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Columbia Bugaboo Dome
Have a question about three-season? Get answers in the gear selection forum.
I have this tent set up in my backyard and sleep in…
Price Paid: $250
I have this tent set up in my backyard and sleep in it every night, all summer (late May till Oct). I do the seam sealer and waterproof/uv protector twice a year and have never seen a drop.
This is by far the best tent I have ever owned, spacious and full of amenities. I would rate it 5/5 other than the above mentioned issue with the zipper getting caught in the zipper's rain protector flap.
Still Happy,
The zipper is the problem! If the zipper would work…
The zipper is the problem! If the zipper would work properly, this would be my favorite tent. Very spacious, great canopy, easy to pack and great carry case, super easy to set up. But the zipper makes it almost useless.
This tent is very spacious and comfortable. I find…
Sleeps: 5
This tent is very spacious and comfortable. I find setup is very easy for a tent of this size and can be done by one person if necessary. My wife and I have been using the tent for 3 years in many different weather conditions and have never had any problems with leaking.
As has been noted in previous reviews the door zipper can be a problem and is not isolated to this Columbia model as we had tried 2 other Columbia tents previous to this one and they had problems with the zipper getting stuck and failing as well.
The only real problem that we have had with this tent is the remote light stopped working after our second trip in the tent. Not a huge deal but my wife liked the feature and was disappointed that it broke so easily and doesn't seem to be something we can replace.
I bought this tent about two years ago and have used…
Design: Bugaboo Dome Tent
Sleeps: 5
Ease of Setup: Easy to set up
Weight: about 10 lbs
Price Paid: $249 ( Canadian)
I bought this tent about two years ago and have used it probably 8 -10 times.
I have enjoyed the tent with my two sons, where the camping has been relatively easy. I think if I was doing something a little more rugged, I would look for a lighter tent.
That said it has performed well with respect to rain protection and ventilation. I like the room inside, especially when it rains and you and all your gear and kids are inside.
As has been noted, we have had some trouble with the main door zipper as well. It does tend to trap fabric lower down in the doorway, but we have been trying to impress on the kids the need to be more careful. Still, you would think that some rough use is expected. Recently the zipper failed, not keeping the teeth together behind the head. It became effectively useless. I have "repaired" the zipper for now, but expect this may be a short term solution. Poor zipper quality reduces the overall rating.
On another note, I tried to contact Columbia, not to complain, simply to inquire about repair locations, special model / style of zipper etc. Well, they could not distance themselves fast enough. They said the tent was manufactured by North Pole and gave me a phone number to call. Why not forward my email to North Pole directly, as part of their customer service. North Poles web site requires a password, so I don't know how they expect to get any visitors.
Add poor customer "on line" service. I decline to call it help as they have not done that yet.
Check it out, the Trailspace website talks about North Pole Gear and the Columbia tent is not even listed as a product, now or in the past? What gives?
This tent endured a torrential downpour and 20 minutes…
Price Paid: $139
This tent endured a torrential downpour and 20 minutes of intense hail followed by another steady rainfall several hours later with only minor seam leakage. Minor, as in less than a 1/4 cup worth of water drips and I had not yet added any seam sealant beyond what the factory put on. Very spacious. Love the fact that I can stand up straight inside!
I used this tent for a month of high mountain summer…
Design: 3 season free-standing dome
Sleeps: 5
Ease of Setup: very easy
Weight: 21 pounds
Price Paid: $150
I used this tent for a month of high mountain summer camping in Co. and Wy. with my wife and three kids in 2006. We carried other tents but never used them. I am 6'2" and my wife and oldest kid are tall too. We all had plenty of room for sleeping (but did not need vestibule space).
I was very impressed with the quality and durability of this tent. This tent's ventilation was excellent. The first week in the Front Range of Co. it rained every day, sometimes very hard, and we never had any leaks. We never experienced any winds over 40 mph so I can't say how it would fare but for the money ($150 and I've seen it for considerably less since) I would highly recommend it.
We have considerable experience camping and this tent far exceeded my expectations. The only improvement I would recommend is aluminum poles instead of fiberglass.
This tent let us down. We were thrilled when we bought…
Design: Dome
Sleeps: 5
Ease of Setup: excellent
Price Paid: $299 Canadian
This tent let us down. We were thrilled when we bought it last August and it withstood the elements and met the demands of camping use. However, right off that front door zipper caught in the fabric when the kids, and myself a couple of times, were were closing it from the outside. Last night, just three days before our 1 1/2-week camping vacation while I was at work the zipper caught, broke and split.
I have to check into warranty. However, even if any coverage or if I can locate the receipt we are left without a tent and a new one will dampen our vacation budget greatly.
Lesson learned. I'll check reviews before buying and return anything that gives us grief before it totaly lets us down. Side note, had a pair of Columbia sandals with the swing back heel strap that I had to exchange this season also. Hoping for better luck with the usually sturdy Columbia products in the future.
I bought this tent for the purpose of family car camping.
Design: family dome
Sleeps: 5
Ease of Setup: Don't need an engineering degree
Weight: 20 lbs
Price Paid: $199 (Canadian)
I bought this tent for the purpose of family car camping. As my family has grown, I have had to change from trek camping to car camping and move to a larger tent for myself, my wife, and my small children. I picked up the Bugaboo with low expectations but was pleasantly surprised. The tent easily accomodates a family of four and we toughed out some harsh Quebec rainstorms and managed to stay bone dry. I would never recommend this tent for someone into extreme wilderness camping, but for the family camping thing, it does the job quite nicely.
I had this tent pitched under evergreen type trees…
Design: 3-season dome
Sleeps: 4
Ease of Setup: Colour coded, easy set-up
I had this tent pitched under evergreen type trees in the summer for some extra shelter. We had quite a thunderstorm that night and we woke up soaking wet. I must admit I didn't seal the tent with anything additional to what the factory did, however this was one of the first times out in the tent, ie. it was brand new and should still have some water resistance!
Anyway, I also found this tent to be really heavy. I don't know what I was thinking buying it. I suppose it would be alright for car-camping or whatever but I would highly recommend hanging up a tarp shelter for extra protection.
I bought the tent and pitched it out in my backyard…
Design: Three-season dome
Sleeps: 4
Ease of Setup: Relatively easy
Price Paid: $101.90
I bought the tent and pitched it out in my backyard to make sure everything was right and camp out with my kids. The tent was relatively easy to set up; interior was spacious and had a number of great features (storage, excellent ventilation, remote light). Materials and construction seemed to be first rate. The tent's door zipper caught on the outer flap material several times, and lasted about four hours before the zipper assembly came completely apart and left us with a door that could not be closed.
I really liked the tent, but could not buy another after the return. I just had to pass on a replacement, when the door failed and left us unable to keep out the elements. Columbia needs to address the door zipper issue, otherwise a first rate product. I still really like Columbia and their reputation for making quality items. Maybe I just got that one tent with a bad front door. Otherwise this tent would be a four to five star product.
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Columbia Bugaboo Dome
The Bugaboo Dome has been discontinued.previously retailed for:
$139.99 - $175.00
The Columbia Bugaboo Dome is not available from the stores we monitor. It was last seen June 12, 2007 at Backcountry.com.


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subset: commoncrawl


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Steampunk Tea
06/29/2014 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Add to your iCal: iCal
Geisel West, 1st floor
Steampunk Tea at The Library
Sunday, June 29, 2014
3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Enjoy light refreshments with fellow futurists, explorers and adventurers.
Guest speakers include Gaslight Gathering leader Anastasia Hunter
Hear lively chamber music on steampunk-inspired instruments.
On display: examples of Victorian Era paper theatre models, magic lanterns and paper optical toys.
Drop in for screenings of Steampunk friendly films in our high-definition viewing rooms.
Free and open to the public.
More info: email@example.com


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Welcome to Illusion of Reality
Hello dear friends!
You are greeted by the author of the musical projects "NEONEX_Media" The music that you can hear is created by Eugene Besar-Neonov and his mother Ivetta. Basically it is an epic, dramatic, symphonic and romantic motifs. We replenish our collection of tracks, and will be very glad if any of our creativity really come in handy in your creative ideas and projects.


