Plan a Getaway to These Top 5 Beaches

Daydreaming about a tropical beach getaway ? If you find your mind wandering to some sandy, sunny resort, stop dreaming and start planning! Your next trip could be to one of the top five beaches in the world. 

Rabbit Beach
Italy may be known for museums, pasta, and pizza, but have you ever thought about the beaches? In Lampedusa, Italy, you'll find one of the world's most beautiful beaches. You'll never want to leave after seeing the crystal clear water and sparkling sand of this secluded beach.

Grace Bay
It's easy to see why the Turks and Caicos Islands are such a popular resort location. The beaches do get crowded, but that's because they are some of the best in the world. Relax in the sand, float on the gentle waves, or explore the sea with snorkeling gear. The waters are crystal clear, so you can see all the wonderful sea life at the bottom. 

Matira Beach
You may be shocked by the beauty of this amazing tropical location, but don't let that stop you from participating in all the great activities. Watch a sunset on the beach or explore on one of the scenic hiking trails. Several boutiques and eateries are nearby. 

Hanalei Bay
You don't even have to leave the United States to enjoy a tropical location, thanks to the beautiful beaches in Hawaii. Hanalei Bay is one of the best on the island. Surfers and paddle boarders will love the ocean. If you're looking to just relax on the beach, the picturesque mountains in the background are sure to please. 

Playa Paraiso Beach
This natural beach in Cayo Largo Cuba is free of any hotels or resorts. It's named "paradise beach" for a reason. The shallow waters are great for long walks on the beach with the waves lapping at your feet. Get to the beach early to secure a seat and umbrella.

Black Sheep Lodge: A Popular South Austin Bar and Grill

Twenty large-screen HD TVs, pool tables, shuffleboard, darts and free Wi-Fi are a few of the reasons to stop by South Austin's Black Sheep Lodge. A hefty beer selection, both on tap and bottled, plus cocktails and wine are also part of the appeal of this popular sports bar and eatery. When you need a nosh, settle in with some Fried Pickles with ranch dressing, Smoked Chipotle Wings, Beer-Battered Fried Cheese Curds or Chips & Salsa. If your hunger requires something more substantial, order yourself a Black Sheep Burger, a Carnitas Sandwich with slow-roasted pork & coleslaw, a Chile Cheese Dog, or a Portabella Cheesesteak Philly. Sit inside or rustle up a spot outside on their dog-friendly patio and watch the action on South Lamar. Black Sheep Lodge is open every day.

Black Sheep Lodge
2108 S. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 707-2744
http://www.blacksheeplodge.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/black-sheep-lodge-austin

Can You Have Too Many Apps?

These days our smartphones can do just about anything from texting, making calls, telling us the weather, posting to social media, and even giving us instructions on how to cook. To use these devices to their full potential we typically are downloading numerous apps. But can you have too many apps on your phone? 

For the most part downloading apps will not slow down your phone. To get to the point of making your smartphone, like Android or iPhone, slow down you'd have to download more than 500 apps, which seems unlikely for the average person. You may encounter a problem with the speed or battery life of your phone if you keep these apps open and running. Certain apps need access to the phone's RAM which will slow down your phone while running. Just remember to close out of apps when you're done using them. 

The question then arises if you really need all those apps. It's fun to download the newest, greatest thing but are you actually using it? Instead of searching through pages upon pages of apps, organize your apps based on folders.

When an app has remained unopened for a year, it's time for the app to go. Having de-clutter remorse? It's easy to restore apps. Just visit the app store on your iPhone and click apps not on this device. You can reinstall with the touch of a button. You can do the same thing on a Android in the "My Apps" section of the store.

Giovanni’s Pizza Stand: Al Fresco Pies in South Austin

What’s not to love about a down-home little outdoor pizza stand located smack-dab next to a gas station? South Austin's Giovanni’s has earned a host of fans who adore the thin-crust, sizzling pies turned out of this friendly little eatery. There are a few tables for sitting, but most pies go home with their new owners. Yummy toppings include portabella mushrooms, gorgonzola cheese, chipotle pesto, roasted eggplant, steak, kalamata olives and shrimp. Stop by at lunchtime for their bargain special and get a slice of pizza with two toppings, and soup or salad for $5.49. Pasta is also on the menu and their daily soup is reportedly super-tasty. Cruise by in the a.m. for some hearty breakfast tacos and fajitas. Giovanni's Pizza Stand is open Mondays through Saturdays.

Giovanni's Pizza Stand
2900B S. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 442-7033
http://www.giovannispizzastand.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/giovannis-pizza-stand-austin-2

How to Find a Farmers’ Market Near You

Shopping at farmers' markets is a great way to pick up seasonal, locally-grown fruits and vegetables. Often times, this produce costs less than what you'd find in grocery stores. The USDA has created a great search engine to help you find local markets in your area. The website allows you to search based on zip code, produce available, and payment accepted. If you're the owner of a farmers' market, you can sign up to be a part of the USDA National Farmers Market Directory. Next time you're looking for local produce, check out the website

· USDA National Farmers' Market Directory [U.S. Department of Agriculture]

Flip Happy Crepes: A South Austin Creperie

Craving some tasty crepes? Austin's Flip Happy Crepes is a sweet little food truck serving up a yummy mix of flavorful French pancakes filled with sweet and savory ingredients. Savory options include Roasted Chicken with caramelized onion, garlic aioli & goat cheese, Roasted Veggie with feta/buttermilk sauce, Ham and Gruyere with green onions, Shredded Pork with cheddar cheese, pickles & Tabasco sauce, and Smoked Salmon with herbed cream cheese, spinach & tomato. Make your sweet tooth happy with Vanilla Pastry Cream with fresh berries & berry sauce, Cinnamon Sugar with toasted coconut, crushed almonds & cream cheese frosting, and Lemon Curd with blueberry dressing. Flip Happy Crepes is open Wednesdays through Saturdays — check its website for full hours and more information!

