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Federal agents on Tuesday took aim at a new type of scam called "sextortion," arresting a Glendale, Calif., man on charges that he hacked into e-mail and Facebook accounts of young women and then posed as a woman to convince others to send him nude photos of themselves.
Karen "Gary" Kazaryan was named in a 30-count indictment charging him with gaining unauthorized access to e-mail, Facebook, and Skype accounts belonging to more than 100 women from 2009 to 2011.
Once he'd hacked into an account, Mr. Kazaryan would change the password and then pose as the female owner of the account, according to the indictment.
He would contact the account holder's female friends and attempt to persuade or extort them into removing their clothing so he could photograph them via their webcams.
The "sextortion" scam is a variation of the practice of "sexting," sending nude images of one's self over the Internet to others.
The indictment says Kazaryan used naked or semi-naked images of victims to force them and other victims to remove their clothing again and again.
Investigators suspect he may have victimized more than 350 women. They found more than 3,000 photos of nude or semi-nude women on Kazaryan's computer, according to court documents.
Some of the explicit photos were discovered in his victim's accounts and others had allegedly been taken by Kazaryan via Skype.
The indictment charges 15 counts of computer intrusion and 15 counts of identity theft. If convicted, Kazaryan faces up to 105 years in prison.
Last week, a Montgomery, Ala., man was sentenced to 35 years in prison after admitting that he carried out a "sextortion" scheme from 2009 to 2011 against young girls across the country, including a 14-year-old girl and 15-year-old girl, both in Louisiana.
He was charged with producing child pornography and engaging in interstate extortion.
Christopher Patrick Gunn used computers, chat rooms, and other social media to befriend and then eventually coerce teenaged girls into sending him explicit photos of themselves via the Internet.
Investigators identified various ruses used by Mr. Gunn. In one he would pose as the new kid in town. He'd send messages over Facebook and engage young girls in web-based conversations.
Eventually he would elicit intimate details from the girls. As the online relationship became more intimate, Gunn would increase the pressure for more intimacy – such as requesting a photo of the victim in her bra.
Next he would ask her to remove the bra. If she refused, he would threaten to reveal the content of their conversations – and any existing intimate photos – to her parents, friends, and school officials.
This is how he convinced the 14-year-old in Louisiana eventually to self-produce pornographic and sexually-explicit videos of herself and send them to Gunn.
According to officials, in one exchange, a 13-year-old victim told Gunn that she did not want to take her shirt off in front of the webcam. Gunn replied that if she did not comply he was poised to push the send button on his computer to reveal their earlier conversations to parents and friends.
The girl pleaded with Gunn, saying she was only 13. She said she had "a life, please do not ruin it," officials said.
Gunn responded: "I am sending now since u won't do what I want."
The girl told Gunn if he sent the information she would kill herself. Gunn was unmoved. He demanded she remove her shirt, or else. She did so, authorities said.
According to court documents, Gunn used the following false names online: Tyler Mielke, Jason Lempke, CJ Harper, Dalton Powers, Dalton Walthers, Daniel Applegate, and Daniel Rodgers.
According to court documents, his victims were located in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, Nevada, Texas, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Wisconsin, California, and New York.
In some cases he is said to have posed as Justin Bieber, promising his victims free concert tickets, backstage passes, or other fan-related benefits in exchange for an explicit photo.
In addition to 35 years in prison, Gunn will be required to register as a sex offender and serve a life term of supervised release.


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subset: commoncrawl


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Hey Andy, Andy Fitzsimon wrote:
One thing about the mockups - I don't know much about the tech limitations side at all, but I wanted to point out that I think the buttons, tabs, and progress bars are a little fat. I mean, as it is, I've got 1024x768 resolution laptop, and in the gimp I use the small theme rather than the normal default gtk sizes theme, and I still struggle for screen real estate. I have a real estate problem in Inkscape too. I want the buttons and bars to be slimmer... at the size they're at they kind of feel like a child's toy? (Does that make sense? Sort of big fat knobs for little hands? :) )Hi martin, If you could help me understand our limitations ill make some more specific mockups for you http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3021/2706976226_d9d7e58f17_o.png http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3049/2706174405_6f7cb0e3a7_o.png
If they went on a little slimming diet though they'd be perfect. It's a beautiful mockup and I think it feels "Fedora." I think the sizing issues could be worked out with a 'real' mockup rather than the widgetfactory style mockup... then you see them a bit more in context maybe and can size them down appropriately/in proportion?
One other piece of feedback! The arrows at the top and bottom of the scrollbars.... that they have the negative space semicircle on them... it makes them look a little agressive, like fangs, when the rest seems soft because of all the rounded corners. You know what I mean? Nodoka today is like that but it's a little more pronounced in the mockup because the grey area of the arrows is a bit more elongated? I kind of feel similarly about the highlighting on the tabs... I think with some minor tweaking the 'fangs' on the tabs would look good though, just a bit of rounding on the sharp point of each fang... not sure how to adjust the ones on the scrollbar though.
(Does that make sense?) ~m


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Whereas power gives more advantages to access resources, there is a possibility of getting it concentrated as well as becoming a source of confrontation. That is why it would be advisable to review power sharing between institutions but also narrowing channels that would make people becoming powerful individuals. Practically, I would suggest that some context needs to understand why there is so much confrontation around power exercising while citizens suffer from it.
It doesn't require being as much as old to realize the obligation of complying on laws and regulations, especially the constitution. It's simply a matter of understanding the necessity of having laws above individuals' intentions-aspirations for the better of a society. However, politics goes beyond the conceptualizing and try to explain things in terms of forged meanings. Nonetheless, an experience as well as trajectory of country must be taken into account to get it run for the future of next generations.
Currently, the headlines within the DRC context as well as in the region are likely the clingy on power from our presidents. It is on top in Burundi, leading to heavy demonstrations to extent of targeted killings, assassination, use of violence/repressions have become a daily 'diet'. On the other hand, Rwanda has initiated a constitution revision under a form of maneuvering demands from local population requesting the stay on power of their 'unique' president. In latter context, it remains hard to voice against what is labeled as the 'willing and decision of Rwandans'. At the same time, Congo Brazzaville has announced a call on referendum to review the president term mandates. Besides opposition to the third term of President Denis Sassou Nguesso, there is a possibility that a referendum may take place and the winner can easily be predicted. Furthermore, cases of violent conflict in Soudan, South-Soudan, Central African Republic bring skepticism on the stability and life presidency.
The specific context of DRC has seen recently emerging the so-called G7, a group of dissidents from the presidential majority. The stumbling question affecting the majority on power is simply an agitation over a possible constitution revision that would allow the incumbent president to run for the third term. The dissidence led to an unprecedented resigns and demise of key figures from that coalition on power. After Olivier Kamitatu, JC Kibala, Sama Lukonde ministers at central level; there are also ministers at provincial levels in Katanga and Equateur who have also resigned. On the same list comes Mwando Simba the vice-president of the parliament, lower chamber who too has resigned.
A fascinating feature is that the contention over a third term has become an internal-struggle within different interest political groups. It's no longer a question raised by the opposition or civil society's activists. Therefore, it looks like in a near future there would be wide confrontation around the subject, particularly when considering that the State House remains the enviable position in Congo as well as in the region. The confrontation would probably be concentrating the battle field around regions and community interested to hold or recover the power. The current announcement of Moise Katumbi on twitter might implicitly have intended to express a lot on the next battle field of the presidency contention in DRC.
The blogger considers that one of the ways leading to stability is to comply for the rules of the game. However, there might be a nuance in undertaking analyses regarding contexts facing these challenges. Consequently, there is a need of keeping in mind that we have to do the best for avoiding a backsliding while comprehending that national unity can't be held wherever there is unequal wealth redistribution. Nevertheless, the aim of this post is to reminding how African socio-political environments have seemingly allowed individuals to stay powerful as if they are alone with that privilege. Strikingly, the blogger still feels that the main concern of contending, splitting, dissidence around these positions must stress on the supreme interest of the ordinary citizen. So long as this can't be guaranteed or assured, from my viewpoint, the rest becomes a 'childish game'. To some extent, I allow myself to call some actions as opportunism so long as players of the game have had an opportunity to better change our daily living but they didn't for undisclosed reasons.
For the sake of recapitulating the African context, the blogger has thought to share with the reader the trend expressing the stay on power of the DRC presidents' neighboring countries. The trend tends to convince in itself that leaving the state house isn't an easy task for those who had the privilege to occupy that position. Thus, the same may generally arise in DRC as the incumbent is the youngest among his colleagues. However, the question is how can someone be a role model? The table below gives an idea on what is the presidency term mandate in the African context, especially from DRC's neighboring countries.
Table presents how long have stayed our presidents in the state house office.
|Presidents/Stay on power
|Dos Santos
|Ali Bongo (1)
|Bongo Family[1]
|Denis Sassou (1)[2]
|Denis Sassou (2)
|Kagame (1)
|Kagame (2)[3]
|Al Bashir
|Salva Kiir
|Kabila Family[4]
|Date of Birth
|President's Current Age
|Year of Entering the State House
|Number of Years on Power
On the other hand, the table can be viewed from the graph below. The graph recapitulates president's age versus the stay onto power. Seemingly, the youngest president is Joseph Kabila; though having occupied the state house longer than Pierre Nkurinziza, Salva Kiir et Ali Bongo Ondimba. Nevertheless, at some point, when including years from which the families reigned, Kabila's family comes ahead of these two first presidents cited above, Burundi and South Soudan.
Graph recapitulating Years on Presidency as compared to Presidents' Age
Except few cases such as Central African Republic, Tanzania, Zambia… having their own models of power exercise, the rest of Zaire's neighboring countries have their presidents on average 20 years old as compared to Joseph Kabila. That may sound that the DRC president would have to occupy the presidency at least ten years again to reach the Ali Bongo Ondimba's age. On another way, he may have to stay longer than that until he reaches the age of Dos Santos or Sassou Nguesso; roughly 30 additional years reign. What does this mean for him and what would be his inheritance that the Congolese society will remind? The reader can have a viewpoint on what would be the response. Thus, I argue these presidents to bequeath stable countries having foundation grounded on the rule of law. They must keep in mind that we all need a better treatment as do those seemingly privileged. Beyond requesting better life, I surely confirm that ordinary citizens are unlikely bossy. What do you think?
Ntanyoma R. Delphin
Secrétaire Exécutif & Coordonnateur
Appui au Développement Intégré &
à la Gouvernance
Compte Twitter @delphino12
Blog: www.edrcrdf.wordpress.com
[1] Including the father Omar Bongo
[2] Two periods presidency
[3] Since 1994
[4] Since LD Kabila


