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If you're short on time but still want to experience the awe-inspiring majesty of hot springs and volcanos, look no further than this trip packed with Ecuadorian highlights. Among these are a jaunt through the Amazon jungle, a trip to the Papallacta hot springs, and a visit to the Otavalo handicraft market for souvenirs (because lava is kind of hard to pack in your suitcase). Throw in 2 nights in a luxury Amazon lodge and an overnight in a historic hacienda, and you'll have made a month's worth of memories in only nine days.
What's Included
Your Wellness Moment: Papallacta Hot Springs Visit, Papallacta
Your Discover Moment: Baños. Arrival transfer. Visit the community of San Clemente and enjoy a local lunch. Overnight in an historic hacienda. Explore the Otavalo handicraft market. Relax at Papallacta hot springs. Two nights at an Amazon lodge with jungle walks and canoe excursions. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Traverse the Amazon jungle with a local naturalist guide, be surrounded by towering volcanoes, explore an Andean community and have lunch with locals, learn about traditional handicrafts and folk art from local artisans
Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Important Notes
Please note this tour travels to Banos. The Tungurahua volcano in the area around Banos is constantly active. G Adventures have operated countless tours to the Banos area over the years without incident. However, we are obligated to point out that travel to the area is at your own risk, to exercise caution when travelling in the area. Further, we urge you to check your insurance coverage with your insurance provider prior to travel to the Banos area.
2. All travellers are required to pay the tax on domestic flights in Ecuador. Foreign travellers are exempt form this, and proving you are indeed a foreign traveller can be done by providing us with your international ticket number (ITN). Travellers who do not submit international ticket numbers at least 30 days prior to Day 1 of their tour will be required to pay the domestic tax on all included flights.
Group Leader Description
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, also known as a CEO (Chief Experience Officer). The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
Group Size Notes
Max 16, Avg 10.
Meals Included
8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Private van, boat, flight, walking.
Local Flights
Airline luggage restriction for flying to the Amazon Lodge:
Each passenger is allowed luggage up to 20 kilos (44 pounds) for checked luggage, as well as a carry-on item such as a backpack.
Solo Travellers
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Comfort hotels (4 nts), historic hacienda (1 nts), luxury jungle lodge (2 nts), hot springs resort (1 nt).
My Own Room
Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops
About Accommodation
On our Ecuador trip we use various different types of accommodations that are unique to the various environments experienced on this trip. From an historic hacienda in the highlands to a hot springs resort at Papallacta, these are wonderful places to stay.
Joining Hotel
For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.
Joining Instructions
An arrival transfer is included when you arrive on Day 1, or when you arrive up to three days prior to the tour, provided that you have booked your pre-accommodation through G Adventures in our joining hotel. Due to customer experience and quality considerations, all services related to the tour must be continuous.
Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned other then the welcome meeting which takes place in the late afternoon/early evening. You may arrive at any time. Similarly the last day is a departure day in which no activities are planned.
A representative will be waiting at the airport to meet you holding a G Adventures sign with your name, directly in front of the arrivals section. There are often many people holding signs so we recommend to take some time to locate the rep with a G Adventures logo and sign with your name. If for any reason you are not met at the airport, you can go directly to the H.A.T.S. counter (Hotel and Airline Transportation Services) which is situated directly in front of the international arrival area, next to the taxi stand, and they will be able to assist you. In addition you may call our local support line at 0999 506 000. If you are unable to make contact for whatever reason, please make your way to the joining point hotel via taxi and report the issue to a G Adventures representative at the welcome meeting.
A G Adventures Representative will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip. A welcome note will be left for you in the hotel so you have all the necessary information regarding the meeting time and your transfer times back to the airport the next day. If you arrive late, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning.
Arrival Complications
We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Emergency Contact
Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Representative (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:
Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, we will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer however we cannot guarantee this. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel.
G Adventures Office Quito, Ecuador
During office hours (Weekdays 9am-6pm Local Time)
From outside Ecuador: +593 2250 6610
From within Ecuador: 022 506 610
After hours Emergency number
From outside Ecuador: +593 999 506 000
From within Ecuador: 0999 506 000
If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.
Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
What to Take
Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. We recommend the use of a medium sized soft suitcase, duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.
-Passport (with photocopies)
-Travel insurance (with photocopies)
-Airline tickets (with photocopies)
-Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
-G Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and trip details
-Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
-Fleece top
-Windproof/waterproof jacket
-Small towel and swim wear
-6 shirts/t-shirts
-Sun hat
-1 pair of shorts
-2 pairs of long trousers
-1 pair hiking pants/track pants (quick-dry recommended)
-Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes
- Knee-length socks (to be used with rubber boots at the jungle lodge)
-Sport sandals
-Watch or alarm clock
-First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).
-Day pack
-Camera with extra memory cards and batteries
-Personal Entertainment
-Waterproof backpack cover
-Outlet adapter
-Insect Repellent
-Antibacterial wipes/gel
-Reusable water bottle
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Visas and Entry Requirements
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.
- Please note that by February 2nd 2018, it will be mandatory for every traveler to show proof of insurance (covering medical, accident, death) to the immigration authority at the airport or border crossing into Ecuador. This insurance must cover the traveler for their entire length of stay in the country.
If you do not carry proof of insurance and/or an insurance assistance card that satisfies this requirement, it is possible that your entrance into Ecuador could be denied.
Detailed Trip Notes
Important nots about visiting the Amazon:
Rubber boots are a must: Rubber boots are very good for hiking in the rainforest, they help protect feet from plants and insects close to the ground as well as deep water. The lodge offers use of boots as a courtesy to our guests, available from size 5 to size 12.
How to keep things dry:
We recommend that passengers bring zip-lock plastic bags or dry sacks for your lenses and camera equipment. A waterproof backpack will also help you to protect your camera gear or anything else you wish to keep completely dry. The humidity is high in the rainforest, however, if you follow the advice about packing appropriate belongings it should not be an issue.
Electricity is available in the bar, dining areas, reception areas and rooms (110V) to recharge batteries. We suggest that guests bring a flashlight or headlamp. The plugs for recharging batteries have three holes, two plainprongs and one circle prong just as most American plugs. However, we recommend that you bring a transformer of two plain prongs.
The weather in La Selva Amazon Ecolodge:
Year-round temperature average is 82°F (28°C), however nights can be cooler. Since Ecuador is located right on the equator, the country does not experience extreme weather changes, and the weather is surprisingly comfortable all year around. Please be prepared for rain.
La Selva Highlights
You will have different activities like: treking, hiking, fishing, swimming, paddle canoes, birdwatching, butterfly watching, photography or simply relax.
Observation Tower:
New at La Selva is our completed Observation Tower, rising to 35 meters, the tower offers incredible views of the rain forest canopy. Experience amazing opportunities for bird watching and photography, among many species of monkeys, birds, flowers, and insects of which your naturalist guide will more than happy to point out and share interesting facts.
Bird Watching
With perhaps the highest species list in the neo-tropics, LA SELVA uses native birding experts for those guests with this singular passion. The Natives speak minimal English, but know the names of all the birds, and, more importantly, how to find them. Please specify in advance if you are a birder and would like to take advantage of this service.
Tree Tower
Not far from the lodge you can observe many birds flying by at eyelevel, wildlife of all kinds, and, yes, a bird's-eye view of it all, from the top platform of our 135 ft. observation tree tower.
The Butterfly Farm
The interest in our butterfly farm is overwhelming. Now entering its 15th year of operation, our guests have enjoyed this attraction even more than we expected. Only 5 minutes from the lodge, a guide will take you there at least once during your stay; however, many people go back a second and third time on their own.
LA SELVA's Butterfly farm was designed to present an ecologically sound, sustainable alternative way to help preserve the rainforest. It is another step in our ongoing effort to find viable ways (besides ecotourism) to help save this beautiful rainforest.
Kayaking and Swimming
Guests may take out our kayaks to explore the lake on their own anytime they wish. The kayaks hold one or two people and paddlers must be signed in and out at the bar. Kayak instructions will be available from the staff.
Besides voyages of discovery, La Selva will arrange kayak races and other prize-winning activities with the kayaks. It is child's play and free drinks for the winners but enjoy that silliness and exhilaration.
Unless the lodge is very crowded, guests may have kayaks without time limit, however if there is a great demand a two-hour per excursion time will be in effect. A guest must return for another two hours if desired.
No fishing is allowed from the kayaks, but this activity can be done from the dock.
Swimming, another great recreational activity is highly encouraged. The Lonely Planet guide has called Lake Garzacocha one of the most beautiful lakes in the Amazon, so take a swim with your sunscreen (well applied please) to our balsa wood raft and enjoy the tranquility. If there is truly no demand for the kayaks you can paddle your way to the raft and bring a book a long to read in the middle of a lake in the middle of the Amazon.
The Biology Field Station
In 1992 LA SELVA created, built and continues to fund The Neo-tropical Field Biology Institute. Researchers from around the world come to our lodge to carry out scientific investigation.
Guests often brush shoulders with researchers in the bar and elsewhere for enlightening conversation.
Please find below a partial list of activities. Trained Naturalist guides and Native assistants will accompany you during all your adventure.
El Salado
This is a two-hour excursion often combined with a picnic lunch and trips across the Napo River. Visit a site where, with a little luck, parrots and parakeets, by the thousands can be seen.
Walk by a Native's House
Cross Garzacocha Lake. Two and a half to three hour walk on a purposely underdeveloped trail which has some physical challenge. Half of the walk takes place in primary forest and the other half passes the huts of our indigenous neighbors along the Napo River.
High Forest Trail
The duration can vary between three to five hours. Cross the Napo River and arrive at a challenging mountainous trail which offers yet another ecosystem. It is a chance to see birds and wildlife nowhere else seen. Try the lemon ants!
Mandicocha Trail
An easy trail close to the hotel which is usually filled with wildlife no matter what hour of the day you do it. The excursion can last as long as you want.
Pilche Trail
Cross Garzacocha Lake then one hour or more of walking. See an enormous colony of leafcutter ants and whatever wildlife may come your way.
Night Excursions
Canoe or walking trips after dark to view nocturnal animals such as caiman, monkeys, insects and owls.
Pedro's Trail
Two versions are available. Cross Garzacocha lake, walk through the virgin forest and arrive at the tower: four hours. Short version: Pass Butterfly farm and join the trail in the middle: two hours.
Chawamango's Trail
Head east at Mandicocha trailhead and walk along the lake. Arrive at Napo River. Return by elevated walkway and cross Garzacocha by canoe: three hours.
Little Chawamango
Short trip by foot around the edge of Lake Garzacocha. Return by canoe to the lodge.
Ruth's Trail
Across the Mandicocha lake, it goes on and on and on. Good place to look for Jaguars.
For Serious Photography
A long lens, at least a zoom capable of 200 mm is recommended and an assortment of film as low as ASA 25 for out on the streams in full sun and around the lodge, to ASA 400 – pushing it if you like, for in the forest. Be sure to carry your film separately.
Digital camera users need only beware (as SLR users) that moisture can fog their lenses rapidly. Silica gel in the camera carrying case should do the job and remember to put your camera back in the case when not using it. Bring plastic zip-lock bags for protecting your gear.
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Money Exchange
Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available some may not accept all international credit or debit cards. You may need to try at more than one machine if the first does not accept your card. You should also check with your bank before leaving to ensure that your card works internationally. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US dollar cash and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds. Please bring USD banknotes in denominations smaller than 100, as they can be hard to exchange in Ecuador. 100 dollar bills of certain series (e.g. CB B2) can be especially hard to cash! CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than $100 USD (or equivalent). As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
Emergency Fund
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected – though not compulsory – component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.
Also at the end of each trip if you felt your Discovery Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used.
Optional Activities
Quito City Tour
This tour of Quito is perfect for seeing fascinating panoramas, churches, and historical architecture of Quito. Learn about colonial art, culture, legends, and traditions.
Quito was designated by UNESCO as World Cultural Heritage Site. The trip takes about 3.5 hours including the visit to the lookout point of El Panecillo where you will find one of the best views of Quito.
Trip includes English speaking guide/driver and private transportation)
- Entrance fees for the churches and Panecillo are not included in the price and are approx $ 9 USD p/p.
- Price for 1 person : $ 50 USD – Price for 2+ persons : $40 USD
City Tour + Equator Line
(Combination of City tour and Middle of the World Tour)
After the scenic city tour of Quito (described above) we go to the Equator line museum . Here we visit the Inti Ñan local museum where you can see different experiments to prove that you are at the Centre of the Earth. On the 00°00'00" line at the museum, you will have the opportunity to interact with demonstrations of phenomena that occur in nature, and which can be tested on our magnetic equatorial line.
This trip takes about 5 hours in total and includes English speaking guide/driver and private transportation )
- Entrances fees for City Tour : $ 6 USD (Churches)
- Equator line fees : $ 6 USD (Museums)
- Price for 1 person : $ 60 USD – Price for 2+ persons : $45 USD
The Middle of the world
Driving 25 Kms. (16 miles) north of Quito, marks the exact Middle of the World, latitude 0º. Here you can stand with a foot on each hemisphere. We will visit the Inti ñan site museum (pathway of the sun) which show the diversity of Ecuador's native groups .
On the 00°00'00" line at the museum, you will have the opportunity to interact with demonstrations of phenomena that occur in nature, and which can be tested on our magnetic equatorial line.
Later we head up to Pululahua crater view point , which is one of the two inhabited volcanic caldera in the world. Trip includes English speaking guide/driver and private transportation)
- Entrance fees for the Museums are not included in the price and are approx $9 USD p/p.
- Price for 1 person : $ 50 USD – Price for 2+ persons : $40 USD
Otavalo Market
The Otavalo market is considered one the biggest and best native markets in South America. Here you can find an extremely wide variety of handicrafts made in Ecuador. We head north along the Pan-American highway for 2.5 hours. On the way we visit the village of Calderon to see the bread figures and Cayambe to taste the typical 'biscochos' (local biscuits). After you have explored the Otavalo market, we go to the leather market at Cotacachi or Peguche the weaving town . The busiest Market Day is Saturday with the most vendors, but the market is open daily.
This trip takes about 8 hours and can depart everyday at 08h00 am (trip includes English speaking guide/driver and private transportation )
- Price for 1 person : $ 100 USD – Price for 2+ persons : $70 USD
Mindo Cloud Forest – Full Day
Drive northwest for about 2 hours, enjoy the dramatic change of vegetation as we go down the andes to the cloudforest. Mindo is a tiny town set amidst some of the most beautiful and peaceful countryside in the entire country. It is a centre for both nature and adventure activities.
Go walking through the cloud forest and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the different waterfalls, take time to ride up the cable car with amazing views.
Time for lunch in a local restaurant (not included) and visit a butterfly farm where you will be able to see an array of colorful humming birds for which Mindo is renowned.
In the afternoon there is also the option of an organic chocolate tour which includes a demonstration of the chocolate-making process and of course tasting too!
This trip takes about 9 hours and can depart everyday at 07h00 am (trip includes English speaking guide/driver and private transportation )
Allow : $10 USD for lunch and $ 20 USD for entrance fees.
- Price for 1 person : $ 100 USD – Price for 2+ persons : $70 USD
Cotopaxi Volcano
A spectacular 2-hour drive in private transport takes us to Cotopaxi Volcano National Park , the highest active volcano in the world (5897 m) . We visit a museum in the park and hike around a lagoon at the bottom of the volcano to learn about the flora and fauna found at this altitude. We then continue by car up the volcano to the parking lot, at over 4500m. Then we walk approximately 1.5hrs to the refuge at 4800m, and after a short break, continue to the glacier (if the weather holds out). We head back to the Pan-American highway to have lunch somewhere near Latacunga, or buy a box lunch on the way to have more time in the park. Return to Quito in the afternoon.
This trip takes about 8 hours and can depart everyday at 07h00 am (trip includes guide/driver in english and private transportation )
- Price for 1 person : $ 100 USD – Price for 2+ persons : $70 USD
- Does not include Cotopaxi Park Entrance fee $40 USD per group ( Park fee cost can be split between travellers)
Two hours drive to the east are the Termas de Papallacta. They are located on the Cinnamon trail, (65km from Quito) which is the same route that Francisco de Orellana took in 1542 when he crossed the Andean mountain range in search of spices and gold, and discovered the Amazon River.
Things to do:
a) Hot springs pools with different temperatures and sizes with views of the Antisana volcano 5750m.
b) Trekking up the river on marked path
c) Horseback rides – extra cost
d) Relax in the new spa recently inaugurated (spa services not Included in entrance fee cost.)
Important Note:
- Lunch not included however restaurant available onsite offering typical Ecuadorian meals with some international options.
- Return to Quito in the afternoon.
- This tour provides transport service only. Your driver will drop you off at the Hot Springs and wait for you when you are ready to leave.
- Full day tour
Tour Price: $100 USD – 1 Person
$50 USD per person for 2+ travellers
$7 USD Entrance fee per person
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes, as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. Discovery Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
Please note your Adventure travels to high altitude, in Quito and the highlands. This is medically defined as anything over 8,000 feet (2,440 meters). Most people can travel to 8,000 feet with minimal effects. However, everyone reacts to altitude differently and altitude sickness can on set with some people irrespective of fitness and age. For details on how to best prepare and what to do in the unlikely event you are effected on your Adventure, please consult your physician.
Safety and Security
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home – you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your CEO has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your CEO will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.
Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.
Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).
Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.
We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety. For ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling, please visit:
Trip Specific Safety
Please take care when wandering about the city on your own, as pick pockets and purse-snatchers are common, particularly in the Old Town. Be safe and leave your passport, credit cards, traveller's cheques and cash you don't need in the hotel's safety deposit box. Most Quiteños are honest and genuinely helpful and friendly, but be safe and enjoy the city!
Medical Form
Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility' is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our CEOs work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.
The medical questionnaire can be found online at:
A Couple of Rules
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation
The Planeterra Foundation planeterra.org is a Canadian non-profit organization that helps empower local people to develop their communities, conserve their cultures, and create humane and supportive systems for their endeavours. Planeterra provides capacity building and catalyst grants to get community social enterprises off the ground. These businesses address local challenges by providing benefits for indigenous people, empowering marginalized women, and granting disadvantaged youth access to education, employment, and brighter futures. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating programs into G Adventures' itineraries globally.
G Adventures is Planeterra's largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.
Dollar-a-Day Program
G Adventures' Dollar-a-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar for every day you are on trip. 100% of these donations go directly to support community development projects worldwide that are implemented by Planeterra.
After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at firstname.lastname@example.com and we will send it on to you.
Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G Adventures, subscribe at www.gadventures.com/newsletters/
Stay current on how our company invests in our global community through our foundation – Planeterra. Sign up for Planeterra's monthly news to learn more about how to give back and support the people and places we love to visit.
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
International Flights
Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Max Pax
Group Leader
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.
Day 1: Quito
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.
Included Activities:
Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting
Private Vehicle
Day 2: Quito/Otavalo (1B, 1L)
Spend a night in the Otavalo area and visit its world famous handicrafts market, the largest in South America. Villagers from the surrounding countryside come here every week to sell handmade goods as well as livestock, fruits, and vegetables.
One of the most obvious signs of the Otavaleños' cultural integrity is their traditional dress. This is not just worn for the tourists at the Saturday market, but is worn throughout their daily life.
Otavalo is justly famous both for its friendly people and its Saturday animal market. The market dates back to pre-Inca times when jungle products were transported from the eastern lowlands and traded for highland goods. Today's market has two different functions: the local market for buying and selling animals, food, and other essentials, and the crafts market for the tourists and other interested people.
Included Activities:
San Clemente Community Visit
Otavalo Handicrafts Market Visit
Private Vehicle (2.00 hour(s))
Day 3: Otavalo/Papallacta (1B)
Continue to the Papallacta Hot Springs Resort for onsite hot springs, optional spa treatments, and hiking excursions. There is plenty of time to soak, relax, and enjoy the mountain views.
Included Activities:
Papallacta Hot Springs Visit
Private Vehicle (2.00-3.00 hours)
Day 4: Papallacta/Baños (1B)
Baños is one of the most popular spots in the country. Many Ecuadorian families vacation here. One look at this delightfully green mountain town and you will know why. Baños means 'baths' and this is precisely what the town is famous for. Some are thermal springs from the base of Tungurahua Volcano, which means 'little hell' in Quichua. Other baths have melt water running into them from Tungurahua's glaciated flanks. Locals swear that the baths are good for your health; it's definitely worth rising early to watch the dawn creep over the mountains from a hot spring vantage point.
Included Activities:
Papallacta Hot Springs Visit
Private Vehicle (3.00-4.00 hours)
Day 5: Baños (1B)
The town is the perfect setting for outdoor pursuits. Activities include horseback riding, canyoning, hiking, mountain biking, climbing, and rafting on the River Patate.
Day 6: Baños/Yasuni National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)
Transfer to the port to board a motorized canoe to go to La Selva's main dock. Continue on a short 15-min jungle walk leading to a creek. Enjoy a paddle by canoe across "Garzacocha" (the heron´s lagoon) in order to reach the lodge area. Upon arrival at the lodge, enjoy a welcome drink and get an introductory briefing. Take part in a short activity to be introduced to the rainforest.
Additional Notes:
All activities in the Amazon depend on weather and natural conditions. Not interested in hiking or canoeing? Feel free to relax at the lodge.
Included Activities:
La Selva Lodge Excursions
Private Vehicle (6.00-7.00 hours)
Motorized canoe (1.50-2.00 hours)
Day 7: Yasuni National Park (1B, 1L, 1D)
See the canopy of the rainforest from a tower, 43m (141 ft) in height, and choose from dozens of walks of varying lengths and difficulties; several routes can only be accessed by canoe. Choose from a variety of activities: wake up early for some bird watching or stay up late and go out on a boat to view caimans by flashlight. Learn about the environment and wildlife from the naturalist guide, who accompanies the group to ensure you get the most out of the excursions. The opportunities for birding, botany, hiking, herpetology, canoeing, photography, entomology, fishing, relaxing, and swimming at La Selva Lodge are boundless.
Included Activities:
La Selva Lodge Excursions
Day 8: Yasuni National Park/Quito (1B)
Travel by boat back to Coca and catch a flight to Quito.
Motorized canoe (2.50 hour(s))
Plane (0.50 hour(s))
Day 9: Quito (1B)
Depart at any time.
Included Activities:
Departure Day


