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Fast Food French Fry Fray: McDonald's vs. Burger King vs. Wendy's
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For many of us, fast-food burgers have become a bottom-of-the-barrel, last-resort kind of option—only if there's nothing else open or nearby when the craving strikes. Often, the highest compliment we can muster is a backhanded, "It's not bad...for fast food."
Ah, but fries are another matter. For all of the fast-food industry's shortcomings, they have perhaps perfected the French fried potato. Even the snootiest of gourmet burger snobs concedes that happiness is a fresh order of spud sticks straight out of the fryer, served up in a grease-spotted cardboard sleeve by a paper-hat-wearing teenager with a bad attitude and a complexion to match. Most of us pick our fast-food poison based on the burger and take the fries on faith.
But what if you were choosing your dinner location among the Big Three based on America's favorite side item? Which fast-food French fries actually prove best in a three-way cage match?
The Test
What's New On Serious Eats
I hit the drive-thrus at the Wendy's, McDonald's, and Burger King locations nearest my house on a recent Friday night. I made my stops in that order for no reason other than sheer logistics, visiting Wendy's first simply because it was farthest away, pitting at the other two outlets on my return. I ordered three large fries at each restaurant. I sampled just a couple of fries immediately upon receipt of each, and saved the rest until I got home, where I could take photos and do a proper, albeit unscientific, side-by-side-by-side analysis. The total elapsed time from placing my first order at Wendy's until arriving home with nine orders of large fries (!!!) was probably 20 minutes or so. (An exact time can't be provided, as the receipt printouts prove unreliable. BK's clock was clearly off, showing that I ordered there—my final stop—three minutes before I ordered at McDonald's in the middle of my restaurant run.) I then graded each fry based on how close each came to the "ideal" in four categories: crispness, size/structure, potato flavor, and seasoning/saltiness.
Overall fry structure comparison
McDonald's fries are the lightweights of the bunch, at least in a strict tale of the tape. Apart from the rare straggler, mine measured a uniform quarter-inch-by-quarter-inch. That's a result of the potatoes being shot through a grid of knives at 70 miles per hour; check out this pretty cool 10-minute propaganda video on their entire field-to-fryer process. Burger King's fries came in at three-eighths of an inch square (that's wider than a No. 2 pencil). And while an extra eighth of an inch may seem so minor as to be imperceptible, they were, in fact, noticeably more substantial, both to the eye as well as to the touch. By far the longest fries of the group, many of them were easily six inches tip to tip. Wendy's fries were the only ones not cut into symmetrical squares. They were rectangular—a quarter of an inch by three-eighths of an inch—presumably to make them feel more irregularly homestyle, like Wendy herself is back in the kitchen slicing them by hand.
Price/serving weight comparison
Wendy's fries were the most expensive, at $2.09 (before tax) for a large, which their website pegs at 176 grams of total weight. McDonald's was next, at $1.99 for what they claim is 154 grams. At Burger King, I paid $1.89 for 190 grams. In hindsight, I wish I had thought to actually weigh all of my orders, to see how close each joint came to nailing their published serving size. And yes, prices will vary regionally. Still, it's interesting to see the differences in price and weight across the three chains. At least in my neck of the woods, BK was the cheapest but yet handed out the largest serving size. Mickey D's is dead-center on price, but their large is only 87 percent of a Wendy's large, and just 81 percent of Burger King's.
My first stop was Wendy's. Remembering the hullabaloo in late 2010 over the pigtailed girl's shift to "natural-cut fries with sea salt," I figured I'd be starting my Friday Frymageddon with an upscale—perhaps almost cheffy—bang.
Cue the wah-wah-waaaah "loser" trombone riff from your favorite TV game show. Even right from the bag—mere seconds after being handed to me through the famed second window—these Russets lacked that essential crispness we all seek in a good batch of fries. They were already limp, a touch chewy on the inside, something less than hot, and pretty weakly salted.
By the time I got them home, they had settled so far into their cardboard sleeves that they looked like half-orders. Even the best fries deteriorate quality-wise as they cool, so I'm well aware that the Wendy's fries were perhaps destined to be my least favorite simply because they were the first samples obtained and had to wait the longest before true analysis began. But after the first one or two, I ignored the rest, wishing I had also thought to purchase a Frosty. Wendy's fries, sea salt or not, are perhaps a better chocolate-milkshake scooping utensil than they are a standalone side item.
Crisp factor: 4/10
Size/structure: 3/5
Potato flavor: 2/5
Seasoning/saltiness: 6/10
Total: 15/30
When we think of french fries, I'd wager that most of us imagine these. Like Coca-Cola's famous contour bottle, McDonald's fries are 100 percent identifiable by touch alone. I blindly reached into one of the bags during my fry-collecting mission and knew instantaneously I had hit Mickey D's: completely uniform in size and coated with that familiar salty grit. They were refreshingly hot and pleasingly crisp, with the initial crunch giving way to the airy/starchy fluff sealed within. (For a fascinating look at how to hack your own at home, Kenji's got you covered.)
Even the salt itself is perfect: The crystals aren't too big or too small, and there's just enough of it to make these babies dangerously addictive without ever becoming overly salty. Astonishingly, according to the online nutritional specs, a large order of McDonald's fries has 350 milligrams of sodium—the least salty of the bunch! Wendy's has 570 milligrams, and BK wins (or loses, depending...) the sodium showdown with 710 milligrams. It's true even when you factor in the differences in serving sizes: The King dishes out 3.73 milligrams of sodium per 1 gram of fries, Wendy's runs 3.23 milligrams, and McDonald's sits at 2.27 milligrams. (And to think I became a writer to avoid doing math on a regular basis.)
Their shoestring size makes McDonald's the ideal road trip fry; reaching into the container in the passenger seat, pulling out six or seven at once, and successfully aiming the entire pinchful into your mouth is absolutely effortless, even while never taking your eyes off the dotted white line out your windshield. Now that I was really analyzing these fries instead of just mindlessly shoving them into my gullet in between bites of Filet-O-Fish, I was struck at how, still, the Golden Arches are the gold standard for fast food fries, and how no one else will ever come close to offering a superior product...
Or so I thought.
Crisp factor: 10/10
Size/structure: 4/5
Potato flavor: 4/5
Seasoning/saltiness: 10/10
Total: 28/30
Burger King
Holy crap. BK blew me away with their positively exceptional fries, dramatically-yet-quietly redesigned in late 2011. They were the hottest of the lot; I had to pull around and wait for a runner to hand-deliver my order. They were fresh from the fryer to the point of inflicting pain upon that irresistible ceremonial first fry. What I noticed next was the size—enormous planks of potato, some almost absurdly long. While these fries didn't have the same obviously gritty texture to them as the clown's, the saltiness was well-proportioned (though technically more than twice as salty as Mickey D's, and yet with 20 percent less sodium than BK's old fries) and the fry job was spot-on, with a new "coating" that makes them crisper and keeps them hotter longer than previous iterations. Larger fries means more interior spud, and the result is even more of a potatoey taste than the McDonald's version, if you ask me. They may not be quite as easy to gobble up by the handful while you drive, but I'd proudly put these tater twigs next to any burger anywhere.
There's still something deep-seated and powerful about the McDonald's version that makes it the quintessential french fry. Like the way your mom's chocolate chip cookie should always be tops to your personal palate, fries from the Golden Arches probably belong on a special pedestal, in an unassailable category all their own. But in a totally objective, no-holds-barred, the-emperor's-not-wearing-any-clothes kind of way, I think Burger King's might actually taste better.
Crisp factor: 9/10
Size/structure: 5/5
Potato flavor: 5/5
Seasoning/saltiness: 9/10
Total: 28/30
We know you have an opinion, AHT-ers. Let's hear it.
About the Author: Todd Brock lives the glamorous life of a stay-at-home freelance writer in the suburbs of Atlanta. Besides being paid to eat cheeseburgers for AHT and pizzas for Slice, he's written and produced over 1,000 hours of television and penned Building Chicken Coops for Dummies. When he grows up, he wants to be either the starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys or the drummer for Hootie & the Blowfish. Or both.
All products linked here have been independently selected by our editors. We may earn a commission on purchases, as described in our affiliate policy.


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Similar Content
By mit1682
#One Baleno#6 Souls#One destination#tones of memories#Bucket list tick#Gandikota Belum caves
Trip planning started 6 months before and it kept on changing. Finally accommodation booked and trip scheduled on 24.Jan.2020.
Thanks to Ksk (Sathish) and Dishari for continuous guidance on route and stay.
Car: Baleno ZETA CVT
Members: 4 Adults and 2 kids
Places visited: Gandikota & Belum caves. One can visit places like Owk reservoir, Yaganti temple, Orvakal
rock garden based on time availability.
Route taken: Hyd-Kurnool-Nandyal-Gandikota-Belum caves-Banaganapali-Betamcherla-Kurnool-Hyd
Road conditions:
- Hyd-Kurnool-Nandyal: Roads are good
- Nandyal-Gandikota: Roads are good. 50 km before Gandikota roads are average to bad and
passes through villages.
- Gandikota-Belum caves-Banaganapali-Betamcherla-Kurnool : Roads are average and passes
through villages. Once you touch NH40 then roads are good.
- Kurnool-Hyd: Roads are good.
- Route map provided for ref.
