Not enough money for emergency relief? Get used to it

The Philippine government estimates Typhoon Haiyan displaced nearly 4.1 million people. Photograph: Dondi Tawatao/Getty ImagesNearly 800,000 refugees in Africa are receiving severely reduced food rations because of a shortage of funds in the World Food Programme and in the UN refugee agency, UNHCR. At least half of them are children for whom poor nutrition can have life-long negative consequences.
This is happening despite the increase of humanitarian funding globally. Between 2006 and 2011, the world provided just over $2bn to help victims of humanitarian emergencies through the Central Emergency Response Fund. Since then, humanitarian funding has continued to rise. The average annual humanitarian spending doubled from $7.6bn in 2000-2009 to more than $14.3bn a year between 2010-2013, and already surpasses $10bn in just the first half of 2014.
But needs are expanding much faster than funds. We live in exceptionally troubling times, with the humanitarian community facing multiple massive crises simultaneously. It is highly unusual to have any overlapping "level three" disasters – the highest category to be declared by the UN – yet in recent months we have had to contend with four of them simultaneously: the situation in Syria and nearby (now compounded by events in Iraq), civil war in South Sudan, sectarian violence in the Central African Republic and the consequences in the Philippines of the strongest typhoon ever recorded to make landfall.
The number of people pushed out of their homes is growing exponentially. In June, UNHCR reported that there are now more than 51 million people who have been forcibly displaced from their homes. This is the highest number since the second world war.
There is no light at the end of this tunnel: we must get used to a "new normal", where we face multiple challenges with finite resources. A world of higher fragility is here to stay, because of climate change, population growth and the rise of extremism.
What can the humanitarian community do in these new circumstances? There are no easy solutions and what remedies we can bring to bear will require our constant focus and attention.
First, funding humanitarian emergencies must be a top priority – simply put, when needs are growing so fast, we need to come up with more money. For the 800,000 refugees in Africa the shortfall is $225m. The European Commission will tap into its emergency reserves, and I hope others will also do more. It is particularly important for new donors to be more generous – with more wealth comes more responsibility.
Second, we have to strive for more efficient use of our scarce resources. Better targeting of humanitarian spending, more coordination among humanitarian organisations and a relentless focus on results are crucial to stretch every dollar, euro or pound to the fullest.
Third, we also need the governments of countries affected by crises to do more so help can reach those who need it at lower costs. Take the example of South Sudan: we have urged the government and the opposition to ease obstacles for humanitarian deliveries and guarantee access to nearly 1.1 million internally displaced people – a task becoming ever more urgent because of the threat of famine resulting from a failed harvest and continuing fighting. Our calls have fallen on deaf ears and now we must airlift aid at 11 times the cost of delivery by land and water.
Last but not least, we must recognise that in this increasingly fragile world, relying only on humanitarian action won't be good enough. It is not sustainable for humanitarians to do all the heavy lifting. There is no humanitarian solution to what has forced these children, women and men to become refugees in the first place. We need coordinated action on the security, development, political and diplomatic fronts to tackle fragility with all the instruments at our disposal.
We must focus our attention and development resources on fragile countries and on communities at highest risk of natural disasters and conflicts. Resilience is more than a buzzword – it is the only way to prevent more suffering and an ever-growing humanitarian bill. Development funds need to be directed more into building up the coping capacities of vulnerable communities and investing in disaster preparedness and conflict prevention, as well as in providing peace-keeping resources promptly to douse the flames of incipient war.
We need all this not only because it is morally right but because it is in our self-interest for refugees who saw their rations cut to know that we stand by them. We know from the surge in the numbers of desperate people risking their lives to arrive on European shores that trouble travels.
Kristalina Georgieva is EU commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response. Follow @KGeorgievaEU on Twitter.
Read more stories like this:
• 10 ways to make humanitarian efforts complement development
• Resilience: meaningless jargon or development solution?
• Five things they tell you about refugees that aren't true
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Typhoon Rammasun: Philippines suffers widespread destruction video report

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Typhoon Rammasun kills 18 in China
Strongest typhoon to hit southern China in 41 years leaves death and destruction in its wake as it heads towards Vietnam

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Typhoon Rammasun puts Philippine disaster preparedness to the test

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Preparations for typhoon Rammasun are under way in the Philippines. Here, a resident of Las Pinas city, south of Manila, reinforces his roof. Photograph: EPAIn June 2013, at the beginning of the rainy season, the Philippine interior secretary announced that the government was aiming for a casualty-free typhoon season. Just five months later, the country was devastated by the deadliest storm in its history.
While the island state struggles to repair the damage wreaked by typhoon Haiyan, which killed more than 6,000 people, preparations have long been under way for the next season. The Philippine meteorological agency, Pagasa, recently announced the beginning of this year's rainy season and warned that 18 typhoons could hit the country by the end of December.
For the country's Climate Change Commission, discussions on how to prepare for the forthcoming year began nearly 12 months in advance. "Both national and local governments are bracing themselves. Typhoon Haiyan was such an enormous event," said the commission's vice-chairman and executive director, Lucile Sering.
The government also started preparing for the typhoon season early, and admitted to learning important lessons from Haiyan, or Yolanda as it is known in the Philippines. "We have learned a lot from typhoon Yolanda. Our prepositioned goods before were not enough, numbering about 20,000 to 30,000 food packs. We are now preparing at least 50,000 food packs," said Corazon Soliman, secretary for social welfare and development.
The arrival this week of typhoon Rammasun, the fiercest storm to threaten the Philippines since Haiyan, is poised to be the first real test of the country's disaster preparedness. The typhoon left at least 10 people dead and knocked out power in many areas on Wednesday but Manila was largely spared the typhoon's 150kph (93mph) wind.
Evacuations began in earnest – ferry services were suspended and schools closed in parts of Luzon island as the category-one storm headed towards the Philppine capital. On a storm scale of one to five, five is the most severe. Haiyan was a category-five "super-typhoon".
With each major storm that hits the Philippines, the majority of funding is usually focused on the relief effort, with not much cash left over to prepare for any future disasters. But non-governmental agencies say this approach is changing.
"Historically, there has been less support for response and intervention, education and child protection because many of the contributions and donations initially go to water, sanitation and health, as far as Unicef is concerned," said Nonoy Fajardo, a Unicef Philippines disaster risk-reduction expert. "For the first time, donor agencies are now more open to support emergency preparedness unlike before when the emphasis was more on emergency response."
Many Haiyan victims died because they failed to evacuate. A large number of people remained in their houses because they were not fully informed on the strength of the incoming typhoon and the consequences of a storm surge.
"No matter how good the system or capability of the government, at the end of the day, it's our people who are exposed to the weather and they have to know," said Alexander Pama, chief undersecretary of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
As a result, a large component of preparation this year has been angled towards education. Training workshops are being offered to every level, from residents to first responders to local government officials. However, with experts warning of stronger typhoons to come, training sessions have had to take on a new element this year, educating people of the "new norms" that the Philippines can expect to experience as climate change causes typhoons to intensify.
"The first thing people need to be educated about is climate change. Filipinos are not new to typhoons, however, what they knew then may not be appropriate to things that are happening right now," Pama said.
Unicef Philippines has a programme on disaster-risk reduction, which recently included climate change adaptation. "This is the first time this part has been established," Fajardo said.
Funding has also poured into data collection. "One of the lessons learned is that the government [local and national] has to gather more data on hazard and risks and then strive to make everyone aware of it," said Roderic Salve, disaster management services manager at the Red Cross.
Project Noah (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards) was set up in 2012 as a monitoring and early warning system. It has collated a series of interactive maps, which show the different areas of vulnerability from natural disasters such as typhoons. It is thus able to anticipate the impact of a hazard in a locality and implement the appropriate preparedness.
The NDRRMC is building a new operations centre, which is likely to be a "game-changer", according to Pama. The new 600sq m nerve centre will improve coordination between the different agencies, using satellite communications with real-time video, voice and data transmission.
The whole project, which will be funded mainly by local and international donors, is expected to cost P250-300m (£3.4-4m) and will be ready in time for next year's rainy season in April.
This year, a major focus has been on the consolidation of different government agency responses during a disaster. "Response differs between people so we need one standardised response," Sering said.
The government has introduced a system called Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment under which disasters are approached in three to four thematic areas: prevention and mitigation; preparedness; response and recovery; and rehabilitation. Each area has a different cluster of agencies acting on the issues, and representatives from each area meet regularly to ensure cohesion.
"The way a typhoon is being looked at this year is different," Pama said. "We are approaching this in a tactical way. Before, everyone looked at it with their respective mandate. There needs to be more emphasis on the right hand knowing what the left hand is doing. We're consolidating the different government groups."

