text:
European Union Ambassador Christina Lassen and British Ambassador Chris Rampling visited the Beqaa to take stock of EU and UK support to the local communities.
Ambassador Lassen visited Arsal where she met with the Head of Municipality, Mr Bassel al Hujeiri to discuss future EU support to the Arsal area. After that she headed to the Inmaa Informal Settlement where the International Rescue Committee is implementing a programme for the protection of adolescent girls with support from the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO). The ambassador then met with representatives from the Norwegian People's Aid and Mines Advisory Group near landmine contaminated area where a new mine clearing programme will soon be launched with EU support to the benefit of the Arsal population.
Ambassador Lassen was later joined by UK Ambassador Rampling at the Kayany Foundation all-girls school in Bar Elias. They saw how the science laboratories installed, and the academic and scholarship guidance, alongside psychosocial support activities, are benefiting the youth, both refugees and Lebanese, thanks to a grant from the HOPES project funded by the European Union, and through the PADILEIA programme funded by the UK's Department for International Development (DFID).
Both activities are being implemented by the American University of Beirut's Center for Civic Engagement and Community Service.
The visit to the Beqaa concluded with a tour of cherry orchards in Zahle and a discussion with farmers who have received extensive technical and business trainings with EU experts through the EU's private sector development programme.
"Our visit to the Beqaa today showcases the vast array of support that the EU and its Member States are providing in Lebanon," Ambassador Lassen said. "It shows that humanitarian aid, safety, security, education and economic development go hand-in-hand if local communities are to prosper and be able to face the difficult economic and social challenges that affect the region" she added. 'The EU and the UK are working closely together to support Lebanon and will continue to do so.'
After the visit Ambassador Rampling said: "I'm very pleased to be joining my EU colleague and friend Ambassador Lassen on a visit to the Bekaa today, to see first-hand how the UK and EU support is helping communities cope with the Syrian refugee crisis. It is good to see how DFID funding is allowing programmes like PADILEIA provide short and long term study programmes for Lebanese and Syrian students. This programme is reaching 10,000s of children.
The UK is preparing to leave the European Union. Throughout this process and beyond, the UK and the EU delegations in Lebanon will continue working as closely together as ever for a strong and stable Lebanon, strengthening the institutions, supporting education so no one child is left behind, and funding projects and initiatives to improve economic opportunities and job opportunities for all. And indeed, the UK will continue to work with all our European friends and allies to build long-term relationships with key Lebanese institutions and to support hundreds of thousands of Lebanese and refugees alike. The UK and EU have and always will share common values of upholding democracy, human rights, rule of law and open societies. This alliance will continue."
Source: National News Agency


text:
Kotaku EastEast is your slice of Asian internet culture, bringing you the latest talking points from Japan, Korea, China and beyond. Tune in every morning from 4am to 8am.
The inevitable iPhone 5 might not be out in the West yet, but it's out in China. And it's delicious-looking.
This "mango-flavored" ice cream treat boasts a "Western-style flavor" and is shaped like Apple's iconic logo. It kind of looks like a fried egg. There also appears to be a pear-flavored version, but apparently no Apple-flavored one. Because that would be weird.
The ice cream carries the name "iPhone 5" in English, because Apple didn't register its trademarks across a variety of industries. This means that cheeky Chinese companies can slap a trademark on iPhone frozen snacks and companies are applying for iPhone branded hiking equipment and iPad branded concrete.
In China, the iPhone 5 is so damn good, you can taste it. Literally.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
(805 ILCS 5/Art. 3 heading)
(from Ch. 32, par. 3.05)
Sec. 3.05.
Corporations for profit may be organized under
this Act for any lawful purpose or purposes, except for the purpose of banking
or insurance; provided, however, that
corporations may be organized under this Act for the purpose of buying,
selling, or otherwise
dealing in notes (not including the discounting of bills and notes and not
including the buying and selling of bills of exchange), open accounts, and
other similar evidences of debt, for the purpose of carrying on the
of a syndicate or limited syndicate under Article V-1/2 of the Illinois
Insurance Code, or for the purpose of carrying on business as a member of
a group including incorporated and individual unincorporated underwriters when
the Director of Insurance finds that the group meets the requirements of
subsection (3)
of Section 86 of
the Illinois Insurance Code and the corporations, if insolvent, are
to liquidation by the Director of Insurance under Article XIII
of the Illinois Insurance Code.
Medical corporations, as authorized by the Medical
Act, may be organized under this Act.
Professional Service Corporations, as authorized by the
Service Corporation Act, may be organized under this Act.
(Source: P.A. 88-535.)
(from Ch. 32, par. 3.10)
Sec. 3.10.
General powers.
Each corporation shall have power:
(a) To have perpetual succession by its corporate name unless a
limited period of duration is stated in its articles of incorporation.
(b) To sue and be sued, complain and defend, in its corporate name.
(c) To have a corporate seal which may be altered at pleasure, and
to use the same by causing it, or a facsimile thereof, to be impressed
or affixed or in any other manner reproduced, provided that the affixing
of a corporate seal to an instrument shall not give the instrument additional
force or effect, or change the construction thereof, and the use of a corporate
seal is not mandatory.
(d) To purchase, take, receive, lease as lessee, take by gift,
legacy, or otherwise acquire, and to own, hold, use, and
otherwise deal in and with any real or personal property, or any
interest therein, situated in or out of this State.
(e) To sell and convey, mortgage, pledge, lease as lessor, and
otherwise dispose of all or any part of its property and assets.
(f) To lend money to its directors, officers, employees and agents.
(g) To purchase, take, receive, subscribe for, or otherwise acquire,
own, hold, vote, use, employ, sell, mortgage, loan, pledge, or otherwise
dispose of, and otherwise use and deal in and with, shares or other
interests in, or obligations of, other domestic or foreign corporations,
associations, partnerships, or individuals and, subject to the provisions of
Sections 9.05 and 9.10 of this Act, to purchase, take, receive, or otherwise
acquire, hold, own, pledge, transfer, or otherwise dispose of its own shares.
if applicable, each corporation shall comply with the provisions of The
Illinois Bank Holding Company Act of 1957.
(h) To incur liabilities; to borrow money for its
corporate purposes at such rates of interest as the corporation may
determine without regard to the restrictions of any usury law of this
State, to issue its notes, bonds, and other obligations; to secure
any of its obligations by mortgage, pledge, or deed of trust of all or
any of its property, franchises, and income; and to make contracts, including
contracts of guaranty and suretyship, but a corporation may not
be organized hereunder for the purpose of insurance.
(i) To invest its surplus funds from time to time and to lend money
for its corporate purposes, and to take and hold real and personal
property as security for the payment of funds so invested or loaned.
(j) To conduct its business, carry on its operations, and have
offices within and without this State and to exercise in any other
state, territory, district, or possession of the United States, or in
any foreign country, the powers granted by this Act.
(k) To elect or appoint officers and agents of the corporation, and
define their duties and fix their compensations.
(l) To make and alter by-laws, not inconsistent with its articles of
incorporation or with the laws of this State, except as provided in
Section 2.30, for the administration and regulation of the affairs of the
(m) To make donations for the public welfare or for charitable,
scientific, religious or educational purposes; to
lend money to the State or Federal government; and, to transact
any lawful business in aid of the United States.
(n) To cease its corporate activities and surrender its corporate
(o) To establish deferred compensation plans, pension plans, profit-sharing
plans, share bonus
plans, share option plans, and other incentive plans for its directors,
officers and employees and to make the payments and issue the shares
provided for therein.
(p) To indemnify its directors, officers, employees or agents in accordance
with and to the extent permitted by Section 8.75 of this Act.
(q) To be a promoter, partner, member, associate or manager of any partnership,
joint venture or other enterprise.
(r) To have and exercise all powers necessary or convenient to
effect any or all of the purposes for which the corporation is formed.
(Source: P.A. 88-151.)
(from Ch. 32, par. 3.15)
Sec. 3.15.
Defense of Ultra Vires.
No act of a corporation and no
conveyance or transfer of
real or personal property to or by a corporation shall be invalid by reason of the
fact that the corporation was without capacity or power to do such act or
to make or receive such conveyance or transfer, but such lack of capacity
or power may be asserted:
(a) In a proceeding by a shareholder against the corporation to enjoin
the doing of any act or acts or the transfer of real or personal property
by or to the corporation. If the unauthorized acts or transfer sought to be
enjoined are being, or are to be, performed or made pursuant to any
contract to which the corporation is a party, the court may, if all of the
parties to the contract are parties to the proceeding and if it deems the
same to be equitable, set aside and enjoin the performance of such
contract, and in so doing shall allow to the corporation or the other
parties, as the case may be, compensation for the loss or damage sustained
by either of them which may result from the action of the court in setting
aside and enjoining the performance of such contract, but anticipated
profits to be derived from the performance of the contract shall not be
awarded by the court as a loss or damage sustained.
(b) In a proceeding by the corporation, whether acting directly or
through a receiver, trustee, or other legal representative, or through
shareholders in a representative suit, against the officers or directors of
the corporation for exceeding their authority.
(c) In a proceeding by the State, as provided in this Act, to dissolve
the corporation, or in a proceeding by the State to enjoin the corporation
from the transaction of unauthorized business.
(Source: P.A. 83-1025.)
(from Ch. 32, par. 3.20)
Sec. 3.20.
Unauthorized assumption of corporate powers.
All persons
who assume to exercise corporate powers without authority so to do shall
be jointly and severally liable for all debts and liabilities incurred or
arising as a result thereof.
(Source: P.A. 83-1025.)
Sec. 3.25.
Locale misrepresentation.
(a) A person shall not advertise or cause to be listed in a telephone
directory an assumed or fictitious business name that intentionally
misrepresents where the business is actually located or operating or falsely
states that the business is located or operating in
the area covered by the telephone directory.
This subsection (a) does not apply to a telephone service provider or
to the publisher or distributor of a telephone service directory, unless the
conduct prescribed in this subsection (a) is on behalf of that telephone
service provider or that publisher or distributor.
(b) This Section does not apply to any foreign corporation, the stock of
which is traded on a national stock exchange, that has gross annual revenues in
excess of $100,000,000.
(c) A foreign corporation that violates this Section is guilty of a petty
offense and must be fined not less than $501 and not more than $1,000. A
foreign corporation is guilty of an additional offense for each additional day
in violation of this Section.
(Source: P.A. 91-906, eff. 1-1-01.)


