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68 Reviews
Split Kit (DIY)
- Item #VOL0014
Tech Specs
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- Reviews
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fun and cost effective
Very easy kit to assemble and follow. Don't need to be an experienced board tech. All it took was some double measuring and the right tools. I took the extra effort to measure and shift my center line to account for the thickness of the saw blade (the width of blade eats away the board) and clamped a 'guide' to the snowboard to run the circle saw against. Split symmetrical and straight. Fun project. Consider what bindings you want to mount on board and how that affects what parts you actually need.
Really good DIY kit for the price!!
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
Just saw one of my old powder board and did a split board with the DIY split kit and It was really easy, an "idiot proof" kit. Just follow the instructions that are really clear ( specially with the stickers to drill your holes ) and there you go :) Really don't need to be a pro tech, just follow the instruction and everything should be fine. The regular bindings mounted on the plates ( on the picture) are a little heavy so I bought backcountry bindings instead. A really good kit if you have the time to do it and don't have 2000$ to buy a splitboard :)
Great Kit For Entry Splitboarding
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
Converted my Burton Barracuda into a splitboard using Voile kit. Fairly easy conversion and works great. I would definitely recommend buying splitboard bindings instead of using the clunky plates included. The YouTube video was a great tool to follow along. I would recommend this kit to someone just looking to get into splitboarding for the first time. I'll most likely upgrade to a newer, quicker system in the next season or two.
Didn't need
- Familiarity: I returned this product before using it
I didn't need all the extra parts in the box for the job. So returned it and bought just the things I needed
Fun Project
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
Last winter I split an old Lib Tech deck in half and used the Voile split kit (DIY) to turn that former solid into a backcountry machine. If you plan on doing your own DIY split or looking at a split set up and have questions about what kit or parts to get, contact me with your questions.
For this kit, I used all the parts except for the binding plates and brackets as I used the Voile Light Rail bindings instead.
When you get your bits, definitely get a high quality bit for the t-nut holes. I used a fairly cheap one and wasn't a fan of the quality of each hole.
For cutting I taped the board on the base and top sheet with 2" wide painters tape and created by center line. Then I did things the good ole fashion way and cut that sucker with a hand saw. Couldn't have been happier with how straight the cut turned out.
If you've got any questions about what kit to get or splitboard set ups at all, definitely let me know.
Jared D.
Expert Gearhead
If I use this kit to convert my board, do I also need to buy new bindings? In other words, does this kit include the standard binding hardware?
Great question. This kit includes the binding plates, screws and t-nuts for mounting your resort bindings to the plates to use with your DIY set up.
I am looking to split my Jones Twin Sister into a splitboard for an upcoming trip to the caucasus mountains. I tend to be pretty handy but nervous to undertake the project. What would you say the difficulty level is? And would this kit along with Voile light rail bindings be compatible?
Stood up to the test
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
Put this kit to the test in April. Worked like a charm. Very easy to use and the multi height touring mode is awesome. Only downfall is that it's a bit heavy(which is expected) and one of the pins bent slightly on an ascent and it was near impossible to get it in at the top. Otherwise, no complaints.
For a more detailed account check out my blog post on the Launch Snowboards site: http://www.launchsnowboards.com/blogs/bulletin-board/34180997-a-first-timers-take-on-splitboarding
Closet boards.
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
I've been thinking about getting my boots in some deep untouched pow for awhile now to see what all the hype is about in the back woods, but didn't want to drop the chedda to get a set up. That was my UT state of mind and what made me spring for this Tim the tool man DIY kit. It's pretty damn cool and a hell of allot cheaper than diving head first into one of those factory split boards after all if you been riding around for years like me we all have some skeletons in the closet collecting dust why not split them? The instructions are easy to follow and everything was there to get me side ways in some fluff but I recommend to have your buddy or an Al on hand as it's allot easier to do with two sets of hands.
Do you use anything to waterproof the screw holes on the top sheet? Do you worry that water will seep in under the bindings and get into the core?
If you're worried about water getting into the core, seal each hole at the top with some poly urethane.
I did my own DIY board a month or two ago, so shoot me an email if you have questions!
Jared D.
Expert Gearhead
800.409.4502 ext 4055
Time to split!
Split time
Super easy kit. I bought a split board setup, but just needed the connectors for the bindings and such. Nice to have some extra hardware in case I lose or break a clip. :)
Stoked to Split my Favorite Board!!
- Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
These Kits are so great. I love being able to save a lil Cash by doing it myself & even better I get to split my most Fav Pow board of all time, My 61 Charlie Slasher! The kit works so well & touring is way more fun than I origonally thought it would be. If you're scared to cut your own board, theres a lot of shops and tech's out there that will gladly do it for you. I went with the G3/BC.Com Skins since they had the rear attachments for snowboards. Everybody should have a Splitboard in their Quiver!!
Do some reasearch!!
- Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
Hey I did a K2 Happy Hour 157.
1st suggestion would be to try use a board with minimal graphic on the bottom, as each peice can be pulled out the edge.
2nd try to find what your core has in it. mine had honey comb stringers where i screwed into which after the first one wasn't the worst but the counter sink ripped up the honey comb if i didn't easy up after I got through the base.
3rd the counter sink they sugguest is perfect size for the t bolt. I demand haha that you use one size bigger. For 2 reasons that the teeth on the T-bolt will grab the base of your board and warp your base, with it being bigger now it has more for the appoxy to bite onto. I suggest J&B weld for the T bolts as J&B will penetrate the metal on the T bolts. Use a poly urethane on the cut edge. do 3-4 coats and sand inbetween.
Buyer Beware
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
I picked these up two seasons ago and built my own split board out of a Burton Burden EST. Yes, EST works as a split. This product delivers everything asked of it, however I would like to warn people that patience and a good knowledge of working with boards is needed. The modifications you will make to your board will require you fix portions of your base and drill precise holes. You don't want to make a mistake and notice it at 7000ft. Also, be aware that if you have 2012 light rails they WILL NOT fit the touring mount and pins that come in this kit. The proper mount and pins should have come with your light rails, however that is not always the case so be aware. This is a great product and is worth it to not spend $1000 on a new board. Enjoy and be precise.
Spencer, you split an EST? please post a picture so that I may reference. I have a burton custom that I would love to split. Thanks.
Voile and Backcountry do not disappoint!
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
Bought this from BC last year while it was on sale. Chopped up my '08 Skate Banana and have already put in a few days this season. If you are familiar with ski/snowboard maintenance, the process will be quick and painless. If you are not as familiar, but would like to give it a shot, don't worry the templates are very straightforward and there are a ton of helpful resources if you hop on Google. I replaced a few of the T-Nuts with Quiver Killers so I didn't have to put extra holes in my already torn up base. The DIY kit is definitely the fastest and cheapest way to get skinning. You can upgrade to universal pucks or split-specific bindings at your own pace and within your own budget. I'm still not entirely sure how to pronounce the name though. . . V O I L E
Split and mount your favorite board!
- Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
I split and mounted my Signal Rocker Snowboard and it was easy and fun to do with the very informative How To Video located on this page! You can also go to YouTube and type in Voile Split Kit and the Instructional video comes right up! You will need a lot of tools to do this so dig into your dad's garage full of tools and get splitting! The mounts are super easy to put on with the sticker templates that tell you exactly where to drill. Can't wait to try out my newly split board out in the mountains of PC, BCC, and LCC in Utah!
