text:
WASHINGTON (AP) — Up to half the terror suspects held at the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay could be closer to heading home under a bipartisan deal reached in Congress that gives President Barack Obama a rare victory in his fight to close the prison.
The deal would lift the most rigid restrictions Congress previously imposed on detainee transfers overseas and is part of a broad compromise defense bill awaiting final passage in the Senate this week. The House approved the measure last Thursday.
Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin said the compromise could have a dramatic impact on the 160 detainees still being held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
"About half of the detainees would be detainees that could be transferred to their third-world countries from which they come," Levin told reporters. "About half of the detainees would remain in Guantanamo because of the prohibition on transferring them to the United States for detention and for trial."
The defense bill marks the first time since Obama came to office promising to close Guantanamo that Congress is moving to ease restrictions instead of strengthen them. And it could signal changing political views toward the prison for terrorism suspects now that the war in Afghanistan is winding down.
Obama's achievement was somewhat of a surprise, after the Republican-controlled House earlier this year voted overwhelmingly to make it harder to transfer detainees. But the deal to move in the opposite direction passed with hardly any opposition and little attention — perhaps overshadowed by more prominent defense bill debates over Iran sanctions, military sexual assaults and spying by the National Security Agency.
But even with the deal, Obama still faces big obstacles to closing Guantanamo. Congress has effectively blocked him from doing so for his first five years in office, and he faces declining clout in his final three. Yet the president seems determined as part of his legacy to push for closure of the prison he argues never should have been opened and "has become a symbol around the world for an America that flouts the rule of law."
Congressional proponents of keeping Guantanamo open say they felt they had to allow for transfers to other countries to maintain a more important priority — a ban on detainees from coming into the United States. The administration also pushed for the ability to transfer detainees to the U.S. for imprisonment, trial or medical emergencies but lost on that front, leaving Obama a thorny predicament of what to do with captives considered too dangerous to release.
Oklahoma Sen. James Inhofe, who worked on the compromise as the ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said he'll continue to fight to keep Guantanamo open even as some colleagues are softening their position. "There's no place else you can house these terrorists," he said in a telephone interview Wednesday, adding some former detainees have re-engaged in terrorist activity.
"I look at this and I wonder why people don't want it," Inhofe said. "But the president doesn't and he's going to keep trying (to close it). And this bill stops him from doing it."
Obama renewed his commitment to closure this spring when detainees went on a hunger strike to protest indefinite confinement without charge, now going on for 12 years. Obama responded by vowing to make the case anew to Congress that the prison hurts the United States and appointing envoys at the State and Defense Departments to work toward closure.
"Guantanamo is not necessary to keep America safe," Obama said. "It is expensive. It is inefficient. It hurts us in terms of our international standing. It lessens cooperation with our allies on counterterrorism efforts. It is a recruitment tool for extremists. It needs to be closed."
Top administration officials, including Obama counterterrorism adviser Lisa Monaco and State Department envoy Clifford Sloan, made a quiet yet effective lobbying push to convince members to ease restrictions. They pointed out the annual cost of operating Guantanamo has reached more than $2 million per prisoner while other terrorism suspects are kept in U.S prisons at a small fraction of the price.
Half of the detainees at Guantanamo were approved for transfer nearly four years ago, provided that the home country could provide security guarantees. But the Obama administration has argued that many approved transfers effectively have been blocked by restrictions imposed by Congress.
For instance, lawmakers have barred the administration from transferring any detainee without the Pentagon certifying that, among other requirements, the receiving country is not "facing a threat that is likely to substantially affect its ability to exercise control over the individual." Administration officials have said that's a bar too high in particular for Yemen, home to the world's most active al-Qaida branch and more than half the Guantanamo detainees.
The rules have prohibited transfers to countries where detainees who have been released previously have re-engaged in terrorism. That includes Kuwait, a key U.S. ally that has been lobbying for the return of its two remaining detainees and has built a still unused rehabilitation center to peacefully reintegrate them.
There's also been a prohibition on transferring detainees to countries that the United States has declared a state sponsor of terrorism. Guantanamo houses three Syrians who have been approved for transfer but would be barred from going home under the current rules. Sudan's government says its two remaining detainees were heading home Wednesday — one has completed a sentence after a conviction on terrorism charges and the other is so ill he's unlikely to pose a threat and was recently ordered released by a judge. Court ordered transfers are excluded from the congressional restrictions; otherwise the administration would not have been able to send even a debilitated prisoner home to certain countries.
The congressional deal lifts those restrictions and allows transfers for those detainees who have been approved when the administration determines the transfer is in the national security interests of the U.S.
Administration officials say they are working with foreign governments to negotiate terms of transfers so there won't be a big movement overnight.
"The president directed the administration to responsibly reduce the detainee population to the greatest extent possible, and we would welcome much needed flexibility in this area," said National Security Council spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden. "But even in the absence of transfer restrictions, our longstanding policy is to transfer detainees only if the threat posed by the detainee can be sufficiently mitigated and when consistent with our humane treatment policy."
Follow Nedra Pickler on Twitter at https://twitter.com/nedrapickler


text:
Nine foreign nationals and their Afghan driver were killed Tuesday when a suicide bomber rammed an explosive-packed car into their mini-bus near the Kabul airport, government officials said. Two Afghan bystanders were also killed, said a statement from Afghanistan's interior ministry.
A spokesman for the Afghan insurgent group Hezb-e-Islami claimed responsibility for the attack, which it said was carried out by a young woman. Zubair Sediqi told McClatchy in a phone interview that the bombing was in retaliation for the crude YouTube video that insults the prophet Mohammad, Islam's most revered figure.
Eleven Afghan civilians were wounded in the blast and taken to the hospital, the Interior Ministry said. It said the deceased foreign nationals worked for an airline company.
A statement from Afghan President Hamid Karzai said eight of the dead were South African and one was from Kyrgyzstan. Sediqi claimed they were all U.S. citizens. "They were American intelligence agents," said Sediqi.
Tuesday's attack underscores how perceived insults against the Prophet Muhammad can be used as justification for violent acts. The 14-minute video, "Innocence of the Muslims," has been cited as the cause for attacks on U.S. embassies in Eygpt, Yemen and Sudan.
Reaction in Afghanistan has been muted, however. Afghan officials took steps to block access to the video on YouTube, and religious leaders in Kabul and the country's second-largest city, Kandahar, have urged people to show restraint.
A demonstration outside a U.S. military base in Kabul on Monday saw outbreaks of violence and minor injuries to a small number of policemen and protesters. However, most demonstrations against the video have been relatively peaceful.
Tuesday's suicide bombing – which took place around 6.40am – also underscores the apparent ease with which insurgent groups can penetrate security in Kabul, supposedly the most secure city in Afghanistan. It follows an audacious attack by Taliban insurgents dressed in American army uniforms that penetrated security at a heavily-guarded U.S.-led coalition base in restive Helmand province. Two U.S. marines were killed and at least six Harrier jets were destroyed.
The Taliban also claimed the attack on the coalition base at Helmand was in response to the video.
Describing Tuesday's suicide attack at Kabul, Abdul Rahim, 40, told McClatchy he was selling juice and energy drinks from his cart when the bomb went off less than 50 yards away.
"I heard a powerful explosion, and the area was covered with dust. I saw pieces of the cars everywhere," Rahim said. "It was early morning and there weren't many people around, otherwise the casualties would have been much higher."
A McClatchy reporter at the scene saw the twisted remains of the mini-bus, which was destroyed almost beyond recognition. Security officials arrived quickly and cordoned off the bomb site, but at least four bodies were clearly visible to reporters.
Several of the dead appeared to be Westerners, including a man and a woman wearing Western clothing. The clothing of some victims appeared to have been ripped off by the force of the explosion, and several victims had blast wounds to their face and body. A severed pair of legs lay near the mini-bus.
The suicide bomber's car was almost completely destroyed, the engine thrown more than 20 yards from the vehicle. Security officials collected body parts and placed them in plastic bags.
An Interior Ministry spokesman told McClatchy that he could not confirm if the bomber had been a woman. He said that one of the bomber's legs had been found and had been sent for forensic testing.
Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of the attack, aside from the carnage at the scene, was that Hezb-e-Islami – one of the three major Afghan-based insurgent groups, whose political wing is the largest bloc in Afghanistan's Parliament – had previously denounced suicide bombing and refused to use it as a tactic.
Sediqi, the Hezb-e-Islamic spokesman, said that his organization still rejected suicide attacks that targeted civilians, but "We support suicide bombers against the Americans."
"Of course we support killing Americans," Sediqi said. "We killed Americans, and we take responsibility for that."

