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Tag Archives: expat
How to breakup with your old self after a major life transition
Significant life transitions, such as moving to a new city or a new country, becoming a parent or retiring, can be exciting, exhilarating and giving you a chance to grow. Yet transitions, even positive ones, can also be stressful and … Continue reading
Is Expatriation an Addiction?
The last few decades has seen more and more people taking up a corporate expatriate posting, with all of the benefits and challenges an expatriation can bring. Sourced through Scoop.it from: http://www.communicaid.com After 25 years of expatriation, experiencing very different … Continue reading
Why employers value intercultural skills
New research shows that employers around the world value staff who understand the role of culture at work. Source: http://www.britishcouncil.org What do employers understand by 'intercultural skills ? Ability to understand different cultural contexts and viewpoints. Respect for others' and 'adapting … Continue reading
Posted in Career coaching, Career management, communication, Cross cultural, culture, Executive Coaching, expat, Global Executives, Global leaders, global mobility, HR Management, intercultral, intercultural communication, intercultural executive coach, intercultural training, international coaching, Multicultural teams, professional development Tagged Business, career coaching, communication, Cross-cultural communication, cultures, Education and Training, expat, Global Leadership, Human resources, intercultural 3 Comments
Where are you really from ? An Expat Perspective On Racism
I found the question in this article very interesting: Is It Racist to Ask People Where They're From? As an expat, I am asked all the time where are you really from ? and I usually have different answers for different … Continue reading
Posted in American Culture, Cross cultural, culture, culture shock, Executive Coaching, expat, expatriates, Global Executives, Global leaders, global mobility, globalization, intercultral, intercultural executive coach, intercultural training, Living in Russia Tagged communication, Cross-cultural communication, cultures, expat, Expatriate, Expatriate Life, Expatriation, Global Executives, Global Leadership, Globalization, intercultural, racism, Russia, United States 4 Comments
The "How Are You?" Culture Clash: Americans v.s. Russians
How Are You ? The answer Americans give, of course is, "Fine." But when Russians hear this they think one of two things: (1) you've been granted a heavenly reprieve from the wearisome grind that all but defines the human … Continue reading
Conversation Killers : What Do You Do ? Where Do You Come From ?
Imagine , you are at a networking event and you are new in town or never met anybody in the group before, you have butterflies in your stomach, when someone comes to you and ask : What do you do … Continue reading
The Dangers Of Slang For Non-Native Language Speakers
I have had interesting discussions with linguists and intercultural coaches after publishing an article, "You Are What You Speak: How Language Influences Behaviors",. The debate was mainly around words and cultural context. The most recurrent question was: Is it the cultural … Continue reading
Posted in Education, Executive Coaching, expat, expatriates, Global leaders, HR Management, intercultural communication, intercultural training Tagged American English, communication, Cross-cultural communication, cultures, English language, ESL, expat, Expatriate, Global Leadership, Linguistics, Non-native pronunciations of English 6 Comments


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It now looks as if voters approved all six of the state-level minimum-wage initiatives. In addition to Missouri and Ohio–which you read about on the Notion last night–the measures also passed in Arizona, Colorado, Montana and Nevada. That amounts to a rejection en masse of right-wing economic ideology; when asked, Americans obviously think hard-working poor folks deserve better. Most also required adjustments for inflation or changes in the cost of living. The overwhelming margins in most of the races were also exciting: more than two-thirds of voters approved the initiatives in Montana, Nevada, Missouri and Arizona.
These increases, small as they sound, will have a far more direct effect on the daily lives of Americans than many of the other matters so hotly debated and horse-raced in election season. That alone is reason for celebration. But the other question, of course, is, Did they have a broader impact on the elections? Was minimum wage the gay marriage of the left? That is, did these initiatives help turn out the Democratic base and help the Democrats win? We'd need more analysis of the data to say for certain, but it looks like they may have helped. Democrats took Senate seats in Ohio, Missouri and most likely Montana.

subset: commoncrawl


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High in the sky on a breezy hilltop sits the Big Buddha of Phuket, a towering figure in gleaming white jade with its serene face gazing east. Aside from the beaches, the Big Buddha is a top attraction in Phuket.
Big Buddha – an Island Icon
Though it's busy with tourists now, the Big Buddha still has a certain magic that can take your spirit to lofty heights, along with your physical being. Yellow Buddhist flags dance and flap in the wind. The sounds of gongs and monks chanting float through the air with the breeze. Panoramic views take in the island's lush Nakkerd hills, the yacht-studded Chalong bay and miles of the Andaman sea stretching out towards the blue horizon.
As a long-term resident of Phuket, I've seen the Big Buddha grow from just a rough concrete foundation 15 years ago to the majestic 45-metre white marble monument that it is today. (See how it's evolved over the years here: http://phuket-big-buddha.com)
Sitting on one of the highest hills in Phuket, the Big Buddha offers incredible across the entire south end of the island, from Phuket Town to Chalong Bay, over Cape Promthep in Rawai and over the bays of Kata Noi, Kata and Karon beaches.
Unlike Phuket's other well-known sacred site, Wat Chalong, which is 200 years old, the Big Buddha was built during the years of Phuket's rapid tourism growth and as such it often attracts more curious visitors than local Buddhist devotees. You'll notice signs at the entrance in English, Russian and Chinese, and before you reach the steps to the Buddha statue you walk past several vendors selling food, drinks, and souvenirs.
A Tourist Trap?
The Big Buddha in many ways reflects modern Phuket society in the tourism age. Tourists come here in droves, many of whom know little about Thai culture or Buddhism. And the Big Buddha, like many other construction projects in Phuket, relied extensively on migrant workers. Burmese labourers spent years toiling at the statue to get every last tile of marble put into place.
Big Buddha didn't even manage to escape Phuket's notoriety for property scandals, as various Thai officials over the years have questioned the legality of building in the area. But the last time we've read anything about this, any legal questions surrounding the site's construction and land usage appear to have been cleared up.
The steep road to reach the Big Buddha once narrowed to a rough dirt track as you approached the hilltop, with parts of the road cracking and crumbling down the hill – it made for a scary drive! But these days, the road is kept in reasonably decent shape and is not too difficult to manage with a car. On a motorbike it's more of a challenge but doable for experienced riders. Near the entrance is a large parking area, so there's no trouble finding a place to stop once you reach the top.
Hiking to the Big Buddha
For the more adventurous, there's a slower and sweatier way to the top of Big Buddha hill, starting from the west side of the hill near Kata and Karon beaches.
Taking Patak Soi 14 across the road from the Siam Commercial Bank at Karon Plaza, just walk along towards Big Buddha hill and you'll spot small signs along the way pointing the way to the trails. Hopefully the signs, which are rather flimsy looking, are still there when you try it. If I'd been clever enough to use a GPS tracking app during my walk, I'd post a detailed walking map of the journey, but instead I'll let you have your own adventure finding your way up!
Or you could take a peek at the Strava map created by our hiking companion, local blogger Jamie, who helpfully tracked our journey up the hill.
Part of the hike is along a road or partially paved track, but for about 1,500 metres there's a steep dirt track through jungle. This section really gets the heart racing! I don't know who takes care of the trail but it was in good shape when I walked it in late March 2018, and there are hand ropes along some of the steeper sections to help keep you from slipping.
A Sweaty Pilgrimage to the Top
The dirt path ends at the road, with about 500 metres to walk along the road before reaching the hilltop. Along the way, be sure to stop and take a look back to take in the spectacular sea views.
There's another way up that's longer, but not as steep or jungly, and you'll share the trail at times with a few motorbike and ATV riders. If you'd rather take this way, then go left where there's a sign saying it's 4km to the Big Buddha. We took this way down the hill.
In all, the hike took about 2.5 hours up and back, with plenty of time spent stopping to snap photos and lingering on the hilltop to savour the cooling breezes. I managed to do the hike wearing regular running shoes, though sturdier walking shoes or lightweight hiking shoes with a better grip would have been ideal.
It's best to go in the early morning before it gets too hot. But it's still a hot walk! Vendors at the Big Buddha selling fresh coconuts and water have easy sales targets for their thirst-quenching drinks: sweaty hikers reaching the summit.
Visiting the Big Buddha
Whether you arrive by car or on a hike, the approach to the site is from the back and you can't see the whole Buddha statue till you walk around to the front. This is when you suddenly feel small and insignificant at the full sight of this tranquil-faced giant statue jutting up into the sky. From here, walk up the marble steps and wander around the grounds, where there's a smaller golden Buddha statue, some lookout points and gardens.
One of the caretakers might offer you a bronze leaf or a marble tile, which you can sign and have it placed on display for a small donation. Hundreds of these bronze leaves dangle in the breeze at various spots around the site, with well-wishes and messages of hope penned in several languages.
Exit steps lead to a meditation hall where you'll likely see some saffron-robed monks chanting or sprinkling holy water on devotees (and interested tourists). All the steps make exploring the Big Buddha grounds difficult to navigate for anyone with mobility issues, but it's possible to get a good view of the statue and surrounding panorama without taking any stairs.
On the road leading up to the Big Buddha, there are a handful of small restaurants with excellent views, ATV riding operations and elephant camps. I don't recommend visiting the elephant camps – more on that to come!
Big Buddha Facts and Things to Know
Official name: Phraphutthamingmongkhol-akenagakhiri (just calling it "Big Buddha" is a bit easier, eh?!)
Size: 45 metres high and 25 metres wide
Style: Seated Buddha, adorned with Burmese white jade marble. The Buddha statue's left hand rests in the lap while the right hand points down to the ground. This posture, "Calling the Earth to Witness", represents the moment of enlightenment for the Buddha.
Why was it built: Many objectives are listed on the official Big Buddha website, including to make merit, to create a centre for spreading the Buddha's teachings, as a gift to the late HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej, to be "a place for mental development, Samatha and Vipassana for wisdom and peace of people", "to cultivate the mind for peaceful life and family as well as to maintain the institutions of nation, religion and the king".
When it was built: I've read articles about the Big Buddha on travel sites saying it was built as a symbol of hope for the island after the December 2004 Asian tsunami struck Phuket, but this is not true. The project was well underway by then.
I first visited the site in early 2003, when the last section of the road up was still a dirt track and only the statue's foundation had been built. There were a few monks living up there in a basic tin shack. I remember they offered my friend and I some water, and we were quite touched by that gesture since they really had nothing much to give!
Be aware: As this is a religious site, you'll need to wear polite dress when visiting the Big Buddha. Bring a T-shirt with sleeves, or grab a sarong at the entrance, available for free for those in need of cover-up clothing.
Big Buddha Phuket
Top of Nakkerd Hill, Soi Yodsane 1, Phuket
Free entry, but donations welcome.
Where to stay near the Big Buddha
Chaofa West Phuket
46/44 Moo 10, Soi Yodsane 1, Chaofa West Rd, Chalong
Full disclosure, I have a biased view with this recommendation, given that my husband's family owns these properties! But, ideally for a long-term stay, Chaofa West offers clean and comfortable apartments and pool villas along the road leading to the Big Buddha, fully furnished and serviced. Fabulous sunset views of Big Buddha hill to enjoy from the rooftop pools of Chaofa West Suites and Phompassorn Apartment. The two-bedroom and three-bedroom villas each have private swimming pools.
Shanti Lodge Phuket
2 Soi Bang Rae, Chaofa West Rd, Chalong
The sister guesthouse of the well-known Shanti Lodge of Bangkok, this is one of the few places on Phuket with a true traveller's vibe. Extensive use of bamboo and clay in the design together with the well-tended tropical gardens and a waterfall pool gives Shanti Lodge a real jungle ambiance. Room choices range from a budget room with a shared bathroom to private bungalows with kitchens. Delicious food choices in the restaurant, with many vegetarian choices.
Aochalong Villa Resort & Spa
5/26 Moo 9 Soi Porn, Chaofa East Rd, Chalong
Small beachfront resort near Chalong Pier with two pools and tropical gardens. We've dined at the restaurant here before and found the food quite tasty. There's good dining at the Phuket Yacht Club next door, too. Family friendly and handy if you're planning to take island-hopping trips from Chalong Pier, as well as visiting the Big Buddha and Wat Chalong.