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From JV player to tournament hero: Exchange student nets only goal in Jackson boys soccer regional semifinal win.
The postseason is the time for new heroes to emerge.
Ben Oktay was exactly that for the Jackson boys soccer team Wednesday.
Oktay's header off Ross Klauer's corner kick found the back off the net with 18:36 remaining in the Polar Bears' Division I regional semifinal against the Solon Comets. The goal snapped a scoreless tie and proved to be the only one either team could muster, as Jackson held on for a 1-0 victory.
The win moves Jackson (16-2-2) into a regional championship match Saturday at noon at Rocky River High School. The Bears will meet Mentor.
Oktay, an exchange student from Germany, began the season playing on Jackson's junior varsity. Polar Bears head coach Michael Biros said injuries and Oktay's improvement allowed him to work his way up the depth chart.
"Ben got here as soon as we started practicing and we worked him along slowly," Biros said. "He made the best of a great moment there. We've put him in here and there and he came through for us.
"He was the X-factor for us tonight. That's what you need sometimes at this time of year."
While Oktay hasn't spend much time around the Jackson program, he didn't want the Bears' season to end against Solon (10-5-5).
"When I saw the ball I knew that I wanted to score," Oktay said. "I didn't care how it happened, but I wanted to go into the finals because it's my only year here. I wanted to spend more time with the team. I didn't want it to end here.
"Ross put it in and it was deflected, but I wanted to get this ball really hard. I didn't even see that it went in."
Klauer re-entered the game just prior to the corner kick from the left side. In a game where prime scoring chances were lacking, Klauer just wanted to get the ball in the box where a teammate could do something with it.
"I just wanted to hit my spot and hit someone on the run, which I did for Ben," Klauer said. "That gave us the momentum to finish out the game.
"He did a great job on the header. It was a wonderful play."
Biros thought the longer the game went scoreless, the more likely it might be decided on a set play.
"Their defense was playing well, our defense was playing awesome I thought, so I thought it might come down to an unlucky break or a free kick," Biros said. "That's what happened.
"Ben got his head on it and got it on net. It just looped in. It was freaky."
Jackson still had to sweat out the final 18 minutes as Solon mounted a frantic attack. The closest the Comets came was when Noah Berko's header in the box deflected off the left post and caromed back into play. After another dangerous cross, Jackson's defense cleared the ball.
Jackson keeper Michael Metzger was equal to any other Solon threat, as he came off his line as needed to collect or clear dangerous balls.
"He's just very consistent for us," Biros said of Metzger. "He just makes the right plays at the right time for us."
Biros didn't want his team to go into a shell after its goal, but he felt Oktay's goal would be enough. He credited Grant Slovan and Carlos Deligiannides, among others, for keeping the Bears' back row organized.
"We have a motto here: 'You get a goal, the game's over.' We just talk about making smarter decisions at that time," Biros said. "We made a couple mistakes here and there and the result was the post and a couple other chances they had. I'm glad we have a couple more days to work on those things."


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Incoming mail from the U.S. Postal Service is delivered to Berry College Monday through Saturday at 8:00 a.m. The mail is usually sorted and in the boxes by 11:00 a.m. during the week, and by 10:00 a.m. on Saturday.
Campus mail is delivered all during the day as it is received, beginning immediately after we finish delivering the U.S. mail. Any campus mail received after 4:00 p.m. will be delivered on the following business day; no campus mail is delivered on Saturday.
UPS, Federal Express, Airborne and DHL deliver Monday through Friday between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
When you receive a package, you will be notified via an e-mail from Mail Services. When you come to pick up your package, you will need to provide the following information:
Your Berry P.O. box numberThe package ID # listed in the notification e-mail Your Berry Student ID
All packages are checked out to students with a scan of your ID card.
We have different handling procedures and cut-off times depending of the type of mail and level of service requested. If unusual circumstances prevent your from meeting these deadlines, please contact us. If possible, we will try to work out a mutually acceptable arrangement.
First-Class Metered Mail must be received at the Post Office by 3:00 p.m. This is necessary to allow us sufficient time to process the mail and deliver it to the Rome Post Office before the 4:30 p.m. deadline.
Express Mail may be received between 9:00 a.m. and 4:15 p.m.
Bulk and Nonprofit Mailings must be received early enough to allow us time to process them for delivery to the Rome Post Office before the 3:30 p.m. deadline.
Stamped First-Class Mail must be received in the inside collection box by 4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday. Stamped mail placed in the outside collection box is picked up Monday through Friday at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m., and on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. Any mail weighing over 13 ounces must be given to a clerk instead of deposited in a collection box.
Items to be shipped by UPS must be received by 3:30 p.m.


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MIAMI, Sept. 6 (UPI) -- Hurricane Leslie was stuck in neutral Thursday night, spinning in place for hours over the Atlantic Ocean, U.S. forecasters said.
The stalled Category 1 storm, with 75 mph maximum sustained winds, was centered about 430 miles south-southeast of Bermuda, right where it had been for the previous 6 hours, the National Hurricane Center said in its 11 p.m. EDT advisory. Leslie was expected to begin drifting northward and likely start to intensify Friday, the center said.
Leslie's hurricane-force winds were extending outward as much as 35 miles from its center, with tropical storm-force gales reaching out up to 160 miles.
The forecasters issued a tropical storm watch for Bermuda, which was experiencing higher swells as a result of the storm.
Forecasters cautioned residents of Bermuda to watch the progress of the storm.
High surf could affect the U.S. Atlantic coast from central Florida northward. In the Caribbean, the hurricane center said the Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico and the Virgin islands could experience "life threatening surf and rip current" for the next several days.


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So, what can we expect to hear tomorrow from Google? Well, we'll get technical background on the operating system, some demonstrations, as well as a "complete overview". The operating system is supposed to launch next year.
Sundar Pichai, vice president of product management for Google, and Matthew Papakipos, engineering director for Google Chrome will speak during the event. There will be a question and answer session as well.
The big question we will finally see answered tomorrow, then, is what the heck Chrome OS actually is. Chrome OS has been hyped a lot ever since its announcement, but we know absolutely nothing about it. So, what do you think Chrome OS will be like? Are we looking at an operating system built entirely about being online? Or will it be a more traditional operating system?
Personally, I hope for Google to pull everything good from the Linux community together, and do an "Apple" (as in Mac OS X), but how likely that is remains to be seen (estimate: highly unlikely). Be prepared for a barrage of articles on Chrome OS tomorrow in your RSS feed.


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BATAVIA – Cubs outfielder David DeJesus followed an indirect path to becoming part of the "Train Insane" faithful at ProForce Sports Performance Training, but these days he walks through the front door like anyone else.
DeJesus goes by "Dave" when he's with owner Chris Browning and the rest of his clientele, and those pleasantries won't change once he reports to spring training in Mesa, Ariz., next month.
Earlier this week, as temperatures hovered in single digits, DeJesus again navigated his SUV from his offseason home in Wheaton to the ProForce facility. He hardly blushed at the cold during his short walk to the building, where he unleashed similarly fluid movements for a third straight offseason.
"The things that you do here make you more explosive on the field, keep your body strong throughout a season and just give you confidence to go out there and play the game," DeJesus said. "You know that your body is ready and ready for competition."
DeJesus learned of ProForce through Atlanta Braves minor league outfielder Dan Brewer, a Lyons Township graduate whose mother was living in Batavia when the New York Yankees drafted him in 2008.
Brewer's stepsister once trained with Browning before he started ProForce, which eventually led Brewer back to Batavia. He brought DeJesus along later. The two met through DeJesus' former Kansas City Royals teammate, Chris Getz, while hitting at an offseason facility in Broadview earlier this decade.
Brewer heard DeJesus – entering his second season with the Cubs – had been training in Chicago and suggested he try ProForce, if only for the shorter commute. DeJesus quickly took to the gym's emphasis on core strength and mix of old-school disciplines with newer strength training methods.
He's been gladly blending in for the past 2 1/2 years.
"The nice thing about Dave is he doesn't present himself as a big league baseball player who's let a lot of the stuff go to his head," Brewer said. "He's a down-to-earth guy. Me being a guy who's still working my way up, you know, I still have to work for everything I can get. But Dave's been in the league for nine years or so now, and he still works his tail off, day in and day out. He knows that to stay there, you've got to still work hard. It's nice that the kids get to come in and see him do that."
Browning and his staff train their share of high school athletes preparing for college, as well as a budding crop of collegians and professionals.
A handful of players from Northern Illinois' recent Orange Bowl football team – including Perez Ashford, Tyrone Clark and Demetrius Stone – come in for NFL combine-specific training.
Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Patrick Brown (St. Charles North) and Atlanta Falcons practice squad linebacker Pat Schiller (Geneva) are longtime ProForce guys who make the gym a regular offseason stop. Ditto for Mike Garrity (Batavia), an offensive lineman with the Iowa Barnstormers of arena football.
"We get after it, man," said Browning, who was among the guests at a recent function for DeJesus' Family Foundation. "We get it going."
The enthusiasm can be contagious, as DeJesus can attest.
With ProForce partner Innovative Sports Medicine sharing space at 501 W. Fabyan Parkway, DeJesus calls the complex a "one-stop shop" for athletes looking to get stronger, in-season or not.
He hoped to show Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo the workout ropes before last weekend's Cubs Convention, but was unable to find a mutual opening.
As the Cubs say, maybe next year. DeJesus, for one, doesn't plan on losing his way.
"Little by little, this place is getting known, you know," he said. "When you keep putting up guys who produce on the field, it's a testament to something. It's a testament to [Browning] and the guys he brings into the place, they know what they're doing. They cover all the aspects."
Davison commits to N'western soccer: Geneva sophomore Hannah Davison verbally committed to the Northwestern women's soccer team over the weekend, ending any college recruiting courtship before it truly could gain steam.
"I'm really humbled, actually," Davison said. "I can't believe that even at a young age they'd be so interested in someone."
A playing career that began with her father, Steve, as her rec league team coach and "snowballed" with exposure when Davison moved to the Oak Brook-based Eclipse Select Soccer Club will continue in the Big Ten. Davison, a defender for the U.S. U15 girls national team last season, called the tough-but-fair coaching style of the Wildcats staff a top draw.
She also found Northwestern's academic reputation was ahead of other suitors, including Boston University, Brown, Kentucky, Michigan and UCLA.
"It's really relieving that I don't have to worry about stressing over that [decision] anymore," Davison said. "Now I can finish playing the last two seasons with my club. Worry about hopefully ... winning a national championship and not worry about where I'm going."
Davison, who does not compete for Geneva during the spring, joined the track team last season and qualified for the 3A state meet in the triple jump. Also a sprinter, she is balancing winter track workouts with Eclipse practices and tournaments.
The fourth of five athletic siblings, Davison is the younger sister of 2010 Geneva alumnus Stephanie Davison, a junior defender at Regis (Colo.).
Davison will miss St. Charles North product KK Barr at Northwestern by one year. Barr, a sophomore forward, assisted on Northwestern's first goal of the season in August, notching her first collegiate point.
• Kevin Druley is a sports writer for the Kane County Chronicle. He can be reached at 630-845-5347 or firstname.lastname@example.com.


