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Court actions by three ANC provincial structures threaten to frustrate the start of the ruling party's national elective conference, scheduled to kick off in Mangaung on Sunday.
ANC members in North West, the Free State and Eastern Cape were due to know on Friday whether they would take part in the conference.
Disgruntled Free State ANC members are awaiting a Constitutional Court ruling on their application to dissolve the provincial executive committee elected earlier this year. They are threatening Mangaung delegates with an interdict if the court fails to grant them their wish.
This week, disaffected ANC members in North West followed suit and approached the high court in Mahikeng to interdict the outcome of the provincial nomination conference held two weeks ago.
Similar complaints have been raised in the Eastern Cape, with certain members intending to apply to the courts on Friday to interdict some Mangaung delegates who, they claim, have "illegally registered".
In all the cases the action has been brought by supporters of ANC Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, who has accepted the nomination to challenge Jacob Zuma for the party's presidency.
The ANC in North West opposes the application and filed its answering affidavit on Thursday. Provincial spokesperson Kenny Morolong said nothing would stop the province's 200-plus delegates from participating in the national conference.
Ratifying the outcomes
"Our delegates have already packed their bags – they're on their way to Mangaung. Our position is that the ANC's internal matters cannot be resolved by the courts."
The founding affidavit filed by North West branch members on Tuesday asked the court to declare the nomination conference held at the Rustenburg Civic Centre two weeks ago "unconstitutional, irregular, unlawful and null and void".
The applicants also wanted to interdict provincial secretary Kabelo Mataboge and the provincial executive committee from ratifying the outcomes of that conference.
Unhappy branch members earlier called for the province's nominations conference to be reconvened, but were scheduled to argue on Friday that because of time pressures the alternative was to "compel the respondents to disqualify the dele-gates of the North West province from attendance of, and participation in, the national conference".
The affidavit cited a report on local government irregularities by ANC national executive committee member Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. The main applicant, Kabelo Nonyana, said it "confirmed the existence of similar massive fraud which accompanied the ANC's nomination process". The alleged irregularities include "instances of criminal behaviour associated with illegal vote buying, bribery and corruption, which were intended to steal the nominations conference and its outcomes". The applicants said the provincial executive committee had ignored letters of complaint from individual members and branches.
A North West provincial executive committee member, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the ANC was yet to table its response in court, said the party would argue that the applicants did not exhaust all internal processes: "Dispute resolutions are concluded at the national conference."
Reconciliatory nominations
The committee member said some of the complainants had not even attended the branch general meetings they were complaining about.
Although Mataboge has distanced himself from the court action, the North West applicants are mostly members who attended a parallel nominations conference convened by him in Mahikeng. Another conference sanctioned by Luthuli House was held in Hartbeespoort. The applicants claim that at the subsequent reconciliatory Rustenburg nominations conference they were replaced by fellow branch members who had not been mandated to represent their branches.
In the Eastern Cape the former youth leader of the OR Tambo region, Mawande Ndakisa, said members would seek a court interdict not because they did not respect internal processes, but because ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe refused to listen to them. "If Gwede suppresses our views, we should find an alternative way. Courts are there for such issues." He said, although his branch had failed to hold a nominations meeting three times because of violence, it was now represented by a delegate it never elected.
Mantashe said the ANC would oppose all court actions brought by its provincial structures.
"Let them do it. We're going to oppose every case that [lawyer] Dali Mpofu takes to court to try to disrupt this conference," he said.
Mpofu is representing the Free State and North West delegates.


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Browse by letter: "L"
Lamictal is an anticonvulsant or antiepileptic drug. It is used to treat seizures or to delay mood episodes in adults with bipolar disorder.
Lamisil is an antifungal medication that prevents fungus from growing on the skin.
Lamprene contains Clofazimine that is used to treat leprosy.
Lanoxin is used to treat chronic heart failure, atrial fibrillation, to slow the heart rate in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disorder of the atria.
Lasix is a loop diuretic used to treat high blood pressure or water retention associated with congestive heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease.
Lasuna is a pure Garlic extract. It prevents hypercholesterolemia. It helps to support normal cardiovascular and blood platelet functioning; it keeps a stable level of cholesterol and sugar in the body; it hampers cholesterol deposits on th
Leukeran is a cancer medication which is used to treat certain types of cancer (leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease).
Levaquin is an antibiotic used to treat different types of infections.
Levitra is a therapy for erectile dysfunction treatment.
Levitra Oral Jelly is a powerful therapy for erectile dysfunction treatment.
Levitra Plus is a therapy for erectile dysfunction treatment.
Professional (Generic)
Levitra Professional is a medicine used for erectile dysfunction treatment. It allows to achieve and maintain erection during sexual intercourse.
Super Active (Generic)
Levitra Super Active is a therapy for erectile dysfunction treatment.
Levlen is Ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel combination of female hormones that prevent ovulation.
Levothroid is prescribed for treatment of obesity, primary, secondary, tertiary hypothyroidism; subclinical hypothyroidism.
Lexapro is an antidepressant prescribed for major depressive disorder treatment.
Lincocin is an antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections.
Lioresal is a muscle relaxant. Lioresal was approved for use in the treatment of alcoholism.
Lipitor is prescribed for treatment of high cholesterol.
Lisinopril is in a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors. It is used for the treatment of hypertension, congestive heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, and diabetic nephropathy.
Lithobid is used to treat manic-depressive disorder (bipolar disorder) by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain.
LIV. 52 is a thorough blended herbal remedy aimed to treat disturbed hepatic functions
LIV.52 (drops) improves liver function by protecting the hepatic parenchyma. It accelerates regeneration of hepatocytes, reduces a risk of degenerative, fibrotic changes and adiposis. It promotes intracellular metabolism. It improves bile�
Lopid is used to treat very high cholesterol and triglyceride levels in people with pancreatitis and to lower the risk of stroke and heart attack.
Lopressor is a beta-blocker which is used to treat angina and hypertension. It is also used to treat or prevent heart attack.
Lotrisone is an antifungal cream consisting of a combination of the drugs clotrimazole and betamethasone.
Lovegra is a popular medication that allows women to reach an intense sexual satisfaction and increases sensitivity to stimulation.
Loxitane is an antipsychotic medication which is used to treat schizophrenia by affecting the actions of chemicals (dopamine) in the brain.
Lozol is used to treat high blood pressure and to reduce extra salt and fluid in the body (edema) by increasing the amount of salt and water that the kidneys remove from the blood.
Lumigan Drop is an Ophthalmic solution which is clinically proven to increase length, number and darkness of the eyelashes.
Luvox is used to treat depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder by increasing the amount of serotonin.
Lyrica is a type of anti-epileptic medicine which contains pregabalin active chemical ingredient. Lyrica can be used for various illness such as epilepsy nerve pain and anxiety. Lyrica is manufactured and marketed by Pfizer. Lyrica is sold

subset: commoncrawl


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Life & Nonsense Etc. #4Saturday, 2 August 2014
Yes, August! I am so ready for you! I have had a rather exciting month, there's been a lot of good things (and a few bad things, but I can't dwell on the past anymore) and it's left me feeling pretty upbeat for once and ready to face the last month of Winter!
I think the most important and exciting thing that has happened this month is that I've been offered a job in one of my dream workplaces, and it has made me over the moon. I have never wanted a job so badly in my life, and I cannot tell you how much anxiety I suffered from in the lead up to it, but it was all worth it in the end I cannot wait to start! I had some very important goals to achieve at the beginning of this year, and this is one of the first I can tick off, and that feels phenomenal.
I also did a mini road trip to Melbourne with my best friend, and it was the best five days I've had in a long time! We took the scenic route, and spent two days total driving and saw some amazing things. The highlights were seat warmers in the car (that sensation is unexplainably amazing), waiting for around thirty kangaroos to cross the road in the middle of suburbia (what up, Australia), seeing a double rainbow, watching the Little Penguins come in from the ocean on Phillip Island and waddle to their little homes and getting to catch up with my Dad and two very good friends of mine and eating and drinking all the amazing food and coffee Melbourne has to offer! Lord Of The Fries, you need to have more locations in Sydney. We also visited the Melbourne Aquarium and I was pleasantly surprised to meet some King Penguins, and on our last day we went and watched Penguins 3D which was narrated by David Attenborough. I was well and truly in penguin bliss by the end of this trip!
Of course, no visit to Melbourne is complete without a shopping trip, H&M in particular, but I'll be saving that for another post!
I have been really enjoying coming across some random photographers lately, it really makes me miss my uni days where I would spend hours scouring the internet coming across some amazing artists that inspired me for my own work. Flickr randomly introduced me to photographer David Uzochukwu who is responsible for this stunning portrait - it does not get more beautiful than this. I'm also dying to get my hands on a few prints from this Pampa Horses Series, I think they're absolutely beautiful and the whole project is so interesting. I do love my ponies!
As far as TV shows are concerned, I have spent this entire month watching the first season of Hannibal. What a fantastic show, I love everything about it including the cinematography, the casting, the storyline, the creepiness of it all. It only took me so long to watch the short 13 episode season because it just full on. I mean, this show is pretty nightmarish in some parts, it is not for the sensitive. If you enjoy a good thriller/mystery esque show though, this may be right up your alley. So brilliantly well shot, I can't wait to start Season 2.
I haven't watched any new movies this month, I've been putting old movies on in the background whilst doing other things because I hate watching new movies and missing half of the plot line! I have always loved my older movies though, I honestly think the 90's produced some classics. I had a Jurassic Park marathon recently, which was great, and I can't wait for the new movie being released next year! I also had a bit of an accidental Brendan Fraser marathon - it started with Blast From The Past last month, and then just last week ended up watching Bedazzled, The Mummy, and The Mummy Returns. Those were so good back in the day! I also watched Heart and Souls, with a youuuung Robert Downey Jr. I hadn't seen this movie in years, I'd forgotten how cute it was! And just now, as I write this, I am totally watching The Parent Trap because, why not?
Last but not least, one of my favourite shows has come back, and it's the seventh season of Face Off! Does anybody else watch this show? I think its so entertaining. A group of special effects makeup artists compete every week, and have a set theme and 2-3 days to complete a makeup that is judged by a panel of award winning judges. Some of the work they create in such a short space of time is absolutely amazing, what a dream job!
That's it from me. I have a chocolate cake to ice, and a few more posts up my sleeve to start writing!


