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GSA's Role in Implementing FMLoB Government-Wide
Chairman Platts, Congressman Towns, and Members of the Subcommittee:
Thank you for the opportunity to participate in today's hearing.
As the Deputy Associate Administrator of the General Services Administration's (GSA's) Office of Technology Strategy, and the Financial Systems Integration Office (FSIO) Executive, I also serve as the project manager for the Financial Management Line of Business (FMLoB). As you know Ms. Kathleen Turco, GSA's Chief Financial Officer, appeared before the Subcommittee earlier this month and testified how GSA fully supports the FMLoB initiative and the four FMLoB work streams that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has initiated. I look forward to discussing how this initiative has evolved from its inception in 2004 until now. We appreciate your Subcommittee's interest in this important initiative.
First, in your invitation letter, Chairman Platts, you asked me to discuss GSA's role in implementing the FMLoB government-wide. In December 2005, the Financial Systems Integration Office (FSIO), formerly known as the Joint Financial Management Improvement Program (JFMIP) staff office, was moved to the Office of Governmentwide Policy and placed within my office. With that came responsibility for the Financial Management Line of Business (FMLoB) initiative. GSA was named as managing partner by OMB and made responsible for the project management of the FMLoB, including organizing the work effort, involving the Federal CFO community in the initiative, and setting the schedule of priorities with input from an Executive Steering Committee of agency partners. In a very broad sense, FSIO's purpose in support of GSA's management role is to serve all executive agencies by providing the agencies the necessary tools to succeed in the implementation of the FMLoB vision and goals.
We have worked closely with OMB and the Chief Financial Officers Council to update FSIO's mission and scope of activities. FSIO continues to support the historical functions of the former JFMIP staff office along with the additional responsibility of managing the FMLoB initiative.
The FSIO office has three major areas of responsibilities:
- Requirements Development and Testing for Federal Financial Systems - Our office develops and prioritizes new Federal financial system requirements and develops and conducts testing and certification of Federal financial management systems, and works with both agencies and vendors on the adoption of these requirements.
- Special Projects - FMLoB Initiative - FSIO provides support to the Federal financial community by taking on special priority projects as determined by the OMB Controller and the CFO Council. The current special project is the FMLoB project which is extremely significant and central to the core mission of the office. In this role, my office plans and manages the work activities and FMLoB work teams, which are comprised of agency representatives supported by contractors. We use subject matter experts from Federal agencies, focused on narrowly-scoped tasks established to develop, review, and upgrade tools for agencies to implement the FMLoB initiative. Examples of these efforts include the Migration Planning Guidance, Performance Measures, Business Process Standards and Common Government Accounting Code.
- Outreach - Conducting outreach through an annual financial management conference and other related activities aimed at improving the core competencies of the Federal financial community.
Office of the Management Budget Circular A-27 on "Financial Management Systems" stated that FSIO is responsible for establishing processes for testing "off-the-shelf" software supporting core financial system requirements.
FSIO serves as a well-respected and impartial intermediary between Federal agencies and the private sector. We believe the FSIO is viewed as a trusted partner and "honest broker" by both Federal agencies and the private sector in coordinating the development of Federal financial management system requirements. The Federal financial management community has relied on FSIO for its independent testing and certification of commercial off-the-shelf core financial systems software.
Operating separately in the Office of the GSA Chief Financial Officer, GSA is a Federal Shared Service Provider (SSP) providing financial management services to other agencies, boards and commissions through the Federal Integrated Solutions Center (FSIC). GSA was selected by OMB as a SSP because it is GSA's mission to provide best value products and services to other Federal agencies so that other agencies can focus on their missions. Ms. Turco addressed the CFO's perspective, GSA's role as a SSP, when she testified before you last month.
FMLoB Governance Structure
Several key stakeholders provide accountability and appropriate oversight in the management of the FMLoB initiative. They are:
- The Office of Management and Budget. OMB is the central authority on all Lines of Business. Also, OMB's Office of Federal Financial Management (OFFM) provides executive sponsorship, and financial management policy guidance. As the FSIO Executive, I am accountable to the OMB OFFM Controller, Linda Combs, who is a key stakeholder, for progress on the FMLoB.
- FSIO & FMLoB Executive Steering Committee - This committed group of executive stakeholders provides direct governance of FMLoB activities.
- The purpose of the FSIO and FMLoB Executive Steering Committee (ESC) is to provide strategic direction and agency sponsorship, assist in priority setting, and approve partner agency resource contributions. The ESC meets quarterly or on an as-needed basis.
- The ESC consists of myself, representing the FMLoB managing partner (GSA), six representatives from CFO Act agencies at the CFO or Deputy CFO-level, a non-voting representative from OMB's Office of E-Government and a non-voting representative from OMB's Office of Federal Financial Management. The ESC members were selected from the CFO Act agencies to represent diverse perspectives in regards to size of agency, financial management technical platform and migration status.
- FSIO Transformation Team - This larger group includes agency representatives from all CFO Act agencies that provides working-level advice to the FSIO ESC and direct two-way communication between the FSIO and the agency representative when needed.
- The team functions as an advisory group to the FSIO ESC, manages the delivery of interdisciplinary work packages, and makes recommendations to the FSIO Executive Committee and the FMLoB managing partner. The team is responsible for 1) maintaining the credibility of the final work products by providing internal review function, 2) providing recommendations to the FMLoB Project Management office for vetting, and 3) continuously seeking to refine processes to increase credibility and buy-in for their work products.
Original Business Case for FMLoB
The original intent of the 2004 FMLoB business case was to describe the concept and benefits of the FMLoB common solution. This concept consisted of consolidating financial systems across the Federal Government into a shared services model where select providers (Federal and commercial) would provide, at a minimum, IT hosting services to client agencies. The concept also called for the development and implementation of standard core financial business processes that would enable consolidation.
The business case outlined that anticipated financial benefits and efficiencies would be realized through several means:
- By reducing long-term investment requirements and operations and maintenance expenditures;
- By retiring stove-piped agency financial systems;
- By improving the buying power of the Federal Government with suppliers;
- By facilitating more reliable and accurate financial information in a common format across the Government;
- By enabling agencies to make better decisions through improved financial reporting;
- By enhancing financial management functionality in a cost-effective environment; and
- By leveraging best practices in a variety of critical financial areas.
The Evolution of FMLoB
The original concept of the FMLoB is unchanged, as are its goals, although the words may have been refined from those in the original business case.
The overall vision of the FMLoB, as worded today, is "to improve the cost, quality, and performance of financial management (FM) systems by leveraging shared service solutions and by implementing other government-wide reforms that foster efficiencies in Federal financial operations."
The goals of the FMLoB include:
"Implementing Federal financial systems that:
- Provide timely and accurate data available for decision-making;
- Facilitate stronger internal controls that ensure integrity in accounting and other stewardship activities;
- Reduce costs by providing a competitive alternative for agencies to acquire, develop, implement, and operate financial management systems through SSP solutions;
- Standardize systems, business processes, and data elements; and
- Provide for seamless data exchange between and among Federal agencies by implementing a common language and structure for financial information and system interfaces."
However, how FMLoB intends to actualize these goals has been refined. This refinement has been the result of a deeper understanding of, and changes in, the market, a better understanding of the collective needs of the agencies, and additional knowledge on existing capabilities of Federal and potential commercial providers. In developing the Migration Planning Guidance, the FMLoB has spent a great deal of effort speaking with its stakeholders about their requirements and concerns while considering the various states of consolidation among agencies.
The FMLoB details have evolved in several areas:
- The scope of agency migrations. The initial business case assumed that agencies would only seek to limit migration of their financial system operations to a hosted information technology (IT) environment. The current approach encourages agencies to evaluate their financial operations from end-to-end and select appropriate additional services.
- The identification of SSPs. The initial business case assumed the development of new, government-run SSPs and open competition with the commercial sector. We continue that approach by scaling and driving service and cost/performance improvements by having existing Federal SSPs and new Federal SSPs, if justified, and commercial SSPs compete to provide the best solutions to agency needs over time.
- The timing of agency migration. The initial business case planned that the standardization of business processes would drive consolidation of Government financial operations. The current approach allows for business process standardizations to be driven by the timeline of the agency financial system replacement.
Scope of Migrations
The initial business case assumed that agencies would only seek to migrate their financial system operations to a hosted IT environment. However, cross-servicing of a precursor to SSPs in Government, related to financial management systems, has occurred for some time and has included no only system operations but also business operations.
Currently an impressive number of agency clients -- 83 executive branch organizations and four legislative branch organizations -- have migrated to the SSP concept.
In addition, our analysis of metrics from commercial sources, as well as state and local Governmental institutions, indicates success in cost savings and efficiencies in migrating their financial system operations to a SSP model. The concept of SSPs is well-established in industry. Major enterprises found that moving to a single financial system and at the same time implementing consistent data and technology standards can cut cost of finance operations by 23 percent ("Companies Can Cut Finance Costs by 23 Percent by Using a Single ERP, Implementing Technology and Data Standards," the Hackett Group Press Release, 8/9/05). Centralization and shared financial systems services are proven best practices, resulting in an average reduction in finance costs of 44 percent (Hackett's 2005 Business Processing Source - EU Shared Services 2005 Study). It is for these reasons that the FMLoB is now providing tools to assist agencies in analyzing the benefits of migrating business operations to a SSP. We are confident that this analysis will demonstrate that the SSP results in the best value for the U.S. taxpayer.
Identification of SSPs
The initial business case for FMLoB assumed the development of new, government-run service centers and open competition with the commercial sector. In addition, this business case assumed six providers but indicated that the actual number would be determined through a competitive process.
Last year, OMB designated four agencies as Federal SSPs. Each of these Federal SSPs had the infrastructure and operations already in existence to support other agencies through a cross-servicing arrangement, and a set of existing clients that were using a range of services, from IT hosting, through transaction processing.
The Department of Treasury's Bureau of Public Debt Administrative Resource Center currently hosts financial systems and business operations for over 30 Government organizations, including most Treasury bureaus and 15 non-Treasury related organizations. The Department of Interior National Business Center hosts financial systems and business operations for 32 external executive branch organizations, and three legislative branch organizations. The Department of Transportation Enterprise Services Center hosts financial systems and business operations for all Transportation bureaus and three other small executive branch organizations. And, as I mentioned previously, the General Services Administration Federal Integrated Solutions Center hosts financial systems and financial operations for over 43 external executive branch agencies, boards and commissions, and one legislative branch agency.
In addition, some agencies have already begun to move their financial system operations to commercial providers. The Small Business Administration began contracting out the operation of its financial system to Corio in 2003. Department of Labor recently selected an Oracle solutions provider, Mythics.
Timing of Business Process Standardization
A high-level government-wide business process standardization framework was developed for the enterprise architecture level agency-wide level in 2004. The detailed government-wide business process standardization work is still on-going with the help of the agencies.
Due to individual agency needs to migrate sooner than completion of the detailed government-wide business process standardization framework, business process standardization is not currently a precedent for agency migration. However, these agencies are expected to use the high-level framework in developing their own enterprise architecture.
Agencies will be expected to adopt the business process standards and to standardize their processes as part of their migration once the detailed business process standards are completed. However, a schedule for this adoption will be determined later. This detailed business process standards work consists of further decomposing and defining business process and data standards for select core financial management functions. The exposure draft of the detailed business process and data standards is planned to be released in the fall.
Clarification on Relationship between OMB Exhibit 300 Business Cases and Public-Private Competition
Finally, Mr. Chairman, I would like to clarify the relationship between the planning requirements encompassed in OMB's Exhibit 300 business case, as set forth in OMB Circular A-11, and the policy of public-private competition, as articulated in OMB's May 22, 2006 guidance on competitive migrations and Circular A-76. In a nutshell, the role of these documents are related and work together to ensure agencies make sound investments of taxpayer dollars, but address different aspects of the migration process.
OMB Exhibit 300, also known as the Capital Asset Plan and Business Case, is a budget planning document that is used to justify funding requests. In the context of the FMLoB initiative, agencies would use the Exhibit 300 analysis to demonstrate if funds should be requested to maintain an existing system or modernizing to a different core financial management system. If the Exhibit 300 analysis supports a decision to upgrade or modernize, then OMB's migration policy calls for the agency to conduct a public-private competition, as a general matter, to ensure that the agency considers alternative public and private sector solutions in a reasoned and structured manner. The competition process will enable the customer agency to select the best possible provider. If the requirement involved commercial work currently being performed by more than 10 Federal full-time equivalent (FTE) employees, the policies and procedures of Circular A-76 would be used to guide the competition. So the 300 and A-76 do not detract from the other, but A-11 Business Cases and competitive sourcing requirements complement one another.
In summary, the FMLoB has great promise, significant participation and momentum. I am happy to take any questions at this time.


