text:
Real InterContinental Guatemala
Price (US$):
$168 - $228 / night
Location. Real InterContinental Guatemala is a business friendly hotel located in Guatemala City's Zona Viva neighborhood, close to El Obelisco,… more »
Hotel La Reunion Golf Resort & Residences
Price (US$):
$372 - $800 / night
Location. Hotel La Reunion Golf Resort & Residences is a business friendly Alotenango resort in the mountains and local attractions include Volcan… more »
Price (US$):
$129 - $130 / night
Location. Located in Guatemala City, Hotel Vista Real Guatemala is near the airport and close to Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, El Obelisco,… more »
Price (US$):
$159 - $199 / night
Location. The Westin Camino Real is a business friendly hotel located in Guatemala City's Zona Viva neighborhood, close to El Obelisco, La Aurora… more »
Price (US$):
$120 - $170 / night
Location. Near the airport, Barcelo Guatemala City is located in Guatemala City's Zona Viva neighborhood and close to El Obelisco, La Aurora Zoo,… more »
Guatemala is a country in the Central America region of North America. It has borders to Mexico in the north/northwest, to Belize in the northeast, to Honduras in the southeast, to El Salvador in the south. It has a Pacific coastline to the southwest, and a tiny piece of Caribbean coastline to the east.
Guatemala has a rich and distinctive culture from the long mix of elements from Spain and the native Maya people. This diverse history and the natural beauty of the land has created a destination rich in interesting and scenic sites.
The first evidence of human settlers in Guatemala goes back to at least 12,000 BC. Sites dating back to 6500 BC have been found in Quiché in the Central Highlands and Sipacate, Escuintla on the central Pacific coast. Archaeologists divide the pre-Columbian history of Mesoamerica into the Pre-Classic period (2000 BC to 250 AD). El Mirador was by far the most populated city in pre-Columbian America. Both the El Tigre and Monos pyramids encompass a volume greater than 250,000 cubic meters. Mirador was the first politically organized state in America.
The Classic period of Mesoamerican civilization corresponds to the height of the Maya civilization, and is represented by countless sites throughout Guatemala, although the largest concentration is in Petén. This period is characterized by heavy city-building, the development of independent city-states, and contact with other Mesoamerican cultures. This lasted until around 900 AD, when the Classic Maya civilization collapsed. The Maya abandoned many of the cities of the central lowlands or were killed off by a drought-induced famine. The Post-Classic period is represented by regional kingdoms such as the Itzá and Ko'woj in the lakes area in Petén, and the Mam, Ki'ch'es, Kack'chiquel, Tz'utuh'il, Pokom'chí, Kek'chi and Chortí in the Highlands. These cities preserved many aspects of Mayan culture, but would never equal the size or power of the Classic cities.
After arriving in what was named the New World, the Spanish mounted several expeditions to Guatemala, beginning in 1519. Before long, Spanish contact resulted in an epidemic that devastated native populations. During the colonial period, Guatemala was an Audiencia and a Captaincy General of Spain, and a part of New Spain (Mexico). It extended from the modern Mexican states of Tabasco and Chiapas to Costa Rica. This region was not as rich in minerals (gold and silver) as Mexico and Peru, and was therefore not considered to be as important. Its main products were sugarcane, cocoa, blue añil dye, red dye from cochineal insects, and precious woods used in artwork for churches and palaces in Spain.
On September 15, 1821, the Captaincy-general of Guatemala (formed by Chiapas, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Honduras) officially proclaimed its independence from Spain and its incorporation into the Mexican Empire, which was dissolved two years later. The Guatemalan provinces formed the United Provinces of Central America. Guatemala's "Liberal Revolution" came in 1871 under the leadership of Justo Rufino Barrios, who worked to modernize the country, improve trade, and introduce new crops and manufacturing. During this era coffee became an important crop for Guatemala. Barrios had ambitions of reuniting Central America and took the country to war in an unsuccessful attempt to attain this, losing his life on the battlefield in 1885 against forces in El Salvador. From 1898 to 1920, Guatemala was ruled by the dictator Manuel Estrada Cabrera, whose access to the presidency was helped by the United Fruit Company.
On July 4, 1944, Dictator Jorge Ubico Castañeda was forced to resign his office in response to a wave of protests and a general strike, and from then until the end of a murderous civil war in 1996, Guatemala was subject to a series of coups with massive attendant civil rights abuses. State-sponsored murders of students, human rights activists and the ethnic Mayan peoples, gained Guatemala a terrible reputation around the world. In 1999, U.S. president Bill Clinton stated that the United States was wrong to have provided support to Guatemalan military forces that took part in the brutal civilian killings.
Since the peace accords in 1996, Guatemala has witnessed successive democratic elections, most recently in 2007 when The National Unity of Hope and its president candidate Álvaro Colom won the presidency as well as the majority of the seats in congress.
It is difficult to travel in the more remote areas during the rainy season between mid-May and mid-October (into mid-November in the north).
The months of March and April are very hot especially in the low lying areas such as the Pacific coastal plain.
The following nationalities do not need a visa to visit Guatemala: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Chile, Denmark, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Spain, San Marino, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United States, United Kingdom, Vatican City, Venezuela.
Valid passports are required of everyone except citizens of Central American countries.
Guatemala's main airport, La Aurora International Airport (GUA), is near Guatemala City. International flights arrive mostly from other Central American countries and North America. The airport is currently undergoing modernizing reconstruction. It is now a glass-and-concrete edifice with modern shops and duty-frees that you might expect in any large city. Food options are still limited, however, although construction is not complete.
Guatemala's secondary airport is situated in Flores, Petén. This small airport receives flights from a small number of close destinations including Belize, Mexico City and Guatemala City.
It is sometimes cheaper to fly into Cancun and take buses through Belize or to fly into Mexico City and then take a low-cost airlines flight on Aviacsa for around $100 USD to Tapachula which is the Mexico/Guatemala border. Now Interjet is flying for $120 from Cancun and Mexico City to Guatemala City as well. Spirit Airlines offers great ticket prices from a number of US destinations (normally connecting through Miami/Ft. Lauderdale) - recently priced at $166 one-way to Guatemala City.
From Mexico, Honduras and El Salvador access is via the Pan-American Highway. Road access is also possible with more difficulty from Belize.
From further afield, it is possible to reach Guatemala from Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama.
Tica Bus is a bus company that has newer buses and mainly travels between Central American countries with limited stops.
There are several ferries to and from Puerto Barrios and Livingston, and Punta Gorda, Belize.
It's hard to miss the colorfully-decorated buses that crowd the streets of major cities and highways of Guatemala. These are chicken buses, or camionetas in Spanish, and are a common form of travel for Guatemalans and a travel adventure for tourists. They are much cheaper than tourist vans or taxis and are usually very crowded, with three people squeezed into seats barely big enough for two children, and more people standing in the aisles.
The buses are often used North American school buses with the "Blue Bird" and "Ford" logos clearly visible. In addition to the driver there is usually a conductor standing in the door. The conductor collects fares, and from time to time jumps out to direct the bus through a blind intersection or around a tight turn. On the highways, the chicken bus drivers are aggressive, not hesitating to overtake in the face of oncoming traffic. Riding these buses on the steep highways of the Western Highlands is especially harrowing, but may be the most quintessential Guatemalan experience there is.
Bus conductors may sometimes charge out of country tourists more than the going rate. If you look to see what other travelers are paying you can usually avoid this problem, however, they often charge you the same as everyone else. Sending a message to the Guatemala tourism department, Inguat , will let them know of this problem.
You can board a chicken bus almost anywhere along its route. If you put out your arm, it will stop. You board and find a space to sit or stand. The conductor will come back to you after the bus is underway, and collect your fare. You need to recognize where your stop is, and move to the door in time. You ask the bus to stop, more or less wherever you want to get off.
Regular domestic flights operate between Guatemala City and Flores.
Guatemala City has a local trolley service aimed at tourists.
There is a rail network, but aside from the occasional steam charter aimed at tourist groups, no trains, freight or passenger, have run since 2007.
Maya ruins are the key attractions in the country and the most notable are El Mirador, perhaps the cradle of Maya civilisation, and Tikal.
Guatemala has a lot of volcanoes, many of them over 3,000 metres high.
Spanish is the official language of Guatemala, and the most commonly spoken. Over twenty indigenous languages are still spoken throughout, but many of the Maya people have at least a working knowledge of basic Spanish as well, except in the more remote areas. For the Garifuna people in Livingston, Garifuna and English are the main languages (but Spanish is spoken as well).
The most familiar form of Spanish spoken among good friends is the "tú" and "vos" form, but varies between regions. It is considered rude and very informal if used with someone that you do not know. As a tourist, it is safer to stick with the "usted" form. However, don't be surprised if some homestay families and some language teachers jump right into using the "tú" or "vos" form. If they do, you may respond in kind.
Guatemala is rich in natural beauty and travel opportunities, it's a country that offers so much to those willing to step off the beaten track for a little while.
Antigua Guatemala is often regarded as the travellers hub, a crumbling, picture-perfect central american town ringed by volcanoes. From here you can take a hike up Volcano Pacaya, take a bus to the bustling market of Chichicastenango, or simply sip some coffee in a street-side cafe and watch the world go by.
Lake Atitlan (or Lago de Atitlán) is another frequent stop on any visitors itinerary. A volcano-rimmed lake with plenty of backpacker hostels and Mayan villages that dot the shores.