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Event Calendar
The Town Hall building, its grounds and equipment are dedicated for the official use of the Town of Double Oak, for use of residents of the Town of Double Oak, and for group activities sponsored by a resident of the Town of Double Oak.
The intended use of the facility must be in basic agreement with the Rules and Regulations as put forward by these Reservation Policies, and with local, county and state law. Use of the Town Hall facility and its grounds by residents is welcomed when scheduled in advance through the Assistant Town Secretary. You may download a Townhall reservation form for your convenience.
*Note: the calendar is updated when events are added. Please call the Assistant Town Secretary to verify dates. Be sure to call prior to your event to get the key code for Town Hall.
There are no upcoming events to display at this time.


text:
AKRON, Ohio (AP) — The first man to plead guilty in a failed plot to bomb a highway bridge in Ohio was sentenced Friday to six years in prison, the lightest sentence of the four handed out so far.
Anthony Hayne, 36, of Cleveland, apologized before being sentenced in U.S. District Court. His guilty plea and offer to testify for prosecutors quickly led three of his co-defendants to plead guilty.
A fifth defendant is undergoing a psychiatric exam.
Hayne, who was at greater risk of a long sentence because of his criminal record for theft and breaking and entering, had pleaded guilty in a deal seeking to avoid a possible life sentence. He stuck with his guilty plea but backed out of the plea deal, hoping his sentence would still wind up less than his co-defendants.
"What I did was wrong," Hayne told the court. And, in an apparent reference to co-defendants who blamed their involvement on liquor or drugs, added, "I blame it on myself."
The men were arrested in an FBI sting operation targeting a highway bridge over the Cuyahoga Valley National Park between Cleveland and Akron. The FBI has said the public was never in danger and the device was a dud provided by an informant.
Still, the fact that the device was a dud "is not a defense," Judge David Dowd said.
The suspects were described by the government as self-proclaimed anarchists who acted out of anger against corporate America and the government. The defense has called the investigation a case of entrapment, with the informant guiding the way.
Hayne disavowed any suggestion that the plot was a misguided prank by men upset with the government and corporations as the five became involved in the Occupy Cleveland movement.
"I know what I did was dangerous," said Hayne, tattoos showing from under a short-sleeve blue jail suit and his buzz cut a marked difference from the long hair in his arrest mug shot.
The three co-defendants who pleaded guilty did so without plea deals. They were sentenced previously to eight- to 11-year terms, shorter than the government had recommended.
The three have appealed their sentences as too harsh for a crime that didn't hurt anyone. Hayne's attorney, Michael O'Shea, said he doubted a sentence appeal would help Hayne much, since the crime carries a mandatory minimum of five years.
O'Shea said Hayne deserved less prison time than the others because his plea and offer to testify had led to others pleading guilty within six weeks. Hayne's testimony showed a plot was evolving even before the involvement of an FBI informant whose work led to defense entrapment claims, O'Shea said.
The judge acknowledged the key role Hayne's guilty played, saying it "did work for the great benefit of the government."
Hayne's mother watched the sentencing and later said only that his family loves him.


text:
Toledo Area Foodie
41.64111, -83.54366)
Cause Areas
WhenIt's flexible! We'll work with your schedule.
WhereYour HomeToledo, OH 43601
Do you love ethnic food? Do you have a knack for reviewing great restaurants you discover in the Toledo Area? Let us tell you a little about us:
Uncle Sam's Immigrant Cafe (USImmigrantCafe.org) is an online platform celebrating our country's immigrant restaurateurs, their unique cuisine and dream of building a successful American business. We celebrate American diversity in food and culture and show that, despite our differences, we are one country where everyone unites around the table.
The Volunteer Task:
- Eat at your favorite ethnic restaurant.
- Interview the restaurateur.
- Write a bio/review.
- Post your review & photos to our site.
If this sounds like a project for you, please let us know.
- Journalism
- Copy Writing / Copy Editing
- Food Service
Good Match For
Requirements & Commitment
More opportunities with Uncle Sams Immigrant Cafe
- Houston Area Foodie
- Portland Foodie
- Knoxville Area Foodie
- Chicago Area Foodie
- Sacramento Foodie
- Austin Area Foodie
- New Haven Area Foodie
- South Bay Foodie
- Baltimore Area Foodie
- Bakersfield Area Foodie
- Phoenix Area Foodie
- Dallas Area Foodie
- Seattle Foodie
- Philadelphia Area Foodie
- WA DC Area Foodie
- Birmingham Area Foodie
- Hartford Area Foodie
- San Diego Foodie
- New York City Area Foodie
- LA Area Foodie


text:
Women's White Sterling Silver Rhodium Plated Sparkle Chain Necklace, 2.2mm, 24 Inch
Sterling silver chain. Sparkle style chain. Rhodioum plated. Polished finish. Item comes in a gift box. Brand new - never used before. Free shipping on this item. Item comes in a gift box. Italy. Rhodium-plated-silver. This sterling silver sparkle chain offers a modern necklace look. At a 2.2 mm thickness this chain is available in an 16" 18" 20" & 24" inch length. Perfect for pendants and can also be worn alone. Includes a lobster clasp to uphold strength and comfort. This chain is rhodium plated for greater tarnish. Color: white


text:
SIERRA VISTA, Ariz. – A former mining community in rural southern Arizona that has shifted over the years into an artists' haven and tourist destination is poised to become the first city in this conservative state to legalize civil unions for same-sex couples.
The Bisbee City Council, on an initial vote Tuesday, unanimously endorsed an ordinance that would give same-sex partners in civil unions the same rights in the city as married couples, the Sierra Vista Herald reported.
A formal vote on the measure is scheduled for April 2.
Bisbee City Councilman Ken Budge called the proposed ordinance long overdue. He described Bisbee, which is more liberal than most Cochise County communities, as a "compassionate and open city" doing the right thing.
"We are the blue dot in a red state of red," he said.
Some of the wording for the ordinance is from bills proposed but not passed in the Republican-led Arizona Legislature.
The head of an influential advocacy group for social conservatives said the group was studying how Bisbee's proposal "interfaces with state law."
"Clearly Bisbee granting civil unions is not in accordance with state policy," said Cathi Herrod, president of the Phoenix-based Center for Arizona Policy. "Clearly it applies only in Bisbee."
Tucson enacted a city law in December 2003 that recognized domestic partnerships, but Bisbee's proposed ordinance appears more comprehensive.
Under the ordinance, two people in a civil union would be considered spouses in such matters as property ownership, guardianship in cases of illness, and disposition of remains upon death, City Attorney John MacKinnon said.
The measure says Bisbee would be exercising "inherent powers of self-government" under its city charter to attempt to reduce discriminatory practices. It also says every person has the right to enter into a "lasting and meaningful relationship with the partner of his or her choice, regardless of the particular sexual orientation of that partnership."
If the ordinance is approved, same-sex couples could go to City Hall and get a form indicating they want to enter into a civil union. The city clerk would file the notarized form and a signed affidavit, then issue the couple a certificate of the civil union.
The form would cost $76, the same cost of a marriage license.
Several Bisbee residents urged the council to support the measure.
Margo McCartney said after her partner of 16 years died, the partner's daughter had to sign all documents because the couple wasn't married and had no rights.
"It's so humiliating," McCartney said through tears. "So. I'm hoping that Bisbee will be out there first."


text:
NASHVILLE, TN – The reinvented 2013 Nissan Pathfinder was named to the top spot on the list of 10 Best Family Cars of 2013 from Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com today. The 2013 Nissan Altima also made this year's cut of KBB.com's top family-friendly vehicles. Each year, editors at Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com, the leading provider of new and used car information, develop their list of the 10 Best Family Cars based on characteristics that cater to unique family specifications and situations.
"The Pathfinder and Altima were both completely redesigned to enhance the driver and passenger experience with a bevy of technology and styling upgrades that satisfy the needs of the entire family," said Jon Brancheau, vice president, Marketing, Nissan North America, Inc. "The marketplace has embraced the new direction of these vehicles, and it's a tremendous honor to be recognized by Kelley Blue Book for our achievements in making Pathfinder and Altima two of the most family-friendly vehicles on the road today."
The 2013 Pathfinder represents a new synthesis of comfort and utility for this iconic, 27-year-old nameplate, with a more refined unibody construction providing a civilized ride yet maintaining best-in-class standard towing capacity of 5000 lbs. Kelley Blue Book's editors also recognized the vehicle's improved ride quality, better handling and best-in-class highway fuel economy of 26 mpg. Technology played a big role in Pathfinder's award as well, with KBB.com praising features such as available Around View® Monitor with "bird's eye" view, which the outlet claims is "among our favorite features in existence."
The all-new fourth-generation Pathfinder seats up to seven passengers comfortably and boasts best-in-class interior volume, best-in-class front headroom and legroom and class-exclusive reclining third row seats*. The Nissan EZ FlexTM Seating System allows the second row to move forward or backward up to 5 1/2 inches for easy access to the back row, even with a child seat installed. When carrying seven passengers, the Pathfinder still accommodates up to 16 cubic feet of cargo.
The 2013 Nissan Altima, launched in June of 2012, was included among KBB.com's 10 Best Family Cars due to its "sharp new look, tech-savvy features, refined driving characteristics and class-leading fuel economy" of 38 mpg. KBB.com gave special mention to Altima's "comfortable seating for five and a host of safety features including blind-spot monitoring and lane-keep assist."
The fifth-generation Altima is equipped with standard Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System and Streaming Audio via Bluetooth®. Other innovative technologies offered on Altima include NissanConnectSM and NissanConnectSM Navigation with a suite of Bluetooth® phone connectivity features including hands-free text message integration, Pandora® playback, real-time Google® POI search and more. Easy Fill Tire Alert adds further convenience for drivers and passengers who are protected by next-generation Safety Shield Technologies including Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Moving Object Detection (MOD) systems.
About Kelley Blue Book
Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, is the only vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the industry. Each week the company provides the most market-reflective values in the industry on its top-rated website www.kbb.com, including its famous Blue Book® Trade-In and Suggested Retail Values and Fair Purchase Price, which reports what others are paying for new cars this week. The company also provides vehicle pricing and values through various products and services available to car dealers, auto manufacturers, finance and insurance companies as well as governmental agencies. KBB.com provides consumer pricing and information on cars for sale, minivans, pickup trucks, sedan, hybrids, electric cars, and SUVs. Kelley Blue Book Co. Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of AutoTrader Group.
About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year in 2010, 2011, and 2012 by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com, or visit the Americas media sites NissanNews.com and InfinitiNews.com.
About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 248,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4.8 million vehicles in 2011, generating revenue of 9.4 trillion yen ($118.95 billion US). With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of 64 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero-emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades, including the prestigious 2011-2012 Car of the Year Japan and 2011 World Car of the Year awards.


