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Karen Marie Moning Quotes About WallQuotes about: Wall
Although love could grow in times of peace, it tempered in battle. Daddy told me once - when I'd said something about how perfect his relationship with Mom was - that I should have seen the first five years of their marriage, that they'd fought like hellions, crashed into each other like two giant stones. That eventually they'd eroded each other into the perfect fit, become a single wall, nestled into each other's curves and hollows, her strengths chinking his weaknesses, her weaknesses reinforced by his strengths.
When Christian pushes into the brick wall of the building catty-corner to the rear of BB&B—first left on the Dark Zone side—and disappears, I melt down in a fit of the giggles. I toss a rock at the spot where he vanished. It bounces off the brick and clatters to the cobblestone. I'm feeling twenty shades of Harry Potter's train station, especially when he pokes his head out of the wall and says impatiently, "Come on, lass. This is hardly my favorite place to be.
Karen Marie Moning
- Born: November 1, 1964
- Occupation: Author
- Cite this Page: Citation


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|Serial Number
|Varies as New.
|$449 CAD with bag, as model KA-SB4-FS.
|21″ scale, bolt-on Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard; Kala logo and frog inlay on headstock.
|22 narrow frets.
|Poplar double cutaway body with treble cutaway to 20th fret. Strings mount from the rear.
|Gloss sunburst finish. The back of the neck is 'satined' – basically rubbed down with 0000-grade steel wool, an easy effect to maintain.
|Black Hipshot licensed tuners, polyurethane strings, rosewood nut. Shadow active pickup system with volume and 2-band tone controls.
|Plays well and the light weight and short scale – 21″ – makes this usable in many places a full size bass just wouldn't fit.
|Kala branded bag case included.
|The Kala U-Bass solidbody is a very cool little bass. When these came in, they got a lot of attention from all the bass players in the top. Though they are small, they can generate a big sound with tons of bottom end.
Interestingly, these are US-made; the parts are built in California, and assembled at Kala's custom shop.
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My husband has had diabetes for almost 50 years and has been working at the same job for 26 years. All his evaluations in the past have been very good, but last year he got a new supervisor who is not very considerate with him. She has written three evaluations in the last six months, complaining about his job performance. I will write the quotation that she wants for him to do:
Last September you and I discussed if there was anything that prevent you for completing your duties as outlined. That day, you told me about a health condition (diabetes) that you have had for approximately 50 years. I had asked you to outline in writing those health issues and the impact it has on your job. Please forward this response to me by December 1. I will continue to monitor your performance for the next 90 days and will re-evaluate your status in that time.
As a wife I can tell you that my husband is a hard worker, very responsible and even sometimes he doesn't feel okay he is at work, he works more hours than others and he never ask for money. I feel she wants him to give up and leave. I know he is strong, and he is not leaving his job. If you have some suggestions on what to do, please let us know.
I see two issues here. The first is an attempt by management to create grounds for a change in employment status of an employee by documenting claims of poor performance. I will not comment on the employee claims of past good performance as it does not bear on this discussion. The second issue is the possibility that the impact of the employee's diabetes has in the performance of the job and what if any rights accrue to the employee under the American With Disabilities Act.
The reason management is seeking information on the impact diabetes has on the job is that it could or might create a requirement of reasonable accommodation on the part of the employer so that the employee may continue to perform the duties of the position. Clearly, here management is looking to terminate this employee. In some, but not all, cases claiming that the "poor" performance is due to disability can force management to make reasonable accommodation thus forestalling any change in employment status.
My advice is that if the employee wants to save their job is to seek legal advice from an attorney with proven expertise in labor law and the application of the Americans With Disabilities Act. I advise this because the nuances of the ADA can change in many employment settings and that an attorney well versed in this highly technical area will have the most expertise as to whether or not it is a good idea to disclose all of the impact diabetes and any other chronic disease is having on the employee's work.
Additional comments from :What does he feel he could not do due to having diabetes? People can fly planes, serve as air traffic controllers. We need more information on his medications and daily self management schedule. Remember the protection under the Americans with disability act. Information is available on the American Diabetes Association site on this act.
[Editor's comment: I would also contact your local ADA affiliate for assistance with this matter. SS]
Original posting 27 Nov 2001
Posted to Other Social Issues
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Last Updated: Tuesday April 06, 2010 15:09:28
This Internet site provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your own health or the health of your child, you should always consult with a physician or other health care professional.
This site is published by T-1 Today, Inc. (d/b/a Children with Diabetes), a 501c3 not-for-profit organization, which is responsible for its contents. Our mission is to provide education and support to families living with type 1 diabetes.
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Best of Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week autumn/winter 2012
ABRAHAM & THAKORE – The garments at Abraham & Thakore were very wearable. Modern silhouettes were fused with some exceptional surface techniques inspired from the 'Kuchch" region. I personally loved the contemporary take on mirror work in the outfits.
ANAND BHUSHAN – The show witnessed some of the best surfaces this season. Probably Rimzim Dadu's line is the only other collection that can match up to Anand Bhushan. The junkyard inspired embellishments were simply exceptional at Anand Bhushan autumn/winter 2012 show. Anand Bhushan's models were 'robots' moulded out of rusted metal, scrap parts and micro components of machinery sourced from a junkyard!!
ANJU MODI – Age old cultural dressing was passionately transformed into contemporary fashion here at Anju Modi AW 2012. The fashion designer drew inspiration from Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan to create an ultra-feminine nomadic look in earthy hues of ivory, grey, charcoal and red.
Use of red was a master stroke to break an otherwise muted grey/black/ivory ensemble.
ANREALAGE – The visual effects of pixelated 2-D images were beautifully transformed into 3-D garments that looked highly graphical and modern. In a digital era where people are obsessed with sharpness and clarity of the imageries, ANREALAGE's garments were pixelated and unpredictable yet highly detailed and focused.
The pixel effects were created through prints, mosaic work and fabric strips woven together. The play of angular cuts, pixelation and the unpredictability is commendable!
MEERA ALI – The utility chic look gets a sexy makeover at Meera Ali. Extremely wearable and comfortable separates catering to modern day needs. Loved the silhouettes, especially the pegged trousers. The collection is highly practical.
PERO by ANEETH ARORA – The 'Pero' show was a master class and tells you how exactly to layer together scrumptious fabrics and textures in style. Patch work was extensively used in jackets and wide-leg trousers. Knitted sweaters had a quirky heart in fuchsia at the back. Baby doll silhouettes, jackets and trousers featured polka dots, graphical checks and stripes which continue to rule the 'Pero' ramp for quite some time now.
Another important aspect of Aneeth Arora's show was the relevance to the season! While almost every other designers were busy showcasing resort-ish collections dominated by chiffons, crepe and cotton, Aneeth Arora used woolen knits! Pero was the first show in WIFW AW 2012 to feature woolen knits!!!!
RAHUL MISHRA – The fashion designer drew inspiration from sportswear to create sophisticated yet peppy ensembles in hand woven fabrics. A steady backdrop of warm and cool neutrals counterbalances brighter pastel shades. The garments are constructed using seamless patterns resulting in Rahul Mishra's signature strong cuts, yet encompassing an uncomplicated look. I also love the way Rahul Mishra plays with lines and panels!
RIMZIM DADU – You cannot help but drool over the surfaces at Rimzim Dadu's show. Rimzim Dadu's forte lies recreating the couture tradition through sleek and edgy silhouettes combined with wild and quirky surface treatment. Fast-forward ageing process was explored through techniques such as dyeing, burning and staining. Micro components like wires, yarns and sequins were individually treated before constructing an overall surface, making every piece unique – something that will pass on for generations.
SOLTEE by SULAKSHANA – The show featured the best of Indo-Western clothing. Traditional silhouettes were juxtaposed with a hint of futurism. The surfaces were simply delicious and feminine at Sulakshana's show.
TARUN TAHILIANI – Almost 90% of the shows in WIFW AW 2012-13 season featured ethnic collection and Tarun Tahiliani's ethnic collection is the undisputed winner! He is INCREDIBLE!
So, that's my top 10 picks from Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week autumn/winter 2012-13. Dare to choose ONE if you can!!


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The Schalke defender is under contract with the German club until 2011 but would relish a summer switch to Anfield.
"Liverpool is a top destination," the 22-year-old said in the Sunday Mirror. "If a move would suit Schalke as well as myself, we can discuss it."
Copyright (c) PA Sport 2008, All Rights Reserved.
Do YOU want to write for GiveMeSport? Get started today by signing-up and submitting an article HERE: https://www.givemesport.com/writeforgms


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Real World meets American Idol in CMT's new talent competition: CMT's Next Superstar.
American Idol and Dancing With The Stars executives team up to bring a reality-show format to a talent competition in CMT's upcoming series "CMT's Next Superstar". The series will feature ten episodes in which contestants will live together and compete against each other in industry tasks such as video production, songwriting, performances, interviews and more. The series will air beginning this April so stay tuned!
One of the reasons this show stands out from the rest is that it's the only show where the contestants take an active role in deciding who's in the band," noted executive producer, Simon Lythgoe. "Whereas contestants must sing in different genres on other shows, this is all about Country music. Our contestants will turn some world renowned songs from other genres like Pop or Motown, pour their soul into it and make it Country.
Past reality/talent competitions on CMT have brought us stars like Miranda Lambert and Steel Magnolia… let's see what this one can fish out!
Similar Posts:
- CMT Seeks Next Superstar
- CMT's Next Superstar Preview!
- Scotty McCreery American Idol Audition Revisited
- The Singing Bee Returns to CMT
- New TV Series Troubadour TX
Find the most current Steel Magnolia tour dates from our partners at Country Music On Tour, your trusted country concert ticket source!