Tricky Instructions, Cool product
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
I loved this kit because I got to pick the best board for the conditions and then make it myself rather than settle for the premade splitboards. The instructions were not clear but you can figure it out if you have some basic knowledge of how a splitboard set up works. I used get rot (a marine wood treatment) instead of spar urethane because it seeps into the wood and is much much more water proof. I also used a mill to cut my board so that it fit together perfectly. I would highly recommend watching the you tube videos on how to use this split kit. Also the setup was much heavier than my normal setup and it felt different when riding so I had to take the first run to get used to everything. I wish I would have tried my board out at a resort a bit so I could get the feel of it because it was tricky to ride a pretty difficult run, after hiking, on a foreign setup.
Got an old board? Rip it in half
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
This kit killed it. If you have some basic skills with tools and an old board you can make yourself a split. It's pretty easy to figure out especially with the videos below. It took me about a week start to finish until I was skinning up on this thing. I cut an old Burton board with a 3 hole system with a Diablo Demo circular blade. Make sure you know exactly where you want to mount your bindings, because once you drill the holes to mount the pucks thats where they will need to go. Take the time to measure everything a couple times, you'll be grateful you did when it's done. The plates to mount your bindings are great for riding any 4x4 binding you have but they add a lot of weight and lift your binders off the board. Not a huge deal. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or want to talk about DIY.
Hi Travis. I'm about to split my old never summer and noticed that the instructions only mention using epoxy on the base. How do you seal the hardware on the top sheet to prevent water from getting into the core?
Logan Pass
splitting up Logan Pass, June 21st 2012
Killin' it, Travis!
How To - Part 1
review Flagged as inappropriate or irrelevant to the product. Click here to view.
review Flagged as inappropriate or irrelevant to the product. Click here to view.
Is there a limitation about the size of the board I should use? I want to craft a splitboard for my 11 years old son.
Does this kit come with the templates?
This kit does come with templates.
Those templates are for ensuring there is alignment with the pucks and that the toe piece is aligned to each board properly.
Lastly there are templates for mounting the chinese hooks and the voile plastic tip/tail clips.
Shoot me an email anytime you have questions!
Jared D.
Expert Gearhead
I want to purchase the Rome Double agent...
I want to purchase the Rome Double agent split board off your website, how much of this kit do i need in addition to purchasing the board?
Hey JeanKenney,
If you are buying a factory made splitboard, then you do not need this kit. This is for do it yourself splitboards only. Some of the pieces are the same but it comes with extra parts that you wont need, and the pucks are meant to be permanently mounted and not moved.
For that board you will need the Voile Universal Splitboard Interface.
We are currently sold out of it, however.
Jean, Travis is right.
Its fairly easy to piece together the kit. Especially now that there are other binding options out there.
If you're going to be using regular snowboard bindings mounted to slider plates, You'll need the Puck kit, dual heel risers and touring brackets. And climbing skins.
This time of year they can be hard to find all in one retailer.
You can upgrade to the karakoram binding system which comes with all their parts.
Regardless, splitboarding opens up doors for you. Have fun!!
I have a board that is towards the end of...
I have a board that is towards the end of its lifespan, and would like to split it. My question is: If I use this kit and the board eventually dies, can I transfer it over to another board? Or are components permanently attached to the board on installation?
It is totally possible to get the hardwear out after a board has finally seen its last day. Just keep in mind that you may have to do some decent harm to the board to get the gear out safely.
I was going to purchase this but its the...
I was going to purchase this but its the older kit isn't it ?
new one is 1100 ?
Got mine today and they're the newer version (e.g. dual climbing wires)
Is it compatible with Burton's (3 holes)...
Is it compatible with Burton's (3 holes) bindings?
Since it doesn't use the factory inserts it is compatible with Burton 3 hole or any other 4x4 mounting system (you drill the holes and place the inserts). With the 3 hole, however, it becomes a little tricky since you have to cut through some of the inserts. I used a demolition blade from Diablo to cut mine. That blade is made to cut through wood, nails, steel and anything else.
Do you think this kit will work well with...
Do you think this kit will work well with a Ride Decade?
Hello first sorry for my english, i have...
Hello first sorry for my english, i have a problem with my tail hook of the burton free bird. when i ride it the hook of the tail start to move and at the end its open. what can i do or i can send in garanty. thanks alot.
Hi. i have an old Burton motion '00. is...
Hi. i have an old Burton motion '00. is it possible to use it as a splitboard?
best regards,
Contact Burton directly, they'll be happy to answer that for you. I have an old Burton Frontier '00 and they confirmed it is good to go within 24 hours of me contacting them.
so my buddy gave me a mint condition 167...
so my buddy gave me a mint condition 167 Burton FL project and told me I could split it. I know the FL was the top of the line model about a decade ago. I don't know about the core and how well it will split, although if I remember, the FL project had some carbon stringers and a weird hybrid core. Any ideas on if this board will split well? Just found out it is from the year 2000.
Hey there, I am not exactly sure about that model/year but I have split many snowboards over the years, www.mnttechnologies.com, and can say that if it does have a strange hybrid core, it probably has foam... this just needs to be taken into consideration when cutting/drilling/etc as you need to adjust pressure for the softer foam... you also might have to get creative with some epoxies... check us out if you would rather have someone else split it...
99% certain I know the answers to both of...
99% certain I know the answers to both of these, just figure I'd make sure before buying. I bought an '09 Rossy Jones Experience. Perfectly fine to split, right (Its core is something called THCore: "
Triple Hybrid Core Carbon Kevlar® is 2 types of wood, Poplar and Steamed, laminated around a central Microcell beam and topped with Carbon and Kevlar® resulting in lower weight, balance, control, grip and explosive pop.")? Its wood, but it also has carbon and /kevlar/, the kevlar would be my concern.
Also, are the binding angle adjustable or once you split there set, I think I read that once you drill it, its set. But nobody seems to be complaining about it here, so maybe I'm just imagining things.
I have been splitting the Rossi experience for 4 years now. Its a great board to cut in half, i've never had any issues with the core of the board. Just be sure to use a good marine epoxy like West Systems G-flex epoxy and put 2-4 thin coats on the fresh cut sidewall. Sand those a bit and you're ready to mount the chinese hooks and beyond...
The newer Rossi Experience has a foam type strip down the center of the cut, which is kind of a bummer, where as those older models have straight wood. Still, the new "foam" sidewalls coated in G-flex have held up fine with everyday use.
Hey Jeremiah, I believe the board you have will have a center strip down the middle, like Neil talks about, but its not "foam" its actually sidewall material... it makes the split nice as you don't need to seal it... With this kit the bindings are in a fixed stance... The rotating stance system can be installed DIY, but requires some extra thought/work...
We can do it for you or hit us up for any other questions you might have!
Mail order splitboard service:
Ive got a 165" Antic by Ride, and was...
Ive got a 165" Antic by Ride, and was looking into splitting. Is it possible for this board?
Absolutely. You can split any board and install this kit. Just be sure to thoroughly research instructions...Youtube has a few excellent videos for cutting your board.
It's got a wood core so you're good to go.
I don't think any of the newer Burton boards with the 3 hole binding setup will work.
If you use this set up on one board and...
If you use this set up on one board and then decide to get another board to make a split board out of, is it possible to remove the parts from the kit from the old board and use them to make a new split board without having to buy another kit?
Yes. You will likely want to order new templates/stickers, t-nuts, and ptex disks, but you should be able to get these individually from voile without buying a whole new kit.You'll need new rivets for the tip/tail clips as well.
I have an old k2 trucker I want to split....