text:
We just posted our 2000th article on LondonFireFighters.ca!
This would not be possible without the dedication of our volunteers and the many unnamed contributors who have shared their collections and heirlooms.
Do you have something to share about the London Fire Fighters?
Send it along to be included in our archives or volunteer to improve the site. Your contributions and/or assistance is what makes this project so successful.


text:
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Cash is king, and the cash on a company's books -- money coming in and going out -- is especially important nowadays given the pivotal juncture the stock market is at.
There's a glaring lack of consensus among both money managers and Wall Street analysts about corporate earnings. The jury is still deadlocked on which companies are the strongest survivors of the economic downturn, making it tough to get a clear picture on earnings prospects and, accordingly, on whether a stock is fairly valued.
"We're coming out of one of the deepest profits recessions we've seen," she noted. "There's a huge dispersion of estimates, suggesting there's still little visibility as to where earnings are going to come in. Using consensus estimates as a guide is kind of 'garbage in, garbage out.' Basing a decision on that could steer you wrong."
Measure for measure
But how can shareholders -- the owners of a company -- get the corporate cash-register tape to see if management is handling their money wisely?
The key is a measure called free cash flow, which is calculated from information found on the cash flow statement of a company's financial report. Free cash flow, strictly speaking, is net income plus depreciation and amortization, minus capital expenditures and changes in working capital (current assets minus current liabilities). A shorthand method of subtracting capital expenditures from net cash from operations also works.
Put simply, free cash flow is cash after expenses and improvements -- money that can be given to shareholders in the form of dividends, used to buy back shares, or pumped into the business to boost future growth.
"Look at it like the corner grocery store; cash goes into the register, cash comes out of the register. What's left in the register is free cash flow," said Bruce Berkowitz, manager of the value-oriented Fairholme Fund FAIRX, +0.15%, who uses free cash flow in assessing a stock. "The owner could decide how to allocate it -- spend, invest, pay back debt, or grow the business and put more money in the register."
Management and many on Wall Street would prefer that investors focus on a company's net income and earnings per share. Those popular measures tell what a business made over a quarter or a year; what they don't say is how management spent the cash and how much is left in the till.
For that answer, follow the money. A company's earnings might appear to be strong and growing, but available cash is the real bottom line. Cash flow can lead investors to cheaply priced stocks with solid, responsible management. It can also wave a red flag when executives misuse and abuse cash.
"With estimate dispersion still high, cash-flow based measures may be preferable to those based on estimated or actual earnings," Subramanian wrote in a recent research report.
Moreover, basing stock purchases on cash flow yield -- free cash flow per-share divided by the stock price -- has outperformed P/E metrics around peaks and troughs in the profits cycle like now, Subramanian pointed out.
Cash flow is also more difficult (though not impossible) than earnings to manipulate. Earnings can hinge on assumptions and variables. Cash is cash.
"It's hard to fake," Subramanian added in a telephone interview. "For earnings there's a zillion adjustments you can make. A lot of nefarious activity can happen." With cash, she added, "you're getting what you see."
Accompanying the cash flow statement is the balance sheet and the income statement. But those two are largely snapshots of the past; the cash flow statement peers into the future; it tells you if a company has flexibility or if it's strapped.
Hit the books
The cash flow statement is divided into three parts: Operating activities, investing activities and financing activities.
Operating activities reflects the company's day-to-day business -- receivables, inventory, taxes, expenses, liabilities.
Investing activities, meanwhile, represent how the business is providing for its growth, such as purchases of property, plant and equipment and the sale of subsidiaries and other assets. It's a healthy sign when cash from operations covers investing activities.
Financing activities involve cash raised by issuing stock and debt, or -- to the benefit of shareholders -- money spent to repurchase stock and to pay dividends.
The net increase or decrease in cash and cash equivalents is free cash flow. Ideally, both earnings and cash flow are positive, but negative free cash flow isn't necessarily bad. You just need to find out why.
"If a company is in growth mode and they're reinvesting a lot of their cash into new stores or new factories, they may generate no free cash or even negative free cash," said Paul Larson, equity strategist at investment researcher Morningstar Inc. and editor of its StockInvestor newsletter. "As long as that growth rate is high, the lack of free cash flow isn't necessarily a problem."
Walgreen Co. WAG, +0.00%, for example, had been opening new stores at a fast clip, depressing free cash flow to support its high growth rate. Now the drugstore chain is slowing its expansion, so inventory and other capital expenditures aren't soaking up as much cash.
"That will be one of the reasons the free cash flow over the next few years is going to grow significantly," said Tim Hartch, co-manager of BBH Core Select Fund BBTEX, which has a substantial stake in Walgreen.
Here's some basic cash-flow math for Walgreen: Cash flow from operations for the nine months ended May 31 totaled about $3.26 billion against property and equipment expenses of about $1.53 billion, resulting in free cash flow of about $1.7 billion. Walgreen has about 992 million shares outstanding, putting the company's free-cash-flow-per-share at about $1.71.
To find free cash flow yield -- cash flow relative to share price -- divide the $1.71 by Walgreen's closing price on Friday of $34.50, for a yield of around 5%. Compare that with a 3.5% yield on a 10-year Treasury bond.
"If you're buying a business that has a relatively high free cash flow yield, you really don't need that much growth to get an attractive return," Hartch said. "Good management is able to use that cash flow and allocate it for the benefit of shareholders." At Walgreen, management has earmarked more money for dividends and is actively buying back shares.
Fairholme's Berkowitz, meanwhile, is finding cash flow-driven opportunities among big pharmaceutical companies and other areas of the beleaguered health-care sector. His investments include Pfizer Inc. PFE, -0.68% and managed-care providers Humana Inc. HUM, +0.06%, WellPoint Inc. WLP, Wellcare Health Plans Inc. WCG, -1.05% and UnitedHealth Group Inc. UNH, +0.35%
"You normally get these free cash flow bargains when there is a large amount of pessimism about the future of the company," Berkowitz said. In this case, the doubt is tied to fears about federal health care reform.
"With these companies, their cash flow yield and generation is painting a negative case," Berkowitz added. "We're comfortable buying into these significant free cash flows. Investing is all about how much cash you give versus how much cash you get, in the form of dividends and when you sell. It's either there, or it isn't. And it's the only thing you can spend in this world."


text:
|Tom & Colleen Tennant ~ September 8th, 2008
|Congratulations! Good luck to you both. Let us know if you ever get back to Texas.
|Brooklyn ~ August 25th, 2008
|Julie Lee ~ July 22nd, 2008
|You've got to publish a book! I laughed until it hurt! You two will never have a dull moment!
|Dan and Carol Garza ~ July 19th, 2008
|Have a long and happy marriage. (Lind) We love you. (Doug) Take care of our beauty.
|Aunt Paula ~ July 14th, 2008
|There is no doubt in my mind that the Big Man upstairs had this union planned. I am so happy for both of you. Love you big as the sky,Aunt Paula
|Elizabeth Perez ~ July 7th, 2008
|Awww such a romantic engagement story.
|Jolyn ~ July 2nd, 2008
|After pondering something profound to say to you guys, I decided, what do I know? We are so happy for you. Now, be at peace.
|Catherine Murawski (Deist) ~ July 1st, 2008
|YAY, Linds! So happy for you!
|Samuel Wilkinson ~ June 26th, 2008
|(Lou) Sorry I am not going to be able to make it sis, but you know I love you. (Doug) take care of my sis. I love 'er. (Both) Tanti Auguri. Abbiate una buon'esperienza e divertitevi! Vi Amo
|Sergio Saenz Sr. ~ June 25th, 2008
|Im so happy for ya neighbor! Congratulations from Jamaila, Jr. and I!
|Lauren Wheat ~ June 25th, 2008
|Finally! Just kidding- but not really. Love you both!
|travis ault ~ June 25th, 2008
|well well well, im happy for you guys!!


