The Mayan ruins of Copán are fascinating, beautiful and unique among Mayan cities.
The colonial highland town of Copán Ruinas is a charming and relaxing place. Opt to explore the nearby hills on horseback and check out some lesser known Mayan sites along the way, or journey to some local hot springs for a relaxing soak.
Included Activities:
Border Crossing (El Salvador – Guatemala)
Border Crossing (Guatemala-Honduras)
Private Vehicle (8.00 hour(s), 400km)
Day 16 Copán
Free time in Copan to enjoy optional activities.
Day 17 Copán/Antigua Guatemala
After a long travel day arrive to Antigua, where you can stretch your legs during an orientation walk with your CEO. Enjoy the beautiful Spanish colonial architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Additional Notes:
This tour arrives to Antigua in the early evening. If you are interested in exploring the city and its nearby attractions, it is recommended you book additional post-trip accommodation nights.
Included Activities:
Border Crossing (Honduras – Guatemala)
Orientation Walk
Private Vehicle (8.00 hour(s), 200km)
Day 18 Antigua Guatemala
Enjoy free time to relax with a massage, explore the nearby hills by bicycle, or visit a local macadamia nut farm.
Day 19 Antigua Guatemala
Enjoy a free day to explore. Opt to relax with a massage or soak up the culture in one of many cafés. Enjoy a Big Night Out with the group.
Included Activities:
Orientation Walk
Big Night Out
Day 20 Antigua Guatemala/San Juan La Laguna (1D)
Travel through the hills and fertile fields of the Guatemalan highlands to the shores of Lake Atitlán, one of the most beautiful spots in Guatemala. Twelve native villages, blue/grey mountains, and three volcanoes line the shores of this lake, resulting in a wonderful combination of unusual natural beauty and traditional culture.
We will overnight at a G Adventures-supported homestay with a local family. Tonight, the group will be spread out among a number of homes, where dinner will also be provided. This once-in-a-lifetime experience will help you to gain a better understanding of the day-to-day life of the locals in this region.
Additional Notes:
Please dress conservatively when visiting the villages, and refrain from photographing religious ceremonies or individuals who do not wish to be photographed.
Included Activities:
Posadas Mayas Homestay
Stretch out and unwind aboard our private ride.
Private Vehicle (4.00 hour(s), 80km)
Boat (0.50-0.75 hours, 25km)
Day 21 San Juan La Laguna/Panajachel
Return across the lake and enjoy free time in Panajachel to visit the market or relax.
Boat (0.50-0.75 hours, 25km)
Day 22 Panajachel/Rio Dulce
Take the road past areas of dense jungle and arrive at Río Dulce, a small town on Lake Izabal, and a port stop for boaters around the globe on their way to/from Livingston and the Caribbean coast.
Private Vehicle (9.00 hour(s), 400km)
Day 23 Rio Dulce
There are plenty of opportunities for R & R. Aside from boating on Lake Izabal, there are optional tours in the area to view protected manatees. You may opt to horseback ride through a rubber plantation, explore San Felipe fort, take the morning monkey kayak tour, relax in the thermal springs, or hike through the jungle-strewn trails in the Chocón-Machacas Natural Reserve area.
Day 24 Rio Dulce/Flores
Our final stop in Guatemala is Flores, a picturesque town surrounded by Lake Petén Itzá. Flores is well-known for its proximity to Tikal—the largest excavated Mayan site.
Private Vehicle
Day 25 Flores/San Ignacio
Head north to the ancient city of Tikal before venturing into Belize. The spiritual centre of Tikal boasts the Mayan's highest pyramids and abundant flora and fauna in the surrounding jungle.
Included Activities:
Tikal Ruins Guided Tour
Border Crossing (Guatemala – Belize)
Private Vehicle (1.00-1.50 hours, 64km)
Private Vehicle (1.00-1.50 hours)
Taxicab (0.25-0.50 hours)
Day 26 San Ignacio
From the town of San Ignacio, opportunities abound for exploring Belize's little known inland scenic beauty. With free time here, choose to explore the area by foot, canoe, or horse, take a caving trip, or visit the Mountain Pine Ridge Area and swim in its inviting pools and rivers.
Day 27 San Ignacio/Caye Caulker
Hop aboard a local bus, then board a water taxi to the island paradise of Caye Caulker. Later, explore Caye Caulker on the G Adventures-supported Bike with Purpose tour.
Included Activities:
Belize Bike with Purpose Tour
Local bus (3.00-4.00 hours, 123km)
Boat (1.00 hour(s))
Days 28-29 Caye Caulker
Enjoy free time to snorkel with stingrays and nurse sharks at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, go diving, or just chill out, Belizean style.
Day 30 Caye Caulker/Mahahual
Leaving Belize and its Caribbean reggae-tinged vibe, head north to the Costa Maya, Mexico, to the beachside town of Mahahual.
Included Activities:
Border Crossing (Belize – Mexico)
Boat (1.00 hour(s))
Local bus (3.00 hour(s))
Private Vehicle (2.00 hour(s), 145km)
Day 31 Mahahual
Enjoy a free day for beach lounging and sipping seaside margaritas.
Day 32 Mahahual/Playa del Carmen
Head north to Playa del Carmen, Mexico, the de facto centre of the Mayan Riviera. This once sleepy village is quickly becoming a popular destination among sun worshippers and partiers worldwide.
Private Vehicle (5.00 hour(s))
Day 33 Playa del Carmen
Depart at any time.
Additional Notes:
Playa del Carmen is located just south of Cancún airport (45 min drive) so you can easily head directly there without returning to Cancún.
Included Activities:
Departure Day