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New 'Plaza-opoly' Board Game Inspired by Iconic Hotel

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What happens when an iconic hotel meets a classic board game? Plaza-opoly. Debuting later this month, the game features Plaza-inspired instructions, playing cards and themed board spaces. Players can challenge one another to become the wealthiest winner by purchasing hotel-branded squares. The board game is the first venture into the game world for the property. It is $60 at and sold The Plaza Boutique. Six game tokens are characters and amenities inspired by The Plaza, including Eloise’s pug dog Weenie, her turtle Skipperdee, a luxury car, a champagne bottle, a tea cup and (The Big) apple. After checking in at the Front Desk, players roll the dice to move around via The Rose Club, The Eloise Suite, The Plaza Food Hall and even Home Alone 2, filmed at the hotel. Players can take their "winnings" straight to the bank and "purchase" their favorite Plaza destinations, such The Champagne Bar, explore "The Great Gatsby" in The Fitzgerald Suite, The Grand Ballroom and The Shinn Murals. Each space has a corresponding Title Deed Card that provides a value and details of each location. Players get cards such as “Order Room Service” or “Carriage Ride in Central Park." Instead of jail, players risk getting sent to Hotel Security. PHOTO: This month, The Plaza Hotel will be introducing its first ever Plaza-opoly board gameYou are using an outdated version of Internet Explorer. Please click here to upgrade your browser in order to comment.
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Space Bins Promise More Overhead In Flight Storage

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Ever found your way to your airplane seat only to find there's no more room for your carry-on bag in the overhead compartment? Yes, answers everyone who has taken a flight, ever. The problem that plagues virtually every flier may be on its way to being solved. Boeing announced its new Space Bins will stow six bags, two more than the current pivot bins installed on Next-Generation 737s. That's based on a standard size carry-on bag measuring 9 x 14 x 22 inches. Space Bins will be an optional feature on all new 737s and 737 MAX aircraft. ‘Sky Whale’ Future of Flight? The Future of Airline Seating? Let’s Hope So Alaska Airlines will be the first airline outfitted with Space Bins. The airline will begin installing Space Bins on all new deliveries as soon as the larger bins become available in late 2015. In addition to holding more bags, the Space Bins have a lower bin lip height, providing "increased visibility into the back of the bins and make bag loading even easier. They're also as easy to close as the current pivot bins," Boeing said. Space Bins are also available for retrofit on in-service Next-Generation 737s. You are using an outdated version of Internet Explorer. Please click here to upgrade your browser in order to comment.
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Watch: Epic Proposal Includes Sky-High Prank

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ABC News | ABC Sports News Copy Frank that a proposal as one Southern California firefighters. -- his girlfriend into a moment she will never forget. Here's how it all happened. Skydiving has been a normal hobby during much of... See More Frank that a proposal as one Southern California firefighters. -- his girlfriend into a moment she will never forget. Here's how it all happened. Skydiving has been a normal hobby during much of Brandon -- been in the -- Now the most -- knows relationship. But -- -- -- popped the big question thousands of feet in the air his girlfriend was shocked as you can see in this video set to the song. First day of my life by bright eyes and okay. What happened next might have been even more shocking. Show me accidentally dropped the ring in midair or at least that's what his girlfriend the real rain was waiting on the grounds. All along. -- She of course said yes later saying she wouldn't have it any other way. As for that fake ring that he dropped. -- -- says he bought it on Amazon just for nine dollars. This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
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Hilarious and Most Hair-Raising Travel Advice Ever

There's an incredible thirst for travel advice. Luckily, the Web is loaded with it, thanks to an array of tips from vacation bloggers, tourism employees and international experts. My advice veers toward the practical, like ways to get through security faster or how to find the cheapest flights. In other words, don't look to me for fashion tips but there's plenty out there. For example, take this blogger's warning for tourists in New York City: "Please do not wear your backpack on your front, you look silly." Then there's Lifehacker's whimsical tip on "How to Design and Sew a Custom Backpack." And this guidance from a news site: "Avoid storms on beach trip." Hard to argue with that. Some advice is hilarious. Some is scary. Much is pretty good. Here are some favorites. Best Scary Wildlife Tip: A U.S. National Park Service warning for visitors to Yellowstone: "Many people think that the reason for most bear attacks is that the bear wants to kill and eat you. In reality this is almost never true!" Uh, does it matter? But do as they say and bone up on "predatory" and "defensive" bear attacks since each requires a different reaction. But the good news is, "More people [are] hurt by bison than by bears each year." Best Etiquette Tip for the White House: Do we really need to be told not to wear a bathing suit when touring the president's home? WikiHow thinks so. The article also suggests using the bathroom before the tour since the White House does not have public restrooms and, "no, you will not be able to use the president's bathroom." Best Nightlife Tips for Los Angeles: If you believe one southern California "survival guide," there isn't much evening action: "Your day will start at 6 and end at 10. LA's a morning town." So much for those (alleged) Hollywood orgies. Best Quirky Tips: The Quirky Travel Guy reminds us that fun stuff is not limited to major cities. He's been all across the U.S. perusing everything from sock monkey statues in Rockford, Ill., to the oddly named Zzyxx Road in Baker, Calif. He's also been to the Grand Canyon and sadly notes that "lots of people have died there" over the years (accidents, medical problems) but don't worry, the park service offers plenty of tips to keep Grand Canyon hikers safe including, "Mules have the right of way." Best Shopping Tip for Venice, Italy: The homepage of the Visit Venice Italy site prominently displays a section called "Useful Addresses" and lists twelve of them. Number one is "Consulates." Number two is "Shoemaker." That's what I call getting your priorities straight. Best Unusual Las Vegas Tip: The VitalVegas blog recommends the Cupcake ATM at the Sprinkles store. Put your money in the machine ($4.59) and get a customized cupcake. "Yes, that's one expensive cupcake," writes the Vegas blogger, tongue firmly in cheek, "but you can’t put a price on a unique Las Vegas experience." And to think some visitors go for the gambling. Best Destination Wedding Tip for Guests: An article warns guests at Caribbean ceremonies not to complain about the heat and humidity but if it's that uncomfortable, there is some good news. The writer claims anyone who braves the heat and spends all that money to show up at a Caribbean wedding need not bring a gift. Which may be big news to the bride and groom! Best Attitude Tip about New York City: Don't call it the Big Apple, don't stop in the middle of the sidewalk, and don't be surprised by the attitude, or so says Time magazine: "If you're treated rudely here, don't take it personally. It's just a local's way of welcoming you to the city." A final fashion tip: "Save wearing your new 'I Heart NY' hat until you're back home." You are using an outdated version of Internet Explorer. Please click here to upgrade your browser in order to comment.
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Dropping in on the 'door to hell' in pictures

