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Visiting Auschwitz: Good or bad idea?
June 18, 2007
Traveling in Europe. One potential stop I'm still undecided on.
At last, a couple years out of college and just before starting at grad school, I'm getting the opportunity to travel solo for two weeks around Europe. I've been waiting a very long time to do this, and I'm getting very lucky with the amount of time I'm getting to roam, my budget, and my freedom of movement.
I want to spend some time in Berlin and Prague, hopefully visit some of the hometowns of my ancestors, and see some of the sights I missed when I was last in Europe, eight years ago.
There's just one potential stop I'm torn about.
My grandmother is a Holocaust survivor. She spent a significant amount of time in Auschwitz, and it's where her mother and a number of other relatives were killed. She's written a book about her experiences and I've spoken to her many times about them as well.
I can't decide if I want to visit Auschwitz while I'm within a train-ride distance. I'm not sure how she'd react if I told her I was planning to visit (I'm not sure if she's ever been back) so I'm really not comfortable asking her opinion. Though she's open about discussing it, I still find it very difficult to broach the subject. For some reason, I'm not very comfortable bringing it up with my dad, either.
In addition, I'm not sure how I feel about being incredibly emotional and depressed for a portion of what I'm hoping will be a blast of a vacation and a great chance to blow off some steam before heading back to the schoolhouse grind. The Holocaust museums in DC and LA had a huge emotional effect on me, and I have to assume this would be a much, much more intense experience.
I can't really escape the fact that I feel that it's a place that has had a major impact on my identity, and I feel like I should visit at some point.
If you've visited (whether or not you're Jewish or a relative of victims or survivors -- though I'm very interested to hear the experiences of those who are): Is it a place I should see? Should I see it
, on
trip? Or is it going to emotionally wreck me for the rest of my time in Europe?
posted by
Travel & Transportation
(21 answers total)
5 users marked this as a favorite
Well, the giggling 14 year old girls in a large group of british tourists may break some of the solemness. Seriously, there are lots of tourists there, and many are very young.
Take that into consideration whichever way you go.
posted by
on June 18, 2007
I say no. It will give you a reason to go back in future!
posted by
on June 18, 2007
I've been to a holding camp in Belgium, where they place the prisoners for a while before sending them off to camps like Auschwitz. The holding camp became a memorial and educational museum on the Holocaust, with plenty of artifacts, documents, and documentaries about the experience and the prisoners.
Our guide spoke German and to make it more realistic he decided to randomly act as an SS agent once in a while, yelling at us to show how the prisoners were treated. We went to exact cells where people were housed, abused, and killed.
It was very harrowing (particularly for a German friend who could understand every word of the guide's SS ranting). But it was good to be there. It was a strong learning experience, and all of us (an international group) bonded very strongly over it. It made us realize how things we don't realize are happening are really atrocious and need attention, and made us stronger.
I'd say go, so you can appreciate what your family has gone through. It's hard, but worth it.
posted by
on June 18, 2007
You should go, it's a pretty intense and worthwhile experience, especially (I would imagine) if you have family who were through it. In my opinion, it should be your first stop if possible. It's not a happy experience, but it puts any sort of travel you might do in Eastern Europe in a radically different perspective - and one that's vital to understanding the place. And if you are bopping around the Czech Republic and Poland, you owe it to yourself to buy a copy of Ruth Ellen Gruber's newly updated "National Geographic Jewish Heritage Travel: A Guide to Eastern Europe," which is full of vital bits of information. I'm basing a large part of my upcoming trip to Eastern Europe on its contents, and I'm not even Jewish! (Muslim, in fact.)
Another thing to note: While Auschwitz is a sobering experience, it's very near to Krakow, which is one of the loveliest and most enjoyable cities in Europe - a nice place to base a visit to Auschwitz from, and the gentle pleasures of the city are a nice thing to "come home" to after Auschwitz.
I hate to say it too, but you never know when your elders will disappear (believe me, I know) and I'd hate for you to visit one day and return home with burning questions about the experience and your family and not have your grandmother to discuss it with. That would be a heartbreaking thing.
posted by
Dee Xtrovert
on June 18, 2007
When I was in Krakow two years ago I had to ask myself the same question, and ended up deciding against it - which I now deeply regret. One of my reasons was the same as yours - I was having a really great time on a training course with a bunch of great people from around the world, and I didn't want to "ruin" that by going to a place where millions of people were killed.
In 2003 I visited
a fort
in Ghana that was used by colonizing powers to export, among other things, slaves. The biggest thing I took away from the experience of seeing it was not a sense of loss, depression, or sadness - though those were resonant, especially when seeing things like a dungeon that would hold hundreds of slaves to be shipped off, many of whom would die on the voyage - but a new understanding of how complex things were in those days, and how the altered demographics of a place that was compelled to export its own people changed the economic and political landscape, and my tour guide was really detailed about what the effects of the transatlantic slave trade were for the surrounding region. The context made the visit an order of magnitude better than it would have been, and I still find myself talking about what I learned that day with others. But I say this as someone who doesn't have slave ancestors, so it's not exactly the same as your situation, where someone living today who you love was directly affected.
However, I think the reason we have made places like the slave forts and Auschwitz into museums is to bear witness, so we can pass along the story of the place not just through written historical records and published media, but through oral accounts and our own ways of translating the gravity of what took place there to future generations.
Additionally, perhaps too many visitors to such places don't take the time to examine what was left behind - and still exists - of life before the catastrophe. Perhaps seeing the district of
in Krakow, which was a center of Jewish life before the war, will give you some balance and a more complete, less bleak experience; the
Jewish Cultural Festival
(Wikipedia link
) will be taking place soon there as well. You may also want to check out the
music scene there; even outside the Jewish Cultural Festival, you will almost certainly find other performers and artists bringing the music to people who have never heard it before.
So I vote for going, if only to give your family and your future children - who might never meet a Holocaust survivor - a more detailed picture of what it was like because you'd seen not only the places where life ended, but the places where life thrived beforehand. That, I think, will help make the profundity of what was lost resonate with you without devastating you.
I hope you have a safe, thoughtful, and meaningful trip, whatever you decide.
posted by
on June 18, 2007 [
1 favorite
I've been twice. I would go again. You should go. I think everyone should go.
Big caveat, the holocaust did not effect my family directly. So I don't know what it's like to visit when you have that personal connection.
It was a positive experience for me and for the friends I know who've been there (positive in the sense that it was eye opening rather than enjoyable). It really made me aware, not only of what the holocaust was, and what in entailed, but what humans are capable of, and why we should never let it happen again. More than I've ever been able to gain from books, or TV, or exhibitions that aren't in situ.
Some people I know have found that their visits have been disturbed by the attitude of groups and school parties (not just British ones!). I didn't have that problem the two times I went (but that was 5 years ago), nor did my friends who went last February. I think, if you are going in the summer then this might be a problem.
I know some people have also had problems with the interpretation of the site. I don't think this will ever be solved, interpretation will always come from someone's point of view. When you're wandering round your local Natural History Museum you don't notice it so much, but when you are somewhere more contested and emotive, it is brought to the fore. My advice is to take from it what you need and move on from what you don't need.
If you go, take all day. Do the tour round Auschwitz I, then leave the tour and go round Birkenau on your own. Most people don't get beyond the entrance gate and the gas chambers here, but it's a huge site, so if you are on your own you can wander off away from the tour groups and get some space. There's also a lot less interpretation here, which I found a benefit, I was able to engage on a more emotional level that I found I could at Auschwitz I, which was all facts and figures. I took a lot more away from my experience at Birkenau than I did in Auschwitz I.
Yes, it is not a experience that you normally find on your holiday, but it is something that is key to recent history in this part of the world. If you are coming to Europe to experience our culture and heritage, it's not all fancy palaces and fine art (which I know you're more than aware of already). That's in addition to your own personal, family connections. Give yourself sometime for the visit, don't try and cram it into a 1 day whistle stoptour of Krakow, Zakopane and Warsaw, or something equally stupid. Take some time to see the rest of Poland, to get some persepective on the whole country, not just this one aspect of their past.
On prieview: what everyone else said.
posted by
on June 18, 2007
I highly, highly recommend it. markovich's stereotyping of the visit was well off the mark for me. There were tourists, yes, and some laughter; but this is something living human beings do. It was a place of great respect, preserved with the note-perfect degree of reverence. It was moving for me, but mostly in its peace - in the maudlin non-monstrousness of a mere site, a place of wood and concrete, that felt past, and free of ghosts.
I say this as someone whose family, much of it, perished in the holocaust.
Do consider spending more time in (beautiful, amazing, tasty, cheap, cafe-filled) Krakow, and less in (over-touristed, disneyland, [relatively!] expensive) Prague. Auschwitz is an easy day-trip from Krakow. So is the remarkable
Wieliczka Salt Mine
, an enormous underground complex full of sculptures and chapels carved from salt-stone by amateur (miner) sculptors. When I was living in Krakow I would often recommend to friends a five-day visit: Days 1 & 2 in the city; day 3 at Auschwitz; day 4 at Wieliczka; day 5 in the city. It's nice to have something lighter, more diverting, after the very heavy day at Auschwitz-Birkenau.
posted by
on June 18, 2007 [
2 favorites
You should go, you may not have the chance again.
posted by
on June 18, 2007
I went, and although I have no connection to the Holocaust, the friend I was travelling with had grandparents (and most of that generation) who were killed. We unknowingly turned up on the anniversary of the liberation of the camp. There were tour groups everywhere, including a hundred Italian kids making a documentary of their visit, and they drove me crazy. I was much more emotional visiting the Holocaust museum, Oskar Schindlers factory, and seeing random signs saying 'here 12 people were shot'. My Jewish friend was more affected than I, but not as badly as she'd expected.
Despite that, I would recommend you go. Just looking out over these acres of land and seeing how huge it is was shocking, and it felt like by making the effort to go I was paying my respects to everybody who died there, no matter what everyone else was doing. Just don't take photos everywhere (especially in the crematorium).
posted by
on June 18, 2007
I'd go if I were in the area. I wouldn't take the kids, but I'd certainly want to see it for myself. Humanity is capable of many monstrous things, especially when it thinks
it's finally on the right track ("If we could just get rid of those damned ___, everthing would be fine!")
. We could all use a reminder of this fact from time to time.
Auschwitz and places like it are living reminders of the fact that we're all only a few steps away from becoming monsters.
posted by
on June 18, 2007
Hi. I went to Auschwitz as a 17 year old, and it profoundly affected me, but in ways that were nothing but good. I was travelling around Eastern Europe with friends, drinking a lot, having an awesome time. I decided to go essentially because I was curious.
Auschwitz is actually two places - there's the famous camp at Auschwitz itself (with the metal gates with 'Arbeit Macht Frei' above them, cell blocks, execution chambers and so on). This place has been turned into a museum, and is deeply affecting, with piles of shoes, human hair, stacks of suitcases and thousands of photographs. It's hard to take in, but not impossible. In some ways, I'd say it has been contextualised enough that it's relatively (I stress relatively) simple to process and come away from.
Far, far harder is visiting the other side of Auschwitz, which is the camp a couple of miles away at Birkenhau (Auschwitz II). This has been left as it was found by advancing Allied forces, and it's shattering. It took me fifteen minutes to walk the length of the unloading platform at the rail terminus there. There are guided tours, but I opted to walk around it myself, and it was one of the hardest things I've ever done. The scale of it is mind-boggling, and it's genuinely and deeply affecting.
That said, my visit to Auschwitz is something I'll always be glad I did, and would do again. It has given me a deep and abiding interest in civil liberties and the protection of human rights, and helped me come to terms with myself as a teenager and the rest of the world. It was the first time I really stopped and looked at wider society and realised what we are capable of as a species. It's also the basis of my optimism about what we can become as long as we remind ourselves of horrors like Auschwitz-Birkenhau.
Definitely go, and make sure your children, if you have them, go as well.
posted by
Happy Dave
on June 18, 2007 [
1 favorite
I went in the summer of 2004. I still think about it often—probably three times a month now. It was a solemn day, but not a crushing one. And it was deeply sobering in all kinds of ways. In previous weeks I had visited Babi Yar and Berdichev, both significant sites in Jewish WWII history, but Auschwitz had its own unique and strong effect.
I am not Jewish, ethnically or religiously. I've got a drop or two of Jewish blood from several generations back, vastly diluted by Danish and Swiss ancestry that makes me look like Hitler's wet dream. I have known both my blood and my face in new and worthwhile ways because of my visit to Auschwitz.
Do take your time in both halves of the place. Do find somewhere silent to be—perhaps while walking out to the dumping ponds, or while treading the long, solemn way from the end of the unloading ramp back to the gate. Be prepared for emotions to express in unexpected ways. (I found myself whispering the Shema Israel.)
And then come back, and be a vigorous humanitarian, and be on guard against fascism and its sneaky kin all the days of your life. Together we can stop such monstrosity from happening again.
posted by
on June 18, 2007
It's possible that if you do make the stop, it would take your relationship with your grandmother to a much deeper level. I would go, and frame it as honoring my ancestors. My
feeling is that if I were in your shoes, it would be disrespectful
to go. Not meaning to snark, but your family spent months/years in horrible conditions, and you're worried about being emotionally distraught for a few days?
(FYI, I am not Jewish.)
posted by
on June 18, 2007 [
1 favorite
I went to Dachau on a school trip to Germany many years back now (we certainly did not giggle). Like everyone else here, I will strongly recommend you go, but I will add one caveat that I haven't seen mentioned yet. Visiting the camp was a
physically exhausing
experience for me and all the other high schoolers I was with. Not just emotionally troubling, but we were all literally tired afterwards. If we had had anything else planned for later in the day, it would have been a disaster. So make a day of it, and maybe find a comfy restaurant near your lodgings for a quiet dinner and an early bedtime.
posted by
Rock Steady
on June 18, 2007
I think a lot of it depends on when you are planning on going. When I visited, it was March. there were a few other tourists, but it was pretty deserted overall. I had just gotten off a train where I was convinced I was about to miss the stop, because no one was able to help me understand when my stop would be. It was cold, muddy, and very unpleasant. I was with one other person who was as confused and miserable I was. We wandered around the housing units and the grounds barely speaking to each other and shivering.
Honestly, I'm very glad that's the way I experienced the camp. I heard other people say then went in May with the sun shining and a large group of friends, with a very different impact. You might consider putting it off so you can go when there will be less people and it can therefore be more personal. I do think you should go eventually, though.
posted by
on June 18, 2007
I think you should go. I think it's something everyone should experience if they get a chance. It makes all the newsreels and pictures real (which will likely be even harder for you, but worth it). It gives you an understanding of evil that you can't get without being somewhere like that.
I agree with all the advice in this thread, especially making sure you go to Birkenhau. It will be very depressing, don't plan on doing anything else that day, and I'd plan a calm next day.
I think doing it alone would be tough. I visited with a local university group and a bunch of exchange students. The way people supported each other, though they had just met, was one happy part of the day. If you're traveling alone, I would suggest finding some similar minded people in Krakow perhaps to go with. No matter what, you should go.
With regards to some other stuff in this thread:
- Krakow is great, use it as a base.
- The salt mines are actually really, really cool. I thought it would be boring, but it's truly amazing. Full cathedrals carved from the stone and rock, monuments to people like Copernicus who actually did experiments there.
- In Prague, also visit the old Jewish cemetery. Inside the synagogue the walls are lined with the names all the missing Czech Jews. You can see entire families listed, very powerful.
posted by
on June 18, 2007
I've been. I think you should go. It's a monumental experience, that yes, can be quite depressing. But shutting out "depressing thoughts" is counter to the very point of understanding history, and understanding how brutal humanity can be. Auschwitz has become more than just a place, but something that binds each and every human on the planet. I feel the same way about Hiroshima. They both have come to mean more than just the events that occurred there.
I'm neither Jewish nor a relative of a survivor.
posted by
on June 18, 2007 [
1 favorite
One more vote for "go".
I went when I was 17, with my grandfather who was interned there. It was especially interesting to understand how the real-life place differs from its public image. Auschwitz I in particular is a pleasant, tree-lined, brick village while A. II and beyond are exactly what you'd expect from movies, newsreels, etc. The contrast is startling.
posted by
on June 18, 2007
I dreaded going. I really didn't want to, but I was going to be in Krakow with a family member and she was determined to visit (we're not Jewish, but I'm a Holocaust researcher FWIW). That said, I am so glad I went. I probably know more about the war in Europe than your average person, and I was worried that it would make the entire visit too overwhelming (ignorance is bliss eh?), but it was such a worthwhile trip. Others above have described it much better than I could, but definitely go. Make a day of it. It's really heavy going, but it's one of those things that you just have to do.
There may be some lighter moments, too, believe it or not. The most annoying people on the day that we were there were a bunch of Hasidim who were tearing around in such a rush, laughing and joking and basically showing no respect. Maybe it's just me, but something about it made me smile at the same time as it annoyed me.
You really should visit on THIS trip. It won't get any easier - and as others said, you may not have the chance again.
posted by
on June 18, 2007
Just last night I was discussing with a friend the scary fact that our generation will be the last to have known Holocaust survivors, and how huge that responsibility is for the future. It will be incumbent upon us to relay the horrors to the next generations, to remember the stories and the nightmares.
My family lost scores of members during the Holocaust, many in Auschwitz. My grandmother was unhappy that my sister went to visit. Why? Most likely, she didn't want my sister to see that pain. She wanted to protect my sister. But my sister felt she
to witness it.
Bottom line - in addition to thinking about what it will mean to your grandmother to visit, think about
what it will mean to your grandchildren.
posted by
on June 19, 2007
I was taken to Dachau as a young kid (7). it was a life changing experience I think about often.
posted by
on June 20, 2007
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MSNBC's Bashir Attacks Ann Romney.... For Having Multiple Sclerosis?!
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H/T Real Clear Politics
Its clear that MSNBC host Martin Bashir enjoys making fun of Republican candidates who have sick family members. First, he jabbed Rick Santorum for caring for his daughter, complaining about Santorum's small amount of donations to charity. Last week, he took a jab at Ann Romney, claiming that Mitt Romney is exploiting her health issues to gain votes.