text:
The North American Amateur Drivers Association will host four Amateur drivers from New Zealand in a series of races against NAADA members in a driving competition to be held at three racetracks in the Northeast.
Races in the competition --dubbed the Kiwis vs. the Yanks-- will kick-off at Monticello Raceway on Wednesday, September 5th and then move on to Yonkers Raceway on Thursday, September 6. The final races will be at Freehold Raceway on Friday, September 7.
"Drivers for the New Zealand team will be constant throughout the series of race. However the USA team will vary at each racetrack with the exception of Dave Siegel, who'll drive at every venue," said NAADA president Joe Faraldo."Various NAADA members at each of the participating racetracks will be get a chance to compete but Siegel, the gentleman who so cordially hosts our East Coast in the West at Cal Expo, will be a constant."
According to Eric Warner Monticello Raceway's director of racing, he will dedicate two races on the September 5th program for the driving competition. The same is expected at all the other venues, also.
Among the members of the visiting New Zealand amateur team is Gavin Cook, who won the World Cup of Amateur Racing in 2008.
Joining Cook will be other outstanding New Zealand amateur drivers ; John McDermott, Danny Blakemore and Tim Sissons.
"The Kiwis were extremely gracious to us when they hosted the World Cup of Amateur Racing last fall, so much so, that we wanted to reciprocate," Faraldo added. " We'll certainly show them a good time while there here but I'm giving fair warning , there'll be no favors on the racetrack ."
Monthly archive
- March 2017 (8)
- February 2017 (5)
- January 2017 (6)
- November 2016 (6)
- October 2016 (6)
- September 2016 (2)
- August 2016 (9)
- July 2016 (7)
- June 2016 (9)
- May 2016 (4)


text:
President's Column
Trudi Bellardo Hahn
It is a very good thing that a member of the Society, once elected president of ASIST, spends a year as president-elect. This is an astounding period of learning about all the behind-the-scenes work that goes on to sustain and grow the society. By "grow" I do not mean just increasing the membership (or at worst, keeping it from shrinking), although that is an important element. I mean mainly all the activities that keep ASIST alive, vibrant and at the leading edge of developments in the information field.
ASIST established task forces and planning groups this past year to consider ways to improve awards presentations at conferences, to construct the ASIST digital library, to update and implement the ASIST thesaurus, to review benefits to institutional members, to develop an applications magazine to supercede the Bulletin and to improve placement services, to name just a few. You can expect in the coming year to see the evidence of these efforts, and I hope that many of you will not only experience the benefits but will also get directly involved in expanding and sustaining them.
One new initiative that is just getting underway is in the area of international relations. During the past year a task force, composed of Steven Hardin (chair of Membership Committee), Michel Menou, Julian Warner, Executive Director Dick Hill and myself, proposed the establishment of a new position of International Liaison that reports to the Board of Directors. I have appointed the first liaison, Julian Warner. In Inside ASIST he shares his views and values about the liaison position and communication within the international information community.
The International Liaison has responsibilities for recruitment of international members to ASIST, retention of those members and assisting with and informing the Board about international issues. The following are examples of responsibilities of this position:
· Inform the Board of international developments and global information issues that represent opportunities or challenges for the Society, which might involve writing or commissioning briefing statements on issues that have implications for more than one jurisdiction.
· In cooperation with the Membership Committee, communicate with potential members and encourage them to join.
· Organize international receptions or other special events at conferences.
· Greet international attendees at conferences and help to make them welcome.
· Help international members to network with other ASIST members in their areas of interest (be a "linking agent").
· Maintain contacts with international organizations on behalf of ASIST.
· Work closely with all SIGs in regard to their international information interests, but especially with SIG/International Information Issues, to ensure cooperation and collaboration as appropriate.
· Recruit other ASIST members to work with him/her in accomplishing these goals and objectives.
· Be highly visible, accessible and accommodating to others in ASIST who are interested in recruiting and supporting international members.
You will notice that the liaison does not work alone but is a bridge among several groups within ASIST, most notably the award-winning SIG/International Information Issues and the Membership Committee, as well as headquarters staff. The liaison is also a communication channel to outside international organizations.
In selecting Julian Warner for this position, we looked for an ASIST member with deep international involvement who is willing to stay abreast of relevant international developments, who has excellent communication and interpersonal skills, tact and diplomacy and who can organize and manage a variety of assignments simultaneously. We expected that the individual would likely be an international member, but this was not required. Julian was selected as the liaison to launch the position and help the Board define its role.
Another exciting initiative will be a membership survey. In the past 20 years, the membership has been surveyed several times to gather varying amounts of data about members' demographics, job and career interests and preferences for delivery of Society products publications, conferences, continuing education and other professional benefits. However, no recent data has been collected, and we know that the membership profile and members' interests have changed considerably in recent years. The current survey will be administered electronically, and we hope to get responses from a very high percentage of members. Planning future directions for the Society will depend very much on what you tell us so please do respond!
Trudi Bellardo Hahn
Copyright © 2003, American Society for Information Science and Technology


text:
Open topic with navigation
The Add Live Bookmark(s) dialog box lists all feeds available for live bookmarking for this site. Access this dialog from Manage Live Bookmarks to add one or more feeds to the live bookmark list for the current page.
Note: Only XML Publications based on a format that supports syndication (for example, RSS or Atom) are listed in the Add Live Bookmarks dialog. For more information on XML Publication Formats and the Supports Syndication option, see the CommonSpot Administrator's Reference.
Click to sort by column head.
Subsite - Select from the dropdown, or click the subsite search icon . Optionally check Include Child Subsites to search from the selected subsite and all the subsites it contains. Leave this unchecked to search the selected subsite only. Click the Filter button to view available feeds in the subsites selected.
Click a link in the Format column to view its definition.
Select the feed or feeds you want to make available as Live Bookmarks on this page and click Save, or Cancelto exit without changing.
Related Links
You can download PDF versions of the Content Contributor's, Administrator's, and Elements Reference documents from the support section of paperthin.com (requires login).
Sites upgrading from versions earlier than release 6.0 should review the following (from the support section of paperthin.com - requires login):
For technical support:
Open topic with navigation


