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2060 Tasting Notes
It is cloudy and drizzling and COLD! Well, cold for where I live. For it to be 39F at lunchtime is unusual for us, and running to the recycling can bare of foot wearing short sleeves added to my perception of the chill. Sometimes it is nice to get a little cold so your tea is extra cozy! :)
I am finishing this sample from Hesper June today and I am so glad I picked this one to drink. It is a great cold weather choice, and the Grace Rare Tea Company really delivers high quality tea. This is smokey, but definitely not a Lapsang. It is smooth and delicious, even without additions. And now…it is all gone! Sample sip down!
I served this to the group last night as there were lots of Doctor Who fans present. It was very well received! I am getting low, too. This is one I would love to see Frank keep around!
The caramel and toffee flavors really pop, but the popcorn is definitely there, too.
Sadly, I am almost out of this one! I have not yet logged our tea party teas nor last night's Writers' Group teas, but this was served at both and everyone loved it. Last night, I think it was really the favorite.
This is really smooth, with no astringency at all. It is fruity but so natural. I find big chunks of dried grape, and I don't mean raisin. These are large! And the tea is so naturally sweet. I have found it under the name My Lady, but it seems to be sold Bly in Europe. I hope to soon be in touch with a company in Slovenia that said they would ship it to me for a very reasonable price. That is how good it is!
I did find a German company that sells it, but you have to buy a LOT. So yysah, maybe you should consider carrying this in your store!
The closest tea I can compare to it is Grand Amour by Nina's, with Fruits d'Alsace as a secondary contender, though neither a quite the same. They evoke a similar "tea vibe" for me, though.
The jury is still out on this one. I am over matcha'ed today but of course I decided to go ahead and try this done. I bought it because it was a good price, hoping it would knock my socks off. I believe it was $17.99 for two ounces. It came in a ziplock pouch. I buy my vanilla beans from this company and they are the best I have ever seen and unbelievably cheap, so I had high hopes for this matcha.
While it is not the best I have ever had, it is far from the worst. There is no bitterness but it is grassy and earthy. It made a decent latte, which is what I bought it for. This is less vegetal, less smooth and buttery than Kai Matcha Premium. My Nuvola sample was also more buttered veggie flavored than this one.
I will keep experimenting with this and see what happens. I also used raw cane sugar instead of honey this time and used less of it, so that could be a factor in my opinion as well.
I am finishing the Chinese takeout leftovers tonight and wanted a nice green to go with. I haven't had this one in ages, it seems.
This is the tea I used to introduce my eldest daughter to green tea when she decided she wanted to start drinking tea for health benefits. No wonder this was the first green she ever liked. The base is so nice, with a tiny spicy taste mixing with the pineapple. This is really yummy. It is smooth, and doesn't bite my tummy like some teas do.
This is the other Red Leaf matcha that my friend brought over today for sampling and "matcha lessons." First I made a fruit smoothie with organic blueberries, bananas, and strawberries, raw cane sugar, and Greek yogurt. I put all that in the blender and then sifted this on top of it. I added crushed ice on that, and turned the blender on until everything was smooth and creamy. It was so good!
Next I made a matcha latte with it. It was the usual method….sift matcha into tall glass, add cold water, whoosh, add honey, whoosh, add milk and crushed ice. Wow! The strawberry was strong! It was good, very good, but you seriously could get the distinctive flavor level instead for this one and not be disappointed.
We watched a movie and split an Otis Spunkmeyer muffin and I slurped on the last bit of water from the ice melting from my last latte. It was still sweetly strawberry flavored, which gave me an additional idea. With our muffin, we had "matcha water." I got a sport water bottle, sifted some matcha into it, added a tiny bit of water, and shook it like mad. Then I added water almost to the top and crushed ice.
We poured it off into two glasses and drank it with our muffins. There is no sugar added but it is still an enjoyable drink. (We were just discussing how I feel so bad when I add a tablespoon of honey to a large latte and think nothing of downing a Coke, which has more than twice that amount of sugar! If you don't see it going in, I guess you don't think about it.) I like this for days when I am working in the yard and it is hot outside, or for a workout drink.
Bottom line, strawberry matcha was going on my order, too, until my friend told me that one of matcha they ordered is for my birthday, which is coming up soon! Squeeee!
I was going to sample the set of green bases from Red Leaf today but I got a text this morning from a friend who had ordered during the Red Leaf referral program. "Shall I come over and bring the ones you have never tried?" Why, of course I can make time for that!
This was the first, and my friend only knew how to make the hot lattes from watching me make them a couple of months ago, so we did some quick matcha training. I sifted a teaspoon of matcha into a tall glass and added a bit of water. I whooshed it with my aerolatte, added honey, and whooshed again. Then I added milk almost to the top and finished it off with crushed ice.
I have to say I think this is my favorite matcha for these lower fat/lower sugar iced lattes. Almond still probably holds top spot for the decadent ones I make that a basically a milkshake with matcha added! This does not taste exactly like the French vanilla flavor. I smell a touch of lemon when it is dry, and after mixing it is definitely more complex than the FV one.
We really enjoyed this, so on my next order it goes!
So I am finally drinking the last sample from Nina's, the one that I opened and Samwise started dancing around me looking for the caramel cake. And I am caught off guard at first by the aroma. This isn't the Vanilla Comoro-esque tea that I thought it would be. The smell of the base scares me at first. This is going to be too strong for me! And this is with a scant four minute steep at just under the boil.
But the sip is different, it isn't as candy sweet as the smell made me think it would be. Instead, I find it to be a great first cup of the morning that is strong enough you know are having tea, but has a nice caress from the vanilla. This is a grown up vanilla tea, for people in power suits or ladies who lunch.
I made two steeps since the others have done well, and I drank a bit of steep one plain, then added steep two to what remained in the pot. I asked hubby to join me for tea since he likes vanilla. He always adds milk and sugar to his black tea and this was no exception. Since he said he liked it, I take it that it handles additions well.
I have a fussy tummy that doesn't take to certain black teas well, especially since I drink almost everything with no additions. This one is not bothering me at all.
This is the serious, tall, dark and handsome guy, not the playful guy I thought it was going to be.
Sometimes that is the guy you want! I really like this, and would compare it more to Vanille des Iles than the Harney vanilla selections. This is going on my gift list for a friend who loves this kind of tea.
Thank you again, Nina's, for the samples. They were all excellent and tasty teas!
I think we must have been typing at the same time. One of my friends would LOVE this tea. And the tins are so beautiful I think it makes a great gift.
This has a wonderful strawberry aroma! I found this to be a more bracing tea than Grand Amour, perhaps making it a better choice for breakfast for those who use tea as their wake up. (I don't, tea is my after breakfast treat!) The base is a bit stronger on this one, more in sensation than taste, but the strawberry shines right on through!
I love that these are great resteepers! I am on the second steep now and I must confess I like it even better than the first. The tea is mellowed now, the strawberry softer. If you love Marco Polo, you really should try this.
As I sit here, I can not help but to exhale slowly through my nose while holding my jaw loosely so that warm strawberry taste gently fills my head, even after the sip. I think if I had a lot of this, I would make half as much tea as I really wanted, resteep immediately, and pour the first and second steeps together. That also cuts the price of your tea in half, and would put this at the perfect strength for me.
Thank you, Nina's Tea, for these samples! They are amazing and I am so impressed with the quality of your flavored tea. The packaging is so beautiful…whenever I want an elegant gift for someone, I know where to shop!
I don't log this every time I drink it, but I thought it was worthy of a note tonight because to my great dismay I saw the bottom of the tin tonight. I have about enough matcha left for two more lattes. I hope they have a sale or something soon!
Oh, sorry, I just noticed you have posted other notes with details. Your notes and the positive reviews of others really make me want to try this!
Donna A : I use their own recipe for iced matcha latte. I sift one teaspoon into a tall glass, add cold water and whoosh with my aerolatte, add four teaspoons honey and whoosh again, then add milk and crushed ice. It is addicting. The first sips I took, I thought "Why am I drinking this?" Then I just couldn't get enough. Now I wish I could have three a day, LOL! But I guess I shouldn't have all that caffeine and all those honey calories. Moderation in all things….sigh. Sometimes I count down all day to when I will allow myself to have one.
Donna: I signed up to try the Red Leaf contenders for plain matcha, plus today I ordered matcha from Olive Nation. I want to see how they compare to KaiMatcha Premium.
I also ordered two tins from Nuvola, because the sample they sent to me was sooo good. In fact, one friend of mine preferred the Nuvola Taiwan Green Tea Powder, as they call their matcha! I am excited to try the one from Olive Nation. They have amazing prices and fantastic service. I ordered today, they shipped today! It is a real contender price wise, if it tastes as good!
I just received the Red Leaf contenders. Thanks for the tips on the KaiMatcha. And I will be interested to see what you think of your other matchas from Nuvola and Olive Nation.
Donna, I just whisk mine in hot water until its frothy, & I love it!
Ashmanra, I'll be looking forward to hearing your reviews on the other brands!


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There's a free audio book adaptation of Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez' Locke & Key at Audible.com.