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has anyone been to this camp in thailand?
has anyone been to this camp in thailand?
where about in thailand is it?
"I hated every minute of training, but I said, don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life a champion"
Muhammad Ali
TEAM KAOBON RULEZ-MMA/Muay Thai/Luta Livre
Chalong. Phuket
I'm no gynecologist but I know a cunt when I see one.
If anyone is looking for Thai Training in Thailand, checkout Keatkhamtorn Gym.
They dont do MMA, its strictly a Thai camp for Thai Fighters, but they are very welcoming of westerners. i Was there just before Christmas, and it is an excellent place, not a huge place, so its really family freindly feel to the place.
Its home of Nopparat Keatkhamtorn two time Lumpini champion and Thailand Champion, and whole stable of thai's regularly fighting at the main Bangkok Stadiums. The Gym specialises in Clinch and Knees which thier fighters are known for.
Its in Bangkok, but a short way out of the city centre, down a nice leafy lane.
If anyone wants info re training there PM me.
I took some photos while i was there too, check it out here http://fightpics.smugmug.com/gallery/10742301_XAQWn
Fightpics.net........Fight Photography
Tiger Muay Thai and MMA, from what I've heard is fully westernised and is headed up (MMA wise) by Ray Elbe, who failed to qualify for TUF last year/year before.
If you were going to Thailand to do Thai boxing, I personally would pick another camp.
The best moment of my life was being punched in the face by Liam Harrison.
in all fairness Keatkamthorn isnt an alternative really.... as its thai only, plus their style predominatly Clinch is really a very stadium style (have sent some guys their before)
Tiger is decent if you want mma as part of your program and also is on phuket - so you have beaches
however if you want just thai training (albeit near beach) there are a number of options in phuket....
chalong, rawai, promthep, chang,sinbi etc etc.... I'd recommend Kiat Thannachot - small gym away from the tourist spots, main trainer is Pat - who was one of the Contender Asia trainers...
if you want thai with no beach then hed to Bangkok ;-) loads of options
the gym we mainly use - www.jittigym.com- has a BJJ blackbelt training MT there- Adam kayoom, he also runs a BJJ academy in bangkok...he would happily have you there to play in the gi after thai boxing....
also have Bangkok Fight CLub in BKK, a purple belt with some MMA experience runs that - Alex - whos very friendly and happy to roll
Last edited by Yak; 11-01-2010 at 02:55 PM.
I would highly reccommend Jitty gym went last year and was very tough the guys who were fighting got pushed VERY hard with clinch work and sparring, and the gym has a great atmosphere plus the food is excellant
There is so many choices proberly only going for 10 days and wante dto do the whole trip for under £1200 can that be done?
£1200 will be plenty mate it's cheap to get around on the MRT and Sky train training and somewhere to stay will be within your budget at whatever camp you choose.
Keatkhamtorn prices are as follows:
Single training session (a.m. or p.m.) - 300 Baht.
Days training (both a.m. & p.m.) - 500 Baht.
Months training (both a.m. & p.m.) - 10,000 Baht.
Months training, including shared air conditioned room at the gym (maximum 3 persons, but to yourself if the number of foreigners is low) with hot running water, t.v., fridge, free wireless internet, free drinking water and coffee, and meals after training (breakfast and evening meals) - 25,000 Baht.
Months training, including private air conditioned room at local apartment, with hot running water, t.v., fridge, free wireless internet, and meals after training (breakfast and evening meals) - 30,000.
Thats about £95 for 10 days training, 2 sessions a day. If you eat Thai food the cost of food is pennies. Things start going up somewhat if u start adding in Bar Girls and beer.
www.keatkhamtorn.com or email the owner Jakae on email@example.com
Fightpics.net........Fight Photography

subset: commoncrawl


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As we get started on our journey together, you Big Sisters (Sukieiup95 and myself) wanted to provide a little clarification on some group guidelines. I affectionately call this my "Rules, Rules, Rules" post.
If you see a thread or comment that you feel needs attention, use the "report this" link found in the bottom right corner and choose the Group Owner option. This is the fastest way for us to be able to respond, because it goes to all of us. Remember, even if we don't provide you with a response about your report, we do read and look into every single one. �If we decide action is required, we will take it.
Please remember this is a PUBLIC board. Anything you post here (photos, comments, threads, public journals etc) is public. Meaning anyone who wants to search can find it. Anything you post here can also be linked to Facebook, myspace, Twitter etc. If you do not want your photos, information, opinions, thoughts etc out there for anyone with determination and a computer to find, don't post it here!
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1. Personal attacks are unacceptable. Read more.
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If a thread is locked for disrupting the community and a spin off thread is created to continue the argument/drama, that thread will be deleted or locked as well.
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Sometimes (especially in threads that get totally out of control) we may be deleting numerous PAs at once. In these instances, you may not get a PAN from us about why your post was deleted. If you don't understand why one of your comments was deleted, PAN one or both of us and we will try to provide clarification. We WILL NOT talk about actions taken with other members de to privacy.
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Again, WELCOME! We hope your experience on the Sept. 2013 Birth Club is happy and informative.


