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Spring/Summer 2018
Defence and finance are two extremely different worlds for most. But Mohammed Alardhi, a former Chief of the Royal Air Force of Oman, says the leadership lessons learned in uniform come in handy nearly every day in his role as the Executive Chairman at Investcorp
As a young boy of seven, he watched planes land on a dirt strip near his home and dreamed of becoming a pilot one day. His fascination for planes and determination to achieve his dreams not only propelled Mohammed Alardhi to become a fighter pilot, but also the Chief of the Royal Air Force of Oman.
However, when he hung up his boots after a long and illustrious career, the world of finance beckoned Alardhi and he decided to tread a path not many military officers have attempted before. The experiences and opportunities offered by the high-flying job put him in good stead for a top-flight position in the finance sector.
Today, Alardhi serves as the Executive Chairman of Investcorp, a leading alternative investment firm. In addition, he is also the Chairman of Oman's Bank Sohar, overseeing the bank's growth strategy and its corporate social responsibility programmes, especially those focusing on youth.
"As Chief of the Omani Air Force, I gained exposure to new experiences and opportunities; the Air Force is not just a fighting force, and my job wasn't just about leading the pilots. The Air Force is a microcosm of Oman itself. I found myself dealing with people, planning, budgets, education, training, and so on. I engaged with young people fresh from school and was able to help mould them into productive and responsible citizens."
Recounting his move to the finance industry, the celebrated military officer, who is a recipient of the coveted Order of Oman, says: "I've been blessed to lead a life that has allowed me to mix private and public service and I am proud to have served my country and my people in the most honoured way. Today, I'm involved in the world of finance which is quite different to military life. However, in practice, there are some similarities."
"The adrenalin rush and the thrill of being thousands of feet up in the air and yet still knowing that I have a duty to serve, protect and honour my country – that was truly a life lesson. It grounds you, humbles you and reminds you that there is always a much larger purpose to what you are doing. I take those lessons with me into the boardroom," he says proudly.
Alardhi received much of his education in the United Kingdom, at the Royal Air Force Military Academy at Cranwell. In addition, he went to the National Defense University in Washington DC and later, towards the end of his military career, to Harvard University's John F Kennedy School of Government. There he received a Master's Degree in Public Administration with a focus on the management of financial institutions.
Alardhi is regarded very highly in the financial world today and is associated with many well-respected institutions. He serves on the International Advisory Board of The Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. and is a trustee for the Eisenhower Fellowship in Philadelphia. He is also a member of Community Chairmen Group, World Economic Forum, and the Harvard Kennedy School Dean's Council.
"I knew that moving into the finance world would allow me to tap into the skills I had acquired and mastered in my life in uniform. In both, there is a leadership role to play in order to build successful strategies and execute them with precision; manage people and help them grow; and to tackle the challenges by assessing all possible outcomes and choosing the one with minimal risk."
For Alardhi, who spent many years in uniform, the transition has been relatively smooth. "In the Air Force, you have to be good at strategising and also very quick at reacting. In other words, in certain circumstances, you have time on your side to strategise and execute to the highest degree and at other times you have to take very critical decisions in a very short time frame. This is very similar to circumstances facing an executive chairman of a financial services company," he remarks.
Alardhi admits that the challenges you face in the military are quite different to those in the world of finance, but how one deals with them is not dissimilar. Listening to experts, learning from others and making informed, reasoned decisions are qualities that are required to succeed in both areas, he says.
So, what influence does the discipline learnt in the military have in his career as a banker? "Military life was exciting, fast-paced, and at times dangerous – so it was good preparation for a life in finance. It was also where I learned about leadership. The leadership lessons I took away from the Air Force I now put into practice nearly every day in my role as Executive Chairman at Investcorp.
"Bankers are often thought of as only chasing higher profits – but that is not an accurate depiction of who they really are. The success of their leadership role contributes positively to the wider economy. For example, our investments in Investcorp's portfolio companies are helping them grow, create jobs, and add to the GDP of their respective countries," he states.
The strategies implemented at Investcorp by Alardhi soon after he took office as the Executive Chairman have been credited with taking Investcorp into a new growth trajectory.
"Since we unveiled our ambitious growth strategy in November 2015, major progress has been achieved. Various initiatives have been launched to diversify the firm's client base, product offering and geographical reach. We are no longer just a bridge from a geography to another. That era that built our brand name served its purpose well and we have raised our sights towards new horizons," he says.
"Investcorp is now a truly global firm and is transforming into a diversified global alternative asset manager. This has had implications for the infrastructure of the firm, on the strategy, the outlook and most importantly, on the mindset of our team. At the core of this transformation is a cultural shift which embraces innovation, ambition and collaboration centred on providing solutions for our clients. We are now 390 employees thinking and acting globally. By fundamentally changing how we operate and who we are, we have seized new opportunities," explains Alardhi.
Key milestones on the path to achieving the firm's long-term growth vision include: doubling of assets under management (AUM) to $22.2 billion; introducing a new line of business – Investcorp Credit Management (ICM), launching of its European Real Estate platform and opening an office in Singapore – its first office in Asia. In addition, Investcorp also launched its 4th Technology Fund.
On the firm's success in being able to double the AUM despite the difficult market conditions in the region, Alardhi says: "Investcorp is now a diversified global asset management firm. We are one of the most active mid-market private equity firms in the world and have over 30 years of experience.
"Our strategy to diversify has created a stronger business that is able to ride through difficult and specific geographical and market-related incidents. Not only that, it has also enabled us to better serve the needs of our clients anywhere in the world. In March 2016, this strategy guided us to the acquisition of 3i's debt management team adding over $10 billion in AUM and a whole new asset class for our clients.
"More specifically, key to our regional strength is being plugged in on the ground and with market developments. We have a highly skilled team in place that monitors and evaluates current and emerging opportunities. For instance, in the Gulf, the economic context has changed and so has the nature of investment opportunities. We've identified social infrastructure (healthcare and education) as a sector where we believe there will be plenty of opportunities going forward."
As a diverse alternative investment manager, one of the key competitive strengths of Investcorp is its ability to offer clients a range of attractive investment products across multiple geographies, he says. "We also have an unrivalled client service platform, a multi-product, multi-asset class investment capability spread across three continents, and a strong track record of performance and delivery. At the core of all that is our talented team that implements our strategy with full dedication," he points out.
One of the most ambitious goals of Alardhi for Investcorp is to further double its AUM to $50 billion in five years. Speaking on this target, the Executive Chairman says: "We now have a clear path and strategy to our next interim milestone of $50 billion AUM as part of our long-term growth vision. Each of our lines of business has its set of initiatives. Taken in aggregate, these growth-focused initiatives – both organic as well as inorganic – are designed to support our growth aspirations and provide a clear roadmap for the future.
"Organic growth is a key lever and main driver to us achieving our growth aspirations. Growing our current core businesses is crucial. Asia is a new geography for us. We also aim to target larger deals which should open up a new segment of investment opportunities for us. Real estate investment continues to be a key part of our business – both in the US and now in Europe."
Asked what are the main criteria for Investcorp to sign on the dotted line in the ever-changing investment scene where new companies, sectors and states keep emerging into prominence, Alardhi says: "Each line of business has its own specific investment criteria but the common denominator is that each opportunity undergoes in-depth assessment to ensure it fits both our investment and risk profile, and those of our clients. There are clear investment criteria: we look for companies that are cash flow positive, with high potential for growth and limited downside in cyclical downturns."
Speaking on the Investcorp's success in the West in recent years, Alardhi says the US is the world's biggest economy and one of the most regulated and the company's investments in the country have played a central role in its growth story this past year. "One of the key reasons we have successfully made inroads into those markets is our seasoned and talented investment teams that are based in the US."
Coming to the home market, Investcorp has been actively investing in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) and Turkey region since 2008, when it launched its circa $1 billion Gulf Opportunity Fund I. To date, in the region it has partnered with 15 companies across eight sectors including retail and consumer goods, industrials, oil and gas, logistics, leasing, and healthcare, he says. "Our portfolio companies collectively employ over 30,000 people and generate around $4 billion in revenues annually."
Looking ahead, he continues: "We believe there will be plenty of opportunities in the coming years because of an improving macroeconomic backdrop. Our outlook for the GCC region is positive, supported by favourable demographic trends, continued government expenditure in key sectors such as infrastructure, large public holdings of foreign assets and relatively low debt levels. Moreover, the GCC governments' key priorities are to increase participation of the private sector and attract greater foreign direct investments. Some of the key reforms announced by the governments such as the Saudi Vision 2030 and the 2030 Dubai Industrial Strategy are creating more opportunities for the private sector.
"I believe the region is ripe for alternative investments as companies will increasingly tap into the capital markets for funding in the coming years. As companies grow and mature, they will look to alternative sources of capital, and this is where we believe we have significant opportunities."
Alardhi has big hopes for Saudi Arabia, which has launched major reforms in recent years. "We see tremendous opportunity in Saudi Arabia's economic and social transformation as outlined in its Saudi Vision 2030 and laid out in the National Transformation Plan (NTP). A key pillar of its transformation is the privatisation drive. The Saudi government has said it will privatise airports, ports, hospitals, schools and spin-off other assets – of course, a big initiative in the privatisation drive is the much-anticipated IPO of Saudi Aramco."
During the past 10 years, Investcorp's structured and managed investment vehicles have been one of the most active investors in Saudi Arabia, investing in the business services, food and beverage, healthcare and consumer and retail sectors. "Furthermore, our Gulf Opportunity Fund was the first private equity majority owned to successfully IPO a business on the Saudi stock exchange with L'azurde. We remain committed to Saudi Arabia and are keen to further expand our investment and placement activity there," he adds.
Commenting on the regional market challenges, he continues: "Our region today is in the midst of a fundamental geo-economic shift – one that is bringing with it a plethora of opportunities but also a host of challenges. This new landscape has brought to the fore, at least three key challenges policymakers will face as they work on mitigating the impact of lower oil prices: sustainability, pace and momentum of reform, and regional economic security.
"Labour market and education sector reforms are essential in ensuring that the talent pool is ready to take those economic reforms forward; but also to explore and showcase the other great talents we have in the region. I believe there is as much need for educating young minds and upskilling the workforce in the region as there is to foster creativity. As much as we want the region to be seen as an economic powerhouse, we also want it to be internationally recognised for its homegrown artists, scientists and technology innovators," he adds.
Investcorp considers Asia as a key region for growth and expansion and has opened an office in Singapore. On its expansion moves, Alardhi says: "We adopt a careful and consistent strategy. We opened our first office in Asia, in Singapore, joining the six other locations from which we operate. This will serve as a platform from which to grow regionally."
To say Investcorp's Executive Chairman Mohammed Alardhi is a busy man is an understatement. Apart from the top job at the alternative investment firm, he is the Chairman of Bank Sohar and is also involved with several international institutions of repute.
How does he balance work and life is a billion-dollar question. Let's get up close with the top executive.
What is your work day like? How do you spend the rest of the day? What's your passion/hobby in life?
I think it's important to start the day early, morning person or not. Luckily, I'm a morning person and I like waking up early. It gives me that all-important quality quiet time to help me reflect and plan for the day ahead.
My day begins with prayer followed by exercise, a combination that I find helps prepare the mind and the body. If it's a work day, I usually have a light breakfast and read both international and local papers on my way to work. On the weekend, I enjoy spending quality time with my family.
Outside of work, I usually divide my time between a range of social commitments and hobbies. I have a keen passion for knowledge so my hobbies are centred on reading, travelling, and expanding my knowledge about different industries and emerging sectors. I have always been an active person so I enjoy sports such as fishing, diving and hiking just as much. We are truly blessed in Oman with its amazing topography that gives us great venues to be able to do all of these activities.
A little known fact is that I own a farm. I enjoy spending time there; it's a magical and tranquil environment. We invite local kids to the farm to enjoy the surroundings and it's fantastic watching the excitement grow in the kids as they play with the farm animals, ride horses and engage in different activities.
Do you spend a lot of time travelling? Books, movies or rest while on a flight?
As the Executive Chairman of a global alternative asset manager, my work involves a lot of travel. On night flights I like to get some rest to prepare myself for the busy schedule that usually awaits me on arrival. However, if it's a day flight I catch up on the latest movies and or books depending on my mood.
Tell us about your family… how do you balance family and work with so much on your plate?
Family life is extremely important to me, so balancing family and work life is vital. There can sometimes be periods of time where I am travelling a lot but I always ensure I spend quality time with my family and communicate on a regular basis. We have our own WhatsApp group so it never seems as though we are far apart. When I am with family, I am fully present with focus and dedication. As a family, we sit and eat together providing valuable time to catch up on each other's day-to-day lives. The secret is spending quality time together and regular communication!
What advice do you have for youngsters seeking a career in investment banking?
As with any life decision, the first thing you should do is your research. Investment banking has many dimensions and the best way to understand which areas you enjoy is through work experience and internships. Get a full understanding and exposure to the real depth of investment banking and that way you can go into an area you enjoy and can make it a passion, not a career!
If you had one wish to change the world, what would it be?
Universal access to education will definitely make our world a much better place. Preparing our education system for the future is vital.
– by Sree Bhat
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Force for ChangeSpring/Summer 2019
The Millennium ManSpring/Summer 2019
Turnaround ExpertWinter 2019
Sky High AspirationsWinter 2019
In a League of His OwnAutumn 2018
Nest Built on TrustAutumn 2018
Charity's ChampionSpring/Summer 2018
Investing in the FutureSpring/Summer 2018
Knight of BankingSpring/Summer 2018
Man with a MissionWinter 2018
Knight of RealtyWinter 2018
Knight of HeritageAutumn 2017
Success by designAutumn 2017


