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Pressure treated decking newel posts produced from slow grown European timbers. Posts used for making balustrade along decking features. Can be used with balustrade panels or components. Newel posts should fixed to the frame of the decking below the boards. Should be fixed with coach screws or bolts. Balustrade posts should be installed before the decking boards are lead down.
Take a look through our shop, add to basket and view basket to calculate postage. UK delivery or collect from our trade counter in Swindon Wiltshire.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Claire Adelfang
La Petite Écurie
La Petite Écurie
La Petite Écurie
Press release
Opening: Saturday 20 May, 6-8pm
The artist will be present.
Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac Paris is pleased to announce the fourth solo exhibition of Claire Adelfang.
Claire Adelfang's photographic practice—notably recognizable through the square format of her images and the frontality of her compositions—unravels the strata of history. Over the course of her exploration of the Château de Versailles domain, the artist was able to enter the Petite Ecurie, home to the Louvre Museum's fascinating collection of casts and sculptures. They appear as gods and allegories of fossilised gestures, as if imprisoned in the depths of the Tartarus. In a manner similar to that of her renowned predecessor, Eugène Atget (1857-1927)—who walked the domain's many paths capturing the silent and still statues for 25 years—the artist seems to pay particular attention to the suspension of time that has now taken hold of the emblematic hallways, as well as the paths that have been deserted by power and its courtiers. If Claire Adelfang's photographs are in fact located in this legacy of recording the traces of civilization, they are nonetheless extracted from a documentary process in order to deliver a humanistic message. The photographer fiercely emphasizes the silence that gives tangible form to historical transformations and the temporality of power.
Unbeknownst to them, the casts and sculptures I have tried to photograph stage a scene and even lend themselves to narrative composition. Some of these photographs evoke a sort of chaos, close to apocalyptic images. Other images, on the contrary, call for dialogue, dreaming, and contemplation.
Through these photographs, we are also allowed a view into our history—that of Antiquity, and in particular the Greek and Roman civilization, which constitute as a real mirror for humanity. The casts, which are present in the Gypsothèque at Versailles also form the memory and testimony of lost civilizations.
The presence of the giant—the Dioscuri of Quirinale—accentuates the monumentality of the Petite Ecurie and emphasizes even further the quasi-mystical atmosphere that reigns there. In this place, which is bearer of secrets, the light and shadows contribute to the theatricality of what plays out between the characters, and, thus, this oneiric place exerts real magic.
Claire Adelfang is a 2010 graduate of Paris' ENSBA. Her work has already been exhibited in several public and private institutions such as l'Institut Culturel Bernard Magrez in Bordeaux and the Musée des Beaux Arts d'Orléans, which held her first retrospective in 2016. Her photographic work has been noted, particularly for her Prix Meurice 2013 and Prix Mastercard 2013 nominations. Her video entitled Les Forges was the subject of an installation in the Louvre Oratory during the Nuit Blanche 2013.
The photographs, which form this series, were commissioned by the public establishment of the museum and the national domain of Versailles.


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Local Licks
Jo James on Local Licks
Feb. 04, 2019
Tune in Tuesday, February 5, at 11:00 p.m. as I welcome Jo James to the KLBJ studio. He's got a new EP coming out called Midnight Dealin'. He'll be celebrating the release of his new EP with a show Saturday night at The Saxon Pub!


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Says Meena Sediqi:
"I'm from Sydney Australia. I create digital collage artwork using different software's and share my work on Instagram, I go by the name of @meenahome
The theme that revolves around Meena Home is to keep culture and history from war-torn countries alive. The media portrays a different side of war-torn countries and mainly has the spotlight on rebel groups. I create a distinct side one that creates a nostalgic effect of lost history, culture and architecture.
On each artwork I add a trait of my personal interests. A few that could be identified are, political figures, fashion and different calligraphy formats.
The inspiration for my theme came from my trip to Afghanistan in 2010, I was expecting to see everything the media had portrayed from dry-land with barbaric people. Instead it was the complete opposite.
From everything I had witnessed, I was touched by the hope that my people maintained for better days."


text: Lawmakers in the embattled Crimean region of Ukraine have decided to hold a referendum March 16 on whether Crimea should become part of Russia. "This is our response to the disorder and lawlessness in Kyiv," Sergei Shuvainikov, a member of the local Crimean legislature, said Thursday. "We will decide our future ourselves." The parliament in Crimea, which enjoys a degree of autonomy under current Ukrainian law, voted 78 with eight abstentions in favour of holding the referendum. Local voters will also be given the choice of deciding to remain part of Ukraine, but with enhanced local powers. The Crimean parliament has requested Russia "to start procedures for Crimea's joining the Russian Federation as a subject of the Russian Federation." Meanwhile Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov announced that, despite reports to the contrary, are not in control of Crimea.


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Well, you've done your market research (who knew there was such demand for a kielbasa manufacturer in Cleveland?), chosen your business name ("Greg's Kielbasa" – after your grandfather!), and perfected your product and delivery – Yum!
Now you're planning a website that'll have your potential customers' mouths watering and distributors lining up around the corner. But there's one step that can turn even the most confident of business owners into a waffling, indecisive pool of jelly: choosing the perfect domain name and extension. Plus, there are plenty of different aspects to consider before selecting just any old name.
So, how do you ensure your website is represented by the best possible domain name and extension? First, a short lesson on how they came to be.
Domain Names & Extensions: a Brief History
Before 1984, when University of Wisconsin technicians developed a name server, there were no domain names, only numbers like http://126.96.36.199/ to designate a website address. Imagine that on your business card!
Suddenly in 1985, domain names using the extensions .com, .net and .org were available to the world. And today tens of thousands of new domain names are registered every single day – with over 300 domain extensions ranging from .ac to .zw!
Your domain name will probably cost around $10 a year, but premium domains can go for up to $20,000 and in 2010, sex.com sold for $13 million. Oooh-la-la!
Why Find a .com Domain?
Think of a website address. Any website address. Unless a government site came to mind, chances are, the domain extension is .com. In fact, 52% of ALL websites are .com sites.
Especially if you are going to be telling people what your website address is (as opposed to them finding you in search engine results), there are benefits to using the "default" domain extension .com simply for easy recall.
What if My .com Name is Not Available?
Well, there are a few workarounds here, such as utilizing a hyphen. If you choose do so, limit yourself to one to avoid looking spammy and consider the possibility of missed opportunities when you tell someone, "That's gregs-kielbasa.com." They may get back to the office and forget the hypen, or type in "gregsdashkielbasa.com." You're rolling your eyes (us, too), but it happens.
What about using keywords in your domain instead of your company name? Could you choose a domain name that is NOT your company name? For example, you could choose the domain name PremiumKielbasa.com. Keywords in domain names are not as helpful to SEO as they once were – but as long as you aren't trying to game the system with something like PremiumAllBeefKosherClevelandKielbasa.com, it won't hurt!
Consider carefully, though. A domain name not matching your company name does not help with branding at all. Of course, later on, you could purchase a branded URL and redirect it to your generic domain name. This is a considerable project, however, as each individual page must be redirected.
Should I Buy ALL the related Extensions, Too?
Think you'll get a lot more traffic if you buy up every extension possibility on your domain name? According to MOZ, "it is not recommend that SEO-conscious webmasters purchase low quality TLDs such as .biz, .info, .ws, .name, etc. as a means of increasing traffic."
However, if you're simply concerned about protecting a branded website address, it's not a bad idea to pick up related domain extensions and redirect them to your home page, just to avoid brand confusion in the future.
How Do I Pick the Right Extension?
Why Use .Net?
If you simply MUST have a domain name that is not available with the .com extension, consider a .net address. Particularly are these a good option for tech companies since there is a subtle mental hook - .net = internet or network. This is the second most popular extension and is widely accepted for businesses of all types.
You can even have a little fun with this one if your business name happens to end in "net." For example, "Bluebon.net," anyone?
When NOT to Use .Net
When you can have the .com or if the resulting domain name gives the wrong impression. "GreatHair.net," for example, might be good for supplying hairnets to the food service industry, but not for your high-end hair salon!
Why Use .Org?
If you are a non-profit, especially if you are reasonably well-known, by all means use a .org domain name. That extra mental cue is enough to overcome the .com default mindset. The .org extension is technically open to all, but is not recommended for business ventures, as there is an expectation that .org = non-profit.
When NOT to Use .Org
If you're not a non-profit. Who's going to trust a site at GregsAwesomeKielbasa.org? Unless, you're a well-known food bank provider – and even then, you should have another domain for your for-profit business.
Why Use .Info
If your kielbasa site exist purely to compile and provide information, as opposed to promoting a product or service, you could use a .info domain extension. In this world of information overload and personal obsessions, there could be enough to justify a kielbasa.org site – recipes, history, regional variations, etc.
When NOT to Use .Info
If you're clearly promoting yourself, a product or a service. GregsKielbasa.info should be about Greg's recipes for the Eastern European sausage – not a resource for potential distributors of said tasty processed meat.
Why Use .Biz?
If you're a business owner, you are allowed to use .biz. But deserved or not, it has a trust problem – being often associated with poor quality, even spammy, websites.
When Not to Use .Biz
If your domain name could be interpreted in a way you didn't intend, adding .biz is just going to make it sound more dubious. DeliversPain.biz, certainly sounds more like a website you wouldn't be caught dead on than a resource for great imports from Spain (side note: DeliversPain.com isn't a whole lot better).
What About Less Commonly-Known Extensions?
With 300+ available, we can't cover them all, but here are a few examples:
- .name - for use by individuals only.
- .me - Good for personal branding, or if you can cleverly make it part of your business name (ie., chowti.me). Some of the other more obscure extensions could work that way as well.
- .pro – For registered professionals only, hasn't caught on.
- .tv – Technically for websites in Tuvalu, this is open to everyone and is a good option for a television-related site.
- Specialty domains such as .aero and .travel are reserved for their specific industries and might be a good choice if your customer base and business associates are accustomed to the domain extension.
The Bottom Line on Domain Extensions
While choosing the perfect domain for your new website might feel like a hugely important decision, much more important to the ultimate success of your online endeavors is your decision to commit to plenty of quality content, ease of use and lead generation potential.
Make sure the domain you're considering doesn't come with any built-in Google penalties. If purchasing from an existing site owner, ask to see the Google Analytics overview from the last six months. A dramatic drop in traffic is good reason to reconsider.
Finally (before there is no going back) ask the closest 10-year-old what he thinks of your new domain. If he starts giggling uncontrollably, he may have just saved you from ending up on yet another list of unintentionally horrible domain names along with "speedofart.com." You know what? Give the kid a free kielbasa.
Alisa Meredith is the co-owner and inbound marketing strategist at Scalable Social Media, an inbound marketing agency in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Originally published Oct 16, 2013 10:00:00 AM, updated January 16 2020
Topics:Inbound Marketing


