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Jacob Bromwell Stainless Steel Camping Mug - Large, 28 fl.oz.
Item #6701H
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About Jacob Bromwell Stainless Steel Camping Mug - Large, 28 fl.oz.
2nds. A must-have camp essential, this Jacob Bromwell stainless steel cup holds a whopping 28 fl.oz., making it just as perfect for holding a big helping of soup as it is for your morning cup of joe.
- Stainless steel construction
- Perfect for camping
- Can go directly on top of camp stove
- Use for hot or cold beverages, soups and stews
- Made in United States of America of imported material
Specs about Jacob Bromwell Stainless Steel Camping Mug - Large, 28 fl.oz.
- Material: Stainless steel
- Capacity: 28 fl.oz.
- Weight: 3 oz.
- Dimensions: Diameter 4-1/2" Height 4"
- Made in United States of America of imported material
Do you own this product? Write a review and help others with their buying decisions!
3.923404 5 Overall Rating: 3.9 Based on 235 reviews
Most Helpful 5-Star Review
I like it
Reviewed by Elkhunter from Phoenix AZ on Wednesday, November 20, 2013
This thing is the size of a personal cooking pot for backpacking. Pros: Ultra light, thin walled stainless steel, fits a stove perfectly. Cons: I could crush this with my hands. Yet, a certain amount of spring to the steel, so probably will hold up under use. I will test this item on an upcoming hun... Read More
big mugVerified Buyer Reviewed by janno from Colorado on Wednesday, June 6, 2018Okay, I should have actually got out a measuring cup to see how big 28 oz. is. It's huge. I thought these mugs would be nice for camping. I used to have a stainless mug that I used for coffee in the morning and soup at night. This mug is too big and I'm afraid my coffee would get too cold before I could finish it. I returned it.
Large size is great for beverages or foodVerified Buyer Reviewed by Nettie Marie from Hummelstown, PA on Wednesday, April 4, 2018Great gift for campers, this stainless steel mug is large enough for a generous drink and large enough for a meal. I'm going to use them as gift containers.
Big cup for campingVerified Buyer Reviewed by Nettie Marie from PA on Wednesday, February 14, 2018These are great as a gift They are light and multi functional. Large enough for cereal or coffee.
A very large cup suited for the RV.Verified Buyer Reviewed by Ed B from Colorado on Sunday, November 12, 2017A very lightweight and thin gauge aluminum cup.
They're not grandpas tin cups!Verified Buyer Reviewed by NEIL from NY on Thursday, October 12, 2017I purchased 4 of these for use as coffee and soup cups. They're great. The stainless steel isn't 1810 gauge but they are seamless mugs with a sturdy handle. They are a bit thin but if you want a large cup to hold some of your grandma's chicken soyp or a hot cup of coffee these are the ticket. They are large diameter so they won't spill also. So here's a toast to your new cup, you've found it.
Great for backpacking!Verified Buyer Reviewed by Walt36078 from Alabama on Monday, July 31, 2017The size and light weight of this 28 oz cup is perfect for drinking water or heating food on a backpacker stove. My blended gas canister fits nicely inside the cup for compact packing. As for durability, I can't say yet, but the stainless steel is thin and the spot welds for the handle are visable on the inside of the cup. Also the fixed handle gets very hot when using on a stove! All in all it has performed well so far.
Good hike companionReviewed by Scoutmaster from PA on Tuesday, July 18, 2017Tried and found true to description. Wide and low profile allows easy eating. Cooked in it over hot coals and stove, hot pad needed of course. So light and easy to carabiner or pack.
Weak sidesVerified Buyer Reviewed by Megafuera from NC on Sunday, June 25, 2017This is a very large mug which is nice, but definitely something you'd want for car camping, not backpacking. Can't see it holding up for long with the flexibility of the sides. Nice and lightweight, but wouldn't hold up to my use so I sent it back.
Great for everyday useVerified Buyer Reviewed by Iggy1216 from Bucks County, PA on Monday, June 19, 2017My ceramic mugs only hold about 10-14 oz. This is now my go- to mug for everyday use since it holds so much. Great for any liquids or meals -hot and cold
Better than a bowl!Verified Buyer Reviewed by Car camper from Seattle on Sunday, June 18, 2017Great quality mugs, have replaced the bowls in my cook set.
Question & Answer
Questions about this product? Get answers from community and staff experts.
"Does this hold the heat for coffee, soups, etc., reasonably well?"
It's kind of thin. It doesn't hold heat long but I do like the cup. I use it more for soup or tea. Great stew or chilli mug. It's huge.
It does for me. I drink a large coffee in the morning, and have no trouble with it staying hot. However, it is not a thermos. It is not designed to hold heat beyond standard drinking time.
Not particularly well. It keeps a mug of tea hot long enough to drink it, but not as long as a thick ceramic mug or an insulated travel mug.
It is impossible to know that answer without testing. So, without misleading you, you will have to determine that yourself. HINT: this mug is NOT insulated.
Not bad. It's thin and lightweight, non insulated. But doesn't seem to transfer heat to the handle as quick as other mugs I've used. I use for oatmeal with no problems.
Reasonably well. If you are on the trail and it is cold or blowing, try putting a cover over the cup. Anything will do. If you are in a car type campsite, the heat will hold for a while.
it holds heat reasonably well. However, we used it mostly as a cook pot on a backpack stove to boil water for freeze-dryed meals, coffee, instant hot chocolate and tea. it holds enough water for more than one item, boils rapidly, and requires less fuel in circumstances where fuel consumption is an issue.
It is a thin stainless steel, which makes it lightweight for camping/backpacking which is ideal, and the size makes it a good cooking type pot, but because it is a thin stainless steel it will not hold the heat for coffee, soups for too long. Transfer whatever you used it for to a insulated cup to hold the heat.
The mug is thin metal with no insulation. Therefore it conducts heat rapidly. With really hot soup you have to hold the handle or have something to insulate your hand.
It should do okay, but as it is not insulated it will not hold heat for too long.
works great on an induction stove heating up soup and stays fairly warm for a while doing that. But I would say a good ceramic coffee mug holds the heat better for coffee. But if you're camping it's about the same as the poly carbonate cups. It absorbs the heat of whatever is in it. Great cup though, very handy for iced drinks too.
Yes, this steel cup holds up to whatever you put in it. I even brewed tea over a fire. The steel had a bronze tone after.
"Dishwasher ok ??
don't know. was not near a dishwasher after I used it.
Yes, but keep in mind that this is a giant cup. It is very thin stainless steel.
Sure, but secure/wedge it on top shelf. It is very light and will undoubtedly flip around.
It is all stainless so it should be. It is just like a stainless pot or pan. Put it on the top rack.
Their website says not to put in the dishwasher, it would probably not hurt it, but I wash mine by hand only.
Yes, they are made of stainless steel. Not sure if I would buy again even for $5. Only bought two and one leaked where the handle attaches to the cup. These are knockoff Jacob Bromwells. Sorry but someone needs to do an honest review
I've washed them by hand thus far. However, I don't see why there would be a problem with dishwashing them. I would put them in a dishwasher. Hope this helps.
I've put mine in several times, no discoloration or issues.
I would think so its stainless steel. I havnt washed mine in a dish washer but I dnt see a problem with washing it in one.
Of course,it's Stainless Steel! You might have water spots on it,depending on the kind dishwasher detergent or how soft your water is!
It doesn't say on the mug but since it is stainless steel I would put it in the dishwasher.
Great question.
Have not put one in the dishwasher but with stainless steal it should be ok. The heat it takes on the pocket rocket doesn't even leave a mark on the bottom. And we washed them on the trail using hot water and we boiled water in then and they were fine.. So I would say yes.
As with most stainless steel, the dishwasher will not harm.
Absolutely!! Not a problem.
The cup is completely metal with metal welding to fix the handle so I don't see the dishwasher ruining it. I never checked it but I don't see why not. I use the cup in an open camp fire flame so I clean with steel wool to clean off smoke residue but otherwise I wouldn't hesitate putting into dishwasher.
I did not put them in the dishwasher, I hand washed them. But I believe they are dishwashers safe!
Stainless is dishwater save. It may spot a bit.
IDK I have only done an inital wash with warm soapy water. I don't see why you couldn't put it in the dishwasher - it is stainless steel after all.
"Wanting to use this backpacking as my cook pot. Anyone used this for that application with good results, my only concern is the thinness of the cup and heart output from the stove. Thanks! "
Very thin steel, probably ok for heating soup, etc but I don't think the best for cooking.
you could definitely get away with it as a cookpot but it certainly wasn't designed for it. it's super light duty and i've just used it in the kitchen to re-heat chile or heat up a drink / melt butter. that said, i don't think a cook stove would damage it but these things aren't really meant to be used and abused! it is incredibly light though...
Have not used it for that. You might go ahead if you want to ..it's large but not overly as a cook pot ..but it's so cheap ..it's not like you're breaking the bank if you ruin it ..get 2.
I think this mug may work in an emergency, but not for frequent meals. I recommend buying products suited for cooking food.
As an experiment I heated water to boiling over an MSR pocket Rocket stove and it worked fine. The cup is thin and the biggest problem I would expect with that is that it would warp if you got it too hot. I think that is easily avoided by simply paying attention and not turning the stove up to high. The handle does get hot so you will need a glove or bandana to handle it with.
I was taken aback by the fly-weight of this item. I really thought it was plastic. I can't imagine cooking in it, but at the STP price, why not chance it?
I use mine with an alcohol and wood burning stove with great results. In fact, I bought another for my other (gas) cook kit, and all my hiking partners liked it so much they now use them as well. Great lightweight pot, especially with a kozy to keep your food warm.
Having been a backpacking camper using methylated spirit burners for many years, it would be my impression that while this cup is probably large enough to cook a meal or reasonable quantity of water for hot beverages, the lack of insulation and the similar metal used for the handle, I would not recommend using this cup over a heating source unless you utilize some quantity of insulating material to wrap around the handle when attempting to hold the cup while it is being heated. Otherwise, it is highly likely you will sustain a significant thermal burn in the process.
We backpackers are generally creative in our activities, and are prepared for this inevitability, but if you are NOT a seasoned backpacker, BE AWARE of the dangers, and consider heating food with this mug at home with hot pads or similar at the ready.
The mug is not as thick as a Stainless Steel sauce pan. However, if I were camping and needed to heat something in the Jacob Mug, I would sure do so.
Believe it would hold up well to the heat, it is not than thin, but the handle would also get the heat as it is all stainless steel. Keep in mind the mug is 4.5" circumference so the flame could not engulf the mug, but low flame would work well. I bought two of these, one for my home and one for my fishing cabin.
You are right. The cup is very thin. I plan to boil water with an element in hotel rooms without hotpots. But have not try it out yet.
Hi, I used on a coleman propane and worked fine. The thing gets pretty hot and you will need a glove on to handle. I wish it was a little thicker myself.
I've used this on my jet boil stove to cook Knorr sides while backpacking and I haven't had a problem. Make sure you have a glove as the handle will get hot. It may be the cold of winter affecting performance but it doesn't seem to heat (cook) as quickly as other ultralight pots I've had. Best thing to do is experiment with it before you rely on it in backcountry!
Thanks to all who responded! I got one and think I'll make a little cozy out of reflectix for it. Sure can't beat the price!
I have not used this mug on a camp stove yet but I have used camp stoves many times and I have cookware that is very similar to this cup. I don't think you would have any issues using this to make soup or something. I would not put this on a camp stove flame without water in it.
If you treat it well, it will work out. It is thin, and the handle might not be cool enough to use w/o gloves or pot grips
I guess it all depends on what you want to cook with it. We use it for boiling water and making freeze dried meals, instant potatoes, and couscous fairly regularly and it has shown no worse for ware. I use it either a woodgas or alcohol stove. To be honest the metal is not much thinner, is any thinner, than some of the other backpacking cook pots I have.
"Is this mug microwave safe?"
No. I never heard of any stainless steel product being safe in a microwave. Then again, I got rid of my microwave about 10 years ago.
It is stainless steel. Usually people don't put metal objects in a microwave.
No! Definitely not. It's made of steel.
Hello Zak. I do not believe the stainless steel mug is microwave safe. Initially I didn't think so, and after checking the Internet, I would not use my stainless steel mug in a microwave. It seems that the microwaves bounce off the metal rather than allowing the microwaves to be transmitted. Sorry!
It is made of stainless steel. NO!
Its steel. Do not microwave. Never microwave metal. You'd kill the microwave and start a fire.
No, it's metal. s
As it is stainless steel, NO! microwave ovens and metal do not go together.
no, metal objects may cause a fire in a microwave.
Being steel, I would assume it is NOT for microwave use. It'd probably be OK over your campfire though.
No, I wouldn't put anything stainless steel in the microwave.
I dont think so
Hi Zak,
No this mug is not microwave safe. It is stainless steel. You cannot put it into the microwave.
NO......sparks will fly !!
It is not microwave safe!! It is metal and will damage your appliance and possibly yourself. DO NOT PUT IN MICROWAVE.
No....this is a metal cup and cannot be put into a microwave.
I would never put something metal in a microwave to find out so I would say no-metal is not OK in a microwave.
It's stainless steel so i wouldn't even try.
This cup is made from metal. It is not for microwave use at all.
I have know idea. I don't put anything metal in the microwave. And don't really want to test it out. I would say no. Hope this helped.
Because the mug is made out of stainless steel, it is not microwave safe. Metal plates/cups/utensils/et cetera should never be placed in a microwave.
I purchased this mug as a Channukah present for my niece's husband, so I do not know if it is microwaveable I myself would not put it into a microwave.
Generally not a good idea to put metal things in the microwave.....
"Does this actually hold 32 fl oz? That's 4 cups. It looks more like 3.2 oz. Is that correct?"
Have not tested to see if it holds a full quart, but , if not, then pretty close. It is single walled steel and very light weight. And it is BIG. I use it as a pot on my camp stove to heat water or cook a meal.
It holds 32 oz ( 1 quart). I just measured it, yes, 4 cups.