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But once I used the phone heavily, I started to come around to the Moto X in a way I hadn't expected. The additions to the software that Motorola has made are legitimately useful and really quite impressive. They add to the experience of Android without removing what is most vital in Google's software, unlike the competition, which seems intent on obscuring what's already a sophisticated and beautiful operating system. If Motorola ends up producing a Google Play Edition of this phone that retains the customizable hardware and software additions like Assist and Active Notifications - this could be as good an option as the S4 or One.
And the phone is nice. I mean, really nice to use. It's a reminder that the way something is built can be as important as what it's made of.
If I'm right in reading between the lines of Google's marketing speak, the Moto X was made in the image of the everyman. [...] The 4.7-inch screen size, the curvature of its back, the composite materials, its weight and front-face look were focus-tested for maximum inoffensiveness. The Moto X exudes no tech halo like the Galaxy S 4 or the HTC One because it is the sum of averages. Here's how I see it: You know those people who own iPhones, but don't know which model number they own and also refer to all Android phones as Droids? This phone is for them.
It seems like there's a consensus regarding the Moto X: it's average in almost every way, but for some reason, it still feels like a fantastic phone. It's not the best at any metric, but at the same time, nothing really sucks about it either. It's an interesting approach in the smartphone world, but since older and/or cheaper models (e.g. iPhone 4/4S, Galaxy SIII) are still selling really, really well, to the point where they harm margins, the Moto X might be on to something.
However, this makes the price tag that much weirder. It's $199 on contract, just like most other flagship phones. So, who is this for?


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Ingredients4 quarts plain popped popcorn1/4 cup butter, melted1/2 teaspoon garlic salt1/2 teaspoon onion salt2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheeseDirectionsPlace popcorn in two 13-in. x 9-in. baking pans. Drizzle with melted butter. Combine garlic salt and onion salt; sprinkle over popcorn. Top with cheese. Bake at 300° for 5-10 minutes. Serve immediately. Yield: 4 quarts.
Nutritional Facts 1 serving (1 cup) equals 130 calories, 10 g fat (5 g saturated fat), 23 mg cholesterol, 324 mg sodium, 7 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 4 g protein.


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Permission to crosspost:
Hi Everyone,
This is a really hard e-mail for me to write, for several reasons; I don't ask for help with my rescues often, but I have no choice at this point. Some of you already know the medical battles I've had the past few months- others, this will be the first time finding out. I was diagnosed with cancer, and after finding out, I tried to downsize, knowing I couldn't handle all the rescues I previously had. Unfortunately, I was not able to get enough out by the time treatments started; some days, I'm barely able to get out of bed, let alone care for the rescues that I currently have. I refuse to send them to a shelter; however, I have to acknowledge that I cannot care for the dogs while I am undergoing treatment. I currently have several Pits in my physical care that need to be moved out immediately to other rescues- I will keep two with me, that I feel I can handle. I realize everyone is still swamped with Pits, including many from Hurricane Katrina, but I'm hoping that several groups could squeeze in just one more dog to help a fellow rescuer out who has hit the absolute bottom.
All of the dogs I have are altered, vaccinated, HW negative/on prevention, etc. Most are dog friendly, a couple are not; and a puppy. I'm sure transport can be arranged to any rescue that is qualified to take my rescues-if I could make a monetary donation to help, I would, but there's no way possible I can do that right now. I will gladly keep the dogs on my website and continue to try and find them suitable homes, to help in that small aspect. Right now, that's the most I can offer.
If ANY of you can take even one of these dogs, or know someone who can, please let me know. Something has to be done over the next week; I have another appointment on Thursday, and after Thursday, I'm just not going to be able to physically care for this many dogs.
Please crosspost- while I hate to inform people of this new medical situation with me this way, people need to understand why I need help so badly with these dogs, and why it's so urgent. This isn't some decision I just wanted to make, or had a choice to make....nor is it something I WANT to do; If I could have prevented this, I would- but unfortunately, we can't prevent medical disasters. My three babies, and my three cats, will remain with me- along with 2 of the rescues here, however, the remaining rescue dogs that I have at my home need to move out to other rescues ASAP- I do NOT want them in shelters where they will be put to death....but don't know what else to do. If you can manage even ONE more dog, please let me know and I can let you know who is here with me so you can figure out who you'd like/be able to take.
Thanks to each of you who have sent kind thoughts, e-mails, cards, and most of all...prayers. Thank you. For those of you who did not know about this prior....I'm sorry- it's been hard for me to accept and handle on my own, let alone, inform everyone about. That, combined with needing to get help to move my rescues out, is why this e-mail was so hard to send.
Amanda Conrad
President, Pit Prints Pit Bull Rescue/Rehabilitation
Promote Responsible Ownership...NOT Breed Prejudice


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Hotels have more of that "feel good feeling" about them today. Two recent trends are making guests not only feel more relaxed but also feel good about spending their money at certain hotels.
Now that hotel spas are considered more of a staple than a trend, hoteliers are extending their spa investment throughout the entire hotel. Some are adding in-room amenities while others are completely redesigning their entire hotels to offer a more peaceful, "Zen-like" experience to guests. These hotels must have drawn the conclusion that their guests are so stressed out that they need to feel they're in the spa even when they're not. After discovering how expensive a spa can be to build and operate, they may have also decided to focus on how to capture a greater percentage of the guests to recoup their investment.
Hilton plans to bring the spa experience into each of its guestrooms with the introduction of its new Serenity Bath Collection from Crabtree & Evelyn. The collection includes La Source bath amenities and custom-designed hammered stainless-steel accessories. This line was created to provide an in-home spa experience, and select products contain aloe vera and marine extracts.
W hotels, which, in the past had used Aveda, now use Bliss products as their in-room amenity. Some hotels not only have mini bars, but they also have "aromatherapy bars." Guests can select from an assortment of aromatherapy oils and can have a relaxing whiff of lavender before they fall asleep. Some hotels are washing their bed linen with lavender-scented laundry detergent or offering flip flops in the guestrooms rather than slippers. (Some of the flip flops even have the spa logo on the bottom so when you walk in the sand, you leave the logo everywhere…nice advertising.)
Six Senses Resort and Spa management group take their resorts to a whole new level when it comes to being "spa-like." In "The Approach" booklet they describe Soneva Resorts as "committed to offering luxuries of the highest international standard in an environment that nurtures the indigenous feel in design, architecture and service." The concept of the resort strives to reward all the human senses to create a sense beyond the sixth sense.
In addition to the trend toward more spa-like hotels, many hotels are turning to a "green" concept. These earth-friendly inns, eco-lodges, eco-hotels and eco-resorts feature innovative and imaginative programs for conserving natural resources, reducing waste and minimizing pollution.
Backed by advertising clout of local and state government agencies, hotels such as Holiday Inn Lakewood Ranch and Hyatt Sarasota are undergoing certification as green hotels, which are also referred to as green lodgings.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) launched a program one year ago to recognize hotels and resorts that take rigorous measures to become more environmentally friendly. The four-year-old Holiday Inn Lakewood Ranch, which touts that it ranks third for service and overall satisfaction among 2,750 Holiday Inns in the Americas, will be the first to qualify as green lodging in Manatee and Sarasota counties in Florida.
The DEP is targeting tourism, Florida's largest industry, for improvements in water, energy, waste management and recycling, said Karen Moore, environmental specialist with the DEP in Tallahassee, FL.
This green approach goes hand in hand with spas, a great number of which are finding ways to become green and incorporate natural elements in their design. Instead of the cocoon-like facilities of the past, spas being built today are bright and airy, bringing in the natural elements, and the energy that goes along with it. In fact, some spas are not only bringing in more outside elements but they are also going outside with treatments. In Calistoga, CA, which is well known for its thermal springs, Auberge Resorts opened the Calistoga Ranch and Bathhouse spa. Now guests can take the waters in luxury and privacy. They nearly doubled the square footage of the spa by building around the spring and adding outdoor treatment rooms.
Fitness facilities should pay attention to these trends as they develop their look and feel for the future. The need that our society seems to feel in this day and age to relax and conserve natural resources is seeping into more and more businesses. Fitness clubs — some of which already see this trend — are another place where the need could play out in the future.
Glenn Colarossi is the president of Colarossi Spa & Health Club Consulting & Management. He has worked on projects throughout the world for five-star clients. He can be reached at 203-357-7555 or at www.healthclubandspa.com