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None of our other saltwater species have the appeal that bass do
I was talking with some guys yesterday about this bass guiding stuff that John Quinlan and I are getting into together (albeit John is the experienced bass guide and I am the apprentice), and with what we need to do as regards trying to market this "product", it has really required me to stop and think about bass and bass fishing with a bit of a commercial head on I suppose. The title of this blog post "None of our other saltwater species have the appeal that bass do" is not designed to be remotely inflammatory to those saltwater anglers who fish for all manner of fish, rather it seems to be the case that for whatever reasons, bass are perhaps closest to salmon - revered almost across the board by all kinds of anglers.
But is the esteem in which these two fish especially are held remotely justified? Atlantic salmon are an awesome fish, but so are wild brown trout and grayling for example. I understand the appeal of salmon, but I also wonder if perhaps a number of fly anglers chase them almost to the detriment of other great experiences. Bass are an awesome fish, but are they any better than say cod, mullet, rays, wrasse or pollack? Well of course they aren't, but for whatever reason bass are the saltwater fish that transcend the disciplines, as in if you asked a cross section of anglers from game, coarse and salt what was the one species of saltwater fish around our coastline that they most wanted to catch, I bet you anything bass comes out on top.
Being an angler who for years wondered what on earth the fuss was about this bass fishing thing, I think I have got into it with my eyes wide open. Any business ventures I might be trying out aside, it continues to break my heart that around the UK we could have a truly world class sport fishery if only the fish were afforded proper protection. I will argue that Ireland gives a higher average size of bass, but even then there is no getting away from how much better their sometimes spectacular fishery could be with tougher protection. And note the words sport fishery here.
Bass in my opinion are a true sporting fish, and perhaps that is a big part of the reason why they are so universally revered. We can realistically target them with bait, lures and flies. We can fish for them in some outrageously spectacular locations from both shore and boat, and we can fish with relatively light tackle which I suppose is classed as "sporting" - whatever that actually means, because I have zero interest in giving fish a "sporting" chance. I want to land my fish and I don't believe in messing around with them for a more "sporting" experience - but then the fight from a fish is of course a huge part of the thrill of fishing is it not? Bass seem to have a bit of sex appeal if you like. Huss don't for example, however much you or I might think they are cool fish to fish for.
As much as I would champion say cod fishing in a big winter sea for as long as I live, there is not that much appeal outside of our saltwater fishing. It's a great way of fishing that is perhaps the mainstay of UK saltwater angling (albeit we could do with more fish of course), but imagine if you can how it might look to non-UK saltwater anglers - and how "sexy" bass fishing can look. This is nothing to do with what is better or worse, because anglers will forever argue until the cows come home about this fish is better than that fish is better than this method etc. I am thinking about what appeals to other anglers either at home or abroad. What reaches out and speaks to them?
Fishing for big conger eels at 2am. Two 6oz beachcasters laid out on the rocks, a flask of coffee, pretty cold, waiting patiently for a bite. Awesome fishing. But now try and make that appealing to a fly angler who is used to fishing with very light rods during daylight hours. However you might dress up chasing big eels from the shore, it is a kind of fishing that for the most part appeals to dedicated saltwater anglers. Same thing with carp perhaps, although it's interesting to see how sight fishing for carp in the US is steadily growing as a viable freshwater fly fishery. One could also argue that fishing smaller trout lakes for stocked rainbow trout sits in the same group - great fishing for those who do it and know about it, but if you stop and think about it, would you or anybody else spend potentially a fair bit of money to travel and do it?
That perhaps is the crux for what I am looking into. By the simple virtue of having to pay some not inexpensive travel costs to get myself to Kerry and back and also earn some kind of money from it, this bass related stuff I am going to be trying out together with John Quinlan means that we have no choice but to charge prices that could perhaps cause some anglers to think no way, I'm not paying that to go fishing. As much as I love my wrasse fishing and I always wish that more anglers would just give in to their inner-child and almost reconnect with the fun to be had with these perfectly fabulous fish, the simple fact is that wrasse just don't have the kind of appeal that bass do. The gamble I suppose we are taking is firstly if there is a market out there for John Quinlan/Henry Gilbey bass fishing trips, and secondly whether bass really do have such appeal that enough people are prepared to pay what it takes to do this - to travel and spend more money than they might on their regular fishing.
John and I are close to sorting out these August and October trips to Kerry for our joint venture, and I suppose the proof will be in the pudding so to speak. I think I understand a lot of what makes bass fishing so appealing, and I feel confident that they are a fish which stands there as a kind of figurehead (rightly or wrongly of course). The last time I spoke about this "guiding" stuff on here I got all kinds of feedback, including some pretty unpleasant stuff - one guy even emailed me to tell me that I was the sole reason he is catching less bass along the Copper Coast than he used to! Crumbs. I guess that by sticking my head above the parapet I must attract some criticism, but I do what I do and not for one second can I worry about what people think of me. Is there an uglier human trait than jealousy? Anyway........
You know what would really float my boat? To take some clients out with John, put them onto a few bass and give them a fantastic experience, and then via John's local knowledge offer them some pollack and wrasse fishing on lures (or fly). Something a bit different. You know what will happen. Bass is the fish they come for. Bass are the fish we are trying to sell these trips on, but I bet you any money the smiles would be just as wide when they hooked into a crash-diving Irish pollack or a chunky, colourful wrasse. Bass might well have the universal appeal, but isn't it often the case that one fish can then lead to another kind of fish which might well end up being just as much fun at the end of the day?