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It's that time again where school is wrapping up and summer is knocking on the front door. Don't let the end of school year panic get you! The end of the school year is full of exciting events such as open houses, field day, yearbook signing and graduations or promotions. It is also a time for transition. Transitions can be a scary time for some. Feelings of uncertainty and anxiety can arise when the unknown is upon us.
These feeling are true for both students and parents. You have become accustomed to the teacher, classroom, and routines of the grade, and in a few months you will have a new teacher with all the newness that comes along with a new grade. It is often around this time of year that teachers will begin receiving emails from parents asking for a meeting to discuss the next year.
Questions parents often have:
- Is my child ready for the next grade?
- Were they challenged enough this year?
- Should I get tutoring over the summer?
- What camp should I send them to?
- Will they have friends in their class next year?
- Who will be their teacher next year?
- How did the year go by so fast?
- How will I keep my child engaged this summer?
If you find these questions start popping up in your mind, that is normal. Transitions can leave you feeling powerless because you don't have all the answers. We're here to say that it is all going to be okay!
If you find these questions start popping up in your mind, that is normal. Transitions can leave you feeling powerless because you don't have all the answers. Parents and guardians want the best for their children. They want to make sure that they will be able to transition an have a successful year. We're here to say that it is all going to be okay!
As teachers we have the opportunity to see children transition into new grades every year. We've been in education long enough now to have the pleasure and opportunity to see our past students grow up, transition into high school, and even enter and graduate from college. We have seen a many children in our classrooms with a variety of learning styles, challenges, and successes and every single one of them have transitioned, matured, grown up, and learned in school. And while we cannot say that these students road was 100% perfect, we can say that they are doing well and thriving in their own unique ways. Which is why we would like to say to parents of elementary school age children, "Everything is going to be ok!"
We'd like to offer some advice for parents and guardians, in case you begin to feel anxious about the end of the year and transition into the next grade.
What to do:
- Let your child be where they are. Had there been any challenges or issues their teacher would have already met with you about it.
- Be proud that your child learned so much in another school year.
- Look at the maturity and growth of the whole child that occurred during the whole year, not just academics
- Ask the teacher if there is anything that your child should review over summer. This could something simple, but it could also be nothing at all and that is totally fine too.
- Enjoy the rest and relaxation that comes with summer vacation.
What not to do:
- DON'T wait till the end of the year to bring up a year long issue for the first time
- DON'T put your child in summer tutoring unless it is actually needed or it is a passion for them
- DON'T compare your child's progress to others
- DON'T gossip about which teachers are "good" or "bad"
- DON'T believe other people's experience with a certain teacher, you might have a completely different one
Endings and transitions can be anxiety provoking. The end of a school year panic is real, and we completely understand these feelings. However, as parents and guardian try to trust that the teachers and the school have your child's best interest in mind. While you have a sun-filled summer vacation, the school and faculty will make sure that the transition into the following year is smooth and successful!


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Jump to Company:
A strategic vision does not define a company's success - its people do. At Elbarbary, we accord intellectual capital prime importance and provide our people a creative, collaborative environment that encourages initiative, drive and a sense of professional fulfillment. Elbarbary Group of Companies has worked diligently to ensure independent thought and input from all levels of the organization, essential to the organization's survival.
Our people are the growth engine of this organization and have helped define what Elbarbary is today. As Elbarbary, we help clients achieve their targets, and change the rules of the contest, by taking approaches that go beyond the conventional. We work with our clients, right from the idea generation to planning, execution, and change thereon.
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By now everyone knows the tragedy of the Medford Killings. What they don't know is what a wonderful person Raymond Ferguson really was. I met him for the first and only time at his wedding, ten years ago. A beautiful, happy occasion, if ever I saw one. Raymond and his bride made a very good looking couple and everything indicated then that they would go on to have a great life, and they did, but it was cut short by the brutality of a monster. Raymond was on the verge of a new life. He had worked hard all his life and he was looking forward to a gentler life, closer to his aging parents in Florida. I knew him intimately through his mother, my best friend, who was filled with pride at his accomplishments. Raymond was a great pharmacist, a great son, and a great husband. The dream of his life was to have a child and so far that dream had been denied but he was still young, vital, and children may have been in his future. Raymond was kind and generous to a fault, a loyal person who never forgot a birthday or his parents, that's why his mother was surprised when he hadn't called that fateful "father's day." It simply wasn't like Raymond to miss such an important occasion. This was a man who sent his parents on cruises to celebrate their anniversary, this was a man who knew the real meaning of love and responsibility. He was an only son but his mother never spoiled him, she didn't believe in it, and she gave him a sense of duty and honor since he was a child. Raymond lived his life with intensity, he loved cruises and took many of them. His mother, who has been a tower of strength since this tragedy, is taking comfort from that and from her unflinching faith in the Lord. But it's one of those bitter ironies of life that this gentle, peaceful man, who never hurt anyone in his life, should end up being cut down in the prime of his life by a monster. Raymond was an achiever, a giver, a person who contributed and made this world a better place, and yet he lost his life to a loser, a drug addict, a person who was filled with self hatred and violence. I don't have his mother's strength and I have a hard time reconciling myself to that. That's why I wrote this blog, to express these sentiments and to honor his memory. I shall remember you, Raymond. I shall remember your beautiful smile, your lust for life, your strong, strapping figure. Rest in peace, dear friend, though your time on earth was brief, you left a wonderful legacy.
Rest in Peace Raymond
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The city center suffered significant damage in the earthquakes and aftershocks between 2010 and 2012, but a quick restoration turned the ruins into a brand new, lively city. You can visit much of Christchurch in such a short time on foot or by bike.
Average time from airport: 25 minutes
Distance from airport: 11 km
Average taxi price: 45–65 New Zealand dollars
Average car rental price: N/A