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Tenoch Huerta by Antoine Doyen at the Cannes Film Festival
*NOTE* This is specifically addressing the use of her face in the roleplaying community as seen on the site roleplayer.me
Most people who actively look for POC to roleplay have seen her face more times than they can count. This is because she is one of the few overused female faces of color. The problem isn't that she is overused. The problem is that we don't have a choice about what women we want representing us. If you are a roleplayer who prefers to use black women than you have a very small list of faces people would be willing to use. Zoe is at the top of that list. Whether or not she is a good representation of black women as characters in roleplay is up to each individual writer. However, the fact that she is so overused is not as simple as saying "Oh Ashley Benson is so overused." Because even then there are hundreds of other faces to choose from in small groups, in RPGs. If you don't like one face there are tons of faces that you to like waiting for you in bulletins and in blogs. But people who prefer to roleplay POC don't have that option. Zoe as well as a few other faces may be vastly overused, but they only appear in the off chance that someone wants to use a POC in their group which is not often at all.
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Ain't nobody scramblin' to talk about how perfect and beautiful black men or black women are.
East Asian folks (primary of Japanese and Korean descent) are put on this pedestal based on stereotypes or generalizations of their physical features and personality traits. They are often sex policing and slut-shaming/virgin diefying (Asian girls are just so pure and perfect and sweet!), colorist and generalized (Almond monolids! Pale skin! Wow!) misogynist (the women are submissive!) demasculinizing (the men are all so pretty and cute and tiny and androgynous* omg), and, bless, leave out most actual Asian peoples. They are considered intelligent, well-tempered, civilized, advanced.
They are put in juxtaposition to black folk, who are seen as animalistic, lowly, jungle, libidinous, criminal, angry, stupid, uncivilized, backwards, brutish, uncouth. African features are seen as lowly, unnattractive, and unintelligent.
In the larger scheme of white supremacy, which is a poisonous ditchomous hierarchy, to fetishize one, you have to put down another.
Ain't nobody scramblin' to learn Spanish.
Do you have any idea how many times I've heard Americans shoot down the prospect of learning Spanish with disgust, ridicule, and scorn but get googly eyes at the idea of learning Japanese or Korean?
To fetishize one, you have to put down another.
My mom always liked to pitter patter with non-black immigrants of color, specifically Asians, that we were better than African Americans
To fetishize one, you have to put down another.
*not that there is anything wrong with these traits, or that men cannot have them, rather, this generalization plays into the bigoted idea of the submissive, "castrated", effeminate, Asian male that has a larger role and context as far as racism, tokenism, and orientalism goes.
So sorry I have been missing in action for these past few months. Things got crazy and inspiration dwindled. For a while I was thinking of letting the site go, and just roleplay like before, but unfortunately my problems surrounding diversity in roleplay only doubled. I think it's because I'm a lot more aware of it now that I have started this site and are following more like minded people on here.
So, to avoid anymore rambling. GALANG IS BACK IN BUSINESS! Playby suggestions are encouraged and welcomed.
Thanks you guys! Make sure to send in your faceclaim suggestions.
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3 Agrochemical Companies Looking to Capitalize on Booming Fertilizer Demand
Shweta is a member of The Motley Fool Blog Network -- entries represent the personal opinion of the blogger and are not formally edited.
With demand for food grains increasing, global demand for fertilizer is expected to increase at a CAGR 10.6% from $134 billion in 2010 to $223 billion in 2015. To monetize this opportunity, agrochemical companies are expanding their production capacity.
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Agrium's wholesale segment contributes around 60% in EBITDA, with potash being the main revenue driver. Potash recorded sales of $152 million in the first quarter of 2013. However, potash sales are expected to decline in the upcoming quarters. India, which is the key importer of Potash, recently reduced the existent subsidy on potash imports. This will lead to an increase in the acquisition costs for potash. A decline in potash sales to the tune of $110 million in the third quarter is expected from $152 million in the first quarter.
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Expansion plan for self-sufficiency
Mosaic (NYSE: MOS) is the largest producer of potash in the world. Global demand for potash fertilizer is expected to grow at CAGR of 3.2%. To meet this demand, the company is planning to expand its potash fertilizer production in Canada by 2 million tons in the first half of 2014. Canada is rich in potash deposits, but Western Canada is facing high potash prices due to a lack of potash suppliers. Therefore, Mosaic's expansion in Canada will help the company increase its total potash sales. Eventually, it will increase its potash sales to $3.6 billion in 2014 from $3.3 billion last year.
The company requires 1.5 billion tons of ammonia every year. Its production capacity fulfills only one-third of its requirement with a cost of $200 per ton. The rest of the ammonia is imported at $600 per ton, which is very expensive compared to in-house production. To cover the import cost, the company is planning to design a $700 million plant at its existing Faustina site. Plant construction will start in the first half of 2014 and will fulfill 100% of its ammonia requirements. Through this, Mosaic will save $400 per ton on ammonia.
Agrium is expanding its retail business by acquiring Viterra to achieve greater profitability. However, its potash business will face problems in the coming quarters.
CF Industries is expanding its nitrogen plant for future growth, but due to rising ammonia prices, its phosphate profit margins are declining.
Thus, these stocks are both rated "hold."
Mosaic is expanding its potash plants in Canada and building an ammonia plant on its existing site. This expansion move will make the company self-sufficient and will bring cost synergies. This stock is a "buy."
The Motley Fool's chief investment officer has selected his No. 1 stock for this year. Find out which stock it is in the special free report: "The Motley Fool's Top Stock for 2013." Just click here to access the report and find out the name of this under-the-radar company.
Shweta Dubey has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of CF Industries Holdings. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Is this post wrong? Click here. Think you can do better? Join us and write your own!