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Pre-orders for Cattle Decapitation's "Monolith Of Inhumanity" now available…Garbage Pail Kids content!
Pre-orders for Cattle Decapitation's highly anticipated new album "Monolith Of Inhumanity" are now available. This one is truly special as the band enlisted the original artist of the "Garbage Pail Kids" series Tom Bunk to draw each member of the band in the iconic Garbage Pail form. The true scope of this amazing package is huge. Choose from a variety of options, including the amazing "Cattle Pail Kids" collectors bundle.
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– 24″ x 18″ Autographed Poster:
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– Special Cattle Decap Mini Recycling Container that holds Limited Edition Cards:
– All 4 Cattle Pail Kids Custom t-shirts:
Track Listing:
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07. Lifestalker
08. Do Not Resuscitate
09. Your Disposal
10. The Monolith
11. Kingdom of Tyrants
CATTLE DECAPITATION have enlisted famed Pop Culture artist Tom Bunk (best known for his contributions to MAD Magazine, and is an original artist for Topps trading cards Garbage Pail Kids) for a very special commissioned project which will accompany the release of CATTLE DECAPITATIONs new album which is due out May 8th, 2012. Quite often every living, breathing piece of meat in North America and beyond had their first introduction to gore through trading cards called GARBAGE PAIL KIDS. These trading cards depicted cute little humans disemboweling, skinning, devouring, soiling, roasting, impaling and most importantly urinating on themselves which had many a parent, teacher and school official in a very publicized uproar over their cards infiltrating their schools, homes and a whole hell of a lot of kids backpacks. Tom Bunk was gracious enough to create individual pieces of art for each member of Cattle Decap, heavily influenced by and practically just as they appeared in the Garbage Pail Kids series of the 80s!
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Email? Text? Post? Tweet? Skype? Christmas is almost here, and the entire family is frantic about getting their lists to Santa in time. Exhausted super Mom is ready for an island vacation, choked-up Dad doesn't need any more ridiculous ties, big brother Axel is on the move and needs some wheels, little brother Joey wants a puppy, and Grandma and Grandpa want to try out their new matching sweat suits with one of those fancy dance revolution machines. But, see how little sister Molly's handwritten letter reminds everyone of the true meaning of the season! Approximately 40 minutes in length, songs include: I've Got a List, Getting Away for Christmas, Anything But a Tie, I Need Some Wheels, A Puppy for Christmas, Holiday Dance Revolution, Sincerely Christmas.New product for the week of April 1, 2012
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Plus Fitness 24/7 in an award winning, turn key 24 hour gym Franchise. A Plus Fitness 24/7 Franchise will cost you from as little as $249k including all of your gym equipment, aesthetic fit-out, signage, access control, marketing, training and Franchisee support.
The Plus Fitness 24/7 Business Franchise Model offers low staffing, fast breakevens and impressive returns in one of the fastest growing industries within the Franchising sector.
Plus Fitness prides itself on offering its Franchisees high levels of accessible support from its team of in-house Support Specialists who are on hand to make sure you are getting the most out of your Plus Fitness Franchise.
With over 180 Franchises sold across Australia, Plus Fitness has a clear goal of establishing over 200 gyms by the end 2016.
Find out more by completing our Expression Of Interest form on this page and don't forget to check out our Media tab on this website to find out more about our story.
Enquire now
Franchisee Testimonials
Trent and Kathy
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Trent and Kathy
Plus Fitness Hornsby, Artarmon, Kellyville, Marsden Park
What was the catalyst for setting up in a franchise?
My wife and myself very much wanted to be self employed. Our mind set was about securing a future for ourselves that would best work with our lifestyles.
Our fitness industry experience was limited to being gym users ourselves, my wife had an administration background and myself a tradesman. It was incredibly important to us to have a strong support network if we were going to push forward with this venture. Given we had no experience we decided it would be a smart business decision to set up a franchise.
How did you manage to finance the investment?
We made investments in real estate at quite a young age. Having these investments gave us the leverage that we needed for a business loan. We had quite strict budgeting and heavily over compensated for our expenses in the beginning.
How did you come to decide on this brand?
We did a lot of research into the different franchises available and Plus Fitness really impressed us. They were the fastest growing 24/7 franchise the market and more importantly they are Australian owned. All of our dealings with the Head office were incredibly positive. Even in the beginning stages of simply enquiring we felt the staff went above and beyond to help us with all of our queries. They made us feel really comfortable from the get go and in honesty get just got good vibes from Plus Fitness.
How has the franchisor training helped you in business?
We truly believe our business' wouldn't be operating as successfully as they are if we didn't have the ongoing support and training from Plus Fitness. The training makes life so much easier, there is only so much you can figure out for yourself or how far being efficient will get you. It also made it really smooth with the recruitment of staff.
What's it like working with your partner?
Working together is great. We have both established our own strengths and weakness' and use this to our full advantage. Based on this we're able to effectively manage our business'. It also so beneficial to be able to share the work load with a like minded person. We're on the same page with managing our clubs but also the broader spectrum of where we want our business' to be.
How do you juggle your work and home life?
Juggling work and home life was a bit of struggle in the beginning. This is purely because your investing so much into this new venture, not just financially but physically and emotionally. Everybody wants to be successful so you pour everything you have into being the best you can. Our first year we had no staff, so we we're doing all the man hours ourselves while trying to mange and market. This is where our support from head office was almost a life line for us.
Being able to take a step back from the daily running of our business' helped us to create that much needed balance. You quickly learn to be incredibly time efficient!
What are your goals for the business and for yourselves?
We want to have 5 by the time we are 30 years old, then we'll stop...maybe. Our business goals are simple. We want our business' to be running smoothly and successfully. We want to have reliable staff who care about the service we provide as much as we do.
For us personally we want to start thinking about having a family. We still want to be actively involved in our gyms and we will. There is so much flexibility and room to move with the business model.
Adrian Haywood
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Adrian Haywood
Plus Fitness Halls Head, Pinjarra
Tell us a little about your work life before becoming a franchisee
I joined the Navy at the age of 16 and spent 10 years working on helicopters and traversing the globe by sea. This was a fantastic way to start to my career and really taught me what it was like to work to a strict system and part of a successful team. When I left the Navy in 2006 I joined Bristow Helicopters and spent the next 5 years working on the big Oil & Gas Helicopters. I was Engineer in Charge of the company's largest Australian base at the time, Karratha. I had around 20-30 guys under me and was responsible for 13 large Helicopters.
Prior to buying into our first Plus Fitness 24/7 I was the Senior Base Engineer of Western Australia's State Rescue Helicopter. RAC Rescue.
What brought you to invest in a franchise? [Was it the appeal of a new market, or the idea of a franchise?]
My Wife and I were looking for something turnkey, we even looked into existing local business's that were on the market. Initially I wanted something that had nothing to do with Food and was 5 days a week only. A broker said, 'That narrows it right down Pal'.
I'm not going to say all Franchises are great as I haven't looked into them all but I did look into several 24/7 Gym Franchise models. Plus Fitness 24/7 really stood out on so many levels to be the best business choice for us, actually it was the obvious choice!
Why did you choose this brand in particular?
Once you start digging deep and looking at the fine print, a Plus Fitness Franchisee is a standout performer. Low entry cost, lowest ongoing costs, full turnkey business, great training, 100% Australian owned and from the dealings I had in the early stages of making a choice, the best service by far. My Wife and I regard John, Nigel and Amy as Family. These guys have changed our lives and we are just so thankful every day.
What skills did you bring to the business?
From a Fitness Industry Perspective, Nil.
From a compliance to business systems and truly believing in what we had just bought into, 110% commitment.
The Navy taught me systems and Rules and working for a couple of the Worlds leading Helicopter companies taught me some business sense.
The training received from Plus Fitness in the very early stages of becoming a franchisee, really gave us a lot of confidence to get into it and have a red hot crack. By the time the day came to open the doors, we felt ready. After all Plus Fitness were just a phone call away if we ran into any difficulties anyway. This is the true benefit to a Franchisee system, Ongoing support.
What has been the biggest challenge as a franchisee in a new field?
Not knowing what was normal or acceptable in a very competitive industry. Now 3 years on, we have two fantastic gyms and both are doing great. We have passionate, friendly and very helpful staff. Having a Gym is one thing but truly having a great gym comes from within the walls of a great organization.
How has the franchisor helped you gain confidence in your business?
From the very start we had full confidence in Plus Fitness and the Business System we had bought into. At times we have questioned things, mainly ourselves, but really when it comes down to it, you follow the system, your numbers look great and add up really nicely.
Our Field Manager, Amy, is just nothing short of amazing. She to owns her own Plus fitness 24/7 Gyms and manages the Plus Fitness Health Clubs (another business model in the Plus Fitness group). Ange and I have not met anyone yet, other than the Franchisors themselves (John & Nigel) that are as hard working as Amy. If we have a problem and can't work it out, she is our solution 24/7. Plus Fitness is her love and passion, just like us.
What will you do with this business and your new-found skills?
Our goal is to be the 'go to' Fitness Centre's in the Peel area today and in 10 years time also. We are here to stay and we want to help as many people as possible to achieve their Health & Fitness goals. We truly want to have a great reputation in the local area for great service and the friendliest staff.
We want to guide/coach our Staff & Personal trainers to be the best they can be and build a long term and successful team and family inside business's.
Fiona Smith
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Fiona Smith
Plus Fitness Penrith, Mount Druitt, Hazelbrook
When and why did you decide to buy a franchise?
My first contact with Plus Fitness 24/7 was as a long time member of their health clubs, which have been around for many years and were well known in the Macarthur region. I have spent my career in business banking and was fortunate enough to have Plus Fitness 24/7 as a client when they made the decision to develop the brand as a franchise. It was very exciting seeing the process and watch the company sell it's first franchise, and before I knew it they had sold their 50th and so on. I had a relationship with some of the early franchisees and they had such great things to say about their experiences, I developed a keen interest in the model and contemplated jumping ship many times from business banker to business owner.
Eventually the opportunity arose to buy a Plus Fitness 24/7 franchise in the Penrith with a business partner that was also keen to buy a franchise. This was just after I had earned my 15 years long service leave from my employer. I thought this was the perfect timing and jumped on the opportunity.
How did you go about researching the brand?
Fortunately, I had the opportunity to spend a long period of time researching the ins and outs of the brand through being a member and working with the company for a few years. I also took the opportunity to quiz existing franchisees on their experiences with starting a Plus Fitness 24/7 and I took on board a lot of tips and advice throughout this process. The company provided me with a range of tools to conduct my own market research on areas as well as tools to build a reliable cash flow forecast based on the trends and performance of existing franchises in the network.
What would you do differently in terms of the due diligence process, if anything?
I feel that we comfortably covered off on all the required areas of due diligence.
What was the major reason for you choosing this brand?
After comparing other franchise brands in the industry, I found that Plus Fitness 24/7 provided a greater level of support in both the establishment of the clubs, providing end to end support throughout the construction and presale right through to follow up support with our own dedicated Franchise Support Manager. On top of this, the entry costs were the most reasonable with greater value for money than other brands. I was also attracted to the fact that Plus Fitness 24/7 is an Australian Owned & local brand. This has many benefits including the fact that they are aware of and respond to market conditions very quickly, being local and in touch with the market.
How did you fund your franchise investment?
A part of my franchise investment was funded through my bank on a business loan and I also utilised some savings. The equipment which makes up a large portion of the initial investment was funded on an asset finance facility. Plus Fitness 24/7 has relationships with a number of financiers who know their model, so I found that we had a number of finance options available to me.
What is the biggest lesson you've learned as a franchisee?
The biggest lesson I have learned is to build a solid relationship with my franchisor. They have been of great assistance whenever I have needed advice. I have also learned to surround myself with people that have more experience than myself and take their advice and absorb information. I often meet with fellow franchisees for a chat and to share ideas about what is and isn't working so we can learn from each other. There is a really supportive environment between franchisees in the Plus Fitness network.
What has been the biggest challenge as a franchisee?
My biggest challenge came with the fact that I have never before this owned my own business, so I found myself on a steep learning curve in relation to all facets of business, from marketing, to HR to finance. This challenge was alleviated somewhat by having the support of a franchisor. A year and a half in, I can not believe how much I have learned and I feel fortunate to have had this opportunity to develop.
What goals have you achieved since being a franchisee?
Being a single parent with 3 young children, my goal was to achieve financial independence, and a greater work/life balance than I had as an employee. The Plus Fitness model has allowed me to achieve this, as they have established the system so that we can easily manage the clubs remotely when needed. I am able to work from home or from the club to fit in with my lifestyle.
What advice would you offer someone thinking of investing in a franchise business?
As a first time business owner, I feel that buying a franchise was the perfect way to start. When you buy a franchise, you are buying a proven system that already has the hard work of trial and error done and a recognisable brand to offer your customers. You also have the benefit of a support network which you would not have if you went out on your own.
Would you invest in this brand again?
I would definitely invest in the brand again. The experience has been very positive. In fact, since my purchase of the initial franchise in Penrith 18 months ago, I have since opened 2 more clubs and would consider opening more.
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Plus Fitness Carlingford
What was the catalyst for setting up in a franchise?
We were originally going to open a gym ourselves however we decided, that with their proven systems and industry experience, Plus Fitness was a secure option. And, in doing so, we have never looked back.
How did you manage to finance the investment?
We re-drew equity from one of our investments and then secured a loan
How did you come to decide on this brand?
We liked the fact that it was Australian owned and operated. Also, Plus Fitness' support network was far beyond any other franchises we were looking at.
How has the franchisor training helped you in business?
It has given us confidence in management, sales, marketing, project management and budgeting. Of which, many of these skills are relevant to other businesses
What's it like working with your partner?
It is great. We compliment each other, as each of our strengths are within different aspects of our business. Billy has over 10 years Fitness industry experience and Paula has a payroll/accounting/systems based background.
How do you juggle your work and home life?
The 24/7 model provides great flexibility and lifestyle. We are able to minimize hours at work and spend more time with our family because of the remote systems and access.
What are your goals for the business and for yourselves?
Maintain our current membership base, continue to provide a quality health and fitness service within our community and raise funds for our nominated charities.
For ourselves, we would like to continue with having the flexibility, financial freedom and travel with our family.