text:
Forget Best Picture, forget Best Director, forget the screenplay and acting categories. On Oscar night, my attention is going to be focused squarely on Best Makeup and Hairstyling.
That's the one where "Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa" scored a nomination. Yes, "All Is Lost," that magnificent survival tale starring Robert Redford, and "Before Midnight," Richard Linklater's brilliant meditation on love and middle age, got the same number of nods as a movie with "Jackass" in the title. Well, as the founder of Sundance, Redford has a history of spotlighting unlikely winners, so no doubt he understands.
Not that "Bad Grandpa" is likely to win. "Dallas Buyers Club," which is up for Best Picture, seems a lock to take the makeup-hair category, unless voters opt for "Jackass" or "The Lone Ranger," one of the year's most dumped-on releases. Still, seeing those titles on the ballot together has a surreal aura — somewhat akin to a musical supergroup comprised of Bob Dylan, Pauly Shore and the bass player from the Wiggles.
It's those quirks that make the Academy Awards so unpredictable, as we learned in our last Oscar guessing contest. Each year, Times Community News South invites readers to handicap the winners for Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, Supporting Actor and Supporting Actress. In 2013, no one guessed more than half the categories right, so we had a year without a winner. (Those who have lived through multiple Best Picture races and presidential elections may consider that an underrated concept.)
So this time, I hope our entrants do better. I hope I do better too. If you think you can beat my predictions for the top six categories — in addition to Makeup and Hairstyling — please email your picks to firstname.lastname@example.com and include your full name and city of residence. Deadline is Feb. 28. And we're off!
Best Picture
Right now, "12 Years a Slave" and "American Hustle" appear neck-and-neck in terms of momentum, but as entertaining and popular as the latter film is, my conviction hasn't changed that Steve McQueen's searing captivity drama will take the top prize. Twenty-thirteen was a banner year for black actors and filmmakers, and with a series of real-life cases — Trayvon Martin and Jonathan Ferrell most notably — dominating the news, the issue of race will likely be high on voters' minds when they cast their ballots. Let's just hope that 2014 is an equally rich year for minority cinema and that studios don't view the "black renaissance" as a passing trend.
The pick: "12 Years a Slave"
Best Director
Oscar voters have shown a willingness in recent years to split the vote for Best Picture and Director —how many jaws dropped when "Shakespeare in Love" topped "Saving Private Ryan" or Roman Polanski won in absentia for "The Pianist"? So now that it's no longer much of a shock, I predict that Alfonso Cuarón, whose "Gravity" set a new standard for 3-D filmmaking, will take the prize on the basis of technical wizardry.
The pick: Alfonso Cuarón
Best Actor
He's a durable Hollywood brand name who's persevered as a leading man and an edgy character actor; he's coming off a career year with three heralded performances; he plays a real person in a socially conscious film ("Dallas Buyers Club") and lost 45 pounds to play the role. How many ways are there to say...
The pick: Matthew McConaughey
Best Actress
Sandra Bullock seemed to have early momentum for "Gravity," but Cate Blanchett has eclipsed her with her turn as a mentally unstable social climber in Woody Allen's "Blue Jasmine." Plus, it's almost unthinkable that an actress with so many Best Picture contenders on her resume ("Elizabeth," "Babel," "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy) hasn't won yet in the leading category. Count on her Supporting Actress trophy for "The Aviator" to get a big sister.
The pick: Cate Blanchett
Best Supporting Actor
Bradley Cooper ("American Hustle") or Michael Fassbender ("12 Years a Slave") could ride Best Picture momentum to a win here, but I predict that Jared Leto, who snared the Golden Globe and a slew of critics' awards, will prevail for his turn as a transgender woman who befriends a homophobic straight man in "Dallas Buyers Club." (As with costar McConaughey's weight loss, never underestimate the power of physical transformation in impressing voters.)
The pick: Jared Leto
Best Supporting Actress
I know Jennifer Lawrence won the Golden Globe, but I can't picture her continuing that streak to Oscar night. She won Best Actress just last year; it's been tough to buy a Subway sandwich without seeing her face on "Hunger Games" merchandise (call it the overkill factor); and while she nailed her small "American Hustle" role, that's just what it is: a small role. The Academy seems to like making discoveries in the supporting categories (Haing S. Ngor for "The Killing Fields," Anna Paquin for "The Piano") and Lupita Nyong'o's visceral turn in "12 Years a Slave" would fit that bill nicely.
The pick: Lupita Nyong'o
Best Makeup and Hairstyling
I think "Dallas Buyers Club" will win.
The pick: "Dallas Buyers Club"
MICHAEL MILLER is the features editor for Times Community News in Orange County. He can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com or (714) 966-4617.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Cashier (Customer Service Representative) - Retail Sales - Full Time or Part Time
Speedway LLC
Full-time, Part-time6030 W 95th St
Oak Lawn, Illinois 60453
Updated in the last 30 days
Save time and take some hassle out of your job hunt.
Use filters and keywords to sort and save your popular/favorite searches.
Express interest by telling us where you want to work.