text: TiVo Research and Analytics (TRA) documents the top 5 moments watched of Season 9, Episode 3 of the Bachelorette and reports on the automobiles owned by fans of the show. The ninth season of The Bachelorette features a familiar face from the The Bachelor season 17; Desiree Hartsock. She was reluctantly sent home by Sean Lowe in that season, but is now back and better than ever hoping to find true love with 25 eligible bachelors. Desiree eliminated nine potential suitors during the first two... more


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Indonesia Issues Safety Recommendations on Sukhoi Jet
Even though its investigation is ongoing, the Indonesian National Transportation Safety Committee (NTSC) issued five safety recommendations on June 26, relating to the May 9 crash this year of a Sukhoi Superjet 100 regional airliner on a demonstration flight from Jakarta. All 45 people aboard were killed when the aircraft slammed into the side of a hill near Mt. Salak shortly after takeoff.
The NTSC wants the Indonesian Directorate of Civil Aviation to ensure that the crews of future demonstration flights conducted during IFR conditions pay strict attention to published minimum altitudes. The committee also wants a copy of the complete crew and passenger manifest available in the Operation Service office prior to takeoff.
The NTSC publicized a number of recommendations specifically aimed at the Sukhoi Aircraft Company as well. The committee wants assurances that pilots will review current procedures for the preparation and conduct of a demonstration flight and to arrange for additional crew training for these trips, especially when they're conducted in mountainous territory.
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text: Humans have always been clever at finding things to make tools out of, but if you're up on the Moon and you're in a jam, you can't really sit down in your spacesuit and knap a moon rock into the tool you need. So for future lunar explorers, the other option might be 3D printing tools out of moon dust. Because if there's one thing the Moon has way too much of, it's dust. Those moon turds above are three different test prints, using moon dust as the 3D printing medium.