"Andrew Hughes: A Life In Japanese Pictures"
"With the exception of the late Robert Dunham, to whom major roles in Toho's Space Monster Dogora and Godzilla vs. Megalon assured significant recognition among genre fans, one of the most familiar – or at the very least persistent – Western faces in Japanese cinema of the 60s and 70s may be that of Andrew Hughes." Kevin P. […]
The Words Got Stuck In My Throat
"If I had a hidden microphone inside of my heart/I would turn the power on/It would amplify my love for you and swear to always love you/and you'd never be gone." I love when old movies–that are not musicals per se–spotlight the performance of a song, because it's symptomatic of a sincere desire to entertain […]
The Dark Knight and the ACME Bomb: Batman and realism part I
The ending to The Dark Knight Rises left my wife doubled over laughing in the parking lot of the theatre. I tried to take a picture for posterity, but it was too dark. Given that no one else in the audience seemed affected in the same way, I expect I'll need to explain why: simply […]
RIP, Isuzu Yamada
Actress Isuzu Yamada has died. Yamada worked with a range of directors including, Akira Kurosawa, Kenji Mizoguchi, Mikio Naruse, Yasujiro Ozu and Kinji Fukasaku. The New York Times has an obituary. The Gutter remembers her with a scene of her performances as Lady Washizu in Throne of Blood.
Special Effects Master Eiji Tsuburaya
Just in time for Eiji Tsuburaya's birthday, here's a brief video documentary on his career in special effects for films ranging from Godzilla and War of the Gargantuas to Throne of Blood and Chushingura.
Fun with Kaiju Shakedown
Every day is fun day at Kaiju Shakedown. This time: chibi Watchmen, awesome criterion-type designs for Chinese movies and a trailer for Cat Head Theatre's upcoming samurai film.
Radio Free Monster Island
Surrounded on all sides by awesome monsters, monstruos and kaiju, Eegah, Tabonga and Rodan do the only thing they can. They make groovy mp3's sampling monster movie soundtracks from all over including Hammer, Toho, American International and anything a go-go or defeated by Santo.
A Kaiju A Week
There's a kaiju a week at August Ragone site dedicated to Godzilla, Toho and the rubber-suited menace. Here's his entry on an early incarnation of the three-headed fan favorite, King Ghidorah. (Warning: extreme kaiju knowledge!)
Godzilla vs MechaRealism
A while ago I watched some Godzilla movies with some people who don't exactly appreciate the aesthetics of suitmation / kigurumi, or, in less technical language, a guy in a rubber suit. One of the things I like best about Godzilla movies is that as soon as I glimpse Godzilla rising from the depths or […]

subset: commoncrawl


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TAMPA -- When Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman acquired defenseman Braydon Coburn from the Philadelphia Flyers in the early morning hours of the NHL Trade Deadline on March 2, he wasn't just adding a solid veteran.
He was giving Lightning coach Jon Cooper a prime top pairing on defense.
The addition of Coburn allowed Cooper to play Victor Hedman and Anton Stralman together on his top pair, but the combination lasted four games together before Coburn broke his foot, costing him six weeks of action.
Without Coburn to play with Jason Garrison on the second pair, Cooper preferred to split Hedman from Stralman. But Cooper said he knew what the Lightning had in Coburn right away.
"He did impress in those first four games, and for me he's done nothing but make our general manager look good in that trade," Cooper said. "He's kind of rounded out our top four, he's given us another big-body defender, somebody that sticks up for his teammates."


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January 19, 2012
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SiriusXM's 'E Street Radio' to Broadcast "12-12-12" All-Star Benefit Concert
Sirius XM Radio announced today that "12-12-12," the concert to aid the victims of Hurricane Sandy, will air on E Street Radio, channel 20, and Pearl Jam Radio, channel 22, onDecember 12, 2012 at 7:30 pm ET.
"SiriusXM recognizes the importance of reaching as many people as possible to raise funds for the victims of Hurricane Sandy," said Scott Greenstein, President and Chief Content Officer, SiriusXM. "We hope that our generous and informed listeners will join the millions of people donating aid to support the recovery and help the victims of the storm."
The all-star musical lineup performing at the "12-12-12" concert December 12, 2012 at Madison Square Garden in New York City includes Bon Jovi, Eric Clapton, Dave Grohl, Billy Joel, Alicia Keys, Chris Martin, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, Eddie Vedder, Roger Waters, Kanye West, The Who and Paul McCartney.
"12-12-12" will be distributed worldwide to nearly two billion people through television feeds, radio and online streaming and available to 114 million television households in the US and to more than 400 million television households outside the country via networks and feeds in North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia.
Thanks to the generosity of concert organizers, sponsors, and Robin Hood's board of directors, every single penny from ticket purchases and donations will go to serve the victims of Hurricane Sandy through the Robin Hood Relief Fund.
The concert is being produced by James Dolan, Executive Chairman of The Madison Square Garden Company; John Sykes, President of Clear Channel Entertainment Enterprises; and Harvey Weinstein, Co-Founder and Chairman of The Weinstein Company.
The most up to date information on "12-12-12" can be found by visiting www.121212concert.org.
E Street Radio offers SiriusXM listeners unprecedented access to the music of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, including concert broadcasts, rare archival recordings as well as insider reports and breaking news.
Pearl Jam Radio features archival concerts from Pearl Jam's celebrated career, plus unreleased material from the group's personal music library and side projects, including solo and pre-Pearl Jam music; band member interviews with writers, filmmakers, artists, musicians and activists; and curated programming by band members, including a limited-run series hosted by Eddie Vedder.
For more information on SiriusXM, please visit www.siriusxm.com.
About Sirius XM Radio
Sirius XM Radio Inc. is the world's largest radio broadcaster measured by revenue and has 23.4 million subscribers. SiriusXM creates and broadcasts commercial-free music; premier sports talk and live events; comedy; news; exclusive talk and entertainment; and the most comprehensive Latin music, sports and talk programming in radio. SiriusXM is available in vehicles from every major car company in the U.S., from retailers nationwide, and online at siriusxm.com. SiriusXM programming is also available through the SiriusXM Internet Radio App for Android, Apple, and BlackBerry smartphones and other connected devices. SiriusXM also holds a minority interest in SiriusXM Canada which has more than 2 million subscribers.
Follow SiriusXM on Twitter or like the SiriusXM page on Facebook.
About Author
- SAG-AFTRA Convention Continues, George Heller Memorial Awards Presented
- Hugh Jackman, Lady Gaga, and More to Appear on THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON
- David Leitch to Direct THE COLDEST CITY
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- Sara Bareilles, Idris Elba, Adam Lambert, and More to Visit LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MEYERS
- KEVIN HART PRESENTS PLASTIC CUP BOYZ to be Released on Comedy Dynamics 10/13
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With millions of gallons crude oil being spewed into the Gulf of Mexico from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the focus now is on shutting down the leak. However, in the cleanup efforts to come, "extreme caution" must be exercised so as not to make a bad situation even worse, says a leading bioremediation expert with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab).
"The concentration of detergents and other chemicals used to clean up sites contaminated by oil spills can cause environmental nightmares of their own," says Terry Hazen, a microbial ecologist in Berkeley Lab's Earth Sciences Division who has studied such notorious oil-spill sites as the Exxon Valdez spill into Alaska's Prince William Sound.
"It is important to remember that oil is a biological product and can be degraded by microbes, both on and beneath the surface of the water," Hazen says. "Some of the detergents that are typically used to clean-up spill sites are more toxic than the oil itself, in which case it would be better to leave the site alone and allow microbes to do what they do best."
The Deepwater Horizon oil rig leased by energy giant BP that exploded on April 20, is now estimated to be disgorging some 210,000 gallons of oil a day into the Gulf of Mexico. To contain the spreading oil slick and keep it from polluting the fragile ecosystems of the Gulf coast and the Mississippi delta, clean-up crews have deployed an array of chemical dispersants, oil skimmers and booms. They have also attempted to burn off some of the surface oil. Such aggressive clean-up efforts are fraught with unintended consequences, Hazen warns. He cites as prime examples the Amoco Cadiz and the Exxon Valdez disasters.
In 1978, an oil tanker, the Amoco Cadiz, split in two about three miles off the coast of Normandy, releasing about 227,000 tons heavy crude oil that ultimately stained nearly 200 miles of coastline. The spill-site was so large that only the areas of
|Contact: Lynn Yarris
DOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory


text: Owner description: Come over to play at the only museum in the world devoted solely to the importance of play. The museum blends the best features of both history museums (extensive collections and... more Owner description: Come over to play at the only museum in the world devoted solely to the importance of play. The museum blends the best features of both history museums (extensive collections and children's museums (high interactivity). At 282,000 square feet, The Strong is the largest regional year-round family attraction, and the second largest "children's" museum in the nation. The museum takes play very seriously. Its philosophy-that play is essential to learning and human development-is reflected everywhere you look beginning with its uniquely whimsical architecture (including a butterfly house built to look like the world's largest butterfly, an undulating two-story caterpillar-shaped atrium, and a structure resembling a pile of gigantic children's building blocks). Engaging hands-on exhibits invite you to attend Super Powers School, meet the Berenstain Bears, play your way through the history of video games, enter a giant kaleidoscope, board a whaling ship, see the world's oldest Monopoly games, step into Sesame Street, walk into the pages of a giant pop-up book, and so much more! The museum is home to the region's only indoor butterfly garden; the world's largest and most comprehensive collection of dolls, toys, and games; and the prestigious National Toy Hall of Fame(R). Amenities include a food court, indoor train and carousel, two museum shops, and an outdoor Discovery Garden.Admission Fees: General Admission (does not include admission to Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden(R)):2 and older $13.50, Children under age 2 are free, Museum members free. Admission to Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden: General Admission fee plus $3 for members, $4 for nonmembers; children under 2 free. Entry is by timed ticket only. Parking: Free parking is available at the museum for all guests on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that, on high visitation days, the museum lot may reach capacity early in the day. If space is not available on site at the time of your visit, additional parking is available at neighboring municipal garages for a fee. The Strong is not responsible for fees incurred at off-site locations. less


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'I see myself as part of the collective of hip-hop,' Jay-Z tells MTV News, saying his success is good for the culture.