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When a loved one dies, it's sometimes difficult to know how best to deal with their estate. We know that at this time, the last thing you need is more worry and stress.
That's why we've partnered with Irwin Mitchell, one of the UK's leading law firms, to help you deal with this complex and sensitive issue. Irwin Mitchell pride themselves on working sensitively, efficiently, and with your best interests at heart.
What is Probate? (Confirmation in Scotland)
Probate is the formal legal process following a person's death that authorises a 'personal representative' to deal with the deceased's estate.
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Initially, the discussion for Tabi Po by Mervin Malonzo by Pinoy Reads Pinoy Books' boook of the month for November was supposed to take place this December. There were some unseen snags in the planning, however, that we decided to schedule the meet and greet with the author earlier next year. Making good on his word about a probable meetup with our group before the year ends, we finally had the opportunity to chat with him just this Saturday. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Horror
Tabi Po: Isyu 2 ni Mervin Malonzo
Kung ang unang isyu ay pasilip lamang, ang ikalawang isyu ng Tabi Po ay isa nang pagsangkot nang buong-buo sa papalawak na mundong iniinugan ng mga tauhan at sa pagkakaugnay ng kanilang mga buhay sa panahong lipos ng ligalig at pagkalugami. Magsisimula ang ikalawang yugto ng Tabi Po sa kuwento ni Salome at kung paano siya makatatakas mula sa galamay ng mga taong yumurak at pinagsamantalahan siya. Continue reading
Tabi Po: Isyu 1 ni Mervin Malonzo
Lunduyan ng Tabi Po ang masining na pagkakadibuho ni Malonzo, at di malayong maihahambing na waring ipininta ang bawat panel ng komiks; may angking daloy at sining ang pagkakawarat ng mga laman, ang pagwakwak ng mga leeg, ang tilamsik ng dugo. Ang estilo na rin ng kanyang pagguhit ang masasabing puwersa magigiit sa mambabasa na buklatin pa ang mga pahina upang tunghayan ang buhay ni Elias kung paano makikitungo sa mga tao at sa patuloy pang pagtalos sa kanyang sarili bilang isang aswang. Continue reading
Finally, Nick and Bebang!
Today's post on The Weekly Awesome Book Finds is way overdue since I had bought these books as November came to a close (which was a good two weeks ago). But me being me, missed blogging dates are never an … Continue reading
Nine Supernatural Stories edited by April Timbol Yap and Lara Saguisag
Breaking Supernatural ( A Book Review of Nine Supernatural Stories edited by April Timbol Yap and Lara Saguisag ) Pushing the cobwebs aside and giving an old-timer a modern spin, Nine Supernatural Stories, published by The University of the Philippines … Continue reading
Afraid: The Best of Philippine Ghost Stories edited by Danton Remoto
Ghost Stories Through the Night ( A Book Review of Afraid: The Best Philippine Ghost Stories edited by Danton Remoto ) It was on a dreary afternoon on All Soul's Day, November 2, just as dusk approaches, when I decided to … Continue reading
The Attack of the Clones
No, this post has nothing to do with the recent buzz about Disney buying the Star Wars movie franchise from Lucasfilm. What I'm referring here as "clones" are the bunch of books I already have that, in any which way, … Continue reading
November 2012: Ghoulish Reads
The Themed Reading Scheme is a monthly reading endeavor tackling books on every respect and aspect in a free-and-easy setting where to-be read choices must have one similar or unifying idea, concept, or motif. Ahhh… November! Honestly, I couldn't … Continue reading
'Salem's Lot by Stephen King
The Town Knew Darkness (A Book Review of Stephen King's 'Salem's Lot) Far more complex than his debut Carrie, Stephen King ups the ante in his sophomore hit 'Salem's Lot, published in 1975. Raising the bar of horror from a … Continue reading
Dracula by Bram Stoker
More Than Bats, Castles, and Fangs (A Book Review of Bram Stoker's Dracula) Conceivably, no other single work in horror fiction has had a greater impact than Bram Stoker's Dracula. Published in 1897, Stoker's vision of the vampire, based from … Continue reading
Tales of H. P. Lovecraft Selected and Edited by Joyce Carol Oates
Weirder Than You Think (A Book Review of Tales of H. P. Lovecraft edited by Joyce Carol Oates) Without a doubt Howard Philips Lovecraft, or more commonly known as H. P. Lovecraft, is one of the greatest writers the turbulent … Continue reading
The Weird, Grotesque, and Gothic this August
It's been months now since I last read a Horror book, but the "Voice," my incorporeal guide and eternally influential Book-Muse, obnoxiously yanks my sleeves and lets me focus my gaze elsewhere — elsewhere meaning a fantasy book (it's been … Continue reading
The Shining by Stephen King
This Inhuman Place Makes Human Monsters (A Book Review of Stephen King's The Shining) Acclaimed by both readers and critics, Stephen King's third novel, The Shining, published in 1977 on the heel of two previous runaway bestsellers Carrie and 'Salem's … Continue reading
This Got Me Pumped Up!
Of course, seeing this one on my email inbox surely made me jump for joy; a new Stephen King book to be released this coming November! A day after it was announced it's as if the news caught fire and … Continue reading


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I grumble about flailed hedgerows, and I sound off about dumped machinery and broken stiles. I get frustrated when access is obstructed, and when I'm told to keep my dog on a lead instead of under control. I get upset about chemicals sprayed on the soil, wildflower verges mowed at their peak, and water courses lost to the plough.
I could go on - no really, don't get me started... but, when I talk to other people, I find that many of my concerns are shared.
In my last blog I noted the immense good that farmers do in shaping our landscape, even while acknowledging the harm that has been done to our natural capital by decades of bad land use policy and poorly directed farm payments. I also noted that most people, much as they support the idea of British agriculture, think that farm subsidies are spent on flashy trucks and quad bikes.
I wrote about the structural deficit between farm gate and retail prices; between natural assets plundered and those we need to survive. But there is another deficit, and this one is social.
There is a gulf of understanding and expectation between the average person and the average farmer. Between those who eat healthy meals and the farmers who supply volume products for discount retailers. Between the joyful lives of the fluffy animals we see on CBeebies and Countryfile, and the millions forced into cages on intensive farms. Between those who use the countryside for pleasure, and those who work the land day-in-day-out.
And this deficit works both ways.
When we leave the European Union the government should guarantee ongoing payments for the next generation of farmers. But farmers need to actively engage the taxpaying public in order to make the case for that new deal.
They need demonstrate the good that they do, explain some of the decisions that they make, and start to show an understanding of the needs and concerns of the great British public that supports them.
In other words, we need a big conversation in the countryside between farmers and other countryside users. Farmers need to make the case for ongoing taxpayer support, and start working to find compromises to ensure that Britain's countryside works for everyone.
Creating a big conversation
A decade or so back I was general secretary of the National Farmers' Union on the Isle of Man. At that time Manx farming had some major challenges. Imports threatened home production, and the cost of export across the Irish Sea was high.
Unfortunately, public support was also at an all time low, and we needed urgently to turn the tide of public opinion. So, together with Isle of Man Government, we initiated a campaign to transform attitudes to Manx food and farming.
Throughout this campaign we actively managed conversations between farmers and other countryside users, and within eighteen months food and farming had once again become a jewel in the Isle of Man's crown.
Under the surface, we found that there was still an enormous amount of goodwill towards Manx agriculture, but for too long it had been taken for granted. High immigration levels from England and Ireland also meant that fewer people had a direct family link to the island. With this in mind, we got out there, made the case for Manx food and farming, and found that people enthusiastically flocked back in support of home production. We championed Manx meat and dairy, bread and flour, veges, herbs, honey and mushrooms. If you wanted to, you could fill your basket with island-produced food.
In the first year of the campaign there were around 200 separate events either hosted or inspired by us in support of Manx farming. We hosted cream teas on farms for ramblers, and visited environmental groups to give talks. Farmers hosted heritage, nature, and bird watching tours on their farms. We put on a bonfire night extravaganza you could probably have seen from space. And we organised a Christmas carol service in a cow shed, with a silver band and mince pies, led by the Bishop, with readings by farmers and a government minister, which was attended by more than 300 people.
We also saturated the Isle of Man's media (of which there is a surprising amount) with positive food and farming stories. Before the campaign began nearly every press mention of Manx farming was negative, but right from the start of our project that changed completely. In addition, I wrote columns in newspapers and magazines, commentated regularly on the radio, and produced two series of the Manx Food Show for the island's public service radio station.
In this way we built understanding. We restored trust and mutual respect. We brought sometimes opposing interests together in a room (or a barn) and humanised concerns and abstract conflicts. And we created a larger, more positive market for Manx farmers, because more people knew at least a little of the challenges and hardships associated with food production in the beautiful but rugged, wind-blown landscape of the Isle of Man.
This campaign was run a decade ago on a big rock in the Irish Sea. But we could do much worse than to replicate it here and now before the UK leaves the European Union.
Although the UK is much bigger, it is still made up of distinct areas and regions, each with a distinct character, each with a lots of people passionate about where they live, and each with a local media keen to support local events.
In Britain, the nearest relation is Open Farm Sunday. This is a great start, but it doesn't do nearly enough. Most of the OFS events that I've been to have been full of people who already support British farming. We need events that actively manage conversations between farmers and conservationists; environmentalists; heritage enthusiasts; welfare groups; or footpath users. Events that record opinions and face up to challenges, that engender understanding and foster compromise.
In my view, a direct and managed conversation is critical, particularly for farmers seeking to justify continued public payments; particularly for farmers who will need the support of British citizens and consumers when the UK leaves the single market.
We need a big conversation in the countryside, and we could do much worse than follow the Isle of Man's example.


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Sherman's Army Burns Columbia, SC
To commemorate 152 anniversary of the Union atrocity committed at Columbia, South Carolina, on 17 FEBRUARY 1865, Shotwell Publishing is offering WHEN THE YANKEE COME as a FREE download through 20 February 2017.
You can choose from EPUB (Nook, etc.), MOBI (Kindle), and/or PDF formats.
No sign-up required. No strings attached. Our gift to you!
Just mash (or "click," for you Yankees) on the Book Cover or HERE.
In the video below, artist Jack Kershaw discusses the Burning of Columbia his painting of the event swirling in the background and some really far out jazz!
AT LEAST THAT'S WHAT THE "EXPERTS" THINK, especially when Southerners talk about the Wa-rah of Nor-thun Ag-gress-shun!
Anything that doesn't fit the nationalist, "Glorious Union" narrative is labeled "Lost Cause" mythology—stuff Southerners just made-up after the war for less than honourable reasons.
Southerners, they believe, are particularly creative in their "myth-making" when it comes to General William T. Sherman and his march through Georgia and the Carolinas.
Thankfully we do not have to rely on these so-called "experts" to figure out what Sherman and his army were up to. We can go directly to the people who were there. They seem to be far less confused about what happened to them than these so-called "experts."
Our latest release, adds to the growing number of these eye witness accounts that show, beyond any reasonable doubt, who the real myth-makers are:
A Legion of Devils: Sherman in South Carolina
By Karen Stokes
Here's a description...
THE WAR CRIMES committed by General William T. Sherman and his men against Southern civilians and their means of sustaining life are a huge stain on the American national character. Sherman's crimes are routinely denied or minimized (by those who don't actually celebrate them), although they are as heavily documented, from Northern as well as Southern sources, as any event in history. Sherman's campaign through Georgia and South Carolina is even cited as a brilliant military feat. In fact, it was not a military feat at all. There was very little fighting. It was a massive campaign of terrorism against civilians. It violated international law and hypocritically deviated widely from officially-declared U.S. policy… READ MORE
It is currently available in Paperback and Kindle formats at Amazon.com.
[Note: The Kindle edition is FREE if the print edition purchased on Amazon via the Matchbook program.]
You may also order a Paperback edition of this title from Amazon's CreateSpace and receive a 33% Discount by using coupon code MLE3EZZX.
NOTE: This is the first part of the email that went our to our subscribers on 19 January 2017.
Don't you want to join the cool kids and join the subscribers list today?
You can AND download a free electronic edition of Dr. Clyde Wilson's Lies My Teacher Told Me: The True History of the War for Southern Independence.
Just visit www.FreeLiesBook.com to sign up.
April 2018
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Shotwell Publishing | Southern Without Apology
Shotwell Publishing | Southern Without Apology
Copyright © 2015 - 2020, Shotwell Publishing LLC