text:
Get Love Problem Solution Sanpada
Do you love someone more than you love yourself? Well, she or he must be a special person to you then? But are you scared to lose that special person from your life? Are you not really sure if your special one is attracted to you or not? Have you tried talking to him or her about your love relationship? In case none of these are working, you need to go and visit an astrologer who can help you with love problem solution Sanpada.
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It's really important that you choose an astrologer that is not only best in their act but also is suitable to you. They are specialists, hence you do not get to enjoy a free service from them and in case you have budget shortage, you need to find a suitable love problem solution specialist in Sanpada who will be affordable and also will be able to solve your problem with expertise. So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch with an experienced astrologer today and see how they can influence your love life.
Follow Us On twitter.com
My Website :getlovesolution.com


text:
Qt Everywhere: Community Android Port Announces Alpha Release
The Necessitas team, led by Bogdan Vatra, is pleased to announce the first alpha release of Necessitas, a Qt SDK for the Android mobile platform.
The release contains the following:
Although these make extensive use of free software from Nokia Qt Development Frameworks and Google, this is a community project and is not supported or endorsed by either Nokia or Google at present. The alpha release of Necessitas is exciting for KDE as support for Qt is a prerequisite to get KDE software running on a wide range of mobile platforms. The project also underlines Qt's value in community-led, cross platform applications, which KDE strongly supports.
As an alpha release, this is not yet ready for production use and there are known issues and features not yet implemented. The development team welcomes contributions to improve the software and input from potential contributors.
if $kde-apps AND android TRUE
Way to go, plenty of applications from kde would rock on android, kmail, korganizer, akregator, okular, etc - and have a bigger audience then on meego.
Thanks to the Necessitas to bring that dream a little closer : )
By thequickbrownfox at Thu, 2011/02/24 - 2:59pm
Finally a decent framework
Finally a decent framework for making android apps.
Will it allow developers to make native applications? or they will still somehow rely on the android dalvik java VM?
Keep up the good work guys :)
By Fahad Alduraibi at Thu, 2011/02/24 - 5:26pm
All the answers in BehindKDE soon
I have interviewed the lead developer for BehindKDE (Platforms series). I still need to edit, spellcheck, etc but you can expect all the answers by Monday :-)
By Pau Garcia i Quiles at Thu, 2011/02/24 - 9:19pm
Cant wait to see them! I hope
By Eduardo at Sat, 2011/02/26 - 7:00pm
Ready! Go!
By Pau Garcia i Quiles at Mon, 2011/02/28 - 4:17pm
You write native c++ code and
You write native c++ code and there's a thin js shim to fool android into running the native code. Qt uses the NDK and not dalvik, as can the app developer.
By odysseus at Mon, 2011/02/28 - 11:29am
Java, not JavaScript
By The User at Mon, 2011/02/28 - 11:54pm
Eh... Ok i don't get the difference...
So what is the difference between this Android port and the already existent port Android Lighthouse?
I think maintaining 2 different community ports is a waste of time and I would hope to see them consolidate their work or just merge the projects.
- Andrew - Graticule Software Engineer
By Andrew Manson at Fri, 2011/02/25 - 1:56pm
Might be the same project
I'm not sure, but they may well be the same thing (name change? release codename?), or at least significantly overlapped. Notably, the android lighthouse wiki page on preparing and compiling Qt here now directs people to the equivalent necessitas wiki page, and also, less significantly but more interestingly, the necessitas home page says "Welcome on the home of the android lighthouse project." at the top.
They both use the same logo too :)
By Lim Yuen Hoe at Fri, 2011/02/25 - 5:20pm
Yes it is the same project
Yes it is the same project just with a name that won't run the risk of a trademark dispute with Nokia.
By odysseus at Mon, 2011/02/28 - 11:25am


text:
Ed Video needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 40 designs submitted by 14 freelance designers.
Ed Video Media Arts Centre (the Ed stands for 'Educational') is a charitable artist-run centre in Guelph, Canada.
Ed Video supports the creation, exhibition and appreciation of creative video and media art.
Having recently moved to a new location, Ed Video wishes to rebrand in order to have an updated and more exciting visual identity.
Ed Video Media Arts Centre
The logo should be reflective of our exciting arts organization. Ed Video hosts media art screenings and exhibitions, teaches video workshops, and enables our members to create their projects by renting equipment.
We are looking for a new logo that expresses our strong educational focus yet enhances our profile as an innovative arts organization. We value originality, creativity, and inclusivity and the designs should be represent this.
Good Keywords
-Media Art
-Screenings and Gallery Installations
-Intelligent, Edgy, Rebellious, Revolutionary, and Fun!
-filmstrip themes
-'childlike' themes
-Hollywood cliches
-slight changes to our current logo
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


text:
Our homestay is centrally located in the heart of Fort kochi and all the tourist attractions are within walking distance.
Our homestay is your home away from home, offers 6 air conditioned double rooms with private en suite.
About Us | Booking Policy | Privacy Policy | User Agreement | Sitemap | Contact Us
CheersBye © 2019


text:
The case that television is superior to movies is on the verge of getting stronger. Less than a year after the Oscars failed to nominate a single person of color for a leading performance, the Emmys are poised to take a giant leap forward in terms of diversity.
Both Viola Davis and Taraji P. Henson are considered front-runners in the category of lead actress in a dramatic series. If either takes the podium, it'll mark the first time a black woman has ever received the honor.
Predictions for the ceremony, taking place Sunday in Los Angeles, suggest history will be made:
Taraji P. Henson, "Empire"; Claire Danes,...