By Rob Markman
Jay-Z's career trajectory is something else. He was once a tongue-twisting underground MC who started his own Roc-A-Fella Records independently because he couldn't secure a major-label deal. Now Hov is rap's biggest draw, turning his multilayered bars into multimillion-dollar businesses.
In hip-hop, where so much worth is based on the notion of maintaining street credibility, it would be easy for someone of Jay-Z's stature to lose touch. "I'm not jaded by the whole process," Jay-Z insisted when he spoke to MTV News out in Philadelphia to announce his upcoming Made in America music festival.
On that day, Jay took the stage at the Philadelphia Museum of Art with the city's mayor, Michael Nutter, which is nothing new. On his 2009 single "On to the Next One," Jigga bragged that he had President Obama "on the text." Still, the man who once battled DMX while standing on top of a pool table is not desensitized. "I'm a fan of the journey as well," he said.
To his credit, Jay has remained on top of his game on the road to becoming a global icon. Just this past weekend, he performed in Paris, where he and Kanye West rocked their infectious rap hit "N—as in Paris" 11 times in front of a star-studded crowd that included wife BeyoncRead also...
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- Watch This 7-Year-Old Share Her Inspirational Story About Being Transgender


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For the fourth year in a row, Microsoft has been named to the Ethisphere Institute's list of the World's Most Ethical Companies.
"Ethical and responsible business practices are the bedrock of our corporate governance practices. These practices are designed to promote the interests of shareholders, maintain checks and balances, strengthen accountability and foster responsible decision making," wrote Microsoft Senior Director of Corporate Citizenship Dan Bross in a blog post Thursday.
For the rest of the story, head on over to Microsoft on the Issues.
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Jeff Meisner
Microsoft News Center Staff


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The which MMA Fighter are you Test
Their result for The which MMA Fighter are you Test ...
Fedor Emelianenko
You scored 24% Sprawl n Brawl, 50% Lock n Choke, 88% Ground n Pound, and 21% Lay n Pray!
Their Analysis (Vertical line = Average)
They scored 24% on Sprawl n Brawl, higher than 18% of your peers.
They scored 50% on Lock n Choke, higher than 57% of your peers.
They scored 88% on Ground n Pound, higher than 99% of your peers.
They scored 21% on Lay n Pray, higher than 9% of your peers.
All possible test results
Dana White
I am terribly sorry. This test has detected no fighting characteristics at all, except Fitness Boxing. You must be .... DANA WHITE. Read more
Tito Ortiz
Congratulations, you are the lamest fighter the earth has EVER seen. You even defeated Wanderlei Sila - by hugging him the whole match long. Honestly, this test has detected nothing but Lay'n'Pray ... Read more
Randy Couture
You are The Natural, Randy Couture! Your main strategy is taking your opponent down and then pounding him out. This test has determined your fighting style to consist to mainly Ground'n'Pound. Your ... Read more
Kevin Randleman
Hey, you tend to fight like Kevin Randleman! You like to get your opponent to the ground and then pound him out. But if his guard is too good, you take a nap and wait until he starves. Respectively y... Read more
Big Nog
You fight like Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and focus mainly on the groundgame. Your gameplan is to get your opponent down and make him yell in pain as you put on the armbar. Your fighting style consist ... Read more
Royce Gracie
You seem to be very skilled on the ground, but tend to use the standard gracie strategy... which is waiting in the guard until your opponent is tired and then set him up for a submission. [img]http:... Read more
Fedor Emelianenko
You are The Last Russian Emperor... your submissions are excellent and so is you striking, especially your Ground'n'Pound... nobody would like to have you in his guard because he would just die. [im... Read more
Ricardo Arona
The good thing is: You are a successful decision fighter. Your groundgame is very good, you have good submissions and ground control. The bad thing is: Your fights are boring like hell. Although you h... Read more
Chuck Lidell
You are Chuck Lidell. Your fights usually don't go to the ground, because your takedown defense is too good and you prefer knocking the opponent out standing. The test has detected no characteristic ... Read more
Mirko Filipovic
You are Cro-Cop, the Croation Sensation. Nobody can beat you standing up because your Kickboxing skills are just too good. If anybody tries to take it to the ground you just avoid the takedown as if i... Read more
Mauricio Shogun
You are Shogun and your style is very complete. You can play the striking game as well as the ground game, by pounding or submitting your opponent. And you usually don't lay in your opponents guard to... Read more
Wanderlei Silva
You are the Axe Murderer, you like to brawl it out or stomp on your opponent's head relentlessly. On the ground you prefer pounding on your opponent over submitting him technically. However, you tend... Read more
Hidehiko Yoshida
You fight like Yoshida. You are good on the ground, but also like to brawl it out with people as well. You are active both standing up and on the ground, which is good. [img]http://is2.okcupid.com/u... Read more
Takanori Gomi
You are Japan's King of lightweight fighters, Takanori Gomi. You are very good on your feet and have a good ground game. Nevertheless you tend to be a bit defensive on the ground. [img]http://is3.ok... Read more
Mauricio Shogun
You are Shogun and your style is very complete. You can play the striking game as well as the ground game, by pounding or submitting your opponent. [img]http://is2.okcupid.com/users/168/248/169249288... Read more
Genki Sudo
You are Genki Sudo! A very complete fighter who lacks nothing in his repertoire... although you are a bit defensive on the ground sometimes. [img]http://is2.okcupid.com/users/168/248/169249288509381... Read more
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300+ Rentals · Seattle
300+ Rentals · Seattle
This apartment is two blocks away from Pike Market and about 3-4 blocks from the convention center. You sleep in the living room, I'll sleep in my bedroom and we both share the entire apt. Click on "+More" below to see the entire listing description. Learn More
(Please read the F.A.Q.s below before sending inquiries. Also, Hosts have the same concerns with meeting strangers as Guests do so please be sure to create a full profile with verifications before sending a reservation request.Thanks!) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- This apartment is located directly in the middle of downtown in the Central Shopping District. The place is surrounded by scores of places within walking distance including the Conv...
Central Business District, Seattle
Hello Travelers! Welcome to Seattle! First, I want to thank you for taking the time to read what I offer here. I get so many requests and questions a day so please take your time to read my description because I think it will answer most of your questions and it will speed up the approval time. I believe all this information will be of great benefit to you if you are looking for a nice area to stay in Seattle. This room accommodates one guest. I also have a private suite with twin beds. ...
Capitol Hill, Seattle
An extremely convenient neighborhood/downtown location. 10 minute walk from Pike Place Market and only a 5 minute walk from the wonderful Capitol Hill entertainment/food/nightlife scene. Learn More
First Hill, Seattle
Historic renovated studio apartment that has 98 walk score and is only a 10 minute walk to Pike Place Market. It's a corner unit apartment with 13-foot ceiling and has all the essentials. Top Pot Donuts (best Seattle donuts) is right next door! Learn More
You have full access to the full studio apartment. There are free water bottles in the fridge. The kitchen also has free disposable utensils/cups/plates for you to use. You can find extra towels in the closet. I'll be available to help should any issues come up. I live and work very close to downtown. Great neighborhood (Belltown)
Belltown, Seattle
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Our cool and cozy one bedroom apartment with a den has plenty of room for 2-4 guests with option of queen sized air bed or hideaway bed. Very accessible, 8miles from downtown Seattle. Safe complex with indoor and outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, fitness center, basketball and tennis court. We have lived in Seattle for 8 years and have plenty of recommendations and even discounts for activities, depending on what you like to do. Learn More
Kitchen with stove, microwave, refrigerator, dishwasher, toaster, coffee maker, waffle maker, dining table. You may do one load of laundry during your stay. Internet is fast and reliable. Bus stop is right outside the apartment complex. QFC, Starbucks, Pizza Hut, Burger King across the street. May hear street noise since apartment is beside 15th Ave, ear plugs are provided. We will be in the apartment and may interact with you as little or as much as you want. We give you your privacy so y...
Pinehurst, Seattle
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Welcome to Seattle! I want my space to make visitors feel cozy and comfortable on your visit! I am a designer living in Seattle and excited to share my space with visitors during their trip! My apartment is located in Belltown which is an extremely convenient area to stay in when visiting Seattle. It is walking distance to downtown, Pike Place Market, the Pacific Science center, the EMP museum, the Space Needle, the Olympic Sculpture park, just to name a few! Learn More
Welcome to Seattle and my charming little studio! I want you to feel at ease and cozy during your stay here! I have great space with a fully stocked kitchen if you want to cook in after shopping at the market, and a comfy living space with instruments and lots of Pacific Northwest hiking books to plan your out of town hiking adventure if you feel inclined! My apartment is located in Belltown which is an extremely convenient area to stay in when visiting Seattle. It is walking distance to ...
Belltown, Seattle
The Capitol Cottage is a smartly designed stand alone urban home in the heart of Capitol Hill, Seattle's most popular and vibrant neighborhood with a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, pubs, grocery stores and shopping minutes away on foot. Learn More
The Capitol Cottage is a smartly designed stand alone urban home with all of the creature comforts including: privacy, privacy, privacy * secluded bamboo shrouded back patio with seating for four * free high speed wi-fi internet access * flat screen TV * DVD * living room with a comfy chaise lounge pull-out sleeper sofa * separate office with desk that converts into a dining table with seating for four * bedroom with cozy queen bed, down comforter and alarm clock with ipod dock * kitchen w...