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All News Releases By Date
Penobscot Indian Nation Receives Grant of nearly $149,000 to Improve Water Quality
Release Date: 07/25/2012
Contact Information: David Deegan, (617) 918-1017
(Boston, Mass. – July 25, 2012) – The Penobscot Indian Nation has received a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for $148,924 to help reduce nonpoint source water pollution on their tribal lands. The grant was selected in a competitive review process among 52 proposals. A total of 20 grants were funded by EPA.
The grant will be used to improve and protect water quality in the Penobscot River and Little Alder Stream. The Penobscot River watershed consists of approximately one-third of the state of Maine.
"EPA is very pleased to provide much-needed funding to help the Penobscot Nation do some very important work that will have a real impact improving water quality and habitat within the Penobscot River," said Curt Spalding, regional administrator of EPA's New England regional office.
"Clean water and protection of aquatic habitat is of great importance to the Penobscot Nation," said Dan Kusnierz, Penobscot Nation's Water Resources Program Manager. "The Tribe greatly appreciates this commitment from EPA that will enable us to significantly reduce eroding soils and thereby protect the quality of waters on and adjacent to tribal lands."
The EPA funding will assist the Penobscot Nation to reduce sediments and nutrients from entering the Penobscot River by stabilizing portions of an eroding riverbank and re-establishing nearby vegetation. This portion of the project will also complement ongoing efforts by the Penobscot Indian Nation to restore and improve habitat for migratory fish (including the federally endangered shortnose sturgeon and Atlantic salmon, and 10 other species).
The Tribal government will also use EPA funding to reduce sediments and nutrients from entering Little Alder Stream and its tributaries by installing "best management practices" (BMPs) on an all-terrain vehicle trail system leading to a sensitive high elevation lake with a native brook trout fishery. Installing BMPs on portions of the trail that are in close proximity to streams leading to Little Alder Stream will help protect water quality in these sensitive waters.
More information:
Non-point source water pollution: http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/nps/whatis.cfm
Tribal non-point source grant projects: http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/nps/tribal/index.cfm
# # #
Learn More about the Latest EPA News & Events in New England (https://www.epa.gov/region1/newsevents/index.html)
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More info on EPA's Environmental Results in New England (https://www.epa.gov/region1/results/index.html)
Search this collection of releases | or search all news releases
View selected historical press releases from 1970 to 1998 in the EPA History website.


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The Final Destination Series
Final Destination (September 28/09)
Approaching Final Destination in the wake of its three sequels is certainly an interesting proposition, as it's obvious virtually from the word go that the film is a much different animal than its followups - as director James Wong (along with cowriters Glen Morgan and Jeffrey Reddick) has infused the movie with a far more deliberate and story-oriented vibe than fans have come to expect. The film - which follows a group of high schoolers (including Devon Sawa's Alex, Ali Larter's Clear, and Kerr Smith's Carter) as they avoid a plane crash yet find themselves pursued by a sinister force - is subsequently rife with expository interludes designed to explain the series' ongoing mythology, and although waiting for the central characters to catch up to what we already know sporadically does become a little tiresome, there's little doubt that Wong's unexpectedly cinematic sensibilities prove instrumental in capturing and sustaining the viewer's interest from start to finish. Wong's old-school modus operandi is superficially reflected in the decision to name the movie's characters after well-known horror filmmakers (ie Hitchcock, Lewton, Browning, etc), yet it's the ease with which the director cultivates an atmosphere of suspense that ultimately sets Final Destination above its slasher brethren - with the surprisingly tense opening fifteen minutes certainly standing as a highlight within the proceedings. Sawa's personable turn as the hero is matched by a uniformly effective supporting cast rife with familiar faces (ie Seann William Scott, Brendan Fehr, Tony Todd, etc), which - when coupled with Wong's thoroughly capable directorial choices - cements Final Destination's place as an innovative (and unexpectedly influential) exercise in horror.
out of
Like the original, Final Destination 2 delights in tormenting its characters. The film's premise - a bunch of folks cheat death, and find themselves being stalked (and knocked off) by an unseen force - is simple enough that very little setup is required. After an astoundingly exciting opening sequence, the movie essentially gets right to the killin' - bypassing usual stretches of exposition and character development. The film - which follows a young woman (A.J. Cook's Kimberly) as she discovers that you just can't cheat death after a grisly premonition ultimately saves her life and the lives of several strangers - is certainly a worthy follow-up to 2000's Final Destination, as it's one of those all-too-rare sequels that takes what made its predecessor so enjoyable and expands on it. But this one's upped the ante in terms of the sheer amount of deaths; the first film had around five or six survivors to knock off, while this one has a number closer to ten. And though the deaths aren't quite as ingenious as they were in the original, there's still a lot of fun to be had as the various players find themselves killed in increasingly bizarre ways. Having said that, the film does falter a bit towards the end by introducing a needlessly complicated subplot involving Kimberly's recurring visions and how they might be the key in preventing death from finishing the job. It's far too convoluted and requires more exposition than a movie like this requires; in the time it took to explain the reasoning behind the visions (which has something to do with changing Death's plan by creating life), several more people could've been offed. Still, there's no denying that Final Destination 2 is one of the most purely enjoyable films out there right now and it's certainly impossible to resist the call of the movie's unapologetic R rating (ie there are no teen-friendly, watered-down shenanigans here).
That Final Destination 3 is essentially a retread of its predecessors isn't necessarily a bad thing, thanks to the ingenuity with which it's been imbued by director James Wong (along with co-screenwriter Glen Morgan). The duo, having accepted the inherent limitations of the series, pepper the film with a variety of increasingly creative and thoroughly gruesome death scenes - with the end result an entertainingly shallow, undeniably mindless horror flick. The exceedingly familiar storyline - which, this time around, revolves around a group of high school students who start dropping like flies after narrowly avoiding certain death aboard a defective rollercoaster - doesn't contain much in the way of innovation, but one would think that that's precisely the point. Wong doesn't hesitate to provide exactly what viewers have come to expect from the series (ie ridiculously complex death sequences and buckets of gore), and on that level, the movie certainly delivers. And although the conclusion smacks of last-minute retooling, there's no denying that Final Destination 3 is - on the whole - an effective installment in this increasingly absurd series. (Having said that, can we please place a moratorium on tanning-bed death sequences?)
It's clear instantly that The Final Destination has been crafted with an eye towards appealing solely to the ongoing series' most die-hard fans, with the decision to place a consistent emphasis on elaborate kill sequences over plot and character development certainly ensuring that detractors will find exceedingly little worth embracing here. The almost comically thin storyline follows four friends (Bobby Campo's Nick, Shantel VanSanten's Lori, Nick Zano's Hunt, and Haley Webb's Janet) as they narrowly escape death after Nick foresees a calamitous accident at a stock-car race, with - as anticipated - the remainder of the proceedings detailing the carnage that ensues as the myriad of survivors fall prey to a series of fatal (and gleefully) grisly "accidents." Though it boasts a far more low-rent atmosphere than its three predecessors, The Final Destination nevertheless manages to sustain the viewer's interest for the entirety of its appreciatively brisk running time - as the film's lack of substance ensures that there's exceedingly little downtime between the unapologetically brutal interludes that have come to define these movies. The pervasively superficial approach results in a dearth of wholeheartedly compelling and sympathetic characters, with Mykelti Williamson's George Lanter the sole figure within the proceedings that manages to become more than just fodder for death's sadistic design (which isn't terribly surprising given that George is the only figure that receives even a hint of backstory). There's little doubt, however, that The Final Destination ultimately delivers where it counts, as the various cast members meet their gruesome end in a series of creative and impressively mean-spirited set pieces - thus cementing the film's place as a fitting follow-up to its trio of like-minded forebears.
Unquestionably the best of the Final Destination sequels, Final Destination 5 once again follows a scrappy protagonist (Nicholas D'Agosto's Sam Lawton) as he saves the lives of himself and several friends after experiencing a grisly vision of their deaths - with the movie subsequently detailing the survivors' ongoing (and increasingly futile) efforts at staying alive. There's little doubt that Final Destination 5 immediately establishes itself as an improvement over 2009's The Final Destination, as the movie boasts a far more cinematic feel than its immediate predecessor that's reflected in everything from the meticulously conceived and executed kill sequences to the surprisingly strong assortment of compelling characters. (The Final Destination, though entertaining, was saddled with one-dimensional figures and a comparatively, pervasively low-rent atmosphere.) Filmmaker Steven Quale does a fantastic job of instantly capturing the viewer's interest, with the expectedly grandiose disaster that kicks off the movie more than living up to the series' reputation of stellar openings. (This may, in fact, be the best and most horrific set piece in the entire franchise.) From there, Final Destination 5 progresses into the characters' individual exploits as they encounter death traps of an expectedly brutal nature - with the familiarity of these scenes alleviated by Quale's stylish directorial choices and the creative maneuverings within Eric Heisserer's screenplay. Heisserer's ongoing efforts at putting his own spin on the Final Destination formula have mixed results, as the film subsequently features innovations that are both intriguing (eg a cop believes Sam has something to do with the deaths) and underwhelming (eg the cat-and-mouse, slasher-movie-like climax) - though there's certainly no denying the effectiveness of the film's captivating full-circle conclusion. The end result is a better-than-average sequel that will surely thrill fans of the Final Destination movies, and it's ultimately difficult to recall a horror franchise that has fared as well (and remained as entertaining) as this seemingly unstoppable series.