Distance traveled: ~ 800 KM
Toll charges (Fastag): Rs. 650
Petrol expanse: Rs. 3700
Trip was awesome, except Aarav (my son) fall sick on day of trip with viral fever. But throughout trip he supported us with his smile. The complete success of trip goes to him.
At Gandikota you need to wear good shoes to walk on rocks along with comfortable cloths.
Avoid it during summer & heavy rains.
People with breathing and BP related issues should avoid Belum caves.
Stay option at Gandikota:
Option 1: Non AC tents
Cost is Rs. 1000 per person with food on twin sharing basis.
The only problem is during rainy season this will not be good. Also for common washroom, you need to travel 500 m.
Option 2: AC tents
Very costly around Rs. 3000 per person with food on twin sharing basis. Sometime even they charge Rs 3500. Tents without food charges will be Rs. 3000 on twin sharing basis.
Need online booking via freakout.
Washroom is attached to tent.
Opion 3: AC rooms at Hariths resorts
We found this good and reasonable. Per room cost is Rs 1600 from Mon-Wed and on Thur-Sun it will be Rs. 2000 (taxes extra).
Rooms are good and 500 m away from site.
Rooms being limited we need to book online via AP tourism website.
Food options at Gandikota
Only food option is Haritha resort (if you have not booked tents). We found food is average and can be manageable. We have carried electric cooker and prepared food by our self.
Food options at Belum caves
There is a small hotel available near to booking window. They serve cold drink, water and snacks. We found food is average and can be manageable.
You can enjoy this trips in 2 days. I advise you to make it on weekdays as there will be less rush. For us it took 3 days as we are travelling with kids and we don't want to drive in night and early mornings.
Disclaimer: Not all of the photos are taken by me. Few are from my friends mobile.
Photographic device:
Poco f1
Oneplus 7T
Canon 1300D
Xiomi note 6 pro
Beauty of place you can derived from photos.
By LoneRanger
Precursor to the trip(Skip if you want to know Only about the trip) :
All five of us went on to a trip nearly 10 years ago. And in all these 10 years , all of us together haven't met even once. We were working at various places - Hyderabad , Chennai , Pune , New Delhi & Bengaluru. As years passed by, 4 of us moved to Hyderabad due to various commitments. Only one was left out in Chennai.
At the end of Jan 2018 , Mr.Chennai , gave me a call ans started discussing about his boring and torturous boring IT life. He suddenly pops up the idea of a weekend trip from Hyderabad, only guys trip without wives. Over the next couple of days , we made whatapp group and discussed various options and finalised Belum Caves and Gandikota. We planned to go at the March 2018. As weeks passed by , each one had to drop off due to some or other reason. At the start of March , only Mr.Chennai and me were onboard ( My wife had to go to her parents place).
But Mr.Chennai , was very adamant, he used to share the photographs of 10 year old trip on the whatsapp group. People became nostalgic , First to say yes was Mr.Microsoft , Then Mr.NRI and a day before the trip we have a confirmation from Mr.Daddy.
Day 1 of the Trip :
Plan was , Mr.Chennai would reach my house by 6 and we would have an early breakfast and leave by 7 from my house. But Indian railways have another plans. Mr.Chennai arrived at my house at 7:45. After freshening up we started at 9:00 A.M to pick up Mr.Microsoft and Mr.Nri. And last pick up of the day was Mr.Daddy , from ORR Gachibowli.(We wanted to give more time for him to spend with his daughter). By the time we picked up Mr.Daddy , it was 10:00 AM and we started cruising on ORR , towards Kurnool.
My car has Fastag, and i zipped past the traffic on ORR and the Highway. At 12:00 P.M we stopped at Food Pyramid to have brunch. We had heavy lunch and then off to our first destination Belum Caves.
The road till Kurnool was NH and was good , After Kurnool we has to take Rayalaseema Expressway(Toll Road) , this was beyond good. It is better than national highway.
(Rayalaseema Expressway - Road work going on the Left lane)
By 3:00 P.M we were at Owk reservoir, MR.Chennai was mesmerized by scenic beauty and wanted to stop for few photographs. And indeed the place was super scenic. Its just that it was mid afternoon in Rayalaseema. The cool breeze flowing from the reservoir was a bit of relief from the hot Sun.
(From L-R : Mr.Chennai, Mr.Daddy, Mr.NRI & Mr. Microsoft, Im Mr.Driver & designated photographer for the trip)
(Panoramic view of the Owk Reservoir)
The owk reservoir has APTDC center , with restaurant , and has boating and other activities. But we wanted to head to Belum Caves before they close it down. We next stopped directly at Belum Caves. The caves close at 5:30 P.M , and you have to exit the caves before that. We Reached Belum caves at 4:00 P.M. There is an entry fee and parking fee. We were charged somewhere around R.s 285/- for the 5 of us.
This is the first time im entering a cave system , and i was amazed. The caves were neatly maintained, and properly ventilated with the help of electric fans. They were well lit too. I'll tel the pictures do the talking from here. And if you are planning a trip to Belum caves , be ready to carry a huge water bottle , as it is humid as hell, and also wear stretchable clothes , You have to bend and crawl through some spaces.
(Map of the caves )
(Entrance to the caves)
The entrance has a flight of stairs , at the start of which the security checks for your tickets. Once you show his the tickets , you have to walk down nearly 40-50 steps. Any body can do it, both old and young. Once you get down the stairs you will see this plaque.
(This is where the Plaque is posted. After this its all dark)
(Notice the pipe behind, circulating fresh air)
(L-R - Mr.Daddy & Mr.Driver-Me, you must be wondering why i was wearing goggles in a pitch dark cave, i have sight , those are powered , and i forgot my normal glasses, and yes i put this picture only to point that out )
Soon it was 5:20 and we were off to the entry/exit. And while we were ready to leave , suddenly there was a small power cut and everything went dark. It was pitch dark , and even with cell phone torch we couldn't figure out the exit. Luckily for us it was just intermittent power loss. And the power cut lasted for a maximum of 45 seconds to 1 minute.
After coming out of Belum caves , we went to the Budha statue near by to click some sunset pics.
(Mr.Chennai Tried to be creative)
(Budha Statue at Belum Caves)
(Last Pic of the sun set into the clouds)
On our way we stopped at a small place called Kolimigundla to have some tea. There is a APTDC restaurant at Belum caves , it closes at 5:30 P.M along with caves.
Next day we planned to visit Gandikota , and wanted to stay as close as possible. We couldn't get a reservation from APTDC Gandikota. And place nearest to Gandikota was Jammalamadugu. But we could find any hotels online to book. However during the trip we found that there are a lot of lodges and small hotels available at jammalamadugu. You can directly go and take a room for rent , without pre-booking. We could only reserve a room at Prodattur. Our reservation was at Sri Devi palace. Imagine the shock of our life when we found out that Sri Devi Palace is actually Sri Devi Palace Function Hall , and there was a wedding happening when we went there.
(Surely made our trip memorable )
(Full scale wedding with Guests outside)
Surprised and Shocked we called the contact provided on booking.com. The owner was friendly , apologized and said he would rent out the rooms on normal days, when there is no wedding and arranged us a place(lodge) within in Proddatur. There is nothing special about the lodge , the washrooms have leaky faucets. But since all of us are guys , and we wanted to enjoy the trip , we were ok with good beds and AC , for having a good night's sleep, Which it had. But if you are going with family , there are many new lodges with similar price range. You can go , check the rooms and then make a reservation. Same is the case in Jammalamadugu. You will find most of the lodges in Bus-stand road in proddatur.
After checking in , and unloading our luggage in our respective rooms, we went out to have dinner at the Andhra Spice Restaurant. It was good for family , but there is no parking available, the security made some adjustments and arranged some space at the entrance. We has a sumptuous dinner, had the restaurant special - "Chicken Navya" , did some shopping for toiletries and went back to hotel to rest for the day.
(Chicken Navya - Boneless Chicken curry , made in butter with roasted cashew's and stuffed in an omelette and sprinkled with grated cheese , roasted cashews & coriander)
Day 2 - Gandikota , Orvakal Rock Garden , Alampur.
Next day woke up at 5:00 A.M got ready and woke up everybody else. Everyone was ready within an hour. Advantage of not having women in the trip. Our idea is to reach Gandikota before sunrise. If you are planning a trip to Gandikota , plan to reach gandikota before sunrise. Reached Gandikota at 7:00 A.M , it was already sunrise , but God it was beautiful. The canyon, the rocks they were in explicable. I would have stayed there for eternity , enjoying the beauty.
(First shot of the Canyon , when we reached there by 7:20 A.M)
(Sunrise reflection on Penna River)
(Mandatory Group Pic)
(Mr.Microsoft, Mr.Daddy & Mr.NRI were happy looking at the scenery and dint want to explore any more)
(Mr.Chennai on the other hand doesn't want to leave any nook or corner.
We stayed for more than an hour and we are way away from shade. It was getting Sunny and hot , hence we decided to explore the Gandikota fort. There is nothing left at the place. Only places remaining are Ranganatha Aalayam , Gandikoda Granary , and kathula Koneru. The places in pristine condition are Juma Masjid. Heard from locals that it has been redone in recent times by archaeology department, and they will soon improve the other remaining places too.
(Juma Masjid)
(Inside the Masjid)
Came out of fort , there are multiple roadside eateries , all of us are hungry and just stormed into one of the eatery where we all will fit. The eatery is an extension to the home and is managed by father - daughter duo. We had dosas for breakfast , and had coffee right after. The eatery owner told us that there are tents available for rent , and other adventure actives are available to do during evening time. (Campfire, Canoeing, Boating etc , also sleeping bags are also available for rent).