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Welcome to the NOAO RBSE site:
NOAO has sponsored the Research-Based Science Education (RBSE) project for a number of years, including an annual teacher's workshop as well as follow-up opportunities for teachers. Changes in our funding structure requires that we put this program on hold, but we will continue to support past participants in the RBSE program.
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3 Attending
1 Attending
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At sixteen and nineteen years old, Chris and Steve Martinez might be the only teenagers clubs are dying to let in, writes Todd L. Burns.


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Sitting face to face with a Satmar man schooling her in atavistic Satmar rules was the last place she wanted to be.
New York blinks in the face of uncertainty and bans hydraulic fracturing.
The crisis we face now is financed by the same people from whom you buy your Christmas toys.
As she departed her glance just flitted over my face in disapproval.
Then, there is Patton himself, who is presented with a constant grimace on his face, and described as the ultimate warrior.
I should not be surprised if I were to recognize him the first time I met him face to face.
Pen got up and turned Sara's pillow and shaded the light from his face, mechanically.
In all my life I've never been face to face with a thing like this.
To laugh, were want of goodness and of grace, And to be grave, exceeds all power of face.
She had been rather pale when he entered, but now the color rushed to her face.
late 13c., "front of the head," from Old French face (12c.) "face, countenance, look, appearance," from Vulgar Latin *facia (cf. Italian faccia), from Latin facies "appearance, form, figure," and secondarily "visage, countenance;" probably related to facere "to make" (see factitious).
Replaced Old English andwlita (from root of wlitan "to see, look") and ansyn, the usual word (from the root of seon "see"). In French, the use of face for "front of the head" was given up 17c. and replaced by visage (older vis), from Latin visus "sight." To lose face (or save face), 1876, is said to be from Chinese tu lien. Face value was originally (1878) of bank notes, postage stamps, etc.
"confront with assurance, show a bold face," mid-15c., from face (n.) Related: Faced. To face the music is theatrical.
"confront with assurance, show a bold face," mid-15c., from face (n.) Related: Faced. To face the music is theatrical.
face (fās)
The front portion of the head, from forehead to chin.
To insult; embarrass; humiliate; burn •This sense probably originated in basketball, where aggressive players put their hands in front of other players' faces: face, which means to embarrass (1980s+ Students)
Related Terms
bag your face, dollface, feed one's face, get out of someone's face, go upside one's face, have a red face, have egg on one's face, not just another pretty face, laugh on the other side of one's face, let's face it, paleface, pieface, poker face, red face, she can sit on my face anytime, shit-faced, shoot off one's mouth, a slap in the face, straight face, suck face, till one is blue in the face, what's-his-name, white-face


description: New Zealand's stunning landscapes have made it a favorite among moviemakers.

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title: Destination: New Zealand, Overview

allowUserEmbed: True

credit: National Geographic

transcript:
Hi, everyone, I’m Patty Kim. Get ready and pack your bags for the playground known as New Zealand; a country whose people are nicknamed for their famous flightless bird, the kiwi.
New Zealand… it was discovered by humans less than a thousand years ago… then re-discovered by moviegoers in 2001, when the island nation’s stunning landscapes were splashed across theater screens worldwide, standing in for Middle Earth in the Lord of the Rings.
New Zealand’s two main islands lie off the southeast coast of Australia. Put together, the north and south island are about the size of Colorado… but they pack plenty of geography into a small space. From the peaks of the Southern Alps… to mossy forests ideal for hiking… the scenery here lures not just sightseers, but travelers looking to go outside and play.
The majority of New Zealanders, about 75% percent, live on the North Island. Its biggest city, Auckland, is also the biggest city in the country, and nearly surrounded by water. Auckland claims to have more boats per person than any other city in the world, so it’s a great place to sample a favorite Kiwi pastime… sailing.
If you want to get away from the city lights, Tongariro National Park is one of the North Island’s most popular places to go hiking, or trekking, as the Kiwis call it. Bubbling mud signals that the area is still volcanically active.
But most people seeking adventure head for the South Island, where there’s fewer people and more wilderness. Christchurch is the gateway city. Originally settled by the British, it’s been called the most English city outside of England. You can even go punting on the Avon River, passing through the botanical gardens… a relaxing way to unwind from an international flight.
Nearly a third of the South Island is protected as national park land. There are trails for trekking, rivers and lakes for kayaking, caves to explore, rocks to climb, and plenty of mountains for biking. The fly fishing is considered some of the world’s best. Fishing here may look serene, but landing a beauty in this pristine setting is heart-pounding in its own way.
While you’re outside, keep your eyes open for New Zealand’s native wildlife. Fur seals are common along rocky coasts. At Curio Bay, you can spot yellow-eyed penguins coming ashore after their daily fishing trip, from late afternoon until sunset.
For a closer look at wildlife, head to the town of Kaikoura. Here, deep waters close to shore attract a wide variety of marine mammals. Hop on a whale watching tour for a chance to see humpbacks, sperm whales, and orca whales. And with its clear water and good visibility, Kaikoura may be the best place in New Zealand to put on some flippers and go swimming with dolphins.
If you’re planning to be outdoors, the best time to visit New Zealand is during its summer months of December, January, and February. The most flexible way of getting around is by rental car. Just remember to drive on the left… and watch out for sheep, on the way to your next destination.


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Was $39.95 NOW $9.95
This is the gardener's bucket hat with a net built into the brim that deploys to thwart insect pests. The hat's crown lifts up and secures in-place with four hook-and-loop fasteners, revealing the stowed netting beneath. The netting extends over the 2"-wide brim by 16", providing ample coverage for the entire head and neck, closing snug with a pull toggle to keep mosquitos, gnats, and other troublesome garden insects out. The crown secures back in-place over the deployed net. Made from 100% cotton twill, the hat keeps the sun off your face and ears, while four eyelets in the crown provide ventilation. One size fits most. (7 oz.)
Lifetime Guarantee
The Gardener's Bug Thwarting Hat comes with The Hammacher Schlemmer Lifetime Guarantee. If this product ever disappoints you, for any reason, you may return your Hammacher Schlemmer purchase for exchange, credit, or refund.
Should you have any questions, we are available seven days a week (8:00 am – midnight EST). Please call 1-800-321-1484 to speak with a specialist or email us at email@example.com to receive a response within three business hours or less.
Sale item quantities are limited — please order soon.
May we recommend:
(based on 10 reviews)
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(9 reviews)
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I would recommend this product to all!
By Sam-the-bug-man
from upstate New York
If you dislike bugs and stinging insects, this protection is for you!
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
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Mosquito's beware!
By FredsMom
from United States
When sitting around campfire, we can be bothered by the mosquitoes who like to appear. This hat will help keep them at bay.
Nice Product
By Mighty Mallard
from Columbia, SC
I'll look forward to trying it out during our SC summer evenings!
Bug Thwarter
By Online's funner
from Alexandria, LA
I like this hat. It does what it is advertised to do.
Love it!
By Frequently Bitten!
from Texas
We spend our weekends on a ranch in Texas and mosquitoes can literally carry you away... especially after it rains! I despise spraying repellent on my face... this is perfect!
great product
By ray
from marquette,mi
Will Keep Mosquitoes & Bees Away Fishing
By Skip B.
from Northern Illinois
I received this in winter, so I'll have to wait for summer to truly test it out. I live on a lake and love to fish. Our dock gets a lot of mosquitoes. In September (a lot of hornets). I love sitting on our lake-house dock and fishing. This will come in so handy! No more tormenting by flying insects!
Also good for killer bees!
By Lisa B.
from Deep South Texas
The day I received it, our contractor was attacked by killer bees. So I gave it to him, and ordered another.
Just what you need!
By ck
from Hicksville, NY
Just what you need in the spring summer and fall to protect yourself from those nasty biting insects.
Well worth the money
By mountain man
from Mifflintown, PA
This is a wonderful preventative as to keeping the very smallest of insects out of your eyes, ears, nose and mouth when working or hiking inthe great outdoors!
COPYRIGHT © 2016 HAMMACHER SCHLEMMER & COMPANY, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. W105147 E. 57th ST • NEW YORK, NY • 10022 • 1-800-_321-1484