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By Tatjana Christian, Office of the Chief of Public Affairs, Media RelationsJuly 15, 2014
"Sgt. Bergdahl has completed the final phase of the reintegration process
under the control of U.S. Army South and is currently being assigned to U.S.
Army North, Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston (JBSA). He will now
return to regular duty within the command where he can contribute to the
mission. The Army investigation into the facts and circumstances
surrounding the disappearance and capture of Bergdahl is still ongoing."
Media with queries pertaining to the details of Sgt. Bergdahl's assignment
to U. S. Army North (Fifth Army) should call 210-569-2532 or e-mail:
email@example.com. All other queries should be
directed to the Office of the Chief of Public Affairs, at 703-693-7589.


text: Honeywell Dolphin 99EX WPAN, WLAN, WWAN, GPS, Cam, WEH 6.5 Prof, 43 kl., ext. bat ARTICLE No.: 99EXLW2-GC211XE Availability: Product discontinued - can not be ordered Price:53 235,- exclude VAT 64 414,4 incl. VAT Buy Description Technical Description Accessories Download files Pictures Similar products Question to product Honeywell Dolphin 99EX WPAN, WLAN, WWAN, GPS, Cam, WEH 6.5 Prof, 43 kl., ext. bat Designed with input from leading companies in the transportation and logistics sector. 802.11a/b/g/n / Bluetooth / GSM & HSDPA for voice + data / 43 Key / GPS / Camera / Standard range w/ laser aimer / 256MB x 1GB / WEH 6.5 Prof. / Ext. battery / WW Engl Honeywell Dolphin 99EX WPAN, WLAN, WWAN, GPS, Cam, WEH 6.5 Prof, 43 kl., ext. bat ARTICLE No.: 99EXLW2-GC211XE Availability: Product discontinued - can not be ordered Warranty (months): 12 Product discontinued - can not be ordered Weight: 0.6kg Technical Description Accessories Download files Pictures Similar products Question to product Description Fast and Reliable Wireless Connectivity: Delivers full wireless coverage for applications inside and outside of the four walls, allowing real-time access to critical data Optimal Combination of Performance and Usability: Improves ease of use and worker efficiency with a large outdoor-viewable screen, multiple keypad options, a super fast CPU and smart sensors Shift-PLUS Power Management: Enhances productivity by providing full shift battery life, eliminating the need for employees to carry spare batteries or chargers Adaptus® Imaging Technology 6.0: Enables multifunctional data capture by providing fast scanning of linear and 2D bar codes with excellent motion tolerance, as well as seamless image capture through use of an integrated color camera Superior Durability: Incorporates an IP67-rated design that withstands multiple 6 feet drops to concrete and 2,000 1 meter tumbles, resulting in a lower total cost of ownership for enterprises Technical Description Functionality & Operation Communication interfaceAudio, IrDA, RS232, USB 1D Barcode SymbologiesAll standard one-dimension barcodes Memory1024MB Flash NAND, 256MB DRAM 2D Code Symbologiesall standard 2D-Codes Display type3,7" transflective VGA Operating systemWindows Mobile Keyboard43 keys Wireless communicationBluetooth®, GPS, WiFi, GSM, EDGE, GPRS Expansion slotMicro SD Card (SDHC) Audiospeaker Touch-screen panelYes GPS navigationAGPS WWAN FeaturesGSM/GPRS/EDGE: Quad band 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz WLAN FeaturesIEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n WPAN FeaturesBluetooth® Class II v2.1 EDR Optical Resolution480x640 px Bar code scanner2D Imager Camera3 MPix Electrical Main battery packExtended: Li-Ion 4000 mAh, 3,7V Main battery pack operating time10hod Mechanical DimensionsWidth: 39mm, Height: 215mm, Length: 69mm Weight520g Environment Operating temperature-20 to 50°C Storage temperature-25 to 70°C Shock resistanceWithstands multiple drops from 1,8 m to concrete, in all axis and in operating temperature range Storage humidity (non-condensing)0 to 95% Operating humidity (non-condensing)0 to 95% Electrical static discharge±8kV contact, ±15kV air Ingress protectionIP67 Others Warranty1 year Development toolsHoneywell SDK for Windows® Embedded Vendor code: 99EXLW2-GC211XE Accessories Obligatory accessories None available ARTICLE No.NameAvailabilityPricePrice incl. VAT Recommended Accessories None available ARTICLE No.NameAvailabilityPricePrice incl. VAT Optional accessories ARTICLE No.NameAvailabilityPricePrice incl. VAT S-PODPORA Codeware Technical support - commenced 30 minutes On stock 450,- 544,5 Buy RS-2006-REPRE Opticon RS-2006, ring scanner, BT, laser On stock 7 165,- to 7 165,- TERMINAL-ARCHITECT-M Codeware Terminal Architect Mobile: runtime app runs schemas created by the Terminal Architect Editor for mobile devices On stock 3 899,- 4 717,8 Buy TERMINAL-ARCHITECT-E Codeware Terminal Architect Editor: Software tool creator for app schema for mobile devices On stock 48 899,- 59 167,8 Buy Download files 99EX-QS Rev C.pdf Language: en Velikost: 2.75 MB MD5: 50b8a58c1a5fca400378ee0ecfc203d5 Dolphin 99EX: user´s guide_EN Download Dolphin99ex_DS_RevC_0311_EN.pdf Language: en Velikost: 766.08 KB MD5: 8bb9509c365d2507ef758448682a8b3c Dolphin 99EX: datasheet_EN Download 99EX-CZ-QS.pdf Language: cs Velikost: 3.53 MB MD5: 4a71c92f12865133b2407a64ea9bfbc9 Quick user guide for Honeywell Dolphin 99EX Download DS_Dolphin99EX_DS_EN_FTP.pdf Language: en Velikost: 766.08 KB MD5: 8bb9509c365d2507ef758448682a8b3c Datasheet Download IU_99EX_Quick_Start_ftp.pdf Language: en Velikost: 3.27 MB MD5: 8169ea0ac708b94e5814863b904f5794 Quick user guide Download IU_99EX_ftp.pdf Language: en Velikost: 13.72 MB MD5: 35ff1784d07d9c80b017cd5e06a213dc User guide Download Tools&Demos_honeywel_ter.rar Language: en Velikost: 12.27 MB MD5: b2b6c68fd35b88c73bf28971b97e4f1c Package of utilities for the terminal Honeywell. Download Setup_MobileStore.NET.zip Language: cs Velikost: 45.84 MB MD5: cf83f4a27897c1129813924d0bafc805 Download Setup_MobileOperator.zip Language: cs Velikost: 5.83 MB MD5: 69b8618fa11aca52f273821cd1089393 Download SD_karta_pro_Win_terminaly.zip Language: cs Velikost: 151.96 MB MD5: 186764b89ea5518e9aa860f1f61abf2f Support for portable terminals with Windows CE and Windows Mobile operating system. The package contains the list of applications, installations and URL shortcuts to download apps for the specific types of terminals. Download TerminalArchitect.zip Language: cs Velikost: 32.52 MB MD5: b9350ffdca9a012a7b20f335352595cd Program (DEMO version) for creating and processing application schemes. Each scheme can contain any number of scheme objects like Timer, Send data to TCP/IP, Message, ... There is almost eighty different types of scheme objects capable to perform some operation (reading data from database, writing data to file, showing the menu or form, writing data to the serial port, ...) that can be used to connect to each other and create required functionality. The application is designed for the Windows XP/Vista/7/8.x/10 and for the mobile devices using the WindowsCE and WindowsMobile operating systems. Package content: installation file, installation manual, application manual, changelog. HOTLINE: +420 731 980 837 Download Pictures Similar products Question to product Name Surname Contact phone number E-mail: Antispam test: Type-in digit, which is result of 2+3 Question


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Hey, we're back.
Our lives are in David Cage's hands and honestly, we're a little scared. I mean, did you play Beyond: Two Souls? We did. I mean… We did. Anyway, Detroit: Become Human's going to be good. Right?
This week we're also discussing God of War, Nintendo Labo, Red Dead Redemption 2, Mushroom Racing, Xbox adaptive controller, Campo Santo being bought out by Valve, Boss Key Productions closing down, Nintendo Online Service, Overwatch, Nintendo hiring for Zelda and Atomic Heart.
And finally, we list the Top 3 Future kits/templates we want for Nintendo Labo, and play RESET Mini-game: The list of us.