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Call for Nominations – New Inclusion Chair!
March 27, 2018
The Society for Learning Analytics Research is proud to announce an open call for nominations for a new role on the SoLAR Executive Committee. We are now accepting nominations for an Inclusion Chair. This new chair would be a member of the SoLAR Executive Committee and would serve for a term of two years before becoming eligible for re-election to the Executive Committee.
The Inclusion Chair role and responsibilities will include but is not limited to the following:
- recruit and oversee the Inclusion Working Group/Portfolio,
- develop a strategic plan aimed at the society's goal to promote, elevate and foster an open and inclusive environment; recruit a balanced, diverse (gender, geographic, thematic, etc.) and welcoming membership,
- work with the SoLAR Executive and Inclusion Working Group to implement and monitor inclusion and diversity initiatives within the strategic plan,
- collaborate with the Strategic Planning Working Group to ensure the alignment of inclusion initiatives with overall SoLAR strategy,
- work with the Communications Chair to ensure dissemination of activities,
- measure and present the impact and overall effectiveness of inclusion initiatives.
As stated, this is an open call for nominations. Only those who have valid 2018 SoLAR memberships are eligible to nominate and vote for Executive Positions. To renew or join, visit: https://solaresearch.org/membership/.
To nominate, please email the below information to email@example.com with the subject line, "Inclusion Chair Nomination," by April 17, 2018. Voting will begin on April 19, 2018 and will close on May 1, 2018. All dates and times in Eastern Time.
- Name
- Institution
- Provide a short explanation of your ideas for the roles, responsibilities and outcomes of the Inclusion Chair and this new working group (max 200 words)
- Short biography (max 200 words)
- Photo – jpg suitable for web


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Terry has earned her living for over 20 years as a working artist, painter, potter, professional photographer, graphic designer, and Photoshop expert. She is the author of five books and an ongoing blog.
Terry graduated from The North Light Art School and has taken a workshop with renowned artist Daniel Greene. She has exhibited nationally and won numerous awards from as far south as Key West to New York City in the north. She has worked on creative projects with the University of South Florida, the Corpus Christi Catholic Church, APRA, SEPRA and The Helen Chamber of Commerce, to name just a few.
Terry is the current Membership Chair at the Helen Arts & Heritage Center.


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I wished for snow, and I got it. No regrets. I just hope it sticks around a few days.
Day one of vacation has been a long one, but moderately successful. I spaced on one of the items I meant to buy today, but it wasn't urgent that I get it today anyway; I'll have a chance later. I also underestimated the amount of milk I'd need during my grocery run; we usually buy half a gallon and that lasts just fine, but pudding is involved and that throws everything off. I don't know when we'll have a chance to actually make that pudding; having to mix it up here throws off my cooking plans Christmas Eve, and I'll still have a ton of wrapping to do besides that.
Still, most of the grocery running is done, and my Christmas shopping is pretty much finished. So far, not so bad.
As a nice early Christmas gift, I got the proof copy of One Woke Up in paperback on Thursday. The result turned out beautiful. I had concerns that there might be an issue with the printing being too light or something in the cover being way out of alignment, or even some kind of setting in the interior PDF file being wrong, but it all came out just right the first time. I'm thrilled. Getting the print edition together was no small undertaking, but it's rewarding to finally have a physical copy of the book.


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Glassware & DrinkwareDinner & Dessert DishesIced Tea GlassesKiddush Cups & SetsMixed Drinkware SetsStemmed Water GlassesTumblers
Glassware & DrinkwareDinner & Dessert DishesIced Tea GlassesKiddush Cups & SetsMixed Drinkware SetsStemmed Water GlassesTumblers
It is very essential to get the best quality when you want to buy drinkware and glassware as they very fragile. This is why you should get them online from Jumia Nigeria for the very best. We have different drinkware and glassware for different purposes. We have the drink serving ware like the infuser jug or the steel stainless folding cup. You can also get wine glasses for drinking both red wine and white wine. Whenever you have guests over, you can bring out your beautiful glasses to serve them drinks in. We also have drinkware set which contains cups that your kids can drink water with. On Jumia we have various brands such as Infiniti, Neo, Snackeez, Chanon Crystal, MasterChef and many more.
It is always important to use the right glasses for the right drink. You should drink your beer with a beer glass or tea/coffee with cups or mugs. On Jumia Nigeria, all the variety of drinkware and glassware are available for you to pick from. Tumblers come In both plastic and glass forms and can be used to for drinking water or juices. Set your table and bar with the right drinkware and entertain in style. On Jumia you are guaranteed the best form of kitchen and dining items. Shop online for your well-designed drinkware and glassware that will last you for a long time while ensuring good value for your money.


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BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi insurgents are no longer using just volunteers as suicide car bombers but are instead kidnapping drivers, rigging their vehicles with explosives and blowing them up, the Defense Ministry said Thursday.
In what appears to be a new tactic for the insurgency, the ministry said the kidnap victims do not know their cars have been loaded with explosives when they are released.
The ministry issued a statement saying that first "a motorist is kidnapped with his car. They then booby trap the car without the driver knowing. Then the kidnapped driver is released and threatened to take a certain road."
The kidnappers follow the car and when the unwitting victim "reaches a checkpoint, a public place, or an army or police patrol, the criminal terrorists following the driver detonate the car from a distance," the Defense Ministry statement said.
There was no immediate comment from the U.S. military. In the past, U.S. officials have said insurgents often tape or handcuff a suicide driver's hands to a car, or bind his foot to the gas pedal, to ensure that he does not back out at the last minute.
Although roadside bombs are the main weapon used by insurgents, suicide car bombers are designed to maximize casualties and sow fear among the population.
According to the Washington-based Brookings Institution, there have been 343 suicide car bombings causing multiple deaths in Iraq since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003.
© 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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Thank you for your interest in helping the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. Please fill out the form below or call us at 1.866.942.4627.
Volunteers play a key role in the development and delivery of our charitable programs and community events. The successful operation of UCC is highly dependent upon people like you who give of your time, expertise and enthusiasm so thanks again for volunteering!
Meet a team of our current volunteers.
If you have any questions about volunteering with us, please email us at email@example.com or call us at 1.866.942.4627 for more information