Capitol Hill, Seattle
Cozy loft in the heart of Seattle! We have a perfect 100 Walk Score! Walk to: Downtown, Pike Market, Space Needle, Capitol Hill, Belltown, Lake Union, Freeway Park, Light Rail, Stadiums, UW, Ferries & Countless Bars and Restaurants. LGBT Friendly. Learn More
The loft is only accessible by a spiral staircase and includes: a curtain for privacy, a queen size fold out bed, fresh linens, towels, fan, heater, a reading lamp and storage for your clothing is included. *We have our own private bedroom downstairs. We share the entire space except your loft and our bedroom. You have 24/7 access to the kitchen, patio, living room, washer/dryer, and bathroom. A mini-grocery is right in our building. We are happy to recommend our favorite local spots, and...
First Hill, Seattle
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My studio offers comfort and it's full of color! 2 windows looking out to Lake Union, and on a clear day Mt.Rainier. Great rooftop view as well. Walk-in shower, washer and dryer, and small kitchenette. Affordable Uber/cab rides to: Capital Hill, Downtown/ Uptown (Queen Anne), and Ballard. Walking distance to Gas Works/Fremont (1 mile). Also, quick bus rides to prime spots!Convenient access to I-5. Learn More
Apartment is under 400 square feet, with "hotel style" kitchenette. Walk to Trader Joe's for snacks.... staying on a Wednesday? - check out the Wallingford Farmer's Market! Beer enthusiast? - easy walk, cab, or bus ride to local brewery's in Fremont/Ballard. If you're a foodie check out Ballard or University District for their repeatable restaurants. With easy access to I-5 make it a quick trip downtown/ Pike's Place, Space Needle, and other fun Seattle attractions! I will provide a key th...
University District, Seattle
The perfect AirBnb for youthful, social, & considerate travelers that want to meet true Seattleites. Learn More
It's the most fun, affordable, and convenience space in Seattle. The pictures are of the complex - we have a theater, gym, and 6 rooftops. Airbnb hosts make or break a place, right? Well you're in luck because I have 2 lovely roommates! One male, one female, both in their early twenties, and both from Honolulu, HI. I'll be in London so we won't meet, but I'm happy to virtually assist you in any way possible! Amazon has taken over South Lake Union, so yes, there will lots of blue badges (...
Westlake, Seattle
Brightly lit, corner studio apartment located on 7th floor. Great location- only a few blocks from downtown, the waterfront, Seattle Center, most bus routes and the light link rail. Includes one double bed and futon. Credit card W/D on first floor. Learn More
Absolutely no noise from neighbors - but some noise from street traffic (e.g., ambulances/fire trucks occasionally). It is also quite well lit even when blinds are closed. Great for those who love the sunshine but not-so-great for those that prefer a very dark apartment in the morning. City view at night is beautiful. Can sleep 1 person on the futon, and 1-2 people on the bed (though 1 is recommended - see the photo of the bed to see why). :) Free wi-fi in the apartment. Apologies ...
Belltown, Seattle
If you're looking to live an authentic downtown seattle lifestyle you have found the spot. Right in the middle of all the shopping, blocks from Pike Place market, and as central as you can get for all the best neighborhoods in seattle. Learn More
This 500 sq ft 1 bedroom 1 bathroom apartment in the middle of down town Seattle has a full kitchen, leather sofa, 2 flat screen tvs, cable & wifi access. The perfect space for someone who want to enjoy the Seattle sites. I typically will be out of town when My apartment will be available but I will be available by phone 24/7 to answer any questions guest will have. I will also have city maps for guest with some of my favorite spots labels on the map. There nothing much to say about how p...
Central Business District, Seattle
Beautiful modern craftsman house located in Leschi neighborhood of Seattle. Centrally located - just minutes away from Lake Washington waterfront, Downtown, Capitol Hill, Madison Park, Pioneer Square and International District. Learn More
Entire house, except for locked doors and garage. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding your stay. In addition, I'm happy to provide any recommendations on what to do, where to eat, and what to see around town! - 10min drive to downtown and Capitol Hill. - 7min drive to Madison Park. - 8min drive from Mt Baker Light Rail Station (from/to airport). - 3 blocks from Lake Washington water view. - 1 block away from bus stop, 20min bus ride to downtown. If you enc...
Leschi, Seattle
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Bed on the water with a view close to downtown shower and bathroom facilities great peaceful experience Learn More
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Close to downtown Seattle, yet away from the hustle and bustle. Ms. Ronda's is located in a quiet, friendly neighborhood; in the heart of West Seattle. Close to great food, Rapid Ride Bus and there is free street parking. Learn More
Seaview, Seattle
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88 steps to Alki beach. Cactus, Pegasus Pizza, Top Pot Donuts, Starbucks, Fat Burger all within a block of this cozy home. Large L-Shaped couch, Cable TV, comfortable bed, kitchen, dining room, bikes and tennis rackets available. Pet friendly! Learn More
PET FRIENDLY! 88 steps to the Puget Sound 75 steps to Starbucks 52 steps to Pegasus Pizza 62 steps to Hot Pot Donuts 1/2 block off water
Alki, Seattle
Safe, tranquil, next to University of Washington with supermarkets (QFC, Safeway), Starbucks, shopping center, banks, AT&T, H&M in 10 min's walk. Good for last minute booking, people who only look for a temporary place to sleep and shower. Learn More
It's a tranquil and safe area next to village. Easily accessible to shops and bus stops Washroom, bedroom I will be busy outside but will try to help as much as possible If you are looking for mainly a place to sleep and shower, you leave early to start your trip and come back home late to fully enjoy your time in Seattle instead of in the room, it will be a great place for you. 1. You will be sleeping on my bed with new pillow and comforters. I will be sleeping on sofa downstairs. You ...
Ravenna, Seattle
Modern open style loft with exposed brick, 100 year old fir beams. Wood floors, heated tile bathroom floors, and large closet. Downtown, inside the pike place market, on the waterfront in the most urban and beautiful part of downtown Seattle. Learn More
minimal, modern loft downtown seattle exposed brick wood floors heated bathroom tile subway tile kitchen convection oven
Pike Place Market, Seattle
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Financial Aid falls under two categories: merit (based on a student's academic performance) and need (based on the student's family's financial situation). Eligible students may receive both merit- and need-based assistance.
Merit-based Assistance (Applicants to grade 9 only) Please view the Scholarship page for information about merit awards.
Need-based Assistance (also called Financial Aid) for all grades
Need-based applications must be filed online through the FACTSMGT web site. You will be guided through the online process by prompts. There is a $30 application fee.
Please complete the online secure-site application between Nov. 1, 2015 and Jan. 25, 2016 to maximize your chances for financial aid. The customer service phone number for FACTS Tuition Aid is 1-866-315-9262; their fax number is 1-866-315-9264 (fax). The online aid application is also available in Spanish.
Please note that the application deadline for need-based aid is January 25 for the Class of 2020; applying early will allow us the opportunity to provide a decision regarding aid prior to the March registration deadline.
Transfer students should apply for aid no later than May 15.Partner Programs
We currently partner with three agencies who provide services to high school students in the Washington, DC area:
Black Student FundThe Black Student Fund (BSF) has provided financial assitance and support services to metropolitan area African-American students, grades pre-kindergarten to 12, and their families.
Black Student Fund3636 16th Stree NW, 4th FloorWashington, DC 20010
http://cpfe.orgCapital Partners for Education1413 K ST, NW, 2nd FloorWashington, DC 20005Phone: 202-682-6020
Latino Student FundThe Latino Student Fund (LSF) is dedicated to providing Latino families with the tools they need to thrive. They support students and their families through scholarships, academic support services, and informational outreach. For additional information, please contact LSF as follows:http://latinostudentfund.org
The Latino Student FundP O Box 5403Washington, DC 20016Phone: 202-244-3438Fax: 202-244-3757


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Previous studies in referral populations have shown that fewer African American women complete dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) screening and are prescribed medications for osteoporosis. This study examines if these disparities exist in primary care practices.
Of 4748 eligible women ≥60 years of age in primary care practices, we randomly selected 500 African American and 500 Caucasian women. We compared the DXA screening referral rate and results, follow-up rate, and medication prescribing for low bone mineral density (BMD) between African American and Caucasian women and analyzed provider demographics. We used logistic regression analysis to control confounding variables, such as age and BMI.
Among the initial 1000 women, only 29.8% African American Women were referred to DXA compared to 38.4% Caucasian women (p<0.05), and 20.8% African American vs. 27.0% Caucasian (p<0.05) women completed the test. Among women with a diagnosis of osteoporosis, African Americans were less likely to receive medication (79.6% vs. 89.2%, p<0.05), without a difference in follow-up visit pattern between races. Female providers were more likely to refer women for DXA (27.7%) than male providers (21.7%) (p=0.035), and this gender difference in referral was more pronounced for African American patients.
Not enough eligible women are being screened and treated for osteoporosis in primary care. Even fewer African American women receive DXA screenings and are treated for osteoporosis. Controlling for age and BMI attenuated but did not eliminate the difference. Female providers were more likely than male providers to refer women for DXA.