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|April 14, 2012 – April 15, 2012
|Aptos, CA, USA [large map] 36.9772, -121.899
|norcal, enduro, short track, XC, santa cruz, pump track, dirt jumps, bike skills clinics
|Enduro, Short Track, Trials, Trials, Clinic, Clinic
Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz is proud to present the Fox 3rd Annual Santa Cruz Mountain Bike Festival, coming to Aptos Village, CA April 14-15, 2012 — the weekend before the Sea Otter Classic!
A variety of mountain biking events and competitions that represent cycling in Santa Cruz county will be offered. Register by March 25 & save! Online registration closes Wednesday, April 11 at 11:59 pm PST.
On the schedule are popular events from last year such as:
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Product Reference: 54591
Sturdy while revealing the beauty within
Protect your phone from scratches and knocks with the Verus Crystal Bumper Series Case for the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+. Featuring a material that is sturdy enough to protect your device, yet reveals the beauty of your Galaxy S6 Edge+ within with its see-through design.
Slim-fitting for optimum comfort and a snug grip
Designed with both form and function in mind, it is comparatively slimline providing the protection your phone needs without adding the extra bulk. Therefore, while being protected at all times, your Galaxy S6 Edge+ will still easily fit within a pocket or a bag.
Access to all features and ports
The Crystal Bumper Series Case features cut-outs for all of the ports, such as the charging connector and camera.
This also means you can leave the phone in this beautifully slim case and enjoy all of its features, ensuring it is protected at all times.
Designed specifically for the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+
Designed with the phone in mind, this case compliments the features of the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ so it looks just as good with the case on as it does off.


text: I have not had much time to post or read over the last few months, popping in once or twice a week at best. Between work, family and building an extension for my daughter, my hands are full. But I did manage to spend a morning last week visiting the leather belt maker Fullum and Holt. F+H make belts for the likes of Allen Edmonds, Ben Silver, Brooks Brothers and many others. They claim to be the oldest belt maker and one of, if not the, largest in North America (a company in Texas is close and it is not certain but believed to be that F+H is larger). The company at a touch over 100 years old, is run by the third generation family member, Morgan Lackman. During the time of my visit, they were working on a large order of women's belts, which was a disappointment, as I wanted to watch a Shell Cordovan belt being made, no such luck. They do not make the leather belts for AE, only the Cordovan. Shell account for abut 5 percent of the men's belt run. Each Shell belt is cut from three strips of the same section of hide. Seams can be done close to seamless or as overlap as seen in the picture below. Everything is made by hand using machines that date from the 30s through to today. A few Pfaff sewing machines are about as modern as it gets for the first tier belts. They do have an automated four step machine for belts that are destine to hit the Moores type retailers. They work in leather, cordovan, croc, snake, and have even been asked to try turkey!! The leather looks nice but the turkey project never took off. Kiton was my first factory visit, I wish it had not been, understanding a little more now, and at the risk of another flame war over "hand work", the average amount of man hours that go into a typical leather men's belt of the AE level is an astonishing…..a whopping 10 minutes per belt. Shell takes "much more" time and only a few of senior staff do shell. The average seniority of workers in the shop is close to 20 years with the most junior leather worker being at 10 years. The finished Shell belt I saw made for Brooks was very nice. Tools in the sample room: Preparing to cut leather: Staining the sides of the leather: Sea sponge is used to avoid running and staining the front or rear of the belt. <img src="http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/7028/5893.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us"/> Large batch runs allow low man hour per belt ratio. Shaping the corners near the buckle: Sewing belt loops etc: The belt loops are made in a mini belt shop that uses the same machines as a full size but scaled down and group in one section of the plant. The finished leather belt: Hand stamping details inside the belt. Hand cutting or pressing on machines dating from the 40s and 50s. Shell Cordovan belts for Brooks Brothers, Allen Edmonds etc. One belt per hide, different seams: The Finished Shell Cordovan belt. Various leather types……they even had turkey! Suspenders and men's garters are made for a handful of clients: Hand cutting for a run of women's belts.


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Lübeln 2
29482 Küsten
Phone +49 (0)5841 96290
The Elbe and its surrounding meadows form an extensive and varied riverscape all the way from the river's source in the Czech Republic to where it flows into the North Sea. The Lower Saxony Elbe Valley Biosphere Reserve and the Elbhöhen-Wendland Nature Park provide protection for an extraordinary biotope.
Here, where for decades the river separated East and West Germany, nature flourished within the seclusion of the former border zone. Today, this mix of richly diverse nature and recent history creates an unforgettable travel experience. Criss-crossed by the Elbe's tributaries, these marshland areas with their natural embankments and cut-off river branches form natural flood plains that protect the surrounding towns and villages. The ancient forests and heathland are home to species that are only found here, including the Elbe cocklebur plant, the Elbe true grass and the Elbe beaver.
Eco-education for the whole family
With the help of a nature guide, kids have the chance to see storks in their nests, watch fish under the water and catch a glimpse of a beaver in its lodge. For a more hands-on activity, 'art in nature' invites children to create biodegradable artworks, such as faces in tree stumps or elaborate patterns made using natural materials like leaves, fruits and grasses. The eco-educational programme 'nature for the senses' provides a multi-sensory experience, in which you feel plants and other natural materials with your hands and feet, listen out for the sounds of the countryside, discover natural objects through smell and observe closely with your eyes.
Wendland: land of horses
Man and horse at one with nature. Riding is a great way to get to know the region and its people – whether with the kids at the pony centre or taking a lesson in jumping, western or dressage. Go trekking or enjoy a leisurely ride in a covered wagon, and stop at various places en route to enjoy mouthwatering dishes made using local ingredients.
Where customs live on
Hardly a week goes by in the region without a huge celebration of some kind. There are the markets for the major religious holidays, the Heather Festival on Nemitz Heath, 'asparagus Sunday' in Lüchow, the solstice festival and the dragonboat festival in Gartow or the Vörgodendeelsdag in Schnega, a historical rye harvest festival.
A spring of culture in the Wendland region
Between April and June, more than 600 artists and artisans showcase their work as part of the 'Wunde.r.punkte' season. Paintings and sculptures in former farmhouses, theatre and live music in disused barns, arts and crafts and organic food in old farmyards. Often you can see the artists at work: watch as sculptors carve out wood and blacksmiths hammer red-hot iron into shape. A former cowshed even provides the catwalk for a special fashion show.
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This is the wallet made from the skin of the Pacific hagfish (Eptatretus stoutii), selected for its paper-thin yet durable structure that reduces overall bulk for comfort in a pocket. Classified as "eel skin" by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service due to its ambiguous evolutionary history, the prolific marine species' hide is highly valued for yielding a supple hand and strength that surpasses leather. Believed to be a hold-over from the Paleozoic when fish first evolved, it is unlike any other living vertebrate in that it absorbs nutrients through its skin, an anatomical anomaly that grants its skin the superior resiliency for which it is sought. Dyed, cut, and ironed, each skin bears the subtle linear wrinkles, rough spots, and smudges of the original hide, making each wallet unique. It has five slots for credit or business cards and a transparent ID window. Its two folding bill pockets are separated by a metal alloy-lined divider that blocks radio signals emanating from or reaching newer RFID-enabled credit cards. Black. 4" L x 4" W x 1/8" D. (1 oz.)
Lifetime Guarantee
The Eel Skin Wallet comes with The Hammacher Schlemmer Lifetime Guarantee. If this product ever disappoints you, for any reason, you may return your Hammacher Schlemmer purchase for exchange, credit, or refund.
Should you have any questions, we are available seven days a week (8:00 am – midnight EST). Please call 1-800-321-1484 to speak with a specialist or email us at email@example.com to receive a response within three business hours or less.
Shipping charges noted in parentheses apply in addition to our standard shipping & service.
We're sorry, but gift wrap is not available. Please call 1-800-395-7006 for Premium or Express delivery rates.
Oversized items scheduled for expedited delivery (Premium or Express) may incur additional shipping and services charges because of their unusual size. Please call 1-800-321-1484 for an estimate of S&S charges. International callers, please call 1-513-860-3397.
We're sorry, but gift wrap is not available for oversized items.
Shipped via truck and may require customer assistance upon delivery. You will be contacted to make an appointment for delivery.
We're sorry, but gift wrap and gift cards are not available.
GST still applies and will be charged upon processing. For complete shipping & service charges please call Customer Service at 1-800-321-1484.
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(based on 6 reviews)
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(8 of 8 customers found this review helpful)
The Good Feel Eel (Skin Wallet)
By Ozric
from Flagstaff, AZ
This wallet is designed to hold cards. There are no hidden (underlying) pockets/slots for photos and other paper cards. The design, which turns the cards 90°, works great, since you wind up with deep currency pockets. I have 9 cards in the wallet (6 of the 9 are 2 deep in three pockets). After a bit of moving around, I was able to keep the wallet VERY slim. I don't have any RFID cards yet, but like the idea that I'm protected once I do.
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
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My husband loves it!
By deb
from Casper, WY
My husband loves this wallet so much that I bought a second one for back-up when it went on sale. It is thin and light, so it fits in his pants pocket without bulk. It is also important to him that the credit card holders face the fold in the wallet instead of the top, so they are more secure. Although he's only had it for a few months, he thinks it will last a long time.
It was better than I'd expected.
By Sharon the Avon Walker
from Spring, TX
My husband complained that his leather folding wallet was uncomfortable in his hip pocket when driving any distance. This wallet remedies that.
Wonderful Wallet
By Auditor
from Carson City, NV
Great wallet. Makes you think about what is important to carry. Fits well in your backpocket. Must remember that you have a walletmost times.
The wallet was purchased as a gift.
By jra
from Denver, Colorado
Slim, classey looking wallet with lots of card spaces.
Thin and high quality
By Ken
from New York, NY
I like this wallet a lot. Great design inside, all my cards fit nicely. I carry 14 cards plus business cards and cash. The wallet is thin and really beautifully made. The eel skin in soft.
COPYRIGHT © 2017 HAMMACHER SCHLEMMER & COMPANY, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. W106147 E. 57th ST • NEW YORK, NY • 10022 • 1-800-_321-1484