text:
Flood-related resources:
How to help victims of the flood
Complete coverage:
After days of historic flooding, University of Colorado officials announced the school will re-open Monday -- an unpopular decision with students who immediately began circulating a petition to keep the school closed and took to social media to criticize the move.
Meanwhile, the Boulder Valley School District announced it will keep all of its schools closed Monday and Tuesday.
Naropa University also canceled Monday classes, and a letter from the school's president, Chuck Lief, said the decision was made partly because about 50 classes were at risk of cancellation anyway given that several faculty members couldn't travel to Boulder. However, Naropa will open all three of its campuses in order to allow the community places to "gather, receive and offer support to one another."
CU called off classes and shut the campus down beginning Thursday and canceled Saturday's football game against Fresno State. But Chancellor Phil DiStefano announced Sunday afternoon that the school will re-open Monday with the cautionary note that students and employees don't take any "dangerous risks" to get to campus.
The provost's office has asked faculty members to be flexible with students immediately impacted by the flood.
"We're not expecting anyone to take any heroic measures to get to campus," CU spokesman Bronson Hilliard said.
Students, though, slammed CU for a decision that some described as insensitive -- snarking that they'd need to hitch a ride with the National Guard because of the road closures near their homes or get tetanus shots because of a raw sewage spill reported Sunday afternoon on the East Campus.
An anonymous student circulated a petition saying it's unsafe for students, faculty and staff to commute to CU when it's in the middle of a national disaster area.
Monica Koenig, a CU graduate student who teaches a creative writing class, sent an email to her students saying that "nothing is worth compromising their safety." Her Monday class will be a relaxed day for students who, like her, are going stir crazy.
Koenig said the last couple of days have been stressful as her parents are stranded in Allenspark.
She said CU's decision to re-open is "irresponsible."
Hilliard acknowledged the decision has not been a popular one, but said CU officials will work with anyone directly impacted by the flood.
"We're going to show the maximum flexibility to our faculty, staff and students as they cope with the personal losses and challenges of the disaster," he said.
CU officials said students who have been displaced or otherwise affected should notify their professors and instructors. Supervisors of campus employees are also being asked to be understanding of the serious impact the flooding has had on some employees.
Nate King, a CU senior studying advertising, said he disagreed with the university's decision to re-open.
"I think the announcement was intended to be a rallying call that we're going to get through this and that we're trying to return to normal," King said. "But the fact is, we're still a disaster area."
King said his own home was unaffected and he was able to go to his part-time food service job in the dorms when the campus was closed last week.
CU engineering student Jesse Frank said he e-mailed CU leaders asking that they reconsider opening Monday, saying it doesn't seem logistically safe or smart.
"I'm lucky to not have been affected, but so many students have lost their houses, dogs are missing and more than 300 people are unaccounted for," Frank said. "There's so much devastation."
Although several CU buildings were damaged by the flooding, all classrooms and business service offices will be operational. It is possible some courses will be canceled or rescheduled because of instructors' availability.
CU officials said it appears the worst of the weather has passed, but afternoon thunderstorms are still in the forecast for the next few days and they ask people on the campus to stay on alert for flash flood conditions and avoid creeks and flooded areas.
"Deans of CU's colleges and schools reported to the provost that a majority of faculty members are available to hold classes Monday.
"We have a critical mass of faculty to hold classes," Hilliard said.
Officials from the Boulder Valley School District will communicate with families Tuesday about what the plans are for the rest of the week. Families were told that BVSD teachers will adjust assignment due dates and expectations for students given the number of days away from school.
BVSD students have been out of school since Thursday.
"Some of the short-term concerns with school district facilities are being addressed as quickly as possible by district personnel as well as outside restoration contractors," Superintendent Bruce Messinger said in a statement. "There are some long-term challenges facing students, families and employees which will take longer to resolve. The inability for students and staff to travel between our communities presents some unique challenges. There are also many families and staff who have been evacuated to locations outside of BVSD. I will be meeting with district and school administration on Monday to address both the short and long term issues."
Students in the St. Vrain Valley School District will be out until at least Thursday.
Contact Camera Staff Writer Brittany Anas at 303-473-1132 or firstname.lastname@example.com or twitter.com/brittanyanas.


text:
Get free weekly tips just for health and wellness businesses at www.RadialGroup.com. Radial, led by Leslie Nolen, provides marketing and strategy makeovers for health and wellness businesses.
If you're using the following five phrases in your club marketing materials, it's time to revitalize your copy with sparkling, specific language that zeroes in on why your members love your health club.
1. World-class service. We've never met a wellness business that bragged about its rotten customer service. But plenty say they have great service when what they actually provide is lousy service. Let your customer service speak for itself. If you do a great job, your clients will tell their colleagues, family and friends about you.
Instead of giving yourself empty compliments, zero in on specific aspects of your service that really are special. For example, do you have valet parking? Have you streamlined the appointment process? Or perhaps your floor staff routinely hands out bottles of cold spring water to the folks sweating on the cardio equipment.
2. Cutting-edge. When was the last time you saw a wellness business announce that it provided obsolete and out-of-date products and services? Um, never. This phrase is so overused that it's become meaningless. Instead of this generality, market the features that really do make your business stand out.
If your massage therapists use the silkiest, softest, 100 percent Egyptian cotton towels made, say so. Perhaps your wellness coaches all trained at the Cooper Clinic. Maybe your system of following up with clients for a year is what really produces permanent lifestyle changes, if so, say it.
3. Great value. A great value for one member or client is a waste of money for another. Jenny may love the fun social environment that her $15 per month discount gym membership buys her. Jose may feel that the personal attention from his one-on-one trainer at a personal training studio is well worth $100 per session. And Anna, a heart patient, may value the feeling of security she gets from her $45 per month membership at the local hospital fitness center.
Since value is entirely in the eye of the beholder, saying that you provide the best value can't possibly be true for everyone. Instead, focus on the aspects of your programs and services that your best customers rave about. For example, if your business focuses on sports-specific training, highlight your track record of success with prominent local high school athletes. Put your rates in the context of an improved ability to win a college scholarship or get playing time or even a starting position on a college team.
4. Amazing results. Extraordinary claims demand extraordinary proof. Consumers are extremely skeptical about health and wellness businesses that claim extraordinary results. After all, if it were that easy, we'd be living in a society inhabited exclusively by strong, lean, unwrinkled super-people. If your wellness business says that it routinely helps customers achieve amazing results, include plenty of believable, real-life examples to prove it. That's what we mean by extraordinary proof.
Think about Curves for a minute. The tagline "the power to amaze" is memorable and attention-grabbing. However, what Curves really promises is the "power to amaze yourself." That's very different from guaranteeing amazing weight-loss results.
5. We care. One of the nicest things about health and wellness businesses is that they really do care about their customers. Unfortunately, overuse has drained the meaning from this term. Instead of simply asserting that you care about customers, choose words and examples in your marketing materials that demonstrate to potential customers exactly how you care.
Customer successes and "above and beyond" stories are great ways to illustrate this message. For example, your newsletter might share your excitement at a customer's weight-loss success story with a picture of her celebration party when she reached a major milestone. And if your business routinely goes above and beyond to help clients, give examples, such as a wellness coach who started visiting an older client at home when the weather didn't allow him to drive safely.
Above all else, remember: Great marketing copy zeroes in on what customers think makes your health club special, not what you think makes it special.


text:
1) Make a generic suggestion thread? I am surprised that at this time there still isn't one.
2) While in dungeon, display the cost of preparations currently used and current amount of kingdom gold. This is so you can hit Restart button while using preparations and not be like "geez I wonder how much gold I have wasted already... inb4 I come home and see an empty vault".
3) It might be benefical to add some way to check out what's in your locker while you're in dungeon. This is so if you come across a shop with some interesting item that is useless to your current run, but could be used for later as a locker prep, you don't go all "HMM does my locker have this item or it doesn't? derp I don't remember"
4) It appears to me that no matter how much bosses there were in the dungeon, you can carry out one and only one trophy, and it's the one you were standing on when you hit Exit button. If this is the case, tell the player in-dungeon the market value of the trophy he is currently standing on. So you don't go all "hmmm... does the warlock beard cost more gold at taxidermist... or was it nose ring... don't remember"
5) Remove/add an option to remove the popup warning that tells you "Your vaults are full!" and appears every time you hit the tavern. I have a tendency to not spend money at all, and therefore every so often I have to go to some random dungeon, grab all the preps I can, and massively suicide the character at step 1 just to lower the amount of gold in kingdom and get rid of the annoying popup. Seriously, a one-time warning when I first hit the cap and displaying the gold number in red ever after is more than enough.