Flores in Guatemala's wild north is a tourist friendly island in the middle of Lake Petén Itzá. From here you can take a bus ride to one of best preserved Mayan ruins in the world, Tikal. Howler monkeys and dense jungle make walking around the ruins an adventure in itself.
The local currency is the Quetzal which is named after the national bird, which has ancient and mythic connotations even today. One US dollar is equivalent to 8.1 Quetzales. US dollars are widely accepted and can be exchanged in most small towns. ATMs can be found in the major towns but do not expect to find them in every tourist spot. It is fairly easy to find your self in a town without an ATM or a place to change money.
Do not expect to be able to easily exchange travelers checks to Guatemala. You might find a few places willing to accept checks issued by American Express but all other types are universally turned down. Amazingly even major banks in Guatemala City do not accept VISA travelers checks.
The national currency is Quetzal(es). The rate of change is approximately 8.34 Quetzales for 1 US Dollar and 11.78 for 1 €uro (January 2010). It is common to use dollars in tourist areas. You will most likely have difficulties in changing other currencies than US Dollars, but euros are becoming increasingly common.
It is common to bargain for most purchases in the open air market. Though you may be able to bargain in other places, be aware that chain-owned shops have fixed prices (you are no more likely to bargain in a Guatemalan Radio Shack than an American one).
These are some characteristically Guatemalan things you might consider buying here:
Typical food:
A typical breakfast is Frijoles, eggs and bread with coffee of course.
The type of food really depends on how much you want to spend and what type of place you want to spend it at. You can get almost any type of food at the main tourist locations. In the aldeas (small towns) your choices are mostly limited to those items listed above. Guatemalan food differs from Mexican food in that it is a lot less spicy, and chillies are generally served in a separate dish from the main course to be added as desired, rather than included in the food.
Popular Guatemalan beers are Gallo (lager, by far the most popular with Guatemalans), Victoria, Brahva (a light pilsner style), Moza (dark bock), Cabro, Monte Carlo (premium), and Dorada. Don't be surprised if you get salt and lemon with your beer. It's a custom to put some salt on the toes of the bottle, and screw out the lemon in the beer. Sometimes it is mixed with V8 vegetable juice, and the concoction is called michelada.
Guatemala produces a number of rums, including the superb Ron Zacapa Centenario which is aged up to 30 years.
Tequila is a very popular drink in Guatemala.
Guatemalans usually dress down when they go out.
If you order a bottled drink, you will normally get a tissue to clean the bottle. Coca-Cola and Pepsi-type products are available, plus many from local soft drink manufacturers.
You will likely find cheap hotels in every town or village in Guatemala. In the main tourist areas, there are also many high quality hotels.
Guatemala is a great place to learn Spanish. The prices are low, and Guatemalan Spanish is considered pleasing. Antigua has the highest number of Spanish schools and is also the most popular place for tourists. But if studying Spanish is your main concern, you might be better off elsewhere, because you can actually go around in Antigua for a whole day without hearing anything but English.
Because of this, many language students head towards Quetzaltenango in the Western Highlands, where a wide range of language schools also offer Spanish language courses (some quite inexpensive).
Another alternative is San Pedro la Laguna, seated by Lake Atitlan.
There are various volunteering opportunities.
Guatemala has one of the highest rates of violent crime in the world. Travelers should take some extra precautions when in Guatemala. If mugged, carjacked, or approached by armed individuals, cooperate. Do not make any sudden movements, and give them whatever belongings or money they are demanding. Tourists have been shot and killed for resisting muggers. Do not go to areas known to be hotbeds of drug trafficking activity (ie: some parts of the Peten), and do not go to the most dangerous neighborhoods in Guatemala City (ie: zones 3, 6, 18, and 21). Be careful in Zone 1 in Guatemala City, especially after dark, and do not stay in hostels there. Using the slightly more expensive hotels in Zone 10 or Zone 13 (near the airport) is a much better idea. Do not use buses in Guatemala City, as they are frequently robbed by gangs. Instead, radio-dispatched taxis (ie: Taxi Amarillo) are a safer way to get around the city. Another note is that when travelling by chicken bus beware of anyone sitting next to you...my daughter had her purse slashed by a young man sitting next to her. She had a funny feeling, moved her purse, we saw the slash, the young man moved to the front of the bus. He was not able to steal anything but the purse is ruined. Do not confront the person he or she has a knife or blade. Pacsafe bolsa here we come. Do remember while most people here are wonderful, honest, helpful people those 1 or 2 can ruin your day.
Although some say that travelers should always carry a bit of extra cash and be prepared to bribe a few police officers, most tourists will have no reason to give bribes to anyone. The most likely situations in which you might have to bribe police would be if you're driving a car or riding a motorcycle and are stopped for fictitious violations of traffic rules. Most European/North Americans find it immoral but it is much easier to spend 50 Quetzales and avoid the headaches than to be harassed by the police. Phrases such as "I'm sorry officer. Is there any way we can resolve this right now?" work well. Do not offer bribes directly to an officer because it is illegal and you could actually end up in more trouble.
Never take photos of children without permission. Some Guatemalans are extremely wary of this, and will assume you are a kidnapper (even if children aren't theirs). Guatemala has had many problems with children being sold or kidnapped and put up for adoption on the black market. Of course, this doesn't include a few children mixed in with many adults at a distance. This occurs mainly on the more remote Guatemalan villages. In the major cities people are somewhat more open towards picture taking, but don't overdo it.
It is dangerous to travel between cities after dark. Doing so significantly increases your risk of being in a car accident or being the victim of an armed robbery.
Pickpocketing is common in markets, so never keep anything in your back pocket and take as little with you as possible.
One of the best things about Guatemala is the abundance of natural beauty and numerous treks. Some of these are notorious for robberies (ex. Volcan de Agua, trails around Lago de Atitlan, Volcan de Pacaya). Always ask around about the situation before embarking blindly. Inguat, locals, and fellow travelers are safe bets for information. Traveling in groups during daylight sometimes decreases the risk, but not always.
Traffic can be dangerous. You will encounter many 1 lane roads (1 lane each way) and drivers are apt to swerve back and forth, avoiding potholes and bumps along the way. There are also various multiple lane highways. Traffic in Guatemala City and surrounding metropolitan areas during rush hour is very slow, but general driving everywhere is usually very fast (average speeds of up to 60 mph in some city roads).
Drink only purified water (Agua Pura Ecológica is recommended by most of hospitals and hotels).
CDC states that malaria risk exists in rural areas at altitudes lower than 1,500 metres, with no risk in Antigua or Lake Atitlán. Preventative anti-malarial medication can and should be purchased ahead of visiting malaria-endemic areas.
Dengue fever is endemic throughout Guatemala.
Hepatitis A&B vaccinations are recommended.
Address people you don't know in a formal manner (Señor, Señora, Usted), and greet people in the following way:
You'll encounter this in more suburban, rural areas. Native Guatemalans are raised to greet strangers formally.
Guatemala's international calling code is 502. There are no area codes. Phone numbers all have eight digits. On September 18, 2004, the phone system switched from seven to eight digits, and there is a scheme for adding specific digits to the front of seven-digit numbers (WTNG.info description ).
The phone system isn't great, but it works. Tourists can call abroad from call centers, where you pay by the minute. It is also easy to purchase a calling card to use at public pay phones. The phones there do not accept money, so to use a public phone on the street you must purchase a telephone card. Typically, the cost is around 8 quetzals for a 10 min call to North America. Cell phones are quite cheap and calling to the US through one can get as low as $0.08 a min. If you are planning to stay for a while and plan to use the phone, you should consider buying a cheap prepaid phone. Wireless nation-wide internet access for laptops is also available as a service from some companies. Telefonica has good coverage with their PCMCIA EV-DO cards.
The post system is traditionally not reliable, but your post cards usually get through. A stamp for Europe is Q5. There are; however, many other alternative companies to the federal mail system that are reliable, though frequently somewhat pricey.
Internet access is widely available. Even most of the more remote areas have some type of internet access available. Many larger areas also have WiFi. All of the Camperos chicken/pizza restaurants (which are numerous) offer free WiFi, as well as many other restaurants and cafes. Some hotels may also offer computer banks with internet access. Just ask and you eventually will find some sort of free access.
If you have an internet capable mobile phone such as iPhone, Google Android, Nokia N95 etc or USB dongle for your laptop, you just need a local SIM card (roughly Q25) and can start enjoying the prepaid access plans, which generally come in lots of an hour, a day, or a week.
Anecdotal: when I passed through Guatemala in May 2010 I bought a TIGO Guatemala SIM and automatically received an SMS within a day or two offering me 30 days of free internet access without any need to do anything, which was variable in its reliability but very useful all the same. With a program such as PDANet you can create a mini Wifi network that follows you around as you travel. I asked around and apparently the normal way to activate the internet after putting in the right configuration settings I was supposed to send the SMS message "WAP" to the shortocde 805, but I didn't need to do this. The APN (access point name) was internet.tigo.gt
Here is a table for the settings and activation options for various providers, including approximate costs.
|Configuration details
|Activation instructions
|TIGO Guatemala
| APN: internet.tigo.gt
user: any (or blank) pass: any (or blank)
|SMS "WAP" to 805
|~ Q12 a day
|fill me in!
|fill me in!
|fill me in!
|fill me in