text:
The FBI has joined Bluffton Police in a continuing investigation of Thursday's armed robbery of the Palmetto State Bank at 194 Bluffton Road, Sgt. Joe Babkiewicz said.
Police responded at about 7:32 a.m. after an alert from the bank manager.
"Initial investigation determined that two black males accosted the bank manager when he arrived at work and forced him at gunpoint to allow them entry into the bank," Babkiewicz wrote in a news release.
"The manager was able to escape and alert authorities. The suspects were identified as two black males wearing dark clothing. The suspects ran from the bank toward Goethe Road.
"The Bluffton Police Department is investigating this incident with assistance from the FBI. The investigation is ongoing and no further information will be released at this time," he said.
Bluffton Police Department officers and Beaufort County Sheriff's Office deputies were stationed along theBluffton Parkwayat the intersections ofBuckIsland, Simmonsville and Goethe roads at about 8:30 a.m.
Police officers and deputies with a K-9 unit dog were searching a wooded area near the park at Goethe and Dr. Mellichamp roads at about 8:45 a.m.
Crime scene investigators were dusting a sport utility vehicle for fingerprints in the Palmetto State Bank parking lot at about 9 a.m.


text: Are you in the market for a quality pre-owned vehicle? We have a large selection of quality pre-owned vehicles. Select cars are equipped with our Price Checked Guarantee - If you can find the same used car for less within 5 days, we will pay you the difference**. Search our group pre-owned inventory below and schedule a test-drive today!


text:
COLUMBIA - Federal transportation officials still haven't gotten the message about Daufuskie Island.
But in their defense, state legislators have yet to send it.
A bill, H.3773, was introduced this year in order to tap the U.S. Federal Highway Administration for help in coordinating a solution to ferry transit to and from the eight-square-mile island between Tybee and Hilton Head islands.
As lawmakers finish up the state budget this month, the legislation has been sitting untouched for weeks in a Senate committee.
Rep. Weston Newton, R-Bluffton, and co-sponsors Rep. Andy Patrick, R-Hilton Head, and Rep. Bill Herbkersman, R-Bluffton, have said the resolution does not cede control to the federal government. Reps. Shannon Erickson, R-Beaufort, Kenneth Hodges, D-Green Pond, and Bill Bowers, D-Hampton, also sponsored the resolution.
Newton described the proposal, as "an effort to keep the issue in front of the state and federal highway folks, transportation folks, (to say) that we do have a problem, and the state and the Feds need to step up and take a bigger role."
Daufuskie, which has no bridge to the mainland, is home to an estimated 200-400 residents and in April hosted the 5th Annual Marsh Tacky Beach Races.
The resolution, which is not binding, states: "... It is necessary that the U.S. Department of Transportation and its component, the Federal Highway Administration, take a leading role to get all those involved to agree on the way forward for obtaining this long sought and absolutely necessary service for the residents of Daufuskie Island and for visitors to the island."
In November voters defeated a referendum by a vote of 60-41 to create a special tax district to upgrade passenger ferry service. Some had objected to it, charging that taxpayers would wind up footing the bill for real estate and development interests.
How to provide for regular ferry transit isn't the only challenge facing the islanders.
A growing problem with trash removal, the threat of saltwater intrusion into drinking water wells, and erosion also figure into community planning.