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We work to recognize and appreciate those who perform best, giving them concrete opportunities to grow in every corporate function, both nationally and internationally.
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We will only accept returns that display the Return Merchandise Authorization number (RMA) notated on the outside of the box. Please also notate the RMA number on all paperwork within the returned package. We can only credit merchandise purchased and shipped from Ogi, LLC in Minneapolis. Discontinued merchandise purchased within one year will be credited at the discounted price unless original invoice is enclosed. Merchandise returned which is not in "re-saleable" condition will not be credited in full. (This does not apply to defective exchanges.) Only frames listed on the original RMA form will be credited. All others will be returned at the account's expense. Merchandise received for credit which has been purchased over a year ago cannot be credited. Return credits may be applied to open balances, but cannot be used to obtain a refund.
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I'm in a munchkin mood, and want to share my musings. I'm looking into using BLUDTUPOWA and fire heart to create an infinite loop. It looks like it's just outside of the realm of realism, and I'm wondering if anyone can add to this to make it work.
The idea is to remain 1st level (dropping back down with humility is okay, probably even optimal) while increasing your HP as much as possible. Nothing else matters, just increase your max HP as much as possible. We will either use BURNDAYRAZ or PISORF/IMAWAL to fuel our onslaught. We will use BLUDTUPOWA to cast spells and fuel the fire heart, which then restores the spent HP. In a practical sense, this combo will work quite well even as a non-infinite combo. I'm going to take it one step further: I presume the map is fully-explored and BLUDTUPOWA is granting 1 MP for 3 HP. There are two approaches that immediately come to mind.
A (dwarf) wizard can use a PISORF/IMAWAL combo for 6 MP. This will give us two fire heart charges. Restoring 6 MP with B2P costs 18 HP. With a few effects (rock heart and dragon soul) to boost efficiency we can drop the effective HP cost per casting cycle down to 11.5 HP. If that's equal or less than 10% of your total HP, then we've got an infinite loop. So presuming we get our triumvirate of items, we need 120 HP to pull this off.
A Halfling Transmuter will use a mystic-balanced BURNDAYRAZ instead for 5 MP. This will only give us one charge, however. Instead, use relies on the fact that he gets 3 CP per casting (including B2P) and every 80 CP he gets an extra health potion for a 40% health restore. The math here is a bit trickier since only fireball counts against the heart, but both glyphs count to the conversion (you will lose some mana when you hit the threshold, but our max mana will be fairly low so the loss will be negligible compared to our overall throughput). Without the dragon soul we have a 5:1 cycle of B2P and BURNDAYRAZ, costing us 15 HP. We get 5% of our max health from the fire heart, and 9% from the fraction of a potion we've earned. We'd need about 110 HP to make this work. With the dragon's soul we get 17:4 cycle (on average) of B2P and BURNDAYRAZ; this is worth 20% health restore from fire heart and 31.5% from potions. We'd need about 100 HP to make this work.
Both look pretty iffy;
The wizard appears to be the trickier of the two. An EM prep makes a lot of sense since it gives us IMAWAL (one less thing to scum for), a HP-granting boon, and an easy way to convert into either GG or JJ for more health. It also requires two quest items from our shops and we need to scum for one of those other two deities. However, the health range appears doable if we can make this happen; 32 from Earthmother, 40 from GG, 20 from base health (humility), 6 from boosters, 16 from dwarf conversions and even one HP boosting item will put us into over-unity range. However, that's a lot of scumming to even get this far.
The Transmuter approach vastly simplifies item and glyph requirements, but has nearly untenable deity requirements. He needs mystic balance to pull this off so Mystera is necessary, and he must play Halfling. With EM and dwarf out of the combo, that means that even though the transmuter needs 20 less HP than the wizard. This still leaves us 33 HP short, too much to be bridged by items alone; we need a 3-deity combo to make this happen.
Anyone can think of a way to do this or add to it? I'm aware it's absurdly scummy, but it's an infinite loop, and that justifies everything. Ideas?


text: The young professor pictured above (to the left of the AAUP abbreviation) is John Dewey. As a philosophy professor and educational reformer, he helped to begin the American Association of University Professors in 1915. Our organization was founded by a straight-thinking Pragmatist in the academic tradition, and Dewey's reputable and progressive ideas have inspired teachers for generations. ISU's Laboratory School was in many ways established on Dewey's principles from his book, Democracy and Education (1916). The professional integrity of John Dewey, together with his beliefs in the efficacy of experience, have modeled the AAUP as an organization that stands up for academic freedom of thought, excellence in scholarship and service to the profession.


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Baghdad residents were still trying to make sense out of an orgy of violence at the city's Syriac Catholic cathedral of Our Lady of Salvation, when just 48 hours later mortar attacks and bombings again rocked the nation's capital. In the church attack on Oct. 31, 78 were wounded and 58 killed, including two priests and women and children A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense said that 18 explosions were reported during a 45-minute period on the night of Nov. 2, mostly in Baghdad's Shiite neighborhoods. The latest reports count at least 64 dead and 360 wounded. The spokesperson said, "There was a chaotic period last night, but the situation calmed down by midnight and the Iraqi Security Forces have control of the city. Reports of police abandoning their posts or widespread chaos are false."
The bloody resurrection of violence in Baghdad has so far not been enough to move the U.S. Operation New Dawn force in Iraq to consider emergency adjustments to its current deployment or its long-term schedule for withdrawal from Iraq. "The attack on the church was tragic, and our deepest sympathies are with those who lost loved ones," the defense spokesperson said. But "in accordance with the Security Framework Agreement we signed with Iraq, we will withdraw all of our troops by the end of 2011 in a responsible manner. That is a legally binding agreement between our governments."
He added, "Despite recent attacks, the important thing to recognize is that [overall violence has] been on a downward trend, and we have yet to see sectarian retribution. Violent extremists are still intent on conducting high-profile attacks but do not have a strategic impact.
"The U.S. has drawn down, but we have not disengaged," he added. "Iraq is an important strategic partner, and we are committed to a long-term partnership. The [Iraqi Security Force] is very capable, and we still have a strong security presence to support them."
Responding to the violence, the Syriac Catholic patriarch, Ignace Joseph III Younan, said that the security being provided at Christian places of worship by Iraqi forces is "far less than what we have hoped for and requested." He added, "Christians are slaughtered in Iraq, in their homes and churches, and the so-called 'free' world is watching in complete indifference, interested only in responding in a way that is politically correct and economically opportune, but in reality is hypocritical."
Asked if the upsurge in violence might encourage the State Department to accelerate its efforts to resettle Iraqi Christians, thousands of whom wait in Amman, Jordan, for an opportunity to be relocated to the United States and Europe, Leslie Phillips, a spokesperson for the State Department said, "I'm not aware of any plans to change the number of refugees brought to the United States from Iraq." She added, "Obviously we continue to be concerned about religious freedom in Iraq and the protection of all its minorities."
In each of the last two years a little more than 18,000 Iraqis have been accepted for resettlement in the United States. Since 2007 the State Department has admitted altogether only 53,689 Iraqis into the United States. Of that four-year total only 22,729 Christians of all denominations have cleared State Department and Homeland Security Department hurdles and been admitted to the United States. That total includes only 171 listed as Chaldean Catholics and 6,017 as Catholic; 1,579 were described as Orthodox.
In a statement on Nov. 2, Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, said that while the U.S. bishops welcomed the end of U.S. military operations in Iraq, "we share the Iraqi bishops' concern that the United States failed to help Iraqis in finding the political will and concrete ways needed to protect the lives of all citizens, especially Christians and other vulnerable minorities, and to ensure that refugees and displaced persons are able to return to their homes safely. Having invaded Iraq, the U.S. government has a moral obligation not to abandon those Iraqis who cannot defend themselves."