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The Pork Lobbyists, Ready to Reassure
Monday, May 4, 2009
It was Day 7 of the great swine flu outbreak, and inside the eighth-floor conference room in a concrete hulk of an office building on Capitol Hill, the pork lobbyists were in crisis mode. The National Pork Producers Council, whose members were watching with dismay as hog prices fell, labored to reverse the public dialogue about the fast-spreading virus and to convince consumers that the "other white meat" was still safe to eat.
Pigs can be consumed, the lobbyists insisted; they can even be petted and hugged, or tickled until they squeal. But pork cannot be blamed for the pandemonium gripping the globe. The culprit, evidently, is H1N1, a strain of the flu virus. If only folks could remember that, the lobbyists said.
For going on two weeks, the Washington professionals who represent the nation's 67,000 pork producers have been in a mad dash to, as President Obama once said, put lipstick on this pig. Hundreds of people have been infected in more than a dozen countries, prompting the closure of scores of schools across the United States, including four in the Washington region.
In Canada over the weekend, officials said a farmworker passed the virus to a herd of hogs. Although the farmer and the pigs apparently have recovered, and top U.S. and Mexican officials yesterday projected a cautious optimism that the new virus is not as lethal as initially feared, intense worldwide focus on swine flu shows no signs of abating.
Each morning, the pork lobbyists assemble to figure out how bad it got overnight. On this day last week, word came that officials in Egypt had ordered the slaughter of every pig in sight -- about 300,000 of them. In Iowa, the first two possible cases of swine flu were reported, and the Russians and Chinese were considering banning pork imports from that Midwestern state, America's biggest hog producer. On CNN, a news anchor teased an upcoming flu segment with footage of dead pigs.
"Worried about the swine flu?" the anchor asked. "Well, it could be worse. You could be a pig farmer."
Or someone whose job it is to represent them.
Everywhere, everyone was calling it swine flu, and at the pork producers council, there was a battle underway to change that. The new day began with fresh coffee at the long mahogany conference table in a room so staid, illuminated by fluorescent lights and with the air conditioner humming along, one would never know it was ground zero for the pork industry -- save for the bronze pig statue resting on the windowsill, beside an American flag.
Lobbyist Kirk Ferrell led his team in what he called "policy triage." There were conference calls with crisis communications consultants to develop messaging for advertisements, dozens of reporters to spin, pork industry titans in Des Moines seeking updates, negotiations with U.S. trade officials over international exports.
Ferrell shared the latest statistic: Hog prices had dropped by $5 a head since the first reports of swine flu surfaced April 24.
"This thing has speeded up," he said. "We're still trying to get a feel for what's happening in the meat case." But, he added, "This is a free-for-all, and we've all got to go to work."
Still, Ferrell, a 20-year veteran pork lobbyist, appeared relaxed, leaning back in his executive chair.


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Human resources is an important field that offers workers flexibility and room for creativity with responsibilities that are vital to a company but not particularly difficult. Workers in the human resources field often have room for upward advancement.Continue Reading
Human resources is the department within a company that is responsible for satisfying the needs of the employees, making sure that there is proper communication within the company, working out social conflicts, and hiring and firing individuals. The human resources department plays a pivotal role in maintaining a fun and healthy workplace as well as hiring individuals who will provide the right skills to the company. The human resources department serves as a line of communication between all of the workers and the management.
Human resources workers typically have a relaxed, but not boring schedule. Their hours are flexible and they get to communicate with all of the workers, meaning they are well-known within the company. They often help train new workers and assist employees to feel comfortable with their positions. While a human resources worker must be personable and gets a lot of social interaction, they also must make important decisions for the company. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2012, human resources managers in the financial industry earned a median annual salary of $99,720.Learn more about Careers


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Know more about this business than we do? Cool! Please submit any corrections or missing details you may have.Help us make it right
Be the first MLive.com user to add photos or videos of Usa Federal
Since 2004, Usa Federal has been providing Federal Credit Unions from Mount Clemens.
USA Federal can be found at N Groesbeck Hwy 400. The following is offered: B2B Credit Unions. The entry is present with us since Sep 9, 2010 and was last updated on Nov 14, 2013. In Mount Clemens there are 2 other B2B Credit Unions. An overview can be found here.


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"What are you doing for Yom Ha'atzmaut?"
"Going to the airport.. My parents are making aliyah!"
I had this conversation maybe 50 times in the past week, and every time I had the opportunity to say the words my excitement doubled. I couldn't stop smiling. I told everyone I knew, including bus drivers and pizza store guys, unable to contain my happiness.
The thing is, my parents are in Israel a lot. In the past few years, they've been here more then they've been in America. It felt as though they were living here already. I couldn't figure out exactly what it was that I was so excited about. What was changing?
My parents met in college. They were set up by a mutual friend, who got tired of hearing them both speak about Israel all the time and figured they should just talk to each other.
My mom was from Detroit, artsy and creative, interested in photography and guitar.
My dad was from West Virginia, still speaking with his southern twang, focused on studying for his tests and going to classes.
They didn't have much in common at first.
What they did share, immediately, was a passionate love for Israel.
They dated, fell in love, and got married. The plan was five years. Five years in the states, and then they'd pick up and move to Israel, make Aliyah, live out the dream. But life happens. A community happened. I happened. (And six other siblings before me, but they're not important here). My parents became an integral part of their neighborhood, they sent their kids to school, and the five year plan transitioned into a "someday dream". New plans came to the forefront. Graduations, weddings, grandchildren. Life was never boring. And then, slowly, one at a time, we all started making our way over here. In the span of 6 years, six out of seven of their children made Aliyah. The dream had been passed along, a fire that wasn't spoken about too often but consistently burned in our home.
Yesterday, on Yom Ha'atzamut, I waited with my siblings and their children at the airport for my parents to come out. We held Israeli flags and lots of signs, some that made more sense then others. And that feeling when I saw them walking through the sliding doors was like none other.
Because it's not just about some papers that declare your citizenship. It's not the Teudat Oleh that my father was holding so proudly, not the benefits or the free cab ride or any of that. It's the realization of a 40 year old dream. The dream that a young married couple had spun together in a little house in West Virginia, finally being actualized with their children and grandchildren around to see them do it.
I realized why this meant so much to me. Why this was more then just another trip, more then just an official acknowledgment that yeah, my parents visit a lot. Because I believe in dreams. I believe in the power of wanting something so much that you won't let the flame of your wish burn out. And now I have proof. It may take 42 years and 21 grandchildren until you see the fruition of what you've been working for. But I've learned from my parents a lesson that I'll never forget. You don't give up. You keep on working on what you want. And you'll get there.
I feel so grateful that I had the opportunity to watch my parents live out their "someday dream".
Mazal Tov Mom and Dad!
I love you :)
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
ושבו הורים לגבולם - Welcome Home!!!
4 comments:
- AnonymousApril 17, 2013 at 11:05 PM
I can only imagine what that scene must have been like. Wonderful post!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousApril 18, 2013 at 2:50 AM
Mazal Tov to the entire family! It's so true. Life gets the way of those five year plans, but if you want it bad enough and keep your eyes on the goal, then you can achieve your dreams. No matter how long it takes and what road blocks are set in your path. What an inspiration!ReplyDelete
I am so thrilled and excited for them and the whole family! Mazel tov!! Gave me chills!!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousAugust 1, 2013 at 10:21 AM
Nu! I would think there is something to write about.ReplyDelete
Sincerely impatient
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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With George Jung being released from prison later this year, we would like to share some exclusive pictures with all his fans.
The first picture shows George Jung as a young guy, graduating from high school in 1961. The quality of the picture is not great, but it's one of the only publicly available photos of George as a teenager.
The next two pictures were send to us by fellow inmates of George who were serving time together with him in the Federal Correctional Institute of Texas.


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TENNIS PINEDA GAVÀ is a space dedicated exclusively to sports racket sports: TENNIS, SQUASH, FRONON and PADDLE. It was founded in 1967 in Gonçal Farrés who, at the head of a few years, was associated with Joan Ivern to expand facilities and continue the initial sports project, champion at the time, to provide a service to the general public rental of tennis courts. And today, still continue faithful to this philosophy: do not join or pay any subscription costs and bookable tracks who want, for the hours they want and any advance, with the security of knowing the exact time that may occupy the courts, squash, tennis and Paddle Frontóno. Reservations can be made by telephone, email, Internet or in person. For those who want to start to the game of tennis or improve your level, TENNIS PINEDA has coaches and teachers and children there is a nursery school organized two courses during the year: one September to June and the other in the summer months. And players who do not usually have the opponent or wish to compete, TENNIS PINEDA organizes a tennis league: find your game and sign; this year over a hundred players participate in different categories.
IndianWebs perform in web design, web programming and search engine optimization to carry out the project network.


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The holiday weekend is finally here and we thought we would do something extra special. Instead of giving away one fabric bundle, we are giving away TWO bundles to one lucky winner. We're giving away two 18″ x 21″ quarter cut bundles of our Watermark line. To enter to win, all you have to do is comment this post. You can also comment any link of this post on our Facebook page for an extra entry.
*Contest ends September 5th, 10:00 am EST. Open to US residents only.*
If you aren't already, be sure to follow us on all our social media outlets for the latest updates on all things Studioe.
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest


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A Brooklyn teen smashed his head on a metal beam and lost an eye while subway-surfing early Tuesday with his pals — just days after a drug-addled man died doing the same thing in Manhattan, law-enforcement sources said.
A train operator going toward Manhattan spotted Isa Islam, 17, atop the Brooklyn-bound F train heading for the Fourth Avenue-Ninth Street station in Park Slope with three others and radioed authorities at 2:20 a.m., sources said.
The motorman on Islam's train stopped as it pulled into the station, and rescuers found the teen bloodied on top after power was cut, sources said. The teens he was with took off.
Islam lost an eye, and is fighting for his life at Lutheran Medical Center, where his family visited him later in the day, according to neighbors.
Police identified him through his cellphone, sources added.
A barefoot homeless man was killed last Wednesday after he got on top of a downtown 6 train as it entered the 96th Street station and was hit by a beam.