text:
Top Cars
7 Sporty Cars With Surprisingly Good Gas Mileage
If you're interested in buying a new car that offers an enjoyable driving experience, you might think that you'll have to give up fuel efficiency to get it. Our latest list proves that isn't always the case. We've rounded up a few of our favorite sporty cars that manage to combine an enjoyable driving experience and excellent gas mileage.
Ford Focus ST
To us, the Ford Focus ST is one of the most enjoyable sporty vehicles on the road, and its added fuel efficiency is just a cherry on top. Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, which makes an impressive 252 horsepower -- good enough for a 0-to-60 time of well under 6 seconds. We love its slick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission, and we especially enjoy its razor-sharp handling -- among the best of any front-wheel-drive car. And that fuel economy? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Focus ST at an impressive 23 miles per gallon in the city and 32 mpg in highway driving.
Hyundai Veloster Turbo
There are many reasons that the Hyundai Veloster Turbo is one of the most exciting small hatchbacks around. One is its styling, which is especially eye-grabbing and bold -- bolstered, no doubt, by the car's unique 3-door setup. We also appreciate its long list of standard equipment, which includes leather upholstery, heated front seats and keyless access with push-button starting. Most importantly, we love the Veloster Turbo's 201-hp turbocharged engine, which can propel the hatchback to 60 miles per hour in just over 6 seconds and return 24 mpg city/35 mpg hwy.
Find a Hyundai Veloster Turbo for sale
Mini Cooper
The newly redesigned 2015 Mini Cooper is one of the best possible examples of a car that lets you have both fun and fuel efficiency. When it comes to fun, the Mini certainly delivers, offering excellent handling and a choice between a 134-hp turbocharged 3-cylinder engine and a raucous 189-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder, not to mention an endless array of unique customization options. We're also impressed by the Mini when it comes to gas mileage. Although the latest EPA ratings aren't out yet, previous models earned excellent ratings: 30 mpg city/42 mpg hwy in base form or 27 mpg city/38 mpg hwy in S guise. We have no reason to doubt that the latest Mini will do even better at the pump.
Porsche Cayman
You might be surprised to learn that the 2-seater Porsche Cayman isn't entirely focused on performance and style. Sure, it boasts a track-friendly mid-engine setup and an impressive 275 hp in base form. Yes, it touts an excellent look with exotic-car curves and a low-slung shape. But the Cayman also offers fuel economy that rivals some compact cars, let alone sporty cars: Choose the optional dual-clutch PDK transmission, and the Cayman will reach 22 mpg city/32 mpg hwy if you drive it with a light foot. Even with a standard stick shift, you can still expect 20 mpg city/30 mpg hwy -- not too shabby for a high-performance Porsche.
Find a Porsche Cayman for sale
Scion FR-S
The Scion FR-S is a 4-seat sports car that represents an entirely new direction for the Scion brand. The new look is clear the moment you look at it; the FR-S ditches the boxy styling of other Scion models for a more exciting coupelike appearance. It also ditches the driving experience of other Scion models: The FR-S offers a low center of gravity, an eager 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 200 hp, and a standard manual transmission with an enjoyable shifter feel. The FR-S isn't all fun and games: Driven lightly, automatic models will return 25 mpg city/34 mpg hwy, while the standard manual transmission can reach 22 mpg city/30 mpg hwy.
Subaru WRX
The newly redesigned Subaru WRX is undoubtedly the sporty sedan's best incarnation yet. One reason is the model's muscular new look, which boasts strong fender flares and a huge hood scoop. Drivers will also love the WRX's long list of standard features, which includes 17-inch alloy wheels, a backup camera, Bluetooth and automatic climate control. There's no doubt that the engine is the best part: The 2015 WRX's new turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder makes an impressive 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, good enough for a 0-to-60 time of around 5.4 seconds or an excellent fuel economy rating of 21 mpg city/28 mpg hwy if you go for the standard 6-speed manual transmission.
Volkswagen GTI
The Volkswagen GTI is a sporty hatchback offered in 3- or 5-door configurations. While it offers front-wheel drive instead of enthusiast-friendly rear-wheel drive, the GTI boasts excellent handling in nearly any situation. We also appreciate the car's torquey 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, which makes 210 hp, and for 2015, a whopping 258 lb-ft of torque. The GTI's strongest suit may be fuel economy. Drive it with a light foot, and EPA determines that you'll achieve an impressive 25 mpg city/34 mpg hwy -- good numbers for a high-performance car like the GTI.


text:
full size
Product Details
Our designers sourced this richly textured vintage brocade from a print house in upstate New York and recolored it to match the palette of our entire collection. Golden threads add a touch of lustre and give the fabric a regal quality we love.
Size & Fit Details