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new....award winning
Your new favorite trout rod
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designed to be your workhorse
fast action- super light
affordable salwater rods
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A beast of a rod
Multi use but designed for peacocks
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Best Of :: Food & Drink
Mama Tran makes the dumplings at this quirky little family-run Vietnamese restaurant in the Old Chinatown neighborhood near the intersection of Highways 45 and 59. The dumplings are awesome, and the noodles are pretty good, too. Owner Jenni Tran-Weaver (Mama Tran's daughter) makes the homemade Vietnamese desserts. But that's not all that makes this place special. According to the menu, you get a lap dance from Jenni's husband, Scott, added to your bowl of noodles for $50 extra. (Shrimp is a cheaper add-on, at only $4.) Members of various local arts groups come here to eat such signature dishes as Infernal Chicken Curry and Art Car Curry. The employees wear T-shirts printed with such slogans as "Madonna Eats Here" and "My Noodle Is Bigger than Your Noodle." If you're having trouble finding this strip mall location just off Jefferson, look for Jenni's plastic pink flamingos that she strews all over the grass strip in front of the place every morning.
They fry your chicken to order at Henderson's Chicken Shack. It takes about 20 minutes. Henderson's isn't a franchise or a chain. It's owned by a Creole woman named Ann Henderson, who was born in New Iberia, Louisiana. Cooking the chicken to order seems like a nuisance when you're waiting, but once you bite into the hot chicken, you know it's worth it. There's a wonderful thick, spicy crust, and the chicken pieces come on two slices of white bread, which soak up the juice. Most people get their order to go (there isn't much in the way of tables) and let the chicken cool off in the car, so it's the perfect temperature when you get your yardbird home. But be forewarned, you'll probably end up eating all the red-peppery fries on the drive.
Cajun Corner sells boiled Cajun-style crawfish all year round in its Vietnamese neighborhood. Gulf Coast Vietnamese-Americans are wild about Cajun-style boiled crawfish -- the spicier the better. There's a condiment bar where patrons stir up insanely hot dipping sauces made out of pure cayenne powder with a dash of ketchup and mayo or a little squeeze of lemon. Cajun Corner also sells gumbo, étouffée, chicken wings, alligator platters and a full menu of Cajun specialties. But the only other dish besides boiled crawfish that really stands out is the crawfish fried rice.
They're large, always warm and have just the right balance of firmness, chewiness and doughiness. The bagels at Manhattan Bagels run golden-brown rings around the others. More than 20 different varieties are always available, including all of the standards, plus rye, whole wheat, egg, jalapeo, spinach, cinnamon and raisin, cranberry and chocolate chip. Also available are cream cheese spreads in a dozen different flavors. At $5.95 for a baker's dozen, they're a terrific bargain. The breakfast and lunch sandwiches are also good values. With their frequent shopper cards, you can earn a dozen free bagels after your 12th purchase. Now, if just we could get them to open one inside the Loop.
Plum sauce is mundane in these surroundings. If the toddy palm drink, fresh seaweed, spicy sliced pork ear and stomach, or fish balls aren't exotic enough for you, try the mochi chocolate pai, karela, tidora or moo, none of which comes with a translation. Then there's the fruit-flavored beef jerky and the sweet soursop, both of which sound like oxymorons. Live geoducks (giant clams) lie lazily in one of the many fish tanks, awaiting their fate as live sushi. Kids, this is not the kind of stuff you'll find at Kroger. The wildest ingredients, though, also may be the most expensive. Take a gander at the dried deer leg at $25 per pound, or the shark fin at a toothy $250 a pound (both are used to make soup). Sorry, you can't just have a pound or two; you've got to take the whole fin, which weighs from ten to 13 pounds. That's not just exotic, it's plum wild.
When you query the folks at Zydeco Louisiana Diner as to just why their mashed potatoes taste so good, they look at you quizzically and reply, "They're real." Duh. Of course they are. There's simply no way instant taters could provide such pleasure. Creamed soft but not so soft you don't find the occasional chunk of potato hidden inside, this godsend of a dish is finished off with lots of garlic and butter. Of course, the catfish and okra are great. But you really need only a large plate of mashed potatoes and a side of corn bread to leave Zydeco happy. Sure, you can almost feel your arteries clog up as you shovel them down. But what a way to go.