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Compare Insurance Quotes
Gerber Life banks on two things to sell their insurance policies – a well-known trusted name and a cute baby. Life insurance and college savings products sold by a company that manufactures baby food may sound disconnected. However, Gerber's Grow-Up Plan – their best known product – is a popular choice for parents who have already gained trust in the brand. In addition, their College Life plan may appeal to those looking to secure money for college without risky investments.
How well the Gerber Grow-Up Plan and College Plan live up to their promises are a big part of the overall picture, but there are also a few other insurance products from Gerber worth looking into. Additionally, we will look at Gerber Life's reputation as an insurance company, and what kind of value their products offer in the long run.
Gerber Life Overview
Gerber is one of the best-known companies in America, with a wholesome image that dates back to 1927. Daniel Frank Gerber, who owned a canning company, founded Gerber in Fremont, Michigan when he started marketing his wife's homemade baby food. Within a year, the company's products were being sold nationwide and eventually around the world. Today, Gerber has a majority hold on the baby food market in the United States.
Gerber Life Insurance Company was created as a subsidiary of Gerber Products Company in 1967. The company was created for direct-marketing life insurance sales to parents, providing life insurance policies for children and adults alike. Gerber Life Insurance operates independently from the baby food side of the company. However, the entire Gerber company, including Gerber Life, was acquired by Nestle in 2007 in a multi-billion dollar deal, making it part of an enormous powerhouse in the food industry.
Gerber Life writes insurance through all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada. Their Grow-Up Plan and College Life plans are their best-known products. The College Life plan is advertised with a promise to help parents save for college with a low-risk method. This promise has made Gerber Life one of the biggest direct-marketing life insurance companies in the U.S.
Not only the Grow-Up plan, but all of Gerber's life insurance products are marketed as providing for the financial future of children. The products were created for parents who are concerned about the high cost of college, as well as providing for their children in the event of their deaths. While many other companies sell juvenile life insurance, Gerber is probably the most recognizable brand for the product.
Gerber Life's headquarters remain in Fremont, Michigan, with an additional headquarters for the Canadian division in Toronto, Ontario.
Policies are sold directly, so there is no agent as a middleman. Online quoting and applications are available through a simple and straightforward system.
Gerber's life insurance products are available not just for children, but for adults as well. Their juvenile products are definitely the company's bread and butter, with their Grow-Up Plan probably being the best-known juvenile life insurance option on the market. Gerber also has a toe in the health insurance market with an accident insurance plan.
Grow-Up Plan
Gerber's flagship plan, this is a whole life insurance plan designed to allow parents to purchase life insurance for a child with lifelong coverage at the same low premium.
Because children can obtain coverage easily and at very low rates, the Grow-Up Plan ensures the child will have coverage into adulthood without the higher premiums. It also ensures coverage even if the child is later diagnosed with a condition that might make getting life insurance difficult.
The Grow-Up Plan can be purchased for children between 14 days and 14 years old. At 18 years old, the coverage automatically doubles (if you had a $10,000 policy, it will now be a $20,000 policy) with no premium increase, and at 21 the child takes over the policy, which continues for as long as the premiums are being paid. There's also an option to increase the coverage at this point, although coverage increases do mean paying higher premiums, as they will be charged at standard rates.
The Grow-Up Plan also comes with a cash accumulation account that allows extra benefits to grow over time. It is designed to eventually equal the amount paid in premiums and can be borrowed against.
Coverage is available from $5,000 to $50,000, which means that when the policy doubles at 18, the maximum coverage under the original policy would be $100,000.
Gerber Life College Plan
Known as an endowment life policy, the Gerber College plan is a life insurance policy that doubles as a college savings fund – or really as a savings fund for anything since there's no requirement that it be used for college. This policy is marketed as the only college savings plan that also provides life insurance, and it's pretty unique in the insurance industry.
The plan allows parents to choose a monthly premium amount, which won't increase over time and to select a maturity date for the policy, which can be between 10 and 20 years.
The plan will pay out either at the maturity date or upon the death of the policyholder, making it something of a term policy with a guaranteed payout. Gerber promises a payout of between $10,000 and $150,000, as long as premiums are paid. The amount of the payout depends on how much the parent decides to pay each month. Gerber states that the premiums will be invested carefully with low risk, this allows them to guarantee the policy payout.
Although this plan is advertised as a college savings plan, it doesn't have the tax benefits that come with a plan like a 529. The payout from the plan will be taxed, and premiums are not tax-deductible. As a result, parents will lose some of the policy payout to taxes.
Since the policy pays out on the death of the policyholder, it also doubles as an adult life insurance plan that can help provide some security for the child in the event of a parent (or whoever started the policy) passing away.
The plan's appeal is obvious; simple, low-cost, and low-risk. All of which are likely to seem attractive to many parents. However, most financial experts don't recommend this policy as a solid college savings choice, and the internet is full of articles explaining why, such as this one from Business Insider. These articles tend to point to the issue mentioned above – the lack of tax protection for the money, along with some other issues that make a regular college savings plan and separate life insurance plan generally a better value.
Term Life
Gerber offers term life insurance for adults that functions much the same as most term policies. The coverage is in place for a certain period of time, and then the policy expires.
One option on the Gerber term life policy is what is often known as a "simple" policy; it requires no medical exams and is easy to get for customers aged 18-50. With this option, the maximum coverage is $100,000, which is close to the overall product maximum of $150,000.
Terms are available from 10 to 30 years, and Gerber guarantees the premium for the duration of the policy.
Whole Life
Gerber's whole life plan is a basic permanent life insurance product that provides lifelong coverage at a locked-in rate. The plan also includes a cash accumulation account that can be used to obtain a loan if needed.
Like the term plan, Gerber offers a simple version of the whole life policy that provides coverage up to $100,000 without a medical exam (for those who fit the same age parameters.) Again, the top limit of coverage is a total of $150,000.
Guaranteed Life Insurance Plan
This is a whole life plan that is aimed at people aged 50-80. This product can be thought of as a final expenses plan – the coverage offered is from $5000 to $20,000, and was developed to help loved ones pay for funeral and other expenses.
This plan is guaranteed in that those who fit the age group will be approved for the coverage without a medical exam, and regardless of health status. As a whole life plan, coverage lasts until the policyholder's death, and it also includes a cash value accumulation account.
Accident Protection
Gerber's Accidental Death policy provides benefits for accidents resulting in disability or death.
The plan provides coverage from $20,000 up to $100,000. There is no medical exam and no health questions for applicants between the ages of 19 and 69; Gerber guarantees approval.
Gerber Grow-Up: A Closer Look at Juvenile Life
Since the Gerber Grow-Up Plan, which is a juvenile life insurance policy, is one of the most popular products sold by Gerber, and since juvenile life is often misunderstood – it's worth taking a closer look at how they work, what value they offer, and how Gerber's policies stack up.
A juvenile life insurance policy is simply a whole life insurance policy that insures the child, but is paid for and owned by the person who took it out – usually a parent or guardian – until the age of 21. Once the child is of age, they become the policy owner, and policy stays in force as long as they pay the premiums. Whether the now-adult child pays or the parent continues to pay is up to the individual.
The main benefits of a juvenile life insurance product are a locked-in premium and the certainty of coverage for as long as the premiums are paid, regardless of changes in health status.
The Gerber plan adds an additional benefit, which states that the policy amount will double when the child turns 18, so that the insured is now paying the same amount for twice the coverage. We'll take a look at how that works out premium-wise in the next section.
There is also a cash accumulation account, which can be borrowed against – with interest – if needed. Gerber promises that after 25 years, the cash value of the policy will be equal to or greater than the total amount of premiums paid over that timeframe.
There are a couple of things to consider before you buy a policy like Gerber Grow-Up.
If the child decides upon adulthood to pay the premiums but wants additional coverage, they'll pay for it at standard rates. Even then, Gerber only offers a maximum of $150,000, which won't be enough as the now-grown-child begins to add dependents and assets over time.
In addition, life insurance is generally intended to cover things such as lost income and debts when the insured passes away. Those things aren't necessary upon the death of a child. Certainly, the insurance payout can help to pay for final expenses and allow the family some time to grieve by covering lost wages. However, there are other ways to get that kind of coverage – such as a rider on a family life insurance policy – this option will cost less and provide more coverage overall. In general, juvenile life might not be the best use of your life insurance dollar.
Prices and Premiums
Gerber Life's maximum coverage for a term life policy is $150,000, which is lower than our usual test rate policy.
Geber does provide instant quoting; all you have to do is enter your state and a few basics, and you'll be given a list of premium amounts for various coverage amounts.
For example: In California, a 30-year-old male- non-smoker can get $150,000 worth of coverage on a 30-year term plan for $37.64/month.
A whole life policy for the same person would cost $130.50 per month.
These premiums are not terribly expensive on a monthly basis, but they provide significantly less coverage amounts compared to other policies with similar premiums (especially the term policy).
Since Gerber really pushes juvenile life insurance, we ran a quote on the Grow-Up Plan as well. For a 5-year-old boy at the maximum coverage level of $50,000, the monthly rate is $39.36. That coverage doubles to $100,000 at the age of 18 with no increase in premium.
A $100,000 whole life plan from Gerber for an 18-year-old male is quoted at $70 a month. Taking a look at these numbers, the Gerber Grow-Up Plan seems to offer an ok value in terms of whole life, giving the same amount of coverage for an 18-year-old male for half the price, and locking that price in for the rest of his life.
Interesting about these numbers is that for 13 years, the parents would have been paying $39.36 for only half that coverage – $50,000. Which works out to about the same price as the adult whole life prices at the age of 18 – when a $50,000 policy can be had for $37/month. What that means is that up until the doubling in value, the Grow-Up Plan rates are really about the same as an 18-year-old adults rates. It's once the benefit doubles that the policy shows value.
That said, a rider on an adult policy to cover children would generally still cost less than this policy.
Geber does not have an online claims form, but this isn't surprising for a life insurance company. There are two options for reporting claims:
- 1-800-628-0560 – Open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m ET. Monday through Friday an 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. on Saturdays
- Direct Mail:
Gerber Life Insurance Company
Claims Processing Unit
445 State Street
Fremont, MI 49412
Health Insurance claims can be filed through a different phone number at 1-866-846-9993. This office is only open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
They can also be filed by mail at:
Gerber Life Insurance Company
Administrator's Office
P.O. Box 25326
Overland Park, KS 66225-5326
Claims processing time varies, again not surprising for a life insurance company; life and health claims require different procedures and processes than auto or home claims.
This type of claim generally requires forms and other documentation, which can take a while to have processed. Gerber does promise to make the claims process as smooth as possible, and since life insurance claims are never filed under pleasant circumstances, that's something any insurer should provide.
As to whether or not Gerber lives up to the promise, that's something we will look at in the next section when we take a look at the company's reputation and reviews.
Company Ratings and Reviews
Although Gerber Life Insurance is not Better Business Bureau (BBB) accredited, they do have an A+ rating. There have been 79 complaints against the company in the past three years, with 21 of those closed in the past 12 months.
Normally insurance companies focusing on life insurance do not get as many complaints as auto and home insurance companies, so the number of complaints does raise a bit of concern to see more than a few.
There are a few other reviews of Gerber Life around the various review sites, but even fewer that offer any real information.
Beyond that, there are a few typical insurance company complaints, but they are so few that it's hard to see any real cause for concern.
Bottom Line
Gerber Life has a strong reputation and many years of life insurance experience. They offer a very simple way to get life insurance, with many options that do not require a medical exam and fast approval. That makes their products appealing to many people. Their products, however, are lacking in a few areas.
First of all, their popular Grow-Up and College plans are of dubious value, and there are other solutions that are both a better investment and a better use of your insurance dollar. Gerber's plans do have their merits, but those merits struggle to balance the scales in terms of value.
Gerber's main life insurance plans max out at $150,000, which for many people won't even come close to covering their life insurance needs. That amount is lowered to $100,000 if you want approval without a medical exam. In return for those benefits, the premiums are reasonable, but not so low as to make the policy an irresistible deal. Most people will be able to get a larger amount of coverage elsewhere and still pay a really reasonable rate. Particularly, when it comes to term life insurance – where most people aim for a higher death benefit to cover the shorter-term financial needs of a child's youth.
Overall, Gerber's products are limited and do not bring enough value to make them a top choice for life insurance. Most life insurance customers will get more for their money and a bigger range of options elsewhere.
For a list of companies that we recommend, visit our Best Insurance Companies page.