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Bottles of Hope by Peter Sid
Bottles Of Hope By Peter Sid from peter sid on Vimeo.
Design: Bottles of Hope
Materials: LEDs, medical vials, electrical wire, aluminum
Designer: Peter Sid
Link: petersid.com
Location: Santa Monica, California
Price Point: $2500 — A portion of the proceeds will be donated to charity. (I work with bottlesofhope.org and teamintraining.org.)
"I was inspired by the idea of using ordinary objects to make something beautiful and functional. I was driven by the idea of using design to take something most people would consider ugly, and change it into something stunning."
"The choice to use Leds was easy. They are small, energy efficient and inexpensive. Plus they have an amazing soft glow to them. There are 108 vials and led lights all individually wired."
I also made my walnut dining table and benches and it doubles as (the worlds most beautiful) work bench.
George Nakashima. He is the grandmaster of woodworking. Nakashima created a style that is copied years later. His work is timeless, natural and unique.
Hans Wegner 3 legged shell chair. This design is completely different then my personal aesthetic, but whenever I see it in person, I can't resist sitting in one. Also I love the history and story of the design.
• View Peter's original entry with comments
• Design Showcase 2010 Judges
• Go to 2010 Design Showcase Main Page
- 3 finalist entries will be posted on Monday, 9/27 (no voting yet)
- 3 more finalist entries will be posted on Tuesday, 9/28 (no voting yet)
- VOTING BEGINS on Wednesday, 9/29 at 11:30 am EST with an announcement
- VOTING CLOSES on Friday, 10/1 at 5:00 pm EST
- Two winners will be chosen: 1 judge favorite and 1 crowd favorite
- WINNERS ANNOUNCED on Friday