I have an old k2 trucker I want to split. Is there anything that I will need to get out on the snow that this kit does not provide? (other than skins)
seeing as how normal bindings with a 4x4 baseplate will work on the slider plates, all you'll need for splitting are a pair of collapsible poles like the bd expedition. assuming that you've got the necessary avy gear/knowledge for traveling in the backcountry.
it has everything you need as long as you already have a board and bindings with the 8 binding plate screws. and like michael mentioned above...you will obviously need your backcountry essentials ie. beacon, shovel, probe, poles, avy awareness etc. As for the kit though, just follow the instructions and all will be golden. i have a few pointers for you before you start if you want. just message me.
Yeah, you'll also need epoxy for the base.
Hey guys I have a 2005 Burton S-Series...
Hey guys I have a 2005 Burton S-Series split, would this kit be a bolt on or am I going to have to drill some new holes into the board?
Steve, I answered you via my website but thought I would reply here for everyone elses benefit. As far as I can tell, Burton started using the Voile system on 2006 and newer S-series boards... The picture is of Burton's proprietary hardware (courtesy of Steve). So if your board looks like this, you will need to drill and install the Voile hardware just like it was a DIY board.
I have an EST set up from Burton. Is this...
I have an EST set up from Burton. Is this possible to split? Anyone else try this yet? How does this work with the EST bindings?
EST binding systems don't fit the tracks. Splitting my ruin integrity of the board as the tracks run down the center of the board.
Hello I?m interested to use an old Burton...
Hello I´m interested to use an old Burton Vapor. It is maked with carbon inside is really light and expensive board but is posible to cut this board for made an split board or it would be beter anothe normal model.
Best regards and thanks for all
I would DEFINITELY say use a different board. If you cut through a vapor, you are going to really mess up the core and it could have detrimental affects. Try to get something with a wood core that isn't so pricey.
I got an old board I was planning on...
I got an old board I was planning on splitting, but it has a very soft flex. Will this still work ok, or should I look for a stiffer board?
As a general rule of thumb, a stiffer board will be more effective in powdery conditions. If your board is park/jib specific, you might consider using a different one as a split board. But, if you have no other use for the board and it will just be collecting dust sitting in the back of your closet anyway, what will it hurt to try? It might work for you and will definitely be cheaper than buying a whole new board.
I have an old Oxygen Freecarve board, which...
I have an old Oxygen Freecarve board, which I don't use anymore and plan to revive as a splitboard. The waist is about 21cm wide. Would that be wide enough?
Yeah that board oughta work just fine, the blade only takes out a small amount depending on the width of the blade. The wider the better for splitting you're own!
Is this a one shot deal? Or can I remove...
Is this a one shot deal? Or can I remove all the hardware later and split another board in a couple of years when I upgrade my board again?
yeah you can remove all the hardwear, but dollar to donuts you'll just cough up another 150 and have a 2 splitty quiver!
Cutting the board cleanly is half the battle. An old splitboard is like a longboard (surfboard), you'll never need more than 5 minutes to find somebody who wants to borrow and tour with you!
It might be hard to remove the T-nuts, and the tip latch rivets will not be reusable. Both of those can be had for cheap, though (tip latches are sold seperately and you can get the T-nuts at many hardware stores or from Voile), and almost everything else can be pulled just fine and re-used.


text:
I have a smartphone for work – I wouldn't have one, otherwise. They are too expensive and they are one more thing for me to lug around. The only *real* use for it is to check my email when I am away from work, look up directions, and google businesses so I can find out their hours.
I installed the Facebook app on it, about a year ago, and I cannot begin to count the hours I have wasted "liking" what people are saying, or getting into "discussions" with people that serve only one of two purposes: to agree or to disagree. No one's opinion has ever been changed due to Facebook comments, to my knowledge.
It's all very entertaining, to lie in bed before I go to sleep or right after I wake up, and read what people are saying, but what has this actually added to my life? Practically nothing, aside from some laughs. There are some good jokes there, but is this what my life is supposed to be about? Lying in bed laughing at jokes?
My life is precious to me. My time is at a premium. Sleep and good rest is essential to me. So, there was only one logical course to take — to say "Good-bye Facebook smartphone app."
And I uninstalled it last night before I went to sleep — it has stolen enough resting time from me.
Today is the first day of my Facebook-less life.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Information Security
- FeatureRecent Releases: Security product briefs, March 2005
- FeatureInvasion Force
- FeatureGuardians of the Crown Jewels
- FeatureBARRIER1 Model 50 product review
- FeatureSecure Reads: Outsourcing Information Security
- FeatureHot Pick: Enterasys's Dynamic Intrusion Response
- FeatureCrypto Hazard
- FeatureVulnerability management: Visionael Enterprise Security Protector 3.0
- FeatureDouble-Check with Routers
- FeatureConfiguration Management: St. Bernard Software's SecurityEXPERT 1.0
- FeatureWireless Firewall
- FeaturePerspectives: Tearing down Firewalls
- FeatureLayer 8: Finding a template for good information security
- FeatureLogoff: Why Microsoft keeps infosec in business
- FeatureEditor's Desk: 'Motivation by embarrassment'
iSTOCK/GETTY IMAGES
Double-Check with Routers
Conventional routers are the perfect network security auditing device. Take advantage of what they see.
Conventional routers are the perfect network security auditing device. Take advantage of what they see.
|Scripts: Simple Log Parsing
Routers see everything that crosses your network. They direct the flow from LAN to LAN, and--with their access control lists (ACLs)--can regulate access to network segments. But, you're not getting the most out of your routers unless you're using them to help audit your security devices.
Router logs are a treasure trove of security intelligence that, with proper analysis, can help you be proactive and correct firewall configuration errors, tune IDSes and measure your network's security posture. The concept is simple: Compare what arrives at your enterprise's front door with what actually gets through.
Routers can locally store logs, but they have storage limits. The first step is to create a syslog server to collect external and internal router logs; the server can also consolidate logs from multiple routers for efficient reviews. From there, you can audit just about any device that generates logs, but we'll focus on firewalls and IDSes. First, though, let's see how you can use scripts to cut the job down to size.
Follow the Script
Dumping router logs into a readable text file is easy. Pulling logs from every border and internal router, then parsing them for meaningful, actionable intelligence isn't as simple.
Scripts can automate the retrieval of router logs and parse them on a regular schedule. These scripts should reflect your security policies--basically what kinds of traffic shouldn't be allowed. Key types of external traffic to look for are RPC and SNMP queries and NetBIOS scans, none of which should legitimately be coming into your network. In the case of NetBIOS, closing TCP/UDP ports 135-139 and 445 can head off a potential attack foreshadowed by a light probing.
The testing scripts can be written in any language and created at the same time as rule sets. However, scripts written in PERL using the simple grep command are quickly modifiable and easy to use. Grep is a powerful complement to a scripting language because it lets you quickly isolate important traffic. It would be almost impossible, for example, to see a DNS attack through 20,000 log entries; however, by parsing the data to show only the 30 lines associated with the DNS, the attack becomes much easier to spot. (See "Simple Log Parsing".)
Double-Checking Firewalls
A firewall is only as good as its rule set. Creating and maintaining effective rule sets is difficult, and even the best degrade over time. The first indication of a problem is usually a compromise, such as a worm burrowing through the network.
You can use the internal and external router logs to flag and correct many rule set problems before they become problems. The external router logs will show all Internet traffic attempting to enter your network, and the internal logs will show what traffic actually got through. If the firewall is correctly configured, the internal router logs will show only the traffic that your external firewall rule sets are designed to let through. Conversely, the presence of restricted protocols will reveal rule-set errors.