Not enough women are being screened for osteoporosis. The U.S. Surgeon General in 2004 reported that less than one fourth of eligible women are being screened, even after fractures.1 The number of minority women who receive appropriate screening is even lower.2 The 2002 Report by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care,3 documented consistent research findings showing that disparities exist across a range of clinical settings—including public and private hospitals, teaching and nonteaching hospitals—and a number of areas—including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and mental illness. The disparities are reported to be associated with worse outcomes. The IOM report calls for standardized data collection to understand and eliminate these disparities. Despite this report, limited research has addressed the potential for disparity in osteoporosis screening and treatment.
Osteoporosis is a leading risk factor for fractures. Fragility fractures have an increased incidence in women with low bone mineral density (BMD),4 and BMD testing of the femoral neck of the hip, using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), is the best predictor of hip fracture risk.5 Nelson et al.6 analyzed the literature for harms and benefits of screening and found a 40%–50% reduction in fracture risk when women with low bone density are treated with bisphosphonates. Cauley et al.7 showed that decreased BMD is associated with increased risk of fracture in both older black and white women. They reported that African American women have higher BMD and lower fracture risk than Caucasian women. Although two risk calculators, the Simple Calculated Osteoporosis Risk Estimation (SCORE)8 and the Foundation for Osteoporosis Research and Education 10 year fracture risk calculator (FORE)9 both include race as a protective factor, all other risk calculators, including World Health Organization Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX®) do not consider race. Basic practice guidelines recommended by the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF),10 the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG),11 the American College of Rheumatologists (ACR),12 and the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)13 do not include race as a factor that should influence osteoporosis screening or management. The Surgeon General's Report states that osteoporosis and fragility fractures are often mistakenly viewed by both the public and healthcare practitioners as being a problem only for older white women.1 The USPSTF recommends that women aged ≥65 be screened routinely for osteoporosis. Routine screening for women aged <65 should be done only in those whose estimated 10-year fracture risk is ≥that of a 65-year-old woman without additional risk factors. The ACOG also recommends screening women who are postmenopausal and <65 years who have at least one risk factor for osteoporosis.11
The exact risk factors that should trigger screening in this younger age group are difficult to specify based on evidence. Lower body weight (weight<70kg) is the single best predictor of low BMD.14,15 As detailed in the latest USPSTF report,16 other organizations have also provided osteoporosis screening recommendations, including the NOF, the World Health Organization (WHO), the American College of Physicians, and ACOG. Medicare and insurance companies pay for DXA screening every 2 years in postmenopausal women. Although the optimal screening interval for older white women has been questioned,17 most would agree that not enough women are being screened for osteoporosis.1
Once osteoporosis is diagnosed, treatment should be provided to all women regardless of race. Limited data are available on the relative percentage of African American and Caucasian patients screened and treated for osteoporosis or osteopenia in primary care settings, a major focus of this article. Our previous studies examined DXA data in an already referred population and showed 19.4% of the screened women were African American and 80.6% were Caucasian, whereas the reference population was 46% African American.2 Furthermore, we demonstrated in this referral population that African American patients are not treated for osteoporosis with bisphosphonates or other drug therapies as much as are Caucasians (62% vs. 83%).18 However, the patients in these studies were already referred for DXA and may not represent what happens in primary care practices. There is a dearth of information on bone density screening and treatment of osteoporosis in primary care clinics. Therefore, this study examined women ≥60 years old from an academic primary care clinic to further explore the racial differences in DXA screening for low BMD and in the active drug treatment of established osteoporosis and osteopenia.
From 1998 to 2009, we identified all women ≥60 years who came to our university medical center primary care clinics, including Family Medicine, General Internal Medicine, and Gynecology. Of the 4748 women, 44.7% were African Americans. Because of the small numbers of other races (2.6%), we compared only African American and Caucasian women (52.8%). We selected women ≥60 years old because of postmenopausal status, which allows coverage of osteoporosis screening under Medicare and insurance carriers and because it was the recommendation in place at the time of our review. We randomly selected to analyze in detail the records of 1000 women, stratified by race to have equal numbers of African American (n=500) and Caucasian (n=500) women (Fig. 1). Based on our power calculation, a sample size of 500 women in each racial group would provide approximately 90% power to detect a difference of approximately 10% between groups in DXA referral rate. We collected provider demographics, including race, gender, and time in practice, of 213 primary care providers.
One trained research assistant abstracted the primary care medical record (Centricity, General Electric) to determine if there was a referral for DXA screening, the referral visit adherence by the patient, the DXA scan results, the follow-up visit rate after DXA screening, and any medication prescribing for low BMD. For a given woman, any DXA referral or osteoporosis medication prescription between 1998 and 2009 was counted. In the case of patients with more than one DXA reading, the lowest score was used for designation of osteoporosis. The most recent height and weight were collected from the electronic health record for calculation of body mass index (BMI). Smoking, alcohol, and steroid use were documented from various areas in the record. The medical record system had fields for prior or current use of alcohol and smoking, with quantification. If either were documented, they were counted as positive. Quantity was not recorded, as cutoffs for risk of use in osteoporosis have not been established. Provider race, gender, time in practice, and specialty were recorded for referral for DXA and prescribing osteoporosis medications.
The DXA machine used in this study was a General Electric LUNAR DPXIQ Model 2288. We used the T-score from each DXA report for analysis of BMD, which compares the patient's BMD to a normative database of young Caucasian women. Patients whose DXA showed low BMD by WHO guidelines (T-score ≤−2.5 is osteoporosis and ≤−1.0 to ≥−2.4 is osteopenia) were indentified.19 The Institutional Review Board at East Carolina University approved our study.
Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare the proportion of women with each risk factor (e.g., smoking, alcohol use, glucocorticoid use), the proportion referred for DXA screening, adhering to the DXA screening appointment, and identified with a diagnosis of osteoporosis or osteopenia, as well as the proportion prescribed post-DXA medication treatment for osteoporosis or osteopenia by race. Chi-square analysis was also used to examine differences in referral and treatment patterns by provider demographic characteristics. To account for differences in age and BMI values in the two racial groups (Fig. 1), we constructed a series of logistic regression models to examine predictors of referral for DXA screening. All analyses were conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16 (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL).
Osteoporosis risk factors, such as smoking, alcohol, and medications, did not differ between racial groups (Table 1). Among the 1000 women (n=500 African American and n=500 Caucasian) only 29.8% of African American women had been referred for DXA screening compared to 38.4% of Caucasian women (p<0.05). Only a portion of these referred women were adherent with the DXA screening appointment, and this differed by race also (20.8% African American vs. 27.0% Caucasian, p<0.05) (Table 2). About half as many African American as Caucasian women had a diagnosis of osteoporosis or osteopenia (low BMD) (Table 2). This number is greater than the DXA referral number, as it included identification of the diagnosis in the problem list by chart review. Some women may have been diagnosed on sustaining an insufficiency fracture or by prior DXA before joining our practice. Using regression analysis to control for age and BMI differences, we again found significantly fewer African American women referred for DXA (odds ratio [OR] 0.71, confidence interval [CI] 0.52-0.97). Age ≥65 was significantly related to higher DXA referral rate than age <65 years (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.9-4.1).
Among those with a diagnosis of osteoporosis, African Americans were less likely to be prescribed medication for low BMD (79.6% vs. 89.2%, p<0.05). Among those with a diagnosis of either osteoporosis or osteopenia, African American women were also less likely to be prescribed medication (mainly bisphosphonates) (Table 3).
We had reliable provider data for the entire sample and examined referral for DXA scanning as a function of provider demographics. Of the 213 providers, 158 (74%) were Caucasian. We found male providers (n=96) to refer fewer women for DXA than female providers (n=117) (21.7% vs. 27.7%, p=0.035), with an even greater difference for referral of African Americans women (15.4% vs. 25.6%, p=0.007). No other provider demographics, including specialty, length of time in practice, or race, were significant.
In terms of healthcare use after screening, we did not find any significant difference by race in follow-up visit patterns for women with the diagnosis of osteoporosis who would have been considered candidates for treatment: African American 89.9% vs. Caucasian 83.9% (p=0.212).
Our study showed that about one third of the eligible women in a primary care setting are being referred for osteoporosis screening or completed a DXA scan. Although this proportion is better than that described in the Surgeon General's report,1 it is clear that new strategies are needed to further improve the screening rate. Curtis20 has shown an annual increase in DXA referral from 8.4% in 1999 to 12.9% in 2005 and a cumulative referral rate of 30% for women in that time interval. Screening may continue to improve in that more treatments are now available and at lower cost than in 2004 when the Surgeon General's report was published.
Despite guidelines for DXA screening that do not differentiate by race, our study underscores the continuing presence of racial disparities, with African American women from the same clinics being significantly less likely to be referred for a screening DXA scan than their Caucasian counterparts. This racial disparity is also true with regard to treatment with antiresorptive medications in patients with a diagnosis of osteoporosis or osteopenia. The IOM landmark report3 provides strong evidence that racial/ethnic disparities persist in medical care for a number of health conditions and services. The authors of the IOM report attribute disparities to three broad categories of decision making: (1) clinically appropriate differences, (2) environmental factors, such as insurance coverage and lack of access, and (3) discrimination based on biases, stereotyping, and uncertainty.
The first category of clinically appropriate differences may be reflected in the lower referral of African American women who, in our sample had higher BMI. The known higher BMD in African American women described in National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data may influence provider behavior and may result in lower referral rates and prescribing of antiresorptive medications. However, treatment reduces fractures,6 and no evidence exists that treatment decisions based on clinical risk factors lead to better fracture outcomes than does BMD testing. Several screening tools have been developed that use known risk factors and calculate fracture risk as a percentage above which to treat: FRAX,21 Qfracture,22 Garvan,23 and FORE 10 year fracture risk calculator.9 These tools are free, provide no radiation exposure, and are accessible to patients, yet data comparing fracture and patient outcomes by race, based on a combined strategy that employs both DXA and these tools, are needed.
