It’s actually pretty common for conferences to help defray travel costs of their speakers. It’s happened for me several times when I’ve spoken and I’ve had travel expenses subsidized to varying degrees several times when I’ve been a participant at some events.
I’ve been active in public health for a long time, including being an officer of a national organization. My friend who was a longtime volunteer with another public health org has had many trips paid for by her national org.
I think airlines are trying to appease complaining frequent flyers rather than upgrade their entertainment systems. On long flights, it really is nice to watch movies inflight. That’s my preferred mode of relaxation. I think they assume folks will bring their own form of entertainment or not bother complaining or not be that frequent a customer.
Oh I’ve been a speaker at a conference numerous times so I’m familiar! Certainly perks vary from conference host to conference host - but if you received partial air fare AND several nights of lodging and more - well, that’s a conference host with $$$ to spare.
Actually it just happened that two events I was wanted at lined up so we were able to make them consecutive with different sponsors. Each sponsor helped with two nights of hotel and each helped with some airfare. Sometimes I’ve also received an honorarium.
^^^ If you have a Sierra Trading Post nearby they usually have a nice selection of Smart Wool socks - mens and women’s for better prices. Just a shopping tip!
@doschicos—nice cookware sets and good prices. Our kids didn’t want many pieces initially and acquired their cookware a bit at a time. I suspect many kids are that way, as there is limited space when many are starting out.
I was thinking to grab the second set to replace my yucky pots and pans at our cottage. One thing noted is that it recommends these for “low to medium heat” - that the cookware may be compromised at high heat.
What? So can’t use it for boiling water or stir frying food? Does that sound right?
@abasket - that reviewer had not even tried the cookware. Gave 1 star after opening the box. Lol. I suspect that the paint on the pots would peel if put on a high BTU gas burner. Which no one would do with a non-stick pot anyway. And not too many use industrial grade cooktops anyway. Those who do, buy $1000 pots anyway. I would buy the set - it beats old dingy pots for sure!
Back to weighted blankets for a min, Ollie’s Discount Outlets has them for $40.00 and registered people should have a 15% coupon. It is 15 lbs, glass beads and a removable washable cover. I’m going to let my kids try it over their breaks, two of them have a hard time getting to sleep and staying asleep.
Personally, I’m not a fan of nonstick for anything other than maybe one frying pan because it really isn’t needed for most cooking. I’d go for the stainless. I think the heat warning is probably due to the nonstick finish.
I ordered the non-stick. It’s best for our purposes and the variety of people at our cottage using the pots and pans. We don’t have a dishwasher so the non-stick is easier to clean. I’d rather be on the beach than scrubbing pans. (besides, one of my trusty partners in the kitchen is my cast iron skillet so that gets the most action!)
Free shipping too - so for $30 a nice fresh improvement for the summer kitchen!
Just got back from a local Macy’s to check both kitchen pots and pans out. Quality-wise, not as good as what we already have (purchased individually), but still an excellent deal. Really tempted to buy both at that price but really didn’t want to duplicate what we already have. Ended up buying something else entirely.
Teflon-tie type nonstick coatings start to deteriorate at about 500° F, and will decompose at higher temps. The fumes will kill a pet bird if you have one, and cause flu-like symptoms in people.
So stir-frying at high temps is out for non-stick pans because you can easily reach that temp. Boiling water is fine though.