text:
How to give back to the planet on Earth Day and every day
When the very first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970, it took place primarily on college campuses and in grade schools across the United States. Approximately 20 million Americans participated in that inaugural event, making it the most successful environmental demonstration at that point in history. Today, the nature-themed holiday has blossomed into a global celebration that reaches upwards of a billion people around the world. As the 48th annual Earth Day approaches, here are some simple activities and practical suggestions to help you and your family better manage your own environmental impact throughout the entire year.
1. Getting around town
Instead of jumping in your car for short trips, hop on your bicycle instead. By cycling around your neighborhood instead of driving, you'll cut down on harmful greenhouse gas emissions while enjoying some fun and beneficial exercise. It's a win-win situation.
When it comes to your car, fuel efficiency is the name of the game. Depending on the condition of your vehicle, several government programs around the country provide financial incentives to help you upgrade to a newer, cleaner, more energy-efficient car. For example, in California, the popular Replace Your Ride program offers substantial rebates to drivers who are ready to trade in their high-polluting vehicle for an electric or hybrid model.
2. Make your home energy efficient
In keeping with the phrase "think globally, act locally," the fastest way to make a significant contribution to the environment starts at home. Begin by switching to highly efficient LED light bulbs throughout your house or apartment. Not only will they help you conserve energy, they'll cut down your utility bills as well.
Adjusting the various heating and cooling units in your home by just a few degrees can also have a dramatic impact on both the environment and your budget. From your dishwasher to your thermostat to your refrigerator and electric dryer, a barely-noticeable temperature adjustment makes a significant difference in the long run.
3. Naturally delicious
Although they might cost a little bit more, switching to organic vegetables has a direct impact on the planet's health. Since factory farms introduce harmful pesticides and toxins into our environment, purchasing local organic produce instead is a tasty way to support sustainability and clean living. Or better yet, start a backyard vegetable garden and grow dinner yourself.
Speaking of your yard, replacing a thirsty lawn with one that's more drought-resistant is a great way to conserve water and cut down on high utility bills as well. If that's too big of a project, then repairing leaky, broken sprinklers is an easy way to make a quick environmental difference.
4. Less is more
Let's face it: from food to clothing to common household products, most of us buy and consume far more than we actually need. This explains why a recent movement to scale back on unnecessary purchases has produced dramatic environmental results. Buying fewer disposable items cuts down on the avalanche of waste that ends up in landfills around the country, so choose products that use less packaging and help lighten the load.
If you're looking for a practical tip to make an environmental difference, recycling is an excellent way to cut back on the amount of trash each of us produces annually. For example, reusable water bottles and reusable shopping bags are a perfect way to help reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills. Similarly, by donating clothing to charities rather than throwing it away you'll solve two problems with one easy action.
5. Group effort
Environmentally conscious volunteering is an excellent way to have fun while helping to save the planet, so sign your family up for a weekend volunteer program in your hometown. Not only will you make a difference where it's needed most, you'll teach your children the value of community service.
If you're new to environmental volunteering, The Nature Conservancy is a great place to learn all about it. Founded in 1951, this nonprofit organization is dedicated to protecting our planet's natural resources by providing structured programs that match volunteers of all ages with projects that foster a sustainable world. From cleaning polluted rivers in Kansas to maintaining hiking trails in Maine to seed harvesting in Indiana, The Nature Conservancy has a volunteer opportunity that's right for you.
6. Paper trail
To help save trees, switch to online banking and reduce the massive amount of paper that's wasted annually. Skipping the receipt that you get at the ATM is another easy way to cut down on your paper consumption. Though some of these changes may seem small, when considered on a global scale they can produce impressive environmental results.
When shopping for paper products to use at home, look for labels that indicate they've been previously recycled. Many companies now proudly advertise that their products contain 80-100% recycled paper, which makes choosing sustainable brands much easier.
7. Explore your world
Visiting one of our country's 60 national parks is a wonderful way to support the environment while experiencing nature's awe-inspiring beauty firsthand. Since the small cost of every park admission ticket contributes funds that provide much-needed services to help with conservation efforts, why not plan a trip to one of them today? For information about the many ways that the National Park Service protects the environment, visit the National Parks Conservation Association website.
When you've decided which national park to visit, book your flight at united.com or by using the convenient United app on your smart device.
Rio: A dream come true
Each week we will profile one of our employee's adventures across the globe, featuring a new location for every employee's story. Follow along every week to learn more about their travel experiences.
By HOU Quality Control Aircraft Inspector Rey Sacueza
When I was a schoolboy, I wished and dreamt of visiting Rio de Janeiro. But wasn't sure it would ever happen. Though everything changes when you make a goal for yourself in life and pursue your dream. This dream finally became a reality a few days ago, and I thank United for giving us the opportunity for it to come true.
Our journey started when we flew to Rio de Janeiro from Houston, an overnight flight crossing the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, northern South America and part of Brazil. We landed late in the morning and, upon arrival, the adventure began. Everything was smooth, from the airport to our hotel, located in the center of Copacabana beach at the Avenida Atlantica. Along the way, the views were fantastic with both mountains and water in sight, which made me excited.
A few hours after arriving, I was so eager to explore and stroll the streets of Rio, which displayed different mosaic designs on sidewalks. We attended late afternoon mass at the Our Lady of Copacabana church and ate dinner at Marius Degustare, a Brazilian seafood and steakhouse located on the northern end of the beach, a few blocks from our hotel. Here, we drank local beer with our sumptuous meal and went back to the hotel with full stomachs for the night.
Over the next few days, we toured and explored the city with our first stop at the famous Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) statue, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It is located on the peak of the Corcovado Mountain, and there you can experience the amazing view of the city and surrounding area. The statue itself is unbelievable in size, and people from around the world, from all walks of life, come to see it. It is indeed one of the world wonders and an experience of a lifetime just to be there.
Next, we went to the Sugarloaf Mountain -- just hop on the cable car to reach the top. Along the way, on display at the Morro da Urca hill, you can see the cable car used in the making of the James Bond movie "Moonraker." At the top, we explored the 360-degree vista and unforgettable views of the Copacabana beach, Christ the Redeemer at the peak of Corcovado Mountain, Macaranã stadium and more. The view is amazing and picture perfect, it could've been a postcard.
We then headed to Macarana stadium, the venue that hosts Brazil's most popular sport, soccer, and where international, national and local games are held year round. We walked the Sambadrome, where samba parades are held during the carnival every year. Tens of thousands of people participate as either spectators or performers during this major event in the city. We also toured the cone-shaped cathedral known as the Metropolitan Cathedral, a major landmark and a masterpiece of modern art. We climbed the Escadaria Selaron, probably the most fascinating staircase in the world, where tiles from around the world were collected or donated for the project and now make up one of Rio's top attractions and touristic spots. The last place we visited on this tour was the Sao Bento Monastery, which is one of the most beautiful architectural complexes in Brazil.
Our adventures continued as we did an early morning hike through Tijuca Rainforest with our guide at the Bom Retiro trail, hiking through narrow trails, towering trees, passing by the waterfall and making our way to the "Pico da Tijuca." At 3,353 feet, it's the highest point of Rio de Janeiro. From this unparalleled vantage point, we enjoyed spectacular views of Rio, Guanabara Bay and other city sights like the Maracanã and Engenhão stadiums and surroundings. On the way down, we passed "Vista Chinesa" from where you can view the Corcovado and Two Brothers Mountains and the other part of the city.
During the evening, we enjoyed an all-you-can-eat feast at a Brazilian steakhouse and washed our food down with the famous local drink caipirinha. Afterward, we experienced the Ginga Tropical, a Brazilian samba and folklore Show, with authentic Brazilian music and dance styles including samba, bossa nova and lambada. We got to experience the vitality of Carnival with dancers, festive costumes, live drumming and rituals from various regions of Brazil.
In search for a hang gliding experience, we took a trip to São Conrado Beach. The launch point is at Tijuca Forest National Park. You glide over the lush, verdant Mata Atlantica (Atlantic Forest) and touch down on the beach of São Conrado. During the glide, you see some of Rio's most famous landmarks such as Sugarloaf Mountain, the Rocinha Favela and the Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Mountain. It's an unforgettable and amazing experience with a bird's eye view of the city.
After days of exploring and adventures, we wound down with an early walk to one of the most famous beaches in the world, Copacabana Beach. We decided to stay and relax and enjoy the beach, sights and surroundings. At the beach, be prepared to see more skin than clothes – on men and women of all ages! There were also many peddlers trying to sell things to tourists. We swam in the cold water of the Atlantic Ocean and later slept with the sound of splashing waves on the shore. What a wonderful feeling, ending this trip on such a positive tune.
The city of Rio de Janeiro has a lot to offer, and there is never enough time to experience it all, but with the time we had we created a lifetime of wonderful memories in this amazing city.
United and Special Olympics
Taking inclusion to new heights
Our shared purpose is to connect people and unite the world — and no organization better embodies that principle than Special Olympics.Learn more
3 under the radar places to travel to in October
For travelers who enjoy cooler temperatures and fall festivals, these are the perfect under-the-radar destinations to check out this October.
Stuttgart, Germany
Head to Stuttgart in Southern Germany to experience a combination of German culture and a passion for fast cars and innovation. Here, you'll also find the country's second largest beer festival. It's considered the ideal home base for exploring the Black Forest mountain range and its surrounding towns. Throughout the city, historic government buildings coexist with contemporary architecture with green spaces and parks galore. Germany's sixth largest city is also home to the Porsche and Mercedes-Benz headquarters, both of which have impressive automobile museums that are open to the public.
What to do
The main event attracting visitors in October is the Stuttgart Beer Festival. Second in size only to Munich's Oktoberfest, this fairground-style festival presents more activities for all ages. There are still plenty of beer tents for adults, as well as theme-park style rides for kids. Everyone will enjoy the authentic German food stalls, music and dancing.
Stuttgart is also home to two car museums, the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum. You don't have to be a car buff to enjoy their contemporary architecture and elegant interiors, both of which feature impressive collections of pristine historic cars. Visit Market Hall Stuttgart in the city center to peruse booths and stalls from local farmers, restaurants, producers and artisans. Another unique Stuttgart attraction is the Wilhelma zoological-botanical garden, which houses the largest collection of exotic animal and plant species in Europe. Spend a leisurely afternoon strolling through Wilhelma's many gardens and footpaths, which were previously a king's private retreat.
Getting there
Our Star Alliance™ partner airlines offer service to Stuttgart (STR) from multiple U.S. cities, including direct flights from New York/Newark (EWR).
Cork, Ireland
Jazz, food and friendly locals in Ireland's unofficial capital
Often overshadowed by Dublin, you might be surprised by everything that Ireland's second-largest city has to offer. Some even refer to Cork as the unofficial capital of Ireland. The city's smaller footprint makes it easier to navigate, and Cork's genuinely friendly locals are more than happy to rub elbows with visitors at its cozy pubs and restaurants. Cork was even recently named the world's third friendliest city by Condé Nast Traveler, and October is an especially good time to visit. Cork's long-running jazz festival brings international talent and well-known acts to the stage. Lastly, Cork is known as Ireland's food capital thanks to its many world-class restaurants and delicious local specialties.
What to do
The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival held at the end of October gets a little bigger and better every year. The music festival has been running since 1978 and welcomes famous talent and up-and-coming jazz performers alike. It kicks off with a jazz parade that winds its way through the city streets. If you're not a jazz enthusiast, The Fringe Festival runs in parallel with live theater and musical performances from other genres.
The heart of the city's lively food scene is the English Market, an 18th-century covered market that's Ireland's most famous food emporium. Shop for produce, meat and other provisions alongside Cork's chefs on the ground level, or sample traditional Irish fare at restaurants on the second floor. After you've had your fill, make your way to one of Cork's most popular and peculiar attractions — Cork City Gaol — a castle-like building that was once a 19th-century prison. Ireland's famous Blarney Castle (and home of the Blarney Stone) is also just a 20-minute drive from Cork.
Getting there
United and our Star Alliance™ partner airlines offer services to Cork (ORK) from multiple U.S. cities.
Guerneville, California
An underrated Sonoma destination with rustic charm
Though Sonoma welcomes fewer visitors come October, wine country is a popular year-round destination. Do as the locals do and head to Guerneville for a charming wine country getaway, just a 90-minute drive from San Francisco. This rustic ex-logging town in the Russian River Valley has welcomed several new restaurants, art galleries and shops over the last few years. Spend your time visiting tasting rooms at the many nearby wineries. Stroll underneath majestic coastal redwoods in the 806-acre state park just a few minutes from town, or pop into the eclectic storefronts along Guerneville's Main Street. This casual, unpretentious town is an ideal destination for a couple or a relaxing getaway with a group of friends.
What to do