text: Hi there foodies! We recently had the privilege of taking part of a cookie exchange from The Pintertest Kitchen which you can find here. The premise of the cookie exchange is that all participants were to receive three sets of 12 cookies from three food bloggers and for the recipient of the three sets of cookies […]Read more →


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Wee Care Nursery Schools Belfast
Wee Care opened its doors in Windsor Ave North, South Belfast in Oct 1987 as the first privately owned Day Nursery School in Belfast. Wee Care was created due to need derived from personal experience and based on the premise that working parents required continuity and totally reliable professional child care at an affordable price. To this end a multidisciplinary team was formed whose function was solely the provision of quality childcare.
Demand very quickly exceeded space available so in September 1988 a second Wee Care Nursery was opened at Kings Road, East Belfast. Expansion followed rapidly with new nursery schools in North Belfast (Antrim Road) and East Belfast (North Road). Wee Care was soon covering the main Arterial routes into the North, South and East of Belfast.
In 2014 Wee Care opened its fifth Nursery in Belfast on North Road. Wee Care Toddlers, part of our innovative East Belfast group of nurseries, is located just two doors up from Wee Care Infants at 119 North Road. Wee Care Toddlers caters for children from two to three years old. All aspects of the nursery are dedicated to providing tailored care and education with facilities aimed at your child's specific age group.
Wee Care Nursery Schools Dublin
Wee Care ventured South of the border where at the time Day Care was largely unregulated. Windsor House, Monkstown was opened and was run to the same standards with the same philosophy as the other branches with immediate success. Following a period of consolidation in 2008 Wee Care won the contract to provide child care for RTE at its Donnybrook site.
Wee Care goes from strength to strength, remains under the same ownership and is always working to improve the quality of care. Several branches already have Centre of Excellence status and all branches are working toward achieving the award.
Our attendance options are extremely flexible and we are willing to work with our parents to meet their needs. We also provide a school collection service for your convenience. We will then care for your child in our Afterschool club for the afternoon, providing hot nutritious dinners as well as healthy snacks in an environment which is warm and homely as well as developmentally stimulating.
Each of Our facilities are fully approved by the appropriate health boards. With our experience and the high quality of care offered by our professional caring staff you can trust us with your most precious commodity….your child.
To facilitate parents' diverse and variable hours, we are open Monday-Friday from 7.30am to 6.30pm (RTE childcare 8am-6.30pm; North Road 7.30am-6pm)


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Gallery-quality print on 100% cotton rag acid-free paper that features a smooth natural white finish and 330 gsm paper weight. Printed with archival inks.
This is a gallery-quality giclée art print on 100% cotton rag archival paper, printed with archival inks. Each art print is listed by sheet size and features a minimum one-inch border.


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Family Practice Opportunity in the Heart of Chicago!
Embark on a Family Medicine career with the last hospital that you will ever work for! This Chicago-based hospital is in need of a sharp physician to step in to a well-established traditional practice. With the retirement of one of the physicians and the practices strong community ties, the incoming physician will benefit from picking up the existing patient volume and making a lucrative income. Career longevity is critical to the hospital; as the patient base is accustomed to building long-term relationships with their provider. This is the ideal position to join a team of top doctors in one of the best hospitals in the area!
Quick Facts:
- Competitive base salary plus RVU = earning potential of $220+.
- Excellent benefits package that includes: Medical, dental, PTO and 401K!
- Flexible schedule of 10 and 12 hour shifts.
- State-of-the-art 40,000 volume ED with a great support staff.
As the most populous city in the Midwest, if you can think of it, you can do it in Chicago! As a multicultural city that thrives on the diversity of its neighborhoods, residents take advantage of all the various cuisine, music and art, making Chicago a truly unique city.
Additionally, Chicago is recognized across the United States as a very passionate sports town. Fans can head over to world-famous Wrigley Field for a Cubs game, or head to the south side U.S. Cellular field to watch the White Sox contend for a victory.
With some of the most rigorous secondary and higher education schools in the country, physicians with children or that are looking to expand their own educational horizons will be more than satisfied. Come experience the sights and sounds of the Windy City, while growing your career at one of the top hospitals in the area. If you were searching for the opportunity of a lifetime, look no further!
Our physician recruiters have the experience and knowledge of the physician job search process. Let KPS Physician Staffing's highly skilled physician recruiters save you time and make this transition easier by utilizing the forty years of experience and market knowledge our team possesses. Contact a physician recruiter today at 1-877-909-9930 or by email at email@example.com.
Job Detail
Take advantage of our market knowledge by having a confidential, no-commitment, exploratory conversation to discuss your interests and the options available to you.
|Family Medicine
|Family Practice Opportunity in the Heart of Chicago!
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Shopping for underlayment for laminate can be quite daunting especially when you don't have enough information on the available products. Being bombarded with information coming from specialists on laminate flooring and underlayment can be quite off-putting as well. Although many homeowners rely on the recommendations of these people, sometimes doing some research on your own can save you plenty of headaches later on. Even if you hope that the sales clerks can give you detailed information on their products especially with regards to for sale underlayment and synthetic wood flooring, there are some who are not well versed on their products.
In many instances, installing it is necessary. The only time that you won't need one is when it is already attached to the laminate flooring panel. If this is the type of wood laminate that you will be purchasing then there is no need for you to buy new ones. Too much can cause your floors to feel soft when walked on.
Why do you need to get? Well, here are some reasons why you should buy one for your floors.
Creates a cushioning effect on your floors.
Reduce the sounds coming from your footfalls.
It can hide any imperfections on your laminate floors while at the same time providing it with insulation.
They are also known to prevent moisture from getting into the laminate floors placed on top of it.
These are but a few reasons why it is considered to be a necessity and not just an unimportant add-on. Since synthetic wood flooring is seldom attached to the sub-floors, adding underlayment in between can help reduce damage to your wooden floors while at the same time soften the impact of your feet on the surface of your flooring as you walk or run by.
There are three types for sale that you can buy based on their functions and features. For example, standard ones are suitable for areas that have less traffic and less exposure to moisture and water. However, if you want to have a bit of padding to reduce the sounds when walking by, you should get the second option which is the foam and fiber combination. On the other hand, the upgraded one is recommended for high traffic areas because the foam used for this type is thicker and denser.
Where to Buy Underlayment for Laminate for Synthetic Wood Flooring
It really isn't hard to find a synthetic wood flooring because most home improvement, hardware and flooring stores do have them together. The challenge is to find which underlayment is right for your home. Again, it is important that you do more research on the kinds being sold today so you can have a much better idea on what options you will consider.
When searching for underlayments to buy it is always better to ask the floor manufacturers directly. More often than not they already have their own on hand which you can combine with their synthetic wood flooring. Of course, before you buy one you need to know the thickness, length and size that you will be purchasing. Make sure that you double check the length and layout of the room where you will be installing your new floors so you can get the right measurement. You don't want to end up with seams when you install this layer on top of your sub-floors.
If the sub-floor of your house is made from concrete make it a point to use it with moisture barrier. This barrier, like it was mentioned before, can help prevent the moisture coming from the sub-floor from damaging the laminate floor above. According to reviews, you can even purchase flooring that already has moisture barrier attached to it to reduce your expenses. Again, it is imperative that you do your research on the different types of flooring so you can get the perfect fit for your floors.
Always do your research prior to purchasing laminate floors and underlayment. This way, you can weigh your choices better than relying on what the clerks have to say with regards to underlayment for laminate.