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The Characteristics of a Management Information System
By Natasha Gilani , eHow Contributor
updated: July 26, 2010
A management information system brings together essential components of management and information. A management information system (MIS) is a computer-based information system that brings together essential components of management and information. It is a system that allows organizations to make effective decisions in order to realize short-term and long-term organizational goals. According to N. Kumar in the book "Management Information System," MIS is a system of men, machines and procedures that unitedly provide information support for efficient decision making within an organization. Simply put, a management information system collects data from various sources within a company and organizes it in the form of valuable information, which is then utilized by different operations/functional areas. Accurate
Management information systems are accurate and provide up-to-date and correct information based on factual data. They capture only the most relevant data, process it, store it and provide access to it if and when required. Important organizational decisions are based on the information provided by a management information system, due to which their accuracy is essential. All processed information derived from an accurate and correct management information system is typically free of flaws, consistent and complete. Integrated
Organizations are involved in various functions and sub-functions, such as manufacturing, finance, human resources, marketing and other specialized areas. A management information system is an integrated collection of information systems, each designed to support a unique functional area. For instance, manufacturing is supported by an individual management information system, finance by another management information system, and so on. All these individual modules, or units, are connected and form part of the...
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If you had a non fault accident, we can help you! Whether you drive a car, a taxi, a van or a motorbike, we will handle your claim; supplying you with a replacement vehicle, dealing with the other driver's insurers, and getting you full compensation for your injuries and other losses. Even if you only have Third Party cover, we will still lend you a courtesy car, and deal with all aspects of your car accident claim.
We file your car accident claim directly with the other insurers, so we save you paying any Policy Excess! We recover all uninsured losses, including lost earnings. Even if you were uninsured, we will recover repair costs, if there is an injury claim involved.
If your car is not roadworthy, we will deliver a quality replacement to your home. If your car is still roadworthy, we will arrange a replacement to use, when yours goes in for repairs. The courtesy car will be collected when yours is returned.
If your car is not safe to use, or not driveable, we will arrange to collect it from your home, or from a storage yard, if the police have moved it there. It will be taken to a secure compound, where it can be properly examined by a qualified accident engineer.
We will track down the other driver's insurers, using the registration number, and file your claim directly. If needed, we will contact witnesses. We make our own enquires, rather than requiring an admission of liability from the other insurers. We arrange vehicle inspections and valuations, as well as repairs.
Our associated solicitors are specialists in road accident claims & will file your claim against the other insurer. They will also organise any medical treatment (physiotherapy etc) that you may need to help your recovery.
The solicitors don't just deal with your injury claim; they will also take legal action to recover any other losses, & will also take the other insurers to court, if liability for the accident is in dispute. If they are handling your injury claim, the agreement is they handle all aspects of your claim.
We ONLY handle road accident claims from repairing your car and lending you a free one, to getting you compensation for your injuries. We will deliver a replacement vehicle to your home or place of work, and will also organize for your damaged car to be taken to an approved repairer. A damage report will be prepared, assessing whether it is repairable and also giving a replacement value if it is too badly damaged. Even if it is a write off, we will lend you a car until you have been paid out, plus a week to find a new car- most insurers will not supply you with a courtesy car, if yours is written off! Easigo will contact the other party's insurers, collect police reports and witness statements. We track down & claim directly off the other insurer, so you do not pay any Policy Excess


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IMPORTANT information for those working in Tippecanoe County:If you are planning to do research or teaching on a Tippecanoe County Property, please fill out the FNR Property Use Request.
Woodlands Management Committee
Forestry and Natural Resources, 715 West State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2061 USA, (765) 494-3590
© | An equal access/equal opportunity university | Integrity Statement | Copyright Complaints | Maintained by Agricultural Communication
Trouble with this page? Disability-related accessibility issue? Please contact us at firstname.lastname@example.com so we can help.