Guerneville sits in the heart of the Russian River Valley, where pinot noir and chardonnay grow plentifully in the cool climate. More than 50 wineries are within a 20-minute drive. Between established Champagne houses like Korbel to the many family-owned wineries dotting the region, you can easily spend a day or two sampling the region's wines while taking in the valley's scenic vineyards. Beer lovers can make the short trip to Russian River Brewing Company, one of California's most well-known craft breweries.
Back in town, enjoy the retro vibe strolling along Guerneville's Main Street. From antiques and used books to clothing and collectibles, you'll find an eclectic variety of shops and boutiques. The Main Street dining scene has many options, including San Francisco-inspired farm-to-table bistros and more casual, laid-back eateries with live music. To see the nearby redwood forest, head north, just a short drive to the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. The reserve has many self-guided trails ranging from an easy one-mile walk to a more strenuous nine-mile hike. The Russian River runs right next to Guerneville, where outdoor adventurers will enjoy fishing, kayaking or swimming.
Getting there
United offers service to San Francisco (SFO) from multiple U.S. cities. Guerneville is a quick 90-minute drive from San Francisco.
What to do in Zurich
Passion Passport is a community-based website that tells meaningful travel stories and facilitates global connections. Our team hails from across the United States and Canada and is always up for an adventure. To learn more about where we're going and what we're doing, visit our website: PassionPassport.com
On the surface, Zurich, Switzerland, is known for banking and finance — but those who dig a little deeper discover just how enchanting the city really is. If you have the opportunity to visit, check out some of our favorite spots in this charming, upscale destination.
Enjoy the view
Known for its scenic environments and outdoor attractions, Zurich is a perfectly walkable city. The waterfront is also a great location for picnicking and sailing. To refuel after your lakeside adventures, head to one of the area's charming restaurants — we loved Seerestaurant Quai 61 and Fischers Fritz.
After you've refueled, embark on a shopping trip for Swiss goods and souvenirs in Bahnhofstrasse, a thoroughfare that connects Lake Zurich with the city's main railway station. Home to an array of boutiques and department stores, this area presents countless opportunities to soak up the surrounding views.
Since Bahnhofstrasse is a highly popular locale, you'll get a more intimate experience if you venture off of the main thoroughfare and explore the areas of Augustinergasse and Rennweg Street. While they are home to a number of beautiful shops, they also acted as the city's most significant streets during the Middle Ages. Today, the popular areas are filled with boutiques, but photographers will attest that the historic, pastel buildings are now the streets' biggest draw.
For a closer look at Zurich's history, visit one of the city's most famous landmarks: the Grossmünster Cathedral, a Protestant church dating back to 1100. If you climb to the top of one of the building's two towers, you'll be greeted with views of Zurich's lake and rooftops beyond.
Another one of Zurich's famed churches is St. Peterskirche, which also happens to be the oldest in the region. Built in the ninth century, St. Peterskirche is home to the largest clock face in all of Europe, measuring 28.5 feet (8.7 meters) in diameter. The tower also features five bells that date back to the late 1800s. Visitors can explore the stunning clocktower and tour the church's minimal — yet historical — interior, which features remnants of a medieval mural.
Swiss flag along stairwell in Zurch
St. Peterskirche in Zurich
Taste the traditions
No visit to Switzerland would be complete without sampling the country's sweetest delicacy — chocolate. Zurich's famous confectioner Confiserie Sprungli is a dream for visitors with a sweet tooth. With a legacy of over 175 years, the shop's popularity endures with delicious handmade desserts ranging from truffles to cakes.
Another favorite of ours is Zeughauskeller, a locale serving traditional Swiss cuisine and local beer. Built in 1487, Zeughauskeller is also historically significant, as the building was initially used to store weapons in medieval times — though in 1926, it evolved to be a welcoming social spot for hungry patrons. As an added bonus, the menu is traveler-friendly — meaning it's written in eight different languages — and includes Zurich specialities like zürcher geschnetzeltes (sliced veal in gravy) and rösti (Swiss hash browns).
Bask in beauty
After taking in Zurich's stunning sights, you might want to view them from an entirely different perspective. If that's the case, consider embarking on a Limmat River Cruise. While riding a motorized boat along the Limmat River, you'll pass the quaint features of Old Town and Lake Zurich — so be sure to bring your camera along! A round-trip cruise lasts about 50 minutes and costs 4.40 CHF (roughly 4.43 USD) for adults.
Regardless of what time of year you visit, Zurich always has plenty to offer.
Great places to enjoy a Fall weekend
Just because summer is nearly over, it doesn't mean that the travel season is over. Cities across America continue their efforts to attract autumn tourists wanting to take a trip somewhere new. Here are seven cities that offer plenty of things for you to do over a weekend.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
This region, located on a hook-shaped peninsula, is known mainly for its beaches and busy summer season. While fall is still warm enough to visit the beach, there's even more to do with less crowds and no "Cape traffic". There are plenty of fall festivals to choose from to celebrate the season. From the 6th Annual PumpkinFest to Martha's Vineyard Food and Wine Festival — there is no shortage of events. Additionally, take a free, self-guided walking tour on the 1.6 mile Kennedy Legacy Trail, which celebrates the role the family played in the history of Hyannis and Cape Cod. Or visit the Hyannis HyArts Cultural District, home to local artists, galleries, concerts, theatrical performances and classes year-round. Indulge in the bounty of the sea at restaurants like Hyannis institution Cooke's Seafood, known for its fried clam strips, or Ocean House if you want to enjoy a meal with a view.
Denver, Colorado
The Mile High City has recently become one of the hottest craft brew cities in the country. Be sure to check a few out on the Denver Beer Trail, which covers more than 100 brewpubs, breweries and taprooms. Beer lovers should plan their trip around the Great American Beer Festival that takes over Denver in September with brews from 800 breweries. Take a stroll or a shuttle bus down the 16th Street Mall and indulge in outdoor cafes, shopping and the D&F Tower, a two-thirds replica of the Campanile of St. Mark's in Venice built in 1909. Depending on the venue's schedule, you can also catch a concert at the city's famous Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre or hike the trails around the park which is especially beautiful in the fall. Other must-see places include the Colorado Railroad Museum, Denver Union Station and Punch Bowl Social, a restaurant and entertainment venue that used to house the old Stapleton International Airport's air traffic control tower.
Key West, Florida
Florida's southernmost point — a mere 90 miles from Cuba — is known for its diving, snorkeling and beaches. And visiting during the fall means the humid summer months are over, bringing cooler ocean breezes and refreshing water temperatures making outdoor activities great options. Go on a sunset cruise, take a tour of the island on a wave runner, participate in a pub crawl or rent a moped, a scooter or a bike to explore the Keys. Sunbathe at beaches like Fort Zachary Taylor, an 87-acre state park that is home to a pre-Civil War Fort. And make sure to visit author Ernest Hemingway's home, where he lived from 1931 to 1939 and where he wrote a few classics including the novel, To Have And Have Not.
Memphis, Tennessee
The tagline for this Southern city is the Home of Blues, Soul and Rock 'n' Roll. You can hit iconic locations covering all three by visiting the Blues Hall of Fame, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music and Sun Studio, the birthplace of Rock 'N' Roll. Walk down the city's iconic Beale Street, where you can check out bars, restaurants, clubs and shops. Take a cruise on a Memphis Riverboat and indulge in a barbecue dinner at the famous Rendezvous. Cooler temperatures also mean a variety of festivals to choose from, including Gonerfest, — Goner Records' annual music festival —Mempho music festival, Memphis Pride Festival and more. And no visit to Memphis is complete without visits to the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. passed away and Elvis Presley's Graceland.
Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Located 154 miles north of San Francisco, this region is mostly known for ski resorts like Squaw Valley, home of the 1960 Winter Olympic Games. But there are still plenty of things to do in the fall with fewer crowds and off-season specials with lower prices. For example, take a hike along the 1.9-mile Lake of the Sky Trail, ride on the M.S. Dixie II Paddlewheeler or play a round of golf at the Lake Tahoe Golf Course. But the best way to take in all that Lake Tahoe has to offer is to do the 72-mile most beautiful drive in America, where you can take a ride on the Heavenly Gondola, visit the historic Donner Memorial State Park or try your luck at the Crystal Bay Casino.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shenandoah National Park is located 124 miles west of Washington, D.C. and one of the best places in the country to enjoy fall foliage along the 105-mile Skyline Drive. View the leaves changing colors and enjoy beautiful scenery by going on a hike in the park — home to 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail along the ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Take a guided tour through Luray Caverns, a series of large rooms with 10-feet-high ceilings, stone columns and pools. Go horseback riding or do a tour of the Blue Ridge Whisky Wine Loop, which showcases the region's wineries, a whiskey distillery, breweries and dining.
Napa, California
It's a given that you'll do a wine tasting or two in this world-famous region, though keep in mind that during fall months, wineries tend to close by 5 pm so plan to start early. And even if wine tasting isn't for you, witnessing the fall foliage while driving on the Silverado Trail from Napa to Calistoga is worth it. Or indulge yourself by visiting one of Calistoga's wonderful day spas, play a round of golf at the Vintner's Golf Club in Yountville or take a sunrise hot air balloon ride. There are no shortages of delicious restaurants — the valley is home to six Michelin-starred restaurants, including Chef Thomas Keller's French Laundry. Or you can scout out the next generation of dining talent at the Culinary Institute of America's The Restaurant at CIA Copia. If you're looking for a unique wine experience, consider doing the Art in the Afternoon tour at the Robert Mondavi Winery in Oakville, which pairs a tasting with a tour of its world-class collection.
Getting there
When you've decided where to go for your Fall weekend getaway, visit united.com or us the United app, and share your story on social media with the #myunitedjourney hashtag.
We view New Jersey's success and ours inextricably linked
As a proud resident of the New Jersey and New York area for the past thirty years, I know firsthand how vitally important Newark Liberty International Airport is to the success of the communities and families throughout the state – the jobs it creates, the economic activity it generates and the businesses and people it connects to markets around the globe.
We are one of the top ten employers in the state, with 14,000 employees as part of the United family and are Newark Airport's largest airline, together with our Star Alliance partners, account for more than two-thirds of both total flights and passengers. It's obvious that keeping Newark competitive requires a competitive United Airlines.
That's why we've invested more in Newark Airport than any other airline, making both our service and the airport better. We've committed $2 billion in unsubsidized airport investments since 2000 and nearly $400 million over the past two years alone.
Not only are we giving back at the airport, but we are also supporting the communities we call home. This July, we announced two new partnership grants totaling $1 million for the cities of Newark and Elizabeth supporting the Community Foodbank of New Jersey and Urban League of Essex County. These grants will greatly expand opportunities in each city, helping hundreds of young people and adults on the path to meaningful carriers and economic mobility. This commitment complements our longstanding support across New Jersey, from schools to local shelters, to vital community anchors such as the Newark Museum, the Liberty Science Center and New Jersey Performing Arts Center.
We view New Jersey's success and United's as inextricably linked, which is why the negative tone that's been adopted recently has been extremely disappointing. I am determined to get us back on the right track.
Case in point: the discussion regarding our recent decision to transition some of our operations from ABM Aviation to United Ground Express (UGE) has been unfair. Let me clarify a few things.
The current contract held by ABM was up for renewal and we began a competitive bidding process in order to improve our customers' experience at Newark Airport. After our review, we determined that UGE was the right vendor to achieve this for United's passengers and in turn, our overall operation at Newark airport.
To date, we've hosted seven job fairs and received hundreds of applications, many from current talented ABM employees and, we expect our employment figures to remain where they were before the transition to UGE. These newly created jobs will be represented by IAM, one of our union partners.
As a company we believe it's appropriate for the state to determine the minimum wage and as a good corporate citizen we continue to observe and comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. We remain committed to treating all of our employees fairly, providing them with competitive compensation and benefit packages which feature a progression wage scale, paid time off (PTO), double-time holiday pay and company subsidized health care plan for full-time employees. Under UGE, employees also receive United flight benefits, which is a notable and unique addition to our employees' overall compensation.
United is important to the region. Without United's continuing investment in the airport, not only would jobs be lost, but also it would be a major blow to the state's economy and to the New Jersey taxpayer. We pay local taxes; the Corporate Business Tax (which was increased earlier this session); and the jet fuel tax and in addition, we pay more than $400 million a year in rates, charges and fees to the Port Authority to fund operations and infrastructure development at Newark airport. All told, United pays our fair share and creates nearly $16 billion in economic output in New Jersey and we're very proud to be doing our part to drive the New Jersey economy.
The stakes are too high for this issue to be turned into a political football and subject to overheated, misleading rhetoric.
We care deeply about our employees, our customers and our state and take our responsibilities as a good corporate citizen very seriously. We're determined to remain competitive so we can continue offering the service and standards our customers and this community deserve. United is proud to call Newark home, I hope you'll support our efforts to continue investing and growing in the great state of New Jersey.
Introducing Better Boarding
The feedback from customers and employees was clear: we needed to improve our boarding process. As part of our ongoing efforts to put customers at the center of everything we do, we identified boarding as an opportunity to improve the airport experience. We tested a variety of different boarding processes on thousands of flights across multiple airports. Best practices emerged from each test, and combined, they now form what we are calling "Better Boarding".