text:
Medicine co-produced by ace songwriter Anders Osborne and features drummer Brady Blade, keyboardist Ivan Neville, bassist Corey Duplechin and the legendary Michael Doucet of BeauSoleil
You've tried the rest, now try the best! Tab Benoit's amazing new Medicine, 100% pure musical snake-oil. A melodic potion that provides immediate and satisfying relief for all aches and pain. Benoit's Medicine is a guaranteed cure for heartache. It's the genuine article this Medicine is for whatever ails you.
Medicine, Benoit's seventh solo release on Telarc International, a division of Concord Music Group, successfully joins two gifted guitarists/songwriters in a session that proves greater than the sum of its very talented parts. Set for April 26, 2011 release, the 11-track recording features seven new Benoit originals co-written with ace songwriter Anders Osborne (his song "Watch the Wind Blow By" was recorded by Tim McGraw in 2002, hitting No. 1 on the country charts for two weeks and selling over three million albums, and Keb' Mo's 1999 GRAMMY-winning album Slow Down, featured two songs he had co-written).
"Anders and I have been friends for years, and we have a very comfortable relationship," says Benoit, a GRAMMY®-nominated songwriter, as well as a guitarist and singer with a repertoire that ranges from swamp-pop classics to gritty blues and rootsy jams. "Songwriting needs to feel natural. It needs to flow easily. When he and I went out on the bayou, we came back with seven songs! Anders also played most of the rhythm parts on the album. He does a good job of not stepping on what I'm doing and making it fit the song."
In an unusual twist, Osborne (who also co-produced the album) uses B.B. King's famous guitar 'Lucille' on Medicine. "He played half the album on that guitar, basically anything that's not slide guitar," Benoit says.
Medicine showcases a lean, energetic young band, and vibe-wise it's hipper and groovier than anything Benoit has ever done before. The recording also spotlights the work of keyboardist Ivan Neville (son of Aaron Neville and nephew to members of the Neville Brothers), drummer Brady Blade (Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle, Dave Matthews) and bassist Corey Duplechin (Chubby Carrier & Bayou Swamp Band). Fiddler/singer Michael Doucet of BeauSoleil makes a special appearance on three tracks.
Medicine was recorded at Louisiana's legendary Dockside Studio (B.B. King, Dr. John, Keb' Mo', Taj Mahal, Buckwheat Zydeco), located on a 12 acre estate in the heart of Cajun country on the banks of the Vermilion Bayou, and engineered by David Z (Prince, Jonny Lang, Buddy Guy, Gov't Mule). The award-winning music producer/engineer worked with Benoit on three earlier releases (Fever for the Bayou, Power of the Pontchartrain and Night Train to Nashville). "When David's in the booth, I don't have to worry," says Benoit. "He's always comfortable with the way I work. We have a lot of fun and like to joke around."
Benoit's blazing guitar kicks off the title track of the recording. 'Medicine' captures what this album is all about, he says. "Let music be the medicine. Like John Lee Hooker once said, Blues is the healer."
'Sunrise' showcases Benoit's keen sense of tasteful restraint when it comes to the slower blues numbers, and 'A Whole Lotta Soul' spotlights Ivan Neville on B-3, alongside Benoit's crunchy fretwork and vocals.
'Long Lonely Bayou' is a special highlight. This roots summit features two of Louisiana's biggest and most popular artists: Michael Doucet and Tab Benoit. 'Michael and I have played several gigs together over the years,' Benoit says. 'When I wrote this song, I could practically hear him performing it. Most Cajun music is played in a major chord, but Michael approached it as crying, minor type of song.'
'In It To Win It' and 'Next To Me' both spotlight Benoit's unbelievably solid guitar chops, while 'Nothing Takes The Place of You' is a deep, soulful ballad drenched in his whiskey-soaked vocals. Doucet returns to play fiddle and sing on 'Can't You See' and the album's funky closer, 'Mudboat Melissa.'
Tab Benoit is Louisiana's No. 1 roots export. More than just an acclaimed bluesman, he is an indefatigable conservation advocate. Benoit is a driving force behind Voice of the Wetlands, an organization working to save Louisiana's wetlands. In 2010, he received the Governor's Award for Conservationist of the Year from the Louisiana Wildlife Federation. Benoit also starred in the iMax motion picture Hurricane on the Bayou, a documentary of Hurricane Katrina's effects and a call to restore the wetlands.
In 2007, Benoit won the dual awards of B.B. King Entertainer of the Year and Best Contemporary Male Performer at the Blues Music Awards in Memphis (formerly the W.C. Handy Awards). In 2006, he received a GRAMMY nomination for Best Traditional Blues Album for Brother to the Blues, a collaboration with Louisiana's LeRoux. LeRoux joined Benoit on Power of the Pontchartrain in 2007 and the live Night Train to Nashville in 2008.
Medicine is more than another strong entry in Benoit's increasingly impressive discography it's one of his most defining albums. 'Magic happens when you least expect it,' says Benoit. 'Most of the stuff here was played live ~ these are mostly first takes. When it came down to playing, we weren't trying to structure things. We were open to the moment.'
If music has the power to help relieve pain and suffering, then Tab Benoit's Medicine might be just what the doctor ordered.


text: Share: Comments Print March 20, 2012 at 4:57 PM San Juan Islands still giving up hatchery chinook in fishing derby Posted by Mark Yuasa Here is a San Juan Island hatchery chinook fishing report and results from the Frank Wilson Memorial Blackmouth Derby from Kevin Klein of Friday Harbor, and member of the PSA Fidalgo-San Juan Islands Chapter and CCA Northsound: "Oh, so close! Well, I was in third place overall, and in the lead for the weekly winner in the Wilson Derby, until Pete Nelsen knocked my 14.88 pound fish off by almost a pound with his 15.82 pounds," Klein said. "I bet old Pete just loved that one. But, that's the most fun of a season long tournament, watching the leader board change daily, and anything can happen. I knocked third place off in the last day of the derby in 2011. With one month left to go, this is usually when the biggest fish are caught. Pete wins the $50 gift certificate from Kings Marine for the second week in a row." Derby standings: 1. Marty Chevalier Sr., 19.92 pound hatchery chinook; 2. Bob Wilson, 16.32; 3. Pete Nelsen, 15.82; 4. Kevin Klein, 14.88. Women's division winner: Karen Rhinehart, 13.00. Kid's division winner: Race Rousar, 11.10. (Photo courtesy of Kevin Klein with his 14.88 pound St. Patty's blackmouth. Klein sued an Irish Cream Tailwagger and the green and gold o' the Q-Cove Flasher.) Comments


text:
It has been over 12 weeks and 6,200 miles but we have made it back home. Everything was fine. We have great neighbors that look after the house when we are out of town!
Our last stop was Arkansas. We had intended to go back to Ouachita National Forest but instead we stopped at the Queen Wilhelmina State Park in Arkansas. It was in a very beautiful part of the state but the campground was kind of small and crowded. It ended up not really being a big deal since we got rained in for two days. We did explore the Park our last day and celebrated the end of our trip with a big fire and too many smores.
Funny thing is that when we got home, we couldn't find the remote control for the TV in the kitchen. Alan said I probably put it some where which turned out to be true, but I didn't actually "put" it somewhere I "left" it somewhere – in my bedside table. I have no idea how this happened. I can only speculate that I was carrying it around by accident as we were packing and put it down in the bedroom. Later, I thought it was the remote for the bedroom TV and put it away in the drawer. That is my story or maybe it was gremlins!
I'm planning on posting some pictures that never got loaded from our trip, so I'm not yet calling this Trip Blog closed. Check back here later . . .