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Strangers, The (UK - BD)
Leigh Riding has a stab at reviewing the recent Universal chiller on Blu-Ray Disc
After an unsuccessful marriage proposal at a party, Kristen McKay (Liv Tyler) and her partner James Hoyt (Scott Speedman) return to his father's remote home. After much suggestion of a trouble, the couple are startled in the early hours when a mysterious girl turns knocks on their door. Rather dismissively, they send the girl on her way. However, this proves disastrous, as the girl's anonymous masked 'family' arrive to terrorise the couple without motive, trapping Kristen and James in a domestic prison, and plunging them into a night of hell.
Much like the majority of the people who saw the advertising for The Strangers, I was drawn in by the claim that the film was 'inspired by true events'. Of course, now that the claims to fact have been revealed to be incredibly tenuous, we can move away from the vaguely fraudulent concept behind the film and view it as a far simpler psychological horror movie. Unfortunately, with the implied ring of truth removed from the film, what remains seems far more mundane and hollow, although the movie is far from redundant.
There's no denying the fact that The Strangers is largely plot-less. The first twenty or thirty minutes is low on narrative and high on conversation, and when the siege begins, the widely known lack of motive of the assailants robs the film and the viewer of a satisfying payoff. Having said that, it's obvious that the filmmakers are far more interested in creating atmosphere than they are in creating a plot driven exercise. This is an area where The Strangers undeniably excels.
While Tyler and Speedman do a far better job than one might expect given they have so little to work with, and the Strangers (particularly 'Daddy Stranger') appearing very ominous despite having little to no dialogue, it's safe to say that sound design and cinematography create a good deal of the scares and chills in the film. The shift in tone from the warming, glowing browns of the childhood home, to the dirty orange hellishness the house becomes is seamless, and the long, steady shots of a Stranger lurking motionlessly in the shadows while Tyler carries on about her business obliviously are oddly unsettling.
Sound design is The Strangers' friend. While the odd creaks and bumps create stock scares, it's the scratching and banging at the walls and doors that get the pulse racing; there is a simple scene where a Stranger throws a mud ball against a window that made me jump higher than any other horror film I've seen in the last six months or so. Effective sound design can save the most mundane horror; off the top of my head, I can think of Feast and Darkness Falls as examples of films where superior sound design raises an otherwise deeply average chiller's spook factor twofold.
Without the miracles of post production, The Strangers would be a very average film indeed. The problem with the film is that it feels largely pointless. The lack of modus operandi is what ultimately makes the film less successful in its execution than for instance its nearest relative, last year's (in my opinion) underrated and superior Vacancy. There is quite a difference between lack of motive and lack of purpose, and The Strangers, with its single-minded narrative and oddly neutered denouement, leaves the viewer feeling rather uninvolved. As a result, the film moves away from the superior chiller it could have been, and into the superbly crafted yet empty and uninvolving oddity that will be appreciated by viewers, but not necessarily embraced by them.
The 1080p 2.35:1 image Universal offer here is pretty strong. Despite occasionally coming across as a little soft in places, there is little evidence of grain, although I'll always take slight grain if it means I'll get sharper images. The lighting scheme is treated well by BD, with the muted indoor lighting pushing the ominous feel strongly. Black levels are nice and deep, but do not lose the shapes of the Strangers when they drift by in the shadows. Once daybreak finally comes around, the brightness of the image is suitably startling. Despite the relative softness, the image impresses.
As I said before, sound design is The Strangers's friend, and the 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track serves the film superbly. The effects on display here elevate the film no end, and really make the thing worth watching at least once. The sound design builds as the film progresses, starting with tapping and creaks from outside, and builds as time goes on until it feels as though the whole building is rumbling, ratcheting the tension up to high levels. There is some effective 'jump' bass in there too. That is until the Strangers are skulking inside the house in the shadows, and the track becomes eerily quiet and still. Surrounds are superbly utilised, and on the whole the track makes The Strangers a film to watch at least once.
After seeing what treats Universal offer on their BDs, I have to say the supplemental material is very disappointing. Missing the interactive elements that finally sold me on Blu-ray, this would be a poor set of extras on a standard DVD. 'The Elements of Terror' is a rather dull puff piece that gives on set interviews with the cast and crew, plus an all too brief look at the audio design. Also included are some rather redundant deleted scenes and a link to BD-Live. It's also worth noting that there's an option to play either theatrical or extended versions of the film. Overall, rather poor for a new film.
Despite the fairly fraudulent claims to reality, anorexic plot and a DOA first act that is supposed to build characters the writer didn't bother to build, The Strangers isn't without merits. What the viewer loses out on in depth, narrative drive and characters to invest in, it gains in pure production craftsmanship. The effective mood, tension building and jump scares elevate the film to at least a curious watch. However, if you want something you can invest in more, with a stronger plot and better character work and like the sound of this, perhaps the similar but slightly better Vacancy would be a better alternative.
* Note: The above images are taken from the Blu-ray release and resized for the page.
Review by Leigh Riding
cbundoc Member Join Date: January 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 72
Good review and I agree, last year's VACANCY was much better than THE STRANGERS.
Vacancy didn't have the typical helpless victims instead they had people who were being terrorized and actually worked together to survive, they were clever and smart and always one step ahead from the killer.
The Strangers succeeds on the suspense factor, a lot of quiet moments with extreme terror for both the audience and characters but falls short because it's helpless victims who scream (and scream alot) and a predictable plot. Seriously, you can see the end result right from the set-up of each scare scene. Great trailer though.
Vacancy didn't have the typical helpless victims instead they had people who were being terrorized and actually worked together to survive, they were clever and smart and always one step ahead from the killer.
The Strangers succeeds on the suspense factor, a lot of quiet moments with extreme terror for both the audience and characters but falls short because it's helpless victims who scream (and scream alot) and a predictable plot. Seriously, you can see the end result right from the set-up of each scare scene. Great trailer though.
horrorfan25 Member Join Date: November 2007 Location: United States Posts: 1,080
The strangers was c**p. I had very high expectations and wanted to see this film ever since I knew about the cast and the crew and the synopsis. I even knew about this movie every since it was suppose to be released last summer. When I finally saw it in its premiere weekend I was very disappointed. The strangers never did anything. They just stood around. That's it. And by the final act that's when the strangers actually do something. It's just pathetic. Sure people might say it's reality, the sound made it scary. Well who gives a *beep*. No matter how bad something is it's just bad. Saw was actually better than this. And what next your going to say I like blood and guts? I loved The shining, The texas chain saw massacre 1974 original, and The exorcist. But this was C**P. Vacancy and Funny games were so much better.
J Linc Member Join Date: December 2007 Location: United States Posts: 59
"The Strangers" is a better piece than "Vacancy" in my opinion. In truth, I was overall let down by it but there are many aspects and/or scenes I am very fond of and the film did provide the creepiest line to come out of cinema this year or perhaps even from the past few years...
"Because you were home."
"Because you were home."
Worst Nightmare Senior Member Join Date: July 2002 Location: Australia Posts: 6,716
I always take 'inspired by true events' with a grain of salt....
David Blackwell Senior Member Join Date: February 2004 Location: United States Posts: 2,831
They're making a sequel.
btw, a prequel to Vacany is coming to DVD next month in the USA.
btw, a prequel to Vacany is coming to DVD next month in the USA.
fitri Member Join Date: November 2008 Location: Malaysia Posts: 15
"The Strangers" is awesome. It rocks and it's a great movie. But I've watched "Vacancy", but I still think the first one is excellently better. I commend "The Strangers" to anyone. Have fun with that.
losthighway Member Join Date: January 2008 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 309
Watched this a couple of nights ago and to be fair, it scared the c**p out of me a couple of times but I couldn't help thinking that the French thriller THEM did it SOO much better!!The Strangers has got a '15' certificate in the UK but it's one of the few films I think an '18' would have probably been warranted because of that ending (I noticed Ireland gave it a higher rating). It was just pure sadism for the sake of it - really what was the point of it!?
Elusive Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 13
I thought this movie was so bad. It was probably the least enjoyable movie I'd seen all year. There was a lack of real motivation for the violence and some of the scares were cheap. I also think that the characters in the movie could have survived if they hadn't stayed in the house, which is what's so annoying.
Suitable only for persons of 15 years and over
Disc Details
Release Date: 26th December 2008
Discs: 1
Disc Type: Blu-ray Disc
RCE: No
Video: 1080p
Aspect: 2.35:1
Anamorphic: No
Colour: Yes
Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 English, DTS 5.1 French, DTS 5.1 Spanish
Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish
Extras: The Element of Terror, Deleted Scenes, BD-Live
Easter Egg: No
Feature Details
Director: Bryan Bertino
Cast: Liv Tyler, Scott Speedman, Kip Weeks, Gemma Ward, Laura Margolis
Genre: Horror
Length: 88 minutes
6Review Guide
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The Prodigal
In this new novel, Aidan Sharpe, a disbarred lawyer who lives on Ocracoke Island, is beset with self-doubt. As he strives to make sense of his life and his growing affection for Molly, an enterprising tugboat captain, he is drawn into the mystery of Prodigal, an old schooner found adrift and unmanned off the coast. The ship hides a 2,000-year-old secret that carries the promise of paradise, and its discovery leads Aidan and Molly into a race between time and eternity. Written by Raleigh resident Michael Hurley, the mystery explores themes of religion, love, betrayal and forgiveness. Published by Ragbagger Press in Charleston, S.C. Softcover, 347 pages, $10.22 (paperback) and $5.99 (Kindle).