With regard to the second category, environmental factors, lack of access does not seem to be an issue. African American women had similar numbers of clinic visits as did Caucasian women. Although we did not have detailed insurance information on our patients, the large screening difference between those under and over 65 years of age was likely due to Medicare coverage for DXA screening after age 65. This, however, would not explain the racial difference, and unexplained differences still remain after these insurance factors are taken into account, suggesting the potential for disparity based on the third category of discrimination. When referral patterns were examined by provider gender, only male gender showed a lower referral pattern, and this was even stronger for African American women relative to Caucasian women. No information on the decision-making process of providers in our study is currently available to clarify the relative importance of these factors. However, in women aged ≥65 years for whom routine DXA screening is recommended regardless of risk factor and among those with insurance, the disparity in screening and treatment rates for low BMD clearly persist.
African American referred women were less adherent with the DXA screening appointment. One reason for this difference may be explained by results of a qualitative study that showed that African American women do not feel at risk for osteoporosis.24 This pattern of racial difference in adherence to DXA screening appointments has also been shown for mammography screening.25
Another factor that may have influenced treatment patterns includes changes in recommendations from leading organizations. In the beginning of our study period, the WHO definitions for osteoporosis (T-score ≤2.5) and osteopenia (T-score ≤1.0–>2.5) were used to define need for treatment. In 2003, the NOF changed recommendations for treatment to ≤2.0 and ≤1.5 with risk factors, and some providers may have changed their prescribing pattern for osteopenia patients, although this would not have affected the prescribing patterns for osteoporosis.
Strengths of our study include similar numbers of African American and Caucasian subjects, a detailed chart review that captured all relevant variables, use of regression modeling to address differences by race in risk factors, and provider information. Limitations of our study include the retrospective chart review design. The accuracy of this retrospective chart review study depended on the completeness of medical documentation, and it is possible that some providers did not thoroughly and completely document screening, treatment, or other variables collected. It is possible that some women may have taken hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in the early postmenopausal period, which may have influenced DXA referral. It is also possible that patients with a DXA referral but no results actually obtained a DXA scan at distant facilities. Among patients with a diagnosis and no drug treatment, we were unable to verify if these patients were also being treated by an outside physician.
This study involved African American and Caucasian women and cannot be generalized to other minority groups. The referral and treatment pattern found in our study in an academic center in the southeastern United States may also not represent physicians in private practice or in other areas of the country. Despite these limitations, our study identifies persistent racial disparity in osteoporosis healthcare among the postmenopausal women studied.
In our primary care population, significant unexplained racial disparities appear to exist in DXA screening referral and treatment of low BMD between African American and Caucasian women ≥60 years who receive care in an academic primary care setting in the southeastern United States. Further research is indicated to investigate new strategies for increasing screening for low BMD to better understand the low DXA screening and treatment patterns in African American women and to identify specific interventions that address this racial disparity.
We thank Geoff McLeod, B.S., for data abstracting and analyzing and Mary Beth Plane, Ph.D., for review of the manuscript. I.H. received grant support through HRSA grant 1-K01 HP-00159-01 Geriatric Academic Career Award.
No competing financial interests exist for all authors.
PubMed Central Canada is a service of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) working in partnership with the National Research Council's Canada Institute for Scientific and Technical Information in cooperation with the National Center for Biotechnology Information at the U.S. National Library of Medicine(NCBI/NLM). It includes content provided to the PubMed Central International archive by participating publishers.


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Studakris's blog
on 03.17.2010
A Suggestion to War Game Designers, Or Why Can't the Doughboys Get Some Love?
I'm a historian by trade, well a grad student 2 years away from becoming Dr. Studakris, to be exact. Regardless, I've always had an interest in historically based games. Age of Empires, the original Call, Civilization, etc. All were dang fine games, and their game mechanics aren't really up for discussion. However, in a market saturated with WWII games, I've always wondered if game companies were aware of this little tidbit.
Did you know what there was a World War before World War II? And it hold just as much, if not more, hooks for really fascinating games?
World War I is rife for games in numerous genres. You want diplomacy? Heck, there were loads alliances and counter-alliances stemming from backdoor deals between nations. An arena for FPS deathmatches? Consider trench-warfare. Nifty uniforms? We got the Kaiser in a spiked helmet. Ethical dilemmas? Use of mustard gas. Crowning moments of awesome? Occasional cavalry charges were called in the early days of the war. As in, horses in no-man's land. Sure, they were ultimately futile, but dang, would that look cool. Not awesome enough? The 369th Infantry, the "Harlem Hellfighters." Still not enough awesome for you? Frank York. Chances for America to be #1, kick butt, and give Republicans the war-fuzzies? Shoot, the war only lasted a few months once the US entered the picture. Sure, the war jaded a whole generation and caused Hemingway to waste his time at bull fights, but hey, it was one heck of a war.
With the 100th anniversary of the war's beginning only a few years away, I hope some aspiring game company decides to embrace the massive potential in a WWI game. Seriously, the doughboys need some love.
on 03.16.2010
A Rational Response to the 4.0 FFXIII Review
First, hey, everyone's entitled to their own opinion. While I don't agree with many of Mr. Sterling's points, I respect his right to have them.
But honestly, I like the game. Pretty much for the reasons he cannot stand it.
Sure, it's not perfect, but I've always found that the best Final Fantasy game is the one previous to the one just released. Whenever FFXV comes out, the internet will be whistfully remembering the greatness that was FFXIII and bemoaning the non-linear story structure and other changes that ruin the genre found in FFXV.
And I'll admit that the game starting
in medias res
was jarring, and I frantically had to search the menu to find out what the heck a "Fal'cie" was and why the heck should I care. But once I read and got a grasp of the story, it became engrossing again. Additionally, I've yet to hear music in the game that was bland and unforgettable, and my only disappointment comes from the traditional battle theme being scrapped.
Anyway, I could go on the usual fanboy arguments, how the battle system is fun, liking the characters, etc. But the review's final statement is the one Mr. Sterling will regret and probably retract shortly in the following days:
"It's the worst main chapter in the Final Fantasy series to date, and if this is the future of the franchise, that future is incredibly bleak indeed."
Seriously, what the heck dude? Have you forgotten II? Or III? Or IV? (Only in my humble opinion. I don't really care for IV. If you liked it, I'm happy for you. It's no VI, though) Those games were wracked with just as much, if not more, game breaking problems as XIII. Perhaps nostalgia has twisted the memories of those earlier games, but XIII stands on its own just as much as VII and X, which are among my favorites in the series. If you're not a fan of VII and X, I can see not liking XIII. As for XIII being the future of the franchise, I find it very solid, considering the leaps it's made over X and XII.
Anyway, that's my response. I'm sure I'll be drowned out by other FF fanboys calling Mr. Sterling Shamu or whatever, but know at least one fan can be sober-minded about the review.
on 03.10.2010
A Besmirch on my Gamer Cred: I Didn�t Like �Chrono Trigger�
Because of my parent�s policy on TV in the house (which was none at all), the majority of my childhood gaming was done on portable systems. Although I loved my adventures on the black and white screen, I was keenly aware of a whole universe of games I was not privy. In elementary school, I would hear classmates rave about epic sagas and mind-blowing mode 7 graphics. This inequity in gaming was compounded by my dutiful monthly reading of �Nintendo Power,� which would tease further worlds I would never know in my television-less existence. Mega Man X. Final Fantasy III. Link to the Past. Secret of Mana. Donkey Kong Country. All were SNES games I desperately wanted to play, but had no means of doing so. Undeterred, I soldiered on; awaiting the day I would finally be able to play these, and many other, desired games.
Years, and console generations, go by.
When I was in high school, my dad relented on decades of fanatical Apple devotion and purchased a mid-level Dell in order to access work documents at home. One of the first games I purchased for the PC was Final Fantasy VII. FFVII was not my first foray into RPGs, or Final Fantasies for that matter, (Pokemon and Final Fantasy Legend hold those distinctions, respectively) but it was the first RPG that really got me into the genre. After being blown away by the game, I moved on to FFVIII. Around the time I finished FFVIII and was looking for another game to satisfy my new-found appetite for RPGs, I began to hear murmurings of programs called emulators. Not wanting to get my hopes up, I rationalized that an SNES emulator couldn�t be among them, and even if it did exist, it certainly would be too grandiose to run on my father�s basic desktop. Ah, the naivety of youth. After being reassured by one of my closest and most trusted friends that our computer would certainly run an emulator, he gave me a disk full of SNES roms and that most wondrous of all programs, ZSNES.
I was in heaven.
Games previously denied to me by my parent�s forbiddance of televisions were now freely available. Within the next couple of months, I plowed through handfuls of games I could once only dream of playing. I fell in love with fan translations of FFV and Seiken Densetsu 3. I marveled at strange games such as E.V.O: The Quest for Eden and Out of This World. But most importantly, every AAA title longed over from the pages of �Nintendo Power� was reachable with only a few keystrokes. Like I said, I was in heaven.
I remember hearing accolades for �Chrono Trigger� around 4th grade. �Nintendo Power� had given it a review stating it had absolutely no weaknesses and if anything, would spoil the player from enjoying RPGs ever again. Additionally, my video game pals raved over the game, citing the music, character, battle system, etc. as being second to none. I was told on multiple occasions that they envied me for being able to play it for the first time. So with inflated, but supposedly justified expectations, I located the rom for �Chrono Trigger� and prepared to be wowed.