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Recommendation Friday #2April 10, 2015
Recommendation Friday is a weekly meme hosted by the wonderful Taylor and Stephanie over at The Bibliophile Gathering :)
Today I will be recommending a book I read over winter break for a read-a-thon. Not many people talk about it but I feel like someone should....
......And that book is Sold by: Patricia McCormick
What is Sold about?
"Lakshmi is a thirteen-year-old girl who lives with her family in a small village in Nepal. Though she is desperately poor, her life is full of simple pleasures, like playing hopscotch with her best friend from school and having her moth brush her hair by the light of an oil lamp. But when the harsh Himalayan monsoons wash away all the family's crops, Lakshmi's stepfather says she must take a job to support her family.
He introduces her to a glamorous stranger who tells her she will find her a job as a maid in the city. Glad to help, Lakshmi journeys to India only to learn the unthinkable truth: she has been sold into prostitution.
An old women named Mumtaz rules the brothel with cruelty and cunning. She tells Lakshmi that she is trapped e=there infill she can pay off her family's debt--then cheats Lakshmi of her meager earnings so that she can never leave.
Gradually, Lakshmi forms friendships that enable her to survive in this terrifying new world. Then the day comes when she must make a decision--will she risk everything for a chance to reclaim her life?"
........................................................................................................................................................Now don't let the whole prostitution thing scare you. This book is not graphic in that way.
I started reading this book without reading the synopsis first and boy was I a surprise when I realized what the book was about. Even though I was shocked, I could't put it down. The book is extremely easy to read because of the way it was written.
The story is written in a short, vignette-style but is still written incredibly well.
It takes place over a period of years, I believe.
I know personally that I don't like to read books with younger narrators/main characters because they tend to be immature and whiny.
The main character, Lakshmi, is not whiny whatsoever. She is actually quite the opposite. Though she is in a nightmarish situation, she stays strong the entire time and never gives up hope. The more time she spends in the brothel the stronger and wiser she becomes. I actually came to admire her greatly.
I recommend this book because it an eye opener to what still occurs today in different parts of the world. It really makes you have a respect for girls who have to go through this or that have gone through this.
I you've read this book please tell me your thoughts!


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Well, not exactly a workshop, more some thoughts and opinions on the use of tex in SL.
As it is purely my opinion I will state my case without lots of maybes and perhapses, although generalisations have their faults and there is always an exception to any rule. I am not unaware of all the shades of grey that lie between the black and white of such broad statements.... and take them as read.
Why I Hate Phototex..... especially the freebies.
by phototex I mean textures that started life as a photograph of a RL object, Linden trees, wood, brickwalls...etc, the list is endless, and they are available free by their thousands. I believe they are the worst textures to use for many reasons...
1. Resolution.... .. we are used to seeing printed images at a resolution of 300, at least, in magazines, computer screens TV etc. Taking a photo at 330 and uploading to SL at 72 spoils the whole thing. They look shoddy, out of focus and grey. There are several reasons for this, and a number of tips I have.....
Why anyone in their right mind would WANT SL to look like RL is totally beyond me, and I will restrain myself from having a rant here and now. Suffice it to say that objects in RL age, that is.... nothing is new all the time.... wood, stone, etc, all look like they are ageing in RL and this give an aura of reality to RL....... which is seldom recreated in SL. Also no two bricks, stones, pieces of wood or other commonly used tex are ever the same. As you will never achieve an authentic copy of RL, why try??
Tip a, if you have to use a phototex in SL, try the following... first open it in your Photoshop, or Gimp, whatever image manipulating software programme you use and see what it looks like at a resolution of 72, 512x512 pixels. OK, now maybe it doesnt look so bad on your screen, BUT, and this is the big but, you may be using it on at 10x10 meter prim. ZOOM IN. Zoom IN again. Looks crap doesn't it. Yes it does.
Tip b, so, enlarge your tex to 1024x1024, or if you are planning on a very big tex in SL (more about tex sizes later) 2048x2048 if you puter will take the strain. Try using fewer colurs, this can often be done by increasing the Contrast or Posterizing..... bepends on what you use. The idea is to get rid of as many greys as possible. This will also tend to accentuate areas of colour.
Tip c, experiment, experiment, experiment........ anything....Stroke, Fill, Invert, use all the different tools and gimmicks your programme has.
tip d, is quite simple.... the finished image, once you've played around with it should look good enough to hang on your wall, in your front room, or as a fabric for your clothing...... its NEVER gonna look better in SL if its even slightly dodgy in RL.
2. Surfaces
No surface in RL is as uniform as it is in SL. So any surface you take a photo of is gonna loose depth when transferred to SL. Shadows and nuances of texture get lost, Wood in SL isn't quite as bad as brickwork and stone, but very nearly, and the free textures or large collections of tex you can buy make very poor viewing on a flat SL surface. You may have more success on a bumpy or distorted surface, like clothing, or, best of all on a sculptie
3. Colour.
The human eye is capable of distinguishing an extremely large number of colours. Dont try to upload em all on one tex. The best effects can be had by using 16 to 64 colours in a tex, and like I said before.... see tip b.
4. The Transparent Prim.....
How poor is it to fly over Linden trees and flowers, and look down, when they are purely dodgy tex applied to a transparent prim or three in a cross or hexagonal plan???
Well, I think one of the ugliest things there are.
Why I Love Painted/ Photoshop Tex
Well, basically for all the reasons implied above.
Size of Texture.
512x512 is the norm for me. I use tga, or PNG personally, tho I have seen a video of one of the Lindens extolling the virtues of PNG.... I cant see the difference. Alpha texs are easier to do in PNG, cos you dont have to make another layer, just 'save as....PNG' and the transparent part of you tex get treated as alpha.
256x256... obviously faster to rezz, perfect for tex with few colours, few features or if used on small items.
1024x1024... for all tex thats gonna be applied to large items, its better to use a larger tex, obviously, but also for things that will be studied in close-up, where people are gonna zoom in..... in SL..... better use a larger tex and hope people are gonna be interested enough to wait for it to rezz.
Simple is great
Some of my best tex, some i use again and again are really very simple. Lots of things are easier to "read" i.e. to see and understand, if a simple tex is used, and this goes even further...... on very complex prims/objects a plain colour may be the best tex you can choose. Even better a tex with a gentle gradient from one tone to the next (Photoshop).... v cool.
ok thats enough for today, I got Wimbledon to watch, (I'm an addict)....will continue tomorrow, .....:)))
Maybe more about putting two tex on the same object...
Friday, 4 July 2008
Textures in Second Life......Workshop 1
Posted by sororNishi at 10:16
Labels: Basic Stuff
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This is the student text that accompanies the Let's Teach English series.
The Let's Teach English video series offers free online training for English language educators worldwide. It is based on the Women Teaching Women English text for adult, beginning level learners. Voice of America and the University of Oregon are partners on this project. The course includes:


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There is no god but He: That is the witness of Allah, His angels, and those endued with knowledge, standing firm on justice. There is no god but He, the Exalted in Power, the Wise.
(The Family Of Ìmrán (Al-Ìmrán)
Allah has said: "Take not (for worship) two gods: for He is just One God: then fear Me (and Me alone)." (The Bee (An-Nahl)51,)
Say: He is Allah, the One; (
Purity of Faith (Al-Ikhlás)1
And He is Allah: there is no god but He. To Him be praise, at the first and at the last: for Him is the Command, and to Him shall ye (all) be brought back.
(Narration (Al-Qasas)70.)
And your God is One God. There is no god but He, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.