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Here is a super cute drawing I did on one of my favorite monsters from Monsters Inc, and Monsters University. Today I will be showing you "how to draw baby Sulley", step by step. Sulley and Mike are the best duo characters/best friend figures that I have seen since Woody and Buzz. There is no better way to capture the cuteness of these fabulous figures then you give you a lesson on drawing baby Sullivan. In his baby form her is less hairy, and less scary. Although, I never really thought that Sulley was scary. Anyways, have fun and keep a lookout for Mike Wazowski in baby form as well.
DragoArt members upload artwork and drawing tutorials! They are also allowed to leave comments on tutorials, profiles, etc. Many more features, as well; it's way better than just being a boring guest! Register Now!


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Earth Island Institute
Climate Wise Women
Website: http://www.climatewisewomen.org
Climate Wise Women is a global platform for the promotion of women's leadership on climate change. Through powerful personal narratives, Climate Wise Women gives a human face and voice to an issue that sits squarely at the nexus of the conversation on gender equality, environmental justice, food security, the eradication of extreme poverty, and public health.
Director: Tracy Mann
Climate Wise Women
Project # 40
520 Eighth Avenue, Suite 2205
New York, NY 10018
contact by email


text:
DeRozan helps Raptors hold off Bulls
Chicago, IL – DeMar DeRozan netted 20 points and Rudy Gay added 19 points and six rebounds in the Toronto Raptors' 101-98 win over the short-handed Chicago Bulls.
Kyle Lowry finished with 13 points and 10 assists for the Raptors, who have won three of their last four games.
"The guys came up and showed some fight," Raptors head coach Dwane Casey said.
Jimmy Butler registered 28 points and seven boards for Chicago, which played without Joakim Noah, Luol Deng and Taj Gibson.
The Bulls fell three games behind the Brooklyn Nets for the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference and saw its lead for the No. 5 seed trimmed to a half-game of the Atlanta Hawks.
Back-to-back buckets by Amir Johnson and Gay vaulted the Raptors to a 99-90 cushion with 1:38 left before Chicago netted the next seven to make it a game.
Boozer hit a layup before Nate Robinson hit a triple, and after Gay missed a bank shot, Boozer sunk two free throws to pull the Bulls within 99-97 with 16.8 ticks left.
DeRozan, though, made a pair of foul shots at the other end with 13.4 seconds remaining. Robinson was then fouled and made the first free throw before missing the second. A jump ball was called between Boozer and Gay following the miss. Boozer won the tip, but Robinson's 41-footer for the tie was off the mark with less than a second to play.
"We have to be a lot tough mentally," Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau said.
The Raptors led 31-22 after a quarter of play, 54-50 at the break and 81-68 heading into the final frame.
Game Notes
The Bulls held a 21-6 advantage in second-chance points ... Toronto led by as many as 16 ... The Bulls were 10-of-17 from beyond the arc ... Boozer recorded 19 points and 11 boards.


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Workers' Voice
Labor-backed federal super PAC based in Washington, D.C., that supports Democratic candidates.
Type: Super PAC
Who's calling the shots?: Ad wars: TV ads in 2014 state races
estimated TV ad spending on
state-level races in the 2014 cycle
What's behind these numbers?
state-level races in the 2014 cycle
What's behind these numbers?
times ads ran
Kantar Media/CMAG monitors TV signals for political advertising nationwide, capturing ads each time they run. Then, using a proprietary formula, it estimates how much placing each ad costs.
Like any estimate, it's imperfect. Here's what it covers, and what it doesn't:
- Just placement on TV — The estimate only covers TV ads, not other kinds of political messages, such as ads that appear on radio or online. The estimate also only includes how much money a candidate or organization spent to place the ad, not to make it.
- No local cable — Kantar Media monitors local broadcast TV in all 210 media markets, as well as national network and national cable TV advertising. If an ad runs on a local cable channel, it won't be counted here.
- Any political ad — Unlike records filed at the Federal Elections Commission, this information includes so-called "issue ads" that mention a Senate candidate but don't overtly call for the candidate's election or defeat. Unless run immediately before a primary or general election, issue ad spending does not have to be reported to the FEC.
- No future ads — Unlike some records from the Federal Communications Commission, it only counts ads that have already run. Future ad buys are not included.
- Subject to dispute — Since the estimate is based on a formula, it may not exactly reflect what placing the ad actually cost. Think of the cost estimate as a well-informed guess, which can provide useful points of comparison.
Have more questions? Try this FAQ »close
ran 828
mixed ads
targeting Rick Snyder
current through December 8, 2014
Source: Center for Public Integrity analysis of Kantar Media/CMAG, National Institute on Money in State Politics data
What's behind these numbers?


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The coolest girl you know. Gorgeous. Usually with red hair. Like bright red. So nice. Hard to figure out unless you get to know her, then she'll open up to you like a book. She's an amazing friend. She'll listen to what you have to say. She will tell you what she thinks. She is super understanding.
Person: Who's Brillet ?
You: SEXY, GORGEOUS, PERFECT, UNDERSTANDING HUMAN BEING.
You: SEXY, GORGEOUS, PERFECT, UNDERSTANDING HUMAN BEING.
by Graci_Saur September 06, 2012
buy the domain for your art site


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Car News
2014 Kia Soul: First Drive Review
It's easy to take cheap shots at an outgoing model once its successor arrives, so we'll try to avoid this trap in assessing the redesigned 2014 Kia Soul. Nonetheless, the previous Soul really was a disappointing car in some respects, despite its popularity among both car shoppers and rappers in hamster costumes. The funky styling, of course, was a big plus, giving the Soul an aesthetic edge over rival hatchbacks such as the Honda Fit. But the interior always struck us as cheap and basic, even with the upgrades for 2012, and the firm, noisy ride was a letdown, as well.
In short, looking at the original Soul was generally more satisfying than driving it. But that's no cheap shot, because Kia evidently agreed. For the 2014 Soul, they've left well enough alone with the styling. You'll be hard-pressed to tell new from old at a glance (watch for the revised headlights). The all-new cabin, however, is a revolutionary step forward, and the driving character is much more refined.
Suffice it to say, as we guided our 2014 Soul through San Diego County's hills and plains at Kia's introductory press event, we found ourselves wondering whether a turbocharged version -- it's rumored to be in the works -- might give the premium Volkswagen Tiguan crossover something to worry about. That should give you an idea of just how much the second-generation Soul has improved.
Interior Design
The 2014 Soul's interior is just plain nice. Not nice for a Kia, or nice for an affordable runabout. Nice, period. We dare you to compare it with the Tiguan or the related Golf hatchback and show us where Kia comes up short. The dashboard is slathered with the supple, richly grained material that used to be a German exclusive, and the tasteful stitching on the dashboard serves as a welcome complement. We were also struck by the silver-trimmed dash-top corner speakers, which poke slightly upward in a manner that recalls Audi's power-actuated Bang & Olufsen tweeters. And if you're concerned that the Soul has lost its, er, soul, we should add that, yes, you can still specify door speaker surrounds that blink colorfully in time with the beat.
Features and Technology
If you're going to buy a 2014 Soul, do yourself a favor and get the Audio package, because it includes an 8-inch touchscreen that's one of the best displays in any affordable car. The colors are brilliant, the resolution is crisp and the interface is iPad-intuitive. This touchscreen alone scores major "premium points" for the Soul. You also can get Kia's UVO voice-command functionality, an enormous panoramic sunroof, upgraded Infinity sound and automatic climate control. But if you're feeling frugal, even the base Soul comes with power accessories, air conditioning, Bluetooth and iPod/USB connectivity.
Driving Notes
The new Soul's engines basically carry over from last year, so you can choose from two 4-cylinder designs: a 1.6-liter rated at 130 horsepower and 118 lb-ft of torque (base model only) or a 2.0-liter that makes 164 hp and 151 lb-ft. We were only able to sample the latter in San Diego. Frankly, it's hardly a quick car, even with the 2.0's extra punch and the standard 6-speed automatic transmission's responsive shifts. An available turbo upgrade -- for example, the 1.6-liter from the Veloster Turbo -- would be most welcome, and it would incidentally make the Soul a legitimate rival to a wide range of pricier models. The Environmental Protection Agency had not announced fuel economy as of this writing, but based on last year's numbers, you can expect a maximum of around 30 miles per gallon.
On the road, it's the Soul's newfound peacefulness that leaves the strongest impression. Where the outgoing model was loud and bouncy, the new one remains quiet and composed, soaking up road imperfections and holding road and wind noise to a minimum. Indeed, the 2014 Soul isn't just more refined than its predecessor in this regard; it also beats out a Kia Forte sedan we drove recently. Provided you're pleased with what's under the hood, a test-drive in the 2014 Soul is bound to leave a favorable impression.
AutoTrader Says
Much more than just a styling exercise, the redesigned 2014 Kia Soul is one of the most pleasant affordable hatchbacks we've driven. Kia generally fixed what needed fixing, and you're going to like the result.