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Chik'n are a disruptive new brand offering healthy, delicious food and animated digital content played on digital menu boards from Instoremedia gives them the best chance of inspiring consumers with their message and convincing them to try their food instead of someone else's.
Healthy new restaurant chain Chik'n wanted a way to put fresh, engaging content in front of customers. They chose Instoremedia digital menu boards to do it.
Please leave us a few details, and we will be in touch with you shortly!
Or just contact us:
+46 8 518 00 860


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Joselle Mariano has been seen taking the pageant route from Mutya ng Pilipinas 2013 to Miss Philippines Earth 2014 to Miss Republic of the Philippines 2015. In the last of the three, she achieved her personal best performance so far by getting Miss Luzon (or 1st Runner-Up in rank). This year, she is upping the stakes by gearing up for what could be her biggest challenge so far – Bb. Pilipinas 2017.
KF-trained Joselle knows the ins and outs of the beauty contest game by now. And she has prepared well for the nationals. Before the weekend, she would have already filed her application at the BPCI office and well on her way to the bloody screenings next week. I say bloody because the 54th edition is seen by many as the toughest so far with the number of interested ladies exceeding the past number of years.
Will she make it?
Good luck to you, Joselle! 🙂


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Lions are often known as Britains "best kept secret", so our club endeavors to get involved with the local press whenever possible. Good press coverage can lead to an increase in membership which for a small club like ours is vital. Please scroll down to see below some recent press articles.
GetReading.co.uk kindly featured the Bracknell Show in a few different articles:
Plus we had an interview with Jamie Crick on BBC Radio Berkshire about the show too!
Bracknell News 2020
Maidenhead Advertiser Online:
Maidenhead Lions Fundrun, September 2013Web article here with Bracknell Lions featured in photos 1,7,12 and 18!
Front page of the Bracknell Standard, and full web coverage:
Full article can be found here on theBracknell Standard website)
Bracknell News (Midweek) article:
Covering our donation to the Kerith Centre Food Bank - December 21st 2011.
Bracknell News (Midweek) article
Covering Bracknell Lion Brigid's brave abseil for the Alexander Devine Trust- 12th October 2011.
Youtube Video
The Countess of Wessex dedicating the new National Memorial Arboretum Shelter that Bracknell Lions donated towards- August 2011
Bracknell Standard article
Feature on Bracknell Lions successful Race Night- 22nd Sept 2011
Bracknell Standard article (and Bracknell Standard Website)
Advertising the Lions Race night on the 16th September. Link here to the article online.
Bracknell Standard article
Brigid Hendys Election and District Governor- 2nd Sept 2010
Bracknell Standard, 17th Feb 2011
Rebuilding of homes in Tsunami-hit Sri Lanka.
Get Bracknell ArticleLooking for new members- February 2010


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Updated at 12:25 p.m. on Saturday with notes about Hearst's plans to charge for some content online.
It looks as if the e-paper revolution is really about to start.
Hearst, one of the largest media conglomerates in the world, announced on Friday that it has developed an electronic reader for newspapers and magazines, the way Amazon.com's new Kindle does for books. The publisher is also planning to put at least some of its online content behind a pay wall, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal.
The e-reader news, first reported by Fortune magazine, is really significant, as Hearst owns about 16 daily and 49 weekly newspapers, and has a strong influence on hundreds of magazines. Examples of those include the San Francisco Chronicle, Oprah Winfrey's O, and Cosmopolitan.
It's unclear if the device Hearst has been working on has anything to do with the eReader that Plastic Logic unveiled recently, but its principle seems the same. It's a handheld device used to read digital content, much like the Kindle. The main difference would be that Hearst's e-reader has a much larger size to accommodate the format of newspapers and magazines.
At the same time as it is developing the device, Hearst is hoping for success in charging for access to at least some of its online content. A pay model for online content, as opposed to an advertising-supported free-access model, is something few publishers have managed to pull off.
Of the leading New York-based papers alone, The New York Times and News Corp.'s The Wall Street Journal have adopted, and backtracked on, both models. Cablevision's Newsday on Thursday also announced that it is implementing a pay-for-access model.
"Exactly how much paid content to hold back from our free sites will be a judgment call made daily by our management, whose mission should be to run the best free Web sites in our markets without compromising our ability to get a fair price from consumers for the expensive, unique reporting and writing that we produce each day," Steven Swartz, the president of Hearst newspapers, wrote in a staff memo obtained by the Journal.
Certainly, during a time in which papers right and left are folding under economic pressures or otherwise struggling to stay in operation, finding ways to profitably embrace digital media has become imperative for major and minor publishers alike.
"Our cost base is significantly out of line with the revenue available in our business today," Hearst's Swartz concluded, as he noted other advertising initiatives, such as partnering on advertising with real-estate site Zillow and Yahoo, and raising prices for print subscriptions and mobile-phone access to its content. "It is equally inescapable that during good times, our industry developed business practices that were, at best, inefficient."
It's also speculated that Hearst's e-reader is going to be physically flexible and even foldable. The first version would come in black and white, with a later model coming in color and even with video playback capability.
Once implemented, this would change the way newspapers and magazines are published. Instead of getting a print copy, you can just download the newest issues on the e-reader, wirelessly. No printing or paper is involved. Besides the environmental factor, this would cut down about 50 percent of the cost to circulate a periodical.
It's also not clear when you can get the first issue of Cosmopolitan on this new e-reader, but considering the recent launch of the Kindle 2 and the upcoming e-reader from Plastic Logic, Hearst's e-reader will probably be launched in 12 to 18 months.


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A very exciting announcement!
This year I will be participating in Extra Life, which is a 24-hour gaming marathon that raises money for the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. I decided to join this year since I've been playing more video games than I have in the past and I wanted to use my hobby to help raise money for charity! This is will be my first year participating and my first time livestreaming my games, so it's very exciting all around!
Here's a little about Extra Life, as provided by their page:
"Here's how it works:
- Extra Life is a 24-hour fundraising and gaming marathon to support Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.
- On Game Day (Nov. 4th), I will join the thousands of gamers and dedicate an entire day to play games and get donations from friends like YOU!
- 100% of the donations go to my local hospital. TOGETHER we will make a difference for sick kids!
Your donation is tax-deductible and will make miracles happen for families who desperately need them."
All donations through my page will go to UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, and you can donate through my page here. I will be livestreaming on my Twitch channel, which can be found here.
To learn more about Extra Life and how it works, click here!
On Game Day, Saturday, November 4th, my sister and I will start livestreaming some of our favorite games in order to raise money. My goal this year is to raise $150! We will be breaking up these livestreams to be several hours over the course of several weekends, so it won't be the usual 24-hours straight of gaming.
Scheduled Times, all PST (I will post on social media if these change):
Saturday, Nov. 4 (Game Day!): 2pm
Friday, Nov. 10: 2pm
Saturday, Nov. 11: 2pm
Friday, Nov. 17: 2pm
Saturday, Nov. 18: 2pm
Friday, Nov. 24: 2pm
Seeing as Extra Life donates to Children's Hospitals, we thought it would be appropriate to play some of our favorite childhood games!
Games we're planning on playing:
- ClueFinders 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th Grade
- Spy Fox 1, 2, and 3
We would love to see you there!
To be notified of when I will be streaming (or if there are any changes), follow me on my social media:
Happy gaming!


