Iceland Dance Party

Inspired by Iceland Video from Inspired By Iceland on Vimeo.

Eyjafjallajokull gave Iceland kind of a bad image recently, but this lovely promotional video should go a someway towards correcting that.

http://inspiredbyireland.com/

9 Companies with the Best Perks

For some employees, amazing benefits are just part of the job

By Amanda Greene 

from WomansDay.com

In today’s economy, employees have gotten used to the bare minimum at work. With widespread pay cuts and rampant layoffs, it’s not unusual to consider free coffee a great perk. But some companies are still working hard to keep their employees happy, going above and beyond the standard benefits and rewarding them with everything from on-site massages to unlimited paid vacation time. Jealous yet? Read on to learn about corporations that are not all work—and plenty of play.
S.C. Johnson

If you work at this cleaning product giant and are short on time, you don’t need to worry: There’s an on-site concierge service that offers discounted services, like mailing your packages, sending flowers, picking up and delivering groceries, researching car insurance deals, changing the oil in your car and even standing in line for concert tickets. And the benefits don’t stop once you retire: Former employees get a lifetime membership at the company fitness center. Photo courtesy of SCJohnson.com.

Amgen, Inc.

Employees of this California biotech company have 17 paid holidays a year (on top of three weeks of vacation), which is nearly two times the average. Parents can drop their kids off at the on-site day care center, pick up bouquets at the in-house gift shops and grab a takeout breakfast or lunch at the cafeteria, which prepares healthy meals to go. New moms enjoy a variety of perks at Amgen, like on-site Lamaze and breastfeeding classes, lactation rooms and a nutritional program with one-on-one counseling. Photo courtesy of Amgen.com.

Google, Inc.

You’ve probably heard Google is a great company to work for. Here’s why: lunch, dinner and snacks from a choice of 16 gourmet cafes are free. Plus, employees can bring their dogs to work, stressed-out workers can get subsidized massages, there are free laundry machines, four gyms, on-site doctors and much, much more. Google even lets new moms and dads expense up to $500 for takeout meals during the first three months they’re home with their new baby. Photo courtesy of Google.com.

Netflix, Inc.

Employees of this movie-delivery company don’t need to request vacation days because there’s no set number of them. "If you hire adults who practice adult behaviors, you don't need requirements like dress codes and vacation policies," says Steve Swasey, vice president of corporate communications. CEO Reed Hastings has so much trust in his employees that nobody even keeps track of how many days they're out of the office. Photo courtesy of Netflix.com.

Genentech, Inc.

Child (and doggie!) day care are available to employees at this San Francisco biotech company. Also on the benefits menu: six-week paid sabbaticals to prevent burnout, drop-off laundry service, seasonal produce stands in company cafeterias, made-to-order sushi, free cappuccinos and two 24-hour libraries. And at the end of a stressful workweek, employees can let loose on Fridays at the weekly socials, or “Ho-Hos.” Photo courtesy of Gene.com.

MillerCoors, LLC.

When employees of Miller Brewing head to the nearest bar for happy hour, they don’t have to go very far. In 2004, Miller CEO Norman Adami opened Fred's Pub, an on-site pub for Milwaukee employees to gather and relax in after-hours. Even better: The beer––seven kinds on tap and 13 varieties of bottled brew––is free. And, MillerCoors just opened a new headquarters in Chicago which features a 16th floor rooftop bar and outdoor terrace that overlooks the Chicago River. The beer is, of course, free. The pub is called Fred & Adolph's, after the founders of Miller and Coors Brewing Companies. Photo courtesy of MillerCoors.com.

SAS Institute, Inc.

If employees at this business software company are feeling stressed out, they can head to the campus recreation and fitness center for a massage, at a subsidized cost, according to the company’s website. Or they can utilize the gym, weight room, billiards hall and Olympic-size pool. An article from 2010 reports that SAS also offers high-quality, low-cost child care, unlimited sick days and a free medical center staffed by four physicians and 10 nurse practitioners. Plus, the two in-residence artists have been known to offer artwork and framing supplies to employees at a discount. Photo courtesy of SAS.com.

F5 Networks, Inc.

According to their website, at the end of each week, this networking application company relaxes with Beer Friday, a party that features microbrews, wine and snacks in the company game room. While they imbibe, employees can play foosball, pinball, air hockey and Ping-Pong. They also get a $100 monthly stipend to try alternative transportation options. They can get massages at work two times a week or break a sweat on the nearby running trails. Employees are encouraged to excel with the company’s quarterly “High Five” awards. Photo courtesy of F5.com.