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- Home
- Who are we ?
- Resources
- News
- Address book
- Professional life
Philippe FORGET
A French composer born April 23, 1970 in Eaubonne.
Philippe Forget studied the bassoon, singing and choral and orchestral conducting, notably with the conductor Wolfgang Harrer at the Austro-Hungarian Academy in Budapest.
The founder and conductor of the Orchestre Régional des Jeunes de Bourgogne, he has also conducted various orchestras, including the chorus and orchestra of Lyons Opera, the Orchestre National de Lorraine, the Orchestre Régional Bayonne-Côte Basque. Since 2014 he has been music director of the Chœur National des Jeunes. A champion of the French repertories of yesterday and today, he conducts notably the works of Berlioz, Debussy, Ravel, Milhaud, Jolivet, Jérôme Combier, Philippe Fénelon, Philippe Hersant and Guillaume Connesson.See complete biography
Tomas BORDALEJO
An Argentine composer born July 17, 1983 in Buenos Aires (Argentine).
A self-taught guitarist as a child, Tomas Bordalejo subsequently studied the jazz guitar at the Technological Institute for Contemporary Music in Buenos Aires, obtaining a guitar diploma. Seeking European academic training, he studied in France at the Gennevilliers Conservatory, the Paris Regional Conservatory at the Pôle Supérieur of Paris Boulogne-Billancourt. He followed the teaching of Bernard Cavanna, Yan Maresz and also met Peter Eötvös, Pascal Dusapin, Matthias Pintscher, Philippe Hersant and Philippe Manoury, who encouraged him to consolidate his own musical language.See complete biography
Sébastien GAXIE
A French composer born June 26, 1977 in Paris.
A pianist and choir singer, Sébastien Gaxie studied the jazz piano and directed the Zhig Band, a group that played his own music. He then entered the Paris Conservatory, where he followed notably the composition classes of Emmanuel Nunes and Frédéric Durieux. He completed his training with the computer music composition course of Ircam.
Gaxie works on rhythm, pulsation and the play of superimpositions. He devotes himself to different fields of expression: contemporary music, jazz, electronic music, music theatre and video art.See complete biography
Pierre-Adrien CHARPY
A French composer born December 24, 1972 in Marseille.
An organist by training, Pierre-Adrien Charpy won First Prizes for Renaissance counterpoint, fugue and form at the Paris Conservatory.
With the singer Raphaële Kennedy he founded the ensemble Da Pacem dedicated to early music, contemporary creation as well as dialogue between cultures. Close to African and Caribbean music, he collaborated with Moussa Hema, a balafon player from Burkina Faso, notably for À nos ancêtres, à nos enfants for soprano, balafon, viola da gamba, harpsichord and organ, first performed at the Chapelle de Ronchamp built by Le Corbusier (2004).See complete biography
Dieter SCHNEBEL
A German composer born March 14, 1930 in Lahr (Germany), died May 20, 2018.
A pianist by training, Dieter Schnebel studied at the Musikhochschule and the University of Freiburg, then at the University of Tübingen (musicology, theology and philosophy). He also followed the Kranichsteiner Ferienkurse für Neue Musik in Darmstadt, where he acquainted himself notably with the composition techniques of Ernst Krenek, Luigi Nono and Pierre Boulez.See complete biography
Michel TABACHNIK
A Swiss composer and conductor born November 10, 1942 in Geneva.See complete biography
Malika KISHINO
A Japanese composer born July 16, 1971 in Japan.
With a degree in law from the Doshisha University of Kyoto, Malika Kishino studied composition in France, notably at the École Normale de Musique in Paris in the class of Yoshihisa Taïra and at the Lyons Conservatory in the class of Robert Pascal. She also followed the composition and computer music course at Ircam (2004-2005), subsequently settling in Germany.See complete biography
Stéphane MAGNIN
A French composer born June 18, 1970 in Roanne.
With a diploma from the Lyons Conservatory, Stéphane Magnin composes instrumental works (Ant-inferno for ensemble, 2015), mixed works (Nicorni for horn and electroacoustics, 2001, a work revived by the ensemble L'Itinéraire; Contamination et croissance for clarinet, accordion, double bass and electroacoustics, 2005;) and media based music. He also works with other artistes for new stage and dance works, and writes music for documentaries and short films.See complete biography
Sanae ISHIDA
A Japanese composer born July 19, 1979 in Nagasaki (Japan).
Sanae Ishida has diplomas from both the Tokyo University of the Fine Arts and Music and the Paris Conservatory.
She has received commissions, notably from the French state (Lettres invisibles for soprano, contralto and ensemble, first performed by the ensemble Le Balcon in 2012), Radio France (Cinq doigts for ensemble, Alla breve 2014) and she won the André Jolivet Composition Prize in 2015 for Quatre feuilles et une branche, first performed by the Est Ensemble at the Rencontres Inouïes of Montreuil.See complete biography
Gabriel SIVAK
A French and Argentine composer born March 25, 1979 in Montevideo (Uruguay).
A pianist by training, Gabriel Sivak studied musicology and composition at the University of Paris-Sorbonne and at the Pôle Supérieur Paris-Boulogne-Billancourt, notably in the classes of Edith Canat de Chizy, Eric Tanguy and Philippe Leroux.
A skilful blend of rhythms, colours, South American culture and contemporary music, Sivak's music is an invitation for travel, for the discovery of the world of Buenos Aires (the album A eco de palabras for bandoneon, piano and cello, 2005) and for the exploration of sound, mixing the traditional instrument manufacture of Latin America with western manufacture.See complete biography
CAHEN Robert (1945)
CAHEN Roland (1958)
CALMEL Olivier (1974)
CALON Christian (1963)
CALONNE Jacques (1930)
CALS Michel (1939)
CALVIN Jean-Philippe (1974)
CAMPANA José Luis (1949)
CAMPION Edmund J. (1957)
CAMPO Régis (1968)
CAMPOVERDE Juan (1964)
CANAT DE CHIZY Edith (1950)
CANNON Philip (1929)
CANTON Edgardo (1934)
CAPDENAT Philippe (1934)
CAPELLE Bruno (1966)
CAPRIOLI Alberto (1956)
CARATINI Patrice (1946)
CARCANO Carlo (1970)
CARINOLA Vincent-Raphaël (1965)
CARL Robert (1954)
CARLES Marc (1933)
CARRE Gilles (1956)
CARRE Rémy (1954)
CARRENO Juan Pablo (1978)
CARTER Elliott (1908-2012)
LA CASA Eric (1968)
CASTAGNOLI Giulio (1958)


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June 4 2008 – The Star reported that BURSA, the Malaysian stock exchange suffered a downgrade from Goldman Sachs & Co, which named Malaysian stocks least favoured in South-East Asia on concerns over political volatility. GS was quoted as saying "the premium market valuation that Malaysia enjoyed relative to most of its Asean peers had political stability as one of its pillars – this is now in question".
Market update – BURSA downgraded by Goldman Sachs Wednesday, Jun 4 2008
Investments and Mutual funds and Stocks 8:05 am
Welcome to Bangsar South Saturday, May 24 2008
Investments and Real Estate 6:16 pm
From Malaysia Property Online: "UOA sets to Remake Kampung Kerinchi"
UOA Holdings Sdn Bhd hopes to turn the old Kampung Kerinchi area into one of the Klang Valley's most sought after addresses with its latest integrated-city development, Bangsar South. The property developer is a subsidiary of Australia Stock Exchange-listed UOA Ltd, which is also the controlling shareholder of UOA Real Estate Investment Trust (UOA REIT).
Best Performing Funds as of 29 February 2008 – Equities 2/2 Friday, May 2 2008
Investments and Mutual funds 9:17 pm
This is 2nd part of the post Best Performing Funds as of 29 February 2008 – Equities. Click here to read part 1, which gives an overview of the topic and also my general observations about equity fund investments.
I know why it took me so long to post thie best performing fund review since my last one in 2006 (more…)
Best Performing Funds as of 29 February 2008 – Equities 1/2 Monday, Apr 28 2008
Investments and Mutual funds 7:00 pm
It has been a while since I've posted something about the top performing funds available in the Malaysian market. So I took a quick peek at the latest issue of Personal Money and found my way to the Lipper Tables which list the funds with the best results as of 29 February 2008. Since there are hundreds of funds in Malaysia, I've decided to just pick out the Top 12% (arbitrary % decided by me ) of funds in their asset class as follows:
- Bonds
- Equities
- Mixed Assets
- Guaranteed Returns
- Investment-linked Insurance
Best Performing Funds as of 29 February 2008 – Bonds Wednesday, Apr 23 2008
Investments and Mutual funds 7:00 pm
It has been a while since I've posted something about the top performing funds available in the Malaysian market. So I took a quick peek at the latest issue of Personal Money and found my way to the Lipper Tables which list the funds with the best results as of 29 February 2008. Since there are hundreds of funds in Malaysia, I've decided to just pick out the Top 12% (arbitrary % decided by me 🙂 ) of funds in their asset class as follows:
- Bonds
- Equities
- Mixed Assets
- Guaranteed Returns
- Investment-linked Insurance
It's important to note that this list is for your information only, and of course does not represent a recommendation to purchase. Note also that the usual caveats apply, for perfomance tables i.e. that past performance is no indicator of future performance. Some of the top funds of 6 months ago are languishing close to the bottom of their asset class….so beware when picking funds just based on their past returns. In your fund-selection decision, you should consider not just returns but also other performance indicators, such as:
- consistency of the fund's returns
- the rate of risk or volatility (i.e. some top performing funds have a high volatility rate, which means when you could just as easily fluctuate to a loss position)
- the risk-adjusted rate of return, in essence a combination of the two preceding items
- capital preservation ratio – a measurement of the fund's historical loss avoidance relative to other funds
- track record of the fund manager
- sales charges and annual management fees
Mutual funds are a mid to long-term investment vehicle so be prepared to hold your investment for at least 3-5 years before selling out or switching to other funds. Sales charges typically range from 5%-6% for equity funds and 1-2% for bond funds. You will usually also incur admin charges for switching between funds (around RM25). Because of these charges, I'm generally not an advocate of buying mutual funds for the short-term, or for investors to pursue a trading strategy for mutual funds i.e. buy and sell with the aim of making quick gains.
The funds range from conservative to medium to aggressive or high risk so understanding the nature of the funds that you are buying into goes a long way towards helping you in your decisions to buy, hold or sell during uncertain times.
Live simply. Meditate. Consume less. Think more. Sunday, Apr 20 2008
Environment and Saving money 4:13 pm
Words to live by as we approach Earth Day 2008 on Tuesday, April 22. And this just happens to be No. 51 on Time.com's list of 51 things you can do to conserve the environment. (see The Global Warming Survival Guide). To paraphrase no. 51:
"Live simply. Meditate. Consume less. Think more. Get to know your neighbors. Borrow when you need to and lend when asked. E.F. Schumacher praised that philosophy this way in Small Is Beautiful: "Amazingly small means leading to extraordinarily satisfying results.""
Sales charge on mutual fund investments using EPF capped at 3% Sunday, Mar 2 2008
Dollar cost averaging and EPF and Investments and Mutual funds and Retirement Planning 12:32 am
What can I say……what a goooood moooove by the EPF! This means that we investors who decide to withdraw from Account 1 of our EPF to invest in mutual funds now pay only a sales charge of 3% compared to the previous rate of approx. 6%. This takes effect on 1 Jan 2008.
Penny-pinching and notes to becoming a Tight-wad! Saturday, Mar 1 2008
Fun and Saving money 3:37 pm
I have a new tenant moving into my condo this coming April, and as usual the agent gave me a list of TO DO's to get the place in a satisfactory state for the Japanese family. One of the things on the list was to clean the stains on the ceramic tiles in the living room. Sounds easy enough….NOT!
Can you do this? A 2008 Challenge Monday, Jan 7 2008
Retirement Planning and Saving money 11:33 pm
Happy New Year, have you written down your New Year's resolutions yet? I'm in the midst of doing mine. Well, I roughly know what will go on the list already but to "keep it real", I need to put it all onto paper and make a PLAN! Yes yes, worklife (oops I mean work-life … you see, I can't even split the 2 words up) balance is definitely up there.
As you know, TOHTMYM is generally about managing your money….and so far I've been blabbing on about investments and the options available. But I have many friends who moan to me all the time about how they cannot invest because they're clearing off debt, or how they cannot save on their meagre salaries!!! These are folks in their early to mid thirties. My friend Nance got caught in the debt trap because she said they lived a paltry existence, up until her first credit card was approved! Then, BOOM! all hell broke loose
Season's greetings Friday, Dec 28 2007
Fun 1:12 am
dearest mywealthplanner readers
may 2008 bring u an abundance of cool music, laughter, good food and great company 🙂
warmest wishes
ps. enjoy this video snippet of the xmas marionette show I captured from a shop window in Paris