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The first KORN album was released on October 11, 1994. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the Grammy Award-winning multi-platinum hard rock innovators announced today (10/13) they will release a limited edition 300-page hard cover photo book, Korn: Est. 1994,on Tuesday, October 27, that includes images from two decades of archives paired with brand new notes, stories and commentary from band members. The book will give fans unlimited access into a career that includes 11 seminal releases, countless sold-out shows, and 35 million albums sold worldwide.
Fans can pre-order the photo book exclusively via Pledge Music for $55 (with a deluxe package available for $90 that includes the photo book and a limited-edition litho print of the band's debut album cover) up until Tuesday, October 20 and then the book will be available at kornmerch.com from release day, October 27. All fan pre-orders via Pledge Music will be shipped on Wednesday, October 21. Additionally, the book will be available for purchase at the last seven tour dates (Dallas, TX on October 20 through Oakland, CA on October, 30) on their current fall tour. Full tour itinerary below.
The 20th anniversary shows, which started in 2014, were so well-received that the band--Jonathan Davis (vocals), James "Munky" Shaffer (guitar), Brian "Head" Welch (guitar), Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu (bass) and Ray Luzier (drums)--wanted to bring this iteration of the live show into an intimate setting for the core fanbase. The band's month-long tour around the U.S., during which they're performing their self-titled debut album in its entirety, wraps up October 30 in Oakland, CA. At each show, fans get to experience KORN at an intimate venue, two decades later.
The dark humor/psychological thriller, DRAMA DOLLS, from acclaimed author, Jason Tanamor, is now available at Amazon.com (Drama Dolls).
Also, be sure to pick up ANONYMOUS, the novel that Publishers Weekly hailed as a "well-crafted piece of experimental, voyeuristic fiction..." and "a winning jumble of the gritty, the raw, and the grotesque," at Amazon.com (Anonymous).
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FertigDeska – a finished with varnish or oil-wax two-ply floor. The noble surface layer is made out of natural wood and is 3,6 mm or 6 mm thick. Produced from oak, ash or exotic wood.
The underlayer, called the stablising layer, simplifies the assembly and improves resistance to deformation. The underlayer is made out of hardwood. FertigDeska is covered with eight layers of varnish or three layers of oil-wax. Thanks to the layered technology the floor is exceptionally durable against mechanical damages and is even given a 30-year warranty.
The two-ply floor can be applied on floor heating.
FertigDeska measurements: 700–1500 mm length, 130–150 mm width, 11 mm or 14 mm thickness.


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Carol Young | Undesigned
SALE High Waisted Cropped Raw Legging in Tapestry
This dress up version of our Raw Crop leggings in Tapestry feature an elastic high-waist, slim fit, and an uneven hem for a modern twist fancy pants. Easy to dress up or down and sure to add a touch of creativity to any outfit. Paired here with the Turtleneck Longsleeve Curve Top and Vision Quest Rose Gold Babouche.
Vintage Italian Tapestry 59% Polyester, 40% Cotton, 1% Lycra
Dry clean only.
Lovingly made in Los Angeles, CA
Model is 5'11 wearing a size S.
Here's our general size chart for clothing. Depending on specific styles and fit preferences, some customers will size up or down.
Of course! Please call us during shop hours or email anytime--we're here to help.What size am I?
Here's our general size chart. Depending on specific styles and fit preferences, some customers will size up or down.
How do I take care of my Undesigned by Carol Young clothing?
Most of our clothing are simply cold water wash, line dry or dry flat. For certain fabrics that need special care, such as wool and silk, we recommend green dry cleaning.Can out of stock items be special ordered?
Yes- at our discretion. Certain styles may be special ordered if the fabric is available. There is a $50 special order fee and will require 4-6 weeks for completion. Special orders are non-refundable. Please contact us for details.Can you repleat my Moth Travel Wear?
Yes, we offer a repleating service for any of our Moth crush pleated piece. This usually takes 2-3 weeks, depending on our production schedule.Moth Crush Pleats
Tops/Bottoms/Scarves $30
Dresses/Jumpsuits $40
Jackets $50
Please Note--Items must be washed/cleaned by customer PRIOR to repleating. We are not responsible for any fabric damage/general wear on garments that are brought in by customers for repleating. Also, we only offer repleating for clothing with the CAROL YOUNG | UNDESIGNED label.


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Verenium Files $150 Million Shelf Registration
Verenium (NASDAQ: VRNM), a Cambridge, MA-based biofuel firm, filed a shelf registration statement covering the potential issuance of up to $150 million of stock, debt securities, or warrants. The filing also covers the potential resale of 3 million shares of Verenium common stock by Syngenta (with which Verenium has a strategic alliance) and its affiliates. Verenium was formed just five months ago through the merger of Cambridge's Celunol and San Diego's Diversa.


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Animal health is very closely related to human health. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about 75% of the new diseases that have affected humans over the past 10 years were caused by pathogens originating from an animal or from products of animal origin. Many these diseases have the potential to spread through various means over long distances and to become global problems.
In many parts of the world, animals are a source of livelihood – providing transportation, power, fuel, clothing and food. Without healthy animals, economic consequences arise.
For these reasons, it's important to battle infectious diseases in the animal population. IDRI has partnered with Elanco, Eli Lilly's veterinary product company, to develop new vaccines against five major veterinary diseases, including livestock diseases that pose a potential threat to food sources. As part of this unique partnership, IDRI is developing and supplying adjuvant formulations as well as developing new antigen preparations.


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This feature pack technically applies to the previously released Service Pack 1 (SP1) release.
The notable new features in this release are:
- Currency Translations
- Integration to Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009
I am hopeful that the promised Forecaster integration will be released in January 2011. Lets wait and see!
Wishing you all happy holidays this year!


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On My Shelf is a new feature I started here on the blog and I'm sure there are a ton of similar ones out there, but basically I just wanted to start spotlighting some of the MANY backlist titles I have accumulated on my shelf and kindle. The idea is to spotlight an older book I have on my massive TBR. I also thought it would be a fun way to discuss these books with my fellow bloggers, get some of your thoughts and figure out which ones I need to read ASAP and which ones can wait a bit more. And if you want to join in too, I would love to see what is on your shelf! Just leave me a link in the comments.
|Add To Goodreads
I cannot believe I still have not read this one. It has so many aspects I love and I really just feel like I'm going to love it. But like with so many other books, I just never seem to have the time to pick this one up. I really need like an extra day of the week that is solely devoted to reading.
So tell me. Have you read it? Did you love it? Hate it? Was it meh?


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Building an Economy for People not Profit
Session "A People's Railway" – prompted by Jeremy Corbyn's call to renationalise our railways.
Facilitator Profile: Kate Whittle email@example.com
Kate is an experienced co-operative developer, with interests in co-operative skills and transport. She is the society Secretary at GO-OP Co-operative, which recently reached a crossroads in its journey to become Britain's first co-operative rail operating company. The Board has decided – with members' support – to invoke its rights under the Railway Act to apply directly to the Office of Rail Regulation without the support of Network Rail.
This year Kate has been busy updating the From Conflict to Co-operation series of booklets – which now include a section on strategic planning in worker co-ops, to be published online by Co-opsUK Spring 2016. She has also been providing support with strategic planning, HR, induction and meetings training for Bristol-based worker co-op Essential Trading
The "Building An Economy To Serve People And Not Profit" conference will take place in Manchester on Thursday 21st January (10am-4pm) in the Central Hall.
Admission (including lunch and refreshments) is £45.00
For further details, www.wf4.eventbrite.co.uk or contact Phil email@example.com 07901 338700


text: How to Determine if Its Time for an AC Repair or Replacement Posted May 12, 2017 When your air conditioner in Mount Pleasant breaks down, it can be tricky to know if it's a sign for an AC repair, or if a replacement would be a smarter option for the long term. The answer isn't identical for every homeowner. E.g., a system that has been taken care of could be a better candidate for an AC repair because it will almost certainly have a longer lifetime than another system that hasn't been maintained. Many other influences should be thought about on top of to this. We've got some questions that can help guide you. How old is your system and how often are you repairing it? The age of your air conditioner is a big factor in your decision to arrange an AC repair or invest in a replacement. Aged systems usually don't function as efficiently as they did when they were new—and particularly not as efficiently as a new, energy-efficient model. Actually, you could lower your energy consumption by more than you may think if you swap out your aged system with a new, energy-efficient unit. Most often, this savings will support investment in a replacement system. So how old is "too old"? That can differ based on your specific equipment and how well it's been maintained, but Energy Star advises upgrading to an energy-efficient unit if your present-day central air conditioner is more than 10 years old. Past your unit's age, check out your AC repair history. If your system has stopped working several times, it's probable to fail again—this situation can end up costing you more money in the long run. When you consider potential rebates and enhanced efficiency, is a new system going to be more economical in the end? Many professionals advise following "The $5,000" rule. Multiply the age of your system by the cost of the AC repair. If it's more than $5,000, replace the system. If it's less, go for the repair. Here are some other questions you should consider: Is your house cool enough in the summer? If not, your system isn't working properly. Are your energy bills increasing without increased usage? This is a indication that your air conditioner is on the fritz. Is your system properly sized? If your system is too small for your home, it can't function properly. Also, if you've just taken measures to make your home more energy efficient, your system can in fact be larger than you need to cool a very efficient home. If you're not positive if you need an AC repair or if it's time to get a replacement, Olde Towne Heating & Air can help! Our specialists can help you establish how much life is left in your system and what the best option for your home and budget will be. Call us at 843-485-0967 to setup an appointment for us to check it out. Back To Blog


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Providing Website Design Solutions for 16 Years
Have you and your team decided that your company needs a new or upgraded website? Perhaps you have done some research online and been completely overwhelmed by all the new technology and the options it provides.
Are you mystified by terms such as Web 2.0, responsive websites, SEO, SMS, social networking, blogging, RSS, web accessibility, WordPress, or CMS? Our website design team can help you navigate all of these concepts (and more) to arrive at the right solution for you and your business.
Darkstar Media, a Toronto based website design firm, offers a full range of simple but effective website solutions — from concept to execution — with a quick turnaround for a wide range of companies who want the next generation in unique, stand-apart online representation.