Chesapeake Energy Corp.

An on-site day care center, generous benefits package and discounted scuba certification classes at nearby lakes are all part of the job for employees of natural gas company Chesapeake Energy. Once they’re certified, employees can sign up for one of company’s scuba trips to Cozumel, Mexico. They can also take advantage of some perks on dry land: the campus’s new employee garden takes up a full city block, and will have a garden pavilion for everything from cooking demonstrations to yoga classes. Photo courtesy of CHK.com.

New Griswold's "Vacation" Movie?

Comedy.com has managed to get its greedy little hands on this LEAKED FOOTAGE from a supposedly new "Vacation" film starring Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo. Check it out before it gets yanked off of YouTube!

Ten Most Beautiful Skiing Locations in Europe

From: http://www.travelet.com/

Apart from being famous for its breathtakingly picturesque location, Europe has always been associated with Skiing. From France to Greece, you get to choose from some of the most beautiful and less explored skiing destinations in the world. Europe offers far more skiing and snowboarding trails than any other part of the world. Let’s have a look at ten skiing locations that make Europe one of the most sought after ski destination.

Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

Nestled in Ampezzo Valley, Cortina d’Ampezzo enjoys the title of the most beautiful winter playground in the world. It is not only the most famous ski resorts in Italy but is one of the most important and sought after ski resorts in the world. Apart from offering great skiing experience, the slopes offer picturesque view to the valley. This is only place which provides clear distinction between Dolomites and rest of the Alps.

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The picture perfect location combined with exciting slopes makes this resort top destination for the up market crowd from all over the world. The beauty of these slopes has been captured in many James Bond movies as well.

Val D’Isere, France

Skiing in Val-d’Isère dates back to 1930’s after a drag lift was built on the slopes of Solaise. Being named as the most famous resort for experts, Val D’Isere can easily pass as the all round destination in whole of Europe. The resort offers a range of ski schools and has something to offer everyone from beginners to experts. It offers modern chairlift and cable cars with most modern lift system you could think of.

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No wonder the resort is one of the busiest in whole of Europe. If the ski is worth the way up, the journey will not disappoint you as well. The view on the way up to the Val D’Isere is spectacular and looks just out of Narnia series.

Igls, Austria

Located in the “Capital of the Alps”, Innsbruck, Igls offers a combination of old world charm and access to some of the world’s finest ski resorts. The charming village is surrounded by some of the best skiing in Austria. Beginners can start with the lower slopes while intermediates can try the pistes in Igls itself. For advanced skiers, there is a possibility of eight ski areas totaling 295 km all accessible by free ski buses.

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Two time host of Winter Olympic Games, Innsbruck has lot more to offer than skiing. If you’d like an adrenaline pump, a ride down the Olympic bob slight at 100 km per hour is highly recommended. Other adventures offered include ice skating, floodlit skiing, tobogganing. If you’d like to take a break from skiing, there are some rich museums and galleries to draw your attention as well.

Kandersteg, Switzerland

The village of Kandersteg could easily pass for the most picturesque centre for mountaineering. More people land in this destination for the scenic view and tranquility the village offers. Best known among beginners, it is one of the best places to learn skiing. The slopes here are easy and daunting and give learners enough space to test their techniques.

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Courchevel, France

Courchevel ski resort is built for nothing but Winter Sports. It is made up of four villages which are named after thir altitudes in meters- Courchevel 1300, Courchevel 1550, Courchevel 1650, Courchevel 1850. It boasts of about 370 miles of pistes and is is a part of the Trois Vallees ski area.

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Courchevel 1850 – the highest located resort district has been quite popular with the rich from all over the world. Guests arrive on their private jets and if your pockets are deep, it’s worth experiencing the air here. There is room for everyone and if you’d like to go for a ski resort just like any other part of the world, you could choose from the villages from 1650 and lower. The mountain has skiing range for both intermediates and experts.

Wengen, Switzerland

With a terrain of 112 km over 53 pistes, Wengen is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland. Wengen is an ideal location if you are looking for a combination of absolutely beautiful views and classic architecture. Only accessible by road, the village has excellent slopes for intermediates.

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It also has ranges for experts but is best known among intermediates and snowboarders. More than skiing, the village rates high for the charm and tranquil alpine beauty.