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100 Things An American Should Know Before Visiting Europe for the First Time
I am an American who was lucky enough to spend about half of my formative childhood years living in Europe and traveling extensively throughout the gorgeous continent. I've been able to return to Europe regularly since then, both for work and for pleasure.
If you're one of the 12 million Americans who is headed to Europe this year, this comprehensive list of things every American should know before visiting Europe will help you plan ahead and enjoy your experience to its fullest.
Planning Your Trip
1. Focus. Yes, Europe is the second smallest continent on Earth, but that does not mean it's small! If you plan to hike in Iceland, visit the fjords of Norway, cross the English channel by ferry, take a selfie at Neuschwanstein Castle, and climb the Parthenon in Athens all in one week, you are only setting yourself up for disappointment. Instead, pick a place or two, depending upon the time and budget you have to explore Europe, and really experience it.
2. Appreciate that Europe is made up of many different countries. While the United States is one country made up of 50 states, Europe is a continent of similar size made up of 50 different countries. Each country has its own history, culture, foods, and language. Don't let the Euro as a common currency in about 20 of those countries trick you into thinking France and Germany are alike. They are actually quite different.
3. Do your homework. Americans are notoriously ignorant about the world outside of our borders. Rise above the reputation and take the time to educate yourself in advance about the places you're visiting. At a minimum, you should know historical highlights, key cities, the currency, and the languages spoken.
4. Learn a few words and phrases in the local language. Sadly, only one in five Americans believes learning another language is important. In contrast, about half the people in the European Union speak at least two languages, and about 40% speak English. While it's generally very easy for Americans to get around Europe, I still recommend learning a bit of the local language. Knowing a few expressions in the local language has helped me order breakfast in Berlin, ask for directions to a cash machine in Italy, and get a colleague's suitcase out of a locked room after hours in Sweden (accompanied by world-champion level charades). Learning a second language is hard, especially if you're trying it for the first time as an adult. Make it easier by carrying a phrase book with you, or keeping a cheat sheet of important words either printed out or on your phone. If you have easy access to Google Translate, it can help you through most language barriers. Duolingo is also a fun, free way to build local language knowledge in advance of your trip.
5. Research local holidays. Public holidays vary by country. Most European countries recognize Christmas Day and New Year's Day as public holidays as we do in America, but they also recognize additional religious and country-specific holidays that may be foreign to most Americans. For example, many sites and shops will be closed around Easter. In some countries, the subsequent holidays of Ascension Day and Pentecost are also observed. No one in Europe celebrates America's Independence Day on July 4th, but Sweden celebrates the summer solstice on Midsummer's Day near the end of June, France celebrates Bastille Day on July 14th, and Belgium celebrates Armistice Day on November 11th.
6. Consider the time of year. My favorite time to visit Europe is between late May and early June. The weather is nice, the days are long, but most Europeans are still in school and not competing with you for rooms and restaurants while on their own vacations. Note that air conditioning isn't very widespread in Europe. If you're like my Montana born and bred Better Half who is absolutely uncomfortable at any temperature above 70F, you'll want to avoid visiting much of Europe in July and August.
7. Check the expiration date. Be sure your passport will be valid for the entire duration of your trip, and then some. You never know when volcanic activity in Iceland or some other unexpected event may keep you in Europe longer than planned.
8. Flying times. My preference is to fly to Europe in the evening. I have found that I do best when I get on my Transatlantic flight, eat dinner, and try to get some sleep before landing the next day. When I arrive in Europe, I have a little energy to do and see a few things before going to bed at a reasonable time. Returning to the US, I prefer an early morning flight home so that I arrive in time to say hello to my loved ones, eat dinner, and go straight to bed.
Getting Ready to Go
9. Make copies. Be sure you have multiple copies of your important documents including your passport, detailed itinerary, credit and debit cards, and medical insurance card. Keep one set of copies with you at all times, ideally in both a printed and digital format. I like to keep a scanned copy of my documents both on a flash drive that travels with me and posted to Evernote or Google Drive. I also recommend keeping a second set of documents in another location, like with a traveling companion or hidden in your suitcase. Be sure to leave a full set with a loved one back in the United States, too.
10. Take US embassy and consulate information with you. As part of your important document packet, take the address and phone number of the nearest US embassy or consulate with you, especially the emergency after-hours phone number. Visit the State Department's web site to find this information.
11. Take your extra passport photo with you. You know how you're always given two passport photos but only need one to get your passport? Pack that extra photo! If your passport is lost or stolen while you're abroad, you'll be glad you have your extra photo with you and don't have to also mess with getting a new passport picture taken.
12. Jot down the conversion rate. If you are only visiting countries that use the Euro, this isn't such a big deal. If you will be using multiple currencies during your trip, this will help you a ton. Last fall, I visited Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Czech Republic, and Hungary. Two weeks, five countries, and five different currencies. In Hungary, when I went to tip the cab driver, I had a different exchange rate in my head and ended up tipping about 10x more than I intended. My mistake was realized only when I looked back to see the cab driver counting his tip and acting as if he'd won a small lottery.
13. Consider trip insurance. I don't think I ever purchased trip insurance until it was mandatory for my daughter's choir trip. I still don't usually buy it for myself or my trips, especially since business trips are largely already covered, but I did purchase trip insurance for my younger daughter's upcoming solo trip to Europe this summer. From a medical coverage perspective alone, I'll probably never travel internationally again without it.
14. Contact your bank. Not only will you want to fully understand the costs associated with using your cards abroad, including withdrawing cash from an ATM, you'll also want to notify your bank that you'll be traveling abroad so that they don't turn off your cards when the foreign transactions start coming in. If the conversion fees are reasonable, consider converting some cash into the currency of your destination before you go. Because I bank with USAA that has no brick and mortar presence in my area, I never bother to convert currency before my trip and it's never been a problem. However, I do have friends whose banks will allow them to easily and inexpensively convert US Dollars into Euros. In that case, and especially for Euros which are widely accepted even in the countries not officially using the Euro, it's not a bad thing to consider doing.
15. Fill 'er up. Ensure you have an adequate supply of any prescription medication before your trip. Trying to get a refill in Europe will be difficult, if not impossible. Do the same with any over-the-counter medicine you take regularly or anticipate you might need including vitamins, herbal supplements, essential oils, cold medicine, cough drops, and allergy tablets.
16. Can you hear me now? While Wi-Fi access is fairly prevalent throughout Europe, international phone and data charges can quickly add up. Contact your cell phone provider to be sure you understand your coverage options, plan costs, and other charges. Take step-by-step directions for any phone settings that need to be changed when you arrive in Europe and how to make a local call from each country.
17. Contact your health care provider. While the local US embassy or consulate can help you obtain medical care abroad, you still need to know what coverage you have abroad and what to expect in case of a medical emergency. Depending upon your medical plan, trip insurance may be a worthwhile expense to help provide you with adequate coverage in case of emergency.
18. Book some sightseeing tickets in advance. Once you have finalized your dates and destinations, start purchasing some of the hotter sightseeing tickets in advance. When I was in Milan, I waited too long to look into tickets for Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper and they were all sold out. If ascending the Eiffel Tower is on your sightseeing list, purchasing those tickets in advance can save you hours of time wasted waiting in line. That said, don't pre-book every single activity leaving you no room for flexibility or adjustments based upon the weather.
19. It is okay to skip the things that aren't of interest to you! Growing up, my artist mother dragged me to every art museum in Western Europe. While I love Impressionist artists like Claude Monet, I have absolutely no appreciation for the dark, gory, religious paintings of the Baroque period. I don't think twice about skipping the sections of the Louvre that don't appeal to me or skipping the Louvre completely in lieu of the Musee d'Orsay. Disneyland Paris may have rave reviews online, but it's about the last place on earth I'd spend time if I were in France.
20. Pack snacks. I recommend high protein, low sugar snacks like nuts, protein bars, granola bars, beef jerky, and trail mix. Plus also, emergency chocolate. You never know when you'll be stuck at an airport and the shops are closed or when you'll wake up in the middle of the night from jet lag and be hungry.
21. Square peg in a round hole. American electronics will not plug into European outlets without an outlet converter. Note that the United Kingdom has different outlets than continental Europe. Therefore, I recommend an all-in-one converter like this one that's available at Target or this one or even this one from Amazon. Yes, they are a little bit more pricey, but you're pretty much set for any outlet in the world with one of these bad boys! I usually take three converters with me so that I can use or charge multiple items at once. I also recommend carrying at least one converter with you on the plane so you can immediately recharge your phone, laptop, or any other device on the ground in Europe, as needed. If you don't want to spend $6 to $20 for one of these all-in-one converters, you can also get more simple adapters for a bit less.
22. Plan to be without your suitcase for 24 hours. While my luggage has never been lost on an international flight, planning to be without it for up to 24 hours helps prepare you for that possibility. I always carry at least one clean t-shirt, a fresh pair of undies, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and a day's worth of snacks with me. If you wear contacts or take medication, be sure you have contact solution, your glasses, and your medication with you, as well.
23. Block it. Any US passport issued since 2006 includes an RFID chip that allows your passport to be read with ease. While I've read mixed things about RFID blocking holders — some say you absolutely need one, others say they are unnecessary — I've chosen to take no chances. I use this passport wallet (yes, you can buy them in other colors besides my beloved pink), keeping my passport and cards in it at all times.
Getting There
24. Drink lots of water on the plane. Airplane cabin humidity levels are generally lower than the Sahara Desert, and dehydration amplifies jetlag, so be sure to drink plenty of water on your flight.
25. Keeping germs at bay. The good news is that your Transatlantic flight will be filled with people from many countries around the world. The bad news is that you never know what germs you might be exposed to in the hours you spend with them in the relatively close quarters of the airplane. Known as Thieves by Young Living customers, On Guard by dōTERRA fans, and Immune Strength by Rocky Mountain Oil lovers like me, I swear by one of these essential oil blends to help protect me from the germs on board the plane, from the common cold in the seat next to me to the potential flu bug a few rows back. I like to apply the oil at least 30 minutes before boarding the plane and then another time or two while on board. With clove, cinnamon, and orange oils as key ingredients in this blend, I find the scent of these blends to be quite pleasing and reminiscent of Christmas. One of my co-workers refers to my oils as Hot Damn! because it reminds her of cinnamon schnapps.
26. Try to sleep. As someone who has a hard time sleeping in the comfort of my own bedroom most nights, I feel like a bit of a hypocrite giving this advice, but resting as much as you can will help you enjoy your time on the ground in Europe. You'll be excited for your trip and distracted by the in flight movies and entertainment. Pack a neck pillow (inflatable is best so it doesn't take up much room), face mask, and earplugs to help you get comfortable and get some rest. I also pack lavender essential oil to help me calm down and relax. You do not need to pack a full-sized pillow or bring a quilt with you; the airline will have a small, sanitized pillow and blanket for each passenger.
27. Minimize alcohol intake. Most international flights will include beer and wine at no additional charge. Enjoy a cocktail before dinner or a glass of wine with your meal, but try to limit your alcohol to one glass so you can stay hydrated and sleep on the flight.
28. Brushing your teeth. If you want to brush your teeth on the plane before you land, do not brush your teeth with the water from the tap in the bathroom. Take a cup of bottled water in with you instead.
29. Don't pass up a chance to pee. When you land in Europe, don't pass up the first chance you get to use a real restroom on the ground. Once you get in line to enter the country and have your passport stamped, you might not see a restroom for a while and sometimes the lines can be quite long.
Getting Around and Experiencing Europe
30. If at all possible, do not drive your first time in Europe. The cars, roads, and parking spots are much smaller than in the US. The signs vary by country and are all quite different than back home. In many cases, signs may only be in the local language. It's another whole ballgame if you're visiting Great Britain where they drive on the left side of the road. If you must drive in Europe, be sure to research license requirements in advance. In many countries, your American license alone is not enough. You may be required to supplement it with an International Driving Permit. Because manual transmission vehicles are the norm in Europe, be sure you reserve a car with automatic transmission well in advance to help ensure one is available when you arrive, unless you look forward to driving a stick shift.