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Code: PRZ-cf3f4a2
The Saracen tower is tower made up of 4 independent apartments, set on the beautiful beach of the Nerano ( Marina del Cantone) across Sorrento and Amalfi Coast.
Its arrangement makes this tower to be self catering property, which can be rent out whole or as four separate apartments.
These apartment have been renovated from a vice-regal Saracen tower, built in 1567 by the Turbolo family, and provide spectacular views of the bay. Here, you are in an oasis, surrounded by clear blue waters and lush green vegetation.
The Saracen tower apartments are located within the holiday village and campsite of Nettuno, in the enchanting bay of Marina del Cantone, in the centre of the government protected area called "Punta Campanella", ideal for nature walks. Saracen tower also offers guided tours.
There is an on site restaurant, (takeaway) pizzeria, piano bar, disco, satellite TV room and a general store.
There are possibilities of full and half board bed breakfast or self catering.
There is an on site restaurant, (takeaway) pizzeria, piano bar, disco, satellite TV room and a general store. Parking facilities accommodate cars and coaches.
A minibus leaves every hour for Sorrento, upon request.
The diving centre has 50 complete sets of equipment, and a diving school that issues international certificates. Guided dives, snorkeling, boat hire, fishing excursions are all offered.
There are excursions directly from the apartment to Capri, the Amalfi coast, the bays and islands of Punta Campanella and to the islands of Li Galli (half day or full day) with our own boats.
Excursions are available to Pompei, Herculaneum, Naples, Vesuvius, Ischia, Paestum and Rome.
Sorrento 4 Bedroom Beachfront Rental - Saracen tower is one of our Italy Luxury Rentals . View Guide to Italy Luxury Vacations
Disclaimer: Pins in map may not be accurate if Google Maps cannot find the exact address. In this case an approximation is made.
View Destination Guides: Campania, Sorrento


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Soul Detox
Part 14
She said to herself, "If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed." (Matthew 9:21)
The woman had been sick for more years than she cared to remember. Her illness barred her from social activities including worship. No one touched her, not out of fear of contracting her illness, but the law strictly prohibited physical contact with women with an issue of blood. Her husband had divorced her years ago because of it. She hadn't blamed him. Men had needs…needs she was unable to fulfill. But he showed her mercy in his departure and left her with a generous sum of money—not required by law. She sought cures, which only served to line doctors' pockets with her last cent. Read More
See you in a twinkling,
Brenda K. Hendricks


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NAB Interview Series: Episode 2 – Tim Clapham
Follow Us: iTunes | Android | RSS
While at NAB this year, I decided to interview some of my favorite people in the motion design industry and ask them a few questions. In this second part of the series, I talk with Tim Clapham. An outstanding Cinema 4D artist and teacher, Tim's work was the first time I saw art and design being made with Cinema 4D. Not only that, but he also put up project files and lighting setups for download. He taught me most of what I know of Cinema 4D though his site and training series on FXPHD. I was lucky enough to sit down and talk with him about how he got into 3D and making great motion design.
Show Notes
MILG Training
Tim's Dynamics Training
Subscribe to the Greyscalegorilla Podcast
well done guys.
Nice to hear these stuff Nick. Really interesting to hear this stuff. Tim is really great and I follow his courses @ FXPHD.
To bad I missed loads the last couple of months. Moving and getting a (first time) Job as Motion Designer takes loads of time and specially when you back home, you just want to take a rest.
Hope to catch it all up again upcomming weeks.
Hugs for you and TIM from brazil motion grafics designs
I'm getting a "File not found" error when I try to play it. Is anyone else getting that?
Another great interview.
As it turns out – I'm working with Tim's mate Duncan MacLaren in Sydney at the moment.
Small world.
Tim is awesome man
wish i cud be better at C4D
Ha ha! Thanks for the mention Tim! Hope you're well mate.
this was great thx guys.
Yup, Tim is awwwweeeesome.
Thanks guys, that was awesome
merci afin de cette nouvelle, un article important rapide et complet avec super.
Just reporting a typo error: "what I know of Cinema 4D thRough his site and training series"
Hey Nick, keep doing these podcasts. I enjoy listening to this, especially when I'm on C4D.
Loving these Nick!
Are you aware that your one recurring question is basically like Mig's http://www.humblepied.com/ ? I know the podcast itself is obviously much longer, and hence covers more, but just wondering of that was homage or subconscious.
Either way, keep it up!
Very nice. Informative.
Spot on with this write-up, I truly believe this site needs a great deal more attention. I'll probably be returning to read through more, thanks for the info!


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Create the ultimate no-maintenance garden with these faux succulent plants! You'll learn how to make five different succulents in a variety of colors and textures that will make the everlasting garden. The coordinating 'succulent' card makes for the perfect presentation to give this as a gift to someone special. The Gift Box is a quick, but cute way to add a little special wrapped treat or small gift to include for your recipient. Plus, you'll get a great tip on how to wrap this Takeout Box without a lot of fuss using your Designer Papers!
This wonderful project was designed by Julie! If you have a chance head on over to Craft Project Central and leave Julie a comment on her project!
If you would like to subscribe to the March edition of Craft Project Central and get 10 wonderful tutorials for only $10 then click HERE!


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On SOA infrastructure – Tips from TSSJS presenter Jeff Genender part two
Open source maven Jeff Genender shares his take on SOA infrastructure. He includes message buses, containers, orchestrators and more in his definition.
Jeff Genender is CTO and chief architect at Savoir Technologies Inc., a consulting, training and support company offering open source solutions. He is an active committer and Project Management Committee (PMC) member for Apache Geronimo, a 'committer' on OpenTerracotta, OpenEJB, ServiceMix and Mojo (Maven plugins), and the author of several books.
Any discussion of SOA needs to start with a solid foundation. What are the basic building blocks of a successful SOA infrastructure?
Genender: A message bus/JMS container; some service end points, typically Web services; routing – you need to route your messages and have guaranteed messages; orchestration; and data transformation – some kind of code that transforms data from one component or one state to another.
What are the aspects of SOA infrastructure that organizations tend to struggle with?
Genender: They tend to think everything should be based purely on Web services instead of looking at enterprise integration patterns. You can plug in any type of component, but they will use an ESB as a glorified container. Sometimes the SOA initiative is solely based on Web services.
They're missing the key aspects, such as lack of the need to be point-to-point. When we show them how to use Web services and routing data through messages—removing the point-to-point—the lights tend to turn on for them.
Another struggle, which goes hand in hand with that, is not understanding enterprise integration patterns, SOA patterns, and how to apply them to their own business processes. Understanding patterns like a message filter or a routing pattern – the lower levels of enterprise integration patterns – make their migration to SOA easier. [SOA] won't do what they want it to do until they understand all the patterns they can apply to the architecture.
You'd be surprised at the large companies we go into that are putting the entire infrastructure on an ESB and using it as a glorified Web services container. It's shocking.
This is part two of a two-part interview with Jeff Genender. In part one, he talked about working with AcitveMQ, a popular open source JMS container.