text:
Can't Stop Coding
Grades Completed: 5-7
Class #224: June 3-7, 1pm-4pm
Location: Holmes Elementary
Spend a week exploring coding and learning algorithms, binary code, functions and digital citizenship. We will do a number of activities, plugged and unplugged, as we problem-solve, create and build games. Work independently and in small groups during the week on coding lessons. Be ready to stretch out of your comfort zone as you try new things and experiment throughout the week.
Taught by Ashley Wagner, certified teacher
Sponsored by Olsson Family Foundation


text:
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This report discusses the 2012 accident in which a Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) train derailed while traveling over a moveable bridge in Paulsboro, New Jersey. Three tank cars containing vinyl chloride came to rest in Mantua Creek, of which one was breached and released about 20,000 gallons of vinyl chloride. On that day, 28 residents sought medical attention for possible exposure, and the train crew and many emergency responders were also exposed. Damage estimates were $451,000 for equipment and about $30 million for emergency response and remediation. This report addresses safety issues: training and qualification of train crews for moveable bridge inspection; Conrail safety management; timeliness of hazardous materials communications to first responders; failure of the incident commanders to follow established hazardous materials response protocols; firefighter training and qualifications; inadequacies of emergency planning, emergency preparedness, and public awareness for hazardous materials transported by train; and rail corridor risk management analysis. Safety recommendations to: Conrail, US Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Association of American Railroads, American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, International Association of Fire Chiefs, National Volunteer Fire Council, four New Jersey state agencies, with three reiterated.
TO THE FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION: Collaborate with the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association to develop a risk assessment tool that addresses the known limitations and shortcomings of the Rail Corridor Risk Management Safety software tool.
Original recommendation transmittal letter:
Overall Status:
Closed - Acceptable Action
Paulsboro, NJ, United States
Is Reiterated:
Is Hazmat:
Is NPRM:
Accident #:
Accident Reports:
Report #:
Accident Date:
Issue Date:
Date Closed:
Addressee(s) and Addressee Status:
FRA (Closed - Acceptable Action)
Safety Recommendation History
We are pleased that you collaborated with PHMSA and the ASLRRA, as well as with the AAR, to provide assessment methods to reduce or eliminate hazards on rail corridors. We note that you audited class 1 railroads, that the AAR has a rail corridor risk management system program, and that PHMSA has conducted joint sessions with each entity to ensure that railroads other than class 1, such as regional and short line railroads, have developed their own programs to analyze safety and security risks along routes. We further note your intent to continue auditing short line and regional railroads' compliance with the HMR's route analysis requirements. Accordingly, Safety Recommendations R-14-16 and -17 are classified CLOSED--ACCEPTABLE ACTION.
-From Ronald L. Batory, Administrator: This letter is the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) response to twelve National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Safety Recommendations (see list below). Over half of these recommendations are currently classified as "Open - Acceptable Response," and because the FRA has addressed the intent of the recommendations, no further action is necessary. FRA therefore requests that these be classified as "Closed- Acceptable Action." For the remaining five, FRA has evaluated each recommendation relative to current and potential new regulations, including requirements for conducting cost-benefit analysis of each potential measure to address each recommendation, and has concluded FRA cannot reasonably take further action on them. Thus, FRA respectfully asks the NTSB to classify each of them as "Closed." Overall, the twelve Safety Recommendations in question are: • R-01-02 • R-12-21 • R-13-22 • R-14-17 • R-01-17 • R-12-22 • R-13-38 • R-14-44 • R-08-06 • R-12-41 • R-14-16 • R-14-48 In the enclosure, FRA discusses the challenges to implement these recommendations, describes what actions the agency has performed, and explains why FRA cannot proceed further, other than to audit compliance as appropriate. Each recommendation is addressed in the enclosure in the following manner: • NTSB Safety Recommendation Number; • Text of the Safety Recommendation as issued by the NTSB; • Status (e.g., "Open-Acceptable Response"); • FRA's position on the Safety Recommendation (see bolded text in shaded boxes); • A summary of the accident that led the NTSB to issue the recommendation; • A summary of the NTSB and FRA correspondence regarding each recommendation; and • FRA's explanation for why we cannot pursue any further action on the recommendation. To facilitate closure of these recommendations, FRA met with the NTSB on March 1, 2018, to expound on our reasoning and answer questions. This enclosure only includes those recommendations for which we believe we came to an understanding. If FRA can provide further information or assistance, please contact Mr. Robert C. Lauby, Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety and Chief Safety Officer. Please note that Federal agencies like FRA are required to follow the direction of Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 for rulemaking, which require quantifying both costs and benefits, reducing costs, harmonizing rules, and promoting flexibility. Executive Order 12866 specifically states that: Each agency shall assess both the costs and the benefits of the intended regulation and, recognizing that some costs and benefits are difficult to quantify, propose or adopt a regulation only upon a reasoned determination that the benefits of the intended regulation justify its costs. To meet the requirements of these Executive Orders, for each proposed and final regulation issued, FRA performs a regulatory analysis to: 1. Establish whether Federal regulation is necessary and justified to achieve a social goal; and 2. Clarify how to design regulations in the most efficient, least burdensome, and most cost effective manner. While issuing regulations to implement many of these NTSB recommendations could improve railroad safety in the specific railroad accident or incident from which each arose, regulatory action to implement these recommendations would result in financial and safety costs that far exceed the societal benefits of improved safety or accident avoidance. Based on the associated cost-benefit analysis, implementing regulations that are required by some of these recommendations would not meet the intent of the Executive Orders listed above, which is inconsistent with the Administration's regulatory policy. Where applicable, FRA has calculated the anticipated costs and benefits of each recommendation and included that information with each detailed response. Please also note, in the 2016 Federal Railroad Administration Report to Congress on Actions Taken to Implement Unmet Statutory Mandates and Address Open Recommendations by the National Transportation Safety Board and the Department of Transportation's Inspector General Regarding Railroad Safety, FRA informed Congress that the agency would be taking no further action on these twelve recommendations. Current Status (both recommendations): Open-Acceptable Response FRA funded the development of a risk assessment tool specifically designed for short line railroads, as suggested in Safety Recommendation R-14-16. The tool is in use, and FRA is auditing railroads for compliance. FRA believes its ongoing annual audit program satisfies Safety Recommendation R-14-17; therefore, FRA does not intend to take any further action beyond continuing the audits, and respectfully requests that the NTSB close these recommendations. The NTSB issued identical Safety Recommendations R-14-16 and R-14-17 to FRA, and R-14-20 and R-14-21 to PHMSA, in response to an accident on November 30, 2012, in Paulsboro, NJ, in which a Consolidated Rail Corporation train derailed while traveling over a moveable bridge, resulting in the release of three tank cars containing vinyl chloride. FRA's actions to address R-14-16 and R-14-17: On March 16, 2016, PHMSA submitted its response to Safety Recommendations R-14-20 and R-14-21. In its response, PHMSA stated the following: [Given that NTSB has issued the exact same recommendations under Safety Recommendations R-14-16 and R-14-17 to FRA, we see no safety reason for the duplication of safety recommendations issued to FRA and P HMSA, as Safety Recommendations R -14-16 and R-14-17 require the same collaboration among the relevant parties as Safety Recommendations R-14-20 and R-14-21. On April 7, 2017, the NTSB classified Safety Recommendations R-14-20 and R-14-21 to PHMSA as "Closed-Acceptable Action," and stated in the response to PHMSA the following: We are pleased that you have collaborated with the FRA and the ASLRRA, as well as with the Association of American Railroads (AAR), to provide assessment methods to reduce or eliminate hazards on a rail corridor. We note that the FRA has audited Class 1 railroads, AAR has a rail corridor risk management system program, and PHMSA has conducted joint sessions with each entity to ensure that railroads other than Class 1, such as regional and short line railroads, have developed their own programs to analyze safety and security risks along routes. Accordingly, Safety Recommendations R-14-20 and-21 are classified CLOSED--ACCEPTABLE ACTION Based on the NTSB's closure of the Safety Recommendations issued to PHMSA, and FRA's intent to continue auditing short line and regional railroads' compliance with the Hazardous Materials Regulations' route analysis requirements, FRA believes it has met the intent of the recommendations. FRA therefore respectfully asks that the NTSB reclassify Safety Recommendations R-14-16 and R-14-17 as, "Closed-Acceptable Action."
-From Sarah E. Feinberg, Administrator: This letter is to update you on the status of the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) responses to certain National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Safety Recommendations (R-01-02 R-04-07 R-05-17 R-07-02 R-08-12 R-14-02 R-14-16 and R-14-17) issued to the FRA. In the enclosure, FRA responds to these Safety Recommendations and explains the actions it has taken in response to them. FRA's actions, once implemented, will satisfy the intent of these open NTSB recommendations and FRA will keep the NTSB informed of their completion. As former FRA Administrator, Joseph C. Szabo, noted in his November 11, 2014, letter to the NTSB, FRA funded the development and beta testing of the Hazmat Transportation Risk Analytical Model (H-TRAM) Web-based software tool. This tool was developed for short line and regional railroads to perform safety and security risk analyses in accordance with 49 CFR § 172.820, Additional planning requirements for transportation by rail. The tool uses railroad operating information and route attributes to assess the 27 key risk factors listed in Part 172, Appendix D, Rail Risk Analysis Factors, with particular emphasis on population density. FRA funded an independent verification and validation of the tool, and findings of this study (primarily "ease of use" issues and process documentation) are being addressed. Currently, 14 railroad companies use H-TRAM. FRA has requested funding to continue supporting this project. Regarding the recommendation to conduct audits of short line and regional railroad risk assessments, FRA has an established program to audit compliance with § 172.820 by visiting most, if not all, of the Class I railroads, as well as a select number of short line and regional railroads annually. To date, the audits show that carriers are operating in compliance with the regulation. More specifically, among regional and short line railroads, the audits show that railroads not using the Rail Corridor Risk Management System or H-TRAM use alternative methodologies to analyze the safety and security risks along routes subject to the route analysis requirements. Furthermore, FRA continues to collaborate with the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) to promote the importance of performing a complete and thorough route analysis. For example, at the March 2015 ASLRRA conference, FRA joined with Countermeasure Assessment & Security Experts (CASE), the developers of H-TRAM, in providing an overview of the use of H-TRAM, as well as detailing FRA's expectations of railroads during security audits. CASE and FRA also highlighted the ongoing system improvements and the creation of a Web-based training program for railroads. FRA intends to continue auditing short line and regional railroads' compliance with the HMR's route analysis requirements to identify safety and security vulnerabilities. FRA's ongoing audit program satisfies NTSB recommendations; therefore, FRA does not intend to take any further action in response to these recommendations beyond continuing the audits.
We are encouraged that the FRA, PHMSA, and the ASLRRA have initiated efforts to address this issue, and that your agency and the ASLRRA are collaborating to develop and implement a Hazmat Transportation Analytical Risk Model (H-TRAM) specifically for short line railroads subject to section 172.820 to use in collecting data and analyzing route risks. Pending completion of the recommended action, Safety Recommendations R-14-16 and -17 are classified OPEN—ACCEPTABLE RESPONSE.
-From Joseph C. Szabo, Administrator: FRA funded the development and beta testing of the Hazmat Transportation Risk Analytical Model (H-TRAM). This is a tool developed for shortline and regional railroads to perform the safety and security risk evaluation in accordance with the Hazardous Materials Regulations (see 49 CFR § 172.820, Additional planning requirements for transportation by rail). FRA has a request for proposal out for an independent verification and validation of the model. Once this is completed, FRA will work with the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association to identify an entity that will host and maintain the software. For the hosting of H-TRAM, FRA has one candidate that has provided a proposal requesting FRA funding. FRA's Hazardous Materials Division has been performing routine audits in conjunction with security plan audits. Most recently, FRA audited the railroads participating in the beta testing of H-TRAM.
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Synergy Business Connections Team - Conejo Valley Chamber Mixpo Event - 2018
This month, love is scheduled for the 14th, and you better be ready! Social pressure and guilt are reserved for the unprepared. When we were first married, my husband thought we would just stop in at a restaurant after work and celebrate. It was a shock and disappointment when we discovered every restaurant in town had reservations and waiting lines until close to midnight. Lesson learned: think ahead. So, some years we have deliberately celebrated the day before or after.
Love is important and deserves to be celebrated more than one day a year but eating out or ordering long stem red roses can break the bank. Still, it can be special even on a budget. Here are seven ways to show your love (with or without a fancy restaurant reservation).
The thing to always remember is that love, acceptance, trust and open relationships are precious gifts and need to be cultivated and celebrated regularly.
Valentine's Day!
It's already the first week of the new year and I haven't
landed on any resolutions yet. My usual
ones – lose 10 pounds, go to the gym more, read more books – seem like a repeat
of last year and a cop out. Plus, I
normally stick to these for a few weeks and then quit. My resolutions feel more like a guilty
obligation rather than a life changing, driving force.
This morning someone asked me not what my new year's
resolutions are but what do I really want this year. That question seems more significant than
just going to the gym three times a week instead of two. It made me stop and think "what do I really
and truly want?" My focus needs to be on
importance rather than the superficial.
So this year I want to be more content with what I have, to