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Download Overview Download FAQ SAVE Skate Club
This project is run as a weekly extramural activity for disadvantaged youth from one of the local schools. Our main goal is to keep the children occupied and off the streets after school. Volunteers help us teach them valuable life lessons through adventure activities, teamwork, educational classes and sports such as skateboarding, swimming and surfing. The children that cannot swim yet, receive swimming lessons. Those that have already mastered this vital skill, are given the opportunity to learn how to surf. For most of the children, this is the highlight of their day which is why we also use it as an incentive for them to do well in school, giving them a better chance at a brighter future. Those that turn up for school every day, behave themselves in class and study hard will rewarded by going skateboarding, swimming or surfing after school.
It is a great way for the volunteers to gain experience working with children and groups, and learn new outdoor activities like surfing and skateboarding – volunteers receive lessons so they can help teach the children.
The Western Cape, where the program is based, is a very culturally diverse area of South Africa. There is a large integration of the poor with the wealthy. The main cultures that you will be working with are English or Afrikaans South Africans. The children on this program range from 12 to 14 years old and live in townships in Cape Town, such as Dunoon. Most of them can speak English, yet their home language may be Afrikaans or Xhosa. The homes they live in are often built from scrap metal and second hand wood and usually do not have running water. Forty percent of the families in these areas lack a male head of household and the children often have no one to monitor their educational progress or after-school activities. Furthermore, alcohol and drug abuse is common in the townships where they live and especially at this age they are susceptible to recruitment by local gangs.
Project Highlights
- Learn to surf and teach the children how to surf
- Learn to skateboard and teach the children
- Spend most of your day outdoors and on the beach
- Learn to assist in classrooms
- Help children develop life, sport, and educational skills
- Gain experience in working with children within an organisation
- Provide children with new experiences
- Learn about South African cultures and way of life
- Develop new friendships
Project Details
- Project starts: Every Monday
- Location: Blaauwberg/Table View, Cape Town
- Minimum duration: 2 weeks
Volunteer Requirements
- CV/Resumé
- Police clearance
- Basic level of competency in English
- Copy of return flight itinerary
- Ability to swim
Project Wish List
- Surfboards
- Wetsuits
- Swimwear
- Surfboard trailer
- Skateboards
- Skateboard safety gear
Volunteer Tasks
- Teaching kids how to swim and surf
- Teaching and skating with the kids
- Running fun days and sports programs
- Assisting with lessons on computers
- Assisting in preschools
- Educating children in life lessons such as HIV, drugs etc.
Volunteers will work 5 days a week with the children. Some days volunteers will work a full 8 hours and other days 4 to 5 hours, depending on the needs of the project. The volunteers' mornings are spent assisting in one of the schools and the afternoons are spent with the kids teaching them to swim or surf. Volunteers will also have a chance to learn how to surf with an instructor. Volunteers will receive a minimum of one surf lesson a week. Extra surf lessons can be booked for a an additional price.
Winter in South Africa
Please note that May through to September are our winter months and it can get quite chilly with an average temperature ranging from 5 degrees Celsius at night to 15 degrees Celsius during the day. So, please make sure to pack enough warm clothes if you plan your trip in that period.
SAVE Skate Club is an after school project that is part of the Surf Adventure program. Volunteers will learn how to skateboard with a staff member and then assist with teaching the kids how to skate, as well as participate in other confidence-building activities.
Holiday club is a fun and educational weekly programme that the volunteers do with the kids in the holidays when there is no school/classes.
The children on this programme range from 8 to 16 years old and live in a township in Cape Town, such as Dunoon, or a Settlement such as Wolwerivier. Most of them can speak English, yet their home language may be Afrikaans or Xhosa. The homes they live in are often built from scrap metal and second hand wood and usually do not have running water.
Please note: If a holiday club activity requires the payment of an entrance fee, volunteers have to pay for themselves! The programme fee is used to cover the entrance for the kids only!
Please note that during the holidays it is a time for the kids to have fun, so the programs are less structured and may change depending on the amount of children that arrive on the day. The first and last weeks of school are less structured. There are exams during the last weeks and the children are quite excited for the holidays. It takes a couple weeks for the children to settle back into the school schedule once the holidays are finished.
REMINDER: Projects will be closed from 25 December – 1 January
interested and my kid really listened to me.
working with at school and during the activities.
Espen – 2015
Cristina – 2015
Molli McGee 2014
Tom Visser 2013
Nina – 29/12/2015
I had 7 amazing weeks with SAVE in Cape Town. All the lovely people i met along my way, including the staff, the other volunteers and the kids we worked with, all made my trip the very best.
My favorite part about the project was seeing how much SAVE helps the children and the community. And getting to know the kinds, and their stories. And seeing that despite horrible experiences in some of the childrens past or present, they were able to smile, laugh and dance. I feel that I learned so much about myself during the project. And I would like to come back one day.
Edward Schaefer – 20 (Norway)
I loved to spend time with the kids, especially to put a smile on their face. Thanks to this experience I feel more open minded and also more positive-minded.
Jorgen Ellingsen – 20 (Norway)
The best part of this amazing experience was to see the kids every day and having morning hugs with all of them, they are so amazing. The staff members were also amazing. Thanks to this experience I can appreciate what I have back home.
Hanna Rian Heggtveit – 20 (Norway)
I really enjoyed learning how to surf and skate. I liked to see how the kids live and to compare knowledge. I think that the balance was nice (School in the morning and activities in the afternoon. Learning how the kids live daily in Dunoon was difficult for me and really heartmelt, but the kids were always so positive!
Alex Green – 27/06/2016
My favorite part was surfing with the kids, the contrast between our lives and their lives touched me a lot, seeing the kids happy all the time was so nice.
Jake Hitchcock – 27/06/2016
I really enjoyed surfing, I had such a good time.The kids appreciate what they have and that had such an impact on me.
Milla – 14/03/2016
I loved to have a bond with specifics kids and the teacher.
I am really happy that I helped the kids and it was so great to see the progression of the kids.
Simone Molle – 19/03/16
The variety of activities was so cool! Loved to work wih the kids in the morning seeing their amazing smiles and in the afternoon I enjoyed the activities a lot, Thanks SAVE !
Edward Schaefer – 10/05/2016
I loved to spend time with the kids, especially to put a smile on their face. Thanks to this experience I feel more open minded and also more positive-minded.
Jorgen Ellingsen – 10/05/2016
The best part of this amazing experience was to see the kids everydays and having morning hugs with all of them, they are so amazing. The Staff members were also amazing. Thanks to this experience I can appreciate what I have back home.
Perille Bliksted – 09/05/2016
I loved to see the kids, they are awesome. I was touched when I heard how awful can be their lives at home, that is why I loved to spend a lot of time and to learn from each of them.
Foelke Bockelmann – 15/04/2016
I really enjoyed the whole experience, I also liked the variety of work.
Seeing how they live here touched me a lot.
Eelka Bockelmann – 15/04/2016
I had the best time when I was at the school to help the children and all the people that take care of thoses kids, it was really great.
Hanna Rian Heggtveit – 16/04/2016
I really enjoyed learning how to surf and skate. I liked to see how the kids live and to compare knowledge. I think that the balance was nice (School in the morning and activities in the afternoon. Learning how the kids live daily in Dunoon was hard.
Kirstine Bovbjerg – 22/04/2016
I met a lot of amazing people, made a lot of friends, especially with the others volunteers. The staff was also very great. I liked to give my positive energy to the kids.
Yuri – 04/01/2016
Learning about the people here, children and teachers was such a nice experience. See living conditions here was eye-opening. I learnt a lot about interacting/teaching kids.
Josh – 04/01/2016
Working with kids here was so different than working with kids back home, the kids were so happy to see us everydays, I loved it.
I think I am now more open to new experiences, to meet new people. The kids were sad when we left, that was touching.
Katie Nerson – 02/04/2016
My favorite part of the project was to see the kids smiles, I loved the way they was quickly open up to you and attached to you.
Inger Louise – 02/05/2016
The project was great, I liked to switch from school in the morning to sport in the afternoon; all of this with the kid, that was great.
I had the opportunity to see the differences in my life and the lifes of thoses kids, but they are still happy.
Frederikke Hillebrand Lausten – 28/03/2016
Kids are so happy here in South Africa, I was so touched by the reality of their lives. I just want to come back.
Erik Eberhardt – 19/03/2016
I think the part of the project I enjoyed the most was surfing, of course with the kids!!
Jochem Groffen – 21/03/2016
Awesome experience ! Meeting all the volunteers was so nice, they were all so cool, I will never forget thoses chidren's smiles.
Rasmus Madsen – 21/03/2016
Everybody should see this, it puts life into perspective. I loved to create realtionships with the kids, hearing their stories and play with them.
Sara – 14/03/2016
I loved the class with the kids, I gained their trust and respect, it is an unforgettable experience!!
Christina Stengaard – 29/02/2016
I loved to make the kids hapy during the projects, thanks save !
Julia Spreng – 12/02/2016
I loved everything about the project, I never surfed before, I really enjoyed it.
Nikki Dingemans – 15/02/2016
I am now able to open myself to new things. The kids were happy only because of us being there!
Ada Liverod – 15/02/2016
We helps a lot when we are in the school, just want to make them smile, and this is not difficult, thoses kids are awesome, I loved skate and surf because the kids really enjoyed it ! It is amazing to see how the kids are happy despite their background.
Jolenta – 14/03/2016
I felt in love with this place, the kids and SAVE!!
Moriah Badichi – 08/03/2016
It was so cool to talk with the kids, connect with them and make them happy!
Eva Berg – 07/03/2016
This project opened my eyes a lot, the kids were so happy that we were there for them.
Josef Moschl – 07/03/2016
Being in school with the kids was awesome, I remember how they looked at me when I had to say goodbye, it touched me a lot.
Guy Suskin – 08/02/2016
The schedules are good, nice combo between school sport and fun with the others vols!!
Loren Silberetein – 08/02/2016
I came with some ideas for activities for the kids and I loved the connection with the kids, especially during the afternoon activities.
Nathalie Dahlstrom – 28/12/2015
My favorite part avout volunteering was meeting kids and making friends from all over the world.
Nikita Bergum – 28/12/2015
Hanging out with the kids and meeting so many inspiring people was really nice. I loved being part of such a cool organisation like SAVE.
Elle Slater – 20/12/2015
Getting to know the kids and bonding with the them; seeing them every day at school and after school made volunteering here the best experience ever !
Tania Marcaccio – 20/12/2015
It was so great to get in contact with all kids, sharing experiences with them.
Anthony Winter – 12/12/2015
SAVE is doing an awesome job, thanks for this amazing experience, I loved being with the kids, especially during the sports sessions.
Linnea – 7/12/2015
I had the best time when I was with the kids, I was really attached to Elundini's kids.
Sigurbjörg Rós Sigurðardóttir- 13/05/2015
I had a great time, getting to know the kids on project, learning to surf and meeting the awesome staff and volunteers. I'm really happy I got the chance to have this amazing experience.
Vilde Sophie Husby – 12/05/2015
I had an amazing experience. I have volunteered once before, and that doesn't come close to this. Everything was so well organised, I felt like I actually helped. I really liked Babes and the surf project. It's easy to see how much everyone who worked for SAVE cares about the projects, and that rubs off on us as volunteers. I also made a lot of new friends, and the time I spent at vol house was great. I love the open door policy at the office, and the fact that everything doesn't feel super official, but kind of laid back.
Christine Norrelund – 05/05/2015
Once in a lifetime experience! Met kids and volunteers that I will never forget. Best spontaneous decision of my life!
Line Sondergaard- 05/05/2015
Amazing really awesome experience. Loved meeting the volunteers and working with kids. Loved Cape Town and will recommend anyone to come here.
Meron Kubrom – 09/05/2015
Great experience. I like to believe I grew as a person and will take that growth back with me. Surfing definitely became an important part of my life that helps me connecting and staying in touch with the people I met here and learned to love and appreciate in the short amount of time I stayed here.
Fabian Lersch – 16/01/2015
Just awesome.
Linn Linden – 12/04/2015
It's only positive. I had such a good time, Met so many new people and learned so much by seeing how other people live. Project and surfing was so fun. Really great that you get to learn how to surf. I really want to come back.
Jolenta Basmeijer – 09/04/2015
I'm happy I chose this project because it included a lot of variation. I loved working with the really young kids in the morning but I loved to work with the older kids too. surfing swimming and playing sports with them was really fun! the accommodation was nice too. I really like the fact that we stayed with so many volunteers so we could always have fun together. Lastly I want to thank the staff members because Shannon is an amazing project leader and the whole staff is helpful and just really sweet and fun. To be short, this was a great experience and these two months were the best of my life… thank you SAVE and I definitely will be back!
Nicole Fohringer – 21/03/2015
I had an amazing time on the project and I think about it a lot! I am definitely planning on coming back as soon as possible and stay longer the next time 🙂
Ruben Burger – 18/03/2015
Amazing experience, second time around this time and it felt great again. Amazing staff and great to see how you can make a difference.
Jacob Jensen – 06/03/2015
I had fun, and felt that I had a special experience. It's was eye opening.
Marvin – 20/02/2015
On the first day I thought: can I stay here four weeks. on the second I thought: I wanna stay here forever and that hasn't changed since.
Christina Piller – 06/11/2014
I really enjoyed my time in South Africa and I liked Cape Town! I'll never forget the children at babes!
Evi Nijhof – 10/06/2014
I only experienced the Holiday Programme, I didn't do the full project. I think it was really fun to do the Holiday Programme. Having fun with the kids and let them have a good time during their holidays. It was amazing to see how much fun they actually had. I really wanna go back to experience the full project.
Yarden – 01/04/2014
I was amazed by this project ,at first I thought when arriving in town and sleeping there over an weekend that this project is just gone be one of those normal once. But they proved me wrong this project was amazing and full of adventure programs. The staff members if they say 24 hours available they are actually that .I love all my new volunteer friends that I met and will return to this side again.
Eddie Yang – 10/03/2014
I would return to the project because of the people I met and how much fun I had. The people were very nice and fun to be with, the staff members especially. If only I could have worked more with the children would my experience have been over the top.
Jenny Wilkomsfeld – 10/03/2014
My 8 weeks in Cape Town were pretty awesome and if I had the chance I would definitely return. The kids are wonderful and though it is really tough sometimes with them, it was always a lot of fun. The most amazing thing were the other volunteers and the save Team! I have never met such lovely persons, being so helpful. It was like i got a new family over there and thats why I would recommend it to everyone to join the wonderful save organisation.
Anne Hendriksen – 10/03/2014
It was wonderful to work with the kids at Sarah's and the surf kids, they were lovely! It was also nice we got some free time to do fun stuff next to volunteering. This was the first time I did some volwork, it wont be the last time. I fell in love with volunteerwork, Africa, the people of SAVE, the other volunteers and of course the most in love with the kids!!!
Alyson Cameron – 10/03/2014
I had an amazing experience and loved every minute. It went very quickly and I learnt many new things.
Johanna Huber – 10/03/2014
The experience is one of the best you can do. You meet amazing people and you work in a beautiful country. In the Project the help of the volunteers is needed and the children are so happy that they are there.
Andrea – 10/03/2014
The best time of my life so far. Enough said.
Metten de Jong – 10/03/2014
Wonderful experience I will never forget! Beautiful country and great people, volunteers and organisation both! Also amazing to help the people in the townships! Good way to give the children a better youth!
Mia Bosse – 10/03/2014
Its been amazing working with the kids and the entire SAVE crew.
Offir Elnekave 10/03/2014
I had a really good times it felt good helping the kids, it's so important. I think everyone should do it! To teach them english and how to surf and swim is amazing, and the people are cool, social, out going. The house is pretty and the food is good, the people are caring and treat everyone really well.
Daan Groeneveld – 10/03/2014
Save experience was awesome, met some super cool people from CT and all around the world. It was good to work with the kids and at the towns, and the surfing was great!
Ellen Stofmeel – 09/03/2014
The project was the most awesome thing that I have done in my life, that's why I'm returning in November already! I really can recommend it to other people, try it out. You won't get disappointed. Also what I liked is that you can work during the week, and have a safari during the weekend or so. This was the perfect mix of work and fun/sightseeing.
Martine Haugen – 05/03/2014
I had ten amazing weeks in Cape Town! It turned out to be way better than I ever expected. I was so lucky that I worked on three different places; the computer project, Sarah's, and Elundini! It is fantastic to work at all of those places, and a pretty big challenge as well!
I made a lot of friends during my stay, and I couldn't be more happy! Thank you so much for this awesome time – I will definetly come back!
Molli McGee – 18/01/2014
This has been my second time back with SAVE, and I can once again say that I had an amazing time!
The surf project is a lot of fun because you can often go to the schools and help out in the morning and still surf with the kids in the afternoons. It's so nice to be able to give the kids something to do after school!
The SAVE and SaltyCrax staff are all awesome people..it's so cool to meet people who can work hard and play hard 🙂
I love living in the volunteer houses as well, they are super comfortable and great for the social aspect of volunteering!
Overall, this experience has changed the way I see the world and the way I want to live my life. One of the best parts is that I now know people from around the world that I will never forget, and that I'm glad to call good friends.
If you're looking to help people and maybe help yourself in the process, then SAVE is the perfect place for you!
Michael Fohringer – 17/01/2014
I did the adventure surf club program for ten weeks and i totally loved it. It is amazing to see much fun the kids have and how fast they learn. Also for me it was very nice to meet new people from all over the world and the fact that you can learn how to surf makes it even nicer 😉 I had the time of my life 😉
Fredderick – 18/12/2013
I was on the Surf and Swim program at Save,for me the 8 weeks that I have been here was awesome and loved it .In the morning we all go out to the settlement area called De noon ,where we will be teaching Xhosa children how to do the alphabet and count .Also to the staff members of Save in south Africa well done on an great job you guys are doing there.I hope you all the best for the future and I will see you all soon .
Iris – 09/03/2013
The highlight of SAVE are the great kids and the amazing staff that helps them achieve their goals.
Great to see that even children with disabilities get a chance to go to school. The teachers have a lot of patience and without them those children wouldn't interact the way they do now!
Surfing and swimming with the kids is also awesome because it's so much fun to see them laugh and enjoying themselves.
One thing that makes this experience perfect are the other volunteers and all the things you can do in and around Cape Town. The activities organized by the SAVE staff and all the fun things you can do just by yourself are great.
So don't hesitate, just go!
What's Included
- Airport pick up
- 2 day Cape Town orientation
- Accommodation
- Three meals a day
- Weekly social events
- Transport to and from projects
- 24 hour support and supervision
- Donation to the project
- Certificate of appreciation
2 Day Cape Town Orientation
DAY 1: Friday
You are collected from the airport and taken to your volunteer accommodation. You will be shown around and given a map of the area. Depending on your arrival time, you will meet your volunteer leader and learn more about your project, if you arrive late you will be given a time that you will meet your leader. You have the day at your own leisure so you can explore the beach, shops, bars and restaurants. In the evening we have a traditional South African BBQ, called a braai, at the hostel.
DAY 2: Saturday
Start the day with breakfast and head to Saltycrax backpackers.
A SaltyCrax staff member will teach you about the bus system before you head out to Cape Town city centre.
You have two options to choose from:
1. Walking Tour:
Do a walking tour visiting historical sites like the Castle of Good Hope and the Grand Parade. Learn about life under apartheid in South Africa at the Parliament Buildings and the District Six Museum. Shop for African arts and crafts in Greenmarket Square and St George's Mall.
2. The hop on hop off bus pass:
Board this open rooftop bus that takes you to all the sites you need to see, such as Camps Bay, the V&A Waterfront and Table Mountain… all from the comfort of your seat!
After one of the above activities you can take a bus or walk to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Sit back and sip a cocktail, enjoy some fresh fish and watch the ships in the busy working harbour or walk around taking in the shops, markets and musicians on the side walks. Alternatively, you can take the cable car up Table Mountain and enjoy breathtaking views of the city, or visit the famous Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was held in prison during the apartheid era (own expense).
In the evening head back on the local bus to Table View where you can start planning your next day. We will help you book and arrange all that you need. Later, you can join the staff, guests and the locals at one of the restaurants or bars along the beach front in Table View – all within rolling distance from the hostel where you will be staying the night.