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Good fats are very important for skin health. What are the good fats? The most common ones you have probably ever heard of are the Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs). Let's learn a bit more about EFAs and the benefits of oils for skin health.
The good fats: omega 3, 6, 7 and 9…
OMEGA 3,6,7, and 9 are considered as "good fats". You can find good fats in fish oil, but also in polyunsatured and unrefined vegetal oils.
Essential fatty acids: omega 3 and omega 6
The most common good fats you have probably ever heard of are the Essential fatty acids (EFAs). They are fats that we cannot make ourselves. EFAs are essential for skin membrane function, cell division, brain development, immune function, and anti-inflammatory responses. Dry skin, cracked nails, constipation, dry hair, sore joints: all these conditions can have benefits from essential fatty acids. There are two classes of EFAs : Omega 3 (alpha linolenic acid) and Omega 6 (linoleic acid).
Non-essential fatty acids
Then, there are derivatives from EFAs : EPA, DHA (Omega 3 derivatives), and CLA, DGLA and AA (omega 6 derivatives). These derivatives are manufactured by the body from omega 3 and 6 and this is why they are considered as non-essential. Some people with health problems have trouble making their own compounds from the two essential fatty acids. In case of skin conditions, it could be a problem of manufacturing GLA from omega 6. GLA, mostly found in oils, is therefore commonly used for skin disorders like psoriasis or acne to prevent inflammation and help with hormonal imbalances.
They are other fats that we don't talk too much about although they are also very important for our health: Omega 7, omega 9.
The good fats in proper proportion
It is important to consume all these good fats in proper proportion. If we get too much of one, we become deficient in the other. Most oils don't have the proper balance and it is advisable to use a combination of different kinds of oils to get the ideal ratio. Most people get plenty of Omega-6 fatty acid but often this is of low quality, for example from food cooked in vegetable oil. It is important to compensate with a higher intake of omega 3 to get the ratio 2:1:1 (2:omega 3, 1:omega 6, 1:omega 9).
The incredible benefits of oils for skin…
The list of oils that are beneficial for skin is very long. Fish oil and polyunsaturated vegetal oils are usually the best choices for your skin health. Most of them shouldn't be heated to keep their medicinal properties. Here is a selection of the most common oils:
Fish oil
Fish oil usually comes from cold water fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, and cod liver. It has a high content of omega-3 fatty acids, which have a reputation as potent anti-inflammatory agents. Fish oil is widely believed to help control skin diseases by reducing inflammation. Cod liver oil also contains some vitamin D and A, which are very beneficial nutrients for the skin.
When you choose a fish oil, be sure it has been tested for mercury and other toxins. Please note that fish oil should not be used for cooking and should be stored in the refrigerator.
The fatty acid content will vary by which fish is used. Fatty acid content in average: Omega-3 content = 75%; Omega-6 content = 0 ; Saturated fat = 25%.
What does fish oil do for the body?
Almond oil
Almond oil is high in mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids and provides naturally occurring vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and Vitamin E. It is used topically for skin itch, dryness, stretch marks, and has moisturizing properties. Like most oils made from nuts, almond oil is a also a good oil for cooking because of its high smoke point.
Fatty acid content in average: Omega-3 fatty acids = 0; Omega-6 fatty acids = 28%; Omega- 9 fatty acids = 65%; Saturated Fat = 7%; Smoke Point = 430 F.
Apricot kernel oil
Apricot kernel oil is made from the pits of apricots. It is often used in skin care products for prematurely aged skin, dry and irritated skin. This oil is smooth and lightweight and is high in vitamin A and minerals.
Fatty acid content in average: Omega-3 fatty acids = 0 ; Omega-6 fatty acids = 31% ; Omega- 9 fatty acids = 63%; Saturated Fat = 6%.
Avocado oil
Avocado Oil is considered a monounsaturated fat and is only available through a mechanically extracted and refined process. When applied externally on the skin, avocado oil is healing and anti-bacterial.
It also has anti-wrinkle properties, high rate of skin penetration, strong UV absorption properties, and is a hair stimulant.
Fatty acid content in average: Omega-3 fatty acids = 0; Omega-6 fatty acids = 18%; Omega- 9 fatty acids = 65%; Saturated Fat = 17%.
Borage oil
Borage oil is commonly used topically for dry and damaged skin and chronic skin disorders such as eczema and atopic dermatitis. This is a good source of the derivative omega-6 fatty acid called GLA and contains twice as much as evening primrose oil.
Fatty acid content in average: Omega-3 fatty acids = 0; Omega-6 fatty acids = 60%; GLA = 22%; Omega- 9 fatty acids = 26%; Saturated Fat = 14%.
Evening primrose oil
Evening primrose oil is a rich source of the omega-6 fatty acid GLA, and is also used externally to improve skin elasticity and wrinkles.
Fatty acid content in average: Omega-3 fatty acids = 0%; Omega-6 fatty acids = 81%; GLA: 10%; Omega- 9 fatty acids = 9%; Saturated Fat = 10%.
Grapeseed oil
Grapeseed oil is made from the seeds of grapes after the wine is pressed and is stable at high temperature. It is used topically for damaged and stressed tissues because of its regenerating, restructuring, moisturizing properties.
Fatty acid content in average: Omega-3 fatty acids = 0; Omega-6 fatty acids = 76%; Omega- 9 fatty acids = 15%; Saturated Fat = 9%.
Olive oil
Naturally, olive oil is packed with anti-aging antioxidants and hydrating squalene, making it superb for hair, skin, and nails. Olive oil works great as an allover treatment for extra-dry skin.
Fatty acid content in average: Omega-3 fatty acids = 1%; Omega-6 fatty acids = 7%; Omega- 9 fatty acids = 78%; Saturated Fat = 12%.
Wheat germ oil
Wheat germ oil contains much more omega-6 fatty acid than omega-3 fatty. It is used in skin care products for: dry and cracked skin, eczema, psoriasis, prematurely aged skin, stretch marks, dull complexion, tired and overexerted muscles, sunburn and burns, scars, and poor blood circulation.
Fatty acid content in average: Omega-3 fatty acids = 8%; Omega-6 fatty acids = 53%; Omega- 9 fatty acids = 22%; Saturated Fat = 17%.
What are the best essential oils for skin?
Other oils that are beneficial for skin
Black current oil has strong anti-inflammatory properties and is used for acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis.
Hazelnut oil is good for skin elasticity. Its characteristics: threads veins, astringent, toning, fast absorption, useful as base for oily skins, sun filter.
Jojoba oil is used for chapped lips, cuticles, oil or dry skin, psoriasis on scalp, and acne. It is odorless and is a good natural eye make-up remover.
Rose hip oil is used mainly for damaged skin and scars. It is hydrating, moisturizing, nourishing.
Sea Buckthorn oil is used for all skin problems. It is very high in omega 7.
- Meadowfoam seed oil is used for aging skin. It helps shield skin and hair from damaging ultraviolet rays.
Does coconut oil contain good fats too?
Coconut oil does not contain EFAs. This oil contains saturated fats, but most of these are in the form of medium chain triglycerides, short segments of healthy fats too! Coconut oil is the all-in-one natural solution to lots of skin problems. It soothes bug bites, speeds healing, helps with rashes, gets rid of flaking skin, softens and shrinks wrinkles, protects against sun damage, keeps tans longer, acts as an antioxidant to prevent cellular aging, and so much more. It removes makeup easily and even makes the perfect massage oil.
Lots of good fats to choose from!


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For the first time since its spectacular IPO, Chinese internet giant Alibaba is facing some headwind. Questions are being asked about breaches in Taiwan, China and possibly elsewhere as well - often because of the group's flotation.
Leave Taiwan in the next 6 months?
The government in Taiwan has asked Alibaba to leave the country in the next 6 months as it has apparently violated an array of local investment rules. One such breach is that the company came to Taiwan through an intermediate holding which has never been given permission to become active in Taiwan.
According to several observers, Taiwan is picking a bone with Beijing through Alibaba, as China has never recognized the former province as a sovereign state. It is unclear whether Alibaba will ever get a new permit.
Controversial property structure soon outlawed?
Alibaba is also facing criticism in its home country: there were bribery accusations and the Chinese government is preparing a bill to force Alibaba (and other Chinese companies) to change their property structure.
The Chinese government prohibits Chinese companies to attract foreign capital in specific branches (like media, telecom and the internet branch), which the Chinese governments prefers to keep free from foreign investors. Jack Ma circumvented the problem through a special holding in the Cayman Islands and a so-called VIE construction which enables foreign investors to invest in Chinese companies indirectly. That however is an "unacceptable avoidance of the law", Beijing said.
Not only China questions Alibaba's "special construction", as shareholders and international regulatory boards have discussed its legality as well. Even Chinese companies have warned about this construction in their own filing and other official documents.
Consequence: share drops
The flurry of bad news has made plenty of New York Stock Exchange investors jittery: Alibaba's share dropped to its lowest point since its IPO in September 2014.
At that time, Alibaba attracted 25 billion dollars, the largest IPO ever, and seemed to be unstoppable: the share shot up 36 % and quickly reached 120 dollars per share, but this week it dropped down to 81 dollars.