It�s important to note here that I didn�t hate �Chrono Trigger.� It certainly was a complete and competent game. Likewise, I don�t think my opinions were tainted by playing later RPGs first, which had taken some of �Chrono Trigger�s� innovative ideas. For instance, I loved the crap out of Final Fantasy III(VI), Seiken Densetsu 3, and the Dragon Quest games, even though I played them after their next-gen sequels. Heck, I still hold FFVI as my favorite game in the series.
But there was just something about �Chrono Trigger� that didn�t strike a chord with me. For one, I found the characters annoying. Particularly Lucca. Her swarmy, full-of-her-own-intelligence attitude grated on me. Even after finding out about her mother�s accident, I was still unsympathetic to her plight. Maybe that makes me a soulless monster, but she still was my least favorite party member. The music was okay, but it certainly wasn�t as mind-blowing or memorable as other tracks from the era. The battle system was decent, and it was a welcome break to have non-random enemy encounters, but it wasn�t much to write home about. Even the story, which many heralded as the best part of the game, couldn�t hold my interest after the first couple of hours. By the time I arrived at the End of Time, I had stopped caring about Lavos and the fate of the world, and just wanted to grind in order to finish the game. It wasn�t terrible, but it certainly wasn�t the end-all, be-all SNES RPG experience.
After I had defeated Lavos, and a few times more on the new game plus in order to see some of the much-trumpeted multiple endings, I expressed my blas� attitude towards the game the same individuals who triumphed its cause. I was met with disbelief and horror. I was accused of being tainted by later RPGs, or not �getting� the story. Even though I had become relatively well-versed on SNES games, my nonchalance towards �Chrono Trigger� marked me as a permanent pariah in the eyes of �true� gamer-dom. Perhaps had I played �Chrono Trigger� when it was first released, I would have been mesmerized by its charms and become as fanatical as my peers. Perhaps their memory of the game was filtered through nostalgia lenses. In either case, my �meh� stance on �Chrono Trigger� has separated me from the ranks of �legitimate� old-school gamers.
A final note. When �Chrono Trigger� was re-released on the DS, I purchased a copy, hoping that the new content and time had made the game more favorable than I remembered it. Turns out, nope, nothing changed. I gave up on the game around the fight with Magus, traded it into for a second copy of �The World Ends With You,� and haven�t looked back since.
Thoughts? Do I now earn your distain for not liking �Chrono Trigger�? Are there any games that have nearly universal acclaim you just don�t like or understand what all the hype is about?
on 03.10.2010
One Day into Final Fantasy XIII (minor spoilers)
I suppose I should get this out into the open now, I bought my PS3 about a month ago with the implicit purpose of getting FFXIII. Sure, I�ve enjoyed playing Uncharted 2 and Valkayria Chronicles, but they were just the appetizers for the Square-Enix main dish. I�m about 4-5 hours into the game, and I have these impressions. I�ll stay away from spoilers and the like, with one minor exception.
1. Graphics-
Yeah, they�re good. Even on an older Sony Wega with no HDMI hook-up, just component cables, the game is visually stunning. Sure, it may not leave you as awe-struck as your first glimpse of Midgar, but the nuances in the details are astonishing. It�s the first game where I can really tell the difference in the fabrics of clothing.
2. Story-
A little taken aback by this one. Without going into too much detail, the game lacks true exposition. I�m all for games opening in medias res, but there was a whole bunch of major plot information that was delivered either in throw away lines or most egregiously, in the menu screen. Still, after about the first hour, I had figured out the general gist of what all was going on and the game became surprisingly gripping.
Also, yes, it is linear. And that�s not a bad thing. I�ve found my favorite parts of FF games were a bit on the linear side. The first half of VI, the Midgar section of VII, most of X. I know some people might not like the on-rails aspect, but if it bothers you so much, don�t play the game and pick up a Western RPG instead. I like it and I don�t feel betrayed by Square-Enix in the least.
3. Fighting System-
This will probably be the most talked about aspect of the game, and with good reason. It�s a heck of a lot more fun and intuitive than it looks. The battles have an ebb and flow unlike any I�ve seen in an RPG. Particularly, numbers are no longer important, and MP is a thing of the past. The removal of magic points was frankly a long time coming. In pervious FF games, I would use physical attacks almost exclusively for fear of spending all my MP and being screwed come the next big battle. Even though Vivi or whoever was more than capable of wiping the floor with a �Thunder� spell, I would always select them to thwack the enemy with their staff for a miniscule 12 damage. In FFXIII, there is no penalty or fear for using a lot of magic, since it takes the same amount of action as a regular attack. As a result, not only am I using a lot more offensive spells, but tons more buffs and debuffs. I love the tactical tension allowed by the paradigm system. In large boss fights, I find myself debating whether to keep building attacking as to cause the �stagger� status even though my characters are in need of healing, or switching to a healing paradigm, and risk losing the break meter.
4. Characters-
Each playable character feels like a mixture of previous characters from earlier in the series. For a bit of fun, I�m going to do some FFXIII character math. I know I�m barely into the story, but here�s how I see them.
She�s a tough chick, but she�s not as moody or sullen as other protagonists have been
A bare-knuckled brawler dedicated to his fianc�e. He has a dark sense of humor, but no where near as peppy as other members of the party
A reluctant participant. Like Tracy Jordan said in his not hit movie Cruise Boat, He�s too getting to old for this ship.
The young kid, but he actually has a reason to be moody and not a peppy mess.
The least original character. She�s every other young girl from FF rolled into one. Plus her accent is grating
(Minor Spoiler)
She�s not in the party and has barely had 3 lines, but I can already see a dark sense of humor coming out. Plus, she�s a dragoon. Dragoons are always awesome.
on 02.23.2010
In Defense of Portable Gaming and TWEWY
When I was 6 years old, my teenaged brother received one of the greatest Christmas gifts I would ever get. It was a Game Boy. By the time the next Christmas came around, I had usurped ownership of the device from him, becoming the sole player of such classics as "Tetris" "Double Dragon" and "Mickey's Dangerous Chase" (Hey, I was 6, and Mickey Mouse was the man in my eyes). Despite my parent's anti-TV stance (They didn't buy one until I was well into college) they had no problem with the Game Boy. So for the next couple of years, Christmases and Birthdays were easy affairs. Just buy little Studakris whatever Game Boy game just came out and he'll be content for the next couple of months.
Although I knew the Game Boy was theoretically a portable device, I never used it as such. Partially because I was still in elementary school and really had no place to travel, but mainly because I was so enamored of the spot I had on the couch with the perfect lighting, that there was no reason to move. (Note: it still amazes me how much finicky who-haa we had to put up with on the Game Boy. Crummy battery life, inane bleeps and bloops for music, and always, always positioning the screen to receive adequate illumination without blinding glare) It was on this couch that I first fell in love with Mario, Link, and Kirby, among others. Although they were the portable versions, they had the same amount of game play and depth as their larger brethren. Even unto this day, I content that "Link's Awakening" is the most complete and fulfilling Zelda game.
As time when out, my faithful monochrome Game Boy was replaced by the Game Boy Pocket. Then the Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Advance SP, all the way up to my current DS Lite. And as time goes on, and video games become more and more graphically impressive, I'm still most drawn to the intimate affairs available only on the smallest screen. It's a much more personal affair, and draws the player in to an extent I can't find on traditional consoles. Sure, it's possible to produce an epic and frolicking adventure, such as the excellent "Uncharted 2". But I still prefer the quirky sense of smallness found on portable games.
I believe the potential of portable gaming as a separate and distinct entity is best served in Sqaure-Enix's over-under-appreciated work "The World Ends With You." Aside from the story, which brilliantly plays with the various tropes of JRPGs, the game mechanics are not only innovative, but also only possible on the DS. The dual screens are utilized in game to accomplish much more than the traditional map/subscreen combo. The stylus and d-pad allow for simultaneous control over the combat in a manner simply not possible on traditional consoles. But the most impressive feature of "TWEWY" is that all the innovations simply work together. Not much is game-changingly broken. The pins can be used in a myriad of fashions depending on the player's preference. There is a fair amount of balance, in defiance to most RPG's habit of providing uber-weapons by game's end. It has an element of finesse simply missing from most games.
So yeah, there you go. My love letter to our portable buddies. Whenever the DS 2 comes out, I'll be first in line to buy it. In addition, I'll continue to long for a "TWEWY" sequel, as long as they keep it far away from the Wii and other traditional consoles.
on 02.23.2010
So I guess I'm supposed to do a proper introduction to my blog. Well, here it goes.
I'm currently a grad student getting my doctorate in American History. So yeah, that right there eats up the vast majority of my time. Additionally, I'm unique from most gamers in that my parents never allowed a TV in the house, so all my childhood memories of gaming come from either the computer (which was a Mac and very limited in the way of titles) or the various incarnations of the Game Boy. Because of this, I have a much stronger affinity towards portable gaming than most.
At the moment, my gaming systems are a PS3, Wii, DS, iPhone, and a Macbook. My favorite game series ever is Final Fantasy (cliche, I know) followed by Zelda and Monkey Island. I probably have more emulated SNES roms than anyone on the internet, partially because I'm trying to relive all the games denied my childhood by not having a television. My other major gaming quirk is aside from a brief period where I played WoW with people from the dorm, I'm not a fan of online gaming. It just seems so impersonal. I'd much rather beat someone down in Third Strike or Tetris Attack in person than over the interwebs.