Since firewalls are generally configured to log traffic that's blocked or violates policy, a misconfigured firewall may pass along dangerous traffic without recording it--but your routers will.
By aggressively monitoring the logs, you can detect and correct errors and misconfigurations before they are exploited.
Proving IDSes Work
IDS false positives act as the proverbial boy who cried wolf, draining IT security resources to hunt phantoms and, eventually, undermining security managers' confidence in their IDS's ability to issue accurate, actionable alerts.
By monitoring router logs, you can fine-tune your IDS configurations to reduce false positives and refine IDS intelligence by verifying attacks and identifying their sources.
An IDS is essentially a sniffer with signatures for identifying suspicious and/or prohibited activities. Thus, at some level, IDS and router logs will show similar information. The big difference is that a router can distinguish traffic's ingress and egress points, while the IDS simply sees the traffic. This becomes increasingly important when dealing with multiple network routers, since the router logs can provide information for making more informed response decisions.
For example, in the case of a worm outbreak, an IDS only sees that there's malicious traffic traversing the network. Since the IDS may only log the one or two entries that triggered the signature--performance trumps logging--you wouldn't see all of the traffic. But, the router log would show that the source of the worm is the extranet connection to your partner organization, not your Internet-facing firewall.
What's tricky is getting this information and making it meaningful. Scripts can pull the logs at regular intervals, allowing you to compare their entries to what's seen by the IDS. Some IDSes allow you to write scripts that pull router logs for near-real-time verification of suspicious activity and alerts.
Security Workhorses
While routers can be used to audit firewalls and IDSes, the same principles can be applied network-wide to any device that generates logs.
Since many organizations run VPN concentrators parallel to firewalls, router logs can reveal attempted attacks against the VPN device; since VPN logs typically record only successful transactions, they won't yield the same information.
Routers can also complement honeypots. A honeypot is designed as a hacker target and usually has limited or no security protection. Router logs can be used to audit honeypots, just as they are used on "live" security devices, giving security managers an added level of intelligence on attack methods and sources.
Routers can be more than just traffic cops: They're investigators, auditors and enforcers. While they're not robust as a security solution, they can augment and enhance the security provided by core network security devices.


text:
This is a post from my company, SocialMedia.org's blog. Check it out for more profiles and stories about the people running social at really big brands. For this case study, we dove into a presentation by Hitachi Data Systems' Senior Social Business Lead, Sharon Crost, at our Brands-Only Summit in Orlando. Like most BtoBs, Hitachi […]
Tag Archives: buyer's journey
Sharon Crost on five ways Hitachi Data Systems uses big social data to map the customer journey
November 18, 2014
Comments Off on Sharon Crost on five ways Hitachi Data Systems uses big social data to map the customer journey - Read & Join the Conversation
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Japan Real Food Adventure
Want your own room?
$4,490 USD per person
Single rooms $1280 USD. Please note: japan provide "true" single rooms which are traditionally smaller than a twin/double room.
International flights are not included, but our team would be happy to connect you with our flight partner for assistance.
|15 September, 2019. See all regular departures here. and make use of your 10% discount using Promo code 50113.
|Exclusive perks
Travel with fellow Googlers and visit local eating spots not shown to other travelers.
Have questions about this trip? Click below to reach our team by email or call us at 1-855-702-4088.
Contact us
Spoil the sense on a culinary tour from Tokyo to Kyoto.
Pack your chopsticks and celebrate thousands of years of food artistry by diving into one of the world's most elegant, eclectic and harmonious cuisines. Spend your time seeing the sights and scouting out prized eating and drinking spots. Watch yakitori sizzling in front of you in Shinjuku's Memory Lane, eat fresh-off-the-boat sashimi at the incredible Tsukiji Fish Market and learn to make soba noodles in a hands-on cooking class. Glimpse a geisha drifting through the alleyways of Gion while in Kyoto and experience a charming obanzai dinner of Kyoto-style home-cooked dishes. Stay in a traditional ryokan in Takayama and eat vegetarian shojin ryori (monastic fare) with monks in Koyasan. If you're looking for a trip that tantalises the tastebuds as well as sates a sense of adventure, this Japan Real Food Adventure ticks all the boxes.
|Tokyo, Japan
|Physical rating
|3 out of 5
|Kyoto, Japan
|Min 15 years
|Group size
|12 people
|Book by
|June 30, 2019
Why we love this trip
Food is taken seriously in Japan. From the station tonkatsu restaurant to the highest end sushi, Japanese people take pride in the cooking and presentation, and any bad meal is incredibly rare
Tasting the succulent Hida beef in Takayama is the definition of a melt-in-your-mouth moment
Staying alongside the brothers of a monastery in Koya-san and discovering shojin ryori – vegetarian buddhist food
Experiencing the simple pleasures of obanzai ryori – the traditional home cuisine of Kyoto – in a cooking class
Is this trip right for you?
This trip aims to give you an exciting, diverse and well-rounded experience of Japan's cuisine. While we endeavour to cater for specific dietary requirements, some meals and food activities are set in advance and may be difficult to adjust. Japanese food does have a focus on seafood (the most common stock dashi has a fish base) and can also be challenging for severe gluten intolerances – there is gluten in soy sauce, pre-made wasabi and other unexpected places.
Due to the high number of travelers seeking to view the Tsukiji Fish Market tuna auctions, it is now necessary to arrive at the market just after 2am and queue up to 3-4 hours in advance to be one of the 120 viewers permitted entry. Even then, this does not automatically ensure entry.
At the monastery in Koyasan, you'll get to experience traditional bathing facilities. If you're not into communal bathing though, it's just one night so you won't be far off your next shower. You can also expect a meat-free meal - all of the fare prepared here is vegetarian.
A good degree of fitness is recommended for this trip as there is a lot of walking involved (up to 6 miles each day), particularly around Kyoto which is best seen on foot. Bring comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to spend most of the day on your feet.
We are not able to offer a single supplement on this trip due to limited rooms at many of our properties and high demand for accommodation in Japan.
Konichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Your adventure begins with a Welcome Meeting at 5pm tonight. You can arrive at any time during the day, as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. Please check with hotel reception or look on the reception noticeboard for where and when the meeting will take place. If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. Have your insurance and next of kin details on hand as we'll be collecting them at this meeting.
Afterwards, get an introduction to Japanese culture on a walk down Shinjuku's Memory Lane. This crowded alley of busy restaurants and bar stalls started in the 1940s and quickly gained infamy as a black market drinking quarter. Today, it is still one of the best spots to try some of Tokyo's famed 'fast food' dishes, including yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) as well as some of the city's more daring fare.
Included Activities
- Memory Lane Yakitori Dinner
- Hotel
Today, learn the art of creating soba, Japan's famed buckwheat noodle, in a hands-on cooking class. Slurp up your creations for lunch.
The afternoon is free for some exploration and optional activities. You might like to head for Shibuya, a shopping mecca and home to the iconic "scramble crossing", where crowds swarm across the world's most famous intersection under the neon gaze of screens, signs and advertisements. Or visit the stunning Meiji Shrine.
Tonight, after an optional dinner of monjayaki (a type of savoury pancake that tastes much better than it looks!) we head up the observation deck of the Metropolitan Government Building for a stunning night view of the city's skyline.