 Photograph: George Verschoor/National Geographic Channels The crater has become a minor tourist attraction in Turkmenistan, though Kourounis says he didn't have any trouble with crowds of people turning up to watch him. Only a few "tourist outfits" and a couple of people with camels passed by."Once you're there – if you can find the place – you can drive up, get out of your car, walk over to the edge, and jump right in, if you want," he says. "The choice is yours. And I'm so far the only person who has actually done that".
Photograph: George Verschoor/National Geographic Channels Kourounis compared his experience of descending into the pit with what it might feel like to land on another planet. He describes it as a "coliseum of fire" made up of thousands of small flames, which together sound as loud as a jet engine.
Photograph: George Verschoor/National Geographic Channels "You feel very, very small and very vulnerable in a place like that," says Kourounis.
Flying over fire Kourounis and the team were happy with the results of their expedition, and believe it may even help to inform potential space missions in the future searching for signs of life outside of our solar system.
"We did find some bacteria living at the bottom that are very comfortable living in those high temperatures, and the most important thing was that they were not found in any of the surrounding soil outside of the crater," he says. "Outside of our solar system, there are planets that do resemble the conditions inside this pit, and [knowing that] can help us expand the number of places where we can confidently start looking for life outside of our solar system."
Photograph: George Verschoor/National Geographic Channels Turkmenistan is one of the most isolated countries in the world, yet its fledgling tourism industry hopes to capitalise on crater as an attraction for thrillseekers. Because it’s not fenced off, visitors can stand right on the edge of the crater, despite the safety hazards.
Photograph: George Verschoor/National Geographic Channels
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Washington wildfires destroy 100 homes and displace hundreds

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Residents of Pateros on Friday survey the ruins of their home, which was consumed by the Carlton Complex Fire, in Washington. Photograph: David Ryder/Reuters
A wildfire raging east of Washington state's Cascade Mountains has destroyed about 100 homes and displaced hundreds of people, an emergency official said on Saturday, with cooler weather not expected to provide relief for another day.
The four-blaze Carlton Complex fire destroyed homes in and around the town of Pateros, about 120 miles (193 km) north-east of Seattle, said Mark Clemens, a spokesman for the Washington emergency management division.
The town's 650 people were under mandatory evacuation orders, though some began returning on Friday to survey the charred remains of their homes and belongings. "Today is still a little bit dicey," Clemens said.
He said temperatures were not expected to drop or humidity rise until Sunday to help the 625 firefighters battling the blaze which has whipped through areas of timber and grass.
The Carlton Complex fire was triggered by lightning strikes on Monday. It has since burned more than 100,000 acres (40,500 hectares) of parched vegetation. The fire is among more than two dozen burning from southern California to Idaho as drought-parched western states enter their annual fire season.
The biggest fire, the lightning-sparked Buzzard Complex, has burned about 368,000 acres of rangeland in eastern Oregon and is about a fifth contained, said Rita Dyer, a fire spokeswoman.
Washington and Oregon have declared states of emergency as wildfires scorched thousands of acres, destroying homes, outbuildings and crops.

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Typhoon Rammasun makes landfall in China - video

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Typhoon Rammasun kills 18 in China
Strongest typhoon to hit southern China in 41 years leaves death and destruction in its wake as it heads towards Vietnam

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Why Spirit Airlines Wants to 'Hug the Haters'

ABC News | ABC Sports News Copy Don't be a hater. Or do, and and get rewarded. That's the latest message from Spirit Airlines to its many, many critics. But the low-coast carrier Americans love to hate thinks it can embrace all the airline negativity out there and turn it into something positive: free airline miles. As the airline puts it, "We're going to hug the haters." World's Cheapest Airline Is One You've Probably Never Heard of The airline will give away miles up to one billion. Travelers need to go to HateThousandMiles.com and vent on Spirit -- or any other carrier -- in 140 characters or less. The payoff is 8,000 miles. And while that will get you "well on your way" to a free flight, the airline said, the minimum number of miles needed for a free flight is 10,000. The promotional miles can be combined with previously earned miles on Spirit. "Airlines mess up -- but at least Spirit is willing to admit it," the promotional page reads. "We know many customers love us and our approach to air travel," Spirit CEO Ben Baldanza said. We're confident once the haters see how we're different, and how much money they can save, they'll learn to love us, as well." Because as soon as travelers understand that Spirit offers "a cheap seat for a cheap-a**," as the promotional video points out, maybe the mean tweets will stop. You are using an outdated version of Internet Explorer. Please click here to upgrade your browser in order to comment.
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Typhoon Rammasun kills at least 17 in China

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Link to video: Typhoon Rammasun makes landfall in China
A typhoon believed to be the strongest storm to hit southern China in four decades has killed 17 people after claiming 94 lives in the Philippines, officials said.
Typhoon Rammasun killed nine people and left five missing after hitting Hainan island on Friday off China's southern coast, said an official at the ministry of water resources' flood control department said.
Eight others died later in the Guangxi region as the storm ploughed into the mainland on its way north to Vietnam.
The typhoon is the strongest to hit southern China in 41 years, according to the China Meteorological Administration. Wind speeds reached 216kmh (130 miles per hour), with the storm knocking down power lines and damaging buildings, Xinhua news agency said.
Authorities in southern China ordered the highest level of alert and suspended hundreds of buses, trains and flights across the region.
The typhoon had wreaked havoc earlier in the week in the northern Philippines, leaving 94 people dead.
The death toll added to a bleak weekend for China as on Saturday a truck loaded with flammable liquid collided with a bus on a highway in the south of the country, killing at least 43 people. Xinhua said the truck collided with the bus around 3am on the Hukun Expressway in Hunan province, with the truck's driver and passenger among the dead. Five people were also injured.

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Wildfire in southern Oregon destroys homes as lightning sparks more blazes

A southern Oregon wildfire has destroyed six homes and 14 other buildings, and dozens of additional blazes ignited after thousands of lightning strikes lashed the state.
In central Oregon, a wildfire at the confluence of the Ochoco National Forest and ranchland has prompted the evacuation of numerous campgrounds and nearly a dozen ranch homes, Wheeler County Sheriff Chris Humphreys said Monday night. Local fire departments were protecting homes.
The Bailey Butte fire also temporarily closed a 2-mile section of U.S. Highway 26 about 13 miles west of Mitchell, the Oregon Transportation Department said.
The destructive Moccasin Hill fire — named for a longstanding subdivision — began Sunday near the ranching town of Sprague River, about 25 miles northeast of Klamath Falls, fire spokeswoman Erica Hupp said Monday. Many residents keep horses and cattle on plots of 3 to 5 acres, and neighbors have been stepping in to shelter both stock and pets, she said.
The blaze has burned across about 4 square miles, fire officials said, and caused more than 100 people to evacuate before the threat subsided and many returned home.
Another fire spokeswoman, Tina O'Donnell, said 231 structures remained threatened Monday and one minor injury was reported. She did not know if the injury was suffered by a resident or a firefighter.
Walter "Butch" Browning, who operates a general store in Sprague River, said the flames reached the driveway at his home Sunday afternoon, forcing his wife to "get out of there" with a computer, a change of clothes, medications and the dogs. The wind changed direction, he said, sparing his place. He slept in his own bed, confident there were enough firefighters between his house and the blaze that has left burning stumps.
Wildfires are an annual concern for the community, Browning said. He has been evacuated at least four times in his 22 years on the property, and once lost a home, he said.
"I had two houses at one time; I have one now. I'm down to my last house," he quipped. "It's the price you pay for living in paradise, I guess."
A shelter for displaced residents has been set up at the Sprague River Community Center. Only one person spent the night, but more people filtered in Monday to take advantage of food and other services, said Julie Miller, spokeswoman for the American Red Cross Cascades Region.
The fire is believed to have been started by humans, though how it began is still under investigation. It is zero percent contained.
"Our objectives are clear; we will minimize the growth of the fire by utilizing direct attack efforts wherever possible," said incident commander Chris Cline.
Meanwhile, lightning struck Oregon more than 6,000 times Sunday and Monday, touching off small fires by the dozens on both sides of the Cascades. Such a barrage can be expected to cause numerous "sleeper" or holdover fires in coming days, said Robin DeMario, spokeswoman for the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center.
Elsewhere in the West, authorities in Northern California say a wildfire started by exhaust from a truck at a marijuana cultivation site led to new evacuations Monday. It was not clear how many homes were included in the new evacuation order in the rural Shasta County community of Igo.
Fire officials previously said the Bully Fire, which started on Friday, was threatening 15 homes after destroying eight homes and 10 other structures.
A 27-year-old Sacramento man, Freddie Alexander Smoke III, was arrested on suspicion of causing the blaze. Fire crews have been hindered by steep terrain, dry conditions and triple-digit heat.
In Idaho, the Boise County Sheriff's Office asked residents of about 60 homes east of Alder Creek in Garden Valley to voluntarily evacuate because of the Calder Fire. It's one of about 20 blazes sparked by lightning across the Boise National Forest during a storm Sunday night.
Firefighters got a better handle Monday on a wildfire burning in central Washington.
The Mills Canyon fire was 34 percent contained by Monday night, fire officials said. It remains about 35 square miles. The area near Entiat saw a few lightning strikes Monday but no new fire starts, fire spokesman Vladimir Steblina said.
Residents of three dozen homes have been told to evacuate. Officials notified residents of about 500 other homes to watch fire updates and be prepared to leave.