Well, that about covers who all I am gaming-wise. Expect posts concerning my waiting for FFXIII as well as other issues, maybe done with a historical perspective ;)
on 02.06.2010
My Expertise: In-person Versus Mode
Games in which no one can beat me*:
Soul Calibur 2
Smash Brothers Brawl
Street Fighter 3: Third Strike
Marvel vs. Capcom 2
Mario Kart series
Halo 2
And above all: Tetris Attack
*The games in which I have incredible skills cross all genres, but have one underlying factor. I am only crushingly awesome if I am physically playing another human being in the flesh. To be blunt, I am a beast a multi-player gaming, but only while offline. Sit next to me on the couch while we duke it out in �Smash Brothers,� I�ll hand your butt to you 9 times out of 10. Play me over the internet, I�ll lose so hardcore it�s not even funny. There�s just something about playing someone in person that brings out my uber-competitive edge. I suppose this is why I don�t find online gaming all that appealing, it�s missing the interaction. Sure, I can plug in a headset to hear the inane cackles of homophobic pre-adolescents, but it is missing the thrill of watching your opponent become utterly devastated through your skills, psychological pressure, and sheer wit. While I acknowledge and respect the force that online multiplayer has become, I don't think it can ever replace actual interaction with another gamer.
Follow Studakris's c-blog
About Studakris
One of us
since 9:50 AM on 01.20.2010
Been playing games since I was a kid. Mainly portables until recently. Have a PS3, Wii, DS, Mac and own games for all formats. Into all genres, but mainly JRPGs, fighting, and party games. Don't get to play as much as I'd like, but I can throw down with the best of them. Grad school is a huge time sink.
Currently playing:
PS3- Mass Effect 2
Wii- Waiting for Skyward Sword
DS- Dragon Quest IX
Mac- Papers for class
iPhone- Angry Birds
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text:
Westmark Anchorage
No prices found through our partners. Please contact the business directly or check some of our recommended alternatives.
How has this hotel rated in the past?
- Suites
- Restaurant
- Free High-Speed Internet
- Room service
- Business Services
- Bar/lounge
Travelers also recommend:
TravelPod Member ReviewsWestmark Anchorage
Very basic hotel. Great location, but in desperate need of updating. VERY slow internet sometimes. Apparently, they are upgrading a few floors at a time, but haven't gotten to 9th yet. Owned by Holland America, so we had to stay here, but not sure I would pay.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TravelPod member and not of TravelPod.com.
Historical Traveler Reviews Westmark Anchorage
Don't fotget your ear plugs !!
We stopped at the West Mark for 4 nights on vacation. When we checked in our room was not ready so we were upgraded to a suite. The room was large and very clean. I think the hotel has recently being renovated and all areas of the hotel look new and clean, an excellent start to our stay. We had free wireless internet connection and all the help we needed. We were on the 10th floor and the noise from the traffic and outside was as if we were stopping on the ground floor, this is my only criticism.
On our last night we ate in the hotel, my wife opted for the sushi which she said was to die for, she picked off the menu and we watched it being made in front of us, you cant get much fresher than that. The food and drink from the hotel bar was also very reasonable. We booked our stay direct with the hotel which we found after a little research was the cheapest method only $320 for a 4 night stay!!
We would definitely recommend a stay at the West Mark.
Great Value in February
I stayed here in February and was very satisfied. Winter rates are a great value - I got a suite for $98/night. Regular rooms were available for $72/night.
The suite had a small bedroom, living room, and a small bathroom. Balconies were very small. I would say that the room was on par with your average Hyatt. Housekeeping was fine and the people at the front desk were very helpful.
Location is good - right across the street from the Glacier Brewery. I would definitely stay there again.
Great Views in the heart of downtown
Great views in the heart of the busy downtown district of Anchorage, which is where you want to be. The hotel is very clean and comfortable. The rooms were ready upon check-in. Just note that the hotel lobby is a busy place as this is a starting point and ending point for those on Holland America Cruise Tours. However, the hotel handles it very well. If your on one of the HAL Cruise Tours be sure to book a few days in Anchorage either before or after your tour. You'll be sorry if you don't. There is a lot to see and do and the hotel has great views from the great balcony's off each room. There is free internet in the lobby, an ATM machine, payphones, giftshop, Solstice bar & grill with free newspapers in the a.m., and a HAL & Greyline desk. The rooms all have darkening drapes to block out the summer sun and noise wasn't a problem. Coffee maker, hair dryer, alarm clock all seem to be standard in Westmark hotels.
Highly Recommend the Westmark
We stayed at the Anchorage Westmark for 3 days in late May, 2005.
The location is the most central in downtown Anchorage (with the possible
exception of the Hilton), everything was within one or two blocks.
The staff was super friendly. We had a view one day of Mt McKinley 130
miles away. Our room was fine - like a good Best Western. We paid $90.
We would certainly return.
Warm Welcome in a Cold Place
Very comfortable friendly hotel with a good restaurant and all amenities. Rooms are sleek modern. Views of mountains are unfortunately obstructed by the performing arts center next door. Staff friendly. Super location downtown near Alaska Railroad terminus.
Great One-Night Stay
My husband and I stayed at the Westmark in May 2004 during our honeymoon. We stayed one night. While reasearching hotels in Anchorage, we found very little information on the Westmark. However, we were very happy with our choice.
We booked directly with the hotel since their rates were much better than what the usual hotel websites were offering.
We arrived at the Westmark around 9pm (cab from the airport was about $8) and breezed through check-in. The staff at the front desk was a highlight of our stay. Our room faced the Cook Inlet, but was a double. Given that we'd been travelling all day, we really didn't care.
The room was quite nice, well decorated, and in good condition. The outside wall was all glass with a nice view. A set of shears and heavy drapes let you determine how much light got in. The room was decorated in darker colors and gave it a very elegant feel. There was a small balcony (room for about two people standing only), but we didn't use it since it was drizzling.
Due to the time change, we were up extremely early the next morning and decided to go for a walk down the coastal trail. The staff at the front desk happily gave us a map, directions, suggestions on which way to head, and additional information about the area. Upon returning and checking out, the bellman assisted us with all of our luggage into a cab and wished us well.
We would recommend this hotel for a two main reasons. First, it was a nice hotel with friendly, helpful staff at a very good rate. Second, it has a great location near the tourist sections of Anchorage, but about a block away so you don't get all of the street noise.
Relaxing stay
My wife and I live in the Mat-Valley (50 miles North) and occasionally need a weekend away to relax, have dinner, see a movie, take in a show at the APC, etc. The Westmark is centrally located downtown. The rooms are spacious, clean and well kept. The lobby is inviting and nicely decorated. The restaurant is convienient and has good food and friendly service. The views are fantastic from the balconies. I would recommend this hotel to anyone who is looking for reasonably priced, comfortable lodging right in the center of the action.
Was not happy at all
because I booked on Expedia, this hotel would not give us a room above the 6th floor and said it was their policy if you book on the internet not to put you above the 6th floor. The staff was not courteous and they were not helpful at all. We had no view and were only placed on the 5th floor. They had planned on putting us on the 3rd floor when we arrived. The door to the room would not lock and on several occasions we had to park 2 blocks from the hotel because of no parking at the hotel. At least 3 parking spaces were blocked so cruise guest could have their luggage delivered there at different times. The air conditioner leaked and the staff were not friendly. The best thing about it was the bed was comfortable.
Great stay
We won this hotel in a priceline bid of $50 per night. Great downtown location. Wonderful staff. Good food in the Solstice Cafe, next to the lobby.
Great location and good service.
This hotel is old but clean and the location is great. Right downtown and within walking distance of the theatre, shopping malls, and restaurants. The service is top notch but I didn't care for the restaurant in the hotel.
TripAdvisor Reviews Westmark Anchorage
Travel Blogs from Anchorage
Onward and Upward (at least to the 9th Floor)
Moving On Day! Today, we transfer all our stuff to the Westmark Anchorage Hotel, where we spend the night before our early departure on the McKinley Explorer train to Denali. Denny and I returned the rental cars to the airport, caught the #7 bus downtown, another great adventure. Kind of knocked around town, Bob and Marye and Bill and Debbie, the …
Anchorage to Talkeetna
... location for fishing and trading by the Dena'ina a subset of the Athabascan people, the villages name comes from the Athabascan word for "river of plenty", K'Dalkitnu. As early as 1896, a gold rush in the Susitna river brought Prospectors to the area. The 1918 Influenza epidemic and 1923 completion of the Railway decreased the towns population. It has survived through the years with a combination of miners, trappers,homesteaders and ...
Catching up on the blog
What a fantastic night's sleep with the aid of a brain deadener! I heard people moving around but fell asleep again. When I finally woke about 9.30pm there was a girl in the top bunk opposite me when it had been empty when we all went to bed……oops & I'd taken her pillow to put under my knee as it was so bad when there is a sign attached to the bunks which specifically says not to remove any linen from another bed – being pedantic (not at ...
A Day of Travelling
... was through thick cloud but I was surprised to see how green and lush it was - and it was still light! I expected more snow!
27 hours since we left home, no one was there to meet us at the airport so we grabbed a taxi and finally made it to the Ramada Hotel in downtown Anchorage. Local time is 1.00am, 10.00am at home. The strangest thing of all has been that in all that time, it hasn't got dark! Sunset here is around 11.35am and sunrise around 4.30am.
A Pot to Piss In, Skid Marks, Pooh House.....
... cancellation, we dealt with it with humor. It helped our gate agent get through it as well.
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