Included Activities
- Soba cooking class
- View from Metropolitan Government Building
Optional Activities
- Shibuya crossing
- Meiji Shrine
- Sensoji Temple
- Hotel
Today we are heading to the Tokyo Fish Market – the world's biggest. First we'll pop in to one of the restaurants at the market for a fresh sushi breakfast. After the market tour, wave goodbye to Tokyo at super speed as you ride the rails on a bullet train to the Edo period town of Takayama. Traveling by Shinkansen is an absolute buzz, you'll reach speeds of up to 168 mph. Arrive in Takayama in approximately 5 hours.
Takayama is a charming Edo period town located in the Japan alps. It's famous for its traditional inns, sake breweries and Hida-gyu (Hida beef) – the beef from a black-haired Japanese cattle breed raised in the Gifu Prefecture for at least 14 months. For the next two evenings you will stay in a traditional ryokan (Japanese inn). Rooms are equipped with thin futon mattresses that are spread on tatami mats for a comfortable night's sleep. Over the next two evenings you will dine on regional Takayama delicacies, including hida beef.
Included Activities
- Tokyo Fish Market visit
- Ryokan
The Gifu prefecture is known to produce excellent high altitude vegetables. Explore morning markets that date back 600 years and browse the stalls of seasonal produce brought in from the surrounding countryside. Stalls are set up by local farm women from 6am every morning. Look out for the unique local style of pickles, the bags of miso wrapped in leaves, Genkotsu ame (soy bean candy), preserved fish, spices, and the delicious marshmallow treat of owara tamaten.
This afternoon is free for exploration and optional activities.
Tonight stop into one of the region's prized sake breweries for a tasting. The alpine climate and crystal clear mountain waters are perfect for creating this signature drop. Afterwards you'll sample some more of Takayama's signature dishes at a local restaurant.
Included Activities
- Market walk
- Sake brewery visit
Optional Activities
- Barge Museum
- Hida Folk Museum
- Ryokan
Take the train from Takayama to the delightful seaside town of Kanazawa (approximately 2 hours), which is sometimes known as the hidden pearl of the Japan Sea. Having avoided bombing in WWII, it's a place where both modern and traditional Japan are found. The city is full of historic sights like Kanazawa castle, the very traditional Chaya gai (tea house district), geisha and samurai districts, but also home to the world class, ultra-modern 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. On arrival, your leader will take you on an orientation walk and the rest of the day is free for your own exploration. In the evening, your leader can assist you to make a booking at one of the city's renowned seafood restaurants for a truly memorable meal.
Optional Activities
- Kanazawa Castle
- Chaya Gai visit
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- Hotel
Take part in the city's living cultural heritage with a Japanese sweet making class. Wagashi sweets are classically used to accompany tea ceremonies, and they are as tasty to look at as they are to eat.
Afterwards you may wish to visit the 17th-century Korakuen Gardens – highly landscaped acres of bridges, ponds, waterfalls and fountains that are beautiful no matter what the season. Alternatively, make your way to the 'Samurai House' in the Nagamachi district, where Maeda samurai lords provided their vassals with grand estates. Be transported back in time, with the house giving a good idea of the lifestyle of samurai during the Edo period, when Japan was secluded from the outside world.
Included Activities
- Wagashi sweet making class
Optional Activities
- Omicho Market
- Korakuen Gardens
- Bukeyashiki (Samurai House)
- Hotel
Hop on the train (approximately 1 hour) to arrive in Japan's third-largest city and unofficial culinary capital, where the motto is 'Kuidaore' ('eat until you drop'). This is where some of Japan's best street food is on offer. There are sprawling shopping hubs and tiny backstreets overflowing with restaurants and bars, serving up local delicacies as well as Japan's answer to fast food. Osaka is credited with the first kaiten-zushi (conveyer belt sushi) restaurants, after its inventor – the owner of a sushi restaurant with staffing issues – watched beer bottles on a conveyer belt at the nearby Asahi brewery and thought it might be a good way to solve this problem. The city is also renowned for its brand of okonomiyaki (a delicious savoury pancake) and kushikatsu (seasoned, deep fried meat on skewers). Take in some of the city's landmarks, including the wonderful Kuromon covered food market, and maybe pick up some final kitchen gadgets (or plastic food!) at the quirky Doguyasuji Arcade. Then embark on a delicious street food tour to sample some of the best morsels that Osaka has to offer. Even try your hand at making a local specialty, takoyaki (a hot snack of shredded octopus, pickled ginger, spring onion, covered in batter).
Included Activities
- Food walking tour
- Hotel
Take the train (approximately 2 hours) into an important region for Shingon Buddhism. Founded in the 8th century by the Buddhist saint Kobo Daishi, Koya-san has been a centre for religious activities for over 1,200 years. You'll visit Okuno-in, the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism and one of the most revered people in the religious history of Japan. Your unique accommodation tonight is in one of the hundreds of temples still operating here. You'll live alongside Buddhist monks and follow their routine of evening meditation and morning prayers. Temple lodgings, known as shukubo, have facilities similar to Japanese ryokans.
Notes: There are no western bathing facilities at the monastery. Instead, bathing is done in a traditional public bath. This is a two-step process. The first step is to thoroughly clean yourself, followed by a cleansing soak in a hot bath. Onsen are communal bathing areas and it is not permitted to wear bathing suits. While this can seem intimidating at first, it is a quintessential Japanese experience and often a highlight for travelers in Japan. For those who are more sensitive about public bathing, your leader can suggest times of day when you are likely to have more privacy.
Optional Activities
- Buddhist meditation
- Temple
Get acquainted with the beautiful city of Kyoto, home to numerous imperial sights and arguably the source of Japanese culinary tradition. The train from Koya-san to Kyoto takes approximately 3.5 hours. The beautiful city was originally founded as Heian-kyo (literally "tranquility and peace capital") by Emperor Kammu in 794 and had its golden age during the imperial court's heyday from 794 to 1185. Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1,000 years (the name means "Capital City") but the emperor and government are now located in Tokyo. With its many cultural landmarks and historical sites, and the abundance of traditional arts and literature, Kyoto is regarded as the cultural heart of Japan.
When you arrive you'll stroll through the glass-covered walkway of Nishiki Market, a seemingly never-ending wonderland for food lovers and shoppers. This is the perfect introduction to Kyoto's regional specialties – from pickled vegetables hidden beneath layers of fermented rice to delicious and ornate Kyo-wagashi (Kyoto sweets), not to mention incredible local produce, silken tofu and a renowned hand-crafted knife shop. In the late afternoon, take a step back in time on a walk through the narrow streets of Kyoto's charming Gion district and learn about the city's geisha culture. If you're lucky you might spot geikos (geishas) or maikos (apprentice geishas) with their elaborate dress and make up. The evening is free for your own adventure, although your leader will have plenty of suggestions.
Included Activities
- Nishiki Market and Gion walking tour
- Ryokan
As the millennium-long home of the imperial kitchen, Kyoto is known as the center of Japanese culinary tradition. From the aristocratic kaiseki ryori (Japan's haute cuisine), to the simple yet refined dishes of obanzai ryori (home-cooked cuisine), Kyoto is a city that takes food seriously.
Today, you'll experience the simple pleasures of obanzai ryori in a cooking class. Perhaps less well-known than kaiseki in the West, the ancient style of obanzai ryori also has strict rules that must be adhered to. It follows a strictly seasonal approach, and at least half of the ingredients must be Kyo-yasai (kyoto vegetables) and other locally sourced produce. You'll then get to enjoy the dishes you have cooked for lunch. This evening is free for your own rest or exploration.