subset: commoncrawl


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It feels like years since I did a thursday threads post! I've been swamped for the past month or so with some crazy big orders and this week I've had the chance to catch my breath. As my friend said, it's "feast or famine" over here. And honestly as grateful as I am for the way that my little etsy shop is contributing to our family (and my ability to stay home) it sure is nice to have a little breather!
I've got a few things on my table and on my needle starting this week. A couple things for the shop, a fundraising sort of holiday sale I'm going to participate in and some holiday gifts for family.
First up is a new adoption embroidery that I've been wanting to do for a while. I saw this quote on Pinterest a loooooong time ago and have loved it ever since. This is a gender neutral version that could hopefully hang in a nursery for either a boy or girl or even just in your home. Can't wait to share the finished project!
Second up are these felt gingerbread houses. The pattern comes from umecraft shop on etsy (she is generous enough to allow you to make and sell items from her patterns!) and it's totally a stretch for me but something I've been wanting to tackle for a long time. I'm hoping if these gingerbread houses are a success, I can modify the pattern and make some little storybook houses with peg doll characters next year. The that I love about these is that they are reusable. I know that decorating a real, food gingerbread house is fun, but it drives me crazy to spend all that money on food and let it sit there for weeks and then throw it away! This way you get the fun year after year and it's good for all ages!
Another new item I was able to finish this week are these sewing/hand embroidery kits for young children. I've had the idea for these stored up in my head for a while and I'm still tinkering with the results, but after a test run with my 5 year old they are ready to go! It is such a joy to see something that I've dreamed up in my head come to life. I'm super proud of these and I am so excited to share them that I'm offering a give away of one set. Just leave a comment by Friday, November 9 at midnight and I'll use a random number generator to choose a winner on Saturday.
Last up is this camera embroidery for my brother. It's time to start stitching holiday gifts and this is the first in line! The pattern is from Urban Threads. I'm planning on doing the whole thing in black, but changing up the types of thread (linen, cotton and cotton pearl) and stitch thickness (aka 1 v. 3 strands).
That's about it! Whew!
Don't forget about the give away!!!


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I was considering joining a Crossfit gym that was on my way to work. Commute-wise, that would have worked out for me, but it was a 40-minute round-trip for my wife. It would have run us about $250 / month for us to both attend.
It's a kick-ass gym. Great instructors. Super-friendly, good people training there.
But at the end of the day…the convenience and savings won out in our minds. My wife's 40-minute per day travel time works out to 200 minutes per week or 3 hours & 20 minutes. The $250 / month is $3,000 per year. For us, that's a non-trivial commitment of time and money.
We decided to turn our patio into our at-home gym, instead. The block we live on is our track for warm-up runs. The park is our sprint station. And, with the 3 grand we're saving in gym fees, we can buy the equipment we need and want.
When part of your motivation for working out at home is saving some cash, you just can't turn around and shell out 1,200 bones for a set of Plyo Boxes — just doesn't feel right. Or even $80 for one 24″ box.
If you're cool with boxes like the ones pictured at the top of this page, you can build your own set of three for under $50. It'll also cost you about 2 – 3 hours including your trip to Home Depot. So roughly one week's worth of gym fees & travel time.
The nice thing about building your own boxes is that you can build non-standard sizes. 12-, 18-, and 24-inch are standard. We went with 16-, 20-, and 24-inch, instead. So get down all of your measurements before you head to the store to buy your wood, especially if you're going to have the Home Depot guy do your cutting.
I went with boxes that are about 2-foot squares. That's wide enough for them to be very stable.
Assuming you would like a 2-ft x 18″ box, you'll need the following:
- (Sides A) Two, 2-ft x 18-in pieces of wood of your choice
- (Sides B) Two, 2-ft + 2(wood thickness) x 18-in — so if you go with 1/2″ thick wood, these would be 25″ x 18″
- (Top C) One, 2-ft + 2(wood thickness) x 2-ft + 2(wood thickness)
- (Corners D) Four, 18-in pieces of 2×2
- Wood glue
- Wood screws
- A Drill
Here's an illustration:
Your supplies will look something like one of these piles:
I purchased 2 sheets of plywood, which was enough for all three boxes. I selected this plywood because it felt sturdy — thick enough to be stiff when picked up. There is no PALEO certification, so I had to go with CARB certified. Haha. Here's the label:
Glue up two of your 2x2s.
Now attach those to the edges of one of your smaller pair of sides (A). Hint: Choose one side to be your "bottom" — everything on the bottom side should come together as flushly as possible. If you don't do this, you'll end up with a wobbly box (like the first one I built — grrr).
Glue and screw the other side, too. With both 2x2s attached, it'll look like this:
Glue the other side of each 2x2s:
Attach the (B) sides continuing to glue and drill in screws to secure everything in place. You'll have a box with no top or bottom when done with this step:
Flip your box over on to each potential "bottom." The side that wobbles the least is your bottom — hopefully your attempt to keep everything flush has paid off nicely. Now, apply glue in preparation for screwing in the top piece (C).
And, here's your final box:
These boxes do the job. My wife uses the 16″, I use the 20″, and for now the 24″ is inverted and being used as a container to hold our mats and some other equipment.
If you want to get a little more fancy, you can paint the boxes and apply strips of skid-resistent tape along the edges of your top piece. You could also cut out, or attach, handles on the sides to make moving the boxes a little easier. I'm still using the bare, plain plywood with no trouble.


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When you book a trip, whether you're seeking adventure or a relaxing vacation, the preparation period that involves research and planning is an essential factor in the success of said trip. Based on an online survey conducted by the Chief Marketing Office Council's GeoBranding Center in partnership with AIG Travel and TravelZoo, the importance of research and planning to improve a travel experience was a major recurring theme among those who traveled.
In fact, 50% of respondents said advance trip planning and research through a trusted online source was the best way to relieve travel stress and anxiety. As with most things, travel preparation requires time and strategy. In order to use this time most effectively, you should consider the following tips.
Don't – Wait Until the Last Minute
With so many different websites and people to consult when travel planning; you want to give yourself at least two months before your trip so you can make sure to cover all your bases and weigh your options.
The more rushed you feel when making plans, the more likely you'll miss out on some opportunities that you accidentally overlooked or didn't get a chance to look into.
Do – Make Reservations
Even if you feel like you don't have to reserve certain meals or activities, having a reservation helps you have an organized plan for your day. While you may want some portions of your trip to be more up in the air and unstructured, having specific times set aside to be somewhere or do something helps you better prepare for those moments when you don't have a plan.
When traveling, there is no more relieving feeling then waking up knowing your plans for the day rather than searching through Yelp last minute to see what you should do next.
Don't – Get Advice from "Top Ten lists"
When you first book your trip, you naturally search through websites telling you the "The Top Ten Hottest Restaurants in Chicago Right Now" or the "10 Things Not to Miss in San Francisco." Don't fall into those traps. Typically, these lists are filled with standard tourist destinations or are riddled with hidden advertisements.
When you're visiting a new place, you want to immerse yourself in its culture and get a sense of what it's like to live there. While tourist destinations may be something you want to explore, it's good to have a mix of tourist activities and hidden local secrets. Unfortunately, you will not find those secrets from top ten lists.
Do – Consult Reviews and Ask Your Networks
Rather than searching Top 10 lists, reach out to coworkers, family, friends and friends of friends to get a first-hand opinion on what to do and what's not worth your time. When looking into restaurants, make sure to utilize OpenTable and Yelp for reviews from tourists and locals on where to go and what to order.
Don't – Rely on Your Travel Partners to Plan
In most cases, if you want something done right you have to do it yourself. Of course, you'll need to consult with the people you're traveling with for their opinions before you reserve anything, but if you're waiting for them to take the initiative and do their own research you'll never get it done.
Take responsibility for your travels and make sure you're making the most of the time you're spending in a new place.
Do – Use a Google Doc
Get your travel partners involved in your planning process by using a Google Doc to list all your options as you begin to build out your itinerary. Let them leave their comments, suggestions and opinions so it becomes a team planning process and gives them encouragement to participate.
Google Docs is a free service that allows you and those you share your document with to write, edit and collaborate at the same time, wherever you are. It's an ideal tool for getting your thoughts in one central place rather than unorganized email chains and group chats.
Don't – Ignore the Culture
If you're traveling abroad, you'll naturally expect to encounter cultural differences. But you don't want to set yourself up for culture shock. The last thing you want to do in a foreign country is be ignorant to cultural norms and end up offending someone you don't understand.
Do your research ahead of time and visit sites like Culture Crossing to get a basic understanding of communication styles, gestures, cuisine, etc.
Do – Check Your Bank's Point Systems and Travel Rewards Programs
While you want to have a budget in mind, you also don't want to cheap yourself into a below-average travel experience. That's where your bank can become your friend. Depending on the credit cards you have, the points you've accumulated might help pay for parts of your trip. Some cards, such as the Chase Sapphire card, have their own travel booking portal (Ultimate Rewards) with discounts on hotels, flights and car rentals just for being a card member.
If you're a frequent traveler, you should make a point of researching the credit cards that can best assist with your trips and which have the best travel rewards programs. If you spend the time to educate yourself, you will end up enjoying the five-star treatment for a fraction of the cost. Break the system, not the bank.
Travel planning is a time-intensive project, but is not meant to overwhelm you. That's why you should give yourself ample time to explore your options and make decisions one at a time. If you do it right, having a travel itinerary on hand will make your next trip exceptionally less stressful and much more organized. Take the time now to have a plan (and maybe some back-up plans) so that once you've actually reached your destination you have a tool to guide you through your surroundings.


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S T E P H M O R R I S , Owner & Principal Designer
A creative at heart, Steph Morris is one of the area's only interior designers that specializes in both residential and commercial interiors. With a focus on creating timeless and authentic environments, Steph believes that the approach to the design process should be organic, organized and is fostered by a client-designer partnership.
Steph spent the first decade of her design career working for commercial and residential design companies, as well as a nationally recognized interior design studio that has been featured in several publications, including Detroit Home and Architectural Digest. Steph has a Bachelor of Science from Michigan State University in Textile and Apparel Design, with a concentration in Interior Design.
Since deciding to pursue her long-time dream of opening her own design studio and thus creating North + Birch Interiors in 2017, Steph has worked on projects nationwide, ranging from small, custom interiors to large scale commercial designs.
Steph lives north of Detroit with her husband, son, golden retriever and two misbehaved cats. She has a strong affection for Lake Michigan, coffee and long distance running.