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I. J. Neufeld & Co. (Waldheim, Molotschna Mennonite Settlement, Zaporizhia Oblast, Ukraine)
I. J. Neufeld & Co. was a manufacturer of farm machinery in the Molotschna Mennonite Settlement, South Russia. It was established in 1890 in Waldheim, Ukraine, with a founding capital of 250,000 Rubles and was incorporated as a public company in 1900. By 1908, I. J. Neufeld & Co. was the fourth largest manufacturer in Russia, with an annual production of 350,000 Rubles and with 200 employees working in the factory. In 1911-1912, the company employed 250 people.
The founder of I. J. Neufeld & Co. was Isaak Johann Neufeld, son of Johann and Susanna (Reimer) Neufeld, born in Orloff, Molotschna Mennonite Settlement, south Russia, on 18 March 1849. In some sources, he is listed at J. J. Neufeld, possibly because of confusion in reading the old German script. In 1870, Isaak married Susanna Friesen, daughter of Isaac Johann and Susanna (Reimer) Friesen, in Waldheim, Molotschna Mennonite Settlement. The couple had seven children. Isaak died on 15 February 1922 in Tiege, Molotschna Mennonite Settlement, and Susanna died on 1 March 1934 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
I. J. Neufeld & Co. was established at a time of increased demand for farm machinery after 1860, when additional farmland became available for residents of the Mennonite settlements. At the same time, the transportation of farm goods became easier with an increase in rail links and the development of the steam engine for river travel. The production of inexpensive iron and steel made it possible to produce farm implements more readily than ever before. These factors prompted growth in the manufacturing industries, especially in the Molotschna and Chortitza Mennonite Settlement of south Russia. The I. J. Neufeld factory was located seven kilometers away from the Stulnevo train station, which allowed for easy access to transporting goods.
By 1905, I. J. Neufeld had transferred much of the company to his son, who renamed the factory I. I. Neufeld & Co. Ten years later, the company had factories in Grimschino, Orenburg and Orekhov, as well as a steam-powered flour mill in Waldheim. The site also included homes for at least two families. The I. I. Neufeld factory was nationalized after the Civil War and later produced tractors, followed by munitions. It closed permanently in 1954 and was dismantled for building materials.
The first Mennonite factory built during this time of expansion was Lepp and Wallmann, owned by Peter Lepp and his son-in-law, Andreas Wallmann. Other manufacturers soon followed with their own factories, including I. J. Neufeld & Co. Altogether, the eight largest factories in the Mennonite settlements produced 6.2% percent of Russia's total industrial output at a value of over three million Rubles, manufacturing agricultural implements such as winnowers, reapers, threshers, and plows.
Although I. J. Neufeld & Co. was not the largest of the agricultural companies, its production of farm machinery made a significant contribution to the economic output of the south Russian Mennonite settlements.
GRANDMA (The Genealogical Registry and Database of Mennonite Ancestry) Database, 4.19 ed. Fresno, CA: California Mennonite Historical Society, 2005: #5963, 55645.
Krahn, Cornelius. "Agriculture Among the Mennonites of Russia." Mennonite Life (January 1955). Web. 13 March 2013. http://ml.bethelks.edu/store/ml/files/1955jan.pdf
Mennonitische Geschichte und Ahnenforschung Chortitza. "Einige Personen aus der Industrie, Handel und Gewerbe." Web. 13 March 2013. http://chortiza.heimat.eu/UntU.htm.
Rempel, David G. "The Mennonite Colonies in New Russia: A Study of their Settlement and Economic Development from 1789 to 1914." Ph. D. dissertation, Stanford University, 1933: 275-289.
Urry, James. "Growing up with Cities: The Mennonite Experience in Imperial Russia and the Early Soviet Union." Journal of Mennonite Studies 20 (2002). http://jms.uwinnipeg.ca/index.php/jms/article/viewFile/1089/1088.
Urry, James. "Through the Eye of a Needle: Wealth and the Mennonite Experience in Imperial Russia." Journal of Mennonite Studies 3 (1985). http://jms.uwinnipeg.ca/index.php/jms/article/viewFile/42/42.
|Susan Huebert
|Date Published
|March 2013
Cite This Article
MLA style
Huebert, Susan. "I. J. Neufeld & Co. (Waldheim, Molotschna Mennonite Settlement, Zaporizhia Oblast, Ukraine)." Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. March 2013. Web. 6 Jun 2020. https://gameo.org/index.php?title=I._J._Neufeld_%26_Co._(Waldheim,_Molotschna_Mennonite_Settlement,_Zaporizhia_Oblast,_Ukraine)&oldid=167453.
APA style
Huebert, Susan. (March 2013). I. J. Neufeld & Co. (Waldheim, Molotschna Mennonite Settlement, Zaporizhia Oblast, Ukraine). Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. Retrieved 6 June 2020, from https://gameo.org/index.php?title=I._J._Neufeld_%26_Co._(Waldheim,_Molotschna_Mennonite_Settlement,_Zaporizhia_Oblast,_Ukraine)&oldid=167453.
©1996-2020 by the Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. All rights reserved.


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A GPS tracker is a device that uses global position system services. They are used in order to determine exactly where someone or something is on a map. This can be done through a recording or, thanks to modern technology, in real time. However, not all trackers are created equally. Different models serve different purposes, and each has their own pros and cons. Let's take a look, therefore, at the different options that are available.
1. The Data Logger GPS Tracker
This model has been designed to regularly log the position of the device itself. It has an internal memory in which this information is stored. Usually, they have a memory card slot as well, which means more information can be stored. The device can then be hooked to a USB port to share the information stored on the tracker. These devices are often used by businesses who want to be able to analyze where their staff members have been. They are also commonly seen in private investigations, where it is important to keep track of vehicles without having to approach them too closely.
2. The GPS Data Pusher
This type is also commonly known as the GPS beacon. Here, the tracker is linked to a server and it sends information to it regularly. The information collected here can therefore be analyzed without needing to retrieve the tracker itself. GPS beacons are known to be very cost effective, which is why they are often found in commercial applications. Businesses that have mobile staff members will install them so that they always know where their people are. They can also be used in espionage, law enforcement, emergency services, animal control, race control, finding stolen vehicles, and so on.
3. The GPS Tracker Data Puller
This type of device is also known as a transponder. If switched on, it constantly transmits and receives data. This means it can always be check on. They are not used too widely yet, but they are increasing in popularity. This is particularly true because they can link to a cellphone, ensuring that people can always know where they are. Parents are also investing in these trackers to ensure that they can find out where their children are.
As you can see, there are different GPS trackers available, each of which works in different ways. It is important that you consider exactly what you need your tracker for before deciding which one to purchase. One of the key considerations you will have to make is how you want to access the data. If you only want to use it to plan your route, such as a TomTom system, then the data logger may be all you need. If, on the other hand, you want to make sure that you will always know where your car is should it get stolen, then you will need something like the data puller, which means you can follow the tracker remotely.