DAY 3: Sunday
You will have at your own leisure to relax and get ready before your projects starts.
Volunteers will stay in one of our volunteer houses with bedrooms sleeping 2 – 5 people. All houses are facilitated with electricity, hot water, a kitchen, one or two toilets, a bathroom with a shower, beds with linen (no towels). Male and female volunteers will share rooms unless otherwise requested. Upgrades to private single or double rooms are available at extra cost.
Volunteers are responsible for keeping their own room and volunteer house tidy. Two to three times a week a cleaning lady will be there to clean the house and change linen. The volunteer houses are at walking distance from shops, restaurants, entertainment, bus stops and the beach.
Volunteers will receive 3 meals a day. This includes:
Breakfast consists of cereals, fruit, yogurts, toast and spreads
Lunch consists of bread, cold meats, salad, cheese, spreads and fruit
Dinner consists of a hot meal such as a traditional South African BBQ (braai) and stews (potjies) made with fresh vegetable etc. All dinners will include a meat, starch and vegetable.
A generous amount of food will always be served. If snacks are desired there are several grocery stores nearby.
There are refrigerators available for volunteers' personal food and soft drinks. Tea and coffee will be available, all other drinks will be at own expense.
Volunteers must inform SAVE of their dietary needs. We will try our best to accommodate this however you may need to supplement your own food.
Extras NOT included
Laundry service is available at an additional cost
Extra Surf lessons
Extra surf lessons are available at an additional cost. You can book the 3 day surfing bolt which includes:
- 3 x 2 hours professional surf lessons
- Surf photos analysis during 6 hours of lessons
Cape Town, mother city to the locals as well as everyone else around the world! Don't miss out on what's happening, join for one or many different types of activities offered in and around Cape Town.
Activities in Cape Town include
Surfing Lessons
A full day of surfing lessons at the sandy white beaches of Blouberg or Muizenburg.
Daily, weather permitting. Lunch included.
Kitesurfing Lessons
The ultimate power kite activity. Learn to speed across the water. Lessons are 4 or 6 hours long, from 10am to 2pm or from 10am to 4pm. Includes: boards, kites, harnesses, wetsuits, helmets and all appropriate safety equipment.
Daily, weather permitting.
Windsurfing Lessons
Head to Rietvlei, a fresh water lagoon, where a qualified instructor will teach you to windsurf.
Daily, weather permitting.
Cape Point Tour
Follow the scenic coastal roads of the Cape Peninsula to Cape Point, were you can hike or mountain bike through the nature reserve. Experience Cape Town at its best.
Daily. Lunch and entrance to nature reserve included
Wine Route Tour
Meander through stunning landscapes and wine farms. Stop at wine estates for tastings, and to appreciate the natural beauty and historical attractions of the region.
Daily. Wine tasting & lunch included.
Township Tour
Explore the culture and history of townships. Meet the locals, visit a crèche and drink home brewed beer. This is a must for anyone who wants an authentic view of South African life.
Township Tour & Robben Island
After spending the morning in the local townships, take the ferry from the Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront to Robben Island. Ex-inmates guide the tours and recount their experiences and hardships while imprisoned on the island.
Daily, weather permitting.
Kloofing (Cliff jumping)
A day of extreme adventures. Hike through Kamikaze Canyon. Those brave enough can jump down 3-22m from cliffs into crystal clear rock pools below. Abseil down a 65m cliff.
Wed, Fri, Sat. Min 4 pax. Breakfast and lunch included.
Quad Biking
After a short introduction, join a guided ride through the many tracks, trails or courses.
Abseil Table Mountain
Abseil 112m down the world's highest commercial abseil. Enjoy a wonderful view of Cape Town and the Atlantic Ocean at 1000m.
Walking Tour of Cape Town
This 3 hour guided walk through the city centre focuses on the history of Cape Town from the days of Dutch settlement though the Apartheid years and into the time of the new nation. You will pass milestones like the Castle Of Good Hope, the District Six Museum and Company's Gardens.
Ostrich Ranch
This guided tour includes a 45-minute walk in which you will see a variety of ostrich species and other birds as well as a display room, a leather factory and a cactus garden.
Shark Cage Diving
See the Great White Shark face-to-face in its natural habitat. The experienced and specialised crew in Gansbaai will take you to "Shark Alley", the prime spot for shark cage diving.
Daily, weather permitting. Breakfast, lunch.
Do a tandem jump or take lessons and do a solo jump. During the 20 minute aircraft-ride, you will have an awesome view of the West Coast, Cape Town, Robben Island and Table Mountain. Then enjoy an exhilarating free-fall at 200kph followed by a peaceful parachute-ride.
Daily, weather permitting.
Take lessons or book paragliding tours and soar high above fantastic landscapes. No experience is required for a 15 to 25 minute tandem flight from Lion's Head, Signal Hill and Sir Lowry's Pass.
Daily, weather permitting.
Big 5 Safari
View South Africa's Big 5 in their natural surroundings. Join us for breakfast before the game drive in a four star private nature reserve. Later, we have a picnic in the park. The park is in a malaria-free area and offers a variety of accommodation and guided tours.
Daily. Breakfast, lunch and snacks included.
Sandboarding (Full day)
Learn sandboarding in a safe and fun-filled environment. You are provided with high quality equipment and experienced guides.
Daily. Lunch included.
Cape Town to Windhoek Overland Safari
This exciting holiday you will experience the best of Namibia. From Cape Town to giant sand dunes in ancient deserts, ancient rock paintings to incredible game viewing experiences in Etosha National Park – find those unforgettable memories. Embrace the magic of Africa with a tour that will leave you with an everlasting desire to discover more of this dynamic and diverse continent.
Included Highlights
- Cape Town Township Tour
- Fish River Canyon
- Sossusvlei, Dune 45
- Spitzkoppe, Bushman Paintings
- Otjitotongwe Cheetah Park
- Etosha NP, Game Drives
Intended Itinerary
It is our intention to adhere to the route described below but a certain amount of flexibility is built into the tour and on occasion it may be necessary or desirable to make alterations to the published itinerary. Please therefore treat the following as a guide only.
Duration: 12 Days
Countries visited: South Africa, Namibia
Day 1:
Cape Town – Western Cape, South Africa
Our overland safari begins with a guided township tour. This upbeat and informative tour will introduce you to the people, culture and pace of life of the Cape Flats, one of Cape Town's intriguing township areas.
After our tour, we leave Cape Town behind and make our way north over the Piekenierskloof, through the fruit growing area of Citrusdal to our camp overlooking the Cederberg Mountain range. Once we've settled in, we enjoy an optional wine tasting to sample some of the wines of the region.
- Distance travelled: +/-260kms
- Approx driving day: Half day
- Accommodation: Highlanders Camp – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
- Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
- WIFI: No
Day 2:
Western Cape – Gariep (Orange) River
Continuing north, we pass through the Namaqualand region, famous for its spectacular flower carpet that covers the land between August and September after the winter rains. Namaqualand hosts a whopping 4000 plant species with approx. 40% epidemic to the area. We set up camp tonight on the South African side of the Gariep (Orange) River, a stunning backdrop. The camp by night is showered with stars of the Richtersveld – a truly peaceful and tranquil experience.
- Accommodation: Umkulu camp – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- WIFI: Yes
- Distance travelled: +/-400kms
- Approx driving day: Full day
Day 3:
Gariep (Orange) River – Fish River Canyon, Namibia
Today, we have the opportunity to enjoy a morning canoe safari on the river, or simply relax on the water's edge. After packing up our camp, we cross the border into Namibia arriving at the breathtaking Fish River Canyon. At 161 km long, 550 metres deep and 27 km at its widest point, this stunning canyon is the second largest in the world – the first being the Grand Canyon. There are plenty of opportunities this afternoon for keen photographers to take pictures and enjoy a nice walk on the canyon edge.
- Accommodation: Canyon Roadhouse – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- WIFI: Yes
- Distance travelled: +/-180kms
- Approx driving day: Half day
Day 4:
Fish River Canyon – Sesriem
Further north, we continue through barren, rocky desert land to Sesriem, the gateway to the Namib Naukluft National Park. This magnificent park containing the world's oldest desert and highest sand dunes at 350 metres high. With an overall area of 49,768 km2 – containing part of the Namib Desert and the Naukluft mountain range – it is the second largest game park in Africa and the fourth largest in world. Once settled in, we enjoy the night around an open fire under the brightly lit starry skies.
- Accommodation: Sesriem Camp- Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- WIFI: No
- Distance travelled: +/-600kms
- Approx day drive: Full day
Day 5:
Namib Naukluft National Park – Solitaire
Rising early, we enter the National Park and drive to our first stop – Dune 45. At 170m high, it's fascinating shape and accessibility makes it the most photographed dune in the world. We clamper to the top of the dune in time to watch the sun rise as the shifting colours move across the open desert. The spectacular view from the top is worth every energy-sapping step. After a nice warming breakfast, we join a 4×4 vehicle transfer which takes us deeper into the park for a walk at leisure to view Deadsvlei area and the surrounding dunes. Departing from the dunes, we make our way to Solitaire, the smallest registered town in Namibia and home to the best apple crumble.
- Accommodation: Solitaire Rest Camp – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- WIFI: Yes
- Distance travelled: +/-100kms
- Approx driving day: Short day
Day 6 – 7:
Solitaire – Swakopmund
Today we head to the Atlantic coast for two nights, stopping for a photo opportunity as we cross the Tropic of Capricorn and down through breathtaking mountain passes of the Gaub and Kuesub. Surrounded on 3 sides by the Namib Desert, and on the 4th by the Atlantic Ocean, Swakopmund is Namibia's largest beach side town and offers a huge array of activities, an interesting German heritage, palm-lined streets and seaside promenades. Some desert-based adventure activities are on offer if you so choose – quad biking, sand boarding, skydiving (weather permitting). For those not adventure minded enjoy what the town has to offer and indulge in the town's German café culture, museums, shopping and beachside strolls.
N.B: Swakopmund is time at leisure, so for the sake of practicality, meals in Swakopmund are restricted to breakfasts. Enjoy your days on the optional activities and sample the local restaurants.
- Accommodation: Amanpuri Dorm Bed (two nights)
- Meals included: Breakfast x 2
- WIFI: Yes
- Distance travelled: +/-350kms
- Approx driving day: Full day
Day 8:
Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe
Leaving Swakopmund we turn eastward through the endless dry plains to the beautiful Damaraland region and stop at Spitzkoppe, also known as the "Matterhorn of Namibia". This spectacular granite rock formation rises 1728 metres and is a part of the Erongo Mountains, which was created by the collapse of a gigantic volcano. Over millions of years the outer layer was carried off by wind erosion, until the granite intrusion was exposed. Take your time to explore the area and take in the impressive sunrises and sunsets as the shifting colours move over the rocks. This area also holds the most impressive bushman rock paintings which can be viewed with a local guide of the area. The Spitzkoppe Restcamp lies at the base of the mountain and we camp overnight.
- Accommodation: Spitzkoppe Bush Camp – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- WIFI: No
- Distance travelled: +/-150kms
- Approx driving day: Half day
Day 9:
Spitzkoppe to Otjitotongwe Cheetah Park
From Spitzkoppe we make our way to Otjitotongwe Cheetah Park (Otjitotongwe means Cheetah, Cheetah in the local language of Herero), home to a non-profit organization, aimed at conserving cheetahs in a natural environment. The farm comprises of tame and wild cheetahs that were brought to the farm to prevent them getting killed by local farmers for killing their livestock. We meet the tame cheetahs for a photographic opportunity and take a small game drive in the larger enclosure before returning at sunset to relax around the open fire, swim in the camp pool and enjoy a sundowner at the local bar.
- Accommodation: Otjitotongwe Cheetah Park – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- WIFI: No
- Distance travelled: +/-350kms
- Approx driving day: Half day
Day 10 – 11:
Otjitotongwe Cheetah Park to Etosha National Park
Heading North, we make our way to Etosha National park. Etosha – meaning "place of dry water" – is enclosed by a central salt depression or pan that seasonally fills with water. At 22,750 sq km, this magnificent park is home to 114 mammals and 340 bird species. We spend the next two nights here, making camp inside the park at one of the three main sites offering floodlit waterholes for night-time game viewing. Observers frequently see a range of animals congregating around the watering holes including elephant, giraffe, zebra, even lion, making it one of the most memorable wildlife encounters in Southern Africa. We have a short afternoon game drive upon arrival and a full day game drive the following day.
- Accommodation: Okaukuejo or Halai or Namatoni Camp – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
- Meals included: Breakfast x2, Lunch x2, Dinner x2
- WIFI: No
- Distance travelled: +/- 250kms on day 9 only
- Approx drive day: Full day including game drives
Day 12:
Etosha to Windhoek
Leaving Etosha, we make our way south to Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. Windhoek (Windy-corner in English) is characterised by German style buildings, a lasting reminder of Namibia's early colonial history and has a mere population of 200,000 inhabitants. Our safari finishes upon arrival in Windhoek.
- Accommodation: No Accommodation
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
- WIFI: No
- Distance travelled: +/-420k
- Approx driving day: Full day
Tour Information
TOUR STYLE: Overland Tour
This tour is a participation camping tour and your help will be needed by assisting (usually on a rota basis) with the various day to day campsite duties, such as shopping, setting up the camp, cooking and keeping the truck tidy. But don't worry it's not all hard work and it's a great way to meet the local people and get to know your fellow travellers. Your contribution benefits the success of the tour – most people find the greater their involvement, the greater their enjoyment of the whole trip.
All tour highlights and inclusions, 2- person dome tents, fully equipped safari vehicle, camping and cooking equipment, sleeping mattresses, service of two crew, all road and vehicle taxes, all ground transportation, meals as indicated.
Local Payment, Activities and Excursions (optional), visa's, travel insurance, flight departure taxes, airport transfers, optional activities, tips, drinks, sleeping bag and items of personal nature.
Every Overland tour has a Local Payment amount which must be paid to your tour leader in Africa at the beginning of the tour. This is separate and in addition to the Tour Price which is paid before travel. Paid in the currency listed in the brochure or on the website (usually US dollars in clean un-torn post 2006 edition notes) that pays for food, park entries, activities and camping costs along the way with payment goes directly to the supplier. Please refer below to what is covered by the Local Payment.
These are optional activities that are paid directly to the provider while on tour and you are free to decide what activities you would like to do. Please see table below for prices.
We use 2-person dome tents with fly sheets, sewn-in groundsheets, zip-up insect screens and foam mattresses. We mainly use campsites, which usually have reasonable wash and shower facilities, electricity points and sometimes even a small shop, bar or swimming pool.
24-seater, self-contained, custom-built safari truck with onboard tables, plug sockets, freezer, water tank, library, i-pod jack, safety features and 70-litre individual lockers.
Please try to keep your luggage to a minimum, bearing in mind that most airlines impose a 20kg limit. It should be brought in a soft backpack or rucksack along with a smaller day bag. You will need to bring a mixture of lightweight clothing and warm clothing for the evenings and early morning game drives. You also need a sleeping bag (and small pillow if preferred). We recommended you pack a small torch or headlamp, mosquito spray and a money pouch/ belt that can be easily hidden. Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables and use your hotel safe to store the bulk of your money, passport, and airline tickets. A full 'What to Bring' list is included in our pre-departure booklet (online version), issued when you book.
The table below indicates the vaccinations suggested for travel on this tour but should be treated as a guide only. You should seek professional medical advice from your GP or clinic at least six weeks prior to departure.
Please be aware that some of the areas visited on this tour are malarial. We strongly recommend you seek professional medical advice for the appropriate anti-malarial tablets.
The table below indicates the visas required for travel to the countries on this tour but should be treated as a guide only. At least one month prior to travel seek confirmation from embassies or a visa specialist, that these requirements are still current. For UK citizens the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) offers free up-to-date travel info: www.fco.gov.uk For other nationalities a number of travel advice websites are listed on the Acacia website.
It is a booking condition of Acacia that you have full travel insurance valid for the duration of your tour to cover you for medical emergency and repatriation to your home country. Your guide will ask you for a copy of this when you join the tour. It is also important that you leave a copy of your insurance with the person nominated as your emergency contact. We can recommend a respected, specialist travel insurance provider for this tour.
Naturally you will require extra money for your own personal spending on the tour, for Activities and Excursions, snacks, drinks, souvenirs, tips and items of a personal nature. Everybody has different spending habits but as a guideline we suggest you budget South African Rand 150-200 per day (South African Rand can be used in Namibia). Also keep some US$ cash for relevant airport taxes and visas needed, optional activities and any additional accommodation before or after your tour.
Spending money Spending money is best carried as cash. South African Rand can be used throughout South Africa & Namibia and can be obtained from an ATM on arrival. US dollars (Us Dollars in clean, un-torn, post 2006 edition notes) is also accepted for many optional activities & at markets throughout Africa. We have an on-board passenger safe for security and your guide will advise how and when you can exchange money (US dollars, Sterling or Euro) to local currency throughout the tour.
- Currencies are as follows: South Africa – Rand; Namibia – Namibian Dollar. Please note that Rand is legal tender in Namibia at the same rate of exchange as the Namibian Dollar.
- ATM machines are found in Southern Africa. Please note they are sometimes unreliable (and therefore should not be relied upon)
- Credit cards can be used to pay for optional activities although charges may be may be high by western standards (+/- 5%)
- We recommend you bring your spending money in several different ways (some cash and some cards); your guide can best advise on what to use where.
This is always a matter for your own individual discretion but as in many areas where tourism is an important contributor to the economy, it has become customary to give a small gratuity to local staff, including your tour leader and driver, at the end of a tour if services rendered have been to your satisfaction.
We strongly believe that you get the most out of a journey by respecting the culture and people of the places you visit. On our tours we try to travel in a way that benefits the communities we pass through and minimises negative impact on the environment. This can be from ensuring the campsites we use are clean when we leave and dressing respectfully in conservative areas to getting involved with local charity projects. We ask that you are open to this when you travel with us. Being proactive in responsible travel helps develop cross-cultural understanding and friendships with the local people, and will greatly enhance your experience in Africa.
This project runs all year round. However, during school holidays we run the project according to our holiday program.
School holidays 2018:
First Term: 29th March – 09th April
Second Term: 23rd June – 16th Juli
Third Term: 29th September – 08th October
Fourth Term: 13th December – 08th January
2018 Public Holidays:
1. Jan. New Year's Day
21. Mar. Human Rights Day
30. Mar. Good Friday
2. Apr. Family Day
27. Apr. Freedom Day
1. May. Workers' Day
16. Jun. Youth Day
9. Aug. National Women's Day
24. Sep. Heritage Day
16. Dec. Day of Reconciliation
17. Dec. Day of Reconciliation Holiday
25. Dec. Christmas Day
26. Dec. Day of Goodwill
Due to Christmas and New Years celebrations, projects are very limited, however volunteers may still use the accommodation and food.
Holiday Program
School and educare project/settlement project/sports development project
For these children the holiday program is mainly run in the settlements/townships where they live.
– Children's ages range from 0 – 16 years.
– The program includes sports days, game days, outings to the beach or pools, etc.
– Working hours are generally from 8am – 2pm
Depending on the funds available you could also be involved in a building or renovations program (building educares, vegetable gardens, painting, etc.)
Adventure club/surf
We give these children an opportunity to experience new activities outside of their townships. Everyday is different, volunteers generally help one on one with outdoor and educational activities such as beach days, hikes up the mountain, visits to the museums etc.
– Children's ages range from 11 – 14 years.
– Working hours are generally from 9am – 3pm
* During examination times (usually a week before the school holidays the project maybe effected)
* During the holiday program volunteers will receive their normal surf lessons
Disabled school:
This school is closed during school holidays, volunteers on this project will assist with the other programs until it reopens
Please note that during the holidays its a time for the kids to have fun, so the programs are less structured and may change depending on the amount of children that arrive on the day.
Example Itinerary
A.M : Volunteer Meeting
P.M : Office Day
Please Note: Mondays are Office Day for both new and old volunteers. New volunteers will receive their teacher training and additional information on our projects and the areas where they will be working. Volunteers who have been with us for more than one week will assist with planning for the week, equipment maintenance, re-organising storage spaces, donation sorting etc.
A.M: School assistance
P.M: Kite surf or surf (wind dependent)
A.M: School assistance
P.M: Kite surf or surf (wind dependent)
A.M: School assistance
P.M: Kite surf or surf (wind dependent)
A.M: School assistance
P.M: Kite surf (wind dependent)
A.M: Off or Kite surf (wind dependent)
P.M: Off
A.M: Off
P.M: Off