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Meet Our Dentists at Kew Dentistry
The Kew Dentistry dental team is here to make sure that you have a wonderful experience when you visit our practice. Dentistry is a multifaceted profession, and our team stay up to date on the latest within the field to give you effective, efficient and pain-free care from our collaborative efforts.
Dr Joe Xanthopoulos, Dentist
BDSc (Hons) (Melbourne)
Dr Joe Xanthopoulos received his Bachelor of Dental Science from the University of Melbourne, graduating in 2000 with honours. Always learning, Joe continues to take professional development courses, completing courses such as Invisalign, Lingual Braces, Implants and All on 4.
As the Senior Dentist and owner of Kew Dentistry, Joe strives to bring patients exceptional care and makes putting a smile on their faces his number one priority.
When he isn't creating beautiful smiles in the practice, Dr Joe is a big sports fan who enjoys watching and attending matches. He is also a devoted father and husband to his three daughters and loving wife.
Dr Jeff Mok, Dentist
BDSc (Melbourne)
Born and raised in Melbourne, it's no surprise that Dr Jeff Mok choose to complete his Bachelor of Dental Science from the University of Melbourne, graduating in 1996. After finishing his schooling, Jeff continued his own professional development in order to provide patients with the absolute best service, including taking courses in Invisalign, Lingual Braces and Implants.
Now, with two decades of experience under his belt, Jeff provides general and cosmetic dental services for patients and families in Kew, crafting beautiful smiles and lasting relationships along the way.
Outside of the office, Jeff enjoys cycling, traveling and spending time with his family and friends.
Dr Gianni Bramante, Dentist
B.BioSc (Hons), DDS, PhD, GC.ALL, (Melbourne)
With a father who worked as a doctor, Dr Gianni Bramante knew that he wanted to go into the healthcare field and inspire change in others. ''I knew I didn't want to work in medicine and saw dentistry as a hands-on profession that would continually challenge me with rapidly changing technology and techniques."
Gianni joined Kew Dentistry after a comprehensive education. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science, a Ph.D. from Austin Health and has completed the Doctor of Dental Surgery programme at the University of Melbourne.
He takes regular continuing education courses on a variety of subjects to stay ahead of the latest research in dentistry, as well as holds membership in various organisations:
- The Australian Dental Association
- The Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch
- The Australian Society of Endodontology
- The Australian Society of Special Care in Dentistry
When he's not helping patients improve their oral health, Gianni enjoys soccer, golf, skiing, travelling and spending time with his friends and family.
Dr Maia Val Morbida, Dentist
BDSc (Hons) (Melbourne)
Like Jeff and Joe, Maia graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2000, completing a Bachelor of Dental Science with honours. In addition to a degree, Maia continues a love of learning through participating in a number of continuing education courses.
Maia thoroughly enjoys helping patients achieve their desires in a relaxed and happy environment that promotes positive oral health habits.
Outside of the practice, Maia enjoys traveling, attending sporting events and spending time with her two children.
Dr Rishi Mehra, Anaesthetist
MBBS, FANZCA, PgDipEcho, Diplomate of NBE
Receive comfortable sedation dentistry in our advanced surgical theatre from Dr Risha Mehra. He has worked as a staff consultant anaesthetist in the Department of Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine at the Alfred Hospital and is a Perioperative Medicine Short Course Convenor and Senior Lecturer at Monash University.
Further, Risha is a diplomate of the National Board of Echocardiography and has completed a fellowship in cardiothoracic anaesthesia in Ontario, Canada. With a charming persona and relaxed approach, he ensures your maximum safety and comfort as well as a quick recovery from procedures under sedation.
Brent Smart, Dental Prosthetist
Adv. Diploma in Dental Prosthetics (Melbourne)
Working with some of the best dental specialists to fine-tune his skills, Brent brings the art of Dental Prosthetics to our dedicated on-site laboratory. A focus on his field has brought him around the world to train, including a tutorship under Master Dental Technician Jurge Stuck.
With over a decade of experience, Kew Dentistry benefits from Brent's focus on All-on-4® dentistry. His meticulous attention to detail gives you the perfect smile!
Get the positive dental experience you deserve. Contact us today! Convenient Saturday appointments are available.


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Destination KentHome Menu
So Many Choices...
There are so many shopping options in our downtown. Clothes, books, shoes, toys, music and so on! You're sure to find all your needs right here!
Haymaker Outdoor Farmers Market
- Category:Shopping: Grocery / Market
- Address:Franklin Ave. & Summit St.
Kent, OH 44240
- Phone:(330) 678-5748 Website:http://haymakermarket.com
- Hours:Saturday: 9am - 1pm
May 2, 2015 - October 31, 2015
Rain or Shine!
Portage County's oldest producer's only farmers' market offers a wide variety of locally grown and produced items including: fresh fruits; vegetables; herbs; garden starts; perennials; hypertufas; jams and jellies; preserves; grassfed beef, pork, and chicken; pastured eggs; pastured cow, goat, and sheep milk cheeses; honey and honey products; maple syrup and maple products; fresh sauerkraut, baked goods including traditional, vegan and gluten free; fresh handmade pasta; dried handmade pasta; locally roasted coffee and whole beans; gourmet culinary herb blends; frozen vegan veggie filets; kettle corn; handmade soaps, lotions, and body care products; art and more!Return to full list >>


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Email has been sent to with instructions on resetting your password.
Enroll in a Dignity Health account to simplify finding a doctor and scheduling an appointment. Let's start!
By selecting "I Agree" or "Create Account" and clicking the box "I AGREE" below, you acknowledge and agree that you have read, understood and accepted the terms of service at the hyperlink below:
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ADA Camp Strong
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Media Contacts
News & Events
Our Mission
More Humankindness Videos
Dignity Health Southern California Hospitals have partnered with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) to provide preventative health incentives through education and fun. At ADA Camp Strong, kids and their families will learn about the importance of healthy living, participate in lots of activities, and find out how to lead a stronger life.
Join Dignity Health SoCal hospital and the American Diabetes Association for this FREE camp, Saturday and Sunday, August 27 and 28.
Drop your kids off between 8 and 9 a.m. and pick them up anytime between 4 and 5 p.m. If your kids want to do an overnight, that's available, too!
Camp Hollywoodland
3200 Canyon Drive
Los Angeles, CA
Visit LAparks.org for more information and driving directions.
Download the application


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You know the old saying , " One bad apple spoils the whole pack." That's so true and you should keep that same saying in mind when choosing friends.
If you surround yourself around people who only gossip and try to find something wrong in everybody else s life then you cant expect to be too successful. Some people are successful and still hang around a bunch of spoiled apples but its the inside that's not successful and when your messed up inside ( your mind, thought process, etc.) you're not successful.
If your friends are talking about everyone's else life and their life isn't to well put together then more than likely you need to change who you hang around. Really this was supposed to be like 5 pages but I will talk more about this subject later on.
"If who you're hanging around are not benefiting you , you need to find new people to hang around with."
If you are a smoker and you hang around with people who don't smoke it will be easier for you to stop smoking because you have people around you to help you stop smoking. On the other hand if you are not a smoker and you hang around a lot of smokers pretty soon you're going to be a smoker. Someone might find what I just said a bit silly but technically and scientifically if you inhale smoke its like you're smoking anyway so you might want to make some changes there!
So remember if you're hanging around people who are doing negative things like (cheating on their spouse, shop lifting, cheating on tests and or quizzes, have premarital sex, destroy property, rob, etc. ) more than likely you're going to find your self doing some of these activities or imagining yourself doing them and a thought is as powerful as lava so your thoughts are one of the many things you should keep clean.
Thanks for taking the time to read my postings, please share with others and enjoy!


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Record Skype Calls with SkyRecorder for iPhone
I know several people who use Skype exclusively as their main mode of communication with the rest of the world. So naturally, they have the Skype mobile app on their smartphone. For those times when you need to actually record a Skype conversation for say an interview where you should be taking notes, you can send those calls to SkyRecorder for unlimited Skype recording.
The process is simple, you can either open SkyRecorder, hit record and make a Skype call, or you can put your current Skype call in speakerphone mode, switch to the SkyRecorder app, and hit record. Either way, you're covered with features like:
- Restart recording after interrupt by incoming call
- Supports external stereo mic
- Audio files Export/Import over the USB using iTunes (*.wav only)
- Supports any OS (Mac,Windows,Linux, etc) to play recorded files
- Simple user interface
This is one of those handy apps that Skype should shell out some dough for because it is a simple but handy application for anybody who does al ton of Skype calls but is terrible with taking notes at the time of the call. Download SkyRecorder for iPhone and let us know what you think in the comments section.


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Atlantic Provinces Library Association 2019 Conference
Bookable dates
Nights: June 4-10, 2019
Please book by May 15, 2019
Payment is due at the time of booking by credit card (MasterCard or Visa). Please note that our reservations system is powered by SpeedyBooker - London, U.K. (UniversityRooms.com). The transaction on your credit card statement will list SpeedyBooker and not Memorial University.
Arrival information
Address: 40 Livyers Loop, St. John's, NL, St John's, A1B 3P7, Canada
Check-In: after 3:00 p.m. Check-Out: by 11:00 a.m.
How to book
Please enter promotion code APLA2019 in the field below and choose dates, and number of guests before clicking Next.