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Marble Countertop Tests at The Petch House
We love the look of white marble countertops, but what about the age-old question of marble surface protection? It's a discussion that generally ends in, "Get a marble sample and test it out". While few of us have actually done this, Greg over at The Petch House conducted extensive and brutal marble tests and documented the process for us all to see...
The Petch House's test started with a sample from the countertop slab. Sealant was applied to one half and the other was left as-is for a comparison of sealed and unsealed marble. Then the sample was covered in all kinds of acidic foodstuff and beat up with a dinner knife.
Testing continues here, after the sample has a chance to rest a bit, and final results and observations are here. Thanks to Greg at The Petch House for putting this sample to the test and sharing it all with us.
AT related post: Good Questions: Why Not Do White Marble Kitchen Countertops?.
Top photo: ABKA. Others: The Petch House
11 Comments
This is fantastic, I think you were reading my mind. Perhaps some tests can be done with every day bathroom products. I am dying to have marble in my walk-in shower area. Thanks!
Regarding bathroom products: My parent's house cleaner brought a helper one day who used toilet bowl cleaner to clean the entire brown marble shower. It etched and emoved the polished finish from the whole thing. They had to have a marble restorer completely refinish it. You never want to use anything that states on the bottle that it cannot be used with marble.
I have limestone floors in the bathroom and searched for a bathroom cleaner that was not harmful to marble in case my house cleaners accidentally got any on the floor. I finally found that Green Works by Clorox has a bathroom cleaner that is safe around marble.
Can anyone recommend a good marble sealer? I have a marble coffee table from Room and Board that could use it.
Well, that first image seals the deal for me. I want a marble back splash!!
I recently stayed in a hotel that used marble for their bathroom countertops. They used some sort of very thin plastic (sort of like the film over your cellphone) that adhered to the marble. Not only could you not see it without close inspection, it made cleaning very easy, and of course, protected the finish.
I have white marble countertops in my kitchen. I have found that even with sealer they do stain and are very sensitive to heat. They are also soft. Get yourself a nice cutting block if you MUST have them like I did!
Home depot's sealer is just okay. They also have a cleaner that I use occasionally too.
When we remodeled our kitchen, I narrowed the countertop options to marble or Caeserstone. I did a lot of research on marble. The bottom line is this, which I read somewhere and paraphrase loosely here:
Marble will stain and etch with everyday use. End of story. In other countries, people accept and appreciate this. They consider it patina. They accept the aging process. But Americans want everything to look new, all the time!
Probably true. In the end, I went with the Caeserstone because I'm lazy and just wanted something completely maintenance free. But if you love and want marble, you have to stop fretting about stains, and just do it already.
Marble counter tops is one thing, marble EVERYTHING....harsh.
I used a marble porcelain tile in a recent reno and you can't tell except for grout lines.. I bought it at Southamton Brick and tile in Southampton NY. It was my compromise. I used a Schluter edge.
I am an American who is enjoying the slow patina of age and use leaving their mark on my carrera marble countertops. It's just stuff afterall.
We have had unsealed marble counters for a year now. They do etch slightly but have never stained and I think they are totally gorgeous!!


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just got this in the mail & i'm not sure why. unless it is a friends of pix thing?
? ? ? ? ?
ok i figured it out (this post coming to you in REAL TIME!!!) it is from Wild Creature of the mountain goats forums who a month ago asked me if i would like a chris clavin related thing. it's from his micro press called Gray Sky and wow are internet near-strangers wonderful and all together too nice to me. it's not a flexidisc either it's a big ol thick hunk of plastic, how cool!


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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
WoW's (USA) server restrictions really puts a clamp on interaction with international players. The server I am on everyone is a natural english speaker or learned English prior to playing WoW (a russian immigrant in the guild). People are generally from Canada or the USA (haven't met any french Canadians).
However in other games with no such country restrictions on what server one can connect to, I have made friends with others (who are Macedonians) that have learned English through the mmo game we were playing.
I found that to be impressive to play a foriegn game and learn English by playing. Most said they learned English in school but never retained the skill or paid much attention in class. After some time mastering written English (generally comes first in mmos), through talking programs they'd polish their speaking skills.
International mmos can really provide some interesting learning experiences and interactions. I really wish that I could play with my European and Macedonian friends on WoW. I know there is a way to do it but a true international server would be cool.
themightysven said...
from US servers you can get on Latin American Servers, I don't know how much they speak in Portuguese or Spainish though. Might roll there today when I'm bored.


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Forum: USA
/ Wild Iris
Login in to contribute
Wild Iris
2013-09-22 09:04:32
Crag: Wild Iris
yogy Wiedemann
2013-09-22 09:04:32
Even as a climber from Germany's biggest sports climbing area, I have to admit that Wyoming, Lander and therein
Wild Iris
is hard to beat when one wants to enjoy a real "away from the rest" outdoor experience. Stay at the campground, but don't miss Lander itself!
PS: Beer, bread and "Nine on Kraut" are still definitely better in Frankenjura ;)


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welcome to xbox 360 cheats - over 7167 xbox 360 cheats and codes!
you are here: home > Saint's Row IV cheats > How to Unlock the Dubstep Gun
Saint's Row IV
How to Unlock the Dubstep Gun
First need to complete either The Real World or the Hello Teacup missions. This will unlock a side mission called Campaign Trail of Destruction.
|Yerrsly on Sat, 31st August 2013 09:58 PM
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E-girls unleash PV for 'Odoru Ponpokorin'
E-girls have unleashed the short PV for their new song 'Odoru Ponpokorin' through avex's official YouTube channel. "Odoru Ponpokorin" is scheduled to be released on August 13, and it's the opening theme for Fuji TV's anime 'Chibi Maruko-chan'. In the PV, the girls can be seen wearing costumes representing the four seasons and dancing in a colorful train. The girls are scheduled to hold a collaboration event called 'Chibi Maruko-chan×E-girls
E-girls to release a new single for 3 consecutive months
It's been revealed that E-girls will release a new single for 3 consecutive months. They will release "E.G. Anthem -WE ARE VENUS-" on July 9, "Odoru Ponpokorin" on August 13, and "Highschool ♥ love" on September 10.The first single "E.G. Anthem -WE ARE VENUS-" is the theme song for their summer arena tour 'COLORFUL LAND'. It's described as a song that introduces E-girls as the lyrics include "Dream", "Happiness", and "Flower". The seco
Recochoku's weekly download charts for 6/11~6/17
Recochoku have just updated their weekly charts for the week of June 11th to June 17th. Check out the top ranking chaku-uta, digital singles and music videos for this week below! - < Chaku-Uta - Weekly Ranking > 01 - "FEEL" - JUNHO (From 2PM) 02 - "Let It Go ~Ari no Mama de~ (Japanese)" - Matsu Takako 03 - "Kenka Joutou" - Kishidan 04 - "We Don't Stop" - Nishino Kana 05 - "Nijiiro" - Ayaka 06 - "RHYTHM OF THE SUN" - Ketsum
Check out the PV for Sheena Ringo's new single 'NIPPON'
Sheena Ringo has uploaded the PV for her new song "NIPPON" onto her official YouTube channel. "NIPPON" will be released on June 11, and it's the theme song for NHK's 2014 soccer broadcast. It's described as a rock number depicting the "strong attitude of someone who is going for the win in a win or lose situation of life". Take a look above.Source & Image: natalie
Rola challenges herself to fishing for 30 kilogram maguro
It's been revealed that talento Rola has challenged herself to fishing for maguro (tuna) in the 30 kilogram (66 pounds) division for the June 29th broadcast of Fuji TV's program 'Nippon wo Tsuritai!'. This is the 20th of the series, which began back in 1995. Rola has been crazy about fishing after being introduced to the sport by a friend about 3 years ago. Since then, she claims to go fishing at Tokyo Bay and at her travel
Dempagumi.inc to simultaneously release new single & live DVD
On July 30, Dempagumi.inc will simultaneously release their new single "Chururi Chururira" and their live DVD "Wild World☆Dempa Tour 2014 in Nippon Budokan ~Yume de Owaran yo!~". This was announced on May 18th during their live event at Hibiya Outdoors Music Hall. The title track for their new single is a number that was written by Maeyamada Kenichi, and it's currently being used as the CM song for Nisshin Cup Noodle starring the members
E-girls to sing 'Odoru Ponpokorin' for Chibi Maruko-chan anime
It was announced that E-girls would sing Fuji TV anime "Chibi Maruko-chan" (every Sunday at 6:00 pm)'s opening song "Odoru Ponpokorin." Reportedly, E-girls' version of "Odoru Ponpokorin" is a pop song and more danceable than ever. Ami, Fujii Karen, Washio Reina, and Takebe Yuzuna will serve as the vocalists for the song and they will also appear in the opening animation as characters.Leader Aya commented, "I used to watch Chibi Maruko-cha
Kojima Haruna absent from live tv program due to the flu
AKB48's Kojima Haruna was absent from the live broadcast of NTV's television program 'PON!' due to influenza. To fill in Kojima's spot, fellow member Watanabe Mayu made a substitute appearance. At the beginning of the show, Watanabe appeared wearing a short-sleeved top even though the set was outside the studio. She explained, "As a matter of fact, Kojima-san has caught the flu and was ordered from the doctor to not appear on the show." Sh
Domoto Tsuyoshi to release new album in February
Domoto Tsuyoshi will release his new album "shamanippon -Roinochinoi-" on February 12th. The album will be released in 3 different types: Limited Edition A (Doumo Tokubetsu Yoshi-chan Version), Limited Edition B (Tokubetsu Yoshi-chan Version), and Regular Edition (Futsuu Yoshi). The track list is provided below. [Limited Edition A "Doumo Tokubetsu Yoshi-chan Version"]01. Welcome to shamanippon - INISHIE groove02. I gotta take you sham
Yuzu reveal details on new album & single + tour dates
Yuzu have revealed that the title of their new album, scheduled for release on February 19, will be "Shinsekai". They have also revealed the jacket covers and track list for the album.The new album was created with the theme "nostalgic and new." It will feature a total of 15 songs, including their singles "Hikare", "Tomo ~Tabidachi no Toki~", "Ame Nochi Hallelujah", "Mamotte Agetai", and "Hyori Ittai" as well as "Yorokobi no Uta" and "Sugao no Ma