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Typhoon Rammasun kills 18 in China

Damage to a building after typhoon Rammasun made land in Haikou, capital of Hainan province in southern China. Photograph: Xia Yifang/Xinhua Press/Corbis
The strongest typhoon to hit southern China in four decades has killed 18 people, according to the government, while in the Philippines the death toll from the storm rose to 94.
Typhoon Rammasun killed nine people and left five missing after hitting Hainan island off China's southern coast on Friday, the civil affairs ministry said in a statement. Nine others died later in the Guangxi region as the storm plowed into the mainland on its way towards Vietnam.
The typhoon is the strongest to hit southern China in 41 years, according to the China Meteorological Administration. Wind speeds reached 130 miles (216km) an hour, with the storm knocking down power lines and damaging buildings, Xinhua said.
Authorities in southern China ordered the highest level of alert and suspended hundreds of buses, trains and flights across the region.
The typhoon had wreaked havoc earlier in the week in the northern Philippines, leaving 94 people dead.

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These Are the World's Weirdest Hotel Jobs

A good hotel responds to the every whim of its patrons. A great one anticipates them. As resorts aim to attract choosy travelers, some have begun to offer unique amenities to please increasingly demanding guests. From boating butlers to tequila sommeliers, these unlikely staffers are on hand to ensure seamless stays.Retail Therapist - The Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & CasinoStruggling to break bad shopping habits? Eager to overhaul your life, er, wardrobe? The Sheraton's designated retail therapist is on hand to help. The sartorial soothsayer creates customized shopping itineraries and maps, offers insider tips, and scoops local secrets.Popsicle Man - Hilton Los Cabos Gold & Beach ResortWe all have fond memories of sugary-sweet ices and beach-side slushees. Hoping to satisfy our cherry-flavored nostalgia, Hilton Los Cabos Gold & Beach Resort opened up a unique staff position. The hotel's Popsicle Man not only presents his eponymous creations to guests at 3:00pm daily, but also offers adult-friendly updates of the old-school treat. We hear his fruit kebabs are especially beloved.Lead Mermaid - Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach HotelAccording to Rooms Controller Shalini Sankar, the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale has kept a mermaid on staff since 2010. The acting amphibian showcases her talents at biweekly theatrical show and teaches underwater performance training classes to aspiring mermaids. "[People] come here mostly for the mermaid show," said Sankar.Boating Butler - The Westin St. John Resort & VillasAt the Westin St. John Resort & Villas, this cruising concierge plans such unique outings as scavenger hunts and scuba-diving expeditions for thrill-seeking sailors.Tequila Sommelier - CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta ResortGuided by an on-site sommelier, guests at the CasaMagna Marriot in Puerto Vallarta have learned that "gulping" is not the only way to drink tequila. This staff member ensures that imbibers gain an understanding of the alcoholic beverage and hosts educational sessions to complement the resort's native agave production.Engagement Concierge - Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & SpaGail Wargo, the director of sales and marketing at the Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa, told ABC News that "a number of requests from folks who have vacation here" prompted the appointment of the hotel's "Engagement Concierge." The so-called "Love Doctor" advises on unique proposals and helps orchestrate creative ways to pop the question.You are using an outdated version of Internet Explorer. Please click here to upgrade your browser in order to comment. blog comments powered by Disqus
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Top Amusement Parks in the Nation for 2014

Summer's prime time for amusement park-centered vacations, but how does your favorite stack up? Choosing where to make your summer fun memories shouldn't be left to chance, especially with the cost of amusement park admission going up every year. If TripAdvisor's just-released list of the nation's top 10 amusement parks for 2014 is to be believed, it seems you need look no further than Orlando for a great theme park vacation, where six of the top 10 parks are located. The list is based on traveler reviews gathered over a 12-month period. But a visit to an amusement park -- or even just a one-day pass -- doesn't come cheap. Even the least-expensive park has a one-day adult admission (if purchased at gate for a single-day admission) price of $60. The most expensive? It's actually the number-one theme park in the nation, but it costs a pretty penny: $399. It is, however, an all-inclusive price: including food, drinks and equipment rentals, and 14 days unlimited access to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica. Any guesses which park was named tops in the country despite the high price? Discovery Cove, Orlando, Florida, $399Universal's Islands of Adventure, Orlando, Florida, $96Magic Kingdom, Orlando, Florida, $99Disney's Hollywood Studios, Orlando, Florida, $94Disneyland Park, Anaheim, California, $96 (single-day admission includes entrance to both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.)Disney's Animal Kingdom, Orlando, Florida, $94SeaWorld Orlando, Orlando, Florida, $80Cedar Point Amusement Park, Sandusky, Ohio, $59Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles, $92Busch Gardens, Tampa, Florida, $95Editor's Note: Disney is the parent company of ABC News. You are using an outdated version of Internet Explorer. Please click here to upgrade your browser in order to comment. blog comments powered by Disqus
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Gourmet Baby Food Latest Luxury Travel Trend

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At luxury resorts, the tiniest guests are getting top-notch food. Never mind that these (mostly) toothless tots aren't exactly gourmands. Lately, luxury resorts are touting their gourmet, organic, made-to-order baby foods to the far more discerning: their paying parents. The latest to launch a farm-to-table baby food program is Cabo's Esperanza, An Auberge Resort. The upscale hotel uses local farms and the resort's gardens to make items like baked sweet corn and parsnip carrot, organic butternut squash roasted with cinnamon and banana, avocado and agave. Potty Trainer for Hire Is Latest in Outsourced Parenting Photos: Summer Vacation: The Best Family Beaches On the tony Caribbean island of St. Barth, the Isle de France resort's “Pour les Bébés” menu offers custom blends of fish, meat, vegetables and potatoes. In the Dominican Republic, the Eden Roc at Cap Cana in Punta Cana offers a VIBabies package which promises, in addition to swim diapers and free babysitting, a baby food menu "featuring homemade dishes made from fresh, organic ingredients." The resort said there was no pre-set baby menu, but that guests could request any combination of preferred ingredients to have the food customized for their little one. And while singling out their gourmet baby food offerings may be a new thing for resorts, it's possible the hotel you're staying in on your next vacation will do this for you with just a simple request. But it's worth inquiring ahead of time: Some properties -- and individual restaurants for that matter -- won't even heat up a bottle for baby for fear of being held liable if it's too hot. But all this made-to-order-ness for baby food isn't inexpensive. Starting rates at Esperanza, for example, are $695 per night. And Eden Roc is part of the Relais & Châteaux collection of luxury hotels and resorts. You are using an outdated version of Internet Explorer. Please click here to upgrade your browser in order to comment.
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Giant 100 metre-wide crater appears in isolated Russian region of Yamal

The mysterious 100 metre-wide crater filmed by a helicopter passing over the remote region of Yamal, in northern Russia. Photograph: The Siberian TimesResearchers are to investigate a giant hole that has appeared in one of Russia's most isolated northernmost regions, state television reported.
It was unclear what had caused the crater, about 100 metres in diameter.
It was filmed from the air in Yamal – which means "the end of the Earth" in the local Nenets language – where temperatures plummet to -50C and the sun barely rises in winter.
An expedition to collect soil and water samples from the site was planned for Thursday, with two researchers from the Siberian-based Centre for the Study of the Arctic and a scientist from Russia's Academy of Science, state news outlet Vesti reported.
TV Zvezda, broadcast by Russia's Defence Ministry, quoted the person who took the video footage as saying the hole appeared to have been caused from below and that the darker soil around its top indicated the effect of high temperatures.
Yamal, inhabited by indigenous reindeer herders, is one of Russia's richest regions in natural gas. The hole was found near the Bovanenkovo gas field, leading to speculation that it could have been caused by an underground explosion.