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Today we're excited to announce the winners of our biggest Build a Business Competition yet. This is our annual entrepreneurial challenge to build a business from the ground up in eight months.
This year's winners will receive the trip of a lifetime and mentorship from some of the world's most respected and prominent entrepreneurs.
To participate in the competition, participants must have had no sales or brand recognition prior to June 1, 2014. After the eight-month competition, we combined each entrepreneur's best two months of sales, and the businesses that sold the most are about to pack their bags.
Each winner will spend five days on Necker Island with Richard Branson, Daymond John, Tim Ferriss, and Marie Forleo. They'll also be treated to a private seminar led by Seth Godin.
It wasn't easy to win this competition. Tens of thousands of competitors sold $256,000,000 – a quarter of a billion dollars – of their products, with a total of 4,035,360 orders shipped all around the world… and all within eight months.
These entrepreneurs took a leap into the unknown and decided to launch a business. Some dropped out along the way; others are still working hard to achieve results. But thousands of these competitors have built businesses that will last a lifetime.
Here are this year's winners...
Fashion & Apparel:
Shore Projects
Based in London, England, Shore Projects was founded by three serial entrepreneurs with experience in ecommerce and branding, but who had never sold a product online before. They were chatting over a drink in a pub about something tangible they could create together. None of them was wearing a watch, but they decided to take on the challenge of creating something new; something that would serve as more of a fashion accessory than a timepiece.
Shore Projects' watches have detachable bands so you can change the look and feel of the product daily. Their most important channel was social media, and user-generated content on platforms like Instagram was particularly valuable.
Already, they've had sales in more than 100 countries, with a deal to enter select Nordstrom stores in the USA. They've experimented with Shopify POS in a pop-up shop in London (watch a video about their pop-up construction here), and they plan to launch other businesses on Shopify after the success they've seen in the ecommerce space.
This is what co-founder Neil Waller had to say about his decision to launch the business:
"We felt we were on to something, and we knew from our previous experience with other businesses that you can't wait to have all the answers to get started. In fact, it's probably a bad thing if you do, as you want to leave room to learn as you go along, and adapt and improve your plan accordingly. We are all big believers in Kaizen – continual improvement."
Electronics & Gadgets:
You know that bad habit you've been trying to kick? Pavlok might be the solution you've been looking for. The product's name is an homage to Ivan Pavlov, the Russian scientist who conditioned dogs to salivate at the sound of a bell.
Pavlok is a wearable device that uses vibration, beeps and electric stimulation to change your habits. Give yourself a jolt every time you bite your nails or reach for an extra donut. Use their app to make sure you head to the gym every day, or that you don't text your ex. You can even enable your friends to zap you using Bluetooth to make sure you stay on track.
Co-founder Maneesh Sethi tried out his own product so he could stop gorging on blue tortilla chips, and now says he's disgusted at the sight of them. Maneesh says he's found that in most cases, it takes five days or less to change the behaviour of the person wearing the device. Those using Pavlok to quit smoking have seen more than a 50% success rate.
Based out of Boston, Maneesh co-founded the company with Jim Lynch, the inventor of Lego Mindstorms and the senior lead engineer on the Roomba vacuum robot. They built their first prototype in June 2014, and raised $280,000 with an Indiegogo campaign in October. Now, they're focused on shipping 800 prototypes to customers beginning in August.
Here's the advice that Maneesh wants to share with other entrepreneurs like him:
"Make sure you look for the studies and science to show that what you're doing will actually work. Once you have an idea in mind, make sure you keep focused. Seriously dude, focus. Also, sell what you already have — don't try to sell what it can be."
Art, Jewelry & Crafts:
Little Letter Lights Co.
Lucy Nourse and her husband Rob were working in hairdressing and insurance. They had no design experience. But they did have two children, and Lucy wanted to create a business where she could work from home to spend more time with the kids.
And then Lucy had an idea. She'd been trying to find marquee letter lights for her children's rooms. Nothing on the market seemed to tick all the boxes: Child-friendly, good quality and affordable.
Lucy tried to make a letter light herself. It didn't go so well. She met up with a designer and worked with them to improve their prototype. Within a couple of months, they'd manufactured their first sample and started selling. The company wasn't on Shopify originally, but they were looking for a solution that would simplify shipping. They came across Shopify on Google and made a seamless transition.
So far, they've put zero dollars into marketing. They've seen most of their traffic from social media; Instagram followed by Facebook and Pinterest.
When Lucy signed up for the Build a Business Competition, she figured she had nothing to lose but in the back of her mind, it was just a checkbox – not something she ever thought would be possible to win.
This is the advice Lucy would love to pass along to herself one year ago:
"I guarantee there will be times when you have doubt and feel like giving up. There will also be times when you feel like the workload is too much, and the problems you encounter are much too big to continue. But have faith in yourself, your plans and the universe. Pick yourself up, and trust that you will find a way. Because I guarantee, it will be worth it. I remember thinking at the time, 'If I can sell 100 of these, I will walk away happy.' I could never have known that little idea would grow into what it is today. I began with a solid plan scribbled in a notebook, a little faith in that plan and a lot of trust in myself, and here we are!"
Everything Else:
Everyone has to go to sleep at night.
That's why Leesa's founder David Wolfe decided to enter the $14B mattress industry. The goal was to create an affordable mattress that could be shipped right to your house. To make sure it's a good fit, Leesa decided to provide a 100-night return policy.
The Virginia-based company was founded in June 2014, which is when they began creating, sourcing and manufacturing their product. They paid attention to detail – down to the custom-designed mattress cover that allows you sleep and move comfortably on it.
Leesa's first sale came in November, and they haven't stopped since. The company boasts an average conversion rate of 2.7% on all visits, with 1,992 orders and 80,000 visits over the past 90 days.
And they're just getting started. Future plans include giving away one mattress for every 10 they sell, launching a division of the company in the UK, and increasing their marketing spend by at least 100% per month. They've also just raised $9 million in venture capital at a valuation of $45 million.
David has some advice that you can use in your own business:
"I'm not a young entrepreneur, so I'll just pass on the wisdom of one of my early mentors. Success is rarely linear. You will have ups and downs. It's unlikely that your first venture will be the big one. Work your hardest when things are toughest and good times will come."
Two additional winners
This year, we tried something different. Beyond our four category winners, we also introduced two specialty prizes.
The first is the Tim Ferriss Muse Build A Business Winner. Entrepreneurs entered our competition through Tim's blog post, which highlights how he's looking for case studies to feature in his next book.
Secondly, the Richard Branson Choice Award was a chance for Sir Richard himself to have a say as to who heads to Necker Island with him. His selection was based on sales as well as creativity, which could include social media and marketing strategies.
Here are the final two winners of this year's competition.
Tim Ferriss Muse Build A Business Winner:
Travelling as an entrepreneur can grow old quickly. Bags can be lost; you face crazy fees for overweight baggage; and there's nothing worse than your cell phone dying mid-trip with no outlet in sight.
No one knew this problem better than Jesse Potash, who was living out of his suitcase as an international development consultant. One day, he texted his friend Gaston Blanchet about how much he hated his luggage.
That's how Trunkster was born. It's a reimagined suitcase with a built-in GPS, scale, and mobile charger. It also has a zipperless, sliding door based on Jesse's experience of how difficult it was to open up his luggage. (You can see what that looks like in their video here.)
To get things off the ground, Jesse and Gaston launched a Kickstarter campaign with the goal of raising $50,000. They raised $1.4 million instead.
With all these presales, Trunkster's focus is now on manufacturing and shipping. The founders are living in China at the moment while they begin mass production.
Here's what Jesse has learned throughout the process:
"In retrospect, I would tell my 12-month younger self what Gaston always says now: 'Lo perfecto es enemigo de lo bueno,' meaning 'done is better than perfect!' We were really concerned with launching a perfect product, but now after realizing how many changes were still to be made, we could have launched earlier and with a more raw design."
Richard Branson Choice Award:
Coco White
Jonny Teeling and Will Peirce are 26 year olds living in Leeds, UK. They've both studied marketing and have started various entrepreneurial ventures in the past.
They were looking for something useful and trendy that could make a splash for their next business. They honed in on two key trends: the desire for a teeth whitening product that was convenient but made of natural ingredients, and the concept of oil pulling – where you swish oil around in your mouth to "pull" out impurities.
Coco White is just that: a teeth whitening oil that you swish around to improve your oral health. It's sold in convenient single-use packages, the design of which Will is responsible for.
Their first inventory order was, by their best estimate, large enough to last them a year. They sold out in two days. The pair had successfully launched a business in the past together, called Bootea, and they tried to replicate everything they'd learned from that business. This created what they called "hockey stick growth" from day one. The demand for their product has become so great that they've capped the number of orders and time of day that people can purchase from them.
Many celebrities are using and talking about their product, and Coco White's three flavours have only been on the market for six months.
Jonny and Will have this to share about launching their business:
"Start as soon as possible. The development and manufacturing of a product will definitely take much longer than expected. Secondly, have a plan to get the product known. You could have the greatest product in the world but you'll have a tough time selling it if nobody knows about it."
What's next?
These six winners will travel to Necker Island in early September for the retreat of a lifetime. We'll be sharing more about their experiences throughout the trip so that you too can learn from the mentors accompanying them on the island.
Are you wishing it was you packing your bags for Necker Island? You'll have your chance! Stay tuned for our next Build a Business Competition...
It might seem like a lot to imagine that in less than a year, you could own a sustainable, profitable business. So stop imagining, and make it happen. Get thinking about what your big business idea is and how you can change your life.
Here are some guides to get you started.