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WASHINGTON, May 5, 2014 – The USO and the nonprofit organization Full Circle Home teamed up May 2 to assemble Mother's Day care packages for military moms and other sustainers on the homefront.
The service project, hosted by Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, was held at the vice presidential residence, where Dr. Biden joined USO volunteers and staff members, congressional spouses and others to assemble the packages.
USO President John I. Pray Jr. greeted the volunteers and explained the goal of the service project.
"We have come together to assemble 2,000 Full Circle Home care packages," he said. "These packages contain items to comfort and support a very special segment of our military family: moms, spouses, girlfriends and all those amazing people who sustain the homefront while their loved ones are deployed serving this great nation elsewhere."
Pray thanked the volunteers, including Lilibet Hagel, wife of Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, and lauded the secretary for his support of service members and their loved ones.
"I know that the secretary has always kept the men and women in uniform and their families uppermost in his mind," he said. "It's wonderful to have his support."
Full Circle Home arranges gift boxes to be sent on behalf of service members to military moms and spouses around the country. Mother's Day packages consist of "pampering products" such as tissues, hand cream, perfume, nail polish and an engraved bracelet.
Vickie Durfee, founder of Full Circle Home and a self-described "Marine mom," addressed the group and expressed her appreciation for the USO.
"It's great to team up with like-minded organizations that really support the troops in so many different ways," she said.
"Full Circle Home has been able to help deployed troops send their love and gifts at Mother's Day and at Christmas to women in every state in the nation, and to bases around the world. We're very unique in that we help the deployed send something special to their [heroes] that's very personal and [a] very intimate thing."
Durfee noted troops have the opportunity to place a handwritten love note to their special lady in each gift.
"When the gifts reach these women, we find that the phone calls and emails start," Durfee said. "These women do not expect anything to come to them — they send packages, they don't expect to receive them. They're so touched that people would think of them, to recognize them and their sacrifices, and honor them."
Biden noted the event was taking place as Joining Forces, the initiative she and First Lady Michelle Obama started and have championed, is marking its third anniversary. It's important to "make sure that all these brave men and women, and their families" know that America recognizes their sacrifices, she said.
"The USO is always there, [and] always an incredible partner," she added. "I'm sure that many of the congressional spouses who are here today … find that about the USO as well."
Biden said it was nice to be able to put together care packages for Mother's Day, recalling the year when her son was deployed to Iraq.
"I don't know about you, but it was one tough year to have my son deployed," she said. "I don't know how I would have taken it had I opened something from my son when he was deployed. I think I would have cried for like a week. But I hope we bring smiles their faces."
Biden expressed her gratitude to the volunteers for donating their time to honor service members and their families.
"I want our troops to know we're thinking of them each and every day, and [that] we're supporting them," she said. "I hope they feel the love from all of us."


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Scotiabank Ottawa Half Marathon
The Scotiabank Ottawa Half-Marathon is the weekend's biggest field. The course is fast and relatively flat, making it great for personal bests and runners trying the distance for the first time. The course takes runners past historic landmarks, through vibrant neighbourhoods and across the Ottawa river through the province of Quebec.
Date and Time
Date: May 26, 2019
Race start: 9:00 a.m.
Entry Fees
|Regular Fee
|Run Ottawa Member
|Youth (18 and under)
|Sept. 1 to Nov. 30 2019
|Dec. 1 to Feb. 15 2019
|Feb. 16 to May 20 2019
|May 21 to May 25 2019
Become a member of Run Ottawa and get an immediate $10 off when you register for any 2019 Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend event! Find out more here!
Race Notes
- This event has a wave start with each corral sent off approximately every two minutes.
- Water stations every approximately 3KM along the route and Xact Nutriton Station at 11K.
- Misting station at every water station.
- Toilets at every water station.
- Sponge station at 16K.
- Full medical services on the route and at the finish line.
- There is a time limit of 4 hours in this event.
- There are no strollers allowed in this event.
- This race is broadcast live on TV and online.
Please refer to Awards and Prizes for more details.
Visit our volunteering page for more information about volunteering opportunities and volunteer contact information.


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Dr.V.K. Allam
Cardiologist, Kurnool
- Dr.V.K. Allam is a Consultant Cardiologist at Sri Vijaya Durga Cardiac Centre, Kurnool
Practice Information
Sri Vijaya Durga Cardiac Centre, Kurnool
Opp Govt General Hospital, Budhwar Peta, kurnool ho, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh - 518001
Patient Experience
Your participation in the survey will help other patients make informed decisions. You will also be helping Dr.V.K. Allam and his staff know how they are doing and how they can improve their services.
How was your experience with Dr.V.K. Allam?
Help other patients, and let the doctor know how he's doing


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Which Stevia is the best stevia?
Stevia is a something I'm happy to consume. I'm a sweet person ;) but if I'm going to use one it will actually be Stevia. And derived from a trusted source in a trusted ethical way. As with almost all foods, when food marketing and food marketers get their sticky little brains on to it it can become confusing... Watch this video for an insight into food marketing:
I'm currently LOVING Omica Organics Stevia which I believe is one of the high integrity stevia sweeteners available today.
Stevia, the stevia leaf...


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This probably isn't so much a blog but rather a novel in the making. Or a memoir. Or a posthumous journal of my travels. Well, whatever it is, it's there to be read by you. You can of course browse around, or just look at the pics at the beginning of each chapter, but it is meant to be read from the beginning to the end.
I am immensely grateful to any and all honest reactions from you. Praise me, correct me, flame me, or ask whatever you want. ^_^
Part 1 of 4 is done now, and soon I will start into Part 2.


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Trainees often have chaotic lives which impacts on their ability to engage with training in the kitchen.
BMT works closely with Shoreditch Trust Health and Wellbeing programmes to offer a complete support package to trainees to aid their personal development. Trainees can access a Health Coach to work towards their goals and make small but significant lifestyle changes; a Stop Smoking advisor to help them during a quit attempt; healthy eating tips from our Food for Life team and support with their mental and emotional wellbeing from our Peace of Mind team.
Blue Marble also has a fitness training programme, provided in an environment where trust is already established, ensuring young people have good role models and mentors around them. Sessions run at the end of a restaurant shift, with a healthy meal provided post-workout.
"As someone with low self-esteem and depression, exercise is vital for me. BMT fitness training not only allows me to push myself physically but it also allows me to be mentally ready for anything the kitchen can throw at me. As a result, my confidence is increasing and I'm much healthier." James Baxter, 2016


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After having been single for a while and trying several avenues to find a woman; for example, on-line dating sites (still trying that a little), church, (found a nice woman, it didn't work, but I'm still attending), night clubs, grocery stores, and yard sales, I found a dating service in town and decided to give it a shot. Have you ever bought a new/used car or been to one of those timeshare things? This was kind of like that—let me explain.
I showed up at the dating service full of hope and very broke. It was at an upstairs office building in an area known as Mt. Pleasant, about 20 minutes from my home. The office was decent enough and there was a nice young woman who met me in the reception area, her name we'll say was "Lisa." Lisa led me to a very small office in the back with one table, two chairs, and one small window that looked out over a backyard area. It kind of had the feel of an interrogation room. Lisa had informed me over the phone that this would take 1-2 hours. We, she had said, were not a regular dating service, they were COMMITTED to finding me the love of my life.
The first 45 minutes to an hour were all right. We discussed what I wanted in a woman, what my interests were, what I could offer a woman, etc., etc., no problem. Then she asked me about my finances and when I say asked, I mean she wanted to know everything. She wanted my yearly income, my debts including credit cards, my rent, my car payment…everything. Needless to say I starting getting a little nervous, but I was lonely. After this initial phase she asked if I was serious about joining the service and finding my soulmate. I said yes, and she said for me to wait there while she discussed my immense qualifications with her boss.
About ten minutes later Lisa entered the room and once again asked if I was ready to meet my future wife. I replied in the positive and she got excited and said, "Great! My boss wants you in the Program!"
"Program?" I thought to myself, then I asked her " How much is the program going to cost me?"
"Well," she started, "we have selected the Platinum Plan for you and that's $3995."
"Do you have a Plastic plan, because there's no way I can do that. How much just to meet a woman who just wants to piss men off, that doesn't sound platinum to me? Or can I go in with a couple of other people and we share the plan? What if I convert to Mormonism, do I get a discount?" I replied.
She looked shocked and saddened. "Let me talk to my boss and see what I can do."
Ten minutes later she came back with an offer of $3500.
"Can't do it." I said.
She looked like I had just killed her puppy. " I'll be right back," she moaned.
She came in a few minutes later with another woman that I'll call "The Gremlin Lady." She was short and squat, wore glasses, and had real stubby fingers with blue ink all over them. "Gremlin Lady" also had a real rough voice. She reminded me of David Johanson from The New York Dolls, the lead singer, who also played the Taxi Cab Ghost in "Scrooged" with Bill Murray. The shirt she wore was button up and a few sizes too small, so that you could see her skin through the spaces in between the buttons. I guess there was no one in her house when she put the shirt on to say, "No, throw that shirt away, you'll scare people!" I was praying the buttons would hold, as they seemed to be ready to pop off at any second.
"Brian, I need you in the program. I've got 5,000 single women and only 3 men!"
I told her it just wasn't in my budget and we went at it for a good ten minutes. Lisa was blocking the door so I could not escape without running her over and I was starting to get claustrophobic. They finally left me there and I saw my chance for escape, but that was not to be as Lisa brought in another woman who I'll call "The Warden." She was a big, tall, robust woman who made the earth shake when she walked and was very animated. She waved her arms around when she talked and it added to her size.
"I thought he wanted to join the program, what's going on here?!" yelled The Warden.
I told her I couldn't afford "The Program" and she suggested some type of payment plan. A payment plan that they really weren't supposed to offer, but would make an "exception" in my case.
"If I'm that much of a catch, why the hell do I need these "ladies" to help me?" I thought.
"Look," said The Warden " how much do you have left over each month after paying you bills?"
"I don't know, " I said as my anxiety really starting kicking in. "about $100."
"Well, there we go," she said," just put $1500, down and then pay $100 a month."
"Great, then when you find me a woman, I'll tell her we can go out as soon as my "Program" is paid off. "
She ignored me and walked around preaching about true love and how money meant nothing and blah, blah, blah. I don't know what she was saying, I stared out the window at a tree in the backyard and wished so much that I was that tree. Finally, there was silence and I could feel her staring at me while I had a nervous breakdown.
Then she sat down and I saw my chance. She started writing some numbers on a piece of paper, asking me what I thought about this figure or that figure. I stood up.
"Sit down Brian," she said," we're making progress here."
"No, that's ok." I said, shaking as my panic attack surged.
I reached for the door and she called my name again.
"I'll talk to my dad," I said, trying to keep her busy. " Do you take American Express?"
"Yes, we do" she grinned as she responded.
"Shit…I mean, ok, let me talk to him." I said.
"We can call him right now." The sly Warden suggested.
"We can't," I said as I opened the door, "He's…uh…umm…in a meeting!" I yelled triumphantly as I ran out of the room.
Lisa came out of an office across the hall and saw me running for the door. (I had to find the passage back to the place I was before, relax said the night man…never mind.) She waved and said, "Bye, Brian" and that was all. I guess I looked like I was in a hurry. "I'll call you later" I shouted, just to keep her honest.
When I got to my car, it was kind of like a scene in a horror movie. That scene where the victim gets to their car and they can't seem to get the keys to go into the door or the ignition. The car never starts right away either. I had some trouble getting in my vehicle, but it started fine. I felt that if I had stayed there another minute I would have seen the three of them bounding down the steps. First there would have been Lisa saying, "Hi,Brian," then The Warden yelling "How about $850 down and $75 a month?" and the Gremlin Lady, in her David Johanson voice bellowing "We need you in the program!"
My brother is married and has two kids, that should be enough for my dad and my mom. These were my thoughts as I drove away. If it's going to happen, I'm not sure I'm the one who will put the wheels in motion. There's no need to mess with fate, she gets pissed when you do that anyway. I'm still very happily single. This story is true and only one name was changed to protect no one. The Warden and the Gremlin Lady are real people, not actors.