Flip Happy Crepes
400 Josephine Street
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 552-9034
http://fliphappycrepes.blogspot.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/flip-happy-crepes-austin

What is a Federal Depository Library?

A Federal Depository Library allows you to access Federal government Information free of charge. Anyone is welcome to visit one of these libraries. Find out where your local library is here. With the help of the librarians, you can learn about health, business, science, technology, the military, and more. These libraries house many maps, books, journals, and periodicals, including historical publications from the early republic. You can also look for government information resources online. If you need help using the online services, the librarians are trained to assist you. Go see what you can learn at a Federal Depository Library today. 

Federal Depository Library [U.S. Government Printing Office]

Tips for Finding an Internship

In many cases, internships are a now an expected staple for college grads to have on their resumes. Though it may seem like drudgery, internships are a great opportunity to explore possible careers, get much needed on-the-job experience, make valuable contacts, and possibly snag your first job.  For finding (and getting) a great internship in the vast sea of competition, here are some tips:

Use your college’s career center
That’s what it’s there for. Many students overlook the career center as a resource, but their help can be invaluable. Talk to a counselor, tell them what you’re looking for, and look through whatever books and resources they have available. As you describe what you're looking for, they can help you hone in on who to contact, how to contact them, and when to apply.

Talk to alumni and other professionals
Ask your career counselor about the college’s alumni network and reach out to alums with careers that interest you or individuals who live in the area where you’re looking to move after college. Also, don't overlook your parents, family, or friends – talk to anyone who may have an “in” at a company you’re interested in. People are surprisingly willing to help out college students with jobs and internships, so capitalize on their willingness and generosity.

Check company websites
Before hitting up generic search engines, check specific, desired companies’ websites for internship listings. Even if they don’t specify having internships, write a professional inquiry to human resources or a particular division to express your interest. Once you've submitted your inquiry or resume, follow up with a phone call to confirm they received your information.

Green Pastures: Elegant Austin Dining

Located on a lush Victorian-era estate with expansive lawns, strolling peacocks and spreading live oak trees, Green Pastures is known as ‘The Grande Dame of Austin restaurants.’ Go there for a splurge-worthy dining experience in an elegant, historic setting. Sunday brunch is a favorite time to stop in for their famous Milk Punch spiked with bourbon, rum and brandy. The prix fixe brunch menu features a groaning board of dishes like Creole Spiced Beef, Green Lipped Mussels, Moroccan Chicken, Chilled Shrimp and Prime Rib. Lunch and dinner offerings include some yummy entrée salads, sandwiches and main dishes like Spiced Spring Rack of Lamb, Texas Redfish with Crawfish, Seared Duck Breast, Espresso Cocoa Ribeye, and Grilled Tofu with Spinach. Open Monday through Sunday.

Green Pastures
811 West Live Oak Street
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 444-4747
http://www.yelp.com/biz/green-pastures-restaurant-austin

Five Essential Contemporary Documentary Filmmakers

You can learn a lot about the world by watching a great documentary film. Interested in learning more about this fascinating film genre? Here are five skilled practitioners of the art of documentary filmmaking whose work you should know.
 
Ken Burns
Ken Burns is a filmmaker with a range of interests, having produced engaging films on topics ranging from the Civil War, the history of baseball, jazz, and America's national parks. Burns uses photographs and other archival footage to bring the past to life. His work has won multiple Emmy awards and garnered two Oscar nominations.
 
Steve James
Steve James is known best for his ambitious and important documentary Hoop Dreams. That film chronicles the lives of two Chicago-area high school students with basketball ambitions. James followed that award-winning film with several other projects, including documentaries like Stevie and The Interrupters.
 
Michael Apted
An acclaimed filmmaker, Michael Apted has created a variety of award-winning documentary work. Most impressive is his Up Series, a project following the lives of several British children from different backgrounds. The first installment of the series was made when the children were seven years old; Apted has revisited them every seven years since, producing in the process a catalogue of films that chronicle how people change — or don't — across the years.
 
Kavery Kaul
Born in India, Kavery Kaul is a documentary filmmaker who has received a variety of honors, including fellowships from the New York Foundation for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. Kaul's best known films include Long Way From Home, One Hand Don't Clap, Back Walking Forward, and Wild at Art.
 
Errol Morris
Best known for his ambitious engagements with difficult subjects, Errol Morris is a documentary filmmaker who also occasionally writes for the New York Times. Morris's best-known works are The Fog of War, a sustained interview with former Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara, and The Thin Blue Line.

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