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Would you like to save as your currency permanently or for this visit only?
clean, comfortable room. within 5 min walk to old historical part of Rennes, very few other hotels offer a room for a family of 4. within an hour drive of St. Malo and Mont St. Michel.
Good sized, comfortable room. Hotel was well located The buffet breakfast was a bit hit and miss. No spoons available for the cereal. Croissants had run out.Could have beedn better organised.
The rooms were spacious and clean. The location was central and convenient. The rooms all had towels for only two people. All the rooms we booked werer for 3-4 people. The office closed down at 6 pm, and most of us were stuck without adequate linens. There was no number to call at the desk to reach the receptionist or housekeeping. It was a big inconvenience as we had to be somewhere the next morning before the 8 am opening time. Please make sure you have adequate towels in room!
Well designed room, bathroom. Central location and good parking. Pleasant atmosphere. Some signs about the hotel with English translation would make things a bit easier for most foreign tourists.
We liked the hotel very much. Clean big room with small kitchen. Clean big bathroom, comfortable bed. We had a room 109 with windows to the inner yard. Unlike many other hotels the yard is very big and quiet - you can sleep with open window and will not hear others. Parking is perfect - private and just next door from the hotel. The lift leads from the parking to reception directly. Location is very convenient - 3 minutes from everything, but just outside the citicentre, hence the street is very quiet. Breakfast was also very nice. We haven't got the idea of the notice on the kitchen's door: it was said not to leave anything dirty otherwise the penalty would apply. That is very strange - cleaning is the part of hotel service in my understanding. We preferred not to touch anything at all - didn't want to pay 20e for the cup left in the sink... Also if anybody concerned: internet is not wifi - wired access only. And no bar/minibar in the hotel.
The hotel is very conveniently situated for an exploration of Rennes. There is a superb restaurant (Le Corsaire) a few metres from the hotel. It was a little disconcerting at first to walk out of the lift into total darkness until the lights came on, activated by an electronic device.
Great location near university area, 30 minute walk to main rail station, helpful staff, clean rooms. Only bad points were the lack of a toaster and jug in the kitchen and an extra pillow would have helped.
Clean room, central location, helpful staff
The kitchenette in our studio room was well-equipped and I was able to make myself dinner one night. N/A
Good sized, comfortable room. Hotel was well located.
Helpful concierge. Room very small and better suited to single occupancy However ok for an overnight stay as we had done. Horrible rubber undersheet on mattress. Fortunately we always carry a spare blanket with us for just such events!! Quite dingy and not a particularly good area.
The apartment room was perfect
Excellent breakfast, funky decor in corridors, peaceful location Far from city center (but fine with a car)
The receptionist was friendly and helpfull. The room was clean. Check-in at 16.00 was so late. The room for 2 persons was small. For us, we are small, it was O.K but for others...
It was clean, comfortable and good value. It was further away from the town centre than we had been led to believe
Staff were friendly and helpful. Rooms were large enough to feel comfortable but small enough to feel cosy with the family Tennis court was a waste of space - better to have a swimming pool
Our stay was very good just what we wanted + the free car parking we felt that the breakfast was a little expensive
The breakfast was very good and great fun for children - orange juice machine and lots of fun things to look at
Hotel was comfortable and good value for money, free parking was a plus.
We were travelling as a group of motorcyclists and were given the house in the back to stay in, the young man in charge was so helpfull and athough his english wasn't good and our french was basic we had a great time.
Very nice staff, always ready to help. Restaurant of hotel was very nice with small but excellent menu. And the prices were very reasonable. The internet didn't work 2 our of 3 nights but they removed it from my bill.From january on they'll switch to free internet!
Great bathroom Room rather small
The bathroom is wonderful. Nice hotel. The man at reception at 23.00 was only speaking French
Comfortable hotel with good parking.
The room was clean. Plates and cups in the restraunt were not clean enough. Breakfast was poor. Telephone in the room didn't work and was not repaired even after several complaints. Staff was not helpful.
The willingness of the staff to correct minor problems immediatly We thought the price of the breakfast (12 euros per person) was excessive especially if one did not take advantage of the wide range of breakfast food available. There should have been the possibility of basic continental breakfast at a reduced price
good service
Good location for touring the old city. Room was very modern, Ikea-style. Parking was very difficult in the hotel garage and we did not realize we were expected to make a reservation for parking.
Nice staff and good location Noise from the street on Saturday night when there are many singing drunks about
The hotel staff were all very friendly and made good local restaurant suggestions. The hotel is very nice, not deluxe but certainly a solid choice from my experience there. The hotel is quite central, convenient to everything. For the rate I received from this site, I would definitely recommend it.
convenient location
Easy walk to old town. Even easier walk to C&A. Expensive.
Excellent city centre location . Good sized bedrooms and very good room rate with the website.
Location. Very close to the train station which we needed. Non-smoking rooms still had some left over smoke smell.
Breakfast was fairly meager. Rooms are decent but very bland.
Friendly Staff
Central position
Staff very helpful and mindful of client require,ments Noisy students keeping late and rowdy hours in street below_ no sleep for guests!
Ou first stay at Kyriad Hotels, won't be the last. Evening meal and breakfast excellent. The one very difficult thing and I can't say it was either entirely yours or mine. but I fell that on the booking form the address was not correct and we spent nearly an hour looking for the Kyriad in Rennes, in the end we had to get a taxi to drive in front of our car. I will also point out that he was a local taxi and he had difficulty find it on his map. The address should be Rue André et Eyonne Meynier. My gps could not find a match. Please insert whole address
the receptionist was so friendly and welcoming. First impressions are so important, lovely room ,lovely meal and breakfast will visit again . nothing
We thought that this was the best Kyriad we had ever stayed at and the most welcoming, even translating the menu choices for us. We wish the next one we stayed at in Laval was as good!! One thing for your English visitors, have a menu in English please.
Friendly staff,clean hotel,good evening meal,car parking convenient,comfortable beds,good overnight stop No lift
The staff were very helpful. Even with my broken french. They helped with maps and taxis etc The location is a fair way from Rennes itself. But it is within walking distance of the Metro and bus links.
The room was clean and the bed's comfortable. The staff were very friendly and helpful The location gps coordinates supplied by booking.com were incorrect and took us to a warehouse!
Easy to find and get to, very helpful staff and a pleasant and clean environment.
Good modern hotel with a decent restaurant. We used it as an overnight stop on our way South, and would use it again. Hotel was in an area where there was not much else, but for an overnight stop this was not a particular problem for us.
Good room, comfortable bed, quiet location, proximity to shops, restaurants, airport, trains and buses. Excellent breakfast and friendly staff. none
Great location and really comfortable rooms. Free soft drinks and WiFi were a bonus. Plenty of places within walking distance to eat at. Wonderful city to walk around and soak up the atmosphere
Safe location, close to transport links, restaurants and shops, room is clean and quite big. No complaints
the hotel is at the city center, close to everything free access to the web
The hotel was idealy located for exploring the centre of Rennes. Underground car park was very convenient. Gardens within the quadrangle provided a pleasant view from the room. Breakfast - restaurant staff were pleasant and helpful. Free wi fi great! The hotel was in reasonable decorative order, but needs refreshed now, to reflect the room cost. Our room had plenty of space, but the bathroom was set up for disabled and less comfortable than normal. Some reception staff were not pleasant or as helpful as you would expect. The car parking charges came as a surprise at check out - this should not be an additional charge. at the very least, they should be made clearer on the website and at the hotel when checking in.
city central no elevator in entrance
Staff friendly and efficient, good location
The room was comfortable,the parking was convenient.The breakfast was nice. Getting good directions to certain restaurants was difficult. We found the map provided was either to small or inaccurate to follow on two occasions.
Central, but quiet location Bar was closed because of holidays. Our room wasn't cleaned until after 2pm on more than one occassion.
Excellent Breakfast Situation Noisy heating system throughout the night
It has all the facilities like, kettle in th room, etc. It is also near the the TGV station.
That it was close to transport which made it easy to get to Mont St Michel
Excellent bright room ,interesting view of railway station. None
Staff very friendly and accomodating. Excellent breakfast buffet for a very good price. Room made up daily. Convenient to train station, car rental, shopping and restaurants.
everything, very comfortable/inviting room, tea/coffee, very clean room, close to the train station, excellent creperie nearby, sound proofing was excelent, double windows, airconditioning.
We were only in Rennes for 1 night so for us this hotel was ideally located next to the central train station and a good selection of bars and restaurants. The room was very comfortable and clean, with a nice LCD tv. The free wi-fi was also handy. Overall, it was an excellent value for money hotel. The walls seemed a little thin because we could hear the people in the room next door, but it wasnt really a big problem.
I like this hotel very mush.Location is very well and service persons are kind.
The acomodation overall was very good There was no hairdryer in the Bathroom but I think that for that price you coul not expect that.
Incredibly friendly staff. We used Rennes as a base to visit Mont St Michel. On the small side, but one of the cleanest hotel rooms I think I've ever seen - and included free coffee, tea, water boiler and hair dryer. Comfortable beds. Location (two minutes from train station) is unbeatable. The best value for my money in a long, long time. It'd be nice to have some English-language TV channels - but honestly, this is a tiny thing.
Breakfast was good, location of the hotel also.
We loved the proximity.. Right downtown in the people/plaza square. Parked the car rental,felt secure and walked till all hours. as we were facing the square, the all night noise... would ask for a back room
Incredibly noisy with rooms so small it was not possible to have ttwo open suitcases. Cleaning was terrible, stained sheets with hair on the pillows is not nice
It was in a great location, very close to all shops,bars and restaurants the lift only fits one person at a time
probably best location in Rennes. very nice staff. TV. the smallest hotel room I've ever been to. And the hotel staff somehow managed to put a babycot in it. It's probably not more than 7-8 sq. m. the floors are very squeaky both in a room and bathroom. Hotel elevator should be in guinness book as the smallest in the world.
The employee at the front desk was very polite, she was sympathetic but with no authority My room was so small that it only fitted 1 bed 1 bedside table a small console and a chair. There was no closet to put my personal belongings (left them in my small bag (the big one had to be stored elsewhere) and was provided with 2 hangers for my clothes in the bathroom
This hotel offers a range of different sized rooms and they all seem to offer comfortable and attractive facilites (I stayed as a wedding guest with lots of friends so we all compared our rooms!). All the reception staff were really helpful and friendly. The lift is very small, not so unusual in a French appartment block but maybe not expected in a hotel. But no a problem unless you hate climbing stairs and have a lift phobia.
Fantastic Hotel - very stylish, lovely staff, great breakfast, really comfy bed. Loved it.
The staff were extremely friendly, the bed very comfortable and we thought the hotel was good value. We also liked the decor of the room and the central location of the hotel. The lift was very small so we took the stairs, quite a hike to the 4th floor! Our tap was broken and there was only one sachet of shower gel. the toilet took ages to fill up after you'd flushed it so you had to wait 1hour to use again after one person had used it. It was quite noisy on the Saturday night.
Great central location. Interior decor, bathroom layout with wc seperate,comfortable bed. Bedroom floor very uneven, a trait of old some old French buildings.
Friendly and help receptionist one person lift
Convenient location - close to bus and train stations and local restaurants. Easy walk to city centre. Comfortable, spacious hotel room.
Good location and nice room. Bed was very hard and the showerhead kept slipping down to bottom of slide
adjacent to station and also had complimentary tea and coffee in room.
location, very convenience. It's about 3 minutes from the train station. nothing
Quiet environment with all facilities Nothing
A perfectly equipped, modern and very comfortable small hotel in an excellent position just near the station.
Location (city centre), helpfulness of staff, quiet, space to work Lack of plugs in wash-basin and bath, would have been useful to have another socket near desk
high standard of cleanliness - helpful staff none
location near the station, coffee/tea facilities in the room, breakfast
Nice, bright, comfortable room. Friendly staff. Quiet hotel. Very near the main railway station in Rennes. Short walk (15 mins) to centre of the city (or you can go two stops on the metro if you are feeling lazy!) If I'm being really picky, the shower was good, but the shower screen was quite narrow, so you had to be careful not to soak the floor (!)
Staffs are very kind and very freindly. Facilities are new and clean. Internet access is free. There is no breakfast including plan, I hope including plan. There is no Taxi pool on the hotel, taxi was a little late to come.
It was calm, the staff were helpful and the room facilities and cleanliness were good.
Regrettably the service not as good as last year, with the exception of only one lady at the reception. The rooms facing the Colombier Center, extremely noisy all night. Very poor toiletries for such hotel and price. One particular unhelpful lady with glasses at the reception.Poor cleaning of the room the last two days.
Lovely clean hotel fab breakfast however we booked with booling.com for double room and when we arrived there was only 2 single beds my husband explained that we where celebrating our wedding anniervsary the hotel upgraded us kindly The hotel is very central yet away from busy city life 2 shopping centres are right next door got great bargins Nothing great room service and friendly staff
The location is very central It was tooexpensive for what was available. A restaurant would have been good and more English speaking TV channels.
Staff was very helpful, breakfast was elaborate, and nice rooms. The location is not that ideal, as quite out of the centre.
the level of English language knowledge of the receptionist
Central location. Poor cleaning. Old hair in bathroom. The room smelled like sweat.
Central location/easy parking.
The sataff were very helpful and freandly Bar very small not inviting No Resteraunt No buz about the hotel very dead
Very convenient, right next to the railway station - ideal for rail travellers. (No noise from station). Very clean. Breakfast good. Staff very polite and most helpful.
整洁、方便。 电梯太小。
A very convenient and clean hotel in Rennes. My family of 4 stayed in one large room comfortably. It was so close to the train station that hauling luggages to and from the hotel was not a hardship even for elderly travelers. The only drawback to me was the petit dejeuner. Coming from the U.S. I was not expecting an American continental breakfast with cereal and yogurt. However, my 12 year old son loved it.
Efficiently run modern hotel. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Located next door to the railway station (but no noise problem). Easy walking distance from a choice of restaurants. Just the job for an overnight stay. Took breakfast at the hotel and there was a good choice of fresh cold buffet items and hot drinks (including tea) available, fair value. A computer is available for internet access, but at 5 euros for 15 minutes a little pricey.
A pleasant inner-city hotel to stay in, and very handy, just out the south entrance of the station. The breakfast was good too.
good value for money, clean, excellent location staff had a really cold approach
Nice,clean,cheap,friendly,with normal breakfast.
cheap price and close to railway station (and the women's prison!)
Easy access to the Rennes Train Station We requested 3 beds and the room was very small and one of the beds was actually a cupboard in the wall. Too small to comfortably sleep in.
The room was very clean and comfortable We couldn't get the airconditioning to work properly
Easy to find near station and easy to get into the citycentre
Very nice design, good location, great brakfast with fresh orange juice (as much as you want), very small room but well organised, correct insulation Small room but OK if for business
Proximity to everything, small but quality fitout,all inclusive package,friendly attitude by hotel personnel. No
Location, clean and with all the facilities in good shape. Very helpful employees and kind with us all the time. We liked the hotel very much. I absolutely recomend the hotel Some of the people have no good skill in English, so with some of them there were some trouble to make them understand, but it was more an exeption than a rule.
Nice, new, clean, perect location in front of the station. Good breakfast
Unable to control room temperature.Opening window was too noisy. On two days we received only 1 towel when there were 2 people.
It was convenient and non-smoking. Had wifi and breakfast was helpful Rooms small and bathroom wall see through and toilet uncomfortable.
Excellent amenities, breakfast was awesome, friendly and helpful staff, super comfortable bed, small but modern and stylish room. Location is excellent and makes exploring the region by train really easy. We had a great time here. Bathroom is tiny (although very clean), faulty shower door installation would make splashing wather on bathroom floor unavoidable.
Staffs are kind, just front of Rennue station, free water and coffee survice, free internet access. Small room but functionally OK, breakfast also not good but minimum.
good value for money
The setting ws fabulous, however we found it a little difficult to find. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The delay in dining room for dinner, seemed seriously understaffed on the night of our visit.. The breakfast was very poor value for money we had much more superior breakfasts in hotels with a much lower rating.
Excellent accomodation, which we got at a bargain price! Really nice location and a very cool set up. We found it a bit tricky to find. Could have done with a shower curtain in bathroom.
We enjoyed our stay at the hotel. It is very nice place for relax. Would highly recommend.
Very quiet and peaceful everything was good
Helpful host, english speaker. The hotel is pretty and brand new (maybe not even finished...). Nice surrounding. Normal breakfast. Not beautiful area (actually the golf area is resindetial and probably safe but at 5-6 Km you have what it seem to me industrial surrounding).
The Hotel was very peaceful and perfect for our 1 night stop over on route further south. We stayed as a family of four and found our cottage spacious and had all we needed. The views over the lakes are restful and we even saw a couple of otters.