enjoy at least one beautiful thing each day, to speak with kindness and
patience when my first inclination is to condemn or hurt, to trust God to
protect and provide instead of stressing with what I still need to do, to be
calm, to be generous, to forgive myself without giving up on me, and to let go
of my right to be right.
I still would like to lose 10 pounds, go more often to the
gym and read thoughtful books. But what
I really want is to become a person of peace with myself, with others and with
I challenge you to answer this question, "What do you really want this year?" It's worth the effort.
People are spiritual by nature; we search for reasons and purpose and meaning. There are mysteries we don't understand and a whole universe we need to explore. Deep down, the drive to be better either compels or convicts us.
People are also creative by nature; the urge to make something new – to give birth – excites us. We secretly long to be inspired and to imagine what could be and long to give it voice.
But the spiritual search is easily overshadowed by the desire for daily comfort or security. And creativity can be lulled to sleep under the blanket of busyness and media noise. When either the spiritual or creative side is sublimated and ignored, we are diminished. The articulation of our feelings and communication of our beliefs often requires a different expression. Art.
But art is creative and needs time and space and risk. To be quiet and wait can be frightening; to face a blank piece of paper or canvas can be terrifying, but the possibility of a poem or painting or concerto or dance that represents meaning or injustice or peace is exquisite. Art can free the feelings and beliefs that are stuck inside. And the best news is that the process of creating art is the key. The product or end result might be spectacular and fetch a high price, or it might be mediocre and ignored by the world. It doesn't matter because the act of doing and creating is what's freeing! This is great news for everyone who thinks they're not an artist.
Art also allows space to breathe and to focus on levels we don't usually acknowledge. For me painting is what coaxes me to recognize my hesitation to grow, to formulate what are my passions and motivations, to celebrate my dependence and love of God, and to share these with the world. Art lets me create beauty and rejoice in who I am.
Art gives voice to spirituality and spirituality inspires art. It's the process, the journey, that is magical. Where are you on this journey?
Have you ever said, "I'm not artistic; I can't draw a stick figure"? I have good news for you: stick figures are not the yard stick for art. The world is full of opportunities to "do" art. This month is National Wilderness Month (celebrating the 54th anniversary of the Wilderness Act), and there is such a thing as Earth Art or Land Art which allows all of us to be creative. You can take a trowel and carve circles in the dirt and make art.
Earth Art began in the United States in the 1960s as a rejection of the traditional notion of confined galleries and museums where "true art" could be bought and sold and displayed. It was an embrace of nature and a celebration of found objects as art and beauty. The very transient nature of the designs were part of the art's essence.
Because this creative expression couldn't easily be displayed in galleries, it opened the experience to everyone. Anywhere there were rocks or leaves a person could arrange art. And this frees us all to be artists! In my hallway by the front door, I have a large bowl with stones I've collected, and my grandchildren can't resist stacking them into towers. A farmer in Simi Valley can't help but plow a happy face into his hillside next to the freeway. I arrange smooth river rocks to flow between my flower beds. On hikes through the hills, there are ledges of stacked stones inviting a peaceful thought. All of these actions spring from our creative center. This urge to assemble or organize or declare our presence is innate; it is the desire to proclaim who we are and that life matters and is good.
So, have fun with nature and rocks and dirt; leave your fingerprint on your surroundings and know that you are a creative and artistic soul (and forget about drawing a good stick figure).
It's Back to School time and with budgets tightening, the arts sometime get squeezed out. But I think downplaying art in school is a critical factor contributing to less effective education. We retain approximately 10 percent of what we see; 30 to 40 percent of what we see and hear; and 90 percent of what we see, hear, and do. Incorporating art in school and throughout life is key to growth. Plus, it's just more fun.
As I have taught visual art to kids, I've recognized at least six ways children benefit from art.
Schools are beginning to realize the value of art integration in all subjects, and many are seeing stellar results from it. Wiley H Bates Middle School in Annapolis, Maryland, "started implementing arts integration school wide in 2009… (and) has seen a 23 percent drop in the average number of referrals and suspensions per student. The school's percentage of students proficient or advanced in math has grown four times more than the state's over the same period, and five times more in reading." (https://www.edutopia.org/stw-arts-integration-reform-overview). When schools commit to integrating art, the statistics have proven the positive results. But can they also help when a person has finished school? Yes!
The benefit of art in adult life is staggering too.
The excuse that there isn't enough time to be creative solidifies the decision to stop learning and growing. Art continues to be a foundation in learning for both adults and children. It's the end of summer and with school starting, there is opportunity to recognize art's value in life for all of us.
"Join or Die" was Benjamin Franklin's call to arms during the American Revolution. His cartoon, first published May 9, 1754, in the Pennsylvania Gazette, was a rallying challenge for the colonies. The visual impact of a severed snake jolted the colonists to action against the British iron rule and led to years of uprising, fighting but eventful freedom. Image and words were the catalysts.
A revolution starts because change is needed – the American Revolution and Civil War were political revolts, but civil problems of poverty and discrimination have also started revolutions. Words and symbols grab peoples' attention and can be vehicles to ignite passion and action. Art uses color and images that spark a visceral response, whether emotional or physical, for action against injustice. It can give people concrete forms and pictures to rally around, highlighting larger principles. Art can also be an external representation of internal feelings, spurring action in a "so what", apathetic culture. It can spark imagination just as effectively as it can inspire hope for a better future. Art is a powerful force to engage people with truth.
As you remember our freedom this month, consider the power art can be in society and in your own life.
Einstein said, "Imagination is more important than knowledge." The door to possibilities is imagination. It's the "what could be" dream. And art is the creative language that encourages and expands imagination. Painting, drawing, sculpting and other art forms help people process feelings and emotions by focusing attention and concentration; adults can reduce stress and anxiety or express joy and passion through art; children can communicate internal feelings when they can't find words. And the simple act of creating something personal can bring a sense of self confidence and pride. But the primary killer of creativity for both children and adults is fear of failure and ridicule. Creativity is a vulnerable choice so foster it with care and give it importance.
This summer, plan fun and exciting art activities for the kids. I've listed several ideas that might help stimulate your artistic imagination. Have fun!
This summer, have fun with the kids…try something new and let your imagination fly!
My mother was a Southern lady from Virginia who taught me how a lady should act and the value of who I am. She modeled integrity, faithfulness and love, and I learned so much from her.
10 Things I learned from my mother
These are great standards to live by, and I see my mother clearly when I read them. But they also inspire me to think what I want to pass along to my children. So here goes…
10 Things I hope my children learn from me
Happy Mother's Day, Mom
When I got my first computer in 1987, I was told it could simplify and speed up the mundane activities of my life – I would have more time to dream and paint and commune with nature. Today, the reality is that I don't have more free time – my schedule is usually consumed by that technology. With emails, work deadlines, Facebook, Instagram et al. I am tempted to react and respond to the world without getting outside and moving.
This Sunday, April 22nd, is Earth Day, a day set apart in 1970 to honor the earth and the concept of peace. I've been thinking about my personal peace and the consequences of sitting with the computer against the benefits of being in nature and interacting with art. At first, the relationship between nature and art appears nice but not necessarily close; in reality, they are very similar. Studies show that spending time outside in nature can change people from being depressed, angry, fearful, stressed or anxious to a more calm and balanced feeling, lowering blood pressure, heart rate and stress hormones. When we concentrate on a flower, a bee or a breath-taking sunset, we can't focus as much on pain allowing instead for increased creativity and connections with other people.
But what about art? By "viewing" art our physical bodies can be improved in lower cortisol stress levels just as they are with nature. But "doing" art is even more beneficial as it also increases brain activity. Studies show that in older adults, participation in art builds connections in the brain which help prevent memory loss. Concentrating on anything artistic can clear your mind of negative thoughts, helping you to focus on the moment, relaxing the body and brain. Many times, a painter will say to me that they can't believe how relaxing painting is and their concentration and focus shuts out other concerns. But if your art doesn't compare to Van Gogh, the good news is that Harvard Medical School found it doesn't matter what your artwork looks like, it's the process not the product that matters!
Earth Day is a terrific reminder of the need to get away from the computer and take a hike, paint a picture, stroll along the beach or go to a museum. My vote is to invite some friends over and have a painting party…Blank Canvas knows just how to inject some creativity into your event.
Art is a risky hobby. There it is. It's true.
As soon as you start to paint or draw or sculpt or sing, someone is going to make a comment on what they think of it. If it's a positive compliment, you feel justified as a person; if it's negative, they have just put a dagger through your soul. It's hard to be creative and be objective and secure because if you do art with openness and feeling, it is a mirror to who you are.
For me, art can be just a painting that I think is pretty. But if I really am honest with my feelings and paint something that reflects my inner conviction or growth, that painting can be like exposing my innermost thoughts, feelings or motivations to the world. It feels dangerous and risky; I am vulnerable. So what should I do? Not paint? Not try art? Ignore any creativity?
No! Not trying anything creative is like shutting the door on a universe of excitement and discovery. We all have feelings and emotions we're not even aware of and occasionally, art can be that window that opens your real self to you.
Art can be a great time of fun. But sometimes it can surprise you with YOU.
Art is a risky thing. Go for it!
Go to www.paintblankcanvas.com and dare to meet yourself in art.
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Synergy Business Connections Networking Group Meeting - First Thursday
Join us for the first meeting of the month. Please try to arrive by 9:45am for a prompt start at 10:00am.
The Conference Room at the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce, 600 Hampshire Road, Suite #200, Westlake Village, CA 91361
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Pay attention to how your use clause is written in your lease. If you don't, it could come back to haunt you and cost you in many ways.
Although all tenants need to pay attention to this and make sure the use clause is written correctly, retail tenants need to do this the most. Imagine you are a retail tenant and you sell a food item, for instance, coffee, as part of your menu. How do you make sure you always have the right to sell coffee under the terms of your lease? It's not as simple as it sounds. And what if you don't want other tenants to have the right to sell coffee? This is where the exclusive use clause comes in.
It is my opinion that a tenant should have a broad use clause. Example: "Tenant shall have the right to sell food products". That way, the tenant has the right to pretty much sell any type of food product. But for a landlord, it would be better to limit the use clause to something like " Tenant shall only have the right to sell coffee and coffee-related drinks". In practice, savvy landlords and tenants end up writing the use clause somewhere in between the aforementioned two options.
The exclusive use clause is different than the usual use clause and adds to it in that it should prohibit or severely limit another tenant from selling your main product. But again, how the exclusive clause is written is of paramount importance. Example: "Tenant shall have the exclusive right to sell coffee at the Project" and it might add "except for up to 10% of another's tenant's gross income" or something like that with more details for clarification.
The above examples are for retail tenants but the same principle holds true for office, industrial or other types of leases also. If these clauses aren't written just right you can have a legal battle on your hands and if the clauses weren't crafted correctly you probably won't win the battle so I urge great caution.
I have written and studied thousands of use clauses and make it a priority for my clients to do it right.
If you have questions about any of the above topics or have any CRE needs, please contact David Massie at email@example.com or 805-217-0791
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I like to call Thousand Oaks "the biggest little town in the country." Even though its size is well over 100,000 residents, it still has a small town feel. You are liable to see someone you know every time you go out. I also like the fact that it has protected itself from the blight that has ruined so many other communities in Southern California by restricting things such as billboards, building structure and height, paid parking lots, and corner strip malls.
I like to call Thousand Oaks "the biggest little town in the country." Even though its size is well over 100,000 residents, it still has a small town feel. You are liable to see someone you know every time you go out. I also like the fact that it has protected itself from the blight that has ruined so many other communities in Southern California by restricting things such as billboards, building structure and height, paid parking lots, and corner strip malls.
— Cary Ginell - VC On Stage
Synergy Business Connections is all about getting to know each other, having some fun, helping the community and of course passing referrals. When we are out in the world talking with other individuals, businesses and organizations and we see the possibility of a synergistic relationship then we help facilitate the connection between members of the group. Because helping others connect is what being a Synergy Business Connection member is all about.
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International Law
Units: 1.5
Hours: 3-0
Public International Law is concerned with the legal relations of states and the individuals who compose them. Explores the way in which sovereign powers choose to govern their interrelationships and analyzes problems which confront them. Topics will include an examination of the international legal system, modes of international law creation and law enforcement as well as the process of international adjudication.
Undergraduate course in Law offered by the Faculty of Law.