Chamonix, France

Charmonix offers some of the best mountain skiing in whole of Europe. With 12 ski areas, the valley is apt for skiers at all levels. The valley offers beautiful views and draws crowd from all over the world for its excellent skiing conditions and picturesque scenery.  It is located right next to the peak of Mont Blanc and offer range of recreational activities. It is the oldest ski resort in France and has great ski slopes for children and ski area for intermediates and experts as well.

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Pas De la Casa, Andorra

The highest resort in Andorra, Pas de la Casa has an excellent snow record. It is placed on the border between France and Andorra. Before it got combined with Soldeu, the resort had the biggest ski area with highest lift served terrain in Andorra. Now it gas 186 km of pistes and is favored for its southern latitude.

The slopes are more suitable for intermediates than beginners and experts. Image source

Pelion Mountain, Greece

While talking about beautiful locations for skiing, Pelion Mountain is easily one of the noteworthy locations. The best part about the ski resorts here is that not many people know about it and skiing here is still not explored completely. Greece has been gaining popularity for skiing among other winter sports. Pelion Mountains offer majestic scenes and is one of the most preferred destinations for those who have discovered the ski terrains here.

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Newstift, Austria

Newstift is a favorite with family and friends looking for skiing all year round. With 28 lifts, the resort offers skiers 7382 feet of vertical descent. Best suited for beginners and snowboarders, it has some regions for experts and intermediates as well. With finest skiing conditions and largest glacial ski resort, a small portion of the resort is covered by snowmaking.

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President Obama begins vacation on Martha's Vineyard with round of golf

BY David Saltonstall
DAILY NEWS SENIOR CORRESPONDENT

Egan-Chin/News

President Obama plays golf at Farm Neck Golf Club on Martha's Vineyard on Monday.

OAK BLUFFS, Mass. - President Obama has been known to talk some trash on the basketball court, but on the golf course he leaves pride behind.

"I just want to say ahead of time that I am terrible," the First Duffer told a crowd of onlookers Monday as he began his vacation on celebrity-studded Martha's Vineyard with a round of golf. "Thank you."

With that, Obama stepped up to the first tee at the Farm Neck Golf Club, took two casual practice swings, then clubbed his drive a solid 200 yards or more - and into the woods left of the fairway.

The crowd cheered anyway, and Obama - dressed in a black golf shirt, brown pants, a beige cap and two-tone golf shoes - acknowledged his gallery with a small bow.

"Look at that - no mulligan," one woman exclaimed after Obama - said to be a stickler for the rules - declined to take a do-over.

Obama golfs regularly, but almost never in front of an audience. Experts on hand for Monday's rare peek at his form declared themselves impressed - to a point.

"He has a naturally athletic golf swing, very well-coordinated," said Farm Neck golf pro Michael Zoll, a PGA member who watched Obama warm up. "He does what few golfers do, and that is he trusts his wrists at the top of his backswing. And he generates a lot of club head speed not by trying to muscle the ball, but as a result of the natural timing he has."

On the other hand . . .

"He did push the ball to the left," noted Zoll, "and that came from his picking his club up, as opposed to swinging his arms more freely. . . . That kept the club face slightly open at impact."

Left unknown was the President's final score Monday in a round that included included UBS CEO Robert Wolf, Chicago pal Eric Whitaker and White House aide Marvin Nicholson. Once the foursome left the first tee, Secret Service agents kept the public and the press away.

Obama's sporting day also included a round of tennis with First Lady Michelle Obama at the family's rented 28-acre compound.

The President has no calls or meetings on his schedule at the moment, presidential spokesman Bill Burton said, but he is staying up-to-date with developments on the economy, health care and foreign policy.

Egan-Chin/News

Obama plays a lot of golf, but doesn't often play in front of an audience.

Burton hit back at Republican critics who said Obama should forgo his week-long vacation when many Americans are struggling economically.

"As I recall, the previous President took quite a bit of vacation time himself, and I don't think anyone bemoaned that," Burton told reporters, referring to George W. Bush's month-long summer getaways. "I think it's important for the President, as with anybody, to take a little time, spend time with his family, and recharge his batteries."

Obama's plan for the week is not to have one, Burton said. "You know, he's on vacation, so everything is a little bit loose," Burton said. "You know, you wake up, you have some breakfast, you work out and then you decide, oh, what do I feel like doing today? He's doing that just like anybody else."

dsaltonstall@nydailynews.com

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2009/08/24/2009-08-24_obama_begins_vacation_on_marthas_vineyard_with_round_of_golf.html#ixzz0PEDgXGJJ