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subset: commoncrawl


text:
SOURCE: California Center for Public Health Advocacy
October 31, 2012 19:59 ET
SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwire - Oct 31, 2012) - Faced with a national obesity crisis largely driven by the consumption of sugary beverages, the country's oldest and largest public health organization, the American Public Health Association (APHA), voted yesterday to endorse federal, state and local taxes on sugar sweetened beverages.
With over 13,000 physicians, administrators, nurses, educators, researchers, epidemiologists and related health specialists in attendance here at their annual meeting, the APHA approved the landmark resolution, recognizing it as a means of reducing consumption of the sugar sweetened beverages that contribute 48 percent of added sugar to American diets. In the resolution, the APHA pointed out that roughly two-thirds of adults are overweight, and taxes on high calorie, low nutrient sugary beverages are a wise way to address this costly health issue.
"Decisive public health policy measures must be implemented to counteract the enormous consumption of sugar sweetened beverages among children and adults in the United States," said Dr. Harold Goldstein of the California Center for Public Health Advocacy (CCPHA), who co-authored the resolution.
The APHA says that these taxes would raise funds for obesity prevention, pointing out that the most commonly proposed tax amount of a penny per ounce would annually raise over $13 billion nationally. At the same time, reduced consumption could rein in health care spending on obesity and overweight related illnesses, which accounts for as much as $168 billion per year, or 16.5 percent of total U.S. medical expenditures.
If it helps reduce consumption, a tax on SSBs could be of greatest benefit to lower-income populations, the APHA asserts, countering the beverage industry's argument that such a tax would be regressive.
The American Public Health Association is the oldest organization of public health professionals in the world and has been working to improve public health since 1872. For more about APHA, visit www.apha.org.
CCPHA is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization leading efforts in California to understand and address the state's growing obesity crisis. For more about CCPHA, visit: www.publichealthadvocacy.org.
Dr. Harold GoldsteinCA Center for Public Health Advocacy
(530) 297-6000 -or- (530) 400-9106Michael MillerBrown×Miller Communications
(800) 710-9333
Dr. Harold GoldsteinCA Center for Public Health Advocacy
(530) 297-6000 -or- (530) 400-9106Michael MillerBrown×Miller Communications
(800) 710-9333
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text:
On that unforgettable January night in Denver, the Ravens walked into Sports Authority Field at Mile High as heavy underdogs — a team that few outside their locker room believed had a realistic chance to defeat quarterback Peyton Manning and the top-seeded Broncos — and left victorious four hours and 11 minutes later.
The Ravens survived frigid temperatures, a seven-point deficit in the game's final minute and a pair of overtime periods to beat the Broncos, 38-35, on their way to a second Super Bowl title.
Nearly eight months later, the Ravens will return to Denver on Thursday night, when they and the Broncos will kick off the NFL's regular season. As they prepare for the season opener, both teams are trying to repress their recollections from that night and focus on the task at hand.
Of course, the Ravens' memories are much fonder — Corey Graham's two interceptions, Joe Flacco's game-tying touchdown pass to Jacoby Jones, Justin Tucker's long game-winning field goal — but coach John Harbaugh said Sunday there will be no time for reminiscing Thursday night.
"No chance of that. Won't happen," he said. "I've got a pretty good feeling that the Broncos fans are going to make us remember. … We know the environment we're going into. It will be the same environment — or even tougher — than the one we faced in January. And we're excited about that."
Meanwhile, Manning was short with Denver reporters who asked him if that AFC divisional round game gave the Broncos additional motivation.
"I don't feel like there is," Manning told them. "I feel like this is a new season for us. We're playing an excellent team. We're opening up the NFL season with a home game. So if people need that for an extra incentive that's fine, but I think there's plenty just with the schedule and the timing of when we're playing."
The Pro Bowl quarterback carried that momentum into his conference call with Baltimore media, dismissing a question about moving on from the loss to the Ravens.
"I covered that just about all offseason," Manning said. "I know I'm talking to you guys for the first time, but I guess you just have to probably check some old clips for quotes."
Asked if he likes that the Broncos will get to play the Ravens in Week 1, Manning said, "The schedule is what it is," before eventually saying, "We're playing an awesome team and starting off the NFL season, and I think both teams will be excited."
Broncos coach John Fox had a similar answer but was a little more verbose.
"Last year is last year," said Fox, whose late-game decision-making was scrutinized after the loss to the Ravens. "One of the exciting things about opening the season is you've got to open the day of a whole new season. Everybody is 0-0, and you start fresh. I guess you'd say that's water under the bridge."
The Ravens' win on Jan. 12 was one of the most thrilling games in franchise history, and NFL Network ranked it as the most exciting game of the 2012 season.
In the final minute of regulation, with the Ravens trailing, 35-28, Flacco launched a throw down the sideline to Jones, who got behind the Broncos secondary for a 70-yard touchdown. Flacco acknowledged that he ran the play through his mind immediately after the game, but in typical Flacco fashion said he hadn't "really thought about it too many times" — even this week.
"You just think about what we can do to play a better game," Flacco said. "If anything, I hope we don't put ourselves in that situation again so that we have to win like that."
Manning said that a revamped Ravens defensive front that includes former teammate Elvis Dumervil will be "a tough challenge" for the Broncos offensive line. He also praised the secondary, name-dropping Graham, whose interception late in the first overtime set up Tucker's game-winning field goal, and fellow cornerback Lardarius Webb.
"I think their entire defense is good," he said. "I know they've got some new players this year, but from what I've seen on film, they've replaced them with more good players."
But neither he nor his coach seemed to be in the mood to talk publicly about exacting revenge.
And the Ravens — not even the biggest talker on the team — did not spend much time Sunday savoring the victory.
"Once the ball is kicked off — once the game has started — that last game is gone," rush linebacker Terrell Suggs said. "We'll see what happens in this one."


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Moderators: Three Stars, dagny, pfim, netwolf
Beveridge wrote:I think they should play Jackson's Don't stop till you get enough anytime they go up 2-0.
topshelf66 wrote:A good song for when Neal scores on one of his lasers would be "Long Stick Goes Boom" by Krokus. Of course this may lead Steigy to start in with " You know who has the league's longest stick...."
Idoit40fans wrote:A penguin sound?
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sergiomarcen necesitaba un nuevo diseño de logotipo y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 70 diseños de 33 diseñadores freelance.
SharpFin Tech
We are a marine engine booster company that sells a sustainable product for use in boats/ships. When mixed with fuels improves engine performance while preventing biological and mechanical problems in the machinery. It's both a booster and a biocide (a chemical substance capable of killing living organisms in a selective way) and optimizes measurably the combustion in the engine, saving up to 7% in fuel cost. These are some of the taglines for our product:
• SharpFin Tech. See more water.
Alternate: See more water and fewer problems.
• SharpFin Tech. For a lean, clean nautical machine.
• SharpFin Tech. Run fast. Run clean.
• SharpFin Tech. Boost the boat.
• SharpFin Tech. Boost engaged.
• SharpFin Tech. Performance is just the beginning.
• SharpFin Tech. Get to faster waters.
Navy, speed boats, Luxury Yachts or boats in general.
The colors should be Steel and/or Blue (for energy, blue combustion, etc) the idea is "high technology over water".
We want our brand to be seen as:
- If my brand was a car, it would be an AUDI
- If my brand was a beverage it would be WHISKY cocktale "SHAKEN, NOT STIRRED"
The logo could "slightly resemble" a marine animal or a boat but never look like one. Horizontal logo proyected to the right prefered.
Logo with the name included or NOT. It's up to you!!!!
NO NO green, ecological, eco, etc. Besides that, anything that your imagination creates!!!!
Wa attached some ideas about the proportions, and the possible shapes and colors.
We are waiting for your ideas, GOOD LUCK !!!!!
Descubre cómo funciona un concurso de diseño u obtén más información sobre nuestros servicios de diseño de logo.


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Okay, so there are a tonne of great products out there but I would simply be lost without my copic markers. They are simply the best marker I have used and last for ages. This set is great to get you started
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Moments after a sit-down interview with four golfing greats, one of them wanted to turn the tables.
"I have a question for you," Hale Irwin said at the Newport Beach Country Club Monday night. "What would you do to improve the Toshiba Classic?"
I couldn't think of anything. I just said that big names in the field always help. But then I thought, hey this doesn't hurt.
I was referring to the new Toshiba Classic Hall of Fame. The inaugural class was introduced at a special ceremony Monday night at Newport Beach Country Club.
Irwin, as well as Jay Haas, Gary McCord and Tom Purtzer showed up as inductees/representatives.
Whoever thought of this thing, what a great idea.
As I said, it certainly doesn't hurt to have a Toshiba Classic Hall of Fame. That's how far this senior golf tournament has come. It's found a home at Newport Beach Country Club, so it's only natural to have it there.
The Hall of Fame is on display on a wall beside the practice putting green at the club. The plan is to add to its membership with annual induction classes.
The Toshiba Classic's inaugural Hall of Fame class is comprised of past champions (chronologically, from the most recent champion to the first) Fred Couples, Eduardo Romero, Bernhard Langer, Haas, Brad Bryant, Mark Johnson, Purtzer, Rodger Davis, Irwin, Jose Maria Canizares, Allen Doyle, McCord, Bob Murphy, Jim Colbert and George Archer. Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. Chairman of the Board Atsutoshi Nishida and longtime Toshiba Classic chairman Hank Adler are also in.
For arriving to the dinner on time, I was rewarded with a sit-down with the Classic's Fab Four. Purtzer holds the tournament's single-round record with an 11-under-par 60. He expressed genuine gratitude for Jeff Purser, the tournament director, and said Purser plays a key role in making the event great for the players as well as the fans.
Haas, the 2007 champion who holds the Classic's scoring record at 19-under-par 194, says he's excited to play in this year's Toshiba Classic and going up against his friend Couples, the defending champion. He's missed the last two Classics because he was away to watch his daughter play in her high school state championship basketball games.
McCord, the 1999 champion, also made sure to thank Purser and his staff. McCord has helped greatly in making the Shot from the Top one of the highlights of Toshiba Classic week. But McCord passed the credit to Purser.
McCord made the crowd laugh, as usual, as he was featured in the ceremony Monday night. A snippet of his cameo in the movie, "Tin Cup," ran during a captivating video montage of the Toshiba Classic.
Irwin is the Classic's only two-time champion, in 1998 and 2002. During the ceremony, emcee Alan Beyer asked Irwin what it was like to play in the Ryder Cup in his time.
"There was great pride for playing for the best country in the world," Irwin said drawing cheers from the crowd.
For the most part, the senior golfers appear to enjoy playing on the Champions Tour. They also show that they look forward to playing in the Toshiba Classic.
The players like the Newport Beach area, obviously, but they also take pride that they're part of a charity. The Toshiba Classic is preparing for its 17th year, March 7 through 13. It's the 14th year in a relationship with Hoag Hospital. During the last 13 years, the Toshiba Classic generated more than $13 million for charity, the most on the Champions Tour, the 50-and-older tour.
And, now there's a Hall of Fame to pay tribute not only to the cause, but to a grand community event.