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Imagine being picked up in the small fishing village of Port Clyde, Maine, riding just 3 miles out to sea, arriving on a magnificent 110-acre private island and finding yourself transported back to a simpler time when life had fewer distractions and a slower pace. As you step into the beautiful historic buildings, you find them filled with items and furnishings dating from the 1920s.
Having spent my childhood summers on a Maine island, I have great affection for the day that stretches out with nothing planned, just a gap of time to be filled as one chooses. McGee is a throwback to the Maine of my youth. It smells like a Maine island house should: books and woodsmoke, hung laundry and brine. It looks like a Maine house too: wicker chairs, maps on the walls, the exposed studs and paneling of a house built for summers. Going there is a chance to distance oneself from the rigmarole of a consuming world. To begin days with a quiet cup of coffee—or four—and to end days by the fireplace playing cards. We managed to squeeze in kayaking, ping pong and Scrabble in between—but you don't have to do anything. That's the best part. Days measured by the changing tides and the dinner bell.
- Michael and Erin Gerard, San Luis Obispo, California, USA,
As other reviewers have noted, McGee Island is indeed a very special place. We were very lucky to be able to host both our families and dearest friends on McGee for a fabulous week long getaway cumulating in our engagement party. The Island is a beautiful setting and an amazing opportunity to let family and guests enjoy the best of Maine. The walking path along the island was well cleared and our friend, a marathoner, was able to keep up with her training while vacationing. The beaches were excellent places to find sea glass and tidal pool an ever changing jewel to explore. The nights are brilliantly dark and excellent for star gazing, while the living room in the Main House was exceptionally cozy as the fire roars, the piano plays and poor singing fills the air. The character of the dwellings as well as the history and artifacts of the place adds to the overall experience. The facilities graciously accommodated our group of 22 that included an 86 year old and a 12 year old. One of the best aspects to McGee is the variety of activities it provides and the freedom for each guest to do whatever suits them. We made use of the kayaks, ping pong table and shooting range as well as the board games, sauna, and art easel. There really is something on offer for everyone. We are thankful for everyone working at McGee especially Joe the Island caretaker and Celeste the head of the cleaning crew. We are further thankful to the wonderful family behind it all, and allowing such a magical place to be shared.
- Blake & Lili, Los Angeles, CA,
Some secrets I can keep, while others, though clung to, are too tempting not to share. McGee's Island falls within the latter. First I'll say that for years, I've sought the perfect refuge—I've found a few, near and far, but at the apex of all of them, rests boldly and with all the generosity and assurance that grows from truly knowing itself, McGee Island. When I happened upon the listing, I thought it was too good to be true, but I'm telling you now, utopia exists. For two years going on three and with hopes for many more, I've held on this enchanting island a writers' retreat for women called The Salty Quill. For one week each year, we write, eat, walk and share, and when the time comes to leave, without exception each writer departs feeling she has gained something far greater than time and space to write. We leave a part of ourselves, a sense that we have always been known there, a sense of home, a longing that begs return. I don't know how it happens—perhaps it's the water, perhaps it's the wind across the Atlantic, broken and buffeted by Barter Island, or perhaps it's the walls of a grand home that for over a century has sheltered families and loved ones who've journeyed there to find respite, to rediscover the best of themselves, to remember the many ways they love one another. Others on this page have spoken to the countless fine details: the outdoor shower, the extensive library, the grand fieldstone fireplace, the fine linens, the sheltered harbor, the warm fine beds, the deep leather chairs, so many and much it's foolish to name. Just know that this house has been lived in, cared for, and cherished, and nothing has been forgotten or unattended to. That the family extends to its guests the faith and freedom to wander and live amongst such a treasure trove is akin to a wide open-armed hug from a long lost relative, some place that for all of us we thought was lost and forgotten, some place we can once again, if only for a moment, reclaim. Thank you McGee Island. Je t'aime.
- Pamela Loring, Hull, Massachusetts, United States,
This summer was our second time vacationing on McGee Island and as with our first, it was exceptional!! McGee Island is an extraordinary place to experience a true "Down East" Maine vacation. It's almost hard to describe what a special place the island is that you have to imagine… • Beautiful vistas, like an Andrew Wyeth painting. • The smell of the cool ocean breeze. • Peace and quiet, only hearing osprey birds and lobster boats in the distance. • Laughter of family having morning coffee on the front porch. • Joy of gathering around a candle lit dinner table to reconnect with family members who live near and far. • Having a heated game of "Trivial Pursuit" around a crackling fire in the living room. • Seeing the "Milky Way" in the night sky and counting all the shooting stars. The Erickson Family, along with Joe the caretaker, has outdone themselves in bringing modern comfort and amenities to their historical family house. It's amazing to look around at all their family treasures dating back to the early 1920's, yet sleeping soundly in comfortable beds that have heated mattress pads. Activity wise, here's what our family enjoyed: • Kayaking around Barter Island. • Swimming off the beach and boat dock. • Hiking and exploring the island – picking raspberries along the way. • Day trip into Rockland and the "Farnsworth Art Museum" — The museum is an unexpected treasure trove of several well-known Wyeth paintings. • Ping-Pong, badminton, board games, puzzles, and giant Jenga contests! Our families will always remember and cherish our time spent on McGee Island. We will certainly be back again soon!!
- Alling | Judy | Tully | Westland, Marblehead, Massachusetts, United States,
McGee Island is an amazing vacation hideaway! The weather and scenery are nothing less than perfect. The houses on the island are beautifully crafted antique structures, and have clearly been very well cared for and maintained. We visited in July and spent our days outside in the sunshine, and our nights in cozy sweaters enjoying the chilly temperatures. We loved hiking around the island, reading in the hammock, cooking in the kitchen house, ping pong tournaments, card games, picnics, and so much more. You can truly be as laid back or as active as you want to be. There is plenty of space in the main house, so you always have access to peace and quiet if you're traveling with a large group. The house is stocked with the primary necessities (leave your coffee maker at home!) and even has Internet and a washer/dryer! Bring your specific toiletries, food/drinks, and anything else you may want or need (remember, you're on an island). This place is a hidden gem, and we will definitely be returning!
- Reedy, Texas, USA,
McGee Island is a perfect getaway from the stress and distractions of modern world without renouncing the comfort of a top resort. Our family & friends enjoyed the exceptional beauty of the island, its wildlife as well as many scenic hikes. For those guests who were looking for additional active pursuits, croquet, bocce ball, swimming, canoeing, target shooting and volleyball added to the allure of this gem of an island.
- Kathinka Tunney, Sun Valley, Idaho, USA,
This island is like no other place in the world. We were 9 adults and 10 kids- ranging from age 3 to 10 years. McGee was heaven for them. An education in itself- from sea glass hunts to timing the high tides- there was so much to do. The islands caretaker Joe was priceless, showing the kids how to lure crabs- as well as calling every single one by name. Not a single "I'm bored" was uttered- without the use of any computers/iPads. It was pretty amazing to see what happens when kids have the independence and surroundings to use their imaginations. Some highlights for the kids were: a bonfire/s'more party, making pretzels, crabbing with joe, picking apples and raspberries on a hike, seeing the stars, flashlight tag, and swimming in the tide pool. How amazing is that? Important fact: everything felt very safe for kids. No steep cliffs or sudden drops to the ocean. All areas felt suitable for their adventures. A place your kids (and you!) will remember forever.
- Amy Westcott , Brooklyn NY, US ,
There are not too many things in life that are perfect. McGee island is perfect. Everything about this island is actually better than what you may have read. A quick and scenic boat ride will get you to the island where eagles fly in for a quick snack, where deer can be seen crossing from one island to the other, where the night sky is busy with stars both bright and shooting while owls provide background music! All of this can be enjoyed from an enormous wraparound porch outfitted with rustic and comfortable Adirondack style chairs. This porch is the centerpiece of McGee, a great place to take it all in and a very difficult place to leave. McGee has three charming houses each offering vintage Maine experiences. The first is the boat house (this getaway has its own kitchen and bath). This dwelling sits so close to the ocean it is almost like being in a boat! And it offers the best seats in the house for ocean views and killer sunrises! Next is the cook house, replete with a dream kitchen a big dining room and more sleeping space. The kitchen table sits facing the ocean where all the activity of the day can be enjoyed with a cup of coffee and a warm fire. Last is the main house. This is the jewel in the crown that is McGee. Time, here in this home, stands still. Walking into this home is like walking under a veil of relaxation. This house changes people, it strips away the hard veneer we hide under in our day to day lives and reminds us what is important; us. Sit by the fireplace, sing by the piano, read a book by the window…McGee teaches you to relax. The most difficult task on McGee, is leaving this island paradise. Go. It will change your life! And be sure to book your next visit before you leave! Kevin Dadoly, A Brush with the Island, Watercolor workshops, L.L.C.
- Kevin, Amherst, NH, USA,
My family and I had an amazing time. Rustic History and modern amenities blend to redefine island rentals. The Island's caretaker is available 24/7, and went out of his way to accommodate us. From lobster, to skeet shooting, to making sure the propane was always full, to advice on what to look for on our walks around the island trail, Joe was top notch! Even on the rainy days, the main house lent itself to relaxing by the huge stone fireplace, playing a few intense rounds of poker, and even letting the kids build a fort out of chairs and blankets. The boathouse is full of maritime and Erickson family history (if you get a tour from Joe), and mealtime was a traditional family affair every night. If you're brave enough, you can swim in the tidal pool (we brought wetsuits) and dive for your own mussles; they were delicious. There's no current to speak of and a dedicated triathlete could easily get their daily open water swims in! The kids can safely kayak with very little anxiety on Mom & Dad's part for sure. There's even a double kayak my daughter and I took a trip around the large island in. If you're a shooting enthusiast, there is a 25-50yd gun range to pop water or soda bottles. Skeet shooting got my whole family interested, and Joe was a gracious trap operator! Every day had it's own flavor, and we enjoyed the opportunity to connect as a family, without the distractions of the outside world. It is definitely a MUST DO again. Thank you to the Ericksons for such an idyllic location, and the oportunity to share in your family's natural history. Sincerely, The Dawson Family.
- Michael Dawson, Parkville, MD, USA,
McGee Island is a very special place and was a wonderful setting for our family to celebrate our parents' 50th anniversary. The owners are absolutely fantastic to work with when planning your get away and provide information on every detail for your trip. Unlike some rentals, everything was as described and pictured and there was absolutely nothing that we were disappointed by upon arrival. The houses and property are stunning. The views that change through the day with the tides and lighting are amazing. We loved the Cook's house with a great kitchen for cooking for a crowd and dining room that accommodated our group of 16. Our group pushed the outdoor cooking with propane burners for lobster to an extreme, having lobster four ways during our stay! The caretaker was great at helping us with our orders for lobster throughout the week. From one year old to 78, all had fun and found plenty to do. The "pool" made for a great place for our younger group to explore and paddle around at low tide when it is almost completely enclosed. And the older crowd enjoyed paddling and hiking around the island. All enjoyed gatherings on the porch, in the big living room at night, and in the Cook's house. We can not recommend this property and the owners as renters enough. You will not be disappointed if you choose McGee for your special vacation.
- Kathryn Peters, Dallas, TX, USA,
Our stay on McGee was one of the best vacation weeks we have spent anywhere. Your family truly has one of the most special homes on the coast of Maine. It is like a time warp of what we knew and loved as children. This property is definitely not for everyone, particularly those who expect amenities consistent with a five star resort. Television, air conditioning, spa services and fine dining are not to be found on McGee Island. Instead, watch the eagles and great blue herons vie for the same tasty morsel swimming in the ocean. Bask in the sea breeze and enjoy the salty spray on your face. Pick mussels at low tide and cook them with lobsters caught that day. Tide pools, kayaks, ping pong, trail hikes, reading on the front porch in a hickory rocker in the sun - all my idea of a five star vacation. Joe, the caretaker, will help you shoot clay pigeons, take you to Port Clyde for an outing to Monhegan Island (fantastic!), pick up lobsters for dinner or leave you alone to discover the island on your own terms. The facilities are authentic and period and amazing and harken back to a time when families were together days and weeks and months, enjoying Maine life. We spent evenings at the cookhouse around the wood stove, preparing feasts and drinking wine. After dinner we retired to the main house, lit a roaring fire, sipped rum and enjoyed being together until we could no longer stay awake. Thank you for sharing your special home with our two grateful families. We look forward to returning next year for another magical week on McGee Island.
- Susan Copeland, Quechee, VT, USA,
Our family tries to vacation together every few years and this year was an exceptional challenge with the addition of four children ages 3 and under and extended family members who wanted to join in the fun. Looking for a place to accommodated 20 family members from ages 85 to 1 was daunting. McGee Island was the jewel that we were looking for. The owners were wonderful to work with and answered our many questions cheerfully and promptly. On McGee, there was something to do for all ages. Daytime was full of island adventures and the evenings were spent in the Main House living room where we enjoyed drinking wine, laughing, deep conversation and for some, a late nite ping pong game on the huge porch! One rainy day, in the middle of our week, was a surprisingly welcomed, relaxing day spent in front of a comfy fire. Joe, the caretaker of McGee, was always accommodating especially since it seemed that we always had someone coming or going from the island. He was helpful, always available but never intrusive. If you are looking for a place to relax, reconnect and have a great time on an era gone by family vacation this is the right spot!! McGee Island is for you!
- Cathy Zink, NewMarket, NH, USA,
We were a group of 19. This was a reunion of my sister's and my families: 12 adults and 7 little ones (ranging in age from almost 1 to 12) - and the first time the little ones (the 2nd cousins) had ever met one another ... also, the first time in 9 years that my sister's twin boys and my two girls had the opportunity to see one another since a wedding 9 years ago! A special occasion for all of us to say the least - what a perfect venue and situation in which to do so! A few comments from our crew:
We celebrated a mega-reunion, a 43rd anniversary and a proposal/acceptance while on island ... McGee was the PERFECT venue to experience and share this all!! Don't miss it - book it!
I should also mention that Joe, the Caretaker, is a great and very competent guy who will ensure your needs and wants are taken care of!
Enjoy McGee ... I'm just trying to figure out how and when to orchestrate a return!!
- Steven, Yorktown, VA, USA,
Thank you so much for an amazing vacation. We had so much fun, very relaxing and what a great escape from the world. The evening dinners at the cook house were a treat, great time had by all. The kids never got bored and our morning coffee on the main house deck were priceless. We'll definitely come back next year, thanks again!
- Brian Percox, Austin, Texas, USA,
What a very special place! Not only is the physical setting extraordinary, but each room of the house is beautiful --views, lovely fabrics, comfortable furniture and beds. We loved it. From the beginning, the owners were so helpful and accommodating while we were planning. Toward the end of our stay we had a family olympics: best time kayaking around Barter Island, walking around McGee, swimming to Barter and back, and best scores in croquet and shooting. I can't claim that everyone participated because there were those who fell in love at first sight with the front porch of the main house and only moved from there when they had to.
The cook house is amazingly well done, and we are a family of cooks. We found everything we needed to cook big family feasts. Of course we had lobster several times --and steamers. Don was more than great, getting the lobsters and clams, teaching several people how to shoot, giving us tours as well as extra butter; and each day he managed to do something that made our stay a little greater. I can't capture all of the wonderful things about being here, but every member of my family appreciated how lucky we were to have this fantastic experience on this beautiful island.
- Linda D., 08/17/13
We were looking for a place to take our family to celebrate our 50th Wedding Anniversary. When I found McGee Island on line it seemed like the perfect spot. Little did we know what a treasure we had found.
The McGee Island home was built as a cottage between 1912-1915. The house reflects the era. It is filled with furnishings of the time along with updates in bedrooms, kitchen and added showers along with footed tubs so inviting for a long soak.