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Sales of Tobacco Products to Anyone Under 21 Now Illegal
The Food and Drug Administration has raised the federal minimum age of sale of tobacco products from 18 to 21 years, USA Today reports.
Scientists at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have found an amphetamine-like compound in nine dietary supplements, USA Today reports. The compound, beta-methylphenethylamine, appears to have never been tested for safety on humans.
All of the supplements tested listed an ingredient called Acacia rigidula. The supplements were marketed for weight loss, energy boosting and mood stabilizing, the scientists reported in the Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. They did not name the supplements they tested.
Last month, another research team found a methamphetamine-like compound in a supplement called Craze. Pieter Cohen of Harvard Medical School, who published the findings on Craze, told the newspaper he is concerned the FDA has not issued warnings to the public regarding either Craze or the supplements cited in the new study."The laws are incredibly weak, but the FDA is not moving as fast as it could to remove hazardous products," he said.
This week, the FDA directed U.S. marshals to seize dietary supplements made by Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals Inc., after the agency found the products contained the stimulant DMAA or its chemical equivalent. According to the agency, DMAA, is an unapproved food additive that is deemed unsafe under the law. The FDA urged consumers not to buy or use supplements containing DMAA, which can raise blood pressure and could lead to heart attack, shortness of breath and tightening of the chest. DMAA may be particularly dangerous when combined with caffeine.
High-Tech products containing DMAA include Black Widow, Fastin, Lipodrene, Stimerex-ES and Yellow Scorpion.
Earlier this month, the FDA said the maker of the dietary supplement OxyElite Pro is recalling some of its products, which have been linked to an outbreak of liver illnesses.


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The government has spent over £1.7 billion on consultants in the past six years, it has been revealed.
Some £180 million has been spent so far this year, mainly going to the twelve largest consultancy firms. The costs relate to advice on all operations, including technology and procurement.
The figures, compiled by the Liberal Democrats from parliamentary written answers, show that the government's spending on consultants has multiplied by five times over the period, up to £388 million spent last year.
Accenture received the largest payments, it was reported, taking in £700 million since 2004. It told the Financial Times that many of the payments related to the design, building and running of large IT systems. Deloitte and PricewaterhouseCoopers collectively received a further £700 million.
The top spending offices were the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department of Health. The DWP booked over £500 million on reviews, and the DH spent £433 million on other consultancy.
The Liberal Democrats were unable to provide further details, but today branded the government as "consultaholics". Lord Oakeshott, Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesperson, said Whitehall's plans to halve consultancy spending, as announced in the Budget, were a "triumph of hope over experience".
He told the Sun newspaper: "Ministers come and go, consultants carry on charging fat fees and taxpayers pick up the pieces."
In last month's Budget, the government said that by halving consultancy spending, and cutting out a quarter of marketing and communications expenditure, it would "save over £650 million by 2012-13".
Planned steps included halving consultancy spending at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Department for International Development, to save £20 million. The departments had "built up their in-house skills, for example finance, IT and procurement", the Budget document stated.
A further £40 million would come from "workforce improvements in the Home Office", it said, "including through the introduction of new standard rates to reduce the use and cost of consultancy and contingent labour". No further specific plans were announced.


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Finished Afghan
Originally uploaded by EMCphotos
finally finished! Worked all the ends in on the wrong side and am very satisfied with the results.
Finished Afghan
Originally uploaded by EMCphotos
finally finished! Worked all the ends in on the wrong side and am very satisfied with the results.
Granny Stripe
Originally uploaded by EMCphotos
Here are the colors:
These are Encore DK by Plymouth Yarn
1384 Purple
This is a very interesting story…
From the NYTimes Science section
January 15, 2002
Underground Fires Menace Land and Climate
By ANDREW C. REVKIN
Fires are burning in thousands of underground coal seams from
Pennsylvania to Mongolia, releasing toxic gases, adding millions of tons
of heat-trapping carbon dioxide to the atmosphere and baking the earth
until vegetation shrivels and the land sinks.
Scientists and government agencies are starting to use heat-sensing
satellites to map the fires and try new ways to extinguish them. But in
many instances particularly in Asia they are so widespread and stubborn
that miners simply work around the flames.
There is geological evidence that grassland and forest fires, lightning
and spontaneous combustion of coal have spawned such fires for hundreds
of thousands of years. In Wyoming and northern China, broad layers of
earth are composed of "clinker," the brittle baked rock left behind when
subterranean coal burns.
But the frequency of coal fires appears to have risen, experts say, as
mining has exposed more and more deposits around the world to fires,
both natural and set by people, and the oxygen that feeds them.
Increasingly, scientists are saying the problem needs to be more
carefully assessed, both as a potential contributor to global warming
and source of toxic air pollution.
A 1999 report by the Clean Coal Center of the International Energy
Agency concluded that the biggest coal fires, in China and India
particularly, "make a significant global impact."
"These fires are obviously pumping all this noxious material into the
air," said Dr. Glenn B. Stracher, a geologist and expert on mine fires
at East Georgia College in Swainsboro, Ga. "That's got to be having some
effects, but no one has been studying it."
The coal fires are similar to those that smoldered for months beneath
the wreckage of the World Trade Center, in that they involve buried
fuels and are sustained and intensified by slight drafts of air and heat
locked into surrounding rubble or rock. Geologists and engineers who
have studied coal fires offered their expertise and specialized
equipment like firefighting foams to emergency officials in Lower
Manhattan. But firefighters at the scene stuck mainly with the simplest
method: pouring endless streams of water on the wreckage as work crews
slowly removed layers of debris.
Many coal fires start spontaneously, when pyrite and other reactive
minerals in coal are exposed to oxygen. They begin to release heat,
which, if not dissipated by air currents, builds until the coal itself
In Indonesia, hundreds of coal fires erupted deep in the rain forests
when forest fires spread during an extreme drought in 1997 and scorched
exposed coal seams.
Alfred E. Whitehouse, a fire expert for the federal Office of Surface
Mining, now assigned to Indonesia, said there were 700 such fires just
in East Kalimantan, on the island of Borneo. Some were extinguished by
crews using hand pumps and picks to isolate the hot spots. But many are
still burning, he said.
The fires persist as long as there is the right mix of fuel, oxygen and
Sometimes, that can be a very long time. One fire eating deep into an
Australian peak called Burning Mountain is believed to have been going
strong for 2,000 years. The mountain has often been mistaken for a
simmering volcano by passers-by, although Australia has no volcanic
In the United States, a common cause of such fires has been the burning
of trash dumped into abandoned mines.
That is how the coal fire most familiar to many Americans started 40
years ago, in Centralia, a town in the anthracite region of eastern
Pennsylvania. Smoldering trash in a dump ignited a coal seam. The fire
steadily crept through abandoned mine tunnels, forcing the federal
government by 1984 to evict residents and eventually pay $40 million to
buy damaged land.
Centralia briefly gained national notoriety, then faded away. Its
population shrank from 1,100 to 40. Smoke and steam now rise from
overgrown backyards and cracked, sunken streets, marking the path of
subterranean fires that continue to consume buried coal. Geologists say
it could burn for another hundred years.
But Centralia's is just one of dozens of fires that smolder unchecked in
old mines and coal seams around the country. The federal Office of
Surface Mining has tallied nearly $1 billion in accumulated costs from
coal fires, primarily in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Utah, Colorado,
Kentucky and Wyoming.
And the coal fires in the United States are negligible compared with
those overseas. In China's rich northern coal belt, hundreds of
underground fires are burning upward of 200 million tons of coal each
year, about 20 percent of the nation's annual production. The fires
produce nearly as much carbon dioxide, the main gas linked to global
warming, as is emitted each year by all the cars and small trucks in the
United States.
Only in the last few years have scientists begun a concerted effort to
map and monitor coal fires around the world and calculate how much
pollution they are producing.
For the moment, the total is anyone's guess, said Dr. Anupma Prakash, a
geological mapping expert at the International Institute for Aerospace
Survey and Earth Sciences in the Netherlands. Dr. Prakash has been
developing ways to integrate maps of the heat of the earth's surface
generated by satellites with geological maps to track coal fires in
northern China.
Often, a deep coal fire raises the surface temperatures by only a few
degrees, even though the heat in the middle of the fire can easily
exceed 1,000 degrees. But that subtle signal is enough to show up from
space, particularly when other clues about coal deposits are combined
with the heat data, Dr. Prakash said.
The team from her institute, together with Chinese geologists, recently
generated a map of China's coal fires that showed a constellation of
glowing orange spots spread across the country's northern coal belt,
which spans 3,000 miles and is 400 miles wide.
One goal, Dr. Prakash said, is to monitor the region continually from
space, so spots that are growing warmer indicating intensifying fires
can be attacked by firefighters before the fires grow to the point where
they cannot not be stopped.
"The important thing is to detect the rising heat anomalies ahead of
time," she said.
Once they get going, these buried fires are very hard to stop, said
Stanley R. Michalski, a senior staff geologist at GAI Consultants, a
firm in Monroeville, Pa., that has for more than 20 years studied fires
and drawn unp firefighting plans from India to Centralia.
The coal beds in Pennsylvania, Mr. Michalski said, tend to generate
particularly persistent fires because the corrugated terrain there has
many separate, narrow coal seams that reach the surface, and the ground
is heavily fractured, allowing ample oxygen to reach the coal. Many
parts of the state, like the foundation of Centralia, are also riddled
with old abandoned tunnels that carry air into the coal layers and
expose broad surfaces of coal to heat.
For many years, engineers and scientists have been experimenting with a
variety of ways to extinguish or control the fires. Some small fires
have been snuffed by drilling holes and pumping in inert gases or foams
that stifle flames. Others have been flooded by damming surface streams
and creating lakes over the burning coal.
Some fires have been controlled by excavating deep trenches that cut off
the fires the same way a fire break in a woodland can stop a forest fire
from spreading.
But in most cases the costs of such efforts outweigh the benefits. That
was why Centralia picked up and moved and why another Pennsylvania
community, Youngstown, may suffer the same fate.
Overseas, however, some of the fires are in densely populated regions
where hundreds of thousands of poor people live on the edges of open
pits that fume and flame.
In many such places, the mining industry has simply adapted to the
situation, working in and around the burning rock.
Parts of one of India's most important coal fields, the Jharia mining
complex, which is rich in low-sulfur coal used to produce coke for steel
mills, have been on fire since 1916. In many places, the walls of
open-pit mines glow and hiss like lava flows.
The region's 150,000 miners, truck drivers, train loaders and other
workers toil stolidly against a constant backdrop of orange flames and
brown smoke.
But the fires are far more than an inconvenience. On Sept. 10, 1995, the
walls of one mine complex collapsed after being progressively weakened
by fires. Water from a nearby canal poured in and flooded the pits and
tunnels, killing more than 60 miners.
The population around the Jharia mines has grown from half a million to
1.1 million since the early 1980's, said Dr. Prakash, whose doctoral
thesis was an analysis of the fires there.
Mr. Michalski has also surveyed the Jharia fires several times since the
early 1990's, when the World Bank hired his company to assess what to
A plan was drawn up to modify the mining operations and constrain the
fires. But the bank never released the money, Mr. Michalski said.
He conceded that it would take an awful lot of money. "It's a loss of a
valuable resource, it's an environmental disaster, it's devastating,"
Mr. Michalski said. "But this fire is so complicated and so widespread
that India could not really afford to extinguish it."
In the meantime, the fires there still burn, and residents and
mineworkers continue to adapt.
In places where the ground cracks and slumps and smokes, people simply
dismantle their mud-brick homes and move them somewhere else.
This fantastic quiz from FamilyDoctor.org is one of the first steps on the road to quitting smoking.
Smoking: 'Why Do I Smoke?' Quiz
Why do I smoke?If you know the answer to this question, it will be easier to stop smoking because you can find ways to make up for the things you may miss when you stop.
Most people smoke for different reasons at different times. Reasons for smoking include psychological issues, habits, social pressures and physical dependence on nicotine. The questionnaire that follows will help you decide which reasons are important in your smoking.
The 'Why Test'Next to the following statements, mark the number that best describes your own experience. (5=Always, 4=Most of the time, 3=Once in a while, 2=Rarely, 1=Never)
___ A. I smoke to keep myself from slowing down.
___ B. Handling a cigarette is part of the enjoyment of smoking it.
___ C. Smoking is pleasant and relaxing.
___ D. I light up a cigarette when I feel angry about something.
___ E. When I am out of cigarettes, it's near-torture until I can get more.
___ F. I smoke automatically, without even being aware of it.
___ G. I smoke when people around me are smoking.
___ H. I smoke to perk myself up.
___ I. Part of my enjoyment from smoking is preparing to light up.
___ J. I get pleasure from smoking.
___ K. When I feel uncomfortable or upset, I light up a cigarette.
___ L. When I'm not smoking a cigarette, I'm very much aware of the fact.
___ M. I often light up a cigarette when one is still burning in the ashtray.
___ N. I smoke cigarettes with friends when I am having a good time.
___ O. When I smoke, part of the enjoyment is watching the smoke as I exhale.
___ P. I want a cigarette most often when I am comfortable and relaxed.
___ Q. I smoke when I am "blue" and want to take my mind off what's bothering me.
___ R. I get a real hunger for a cigarette when I haven't had one in a while.
___ S. I've found a cigarette in my mouth and haven't remembered it was there.
___ T. I always smoke when I am out with friends at a party, bar, etc.
___ U. I always smoke cigarettes to get a lift.
Now Score YourselfStep 1: Transfer the numbers from the quiz to the scorecard that follows by matching up the letters. For example, take the number you wrote for question A on the quiz and enter it on line A of the scorecard.
Step 2: Add each set of 3 scores on the scorecard to get the total for each different category. For example, to find your score on the "Stimulation" category, add together the scores for questions A, H and U.
The score for each category can range from a low of 3 to a high of 15. A score of 11 or above on any set is high and means that your smoking is probably influenced by that category. A score of 7 or below is low and means that this category is not a primary source of satisfaction to you when you smoke.
'Why Test' scorecard"It stimulates me." You feel that smoking gives you energy and keeps you going. Think about alternative ways to boost your energy, such as brisk walking or jogging.
___ "Stimulation" Total
"I want something in my hand." There are a lot of things you can do with your hands without lighting up a cigarette. Try doodling with a pencil, or playing with putty or a fake cigarette.
___ "Handling" Total
"It feels good." You get a lot of physical pleasure from smoking. Various forms of exercise or other activities can be effective alternatives.
___ "Pleasure/Relaxation" Total
"It's a crutch." It can be tough to stop smoking if you find cigarettes comforting in times of stress, but there are many better ways to deal with stress.
___ "Crutch/Tension" Total
"I'm hooked." In addition to having a psychological addiction to smoking, you may also be physically addicted to nicotine. It's a hard addiction to break, but it can be done. Talk with your doctor about using nicotine replacement therapy (the gum, patch, inhaler or nasal spray) to control your withdrawal symptoms.
___ "Craving/Addiction" Total
"It's part of my routine." If cigarettes are merely part of your routine, stopping should be relatively easy. One key to success is being aware of every cigarette you smoke. Keeping a smoking diary is a good way to do this.
___ "Habit" Total
"I am a social smoker." You smoke when people around you are smoking and when you are offered cigarettes. It is important for you to avoid these situations until you are confident about being a nonsmoker. If you cannot avoid a situation in which others are smoking, remind them that you are a nonsmoker.
___ "Social Smoker" Total
Now how do I quit?
Hopefully, this quiz has given you some insight into the reasons why you smoke. You can use this information to help yourself stop smoking. Talk to your doctor about how to stop and how to stay tobacco-free.
Watch out my fellow Americans. Obama is gradually getting to his own agenda of 'disarming' the United States. If you haven't seen this video that Obama tells us in his own words, his plans for our military before his election, watch it now. It's a little late to take any action on this. I watched the video before the election so therefore, Obama did not get my vote.
Here is the link to todays story Obama Scraps Bush's… Defense Plan from the Associated Press.