text:
Be Happy.
Gift Shop
My DailyOM
About Us
DailyOM - Herb Gardening from the Ground Up: Everything You Need to Know about Growing Your Favorite Herbs by Sal Gilbertie and Larry Sheehan
Herb Gardening from the Ground Up: Everything You Need to Know about Growing Your Favorite Herbs
Herb Gardening from the Ground Up: Everything You Need to Know about Growing Your Favorite Herbs
BY Sal Gilbertie and Larry Sheehan
An updated and expanded edition of
Herb Gardening at Its Best
, the classic primer for planning and planting 38 culinary herb gardens from America's largest herb grower and retailer, Gilbertie's Herbs.
Garden-fresh herbs impart flavor and fragrance that packaged herbs simply can't. If you have a few yards of soil, or even a sunny windowsill, Herb Gardening from the Ground Up will show you how to design, seed, and nurture 38 culinary herb gardens. Also included: a new introduction on today's herb renaissance; a new chapter on container and windowbox herb gardens; new layouts for French, Italian, Asian, Tex-Mex, and BBQ herb gardens; and a discussion of popular herb newcomers like lemongrass, the new basils, garlics, sages, and more.
Canticle of the Creatures
, St. Francis of Assisi praises God for all creation, including "Sister Earth, who produces all sorts of fruit and colored flowers and herbs." I had always been exposed to flowers, fruits, and vegetables because of our family business, but herbs came into my life quite by chance, and what a great blessing that chance encounter has proved to be! Not a day goes by without my learning something new and exciting about these fascinating and wondrous plants. I just can't wait to get up every morning and begin another day in my world of herbs, whether I am planting, lecturing, cooking, selling, or just breathing in the fragrances of herbs in our greenhouses and gardens.
I can't say no to any invitation to talk about herbs. On hundreds of occasions I have spoken to all kinds of groups--gardeners, farmers, cooks, teachers, children, oldsters--and I love it when I am asked questions about herbs at the end of these talks. What's another hour when you love what you're talking about and having fun, too?
My discovery of herbs and their multiple purposes and joys has been one of the most important things in my life. Through herbs I've strengthened my faith, enriched my family bonds, built a career that's rewarding to me on many levels, and struck up friendships with a host of fellow herb enthusiasts across the country. My passion for herbs has a lot to do with what I have found to be their essential, everlasting goodness. In these small, unassuming plants are found qualities and properties that can only be accounted for by some profound providential intelligence.
Thank God for herbs.
Herbs are so easy to grow, and so universal in their appeal and utility, that I believe there is room for an herb garden in everyone's life. That's the spirit in which this book has been conceived. Our approach to herb gardening is based on a broad understanding of the cultivation and care of herbal plants in a wide variety of landscapes great and small. It is designed to permit gardeners, from novices to experts, to enjoy herbs according to their own tastes and needs, and the particular time and space available to them.
The secret to success in growing herbs lies in the techniques of plant culture we at Gilbertie's Herb Gardens have developed over four generations in the business. Today, we grow nearly 500 varieties of herbs, including subspecies, and although culinary herbs account for 85 percent of our volume, about one-third of our customers also purchase and grow herbs for use beyond the kitchen. As one of the largest wholesale growers of potted herb plants in the country, we have a "big picture" of the ever-growing, ever-changing consumer demand for herbs. At the same time, through our busy retail garden center in Westport, Connecticut, we have come to know the down-to-earth wants and needs of home gardeners of every stripe.
Dispensing advice on growing and maintaining plants of any kind is akin to a fine art, and over the years we have learned the value of clarity and precision in giving instructions. This book sets out to achieve the same objectives for our readers as we've achieved in our gardener-to-gardener conversations with our customers.
Our first step will be to describe the optimum location and soil conditions for the basic herb garden. Then we will offer detailed profiles of the fifteen most popular culinary herbs, emphasizing the nuts-and-bolts methods for sowing and growing them most effectively. By becoming familiar with each of the basic herbs, you will learn the growing techniques that work for virtually all herbs.
In other words, once we have helped you figure out how to successfully grow parsley, which is a biennial, for use in your salads and sauces and as a garnish, then you automatically know how to grow caraway, also a biennial, for your rye-bread-baking projects, or watercress, for its tangy bite in sandwiches, salads, and soups. If you understand how to propagate and care for sage or rosemary, then you can use the same techniques on lavender, a similar single-stemmed perennial. Annual herbs, such as basil, coriander, and dill--plants that, for all practical purposes, live for only the duration of a single season--also call for growing methods special to this category.
Once we have our cultural information in place, we will offer plans for dozens of herb gardens of broad interest, so as to acquaint you with the wide range of growth patterns among herbs, as well as their nearly infinite variety of leaf shapes and flower colors, and possibly inspire you to venture beyond the confines of the basic kitchen herb garden. The majority of these plans will be presented in an 8' x 8' planting scheme, to provide a common standard that all readers can consult in developing gardens for their own special sites.
There is no rule stating that herb gardens must be laid out in formal patterns, so as long as the right cultural conditions are present, the plants themselves will not suffer, even if the garden looks as if it were designed by a gardener wearing a blindfold. Generally, formal gardens laid out in geometric forms require more care than the rough-and-ready garden plot. But don't automatically reject the idea of a formal garden plan or associate it with pretense and privilege. The fact is, gardens organized with semicircular beds and crisscrossing pathways create as much perimeter as possible, not only for aesthetic effect but also to enable the gardener to tend and harvest herbs more conveniently.
The possibilities for theme gardens using herbs are endless, because in many categories, such as thyme or mint, there are multiple varieties and subspecies. Herbs may be grouped in families to bring pleasure and satisfaction to gardeners who have the same zeal for collecting as folks enamored of rare coins or stamps. We also offer garden plans for gardeners faced with asymmetrical spaces and unconventional growing conditions. Herbs can be used to cope with problem borders or semi-shady locations. Acknowledging the increasing popularity of container gardening, we also show how herbs can be adapted successfully for window boxes, whiskey barrels, troughs, and other planting vessels.
I believe it is the universality of herbs that makes me think no one should be without a garden containing a selection of these wonderful plants. And if you need more incentive, note that it is easier to be more successful, more quickly, with herbs than it is with flowers or vegetables, not to mention some of the more exotic houseplants. Herbs don't require as much space, as rich a soil, or as much attention after they are planted as flowers and vegetables do.
Published by Ten Speed Press


text:
Skip to comments.UFO panel a blast from the past
Posted on 09/11/2012 7:01:37 PM PDT by SunkenCiv
Not surprisingly, National Atomic Testing Museum executive director Allan Palmer has triggered a whinefest for having the gall to sponsor an upcoming lecture billed as "Military UFO Files: Secrets Revealed." Mainly it's coming from the How can you sully the Smithsonian brand with little green men? crowd. Palmer doesn't care. Although the Atomic Testing Museum is affiliated with the Smithsonian, it isn't a subsidiary. And when it comes to UFOs, like most reasonably intelligent people, the retired Navy commander would prefer an independent inquiry to a laughably outdated government fact sheet.
"Well it is a little risky, because we've got something of a reputation to uphold," says Palmer, whose remarkable Museum in Las Vegas routinely displays loaner material from the Smithsonian. "But I feel strongly that the (UFO) story has not been covered properly, and that not a lot of true science or analytical thought has gone into it."
True enough. Ergo, on Sept. 22 in Las Vegas, Palmer is convening five well-vetted panelists -- John Alexander, Charles Halt, Nick Pope, Bob Friend and Bill Coleman -- for the provocative "Secrets Revealed" discussion. Question: Considering how the collective experiences of these old hands have been bouncing around in the public domain forever, what can they offer that we don't already know?
Plenty, insists Palmer. For instance, Bill Coleman, the retired Air Force colonel and former Project Blue Book mouthpiece, insists he's got a "blockbuster" up his sleeve...
Coleman, who once chased a daylight disc in the summer of 1955, only to discover his report had unaccountably vanished from the Blue Book archives, co-produced the "Project UFO" series for NBC in 1978-79.
(Excerpt) Read more at devoid.blogs.heraldtribune.com ...
You think this doom-town dummy's hot now, wait'll the magic mushroom at ground zero kicks in/CREDIT: news.cnet.com
annnnd, I've watching "The Big Bang Theory" while posting these four UFO topics. :')
Most reasonably intelligent people don't involve themselves in such foolishness.
Travis Walton was talking to some of us Sept 3. The real story is much more classic than the movie.
Hmph.."Blast From the Past" indeed. I would have expected to hear from George Leroy Tirebiter.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.