After breakfast i observed a road split off and going in the direction of the near by mountain and windmills, looked more like a service road. I inquired if tourists can drive up there , and to my surprise , they said yes. Drove to the top of the hill , and view of Gandikota fort from there is pretty awesome. we decided to take some pics before leaving.
(The view of the fort is towards the left of the pic , with penna reservoir in the background, not quite visible)
We left the place at 9:30 at started towards our next destination Orvakal Rock Garden. The Rock garden is opposite to the Kurnool Airport Gate , we reached the place by 12:30.
Google maps took us through a route with is not great till we reached the Rayalaseema express way, but it was very scenic. Too bad we didnt take any pictures while driving , and just enjoyed the views.
It was 12:30 , by the time we reached Orvakal Rock Garden. There was a APTDC resort. And entry Fee to enter the rock garden. As it was 12:30 we decided to have lunch before heading into the resort, but each one of us went and bought an ice cream or Kulfi , ( Feels like child , when wife or parents are not around). Went ahead to Orvakal Rock Garden.
It was not big, but the rocks have been sculptured by air flow over thousands or millions of years. But since it was 12:30 in the after noon , it felt very big.
Entrance to the Rock Garden , stairs are neatly cut , and anyone can reach it without any difficulty
Once you climb up the stairs , you will be greeted with this statue , and then similar statues of multiple animals
It was so hot that we settled under the iota of shade available in the entire rock garden.
Notice Mr.Chennai missing from the picture , he again went to explore every nook and corner of the Rock Garden. We waited till he came back and started off to our next destination Alampur.
Alampur is one of the 18 shakthipeetas , it is the place where Krishna meets Tungabhadra , and is the place for deity Jogulamba. It is said that when Sati immolated herself , Lord Shiva carried her body across the universe. Vishnu not able to see Shiva's sorrow , cut the body of Sati with his Sudarshana Chakra. Those body parts fell back on earth. And it is said that alampur is where Sati's Upper Jaw/teeth fell.
The road to Alampur was well paved , and Telangana tourism has provided drinking water and other amenities to pilgrims. Mr.Daddy who was here some years back was surprised to see the roads and amenities provided.
The temple has Medieval architecture , and even if you are not a religious person , but interested in history , you should visit this place. There is a Museum for History buffs.
We left Alampur at 3:00 P.M and reached Food Pyramid at 4:30 P.M , had some tea , snacks , and started back to Hyderabad.
We reached Hyderabad at 7:30 P.M , went to DLF to have chai. And after chai , everyone went their own separate ways . May be all 5 us will together be on a trip in 2019 next.
Signing Off
P.S : This is my first post , please provide feedback , on Pics , mistakes , Spelling , writing style , any thing which you felt is out of place.
By Jagan24
By the way we did a trip to Gandikota and orvakal two weeks back.. and Tried to cover both sunrise as well as sunset.. It was an unplanned trip and we stayed at a small lodge in JammalaMadugu Village. Nothing to write home about the stay and the food options available in that village but the trip was worthy.. Here are few pics..
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Pure Exclusive: Sharna Burgess Talks On 2014 Version Of DWTS, BWAT With Gleb Savchenko, And Lots More
What a joy it was to interview our beautiful Miss Sharna again!! After seeing her and Gleb Savchenko in "Ballroom With A Twist" in Cheyenne, Wyoming, I had so many questions. What's fun is…she and Gleb put an amazing, show-stopping dance number to "Fever" together only several hours before the show. Let's hope they will perform it again on Dancing With The Stars as it literally took my breath away and I know it would take yours away as well.
Also, Sharna catches up on all of her projects that happened in the off season of Dancing With The Stars! She and her boyfriend and dancer Paul Kirkland spent Christmas together and they also helped to choreograph two dances for "Strictly Come Dancing". Not only that, but, they also put a dance piece together for a sports charity called "Sports Relief" with 4 incredible paralympians. Sharna also recently danced in Holland America's Dancing With The Stars At Sea Cruise. She sent us some incredible photos and pictures highlighting everything as you will soon see.
Lastly, Sharna also gives some thoughts on the new season of Dancing With The Stars and how it will be the "2014 Version". We think you might find her thoughts interesting.
So, without further ado, below is Sharna Burgess! We thank her so much for her time again and let's hope we see her and Gleb on the new season of Dancing With The Stars.xxx
It is so great to visit with you again, Sharna. And first, omg,…can I just say, you and Gleb took my breath away at the Cheyenne, WY Ballroom With A Twist Shows Feb. 1st! So, what did you think of Cheyenne and the Rocky Mountains? Did you like the SNOW? I hope you will come back to the Rocky Mountain region again one day again.
Hi Vogue!!! Thank you so much for your beautiful review AND amazing photos!! that certainly means a lot to both Gleb and I. Unfortunately I didn't get to see very much of Cheyenne, I flew in late the night before the show and super early the morning after, but I have to say that I loved the snow. Being Australian I have never really seen snow all that often, and what little snow we do have in Australia is really icy and hard, being in Cheyenne I truly understood what people mean when they say powder!! Its just so beautiful and fun to play in!! Of course we know mother nature can sometimes be cruel turn that beautiful snow into a menace, and my heart goes out to all of you who have been suffering with blizzards and painfully cold weather this season. I am truly grateful for every single person in the audience that braved the cold to come out and see us perform, Cheyenne was such an AMAZING audience and I had so much fun up on that stage! I feel like everyone's troubles got left at the door and we all just had a wonderful evening. Its an honor for me to know that I was a part of that. I also hope that I make it back there again soon 🙂
What kind of rehearsal process did you go through in getting ready for Ballroom With A Twist? I thought you and Gleb were only doing 2 dances. So, I was so happy and pleasantly surprised when you did more! They were just breathtaking as well as your costumes. You and Gleb were in an element of your own. I have to say (and I've heard this from other fans at PureDWTS too) that you two make one of the most beautiful pro pairings on the show. It's true. There is a magnetism and chemistry there. Plus, you are both so funny too with the way you would tease one another.
Oh thank you!!! I absolutely love dancing with Gleb, not only is he the sweetest most humble guy on the planet, he is a fantastic partner and Read more..


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Wildflower Sequin Cape
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After missing final spring games, Alvarez at cleanup
PITTSBURGH -- Pedro Alvarez played in a Grapefruit League game on Tuesday -- then disappeared. As he sat out exhibition after exhibition, Pirates manager Clint Hurdle simply said his third baseman was "working on some things."
The end-of-Spring Training retreat was unusual, particularly for someone who had been experiencing a respectable camp, with a .277 average that included a pair of homers.
Alvarez was in the Opening Day lineup's No. 4 slot against the Cubs and Jeff Samardzija on Monday. Other than the timing, apparently there was nothing mysterious or secretive about Alvarez's timeout. In fact, Hurdle said he was back in the lineup for the final exhibition on Saturday, canceled by inclement weather.
"We were working on some swinging mechanics. And also just giving him some time, since we put him to task," Hurdle said. "He's ready. I'm looking forward to having him anchor down the middle of that lineup. He's in a good place."
For Hurdle, there's no better place than the cleanup spot. He has looked forward to Alvarez finding a home in a slot that has proven challenging in the past: Alvarez batted .218 in 46 games at cleanup in 2013, and he has a career average of .183 there.


text:
Whither Native AppsO'Reilly Tools of Change offers its perspective to PW readers in a regular column. Here's the latest installment. more...
and more.
Piracy Reality Check
A laser-focus on preventing piracy, punishing pirates, and enforcing DRM is rampant in the music and movie industries, perhaps even spiraling out of control.
Whither Native Apps
The future of native apps, those created for a particular platform, is becoming more and more questionable as publishers start to realize the benefits of HTML5 to their bottom line and to the consumers' user experience in terms of being able to access their content on any device.
Being Direct: The ToC Perspective
If the folks at Merriam-Webster were to declare a word of the year for the book publishing industry in 2011, it would have been discoverability. The closing of Borders, the declining number of subscribers to print periodicals, and the increase in precise keyword search to find titles had everyone wondering how readers would now find all the books published.
Putting a Price on Value: The ToC Perspective
As the downward pressure on e-book prices continues to increase, publishers should pause long enough to realize that there is no need to have a race to the bottom, to the free e-book. Publishers themselves really are the ones to blame for the emerging pricing situation, as they continue to treat e-books like digital replicas of print books, doing quick text-to-digital conversions, which typically don't even offer the same capabilities as the print versions—try sharing your latest great e-book with a friend. It's no wonder the consumer value perception of e-books is in question.
Booksellers: What Business Are You In?: The TOC Perspective
If you're a bricks-and-mortar bookseller, does your blood pressure rise when you think about e-retailers and their deep discounts? Do you look at e-books as a threat or an opportunity? Depending on how you answered those questions, you might need to ask yourself another one: what business are you really in?
A Call for a Unified E-book Market: The ToC Perspective
O'Reilly Media's general manager, publisher and a chair of the TOC conferences, Joe Wikert, takes on the current e-book market in his first column for PW.
Looking for more stories? Browse Archive


text:
Community-based research is research that involves faculty members, students, and community partners in projects that address a community-identified need.