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Do More Homework Before Launching Your Business
In 50 Tips for Starting Your Own Company, John Rampton runs through a thorough checklist that entrepreneurs must review. One of the first steps involves developing an idea you're passionate about. Rampton warns: "Don't just start a business because something is in vogue and you think commercializing it will make money."
But passion isn't enough. One must identify their market not just by knowing potential customers but by also understanding existing competition. In this Google Hangout, Rampton discusses the importance of identifying your market and performing a competitive assessment.
Is This the Golden Reason for Launching a Startup?
Start Your Own Business: The Only Startup Book You'll Ever Need


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Remember a few years ago when it seemed like everyone of note was using a BlackBerry? Politicians, celebrities, and everyone else seemed to be hooked on their BlackBerrys. The world has moved from BlackBerry to Android and iOS, but it seems some people of note still use BlackBerry.
Prime minister David Cameron still uses a BlackBerry, but it seems he is not quite sure how to turn it off. The BBC reported that Mr. Cameron was interrupted during a question and answer session with students in Dubai by a ringing BlackBerry. He couldn't silence his BlackBerry soon enough, so he tossed it to the British Ambassador.


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How to Layer Sparkles for Fall
Sequins, metallic, shine, glitter and glitz. However you want to describe it, the look for Fall 2012 is sparkly from your head to your toes! WSJ's Elizabeth Holmes stops by Bloomingdale's to talk to fashion accessories director, Brooke Jaffe, about how to wear this hot new trend.
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
I there was a column for The Wall Street Journal and debt costs ... and I you layered are calls for calm ... what what ... what what ... the ... the men had become a wardrobe staple with celebrities like to have the O and Carrie Underwood run like ... that let an all star wattage ... but this even it's all about over the top shine and ... shine and shine ... the guidance to the beleaguered Galaxy we've come to Bloomingdale's I'm fifteen point three am returning to expect the race director for happy haha ALR Yeo and ... sparkled everywhere I love that sparkles were everywhere on the runway it was a very very ... Jack thinks even if you well and we like to define anti same whether you wanna look like royalty or rock royalty there is something for every penny I love that the tiny red uniform says we have ... so one of the biggest messages for MSCI's and is the over the tops to meet and plans and you're ... staring into Gav that carry nicely and health care ... for the first while Anthony intimidating I'm I really urge you that it's ... kind of sounds like a good idea ... try at this season it looks great on it's really happening a little bit over the top ... of cases the baby Maxim actually were so that the little bit different aam we like them to be more matching she aam but some necklace as like this one here you'll see will combine a lot of the jewel towns ... like this fireball is the Ruby red to green all in one plus ... and in ... one color ... from the can do that in your ear ... so it's really telling can't really she and wait for twenty twelve ... and if you're more of the rock star ... and you're not a stark line and there's a lot of different ways to shine if you well whether it's sort of ... more of a time when you reheat manage a letter and smoking share which is the new ballet flat for the season at Encore or if he wanted to get a little more rock royalty ... with us that ... this is not grounds she ... these are really Christine shiny sky and ... so you're going to see this kind of greed know to look for the season in him that isn't she is but ... it's not a very Christine actually ... a little bit tougher I love it up I like that and in the wardrobe department ... the Philippines ... I let out right you can get through this season and to go over the top after the runways were shelling were loving it you're planning on ... hassling I wanted to try on it over the top ... don't be scared to touch it aam but we really think it's fabulous and I want you to see how he can really wear shined up and all in one half of the pack ... said guy ... it's really really great shooting Jurassic aam grandfather Stanley to think is adorable prefer cocktail party he's a ... great allowed more muted point Intel's he silhouette in shoes so things are not the Nano ... and the only did you know ... this isn't a light yes I mean anti when unease over the top jewels ... in a neutral effect ... and land on the flight to become the collar a presenter ... and if you're ... still feeling comparable ... go for a hearing so you're going to have this had to tell luck cannot wait to see ... how my actions amazing I will try and I'm in the right that the ... that the average low rates ... Raytheon ... and healthy infertile and alibi my comfort zone that I get is a leap of faith in the nation's ... top increased rankings now we're seeing celebrities on the red carpet than an award show as ... it's becoming a little more natural to him go over the top the yarn for weeks or even that passes at all for thinking so much for helping me take this week that the increase is an edge if you look great ... for more tips tricks Adelaide at style me is


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- Internationale Web sites
- Cloud offerings
- Aris Community
- E-Recruiting
Declaration on data privacy for
webMethods Integration Cloud
Declaration on Data Protection
Actual version
Effective October 1, 2014
Ending July24th, 2016 (announced June 7th, 2016)
1. Scope of agreement
This policy covers the privacy practices of Software AG USA Inc. and its subsidiaries ("Software AG" or the "Company") in relation to the use of the Company's applications and services of the webMethods Integration Cloud Offerings ("Services") by customers or potential customers ("user," "you" or "your"). The "Services" including support, application, hosting, infrastructure management, and platform development are cloud based and allow you to build, deploy and manage applications and store information across a network of managed information centers. Software AG's general terms of our privacy policy can be found here.
2. Information Collected
2.1 Personal Information
Personal Information, such as first name, last name, email address, telephone, work address, IP address and other types of information pertaining to the digital footprint, is the information that we may collect from your use of the Software AG application platform services.
2.2 Services Information
Services Information is information located on Software AG, user or third party systems which allows Software AG to perform the Services. "Services Information" includes information you provide to Software AG to administer the Services including your contact, payment and billing information. Services information is considered confidential information in accordance with the terms and conditions of your order.
2.3 End User Information
End User information which may include personal information about your employees, customers, prospects, partners, suppliers or other third parties as part of your production, development, or test environments, shared during registration or utilization ("end user information"); and/or support information which may include your operating system, your registry information, your custom code, and your diagnostic information. End user information is considered confidential information in accordance with the terms and conditions of your order.
2.4 Registrant Information
Registrant Information, which is limited to email address, as part of a production, development, or test environment may be used for communication purposes.
3. How Services and End User Information is Collected and What it is Used for
Software AG uses the Services Information and End User Information to perform the Services and below are some of the circumstances under which we may access, collect, analyze as well as use such Information.
3.1 Service Offering
In order to provide the Cloud Services, it may be necessary to access your Information for purposes such as service enablement, billing, client support, customization, training or other services.
3.2 Performance Purposes
In order to ensure satisfactory performance standards, security levels and enforcement of service level commitments it may be necessary, without notice to you, to access your production, development or test environments or copies thereof.
3.3 Maintenance, Fixes and Upgrade Purposes
In order to upgrade the system to the latest version or to monitor system performance or to introduce issue fixes it may be necessary, without notice to you, to access the Services, test new versions, and provide patches, updates and fixes.
3.4 Communication Purposes
In order to better serve you, such as to validate user identity, to provide emergency notifications or to offer proactive support, or to communicate beneficial offers it may be necessary to engage with your Information directly. This may include access to Information for the purpose of reproducing an error or troubleshooting an incident.
3.5 Compelled Disclosure
Software AG reserves the right to use or disclose Information if required by law or if Software AG reasonably believes the use or disclosure is necessary to protect the Company's rights or to comply with a judicial proceeding, court order, or legal process.
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The Services may use cookies which are small text files placed on a hard disk by a web server. These cookies are used for storing user preferences, settings, authentication and to collect information for operational efficiencies. To obtain information on the specific cookies used please contact us at privacy (at) softwareag.com.
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In accordance with the Software AG terms and conditions, Software AG may access Information only for the purpose of providing the Services, preventing or addressing service or technical problems, in connection with a customer support matter, or as may be required by law. Software AG's access to Information is based on job role or responsibility.
You control access to Information by your end users and you are responsible for any requests related to their personal information. Software AG will not review, share, distribute, or reference any such Information except as provided in the terms and conditions between you and Software AG, or as may be required by law.
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The primary location of Information is in the United States.
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Software AG is committed to the security of your Information and has various policies and tools in place to ensure the physical, administrative and technical security of your Information. Software AG employs security practices and operating procedures that ensure industry best practices around security. Software AG security processes are reviewed on a regular basis by the Software AG Global Security and Privacy Committee, led by the Chief Privacy and Security Officer.
8. Safe Harbor Program Statement
Software AG is a global corporation and has developed global information practices designed to assure your Information is appropriately protected. Software AG's privacy practices, including the practices addressed in this policy and those applicable to its Services businesses, comply with the United States/European Union Safe Harbor framework and the United States/Swiss Safe Harbor framework as set forth by the U.S. Department of Commerce regarding the collection, use, and retention of personal information from the European Union member countries and Switzerland. To learn more about the Safe Harbor program, and to view Software AG's certification, please visit http://www.export.gov/safeharbor/. If you have any complaints regarding our compliance with the Safe Harbor program, you should first contact us at privacy (at) softwareag.com.
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Any questions regarding this privacy statement or the privacy practices of the Company's web sites should be directed to our Chief Privacy and Security Officer:
Software AG
Data Protection Officer
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Email: dataprotection (at) softwareag.com
You can send encrypted emails using
- X.509 certificate (zip file, contains dataprotection.cer)
- Software AG root certificate (zip file, contains SoftwareAGInternalCa2.cer).