Better Boarding consists of three key improvements
Less time in line:
By reducing the number of boarding lanes, there is more space for customers to enjoy the gate areas, many of which have been completely remodeled with more comfortable seating and in some airports, the ability to have food and drinks from within the airport delivered directly to the gate area. Over the years, we have invested millions of dollars in our terminals, and now with less time spent standing in line, customers will have more time to dine, shop, relax, work or enjoy a United Club℠.
Simplified gate layout
Say goodbye to the five long lines we see today
Group 1 will board through the blue lane.
Group 2 will board through the green lane, followed by groups 3, 4, and 5.
Late arriving customers in Group 1 and 2 will use the blue lane.
Customers in groups 3, 4, and 5 always use the green lane.
Better information:
We are providing customers with more information throughout the boarding process so that they feel more at ease, and more equipped with the latest information about their flight. Customers with the United app can receive a push notification once their flight starts boarding. Customers will only receive the notification if they've opted in for push notifications and have a mobile boarding pass in the app's wallet.
Enhanced communications
Be in the know about boarding
Customers will receive boarding notifications through the United app (if they've opted in for notifications).
Improved gate area digital signage to guide customers through boarding.
Balanced groups and better recognition:
United MileagePlus® Premier 1K® customers will now pre-board and United MileagePlus Premier Gold customers will be boarding in Group 1. For more information on our boarding groups, visit: https://www.united.com/web/en-us/content/travel/airport/boarding-process.aspx
Improved premier customer recognition
We're happy to make them happy
Improved premier recognition and better positioning of customers to create balanced boarding groups.
The new Better Boarding process is just one of the steps we are taking to improve the customer experience. We will continue to collect feedback from customers on ways we can further improve boarding and you may receive a post-travel survey to tell us more about your experience
Towns in the U.S. with unusual names
You don't have to travel to Timbuktu or Dull, Scotland to check out a uniquely named place — there are plenty in the United States. It's true that you might not find much to do in Boring, Oregon, or anything peculiar about Peculiar, Missouri — and who wants to go to Hell, Michigan? But there are even more places with strange names worth seeing.
Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg, Massachusetts
And you thought "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" was a mouthful. The 45 letters in the name of this lake in Webster, Massachusetts, makes it America's longest-named place. The lake's name means, "English knifeman and Nipmuck Indians at the boundary or neutral fishing place." Hundreds of pricey homes on its shoreline can be seen during a ride aboard the Indian Princess, one of America's last authentic paddle wheel boats. For those looking to do more than laze along the shorelines, unique fishing spots and a range of water activities are popular attractions in this town. The nearest airports are Boston and Hartford/Springfield (Bradley), each a 75-minute drive away.
Chincoteague, Virginia
This easternmost town in Virginia, with a name derived from its Native American name, is the southern gateway to Assateague Island National Seashore, best known for its wild horses. About 150 Chincoteague ponies, which stand only four-and-a-half feet tall, roam the island where visitors also can tour Assateague Lighthouse, a candy cane-striped 1867 national landmark that stands 142 feet tall. The nearest airport to Chincoteague is Norfolk, Virginia, approximately a two-hour drive away.
Kalamazoo, Michigan
The Glenn Miller Orchestra's "(I've Got a Gal in) Kalamazoo" was the #1 hit song of 1942, putting the Michigan town on the map. How can you not like a song with lyrics like, "I liked her looks / when I carried her books / in Kalamazoo"? Even now, it's performed by the Western Michigan University marching band at football games. The college town is also known for being home to prestigious Kalamazoo College, many brewpubs, the nearby wine village of Paw Paw and the Gilmore Car Museum. United flies to Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport.
Mammoth Lakes, California
Mammoth Lakes was named after the Mammoth Mining Company, which brought it into existence as a gold rush boomtown. It's a fitting name because it also describes the mammoth-sized Sierra Nevada mountains that surround it, including the famed granite rock faces of nearby Yosemite National Park. Mammoth Lakes has emerged as one of America's leading destinations for trout fishing, hiking, mountain biking — and most of all — snowboarding and skiing. The Mammoth Ski Museum is a big draw. United flies into Mammoth Yosemite Airport from San Francisco December through April.
Wahoo, Nebraska
It's not a tech company or an expression of joy. Wahoo is a town named after the native eastern wahoo shrub. The town of 4,500 is best known for being named "home office" of the David Letterman Wahoo Gazette Top-10 List after town boosters bribed Dave with a wall clock made of cow dung and free checkups at Wahoo Medical Center. Wahoo Creek feeds into the town's biggest attraction, Lake Wanahoo, where you can hike, kayak, fish and camp. The nearest airport is in Omaha, Nebraska, a one-hour drive away.
Zzyzx, California
This spot in the Mojave National Preserve is last on any alphabetical list of places and not far behind on any list of Southern California hotspots (except literally in the heat of summer). Many drive past Zzyzx Road on road trips from Las Vegas to L.A., but few know what's at the end of the road or the history behind the small town. Today, the only thing you'll find there, after taking Zzyzx Road off I-15, is the California State University-run Desert Studies Center on the land of a former hot springs resort. But the hiking is a treat if you like desert-mountain solitude. The nearest airport is an 80-minute drive away in Las Vegas.
Getting there
United Airlines flies to these places or to airports within a two-hour drive. MileagePlus® Rewards can help pay for your accommodations. Go to united.com or use the United app to plan your trip,
Spending a week in Iceland
Passion Passport is a community-based website that tells meaningful travel stories and facilitates global connections. Our team hails from across the United States and Canada and is always up for an adventure. To learn more about where we're going and what we're doing, visit our website: PassionPassport.com
Iceland is a place of incomparable beauty. We recently visited some of the country's most popular destinations and explored the stunning landscapes that it is most known for. If you have the opportunity to travel to this country full of otherworldly views, be sure to check out some of our favorite places.
Visit the capital city
Reykjavík may not be a large city, but it still offers plenty to do and see. The capital's relatively small size makes it easy to visit its most notable attractions on foot or by bicycle. Architecture enthusiasts should stop by Harpa Concert Hall to marvel at the iconic glass building, while music lovers should check out the hall's events and enjoy its array of shows, such as Iceland's Symphony Orchestra performances.
For great photo opportunities and gravity defying architecture, seek out Hallgrimskirikja, the largest church in all of Iceland. Designed by Guðjón Samúelsson in 1937 and inspired by the shapes that emerge when lava cools, the church can be spotted from almost anywhere in the city. Visitors can also climb to the top of its tower for the best views of the city below — so don't forget your camera! Once you've seen this architectural beauty, explore the city center on foot. If you're looking for a place to shop, visit Laugavegur Street, Bankastræti, Skólavörðustígur, and Lækjargata.
If you want a truly Icelandic experience, visit one of the many swimming pools in the Reykjavík area. Located behind Hallgrimskirikja, Sundhöll Reykjavíkur is the country's oldest public bath. Or, take some time to relax at Iceland's famous Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa, located just 30 minutes from the capital city by car — though, if you're not looking to rent a car, you can also take a bus from Reykjavík to the spa. The locale is open year-round, and the water in the large lake is always warm and beautifully hued. Experience the seemingly magical powers of geothermal seawater at this natural spa and enjoy a mask bar, a massage, an in-water bar, and a sauna and steam room. Note: this is a popular activity, so be sure to book in advance.
Travel along the Golden Circle
If you want to road-trip around iceland, the Golden Circle is the perfect route for you. It features three of Iceland's most popular destinations: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Hot Springs Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall. There are also many Golden Circle tours to choose from, if you prefer to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery without the hassle of driving.
Your first stop will likely be Thingvellir, which became a national park in 1930 and later, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Due to Thingvellir's fascinating geology and unique history, visitors are often enchanted by its proximity to tectonic plates, lava rocks, and surrounding volcanoes. Interestingly, the land was once used as a meeting place for the parliament of the Viking Age commonwealth (its name actually means "the fields of parliament"). Today, the park is also a popular draw for those interested in bird-watching, diving, snorkeling, and viewing the Northern Lights (come winter).
The second stop along the route is Gullfoss Waterfall, a stunning waterfall located in an ancient valley. The two-tiered fall is beautiful during both the winter and the summer, offering cascades of ice in cold weather and an abundance of rainbows just after the spring thaw.
From here, Geysir Hot Springs Area is just a short drive away and a 50-minute trip from Thingvellir. Although the geysir is a famous hot spring, it isn't the only geyser in this geothermal area. Keep an eye out for the region's most active, Strokkur, which sprouts hot water approximately every few minutes. Have your camera ready and keep a safe distance from the boiling eruption.
Immerse yourself in beauty
Stunning vistas are not uncommon in Iceland. It seems like everywhere you look, there are natural wonders to observe and photograph. One of Iceland's most beautiful destinations is Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, an area filled with blue waters dotted with glistening icebergs. What's more, this particular location is also popular among those aspiring to spot the Northern Lights. If you want to get up close and personal with the frozen landscape, the lagoon hosts amphibian boat tours, which allow you to sail alongside the icebergs. You might even spot some seals leading the way. While the lagoon is nearly six hours from Iceland's capital, it's a beautiful drive, which offers roadtrippers the chance to observe a range of Icelandic scenery along the way.
Trending stories
Explore more
We're listening
Check out our newest destinations
Follow us
Watch our most popular videos
Five magnificent stops between Honolulu and Guam filled with spectacular scenery along the way, and then back again. Join Big Metal Bird host, Phil Torres, as he explores our unique Island Hopper route, and discovers what the route means to the people of Micronesia.
It was an unusual sight: a flame on a plane -- but that's exactly what passengers on a flight from Boston to Chicago witnessed as we transported the very special cargo on July 18. The flame was enclosed in a secure lantern and accompanied by a Special Olympic athlete and two Guardians of the Flame – members of a group of more than 100,000 law enforcement officers whose role is to protect and ensure the delivery of the Special Olympics Flame wherever it travels.
This wasn't just any flame, however; it was the Special Olympics' Flame of Hope, the flame which lit the Eternal Flame of Hope to kick off Special Olympics' 50th anniversary celebration Friday morning.
CEO Oscar Munoz, General Counsel and EVP Brett Hart; and Community Affairs VP Sharon Grant, along with many employees and customers, greeted the Flame upon arrival to O'Hare International Airport, where it was presented to local Guardians of the Flame.
We didn't just transport the Flame of Hope on board one of our flights, said Oscar. "That flight symbolized how we are taking the values of inclusion and respect, which that Flame represents, fully on board as a company."
From O'Hare, the Flame traveled to Soldier Field, the site of the very first International Special Olympics Summer Games 50 years ago, and where the Law Enforcement Torch Run® took place the morning of Friday, July 20. More than 100 employees participated in the event, a four-mile course along the lakefront in downtown Chicago, along with hundreds of law enforcement officers and Special Olympics athletes from throughout Illinois and the world.
I saw people from all over the world come together for a great cause, said Global Catering Operations Projects and Performance Manager Yana Strutz, who participated in the Torch Run, "It is wonderful to see my colleagues take time out of their busy schedules to ensure that Special Olympics athletes get the time and attention they deserve."
The run concluded with the lighting of the Eternal Flame of Hope monument, a flame that symbolizes the eternal hope that Special Olympics provides to athletes and their families. The flame will stay forever ignited inside the permanent, 30-foot monument outside of Soldier Field.
United will go beyond just flying the Flame of Hope on one flight, we will 'carry the torch' everywhere we fly and spread the light of this inclusion revolution. We intend to be ambassadors for this movement everywhere we operate, said Oscar.
Our partnership with Special Olympics represents our continuing effort to break down barriers and further build on Special Olympics' remarkable legacy of inclusion by engaging our employees around the world.
On March 8, 2018, we announced a new global relationship with Special Olympics, an organization we've partnered with for many years focusing on supporting the spirit of inclusion with our employees through local communities and through our Charity Miles Program. United's increased sponsorship includes support for major Special Olympics events, including the Special Olympics 50th Anniversary celebrations in Chicago, site of the very first International Special Olympics Summer Games in 1968, and the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle.
In addition, United will engage with local Programs in our key markets around the world. Special Olympics embodies our shared purpose to connect people and unite the world. With more than 5 million athletes and 1 million coaches and volunteers in 172 countries, our employees and customers will join forces with Special Olympics to achieve our shared vision of inclusion. Together, we hope to end discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities.
Our relationship with Special Olympics represents a continued effort to break down barriers and further build on the organization's remarkable legacy by engaging our customers and employees around the world. Working together, we created new training that specifically reflects insights from Special Olympics, including training scenarios with real-life situations that individuals with intellectual disabilities face when traveling. By the end of 2018, more than 60,000 United frontline employees will have participated in the new training modules that reflect Special Olympics insights as United takes steps to deliver a world full of inclusion.
Check back this summer for coverage from Special Olympics 50th Anniversary celebrations in Chicago and 2018 Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle.
Copyright © 2018 United Airlines, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Indicates an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.