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Highly mobile and easy to transport the 6000XT is a great value classifier screen for operators looking for a small package with high output. Easy to use and very versatile across any screening application.
Easy to use and operate for high production results.
In excellent condition at only 700 hours. Part of Keestracks legendarily durable and powerful scalping screen lineup with a steel-plate apron feeder and high agitation double deck screen.
Built for high production in a portable mobile package, you can't go wrong with the K4.
In near new working order, this R3 is in peak running condition and comes equipped with a number of productivity-enhancing extras. Only 1000 hours on the clock and comes with a 6 month warranty; it's the next best to brand new.
Includes training, warranty and several extras like a single deck after screen, recycling conveyor, radio remote, dust suppression system and more.
New S2 Stacker, 15 Metre length with wheeled configuration. Affordable and easy to deploy using a hydraulic coupling. Easily add large stockpiling ability with one of these stackers.
Great price, Economical to run, easy to add to your workflow. 4 Units Available at this price with a Special finance offer available too.
In near new working order this B4 will impress with it's very tidy condition and low hours at only 300. Equipped with innovative technology like Load Sensing Pumps, a Double Deck Pre-Screen, a 10 Function Radio Remote and more.
Includes an amazing 12 month warranty, full training with cost saving extras. An amazing price for a quarry looking for an upgrade.
The Destroyer 1112 is highly suited to a variety of applications that require high output with excellent product shape. Designed to get the best cost per tonne with easy to use controls, easy access maintenance and a hydraulic tilting chassis.
The class leading model before the latest R5; this Destroyer 1112 is an excellent addition for a quarry looking to add capability.