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1100 13th Street, NW, Suite 750Washington, DC 20005202.887.6400Customer Service: 800.544.0155
All Contents © 2020The Kiplinger Washington Editors
By Dan Burrows, Contributing Writer
| February 7, 2019
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Long-term income investors know that yield isn't everything when it comes to dividend stocks. Steadily rising payouts pay off down the road, too.
Not only do rising dividends lift the yield on an investor's original cost basis, they're indicative of a firm's ability to withstand the economy's – and the market's – inevitable ups and downs.
"Dividend growers tend to be quality franchises built to weather diverse market environments," BlackRock portfolio manager Tony DeSpirito and now-retired BlackRock PM Robert Shearer wrote in a 2015 report. "If you think about it, these are generally high-quality businesses with ample free cash flow, and that's precisely what's needed to grow the dividend. So you have a very attractive combination of quality franchises, solid balance sheets and positive trends in cash flow and earnings."
The Dividend Aristocrats are companies in Standard & Poor's 500-stock index that have raised their payouts every year for at least 25 consecutive years. They are a host of household names that offer size, longevity and familiarity, providing comfort amid market uncertainty.
Here are the current 57 Dividend Aristocrats – including several new faces that were just added in January 2019. These have been among the best dividend stocks for income growth over the past few decades, and they're a great place to start if you're looking to add new dividend holdings to your long-term portfolios.
Data is as of Feb. 6 unless otherwise listed. Companies are listed by dividend yield, from lowest to highest. The list of Dividend Aristocrats is maintained by S&P Dow Jones Indices. Dividend yields are calculated by annualizing the most recent quarterly payout and dividing by the share price. Dividend history based on company information and S&P data. Dividend-growth streaks include the current year if the company has announced a dividend hike in 2019. Analysts' ratings provided by Zacks Investment Research.
Roper Technologies
Market value: $31.0 billion
Dividend yield: 0.6%
Consecutive annual dividend increases: 26
Analysts' opinion: 6 strong buy, 1 buy, 4 hold, 0 underperform, 0 sell
Roper Technologies (ROP, $299.76) – an industrial company whose businesses include medical and scientific imaging, RF technology and software, and energy systems and controls, among others – was added to the Dividend Aristocrats in 2018. The diversified industrial company was tapped for the honor after it hiked its dividend for a 25th straight year at the end of 2017. Then in November 2018, ROP hiked its dividend for a 26th consecutive year, this time by 12% to $1.85 a share on an annual basis.
With a payout ratio of just 15.2%, Roper should have ample room to keep the dividend hikes coming for many years to come.
Market value: $39.2 billion
Dividend yield: 0.8%
Consecutive annual dividend increases: 40
Analysts' opinion: 12 strong buy, 1 buy, 6 hold, 0 underperform, 0 sell
Sherwin-Williams (SHW, $420.87) is one of the largest paints, coatings and home-improvement companies in the world, thanks to its $11 billion acquisition of Valspar in 2017. The company's global reach has actually hindered performance lately, however. Fourth-quarter results fell short of Wall Street's expectations, hurt by sluggishness overseas.
But longer-term, analysts expect better-than-average profit growth. Analysts polled by Refinitiv expect earnings to grow at an average annual rate of almost 17% for the next five years.
"While the current macroeconomic outlook is less than clear, we see significant opportunities for profitable growth throughout the business," management said in a news release.
And it's not like income investors need to worry about Sherwin-Williams' steady and rising dividend stream. The company has hiked its distribution every year since 1979. SHW pays out just 29% of its earnings as dividends, vs. 40% for the S&P 500, so the company has ample resources to keep the streak alive.
Market value: $20.0 billion
Dividend yield: 1.1%
Consecutive annual dividend increases: 35
Analysts' opinion: 5 strong buy, 1 buy, 3 hold, 0 underperform, 1 sell
Cintas (CTAS, $191.55) is perhaps best-known for providing corporate uniforms, but the company also offers maintenance supplies, tile and carpet cleaning services and even compliance training. As such, it's seen by some investors as a bet on jobs growth.
There may be something to that. Shares have more than tripled over the past five years vs. a gain of just 51% for the S&P 500. In January, the economy notched its 100th consecutive month of employment gains. Meanwhile, weekly jobless claims stand at levels last seen in 1969.
Regardless of how the labor market is doing, Cintas is a stalwart as a dividend payer. The company has raised its payout every year since going public in 1983. Most recently, in October, Cintas raised its annual dividend by 26.5% to $2.05 a share.
Market value: $46.0 billion
Dividend yield: 1.2%
Consecutive annual dividend increases: 27
Analysts' opinion: 8 strong buy, 0 buy, 9 hold, 0 underperform, 0 sell
Ecolab (ECL, $159.14) provides water treatment and other industrial-scale maintenance services for several industries, including food, healthcare, and oil and gas. Ecolab's fortunes can wane as industrial needs fluctuate, though; for instance, when energy companies pare spending.
Over the long haul, though, ECL shares are a proven winner. Over the past decade, the stock has delivered an annualized return, including dividends, of 18%, vs. just 12% for the S&P 500. That's thanks in no small part to 27 straight years of dividend increases. The most recent hike came in December, when ECL raised its quarterly payout by 12% to 46 cents.
Market value: $48.4 billion
Consecutive annual dividend increases: 46
Analysts' opinion: 6 strong buy, 1 buy, 5 hold, 0 underperform, 0 sell
S&P Global (SPGI, $192.94) has paid a dividend each year since 1937 and is one of fewer than 25 companies in the S&P 500 that has increased its dividend annually for at least the last 46 years, the company notes. Most recently, on Jan. 30, SPGI hiked its quarterly payout by 14% to 57 cents.
Formerly known as McGraw Hill Financial, S&P Global is the company behind S&P Global Ratings, S&P Global Market Intelligence and S&P Global Platts. Although most investors probably know it for its majority stake in S&P Dow Jones Indices, it's also a central player in corporate and financial analytics, information and research.
Market value: $65.5 billion
Dividend yield: 1.3%
Consecutive annual dividend increases: 47
Analysts' opinion: 12 strong buy, 0 buy, 6 hold, 0 underperform, 0 sell
Medical devices maker Becton Dickinson (BDX, $243.06) first bulked up with its 2015 acquisition of CareFusion, a complementary player in the same industry. In 2017, it struck a $24 billion deal for fellow Dividend Aristocrat C.R. Bard, another medical products company with a strong position in treatments for infectious diseases.
The company, which makes everything from insulin syringes to cell analysis systems, is increasingly looking for growth to be driven by markets outside the U.S., including China. Analysts expect BDX to generate average annual earnings growth of 12.6% for the next five years, according to Refinitiv.
Annual dividend increases stretch back 47 years and counting – a track record that should offer peace of mind to antsy income investors.
Market value: $22.7 billion
Dividend yield: 1.4%
Analysts' opinion: 1 strong buy, 0 buy, 7 hold, 0 underperform, 1 sell
Brown-Forman (BF.B, $47.56) is one of the largest producers and distributors of alcohol in the world. Jack Daniel's Tennessee whiskey and Finlandia vodka are just two of its best-known brands, with the former helping drive long-term growth. Whiskey is increasingly popular with American tipplers, surveys show, and Jack Daniel's leads the pack. Tequila sales – Brown-Forman features the Herradura and El Jimador brands, among others – also are on the rise.
The company has raised its payout annually for 35 years, and has delivered an uninterrupted regular payout for 73 years.
Market value: $7.2 billion
Dividend yield: 1.7%
Consecutive annual dividend increases: 43
Analysts' opinion: 4 strong buy, 0 buy, 7 hold, 1 underperform, 1 sell
U.K.-based diversified industrial company Pentair (PNR, $41.51) completed the tax-free spinoff of nVent Electric (NVT) last year. The move allows Pentair to focus on its water assets, operating in businesses such as Flow Technologies, Filtration & Process and Aquatic & Environmental Systems. It bulked up those operations with its January acquisition of Aquion for $160 million in cash.
Pentair has raised its dividend annually for 43 straight years, most recently by 3% to 18 cents a quarter. Analysts on average project earnings per share to increase 9% next year, according to a survey by Refinitiv.
Abbott Laboratories
Market value: $129.1 billion
Dividend yield: 1.8%
Analysts' opinion: 13 strong buy, 1 buy, 1 hold, 0 underperform, 1 sell
Following its 2013 spinoff of AbbVie – another Dividend Aristocrat on this list – Abbott Laboratories (ABT, $73.52) focused on branded generic drugs, medical devices, nutrition and diagnostic products. Its product list includes the likes of Similac infant formulas, Glucerna diabetes management products and i-Stat diagnostics devices.
The company has been expanding by acquisition as of late, including medical-device firm St. Jude Medical and rapid-testing technology business Alere, both snapped up in 2017.
The company, which dates back to 1888, first paid a dividend in 1924. Abbott has raised its dividend for 47 straight years.
Market value: $17.0 billion
Analysts' opinion: 2 strong buy, 0 buy, 14 hold, 0 underperform, 1 sell
W.W. Grainger (GWW, $303.46) – which not only sells industrial equipment and tools, but provides other services such as helping companies manage inventory – is expected to generate steady-if-not spectacular sales growth for the next few years. Revenue is forecast to rise 6% this year and 5.2% in 2020.
Fortunately for the income-minded, Grainger has lifted its payout every year for 47 years and maintains a reasonable 39% payout ratio.
PPG Industries
Market value: $25.4 billion
Analysts' opinion: 5 strong buy, 1 buy, 10 hold, 0 underperform, 0 sell
Things have been lively at paints and coatings company PPG Industries (PPG, $106.09) recently, and not in a good way. The company is under pressure from an activist investor to break up its businesses, while federal prosecutors are investigating accounting irregularities.
Longer-term, however, analysts remain optimistic that the company can generate steady growth. Earnings are forecast to grow at an average annual rate of 8.7% for the next five years, according to Refinitiv. That in turn should help support PPG's dividend, which has been paid since 1899 and raised on an annual basis for 46 years.
Market value: $8.5 billion
Analysts' opinion: 8 strong buy, 0 buy, 4 hold, 0 underperform, 0 sell
A.O. Smith (AOS, $49.76), a manufacturer of commercial and residential water heaters, was added to the Dividend Aristocrats just last year. It last hiked its annual dividend in October, when it lifted the quarterly payout to 22 cents a share from 18 cents a share – a 22% increase. AOS noted at the time that its five-year compound annual dividend growth rate was 30%.
Analysts expect the company's earnings to rise at a rate of almost 10% a year for the next five years, helped by the rollout of A.O. Smith water heaters at home-improvement chain Lowe's, as well as strength across the North American market.
A.O. Smith has increased its dividend annually for 26 consecutive years.
Market value: $16.3 billion
Consecutive annual dividend increases: 33
Analysts' opinion: 1 strong buy, 0 buy, 4 hold, 0 underperform, 0 sell
A string of acquisitions is expected to spice up McCormick's (MKC, $123.15) growth. The company, which makes herbs, spices and other flavorings, has been bulking up over the past three years to drive sales growth. McCormick bought Italian-flavoring company Enrico Giotti for $127 million in 2016, and spent $4.2 billion the following year to pick up RB Foods. The latter deal added prized brands such as French's mustard and Frank's RedHot to MKC's portfolio.
Analysts expect average annual earnings growth of more than 9% for the next five years. That should provide support for McCormick's dividend, which has been improved on an annual basis for 33 consecutive years.
Market value: $22.5 billion
Dividend yield: 2.0%
Consecutive annual dividend increases: 53
Analysts' opinion: 2 strong buy, 0 buy, 7 hold, 0 underperform, 1 sell
Hormel Foods (HRL, $42.11) is about as reliable as they come when it comes to income investing. The packaged food company best known for Spam has raised its annual payout every year for more than five decades.
Indeed, in November, Hormel announced its 53rd consecutive annual dividend increase – a 12% raise to 84 cents a share. The payment, to be made Feb. 15 to shareholders of record as of Jan. 14, will be the 362nd consecutive quarterly dividend paid by the company.
Hormel is rightly proud to note that it has paid a regular quarterly dividend without interruption since becoming a public company in 1928. Analysts expect the company to deliver average annual earnings growth of about 10% for the next five years.
Market value: $90.7 billion
Consecutive annual dividend increases: 25
Analysts' opinion: 9 strong buy, 0 buy, 4 hold, 0 underperform, 1 sell
Linde (LIN, $163.43) became a Dividend Aristocrat in late 2018 after it completed its merger with Praxair, which itself was added to the illustrious list of dividend stocks in January 2018. The $90 billion tie-up of Linde and Praxair created the world's largest industrial gasses company.
Praxair raised its dividend for 25 consecutive years before its merger, and the combined company is expected to continue to be a steady dividend payer. Prior to the merger, Linde, now headquartered in Dublin, raised its dividend every year since 2014.
Analysts project the multinational industrial firm's earnings to increase at an average annual rate of 11% for the next five years, according to a survey by Refinitiv.
Market value: $78.1 billion
Consecutive annual dividend increases: 56
Analysts' opinion: 13 strong buy, 3 buy, 6 hold, 0 underperform, 0 sell