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My vacuum doesn't have as much suction as it used to. What's wrong?
Most central vacuum systems have two filters that protect the motor from dirt and debris – the main cloth bagor sponge filter, and a smaller screen filter. Some older model vacuums employed a sponge filter instead. These older models did not have a secondary filter.
When these filters become clogged, the air flow inside the unit is compromised and the suction power will drop off significantly. To return your vacuum's suction power, these filters need to be cleaned.
The first step in determining whether or not it is a problem with your vacuum – and not a clog somewhere – is to test the suction at the canister itself. To do this, follow these steps:
- Make sure all inlets in the house are closed.
- Locate the covered port on the side of the vacuum canister used to attach a hose (for cleaning out your car or surrounding area where the vacuum sits).
- Remove the cover from this port and turn your vacuum canister on using the On/Off switch.
- Put your hand over the open port and see how strong the suction is.
- If the suction is strong, the problem is not the canister. More than likely you have either a broken pipe or clog in your line somewhere.
- If the suction is less than it should be, then either the filters need cleaning or your motor needs to be repaired.
If you determine that the canister has sufficient suction, then you may want to contact a local dealer to have them check out your piping system for leaks, breaks, or clogs. You can locate a dealer in your area by visiting our website at: http://www.nortekcontrol.com/locator/
If you determine that the loss of suction is at the canister, then continue with the rest of this procedure.
If your system has a sponge filter, simply replace the filter. Canisters with sponge filters do not have the secondary, or flock, filter. Contact your local dealer for a replacement filter.
The cloth bag is the most commonly used type of main filter system and keeps the majority of debris from clogging up the motor. Smaller particles, like fine sand or dust, may pass through the cloth bag and get sucked toward the motor. It is the job of the flock filter to stop these smaller particles from entering the motor. When this filter becomes clogged, the suction on your unit will definitely drop off.
As most of the current model vacuums have the bucket on the bottom, these instructions are geared towards those. However, if your canister has the bucket/bag on top, you can still follow these instructions as they apply to both types – it is just a different view.
To access and clean the flock filter, follow these steps:
- Remove the debris bucket and/or disposable bag.
- If you have a disposable bag, there will also be a plastic cone which funnels the debris toward the disposable bag. Remove this cone.
- Before removing the cloth bag filter, check to see how far up inside the canister it sits. It is important that you replace it in the same location when you put it back.
- Slide your hand up inside the canister between the bag and the inside of the canister. You will find the bag is attached to a stiff ring at the top.
- Grab this ring and push it toward the middle/inside of the canister. As you do so, the ring will collapse. Remove the cloth bag and set it aside.
- Take a flashlight and look up inside the canister. At the top you will see a small screen filter – this is the flock filter.
Warning – DO NOT TRY TO REMOVE THIS FILTER!
- Using a soft cloth or soft bristled paint brush, clean off the flock filter.
- Take the cloth bag filter outside and shake it vigorously to remove any dirt and debris that may be stuck to it. If you feel that the cloth bag should be cleaned with water, you must ring it out completely and then let it air dry for 48 hours before putting it back in the canister. Failure to do this will cause severe damage to your motor.
- To put the cloth bag back in your canister, press opposite sides of the ring together and hold it with one hand.
- Place the bag/ring back up inside the canister at the same location you removed it.
- Release one side of the ring and let it make contact with the canister.
- Pull the side of the ring you are still holding back across to the other side. As you do so, the ring will pop back into place.
- If your system has a disposable bag, put the plastic cone back into place.
- Re-attach the bucket and disposable bag, if one is used.
- Re-test your vacuum at the canister.
- If the suction is still low, you may need to call a dealer and have them check out your system.


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Senator John McCain spoke to the LA Worlds Affair Council about his foreign policy at the Bonaventure hotel in Downtown LA. Mr. McCain gave his views on the Iraq war, the G8, and Latin America. He also tried to distance himself from President Bush by telling the crowd how he hated war. Yet Mr. McCain said he would not withdrawal troops from the 5 year long Iraq bloodbath.
Photo by Ted Soqui c 2008


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This May, cambridge contemporary art is proud to present new paintings by Reg Cartwright, accompanied by Sarah Went's ceramics and Michael Lythgoe's sculptures. The exhibition runs from 30th April until 22nd May. You are warmly invited to the exhibition preview on Saturday 30th April from 11am to 1pm.
Reg Cartwright is an award-winning painter and illustrator from Leicester whose work has been exhibited around the world. He began his career as a graphic designer and became a full-time painter and illustrator in 1976. As an illustrator, he is well known for a series of picture books for young readers which he created in collaboration with his wife Ann. As a painter, he creates deceptively simple-looking still-lifes in which he renders everyday objects through subtle abstraction to focus on the tone, colour and physical qualities of his subject matter.
Reg Cartwright returns to cambridge contemporary art for his eighth major exhibition. His paintings continue the tradition of British Modernism, calling to mind that of St Ives School painters Ben Nicholson and William Scott. Working primarily with still life, Reg uses familiar objects such as jugs, plates and flowers as a pretext for examining complex spatial relationships. His paintings are less about the objects he paints and more about achieving a balanced and pleasing composition, attaining this by flattening perspective, omitting non-essential details and focusing on tone.
Michael Lythgoe was born in Liverpool in 1950 and trained as an engineer. During a holiday in the Cape Cod region he purchased an old wooden decoy which inspired him to change careers and become a professional artist, creating wooden bird and fish carvings. Inspired by the early North American decoys Michael's stylised curvilinear representations of wildfowl and waders have now evolved into a style and form entirely unique to him. His sculptures are curvaceous and calming, combining the eye of an ornothologist with the precision of an engineer. Each sculpture is unique, carved from blocks of wood and then sympathetically painted.
Sarah Went is a Cambridge-based contemporary slipware potter who uses the traditional techniques of slip-trailing and sgraffito to create texture and pattern. Her work is hand-thrown on the potter's wheel and individually decorated. Sarah uses porcelain clay which gives a delicate translucent quality to her work and is perfect for the soft, subtle colours that she uses. When making her glazes, Sarah aims for natural colours reminiscent of the sea, sand and plants around the coast or from her garden.


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COAST CITIES — A selected group of high school students from Spain are coming to North County during July 2013 to enjoy SoCal at its best. Live California, based in Encinitas, will place the students with volunteer local families. The organization arranges all details including surf camp and other daily activities for students and host family teenagers."We keep the students busy, picking them up at home every day. We try to make it as easy as possible on the families, and the four weeks go by in a snap," said Director Alejandro Campillo.
Host families love to showcase their Californian lifestyle with 4th of July parties, surfing, making S'mores at Moonlight Beach or in their own backyard — every family has different customs but one thing is clear: summer is king and there is plenty to do in San Diego.
"For our kids, hosting a student has been a great introduction to studying and traveling abroad. This has exposed them to another culture right here at home. We hope this will inspire our kids to travel," said the father of one Solana Beach family, who hosted Antonio from La Coruña, Spain last July. They have stayed in touch, and hope to visit him in Spain.
Many host family youth, including the Mitchell's, have participated in the summer camp with the visiting students over the years.
"Our host siblings are an invaluable part of Live California; they learn first hand what studying abroad is like at an early age. They lead the way," said Lisa Campillo, Head of Studies. They get a chance to practice their Spanish while enjoying their favorite summer activities.
Live California is currently recruiting host families for July 2013 in Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, Carmel Valley and Rancho Peñasquitos.
Call (619) 894-3957 or e-mail to email@example.com.


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There's nothing like knowing something is coming to an end to make you grateful and mindful of what you have. I have a little less than two weeks left here in Florida and I am focusing on getting that time in at the beach and the sun. It is absolutely gorgeous here, deliciously hot, and I pack my backpack, grab my chair and walk the ten minutes to the beach nearly every day. Once there, I sit in my chair, often working on my What Color Is Your Parachute exercises, until I'm just boiling hot. Then I get into the water and swim out to the buoys (about 100 yards each way). It's great exercise that leaves me somewhat exhausted.
Although it's been a tough road being in Florida, it's also been positive in so many ways. I've overcome more than I thought I ever could, and actually in some ways flourished. I will sorely miss that beautiful beach, the palm trees, springlike flowers, and wonderful heat. I'm sure I'll be happy to be home with family in Colorado again, though. Counting the days . . .