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book titles
mailing list
about us
A collection of scripts for 2 - 10 readers in easy-to-read, large print format with line illustrations.?Traditional rhymes and rhymes?by authors such as Edward Lear and Charles Wilkins are included.
This reproducible material comes with permission to duplicate the number of copies required for each script.?
book titles |
gifts |
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The best Comedy Drag Show on the Island, with Live Music and Entertainment hosted by Patsy Stoned & Chi Chi Monroe.
All inclusive and Unlimited Bar which includes Beer, Sangria and Soft Drinks. Premium Spirits, Mixers and Wine are available at Discounted Prices.
Lunch is served shortly after departing the harbour and includes Paella, Salad and french bread. We have a vegetarian option available.
Hosted by Patsy Stoned & Chi Chi Monroe who are very well established in Gran Canaria for their Comedy Drag acts and have been for many years. Expect to cry with laughter and be very impressed by their quick witted comedy.
Children are welcome aboard, however please be aware that this is an adult themed show, so this is at the discretion of parents or guardians.
Soak up some sun whilst listening to our onboard DJ, playing the classics from the 70's, 80's, 90's and present day. The DJ will also take song requests.
Whilst aboard, Pasty and Chi Chi host popular pub games and competitions with a chance to win anything from duty free hampers, to watersport vouchers.
We have a gentle cruise along the coastline of Gran Canaria passing some of the most scenic sites on the island.
We then anchor at Anfi Del Mar, the famous white sand beach. This is your opportunity to swim in the crystal clear ocean. However, if this is not to your liking, you can stay on-board and enjoy the inclusive bar of and great entertainment.
If watersports IS your thing, this is the time to take advantage of your FREE banana boat ride and HALF PRICE watersports.
We leave Anfi beach and head back to the harbour in Puerto Rico with plenty of Fun, Music and Entertainment on the way, with the added bonus of experiencing the BEAUTIFUL Gran Canaria Sunset, whilst sipping on a Sangria or Beer on route to the harbour.
When and where does the Gran Canaria Show Boat Set Sail from?
The Gran Canaria Show Boat is every Tuesday & Friday and runs all year round.
We sail from Puerto Rico Harbour. If you are staying in Playa Del del ingles or Maspalomas, we include a free coach transfer from the meeting point.
How much is the Show Boat?
The price is €55 per person for Adults and €25 for Children under 12.
When you book online, tickets are €45 per person for adults saving you €10 per person and €20 For children saving you €5.
When booking online, you pay a deposit to reserve your place on the boat. The remaining balance is paid on arrival in Gran Canaria.
Your booking confirmation is sent to your email address as soon as we receive your booking.
Can I bring my children?
Yes children are welcome, however we have an adult themed comedy drag show on-board.
This is left to the parents or guardians discretion.
Many of the Drag Show bars in Gran Canaria have a family friendly policy and the hosts will play it by ear whether to tone down the adult humour to reflect the audience.
Refund Policy?
We will only refund deposit reservations if the Show Boat is cancelled.


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The "Great Disconnect" indeed. Or perhaps I should say The Reckless Mind indeed. I'll have a lot more to say later on about Mark Lilla's lead review of Charles Kesler's I Am the Change in today's New York Times Book Review, so consider this post a mere placeholder.
Let's start here: One of the most disgusting aspects of the mainstream media's toadying to Obama is the total incuriosity about what the man really thinks, or, more to the point, when and how and why he changed his mind (if he ever changed it at all) from the evident radicalism of his college, law school, and community organizing days. If he's just a moderate-liberal centrist now ("a moderate and cautious straight shooter," Lilla calls him), then he must have shed or revised his radical views somewhere along the line.
To hear the mainstream media tell it (and I have heard this directly from, among others, Mark Halperin, co-author of the highly regarded Game Change about the 2008 election), Obama is just a pragmatic-centrist, with no firm ideology or grand ambitions. Most reporters, it is clear, can't be bothered to read The Audacity of Hope seriously, or carefully think through any of the antecedents and implications of its arguments. Is this just general ignorance, a superficial grasp of political life, or deliberate covering for Obama? (These answers are not mutually exclusive—our elite media today are so philosophically and historically illiterate that all three explanations are possible.) From most media treatments of Obama, you'd think Obama was hardly interested in politics at all, which, ironically, is one of the revealing affectations of Obama that Kesler plumbs for great value in I Am the Change.
No ordinary media figure like David Maraniss, or pseudo-journalists the Times Book Review is fond of like Jacob Heilbruun, could possibly match up to the depth of Kesler's book, so they chose well in selecting Mark Lilla as their designated take-down artist. It's a truly strange review, requiring the tacit unraveling of much of Lilla's own previous body of work on the relation of ideas to political life. The defect of the review can be stated in one sentence: it disdains both the continuity of ideas in the background furnishings of the contemporary liberal outlook, and it deprecates the notion that Obama could have any truly grand ambitions in his political quest that brought him to the White House. Why, you'd think from Obama's "modest record" (as Lilla judges it) that he'd be just as happy and fulfilled as a member of the Chicago school board.
Is this what liberalism has come to—dismissing the pedigree of philosophical ideas and abandoning its public championing of grand ambitions for a transformed world? Perhaps in the back of all this is a private understanding of the bankruptcy—and unpopularity with the public if stated openly—of liberalism's innermost character today. Harvey Mansfield wrote 25 years ago about "a liberalism that is politically exhausted and bored with itself." Under Obama liberalism overcame its exhaustion, but as Lilla's review shows, it is still very much bored with itself, or at least its modern philosophical history.
A decade ago an interesting author wrote:
Tyranny is not dead, not in politics and certainly not in our souls. The age of the master ideologies may be over, but so long as men and women think about politics—so long as there are thinking men and women at all—the temptation will be there to succumb to the allure of an idea, to allow passion to blind us to its tyrannical potential, and to abdicate our first responsibility, which is to master the tyrant within.
Who wrote that? Mark Lilla, in The Reckless Mind (2001).