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Comprehensive chaos until July 2014 make abstract symbolic healing painting

Comprehensive chaos until July 2014 make abstract symbolic healing painting. ...
Comprehensive chaos until July 2014 make abstract symbolic healing painting.
The constant bombardment of so many ideas, so many colors, so many thoughts and so little time, so much to paint, then came the understanding which embrace the chaos, to accept it as part of the spiritual journey.
A step at a time, the painting has been with lots of patience, the urge to splash the canvas and ready has many times been curbed for better.
I paint very quickly and like healing works with much energy to fill, this painting has lots of healing energies.
It will come as a symbolic abstract painting but there is an unknown factor, which I can move on to the next step.
Until then, take care and God bless you, greetings from Rizwana!
www.razarts.com
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Incoming IAB star vs standard IAB - phase 2

Rising stars vs. standard IAB phase 2 study of...
Rising stars vs. standard IAB phase 2 study results
Logistics 7 ad units publishers 5 4 advertisers 5 agencies 4 ad serving partner Impressions1 4 million
Ad formats studied. Publishers | Advertisers rising stars of IAB standard publishers advertisers portrait format 300 x 250 regulator 728 x 90 Sidekick Billboard Filmstrip pushdown (not tested) 2
Ad formats studied. Publishers | Advertisers agencies ad-serving-Analytics-Partner3
Standard IAB interactivity metrics standard interaction Metricsthe percent of users, the purpose the frame a ad assessing 0.5 SecondsUniversal interaction he average height of the user pretend you spent for the AdUniversal interaction Time4
Standard IAB | 300 x 250300 x 250 | Jeep 300 x 250 | Westin Hotels & resorts 300 x 250 | AT & T 5
Standard IAB | 728 x 90 728 x 90. Jeep 728 x 90. Westin Hotels & resorts 728 x 90. Axe6
rising stars | ?lmstrip 300 x 600 | Jeep 300 x 600 | Westin Hotels & resorts 300 x 600 | AT - & T7
rising stars | Sidekick 300 x 600 | Jeep Jeep | Expanded8
rising stars | Control 970x90CollapsedExpanded AXE9
rising stars | Portrait format 300 x 1050 300 x 1050 Westin Hotels Jeep10
rising stars | Poster-970 x 250 Jeep 970 x 250 Westin Hotels & resorts 970 x 250 AT & T11
Universal interaction rate comparison rising stars Excel in universal interaction rate 9.6% 3.9% 12
Universal interaction time compare rising stars Excel in universal interaction time 5.8 seconds 3.9 seconds13
Universal interaction rate comparison best rising star vs best 728 x 90 or 300 x 250-2.1 X 14
Universal interaction time comparison best rising star vs best 728 x 90 or 300 x 250 2 X 15
Heatmaps
Standard IAB | 300 x 250300 x 250 | Jeep 300 x 250 | Westin Hotels & resorts 300 x 250 | AT & T 17
Standard IAB | 300 x 250 heatmaps300x250 | Jeep 300 x 250 | Westin Hotels & resorts 300 x 250 | AT & T 18
Standard IAB | 728 x 90 728 x 90. Jeep 728 x 90. Westin Hotels & resorts 728 x 90. Axe19
Standard IAB | 728 x 90 728 x 90. Jeep 728 x 90. Westin Hotels & resorts 728 x 90. Axe20
rising stars | ?lmstrip 300 x 600 | Jeep 300 x 600 | Westin Hotels & resorts 300 x 600 | AT - & T21
rising stars | ?lmstrip heatmaps 300 x 600 | Jeep 300 x 600 | Westin Hotels & resorts 300 x 600 | AT - & T22
rising stars | Sidekick 300 x 600 | Jeep Jeep | Expanded23
rising stars | Sidekick of heatmaps 300 x 600 | Jeep Jeep | Expanded24
rising stars | Control 970x90CollapsedExpanded AXE25
rising stars | Slider heatmaps 970x90CollapsedExpanded AXE26
rising stars | Portrait format 300 x 1050 300 x 1050 Westin Hotels Jeep27
rising stars | Portrait of heatmaps 300 x 1050 300 x 1050 Westin Hotels Jeep28
rising stars | Poster-970 x 250 Jeep 970 x 250 Westin Hotels & resorts 970 x 250 AT & T29
rising stars | 970 x 250 Billboard heatmaps Jeep 970 x 250 Westin Hotels & resorts 970 x 250 AT & T30
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Woman Forced Off Flight Over Phone

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ABC News | ABC-Sport-Nachrichten Kopie A Frau wurde gewaltsam von einem US-Airways-Flug am Sonntag entfernt, für die Ablehnung der Flug Besatzung Anweisungen befolgen. Ein großer Teil, was zu geschehen scheint gefilmt von einem anderen Fluggast Howard Woods und in YouTube gepostet wurde (Warnung: grafische Sprache).
Der Flug, US Airways 906, musste für Charlotte, N.C., aus Fort Lauderdale, Florida Laut einem Bericht von ABC News von Broward County Sheriff's Office erhalten Passagier Lindsay Bien-Aime weigerte sich, Flugbegleiterin Anweisungen vor Abflug und "widerspenstigen wurde." Der Pilot trägt die Frau aus dem Flugzeug. Trotz Bestellungen von Broward County-Offiziere, die den Flug an Bord hatte, Bien-Aime "weiterhin weigern, das Flugzeug zu verlassen" und "wurde wütend, schrie und schrie Obszönitäten."
ABC News Versuche, Bien-Aime oder einen Vertreter zu erreichen waren nicht erfolgreich.
Auf dem vierminütigen Weltlichkeit-Schnürung-Video ist eine Frau schreien nicht nur auf die Offiziere, die versuchen, sie aus dem Flug entfernen, sondern auch auf die Passagiere um sie herum hören.
"Ich werde halten diese ganze [Kraftausdruck] Flugzeug, die Frau kann sagen gehört werden."Interessiert mich nicht wo Leute hingehen müssen."
Unsere Liste der weltweit schlimmsten Flugpassagiere Bien-Aime hinzugefügt werden sollte? Check it out und teilen Sie uns in den Kommentaren unten.
In dem Video, die Frau ertönt wiederholt beantragen, dass eine Flugbegleiterin kommen zu ihrem Sitz und erklären, was sie getan hatte falsch, bevor sie das Flugzeug verlassen würde. Eine andere Stimme kann gehört werden, sagen, sie "auf dem Handy die ganze Zeit gewesen."
Wenn die Frau noch rühren würde nicht, die Offiziere versuchten ihr Handschellen und ein Handgemenge folgte. Zwei weitere Menschen, die Passagiere zu sein schien kam die Hilfe der Offiziere.
Laut Polizeibericht versucht Bien-Aime "zerkratzt, getreten und gewaltsam Widerstand" ihr aus dem Flugzeug zu entfernen.
Sie wurde in drei Punkten angeklagt, inklusive Batterie, Ruhestörung und Widerstand gegen die Festnahme mit Gewalt.
Der Vorfall kommt auf den Fersen eines anderen in dem eine Gruppe von 100 Studenten waren begann einen Flug AirTran wenn einige davon nicht Flugbegleiterin-Anforderungen an mobile Geräte eingelagert entsprechen würde.
US Airways hat nicht reagiert, ABC-News-Bitte um Kommentar.
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On the test bench: Lowest flight price tag