When it comes to home improvement chains, Home Depot (HD), a member of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, gets all the glory, but No. 2 rival Lowe's (LOW, $97.22) is the superior dividend grower.
You can chalk at least some of that up to the steadily rising dividend. Lowe's has paid a dividend every quarter since going public in 1961, and that dividend has increased annually for more than half a century. Most recently, in June 2018, Lowe's lifted its quarterly payout by 17% to 48 cents a share. Home Depot is also a longtime dividend payer, but its string of annual dividend increases dates back only to 2010.
Analysts expect Lowe's to deliver average annual earnings growth of more than 15% for the next five years, according to Refinitiv.
Stanley Black & Decker
Market value: $19.7 billion
Consecutive annual dividend increases: 51
Analysts' opinion: 12 strong buy, 1 buy, 2 hold, 0 underperform, 0 sell
Power and hand toolmaker Stanley Black & Decker (SWK, $130.23) has paid a dividend for 142 years on an uninterrupted basis, and has increased it annually for more than half a century.
But the company isn't just some sleepy income stock. Analysts expect SWK to generate average annual earnings growth of more than 8% a year over the next five years, thanks to a strategy of growth through acquisitions and cost cuts.
Stanley Black & Decker bought Newell Tools from Newell Brands (NWL) for $2 billion in 2016. In January 2017, it negotiated the purchase of Craftsman tools from Sears Holdings (SHLDQ) for a total of $775 million over three years and a percentage of annual sales. And last year, SWK announced the acquisition of IES Attachments for $690 million cash, and the $440 million purchase of Nelson Fastener Systems.
Market value: $49.9 billion
Dividend yield: 2.2%
Analysts' opinion: 7 strong buy, 0 buy, 6 hold, 0 underperform, 2 sell
Defense contractor General Dynamics (GD, $172.71) is one of the newer members of the Dividend Aristocrats, having been added to the elite list of dividend growers in 2017. Generous military spending has helped fuel the steady stream of cash returned to shareholders. The Pentagon at the end of January awarded General Dynamics a $402 million U.S. defense contract for Stryker system technical support services.
General Dynamics has upped its distribution for 26 consecutive years. The last raise was announced in March 2018, when GD lifted the quarterly payout by 10.7% to 93 cents a share. With a payout ratio of 32.4% – the S&P 500 has an average payout ratio of about 40% – General Dynamics should have ample room for more dividend hikes.
Market value: $277.7 billion
Consecutive annual dividend increases: 44
Analysts' opinion: 12 strong buy, 2 buy, 8 hold, 0 underperform, 0 sell
The world's largest retailer might not pay the biggest dividend, but it sure is consistent. Walmart (WMT, $95.64) has been delivering meager penny increases to its dividend since 2014, but that has been enough to keep up its 44-year streak of consecutive annual payout hikes.
And as much as Walmart is a brick-and-mortar business, it isn't conceding the e-commerce race to Amazon.com (AMZN). Indeed, with roughly 4,700 stores in the U.S., the retailer has hardly been passive as Amazon seduces its customers.
Walmart expects U.S. e-commerce sales to grow 35% in the 2019 fiscal year, driven by a revamped website with a focus on fashion and home goods. The company also is investing heavily in its online grocery delivery service. Market research firm eMarketer says Walmart is on track to eclipse Apple (AAPL) as the third-largest online retailer in the U.S.
Market value: $36.4 billion
Consecutive annual dividend increases: 36
Analysts' opinion: 3 strong buy, 0 buy, 5 hold, 0 underperform, 0 sell
Aflac (AFL, $48.40) is a supplemental insurance company – popularized by the loud Aflac duck – with roots going back to 1955 that covers numerous workplace offerings, such as accident, short-term disability and life insurance.
In January, Aflac lifted its dividend for a 36th consecutive year, this time by 3.8% to 27 cents per share. It also pledged to buy back $1.3 billion to $1.7 billion of its own stock in 2019.
Analysts expect Aflac to generate average earnings growth of more than 9% a year for the next five years, according to Refinitiv.
Market value: $12.9 billion
Consecutive annual dividend increases: 63
Analysts' opinion: 5 strong buy, 0 buy, 9 hold, 0 underperform, 0 sell
Industrial conglomerate Dover (DOV, $87.93) has its hands in all sorts of industries, from Dover-branded pumps, lifts and even productivity tools for the energy business, to Anthony-branded commercial refrigerator and freezer doors.
Dividend growth has been a priority for Dover, which at 63 consecutive years of annual distribution hikes boasts the third-longest such streak among publicly traded companies. Dover last raised its dividend in August 2018, when it upped the quarterly payout by 2% to 48 cents a share.
It's not an exciting business, though it did garner some headlines last year. Under pressure from activist investor Daniel Loeb's Third Point hedge fund, Dover spun off its upstream energy business. Known as Apergy (APY), the spinoff began trading on the New York Stock Exchange in May 2018.
Automatic Data Processing
Market value: $63.3 billion
Analysts' opinion: 5 strong buy, 1 buy, 13 hold, 0 underperform, 0 sell
Automatic Data Processing (ADP, $145.54) is the world's largest payroll processing firm, responsible for paying nearly 40 million employees and serving more than 750,000 clients across more than 140 countries.
One of ADP's great advantages is its "stickiness." It's difficult and expensive for corporate customers to change payroll service providers. That competitive advantage helps throw off consistent income and cash flow. In turn, ADP has become a dependable dividend payer – one that has provided an annual raise for shareholders since 1975.
In November, ADP lifted its dividend for a 44th consecutive year. The quarterly disbursement went up 25% to 79 cents a share.
Market value: $62.0 billion
Dividend yield: 2.3%
Analysts' opinion: 8 strong buy, 2 buy, 2 hold, 0 underperform, 2 sell
Chubb (CB, $129.88) was added to the Dividend Aristocrats in January 2019. The insurance company last raised its payout in May 2018, when it hiked the quarterly dividend to 73 cents a share from 71 cents a share. With that move, Chubb notched its 25th consecutive year of dividend increases.
As the world's largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance company, Chubb boasts operations in 54 countries and territories. With a payout ratio of just 27.6%, income investors can expect the company's dividend-growth streak to continue.
Market value: $118.2 billion
Consecutive annual dividend increases: 41
Analysts' opinion: 15 strong buy, 2 buy, 8 hold, 0 underperform, 0 sell
Medtronic (MDT, $88.86), one of the world's largest makers of medical devices, is an income machine. The company's dividend per share has quadrupled since fiscal year 2008, Medtronic notes, and has grown at a 17% compounded annual growth rate over the past 41 years. Most recently, in June, MDT lifted its quarterly payout by 9% to 50 cents a share.
Medtronic aims to return a minimum of 50% of its free cash flow to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. The company can steer all this cash back to shareholders thanks to the ubiquity of its products. Medtronic holds more than 4,600 patents on products ranging from insulin pumps for diabetics to stents used by cardiac surgeons. Look around a hospital or doctor's office – in the U.S. or in about 160 other countries – and there's a good chance you'll see its products.
VF Corp.
Market value: $33.9 billion
Dividend yield: 2.4%
Analysts' opinion: 10 strong buy, 1 buy, 5 hold, 0 underperform, 0 sell
VF Corp. (VFC, $86.47) is an apparel company with a large number of brands under its umbrella, including Lee and Wrangler jeans and The North Face outdoor products. It added to its brand portfolio with the acquisition of Icebreaker Holdings – another outdoor and sport designer – under undisclosed terms in April 2018.
Analysts expect average annual earnings growth of 13.4% for the next five years. Suffice to say, VFC's 46-year streak of annual payout hikes appears safe. In October, the company increased its quarterly dividend by 11% to 51 cents a share.
Market value: $104.3 billion
United Technologies (UTX, $121.36) was added the Dividend Aristocrats in January 2019. The industrial conglomerate – whose businesses include Pratt & Whitney aircraft engines, Otis elevators and Carrier cooling systems – has raised its dividend annually for 25 consecutive years.
UTX last lifted its payout in October, with a 5% increase to 73.5 cents a share. The company, which is a member of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, paid cash dividends on its common stock every year since 1936.
Market value: $33.6 billion
Consecutive annual dividend increases: 50
Analysts' opinion: 5 strong buy, 0 buy, 6 hold, 0 underperform, 0 sell
Sysco (SYY, $65.33), a food services and restaurant supply company, is generating sales growth by making acquisitions.
Most recently, in January, it bought Waugh Foods, an Illinois broadline distributor with approximately $40 million in annual sales. Other moves include its 2016 deal for European services and supplies company Brakes Group, as well as the Supplies on the Fly e-commerce platform that same year. In February 2018, it picked up Doerle Food Services, a Louisiana broadline distributor with approximately $250 million in annual foodservice distribution sales. And then in April 2018, the firm acquired U.K.-based Kent Frozen Foods for an undisclosed sum.
However, Sysco has been able to generate plenty of growth on its own, too. The combination of organic and M&A-based growth has produced a steady ramp-up in revenues for years. Analysts also expect average earnings growth of 11.3% annually over the next half-decade. That should allow Sysco to keep up its streak of paying higher dividends, which currently sits at half a century.
Market value: $67.3 billion
Dividend yield: 2.5%
Analysts' opinion: 3 strong buy, 1 buy, 12 hold, 1 underperform, 1 sell
Tracing its roots back to a single drugstore founded in 1901, Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA, $71.47) has boosted its dividend every year for more than four decades. Mostly recently, it announced a hike of 10% in June 2018. It merged with Alliance Boots – a Switzerland-based health and beauty multinational – in 2014 to form the current company.
Walgreens Boots Alliance and its predecessor company, Walgreen Co., have paid a dividend in 345 straight quarters (more than 86 years) and have raised the dividend for 43 consecutive years, the company says. With a payout ratio of just 31%, investors can expect WBA's streak to continue.
Market value: $19.6 billion
Analysts' opinion: 2 strong buy, 0 buy, 8 hold, 0 underperform, 3 sell
Clorox (CLX, $153.83), whose brands include its namesake bleaches, Glad trash bags and Hidden Valley salad dressing, has been weighed down by higher costs for raw materials, manufacturing and logistics, but price increases boosted profit margins in the most recent quarter and results beat Wall Street's estimates.
It was welcome news for investors who've seen the share price trail the S&P 500 by a wide margin over the past year.
Something that has never been in doubt, however, is the dividend. Clorox has increased its payout every year since 1977.
Market value: $136.9 billion
Dividend yield: 2.6%
Consecutive annual dividend increases: 42
Analysts' opinion: 12 strong buy, 2 buy, 6 hold, 0 underperform, 0 sell
The world's largest hamburger chain also happens to be a dividend stalwart. Changing consumer tastes will always be a risk, but McDonald's (MCD, $176.18) dividend dates back to 1976 and has gone up every year since. That's the power of being a consumer giant that has been able to adjust itself to changing consumer tastes without losing its core.
Including dividends, McDonald's – a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average – has generated a total return of 118% over the past five years. That beats the S&P 500 by about 46 percentage points.
MCD last raised its dividend in September, when it lifted the quarterly payout by 15% to $1.16 a share. That marked its 42 consecutive annual increase.
Market value: $56.2 billion
Consecutive annual dividend increases: 55
Analysts' opinion: 4 strong buy, 0 buy, 10 hold, 0 underperform, 1 sell
Colgate-Palmolive (CL, $65.33) sells staples ranging from toothpaste to dish detergent, and thus demand for its products tends to remain stable in good and bad economies alike.
The company derives the vast majority of its sales outside the U.S., and that has been a problem of late. A stronger dollar, stagnant demand in key overseas markets and higher input costs have been weighing on Colgate's results. In fact, Kiplinger listed Colgate among 5 stocks to sell in 2019 for that and other reasons.
But Colgate's dividend – which dates back more than a century, to 1895, and has increased annually for 55 years – should survive. CL last raised its quarterly dole in March 2018, when it added 5% to 42 cents a share. That may make Colgate worth a look ... once it navigates its way out of its current quagmire.
Market value: $77.9 billion
Analysts' opinion: 9 strong buy, 1 buy, 7 hold, 0 underperform, 0 sell
Caterpillar (CAT, $130.54), the world's largest maker of heavy construction and mining equipment, was added to the Dividend Aristocrats in January 2019. The Dow component is highly sensitive to global economic conditions. Sluggishness overseas, especially in China, is pressuring shares so far this year, but long-term income investors needn't worry about the dividend.
Caterpillar has lifted its payout every year for 25 years. Indeed, CAT's quarterly cash dividend has more than doubled since 2009, and it has paid a regular dividend without fail since 1933.
Market value: $18.8 billion
Dividend yield: 2.7%
Consecutive annual dividend increases: 45
Analysts' opinion: 9 strong buy, 0 buy, 3 hold, 0 underperform, 0 sell
Shareholders in Nucor (NUE, $60.44), the largest U.S. steelmaker, didn't receive much help from tariffs in 2018. Instead, oversupply fears weighed on the stock.
That quickly reversed in January, however, helped by the fact that Nucor delivered strong fourth-quarter earnings and full-year guidance in mid-December.
Despite the volatility in the steel business, investors can feel good about Nucor's dividend. The company has hiked its annual payout every year for 45 years, and it pays out a conservative 21% of profits as dividends. Analysts see annual average earnings growth coming in at 10.7% a year for the next five years.