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Representatives from seven (7) Universities within the Guiana Shield were part of a workshop from 3-5 September, 2014 in Suriname to formalize the formation and work plan of the Guiana Shield University Network (GSUN). The specific outputs were to:
The GSUN will therefore bring together academics, researchers and practitioners to work towards increasing the efficiency of delivery of undergraduate and graduate education programmes and course in the areas of biodiversity and biodiversity-related sciences, and streamlining associated research programmes and work streams to avoid duplication. It is hoped that the Network will guide the science-based policy groups under the guidance of the Guiana Shield Facility (GSF).
During the III International Conference on Biodiversity of the Guiana Shield in August, 2013, high level representatives from Anton de Kom University of Suriname, University of Guyana, Universidad Nacional Experimental de Guyana, Universidad de la Amazonia, Universidad Federal do Para, Universidad Federal do Amapá and the Université de Antilles et de la Guyane, met and each presented the undergraduate, graduate and research programmes and infrastructure of the institutions related to the themes of the Congress.
It is against this backdrop that the participants determined that efforts should be directed towards compiling a database on graduate and research programmes, analyzing the priorities of each University and making a decision on where to start in terms of networking.
The workshop therefore allowed for greater insight into the biodiversity courses and research opportunities that the different universities offer and help to advance the results from the previous meeting on the GSUN during the III International Congress on Biodiversity of the Guiana Shield.
During the workshop, representatives had the opportunity to present their 'Biodiversity' curricula and research activities and indicate the need for courses that are not being taught at their university. Also collaboration on transboundary research was highlighted. With this information, an analysis will be undertaken using a participatory process, culminating with the set-up of the Guiana Shield University Network, and preparation of a work plan for 2015.


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BCBG: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week F/W 2012
By Tiffany Piñero, Fashion Week Correspondent
What better way to start off the New York Fashion Week hoopla than with the BCBG show! The theme of said show could've been "color block 'til you drop." This trend will still be in full effect for Fall 2012, but it comes with a decadence. In rich hues of a regal rust, golden carmel and luxe fur. Oh wait, that last one isn't a color so much as the texture that stole the show!
Dresses (lots of them), and a few separates came down the runway in sheer fabrics, some paired with pleats. But it was the outerwear styled over many of the looks that had us onlookers in a buzz. If it's possible for fur to become more glamorous, Lubov and Max Azria did just that. Some pieces saved this luxurious adornment simply for the sleeves. There were shoulder pieces and even a handbag, all in the name of opulence. The collection was very true to the BCBG style while adding in modern elements of that sporty-chic look, which we'll def be getting in large doses in the coming seasons.
[Photos from Style.com]


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SUSOLTECH (Sustainable Solar Cell Technology) is a Research Centre for Environment-friendly Energy Research.
The production of Si plays a major role in determining the cost and energy balance of a solar power plant.
The material quality of Si ingots and wafers depends on the Si feedstock, crucible, furnace materials and the parameters of the crystallization process.
In order to increase solar cell and module efficiencies, new materials and processes are required.
The Centre research aims for industrial growth, increased sustainability and increased end use of solar modules.
We are repeating last year's success!
This declaration applies to SuSolTec with associated websites.
When you visit our website different types of data is stored locally on your unit via your browser. This data could e.g. include user settings, information about how you surfed our website, which browser you used, and which ads that were shown.This type of "locally stored data" could be used to customize content and functions of services for you, thereby contributing to a better and more meaningful visit.Cookies do not contain directly identifiable data about you (such as name, address, telephone number etc.), instead the information regards your browser and the activity through it.
We use locally stored data to:
Both SuSolTec and our subcontractors (e.g. Idium AS as supplier of this website) stores data locally on your unit. Eventual subcontractors are subject to the data processing agreement and can not use data for anything other than delivering the service we have ordered from them. For more information on how Idium AS treat personal data see here.


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As Thanksgiving nears, one question looms over us all: "What are you thankful for?" Adults tend to answer this question with a list of the usual stuff: Friends, family, the fact they could pay their bills on time this year... But kids, with a little more imagination, have a much more interesting range of answers to the question.
So the team on Jimmy Kimmel Live decided to go to an outdoor mall in Los Angeles to ask kids what they are thankful for this year.
"It's especially important that children understand that Thanksgiving isn't just about men with belt buckles on their hats, it's a time to give thanks," it says in Kimmel's video description. "So we went to a popular outdoor mall in L.A. and asked kids what they're thankful for."
Find out below what these kids are thankful for. Their answers are so good.


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The Miami Dolphins are waiving linebacker Neville Hewitt, according to a league source.
Hewitt has missed the preseason due to a shoulder injury.
Hewitt played in 16 games for the Dolphins last season, with five starts, recording 57 tackles.
The Dolphins don't have great depth at linebacker and at one point, it seemed as if Hewitt was a part of their future.
A converted safety, Hewitt has excellent speed and is a standout on special teams.
This is an indication that undrafted rookie Chase Allen and veteran Trevor Reilly may have a good chance to make the original 53-man roster, which must be finalized by 4 p.m. today.
Miami Dolphins cut QB Brandon Doughty, WR Drew Morgan
(LIVE) Miami Dolphins: Who they're releasing on cut-down day
Miami Dolphins release punter Matt Darr
Miami Dolphins: Will undrafted Georgia/Alabama DB Maurice Smith make roster?
For a few Miami Dolphins, the preseason finale was significant
Miami Dolphins coach Adam Gase explains the Jay Cutler he trusts


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Recruitment Telkomsel Trainee Program 2017
Sejak Tahun 2014, Ujian CPNS dilaksanakan secara online dengan sistem Computer Assisted Test (CAT).
Apakah Anda sudah mengenal ujian dengan sistem CAT..?
Pelajari Info lengkapnya ...
Klik Disini >>
Loker Telkomsel Trainee
Telkomsel is a brand name of a GSM and UMTS Mobile phone network operator which is operating in Indonesia. It was found in 1995, and is a subsidiary of Telkom Indonesia. At the end of 2010 the company set 94 million subscribers or increased by 15 percent from last year and makes the operator celullar still the biggest network operator in Indonesia by market share.
Telkomsel Operates in Indonesia with GSM 900-1800 MHz, 3G network, and internationally, through 323 international roaming partners in 170 countries (end of September 2008). The company provides its subscribers with the choice between two prepaid cards-simPATI and Kartu As, or the post-paid kartuHALO service, as well as a variety of value-added services and programs.
PT Telekomunikasi Selular offer opportunities to highly talented people to build their professional career in telecommunication industry
Telkomsel Trainee
Requriements :
- Maximum age of 26 years old.
- Hold education at least Bachelor Degree (S1) majoring in Informatics, Computer Science, Industrial Engineering, Telco/Electro Engineering, Management Business, Economics, Marketing, Accounting, Law, and Communication.
- Have a GPA score minimum 3.00 (scale 4.00).
- Resilient and have strong communication skill.
Test locations : Medan, Palembang, Jakarta, Semarang, Surabaya, Denpasar, Makassar, Jayapura, Pekanbaru, and Balikpapan.
How to apply
Please register yourself through :
Notes :
- Closing date 18 June 2017.
- All applications are appreciated and will be treated confidentially.
- Only candidates that meet the above qualification will be shortlisted.


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I thought it would be a nice change of pace to start a series on kids in the shop. Now, I don't have years of experience at this, but what I do have is a degree in education, a shop, and a 5 year old daughter that has her own workbench.
For this first post I would like to take a moment and talk about the tools of the trade. Little kids have a completely different idea of what shop time is about. We like to "play" by building projects, maybe planing some wood, or pushing our creativity by inventing the next most extreme router jig. But, when you're 3 or 4, your idea of shop time is something different entirely. Mostly, they want to have fun, but they also want to spend time with YOU. That last part is the most important, never forget that or you'll spend all your shop time just yelling. Stay involved in what they are doing, ask them questions about their project, and help when they need it.
The tools that a child needs to explore the world of woodworking are so simple in some cases you may be surprised. Take a look at the photo above, these are the vast majority of tools that my 5 year old daughter has. She started woodworking at 3 years old, and over the years she has collected a few things. Here is her tool list: 19" tall workbench that has a 20"x22" plywood top, small vise (actually this was mine when I was her age), Lowe's nail apron, level, square, pencil, triangle file, two screwdrivers, screw gun (this is a luxury item), two C clamps, tape measure, sanding block, Purple Heart mallet, 7 oz claw hammer, 18 gauge finish nails (from a nail gun), large cut nail for a nail set, Poor man's beading tool (board with screw in the middle of it), and a pad of paper.
I know that may not look very impressive, but when you are 3-5 years old and can spend over an hour filing the edge of a board with a triangle file, that's about all you need. I should note that some tools you find may require alterations. For instance, the 7 oz. hammer my daughter uses has had the handle shaved down to fit her small hands. It only took her two days to go from a two handed swing to a one handed swing while driving nails.
I don't want to get into talking about projects for kids yet, but it is astounding what a child can do with some of these simple tools. You don't need expensive things, most of these are either made with scrap, or only cost a couple bucks.
I do have some tools set aside for her as she gets older, more experienced, and gains some coordination (see picture). Notice that she doesn't have the cutting tools pictured above, outside of a beading tool and a file. I find that most small children have no need for cutting tools, and in many cases they are too much of a safety concern/hazard. Of course, all of this depends on the child in question, age, and maturity level. Make your own judgments and observations.
As my daughter gets older she will acquire these cutting tools. First we have a small handsaw that I found on ebay for $5. I had to straighten the plate a little, and it still needs to be sharpened, but perfect for a person with small hands. The coping saw is great for cutting curves, and works better for small kids than it does for adults. The two hand planes are a small Stanley bullnose plane and a No.3 (literally found under a barn). More than likely she will get the bullnose plane soon, however the saws might be a while.
Next time I'll spend some time talking about, and showing, some projects my daughter has worked on over the past couple years. The results may be shocking.
your sister
6/28/2014 01:23:05 pm
the pic of her 2 year project is so funny
6/29/2014 01:21:43 pm
Nice tool set! I've been bring my son in the shop since he could walk. He's two now and likes clamping wood to a sawhorse and sawing with this small saw. Because the teeth are so fine there's no real risk of cutting himself.
7/9/2014 04:22:24 am
This is a great post Bill. I started following your Youtube channel and now I'm reading your blog. I have a few shots of my little ones in the shop too; please do visit. I'm looking forward to this series.
Leave a Reply.