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ValueAct takes $US2 bln Microsoft stake: CNBC
Activist investor ValueAct Capital has taken a $US2 billion stake in Microsoft, CNBC reported on Monday, helping Microsoft shares climb to a seven-month high.
CNBC's David Faber reported the stake. A representative of ValueAct was not immediately available to comment.
Microsoft shares rose as much as 4.75 per cent to $US31.18, touching their highest levels since last September, before paring gains. With Monday's jump, the stock is up 16 per cent this year, putting it on track for its best annual performance since 2009.
One of the chief complaints of Microsoft's investors is that the stock is little changed today from where it was 11 years ago.
At Friday's closing price, a $US2 billion stake would represent about 67.2 million Microsoft shares. That represents less than 1 per cent of Microsoft but would be enough to make ValueAct a top-15 investor in the company, based on Thomson Reuters data.
ValueAct describes its management as being experts in "sourcing investments in companies they believe to be fundamentally undervalued, and then working with management and the company's board to implement strategies that generate superior returns on invested capital."
Most recently, ValueAct was involved in pushing industrial machinery maker Gardner Denver to sell itself, an effort that culminated in a $US3.74 billion deal with private equity firm KKR.
Microsoft and Steve Ballmer, its CEO for the last 13 years, have been the targets of much criticism over the past decade, chiefly for falling behind Apple and Google in the shift toward mobile computing.
But the company has not been subject to much overt shareholder protest. The most public challenge came two years ago, when Greenlight Capital's David Einhorn - who made his name warning about Lehman Brothers' financial health before the investment bank's collapse - called for Ballmer to step down.
"His (Ballmer's) continued presence is the biggest overhang on Microsoft's stock," Einhorn told fellow fund managers at the annual Ira Sohn Investment Research Conference in 2011.
Microsoft never responded publicly to Einhorn, but Ballmer has indicated he has no plans to step down and intends to stay on for another four or five years at least. Greenlight Capital has since cut its stake. At the end of last year it held a negligible 0.13 per cent of Microsoft's outstanding shares.
Any attempt to force change within the company from outside would likely face opposition from its largest shareholder, chairman and co-founder Bill Gates, who still owns 5 per cent of the company. Ballmer is the third-largest holder with about 4 per cent.
Microsoft shares were up nearly 4 per cent at $US30.94 in midday trading.
Sign up for Computerworld eNewsletters.