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Three Of A Kind: Forever & Ever
About this item
This 3-piece Multi-Size Canvas Cluster will transform your home or office into a space that is sure to please guests while it creates a special gallery of personal memories. These custom gallery-wrapped canvases are printed on custom-developed, archival quality, pigment-based inks and come ready to hang. The 3-piece Multi-Size Canvas Cluster includes 3 16×24 Canvas prints.
3 Piece Multi-Piece Canvas (24″ × 52″):


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QALANDARS Team Squad Full 2019: Former Indian cricket team opener Virender Sehwag, Sri Lanka cricket team legend Kumar Sangakkara and Pakistan cricket team opener Fakhar Zaman will play for Maratha Arabians in the inaugural edition of the 10-overs-per-side T10 Cricket League to be played in Sharjah in December.
|Shoaib Malik (ICON)
|Shareef Asadullah (UAE)
|Umar Akmal
|Hassan ALi
|Misbah Ul Haq
|Chris Jordan
|Adil Rashid
|All Rounders
|Rangana Hearth
|Carlos Brathwaite
|Dawlat Zadran
|Fahim Ashraf
|Usama Mir
|Abdul Razzaq
|Wicket Keepers
|Ghulam Shabber (UAE)
|Luke Ronchi
The new league was officially announced in Dubai on Tuesday, at the ceremony was attended by Afridi, Morgan, Misbah and Inzamam-ul-Haq, who is also Pakistan cricket team's chief selector. According to The National, the first edition of the T10 tournament will feature six teams and will be played in December. Officials from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh cricket boards would co-manage two teams, Colombo Lions and Bangla Tigers. Inzamam is the co-owner of the franchise named Punjabi Legends. "We are talking to Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh about having T10 cricket there. The first year is going to be critical. If the game is executed correctly and picked up the way it should be, it could be adopted at the regional level, national, and then international level," said Shaji Ul Mulk, the chairman and founder of the tournament.


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by Dorset Glass Artist Alycatglass
Handmade fused glass Christmas Tree in a kaleidoscope of colours.
These beautiful pieces are crafted from fused glass then set in driftwood.
Free standing.
If out of stock can be made to order.
Also Available in Small and Medium
As each piece is handmade, no two pieces are identical. However it will be very similar to the picture shown.
Remember Me


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Lake Claremont Golft Course comprises of 9 Holes all being Par 3's ranging in distance from 87 metres to 137 metres. The new course re-opened in October 2017 and provides something for everyone from the complete novice right through to the skilled professional.
For further information, including course fees please click here.