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Compuware Arena Drive-In
Between Memorial Day & Labor Day, Compuware Arena transforms into a fun-filled, summer attraction by becoming the only local drive-in theatre in the area!
Adults: $10
Kids (4-12) : $8
Click here for Movie Listings!
Located at 14900 Beck Road, Just N. of M-14 in Plymouth.
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To those knowledgeable: is A36 structured steel the best option, or is there any point in using something else like say pure iron as used in the Debuyer mineral pans? Or anything else for that matter?
Printable View
Pics as promised
Attachment 18704Attachment 18705
I have other files but the uploader sucks. Does anybody else have problems uploading files? Sometime it works sometime it doesn't. I had a pic of the steel in the oven but it wont upload.
Just priced a carbon steel 1/2", 18" diameter from my local metal supply shop-$48
I spoke to Aldo at NJ Steel Baron. He has 1018 in 1/4 with 15.75" width. I will call him on Monday for the price. 1018 has better surface finish than A36 steel and he said he would finish the steel to 320 grit I think.
A36, followed by 1018 are the least expensive options. Everything up from there will be more money without much advantage.
Thanks for getting us this info!
I thought this is kind of cool...
Could use the griddle for in the oven then take it out to the grill when needed. I'm going to measure my Kamado and order one of these kits... this will kill two birds with one stone for me.


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Deluxa: Brooklyn Vintage
- Location: Brooklyn, New York
- Website: deluxanyc.com
Deluxa is a well-stocked vintage store in Brooklyn with everything: clothing, furniture, housewares, home accessories and vintage art. You can literally outfit your entire life from this store (in vintage). There are two ways to stay updated on the store's offerings. First, be sure to check owner Kristen Stocks' frequently updated blog and the best way to get a look at the furniture in the store is the up-to-date furniture listings on craigslist. The were a lot of great items for sale in the store, but we did have one favorite...
Our favorite thing for sale in the store was the large collection of metal boat letters for $3 each. But our favorite things about the store were the bunny mascots. Our picture doesn't do this guy justice. Much cuter in person — he was a little wiggly for his glamour shot!
(Images: Amy Azzarito)
3 Comments
How funny, I have an identical lacquered chest to the one pictured in the window, but mine was originally yellow. I wonder how much they're selling that one for - I scored mine for $15.00
Me like bunny!
Sadly, Deluxa is closed. I think they have an online presence somewhere, though.


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Ralph & Michelle's One Big Happy Family Home
House Tour
Name: Ralph, Michelle and Family
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Size: 4 BR Home
Years lived in: 5
Ralph and Michelle are modern design enthusiasts - they live in a big, beautiful, light and bright home in Toronto that is firmly contemporary in its decor and even more firmly family friendly. This is home to many Montemurros - Ralph, Michelle and their four kids. This intersection of design and children is not only a way of life at home...
...it is also the family business. Ralph and Michelle are the couple behind the Monte Design Group, makers of modern nursery furniture. Having a big, built-in "testing team" certainly can't hurt with design decisions for their work, but they manage to keep the balance of kid-friendly casualness and grown up design intact at home. A real sense of calm and spareness exists in this recently built house, along with plenty of room to grow and the idea that when it comes to the number of chairs around the family dinner table, sometimes bigger really can be better!
Apartment Therapy Survey:
Our style: Modern (at least that's what we strive for), and streamlined, yet comfortable and warm
Inspiration: Our architects- Gianonne Petricone Associates. They helped us with everything from design, to millwork, to paint colors.
Favorite Element: It's a very family friendly home. With lots of open spaces, the flow encourages togetherness while maintaining 'away spaces' such as the kids play room off the kitchen
Biggest Challenge: Having tradesmen who were used to building traditional homes. It took a lot of explaining for them to try to get the streamlined aesthetic.
What Friends Say: They can't believe the lack of clutter- especially with 4 kids
Biggest Embarrassment: We can't get the lock on our main floor bathroom to work...not so cool during dinner parties
Proudest DIY: Having my own upholstery shop comes in handy- I salvaged a few 30 year old club chairs from the priests' residence of my high school and re-covered them.
Also, before I started Monte Design, my wife Michelle and I couldn't find a sectional sofa we liked, so we got one from Ikea, and had stainless steel trim and legs made for it. What most sofa manufactures don't realize is that the legs of the chair or sofa are extremely important to the design- it's like the shoes for the outfit; the shoes can make or break the look.
Biggest Indulgence: The lighting- it's artwork for our ceilings
Best advice: "Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful"- William Morris (1880)
Dream source: I Saloni furniture show in Milan
Lighting: Artimede, moooi, george nelson, verner panton, foscarini, sistemalux.com, gabrielross.com
Kitchen and bath cabinets: www.downsviewkitchens.com
All stone, granite, marble, tiles: www.ciot.com
Paint: Ben Moore
Appliances: Viking- www.morleysappliances.com
Kitchen Chairs: Stua's Gas chair- kioskdesign.ca
Bathroom Fixtures: Zuchetti faucets www.natfil.com
Master bedroom furniture: custom made by cabinetfurniture.ca
Architects: gpaia.com
(Thanks, Ralph & Michelle!)
Images: via Ralph & Michelle
30 Comments
That "Happy Days" art just cracks me up!
squee! love!
One word: Magnifico.
where did the high-chair come from? i'm looking for one and this one looks perfect!
I love that bed in the master bedroom! Is that one of Michelle and Ralph's designs, or from somewhere else?
Pinktea - the high chair is on their website (Monte Design).
I like how this is modern but not cold modern. That's hard to do I think with strictly modern pieces. It's very homey.
I am curious, however if that baby sleeps in the bassinet next to the bed? She seems way too old to sleep in something so shallow.
So nice! If I may ask, what is the diameter of your round dining table?
Nice place! :)
One question, I know I've seen that coffee table before, but I can't remember what it is now, can anyone enlighten me?
beautiful people. beautiful house!
Love the red Twiggy lamp and chandelier over DR table. Also love the "Happy Days" artwork (now the song is stuck in my head!) and love love love the cutie in the stripey tights!
As much as I hate to give Torontonians credit for anything, that is one adorable house.
When I have a baby I will be rocking the little one asleep in the Luca Glider ... have yet to see a better looking one around . Well done !!!
we're waiting for our glider to come in to the store! great to see photos of the designers and their inspiration, thanks for sharing
We have some monte furniture, and we are so happy with it. Nice to see their lovely home!
How do you like the Stua Gas chairs? I've had my eye on them for a dining room...
This is not usually my style, but this is warm and lovely and beautifully executed. I'd love to see close-ups of the three pieces of art in the hallway. Artist?
Great balance of design, color and art. A very happy home. Can you share where you purchased the gray with orange stripe hallway runner rug? Thanks for sharing your home.
To be honest, I find the place a little cool and not inspiring at all. It looks like a catalogue to me and not like a genuine home.
I like the seperate components, but the result looks as if it was put together within a week. I like home to grow and develope.
But: each to their own!
Where did they get that awesome lamp?!
Hey All...This is Michelle (and Ralph). Thanks to everyone for your comments...our home is a continuous work in progress, and we appreciate all the feedback!
In answer to some of your questions:
** High Chair: It's part of our monte line...please check our webiste at www.montedesign.net
** Bed in MB: We designed it and had it made locally in Toronto at Cabinet
** Baby bassinet: You are correct! Our youngest is much too old (she's 15 months now) to be in that bassinet. The picture was taken before she was born...we had one bassinet beside our bed and one on the main floor...very handy!!
** Diameter of our round kitchen table: 60 inches (seats 8)
** Coffee Tables in LR: Both the white and brown tables are by Botanist
** Stua Gas Chairs: Really like them...they've held up to quite a bit of daily abuse from the kids...also, they were the only chair I (Michelle) could sit in for long periods of time when I was pregnant...so comfortable!
** 3 pieces of art in hallway: We commissioned a local artist to take our wedding photo and both our parents' wedding photos and create abstract art with them...really great results! The artist is James Durant.
** Grey with orange striped rug: We designed it and a local rug company had it made.
** Red Lamp: Twiggy lamp
** Fireplaces: By a Toronto-based fireplace company called National Fireplace at www.nationalhomecomfort.com
Thanks again!
Michelle (and Ralph)
Can you tell me where you got the chairs that the kids are sitting in?
Like the house...don't like that the kids are in the photos.
this is not the site to put the little kiddies on display!
jijmjb - The kids chairs are the monte cubino chairs from their furniture company.
wow! i love every single thing about it!
What a beautiful bassinette! Lovely family and home. Happy Days piece = A .
Any idea where the "Happy Days" art is from? Love this house. Wish I had the talent and resources to live in such a place!
Where is the rug from? I love it!
I love this house and I love to see designs that are kid-friendly. It's great to actually see the kids using the furniture. With 3 small boys at our house, I am inspired by people who live with great design and a family of more than 2 kids!
Lighting: Artemide (not Artimede!)