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Losi's Answer Center provides answers to frequently asked questions about Losi vehicles, parts and the RC hobby. Click on a subject heading below to view questions and answers relating to your selection.
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Business school among top 50 for stewardship education
The Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina has demonstrated significant leadership in integrating social, environmental and ethical issues into its MBA program, according to the Aspen Institute's 2009 – 10 edition of "Beyond Grey Pinstripes," a biennial survey and alternative ranking of business schools.
The Moore school ranked No. 42 on a list of the Top 100 business schools, ahead of such prestigious schools as Sloan at MIT, Kellogg at Northwestern University and the Thunderbird School of Global Management.
"This ranking demonstrates the Darla Moore school's commitment to teaching and research that examines how business practices intersect with social, environmental and ethical issues," said Hildy Teegen, dean of the Darla Moore school. "With our strategic focus on sustainable enterprise and development, we have sought to infuse our curriculum with these topics and to recruit outstanding faculty with expertise in these areas."
The "Beyond Grey Pinstripes" survey examined the data from 149 schools worldwide to determine how well they are preparing future business leaders for the environmental, social and ethical complexities of modern-day business.
Judith Samuelson, executive director of the Aspen Institute's Business and Society Program, called the Darla Moore school and other top schools "trailblazers."
"The best business students move quickly into the front ranks of business, and the attitudes and values they bring to the table are deeply influenced by their time in business education," said Samuelson. "Will they accept the status quo or act on their passion about the positive role business can play at the intersection of corporate profit and social impact? The schools that are competitive in the 'Beyond Grey Pinstripes' ranking are the real trailblazers. They assure that students have the right skill as well as the will to make things happen."
Rich Leimsider, director of the Aspen Institute's Center for Business Education, said "Beyond Grey Pinstripes" schools are ushering in a new approach to business.


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Black Mountain, N.C.- The Brevard College Tornados split a doubleheader with the Montreat College Cavaliers on Monday afternoon, dropping the opener 6-1 before rallying for the split with a 6-4 win game two.
Game One – Montreat 6, Brevard 1
The Tornados took a 1-0 lead in the top of the 1st inning on a Kody Spencer RBI single, but the Cavaliers scored in three straight innings to rally for a 6-1 victory.
Montreat scored a pair of runs in the 4th against BC starter JD Chaplain (L, 0-1), before posting four runs (two earned) against reliever Alex Litaker over the next 1.2 innings.
The Tornados had five hits in five innings against Montreat starter Joey Duncan, but also stranded five runners against the righty.
Game Two – Brevard 6, Montreat 4
BC rallied from a 3-2 deficit to earn the 6-4 thanks to a three-RBI performance from Hunter Donaldson and a steady bullpen.
Donaldson connected on two-run single in the top of the 1st to put BC ahead 2-0 and drove in the go-ahead run with a sacrifice fly to put the Tornados up 5-4 in the 5th.
The BC bullpen allowed only one run in 5.2 innings in relief of starter Thomas Brown. Ryan Mercer (W, 1-2) came in for the 4th and 5th, while James Phillips threw two scoreless frames to earn the save (S, 2).
The Tornados are back in action on Friday as they begin a South Atlantic Conference series with Catawba College in Salisbury.