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The story is about one genius Professor who lost hope to earth, and searches for another planet across the galaxy to build a new civilization. After finding one beautiful planet, he and his people moved in to start their project, until they realized they were surrounded by unfriendly creatures and perplexing mazes (A.K.A Mazy Dungeons).
Creatures attack people unconditionally, which made them so difficult to live a normal life. The Professor finally developed a robot with intelligence that keeps learning how to combat creatures, just so his people can live peacefully. For ten years since they moved in, things were really great. But one day, his robot didn't came back. Uneasy about this situation, he asked his super computer what to do next!
The super computer searched for all the possibilities and returned only one result. To bring in one person to the planet. You!


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The bad news is, Harry Potter is ending. The books, the movies, all finished, as of July 15th. The good news? I've found a new series, and it has only just begun with the first of what could possibly be many: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children.
I stumbled upon this creepy tale via a book trailer. It was the kind of trailer that excited me and made me want to read the book, immediately. Unfortunately, it came out the day after my birthday, so I had to wait three extra days to get my final gift in the mail from Amazon. I was not disappointed.
The cover depicts a young girl, dressed in 1940s attire and a tiara. At first glance, she's just standing there in the woods, staring at you. At second glance you realize she's floating a couple inches above the ground, standing in the woods, staring at you. Either way, it makes an impression. The interior is no different. The pages are thick and soft to the touch, and dispersed amidst the words are freaky photos of other children doing strange—or peculiar—things, like one child holding a huge rock over his head or another holding flames in her hand. You want to read this book; it's too unusual to put down.
The story of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children focuses on sixteen-year-old Jacob and his grandfather, Abe. Ever since Jacob was a child, Grandpa Abe told stories about "the peculiar children" back in Abe's old country, on an island off the coast of Wales. Abe lived with the children and their headmistress, Miss Peregrine, after fleeing his home country to escape the Nazis.
Among the peculiar children were an invisible boy, a girl who could fly, and a child covered in bees. Abe even had pictures to prove it, even though Jacob always assumed the stories—and photos—were fake. That is until Grandpa Abe dies under mysterious circumstances, which sends Jacob to his grandpa's island in search of answers … and perhaps, something peculiar.
The pictures set the tone, but the words paint the picture. Author Ransom Riggs is a filmmaker, first and foremost. This is his first novel, although he previously wrote a nonfiction book about Sherlock Holmes. Even though this is a debut, it doesn't feel like a debut. Riggs is comfortable with prose and the stepping-stones of good storytelling. In other words, he does a lot of showing, not telling … but he never shows you too much, because Miss Peregrine is written as a mystery. It's also a bit science fiction, a bit horror. You have to wrap your mind around time-travel, and yes, you might not want to read this book at night—but read it you must.
I'm not ruining anything by telling you the end is not the end. I'm not sure what Riggs has planned, but there is much more to be told about the peculiar children. In this work, he created an amazing cast of characters, each with their own quirks and "super powers." It would be a tragedy to create this world and not play with it, hopefully for several books to come.
In a world filled with to-be-continued vampire books and witch novels, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children stands out because it is original. It is extraordinary in its different-ness. That is the hook. Not only is it about peculiar children, but the book is peculiar. And in lives soon to be without the world of Hogwarts, we must seek a new kind of magic. Ransom Riggs may be the anecdote.
Learn more about him and the children at http://www.ransomriggs.com/.


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Here are a few DJ tips on how to dress, in case you need them.
One thing some of you may never even think about how to dress as a DJ. Let me give you my best tips on what clothes to wear.
I'm not a fashion expert. I leave that to my girlfriend.
However, for you beginner DJs and especially those doing their first DJ gig or even if you've been asked to do a wedding, you have to have an idea of what to wear.
Believe me, if you look good, you'll have far more chance of getting invited back to play again.
Some owners watch you carefully to see how you look and who you bring.
I used to play at the coolest little club in Paris and about ten blonde girls would always come to dance to my tunes. They were all my friends, not groupies. The owner of the place loved me and I got loads of gigs there.
But I also made an effort to look cool and trendy, without overdoing it. I tried to fit in with the place and look good at the same time. Obviously, my cute blonde friends gave me their own DJ tips on DJ dress and how to look!
Some people think looking good is more important than your music.
Crazy but true and it's the world we live in.
Get DJ Gigs!
Download this free guide to help you to get DJ gigs faster.
Rather than you trawling through the net reading articles, this free guide contains all the advice you need in one clear ebook.
I put it together to save some time for you and to get you DJing in parties, bars and clubs faster.
And it's completely free.
Go here to get the free guide on how to get DJ gigs now
Different clothes, different places, different faces
There's no simple answer. If you're playing in a club then wear your best and coolest clothes for clubbing.
If you work out (and you're a boy), make sure the girls see your muscles a bit! A bit vain of course, but who cares, you're DJing. You can do what you want.
DJ tips for different styles
Playing a smart and fashionable cocktail bar? Wear a suit jacket and jeans. Smarten up a bit.
Playing rock and indie? Let your stubble grow, wear a silly hat and make sure you stink of sweat (only joking).
Playing hip hop? Jeans, sneakers and a funky Grandmaster Flash T-Shirt will do nicely.
Doing a wedding? Dress in your smartest wedding suit of course.
Ask female friends how you should dress. They know much better than men, except for gay men.
Remember, if you're a good looking fella, some of the girls will turn up just for you, without caring about the music. And the best people you can have at your gigs are hot girls.
So take time to put your tanning cream on, pump up your arms and smile. There we go. Good chap.
If you're a girl DJ
I think girl DJs are really sexy.
I don't even know why. Shallow isn't it?
So you chick DJs there, my advice to you is: look great, but don't overdo it.
It has to be casual, but not like you're going to a graduation ball. Make yourself a special DJ dress if you have to!
Dressing in a unique way will make people remember you.
Look approachable and cute. You'll get a following in no time.
Oh and, don't forget to play some music.


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Move comes after report on campus incidents
NEW HAVEN >> A new student group is urging Yale University to take stronger action in dealing with sexual misconduct on campus.
Students Against Sexual Violence at Yale will meet with university officials next week to propose a range of policy changes, including harsher measures against repeat offenders. The group, which includes survivors of sexual assault, sent an open letter to Yale President Peter Salovey, outlining a series of "demands."
"There will be pushback on some of this, I'm sure, but we're grateful for the opportunity to have this discussion," said Yale sophomore Emma Goldberg, a member of the student group. "There is definitely a desire to get concrete action."
The effort comes after public outcry over Yale's most recent report on sexual misconduct. Since, 2011, Yale has released semi-annual reports outlining incidents of alleged sexual misconduct from the previous six months, as well as the status of prior investigations.
The latest report included cases in which six students were given either written reprimands or a suspension after allegedly committing acts of sexual assault. Overall, the report included eight instances of sexual assault and 33 complaints of sexual harassment in the first half of 2013.
"The Yale administration is open to meeting with any members of its community who want to discuss how Yale addresses sexual misconduct," Yale spokesman Tom Conroy said. "In this case, the president told the students that there would be a meeting for them with the top Yale staff responsible for Yale's response to sexual misconduct."
More than 300 Yale students, alumni and parents have signed SASVY's open letter. The letter suggested four policy changes.
First, the group wants Yale to make expulsion the preferred punishment for students who commit sexual violence. "By allowing offending students to remain at Yale, the administration deprives survivors of justice and puts other students at risk in victimization," the SASVY letter said.
In situations where a student is suspended rather than expelled, the group called for that student to be removed from campus immediately.
In addition, SASVY wants Yale to provide an independent, trained advocate to help guide sexual assault victims through the complaint process. It also wants Yale to include student survivors on all university committees involved in "policy, programming and administrative statements" on sexual violence.
Lastly, SASVY asked that Yale convene a disciplinary hearing against any student reported for sexual violence more than once, even if the report is not filed formally.
"Having a stricter penalty will, perhaps, be a greater deterrent," Goldberg said.
Yale's Conroy stressed that the university has put extensive measures in place regarding education and prevention of sexual misconduct, "as well as a university-wide disciplinary process that is a model for other schools."
Conroy also noted that Yale reports all complaints of rape, assault or criminal misconduct to the Yale Police Department and fully supports and assists anyone who pursues a criminal complaint.
"At the same time, Yale is absolutely committed to protecting the privacy of the individuals who bring complaints forward, and we take into account their preferences regarding the pursuit and resolution of their complaints," Conroy said.
Call Jim Shelton at 203-789-5664.


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We found a little guesthouse to stay in and ventured out to explore the island on our bikes. Well, that didn't take us very long as Pangkor is only a very small island so we spent the remainder of the day chilling out on the beach and watching the sunset with a cold beer in our hands.
Loading the bikes onto the ferry to Pangkor
Arriving to Pangkor's main fishing village
Making the boys work for their money
On and around Pangkor
Ending the day with a beautiful sunset