ABC News | ABC Sports News Copy of the real team is back with a new study that determine, exactly how many days before your flight should you a plane ticket for the best offer to buy. ABC now Clayton Sandell. Reporter: It's the... More the real team is back with a new study that determine exactly how many days before your flight should you a plane ticket for the best offer to buy. ABC now Clayton Sandell. Reporter: It is the constant aspiration armchair travel agencies, search for airline ticket prices, the high in the sky float not. Now only crunched cheapair.com has proves to be the numbers are finding that the best time to book in the average about one to three months before your trip, is 54 consecutive days in advance but the best time to more than 4 million fares. We got him to the test. Okay, we are looking for minute for a last flight from New York to Los Angeles leaving tomorrow, and we get a price of $316, but search 54 days from now, it dramatically decreases only $154, but the 54-day rule doesn't always work. Popular destinations to sell fast, so there are fewer deals, for example, Florida during spring break and the best time for this Thanksgiving and Christmas flights booked, turns out in June. Occasionally, you are likely to win the lottery, but you have a strategy that says that you will win every time and every trip. It's like a trip to Las Vegas. The House always wins. Reporter: But looking wiser, experts say all that leads to real money. Clayton Sandell, ABC News, Washington. This transcript is automatically generated and may be not 100% accurate.
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On the test bench: Summer flight DOS and Don'ts

ABC News | ABC Sports News Copy save money on summer holiday flights, here are some simple do's and don'ts that will help you there. This is Rick--for ABC News. Buy flight on Tuesday. Tuesday 15 Eastern time... More save money on summer holiday flights, here are some simple do's and don'ts that will help you there. This is Rick--for ABC News. Buy flight on Tuesday. Tuesdays at 15 Eastern time be exactly that--the most deals to choose from. Don't shop too early for domestic travel. If you you probably too much pay your tickets more than three months prior to departure and for international travel can one buy for approximately five months, before you head. Not you too late - shop-domestic tickets at least three weeks prior to departure for international travel about a month and a half before the head out. Be flexible fly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays to help you save money-historically the cheapest days to fly. Was not so picky. Non-stop flights and small regional airports can teurer-- subsequent flights and the major hub airports. Comparison of routes and airports, and you could save much money. Eventually travel with only wear if possible avoid charges and the possible loss back expensive bag. Plus no waiting on the carousel can only... directly from the airport, and let's start this summer fun. Follow these commandments and prohibitions, then you extra vacation can begin in your pocket a few dollars. This is Rick sing news for ABC. Note. This transcript is automatically generated and may be not 100% accurate.
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Museum stay for adults to

Why should the kids have all the fun?
The incredibly popular "night at the Museum" program at the American Museum of natural history while it is aimed at children, T-Rex-sized fun for adults also. But the Museum has decided to adults need a night, all their own, complete with champagne and jazz.
Sleeping arrangements are still a cot under the giant blue whale in the Hall of ocean life but give no ideas, as soon as the lights go out.
The adult version of Museum night must in addition to the sleeping arrangements, similar to the children's version. There is still the possibility for hiking in the vicinity of empty halls of the Museum and see the spiders alive exhibition, for example.
WATCH: Real-life night at the Museum
What is different? The above mentioned champagne reception and music of the 12th night jazz trio. There is no story, but a midnight-result of the dark universe. There is also a three-course menu available (dinner in the family version is purchased in the cafeteria).
An interesting note: no Pajamas on this overnight stay allowed. Not come back thoughts. The Museum simply draws guests to wear "comfortable sleeping clothes" instead.
He finds first adult night Aug. 1. The evening will cost $375 per person and guests must be 21 years or older.
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11 beautiful views of 11 beautiful hotel spas

Also during the adventure outside the city we love - a chance for several R & are, so we book a spa service almost always to treat ourselves. While we can most probably enjoy a massage or facial treatment, there is something to say for a Hotel Spa, that is really luxurious and stunning.
Some of the prächtigsten we've seen are particularly inspiring because they offer beautiful views of their natural environment. So, before you pure relaxation close your eyes and drift off during the treatment, take in this stunning view of... of this impressive Hotel Spa 11 11.
On a beautiful beach on the tiny island of Lanai this four seasons is one of the most Luxe property in Hawaii. Considering the remote location which to no surprise that the hotel draws pairs and one of the upscale spa the most important romantic draw as well as. The spa features Red Cedar dry heat saunas, eucalyptus steam rooms and Rainforest showers, but its outdoor massage Cabana overlooking the Pacific Ocean is its most beautiful amenities.
Arenal Kioro suites and Spa takes full advantage of its natural environment: rooms, restaurant, pool and Spa offer stunning views of the Arenal Vulkan. Wellness services include individual bathing rituals - with items such as chocolate, milk and wine, and treatments for couples, but the outstanding feature is the mineral-rich volcanic thermal springs.
This renovated Ranch Tucson is the oldest resort and one of its most popular. Outdoor activities are plentiful at the upscale property offers three saline swimming pools, horseback riding and hiking, hiking, volleyball, basketball and eight tennis courts. So offers its lucky, westward look also a beautiful spa, perfect for relaxing after an active day. With a focus on therapeutic herbs and purifying mud right on their doorstep, the Spa offers also desert views, which an al fresco terrace treatment can be.
Opened in the year 2000, was the Anse Chastanet is one of the first estates in St. Lucia on eco-luxury design focus consciously avoid technology such as TV, telephone, air conditioning and Wi-Fi. The hotel back-to the natural vibe extends to the Spa. Offers daily yoga classes and relaxing treatments, Spa offers indoor treatment rooms and an outdoor massage cabin, which allows guests at a glance on the Caribbean Beach and Anse Chastanet can enjoy a massage or aromatherapy session.
The 290-room Monterey Plaza is so close to the Ocean as it gets: built on pillars above the water, it offers an ocean experience, as do few other hotels in the area. The spa facilities sit on the top floor and - together with a long list of available treatments such as massages, wraps, facial and manicure - offer beautiful views of Monterey Bay from the rooftop Jacuzzis.
Undoubtedly one of the most prestigious hotels in St. Barts, lies this exclusive 15-Villa luxury resort surrounded by 28 hectares of lush natural hills and on the beach. Hotel Le Toiny Spa takes full advantage of its original location with numerous treatment rooms, outdoor showers and courtyards, overlooking the ocean.
GoldenEye is Jamaica's trendiest and most luxurious resort. It is also one of the islands of historischsten, as the former home of Ian Fleming and the hideaway in which the author described all 14 of his James Bond novels. Today the property includes a stunning tree house Spa, consisting of from three open-air treatment rooms overlooking the resort peaceful lagoon. Guests can kayak, if inclined to even out of their huts in the dock.
This rather similar to "Inn" in Carolina Lowcountry, extensive grounds offers a one-of-a-kind, combines the uniquely traditional southern charm and almost unearthly beauty. Moss, which can all be seen from the highly acclaimed spa draped winding rivers, misty swamps and old Oaks, with wispy Spanish. A picturesque walk bridge separates from the rest of the Resort Spa to ensure peace.
Grand Solmar land's end resort & Spa is located before the essential backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and a massive natural rock formation that hugs the resort. The resort features a spa area (with cabanas on the beach massage) at land's end terrace overlooking the sea. The views are truly breathtaking and a long list of treatments, of which many tropical ingredients are meant to soothe and rejuvenate, welcomes guests have plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind.
One of the few true mega resorts in Southern California, the 100-acre, 582-room Terranea in Rancho Palos Verdes offers a range of functions that is unmatched among Los Angeles-area properties, including a world-class spa. With over 50,000 square meters indoor and outdoor swimming pool, the Spa offers views of the Pacific Ocean from numerous treatment rooms, which come complete with balcony.
Access via a 30-minute boat ride from Providenciales, the definition of rest is the 1,000-acre all-inclusive resort on a private island. Tons of wellness-oriented services offered, has a yoga room, a spa garden with Jacuzzis, a Pilates Studio and nine treatment rooms, views over the North Caicos Channel and the surrounding wetlands. One of the most popular treatments is its signature COMO Shambhala bath includes a scrub, a bath and a massage.
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Cruise ships, ordered by customer satisfaction