With support from the Jesse Ball duPont Fund and the United Way of Central Virginia, the CCDSJ was able in 2003 to begin creating CBR partnerships between college faculty and students and local non-profits.
CBR projects are different from conventional research:
- CBR is initiated by community partners who remain actively engaged throughout the project
- CBR is conducted with and for – not on – members of a community
- CBR engages students in the community
- CBR promotes long-term relationships with community partners
Why do CBR?
Benefits for LC
- CBR is a highly effective mode of teaching and learning
- Students learn how to listen to others, think about problems and issues, arrive at solutions mutually, and work together to implement the solutions
- CBR provides a greater understanding of social problems, and integrates academics and service
Benefits for community partners
- Partners receive training that they can use in the future
- CBR studies can be used for program improvement, grant writing, community education, and public policy advocacy
- Partners can make more strategic decisions about their operations and the programs they offer
Roles and Responsibilities
CBR projects are very different than conventional research. In CBR, the relationship formed between the community and college partners is multi-faceted, collaborative, and sometimes long-term.
Community Partners
- Generate the basic idea for the research.
- Desire to participate directly in the research process.
- Provide resources in time, energy, access to the population, and previous studies.
- Develop specific plans to use research study results for program improvement, generating funds, community education, etc.
- Agree to share research results with funders, focus groups or learning events at LC, in CCDSJ materials, and in the community at large.
Faculty & Students
- Desire to be research partners with and to learn from the community partner.
- Build the project around what the community partner identifies as its need.
- Provide expertise, explain the research process, and share responsibility for research design, data collection, and application.
- Work with the College's Internal Review Board (IRB) to receive approval when necessary.
- Prepare final report (with executive summary) and present it to community partners.
- Share research results with funders, the community at large, and as cited in CCDSJ materials.
Center for Community Development and Social Justice (CCDSJ)
- Conduct interviews and facilitate the "match" between partners.
- Make roles and responsibilities and CBR principles clear to partners.
- Approve and oversee project budgets.
- Report results to external funders.
Please contact Dr. Sharon Foreman, CCDSJ Director, at firstname.lastname@example.com.


text:
Nice review Tyll. I have a soft spot for Onkyo gear so it's nice to see that they've entered the headphone market with a typically attractive, well built product that performs exceptionally well for the price.
The Delightful Onkyo ES-FC300 and ES-HF300
Onkyo ES-FC300 ($149) and ES-HF300 ($179)
Onkyo, particularly famous for their A/V receivers, and like many big audio companies these days, has decided to enter the headphone fray with both on-ear and in-ear models. Initial press releases were filled with all the appropriate buzzwords: "Deep Powerful Bass"; "Well-Defined, Clear Sound"; "Tangle-Free Cable"; "Solid Build Quality"; and, of course, sexy pictures of white, black, and purple headphones with clean, contemporary lines. Typical big company brand promising that rarely gives any real indication of actual performance. This time, however, those promises seem to be fulfilled.
Physical Description
The Onkyo ES-FC300 and ES-HF300 are physically identical with the exception of the replaceable cable, which is a flat, tangle-free type on the ES-FC300, and a 6N Copper cable with what feels like a rubber silicon insulation. Both cables are "Y" types with MMCX connectors for each earpiece and 90 degree angled 3.5mm stereo plugs at the other end. Neither cable has a remote---rumors abound speculating on a soon to be released cable with remote---both cables measure about 0.2 Ohm resistance on the signal carrying conductors, and are four feet in length. While I didn't measure or hear any differences between the two cables, the premium cable did seem quite nicely finished with chromed connector bodies and the unusually soft cable insulation that Onkyo claims reduces cable-born mechanical noise. Apart from mentioning the slightly too large 90 degree angle connector body of the copper cable that may have some problems reaching in through a protective case to the headphone jack, I think the $30 upgrade for the premium cable is reasonable for those who appreciate these sorts of thing.
Onkyo correctly identifies these as an on-ear, sealed headphone, but the size, shape, and depth of the ear cushions is quite large and could almost be an over-ear can. The ample round earpads are covered with a medium thickness pleather, and while the foam cushions are fairly thick and soft, they don't seem to be the high-performance memory foam found on some higher cost headphones. So, the earpads feel a little uncompliant and awkward when first donned, but quickly warm up and seem to fit quite nicely as they settle into your head. The headband pad isn't particularly plush or thick, but it conforms to the shape of my head well and nicely distributes the weight over a good portion of my head. All-in-all I found these a surprisingly comfortable headphone of its price and type.
The overall build quality seems very good for a headphone of this price. Color-matched anodized aluminum outer ear cup shells and various hardware bits on the swivels are a nice touch and quite unusual at this price. Headband adjustment sliders appear to be stainless steel and quite hefty. The sliding mechanism is detented with a nice positive and secure feel. The remaining bits are various types of nicely finished plastics, mostly screwed together. Headphone pads are removable. I think these cans are built well and probably quite repairable and modifiable for those with the skills.
The ear pad swivel mechanism uses a single sided swing arm between the end of the headband and rear of each ear cup. The headband swivel allows the cup to rotate flat for storage and transport. The ear cup swivel allows a limited but ample tilt of the ear piece. The swivel (or gimbal) mechanism on the whole is slightly clunky and doesn't feel as precise as some of the more expensive headphones of this type, and when first putting them on I needed to do a bit of fidgeting to get the cans to fit properly on the head, but it does seem adequate and robust enough for long-lived reliability.
I liked the look of these headphones quite a bit. The lines are clean and modern. Color matching on the various parts of purple pair I received for review are not exact, but given the various differing materials is not surprising. I suspect the white and black color options would have closer color matching.
A soft, drawstring carry pouch is also included with your purchase.
All-in-all I found the Onkyo ES-FC300 and ES-HF300 a clean build, and an excellent first entry into the headphone market for Onkyo. Of course, it's the sound quality that really separate the men from the boys, and we'll talk about that on the next page.
Hey, what are your opinions on these headphones vs the m50s?
I understand they are around the same price point, even if they are not in the same category.
Are the m50s the newer ones? I hated the old m50s yet I love the newer M50LE silver model. Slightly bright but I found the highs very smooth even though it is balanced towards the bright side.
How is the isolation relative to other portable sealed on ears? is it as isolating as the hd25s? vmoda m80s? noontec zoros?
or were they similar to over ears? if so is it enough for heavy duty train/subway commuters?
Tom22, the measurement downloads answer sheets on this site answer your question to some extent. The Onkyo's broadband isolation of -16db is equal to that of the hd25 (at least for some of the measured items) and of the Philips Cityscape Downtown. It is better than that of the V-Moda M80 (-10), Noontec Zoro (-9), and CAL! (-8). It is also better than that of the full-size UE6000 (-14) in passive mode---this surprised me. Equal broadband isolation may not mean equal results in all applications. For example, the Cityscape Downtown was observed to be better at cutting off speech than the hd25, but not as good in cutting off droning noise. The measurement sheets include an isolation graph plotting attenuation of external sound vs. frequency that can be used to distinguish a headphone's suitabiity for a particular application.
has Sennheiser tricked down the cups from the now discontinued Amperiors to a new set of cans?
that would be a good thing.
The Amperiors were what? 350 retail? The older HD25 is around 169-199 here. I don't think a 150 usd/eur price bump is warranted even with higher quality aluminum cups.
I think the HD 25 Aluminium at 249 makes more sense.
There are clearance sales out there for the Amperiors though, here sometimes for about 125.....then it is a very good deal.
Tyll, thank you for the excellent review. I wonder whether you have compared them with the Pioneer SE-MJ591. This is a (very) portable closed on-ear headphone from another mainstream Japanese manufacturer that was very much liked by Sam Tellig in Stereophile and has elicited a wide range of opinions on various sites.
Hi Tyll,
I thought Sennheiser had not gotten to release the HD25 aluminum in the US just yet. Did you happen to get a pair of HD25 aluminum already? And since I remembered you said in your review that the Amperior was raelly entry level audiophile vs good Mid-hi, how does the Onkyo compare to the Amperior then, if you have any recollection of it? Thanks.
Tyll it's great to see some new budget cans that sound really great for the price, But will we ever see a higher end closed headphone review? Maybe the Fostex Th-900 and Th-600? I know the new Denon's were a dissapointment but the Fostex's have been praised around the forums.
Any thoughts on the new KEF M500, on-ear too, heard a lot of hype from headfi. Even though it is pretty much twice as expensive as the fc300, any idea how do they compete each other?
How about the KEF M500, Sony MDR-R1, and fc300 in comparison to the Sennheiser Momentum too? :)
I agree, the prices on Headphones seem to be going up and up and up. I love my instant gradification as much as the next person, but a little self control goes a long way.
I finally purchased a pair of Amperiors (Thank You Blog Site for informing me the Amperiors were to be discontinued). I paid a little less than half retail price.
I am a little concerned with the low price. On the official Sennheiser site they inform you that: "[V]erifying products comes in the form of a smartphone app: all you have to do is scan the security label's QR code using your smartphone or tablet-PC to open www.qr-sennheiser.com thus starting the authentication process – there is no need to enter the ID."
I feel better.
Next. Not for nothing, but the Onkyo ES-FC300 and ES-HF300 cheated. The main reason to purchase an on-ear headphone is for portability. The Onkyo should sound as good as a "real" on-ear portable headphone - They are about the size of a closed, over ear headphone. They are neither "portabile" nor something I would wear out-of-doors.