31. Bring good walking shoes. Whether you're in a big city like Amsterdam or a smaller town like Maastricht, walking is one of the fastest, scenic, most efficient ways to get around the historic, densely populated continent of Europe. Cobblestones are prevalent in towns and cities of all sizes, so flat, comfortable, practical shoes are a definite must.
32. Bicycles. Bicycles are very common throughout Europe, perhaps nowhere as much as in The Netherlands where they outnumber people. It's relatively easy to rent a bike throughout much of Europe, especially now that kiosk options like Vélib exist.
33. Mass transit. If you don't use public transportation frequently in the US, European mass transit can sometimes be a bit confusing or even overwhelming. Within cities, subways like the Paris Métro and city buses can quickly and affordably get you to the places that are beyond walking or biking distance. Between cities, consider buses or trains for affordable travel. In many stations, tickets can be purchased directly from a kiosk. This is a fast, convenient way to purchase tickets if know what you're doing, but a confusing option if you don't. While the lines are often long, especially during peak travel, don't be afraid to stand in line at the ticket counter to work with someone face-to-face. Once your ticket is purchased, it often still needs to be stamped at the machine on the platform before you board.
34. Security in public places. Don't be alarmed if you see police officers decked out in what looks like combat gear carrying heavy duty machine guns in airports, train and bus stations, and even at popular tourist locations.
35. Transportation strikes. These can be a relatively common occurrence, especially in France and Italy. While they sound scary and are absolutely a nuisance, they are usually announced in advance. Watch for any signs announcing an upcoming strike, and ask your hotel front desk for more information and assistance. A transportation strike hit France a few years ago on the day I was scheduled to fly home. The hotel staff knew how to contact an independent, Vietnamese cab driver who wasn't striking, and I was able to get to the airport without any trouble!
36. All aboard! Once you're on board a train, be mindful of local customs. While Americans will happily chat up a stranger on a flight, this is less common in Europe. Even within your travel party, be mindful of the volume and nature of your conversation. One American colleague and I took the train from Amsterdam to Paris and sat in business class seats across the aisle from one another. On board we carried out a work conversation at our normal speaking voices for about 30 minutes before another passenger very politely told us that we shouldn't be talking in this train car because everyone else was there to work during the trip.
37. Air travel within Europe. If you travel by plane within Europe, be mindful that the airline travel rules vary. For example, most European airports I've been in recently do not require you to remove your shoes. Watch for signs, nearly all of which are in English, and look ahead of you in line to see what others are doing.
38. Hidden fees. Like many domestic carriers do, several continental airlines will charge you for each checked bag. You may also be asked to pay extra fees if your bag weighs more than the domestic carrier's limit.
39. Be mindful of pickpockets. Just like you would in any large city in the world, be especially mindful of pickpockets, especially in heavy tourist areas, when stopping to observe a street performer, and when using mass transit. I recommend a small, cross-body bag for women. Men, put your wallets in your front pocket. Split your cash and bank cards up and keep them in a few different places. Keep them zipped into an interior pocket of your purse or backpack. Do not walk around with your phone in your hand unless you're using it at that moment to snap a photo or look something up. I wish I didn't have as many firsthand stories from American colleagues who have had their cell phones, passports, or purses stolen in Paris as I do! From the seasoned American traveler whose instincts told her to wrap her arms around her cross-body purse when a small group of gypsies approached her by the Notre Dame only to realize after they left without her purse that they had slipped her cell phone from her hand to a Dutch colleague whose phone was lifted from a table at a sidewalk cafe while she was telling the others in her travel group about the importance of not leaving your phone on the table.
40. If you have a hard time communicating, don't get frustrated and absolutely do not raise your voice. While Americans are fortunate that most Europeans speak English, chances are you'll likely have at least one encounter with someone who do not. After all, there are 84 languages spoken in Europe, plus more localized dialects. When you play charades and your team doesn't understand what you're trying to convey, you have to take a different approach. That will serve you well in this case, too. Use simple English words free of idiomatic expressions or slang. Speak slowly. Try gestures, but be mindful that the gestures we use in the US don't always translate the same way across the Atlantic Ocean. For example, a thumbs up sign signaling that something is okay is akin to ordering one of something in Europe.
41. We'll never be royal. Most Europeans will have learned Queen's English and will use British, not American, words like lorry (truck), trolley (cart), lift (elevator), bin (trash can), courgette (zucchini), crisps (potato chips), chips (French fries), and rocket (arugula). So you might even need to learn a few new words in your mother tongue before traveling!
42. While you may not be able to understand the conversations around you, nearly everyone you pass can understand you. Be thoughtful about what you say in front of others!
43. Personal space is very different than in the US. In a continent three times more densely populated than ours, Europeans from all countries tend to have a different sense of personal space than Americans. As someone who lives in the Midwest, where things are even more wide open and spacious than the big cities on either coast, I have to be especially conscious about not taking a step back to add space to my interactions with European colleagues. Don't feel threatened or like someone is "all up in your space" if they are closer than is typical back in the US.
44. Handshakes and social kissing. While American handshakes are all about a strong grip and length (at least two or three "pumps"), European handshakes are typically soft and short in comparison. After an initial introduction, I've found it common for personal and professional acquaintances from all European countries to move from handshake greetings to social kissing. While Americans are more likely to hug, reserving kisses for extremely close friends and families, the opposite is typically the case throughout Europe. When it comes to social kissing, here are a few guidelines. Limit your smooch to the cheek, and always start with the right. Know how many kisses are typical in each country, like usually two kisses in France and three in The Netherlands, but don't worry about it too much as it's usually pretty easy to follow the lead of your European counterpart.
45. Typically not a 24/7 kinda world. While Americans from cities and towns of all sizes are fairly accustomed to extended hours at grocery stores, transportation counters, and pharmacies, this isn't as common throughout Europe. Many businesses may be closed on Sundays, for local holidays, and many stores will close by 6pm most days of the week. Do your best to plan ahead, and always double-check the posted hours.
46. What's in a name? Many cities are known by different names based upon the language. What is Prague to Americans is Praha to the Czech. The German town of Aachen is listed as Aix-la-Chappelle in the neighboring, French-speaking part of Belgium. Knowing each city on your itinerary by its various names is especially important when driving or taking mass transit.
47. Always be aware of your surroundings. In the four decades I've lived in or traveled within Europe, I've experienced anti-American protests in London, Occupy Wall Street protests, violent brawls between Algerian and French World Cup soccer fans in Paris, and pro-Democracy riots in Istanbul. As you admire the architecture, savor the new foods, and drink in the experiences that surround you, watch for warning signs. Some of the most obvious are crowds of people chanting, streets lined with police vans, and people carrying gas masks. Look at the locals — shopkeepers, people carrying grocery bags, front desk personnel at your hotel — and watch for any signs of hesitation or concern. Know the areas of town you should avoid after dark by doing your homework and checking with the hotel staff.
A Good Night's Sleep
48. Room for one. While Americans are used to hotel rooms that usually contain either one king or two queen-sized beds and enough bath towels for four people, European accommodations are usually quite different. There is such a thing as a single room, and it is what it sounds like: a room with a single bed and one bath towel. A room with a double bed is not uncommonly two single beds pushed together.
49. Washcloths. There are usually no washcloths in Europe, so if you regularly use one, be sure to pack one plus a plastic bag to keep it in if it's not fully dried when you check out.
50. Double duty. The face mask you used to block out light on your flight across the ocean will also come in handy in your hotel room. If you visit Europe in the summer, you'll likely experience much earlier sunrises and much later sunsets than back home, unless you're visiting from Alaska.
51. Double duty, part deux. While grocery stores and pharmacies might close by 6pm most days, the bars and nightclubs throughout Europe are often open until nearly dawn. The earplugs you used on your flight to Europe will also minimize the sounds of the locals stumbling home in the wee hours.
52. The key to keeping electricity costs low. To help manage electricity costs, many hotels require you to place your room card in a special slot near the door before any lights or electrical outlets will work. Keep in mind that when you leave your room and take your key, the power outlets often cease to work. I learned this the hard way when I left my laptop charging while I went to grab breakfast only to learn that it wasn't charging at all! Most hotels are willing to give you a second room key, so grab a second key if you need to charge your electronics while you're out.
53. Stairway to heaven. Especially in older, more historic hotels, elevators are small. And by small, I mean that you and your bag may be the only items that will fit in some of the elevators! Unless you are on a high floor, are lugging heavy suitcases, or have a physical condition that makes it difficult, the stairs are usually used to leave the elevators open for other guests.
54. Ground zero. While Americans consider the ground floor to be the first floor, Europeans consider the first floor above the ground floor to be the first floor. This tidbit will help you find your hotel room. And it will help you count how many more flights of stairs you have to lug your suitcase in a building without an elevator.
Food and Drink
55. Amazing food. While it is possible to find a bad meal in Europe, it's usually pretty hard. After hundreds and hundreds of meals in Europe, only two have been less than stellar. Most restaurants prepare foods from scratch with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Along the coasts, fish and seafood is often caught and served the same day. Desserts are incredibly flavorful and not as sickly sweet as they often taste in the US. Enjoy the food to the fullest, and know that you're likely walking enough to compensate for any incremental calories!
56. Eat away from tourist attractions. To increase your chances of an amazing meal, eat at places away from the main attractions. Research your options online, read reviews, or ask a local contact for recommendations.
57. Stretch your food budget. To experience as much as possible while getting the most bang for your buck, eat at least one nice, big meal a day. For the other meals, try grabbing coffee and a baked good from a local bakery, a sandwich from a street stand, or items from a grocery store. Sample the local beers, wines, and spirits by purchasing them at a store rather than a bar.
58. Request an English menu. If one is not automatically offered to you, ask your server if they have an English menu. Most restaurants have a few available, and they are a helpful way to help you select your meal.
59. With gas or without? This is often one of the first questions you're asked in a restaurant. The term "with gas" translates to "carbonated water" to us Americans, and is a common option throughout Europe.
60. Chill out. From water to beer, drinks throughout Europe are typically served without ice and at warmer temperature than Americans tend to prefer.
61. No "free" refills. The concept of unlimited drinks is very American and not common elsewhere. I've read several theories about why there aren't unlimited refills in Europe saying it's because drinks are served from glass bottles rather than the huge fountain dispensers common in the US or because the cost of using real sugar in soft drinks is more expensive than the high-fructose corn syrup used in America. Either way, expect to be charged several Euros for a small bottle of soda in most of Europe and enjoy the quality — real sugar — over quantity — no 48 ounce glasses.
62. In most countries, beer and wine can be consumed starting at age 16. I share this in case you are an American under the age of 21 headed to Europe, or the parent of a child who of European drinking age.
63. My food is looking at me. Seafood dishes will often be served with the heads still on the fish and full shrimp that need to be pulled apart.
64. 100% Angus. Unless you're interested in trying horsemeat, don't eat any steak, chopped meat, or "beef" that isn't defined as 100% Angus. While it is usually listed as horsemeat on the local language menu, I've experienced at least one restaurant in France that only translated it as "chopped steak" on the English menu. Yes, my American colleague was grateful that I studied French and had a French menu in front of me.
65. Dinner is an experience. Set aside plenty of time for dinner in Europe. It is an experience that should be savored and not rushed. Additionally, as you travel south in Europe, expect dinner to be later and later in the evening. Scandinavians typically eat around 6pm, like the average American. Central Europeans eat around 7pm, and Southern Europeans eat at 8pm or later.
66. Seat yourself. For drinks, refreshments, or meals at cafes or bistros, you can generally seat yourself and wait for someone to take your order. Avoid any table with a reserved sign, and only sit at an open table set with silverware if you plan on eating. If you're just grabbing a drink, opt for a table without silverware instead.
67. Sharing tables. In some countries, especially in Germany, it's not uncommon to be seated at a table already partially occupied by other diners.
68. Limit special requests. Unless you truly have a critical, life-threatening dietary restriction, avoid making changes to the dishes as listed on the menu.