Despite the year's high-profile problems on the high seas, the cruise remains a popular way to holiday. And the most Cruiser --four by five - report overall satisfaction with their cruise to the JD powers 2013 Cruise Line satisfaction report.
Disney Cruise Line highest ranked report 824 in customer satisfaction with a score of 871 (on a 1,000 point scale), significantly higher than the average and results especially in the entertainment and food factors, according to the report. Royal Caribbean International ranks second with a score of 838 and performs particularly well in service. Holland America Line series and third at 835, with top marks in service.
Disney is the parent company of ABC News and Disney Cruise Line.
Photos: 2012 the best cruise ships
Only two cruise lines was not the report average: Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line.
You see why the new Norwegian breakaway a game-changer for the cruise industry.
Price is the driving factor behind most people (53 percent why), to book a cruise with a particular brand, while 39 percent choose based on previous experience with a brand. The average price for a person is $1.628 and $2,330 for a group of two to four.
And while the majority of the Kreuzer--80 percent-report satisfaction with the cruise experience, almost every fifth customer experiencing a problem on their cruises, according to the report.
"To set the bar higher, which focus industry the must experience tailored to almost 20 percent of the passengers, the a problem with their cruise line," said Ramez Faza, senior account manager of global travel and hospitality practice at J.D. power. "Cruise lines need to understand the causes of unsatisfied customers and determine what return will motivate."
Shipping lines to satisfaction (average value is 824) maps:
Disney cruise line 871
Royal Caribbean International, 838
Holland America line, 835
Celebrity Cruises, 828
Princess Cruises, 826
Norwegian cruise line, 818
Carnival cruise line, 810
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Hotel is home to four generations of a family weddings

Call it a family tradition. Not Sunday dinner or holiday every year in the same place. Instead four generations of this Milwaukee family, the most important day of your life - your wedding-spend in the same hotel.
It is a first for the historical Pfister Hotel, where about 70 weddings take place every year. The hotel said, while she got married three generations of families in the hotel, a fourth marked 29 June 2014-wedding of Andrea (winter) Kitsis and Robert Kitsis first generation celebrated their wedding at the property.
The Kitsis couple had their ceremony at the Hotel Imperial Ballroom and reception in the Grand Ballroom; the same room as their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents. "They have our travel you do this day even more special made", said Susan Winter, the mother of the bride, married at the hotel in 1979.
Pictured above are the couple, started the tradition: Morris & Dorothy Lee, at the hotel in 1924, married. The hotel general manager Paul ohm, estimates that the cost of a wedding the Pfister in the 1920s years was approximately $500.

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Photo: here. The exterior of the historic hotel Pfister, to place a wedding four generations of a family. In the image below the grandparents of Andrea Kitsis, just married bride are Charles & Bernalee winter. A wedding day share with the new couple: June 29. In the winter, wedding her granddaughter celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary.
Charles Winter is 91 years old and according to Susan Winter, mother of the bride, has been saying for the last 10 years, "" I want to be there, to Andreas wedding dance. ""

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Photo: June 29, 1948: Charles & Bernalee (parents of Bruce) winter married The Pfister Hotel. Here are married at the hotel on July 3, 1979, the bride's parents, Bruce and Susan Winter. The bride and groom was a special, the parents and grandparents to honor.

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Photo: July 3, 1979: Bruce & Susan Winter (parents of Andrea) married the Pfister Hotel. Finally, the bridal couple, Andrea (winter) Kitsis & Robert Kitsis. The hotel said the average spending on a wedding in the hotel is between $15 - $25.000., "we knew that our wedding was determined the Pfister; It is more wonderful family tradition so special for this", said Andrea Kitsis.

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Photo: June 29, 2014: the Pfister Hotel married Andrea (winter) Kitsis & Robert Kitsiswere. You are using an outdated version of Internet Explorer. Click here to update your browser to take position.
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A Guide to the nation's favorite attractions

You can breathe easy. Summer kick not officially until Saturday-off what, that you means enough time to plan a seasonal run. But before you book a spontaneous European trip, consider a trip to the landmark destinations on both sides of the Atlantic.
TripAdvisor is determined to ensure that you see only the best. The travel Web site of 2014 travelers' Choice Awards announced this week and selected top 10 attractions in the nation.
As July approaches, we take a closer look on the must-see destinations bound, feel to help as a patriot.
While the fields and monuments the main attractions of this outstanding national park, the visitor center has much to offer. Be sure to see the massive Gettysburg Cyclorama. Painted by Paul Dominique Philippoteaux, the canvas brings to life the brutal battle.
Built to commemorate to the 16th President, the monument is a cultural touchstone. Martin Luther King Jr. has his speech "I have a dream" his steps in the dog days of summer in 1963.
The bridge itself is icon, but the views of the Bay of San Francisco are just as memorable. Rent a bike to take it from the top. If you crossed the signature structure, you reward your stamina on the Alice Waters accented warming hut Cafe and Bookstore below.
The former prison locked in 1963, "the rock" is still open to curious visitors. Be sure in advance book tickets how popular is often sold out. Listen: a truly excellent audio tour in the price of admission is included. Don't miss it.
According to the history channel the USS Arizona ship their tank filled with some 1.5 million litres fuel the day before the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Over 70 years later, still the wreck about 9 liters of oil per day to the port leech. Itself as scientists have expressed ecological concerns, many visitors from the glittering slick moves, often the surface of the surrounding water jackets. "Oil is the still dripping" sometimes as "Tears of the Arizona" or "black tears."may refer to
If you have a required Selfie the Anish Kapoor designed reflective sculpture, you feel subscribe free to Millennium Park. We recommend that you pick up picnic sandwiches at the nearby pastoral artisan cheese, bread and wine and indulge in Chicago's beautiful summer weather on a sunny afternoon.
After the Viet Nam Veterans Memorial held Fund to construct a monument in honor of the fallen thrown enough money to pay it an open design competition on a final approach. More than 1,400 entries were completed to assess anonymously. Ultimately, jury chose a design by 21-year-old Yale University student Maya Lin presented. She had created it for a class.
Stunning reading room on this institutional research library is temporarily closed, but its graceful facade and intelligent exhibitions are still worth a trip to Midtown Manhattan.
After a fire, the Cathedral has devastated the Church in 1898 began an extensive renovation project. Local artist Christopher Murphy installed 24 murals in the renewed space. All of them remain on the display.
The monument consists of a number of useful components, but maybe the washing is the simplest among them. A granite wall inscription, the inlaid in Silver: "Freedom is not free."
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Sailing vacation to the wind in your sails