There are several hiking trails to test your agility, kayaking, swimming,outdoor games and a wonderful porch for lounging, reading or painting the magnificent scenery, Beach combing and collecting sea creatures delighted the youngest members. At night the sky was aglow with myriad stars and even many falling stars. In the early morning the sunrise was a treat to awaken us.
Our family loves to cook and found the kitchen a great place to create tempting dishes to eat inside or outside by the grill. The caretaker, Don, was so helpful and was available to answer any questions and brought us fresh lobster and fish to cook. We could have gone to the mainland but never felt the need. It was the most relaxing, invigorating vacation that each one enjoyed. We left with many beautiful memories and a wish to return.
- Ernie, Maine, 08/13
This was one of the best vacations I have ever had - in large part due to the wonders of McGees Island. The owners were kind, accommodating, responsive, and the properties themselves were charming. Think, Moonrise Kingdom.
I spent a week there with family and friends to celebrate my 40th birthday, and we are all planning to come back - it was pure joy.
- Tustra, United States, 07/09/13
Where to start. Our time on McGee was perfect. Despite arriving in a downpour, getting to the island went very smooth. We were met at the dock by the very helpful and enjoyable caretaker who helped us load the boat so our luggage wouldn't get wet. As we pulled into McGee not even the weather could disguise the beauty of the island. My husband and I were thrilled.
We'd rented the island to host our wedding and upon arriving knew it'd be everything we could have wanted. The weather varied from sunny and warm to rainy and brisk but the houses were well appointed to keep us comfortable. Each bedroom is as described and perfect for guests. We spent the week enjoying the island. Activities ranged from kayaking around the island to relaxing in the wood fired sauna.
There us really no need to leave, but we did enjoy an afternoon off island to pick up our marriage license. The caretaker gave us great advice on where to find a good market, flowers, and pies. He even picked up our flowers for us the next day. Both the owners (who are lovely) and the caretaker worked with us to make sure our wedding day was what we envisioned.
We scheduled a boat to pick up our guests who arrived and were as enchanted with the island as we were. While there are many beautiful spots to get married on the island we chose the front porch of the main house overlooking the water and neighboring island. We enjoyed dinner under the porch, a big fire, and the most beautiful sky of stars.
Everything you could need is provided. Extra blankets, flashlights, and shampoo/conditioner were most appreciated. We recommend visiting McGee to everyone and will definitely be back! Thank you to the caretaker, Don, for all his hard work and to the Ericksons for making such a wonderful place available to enjoy!
- Gloucester, MA, US, 08/31/12
Our week on the island was spectacular! Everything from the house to the island scenery to the kayaking, hiking, swimming, and kitchen facilities were great! The caretaker Don was very accommodating and well organized as we had groups of people leaving and arriving on several different days. He and his girlfriend even attended our wedding ceremony and were so thoughtful to burn a cd of photos they had taken of the event. We also appreciated the isolation and lack of television on the island, although cell phone service was available in the main house, most of us turned off our phones and spent more time visiting with each other, playing games and exploring the island and old house. Our dog also loved the island as he was able to run off leash the entire trip; he also got along well with Don's dog Scout. We hope to be able to return in the future and spending more quality time with friends and family!
- sally, New York, NY, 08/31/12
Our families (six in total) come from the suburbs in Connecticut; in October, our neighborhoods bring honey crisp and jona gold apples, pumpkin carvings, and a crisp air that carries a memory of summer and a foreboding of winter. Our families, with children of different ages and various jobs that occupy our days (and sometimes weekends), are busy balancing our family lives and our professional ones. Columbus weekend, however, allowed our group to celebrate many things: the long weekend, the striking New England fall, and of course, our families. In short, we came to McGee Island to cherish that absolutely precious time with our loved ones; we left with stunning memories of watching the sun rise across the Atlantic horizon (those colors that streaked across the sky), hiking through the brush and trees along the sea breeze and mountain ash, and mostly importantly, with memories of laughing and cooking and talking late into the cool evenings.
Beginning from the boat ride at the Pier until the very last sunrise we saw, McGee Island offered one surprise after another. The entire experience was layered: from picking mussels on the seaweed beds, to hiking along the windblown trees, to watching our kids try to "fish for crabs and lobsters", to kayaking at sunset, and finally, to discovering the beauty of the home and estate. Every turn in the house offered a surprise: the old books that lined the shelves, the pictures drawn in the study from 1977, the newspapers of the First World War in the attic, the old grand piano which our kids played on in the evenings (it is the most spectacular place to listen to Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata while the ocean is gentle outside, and we are quietly talking inside with our children playing with the board games on the living room floor). As for the island, we were greeted with treasures that allowed every single person to be marveled and excited, from four-year-olds playing "find the crab!" to the adults boating around the island to the teenagers playing volleyball out on the lawn. In that respect, McGee Island was timeless for us, offering something for everyone.
As for McGee in October? When is New England more magical other than the fall when the leaves light and dance with the fires of yellow, orange, red and sienna? For us, this weekend was a reprise of summer, as we were lucky with 75 degree weather (I had dug up old shorts which I thought wouldn't see daylight until April again) that allowed for some splashing.
- Lei X., 10/13/11
So exciting to experience a vacation that lives up to it's expectations and much more. As a member of a large family of 28 (ages 2 to 72 ) planing a vacation that can accommadate the many different needs, wants, likes and dislikes of all can be challenging but Mcgee island came in far above the mark. As a family we have done many actives in the past and what makes this the best EVER is the location, setting, and layout. Being on the island creates an adventure all its own. Far enough away from the distractions of every day life but close enough if needed (we needed for nothing). From sunrises to sunsets to star gazing to kayaking to walking the trails, the island provides it's own entertainment for all. The layout of the property creates a wonderful combination of inclusion, privacy and togetherness. Whether you like to sit on the deck of the main house and watch the going ons of the day( a favorite of ALL ages even if they wouldn't admit such) or take advantage of the tidal pool and all it has to offer during its ever changing tidal flow, you feel like you are always part of the actives. We loved the uniqueness of the three houses. The main house with it's picture perfect location and plenty of room for all provided endless hours of family fun in the fire place living room and quite the trip down memory lane with all the pictures and old relics. The cook house was ideal. A common meeting place for the early risers looking for that first cup of coffee or sleepy heads hoping for some left over breakfast. The fully equipped kitchen and extra large dinning room table made for some of the best family style dinners EVER. The boat house was so charming a toss up between a quiet get away, girls/boys night out or the cutest family suite. From lobster feast to volleyball matches, to kite flying, to high tide jumps off the dock ( yes the water's cold) there's something for everyone. If you are looking to make real memories and know what the word "fun" in "functional" means, then this is the best place for your next vacation. So worth it!
- 10/04/11
Our family re-union on McGee Island was a fabulous success easily and comfortably accommodating the 23 family members that attended. Our re-union consists of a tight group of cousins and their children that some 15 years ago embarked on set schedule of re-uniting every three years so we don't lose touch with each other. While perhaps having regular re-unions is not so unique the locations we attend are. We have been to The Hamptons, Italy, Outerbanks, Austria (Alps) and now off the coast of Maine on McGee Island. Each re-union has been memorable but what truly makes our stay on McGee stand out from the others was the Main House, Don the caretaker and the spectacular Maine scenery. What made the Main House so special for us was the instant flashback of memories it triggered from our collective youth resembling a house that three of the cousins grew up in and where the remainder of us of spent as much time as we could learning about life. Perhaps difficult to put into words others would appreciate but suffice it say, there was just something "oh so special" about the Main House. The island and the Maine scenery is spectacular and cannot be overstated on how magnificent it is. Finally, ............ there's Don. Don is quite the character and I'm not sure what we would have done without him there making sure everything was perfect for us. Each morning as we awoke we would sit on the porch waiting patiently knowing our day would truly begin with the start of Don's little tractor. Sure enough along he would come finding the right time to check in on us and the island amenities. Should you visit McGee please take the time to chat with Don about Maine, the history of McGee Island and where/how to buy those fabulous Maine lobstaah. (that was for you Don. We loved your New England accent. All this to say............. We highly recommend McGee Island. Go and you will not be disappointed.
- Ricky, Vancouver, 07/23/11
The Recipe for the Perfect Family Vacation
Cook for about a week in the cool Maine temperature and you'll pull out the vacation that the entire family will always refer to as the "that awesome vacation on McGee Island, when are we going again?" Which is actually a great question, for us next year isn't soon enough.
- Helen & Stuart, Chapel Hill, NC, 06/25/11
Our stay on McGee was a huge success. The Main House was comfortably furnished and easily accommodated us all while providing enough space for people to be off on their own if they wanted some space. We thoroughly enjoyed the evenings in front of the fire, playing games or quietly reading. I loved exploring the house; the wonderful old things, furniture and art work. Everyone loved the outdoor shower! I would say that pictures do not quite capture the magnificence of the place. The Cook House transformation, while not complete when we were there, was very nicely done!! The new eight burner/double oven gas range got some serious use. While the dishwasher was not yet functional; it will be a tremendous asset to have. Some of our most enjoyable times were spent in the Cook House preparing our meals and dining together in the large dining room.
There is something wonderful to see no matter where you are. The magnificent view from the front porch never gets old, the lupines, foxgloves, roses, peonies and the ocean beyond were a constantly changing panorama to enjoy, with bald eagles and ospreys soaring over head, the ducks and a loon in the water and an occasional deer crossing from Barter to McGee. On a walk around the island amazing things are waiting to be discovered; beautiful fields of ferns, seals basking on rocks, fantastic ocean views everywhere, ospreys and their nests. Herons walking across the lawn a few feet from the house, for serious nature lovers this was a magical place! And the stars at night are incredible!!!
The owner's where very helpful and easy to correspond with, very prompt in replying and answering the many questions I kept coming up with. They obviously put a lot of thought and effort into preparing the property for renters. They also provide a very thorough information package.
I also have to mention, the caretaker; he was a major factor in the success and enjoyment of our stay on McGee. He was very helpful and skilled in working out some of the kinks in the Cook House. He went out of his way to make sure everyone in our party got to do the activities they wanted to get in during our week, kayaking and canoeing, shooting/target practice and giving us a demonstration and instruction in the fine art of fly fishing. He also shared his knowledgeable of the local area and the history of the island.
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the week on McGee! It was a complete success and a definite repeat.
- 06/18/11
Arriving at the McGee Island jetty in thick mist one Saturday lunchtime towards the end of July, after some 24 hours travelling, we felt excited but tired, and somewhat disorientated. The warm but laidback welcome we received, and the immediate comfort of our lodgings created just the right first impression. The next morning, waking to blue skies and clear sunshine, the sheer natural splendour of these beautiful islands and their surroundings washed over us. We were instantly entranced and remained so, as the days flew by.
The views of forest, shore and sea, punctuated by the bright splashes of painted lobster buoys, bobbing in the waves, cast up amongst the rocks or even hanging from the trees, provided a constantly refreshing backdrop to the activities of the week.
From grandmother to toddler, we all seemed to find what we were hoping for. Paddling in clear rock pools, crawling with life, catching a first fish, swimming in the sheltered tidal pool, or striking out around the island, on foot or by kayak, there was always something else to do, or try! And not to forget, a never-quite-ending game of cricket played out on the sweeping lawn below the Main House. It is probably worth noting that the kids never even mentioned the absence of a TV...
We watched ospreys circling above the trees, and then hiking around the far side of the island, came across these magnificent birds on their nests almost within touching distance. One very windy afternoon we watched a deer scramble, leap and swim across the rocks and pools at the northern end of the channel, crossing from McGee to Barter Island – followed shortly by two wild turkeys!
Each of the buildings has its own character and sense of history. The Main House is an extraordinary structure, to me it seemed the epitome of skilled construction and craftsmanship, with an abiding sense of timeless, exacting standards of comfort and style. The Boathouse was, as suggested, a wonderful and no doubt welcome retreat for younger members of the party. The Cookhouse was a loved and homely focus for our gatherings in the evening, cooking, drinking and eating. The long table was also the scene of the culinary highlight of our stay, an 18 lobster supper where, young and old, we got to grips with the art (or science?) of dismantling and downing a well-prepared Maine lobster - another special memory amongst many from this wonderful week.
I can heartily recommend McGee Island as a very special family holiday destination.
- Jim, Essex, UK, 07/24/10
We've been visiting this island for over 20 years and this magical place seems almost lost in time. From the minute you hop on the boat that carries you from picturesque Port Clyde to the quiet of the island dock, you enter a world that recalls a time when people really got away from it all. The salt sea breeze, the sounds of harbor traffic and lobster fishermen, the screeches of seagulls and osprey, and the inherent beauty of the Maine landscape become the backdrop for some amazing memories. A week is hardly enough time to appreciate the property and all it has to offer.Our family rituals have evolved over the years. An exploratory hike around the island on the path and rocks at low tide is always the first thing. When our children were young that often turned into a bit of raspberry picking for the evening's delicious desserts of cobblers or pies. Many favorite rituals seem to be centered around food: gut busting lobster nights; taking a boat ride to a local farm for fresh oyster appetizers; and picking chanterelles on the adjacent island. After dinner, everyone generally retires to the Main House for board games, chess, singalongs with family musical talents, or a good book next to the warm fire.In warmer months, children and braver adults often swim or play in the cold water along the shore of the cove, and end the bracing dip with a little sunbathing on the warm rocks by the boathouse. Treasure hunting for the perfect rock, shell, sand dollar or sea urchin is a favorite activity. The property and landscape are a treasure trove for the shutter bug. And kayaking is an exciting activity for active guests, as well as rounds of volleyball, badmitton or ultimate frisbee. Then there's croquet and bocce ball for a slower pace. The accommodations are what I would call "rustic elegance"... not fancy, but tasteful and comfortable.This is a beautiful and historical place for people to spend time together, with no schedule, no agenda, no entertainment guide and no catered meals. It takes a certain amount of planning and cooperation but it is an extraordinary place.
- Sarah McNally, Hudson, OH, 10/10/09
Our stay on McGee Island was just wonderful. Each of us, ranging in age from 3 to 75 years, had plenty to do … hiking, canoeing, kayaking, playing games, and exploring the island. Most importantly, we were in a lovely setting without the distractions of everyday life. The slower, simpler pace gave us, both young and old, the time and space to connect and truly enjoy being together. It was the most successful family reunion we've had to date. We all highly recommend it!
- Phyl Harmon, Strafford, VT, 09/23/09
If you want to truly get away from the rush of daily life, McGee Island is the place. McGee is a private island with no one there but those you've invited. Rather than staying in a 5 star hotel,the house on McGee is like being in someone's home---only for the time you are there it's your home. No schedules to follow---no need to wear makeup, no need to dress for dinner. This is a great place for a large family to spend time together---catching up on each other's lives---renewing relationships. There is no TV so you can really escape the world and all it's many intrusions into your life. Those who have been to McGee frequently use the word "magical" and it is just that. Lots of exercise, lots of rest and relaxation, long walks, kayaking,sitting on the deck and reading, cooking great meals together---just wonderful. The house is not for people who need hotel style bathrooms and beds---while immaculate, each room has a special personality, a character of its own. I feel lucky to have stayed on McGee and would go back anytime.
- Mary J. Roberts, Birmingham, MI, 09/12/09