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Indian Food in Phoenix
Hey Fellow Phoenix Chowhounders,
My friends and I have recently moved to Phoenix are hoping to find a great Indian restaurant in Phoenix.
I've browsed through the past posts and didn't see anything too recent. Are Tandoori Times, Pasand, and Taste of India still the top Indian restaurants near Phoenix (we work near the junction of the 51 and 10)?
Also, is anyone who's been to a couple of these willing to rank them?
re: Seth Chadwick
Hello everyone! Just arrived back from my first dinner at Tandoori Times. Had the Saturday special of Beef Nihari (tomato-based curry), complete with saffron Basmati rice, one naan, and a side salad for $14. I also ordered some comforting and tasty Dal Makhani, $9 (tasted equally wonderful with the rice and naan). I finished with a bowl of kheer, $3. You must try the complimentary Indian tea chai sweetened with sugar syrup used to flavor the gulab jamun (OK, so I had a taste!). A delicious meal! Was pleasantly surprised that there was belly-dancing (Saturday/Sunday, starting at 8p). Joel was my amiable (and cute!) and attentive server. I will return!
I love Indian food, but grow frustrated with Indian restaurants -- not only in Phoenix, but everywhere I travel. There is too much mediocre cooking and too many cookie-cutter menus. As a result, I cannot think of any one place that stands out as consistently excellent at the moment. You just have to find a place that works for you more often than not. Here are some comments and observations:
Tandoori Times -- never been there; people speak highly of it, but it's outside my normal travel patterns and I have trouble with the silly name
Taste of India -- I've been, but it's been a long time. Reasonably good northern Indian with a British feel, although not terribly close to your work location.
Pasand -- southern Indian food with masala dosa, idli sambar, etc. For best results, stick to these dishes rather than trying Pasand's take on northern Indian. Pasand offers northern Indian dishes to cater to customer expectations, but their specialty is southern Indian food.
Other possibilities:
Flavors of India -- the closest to your location at 16th St. and Campbell; food and service are both erratic. Hit it on a good day, and you'll love it; on a bad day, you'll wonder why you wasted your money.
Priya -- southern Indian at McClintock & Warner in Tempe
Indian Delhi Palace -- northern Indian at 50th & McDowell, east side of Phoenix
Delhi Palace -- northern Indian at Rural & University in Tempe
Jewel of the Crown -- northern Indian near the Scottsdale Center for the Arts
re: silverbear
Great list, SB. I haven't been to Tandoori Times, but people seem to like it. Otherwise, I'd go with Jewel of the Crown.
re: silverbear
I've been too all listed so far, save for Jewel of the Crown.
Your CLOSEST is India Dehli Palace, and it's very good Northern, IMHO. Your next closest, and with better food, is Dehli Place. Priya is definitely worth the drive for Southern style, and I would also have you try Pasand. I've been there twice, and once was just TOO much spice for me. However, it sounds like what you're after.
I eat at Maharaja frequently, but only during the lunch buffet. Good and consistent, but not worth a drive for you. Taste of India is even better, but ditto.
As to T-Times, I've been ONCE. I'll try it again, but I think it's got more atmosphere going for it than the food. Nice bar, club type layout, with generous patio seating. The belly dancer was a treat for me, but I would've been a bit embarrassed were I with a spouse or date.
Copper Kettle has two 'affiliated' locations, not really at all alike. They're Paki-owned, and the cuisine overlaps with N. Indian. Guadalupe and Baseline has the atmosphere. Tempe, by ASU Main has the value, particularly if you can hang with the college crowd and you don't need tablecloths and linen to be impressed.
re: silverbear
Jewel of the Crown--the thickest palak paneer I've ever had. The naan bread was so dry that it required lots of water to down.
I think your closest bet is Indian Delhi Palace. I've not been, but I'm hoping to try it.
I wanted to add Maharajah Palace to the list for comprehensiveness' sake. It's 59Ave and Bell, so not central, but I'm always glad to eat there. I was in a few weeks ago and ordered their dinner combo, and asked for it spicy. I got the raised eyebrow and nodded to show I meant it, and happily, they complied. I had the most wonderful slow burn going the rest of the evening. Fantastic tandoori and naan.
I have a giant soft spot for Delhi Palace because it was a great place for lunch in grad school. They have a chai dispenser on the lunch buffet, and the naan is fluffy and so fragrant.
I've yet to try Tandoori Times and Jewel of the Crown (the latter is highly recommended by the PHX Vegetarian Society I dine with on occasions). I've tried Pasand- you must try the Tandoori chicken (part of the combo I had with lamb and beef; the chicken was the best), the dosai, and the kulfi (oh, I could sing praises over the kulfi!). The papadum is also good.
You must try Udupi Cafe on Scottsdale Rd near McKellips. I always order their dosai. Their mulligatawny soup is excellent, as are their chutneys.
Tried the chicken balti, garlic naan, and Dal (lentil) at the Copper Kettle on Guadalupe/Baseline. The balti was disappointingly bland, the naan was equally flavorless and soggy. I enjoyed the very flavorful dal the best. Will have to try their curries next visit... I spied some on a couple's table on my way out... they looked scrumptious!
I haven't decided which one I will try first this weekend: T-Times or Jewel of the Crown. Any suggestions on what dishes I should order?
re: starlightjulian
Oops! I meant KHEER, not kulfi, regarding the sublime dessert I had at Pasand's. Forgive me!
re: starlightjulian
I've never been a big fan of the curries at Copper Kettle, but love the chicken boti sultani, lamb briyani, and minced lamb kabob. I'm surprised to hear the chicken balti was bland since it's cooked with lots of ginger and topped with cilantro. Are there two different types of chicken balti?
re: IamJacksBrain
There is only one chicken balti on the menu, and I thought the flavor was lacking. I suppose I was just expecting more... oomph! I had originally just ordered the balti, which came with the soggy garlic naan. The meal improved immensely fifteen minutes later, when I decided to order the dal. I will visit again soon and try one of your menu selections.
re: starlightjulian
I took out my to go menu and there are two chicken baltis on the menu. The significantly better one is the ginger chicken balti.
I'll have to try the dal next time I'm there.
re: IamJacksBrain
I had the ginger chicken balti. The taste was decent enough, but nothing special. I was searching for something more flavorful, more sensational that evening. The garlic naan was disappointing... the naan at Tandoori Times and Jewel of the Crown surpass it greatly! The meal turned for the better when my dal order arrived. I would have to go back and order the dal again to be sure, but I think I prefer CK's version (green or yellow lentils) over those of Tandoori Times and Jewel of the Crown (both of the black lentil variety and both very tasty!).
re: starlightjulian
*laugh* RE: thinking you got the regular chicken balti.
re: starlightjulian
I will add my vote for Udupi. It is vegeterian, and they also have some "vegan" dishes. I am neither (an unconsitituted meat eater), but I don't really care. The "dosai" is a paper-thin wrapper, in which there are many variations for the filling; if you want a close comparison, think "quesadilla" but it isn't the same. Actually, the best dish I had there was the cauliflower (can't remember the name). I have not been there for a number of months, and I've read about the quality "slipping", so take that into account.
I've tried Copper Kettle (in Mesa and Tempe), Delhi Palace Cuisine of India (Tempe), Tandoori Times (Scottsdale and Glendale), Indian Delhi Palace (east Phoenix), Indian Maharaja Palace (Glendale), Tandoori Village (Glendale), Udupi Cafe (Tempe) and Taste of India (Phoenix). As you can probably tell, I like Indian food.
Out of all these, Tandoori Times (the one is Scottsdale) has been the most consistent and I have been there the most. The worst of the lot was Taste of India.
Tandoori Village which is fairly new is not bad either but their service is awful. Service has been my main issue with several Indian restaurants in town but Tandoori Times doesn't normally disappoint in that area.
re: emokid
Please don't forget Royal Taj in Tempe (broadway and mcclintock). They have a great lunch buffet -- as long as you get there early. If you get there at the end, the rice is hard and the food's been sitting around too long. They also have chai and great garlic naan with the lunch buffet.
My husband's from India and his fav restaurant is Jewel of the Crown and Udupi (except for the sktchy health dept. rating that place has been getting recently). I love Royal Taj.
Also -- if you feel like chaat for lunch, you can head to India World on McClintock (or rural?) and Southern..
re: anakalia
Big fan of Jewel of the Crown. Never had a bad meal there and have been going for eight years.
re: avandelay
been going there as well. been absent for a while but a bunch of us went last month and it was great!
i've heard that there is an indian market in the strip mall with pasand that serves food that is supposed to be very good. anybody been there? keep seeing it on steve's espresso visits. need to try it.
re: emokid
Visited Jewel of the Crown for the first time Sunday night. I ordered the lamb boti masala, dal maharani, garlic naan, and roti; my friend ordered a potato and pea dish and a side of basmati rice. Papadum sheets were good with the sweet chile and mint/parsley "dips." Everything we ordered was tasty and satisfying. I even some delicious kheer. Has anyone tried JotC's gulab jamun? Is it as good, or better than that of Tandoori Times? I cannot wait to try other dishes at both venues soon!
Was going to try Tempe's Delhi Palace Monday night, but the restaurant was closed. I then opted to give Char's Thai a try, but after waiting more than 5 minutes to be greeted and seated, I waited another 10 minutes or more after I was served water to place my order, but the server never returned. Two strikes, Char's, and I won't be coming back. Instead, I struck a homerun at Nhat with their lemongrass chicken served with sticky rice. I also tried the seafood combo pho with egg noodles- it ended up being an imitation crab egg noodle pho with veggies (and I had to order another side of veggies to round out the meal) since I'm allergic to shrimp. Good soup, but will not order due to the imitation crab.
re: starlightjulian
Char's definitely has service challenges. It's incredibly dark. Combine that with the high-backed booths, and I often find it's necessary to lean outside my booth and wave every time I need something.
re: silverbear
I've given them two chances already, so I won't go back. Too many other places to try!
re: zebcook
zebcook, i think that's exactly what i was referring to in the post above. nice! so a thumbs up?
re: ccl1111
I like the dishes at Little India. It's an absolute dead zero for anything involving ambiance or charm (unless you ARE looking for a dining experience that's a couple of formica tables squeezed in next to the bags of dal). Service is relatively nonexistent. It took me a while to figure out that you take a slip and pencil from up front by the register and mark what you want. But I like the food and it makes a good cheap meal.
A new location of Tandoori Times recently opened on Bell in Glendale. We tried it and liked it quite well, although we found it a little pricier than most Indian restaurants. We had garlic naan, a chicken curry (can't remember now -- may have been tikka), palak paneer, and lamb biryani. We were least pleased with the palak paneer, which is one of our standard choices in an Indian restaurant; we found it under-flavored, and I would have liked the paneer to be more firm. But we will go back because it's close to our house.
However, our favorite far and away continues to be Udupi. We have never been disappointed there, and we have a long way to go before we sample everything on the menu.
re: kittyfood
If you haven't tried the paneer dosa, you must on your next visit! The mulligatawny ("no soup for you!") is also excellent. If you like very spicy, try the eggplant curry. If only I wasn't trying to avoid fried foods, I would order the samosas in a heartbeat... wonderfully crisped, delicious, and not greasy at all. I just love the sauces/dips at Udupi.
I've tried Pasand, Tandoori Times, Jewel of the Crown, Star of India (40th and Chandler), and Royal Taj.
Pasand serves great chicken and lamb tandoori (chicken being the better of the two). I enjoyed the "all you can eat" dosa, even though successive dosa arrived with less and less potato filling :( (I only had three!). The kheer (milk, nuts, vermicelli strands, and cardamom) is the best I've had anywhere (although the kheer I just tried at Tandoori Times is a close second!).
I had the Beef Nihari dinner special at TT, which came with a side salad, naan, and saffron Basmati rice. I was disappointed that the beef curry, while delicious, only contained three small chunks of beef. For dessert, I tried the kheer (very good, with whole nuts mixed in) and a delightful ball of gulab jamun swimming in a saffron and cardamom-scented sugar syrup. I even used some of the syrup to flavor the complimentary chai, a vast improvement from the earlier sips I had with only sugar to sweeten with. This sugar syrup-sweetened chai could easily fill in for dessert the next time I go, but why would I want to skip dessert?? LOL. But seriously, with all the dining out I've done lately, I may just have to settle for chai... getting chubby :)
I had lamb boti masala, garlic naan, roti, and dal maharani at JotC (my friend had the potato and pea veggie entree and Basmati rice). All were very good and recommendable. (The masala sauce over salad would make a great meal! I had a few small chunks of lamb, sauce, and salad for lunch today... delish!) The kheer here was also good, but I preferred TT's nuttier and larger portion. Be forewarned, the portions served here are smaller than average, but the menu proves to be very promising! I cannot wait to go back! BTW, I love the atmosphere here... just beautiful and romantic. If only they'd dress up the restrooms a bit.
It's been over a year (maybe even two), since I dined at Star of India. I recall favoring the chicken naan. I had to stop going as the owner was getting a little too friendly...
Royal Taj... I was just starting to work through some food issues (I suffer from both food allergies and intolerances) and had to inquire about the buffet selections. I found it very hard to understand the woman who tried to answer my inquiries. I will have to go back and try ordering from the menu. As the years go by, I'm finding myself wanting to stay away from buffets. I don't think it's the best way to sample from the menu, and it's so difficult not to overindulge!! Plus, I like enjoying my meals fresh and at correct temperatures.
As an aside, Copper Kettle, a Pakistani restaurant, serves tandoori items as well. While the ginger chicken balti I had there left much to be desired (the flavor was decent enough; I was just expecting something more), I enjoyed the dal dish (simmered lentils). The garlic naan was greasy on top and soggy on the bottom (a better version can be had at JotC).
Tangentially, if you like lentils and vegetarian fare in general, you must try Ethiopian food! (Tempe has two restaurants: Blue Nile (better food) and Cafe Lalibela (better atmosphere). Injera (spongy bread) is used to scoop up the food and all the delicious sauces from the different veggie selections; you may request utensils but the traditional way to eat is communal and with your fingers. If you do not care for injera (made from teff and wheat- delicious, high in fiber and very good for you!), you may order brown rice If you don't want to share your food, you can order individual platters. Blue Nile Cafe also serves very good lamb shank specials. I favor Tina's Ethiopian Cafe (forget about atmosphere in this house!) in Chandler out of the three restaurants I've tried.
re: starlightjulian
Interesting report. Did you try the Copper Kettle location in Mesa or Tempe? I've heard they're quite different.
Royal Taj's buffet has always seemed weak compared to some others, and I'm also beginning to overload on Indian buffets. I'd be interested to hear about Royal Taj's standard menu.
Regarding Ethiopian, I've been a fan of LaLibela since it opened in the late 90s. I recently tried Blue Nile for the first time and certainly liked it, but I still give a slight edge to LaLibela. I haven't made it to Tina's yet.
re: silverbear
I think it's the lackluster service at Lalibela that turns me off... As you can see, I find service to be very important in my dining out experiences.
re: starlightjulian
Interesting. I've never had a problem with the service at Lalibela, but it may be a function of time of day or other factors.
re: silverbear
I have eaten at Blue Nile twice and Cafe Lalibela three times over the past couple years and have found the food and service superior at Blue Nile. Although I can only comment on the vegetable dishes, Blue Nile's preparations were more competent with better balanced spices in their misir/shiro wat, and excellent gomens. I also prefer the injera at Blue Nile; it is more sour and I suspect made with real Teff flour as opposed to the Lalibela injera which has a lighter appearance and more subtle taste which some might prefer. I have eaten at many of what are considered the country's best ethiopian restaurants in Washington, DC and food wise, Blue Nile can compete with the best of them and dominates all of them in terms of value (8.95 for a vegetable platter and 6.95 per person for 2 or more is an absolute steal).
I still have yet to get out to Tina's, which I will remedy soon, but in the mean time can anyone comment on the vegetable dishes? Any stand outs, unique items, or seasonal specialties? Does anyone know if Tina sources her produce from local sources?