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Linked by Thom Holwerda on Thu 1st Sep 2011 21:48 UTC, submitted by glarepate
"In a scene straight out of Bizarro World, Apple's lawyers are crying foul about Samsung and recent Google acquisitions Motorola's allegedly 'anticompetitive' use of patents. Yes, this is the same Apple that has initiated a patent war with these smartphone rivals. And it's the same rival that has tried to remove competing products from the market, rather than agree to negotiate a licensing fee. And it's the same company that patented multi-touch gestures 26 years after they were invented at a research university. And it's the same company that allegedly doctored evidence in European courts to support its lawsuits against Android. Yet in Apple's rose-colored glasses it is Samsung and Motorola who are bullies. Apparently Apple is irate about these companies' countersuits, which rely largely on patents covering wireless communications."
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by BallmerKnowsBest on Fri 2nd Sep 2011 14:43 UTC in reply to "..."
The words "Cry me a river" comes to my mind.
I can think of a few others.
"See that red spot on my shirt? It may look like a ketchup stain, but it's actually my heart bleeding for you."
"Shh... hear that? It's me playing the world's saddest song on the world's smallest violin."
"Oh no, the baby needs his bottle, someone call the waaaaaahhhhmbulance!"


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On Jan. 30, the County of Siskiyou received a tort claim filed against them by former county counsel Thomas Guarino alleging upwards of 30 causes of action and implicating 19 named individuals, two law firms and the company that administers the county's self-insurance claims.
Editors note: This is part two of a two-part series. Part one was published on Feb. 22.
On Jan. 30, the County of Siskiyou received a tort claim filed against them by former county counsel Thomas Guarino alleging upwards of 30 causes of action and implicating 19 named individuals, two law firms and the company that administers the county's self-insurance claims.
According to a statement issued by Siskiyou County in response to the claim, "Guarino paints a picture of a massive, well-orchestrated conspiracy in which he was persecuted and targeted with 'extortion,' 'termination,' 'emotional distress,' 'defamation,' and 'civil rights violations' amidst a laundry list of other allegations."
The county says the reality of the situation is much different than the allegations made in the claim. They say the conflict began when the board of supervisors initiated a workplace investigation to address "personnel matters" regarding repeated misconduct by Guarino. The county says it is common for investigations such as this one to occur, and an employer has a legal obligation to undertake an investigation in certain circumstances, adding, "Upon completion of an investigation, various forms of corrective action, if any, may be implemented."
As the Daily News has previously reported, the county is currently the defendant in a lawsuit in federal court based on a series of events arising from alleged actions by Guarino and the alleged failure of the county to deal with the situation. The lawsuit was filed by former deputy county counsel Paula Baca.
According to the statement, "When presented with the possibility of new and similar circumstances related to interactions with employees and other county officials, the board of supervisors was compelled to initiate an investigation that included segregating Mr. Guarino from his office and other county staff in order to maintain the integrity of the investigation."
This statement is a reference to a decision by the board of supervisors to have Guarino removed from his office in mid-August of 2012, followed by his attempt to re-enter the office on Sept. 11 to retrieve personal items. On that day Guarino was met in the reception area of the office by Siskiyou County Sheriff Jon Lopey, Assistant Sheriff John Villani and then deputy county counsel Brian Morris, who refused him entry stating they were acting on the orders of the supervisors. Lopey also told Guarino that some of the office personnel were "fearful" of him.
The county says Guarino failed to cooperate with its investigation. "Instead, he embarked upon a public course of action, including presenting a letter of objection during the public comment period of a meeting of the board of supervisors and entering the Siskiyou County Counsel's office followed closely by a newspaper reporter with a camera," said the statement. According to the county, these actions and others were in direct violation of orders to not contact or interfere with other county employees during the investigation – a period in which Guarino was on paid administrative leave.
According to the county's statement, "If Mr. Guarino's reputation and professional standing have been damaged, it is the result of his own publicity stunts."
The county says there is a mechanism under the California Government Code for a board of supervisors to conduct a hearing to determine whether there is cause to remove an appointed county counsel from office. "Mr. Guarino was offered the opportunity to have such a hearing," says the statement, adding, "He declined to participate and instead submitted a letter of resignation and declared his intention to initiate retirement benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System."
The county also says the allegations made against it and various officials "are based upon a combination of speculation, misrepresentation and fabrication."
The statement says the county "will vigorously defend itself against Guarino's claim and seek additional remedies as necessary and as afforded by law."
Client Files
The county's statement specifically addresses another of Guarino's allegations, saying he "has made allegations that various county officials have attempted to access files within the County Counsel's office, threatening the confidentiality and security of client records."
In addition to its county government responsibilities, the Office of County Counsel represents many public entities in Siskiyou County, including fire departments, water agencies, schools and the Siskiyou County Grand Jury. It also handles legal issues relating to Siskiyou County Child Protective Services (CPS), a particularly sensitive subject. County Counsel attorneys have an attorney-client relationship with each of these entities, says the statement, and are responsible for the safekeeping of their legal records.
The county maintains that, "Throughout the period of Mr. Guarino's administrative leave, all client files have been maintained under lock and key in the regular order of business. No client materials have been disclosed, jeopardized or threatened at any time."
The next stage of the process will be for Siskiyou County to assess the claim for merit. If the claim is rejected, Guarino will have six months to file a lawsuit based on the claim.


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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — A proposal that would have allowed students who have transferred to other districts under the Arkansas school choice law to remain in those districts has narrowly failed before the state Senate.
The Senate voted 17-6 for the bill on Monday with 18 votes needed for passage in the 35-member Senate. The bill would allow students currently attending school in other districts to continue to do so under a school choice law that a federal judge struck down last year.
The House-backed bill failed as lawmakers are looking at competing proposals to rewrite the 1989 school choice law. The judge struck down the measure because it uses race as a factor in determining whether a student may transfer.
The measure could come back before the Senate for another vote later.


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Today is Black Sheep Sunday with GeneaBloggers. Since many of my posts have to do with my great-great-uncle outlaw, Ernest Christison, I haven't participated. However, today I thought I'd reveal one of Ernest's "black sheep" moments. And it's my last post about last week's trip to Buena Vista and Salida.
On January 27, 1884 Ernest escaped from the Buena Vista jail with 10 other prisoners. A fire in the town the previous night seemed to have distracted the guards and the prisoners removed bricks at the back of the jail and made their break. Ernest and another man headed to Salida and were captured the next day in Thomas Cameron's barn. Another escapee, Thomas Neinmyer (or Ninemyer), was the man who shot Salida Marshal Baxter Stingley and killed three other men on Memorial Day (read Baxter Stingley, Salida Marshal). Neinmeyer was never captured.
I visited the old jail and the old Buena Vista courthouse which now houses the Buena Vista Heritage Museum for the first time last week. As Bev and I walked around the building, I pointed out where the sheriff's office and jailer's office were in the front of the building from a diagram I have of the jail. Then the cells were in the back of the building. We turned around the back as I explained how the men removed the bricks and escaped. Then I stopped in wonder when I saw the place where the bricks and been removed and replaced! I never dreamed you would be able to see the exact spot the prisoners escaped through.
Then we went into the museum. Wendy Oliver, the museum manager, was very helpful and let me look at some of their manuscript and book collections. I had some great finds! The museum is wonderful and it was fun to see items from families whose names I recognize from my research. I look forward to having more contact with the Heritage Museum and their staff.