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Hotel Metropolitan, Metropolitan Hotel. Does it matter which way around the 'Hotel' goes? Apparently putting the 'hotel' before the name gives it some hipster cred, which befits any snooty pub situated in North Melbourne (I don't know why I bag North Melbourne so much, I live there!). The (Hotel) Metropolitan (Hotel) specialises in meats and … Continue reading
Tag Archives: pub
Town Hall Hotel
The one thing that Sydney does right is schooner glasses. I am a big fan of schooner glasses. A pint glass is too big, my beer gets warm by the time I have about 1/8 of it left. A pot is way too small and I keep having to get up to go to the … Continue reading


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Wednesday, March 18, 2009
James Scott Bell's Q-Factor
An excellent article on what James Scott Bell calls the Q-Factor (alluding to the James Bond character Q) was just posted today on Novel Journey. Great craft article! Important nugget for any writer. Check it out! http://noveljourney.blogspot.com/
Posted by Craft Cinema at Wednesday, March 18, 2009
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When I came to Guanajuato one of my first acquaintances was Juan. Or "don Juan" as I called him (who nowadays is selling pirated watches off the street down by Alhondiga de Granaditas, but that is another story). Don Juan's brother had a bar where he sold cheap beer and peanuts to drunks and students. One of the regulars was a big guy who, because of his size and appearance, was called Van Damme. He always used a short-sleeved shirt and was equipped with one of the most confident strides that we've ever witnessed. Even though the sleeves were already short, he rolled them up a little more. To show off the guns. VD stands for Van Damme. And the shirt is supposed to be worn like that. It is equipped with the right macho attributes - big front pockets with flaps, slim (but not skinny) cut, the mighty ulbator coat of arms on the left chest pocket. But the confident stride is on you.
VD Shirt
VD Shirt - White
VD Shirt - Black


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Integration with SoapUI - TeamCity waiting on a condition. Follow
Hi all,
I am trying to integrate SoapUI into TeamCity using the following guide http://www.tutorialbyexample.com/2015/02/java-logging-log4j-program-example.html.
I have a working MSBuild file, but when running the build in TeamCity it hangs and the thread dump for Java returns the a message stating that it is waiting on a condition (below). When running the MSBuild file outside of teamcity there are no errors that would seem to be problematic (ouput attached).
"VM Periodic Task Thread" prio=10 tid=0x0000000006f3e800 nid=0x2e28 waiting on condition"
Many thanks in advance,
SoapUI output.zip
Hello David,
Did you try to run the same build via command line on TeamCity agent machine? Does it run successfully? Please follow the steps from this section to investigate the issue.
Hi Alina,
Thanks for your reply. We tried the build from command line on the server machine and there was no issue with it.
The build is executed on agent machine. Could you please try to run it via command line on agent and under the same user that the agent is running?
Please attach a screenshot of the build step settings and full build log.
The build succeeds on the agent machine. The output of the uild was attached to the original message.
Many thanks for your help.
An output of the TC Java thread dump can be found here (this was not included in the original post.
Many thanks
Hi David,
Am new to Team city. I want to know how to integrate SOAP UI with Team City.
Any response would be helpful.
I need steps how i can integrate SOAP UI with Team city.
Please sign in to leave a comment.