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What's Your Plan?
If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. It's an old saying and cliché yet rooted in truth. What is your plan to market your book?
When many writers get this question, they pile on the excuses and look around for someone else. They have fallen into the trap of someone who has written a nonfiction book. They firmly believe, "If I build it (write it), they will come (buy it)." These writers firmly believe the marketing for their book is the responsibility of someone else—some publisher or some bookseller or some marketing person. Countless times I've listened to writers in my role as an acquisitions editor when they tell me about their disappointment in the results of their book sales.
Remember, when you point your finger at someone or something, four of your fingers are pointing toward you. As the author, you have the primary responsibility to continually market your book. No one else can do what you can do.
Let me give you a bit of my background so you see why I'm writing about this issue. I've published more than 60 nonfiction books and for five years I was a book acquisitions editor. When I became a book editor, I began to understand the economics of book publishing. It's important for every author to understand these dynamics—whether they write fiction or nonfiction.
Here's the financial information that I didn't understand: for every book (fiction or nonfiction), a publisher is going to spend $50,000 to $100,000 (real dollars) to take your manuscript and turn it into a finished book. These numbers are with a modest advance to the author (say $5,000) and zero marketing dollars. These costs are production, cover design, editorial work, etc. on your book. Publishers receive thousands of submissions from would-be authors. As a part-time Fiction Acquisitions Editor at Howard Books, I was looking for six to eight full-length novels a year—and I've received over 250 submissions from individuals and literary agents. I've rejected some quality fiction because of the volume and limited spots. Imagine these numbers multiplied on other editor's desks.
Let's pretend for a minute that you are the editor and have to wade through these volumes of material to find the books for your list. You have two manuscripts. Both manuscripts are excellent, fascinating stories. One manuscript has a marketing plan and the other doesn't. As the editor, you will be held accountable for your choices (within the publishing house). It's a business to sell books. Which manuscript will you choose to champion to the other editors, the publishing executives (sales, marketing, etc.)? Editors risk for their authors. Your challenge is to prove to be worthy (actually more than worthy) of this risk.
Everything that I'm going to write is based on the assumption you've learned your writing craft and produced an excellent manuscript that is appropriate for a particular publisher. A big part of you may resist even creating a marketing plan. Isn't that why you go to a publisher instead of publishing it yourself? No, you go to a publisher to use their marketing efforts in combination with your efforts to sell more books (and to have your books in the bookstore). Publishers love authors who "get it" and understand they need to roll up their sleeves and take a bit of their energy to market the books to their own network. Also publishers always want to do more for their books especially when they release. Yet they have 20 books to shepherd through this process—and you have a single book. Who is going to be more passionate about the book? It's you as the author—well show a little of that passion in your marketing plans for your book.
Check out PyroMarketing by Greg Stielstra (Harper Business). This book will help you see how you can stir people to purchase your book and why mass marketing techniques are ineffective. To get a taste of this book, read this free introduction (I use with Greg's permission).
Next learn from bestselling fiction author, Debbie Macomber. She has over 60 million novels in print. Bounce the ideas of PyroMarketing (particularly the fourth point of Pyromarketing: saving the coals or saving the data) against this page in her guestbook. I heard a "rumor" that Debbie has over a million names on her own database. Look at the information she is collecting on her guestbook from each person—including your bookstore information. Debbie understands what most beginning (and many published authors) don't understand.
Finally can you bring your publisher a deal from the beginning that will sell at least 5,000 books? It's not a crazy question since 70% of special sales are something that the author begins. For some creative ideas, check out Jerry Jenkins' site. This is not the Left Behind author but another Jerry Jenkins. Put your own spin on these ideas with your book. Also you can learn more about this special sales idea through a free teleseminar which I hosted at: http://bit.ly/massbks.
Publishers are looking for true partners in the bookselling process. A marketing plan shows that you are actively going to enter into the process of selling books. Yes, publishers are looking for excellent storytellers but they need authors who care about selling books.
Labels: Book Marketing, Debbie Macomber, Gerald Jenkins, Greg Stielstra, special market sales


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A FAMILY has been given an apology and a health board is making changes after admitting that a woman received unacceptable treatment at the Royal Gwent Hospital.
The family of Yvonne Skidmore, 65, of Bryn Road, Cefn Fforest, said she was left to wet herself and was denied help from nurses who said she was "too fat" while she was in hospital in Newport.
Her granddaughter, Amanda Wood, said she has been left to seek apologies and answers as to how this happened.
Fearing Mrs Skidmore's health had deteriorated due to poor care, the family complained to the Public Ombudsman. Following an investigation, the Ombudsman concluded the difficulties reported by the family did not contribute to her death.
The health board, however, has since apologised to the family, saying the described attitude of some nursing staff was unacceptable.
On November 5, 2011, Mrs Skidmore was taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital with breathing problems.
She had kidney failure, fluid around the heart and lungs and carbon dioxide poisoning.
Over the next week she improved and occupational health were arranging home care ahead of her discharge.
Two weeks later Ms Skidmore was moved to another part of the ward and it was from here, Ms Wood says, things got worse.
"I went down there and I could see my nan was upset and she told me the nurse had told her she was too fat to move and she would have to move herself," she said.
Ms Wood said she endedup moving her grandmother, which was difficult due to her being on an air-bed.
"Every time we went there, the air-bed was flat."
On November 21, 2011, Ms Wood was visiting again.
She said: "She was lying in a soaking-wet bed. She was in a terrible state."
Ms Wood said a patient in the bed opposite told her that her grandmother had fallen out of bed the night before after pressing the buzzer ten times because she needed the toilet. After no-one came, she tried getting out of bed and fell.
On November 22, 2011, a nurse called the family to gather at the hospital as soon as possible. By 12.30pm Mrs Skidmore had died.
The health board said its investigation had found no evidence to suggest Mrs Skidmore was treated differently because of her size, but did not refute the other complaints made by the family, and apologised on behalf of its staff.


text: The Systm Chisel for iPhone 5S is flexible and tough to the core. Engineered for outdoor toughness and flexible for whatever comes it's way. The concept is based on a proven solution: hard on the outside and soft on the inside. A full layer of PORON XRD Extreme Impact Protection along the back absorbs the impact drop after drop. Chisel combines the armored protection of an external hardshell with the flexible convenience of a rubber case. Easy on. Easy off. You immediately feel the protection wrap around your iPhone. Seamless flexible protection.


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DailyDirt: Ads Are Content... And Should Be Shareable
from the urls-we-dig-up dept
Everyone complains about intrusive and annoying ads. If ads were entertaining and enjoyable, people would actually want to watch them. This shouldn't be surprising to anyone reading Techdirt on a regular basis. Somehow, though, it's much easier to find ads that are annoying than enjoyable. Here are just a few examples of viral ads that prove that commercials don't have to be irritating or pushy to convey their marketing message.
- Jean-Claude Van Damme has performed his most epic splits ever for a Volvo ad. But before that, JCVD had a lot of practice doing the splits on film. [url]
- Goldieblox mashes up a Rube Goldberg machine with a Beastie Boys cover to promote its girl-targeted toy that is supposed to expand girls' toys beyond just dolls and pink accessories. If there's a formula for a viral ad, it probably should contain some catchy music or a Rube Goldberg contraption. [url]
- One of the most viral online ad campaigns of all time has to be Blendtec's series of 'Will it blend?' videos. Will an iPad blend? Yes, but first they had to cheat a little and bend the iPad in half to make it fit into the blender. [url]