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Awe and exhilaration, along with heartbreak and mordant wit, abound in this account of the aging Humbert Humbert's obsessive, devouring, and doomed passion for the nymphet Dolores Haze. Lolita is also the story of a hypercivilized European colliding with the cheerful barbarism of postwar America. But most of all, it is a meditation on love - as outrage and hallucination, madness and transformation.
(P)2005 Random House, Inc. Random House Audio, a division of Random House, Inc.
"Lolita is an authentic work of art which compels our immediate response and serious reflection, a revealing and indispensable comedy of horrors." (San Francisco Chronicle)
"Language is essential to Lolita, and Mr. Irons captures Humbert's voice perfectly. In the Random House audiobook, he read the novel with a sensitivity to the language that conveys all of Nabokov's humor, passion, and lyricism." (The New York Times)
"An Absolutely Gorgeous Audible Experience"
I have tried to read LOLITA on several occassions, but for whatever reason--probably the dull, midwest monotony of my internal reading voice--have put the book down. I purchased LOLITA (read by Jeremy Irons) with a sense of trepidation (had I just bought something I would never finish?) The book is as impressive as the critics will tell you. Nabokov's language, his ability to fully render a scene, his mind-boggling vocabularly, and his characters--those desperate and beautiful and horrible creatures--are like nothing else in the canon of fiction. Add to this the luxurious experience of Jeremy Irons' voice and you end up with a book--a reading--that will make you shake your head in awe.
"A masterpiece"
It took me a long time to convince myself to "read" this disturbing book, and as soon as I finished the audiobook I went out and bought myself a print version. This book is written with a mastery of language and a chilling insight into the depths of the human soul that make it a true masterpiece. And the narration... If ever there was a perfect match between book and reader, this is it.
All I can say is: Get this book. You won't regret it.
"Surprising good reading"
This book's subject matter is admitedly an unsavory one to most, however, it is considered in some circles to be a "classic" work and so I resigned myself to reading it. I am glad that I did. I was surprised at how completely I was drawn into the story. This book is very well written and deserving of the serious reader's consideration.
"Nabokov Narrated with Subtlety"
This audiobook is completely sustained by the superb and finely attuned narration of Jeremy Irons. While Lolita is and remains a classic of 20th Century literature, this production will allow you to see [hear] a completely new perspective. Irons takes you completely inside the mind of Humbert Humbert, and with skill and subtlety makes you loathe him and sympathize with him at the same time. His tremulous and unspeakable desire mixed with his engulfing shame, his cowardice and his bravery standing side by side, his disregard of social norms tempered by his utter need for secrecy -- all of these conflicts are roiling beneath the surface of the story as it unfolds. This is a performance that only the finest of actors could pull off.
Nabokov's masterpiece, Lolita, is wistful, erotic, funny, sad, elegiac. Although it is about the passion of an adult male for a female child, it is, at its heart, a heartbreaking love story. With his glorious words (and wordplay), Nabokov paints portraits of his characters and their different longings and pain that are so real and so sympathetic, one is left breathless.
Jeremy Irons, who was a brilliant Humbert in Adrian Lyne's movie, reads this book into your ear as if he is sitting beside you, wanting more than anything to make you understand how it all happened.
Lolita is a work of art on the printed page, and also as an audiobook. But don't listen in traffic -- it deserves the listener's rapt, undivided attention.
I find it difficult to believe that any person could give Lolita less than five stars, and the audio performance by Jeremy Irons is beyond masterful. Yes, this is a disturbing book - it is meant to be. Is it pro-pedophilia? Emphatically not. Any person who sticks with the book to the very bitter end comes to realize the true theme of Lolita, and feels the sadness of a lost chance at redemption.
In my opinion, there has never been a more beautiful, touching, shocking, and profound work of fiction than Lolita. Jeremy Irons as the narrator is just the icing on the cake.
"Disturbing but beautiful"
There is really nothing to add to all the wonderful reviews that have been written about this story and it's masterful narration. It is well worth the time to listen. My heart broke a million times over for little Dolores and I was shocked by how much sympathy I felt for the monster Humbert Humbert by the end of the story.
Jeremy Irons is a masterful narrator. I loved every second of it. Even when I wanted to choke HH.
the combination of poetic writing and excellent narration made this a compelling listen. I do was uncomfortable at times with the subject matter, but never bored.
what I simply can't fathom is that Nabokov's native tongue was not english - this book is pure poetry at times, subtle and delicious.
We bite
Some narrators read a book. However, this one is done with such great passion that I rank it as one of the top five, if not the top #1 for best narration. Though I feel that a book can do little to shock me, somewhat because of modern times and somewhat because I'm a morbid person... this book got under my skin and terrified me in ways that I don't think Stephen King could even touch on. Taking place some sixty years ago... I did not expect it to be as potent today as it might have been back then, but the writing is so good that this is a classic for a reason. Definitely a timeless book. The narrator is what makes it though.
"Repulsive Story; Dazzling Prose"
This is the first Nabokov I have "read." He creates his protagonist in rich, elegant writing that almost makes you feel guilty for enjoying it in spite of the content. Irons' narration is excellent.
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He was rumored to be on the trading block. He was saddled with injuries, one of which kept him from playing in the very last game at Memorial Auditorium. He was bombarded with an average of 38 shots a night, the most of his Sabre career. But in the end, The Dominator emerged, as always, unscathed, still a Sabre — an even richer one at that — and for the first time an NHL All-Star.
Hasek retrospective 1995-96 o Hey now, you're an All Star
July 8, 2001 Submitted by
Via: The Sabres Edge


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Gospel choirs, a military band and the Florence Men's Choral Society are all part of the latest addition to the Francis Marion University's Performing Arts Center 2013-14 season schedule.
The PAC's new "Community Concert Series" is a succession of Sunday afternoon concerts built around affordability. Tickets for each show are only $5, with the exception of an April 27 appearance by the 282nd Army Band from Ft. Jackson. There is no admission charge for that concert, per U.S. Army regulations.
"While we already offer great value, we recognize that quality entertainment can be expensive and tickets a challenge for some," said Laura Sims, director of the FMU PAC. " The Performing Arts Center is, at its core, a public building, and it needs to be accessible to all. The Community Series is a way to make sure that's true."
The series features five shows with a unique South Carolina flavor and kicks offs Nov. 3 when the Charleston Symphony Orchestra's renowned Spiritual Ensemble comes to town.
The Florence Men's Choral Society will put a special Christmas program on Dec. 20 at 7:30 pm
The New Year will feature performances by lyric baritone Robert Sims, who uses his dynamic voice to tell the history of the American spiritual through song and multimedia. A favorite at the 2013 Arts International event, Sims will be at the PAC on Jan. 26.
March 2 is a very special day as Bishop Michael Blue brings "The Tribe" to the PAC. Blue, an FMU alum, is a long-time musical director of church, community and academic choirs in Marion and Florence counties. His "Tribe" is a 60-member alumni choir that gathers several times each year to sing their favorite music with a gospel-style flair.
The series concludes on April 27 with the concert by the military musicians from Ft. Jackson, which will feature an array of patriotic music.
All the Sunday events will be held at 3 p.m. The Choral Society Christmas Concert on Dec. 20 is at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets will go on sale roughly a month prior to each event and will be sold only at the PAC box office. All tickets will be General Admission with first-come, first-serve seating.
Community Series (all events at 3 p.m. except as noted)
· Nov. 3 – CSO Spiritual Ensemble. Tickets go on sale October 3
· Dec. 20 (7:30 p.m.) – Florence Men's Choral Society. Tickets on sale Nov. 20
· Jan. 26 – Baritone and spiritual historian Robert Sims. Tickets on sale Dec. 9
· March 2 – Bishop Michael Blue and The Tribe. Tickets on sale Feb. 3
· April 27 – Fort Jackson 282nd Army Band. No admission charge for this event, but tickets may be picked up beginning March 27