text: The housing crisis has stalled home building but apartment construction is undergoing a bit of a renaissance. There's now a huge pool of people forced to rent because they can't afford to buy a home, or they were a victim of foreclosure. In Denver, there aren't enough apartment vacancies. Colorado Public Radio's Ben Markus has the story.


text:
1495 North Woodruff Ave
Directions Idaho Falls, ID 83401
There is no substitute for a brand-new Hyundai--but before you hit the classifieds section, or start shopping around at local new car dealerships in Pocatello, Rexburg, Blackfoot or Jackson WY, consider us first. We're proud to be able to offer a fantastic selection of new models like the Hyundai Sonata, Elantra, Tucson, Kona and Santa Fe Sport, at prices that you (and your wallet) will love. Since we're able to customize your payment options to find the right deal and the right terms for your budget, you have more freedom to shop around and find the right mixture of features, performance options, and amenities that you want. Looking for leather seats, navigation, premium audio, or powerful engine options? Use our buying tools to filter by model, by price, or by features.
Explore new Hyundai for sale online, or visit the showroom in Idaho Falls to see the lineup in person and test-drive your favorite models.
Whether you buy with your gut, or spend weeks carefully researching your options before you make your final decision, Woody Smith Hyundai makes it easy and fun to find your dream vehicle. Compare car to crossover, large to small, base to fully-loaded, and see which well-equipped and exciting new model is right for you.
When you've made your choice, financing your new vehicle is as simple as filling out a form. Apply for a lease or loan online, and one of our finance experts will walk you through the rest of the process. Save time at the dealership, save money on your monthly payments, and love your new vehicle!