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As many as 2 million older Americans are abused in various ways each year, experts estimate. The majority of cases are at the hands of relatives or other caregivers. Some of the forms, besides physical assault, that elder abuse can take:
— Inappropriate use of drugs and physical restraints.
— Treating the elderly person like a small child.
— Failure to provide sufficient food, clothing, shelter, personal hygiene, medication, comfort or safety.
— Isolating the person from friends, family, other social activities.
— Deserting the person.
— Misusing the person's funds, property and assets.
Source: New York City mayor's office on domestic violence


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AM 1400 ESPN Radio's Broadcast Schedule For Week Of March 4th
Once again, we jump head first into a Casper Basketball frenzy as the NC Girls and KW Boys begin the 4A State Basketball Tournament, Casper College Women continue their Region IX Tournament run, The NBA gives us 2 games, and the NCAA features two top teams.
All games listed are subject to time change - keep checking this post for the latest information. All games can be heard on AM 1400 ESPN Radio, with local broadcast available for online listening here, or available on your mobile device with the free RadioPup app.
Monday 3/4
After defeating Western Nebraska, the Casper College Men lost to Northwest in the 80-74 in the second leg of the bracket. Men are done.
Tuesday 3/5
Casper College Lady T-Birds lose to Western Nebraska Community College, 67-42. Their season is now done.
Thursday 3/7
After holding Cheyenne Central scoreless in 1st quarter, the KW Boys had to stage a comeback in order win, 29-26.They play Evanston in the Semi-Finals Friday night.
NC Girls beat to Laramie 39-36 in OT as they finish the game with 5 points in the last 10 seconds. They play Gillette tomorrow at 6pm in the semi-finals.
Friday 3/8
NC Girls lose to Gillette 54-44. They play Sheridan for 3rd place on Saturday.
Immediately following:
KW Boys lose to Evanston at the buzzer in OT 50-48. KW plays for 3rd place on Saturday.
Get the 4A Girls Tourney bracket here
Get the 4A Boys Tourney bracket here
Saturday 3/9
Natrona County Fillies play the Sheridan Lady Broncs for 3rd place at 10:30am.
NC State heads to Florida State in an NCAA end of season match-up. Broadcast will be joined in progress.
KW plays Gillette at 3pm for third place
Sun 3/10
The NBA features a Sunday Double Header. Game 1 features Boston traveling to face the OKC Thunder, beginning at 10am. Chicago heads to face the LA Lakers in Game two


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Town Announces "Meet you in Annapolis Royal" Video Series
When they decided to create a series of five new promotional videos, the Town of Annapolis Royal had a great challenge. How do you capture more than 400 years of community and natural beauty in an attractive and engaging video production? With its particular mix of history, arts and gardens, Annapolis Royal is a community unlike any other. From the energy of the Saturday morning farmer's market to the mystery of the candlelight tour at the Garrison Burial Grounds to the serenity of a walk through the roses at the Historic Gardens, Annapolis Royal offers a wide variety of experiences for visitors and residents. Capturing the spirit of the town was the task given to Edifice Media when the Town of Annapolis Royal partnered with various community groups to create the "Meet you in Annapolis Royal" promotional videos.
"My family and I have been spending summers in the Annapolis Royal area since 2006 and have always been drawn to this perfect little town" said Edifice Media CEO, Dr Christopher Cooper. "This past summer we filmed a series of promotional videos based on the Branded Entertainment model of short episodic snap shots of the best Annapolis Royal has to offer – as always just a pleasure to work with the core people taking on this initiative and what better canvas to paint with than Annapolis Royal!
This video project was funded by the Town of Annapolis Royal with support from the Historic Gardens, Parks Canada, The Historical Association of Annapolis Royal, Explorer Visitors Guide, Annapolis Heritage Society and Annapolis Region Community Arts Council. "It was such a pleasure to work with Christopher Cooper and all the community partners who collaborated on this project" said Trish Fry, Manager of the Historic Gardens. "With social media marketing at the forefront, it is vitally important to have visual and engaging media as part of our internet marketing, and Edifice Media delivered just that."
The first of the videos in the "Meet you in Annapolis Royal" series was released in the autumn. This video featured Laura Lowe riding a bicycle along St George Street while greeting merchants and residents along the way. The remainder of the videos will be released March 3 through April 14 to build momentum leading into the 2014 visitor season. "Thanks to the Town of Annapolis Royal for leading this effort to get us this far" Fry adds. "Now it is up to all of us to ensure that this tool is used to its maximum potential."
Check it out! MeetYou in Annapolis Royal


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positive Land news
To tackle pollution, China to drop pursuit of growth at all costsChina will steer local governments away from the pursuit of economic growth at all costs and beef up their powers to punish polluters as part of a campaign to reverse the damage done by three decades of unchecked expansion.
|Spread the word:
More Good News in Land
California is first state to ban lead in hunting ammoIn a move to protect wildlife and the environment, California on Friday became the first state to ban lead in hunting ammunition.
Limits Approved for Genetically Modified Crops in Kauai, HawaiiLegislators on the island of Kauai in Hawaii have approved a bill that would restrict the use of pesticides by companies developing genetically modified crops there.
EU to ban pesticides in bee scareThe European Commission will restrict the use of pesticides linked to bee deaths by researchers, despite a split among EU states on the issue.
Six million turn out for global garbage clean-upMore than six million volunteers from 96 countries collected an unprecedented 100,000 tonnes of garbage last year as part of a global, web-driven clean-up campaign, cyber-environmentalists said Friday.
Swiss Parliament Passes Plastic Bag BanSwitzerland's Parliament has approved a motion banning single-use plastic shopping bags. Both houses of the Swiss Parliament Thursday voted to forbid the distribution of the plastic bags. The next step is for the government to implement the ban.
Johnson & Johnson Announces a Ban on Harmful Chemicals in ProductsJohnson & Johnson made the landmark announcement this week that it would ban harmful chemicals from their products.
Madagascar Gets Biggest Lemur ParkGood news for lemurs: Officials in Madagascar have created the island's biggest protected wildlife park. Named Makira Natural Park, the area is larger than the state of than the state of Rhode Island, and it provides a habitat for the highest diversity of lemurs on the planet, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) announced.
Southeast Asia's largest lowland rainforest spared from new land concessionsFour economic land concessions have been cancelled in Cambodia's Prey Lang forest, known as the largest intact lowland forest in Southeast Asia, reports the Phnom Penh Post
Company Designs Bottle From Great Pacific Garbage Patch DebrisSomewhere in the vicinity of Hawaii, a huge mass of plastic debris floats in the Pacific. And that's just a fraction of the waste that's bobbing around out there. Compared to the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch," one plastic soap bottle may not seem like much. But if that one bottle is mass produced by soap-maker Method, it could turn out to make a big difference.
Human Rights Court Rules in Favor of Community Over Ecuadorian GovernmentIn a case that could have broad implications, the Kichwa community of Sarayaku, Ecuador, won a major battle on July 25, when the Inter-American Court of Human Rights ruled that the Ecuadorian government had violated its rights to communal property and cultural identity.
Quebecers cut plastic bag use in halfQuebecers cut their plastic bag use by more than half in three years, Environment Minister Pierre Arcand said on Monday.
Scientists Develop Method to Reduce Farmers' Use of Nitrogen FertilizerScientist at Michigan State University are putting the finishing touches on a program that would pay farmers to apply less nitrogen fertilizer in a way that doesn't jeopardize yields.
10,000 sq mi of Congo rainforest declared World Heritage siteOn Tuesday, the United Nations Education, Science, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared the Sangha Tri-National Protected Area complex (TNS) as a World Heritage Site for its density and diversity of rainforest wildlife.
Ten African nations pledge to transform their economies to take nature into accountLast month ten African nations, led by Botswana, pledged to incorporate 'natural capital' into their economies. Natural capital, which seeks to measure the economic worth of the services provided by ecosystems and biodiversity—for example pollination, clean water, and carbon—is a nascent, but growing, method to curtail environmental damage and ensure more sustainable development.
Environmental news headlines
- Belgium quits coal power with Langerlo plant closure
- CO2 Emissions Flatline in 2014, Even as Global Economy Grows
- EPA proposes cutting carbon dioxide emissions from coal plants 30% by 2030
- U.N. Court Orders Japan to Halt Antarctic Whaling
- To tackle pollution, China to drop pursuit of growth at all costs
- California is first state to ban lead in hunting ammo
- Limits Approved for Genetically Modified Crops in Kauai, Hawaii
- Environmentalists win U.S. court fight to protect whales from Navy sonar
- New York City Air Quality Cleanest in Decades
- Europe's key animals 'making a comeback'
- Nepal sees tiger population go up by 63% since 2009
- Obama to launch major initiative to curb wildlife trafficking
- South Korean airlines ban shark fin as cargo
- City of Vancouver proclaims country's first Meatless Monday
- EU to ban pesticides in bee scare
- New law to protect Puerto Rico leatherback turtles
- China, world's largest emitter of greenhouse gasses, will tax carbon
- New wind power cheaper than coal or gas in Australia
- Gorillas to Be Protected with New Congo National Park
- From the brink of extinction: elephant seals stage remarkable comeback
- more