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Man Wanted For Robbery & Molestation! (Looking Just Like...)
"Police are on the hunt for a serial robber who, they allege, molested women in Kendall. Investigators said, the man wielded a knife and threatened two women in their 20s at two separate locations: near Southwest 125th Avenue and 39th Street and just off Kendall Drive, near 112th Avenue. One attack happened in the driveway of a home. In both cases, the victims told police he fondled them in the process of the robbery. Police are investigating the crimes separately, but the similarities concern them. "The Miami-Dade Police Department is investigating two robbery cases where the subject description and the method of operation is similar," said Miami-Dade Police Detective Elio Garcia, at a press conference Wednesday." - Miami News
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text: Sijun Forums :: View topic - KingsIsle Entertainment seeking full time concept artist Log in to check your private messages Sijun Forums Forum Index >> Random Musings View previous topic :: View next topic Author Topic : "KingsIsle Entertainment seeking full time concept artist" octavianmemberMember #Joined: 28 Feb 2004Posts: 401Location: Kalifornia Posted: Fri Apr 02, 2010 8:26 am Hello Sijuners... The company I work for is looking for a full time concept artist (Austin TX). We are specifically looking for someone with strengths in environment concepting, color, and a flair for a fun/whimsical style (fun/whimsical is not synonymous with sloppy/poorly drawn). You should also have strengths in characters and props as well. A close example of what we are looking for would be the environment concept art for Blizzard's WoW. we are looking for strong portfolios to send art tests to. if you are interested, Please put 'concept artist position' in the subject line of your email and contact me with a link to your awesome portfolio: emaffei [at] kingsisle [dot] com look forward to hearing from you! Back to top Display posts from previous: All Posts1 Day7 Days2 Weeks1 Month3 Months6 Months1 Year Oldest FirstNewest First Sijun Forums Forum Index -> Random Musings All times are GMT - 8 Hours Page 1 of 1 Jump to: Select a forum Digital Art----------------Digital Art DiscussionWork in ProgressGallery/Finished Work Miscellaneous----------------Random MusingsArchive : Sep99 - Dec00 You cannot post new topics in this forumYou cannot reply to topics in this forumYou cannot edit your posts in this forumYou cannot delete your posts in this forumYou cannot vote in polls in this forum Powered by phpBB © 2005 phpBB Group


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The Google Nexus 4 goes on sale tomorrow, and we know that hundreds of you will buy the device on day one. Google is selling the 8 GB version for $299 and the 16 GB version for $349, while T-Mobile will offer the device on-contract for only $199. Many of you have already made up your mind to purchase the device, but here are a few things to consider before you spend your money.
1. Explore pre-paid options, but don't cancel your wireless contract yet
We are huge fans of pre-paid wireless and the Nexus 4 is the best deal on an unlocked phone. You might be able to save a lot of money by switching to pre-paid service, but you should always have a backup plan when making a switch. We encourage you to test out multiple pre-paid plans, so you can see if AT&T or T-Mobile offers a better experience in your neighborhood. Only cancel your current plan after you have found a new plan that you are happy with. If you plan to swap pre-paid plans frequently, we suggest porting your number to Google Voice.
2. Buy the 16 GB version
I have owned several Android devices with only 8 GB of internal storage, and it's not enough for me. There are ways to avoid running out of space, but do you really want to worry about managing the size of every app you install? Spend the extra $50 and upgrade to the 16 GB version of the Nexus 4. It will make you happier in the long run and it will increase the resale value of your device.
3. Visit a T-Mobile store
Am I really going to buy a smartphone from LG? If you are on the fence about the Nexus 4 after reading over 25 plus reviews on it, then head to your local T-Mobile store and check it out in person. T-Mobile is the exclusive launch partner and devices will go on sale in stores on November 14th. Some stores are already reporting Nexus 4 demo units have arrived early, but make sure to call your closest location first and confirm they have the device.
4. Prepare for beta experience
Every new smartphone ships with some bugs, including Nexus devices. The last couple Nexus phones launched with various problems, and it normally takes a couple months to work out the most annoying issues. Thankfully, the unlocked Nexus 4 will receive software updates directly from Google, so users won't have to suffer through delays caused by the carriers. Go ahead and buy if you don't mind being a beta tester, or wait for Android 4.2.1 if you want to avoid any early problems.
Wait and see what happens
If you are happy with your current device or still saving up for your next phone, keep in mind that waiting a couple of months could have its benefits. Google has a track record of lowering prices, increasing the internal storage, and adding new connectivity options, so we could see some more Nexus options by May.


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Forgetting Sarah Marshall (UK - DVD R2)
Forgetting Sarah Marshall on DVD won't be easy for our reviewer Marcus Doidge
Forgetting Sarah Marshall, the latest comedy from super-producer Judd Apatow, tells the story of Peter Bretter (Jason Segel), a composer for girlfriend Sarah Marshall's (Kristen Bell) hit TV show. Peter's life love life takes a down turn when Sarah Marshall splits up with him, leaving Peter devastated.
After having problems moving on with his life, Peter's half brother Brian (Bill Hader) convinces him to take a break to Hawaii to get away from it all, only to discover that the Sarah Marshall that he's gone away to forget is also holidaying there with her new English rock star boyfriend Aldous Snow (Russell Brand).
The writer and star of Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Jason Segel, has been part of the Apatow crew for quite a while now, appearing in the short lived Apatow TV shows Freaks and Geeks and Undeclared. He's also played some cracking support roles in the much under-loved Slackers and more recently Knocked Up. Being a big fan of his work in all of the above, it's great to see Segel step into the limelight and get the chance to prove his talent in both writing and in the leading role. He's very likable as Peter; he's funny, natural and has a great sense of what makes even the smallest things funny and whilst his being the leading man isn't quite as effective as the smaller support roles he's done in the past, he still does a great job here.
Of course he's not alone; the cast that surround him here are all fantastic. Kristen Bell is very likable despite playing the girl that dumped the lead, while Russell Brand's first big showcase of his talents on screen (I'm not counting St Trinians, I'd prefer to forget it happened frankly) is also a solid one. As a big fan of ol' Russ, it was good to see he had the smarts to comfortably fit into the very talented crowd, rather than muscle his way to the front and become overblown and un-likable like some comedians try to do in their first big movie, especially if they are as well known as Brand is in the UK. This was as much a relief as it was delight and I look forward to see what Brand can do next now he has his foot in the door.
The other big co star is Peter's love interest, Rachel (Mila Kunis). Kunis plays one of those movie gals that I couldn't help falling in love with (oh my god I'm in love with Meg Griffin!) She's adorable here. She gives a great performance that's cute as well as realistic—she totally fulfils the task of making you want this to be the girl for Peter to end up with and she looks bloody great whilst doing it. Add to all of this, the smaller, but still comedy gold support roles by Jonah Hill, Paul Rudd, Bill Hader and Jack McBrayer, and what you get is all the ingredients you'll ever need for a great comedy.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall has its fair share of laughs and fits snugly alongside the recent Apatow movies such as Knocked Up and Superbad. It has some fantastically funny moments with its enjoyable characters and it never shys away from the comedy in its sex scenes which are as funny as they are awkward. Forgetting Sarah Marshall may not be as sharp as the aforementioned comedies, but it's got a lot of heart and it's still a hell of a lot more rewarding than a lot of the dross comedies that came along this year.
Despite being mostly set in a Hawaiian paradise, Forgetting Sarah Marshall's transfer is pretty dull. Some of the colours are rich and some of the sunny resort shots are noticeable sharp but it's all coated with quite a bland layer of grain that just seems to mute everything.
I noticed much the same thing on the DVD for Universal's release of Knocked Up when that came out, but was later very impressed with its HD DVD release, so I'm hoping that the Blu-ray release of Forgetting Sarah Marshall will take advantage of the sunny skies and natural beauty of the Hawaiian setting. Here's hoping.
Basically just a pretty standard 5.1 mix really. It's does close to nothing note worthy outside of hearing the pretty cool soundtrack the movie has, handled nicely, but outside of that there's not really anything to say. It does was 5.1 surround does and there's no complaints, it's crisp, it's clear, but at the end of the day it's a no thrills comedy sound mix and that just does its job.
The English version of Forgetting Sarah Marshall is a slightly watered down affair. It still has the original cut (1 hr 46) and extended cut (1 hr 52) and it still has the commentary, a few deleted scenes, a gag reel, a short table read, an Aldous Snow music video and some other little bits from the production, in fact it's quite adequate for a comedy release. However, compare that to the US two disc offering which has a whole second disc worth of extras on top of those included here and even a visual commentary on the Blu-ray release, it seems a bit unfair, especially for the ever growing fans of these Apatow comedies.
Initial disappointment aside, this is still a nice set of features. The Commentary is an easy one to listen to, with it almost coming off as a group of friends talking about that holiday they had in Hawaii where they happened to make a movie. It's very much driven by Nick Stoller, Jason Segal and the producers, but there are a few gems from Mila Kunis, Jack Brayer and of course Russell Brand, but they are hardly at the for forefront of the conversations.
The rest of the features clock up to around fifty minutes and if you've watched the Superbad or the Knocked Up DVDs you'll know the routine by now - lot's of alternative takes and lines, some deleted scenes that are mostly brilliant and a fun gag reel which all amount to some more laughs from the cast.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall could have been one of those comedies that was easily overlooked. It hasn't got any genuinely big movie stars in it, well none that have yet proved to be consistent crowd pullers at the cinema anyway (despite every one of them being well known in their own field). Also whenever a movie screams 'from the producers of those other comedies that did really, really well', it more often than not just ends up being a real turkey. Thankfully that isn't the case here.
I enjoyed Forgetting Sarah Marshall when I first saw it on the big screen and predictably I enjoyed it once again on DVD. It's got a lot of heart, a lot of great characters and more importantly a lot of laughs and despite the fairly standard presentation of this DVD, I whole heartedly recommend it.
Review by Marcus Doidge
Existing Posts
Best Apatow of the year so far. Totally disappointed with Pineapple Express.
Pineapple Express is awesome!
I quite liked this, one of the better flicks from the Apatow stable. Slightly off topic, but I'm off to see Pineapple Express on Friday, which looks top drawer.
I reckon he's pretty funny. His stand up stuff is good, and some of the late night programs like Ponderland were amusing. He's quite clever for an ex-skag head.
Despite the advertising this really isn't Brand's movie. He's very much a supporting character.
I really wanna see this, but i think Russell Brand is about as funny as The Holocaust.
russell brand is really funny.
Yet another over rated,unfunny comedy.
I wasn't overly impressed by this one.Has it's moments but overall pretty weak. A very poor representation of Hawaii too.
I love this movie!! I'm definately picking up the 3-disc R1 realease.
I absolutely loved this movie. Unfortunately, it comes out in the US on the same day as Iron Man, and I may not have enough money for both of them.
Good review of a good movie.
Good review of a good movie.
Suitable only for persons of 15 years and over
Disc Details
Release Date: 15th September 2008
Discs: 1
Disc Type: Single side, dual layer
RCE: No
Video: PAL
Aspect: 1.85:1
Anamorphic: Yes
Colour: Yes
Audio: Dobly Digital 5.1 English
Subtitles: English, Magyar, Dansk, Suomi, Islenska, Norsk, Svenska
Extras: Commentary with Director Nick Stoller, Producer's Rodney Rothman & Shauna Robertson, Writer/Star Jason Segel, and cast memebers Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis, Russell Brand and Jack McBrayer, Deleted Scenes, Line-o-Rama- Gag Reel, Table Read: Dracula's Lament, A Taste of Love, Raw Footage, Red Band Trailer.
Easter Egg: No
Feature Details
Director: Nicholas Stoller
Cast: Jason Segal, Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis, Russell Brand, Bill Hader, Johan Hill, Paul Rudd, Jack McBrayer
Genre: Comedy and Romance
Length: 106 minutes
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In case you missed it: Vehicle recalls that came across our desk during the past week. Materials for this recap are received via email from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) copied directly from the www.safercar.gov website.
2015-2017 Mercedes-Benz C63
Units Affected 2,098
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2016 C63 AMG, 2015-2017 C63S and 2017 C63S AMG Coupe and C63 AMG Cabrio vehicles. The rear axle differential mounting flange may fracture from repeated aggressive launches.
A fractured rear axle mounting flange can cause the rear differential to become misaligned, possibly resulting in failure of the driveshaft and a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle's stability system software and chassis control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in December 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
2016-17 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class; 2017 GLS-Class
Units Affected 3,620
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 GLE300d 4Matic, GLE400 4Matic, GLE350 4Matic, GLE63 AMG, GLE63 AMG Coupe, GLE63S AMG and GLE63S AMG Coupe, and 2017 GLS450 4Matic, GLE550 4Matic, and GLE63 AMG 4Matic vehicles. These vehicles may have excess bulkhead insulation extending into the lower windshield area, possibly affecting the windshield bonding and the deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag in the event of a crash.
If the passenger's frontal air bag does not function as designed in the event of a crash, the front seat passenger has an increased risk of injury.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will remove any excess bulkhead insulation and rework the windshield bonding, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in December 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
Note for all recalls: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Worried that you might have missed a recall on your car? Now you can look it up yourself online => https://vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/.
To find your next new, used or certified vehicle visit www.driveautonow.com today. Local car shopping made easy!