text:
These days, it is hard to miss John 3:16. This is especially true if you are a sports fan; placards reading "John 3:16" are often spotted behind home plate, near end zones and throughout basketball arenas. The Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow even etches the verse into the anti-glare black grease under his eyes. (Let's not get started on his having passed 316 yards in the upset playoff win against the Steelers at the end of the season.)
This oft-cited passage comes from today's Gospel: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life." This is a crucial piece in a much longer conversation Jesus has with the Pharisee Nicodemus. He approaches Jesus at night, in which Jesus represents "the light that has come into the world" (3:19). Jesus tells him that one must be "born from above." Nicodemus scratches his head. Jesus tells him that one must be "born of water and the Spirit." Again Nicodemus scratches his head.
How will Nicodemus (and we) escape this darkness? In Jesus' final response he assures Nicodemus, "Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life." Later he will say, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I am" (8:28) and "When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself" (12:32). There is something about the cross that makes it both an icon of God and a magnet for our souls.
What is it about the cross that draws us, that reveals the divine presence, that heals us when we gaze upon it? For Jesus, the cross is his hour and glory (12:23ff, 17:1), the ultimate expression of how "God so loved the world." By making himself a total offering, he expresses the radiant light of divine love. His glory is in his self-emptying; his wealth exists as gift.
Now that the savior of the world has drawn us to the cross, what are we to do? John 3:16 tells us that we are to believe in him. The theme of belief in Jesus dominates John's Gospel. But believing is not simply intellectually accepting the claim, "Jesus is Lord." Theological truths are important, but this is not the point. Even demons believe the truth about God "and tremble" (Jas 2:19). Jesus challenges us to literally "believe into" (pisteu? eis) him, that is, we enter into him and fully entrust ourselves to him. "Where I am, there also will my servant be" (12:26).
Believing into Jesus is one of two dominant themes in John's Gospel; the other is love. To enter into the gift of Jesus is to know and live his love: "As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love" (15:9) and "As I have loved you, so you also should love one another" (13:34).
Have you ever forgiven someone for something really serious, and done so freely and completely, as pure gift? Have you ever given yourself over to another's need so completely that thoughts about yourself vanished entirely? Have you ever experienced love of God so completely that you seemed to disappear and what remained seemed only divine? If you answered yes to any of these, you know something of the great mystery of the cross.
The cross is a blazing icon of divine love. Whoever sees it and believes in the Lord may have eternal life. Wonderfully, after having experienced the glory of the cross, we find Nicodemus, now a disciple, risking his life to help prepare the body of the Lord for burial (19:39).


text:
"Thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back." Isaiah 38:17
Suggested Further Reading: Psalm 32
We are saved by faith, and not by feeling. "We walk by faith and not by sight." Yet there is as much connection between faith and hallowed feeling, as there is between the root and the flower. Faith is permanent, just as the root is ever in the ground; feeling is casual, and has its seasons. Just as the bulb does not always shoot up the green stem; far less is it always crowned with the many, many-coloured flower. Faith is the tree, the essential tree; our feelings are like the appearance of that tree during the different seasons of the year. Sometimes our soul is full of bloom and blossom, and the bees hum pleasantly, and gather honey within our hearts. It is then that our feelings bear witness to the life of our faith, just as the buds of spring bear witness to the life of the tree. Presently, our feelings gather still greater vigour, and we come to the summer of our delights. Again, perhaps, we begin to wither into the dry and yellow leaf of autumn; nay, sometimes the winter of our despondency and despair will strip away every leaf from the tree, and our poor faith stands like a blasted stem without a sign of greenness. And yet, my brethren, so long as the tree of faith is there we are saved. Whether faith blossom or not, whether it bring forth joyous fruit in our experience or not, so long as it be there in all its permanence we are saved. Yet we should have the gravest reason to distrust the life of our faith, if it did not sometimes blossom with joy, and often bring forth fruit unto holiness.
For meditation: True joy cannot exist without saving faith (1 Peter 1:8-9), but sometimes our salvation needs to have its joy restored (Psalm 51:12).
Sermon no. 316
21 May (Preached 20 May 1860)


text:
Popular former senator to offer exclusive opinion each Monday
Rick Santorum – the former U.S. senator who ignited grass-roots conservatives as a Republican candidate for president this year – today joins WND as an exclusive columnist. His commentaries will be featured each Monday.
A native of Pennsylvania, Santorum went to bat for conservatives who didn't feel their voice was being represented in the GOP primary. His grass-roots approach to campaigning – including visiting every one of Iowa's 99 counties and his stunning victory in the Iowa caucuses – put him in front-runner status where he ultimately won 11 states and 3 million votes during the Republican primary process.
In June of this year, Santorum launched Patriot Voices, a grass-roots and online community of Americans committed to promoting faith, family, freedom and opportunity. With a goal of recruiting 1 million members, Patriot Voices hopes to transform the political landscape of America.
Rick and his wife of 22 years, Karen, are the parents of seven children: Elizabeth, John, Daniel, Sarah Maria, Peter, Patrick and Isabella. During his run for president, Santorum spoke about his belief that strong families help produce a strong economy. He shared his views that opportunities for all Americans must be expanded by encouraging incentives for marriage, children and free enterprise.
Santorum strongly believes in renewing America's manufacturing sector, believing that such a renewal will strengthen working families and help struggling communities return to a path of prosperity during these tough economic times.
During the presidential campaign, voters across the country heard about the Santorums' youngest daughter, Isabella, who was born with a condition called Trisomy 18, and who wasn't expected to survive her first birthday. Beating the odds, Bella celebrated her fourth birthday in May. Bella's life has strengthened Rick and Karen's belief in the dignity of each of every life.
Prior to running for president, Santorum served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1991 to 1995, and in the U.S. Senate from 1995 to 2007 where he was known as one of the most successful government reformers in history. Along with John Boehner and Jim Nussle, Santorum was a member of the "Gang of Seven" that exposed the congressional banking and congressional Post Office scandals. A Washington Post reporter described Santorum as "a tea party kind of guy before there was a tea party."
Santorum was also an author and floor manager of the landmark Welfare Reform Act, which passed in 1996.
He wrote and championed legislation that outlawed partial-birth abortion as well as the "Born Alive Infants Protection Act," the "Unborn Victims of Violence Act," and the "Combating Autism Act."
Santorum penned the 2005 New York Times best-seller "It Takes a Family."
Read Santorum's debut column for WND, "This treaty crushes U.S. sovereignty."