Just Saying.
I don't know but the looks remind me a lot of AKG k550. And I'm quite surprised they're not over ears. But then again it might be for some.
Hi Tyll, really need your advice. I've lost my Creative Aurvana Live (CAL!) some times ago, pretty much like it. The sound was very good and suit my taste. For replacement, bought V-MODA M80 in order to get more portable headphone, but quite disappointed with the sound and sold it. I can't describe it but IMO CAL! is more hi-fi than M80.
What do you think about this ONKYO compare to those headphones? Appreciate your suggestion. Thanks.
6 months ago, I might've jumped at the chance for an affordable, highly-reviewed set like this loosely labeled as 'on-ears', but having had terrible fit issues trying out the DT1350, I'm highly suspect of these given the larger cup size. If the foam isn't ultra-soft and collapsing, then the cup side closest to the face will probably sit on the back of the cheekbone & prevent a good seal. The DT1350 made me realize how little a small sound premium matters if the user experience is a hassle, or otherwise compromised - took me 20 minutes of nudging & tweaking every time I put them on just to make the fit feel acceptable.
What nearly everybody misses about M-80s is those nice narrow profile cups - so easy to get them on your ears for the intended seal, no matter how your head or ears are shaped. Until they release an updated version, likely to be my sole on-ear set for years to come.
I agree about the sound, my ES-HF300 sound excellent. I'm selling them, though, as I just can't get comfortable with them. If anybody is interested in buying them, check them out here:
You forgot to put them on the Wall of Fame :)
Sorry, my bad. I was looking at the top of the heap. I forgot that they were so cheap :)
Thanks for writing the review of these Tyll. I just got the ES-FC300, and they sound great. While I have not tried them head to head yet with my ATH-M50s, I definitely do like them better. Seems like a more natural overall sonic signature.
Hi Tyll, I saw your excellent review a while back and just recently decided to pull the trigger after I had a chance to audition them while on vacation in Hong Kong. I just received my pair of HF300s a couple days ago, and I love the excellent sound signature especially at the price I got them for!!
Anyway, my question is about the durability of these cables...I admit I am unfamiliar with MMCX connectors, and I am unsure about the durability of them. I noticed that they take quite a bit of force to pull out of the housings(maybe I am doing it wrong?), and I was wondering how long they will last if they were removed/plugged back in with relative frequency.
Just got these and these sound really good. However, if the Sennheiser Momentum, basically an on ear headphone, gets to hand out with the big boys (the circumaural cans) then these surely do. Someone on the market for an on ear can won't really be into these. They fit more nicely with the circumaural crowd.
I wanted a headphone in the range of 120 to 150. And I have so many choices including the one not yet mentioned on innerfidelty the Noontec Hammo! I had the zoro and I purchased it thanks to your review and I loved them!! Now its time to get something new and I have the choice of Onkyo, Noontec hammo, Athm50 and DT 1350. Which one would be a decent upgrade to the noontecs because they already are amazing for the price?
Hi, I need a bit help here, you reviewed both headphones how they compare to each other? Regards from Croatia!
Great review Tyll!
I'm still confused, which one is more worth to buy actually? HF300 or FC300? Which one is more durable (the cable)?
I listen to 320 kbps MP3 and FLAC songs, all kind of genres.
These are not Onkyo's first headphones. I still have a pair of Onkyo DP-300 headphones. Still working since 1992. Photo here:
So subsequent Onkyo headphones still use the 300 designation.


text: Nicholas Horsewood The Department of EconomicsSenior Lecturer in Economics Contact details Telephone+44 (0) 121 414 6647Fax44 (0) 121 414 email@example.com AddressDepartment of EconomicsUniversity of BirminghamJG Smith BuildingBirminghamB15 2TT Qualifications MPhil, University of OxfordBA in Economics, University of Sussex Research RESEARCH GROUP: Political Economy and Economic PolicyEconometrics RESEARCH INTERESTS: International Econometrics - trade relationships, Labour Econometrics, Economic History, Housing Economics. Other activities Director of Postgraduate Studies / Director of Overseas Programmes / Easter School Co-organiser / Director MSc MBF (incl admissions) Publications SELECTED PUBLICATIONS: Predicting sovereign debt crises: an early warning system approach (with M. Dawood & N. Horsewood), 2017, Journal of Financial Stability, 28, 16–28. NJ Horsewood, NH Dimsdale, A van Riel. 2006. "Unemploymentin Interwar Germany: An Analysis of the Labor Market", 1927-1936, TheJournal of Economic History, 66, 3, 778-808 JF Doling, NJ Horsewood. 2004. "Repayment, Risk andEuropean Home Owners: The interplay of housing markets, labour markets,financial markets and social security systems", Housing Studies, 19, 3,433-446 NJ Horsewood, NH Dimsdale. 2002. "The Causes of Unemployment in Interwar Australia", The Economic Record, 78, 243, 388-405 NJ Horsewood, DG Dickinson, WA Allen, E Giradin. 2002. "NewTransmission Mechanisms and Instruments of Monetary Policy at Near ZeroInterest Rates: The Case of Japan in the Late 1990s (In MonetaryPolicy, Capital Flows and Exchange Rates": Essays in Honour of MaxwellFry, London, Routledge, 218-240).


text:
A new survey by a group pushing for more technology access found more and more legislators are using the Internet and social networking sites such as Facebook to connect with constituents.
He won't be the next Fred Astaire, but Sen. Dave Syverson appears light on his feet in a local dance contest video posted on his political Web site.
Rep. Dave Winters sometimes gets grief for being on the Internet so much.
Sen. Larry Bomke prefers to do his interacting in more time-tested ways.
State lawmakers within the GateHouse Media territories are all over the map when it comes to how they use technology as part of their jobs.
A new survey by a group pushing for more technology access found more and more legislators are using the Internet and social networking sites such as Facebook to connect with constituents.
Some lawmakers have embraced the e-bandwagon, while others aren't fully sold on it yet. But overall, legislators say technology is becoming a bigger part of their public-service lives.
"It is amazing how far we have come in the 14 years I have been in the Senate," said Bomke, a Springfield Republican. "When I first came into the Senate, we didn't even have personal computers."
Members of the General Assembly who participated in the Illinois Technology Partnership survey unanimously agreed that technology has changed their lives, and almost 80 percent said they could not imagine living without a computer or cell phone.
About half of the legislators polled use social network Web sites like Facebook or MySpace. An additional 25 percent said they are interested in learning more about online social networks, while the rest dismissed the trend.
"The results of our survey show that Illinois legislators are recognizing that technology isn't a novelty, it's a necessity," said Aviva Gibbs, executive director of ITP.
On one end of the technology spectrum are lawmakers such as Syverson, whose grainy video clip showing him winning a 2008 dance contest shares the same cyberspace as his explanation of legislation making it easier for people to run for public office.
Syverson, R-Rockford, does have a Facebook account but said he doesn't use it to push his political agenda. Rather, Facebook allows him to stay in touch with friends and lets constituents know that he's "a regular person, too."
"It kind of shows the human side of Dave Syverson," Syverson said.
Many lawmakers have embraced e-mail to connect with home.
"It has increased the amount of correspondence we receive because people feel more comfortable and find it easier to sit down at a computer and send a quick e-mail than to write a letter," Syverson said.
Rep. Rich Brauer, R-Petersburg, said he usually receives several dozen emails from constituents throughout the course of a day.
"We get a lot more e-mails than we do snail-mail at this point. Probably 90 percent of my constituent contact is coming through e-mail," Winters said.
Sen. Dave Koehler, D-Peoria, has also seen an increase in communication because of e-mail -- a welcome trend.
"If I had to rely on a phone call or a letter or even a meeting, that would probably cut down the volume of who I could interact with," Koehler said.
A self-admitted early riser, Koehler said e-mails also let him respond to people early in the morning during times when he wouldn't want to call or meet with someone.
Winters, R-Shirland, said constituents often e-mail him links to news stories they deem relevant.
"I don't read it all, but if it is of interest of me, I click it and, boom, I'm there," Winters said.
Along with constituent communication, the Internet helps lawmakers plug in more easily to new ideas and what's going on around the state. The ITP survey found more than 90 percent of legislators use the Internet and/or their cell phones to do research for their job and to check out current events.
"A lot of times there is a good idea already out there, so instead of recreating the wheel, we are able to go out and see what other states are doing and take off of those what we like," Brauer said.
But sometimes, being so connected has a down side.
"My wife asks, 'Why don't you talk to me? You're on that stupid computer reading e-mail all the time,'" Winters said with a laugh.
For Bomke and other legislators, the electronic revolution isn't a high priority.
"We probably haven't been as good as we should have," Bomke said.
But Bomke says he's trying to connect more with the online community.
Thanks to a push from his staff, Bomke said he will eventually be on Facebook, giving his constituents more information about his work for them.
But he doesn't see it replacing a more personal touch.
"It's easier for me to just pick the phone up and call people," Bomke said.
Syverson agrees that using technology doesn't replace more substantive contacts.
"My fear is the Internet or Facebook gives people just the frosting, no substance," Syverson said.
Andrew Thomason can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com.


text:
EDMONTON — An Edmonton Journal contest offering a prize of free tickets to the Diana, A Celebration exhibit prompted a flood of memories, poignant reflections and praise from Journal readers for a beautiful, dedicated mother who died before she could see her boys into adulthood.