69. Different meaning for the same word. The word entree in European dining usually refers to a first course, like an appetizer in America. Main dish is the term Europeans use for what Americans call an entree.
70. Holler if you need anything. Because dining with friends is a social occasion, servers will not interrupt you every five minutes to ask if everything is okay. If you need something, simply make eye contact with your server or raise your right hand to signal that you need something.
71. Request the check when ready. Because enjoying a delicious meal with friends is a social occasion, most European waiters will wait until you ask to bring you the check. Overall, the best way to ask is to either make eye contact or raise your right hand and make a signing motion. In some countries, it's rude to wave your hand, and in just about all countries, it's rude to snap your fingers. Earn bonus points by learning how to say, "Sir/Madam, the check please" in the local language!
72. A tip about tipping. While we usually tip around 15% in the US, in part to fully compensate wait staff who receive lower hourly wages, tipping is much less expected throughout Europe. Only tip when you are served by a waiter or waitress. If you order your food at a counter, you do not need to tip at all. In most countries, the wait staff is fully compensated for their work and the service is included in the prices listed on your bill. However, if you want to add five to ten percent for excellent service, it is appreciated by your server. A 10% tip is considered quite generous throughout Europe. Whether paying in cash or by card, your server will typically want to know what you'd like the total charge to be at the time of payment. If your bill is €22 and you want to add a €3 tip, simply tell the waiter €25 when you hand him your card or cash. Because European wait staff know that Americans tend to be generous tippers, it's not uncommon for them to stamp "Service Not Included" on the receipt in English to try to increase the amount you'll tip them. When in doubt, research the tipping customs for each country you plan to visit in advance.
73. Hot dog! In most European countries, it's not uncommon to see dogs in restaurants. They are usually very well behaved, resting patiently under the table for hours while their owners enjoy their meal.
Paying for Things
74. Always pay in local currency. When swiping your debit or credit card, you might be asked if you'd like to pay in US dollars or the local currency. Always pick the local currency or you may unknowingly be charged an additional 3-5% for the "convenience" of having your purchase converted from the local currency to dollars.
75. Cards with chips. While American banks and credit card companies began issuing cards with embedded chips in 2015, cards with chips have been prevalent across Europe for years. If you have both an embedded chip and a four digit PIN for your card, you should be able to use your card in about every instance. Without a chip and PIN, you may experience issues at kiosks, like train station ticket machines, and with some point of sale machines.
76. Don't let your credit card out of your sight. While Americans routinely sip their cards in bill portfolios that waiters whisk away to run at a register elsewhere in the restaurant, that doesn't happen in Europe. The wait staff will always bring a portable reader to your table to settle up with you.
77. Carry enough cash. While just about every business in America, including some vending machines, accept debit and credit cards, many small businesses and eateries only accept cash.
78. Keep the change. The first Euro bill is a €5. Everything else is in coin form, so you may want to take coin purse along, even the men.
79. Keep each currency in its own coin purse. The last place we lived in Europe was in Maastricht, in the very southern tip of the Netherlands. In less than 30 minutes, we could be in either Belgium or Germany. Because this was before the Euro, my Mom usually had Belgian Francs, German Marks, and Dutch Guilders in her purse. She kept each in its own coin purse to keep things straight, a concept I still use on my trips today. I have a small coin purse for Euros and another for British Pounds. Any other currencies go into their own, super classy snack-sized Ziploc bag marked with the currency and current exchange rate.
80. No hidden charges. Taxes, while usually quite high, are included in the price as marked. There is nothing more to pay at the register, as is the case in most States.
Odds and Ends
81. Not free to pee. You may need to pay a small fee, either via a coin-operated entry door or to a restroom hostess, to use the restroom in Europe. This is yet another reason to be sure you have cash on you at all times, especially smaller coins.
82. It's a small world after all. As mentioned above in the "personal space" section, the European continent is about three times more densely populated than the United States. Expect things to be much smaller than you're used to back home, from hotels to cars, from bathrooms to parking spaces.
83. Twenty-four hours in a day. Europeans use 24-hour time, rather than AM and PM. Additionally, it's typically written with the hour, the local language abbreviation for hour, and the minutes. So what would be 4:24pm in Chicago would be written as 16h24 in France. While it does take some getting used to, it's simple to convert any afternoon time to PM by simply subtracting 12.
84. It's a date! In addition to using 24-hour time, Europeans usually write dates following a Day/Month/Year format rather than the Month/Day/Year format used most commonly in America.
85. Eight days a week. Unlike American calendars that start on Sunday and end on Saturday, European calendars typically start on Monday and end on Sunday.
86. A logical measurement system. Farewell confusing, archaic imperial measurement system; hello brilliantly logical metric system! Prepare to hear the day's temperature in Celsius, not Fahrenheit. The distances between cities will be provided in kilometers, not miles, and the gas you fill into a rental car will be measured in liters, not gallons. The fresh cherries you purchase at the market will be weighed in kilos, not pounds.
87. Breathe happy. If you are a non-smoker, be sure to pack a travel-sized bottle of Febreeze. Not only do the residents of many European countries consume more cigarettes per person than in the US, but also they are allowed to smoke in places not commonly allowed any more in the US. Febreeze does a good job of reducing the lingering, second-hand smoke smell from the items you plan on wearing more than once — like jeans and jackets.
88. Naked truth. Across the continent, Europeans have a much different philosophy about nudity and sex. Shower gel commercials will feature women's breasts, children will often be completely naked at the pool, and public service announcements promoting condoms to practice safe sex will be rather graphic.
89. Pardon my French. American swear words aren't really swear words to Europeans who speak English as a second language and hear them regularly in American movies and song lyrics. Years ago, when my children were young and impressionable, my German friend regularly used the word ass around them when referring to her rear end because she'd never learned any different word for this part of one's anatomy. I've heard elementary school children in Europe use the "f-word" without any context to how offensive and inappropriate a word that is in our country.
90. When in Rome. Do your best to blend in rather than shining a bright spotlight on your nationality. Don't wear clothing with the American flag on it, or use a suitcase, backpack, or purse with one, either. Don't dress too casually by donning sweats, athletic shorts, beat-up tennis shoes, or yoga bottoms. Be mindful that some brands just scream American, like Uggs and North Face. So does sporting a t-shirt emblazoned with your favorite American sports team or alma mater.
91. Sunday best. Be mindful and respectful of local customs when visiting religious sites. Most cathedrals, churches, synagogues, and mosques expect visitors to have their shoulders and knees covered. Women visiting mosques will be expected to cover their hair, and both men and women are expected to cover their heads when visiting a synagogue. Head coverings are often available for tourists. If you are visiting a warmer climate during the hotter months, stay cool and be appropriately covered by selecting a long skirt over short shorts. Carry a lightweight sweater with you to put on when entering sacred places to cover up any bare shoulders. Know which days of the week are worship days for each religion — Friday at mosques, Saturday for those of Jewish faith, and Sunday for Christians — and be mindful of religious holidays. Some site may be closed for religious holidays, as the Dohány Street Synagogue was for Rosh Hashana when I visited Budapest.
92. All smiles. Most Europeans think Americans are super friendly, maybe too friendly. If the situation feels right, don't be shy about speaking to others. I made a new friend on the train between Paris and Normandy by striking up a conversation with the woman sitting across from me when she asked about my Dentyne gum. Nearly five years later, we still exchange Christmas cards. However, don't be like my middle-aged, first time abroad co-worker who aggressively approached everyone he could — cab drivers, restaurant hostesses, train ticket agents — with a recurring soliloquy about where he was from, how wonderful America was, and how his great, great grandparents immigrated to the US from Croatia.
Coming Home
93. Perishable items. Be sure that any perishable items you purchase for your flight home are fully consumed before you deplane. This includes fresh fruit, sandwiches, or that one last amazing croissant.
94. Liquid refreshment. Wine, beer, spirits, perfume, or other liquids purchased in the duty free shop at the airport or on the plane may cause problems if they're in your carry-on baggage and not in your checked luggage. Be thoughtful about making these purchases once your luggage has been checked for the United States.
95. Anything to declare? Shortly before your Transatlantic flight lands back in America, flight attendants will distribute declaration forms. Read the form carefully and thoroughly before you start to complete it. There's a very good chance that you won't have anything to declare if the items you purchased abroad are for your personal use or gifts.
96. You smell suspicious. As you wait in line to officially re-enter the US, don't be surprised if officers with drug and bomb sniffing dogs are hard at work.
97. No photos, please. You are prohibited to have a cell phone or recording device out while you wait in line. Watch for signs telling you to put your phone away, and know that they are serious about enforcing the rule.
98. Meeting the man. When it's your turn to submit your papers and passport for inspection, answer any questions in a simple, straight-forward manner. The officer does not want to hear long-winded stories. Customs and Border Protection officers can search you or your belongings without a warrant to enforce US laws. Don't give them a reason to do so.
99. Connecting flights. If you're not lucky enough to live in a city that has direct flights from Europe, you'll have to gather your luggage, carry it to the designated area, and go back through a dedicated airport security check. If you have any liquid items in your carry-on baggage, this is the time to move them to your checked luggage. It was heartbreaking to watch a group of first-time travelers throw away the snow globes they purchased as gifts and had carefully hand-carried on the plane in London because they violated the domestic air travel laws in the US.
100. Embrace your experiences. Whether you spend one week in one city or all summer exploring many countries, once you've expanded your horizons by experiencing another country and culture, your life will forever be changed. Incorporate this new knowledge and perspective into your life going forward, and do your part to foster peace and understanding in our world.
Bonus Tips!
The additional tips below have been submitted by blog visitors. Have a tip to share? Leave it in the comments section below!
101. At some point the trip you've planned becomes the trip you're on. Heather from Heather Blog advises that no matter how meticulously you plan, something might go wrong. For example, Tip #35 Transportation Strikes. If you experience a road block, don't let it ruin your trip, put that American creativity and ingenuity to work and find a work-around!
102. Slow down and savor every moment. In the spirit of Tip #1 Focus and Tip #65 Dinner is An Experience, Englishman David Oakes suggests that American just slow down. There is no gold medal for rushing through your European adventures, so just slow down and take it all in!
Join the conversation! 7 Comments
What a wonderful — and comprehensive — list you've compiled! I'm trying to think of just one tip to add, but can't think of anything. Well done!Reply
If anything comes to mind, let me know! The last one of my four children to visit Europe for the first time is headed there for six weeks starting at the end of May. This post will be a prerequisite for her! 🙂Reply
I've just re-read your list, and the only possible addition I can conjure applies to all travel, really. My husband and I have this saying that, "At some point the trip you've planned becomes the trip you're on." That is to say, no matter how meticulously you might plan there's always a chance that the last bus of the day to Mont St. Michel will inexplicably be cancelled, or that someone will sprain an ankle, or that an Icelandic volcano will erupt. And at that point you'll face a choice: Will you let this unexpected wrinkle ruin your trip? Or will you be resourceful — and either find a work-around, or make the best of it? (Our work-around to the Mont St Michel bus problem, by the way, was a taxi ride. It cost twice as much as we'd planned to spend, but it also got us there twice as fast, so we were still able to tour the abbey before it closed for the day.)
As an Englishman and a European with many friends from the USA could I just add that the best tip (from my observations) would be to say please just slow down. There is so much to see and savour. You will see a great deal more if you plan to see less.Reply
I'm glad to add an Englishman and European's perspective, and I agree completely! That sentiment is behind both Tip #1 Focus your itinerary and even Tip #65 Don't expect to rush through dinner. Thanks for adding your thoughts!Reply
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About Sage ScottShutterbug Sage began as a 365 photo project.
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Jack Skudlarczyk signs with University of Northern Iowa
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – UNI Wrestling and head coach Doug Schwab announced the signing of Jack Skudlarczyk to a National Letter-of-Intent to wrestle for UNI starting the 2017-18 season.
Skudlarczyk of Austin Texas, is a two-time state champion for Westlake High School. In 2014, Skudlarczyk won the state championships at 106 pounds in Class 5A and also won the Texas USA Wrestling Freestyle Tournament at 113 pounds.
After moving up a weight in 2015, he took third at the championships in the 113-pounds weight class in Class 6A and returned to win his second freestyle championship at 113 pounds at the Texas USA Wrestling Tournament.
He earned his second state title last year at 120 pounds in Class 6A. Last season, he lost just one match as a junior (44-1).