Included Activities
- Obanzai cooking class
Optional Activities
- Traditional theatre
- Kaiseki meal
- Ryokan
After breakfast today, venture out of Kyoto to explore the traditions, culture and history behind tea, which plays an important part in traditional Japanese society. Go behind the scenes of a local tea farm to learn about the long-lived customs surrounding this brew, which is more than simply a drink. Walk several beautiful tea fields in the surrounding mountains and learn about the farming process, then taste a variety of locally-grown brews: from everyday houjicha and genmaicha to premium sencha and matcha. The careful symbolism of Japanese society reaches its height in the tea ceremony, and here you will learn about the importance of the cleaning of tea utensils, the bow on receiving a cup and the three clockwise turns before a sip is taken. Return to Kyoto in the afternoon and spend some free time pursuing your culinary passions. An unknown chef in Kyoto transformed the eel (hamo) from inedible to star ingredient with the invention of a heavy knife that cut the flesh away from the many bones. Perhaps try this quintessential Kyoto taste of summer for yourself. Otherwise maybe try some of Kyoto's famed smooth flavour tofu, perfected over centuries by Buddhist monks.
In the evening, we are going to discover Kyoto's exuberant nightlife. Celebrate the closing of our Japan adventure with a beer or sake fuelled chance to be a karaoke superstar. We will be in a private room, which means you and your new made friends are the only ones who need to know about your off-pitch rendition of Yellow Submarine, what happens at karaoke stays at karaoke.
Included Activities
- Tea farm visit
- Karaoke
- Ryokan
There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time.
11 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
Bullet train, subway and bus
Hotel (6 nights), Ryokan (4 nights), Monastery (1 night)
Important notes
A 7 day Standard/Ordinary Japan Rail Pass is included in the price of your trip and will be validated on day 3. For those wishing to stay and travel longer in Japan, a Japan Rail Pass extension (total 14 days) is available. Please contact us at time of booking regarding this service.
Please note that Japan Rail Passes are only valid for foreign tourists visiting Japan from abroad for sightseeing under the entry status of temporary visitor (tourist visa).
Accommodation in Japan can be difficult to secure at short notice. If you are traveling in Japan before or after your trip, we recommend booking accommodation at least a month in advance of travel, especially in high season (March to May, September to November).
A single supplement is not available to be purchased on this trip.
Call us on 1-855-702-4088 to speak to a travel specialist today or email us below:
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London No. 1 Original Blue Gin
Review: London No. 1 Original Blue Gin 87/100
a review by Chip Dykstra (Aka Arctic Wolf)
Posted on June 6, 2012
London No. 1 Original Blue Gin is a product of Gonzalas Byass who are a Spanish wine/cellars company which also produces a variety of distilled spirits including brandy, anisette, botanical vodka and of course gin. Their gin is triple distilled (from English grain in London, England) on a traditional pot still in small batches by Master Distiller, Charles Maxwell. According to the London No. 1 website the gin is distilled with 12 key botanicals which include: Juniper from Croatia; Angelica root and Savory from France; Coriander from Morocco; Cassia bark from China, Liquorice from Turkey, Cinnamon from Ceylon, Almond from Greece; and Lemon peel, Orange peel, Lily root and Bergamot from Italy.
The product was first test marketed in Spain, and is now being launched in limited quantities internationally. It is bottled at 47 % alcohol by volume ensuring a more concentrated flavour than more traditional spirits which are bottled at 40 % alcohol by volume.
I was given a bottle for review by Woodman Wines and Spirits Inc. who have informed me that this product is already available in limited quantities in Ontario.
In the Bottle 4/5
The bottle of this Blue Gin is pictured to the left. This bottle has apparently won a few design awards, and I agree that the look is classy, clean, and masculine. I like the squat decanter with its solid synthetic corked closure, and I like that the bottle is clear allowing you to see the pale turquoise blue colour of the gin. My only quibble is that I find the label hard to read. There are some orange fonts on the label which look nice and clear in the picture to the left; but which are in reality extremely difficult to see against the blue coloured label. The small type written font underneath doesn't help my eyes either. In a retail setting, I might get frustrated trying to read the label and pass on this product in favour of something my eyes can focus on. That may sound harsh, but it is the truth, nonetheless.
In the Glass 8.5/10
When the gin is poured, it is hard not to be impressed by that pale blue turquoise colour in the glass. Referring to the technical information sheets which I was provided with, I learned that the colour is "derived in part from gardenia flowers and a final infusion with bergamot oil". (I should point out that the statement says that the colour is only derived in part from the gardenia and bergamot oil. The back of the bottle tells the rest of the story as it contains the additional label, "Gin with Colour Added".)
The aroma from the glass is intensely floral. It has a sharp quality which similar to freshly bloomed lilacs. The more familiar gin aromas of earthy juniper, spicy cardamom, lemon peel and orange citrus lie somewhat behind that floral intensity. There is also a light astringency in the air above the glass stemming from the higher than normal alcohol content, and this sharpness combined with the intense floral characteristic of the gin seems to be serving as a warning that the Blue Gin just might be a little more intense and flavourful than I had expected… even for a 47 % abv spirit!
In the Mouth 52/60
The gin enters the mouth with all the intensity that I was expecting, with strong floral flavours leading in front and a ginger-like spiciness which heat heats up the palate. Strong impressions of lavender and lilac seem to be omnipresent tainting the more familiar sensations of juniper and orange citrus with their presence. Lemongrass and balsam weave in and out, and I admit the London No. 1 Original Gin is just a little too full of flavour and spice for me to sip comfortably. When I add an ice-cube, the strong flavours are muted; but the spiciness of cardamom (tastes like ginger) continues unabated. Fortunately, I rarely consume gin neat or on the rocks. This is a distilled spirit meant for the cocktail, and I decided to continue my analysis in that format.
The first cocktail I constructed was a classic recipe called the Pegu Cocktail (see recipe and picture below) made with Cointreau and fresh lime. I followed this up (the next day) with a Lime Fizz and then a Gin and Tonic. All of these cocktails tasted great, and all those intense flavours which were making this gin hard to sip neat, made the London No. 1 Original Blue Gin a great cocktail spirit. It just goes to show that just because a spirit is not suited to one format doesn't mean it cannot be great when it is used in another. I made more than a few cocktails over the next several days and thoroughly enjoyed each one.
In the Throat 13.5/15
When sipped neat, the London No. 1 Original Gin finishes with a rush of ginger spice that knocks the tonsils back. There is little burn in the throat followed by what I am going to describe as 'a flowery fade' of juniper, orange peel and balsam. I was perplexed as how to score this aspect of the review. These features are uncomfortable when encountered in the undiluted gin; but, when the gin is added to the cocktail, they are most definitely welcome assets. In the end, I decided that for a quality gin, the cocktail is really what is important, and my high score in the finish reflects that reality.
The Afterburn 9/10
What a delightful spirit. I began my review sessions with concern over the intense flavours which I could not really wrap myself around when I sipped the gin by itself. But I was hooked as soon as I mixed my first cocktail. This Blue Gin brings welcome spice and floral character to the cocktail experience. Although it is not by any means a sipper, it is amongst the best mixing gins I have encountered.
You may read some of my other Gin Reviews (click the link) if you wish to have some comparative reviews.
Suggested Recipes
An excellent choice for the London No. 1 Original Blue Gin is the classic Pegu Club Cocktail.