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Wheeling Daily Intelligencer
April 21, 1880
THE TELEPHONE. - Manager Wolf, of the Western Union Telegraph Company of this city, has been industriously at work for several days obtaining subscriptions toward the establishment of the telephone exchange in this city, and by the annexed list of subscribers our readers will see that he has been fairly successful, and all who wish to encourage this convenience in our midst will leave their names at the Western Union office. It is thought that work will begin at once on the construction of the lines and by the 10th of May the thing will be in successful and complete operation.
Following are the subscribers already obtained:
Daily Register.
Franklin Insurance Company.
Greer & Laing, hard ware dealers.
C. H. Booth & Son, steamboat agents.
Henry Seamon, steamboat agent.
New McLure House.
Hobbs, Brockunier & Co.
Whittaker Iron Works.
Riverside Iron Works.
Riverside Nail Mill.
Riverside Blast Furnace.
Riverside Iron Works office, Main street.
Benwood Iron Works office, Fourteenth street.
Benwood Blast Furnace, Martin's Ferry.
Benwood Nail Mills, Benwood.
Henry Schmulbach, Market street.
Nail City Brewing Company.
Reymann Brewing Company.
Fountain Saloon and Restaurant.
H. W. List.
D. C. List, Jr., Fourteenth street, and at Fulton.
Logan, List & Co., Druggists.
Charles E. Dwight, Druggist.
Dr. George Baird.
Dr. T. O. Edwards.
Dr. B. W. Allen.
Justice Wm. Philips.
City Gas Works' Office.
City Gas Works.
A. J. Sweeney & Son's Foundry.
Wheeling Iron and Nail Company and Top Mill.
It is hoped that all the irons mills, glass manufacturers, foundries and other principal establishments will soon subscribe and thereby form a connection through the telephone exchange located in the Western Union Telegraph Office by which one subscriber can communicate with any other subscriber in any part of the city. It is so arranged by means of the exchange connection at the central office that conversations by telephone can be carried on privately. Each telephone having a separate voice of its own. Superintendent Wolff informs us that he is making good progress and expects to have at least one hundred and fifty subscribers within thirty days. He expects to have the wires and telephonic connections, and the telephone exchange in working order by the first of May.
Business and Industry