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I realize you post these recaps quickly, but you need to take time to proofread what you're posting! Again this week you have too many errors and incorrect references and attributions. Very sloppy summary!
I think when Pan was tugging at Henry's shadow at the end, that I saw first Pan's eyes glow and then Henry's for just a second. It made me think that perhaps a switch had happened. Otherwise – totally agree with you re the creepy commercials.
Felix, not Leroy. Leroy is the Storybrooke counterpart to Grumpy; Pan's henchman (so to speak) is Felix.
Oh you're right it's Felix. Sorry!
Can someone explain to me how David Nolan (Prince Charming) sails away from Neverland? The last I remember hearing was that he was cursed and never allowed to leave. I didn't see any solution to that problem! Thanks!
Speakeasy is a blog covering media, entertainment, celebrity and the arts. The publication is produced by Barbara Chai and Jonathan Welsh with contributions from the Wall Street Journal staff and others. Write to us at firstname.lastname@example.com or follow us on Twitter at @WSJSpeakeasy or individually @barbarachai.
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GREEN BAY, WI (WHBL) - Either the Green Bay Packers will have to find their new center among the current free agent class, or they will have to consider players like Wisconsin's Peter Konz or Kevin Zeitler. Last year's starter, Scott Wells, has signed a contract with the St. Louis Rams. Wells had played well since he almost lost his starting job two years ago. Since then, Packer coach Mike McCarthy called him the team's best offensive lineman as recently as 2010. Veterans still available on the free agent market are Houston's Chris Myers and New England's Dan Koppen, Samson Satele of Oakland and Jeff Saturday from Indianapolis.
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Smooth Tea
Put 4 cups cold water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the tea bags, remove from the heat and let steep 5 minutes. Add in the sugar while it is still warm so that it will dissolve. Refrigerate until cold, at least 30 minutes.
Put the cold tea, berries, yogurt and a few cups of ice in a blender and blend until smooth. Divide the drink among 4 tall glasses.
More Recipes and Ideas
Watermelon-Mint Iced Tea (Greek Inspired)
Recipe courtesy of Bobby Flay
Refrigerator-Brewed Sweet Iced Tea
Recipe courtesy of Sunny Anderson


text: Becoming an entrepreneur isn't always about starting from the ground up. What about existing businesses? SCORE is holding an upcoming workshop focused on buying and selling a business as an alternative to starting up a new one. You'll also learn how to analyze new business opportunities and negotiate a business purchase or sale.