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Wednesday's analysis
CINCINNATI (MarketWatch) - With an ugly, but relatively quiet, downdraft, the S&P 500 has plunged 19.9% since Feb. 9.
In the process, it's dropped within view of the 680 support, bottoming Tuesday at 692.
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Dancing the night away is not easy in Oswestry. Unless you happen to be in to the very latest chart music and happy to queue for hours on end just to get in, there are very few options for those who want to have a real night of dancing. You know, like they used to.
Rococo Events plan to change this by bringing themed nights to Oswestry on a bi-monthly basis, starting this July with an Evening of 1940s Swing. With a 7-piece swing band, a glass of bubbly on arrival and free swing dance tuition if you want to learn how to do it all properly, the night promises to be a huge departure from the normal Oswestry scene, with DJs taking over where the band leave off, and offering authentic 40s music and dancing til late.
Whether you want to dress up like the style icons of the 40s and jitterbug the night away or simply want to be transported back to another time and enjoy a demure night of fun in elegant and unique surroundings – all without fear of Justin Bieber ruining the whole thing – this Evening of 1940s Swing promises to deliver.
AN EVENING OF 1940s SWING takes place at The Ironworks, Oswestry on Saturday July 20th from 8pm. Tickets are limited and cost just £6. They include a free glass of bubbly and optional dance tuition. They are available from The Ironworks on 01691 679123 or by emailing firstname.lastname@example.com.


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February 13, 2015
We are currently in the communication age. We want to do what we want, when we want it and generally expect to get instant feedback. Customers expect a high level of service at a low cost. Contact centers are investing in IT integration platforms, avatars, self-service platforms, mobile websites, mobile apps, not to mention productivity… read more →
February 5, 2015
If you work for an insurance company we will make the assumption that you do not own an insurance policy. If not, we suggest you try buying one and then return to this article. If you are anything like us, dealing with an insurance company; whether it's for your car, house or even your health,… read more →


text: bbern 0 Report post Posted August 22, 2006 (edited) What is spudani.gif? That little 11px X 11px red rectangle with a blinking * in it? I can't decide if this is unsightly or not, but I'm assuming my marketing department does not want this appearing after clicking on upcoming events for more details or to sign up for an event. I didn't see anything in the help or forums about this, and it isn't listed as a feature of the product. How do I get rid of it? Edited August 22, 2006 by bbern Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


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Keep warm, cozy, & Cavalier in this Marled scarf by Little Earth! A C-Sword logo stands out against the black & white design of this fashionable winter accessory.
- 100% Acrylic
- Measures Approx. 70" L x 10" W
- Chenille C-Sword Logo
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"My son is under a doctor's care and should not take P.E. today. Please execute him."
There is a simple script that displays a random message from a database of quotes (as in well-know fortunes game).
This version is bundled with quotations from The Bible, The Talmud, The Koran, poetry, prose, famous people and books, humorous items.
generated in 0.003811 seconds


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The Untitled Mike & Laura Project 54on September 12, 2012 at 10:18 am
Posted In: The Untitled Mike & Laura Project
We're back! After an impromptu break we're back with new episodes for you guys! What are we tackling on our first show back? We're looking at the 25th Anniversary Announcements for Metal Gear Solid. New Game? Aw yiss. New movie? Aw yiss. How can they make a movie a about MGS that works? What possibilites can we expect from MGS Ground Zeroes? We take a look! Also, the most unfair Resident Evil quiz ever. Can Laura remember answers to questions from three weeks ago?! Noooooope.
Click the logo to hear the show!


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NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Airline stocks traded mostly lower Thursday afternoon, with shares of AMR Corp., parent company of No. 1 U.S. carrier American Airlines, leading decliners.
The Amex Airline Index ($XAL) fell 2.2% to 54.54 points.
Southwest LUV, -0.69% earlier reported growth in first-quarter net income, though operating profit fell on higher jet-fuel costs, and management warned of softer bookings ahead. See full story.
Shares of Southwest fell 29 cents to close at $15.37 after falling as low as $15.06 early in the day.
Also reporting results, Continental Airlines Inc. CAL, -0.65% came in with a first-quarter profit for the first time since 2001, as the carrier flew more international routes and enjoyed fuller planes. See full story.
Continental's shares fell $2.59 to $41.15.
Shares of AMR fell 5.9% to $30.06. Cathay Financial analyst slashed their price target on AMR shares Thursday by $10 to $40.
Shares of Frontier Airlines Holdings FRNT gained 1.3% to $6.16 following an upgrade to a neutral rating from reduce by Calyon Securities.
Among U.S.-listed shares of foreign carriers, Ryanair Holdings RYAAY, -0.37% led gainers, up 1.7%.
Shares of Brazilian carriers TAM TAM, +0.34% and Gol Linhas Aereas Inteligentes GOL, -4.58% fell following reports that government officials were in talks at the World Trade Organization on allowing foreign companies to handle such industry tasks as plane maintenance and ticketing.
Crude-oil futures fell Thursday to their lowest level in more than a week as news of faster-than-expected growth in China in the first quarter raised concerns that the Chinese government will be forced to take fresh measures to cool its economy, reducing demand for energy.
Crude for May delivery fell $1.30 to at $61.83 a barrel. See full story.


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Health and Safety, Environment and Quality
|For Shamrock Metal Recycling, people and their integrity is value above all other company objectives and priorities. No emergency situations, production or financial performance can compromise our people's health and safety, the environment, or the quality of our recycled products and services.
Our Story
Shamrock Metal Recycling, as a recycling center and services, strives to satisfy employees, customers, suppliers, and communities through the continuous improvement of recycled products, services.
The leadership is primarily responsible for the safety of all individuals who work under his/her management, promoting all needed efforts to preserve people's health and safety, sustainable development, and the productivity and efficiency of the processes.
Each employee is responsible for his/her health and safety, as well as of his/her colleagues, of the environment and of the quality of products and services. Employees must perform their job according to the company established procedures, instructions, standards and rules.
Shamrock Metal and its employees are committed to seek continuous improvement related to people's health and safety, environment, process efficiency and customer's satisfaction with the quality of products and services. All efforts must be directed for preventive actions, by seeking and sharing best practice and utilizing the learning in an effective way within Shamrock Metal Recycling.
Next Steps…
Have questions about disposal or would like information on a bin rental?


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What do you want in a house? Big and bright kitchen? Top-notch schools? Short commute to work? Diverse dining out options within walking distance? Home buyers have many important needs to meet and CQ Realty has the market insight and experience to help you find a home that excites you, in a neighborhood that caters to your lifestyle. Moreover, we are also looking out for your ROI and ease of exit (home sale) as we guide you through your home purchase.
As you may know, the Houston housing market is varied and disparate from one part of town to the next, and from one property type to the next. One cannot just paint the real estate market in Houston with a broad brush, as the market in a suburb such as Katy behaves differently from that of a central neighborhood such as Montrose. CQ Realty offers discerning buyers like you in-depth knowledge on the close-in neighborhoods central to Houston, including the pros and cons of each property type (bungalow, townhouse, condo, new construction, etc.) at different price points, most popular home features, school ratings (public and private), flood zones, most desirable streets within each neighborhood, construction quality, renovation potential, investment potential, and exit strategy. We specialize "inner loop" neighborhoods and ones close to the 610 loop (e.g., The Heights, Montrose, River Oaks, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, Afton Oaks, Upper Kirby, West University, Spring Valley, Memorial, Museum District, Medical Center, Independence Heights, Brooke Smith, Sunset Heights, Timbergrove, Lazybrook, Rice Military, Art District, Midtown, Near Northside, Lindale Park). For assistance with the suburbs of Houston, we have partner realty firms to which to refer you for expert guidance in those markets.
"In Houston's competitive market, we were expecting a stressful home-buying experience, but we were able to purchase a beautiful home Cindy found for us on our first day of searching. Cindy was attentive to our preferences when we first contacted her, and we had a clear vision of the home we wanted — minimal carpet, garden-home style of build, in a community with trees. Finding the right home for our family was painless. Cindy negotiated the price of the home down below our budget, and Cindy was accessible throughout the process of buying the home. We always knew we were in good hands." – Ashley S.
Whether you are new to town, or you are a native Houstonian, selecting the most suitable neighborhood to live in may be a daunting feat. CQ Realty is here to make this entire process hassle-free and efficient for you. We will work together to find your dream home and strategically negotiate the winning offer. After securing the contract, we will assist with the home inspection phase, and be very involved throughout the repair negotiation, walk-through, settlement statement review and closing process. For your convenience, we also offer recommendations on reputable industry professionals (e.g., lenders, home inspectors, electricians, HVAC service, plumbers, roofers, painters, handymen, insurance companies, etc.) upon request.
To start finding a home that excites you, contact me today.
Love Where you Live.