The Blue Pegu
1 1/2 oz London No. 1 Original Blue Gin
3/4 oz Cointreau
1 tsp Lime Juice
dash bitters (Angostura)
Slice of lime for Garnish (optional)
Pour the ingredients into a metal shaker filled with ice
Shake until the outside of the shaker frosts
Strain into a chilled glass
Garnish with a slice of lime if desired
I think this is a really sexy cocktail which I came up with after sampling some Bols Blue cocktails made with Vodka. I liked the recipes just fine but it seemed to me that a little more zip and character could be imparted if the Bols Blue was paired with gin. So I got out a bottle of gin and started my exploration. Soon the Big Blue Sexy was born.
Big Blue Sexy
a cocktail by Chip Dykstra
aka Arctic Wolf
20 ml Bols Blue
50 ml Gin
30 ml fresh lemon Juice
4 large cubes of ice
soda (Q- Soda & 7-up or Sprite)
Fill a long Collins glass with ice
Add the first three ingredients
Stir gently
Fill with 1/2 Q Soda & (1/2 7-up or Sprite)
Serve with a long straw
An optional garnish would be a slice of lemon or lime!
Please Enjoy No. 1 Original Blue Gin Responsibly!
Note: If you are interested in more of my original cocktail recipes, please click this link (Cocktails and Recipes) for more of my mixed drink recipes!
My Final Score is out of 100 and you may (loosely) interpret that score as follows:
0-25 A spirit with a rating this low would actually kill you.
26-49 Depending upon your fortitude you might actually survive this.
50 -59 You are safe to drink this…but you shouldn't.
60-69 Substandard swill which you may offer to people you do not want to see again.
70-74 Now we have a fair mixing spirit. Accept this but make sure it is mixed into a cocktail.
75-79 You may begin to serve this to friends, again probably still cocktail territory.
80-84 We begin to enjoy this spirit neat or on the rocks. (I will still primarily mix cocktails)
85-89 Excellent for sipping or for mixing!
90-94 Definitely a primary sipping spirit, in fact you may want to hoard this for yourself.
95-97.5 The Cream of the Crop
98+ I haven't met this bottle yet…but I want to.
Very loosely we may put my scores into terms that you may be familiar with on a Gold, Silver, and Bronze medal scale as follows:
70 – 79.5 Bronze Medal (Recommended only as a mixer)
80 – 89.5 Silver Medal (Recommended for sipping and or a high quality mixer)
90 – 95 Gold Medal (Highly recommended for sipping and for sublime cocktails.)
95.5+ Platinum Award (Highest Recommendation)


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I've been making this brown sugar spice cake recipe a lot this winter, bringing it to family gatherings and giving it as gifts. Usually I make it as a 6" cake, but for Christmas, Stefan gave me a mini bundt pan, and I knew that I had to make this yummy cake in miniature form. So. Let's get baking...
In a mixing bowl, start off with 1 1/2 sticks of butter. It should be nice and soft, but not completely melted.
Next, add 1 1/2 cups of packed brown sugar.
Mmmm. Heavenly.
The spices are what make this cake special: 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 3/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp allspice, and 1/4 tsp ginger. Aren't those colors gorgeous?
Next, add 1/2 tsp salt into the mix...
...and the très important 1/2 tsp of baking powder.
Mix until all ingredients are well blended.
Grab three eggs and mix them into the batter one at a time until smooth. (I love cracking eggs.)
Here's what your batter should look like. We're almost done; just two ingredients to go...
...2 cups of all-purpose flour and 3/4 cup of orange juice.
Add the flour into the mixture a little bit at a time, alternating with the juice. Keep mixing.
The finished batter.
You could pour the batter into pretty much any pan, but I used a mini bundt pan brushed with melted butter.
After filling the pan with batter, bake at 350°F until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. (In this pan, it took 20 minutes. For a single deeper cake, it takes about 30.)
Here's the little cakes, straight out of the oven. Now comes the fun part. Put the cooling rack on top, flip the whole thing over, and shake them loose...
Et voilà!
So cute, I sort of don't even want to eat them.
For a little extra prettiness, dust them with powdered sugar.
Bon appétit and Happy New Year :)


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Modern Handcrafted Sterling Silver Cufflinks from Mexico, "Lover's Knot"
Coming Back!
This item is available for backorder and will ship within 2 to 8 weeks. Read more
Pre-Order Now!
This item is available for pre-order and will ship within 2 to 8 weeks. Read more
Polished ribbons tie the knot in a design of elegant minimalism. Exploring sterling silver contours, Oscar Figueroa crafts these original cufflinks.
.925 Sterling silver
This artist positively impacts their community through job creation and provides jobs for 2 or more people.
This artist uses traditional techniques handed down through the generations and/or creates culturally significant items, helping keep these traditions alive.
Meet the Artist
Oscar Figueroa Escorcia
Sterling silver jewelry
Mexico125 artist reviews
Cause Badges
Oscar Figueroa Escorcia Sterling silver jewelry
"My collections are based in the origin and traditions of our culture - some are entirely classic, while others also incorporate highly stylized elements."
"I studied until secondary school here, but then I had to continue my studies in the state of Mexico. I went to university in Mexico City and later I finished a post-graduate degree.
"After the design is complete, the process begins with the melting of pure silver that is purchased in small grains, forming an alloy with a minute amount of copper to give the metal a better consistency and to be able to work with it. That is why it is 0.925 silver.
"Once the metal is melted and transformed into a sheet, it is passed through a laminator to make wires, cases, etc. When we have the metal and it is ready to be worked, the designs are placed on certain areas of the sheets. They are cut, then sanded on all sides. In the case of bracelets and necklaces, they are put together using wires already specific to the intended design - flat, triangular, square, etc. They are joined with silver welding using a gas welding torch and this is how they begin to take on shape whether it is flat, twisted, concave, etc.
"The size and specifications of each product are double-checked to see if any corrections are necessary. Once joined, the pieces are submerged in nitric acid to clean the silver and leave it white. Afterward, if the design requires stones, the stones are set and adjusted according to the design. Finally, the pieces are polished by hand with cotton cloths over a polisher with a small motor using a special paste. It is in this step that the surface of the piece is given its smoothness and now it is ready to shine with a mirror finish.
"To clean impurities from the piece, it is submerged in an ultrasound tub to pass the quality control test where they accept or reject pieces.
"My collections are based in the origin and traditions of our culture - some are entirely classic, while others also incorporate highly stylized elements. When the designs are well thought out in the varied original materials of our country, it is easy to create jewelry lending beauty and elegance to the wearer."
125 Testimonials for Oscar Figueroa Escorcia
More from this Artist
Floral WaterfallArtisan Crafted Floral Sterling Silver Taxco Earrings
Length: 0.9" x 0.9" W x 0.1" D
Windblown LeafArtisan Crafted Mexican Silver Leaf Theme Earrings
Length: 1.4" x 0.3" W x 0.1" D5.0
Linear JunctionSterling Silver Hook Earrings with Linked Triangles
Length: 2.8" x 1.4" W x 0.2" D
Starfish FriendshipTaxco Artisan Crafted Sterling Silver Starfish Earrings
Length: 1.1" x 1.1" W x 0.2" D


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My notes are going out raw, so excuse any issues like making sense or not.
Jay Verkler,
Elements of a Community Record
Digitally born records, those that were created on a computer directly. Identifying family relationships in various records across different databases.
This is a more expansive view of the types of information being stored online about an individual or family.
The final element of this global way of looking at records. Creating a source authority with links directly to the archive.