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A L Patton Suites on Main - Hemingway Suite
A.L. Patton Suites on Main were completed in April of 2003. This historic building was built in 1853 and sits on Main Street, only 2 blocks from the Central Shopping District. Every possible luxury has been carefully afforded the guest including the 100% Egyptian Cotton Frette' sheets and the Big Screen TV. All the modern conveniences in a beautiful and centrally located historic building makes the A.L. Patton Suites on Main a premier guesthouse property in Fredericksburg. The decorator has captured the essences of nostalgic "Days Gone By" in both suites. The Hemingway Suite features a very large living room area and gives you the feel of Key Largo in the 1930's. The Barcelona Suite allows a glimpse of tranquility and romance that is Spain. For romance, relaxation and "Loads of Fun", try the unique A.L. Patton Suites on Main.
August 15, 2014
Excellent Room!! Was very quiet, great location, very good value? Great Experience!!!—Jeanne
August 3, 2014
Awesome! Best Bed and Breakfast we have stayed in! We will be back!!---Bennie
"Thoroughly enjoyed the B&B."
Floyd (Waxahachie, TX)
Mar. 31, 2010
"We met friends in the town & had to have them up to this cool spot for pizza & wine. We enjoyed the city, the weather & a very cool B&B."
Joe & Julie
- Walking Distance to the Heart of Fredericksburg - 2 blocks West
- Convenient Downtown Location
- Off Street Parking
- Above West End Pizza - Live Music
- King-size Bed
- Frette' Linens
- Bathroom - 2-person garden soaking tub and stand alone glass shower
- Breakfast Vouchers
- Coffee and Tea Bar
- Microwave
- Refrigerator
- Big Screen HD Television
- Dish TV
- CD Player
- DVD & VCR Player
- Professionally Decorated
- Upscale Décor
- Historic Native Stone Building
- Historic Native Rock Walls
- Beaded Board Ceilings
- Hardwood Floors
- Gas Fireplace
- Ceiling Fans
- Individually Climate Controlled with Central Heat & Air
- Upstairs Suite Located above a restaurant
Rates & Restrictions
- Check Rates & Availability
- 2 nights required for All Event and Holiday Weekends
- No Smoking
- No Children
- No Pets
- Maximum Occupancy – 2
- Rent both Hemingway & Barcelona for up to 4 guests


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and then about a year or two later...came esmé.
about a week after i learned i was pregnant with that little thing, i slipped outside of lillie and grae's school. i don't remember much, but i do remember smiling hard and holding grae's mortified hand and walking while gasping to our land cruiser and driving us to the hospital. i limped gracefully in, smiled at the receptionist, and announced that i probably just broke my ankle. and could i please see someone about that, please? or did she have a cast i could throw on and we could just call it a day?
all the omanis in the waiting room covered their mouths and their smiles. dumb american. talk about drama. she thinks she's broken.
one man shook his head when we sat next to him and told me "you're not broken. you would be crying if you were broken."
well. after x-rays, they had to call the orthopedic surgeon. there would be screws and a plate and anesthesia. there were questions about how i had gotten to the hospital. did i have a driver or a husband waiting somewhere?
i told them i had driven myself. the surgeon looked at me and looked at grae and asked "how?" and grae replied "she just kept saying shit shit shit every time she had to shift."
nice moment.
wait. surgery? anesthesia? no no no! i had a brand new baby growing. and this one was the one! there was crying and a mortified grae and then a solution. i would have an epidural. given by a grinning doctor who announced, just prior to inserting the needle, that maybe i should reconsider. "are you sure you want me to do this? he asked. sure, i mumbled, trying to look away from the needle he was waving. "because i'm iraqi," he smiled. "and you're an american."
thank you, george bush.
i'm telling you all this to tell you this. after two surgeries and casts and crutches and showers given by my housemaid and monitored by a mortified grae and many, many months, everything worked out as they should. you know how this story ends.
but what i want to tell a few of my friends who could write the first paragraph in this post is that i feel you. i feel for you.
i spent the nine months of pre-esmé waiting for another miscarriage. one day, i was chatting with one of the other mothers at school and she said "karey! pat told my husband you were pregnant! i didn't know that!"
and i whispered "ohh. yeah. well. it's still a little early. we weren't really going to tell anyone for a while."
and she asked "how far along are you?
"six months."
but it is, isn't it? it's all insane if you think about it. how things are made. how things break. who fixes the unfixable. who stays and who cannot. it's a heartbreaking tightrope walk every minute of every day. don't look down, don't look up, just fix your eyes straight ahead. there's tomorrow. there's another chance. there's better, there's worse, there's richer and poorer and ice cream for dinner and warm socks fresh from the dryer and sunsets that make you want to stick around to see it come back up again. there will be those shit shit shit moments and a whole lot of mortified.
but then there will be the one day when you finally find what you've been looking for...love or babies or whatever...man, it all just seems to have a way of finding you.
i think that's what i wanted to tell you.
gimme. gimme. gimme.


text: On Thu, 2002-10-31 at 22:57, Greg Lindahl wrote: > Last Saturday I was wearing a Gnu Fortran T-shirt, the one with the > big GNU on it eating grass which is equations. I went to the grocery > store to buy lunch, the Mollie Stones grocery store on California > Avenue in Palo Alto, which has more than its fair share of computer > companies. As I headed to the checkout, a guy stared at my shirt, and > then said, "Fortran. Huh." My linux geek friends will brag about how they were using "linux back in the slackware blah blah..." as a method of carbon dating. I mention that I learned fortran on punch cards. Their response is often "I bet you were really afraid when trains were invented". The youngsters laugh uproariously. > > But later that night I went contra dancing, so I had to run home and > change my shirt. I wouldn't be caught dead socializing in it... > This last year I wore my "Will Work for Bandwidth" t-shirt to the MN State Fair. It was pretty much a dead heat between bewildered looks and a smile and thumbs up. To fully test how much the masses are paying attention I wear my "Cannibalism is not a Crime" t-shirt. I concluded that <1% of people are barely sentient in such situations, instead letting their instincts and cholesteral compass guide them from one batter-fried lard ball stand to the next. -Dean


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Alert 2007-37
Subject: Counterfeit Cashier's Checks
Date: June 21, 2007
Description: Whitney National Bank
Counterfeit Cashier's Checks of Whitney National Bank, New Orleans, LA
To: Chief Executive Officers of All National Banks; All State Banking Authorities; Chairman, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; Chairman, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; Director, Office of Thrift Supervision; Conference of State Bank Supervisors; Deputy Comptrollers (districts); Assistant Deputy Comptrollers; District Counsel; and All Examining Personnel
The above-named bank has reported that counterfeit cashier's checks issued in the bank's name and using a correct routing number of 065000171 are being presented for payment nationwide in connection with at least two lottery scams.
The counterfeit checks resemble the authentic items, but may be identified by the following: the instruments may be light blue or yellow in color with a basket weave pattern. A padlock icon and the following security statement may be present within the right border: "Security features included. Details on back." The checks do not contain a remitter line, a security padlock icon behind the word "DOLLARS," or a security statement below the written amount line.
Items presented to date have been made payable in the amount of $2,450.00 and have been dated 05/23/2007 to present. Due to possible variations of appearance, it is suggested that officials of Whitney National Bank be contacted to verify authenticity of the bank's cashier's checks if received from an unknown or questionable source.
Correspondence accompanying the counterfeit checks may contain the letterhead of "Pacific Funds Management, Publishers Clearing House, Readers Digest Sweepstakes & Internet Casino, PO Box 34, Windsor, Ontario" or "County Shoppers Sweepstakes, Publishers Clearing House, Readers Digest Sweepstakes & Internet Casino, Post Office Box 2, Toronto, Ontario." Other than having a different letterhead and contact phone numbers, both letters read the same. The letters alert the recipient that he or she is a winner in the County Shoppers Sweepstakes held on May 10, 2007, that his or her name was attached to ticket # 801-410-277 and that he or she has won $68,000.00. The letter states the $2,450 (which has been deducted from their $68,000) is to pay accounting, tax processing, and clearance fees, which must be paid before the remainder of the money can be paid out. The letter instructs the recipient to contact the claims agent at 1 (601) 728-4312 or 1 (902) 412-0547 for the processing and remittance of their prize. It also states that all prize money must be claimed by June 22, 2007. The letter is signed by Donna Howard, Senior Vice President, Promotions.
For additional information and guidance and to verify the authenticity of Whitney National Bank's cashier's checks, please contact Beverly Beals, Security Investigator, Corporate Security Department, 1201 Dickory Avenue, Harahan, LA 70123, by telephone at (504) 729-1322, by fax at (504) 729-1324, or via e-mail at [firstname.lastname@example.com].
Consumers who receive a counterfeit or fictitious item and associated material should file complaints with the following agencies, as appropriate:
Additional information concerning this matter that you believe should be brought to the attention of the OCC may be forwarded to:
E-mail: email@example.com
For additional information regarding other types of financial fraud, please visit the OCC's anti-fraud resource at: https://www.occ.gov/topics/consumer-protection/fraud-resources/index-fraud-resources.html.
Richard C. Stearns
Related Links


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Georges Perec
Eclectics & Heteroclites 10
Georges Perec (1936-1982) became the most celebrated French writer of his generation, his novel Life A User's Manual winning the Prix Médicis in 1978. Perec from the start was fascinated by the possibility of employing non-fictional languages for altogether more mischievous purposes and this book collects together various texts in which he uses the expressionless terminology of sociology, entomology and linguistics to achieve effects they are distinctly designed to avoid.
Perec was of course also an illustrious member of the Oulipo, a group of writers which is still very much active, who explore the possibilities of employing artificial systems in literature. Perhaps the most famous work to emerge from their researches was La Disparition, again by Perec, a full-length novel which avoids the use of any words containing the letter e (it is translated as A Void).
Not surprisingly, the present book is "experimental", but it is also strange, preposterous and wrily entertaining...
Site contents Copyright © Atlas Press 1999-2019
BCM Atlas Press, 27 Old Gloucester Street, London WC1N 3XX, UK