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Registration is now open for the summer of 2020!
The Early Bird discount applies to all campers (returning and new), campers who sign up for camp by the NOVEMBER 15th deadline and pay the $500 deposit, half season campers will receive a $100 discount and full season campers will receive a $300 discount.
50 day season: July 1 to August 19 (7 weeks) - $8,300.00
25 day 1st half: July 1 to July 25 (3 1/2 weeks) - $4,640.00
2-Week Session: (New Junior and Intermediate Campers Only) July 1 to July 15 - $3,400.00
25 day 2nd half: July 26 to August 19 (3 1/2 weeks) - $4,640.00
Please note that the 2 week session will be during first half.
NOTE: When daughters of former Oneka campers, and/or two or more sisters from a family attend camp, each camper receives a $100.00 discount for half season or $200.00 discount for full season.
Campership information is available at The Turtle's Trail Foundation website. If you are applying for a TTF campership you must also submit your camp application to us at camp.
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CAMP NEWSJan 08, 2020


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Video Interview: Helen Mirren Says She's Terrified to Host SNL, Loves Russell Brand
Video: Helen Mirren on Being Terrified to Host SNL and Her Love For Russell Brand
In Arthur, Helen Mirren plays Hobson, the straitlaced nanny who cares for the titular carefree man-child played by Russell Brand. At the film's junket, Mirren admitted that Brand is the reason why she signed on to the film, and talked about how much love and respect she has for the actor after working so closely with him. The Oscar-winning actress stayed humble about being out of her league in comedy, and revealed that she's terrified to host Saturday Night Live this weekend. Watch below, then find out what Brand had to say about Mirren in return!