text:
Felon gets 43 years to life for shooting man in the face on Valley StreetBy TED SIEFER
New Hampshire Union Leader
July 01. 2013 9:37PM
MANCHESTER — A Manchester man was sentenced Monday to 43 1/2 years to life in prison for shooting a man in the face nearly two years ago.
James Conkle, 32, was charged with attempted murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Conkle was accused of shooting Casey Margraf on Sept. 17, 2011, in the rear driveway of his home on Valley Street. Margraf was able to identify the shooter as "James" to police as he lay bleeding, cradled in his father's arms.
Despite being shot twice and suffering from a critical brain injury, Margraf recuperated from his wounds and was able to testify at Conkle's trial, which concluded in April.
At the hearing, Judge Kenneth Brown noted that Conkle had shown no remorse for his actions or for the victim, had lied during his trial testimony, and had previously been to prison for shooting another person, according to a press release from the office of Hillsborough County Attorney Patricia LaFrance.
The motive for the shooting was unclear, but Margraf told police shortly after the crime that it was related to a fight he had been having with Conkle's girlfriend.


text:
We at Sterling Forever want to always be on top of the latest trends. From the most popular designer inspired sterling silver rings to sleek, chic bracelets - we make sure that our catalog caters to your needs. Our sterling silver products are top of the line, and we make sure that every buyer gets jewelry that makes them feel flawless.
Trends change, styles evolve, and new items are coming out all the time. No matter how many pendants, rings, bangles, chokers, or earrings you've got in your personal collection, there's always something new around the corner--that's what makes fashion so much fun! So we've got all our new pieces right here for you to browse. All the latest trendy items are gathered here, just waiting to join you for a fun night on the town or a formal attire event. Ready to shop?
What you need to know about sterling silver rings
Sterling silver rings never go out of style!
Sterling silver rings have always been a popular choice for jewelry because of the metal's sparkling beauty, versatility, and affordable price. You can easily add the perfect accessory to create a stylish, fashionable, shiny look that is perfect for any occasion. Whether it's a casual event, a romantic date, or a formal party, you cannot go wrong with a beautiful silver ring - you can even wear sterling silver in the water!
Sterling silver rings can be paired with any type of jewelry
For a complete and more dramatic fashion statement, you can pair your silver ring with other silver jewelry, or even with your gold pieces - there are no fashion rules anymore so go ahead - mix your metals!
Sterling silver rings make incredible gifts
There is something so special about choosing a ring for someone you love. Instead of flowers or birthday balloons, choose a sterling silver ring. Timeless and exquisite, a sterling silver ring is suitable for any occasion, whether it's an anniversary, a birthday, an engagement, simply because it shows your thoughtfulness. Plus, sterling silver rings are prefect because they can be worn every day, acting as a constant reminder of your love and appreciation. Choosing jewelry, especially rings as gifts, is a great way to symbolize your commitment or simply an acknowledgement of enduring love and friendship. Silver rings are very meaningful tokens that are sure to be treasured for a long time.
Silver is one of the top metals used for jewelry.
Sterling silver has the whitest color and highest reflectivity of any metal. It is commonly used because of its brilliant white metallic luster and its ability to be highly polished for that sparkly look. Silver jewelry is a great alternative to the more expensive white gold and platinum. Aside from being very affordable, there's a wide variety of beautiful charms, rings, earrings, bracelets, chains and necklaces available in silver.
.925 Sterling silver is the best choice
Sterling Forever's stunning collection of silver rings consists of high quality, genuine .925 sterling silver. Unlike pure silver, .925 silver rings contain other metals, usually copper, to make it sturdy and durable. This truly precious and stylish silver and metal combination is designed to be worn and enjoyed for many years to come. It is meticulously crafted so it won't lose its shine and glamour. Its timeless and elegant appeal will keep you on the leading edge of fashion without spending a fortune.
From our classic sterling silver rings, to our high fashion celebrity inspired rings, we're certain you'll find something that fits your style and personality. Our amazing selection of .925 rings come in different sizes and styles to be sure we have something for everyone. We offer elegant classic bands, thin stackable rings, dazzling cubic zirconia engagement rings, meaningful promise rings, designer and celebrity inspired rings and much, much, more!
We have complimenting designs available so you can achieve the look you want. We know how popular sterling silver jewelry is, which is why we regularly add new pieces and update our selection with the latest and hottest designs in the market. Feel free to check out our entire collection and find exactly what you need.
What pulls an outfit that you've spent all day assembling together? The perfect accessory, of course! It's the icing on the cake that is your outfit, the right little touch that makes it all look so right. And there's no accessory that's easier to wear, or easier to coordinate with your outfit, than a bracelet. Whether you're going for an understated, elegant look, or you want to stand out from the crowd with a piece that none of your friends are wearing yet, we've got the right sterling silver bracelet for you—no matter what outfit you're wearing today. We're on top of all the bracelet trends, and we're here to bring them to you for a price that no one else can compete with!
Keep summer going all year long with our playful starfish bracelet, or shine with a blue stone band that's sure to make all your friends jealous. Looking for a feminine-yet-punky look with unique flair? We've got just the thing—our blue formica herringbone bracelet is different from the rest of the pack, but still pretty as can be. Go for the mysterious look at the club with our black onyx bracelet, or keep it light and girly on your next date with a funky daisy cuff that's as trendy as it is fun.
Another big trend these days? Charms! They're not just for kids anymore—charm bracelets have become a huge fashion trend for gals of all ages. And lucky for you, we have plenty of sterling silver charm bracelets for you to rock everywhere you go. Keep it simple with a single lock charm bracelet, or go wild and incorporate a number of stencil charms into your look.
If you need the perfect gift for your best friend, look no further than our gold triangle cuffs. What could be more delicate, stylish, and fun? And if you need a present for the hippie or fairy-lover in your life, we have a bracelet with a leaf pattern that will make her look like the queen of the forest. No matter what style you, your friends, or your family members like to wear, we have a sterling silver bracelet that will compliment it perfectly, and our wide variety of materials and looks means you won't have to have any boring bracelets in your life.
Gents, if you want a beautiful bracelet for the special girl who's won your heart, we've got plenty of options. Check out our love knot or our heart buckle bracelets, both made of durable, beautiful sterling silver that will last as long as your love does. Why just choose one? Your sweetheart deserves to have a new piece for every birthday and special occasion!
And with our prices, you won't break the bank making that happen. Build your collection of well-crafted, gorgeous bracelets without putting the hurt on your wallet. Our sterling silver bracelet collection is of the highest quality for the best price, so be sure to start adding your favorites to your cart now!
There are plenty of ways to brighten up a boring outfit. A nice scarf, a new handbag, a pair of snappy shoes…but what could be easier or classier than a pendant necklace? And if your necklace collection is on the small side, don't think you have to miss out on the pendant trend. It's time for you to go shopping, and lucky for you, we've got everything you need. We've got plenty of options for you, no matter whether your personal look is extra-girly, dark and spooky, unique or just casual.
So why a pendant? Pendant necklaces are simple to match to your outfit, go with just about anything, and are easily swapped out for something else when you're leaving work and headed to a party. It's easy to build a look with your pendants, and the payoff is huge. And the best news? A pendant looks equally pretty with a casual, jeans-and-tee outfit as it does with a formal ballgown on your prom or wedding night. There's nowhere you can't wear one! Now you're just going to have to decide which one to buy first.
Headed to the beach but feel like your swimwear is lacking that special something that will get everyone else's attention? All you need to dress up that swimsuit is a fun little starfish pendant, and you're all set to impress. Our religious symbols are perfect gifts for an elegant lady to recieve on Mother's Day or to wear to a wedding ceremony, while our kiss pendant and sparkling heart necklace will help show off your flirty, cute side (and will maybe even inspire that guy you've been crushing on to make a move!).
A perfect gift for your two besties is our tri-color eternal circle necklace—show them that the three of you will last in friendship just as long! If you've been paying attention to the fashion blogs, you know that the choker has made a return to the red carpet. Don't worry, we've got those too! And if you're a fan of the British royal family, nothing will do until you get a pendant version of the Princess Diana engagement ring. No matter which one of our sterling silver pendants you pick, you're sure to be the envy of your office, class or party.
Delicate necklaces are trendy, easy to work with and varied. Does that mean they're expensive? Well, not here at Sterling Forever. We've got a wide range of pendants under $100, and they're made with the beautiful, durable, quality sterling silver that you've come to expect from Sterling Forever. Who says an affordable pendant has to be boring? Not us! Our statement necklaces are just the thing to bring out your inner beauty, but they don't have to bring out every cent in your bank account. And with prices like ours, you can afford to get a few for yourself and a few for your friends—or maybe just more for you! You look great in them, so why not buy a few and layer your neck up!
Are you all ears when it comes to finding out about the newest fashion earring trends? Do you refuse to walk out the door unless you've got the perfect bit of bling on? Do you feel completely unprepared to face your day if your earrings don't complement your outfit perfectly? Don't go anywhere, because you're in the right place—pure heaven for lovers of all things earring. We at Sterling Forever love shopping for earrings just as much as you do, and we're determined to bring as much variety and style to our earrings as you do to your outfits!
We've got everything you need, from studs to dangly earrings and everything in between. Spell out how you feel with our unique initial earrings, or make a daring, feminine-punk statement with our incredibly trendy blue crystal ear cuffs. Show someone special you'll care for them forever and always with our infinity symbols or our Love earrings. And what could be a better gift for the little girl in your life who just got her ears pierced than a delicate pair of daisy stud earrings? Our earrings are perfect gifts for birthdays, engagements, graduations, or a gift for anytime to show someone who loves jewelry that you know exactly what would look amazing on them.
Want to be ahead of this year's trends? Of course you do, and we have just the thing! Try a pair of double-sided stud earrings on, and before you know it, everyone around you will be dying to copy your style. And if you're a serious fashionista who has to match every single piece of jewelry you wear with your outfit of the day, rest easy knowing that we've got our double-sided studs in just about every color you can think of. Go for the gold double sided earrings, dazzle everyone around you with an ever-so-pretty rosy pearl, or make a mysterious statement when you go out tonight with black. No matter which pair you decide on—and yes, it's hard to decide, we know!—you're in good company. Celebrities are snapping up this trend, and you'll be as stylish as anyone walking the red carpet when you put on your first pair.
You might think that a collection this beautiful will cost you a bundle. Nonsense! After all, why shell out money in the quadruple digits for diamonds or precious stones when you can have durable, beautiful sterling silver earrings that will last a lifetime, and for a fraction of the price? For the avid earring collector, nothing's better for your collection—or for your wallet—than our wide assortment of earrings in all shapes and sizes. You might need to get a bigger jewelry box once you realize how many of our sterling silver earrings you can afford! Our earring collection includes dozens of pairs that are less than fifty dollars, but no one will ever believe that the sparkle on your ears cost anything less than a fortune. Hey, your secret is safe with us!
Sterling Forever
Sterling Silver CZ Swing Triple Drop Earrings
These sparkling triple drop earrings will add just the right touch of glamour to any look! Pair them with a little black dress, a prom outfit, or even with a wedding ensemble. Made from beautiful, durable sterling silver and CZ.
Weight= 2.9 grams; Size= Approx. 1.5 inch long
Materials: Sterling silver, CZ stones
stay up to date on the latest promotions,
new arrivals and hottest trends!
save 20% on your next purchase.
check your email for an exclusive promo code!
Click here to update your profile.