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Benzyl Chloride Vapor Monitoring
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Permissible exposure limit (PEL) for benzyl chloride is 1 ppm, 5 mg/m3
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Privacy Policy


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Domestic Publications
Docomomo US E-NEWS
The Docomomo US electronic newsletter (e-news) is produced monthly and includes original articles, advocacy alerts, upcoming events, book reviews and notices concerning the modern movement in the United States.
Docomomo US accepts article submissions on a wide range of issues concerning modernism. In addition to this process, we are pleased to announce a special call for articles for upcoming editions of the Docomomo US newsletter:
- Art + Architecture | March 9
- Technology | April 6
- Endangered Landscapes | May 4
Those interested in submitting an article should send a brief description including images, drawings, etc to info(AT)docomomo-us.org. Full submissions are required 15 days prior to publication. Additional details including submission guidelines are available upon request.
Docomomo US National Newsletters
To read past issues of the online newsletter click the link below.
ENEWS Archive
Print versions of the Docomomo US National Newsletter has been replaced by the monthly E-News Brief. The print newsletters were produced twice a year starting in 2003 and concluding in 2010. To download .pdfs of former paper newsletters, click on the name of the issue below:
Winter 2010 Newsletter
Spring 2009 Newsletter
Summer 2008 Newsletter, focused on prefabrication
Winter 2008 Newsletter, focused on landscape and open space
Fall 2007 Newsletter , focused on modern religious structures
Spring 2007 Newsletter, focused on the works of Paul Rudolph
Fall 2006 Newsletter, focused on the works of Louis I. Kahn
Summer 2006 Newsletter, focused on single-family residences
Fall 2005 Newsletter
Summer 2005 Newsletter
Summer 2005 TWA Newsletter Insert
Winter 2004 Newsletter
Spring 2003 Newsletter
PDF Article Index of past titles and authors
- Docomomo US Regional Chapters produce newsletters pertaining to their region. To inquire about archival or upcoming Chapter Newsletters, click on the individual chapter website, or contact that chapter's representative. [Chapters]
- The Docomomo US 2004 International Conference Proceedings and the 2008 Preservation Technology Dossier 8 on Restoring Postwar Heritage are available through Docomomo US.
- Copies are $30.00 each and can be purchased by emailing your request.
Docomomo Publications and Other Items through Amazon
Docomomo US publications and other books and items can be purchased through our Amazon Associates link. Please consider bookmarking this link as each purchase provides Docomomo US with a small advertising fee.
Docomomo International Journals (Back catalog)
- Docomomo US maintains a small inventory of International Journals that can be purchased through Docomomo US.
- For a list of available titles for purchase through Docomomo International please click here.
- Docomomo US E-News
- Docomomo US Print Newsletters
- Chapter Newsletters
- Docomomo US Publications
- Other Docomomo Publications
- Docomomo International Journals


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$20m to find 'next transistors'
SRC and NSF sling semiconductor research dollars
Research into the use of graphene in semiconductors is one of 12 projects to share $20m in funding from the National Science Foundation and Semiconductor Research Corporation.
The Nanoelectronics for 2020 and Beyond competition shared the grants around 24 participating universities, with the aim of developing a replacement for today's transistor. According to the SRC media release, the idea is to get ahead of the game, by creating the next transistor before we run irrevocably into the physical limits of Moore's Law.
In particular, the SRC notes that cutting the power of transistors is proving as difficult as shrinking their size. If you can't reduce the power needed, shoving more transistors into a given space creates ultimately-unsolvable problems of heat density.
Some of the projects are pretty cool. The "graphene spin" computer, for example, looks at how to use the spin of electrons travelling through graphene, enabling chips that combine processing and permanent storage (University of California). Graphene is also the focus of a Cornell/Princeton collaboration looking into fabricating nanoribbons of the material.
El Reg is also interested in this idea: a group at Pittsburgh University is looking at creating re-writable electronic circuits. The materials lanthanum aluminate and strontium titanate form an interface that can be switched between an insulating and a conducting state, allowing circuits to be rewritten down to a few nanometers.
If you like your research a little farther out, there's also work at the University Notre Dame to use "spatio-temporal wave extensions" as the basis for computation.
The rest of the funded projects are listed here. ®
Sponsored: Becoming a Pragmatic Security Leader


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UPDATE: The DataFinder iPhone app is now live! Download it from the app store by clicking here.
If you've ever needed a quick fix of GDP (or any other such data) to go, the new DataFinder app should help.
We're still waiting on approval from the iTunes store, but we submitted the DataFinder application for approval a few weeks ago and hope that it will be available in early April. Fingers crossed. Once it is available, you'll be able to access, graph, and share World Bank data whenever you need it, right on your iPhone.
The DataFinder app taps into a subset of the World Development Indicators that are currently available in the API. (Expect more in the next release of the app.) Users can choose indicators, countries, and time spans, and have data charted right on their phone. The charts (as well as CSV exports of the data) can be saved to the phone, emailed to friends, and used anywhere an image can be embedded, print and on the web.
A few screenshots below:
We'll be sure to let you know when the app is actually available on the iTunes store.
Oh, and for those of you that may be wondering: why an iPhone app? The app is just one little project that is part of our efforts to share more Bank data, and also make Bank information more accessible on mobile devices. We're working on other data initiatives, and looking very closely at the mobile web experience in addition to device-specific apps. The iPhone app was a way for us to experiment using the resources we had in-house — so don't worry, there'll be more coming, for different platforms, soon.
Let us know what you think we should be working on next!


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What: The leaves are down and the buds aren't quite out yet. So how do you know what kind of tree you're admiring? RiverLink has the key: a winter tree-identification walk along the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay. The guided tour starts with a hands-on presentation so you know what to look for. Then the group will embark on a journey through the woods to put its newfound knowledge to work. Believe it or not, even a novice can pick out a tree from just its buds and twigs.
When: Saturday, Feb. 4, and Saturday, Feb. 18, 2 p.m.
Where: Guided walks depart from the RiverLink office, 170 Lyman St.
Price: Free
Contact: www.riverlink.org or 252-8474
Photo: RiverLink's Worth McAlister shows off a boxelder tree. Photo by Dave Russell.


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In late September the Mississippi Court of Appeals sided unanimously with Newell Simrall in his court case against Monsanto. The company is now asking the Mississippi Supreme Court for a re-hearing.
The Court of Appeals finding was in response to a Monsanto appeal of a ruling made by Circuit Court Judge Frank Vollor in December 1999. Vollor ruled Simrall is entitled to nearly $166,000 from Monsanto.
Simrall's case centers on several Hartz Roundup Ready soybean varieties he planted in 1997. In July of that year, Simrall, who farms near Vicksburg, Miss., noticed that certain fields of his soybeans — particularly 5164s — weren't growing properly on about 800 acres. While the plants were normal in size and color, they were shedding blooms. The few pods that did appear, often fell off.
After noticing the problem, Simrall called in Hartz representatives and Extension personnel. By late July, all of the Extension Service employees concluded that the Simrall's fields of 5164 had seed-borne soybean mosaic virus (SMV). According to witnesses, Monsanto employees (Monsanto owns Stuttgart, Ark.-based Hartz) told Simrall not to worry about the pod shed because the plants would regenerate.
At harvest, Simrall found, as suspected from eyeballing the variety, that the 5164s cut about 6.5 bushels. Another variety planted right beside the 5164s cut 34 bushels. Other varieties on the farm cut 35 to 40 bushels.
Simrall took the company to seed arbitration and then court. He has won at each step.
Monsanto's request for a rehearing focuses on several issues. First, the company says the suspect varieties' performance may or may not be a result of SMV. Second, Simrall's seed was not tested for SMV when that test was available. Third, Monsanto claims it's very easy to see certain genetic characteristics of the suspect seed as symptoms of SMV. Someone not educated to the suspect varieties' parentage could have made a faulty diagnosis, says a company spokesperson.
Simrall's experts vigorously dispute each of Monsanto's claims, which they say were brought up in Judge Vollor's courtroom.
In upholding Vollor's decision, Court of Appeals Judge Leslie King said that it was up to Vollor to decide what expert testimony to believe. "The mere fact that testimony is disputed doesn't render it incredible," King said.
Alan Blaine, Mississippi Extension soybean specialist, says he's "very disappointed it's had to go this far. As with many of my colleagues, I believe this is a black and white issue and should have been fixed a long time ago. I'm happy for the Simralls."


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According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 90 percent of American adults are so sedentary they could almost be reclassified as statues (1). It should therefore come as no surprise that obesity has increased by almost 70 percent in the past 10 years (12% to 20%). Nearly 60 percent of all adults in this country are overweight, and the percentage of obese children has doubled since the 1980's. In addition to higher risk for heart disease and various types of cancer, obesity raises the risk of diabetes 10 times for men and 20 times for women (2).
Unfortunately, being overweight is merely the tip of the iceberg when it comes to body composition concerns. Sedentary adults typically add 10 pounds of bodyweight every decade during the midlife years. However, this unfavorable weight change results from a 5-pound loss of muscle and a 15-pound gain in fat. In other words, what appears to be a 10-pound weight problem is actually a 20-pound body composition problem (3).
In addition to adversely affecting personal appearance and physical performance, the reduction in muscle tissue is largely responsible for metabolic slow-down. The 5-pound per decade muscle loss is closely associated with a 5-percent per decade decrease in resting metabolic rate (4).
Even people who don't increase their food intake experience creeping obesity, because calories previously used to maintain more muscle tissue are now placed in fat storage areas of the body.
Most Americans know that they are adding fat, but few realize that they are losing muscle. What's more, they don't understand that muscle loss is a major factor in fat gain. If they did, they wouldn't place such a strong emphasis on dieting. With one out of every two adults presently following a low-calorie diet plan, we need a major teaching effort from health and fitness professionals to remedy this situation.
Although dieting can reduce fat, it cannot replace muscle to solve the primary body composition problem. In fact, low-calorie diets actually result in muscle loss, which accounts for approximately 25 percent of the total weight lost (5).
Fortunately, more overweight adults are complementing their diet plan with aerobic activity (usually walking) that burns additional calories and enhances cardiovascular fitness. While this combined program of diet and endurance exercise attenuates muscle loss, it does not add muscle or increase resting metabolic rate.
The missing component, of course, is strength training which does replace muscle tissue and recharge resting metabolism. Studies show that 25 minutes of standard strength training, two or three days a week, can increase previously inactive adults' muscle mass by about three pounds in two to three months of training (6,7,8,9). What's more, research reveals that three pounds of new muscle tissue increases resting metabolism by 6 to 8 percent, which represents an additional 100 to 120 calories per day (8,9).
Health Benefits of Strength Training
Strength training is the best means for attaining and maintaining a desirable body composition, as well as for developing a high level of musculoskeletal fitness. However, there are many other health-related reasons for performing regular resistance exercise. Consider the following medical benefits associated with sensible strength training.