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En Español
Blepharitis is an inflammation or infection of the eyelid. It is often caused by bacteria (usually staphylococcus) or related to a long-term (chronic) skin condition, such as dandruff, skin allergies, or eczema.
Treatment for blepharitis includes:
Current as of: December 17, 2019
Healthwise Staff
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text: It's from Comments on North American Events in October 1862. http://www.marxistsfr.org/archive/marx/works/1862/10/12.htm On Tue, Mar 14, 2017 at 1:54 AM, Ralph Johansen via Marxism < marxism at lists.csbs.utah.edu> wrote: > ******************** POSTING RULES & NOTES ******************** > #1 YOU MUST clip all extraneous text when replying to a message. > #2 This mail-list, like most, is publicly & permanently archived. > #3 Subscribe and post under an alias if #2 is a concern. > ***************************************************************** > > Citation to Collected Works is at bottom of message. Unfortunately, MECW > are not online, this version still under copyright by International > Publishers or Lawrence and Wishart afaik. > > > On 3/13/2017 10:24 PM, Thomas wrote: > >> Where can one find the article quoted? MEC appear to be out of action. >> >> T >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> >>> From: Ralph Johansen via Marxism <marxism at lists.csbs.utah.edu> >>> Sent: Mar 14, 2017 12:14 AM >>> To: Thomas F Barton <thomasfbarton at earthlink.net> >>> Subject: [Marxism] Marx on Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation >>> >>> I just stumbled on this while looking for something else: >>> >>> Lincoln is a /sui generis/ figure in the annals of history. He has no >>> initiative, no idealistic impetus, no cothurnis, no historical >>> trappings. He gives his most important actions always the most >>> commonplace form. Other people claim to be "fighting for an idea," even >>> when it is for them a matter of square feet of land. Lincoln, even when >>> he is motivated by an idea, talks about "square feet." He sings the >>> bravura aria of his part hesitatively, reluctantly and unwillingly, as >>> though apologizing for being compelled by circumstances to "act the >>> lion." The most redoubtable decrees - which will always remain >>> remarkable historical documents - flung by him at the enemy will look >>> like, and are intended to look like, routine summonses sent by a lawyer >>> to the lawyer of the opposing party, legal chicaneries, involved, >>> hide-bound /actiones juris/. His latest proclamation, which is drafted >>> in the same style, the manifesto abolishing slavery, is the most >>> important document in American history since the establishment of the >>> Union, tantamount to the tearing up of the old American Constitution. >>> >>> Nothing is simpler than to show that Lincoln's principal political >>> actions contain much that is aesthetically repulsive, logically >>> inadequate, farcical in form and politically contradictory. as is done >>> by the English Pindar of slaves, /The Times/, /The Saturday Review/ >>> and/tutti quanti/. But Lincoln's place in the history of the United >>> States and of mankind will, nevertheless, be next to that of Washington! >>> Nowadays, when the insignificant struts about melodramatically on this >>> side of the Atlantic, is it of no significance at all that the >>> significant is clothed in everyday dress in the new world? >>> >>> Lincoln is not the product of a popular revolution. This plebeian, who >>> worked his way up from stone-breaker to Senator in Illinois, without >>> intellectual brilliance, without a particularly outstanding character, >>> without exceptional importance - an average person of good will, was >>> placed at the top by the interplay of the forces of universal suffrage >>> unaware of the great issues at stake. The new world has never achieved a >>> greater triumph than by this demonstration that, given its political and >>> social organization, ordinary people of good will can accomplish feats >>> which only heroes could accomplish in the old world! >>> >>> Hegel once observed that comedy is in fact superior to tragedy and >>> humourous reasoning superior to grandiloquent reasoning. Although >>> Lincoln does not possess the grandiloquence of historical action, as an >>> average man of the people he has its humour. When does he issue the >>> proclamation declaring that from January 1, 1863, slavery in the >>> Confederacy shall be abolished? At the very moment when the Confederacy >>> as an independent state decided on "peace negotiations" at its Richmond >>> Congress. At the very moment when the slave-owners of the border states >>> believed that the invasion of Kentucky by the armies of the South had >>> made the "peculiar institution" just as safe as was their domination >>> over their compatriot, President Abraham Lincoln in Washington. >>> >>> - MECW 19:250 >>> >>> >>> >>> > > --- > This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. > https://www.avast.com/antivirus > > _________________________________________________________ > Full posting guidelines at: http://www.marxmail.org/sub.htm > Set your options at: http://lists.csbs.utah.edu/opt > ions/marxism/markalause%40gmail.com >