The late Princess of Wales continues to inspire adjectives like compassionate, genuine, loving, elegant, full-of-life, fresh, graceful.
Susan Reade of Edmonton summarized it best (and in less than 200 words!), thus winning our contest and the chance to be among the first to see Diana, A Celebration at West Edmonton Mall and attend a gala party to celebrate the Feb. 9 opening of the exhibition in our city.
Here's what other contest entrants had to say:
I loved Diana from the first time I saw her. She was so pretty and full of life, it was as if a breath of fresh air had suddenly invaded the Royal Family. Diana was so full of the joy of living that her smile lit up a room even before she uttered a word. Diana was a hands-on mother to her two sons and she brought them up with a firm-but-kind hand. She was compassionate and sympathetic to those in need, both in Britain and in other not-so-fortunate countries. The fashion industry also loved Diana as she wore their designer clothing with such elegance and ease, and I loved watching her blossom into a very fashion-forward woman. Regardless of all the personal publicity in later years, my heart was and still is with Diana. The effect she had on people was electric and they immediately reacted with pleasure and joy upon meeting her. Diana was and is my "Princess of Joy."
Joyce Beaton
Diana, Princess of Wales represented a fresh approach to a royalty that was getting old and outdated. I watched her wedding from start to finish in the middle of the night and also remember very well where I was when the news of her death came. She was an inspiration to all with her acceptance of every type of person. I believe she inspired me to take note of and assist women in marriages that were not good but appeared to be so to the public. She was very courageous for telling it like it was and not hiding things, which endeared her even more to us.
I got married the same year as Diana and I got up early in the morning to watch her wedding live. I was saddened to see how, over the years, her happiness wasn't there anymore but I admired her and her work with her charities, despite her failing marriage. Her style was always classy and elegant, and I feel brought a new generation of people to take interest again in the Royal Family. She raised two remarkable sons, she would be proud of them.
Brenda Krywiak
I will never forget Diana. Every time I think of her, sadness and a feeling of loss overwhelms me. Amazingly, her boys have turned out well, following in her footsteps caring for the homeless, poor and sick. How genuinely tactile she was with them. As a mother, her boys were her love and life and they clearly love her dearly, including her in their lives like William giving Kate his mother's engagement ring, Harry continuing his mother's charity in Africa and the boys hosting her a remembrance celebration at Wembley Stadium on the 10th anniversary of her death. Her boys are her legacy and they have done her proud. William has got his mother's good looks and her protectiveness for him and Harry and for his wife Kate. Harry has got her sense of humour, playfulness, and ease of connecting with anyone at any age. As a fashion icon she was a natural! Exquisite and beautiful, Diana used fashion as a means to communicate and express her feelings. The auction and exhibition of her dresses continue to generate funds for her charities. Her spectacular wedding gown made for a fairy-tale princess bride! As a charity crusader, how can anyone forget how she helped remove the fear of patients suffering from AIDS by shaking their hands without gloves and chatting with them in the hospital. How can anyone forget this young mother as she held a sick African baby in her arms, and those photos of her talking and smiling to a young landmine victim. I am in awe at how, at such a young age and living in a palace with all the comforts, she brought her beloved sons to visit hospital patients, visit the homeless, and line up for their turn at a restaurant. Her sons remember. Diana will live in our memories forever.
Mrs. Charito Hall
Diana represented a fairy-tale story, she goes from rags to riches and represents what every young girl dreams of — meeting her prince, the royal wedding, a privileged life. Diana was living a dream. She was beautiful, rich, a royal and yet she was one of us. We understood when her boys affectionately called her "Mummy" as she was a real mother to them, not a VIP who would ignore her children and leave them to be raised by a nanny. We could identify with her hopes and dreams, her loveless marriage and we rejoiced when she reached out to those who were less fortunate and made a difference in the world. She was our Princess, the People's Princess, someone we could identify with. She touched our lives. We all mourned her tragic death, a life of significance that was cut too short. She will forever live on in our hearts. We celebrate her style, her life and her contributions.
Cheryl Lupul
I was definitely intrigued by Princess Diana growing up. She was seven months older than I was, and like me, grew up with two sisters and a brother. I wondered what it would be like to be in her shoes. Diana was beautiful, a wonderful mother and great humanitarian, yet she lived in a world that none of us could really fathom. Princes, paparazzi, public appearances — pressures most could not tolerate. I would have loved to invite her into my kitchen to just "talk," over a pot of tea or a glass of wine. What was her childhood like? What hopes and dreams did she have, and who did she admire growing up? Was there someone she had a teenage crush on, and what would have life been like if she had married that person? Just girl talk … And I would have told her that if she ever needed a friend or confidante, I would be there for her, just like any good friend would be. I can only wonder what Diana would be doing in the world if she were still alive today. Her legacy? Try to do what is good, and love your children with all your heart.
Colleen Zimmerman
I got married in the early 1980s and avidly followed the storybook romance and marriage of Princess Diana. In those days I had a similar hairstyle and hair colour to Diana's. I was also tall and thin. My father-in-law thought I looked a lot like her. I loved to see reports and magazine articles and photos of Diana and her boys, although, truth be told, I was never enamoured with Prince Charles! It was with great sadness that I saw the reports of her death and I sang along with Elton John's Diana version of Candle in the Wind. It did feel that her time was cut short and that the world was less kind without her.
Donna Bateman
Diana, was the woman that everyone looked at with awe. She was put in a position that seemed daunting at best and was in her own words, "told to perform" on a daily basis. It seemed like when she separated from Charles, she found herself and become the woman that everyone loved. She was compassionate and brave and had flaws that were over exposed and we all loved her anyway. To me, she was the most elegant, kind woman. It was Diana who gave people reason to believe in the royals.
Dana Virta
The late Diana, Princess of Wales, represents a breath of fresh air, even in times when you felt down and out all you had to do is look at her beautiful angelic smile that would adorn every form of media and you knew that life is simply beautiful no matter what the circumstances are in your life. Her graceful and inspirational spirit will always give us strength and energy even though she is not physically with us. This is why she will always be remembered as the "People's Princess." Thank you for giving me this opportunity to express my opinion of who I think Diana is to us, the people.
David Hasek
Diana showed the public and her sons that we are still people with feelings, wants and needs regardless of their financial or public position. She showed me that we should appreciate what we have is a blessing and should not be taken for granted, even if we were born with a "silver spoon in our mouth." She gave hope to those less fortunate. She truly was an inspiration to all.
Shauna Wobben
Diana represented many admirable qualities. First, she was a young woman thrust into the overwhelming demands and grandiose luxuries of the Royal Family. She was probably not the most well-suited candidate because of her youth, but was chosen because she could bare the next king or queen of England. Despite that, she matured into a wonderful mother and an extremely compassionate woman. Her most important job was raising William and Harry with tremendous love and provided as much normalcy for them as was possible. She was truly successful with that. Unfortunately, she was in a loveless marriage but was able to become divorced with dignity in hand. We all saw her evolve into an elegant, attractive woman who was indeed a "Lady" superbly. More women should follow in her footsteps. She was strong in many ways, holding AIDS babies lovingly when others were afraid to. She was smart, but more significant, she had common sense shown in the above sentence. Diana was lovely inside and out, a woman who endured her fair share of sadness. I personally was very proud of her as she had a difficult role. The world was lucky to have her.
Eldeen Harris
To me, Diana, was the epitome of style and grace. Not only was she physically beautiful, but she was truly a beautiful person. She gave so much to so many less fortunate people and it was obvious from photos or footage from her visits to destitute countries that just her presence gave people hope. She was like a ray of sunshine. Even during her personal struggles, she never stopped giving and putting others before herself.
Francesca Reale
Beautiful, shy and innocent, Diana had my heart right from the time of her engagement! I had always been a royal-watcher, but now there was someone young, adorable and sure to add much interest to a rather cool and staid, but majestic Royal Family. Like so many others, over the years I was so fascinated and beguiled by her innocence, goodness and beauty, that all the rest was simply unimportant. I stayed up all night to watch her wedding, drinking in every facet of her dress, flowers, crown, veil and her unbelievable beauty. Over the years I have collected many books and magazines dedicated to Diana. I even ordered the limited edition of her "bride doll." The doll's dress with all its bridal accompaniment is made to scale from the original … even to the real diamond chip in her wedding ring and her crown! I have it in a glass display case in my living room. Needless to say, I was heartbroken upon hearing of her death. She brought fresh air, laughter and sunshine into Buckingham Palace, not to mention two wonderful boys! Her life was cut short, but she had already made a difference in the world. She lives forever in my heart.
Gladys Teske
The late Diana, Princess of Wales, to me was the epitome of love, compassion, grace and dignity. She embodied and represented a rare and selfless love that was the true nature of her humble spirit. Diana was pregnant with her first child for the same period of time as I was with my second child, and though my daughter was due to be born around the same time as Prince William, she entered the world a couple of weeks early. Diana's passion for life, great love for her children and zest for all things good, lives on today as she is remembered and loved for the truly genuine, heroic and beautiful person that the world has celebrated as princess, fashion icon, mother and charity crusader. Sadly, Princess Di died the same year as my sister, only a couple of months apart and the same year as Mother Teresa; three very special ladies, all of whom are remembered by me with love and great fondness for the special people they were as they gave of themselves, expecting nothing in return. Diana, Princess of Wales: a great role model for humanity in the field of human service. May her memory live on.