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Seminole State offers five bachelor's degrees, Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees; and Vocational Certificates at four locations: Altamonte Springs, Heathrow, Oviedo and Sanford/Lake Mary Campus. For more information on courses of study at Seminole State, please visit the online catalog.
Classes begin every January, May and August.
Important: According to Immigration regulations, international students must remain full-time (12 credits) at least two consecutive semesters per year.
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To learn more about our bachelor's degrees, please visit the bachelor's degrees home page.
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The Associate in Science degree is a one or two year program designed to provide students the knowledge to be successful in his/her chosen career. Some programs can be transferred to a four-year college or university, but should not be considered equivalent to the first or second year of a four-year degree. This degree is ideal for a student who wishes to work upon graduation while maintaining the possibility of continuing their education in the future.
Vocational certificates are one or two-year programs that provide occupational preparation in applied technologies. In these programs you learn the skills and knowledge necessary to secure and maintain a job. A vocational certificate is not transferable to a four-year college or university. This certificate is ideal for a student who wishes to work and earn a good salary in the applied technologies field upon graduation.
The English Language Studies (ELS) Department provides resources to help international students whose native language is not English. The ELS Department's English Language Institute allows these students to focus on improving their English skills in order to continue their education at the college level.
To learn more, please visit the English Language Studies home page.


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Supercross crusher, Nico Izzi, is no stranger to time spent on the victory podium. He's had too many top five finishes to mention and continues to wreak havoc on any course he decides to ride.
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Distributor Q&As
Distributor FAQ: FilmBuff 2014
The Independent's Erin Trahan talks with FilmBuff CEO Janet Brown about the VOD boom and FilmBuff's role in it.March 31st, 2014 | Erin Trahan
Get a sneak peek at one of the new additions to The Independent's Guide to Film Distribution: FAQ with FilmBuff CEO Janet Brown on the who-what-why of FilmBuff's VOD-centered distribution mission.
Five years ago, FilmBuff (an affiliate of John Sloss's Cinetic Media) set its sights on the topsy-turvy unknowns of digital distribution. And while FilmBuff has grown exponentially in that time, VOD remains its primary area of expertise.
Distributor FAQ: Shorts International
With offices in London and LA, Shorts International distributes short films to more than 50 countries in theaters, on TV, iTunes and airlines.September 18th, 2012 | Phil Saroyan
Linda Olszewski tells The Independent that Shorts International is looking for "celebrity films, comedies, CGI-animated films that are family friendly..." and a whole lot more. Find out how this short film distributor reaches more than than 50 countries in theaters, on TV, and the Internet.
Phil Saroyan recently sat down with Linda Olszewski, vice president of global acquisitions for Shorts International, to find out about the company and what she is looking for as a film buyer. She joined the company in 2006 and spearheaded the Oscar Nominated Shorts release since that time.
Securing Distribution with Netflix
Many filmmakers want to reach Netflix's 16 million subscribers, but submission guidelines and criteria for films without third-party distributors aren't quite clear yet.January 12th, 2011
Indie filmmakers and DIY distributors are vying for a shot at Netflix distribution. Though Netflix added 300 streaming independent films to their service one year ago, the submission and selection process for indie films is still evolving.
By Michelle L. Martin and Katie O'Connell
Distributor FAQ: FilmBuff
In an interview with FilmBuff's Chris Horton, The Independent asks about the evolving landscape of digital distribution, and whether or not it's an independent filmmaker's new best friend.July 30th, 2010 | Courtney Sheehan
More and more filmmakers use digital release platforms like iTunes, Netflix Streaming, and Video-on-Demand. Chris Horton, head of acquisitions for FilmBuff, explains the role his company can play in digital distribution.
FilmBuff is a digital distribution service provided by Cinetic Rights Management (CRM). Although FilmBuff is less than three years old, its sister company, Cinetic Media, has been a major player in film sales since 2001.
Exhibitor and Distributor FAQ: Seattle's Northwest Film Forum
Seattle's Northwest Film Forum exhibits films, funds production, helps with distribution, and offers education and equipment to the independent community in the Pacific Northwest.July 2nd, 2010 | Courtney Sheehan
Located in Seattle, the Northwest Film Forum (NWFF) is an invaluable resource for independent filmmakers in the Pacific Northwest, providing production grants and access to equipment and post-production facilities. The Independent spoke with film programmer Adam Sekuler to get the scoop on how NWFF puts together its exhibition calendar and their support programs for regional filmmakers, as well as some thoughts on the future of independent film distribution.
Located in Seattle, the Northwest Film Forum (NWFF) is an invaluable resource for independent filmmakers in the Pacific Northwest, providing production grants and access to equipment and post-production facilities. The Film Forum also boasts a 364-day exhibition calendar of independent films, many of which are hard to come by at other theaters in the region.
Distributor FAQ: Udy Epstein of Seventh Art Releasing
Ten years since their last interview with The Independent, co-founder Udy Epstein talks about the changing face of Seventh Art ReleasingJune 9th, 2009 | Emily Cataneo
In June 1999, The Independent asked Seventh Art Releasing where the company would be in ten years (read the original interview here). They answered, "Still open for business doing films we like." And Seventh Art has done just that. And though there have been some changes, Epstein insists that despite the technological and economic turmoil of the past ten years, the company's original vision has stayed the same. Exactly a decade after the last interview, The Independent's Emily Cataneo sits down with co-founder Udy Epstein to find out what those changes are.
Seventh Art Releasing is a distributor and sales company founded in 1994 by Jonathan Cordish and Udy Epstein. The company is known for distributing award-winning documentaries and fiction films, many dealing with Jewish culture, lesbian and gay issues, human rights, music, and popular culture.
Distributor FAQ: Vanessa Domico of Outcast Films
Q & A with Vanessa Domico, founder of Outcast Films, an LGBT distributor.February 19th, 2009 | Nikki Chase
Five years ago Vanessa Domico saw a gap in the distribution of LGBT titles and decided it was time to pull up her sleeves. Using her expertise as a director of distribution, she founded Outcast Films, now one of the foremost LGBT distributors in the country, with critically acclaimed releases like their most recent film She's a Boy I Knew (view the trailer here). Outcast is more than a distributor -- under Domico's leadership it also focuses on education and activism on behalf of the LGBT community.
Vanessa Domico was tired of seeing too few LGBT films, so she drew on her expertise as a film distributor and founded Outcast Films.
Distributor FAQ: Talking to Oli Harbottle of Dogwoof Pictures
A look at the inner-workings of the successful distribution company, Dogwoof Pictures.December 8th, 2008 | Nikki Chase
Dogwoof Pictures, a London-based distribution company, is experimenting with modes of distribution with Dogwoof Indie, which allows filmmakers to keep the rights to their film. Dogwoof is currently celebrating their most recent Dogwoof Indie release from filmmaker Franny Armstrong, The Age of Stupid (view the trailer here), starring Pete Postlethewaite as a man in 2055 who looks back on old footage of 2008 and wonders why we didn't stop global warming when we still had the chance. The Independent's Nikki Chase picks the brain of Dogwood release coordinator, Oli Harbottle, to get the scoop on this thriving distribution company.
Already a successful London-based distribution company, Dogwoof has launched its own DVD store, an independent distribution site called Dogwoof Indie (which allows filmmakers to keep all rights to their film), and Dogwoof TV, a platform that brings independent movies from the web to the television (in conjunction with blinkx BBTV).
Boom or Bust: The Cinema Guild's Ryan Krivoshey
Cinema Guild director of distribution, Ryan Krivoshey talks with the Independent about the evolution of independent film distributionSeptember 1st, 2008 | Jericho Parms
Ryan Krivoshey, the Cinema Guild's director of distribution, talks with The Independent about the evolution of independent film distribution, how the perception of the documentary has evolved since 9-11 and how Internet distribution has had an impact on the way films are seen.
Much has changed since 1968 when Philip and Mary-Ann Hobel created The Cinema Guild and television was the niche market for all things educational.
Case Study No. 3: "On Broadway"
Actor and producer Lance Greene talks about self-distributing "On Broadway" starring Joey McIntyreApril 7th, 2008 | Lynn Tryba
On Broadway, a movie about a working-class Bostonian's attempt to stage a play in the back of an Irish pub, has received such a good response from film festival audiences around the country that the producers decided to self-release the film in Boston last month.