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of degrees
& programs
Fall: July 1
Spring: November 1
Applications are processed as they are received throughout the year.
APPLY ONLINE to this graduate program.
Number Required: 2
From Whom: Letters of recommendation should be obtained from college/university faculty members familiar with academic and research competence.
While there is no fixed list of courses that are prerequisites for admission, understanding of and success in present-day Microbiology and Immunology requires good preparation in the Biological, Chemical, and Physical Sciences. Thus, formal coursework in Biochemistry, Calculus, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, and Physics is desirable.
All applicants must present credentials that are the equivalent of the appropriate baccalaureate degree at Temple University.
The Statement of Goals should be approximately 500-1,000 words in length and should include the following elements: your particular interest in Temple's program; your research goals; your future career goals; and your academic and research achievements.
The GRE is required. The program weighs the analytical and quantitative sections of the GRE more heavily than the verbal section. Under certain circumstances, MCATs can be substituted for the GRE.
Minimum TOEFL score needed to be accepted:
600 paper-based, 250 computer-based, or 100 internet-based.
A resume is required.
Graduate credits from an accredited institution may be transferred into this program. The credits must be equivalent to coursework offered at Temple and the grade must be a "B" or better in order to transfer. The Graduate Program Committee makes recommendations regarding the transfer of credits to the Chair of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. The maximum number of credits a student may transfer is 4.
Number of Didactic Credits Required Beyond the Baccalaureate: 20
Required Courses:
The Department of Microbiology and Immunology participates in the "Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Sciences" at the Temple University School of Medicine. The program requires Ph.D. and M.S. students to take a defined set of courses over the first two years:
Cancer Biology
Cell Structure and Function
Comprehensive Immunology
Host-Pathogen Interactions
Molecular Approaches to Research
Principles of Development
Principles of Genetics
Principles of Organ Pathology
Principles of Pharmacology
Principles of Physiology
Proteins and Enzymes
Cancer Biology
Cell Structure and Function
Comprehensive Immunology
Host-Pathogen Interactions
Molecular Approaches to Research
Principles of Development
Principles of Genetics
Principles of Organ Pathology
Principles of Pharmacology
Principles of Physiology
Proteins and Enzymes
Generally, students of Microbiology and Immunology will take "Comprehensive Immunology " and "Host-Pathogen Interactions."
In addition, all students take the following required courses:
Microbiology 5301, 5302, 5351, 8309, 2 of 8310-8350, 9301
In addition to the required courses, students must have at least 12 credits of 5000 level courses. Of these, 3 credits must be in the area of Molecular Biology and 3 in the area of Biochemistry.
View all COURSE OFFERINGS in Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, and Molecular Biology and Genetics.
Internship: No internship is required.
Language Examination: No language examination is required.
Attend orientation meeting.
Submit signed copies of the thesis or dissertation and relevant forms to the Department and Graduate School as described by current graduate school policy.
Participate in laboratory rotations for which individual rotation evaluation forms should be submitted to the Administrative Office after completion of each individual rotation. In special circumstances the Graduate Program Committee may reduce the number of required rotations.
In consultation with the proposed advisor, submit a letter to the Chair of the Department requesting that the advisor be appointed thesis advisor.
Have a rotation review with all faculty members in whose lab the student rotated, within one month of the decision of advisorship, and submit an evaluation of the rotation review forms to the Administrative Office.
Before the defense of the thesis, complete 20 hours of departmental approved coursework.
Have a research review with the research committee within six months of the Chair's written approval of advisor. This committee must have a minimum of three faculty members from the department (including advisor). An abstract and announcement of the review must be circulated to the faculty seven days prior to the review. Subsequent reviews must be scheduled with a maximum interval of six months. These reviews continue until the research committee indicates that the work is ready to be written and submitted as an M.S. thesis.
Complete and successfully defend a master's thesis. The thesis must be submitted and defended within one year of being directed by the advisory committee to do so. At least three weeks in advance of the final examination/defense, all examiners must receive a typed copy of the thesis in near final form. At least two weeks in advance of the final examination, the student should notify the Chair of the Department about the date and place of the examination and the examiners for the final. This announcement must be provided at least 10 days in advance to all members of the Department and must be posted in the School of Medicine. Within one month of the final examination, the student must complete all recommended revisions to the thesis and must submit signed copies of the thesis and relevant forms to the Graduate School.
The master's thesis is an original empirical study that demonstrates the student's knowledge of both research methods and a mastery of her/his primary area of interest. The thesis should be rigorously investigated under the direct supervision of a major advisor and should be limited to a specific problem in Microbiology and Immunology.
It is expected that the thesis supervisor will receive the thesis in a timely fashion and will review the thesis before it is submitted to the examining committee. Five is the minimum number of qualified examiners for the defense of the M.S. thesis. The examining committee is composed of all members of the advisory committee. The chair of the examining committee will be selected by majority vote of the examining committee members and shall not be the student's major advisor. At least three weeks in advance of the examination, all examiners must receive a typed copy of the thesis in its final form. At least two weeks in advance, the student should notify the Chair of the Department in writing about the date and place of the final and the examiners for the final examination. This announcement must be provided at least 10 days in advance to all members of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and must be posted in the School of Medicine.
A majority vote plus one is required of the examining committee in order to pass the master's thesis defense. The major advisor must vote in the majority in order for the student to pass the defense.
Dept. of Microbiology and Immunology
School of Medicine
3400 North Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19140
Dr. Chris D. Platsoucas
Program Coordinator:
Graduate Chairperson:
Dr. Chris D. Platsoucas
The mission of the graduate program of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology is to provide aspiring scholars with the training and fundamental knowledge necessary to become independent researchers and teachers. These skills will enable them to meet the needs of academic, governmental, and industrial organizations. A graduate program at Temple University leading to an advanced degree in the Biomedical Sciences is a scholarly endeavor requiring originality and creativity. As such, it challenges students to think and express themselves independently. Research opportunities include Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic Molecular Genetics, Molecular and Biochemical Microbiology, and Molecular and Cellular Immunology.
Time Limit for Degree Completion: 3 years
Health Sciences
Students are required to complete the degree program through classes offered before 4:30 p.m.
Dept. of Microbiology and Immunology
School of Medicine
3400 North Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19140
The program encourages interdisciplinary coursework and research among faculty and students with interests in Cancer Biology, Genetics, Immunology, Immunopharmacology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, and the like. Collaborations are extensive within the department, with other faculty in the School of Mediciine and the University, and with colleagues at other institutions. These extensive interdepartmental collaborations and multidisciplinary programs have increased the breadth of the potential research projects available to graduate students. The graduate faculty maintains close ties with clinical departments, including Cardiology, Gynecology, Infectious Diseases, Oncology, Pulmonary Medicine, and Surgery.
Not applicable.
The Department has been ranked 26th in the country based on the level of grant monies awarded to its faculty from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
One of the highest marks of approval and distinction that can be bestowed on a graduate program in the health sciences is the awarding of a Training Grant by the National Institutes of Health. The Department has been recognized by NIH with a Training Grant, from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, that has been continually in place for over 20 years. In addition, faculty in the department are approved mentors for additional NIH Training Grants in the areas of Cancer (supported through the National Cancer Institute), Immunopharmocology (supported through the National Institute of Drug Abuse), and Thrombosis (supported through the National Institute of Heart, Lung, and Blood Research).
Active research in Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic Molecular Genetics occurs in cellular and viral oncogenes and their role in cell growth and transformation; molecular genetics of sporulation in bacillus; and molecular modeling and protein structure/function.
Active research in Molecular and Biochemical Microbiology occurs in cytokinesis in bacteria; molecular biology of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Epstein-Barr Virus; quorum sensing and stationary phase survival; and virulence factors and microbial pathogenesis.
Active research in Molecular and Cellular Immunology occurs in cellular and molecular analysis of the role of opioid receptor in the function of the cells of the immune system; molecular aspects of autoimmune diseases in humans and animal systems; molecular basis for the function of cytokines; molecular basis for the superantigen activity of certain microbial agents; molecular genetics of T cell antigen receptors and immunoglobulins; and signal transduction in T cells.
Since 1965, more than 100 students have graduated from our graduate program. Our graduates hold academic positions, have industrial or federal research positions, and are directors of clinical microbiology or immunology laboratories.
Non-matriculated students can take courses with permission of the instructor. If accepted to the program, those courses may be applied toward the degree program.
M.S. students are not always funded. However, students granted a Research Assistantship (RA) are expected to devote a minimum of 20 hours per week on average to research obligations. RAs will be assigned to a faculty member investigating a specific research project. The appropriate subjects are determined by consultation between the student and the student's research and academic advisors.
Updated 11.21.07