It's perfect weather for sailing, and we have some beautiful watercraft seafaring fantasies inspired. Whether you lavishly equipped tall ships, a set departure a specialty small ship, a fully manned Charter captain and crew prefer your own boat, there there is a company here your fit needs - and a proposed destination on the set your coordinates.
Who needs to take the first step, away from a mega - cruise ship but compared to medium-sized sailboats are a little suspicious, Star clippers, a great first tour cruise experience. Are the Star clipper and the Star Flyer (pictured) 360-meter-long Clipper, the place for 170 guests barefoot luxury fashion can.
You create routes in the Western and Eastern Mediterranean on the open ocean for too long at a time. Walk in the Western Mediterranean white sand beaches of Corsica before the pull off next to Super yachts in Monte Carlo and St. Tropez. In the Eastern Caribbean "game of Thrones" to admire landscapes in Malta and then drink in the historic beauty of Sicily and Greece.
Island windjammers sailing diamondLittle star Clippers but still very spacious for sailing ships, have island windjammers two beautiful ships is a passionate customer base who are planning their time to their sailing vacation. Tall ship offers diamond "private yacht experience without a millionaire Prize" from her home port in Grenada.
Dominica's beautiful underwater stage-a Island windjammers adventureSagitta is a 120-foot motor sailer sailing ship with two Caribbean home ports. Their itinerary French West Indies holds on the small undiscovered islands such as Dominica and Iles de Saintes, allowing enough time for world class diving and exploration prior to the winding-up in beautiful St. Lucia.
AdventureSmith is a broker specializing in small cruise - ship - both full ship Charter and departures set. The company provides more than 100 ships. Founder Todd Smith is recognized as a leading expert in small ship expeditions by Conde Nast Traveler. Its Charter remote sand spit on the Indonesian islands sailing tours to amazing destinations like this...
... and find a way, leaving other vessels, arrival in untrafficked locations, even in tourist hotspots. For example, in the picture, just quiet at Darwin Lake on Isabela island in the Galapagos.
Charter a fully crewed yacht in Turkey"Sharing Economy" continues to boom, it makes sense, would want a HomeAway/AirBnB for boats to sailing enthusiasts. Safety and protection are always a concern for boat owners and tenants alike. Peer-to-peer rental/Charter market is supposed to dissipate GetMyBoat.com by pre screening boats before you you and insurance through XInsurance. It is for the website register and free water vehicle list (once shielded them). The site launched just a peer-to-peer-review feature.
The Balearic Islands on a catamaran sailingIf you are already a little familiar with the world of sailing, and you know enough sailors are minimal crew want to, or you can enjoy complete flexibility, GetMyBoat.com is a great resource for a spontaneous holiday or a year at sea. A search for any popular sailing locale - - for example in the Balearic Islands - - is a wide range of possible rentals, short and long term, from bareboat, fully chartered, in all price ranges.
The yacht company is a further charter-yacht brokers, but treated also luxury yacht sales all over the world. While the team members live an active version of the "Yachting lifestyle", often understand race in Europe's most prestigious super yacht regattas, they relaxed the attractiveness of one afternoon in the Sun. This view is from one of their recommended European routes: Croatia coast hop.
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See the skip: Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a unique city paradise located along the Atlantic Ocean, just a few hours away from New York City, Philadelphia and Baltimore. World class casinos line beaches, filled with visitors from all over the world. But let yourself not by the bright lights and animated slot machines täuschen-- it even more in Atlantic City is to pretend that the roulette wheel turn or double down.
World class, the town offers restaurants, world-class spas, is something for everyone. Here are some of our favorite options, to ensure that your experience is a winning hand at the visit of America's favorite playgrounds.
Skip the traffic take to the skies There are many ways to Atlantic City - most of them often lead in the sit in hours of traffic on the Garden State Parkway. If you are not lucky, along the railway line-take life, to heaven! To New York City, we have visitors in less than an hour of private helicopter Charter in Atlantic City can. For visitors from other destinations, Atlantic City International Airport nonstop flights welcomed to Chicago, Boston, Detroit, Houston, Myrtle Beach, Orlando, and more.
Skip lounging Oceanside, take a deep-sea fishing trip Atlantic City beaches are nice enough, just the day lounging in the Sun and look at your next application from the sunscreen spend. But if relaxation is not your speed, you can try your hand on the high seas. In only 30 minutes to the Sea Isle, NJ, and embark on a half-day deep sea fishing Charter with starfish fishing & cruising. Starfish provides two documents per day and provides its guests with Poland and bait. If you go during the summer months, expect fish such as rock bass and flounder. Thinking you remember make a reservation, how travel slots can quickly be fueled.
Skip-Casino, restaurants, dining in style Many Atlantic City, casinos offer visitors an array of deals, from free gambling incentives for discounts and compositions for Board and lodging. While buffet sure you fill up a standard casino, it enters a notch and venture from the hotel, discover the city's unique, high-quality restaurants that are sure to delight your taste buds. One of our favorite fine-dining destinations is the continental at the pier shops at Caesars. Starr restaurant belongs features offers a range of menu options in sit-down atmosphere. After dinner, make sure you check out the incredible sea views of the Pier have to offer at Caesar's shops.
Skip floor transport, stroll along the beach promenade The sights and sounds of Atlantic City is an adventure in itself. If you to visit on foot rather than a taxi to your next destination of the oceanfront Boardwalk casinos. There are so many exciting finds along the waterfront route, you cannot miss if you another means of transport. When the summer heat is a concern, there are many places, where in can stop to cool off (and maybe try your hand on hold).
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CEO Gives Up Seat for Late Mom

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AppId is over the quota
Once in awhile, an airline employee does something that goes above and beyond the call of duty to help a customer. But it's probably safe to assume that none of those employees were the CEO of the airline. But it was the CEO in the case of the mother of a 12-year-old with type 1 diabetes earlier this month, according to a Facebook post. Richard Anderson, Delta's CEO, gave up his seat on an oversold flight, making it possible for Jessie Frank to pick her daughter up from a summer camp for diabetic kids, she said. Delta's CEO rode in the jump seat instead. Weather and other issues had delayed Jessie Frank's flight from Washington, D.C., to Atlanta all day long. She was No. 8 on a standby list that showed no more open seats. But then she was waved down the jetway and met by someone with a "vaguely familiar face." He helped her with her bag and showed her to her seat. It was only when the flight was descending that the flight attendant announced there was a special guest onboard and sitting in the jump seat. "Suddenly I realized that 'familiar face' was not an off-duty pilot," Frank wrote in her Facebook post, An Open Letter to Delta CEO Richard Anderson. "It was you, the CEO of Delta, vaguely familiar from the safety video. It was you, Richard Anderson, who gave up your seat for me. It was you, the Delta CEO, who helped me with my bag. It was you, acting just like an ordinary Mr. Anderson, who showed me to my seat. "You, Richard Anderson, the CEO of Delta, did all that for me, just an average, middle-aged, woman with, as far as anyone at Delta knew, no special reason to get home," Frank added. "But more importantly, it was all of your employees that day that did so much helping me to get home -- and now I know why. Because Delta is led by you, Richard Anderson, a dedicated and inspiring leader who so clearly demonstrates, at his very core, that he leads by example, and does not set himself above all those who allow this airline to exist." Frank wrote of how important it was to her to pick up her daughter at camp. "Camp Kudzu gives my daughter 5 days a year when she feels 'normal.' Pick-up day gives me a glimpse into that special world where she's just like everyone else, and she's a little bit of a different person for the rest of the day. By the next day, it's back to the harsh realities of managing a difficult, deadly, incurable disease that kills 1 in 20 before the age of 18. Most people just don't understand how different it is from regular diabetes." Delta Airlines confirmed the incident, but citing the CEO's desire to avoid the spotlight, declined to comment. Looks like Delta has at least one lifelong customer. "I had my special day with my special child. You and your employees gave us both one more day of happiness, and for that, we are both very grateful, Frank wrote. "I have always been a loyal Delta customer, but Thursday solidified that loyalty for life!"You are using an outdated version of Internet Explorer. Please click here to upgrade your browser in order to comment.
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Airline drops to Hot bikini video security

ABC News | ABC Sports News Copy passengers aboard Air New Zealand aircraft see no more bikini-clad supermodels featured in flight safety video, but whether the video remove is a victory for the critics to the debate.
The video doesn't play anymore, because "we change every few months from our safety videos," airline officials told ABC News.
But the video titled "Security in paradise," after launching a Change.org petition against the video, which drew thousands of signatures victory critics maintain the.
Watch Delta 80s theme security video
How man created "All by Myself" viral airport lip-sync all alone
Virgin America with music security video wows
The video that shows the sports illustrated models bikini clad and even 60-year-old supermodel Christie Brinkley, detailing the flight safety regulations, has been criticized by many for women to objectify.
"I'm upset about that air to sexually objectify has taken New Zealand to women, as a husband and father," wrote a critic about the Change.org petition.
"Security in Paradise" video isn't the first time an Air New Zealand flight safety video has drawn attention. The video featured hobbits two years ago and the airline Betty White was last year in an "Old School" Star-themed video.
Other airlines have in fact also.
Virgin America released a video before the flight security last year entirely to music with the video instructional information delivery through singing, rap and dance moves.
The new year began in January by releasing a 80 years theme security videos Delta Airlines with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Teddy Ruxpin, and ALF. The airline was formerly known for "Deltalina", which is a flight attendant sexier than the average.
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