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The Purple Heart ceremony was simple. It was the setting that made it unforgettable.
A dust blown lot near the landing zone at a forward operating base. A circle of Marines who had been fighting shoulder to shoulder in one of Afghanistan's most violent insurgent strongholds. The commandant and the sergeant major of the Marine Corps bearing a certificate, words to remember and the medal itself.
The Purple Heart pinned against Sgt. Shane Fredericks' drab khaki camouflage uniform seemed to glow in violet silhouette Tuesday in the waning evening light. Fredericks, 29, of Syracuse, N.Y., was injured with a concussion May 12 in Now Zad by the blast of a 120-pound bomb.
After about a week of recovery, the infantryman went back to work in Afghanistan for Camp Pendleton's 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment as an adviser to Afghan security forces. On the day of the ceremony, Fredericks and Marines from his battalion assembled in Musa Qala at Forward Operating Base Shir Ghazay to meet the top officer and enlisted leader of the Corps.
Gen. James Amos and Sgt. Maj. Michael Barrett wanted to spend four or five days in Helmand province. They could only get a one-day liberty card from Washington for the war zone portion of their trip, they said, but still managed to visit Tuesday with every major Marine battalion serving in southwestern Afghanistan.
They flew as far south as Khan Neshin and as far north as the Kajaki Dam to talk about the future of the Marine Corps and answer questions. In Musa Qala district, the ceremony to grant Fredericks' Purple Heart medal for his injury sustained in combat with the enemy also prompted a look back into history.
The Purple Heart was the first military medal of a young nation, Amos said. Its lineage dates to the medal for courage in battle established by Gen. George Washington in 1782 as the "award for military merit."
In 1942 the medal was resurrected as the Purple Heart, a medal for combat wounds. It is made from metal now instead of purple cloth cut from uniform trousers during the Revolutionary War.
In recent years, eligibility was expanded, Amos told Fredericks and the other Marines, because "if you're in a vehicle that gets hit or you're on a foot patrol that gets hit with an IED (improvised explosive device), that's pretty serious wounds received with direct contact with the enemy.
"Because the enemy planted that thing. They had every intention of killing you, they had every intention of taking your legs off and destroying your life forever. And it didn't work. Thank God," Amos said.
More than 14,000 Marines have been wounded in Afghanistan and Iraq since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and a little more than 1,400 have been killed in action, Amos said.
Barrett warned them not to add to the casualty count after returning home in the fall.
"You're not going to overindulge and then jump on a crotch rocket and slam into a stinkin' telephone pole," Barrett said.
"You go outside the wire every single day and you go hunt down the bad man, you fix him in place and you kill him! That's your job," he said. "You've already proven yourself. You've got nothing else to prove. Go home, be aggressive, … but be aggressive without being reckless. Live your life right and to its fullest.
"Because you have a responsibility to a group of people," he said. To the Marine Corps obviously, but also "to the men and women who have left it all on the battlefield … to those that have fallen, those who have been wounded, who have left their blood, their body parts, their minds on the battlefield.
"You owe it to one another as you walk outside the wire and you put all your trust in the guy to your left and right, the guy behind you and the guy in front of you," Barrett said. "You honor those who have left it all on the battlefield, you honor one another, by being honorable men."


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Event: Salman Khan, Kajol, Sushmita Sen and many other Bollywood celebs attended Esha Deol and Bharat Takhtani's wedding reception
Guest List: Salman Khan, Esha Deol, Vidya Balan, Sridevi, Sanjay Khan, Bhushan Kumar, Divya Khosla, Kirron Kher, Anupam Kher, Dharmendra, Fardeen Khan, Zayed Khan, Tusshar Kapoor, Shobha Kapoor, Jeetendra, Boney Kapoor, Arya Babbar, Perizaad Zorabian, Rekha, Kajol, Sushmita Sen, Shamita Shetty, Tanisha Mukherjee, Tanuja, Saira Banu, Dilip Kumar, Zeenat Aman, Hema Malini, Ahana Deol, Jackky Bhagnani, Madhuri Dixit, Dr Sriram Nene, Bharat Takhtani
Bollywood celeb Aamir Khan along with wife Kiran Rao were spotted at PVR.
Bollywood producers-directors Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Krishan Kumar, Ravi Bahl, Divya Khosla Kumar, Sajid Nadiadwala, Wardha Nadiadwala celebrate diwali with Bhushan Kumar
Bollywood celebs Kareena Kapoor Khan, Malaika Arora, Sonali Bendre, Nimrat Kaur among others were snapped by paparazzi.Bebo looked super cool in a casual look. She wore a white t-shirt with yoga pants...
Bollywood actress Shama Sikander celebrated Diwali festival at her residence.
Bollywood celebs Aamir Khan, Zaira Wasim, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sanya Malhotra, Anil Kapoor, Nitesh Tiwari, Aparshakti Khurrana, Bhushan Kumar, Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi, Sachin Tendulkar, Rajkumar Hir...


text:
Registration for fall semester courses occurs during the previous spring semester for current students and during orientation the week prior to the opening of classes in the fall for new students. Registration for January and spring terms occurs in November. A late registration fee will be charged for registering after the designated days. In addition to academic requirements, students must meet the following criteria in order to register and attend classes:
- Financial responsibility: full payment of all outstanding fees and other charges including library fees
- Language assessment
- Immunization requirements
- Appropriate reviews through the advisory system.
Cross-Registration in the Association of Chicago Theological Schools
Students of any of the ACTS schools may take courses from most of the other member schools with no added charges. Registration for courses in all schools takes place in the school in which the student is enrolled by completion of a cross-registration form.
Each school in ACTS reserves the right to limit enrollment in certain courses for pedagogical reasons and set its own policies for the admission of students from other schools to such courses. A student who cross-registers is subject to the policies for grading at the school of cross-registration.
Students are limited to one-third the total number of courses required in a degree program (nine for M.Div. and six for M.T.S., M.A.M.) for cross-registration. However, transfer students may be more limited since no fewer than one-half of the units required for graduation must be taken at McCormick in order to be considered for a McCormick degree. Students may not cross-register in the last semester of their course of studies.
Cross-Registration in Other Presbyterian Seminaries
Students may cross-register in other Presbyterian seminaries. Please see the Registrar for procedures for particular schools.
Bi-Registration at the University of Chicago and at SCUPE (Seminary Consortium for Urban Pastoral Education)
A special arrangement with the University of Chicago permits McCormick degree candidates in good standing to take courses at the University. Similar arrangements exist for students interested in classes offered at SCUPE and at Bexley Hall/Seabury Seminary. Students desiring to avail themselves of this option should plan their combination of courses carefully with their advisors, in consultation with the Associate Dean for Student Academics, who must approve all bi-registrations. As funds are available, and on the basis of a written petition to the Associate Dean for Student Academics, McCormick may subsidize the difference in tuition. Details of the registration and subsidy procedures, including certain restrictions, are available from the Associate Dean for Student Academics and the Registrar. Students taking courses at the Univeristy of Chicago must also pay the University of Chicago Health Services fee and student activity fee for the term concerned in order to be permitted to register for University courses. Evidence of immunization is required by the University.
Add/Drop Procedures
Masters programs students already registered will be permitted to add or drop courses in their program prior to 4:00 p.m. on the last day of the second week of the semester. In case of a reduction in the total number of courses previously paid, a full refund will be made until 4:00 p.m. on the last day of the second week of a semester. Thereafter, until 4:00 p.m. of the last Friday of the semester before exam week, students may withdraw from a course on written request; a W will be entered on the record for the course. A WS will be entered on the student's record for a course dropped on medical advice; a written statement from a physician or other medical professional is required. Again, the last day to drop a class without academic penalty is 4 p.m. on the Friday of the last regular class of the semester, before exam week.