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In Namibia, the opportunities for adventure are endless. Here you can:
- Climb the highest sand dunes in the world
- Descend to the floor of the deepest canyon in Africa
- Immerse yourself in the past at one of the Africa's richest rock art sites
- Watch wildlife shimmer against one of the most spectacular pans on earth
- Get up close to cheetahs
- Track rhino on foot
- Search for the elusive desert elephant
- Explore the oldest, driest desert in the world, and…
- Take time to listen to the silence and to your soul
The landscape is Namibia's defining natural asset but Namibia is also home to vibrant cities where people are excited about the future, while remaining deeply connected to their rich, cultural past. A stable, democratic government and infrastructure allows guests to move confidently off the beaten path and explore those endless horizons that define a country and her people.
Conservation is a cornerstone of the Namibian experience with over 40% of its surface area under conservation management. It has the largest free-roaming population of black rhinos and cheetahs in the world and is the only country with an expanding population of free-roaming lions.


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Over the years (decades), I have seen many people come and go in Karate and other martial arts. In organizations, it is not unusual for people to leave or quit. If they hold office, I have noticed that there is usually a pretty smooth transition -- someone else takes or is elected to their position.
One way to think of this is to picture an annual seminar in which the heads of the organization line up an a stage. From year to year there may always be the some number of officers/directors, but the people change. One year, this person is the president, the next year it is someone else.
What I am getting at is that positions generally stay the same. A person can be a president, a vice president, a treasurer, a secretary, an director, or whatever. A change in the personnel is not really much of a change. The organization itself remains more or less the same. It will go on running according to its internal documents (articles, by-laws, etc.).
But when a dojo loses its Sensei, then that is something altogether different. Someone else may become the Sensei, but it is not the same. I think back to Sensei Sadao Yoshioka (who taught Aikido). When he passed away there was no way to replace him. He was a "one and only." Of course, the dojo will have a successor Sensei (one or even many), but there will never be another Yoshioka Sensei.
The same is true in all martial arts. A Sensei is more than a position or office. A Sensei is a lifetime of training and self development. When a Sensei passes away, who will have his skill and knowledge? Perhaps his students will have bits and pieces -- and that is often the best scenario. Often, so much is lost when a Sensei passes. So much knowledge and wisdom is lost.
A position can be filled, but a lifetime of training and self development cannot.
I know many Sensei. But I have reached a phase in my life when I "know" more Sensei who have passed away than are living. And in so many cases, the Sensei who have passed away seem so much wiser and skillful to me. Perhaps this is just the gloss of time. Our image of those who have passed away is somehow elevated. We remember only the best. We remember the good times and their great lessons. Any shortcomings fade away.
To a Sensei, his students are great treasures.
But to a student, the Sensei is the greatest treasure -- a treasure that does not last forever.
If you are fortunate enough to have a fine Sensei, please take every opportunity to ask your questions, ask for corrections, listen to the old stories... drink in every moment to the fullest. If you can assist your Sensei, do so without obligating or imposing upon him. Observe how he "is."
A Sensei lives on through his students. If the Sensei is truly fortunate, the art itself grows. But in many cases, I think that the loss of a Sensei lessens the art.
You cannot replace a Sensei.
Charles C. Goodin
Over the years (decades), I have seen many people come and go in Karate and other martial arts. In organizations, it is not unusual for people to leave or quit. If they hold office, I have noticed that there is usually a pretty smooth transition -- someone else takes or is elected to their position.
Posted by Charles C. Goodin on Tuesday, August 17, 2010


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Enfolding Perspectives
and other little collections
by Simran Singh Gleason
Artist's Statement
I work in photography and photocollage, pastel and charcoal, and poetry. I really love to organize bits of my work into series and collections with a common theme. I have put together a few of those collections here on the Internet. I am hoping people will be able to see my work and perhaps even send me some feedback.
Along with my artwork, I also work in the computer industry developing software. These little shows are one of the ways I have been able to combine these two (sometimes rather disparate) parts of my life.
Enfolding Perspectives
- I have been working on photographic collage since 1988 (the Pigeon Point Lighthouse is the first collage I did), and worked for five years developing methods of handling space and non-linear perspectives in photographic media.
This work culminated in my one-artist show at the Gallery 92 West in Half Moon Bay, California, in March 1993. That show, my first museum show, was also entitled "Enfolding Perspectives." The artist's statement for this show describes my struggle with linear perspective and the perspective transformations I used to overcome some of the inherent limitations of "straight" photography.
With my one-artist show and the two slideshows I presented on the perspective transformations I used to create an alternate sense of space, I felt that I had completed my technical work in exploring linear perspective and its limitations. This freed me up, artistically, to move into other domains.
I had dabbled in drawing over the last several years, but never gave it my full concentration until last summer, when in June (1993) I began drawing in earnest, starting with drawing my hands in charcoal, and progressing to pastel landscapes and self portraits.
The next few collections are a sample of this work, an excursion into what is for me a new artistic domain.
- I continually find myself drawn to painting the landscape. At first in order to develop my eye (I still do this to keep up my training); gradually I am beginning develop the audacity necessary to take on the impossible task of attempting to capture the feeling of being in a landspace (i.e. particular landscapes, not the general feeling of being in landscape as opposed to being in, say, an office).
I call this show "Landspaces" as a result of a typo while trying to emit "landscapes." I immediately liked the result, and found the word I've been looking for since I put the show together. I think the name really fits because what I'm really doing is exploring the notion of space and spatial representation in a tw dimensional drawing. In a landspace we have constant three (four?) dimensional input from a multiplicity of sources. The view, the sounds, the smells, textures underfoot, all change subtly and dramatically as we move. There is a definining experience of space that is very difficult to describe, very difficult to translate and convey.
I have put a few small collections of my landspace drawings and paintings. Some of them are rather voyeuristic exercises in capturing the look of the area I happen to be painting, others try to go a little deeper into the notion of land and space.
Portraits, Self-Portraits, and Masks.
- Another broad area I find myself drawn to is painting self portraits and masks. This kind of painting gives me a chance to (more directly) bring psychological and spiritual elements to my work.
More details in Masks: A Ramble.
Simran Singh Gleason