Ingrid Harvie
Diana represented culture with her quiet grace, poise and grooming.
Jackie Graham
Diana was a beautiful person who genuinely cared about the underprivileged in society. Her devotion to her charity work was an inspiration and set her apart from other members of the Royal Family. Although she battled her own demons, she didn't use that as an excuse to back out of commitments, but rather immersed herself more deeply into her work and, in this way I think it provided some healing to her soul. As a mother, there was no doubt that she dearly loved her boys and that they meant the world to them. It's sad that her life was cut short but her legend lives on in the hearts and minds of those who loved and admired her the world over.
Jeanette Stead
I would be delighted to be chosen for tickets to attend the gala party, as it is certainly part of my ancestry. My grandparents on my mother's side were from England and my dad's were from Scotland. I carry the gene for hemophilia so have been teased about having blue blood! As a child, I received books on royalty for Christmas from a great aunt in England. At an early age I was fascinated by these books and admired the jewels, gowns and castles thus my interest in the Royal Family began. When I was in my early 20s, I travelled with two friends to Europe and spent some time with this great aunt who lived in Teighmouth, Devon. She and my mother had never met but did correspond through letters. I watched the royal wedding of Charles and Diana on TV and it was a fairy-tale wedding that is sure! I continued to read Majesty magazine to follow their lives as best I could. William and Harry were the love of her life and she did her best to keep them as normal as possible. She instilled her strong morals and values which became so evident in their personalities as they grew up. I mourned the tragedy of Diana's death along with the rest of the world — for days. She was such a beautiful princess both inside and out. A fashion statement in everything she wore. Smiling through difficult times in her life and marriage. Supporting the landmine efforts, visiting sick children and AIDS patients, and homeless shelters. She took time to show her concern and compassion for the less fortunate. By her exposing her sons to these situations, they were able to carry on her legacy. Most of all, as a grandma and a mother of two boys, I admired Diana's unconditional love for William and Harry as they were always first in her life. It certainly couldn't have been easy for her being in a loveless marriage but she always did what was best for them. If she was alive today she would be so proud of them and happily awaiting the birth of her first grandchild!
Judy Long
Over the years I have loved Diana's grace, compassion and kindness as she became one of the most loved persons in the world! The heartache of her death devastated myself and other members of my family. Through my struggle with cancer and my mother's illness, memories of her courage gave us comfort. For generations my family has followed the lives if the British monarchy. The precious collections of my grandparents, parents and friends were gradually passed on to me. They are full of news clippings, pictures, books, photo albums, china and other items. I have continued adding to the collection and have also joined the National Monarchy Club. I travelled to London for the Diamond Jubilee celebrations with the club. Diana's presence was so sadly missed as members of the Royal Family celebrated. During the earlier years as the Queen and Prince Philip's children Charles, Anne, Andrew and Edward grew up, I felt as if they were part of our family. I was thrilled with the marriage of Diana and Charles and the birth of William and Harry. The world was made a better place because of the life of our precious Diana. I will forever treasure her memory.
Judy Wiest
The first announcements of Princess Diana's untimely passing indicated the paparazzi were responsible for the collision causing her death. As their customer, through my purchases of magazines and books featuring her, I was complicit in her death. I needed to step back and reconsider my limited influence through my purchases. Perhaps by attending the Diana exhibit, I can enjoy viewing the glitz and glamour, knowing I am contributing to the charities her image supports, which is what I think Princess Diana ultimately wanted.
Kathy Wiegman
I was born in England, the same year, and three months earlier than Diana Spencer. I first 'met' her in the newspaper and was intrigued by this shy and stylish girl with the trendy hair cut. Suddenly I felt like I had found a new "best friend." She was seen around London shopping and dodging the press with her set of Sloane Rangers. This girl was going to marry the Prince of Wales and it seemed they were so in love, standing nervously flashing a fabulous ring. I got up early and couldn't wait to see The Wedding of the Century holding my breath as she stepped from the carriage in her huge fairy-tale dress with the never ending train. I noticed her shyness disappear and a strong confident woman emerging as she matured into marriage. Her genuine love of people was apparent from the start, shaking hands and really caring for those who were suffering. Sadly her marriage was not to last but Diana's spirit was inspirational to me, showing a commonness we had never seen in Britain before — she changed the monarchy forever for the better. When Diana died, I felt I had lost a truly caring friend.
Kay Manuel
I believe Diana was truly an angel — even while with us on Earth. She was as beautiful on the inside as the outside. She taught the world to be accepting of others, be kind, compassionate and loving. She also taught us to give as much of ourselves as possible to make the lives of those less fortunate, a little more bearable. She taught us it was OK to hold the hand of someone dying of AIDS, to hold closely the child dying of cancer and that people suffering from mental disorders are just as precious as all other living beings. My biggest dream was to meet Diana in person. Of course, this never happened. I pray I am fortunate enough to one day see her sons in person, who live to carry on her legacy.
Kelly Cooper
What Diana, Princess of Wales, represented to me was a combination of things. I am 54 years old now, so I was a few years older than she was at the time, but I first started following her story or life when she was dating Prince Charles. How romantic, Prince Charles dating such a young, beautiful young lady. She represented fairy tales and romance. I had been given many books over the years showing her wearing all the wonderful clothes. I remember watching her wedding in anticipation of what she would wear. I stood a few hours just inside the Westin Hotel in Edmonton, when my oldest son was just a baby, to wait for her to walk out of the elevators so I could see her in person. I remember the beautiful red dress she wore. This was about 29 years ago as my son is now 30. As a mother, we both had children the same years, so then I naturally enjoyed watching her children grow over the years with mine. And, as I got older, the fantasy of watching the princess changed, as her life seemed very real. I felt for her during those times, how it must have been difficult to live such a non-private life. She did amazing charity work which of course was always highlighted over her life and that represented to me how caring she was.
Rhonda Bendiak
I feel that Diana, Princess of Wales, was the epitome of elegance.
Laurel Young
Diana, Princess of Wales, is an icon of kindness and grace. She showed the world, and young women especially, that a princess is a real person too. She was shy and became strong. She stood up for herself without public displays of bad behaviour. She was beautiful but not flashy. She opened the door for many charities, giving them awareness and attention they might not otherwise have had. She gave them her time, not just figurehead sponsorship. She raised her sons with compassion, teaching and preparing them for what will lie ahead in their lives. She made it possible for her sons to acknowledge everyday people, giving them the ability to choose wisely, to make amends for choices not made wisely. This entry is for my daughter-in-law Chris. She too becomes stronger everyday in her own persona. In many ways Diana has influenced her and shown her as princess is a real person, with grace and kindness and wisdom that has come from keeping the good things in life, and walking away from the bad. She has shown that princess is a title, not an entitlement.
Lezley Zwaal
Maybe it was her blue eyes and the intriguing look she had about her but I knew I would be up in the wee hours of the morning to watch her wedding day. From that day on I followed the media on what Diana was up too. When the babies came I loved to see photos of her and the boys. Her charity work and her love was what kept the world, including me, attached to her. I felt she represented something that all little girls and big girls envy in our life. She had the ability to be her own person and still live the life of a Princess. I felt sorry for her for all the media that would not leave her alone.
Linda Ardiel
Diana became what every young girl dreams of becoming: a princess. She was born the same year I was and I was enthralled by the fairy-tale story. However, with all of the attention she received, and the fact she couldn't go anywhere without being followed, she made me realize that my simpler life was a much better one. I still marvel at all the pomp and glamour, and would be very intrigued to see the details in some of the clothes and jewelry that she wore.
Lori Yaremchuk
Diana inspires me because she had a royal title and cared for her public duties. She was the one who would do charity visits willingly without only going by a schedule that was made up for her. I read once that while she was driving inside her car in London, there was a cab driver who noticed her. He pulled up along side her and asked her if she would visit a charity that he was involved with. He gave her the written information; maybe he had a flyer, and she showed up. She did get back into contact with him beforehand to make the arrangements. I think that was a class act.
Marlene Gothard
Diana embodied a true 20th century princess. She struck me as being humble, modest, and genuine. She reached out to people and demonstrated a kind and caring attitude toward all — especially the underprivileged. She also struck me as being a loving and caring mother toward her sons. By her demeanour and the way she interacted with people she came across as someone who was approachable — a true people's princess. As a result of her influence she raised two sons who know how to interact with people in a kind and gracious manner. In my eyes, she will always be the epitome of a true princess that she was a beautiful person both inside and out.
Marvin Zarowny
Diana, Princess of Wales represented a breath of fresh air as the fashion icon in a very sedated royal culture. She was the epitome of a true hands-on mother, putting her children first and spending as much time as possible with them. Her devotion as a charity crusader was well on it's way and no one will ever know how many more great things she could have done for the world.