text:
The last day of the Exhibit Hall portion of DAC always arrives with a certain sensibility. Over the course of the 3 days, the place has become something between Our Town and a small college campus, and now with graduation it's not clear when everyone will be together again. Yet the next phase of life beckons with all of its possibilities and trepidations, and people have to move on.
Happily this afternoon, as the 50th instantiation of DAC drew to a close in Austin, many residents of Our Town EDA could look forward to continuing the camaraderie at a first-ever DAC Banquet this evening at the nearby Four Seasons Hotel. Many of us were en route home by that time by plane, train or automobile and could not be there, but I hear tell it was a great evening. So my Top 10 on Day 3 in Austin starts with this late night report regarding the banquet thanks to ARM's Tiffany Sparks, who was in attendance at the event.


text:
Photo courtesy of Janet Lally
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. -- Despite an evenly matched game, the TTU women's soccer team is 0-2 in the OVC, suffering their second loss of conference play at the hands of the Eastern Kentucky Colonels on Sunday afternoon.
The Golden Eagles nearly matched the Colonels in every aspect of play on Sunday. Tech took seven shots in the first half of the game, six in the second for a total of 13 to EKU's 16, evenly split across halves. They took three corner kicks overall, allowing four, and even matched the Colonels in saves in the first half with three all.
Eight Golden Eagles combined for the 13 total shots, with freshman Ellie Iaciofano (pictured right) leading the way with three shots to her credit. Kris Cambron, Kerri Reid and Jen Hoffman each contributed two shots apiece on the day.
"I feel like we had good possession and better scoring opportunities, comparitively, in the first half," said head coach Daniel Brizard.
Yet a flat start in the second half cost the team their fifth single-goal loss on the season.
"The second half was the complete opposite," Brizard continued. "We could not connect a pass to our own team and did not play smart, or with an effort level befitting a D-I college soccer team," he admitted.
Seeing her second consecutive start, sophomore goalkeeper Megan Polk played all 90 minutes for Tech, notching three additional saves in the second half to record six on the day. The one stop that she couldn't make came in the 51st minute, when Katie Collar connected a pass with Carly Muller in the Colonel attacking half. Muller netted her third goal of the season from the left side of the goal.
Muller took two shots total on the day, as did five other EKU players, peppering Polk with 12 of their 16 shots on the day. Colonel keeper Stephanie Lynch notched three saves on the day, all coming in the first half of play.
Now sitting with a 2-9 overall record (0-2 OVC) TTU will spend another weekend on the road before returning to Cookeville, taking on Murray State and UT Martin in two afternoon games on Oct. 8 at 4 p.m. and Oct. 10 at 2 p.m. respectively.


text:
NEW YORK (Reuters) - More than three months after Superstorm Sandy forced Manhattan's Bellevue Hospital Center to evacuate 500 patients and shut down one of the busiest emergency rooms in the city, the hospital reopened for normal operations on Thursday.
Bellevue, located near the East River, was evacuated on October 31 when its basement - which housed electrical switching gear and other equipment critical to the hospital's operations - took in millions of gallons of water. It was the hospital's first evacuation in its 276-year history.
Several area hospitals, including Mount Sinai and St. Luke's Roosevelt, took in evacuated patients.
Lynda Curtis, Bellevue's Executive Director, said that while "ramping up to full service" will take more time, the hospital is again functioning as a Level 1 Trauma Center, meaning it is able to admit patients, perform surgeries, receive ambulance cases and deliver inpatient behavioral health services.
Bellevue's closing followed the dramatic evacuation at New York University's Langone Medical Center on the night of the storm. All 215 of its patients, including critically ill infants, were carried out of Langone when its backup generator failed after some eight feet of water flooded its basement.
The Manhattan Veterans Affairs Hospital and the New York Downtown Hospital, both in low-lying areas of Manhattan, evacuated patients before the storm hit. Brooklyn's Coney Island Hospital near the Atlantic Ocean beaches was later evacuated.
All of the evacuated patients survived the transfer.
Lower Manhattan, as well as large stretches of Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island, lost power, while flooded subway tunnels took much of the city's mass transit system out of commission for days.
Bellevue's reopening has been gradual since Superstorm Sandy slammed into the northeast coastline in late October.
On November 19, Bellevue reopened several primary care clinics, 24-hour walk-in urgent care and outpatient pharmacy services. Several weeks later, its emergency department reopened in a limited capacity and two weeks after that, it began receiving ambulance for non-critical cases.
"It has been a labor of almost unimaginable scope but Bellevue is back," said Alan Aviles, head of the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation. "We reopen Bellevue not just with a plan for today, but also with a long-term plan to strengthen Bellevue against storms that may strike in the future."
The equipment failures at NYU and Bellevue brought to the fore what emergency experts have warned for years: U.S. hospitals are far from ready to protect patients when disaster strikes their facilities.
Since the storm, Bellevue has relocated critical equipment from its basement to higher elevation areas on the first floor. Maintenance crews have also focused on fortifying electrical systems, elevators and water supply pumps, the hospital said.
(Reporting by Edith Honan, editing by Paul Thomasch, desking by G Crosse)


text:
Contact us 24/7: +1 877 678 9627
View product details
Zoom In
Need a second opinion? Ask your personal shopper:
Need a second opinion? Ask your personal shopper:
GET EXPERT ADVICE Need a second opinion? Ask your personal shopper:
- - True to size
- - Loose style
- - Semi-sheer finish
- - Model is 177cm/ 5'10" and is wearing a US size 2
An elegant cream blouse will never go out of style, and we adore this romantic version by distinguished Italian label Valentino. The intricately embroidered honeycomb-effect collar and cuffs give this silk-georgette blouse a regal twist. Slip it on with a classic black skirt and loafers for effortlessly chic appeal.
Large to size. See Size & Fit tab.
Shown here with: Eddie Borgo bracelet, Alexander McQueen skirt, Giuseppe Zanotti shoes, Yves Saint Laurent bag.
- - Cream semi-sheer silk-georgette
- - Honeycomb-effect collar and button-fastening cuffs, pleated front
- - Button fastenings at keyhole back
- - 100% silk
- - Dry clean
Product Code: 322800
Shop more:
For alternative suggestions, contact our Fashion Consultants
Help & Advice
Product Code: 322800