text:
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text:
Goodbye Joe, me gotta go, me oh my oh
Me gotta go pole the pirogue down the bayou
My Yvonne, the sweetest one, me oh my oh
Son of a gun, we'll have good fun on the bayou.
Jambalaya, a crawfish pie and a file gumbo
'Cause tonight I'm gonna see my ma cher amio
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gay-oh
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou.
Thibodeaux, Fontainbleau, the place is buzzin'
Kinfolk come to see Yvonne by the dozen
Dress in style, go hog wild, me oh my oh
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou.
Jambalaya, a crawfish pie and a file gumbo
'Cause tonight I'm gonna see my ma cher amio
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gay-oh
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou.
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou.
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou.
Thank you Hank Williams Sr.! I haven't always been a fan of Country & Western music. Very few teenagers share music tastes with their dads. But many of these old songs that I rolled my eyes at way back then...I remember word-for-word. ;o)
Why am I into C&W tonight? timetries saw my post and recipe for Gumbo. While she and her husband were on their Daytona FL bike week trip, he ate Shrimp Jambalaya really liked it. tismetries asked if I had a Jambalaya recipe. I found a dozen or more recipes in my cookbooks. I settled on one that seemed really familiar and cooked it tonight. Yep. Correct recipe.
First, last night after supper I took my one and only package of frozen south Louisiana wild Gulf shrimp out of the freezer. (Do you know how hard it is to find shrimp in grocery stores not near the Gulf coast that's not from Thailand or China?! Just pert near impossible!) Anyway, I put the package of rock hard frozen shrimp in a dish and left it on the counter. I asked Sam to remind me to put it in the refrigerator before we went to bed. An hour or so later, he stuck his head in my sewing room door on his way to bed. I wrapped up what I was doing, walked into the hall, looked toward the 'other' end of the house to find it dark. Then, I went to bed. When I walked into the kitchen this morning...yep. There sat a bag of room temperature shrimp. Sigh. Sam's office is off the kitchen. He walked past the shrimp on the kitchen island as he left the room and turned out the light. Drats. I bought more shrimp this afternoon. If he was fishing any at all, I would've labeled the other bag and thrown it back in the freezer...as it is...all wasted.
Anyway. Here's the picture of what's left after our supper:
And here's the recipe.
3 tablespoons bacon grease (or vegetable oil)
3 tablespoons flour
1 medium onion, diced
1 medium green (bell) pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
2 cups water
2 cups cleaned raw shrimp
salt and pepper to taste
green onion top, sliced
2 cups cooked rice
Make a roux with the oil and flour, cook until light brown. Cook until onions are soft. Add tomato sauce, water, shrimp, salt, and pepper. Simmer 30 minutes. Add cooked rice and simmer five mnutes longer. Serve hot. Garnish with parsley and green onion top.
tismetries! I hope your husband enjoys his Jambalaya!!!
Dogwoods are blooming! If we didn't need the rain, I'd say unfortunately it's raining and I can't get a decent photo yet. But we do need the rain. This was taken about 7:30 a.m. on the way to school Wednesday morning. I hadn't realized the dogwoods were in full bloom until Sam mentioned it. This tree is in a pasture so is almost a "lolly-pop" tree. In their natural state in the woods, the larger trees filter out the sunlight and the dogwoods seem to grow and bloom in feathery layers. When the weather breaks, I'll try to get some more photos.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
One Last Warm Day
We were up past 80 degrees today. And, my oh my! Was it ever humid!! Tomorrow we wake to the low 60s...and that is as warm as it will be. Afternoon temperatures are predicted to be between 45 and 48 with an 80% chance of storms. ;o) So much for a glimpse of spring. LOL This IS spring for northeast Texas! Just the norm.
A couple of days ago, I took a picture of one of my azaleas.
Today, I just can't believe the number of buds on the bushes and look how many have opened on this one!
I haven't had the line dance dvd on in a week or so, but thinking back to the H.O.G. Christmas party, I do know another dance. I asked the teenagers at school today and found out the name. It's called the Cupid Shuffle and it is SO easy! (Don't forget to turn my 'jukebox' off at the bottom.)
Labels: flowers, Line Dancing
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Rainy Day
We got some rain today. Just for the morning, then the rain cleared out even if the clouds didn't. Predictions are for rain nearly all week. I hope so!
More signs of spring. As one variety of daffodils wanes...
...another begins to bloom.
I had a don't wanna do nothin' day day. I roamed from the television to the computer to the sewing machine nearly all day. I watch Sunday Morning and a church service out of Shreveport (when we don't make it to church physically). After that...there's not much of anything else on. Even when the NASCAR race started...after I'd finished my nachos, I just couldn't sit still.
Labels: flowers
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The Oscars are almost here! With the red carpet rolling out on March 4, Seattle Film Institute has decided to cast our own votes in each category. This year's nominees include a number of great films, notable actors, novel musical compositions, and more to the big screen. The following are SFI's picks for this years Oscar's, according to a poll of SFI's teaching faculty!
Category: Best Picture
Call Me By Your Name
Darkest Hour
Get Out
Lady Bird
Phantom Thread
The Post
The Shape of Water
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Our Pick: Get Out
Why? "This film ZAPPED me! It's a cultural phenomenon!"
Category: Leading Actor
Timothée Chalamet, "Call Me by Your Name"
Daniel Day-Lewis, "Phantom Thread"
Daniel Kaluuya, "Get Out
Gary Oldman, "Darkest Hour"
Denzel Washington, "Roman J. Israel, Esq."
Our Pick: Gary Oldman, "Darkest Hour"
Why? "This is a stunning performance --it's hard to find Oldman in this character!"
Category: Leading Actress
Sally Hawkins, "The Shape of Water"
Frances McDormand, "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri"
Margot Robbie, "I, Tonya"
Saoirse Ronan, "Lady Bird"
Meryl Streep, "The Post"
Our Pick: Sally Hawkins, Shape of Water
Why: "Her silent performance is a cornerstone to what makes this film work! No dialogue but this actress is the most expressive."
Category: Supporting Actor
Willem Dafoe, "The Florida Project"
Woody Harrelson, "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri"
Richard Jenkins, "The Shape of Water"
Christopher Plummer, "All the Money in the World"
Sam Rockwell, "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri"
Our Pick: Willem Dafoe, The Florida Project
Why: "Such an empathetic part for one of our greatest actors."
Category: Supporting Actress
Mary J. Blige, "Mudbound"
Allison Janney, "I, Tonya"
Lesley Manville, "Phantom Thread"
Laurie Metcalf, "Lady Bird"
Octavia Spencer, "The Shape of Water"
Our Pick: Laurie Metcalf, "Lady Bird"
Why: "The mother-daughter relationship is the through-line of this film, and Laurie Metcalf holds it down."
Category: Best Director
Dunkirk," Christopher Nolan
"Get Out," Jordan Peele
Lady Bird," Greta Gerwig
Phantom Thread," Paul Thomas Anderson
"The Shape of Water," Guillermo del Toro
Our Pick: "Get Out," Jordan Peele
Why: "Amazing imaginative development of theme and content"
Category: Animated Feature
The Boss Baby," Tom McGrath, Ramsey Ann Naito
"The Breadwinner," Nora Twomey, Anthony Leo
Coco," Lee Unkrich, Darla K. Anderson
"Ferdinand," Carlos Saldanha
"Loving Vincent," Dorota Kobiela, Hugh Welchman, Sean Bobbitt, Ivan Mactaggart
Our Pick: Coco," Lee Unkrich, Darla K. Anderson
Why: "Pixar knocks it out of the park again. Stunning visuals and amazing story, music, and cultural content."
Category: Animated Short
"Dear Basketball," Glen Keane, Kobe Bryant
"Garden Party," Victor Caire, Gabriel Grappero
"Lou," Dave Mullins, Dana Murray
"Negative Space," Max Porter, Ru Kuwahata
"Revolting Rhymes," Jakob Schuh, Jan Lachauer
Our Pick: Equal votes for "Dear Basketball" "Garden Party" and "Negative Space"
Category: Adapted Screenplay
Call Me by Your Name," James Ivory
"The Disaster Artist," Scott Neustadter & Michael H. Weber
"Logan," Scott Frank & James Mangold and Michael Green
"Molly's Game," Aaron Sorkin
"Mudbound," Virgil Williams and Dee Rees
Our Pick: "Logan," Scott Frank & James Mangold and Michael Green
Why: "A nuanced sensitive script originally in comic book form, brilliant. The best "superhero" film I've seen!"
Category: Original Screenplay
The Big Sick," Emily V. Gordon & Kumail Nanjiani
Get Out," Jordan Peele
Lady Bird," Greta Gerwig
"The Shape of Water," Guillermo del Toro, Vanessa Taylor
"Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri," Martin McDonagh
Our Pick: Get Out," Jordan Peele
Why: "Touched the pulse of so many current themes and issues, while a great entertainment."
Category: Cinematography
"Blade Runner 2049," Roger Deakins
"Darkest Hour," Bruno Delbonnel
"Dunkirk," Hoyte van Hoytema
"Mudbound," Rachel Morrison
"The Shape of Water," Dan Laustsen
Our Pick: "Blade Runner 2049," Roger Deakins
Why: "The visual style and lighting in Blade Runner 2049 created such an unique and mysterious world, both beautiful and terrifying - I would be pleased to see him finally get his recognition with this one."
Category: Best Documentary Feature
Abacus: Small Enough to Jail," Steve James, Mark Mitten, Julie Goldman
"Faces Places," JR, Agnès Varda, Rosalie Varda
"Icarus," Bryan Fogel, Dan Cogan
"Last Men in Aleppo," Feras Fayyad, Kareem Abeed, Soren Steen Jepersen
"Strong Island," Yance Ford, Joslyn Barnes
Our Pick: "Faces Places," JR, Agnès Varda, Rosalie Varda
Why: "Celebrates art and breaking rules, and giving dignity to the overlooked."
Category: Best Documentary Short Subject
"Edith+Eddie," Laura Checkoway, Thomas Lee Wright
"Heaven is a Traffic Jam on the 405," Frank Stiefel
"Heroin(e)," Elaine McMillion Sheldon, Kerrin Sheldon
"Knife Skills," Thomas Lennon
"Traffic Stop," Kate Davis, David Heilbroner
Our Pick: Equal votes for "Heroin(e)," Elaine McMillion Sheldon, Kerrin Sheldon and "Edith+Eddie," Laura Checkoway, Thomas Lee Wright
Category: Best Live Action Short Film
"DeKalb Elementary," Reed Van Dyk
"The Eleven O'Clock," Derin Seale, Josh Lawson
"My Nephew Emmett," Kevin Wilson, Jr.
"The Silent Child," Chris Overton, Rachel Shenton
"Watu Wote/All of Us," Katja Benrath, Tobias Rosen
Our Pick: "DeKalb Elementary," Reed Van Dyk
Why: "The topic of dealing with a school shooter is so perfect and timely."
Category: Best Foreign Language Film
"A Fantastic Woman" (Chile)
"The Insult" (Lebanon)
"Loveless" (Russia)
"On Body and Soul (Hungary)
"The Square" (Sweden)
Our Pick: "The Insult" (Lebanon)
Why: "Wit that translates."
Category: Film Editing
"Baby Driver," Jonathan Amos, Paul Machliss
"Dunkirk," Lee Smith
"I, Tonya," Tatiana S. Riegel
"The Shape of Water," Sidney Wolinsky
"Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri," Jon Gregory
Our Pick: "Dunkirk," Lee Smith
Why: "Amazing how Lee Smith worked with Nolan to balance such a rhythmic film. The editing was essential to its success."
Category: Sound Editing
"Baby Driver," Julian Slater
"Blade Runner 2049," Mark Mangini, Theo Green
"Dunkirk," Alex Gibson, Richard King
"The Shape of Water," Nathan Robitaille, Nelson Ferreira
"Star Wars: The Last Jedi," Ren Klyce, Matthew Wood
Our Pick: "Blade Runner 2049," Mark Mangini, Theo Green
Why: "Such an extreme auditory future-scape. Score and sound design combine to create a whole different world."
Category: Sound Mixing
"Baby Driver," Mary H. Ellis, Julian Slater, Tim Cavagin
"Blade Runner 2049," Mac Ruth, Ron Bartlett, Doug Hephill
"Dunkirk," Mark Weingarten, Gregg Landaker, Gary A. Rizzo
"The Shape of Water," Glen Gauthier, Christian Cooke, Brad Zoern
"Star Wars: The Last Jedi," Stuart Wilson, Ren Klyce, David Parker, Michael Semanick
Our Pick: "Dunkirk," Mark Weingarten, Gregg Landaker, Gary A. Rizzo
Why: "Amazing acoustic environment that is almost music."
Category: Production Design
"Beauty and the Beast," Sarah Greenwood; Katie Spencer
"Blade Runner 2049," Dennis Gassner, Alessandra Querzola
"Darkest Hour," Sarah Greenwood, Katie Spencer
"Dunkirk," Nathan Crowley, Gary Fettis
"The Shape of Water," Paul D. Austerberry, Jeffrey A. Melvin, Shane Vieau
Our Pick: "The Shape of Water," Paul D. Austerberry, Jeffrey A. Melvin, Shane Vieau
Why: "Every space shot in it had meaning and emotional weight."
Category: Original Score
Dunkirk," Hans Zimmer
"Phantom Thread," Jonny Greenwood
"The Shape of Water," Alexandre Desplat
"Star Wars: The Last Jedi," John Williams
"Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri," Carter Burwell
Our Pick: Equal Votes for "Shape of Water" and "Phantom Thread"
Category: Original Song
"Mighty River" from "Mudbound," Mary J. Blige
"Mystery of Love" from "Call Me by Your Name," Sufjan Stevens
"Remember Me" from "Coco," Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez
"Stand Up for Something" from "Marshall," Diane Warren, Common
"This Is Me" from "The Greatest Showman," Benj Pasek, Justin P
Our Pick: "Mystery of Love" from "Call Me by Your Name," Sufjan Stevens
Why: "I'M CRYING"
Category: Makeup and Hair
"Darkest Hour," Kazuhiro Tsuji, David Malinowski, Lucy Sibbick
"Victoria and Abdul," Daniel Phillips and Lou Sheppard
"Wonder," Arjen Tuiten
Our Pick: "Darkest Hour," Kazuhiro Tsuji, David Malinowski, Lucy Sibbick
Category: Costume Design
"Beauty and the Beast," Jacqueline Durran
"Darkest Hour," Jacqueline Durran
"Phantom Thread," Mark Bridges
"The Shape of Water," Luis Sequeira
"Victoria and Abdul," Consolata Boyle
Our Pick: "Phantom Thread," Mark Bridges
Why: "A film about fashion that excels in detail."
Category: Visual Effects
"Blade Runner 2049," John Nelson, Paul Lambert, Richard R. Hoover, Gerd Nefzer
"Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2," Christopher Townsend, Guy Williams, Jonathan Fawkner, Dan Sudick
"Kong: Skull Island," Stephen Rosenbaum, Jeff White, Scott Benza, Mike Meinardus
"Star Wars: The Last Jedi," Ben Morris, Mike Mulholland, Chris Corbould, Neal Scanlan
"War for the Planet of the Apes," Joe Letteri, Dan Lemmon, Daniel Barrett, Joel Whist
Winner: "Blade Runner 2049," John Nelson, Paul Lambert, Richard R. Hoover, Gerd Nefzer
Why: "Subtle and integrated, they didn't even feel like effects. Outstanding. Beautiful combination of models and CGI."
These are our top choices for Oscar's for the 2017-2018 season! Which of these Oscar nominated films do you think should win this year? Tell us about it on Facebook! Best of luck to all of the Oscar nominees.