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Reading Time: 3 minutes
During my many years as wedding photographer, I watched many smokers suffer through their wedding day as they tried their best not to smoke in their wedding attire. Others simply did not care and were almost permanently walking in a puff of smoke through the whole thing. One of them learned a lesson.


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Dental implants are the most advanced dental procedure for replacing missing teeth. They are practically indistinguishable from natural teeth. They have the same stability, strength, look and feel of natural teeth.
If you are considering Costa Rica Dental Implants, it is important to understand that dental implants require a multi-step process that sometimes requires 2 or more dental office visits over a period of 4-8 months depending on your specific needs. Dental implants involve oral surgery, so you must also be in sufficient medical health to receive dental implants.
Are you unsure about whether dental implants are right for you? The Costa Rica Dental Implants Specialists at Sonría Dental Boutique will evaluate you and decide whether you qualify for dental implants. There are some health conditions that prevent some patients from dental implants, but any reasonably healthy person should have no problem becoming a candidate.
What is the dental implant process? The Costa Rica Dental Implants process begins with an oral surgery during which the dentist extracts any remains of the tooth that may still exist and inserts the dental implants. The patient must wait 4 to 6 months while the wounds heal and while the dental implant fuses itself naturally with bone growth in the jawbone.
A second step is then needed to insert an abutment on top of the implant. In some cases, based on patient health, the Costa Rica Dentist may insert the abutment during the first surgery to avoid a second step, saving time and additional cost.
Finally, a dental crown or another dental prosthesis is installed on top of the abutment. The final result is virtually indistinguishable from a natural tooth and requires the same care that natural teeth require.
If you are interested in Costa Rica Dental Implants, Sonría Dental Boutique may be the perfect solution for you. Please contact us today to discuss your dental implant needs with an experienced specialist or fill out the following form.
At Sonría Dental Boutique… it's all about YOUR smile!
I am super happy with the results! I had a great experience with Dr. Gonzalez. She was very professional, gentle and pleasant. The service went above and beyond what I expected.
Yafit – USA
I would definitely recommend Sonría to my family, friends and anyone who needs dental care. The quality of work, professional care and the amount of time and money I saved were unbelievable!
Jeff – USA
I am very pleased with my smile from Dr. Gonzalez. The personal service was great and my expectations were met in every way!
Tony – USA
This was my most delightful dental experience! Dr. Oriana was polite, efficient and obviously well-trained. Her professionalism was augmented by her warmth and charm. Muchas gracias!
Lorne – Canada


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StickNFind is a Kickstarter project that uses your phone and coin-like tags to find lost items, using Bluetooth. Stick-N-Find stickers, about the size of a quarter, have a buzzer and light, so that you can find stuff also in the dark. Stick-N-Find Stickers have a Range of about 100 Feet, with a Battery that lasts for over a year.
A radar-like screen on your phone shows the approximate range. Up to 20 tags can be paired to one phone. When any of their batteries get low, the user will be notified via the app.
There are already similar systems available, such as the Gadget Hound, U Grok It, and BiKN. All three of those, however, incorporate hardware that is used either instead of a smartphone, or that the phone must be docked into.
Other tracking apps include:
- PetRescuers for lost pets – for iPhone & Android. Free app reports your microchipped pet missing on the app or website, or help others find their lost pets in your area.
- Park'n Find. This 99-cent app takes the frustration out of finding your car in the parking lot. After you park, you can 'tag' a new parking spot on your smartphone using you're smartphone's GPS. Then, you can add photos, a voice memo and even parking meter information to your tag.
- Found in Town a online database that makes it easy to return lost items to their owners. Register and receive FiT tags for your items for FREE in the mail. Then, activate your tags on the website and stick them to all of your things that get lost frequently
- Gadget Trak increases your chances of recovering your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch by having the ability to track your device and even snap a photo of the thief.


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POGO 2010 Impact and AccomplishmentsTweet
Here are some of POGO's 2010 Impact and Accomplishments
Untangling Conflicts of Interest at a Broken Agency
Following 15 years of POGO raising concerns about conflicts of mission at the Minerals Management Service (MMS), the Interior Department agency responsible for oversight of offshore drilling, the executive branch adopted reforms championed by POGO to divide MMS into separate bureaus with strengthened ethics rules.
Shedding Light on Contractor Responsibility Information
POGO has been at the forefront of the fight for public access to information in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS), the government's new database containing contractor responsibility information. In July 2010, Congress signed into a law a provision requiring information in FAPIIS to be available to the public online. POGO also updated its own database, the Federal Contractor Misconduct Database (FCMD), upon which FAPIIS is modeled.
Pushing Congress to Add Accountability Measures to Financial Reform
POGO played a pivotal role in strengthening the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act by working with Congress to add whistleblower protections for financial industry employees; rewards and protections for whistleblowers who provide tips to financial regulators; a Government Accountability Office (GAO) audit of the Federal Reserve; consumer financial protections; and greater independence for Inspectors General at financial regulatory agencies. These transparency and accountability measures will strengthen the financial regulatory system and help avert another financial meltdown.
Bringing More Openness to Executive Branch Agencies
With the December 2009 release of the Open Government Directive—the Obama Administration effort to bring increased transparency to the executive branch—agencies have been required to undertake a variety of open government initiatives. As part of an effort spearheaded by OpenTheGovernment.org, POGO has been monitoring agency progress on these initiatives, and has worked with agencies to bring about improved compliance with the Open Government Directive as they move forward with their Open Government Plans.
Closing Secrecy Loophole in Financial Regulatory Reform Legislation
POGO led the charge in an effort to strike language from the Dodd-Frank Act that had given the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) sweeping new powers to hide its records from public scrutiny. President Obama signed a bill to repeal this portion of the financial regulatory reform legislation in October, 2010.
Organizing and Presenting Second Annual Whistleblower Film Series
Our second Whistleblower Film Series, part of the 10th annual DC Labor FilmFest, showcased films that explore the valuable role of whistleblowers at a critical time in the effort to restore and modernize protections for federal government employees. The 2010 Series featured the Washington, D.C., premiere of Fair Game and two screenings of The Informant!
Facilitating Monthly Oversight Training Series on the Hill
POGO's Congressional Oversight Training Series (COTS) continues to spark idea exchange, encourage collaboration, and hone the investigative skills of congressional staffers from both sides of the aisle.
Exploring Solutions for the Nuclear Weapons Complex
In September 2010 POGO released a report on modernizing the nuclear weapons complex. POGO concluded that by downblending highly enriched uranium—reducing the enrichment levels of its uranium from 80-90 percent to under percent—the U.S. can increase national security and generate up to $23 billion in revenue for the Treasury.
Spurring Review of Inspector General Hotlines
Following our 2009 investigation into the Inspector General (IG) system, POGO urged the IG community to conduct a review of its whistleblower hotlines, a key avenue for intake of whistleblower tips. In response, the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE) released Recommended Practices of Office of Inspector General Hotlines, a report highlighting best practices for hotlines from around the IG community.
Sparking Other Investigations
POGO's work also motivated IG offices to open other investigations: the Department of the Interior's IG began an investigation into ethics at the Bureau of Land Management, and the Department of Health and Human Services IG reopened an investigation into allegations of whistleblower retaliation at the Food and Drug Administration.
Testifying on Capitol Hill
POGO testified five times in 2010 on Capitol Hill:
- Testimony of POGO's Scott Amey before the Congressional Oversight Panel on "Treasury's Use of Emergency Contracting Authority"
- Testimony of POGO's Angela Canterbury before the House Committee on Financial Services on "Legislative Proposals to Address Concerns Over the SEC's New Confidentiality Provision"
- Testimony of POGO's Danielle Brian before the House Committee on Oversight and Governmnet Reform on "Examination of The Department of the Interior's Oversight of Offshore Oil Drilling"
- Testimony of Danielle Brian before the Commission on Wartime Contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan on "Are Private Security Contractors Performing Inherently Governmental Functions?"


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Bradley Cooper Covers 'GQ Australia' June/July 2011
Bradley Cooper looks dapper in a suit on the cover of GQ Australia's June/July issue.
Here's what the 36-year-old Hangover star shared with the mag, which goes on sale May 30 in Australia:
On playing Eddie Morra in Limitless: "I think originally Heath Ledger wanted to do it. Then Shia LaBeouf was attached and then … well, I'm not quite sure, but the story goes he got Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps and that was that … When I heard that he fell out I just pleaded my case so I could at least have the meeting with Neil Burger, who was attached to direct."
On his amibitions: "I just keep it really simple. I just want to get better. It's all about the filmmaker – and that's it … I want to be an actor who gets to work with these wonderful people. That's it."
On keeping his personal life private: "I just don't talk about my private life. I'll never do it, no matter whats written about me. Some things you just have to keep to yourself. I'll talk about my personal past, family, and other stuff, but when you bring in other people, I feel there's no reason for it."
For more of Bradley Cooper, visit GQ.com.au!