text:
Keith Richards Says He's Proud of His Cartoonish Personality
Keith Richards didn't think he'd live this long either. In an recent interview the Rolling Stones' guitarist agrees with the New Yorker book reviewer's assessment that he hasn't paid the price for knowing life's every pleasure.
Richards also speaks with pride about "turning into a cartoon." "There's always going to be 'Keef' – you know, the one that closed down the liquor stores because he threatened to dry out," he tells GQ. "The image is a ball and chain, and you've got to live with it. And, yeah, that is part of me. Old Keef. The drug one."
Readers get to see a different side of Richards. Beyond learning that he's aware of and appreciates the jokes at his expense, we see he's a doting grandfather. Although he has trained his grandchildren to empty his ashtray.
His relationship with Mick Jagger is anything but doting. The two are still opposite ends of a stubborn argument. Although it's not as bad as it seems. "Mick and I still talk and are still working together," he shares.
Whether or not this means he'll be allowed to celebrate 50 years with the band remains to be seen. Jagger had previously indicated it wouldn't happen. That doesn't seem like it would phase Richards. he admits he's only been it for himself from the very beginning.
"I do it for me. You know, I'm a selfish son of a b—h."


text:
Volo per hunc librum, sed latiná anglice longá nunc est mihi paulo difficilior. Gratias quibuscumque dantibus mihi auxilium agam. (at si haec non vera sint, me novo huic linguae dare auxilium debetis!)
I. 1. Puer timens ne capiatur fugit.
The boy fearing lest he should be captured fled.
*Why is the 'capiatur' present and 'fugit' perfect? Is that because a participle goes at the same time as the main verb? (Simple sentence I know)
2. Aquila irá commota avís reliquas interficere conata erat.
The eagle, which had been moved by anger had tried to kill the remaining birds.
(interesting how the latin people say to kill inter+facere, to do between, and colloquially many britons say "do" or "do in" I suppose if you slay some one you cut them in half, do them between)
3. Milites ab hostibus pressi tela iacere non potuerunt.
The soliders since they had been (or who had been) hard pressed by the enemy could not hurl their weapons.
4. Caesar decimam legionem laudaturus ad primum agmen progressus est.
Caesar since he was about to praise the tenth legion moved forward to the van.
5. Imperator hortatus equites ut fortiter pugnarent signum proelio dedit.
The general after he had urged the horsemen to fight bravely gave the sign of battle.
6. Milites hostís octo milia pasuum insecuti multis cum captivis ad castra reverterunt.
The soldiers, after they had pursued the enemy for eight thousand paces returned to camp with many captives.
7. Sol oriens multos interfectos vidit.
As the sun was rising it saw many who had been slain.
8. Romani consilium audax suspicati barbaris sese non commiserunt.
The Romans since they had suspected the bold plan did not commit themselves to the savages.
(If suspicior, ari, atus is to suspect, how can you say 'he is suspected')
9. Navis e portu egressa nullo in periculo erat.
The ship after it has disembarked from the harbour was in no danger.
II. 1. The army was in great danger marching through the enemy's country.
Exercitus contendens (or iter faciens) per hostium provinciam magno in periculo erat.
2. Frightened by the length of the way, they longed for home.
Ii longitudine viae perterriti domum desiderabant.
3. When the scouts were about to set out they heard the shouts of victory.
Exploratores profecturi clamores victoriae audiverunt.
4. When we had delayed many days we set fire to the buildings and departed.
Nos dies duos (or dua) morati aedificia incendimus discessimusque.
5. While living at Rome I heard orators much better than these.
Romae habitans oratores multo meliores quam hos audivi.
6. The soldiers who are fighting across the river are no braver than we.
Milites trans flumen pugnantes sunt nihilo nobis fortiores.
...I always wondered, it would sound bad in latin if every relative clause that is in the English were translated into latin. It's quite a good way, to add subordinating conjunctions which best manifest the meaning. As it becomes more difficult it depends more on the translator to show the meaning of the latin which, if translated literally, will not be natural. Yet sometimes "The soldiers fighting across the river..." works fine and there is no great need to make it into a relative clause.


text:
You are here:
Some of the independent studies have involved binary star orbits, supernova mechanisms, planetary atmospheres, gravitation, fractal geometry, and mathematical physics. Research opportunities include using the department's radio telescope, as well as work in liquid crystal and biophysics. Departmental honors projects have included nuclear mass modeling and relativistic quantum mechanics.
Lycoming students spend their summers completing Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) or Research for Undergraduates (RUG) at several different location.
Here are a few recent summer placements:


text:
Our Nightmare Before Christmas Costumes are based on the dark Tim Burton animation which tells the story of Jack Skellington, a resident of Halloween town, and Sally, the rag doll woman created by a mad scientist. This year we have extended the range of our 'Nightmare before Christmas' costumes so you can easily transform into Jack or Sally, or if you are a couple looking for Halloween costumes then we think they make a very spooky pair of lovebirds. This section is dedicated to providing you with the perfect outfits to recreate either of these wonderful Halloween characters.
Some more Costume Themes and other categories you may be interested in Corpse Bride, All Caveman And Cavewoman, Red Riding Hood Costumes, Marilyn Monroe, Freddy Krueger Fancy Dress Costumes.