Mary McDonough
In July 1981, my five-year-old daughter and I were dressed and seated in front our television with a feast of delicacies "fit for a Princess" set out on a small table, decorated with a fancy lace tablecloth and the very best china side plates and two crystal goblets. We had a splash of Mumm's champagne and had the camera ready with fresh flashes to take pictures of the most important wedding we would ever go to, the marriage of a real prince and princess. This was a magical evening for us both. OOHH how exciting, a front-row seat to see a real live princess get married to her prince. Diana was a real live princess and she was beautiful, she met all our expectations of the fairy tales we had both read, and we were invited to take part in what had always been a mystical dream of fantasy, only found in books and in movies. Now, we were here, "Oh Mommy, there she is! In a beautiful gold carriage, she is waving at us, take a picture!" I am focusing the lens, I can't believe it myself, I snap, the flash lights up the room, we squeal with delight, she actually waved at us, she is so absolutely lovely. Look at her dress!" We watched, breathless, toasted her with little sips of champagne and we watched her lovingly the rest of her life. And with broken, unbelieving hearts we watched her die, our magical fairy-tale princess who gave us real-life memories that a mother and daughter would share forever.
Lori Halldorson
Diana and I became mothers of two children at roughly the same time. She was an inspiration to me as she appeared to struggle with some of the challenges I was having as a new mom. To me she represented that regardless of who you are, your children grow up too quickly and you only think that when they are gone.
Patti Connolly
Ever since Diana started dating Prince Charles, I have followed her life. To me, she represented the modern day princess story. A shy young lady taking on the role of princess, I saved newspaper and magazine articles of her, examining her fashion and style and grace. I have watched the wedding many times, never thinking I could one day see her gown in person! I followed her life, as later we had children in the same years so I went though those years together with her. I followed her charity work and watched her many interviews. Even with the marriage breakup, I felt for her and all difficulties in her life. I will never forget the day she passed away. The shock and grief was overwhelming. I got up to watch her funeral live and I was so overwhelmed, feeling that I was so close to someone I never met. As soon as I saw that this exhibit was coming to Edmonton, there was absolutely no doubt in my mind that I would go.
Penny Slevinsky
It was inspirational to watch Diana's personal growth — from a naive girl to an influential international icon. The Diana that we met in her 20s was a mirror of the rest of us at that age — unsure of our purpose and how to move with confidence on life's stage. Over the next 16 years, using her own best instincts as a guide, she had a profound impact on several fronts. Diana embraced both the cause and people affected by HIV/AIDS and used her influence to spotlight other charities and injustices. She broke the mould in regard to raising royal children with a more loving and attentive parenting approach. Her personal fashion sense evolved and she inspired her contemporaries to be an active mother and stylish at the same time. Diana was imperfect. She made mistakes and let her emotions get the best of her. She had a broken marriage and trouble with the in-laws, and had to wrestle with it all on a public stage. Like Diana, we all have achievements and failures on life's road. She represented the disappointments and promise of the human condition — Diana was flawed, but flawless in her humanity.
Susan Reade
Diana, the celebrated princess, fashion icon, mother and charity crusader represented an angelic, idyllic woman modelling for the entire universe, humility, elegance and grace at its finest. She was a breath of fresh air to a somewhat stale culture among British royalty. Diana was highly influential to citizens, both young and old!
Deb Reynolds
Diana was a beautiful, caring woman who lived quite a common life before her marriage to Prince Charles. Children and nature were her greatest loves. I think that Diana was really in love with Prince Charles when they married in the most amazing fairy-tale wedding that the whole world was invited to. Her ability to take her celebrity and royal status and do good for the underprivileged is to be admired. She was one of the most photographed and gossiped about woman in the world during her short life. The pressure and the invasion of her private life was very cruel and unforgiving. She was still Shy Di and wanted some peace and privacy. Her beautiful style and grace is to be admired, whether she was dressed in her blue jeans or royal gowns. She had so much poise and presence about her. I wish that she had not been taken from us at such an early age as I believe she would of done great things. I'm sure that she is very proud of her two sons and is with them in spirit and will live on through her new grandchild. Diana is one woman whom I will always fondly remember as someone who just wanted to love and be loved.
Birdie Lobb-Blackwood
Diana, Princess of Wales exemplified all that is pure and good; a young, vibrant lady, searching for love and happiness which, she didn't get from her prince and the palace. She was the People's Princess and she deserved so much more in her young life. I loved her fashion sense, her love for her children, and her unreserved affection and kindness toward all people, from all over the world. What a wonderful legacy and an important force to be remembered and celebrated for many years to come. If she only knew how much she was loved by the masses. May we never forget her.
Adeline Lupul
Diana, Princess of Wales represented grace and elegance, and a passion to help others as a charity crusader. She was loved by one and all, and she was a role model and a great mother.
Sarah Fung
Diana was the example of all of the challenges that today's moms struggle with but 1,000 times more difficult living in the public spotlight. She was determined to have her boys lead as normal a life as possible, but also realized that the world wanted her to share them as well. She fought to keep her family together even in difficult times and her priority was always her children. She provided an example to the world at large on how to be graceful, elegant and at the same time generous with her time and love to those in need. She truly was a remarkable woman!
Stacy Bodnar
Diana represented to me someone I would like to know, someone people could relate to. She could relate to the everyday life of normal people and their struggles. She married far too young and had so much to cope with. I think it was all very overwhelming. I guess it tells me that life as a princess isn't a piece of cake and like the rest of us, she had to work hard to make it work. We admire her charity work and her love for her children. Most of all, I feel I would be comfortable in her presence.
Anne McCloskey
Diana died at the same age I was diagnosed with breast cancer so I always think about how she never had the chance to live into her 40s. She was an amazing person who was so stunningly beautiful, now like her daughter-in-law, and did her best under the circumstances. Her charity work is what I remember her by and most of all how she rose from obscurity at the age of 19 to live the life she led.
Sue Helmak
I have been writing poetry for years — I wrote this poem for Diana and put it on my poetry website.
Let all the poets
drop their pens
Let all the knights
lose their swords
Let all the educated men,
forget all their educated words
Long enough for all the fathers
to gather their daughters
and whisper the
word "Princess"
Gerry Mattia
Princess Diana represented so many things to me — beauty, grace, elegance. We were essentially the same age and when she emerged, her keen and classy style took me from a blue jean-wearing, big-haired teenager to a young woman with a need for a fresh look! I got the hair … I attempted to emulate her style (as much as I could afford to) and I even had a beautiful talented mother that knitted me a copy of the Black Sheep sweater … which I still have :) I sat in a dentist chair watching the wedding, eagerly awaited the birth of her beautiful boys and stayed up all night, with my heart seemingly broken, to witness the laying to rest of this beautiful, passionate human being. I celebrated her, felt pain for her as her fairy tale unravelled and mourned the loss of her. Se made me believe in fairy tales. She made the world a better place, and I would love to have the opportunity to celebrate her one more time.
Susan Pruss
Diana was a symbol of lost idealism, a loss of innocence, faithfulness and trust in the monarchy. Her death was ironic, as she was killed by the same fame that defined much of her public persona. Despite her personal struggles, she was generous and sincere in her charity work, and firm in her resolve to expose her sons to more common experiences, a key to transitioning the British monarchy to the modern age.
Sandi Tymchuk


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You're not the only one bro, just calm down and let me finish writing this post and I have more throwing up to do myself, maybe I will do so in front of 1150 15th Street NW.
Few months ago some retarded old fart called Lynne "The Botox" Breaux, who is the president of the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington said, "DC is a world-class city with a third-class taxi system."and Petula Dvorak added by saying:
Listen, if you lived in this city long enough you know damn well that DC cabs in general came a long way and have improved a lot. With in the last ten years the fleets are becoming newer and newer, just go ask the folks at Bill Page Toyota! Hybrid Toyota cars are flying off the shelf, thanks to the Ethiopian cab drivers whom are the majority of cab drivers in this city. More cabs are accepting credit cards, majority of the drivers have driven in Washington for decades with full of experiences, all three major cab companies in DC are all GPS dispatched now and I can go on and on pointing out the improvements. All this said, I agree that there are some scumbag drivers out there who don't give a shit about their taxi operation. Ron Linton is trying to change the status-quo and it takes some time and he doesn't have a good qualified team at the Taxicab Commission to accomplish the tasks anytime soon. I don't necessary agree on all of what he is trying to do but he is doing something about it.
The fare increase is an important start, all the improvements that have been suggested would been impossible without the extra revenue. The fares were slashed by almost 30% in 2008 when they switched to meters and majority of drivers are struggling to survive with those cheap fare rates. Where were the cries for DC cabdrivers when the fares were slashed? And why would any passenger wants a driver who is overworked, underpaid and too tired to drive safely? All the media coverage is bitching about the 44% increase on the mileage rate, but the math is not that simple folks. I don't have the time to break down the calculation for you but if you throw in the fare slash of 2008 and the extra charges that they have taken away now, the fare increase comes up to a whopping 0.80% per year since 2008! Comprende Petula Dvorak?
I have been to quite a few third world countries including Cairo and Little Rock Arkansas, there is no comparison between the third world and DC cab services like you and Lynne Breaux claim it to be, it's not even remotely close. Petula, you are a typical ignorant douchebag, if you were trying to be a comedian please don't leave your day-job. Just try to invest five minutes to do a little research before you start typing! I just can't believe you're walking the same halls at the Washington Post with some of the greats like Micheal Wilbon, Tony Kornheiser, Eugene Robinson and Marc Fisher. Just keep on stealing the pay-checks for the garbage you put on the Post, in the mean while the days of cheap fares to haul your fat ass are OVER!!!
Lynne Breaux, how about addressing issues on some of the rat infested overpriced mediocre DC restaurants? Instead of sticking your wrinkled ass nose in our business, get some real work done.
Let me go throw up now,
Please don't forget the homeless,
Mad Cabbie.