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Populous architect Loren Supp sat down with HoustonDynamo.com to discuss some of his favorite aspects of the forthcoming Dynamo stadium, the process of designing the stadium, and more.
HD: How does the design process work, from getting the call from the Dynamo and AEG to where we are now?
LS: It starts a little less defined. We hear, 'We would like to do a new stadium and where could we do it? Here are some sites we're looking at,' or, 'Here's a site we're looking at.' In the case of the Dynamo, there was a long gestational period of, 'How big is it? How many people do you want to go to these games? How intimate do you want it?' I think once you settle on that, the rest sort of happens in a linear fashion.
Then it becomes, 'Now we've got this plot of land and this many people we want to fit on it, so how progressive do you want to be? Do you want to be something that says I'm a soccer stadium or do you want to do something that says I'm the soccer stadium? I want to do something totally new.'
That was the most amazing thing about this project was that the Dynamo from the get-go have said, 'Let's do something that's totally amazing and something new and something different, while at the same time respecting soccer heritage.' That comes out especially in this wraparound bowl, so that there isn't a bunch of breakage; that's quintessential as part of the soccer experience. After establishing the idea, it was, 'Now that we know we want to do this sort of icon for the neighborhood, what's appropriate? After spending time in the neighborhood walking around, what makes sense there?'
HD: So how many trips does that take, to get an idea of the neighborhood and the site?
LS: It's not how many trips, it's how different are the times you spend there. If you always go at 5 o'clock in the afternoon, you're always going to see the same side of a neighborhood. I would go running there in the morning when I would come to visit, and then I would come back mid-day, and then I would walk through in the evening. I did that a few times, enough to start getting a feel for it. Then you start reading about the area, because you don't want to just stick something in there, willy-nilly.
What really hit us was the industrial nature that happened. I think that a lot of cities have that, but they don't celebrate it. They fill it in and make it all brand-new. We said, 'Hey, let's play that up.' So we got this idea of a geometric object made of something simple in an industrial fashion. As that continued, the sort of gem idea came naturally.
HD: For the whole process, how collaborative is it at Populous?
LS: It's definitely a group activity. Everybody brings a different knowledge base. So my thing, for instance, is I want to make sure it looks like a million bucks, like it's something no one else has ever seen. There are other people who know how a soccer game is supposed to be played, for example. Populous in general has a wealth of experience that no one else has, especially in soccer. Being able to borrow from people is great, and on the design side, it wasn't just me who said this should be industrial. I think it was a process of collaboration through that period. This is a big project. No one can say, 'I'm just going to design it and I'm done.' Once you establish what it is – the industrial gem – as long as everybody's on board with that, everybody starts to plug in and play their parts.
MORE: Populous unveils Dynamo stadium design
HD: What's a feature that you're especially proud of that may not be obvious to the public at first glance?
LS: The feature which blew me away actually came to me when I visited another stadium, and I was thinking about our stadium. I was in the very worst seat they had, and I was thinking that in our stadium, in the very worst seat you could have, the worst one in the Dynamo stadium, it would be almost in the middle of [the other team's] seating bowl. The thing is so intimate. You're only about 30 feet away from the field when you're in some of the upper sections. That doesn't exist anywhere else, and it's amazing.
HD: What do you think is the first thing fans will notice when they walk to the completed stadium for the first time?
LS: When they walk up to it, they're going to see one thing, and then when they walk in, I think they're going to be blown away by how spacious the interior concourse is. For such a tight building, it's going to feel quite spacious in there. Then they're going to come into the bowl, and it's going to be this intense, atmospheric zone, because it's all wrapped in and because the sound is going to be contained. It's going to be a surprise moment, where they go, 'Aha!' or 'Wow!' That's going to be pretty amazing.


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The Annual Election period for Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplementary insurance (Medigap or Med Supp), or a Part D drug plan is in full swing and as many large employers exit the retiree group health market, many Medicare-eligible seniors are making health coverage decisions on their own.
Continue Reading Below
It's no secret that navigating the Medicare world is tough, but private health insurance exchanges are helping seniors find the right coverage at the best cost.
According to Aon Hewitt's 2012 survey of almost 450 private and public plan sponsors representing 5.8 million retirees, six in 10 employers have reviewed or are currently reviewing their retiree health-care strategies and are considering alternatives to traditional group health coverage for retirees.
Experts say employers are leveraging opportunities driven by changes in the Affordable Care Act (ACA)—namely, the elimination of the tax-favored status of the Retiree Drug Subsidy in conjunction with improvements in the Medicare Part D program over time, as well as federal subsidies available to issuers of Medicare Advantage plans.
The proliferation of private exchanges is making it easier to get seniors enrolled in the Medicare plan that provides appropriate coverage relative to their health status and their budgetary considerations, says Bruce Richards, partner and chief healthcare actuary at Mercer. Employers are taking themselves "out of the middle," subsidizing coverage through a Health Reimbursement Arrangement and putting retirees in the hands of Medicare experts at private exchanges. These online marketplaces offer retirees access to tools and consultations with licensed benefits counselors to help choose a plan best suited to their individual needs.
"It's that voice on the other end of the phone that makes or breaks the effectiveness of an exchange, particularly for boomers," says Richards.
And, adds Bryce Williams, president and CEO at private exchange Extend Health, exchanges offer customization, an advantage lacking in the mass personalization of the one-size-fits all group-sponsored plan chosen by an employer.
The guaranteed issue—no underwriting or denial based on preexisting conditions—of the Medigap, Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D markets is key to creating a competitive and stable marketplace.
"Essentially the exchange platform takes the cost out of the system and makes products more affordable through group purchasing efficiency," says Jason Hover, director of group business strategy at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan which established a private exchange, GlidePath, in combination with Bloom Health. GlidePath, unlike some exchanges, offers group-structured plans through the individual market.
"Money goes a lot further in the individual market," says Kenneth Sperling, national health care exchange strategy leader at Aon Hewitt which developed its Navigators exchange for Medicare-eligible seniors.
Experts say exchanges can produce cost savings for retirees that can run from $500 to $1,000 per year.
Choice and Service
While experts agree that choice enables more customized coverage, but how much is too much?
Navigators and Extend offer more than a thousand plans from as many as 70 to 80 carriers. By contrast, GlidePath offers retirees no more than eight plan choices, at this point all Medicare Advantage, and all through its Blue Cross Blue Shield network.
Richards says various studies suggest a limited number of offerings helps retirees make choices without confusion.
The real art is helping consumers understand the best plan for them—typically among five to eight plan choices—based on variables like deductibles, coinsurance and drug formularies, says Hover.
Williams claims retirees using an exchange can expect 15% to 25% more efficiency in the enrollment process.
And service counts. For example, Hover says GlidePath enrollment delivery is three-fold through online tools, phone counselors and, in Michigan, walk-up centers.
For Priscilla Wiblin, an Agilent retiree who has managed her multiple sclerosis (MS) with the same neurologist for 20 years, the independence to do her own research through exchanges and talk to an Extend counselor helps her manage her care in a cost-effective manner that closely aligns with the monthly subsidy she receives from her former employer.
To help determine coverage choices, Extend suggests retirees make the following self-assessment:
- How many doctors or specialists they regularly see
- How many times a year they visit their doctors
- Whether they have chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease or upcoming major treatments like surgery
- Do they travel often or spend much of the year in a part of the country other than their primary home location
- Are they willing to pay deductibles or copayments
Medicare Advantage, for example, offers individuals total coverage without inclusion of Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage tends to be less expensive because of subsidies the health plans receive from the federal government.
Still, Sperling claims, Medicare Advantage is not for everyone. As HMOs, Medicare Advantage programs limit retirees to a particular provider network and drug formulary.
Medigap, by contrast, picks up payment gaps from original Medicare with doctors who accept Medicare. For example, if Medicare pays 80%, Medigap pays the remaining 20% of the allowable Medicare cost.
Williams cautions against decisions made exclusively on price which often leave retirees unhappy with coverage. Increasingly, he says, insurers are competing on value, adding perks that attract seniors.
Wellness and disease management programs are also popular: Programs for diabetics, for example, help patients watch their diets or adhere to their medication regimens. These programs improve quality of life and help retirees and insurers manage costs.


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» Next Arte Italica Collection:
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Arte Italica honors the vision of its founder, Ann Skidmore, by offering the very best in quality and creative home décor design. Ann formed Arte Italica in 1997, as a response to her love of Italian history, culture, art and especially vintage pewter. Finding it difficult to acquire in the United States, she began importing this fine Italian pewter. Soon, she was designing and importing ... Read more about Arte Italica »
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