text:
In today's digital age we demand constant connectivity and expect to be as productive out of the office as we are in it. Systems administrators must be able to monitor servers and systems, receive alerts, and respond to problems whether they're in the server room or at Starbucks. Mobile devices such as Windows Mobile 5.0 smart phones and pocket PCs were created to meet such professional demands. These mobile devices not only combine the functionality of a cell phone and a PDA but also include an embedded OS, enabling you to use your phone as a mobile PC. In this Buyer's Guide, we'll take a look at some of the new functionality and improvements in Windows Mobile 5.0 smart phones and pocket PCs that will help you get the most out of your mobile device. Table 1 lists contact information for the major manufacturers of Windows Mobile 5.0 smart phones and pocket PCs. Visit their Web sites for specific model information, specifications, and pricing.
Office Mobile
Microsoft Office Mobile lets you use familiar applications such as Word Mobile to complete the tasks you typically use the PC version of Microsoft Office for. Windows Mobile 5.0 now includes PowerPoint Mobile, which lets you view PowerPoint presentations on your mobile device. Excel Mobile was also updated in Windows Mobile 5.0 so that you can create charts from your mobile spreadsheets. With Excel Mobile, you can easily create reports or keep records when you're on the road. In addition, Windows Mobile 5.0 phones come with Microsoft Office Outlook Mobile, so you can keep your Calendar, Contacts, and Tasks with you without having to carry a separate PDA, pager, or cell phone. The new Messaging and Security Feature Pack is now available for Windows Mobile 5.0 phones and includes Direct Push technology, which pushes your email messages to your mobile device moments after they're sent.
If you frequently need to transfer data from your mobile device to a PC, take a look at the different types of storage that are now offered with Windows Mobile 5.0 devices. Many Windows Mobile 5.0 phones offer some type of memory card slot, such as Secure Digital (SD) or USB flash drive. If you need to store large amounts of data on your mobile device, you might consider a Windows Mobile 5.0 phone that comes with a built-in hard drive or USB 2.0. For example, the Motorola Q comes with a built-in 128MB flash ROM.
Microsoft reports that the most requested productivity upgrade to Windows Mobile 5.0 was persistent memory storage. With persistent memory storage, all of your information is stored only in ROM and is retained if your phone's battery dies, regardless of whether you manually saved the information. (Previous mobile devices stored information in both ROM and RAM.)
Multimedia Features
Today, a phone's multimedia features are almost as important as its calling ability. Most Windows Mobile 5.0 phones come with a built-in camera (some with as many as 2 megapixels) and video recorders. A camera might seem like an impractical indulgence compared with the productivity features included on Windows Mobile 5.0 phones but can come in handy if you have to document a visible problem or send pictures of such a problem to someone offsite. Windows Mobile 5.0 phones also include Windows Media Player 10.0 and support both Windows Media Video (WMV) and MP3 formats, enabling you to listen to music on your phone while you work or watch videos when you're traveling.
Windows Mobile 5.0 was designed with one-handed navigation in mind—which means you don't need a stylus—and includes support for soft-key integration and QWERTY keyboards, making it easier to send email messages and work on documents from your phone. Windows Mobile 5.0's platform flexibility also makes it possible for Microsoft partners to include push-to-talk and video calling and conferencing features on their proprietary Windows Mobile 5.0 phones.
Mobile messaging can be costly, but the new gzip data compression in Windows Mobile 5.0 reduces those costs by speeding up synchronization times between your mobile device and your network. Gzip data compression reduces the network bandwidth necessary for sending files and latency as well. (You can find information about gzip at http://www.gzip.org.) Windows Mobile 5.0 phones also support Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections so that you can easily connect to the Internet or your network from your mobile device.
The cost of Windows Mobile 5.0 phones varies according to the phone model and cellular service provider. Although Windows Mobile 5.0 smart phones and pocket PCs don't come cheap, several vendors offer incentives (i.e., mail-in rebates) and discounts for signing two-year contracts or for buying your phone online.
One size doesn't always fit all, so if you're thinking about purchasing a Windows Mobile 5.0 phone, be sure to consider the size of the device and how you plan on carrying it. Will your phone always be in your briefcase or do you prefer to carry it in your pocket? Windows Mobile 5.0 phone dimensions and weight range from those of a typical cell phone to almost double that size. For example, the Cingular 3125 weighs in at just 3.49 ounces; the HP iPAQ hw6920 and hw6925 Mobile Messenger each weigh 6.33 ounces.


text:
Rock the Bells San Francisco: Tyler the Creator, Jhene Aiko, Curren$y, ASAP Mob Perform (PHOTOS)
Guerilla Union's Rock the Bells hip-hop festival wound its way up to the famous Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, Calif., just outside San Francisco this weekend. Check out snapshots of Tyler the Creator, Jhene Aiko, Curren$y, ASAP Mob and more performing in the Bay Area on Day One of the two-day fest.
Following Sunday's performances, Rock the Bells continues on towards the East Coast. It hits Washington D.C. on Sept. 28 and 29, and then heads to New York City the following weekend. Buy tickets here.
All photos by Don Bowden