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Environmental Consultants Melbourne
If you're a builder, developer or government agency requiring the services of environmental consultants to facilitate the sale, purchase or development of land, then the information on this page could save you tens, and possibly even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Why?
Because environmental approvals are potentially one of the most elastic expense variables in property development, and what most people don't realise is that one of the biggest determinants of the total costs of obtaining environmental approvals is the capability and experience of your environmental consultant.
Learn how our 34 years of environmental consulting experience in Melbourne saved one client $172,000 on their residential development.
We Save Developer's Money Getting their Development Approvals.
Atma Environmental (613) 9429 6955
At Atma environmental we aren't afraid to do things a little bit differently if we know it will better serve the needs and interests of our clients and at the same time allow them to comply with all their environmental compliance obligations. That's why our website is a bit different to the standard ones you'll find offered by most environmental consulting firms. We've deliberately compiled "live" videos shot during real consulting jobs we've done, backed up with case study costings, to demonstrate beyond doubt how our vast experience can help you achieve environmental compliance in a more cost effective manner. So if you are interested in achieving compliance as efficiently as possible, invest a few minutes now reading this page and watching our videos and learn how we saved one client $310,000 off the total cost of their residential development, and how, by applying similar principles, we could save you tens and possibly even hundreds of thousands of dollars off your next project. Watch Video 1 (above) now.
Does my choice of environmental consultant really have that big a bearing on the cost of obtaining a development approval?
As someone not expert in environmental science, you could easily be forgiven for thinking that all environmental consultants are the same. But the truth is they aren't. And thinking that they are could be as harmful to achieving your best outcome as it would be to assume that all lawyers are the same heading into a critical litigation.
Everyone knows that the experience and quality of legal advisers differs, and that the experience of your lawyer can make or break the success of a case. But very few people realise that the same principle hold true in seeking environmental approvals.
But just as there is no simple cookie cutter approach to winning a court case, there is no simple cookie cutter approach to obtaining an environmental approval. The issues involved are as unique and complex as the history of the property (case), and added to that, environmental compliance regulations are complex and intricate (just like the law).
That means on any given piece of land there are a myriad of variables and approaches to be assessed and considered; and your environmental consultant's ability to choose the best, most cost-effective approach can make tens and even hundreds of thousands of dollars difference to your bottom line.
So why is decision making so critical to the process and the outcome achieved?
Because in most cases it's the disbursements (i.e. the costs of the works that need to be done to achieve compliance) that make up the bulk of your environmental compliance costs; NOT the consulting fees charged by Atma Environmental or any other environmental consultant.
So here's the clinch. When a consultants approach, decision making and project management skills are THE most vital inputs determining your best result, the experience of your environmental consultant becomes THE critical issue determining the overall cost effectiveness of achieving compliance.
That's why Atma Environmental are the go-to environmental consultants for so many builders, government departments and property developers in Melbourne. We manage site testing and clean up issues second to none. Our Director Glenn Berry has over 30 years experience in contaminated land management and he oversees every job undertaken by our company. His commitment is that your job be managed like it was his own; which is why very few companies match us for effective planning and decision making.
This extra care can make a HUGE difference to your bottom line cost, and if you watch Video 2 (below on this page) now, you'll see how we go about ensuring you achieve environmental compliance in the timeliest and most cost-effective manner. You can then read on to see a case study of real figures showing how our superior consulting methodologies created a six figure cost saving on a residential development in Melbourne.
Soil contaminant testing, sampling & reduced soil disposal costs
Atma Environmental (613) 9429 6955.
Here's how our environmental consulting experience could save you six figures on a typical residential development.
Imagine you're a property developer considering purchasing land that you'd like to create residential housing on. Understanding the importance of environmental due diligence, you engage Atma Environmental to check the land prior to purchase. We do soil testing and find a hidden environmental liability in the form of high levels of arsenic in the soil. (See a real life consulting situation like this in Video 1 on this page). Soil contamination is a potentially expensive issue on development sites, because site clean-up costs will be required by the Auditor to grant building approvals and can add considerable expense to any proposed development; in fact, in some cases these costs can be the difference bewteen a profitable and a non-viable investment!
But armed with a due diligence assessment from Atma Environmental, you have all the critical information about environmental issues that may affect you project, protecting you from loss through ignorance. Factoring in the likely cost of the arsenic clean-up, you realise that if the vendor won't compromise on price, you need to walk away from this deal. So, using our report as evidence, you negotiate an $85,000 discount on the price of the land because of the known soil contamination
Great! Next you'll need to achieve the clean-up of the arsenic on site in the most cost effective manner possible, and this is the area where Atma Environmental excels. We consider all possible options when we plan our site clean-up projects so we can achieve compliance for you in the least expensive way possible.
We are also renowned for our fast job turnaround and responsive customer service, which alone has saved many of our clients tens of thousands of dollars, because time is money on land deals, and even more so on building sites (e.g.down time, interest paid on loans, site security etc). So our faster than average job turnaround creates additional savings. Then consider the savings we create through better on site decision making and planning (e.g. reduced soil disposal costs – see Video 2 for real life examples of how we did this for one client), and you're beginning to understand how our environmental consulting can add value to your land deals by producing faster, less expensive environmental compliance outcomes, which means a more profitable development. In fact, savings on the example we have just discussed would easily run into six figures!
Here's the figures showing how our environmental consulting caused the six figure cost saving just discussed.
Savings on Land Purchase: Negotiated discount on land as a result of identifying arsenic on site $85,000
Savings on Holding & Other Costs: Completing ahead of schedule, faster job turnaround creating savings on the bridging finance and the total costs of the loan $18,000
Reduced Soil Disposal Costs: 150m3 of soil needed to be disposed. The minimum requirement of six soil samples are taken, one indicating the soil is 'Category B', the other five indicate ' Category C Prescribed Industrial Waste' . Based on the highest result the soil must be classed as ' Category B' and the cost to dispose is 150 m3 x $700/ m3 = $105,000
However, because our standard operating procedure is to collect at least 10 samples, we were able to test four additional samples and re-evaluate the categorisation based on a mean (average) value as 'Category C'. The cost to dispose is now 150 m3 x $240/m3 = $36,000 (as category C)
The savings on soil disposal alone were $69,000
This case study may seem extraordinary to readers who don't understand the potential elasticity of development approval costs caused by the many variables involved in assessment and remediation of contaminated land, but be assured, we regularly save developers tens and even hundreds of thousands in site clean up costs every year.
Get the only environmental consultants in Melbourne with the expertise, experience and commitment required to manage your environmental consulting needs, in such a way that you make savings on your development commensurate with the example shown above. Call Atma Environmental now.


text: Selena Gomez, Rihanna and Lupita Nyong'o are just some of the celebrities to rock the latest pink eye makeup trend. Wearing bold pink eyeshadow might make you feel as if you've crash-landed at a 90s school disco, but it doesn't have to be that way. Hot pink is a huge trend for SS17 – we've seen it in fashion and beauty all over the runways this season – so release your inner Elle Woods and follow this simple tutorial to achieve that popping-pink look.


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Have you ever wonder about how the building demolition process works? In order to safely and effectively demolish a building, a demolition contractor must orchestrate a series of perfectly timed and coordinated procedures. When a building is demolished, it is important to minimize the risk of damage to the surrounding area. Let's take a glimpse inside the steps that go into the process of building demolition.
Locate and Drill Holes
When a building is demolished, it is blasted in a procedure that is known as a "progressive collapse." During a progressive collapse, each story of the building carries the next story down with it. As a result, the building explodes in a safe and controlled manner, without spreading dangerous debris. In order to create a progressive collapse, a blaster must drill dynamite holes in precisely located vertical columns.
Insert and Cap Dynamite
Once holes have been drilled in the proper location, dynamite can be inserted into the building. The sticks of dynamite are covered with blasting caps, which control the timing and force of each explosion. All of the separate dynamite sticks are connected to a single detonator cable, which will be used to activate the blast. To help control the force of the explosion, key areas of the building are tightly wrapped in plastic and metal fencing.
Detonate the Dynamite
After all of the preparations have been made, the building is ready for demolition. The blaster will activate the detonator cable, which will start a series of perfectly timed explosions. As the dynamite explodes, the building will collapse to the earth.
If you are in need of expert demolition services in the San Diego area, be sure to contact Silverback Hauling & Demolition. Our demolition company offers a full range of highly rated hauling, junk disposal, and demolition services. Give our Coronado location a call at (619) 618-0676 to set up a consultation for your next demolition project.


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So, I have just started messing around with some digital art with the hopes of creating some character and scene sketches for future books. So far my set of textures, and other tools is very limited, but I have come up with this one:
Friends by ~VydorScope on deviantART
These are not characters from the current novels, just random people I thought up. They may appear in later books though. I am working on a second one I will post in the coming days. What I need to do is try and sell these images somehow so that I can raise funds to buy more tools, textures, and etc.
So what do you think? Cool or bust?