You can likely review this entire presentation on a shared community of records. Jay puts in a plug for having all of this in an open source system and not a proprietary system. FamilySearch has a number of very large and influential partners in this new open system. brightsolid, Archives.com, Geni, Ancestry.com, FGS, to state few.
I strongly suggest that you review this presentation if at all possible. The presentation closes with a very entertaining sketch showing how records and research can be collaborative across the Internet in a variety of applications across the world.
Only the begging, more to come
Thursday, February 2, 2012
RootsTech First Keynote Continued
2 comments:
good summary. I liked the emphasis on whole person and the linking back to relevant archives and their records. Brave new world.ReplyDelete
I am so glad to be following your amazing coverage of this event. It is literally, like being right there. Loved your SSDI comments as well as the excitement over the 1940 Census at the dinner for bloggers. Your idea of following more than one blogger is intriguing, but a bit overwhelming (read that: Can I actually do that?.) I couldn't attend RootsTech this year both because of $ as well as I use a walker and physically couldn't manage it. But, thanks to you I do not feel left out of things. A BIG THANKS!!!ReplyDelete
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Panetta: Shutdown is 'punishing innocent people'
Clip: 01/09/2019 | 7m 41s
The ongoing government shutdown is not the first time a political stalemate has caused federal agencies to close and workers to go without paychecks. Leon Panetta, who was White House chief of staff during a shutdown under President Clinton, tells Judy Woodruff why reopening the government is the top priority and that there's "no excuse" for failing to do so, plus how Democrats can negotiate.
Aired: 01/09/19Video has closed captioning.
The full episode is no longer available for online streaming. Why?
Please continue to enjoy extra(s) from this episode.
Problems Playing Video?
Major corporate funding for the PBS NewsHour is provided by BNSF, Consumer Cellular, Leidos, Babbel, and Raymond James. Funding for the PBS NewsHour Weekend is provided by Mutual of America. For a complete list of funders for the PBS NewsHour and PBS NewsHour weekend, click here.


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Swine Flu: The Digital Cacophony of Medical Experts, Public Relations
Zahir Ebrahim, Project Humanbeingsfirst.org
September. 28, 2009
The following headlines this morning, Monday, September 28, 2009, are self-explanatory as the Mighty Wurlitzer gets into its full articulated stride:
NYT Sept. 28, 2009: Don't Blame Flu Shots for All Ills, Officials Say ("As soon as swine flu vaccinations start next month, some people getting them will drop dead of heart attacks or strokes, some children will have seizures and some pregnant women will miscarry. But those events will not necessarily have anything to do with the vaccine. That poses a public relations challenge for federal officials, who remember how sensational reports of deaths and illnesses derailed the large-scale flu vaccine drive of 1976.") ;
Boston Globe Sept. 28, 2009: Second wave of swine flu pandemic begins to hit US – Surge in cases closes schools, strains hospitals ("After months of warnings and frantic preparations, the second wave of the swine flu pandemic is starting to be felt around the country. Doctors, health clinics, hospitals, and schools are reporting rapidly increasing numbers of patients experiencing flu symptoms.") ;
AOL Money Sept. 28, 2009: Intense tracking for swine flu shot's side effects ("More than 3,000 people a day have a heart attack. If you're one of them the day after your swine flu shot, will you worry the vaccine was to blame and not the more likely culprit, all those burgers and fries?");
The Scientist, Sept. 23, 2009: Swine flu windfall ("Though a worrisome flu season is knocking at the Northern Hemisphere's door, the five biopharmaceutical companies awarded massive contracts by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for development and production of more than 195 million doses of swine flu vaccine can't really complain.")
As you peruse the above articles, you probably also ought to read this Note on the Mighty Wurlitzer and watch the first two parts of the BBC documentary on Edward Bernays, Century of Self, to catch a glimpse of what Public Relations really means.
It is not a benign advertising/marketing gimmick that most people are led to believe. It is an insidious, and at times diabolical, attempt at mass behavior control by manipulatively tapping into man's irrational self. It plays upon hidden and overt emotions, unstated fears, shameful desires, and ingrained and cultural myths to inculcate the necessary perceptions of interest, whether for selling a product, or for selling a political dogma.
A new public myth is orchestrated in society – much like the "war on terror" mythology – based upon which a majority of the public reacts all too predictively to the continually fabricated Public Relations stimuli, or PSYOP. Overarchingly, this not only sets the stage for reinforcing the on-going current affairs narratives, but also creates the precedent for writing the preferred historical narrative. The 'ubermensch' political scientists and psychologists have figured out that on the whole, 'Public Assumptions' Shape Views of History: "Such presumptions are beliefs (1) thought to be true (although not necessarily known to be true with certainty), and (2) shared in common within the relevant political community. The sources for such presumptions are both personal (from direct experience) and vicarious (from books, movies, and myths)."
That was stated in October 1998 at the conference on contemporary political history organized by the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia, by the future 9/11 Commission Executive Director Philip Zelikow who emphasized that the public understanding of history is shaped by what are sometimes referred to as "public myths." Zelikow was a participant in the so called 'Catastrophic Terrorism' Study Group in 1997-98, and subsequently presided in the "Warren Commission" for his own study group's predicted 'Catastrophic Terrorism', which just happened to be 911!
This prediction-fulfillment cycle of political science is one of the most diabolical constructs of modernity, far outstripping Nostradamus in its accurate prescience for the near term, whereby, the failure to interdict the prediction is attributed to "chaos theory" of unavoidable happenstance, incompetence, and if all that stretches the incredulity of the public, to "blowback" of ill-conceived or greedy policies. When the unfortunate history of this Swine Flu Pandemic is similarly written, inter alia, the afore-cited headline news stories will help explain why so many people got exterminated from earth as an 'act of god', a lousy diet of "all those burgers and fries", and in the developing nations due to "'complicating factors,' such as malnutrition, poor housing or crowded conditions, [as] 'flu was classically called a crowding disease in the 19th century.'" as per CNN April 28, 2009.
According to the United States Air Force planning document "Alternate Futures for 2025: Security Planning to Avoid Surprise" dated April 1996, only 30 million people died in the pandemic of 2009! It noted in its chapter titled "Digital Cacophony" on page 54: "Technology could not solve some old problems, as in 2009, when an influenza pandemic struck in southern China, then rapidly spread worldwide. Three hundred-thirty million people were affected and over thirty million died. No one ever determined if the virus was a natural mutation or bioengineered. Many feared the latter."
That new prediction-fulfillment episode is now upon us even as I write this. Also note that amazing prescience re-surface in this 2006 IBM inter-departmental memo titled "Services & Global Procurement pan IOT Europe, Pandemic Plan Overview" whose very first bullet item stated: "There is a 100% chance that a Pandemic will occur within the next 5 years". Thanks to whosoever leaked this revealing IBM memo – also cached here – which begs the obvious question how can a corporation which makes computers predict that a pig or another creature somewhere on the planet is going to acquire a pandemic inducing virus within the next 5 years with 100% certainty? And, have that event actually transpire right at the mid-point of the prediction?
"Chaos theory" of course, the non-sequitur notwithstanding, explains all these predictions very well (sic)! And "simulations" of course (sic)!
One only wishes that political science was merely science fiction to be enjoyed in large-canvas movies like the Star Wars "Revenge of the Sith" and the latest 2009 Star Trek which killed off billions of inhabitants of an entire planet. All this vicarious dulling of public sensibilities to massive deaths I wish was merely for the mass entertainment of a blood-thirsty people!
Swine Flu: The Digital Cacophony of Medical Experts, Public Relations