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Dickey Waiver
A crazy judge throws out Obama's stem-cell policy—and Bush's.
I never thought I'd say this, but I'm starting to miss George W. Bush.
"Compassionate conservatism" has been overtaken by the Tea Party. El sueño Americano has given way to anti-immigrant fever. The "war on terror" has degenerated into a backlash against American Muslims. Now, even Bush's stem-cell policy has been overturned as too permissive.
The stem-cell ruling, issued Monday by U.S. District Chief Judge Royce Lamberth, says that federal funding of research using cells derived from destroyed embryos violates federal law. Pro-lifers are ecstatic. "Court Strikes Down Obama Administration Stem Cell Policy," crows Americans United for Life. "A stinging rebuke to the Obama Administration," gloats the Family Research Council. A defeat for "the Obama administration's rabid and unscientific fixation" on embryo destruction, says the American Life League.
But this ruling goes way beyond Obama. It voids Bush's stem-cell policy, too. And it does so on flimsy grounds with sloppy reasoning.
The ruling relies on the Dickey-Wicker Amendment, a provision enacted by Congress every year during federal appropriations. The amendment, first adopted in 1996, bans federal funding of "research in which a human embryo or embryos are destroyed." Lamberth concludes:
[Embryonic stem cell] research is clearly research in which an embryo is destroyed. To conduct ESC research, ESCs must be derived from an embryo. The process of deriving ESCs from an embryo results in the destruction of the embryo. Thus, ESC research necessarily depends upon the destruction of a human embryo. Despite defendants' attempt to separate the derivation of ESCs from research on the ESCs, the two cannot be separated. Derivation of ESCs from an embryo is an integral step in conducting ESC research.
Accordingly, Lamberth blocks federal funding of all such research pending a full trial. He says this injunction will "simply preserve the status quo." But the status quo, under Bush, permitted federal funding of research on ESC lines derived by Aug. 9, 2001. There's no way that policy could survive Lamberth's ruling. The cell lines approved by Bush were just as dependent on embryo destruction as the cell lines approved by Obama.
In fact, Lamberth's definition of "research"—incorporating all prior steps on which present studies depend—would jeopardize lots of other work. Current research on hypothermia, asthma, schizophrenia, hepatitis, radiation exposure, gene therapy, and sexually transmitted diseases relies, to varying degrees, on prior experiments that were deemed illegal or unethical. Are scientists who work in these fields responsible for the sins of their predecessors? Should we declare their work "research in which" Jews, blacks, children, and others are victimized? Do we seriously think that Congress, in using the word "research," intended such retroactive complicity?
Lamberth notes that Congress "has not altered" the Dickey Amendment since it was first enacted. But in 2005, the House, by a vote of 238-194, passed the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005, which authorized HHS to "conduct and support research that utilizes human embryonic stem cells." A year later, the Senate passed the same bill, 63-37. Both houses again approved this language in the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007, which passed the Senate 63-34 and the House 247-176.
Bush vetoed both bills. But each time, he affirmed that the ESC research he was already funding did not entail embryo destruction. In his 2007 veto message, he wrote:
Once again, the Congress has sent me legislation that would compel American taxpayers, for the first time in our history, to support the deliberate destruction of human embryos. In 2001 … I became the first President to make Federal funds available for embryonic stem cell research, and my policy did this in ways that would not encourage the destruction of embryos. Since then, my Administration has made more than $130 million available for research on stem cell lines derived from embryos that had already been destroyed.
So in two successive Congresses—the first controlled by Republicans, the second by Democrats—the president and a majority of each chamber agreed that ESC research should be funded. They did so even as they re-enacted the Dickey Amendment each year. To conclude that in re-enacting this amendment they meant to forbid all federal funding of ESC research, you'd have to believe that they deliberately contradicted themselves four times. To conclude, as Lamberth does, that they "unambiguously" meant to forbid all such funding, you'd have to be brain-dead. At a minimum, if their behavior is self-contradictory, the meaning of the amendment since 2005 has become ambiguous.
The Obama administration has already announced it will appeal Lamberth's ruling. But why wait for the courts to sort this out? That isn't their job. The Dickey-Wicker mess should end where it began: in Congress. A stem-cell funding bill approved by a Congress that was 46 percent Democratic should easily pass a Congress that's 58 percent Democratic. And this time, Bush won't be around to veto it.
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Published on May 9th, 2012 | by behostels
Top 5 Places to have a Beer in Barcelona
Beer is one of the most drinked liquor around the world. People from all countries, ages, or race drink beer every day in every city in every bar. And today we want to talk you about where to drink a good beer here in Barcelona.
Here you've got a small but great list about 5 pubs where to have a good beer. You have to know that in Barcelona you can find hundreds of pubs, and maybe we don't know about all of them! But here you have our humble list!
1 – La Cervesera Artesana
The brewmaster Over ten years ago the brewmaster became enraptured by beer and its world and since then his passion, dedication and creativity have enabled him to produce some of the best beers, according to the palates of renowned sommeliers. His youth and dedication guarantee that he still has a lot to discover from this thousand-year-old art. The brewmaster heads the staff of La Cervesera Artesana, which is made up by a multidisciplinary team which has found a common link through beer. In one way or another they are all beer lovers, and in all of them you can find an expert advisor in the subject.
C/ Sant Agustí, 14 Barcelona
2 – Cerveceria Jazz
Margarit and well above the street long before the Poble Sec neighborhood was a pilgrimage at night, the Jazz brewery was already there. The music is an important element, but the best thing to do in this corner, it tasted all the beers that are: German, Belgian, British … It is impossible to eliminate the stocks. See the classical references but no shortage of beer and the latest rankings with a mammoth extended leave.
C/ Margarit, 43 Barcelona
3 – Cerveceria d'Or
In 1973 was opened Cerveceria d'Or and Otto Sylt, which have become classics located in the heart of the city, offering a variety and quality of beers plus a detailed letter of German cuisine. Some years later, from 1981 to 1985, open several more local, the Zi Teresa, the Leman's, two sausages Otto Sylt, the Daily Telegraph, now classics in the local suburbs of Barcelona. Great Beer with great price!
Rambla Catalunya, 22 Barcelona
4 – Cervecería Moritz
Moritz is a Catalan beer brand, created in 1856 by the Alsatian Louis Moritz Trautmann, and that has been relaunched to market in the summer of 2004. It is a beer with all the information of the products in Catalan. Now you can find the headquarters in Raval Quarter in Barcelona, also as restaurant.
Ronda Sant Antoni, 39 Barcelona
5 – Ryans Gràcia
The most recent addition to the Ryans family waits for you in Vila de Gracia! Located in the old Bristol Blue the new Ryans brings all its CRAIC to one of the most Catalan neighbourhoods. Unique events, free WiFi, your favourite sports, the best offers, international staff and of course CHEAP PRICES!
C/ Torrent de l'Olla 39
And if you want to enjoy all this wonderful pubs, the only thing you have to do is come and sleep with us at Be Hostels Barcelona, no doubt, the best place to stay in Barcelona!
Sleep cheap with Be Hostels!
Barcelona Hostels | Be Hostels


text:
|"Are you a wizard or not?"
The title of this article is conjectural. Although it is based on canonical information, the actual name is a conjecture and may be supplanted at any time by additional information released from canonical sources. If this occurs, please move this page to the appropriate title.
- "Moody helped tip the stuff down Harry's throat; he coughed, a peppery taste burning his throat. Moody's office came into sharper focus, and so did Moody himself..."
- —Barty Crouch Jr forcing the potion down Harry's throat[src]
A peppery potion was used by Barty Crouch Jr, disguised as Alastor Moody at the time, in June 24, 1995. After Harry Potter returned from Little Hangleton's graveyard, Crouch dragged Harry to his office and gave him the potion to clear his mind, in order to question Harry about what happened; Crouch had to tip the potion down Harry's throat, which had a burning peppery taste.[1]
Notes and references
- ↑ Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 35 (Veritaserum)


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ORLANDO, Fla. - A JetBlue plane was taken out of service Tuesday afternoon for inspection after a scorpion was spotted sitting between a woman's legs during a flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Orlando.
A JetBlue spokeswoman told Local 6 the airline can't confirm exactly what was on board Flight 748, but said the plane was taken out of service "because of reports there might be an unwanted stowaway on board."
The spokeswoman said the plane had to be taken out of service and there was a flight delay, but passengers boarded a new plane while crews searched the other one top to bottom.
Sources on the plane said it was definitely a scorpion that was about 4 inches long, and it crawled back under a seat where it remained through the rest of the flight.
"That would be pretty alarming," said traveler Michele Kunitz. "I imagine I'd let go some sort of scream, some sort of sound of surprise."
It's unclear exactly where the scorpion came from, or what kind it was. Experts tell Local 6 if it stowed away in Puerto Rico, it was likely a bark scorpion.
Depending on how one reacts to venom, it's about as painful as a really bad wasp sting.
"I just can't believe that got on the flight," said Holly Haynes, who flew into Orlando International on Tuesday. "I don't understand how it could have even been an issue. That's really scary."
Although the insect supposedly crawled under a seat while the plane was still flying, Local 6 is told everyone on the plane stayed calm.
The airline said no one was hurt.
Watch Local 6 News and stay with ClickOrlando.com for more on this story.
Copyright 2013 by ClickOrlando.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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Bud Grant Says He was Offered Minnesota Vikings Head Coaching Job in 2004
Ask any Vikings fan and they will almost unanimously agree - Bud Grant was the best coach in franchise history.
From 1967-83, Grant guided the purple and gold to four Super Bowl appearances, and was so beloved by the franchise, that he was recruited to return for one additional year in 1985, after a miserable 3-13 season with Les Steckel at the helm.
And now in his new book, 'I Did it My Way', Grant claims the Vikings came calling again - nearly 20 years later.
The Hall of Fame coach says then-Vikings owner Red McCombs, first approached him about replacing Mike Tice during the 2004 season, but Grant refused.
Not taking no for an answer, McCombs (according to Grant), called back in December telling Grant he was going to fire Tice after the team's next game. Grant says at that point he considered taking the job, but not for the salary the team was paying Tice at the time. In his book, Grant recalls a conversation he had with McCombs:
Red, Tice is the lowest-paid coach in the National Football League.
I am not going to accept that.
Grant says the team upped its offer to $150,000 per game, the coach wanted to be paid $1 less than what the NFL's highest-paid coach at the time was making, roughly $4 to $5 million a year.
When the Vikings' counteroffer fell well short, the deal was off.
Grant writes:
I would have come back.
I thought the Vikings had a pretty good team, and returning to coaching was kind of an exciting thought.
The money would have been good, and I thought it might be fun to come back to coaching -- for a short time, anyway.
It certainly would have been exciting to do at 78 years old.
It would have been exciting the watch.


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Can't Get To A TV? Watch the Red Sox Ring Ceremony LIVE Online!
Opening Day at Fenway Park is always pretty special, but today's is even more special. Prior to the team's 2 p.m. game against Milwaukee, the Red Sox will be receiving their 2013 World Series Championship rings in a special ceremony. And, if you can't get to a TV, you can watch the ceremony online right here!Thanks to redsox.com, the ceremony will be streamed online, starting at around 1 p.m. on Friday. To watch, simply click the embedded link below!


text:
Talking with someone online in real-time can be a quick way to get things taken care of and is a key resource in the community. Thus, the Scilab IRC channel is another way to take advantage of the community support.
IRC channel dedicated to Scilab can be found on OFTC. To connect, you need an IRC client. Once you have the client installed, you need to tell it to connect to the server.
In most clients, you can do that by typing:
/server irc.oftc.net:6667
Once you are connected, join channel #scilab
/join #scilab
Need General Help with IRC?
Visit irchelp to learn about how IRC works, or find a client you can use to connect to the chat server.