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Show Feed
Dan Patrick Show @dpshowWhat play in NFL history do you wish you saw in person? The legend Chris Berman and DP discuss: https://t.co/S9TBCQTmff1 hour ago
Dan Patrick Show @dpshowDP: "Do you remember all the QB's you blocked for?" @joethomas73: "I remember their face, I don't know if I remembe… https://t.co/UWNMMO4Cuv2 hours ago
Seton @HiMyNameIsSetonRT @danozzi: "Your Spotify Artist of the Year is DROPDEAD. You listened to their songs 7,340 times for a total playtime of 6 minutes."2 hours ago
Seton @HiMyNameIsSeton@CillizzaCNN Go back and look at the stuff Barack Obama said about her in their primary. It was 10,000x worse than anything Bernie did.3 hours ago
Andrew Perloff @andrewperloff"As a head coach it's your responsibility to understand the gravity of even the smallest details." - Joe Thomas on… https://t.co/UpG0LLzh405 hours ago
Fan Feed
Jimms keno@dpshow add a road sign that points and says stay in your lane and you got a dpshow T-shirt Thats Route 66 _Nevad… https://t.co/FS8hLtkI3h5 mins ago
RCD@dpshow Tuck rule bullshit started the patriots dynasty and was the downfall of the raiders. #itwasafumble6 mins ago
Rick SutcliffeRT @dpshow: What play in NFL history do you wish you saw in person? The legend Chris Berman and DP discuss: https://t.co/S9TBCQTmff7 mins ago
Horacio Namesake@dpshow please find someone who does math, at all. LeBron will pass Kareem sometime early 2022. Shows of shame pred… https://t.co/YQzmmQB36j12 mins ago


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What people say about us on Facebook
What a beautiful spa - right down the street from gorgeous views of Manhattan. Perfect place to relax with friends. I am going to book a Mommy and Me spa day with my daughter. And, Anna and Aldona are lovely. Must try!
Aldona is amazing I'm so happy to hear that you are at Glo and look forward to coming in to see you for a wonderful facial - she has magic hands is so gentle and you always feel so relaxed.
Glo Boutique Spa is the most amazing sanctuary from the intense busyness of the city. Babbi and Aldona are wonderful and so welcoming and it feels like you are in this paradise of relaxation. Being there feels like you have a secret about the city that no one knows. I left feeling joyous, happy and just thrilled to reenter my life with a greater appreciation of everything around me! Thank you, Babbi and Aldona, you're the best!
I loved every minute of the blissful experience in this beautiful new spa. I went for a classic facial with microdermabrasion and seaweed mask. The service was absolutely perfect and my skin hasn't looked so good, clean and fresh for a long time. Very professional and experienced estheticians, beautiful interior, will be back soon!
I've been a client of Anna's and always have a wonderful facial experience. They are very experienced estheticians and incredibly lovely people! Highly recommend their services!
I am a client of Anna, she's exceptional - she has kept my face radiant and youthful for over 17 years. I will follow her wherever she goes! No one is as diligent and yet so delicate as she is...can't wait for my next visit.
I'm a client of Aldonka for couple years and personally know her and the owner Ania! If those two are doing something... it has to be Great because they are Great people!!! I can't wait for another location to be open in NJ🧖♀🧖♀🧖♀
Superb service in delightful and relaxing atmosphere. 5+


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Cameron Curtis, an executive director, and Perry Juliano, an event director, both serve the Healthcare + Scientific Industry Practice at SmithBucklin, the association management and services company more associations turn to than any other. Contact Cameron at firstname.lastname@example.com and Perry at firstname.lastname@example.com, or visit www.smithbucklin.com.
The face-value reason health care professionals attend their association's annual event is to earn continuing medical education (CME or CE) credits. But health care conventions also are providing the necessary forums where professionals are exchanging ideas, innovations and leading practices so they can improve patient outcomes and help evolve their industry or profession.
Such collaborations don't occur in a vacuum. Exchanges happen in the conference's hallways, during dinner and over coffee or cocktails. They also can happen on the bus heading to a rock-climbing excursion, at the recharge station in the exhibit hall or during a competitive game of "Family Feud" in a study session.
These forums can be as fun and creative as your imagination allows, and you won't need to go over budget. Following are some tips for creating unique experiences that will have your audience talking about them long after they return home.
Before you jump in with a teambuilding exercise, you'll need to understand your whole audience, including attendees, sponsors, exhibitors and other stakeholders. What are their goals for participating in the event? Since health care events cover a broad spectrum — from pharmaceutical conferences to medical association annual meetings — identifying your specific audience's wants and needs will help you develop a thorough engagement strategy for the event.
It's important to make sure your team is educated on the state and federal regulations such as the PhRMA Code on Interactions with Health Care Professionals and the Sunshine Act. These regulations specify rules of engagement for health care professionals, so that a giveaway of branded portable speakers, which seemed like a great idea at one time, actually could jeopardize your attendees' licenses because the gift exceeds monetary value limits. Having all the information in advance will help you navigate the challenges of a health care convention while still delivering the engagement your attendees crave.
Offering specific information and activities that health care professionals cannot get anywhere else is a huge draw for your event. A learning opportunity that an attendee can apply directly to his or her job not only will be memorable and valuable, but also will set up your association as a knowledge center.
At the American Society of ExtraCorporeal Technology International Conference, attendees participated in interactive workshops that demonstrated the use of various pieces of equipment necessary for perfusionists — health care professionals who operate the machine that does the work of a patient's heart and lungs during surgical procedures in which the heart is stopped. These sessions were intentionally small so more participants could receive one-to-one training.
Many health care professionals, such as nurses, technicians and lab assistants, are the unsung heroes of the medical profession. Offering VIP treatment will make them feel welcomed from the first point of contact through the closing event. Not only will the special attention generate excitement, but it also will foster loyalty for your organization and event.
For example, assemble a group of event ambassadors (we called ours The Welcome Committee) at the registration area during peak arrival times to help make the check-in process go as smoothly as possible. Complete the "red carpet" experience with light refreshments and local hospitality to make a memorable first impression. Don't forget to include your vendors in The Welcome Committee, giving them the opportunity to initiate relationships immediately.
During a health care convention, attendees are busy learning from early morning to late evening with little time to explore the location of the event. Because of this, consider the location and how to work with local business owners, destination management companies, celebrity chefs and athletes, or even musicians, dancers, artists and other types of entertainers to deliver memorable experiences that complement the region, local culture, food or well-renowned area attractions.
For example, to celebrate the rich cultural diversity of host city Seattle, the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates worked with a local talent agency to secure actual street musicians to perform for the closing celebration. An electric violinist greeted attendees at the entrance, and throughout the venue were coffee shop-style guitarists and roaming flutists. Underground DJs inspired (and challenged!) everyone to get on their feet and dance to alternative club remixes and progressive house music. The team also brought in some humorous fish mongers from the Public Market who entertained the attendees. The evening was exciting and edgy — and under budget!
Create a space and activities that encourage vendors and attendees to interact in ways that won't violate health care regulations. For instance, you can offer educational programs on your show floor — usually a big DO NOT — by providing a walkway with well-placed draperies that won't require attendees to walk by vendor booths. This simple solution enables those in attendance who aren't restricted to still access the exhibit hall, while shielding those who are restricted.
Also, ditch the old passport-to-prizes trade show game and create a new one. One association commemorated its anniversary celebration with a spinoff of the game Clue called "Who Stole the Anniversary Diamonds?" Participating exhibitors were the "rooms," and each exhibitor had a card with one of three categories: items, places and people. Attendees went to exhibitors to collect cards, and once they had a card in each category attendees turned in their "whodunit" for a raffle.
At its Annual Congress, the National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses team holds an Ortho Olympics on the show floor in a central lounge area called The Joint Connection. Early-career orthopaedic nurses compete in team challenges to see who is the fastest to build skeletons and put casts on each other. The event brings nearly all attendees to the show floor to cheer for their teams.
Attendees often can experience a sense of "burn out" after the second 15-hour day of nonstop education programs and networking. Plan to break up the schedule with a game that will re-energize attendees while testing their knowledge. Make the games easy to play, without complicated instructions or questions that are too difficult to answer.
With the goal of involving more students in its organization, the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association created Spirit Day, complete with college comfort food, music and activities tailored for teaching students. The day culminates in the Praxis Bowl, a trivia contest based on the Praxis Test, which is part of the certification process for speech language pathologists. Praxis Bowl winners receive waivers for exam fees. Just before the Praxis Bowl begins, event organizers stage a pep rally outside the ballroom doors. When the doors open, 600 students race to get the best seats to watch their friends compete in the bowl.
Regardless of the method of delivery — games, general sessions, breakouts, excursions, learning lounges, lightning rounds or teambuilding exercises — find the right mix that will engage health care professionals, provide unique ideas for patient care and create memorable experiences. AC&F