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So its Friday! The winner of my little giveaway will be announced at 4pm today, I have to say I am overwhelmed by the response on here and twitter. I was worried no one would enter so thanks for the lovely comments and encouragement it really means a lot.
Yesterday we got this amazing red vintage leather chair from Gumtree and I died my hair the same colour to celebrate! ( ok I didn't dye it just because of the chair but it has turned out to be a happy coincidence ) do you wanna see? I just love old one of pieces, can not wait to put it in our new place when we finally move!
It's so lovely and sunny today, making me think of summer and making daisy chains..
All images from here xoxo
I'd rather be thifting
Posted by Tigerlilly Quinn at 12:38
Labels: dreamy days
1 comment:
- Miss Moore said...
Unlike Ikea pieces, when you pick up vintage furniture you know you're not going to find its twins everywhere you go :) (And I'd love to be wearing a daisy crown on a sunny afternoon right about now!)
- 23 April 2010 at 15:55
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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- Board of Directors
- Board Committees and Charters
- Key Corporate Governance Documents
- Code of Ethics
- Supplier Code of Conduct
Finance and Risk Management Committee
- Martha Finn Brooks
- August W. Henningsen
- Antony N. Tyler
- Beatrice Weder di Mauro
All Finance and Risk Management Committee (FRMC) members are independent.
Pursuant to its charter, the FRMC reviews
- Bombardier's material risks of a financial nature and the steps that management takes to monitor, control and manage these risks; and
- the adequacy of policies, procedures and controls designed by management to assess and manage these risks.
It reviews and monitors, as the case may be, any significant or unusual transactions or projects related to Bombardier's ongoing activities, significant business opportunities, mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, significant asset sales or purchases or equity investments. It goes over various matters or activities related to or involving the financial situation of Bombardier such as, for example, its capital structure, its long-term debt repayment profile, its compliance with covenants under credit facilities, its customer financing activities and programs, its foreign exchange hedging policies, procedures and controls, or its insurance program coverage and related risks.
The FRMC periodically reviews the fulfillment of Bombardier's obligations under its various retirement plans and the investment of the assets of such plans. It also monitors periodically environmental matters.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors, the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer attend the meetings of the FRMC. They do not have the right to vote on any matter before the FRMC.


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If you love all things taco (and who doesn't?), then you need our recipe for Breakfast Taco Bowls. It's better than a breakfast burrito all presented in a little corn tortilla bowl that's so easy to make yourself. You're going to wonder where this breakfast taco recipe has been all your life. Your kids will wonder too. We mean, don't believe all the hype about Taco Tuesday–tacos should pretty much be eaten any day of the week.
Our Crock Pot Shredded Beef Tacos are another good excuse to eat tacos today.
If you've ever ordered a taco salad at a restaurant, then you have probably noticed that it usually comes deep fried. Who needs all those extra calories? Our taco bowls are easily baked in the oven in 10 minutes and can be made ahead, if you wish. Our Breakfast Taco Bowls are full of healthful ingredients such as sweet mini peppers and fresh eggs. It makes a healthy breakfast taco recipe that'll be all the rave with your kids!
Breakfast Taco Bowls
- 6 corn tortillas
- 6 eggs
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 9 mini sweet peppers (3 each red, orange, yellow), sliced and chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 Tablespoons chorizo seasoning (or chili seasoning), optional
- queso fresco and fresh avocado cut into wedges, for serving
Preheat oven to 375 F. Flip a standard muffin tin over. Spray with nonstick cooking spray. Take 4 corn tortillas (warm them if they are not pliable or tear easily) and mold into the spaces as shown. Bake 10 minutes or until crispy.
Remove and set aside. You will need to make approximately 8 tortilla bowls for this recipe.
In a medium skillet over medium heat saute onion, garlic, and peppers until softened–about 3-4 minutes. Add eggs and chorizo seasoning, then stir to combine. Continue stirring and flipping until eggs are done. Don't overcook or else the eggs will be spongy!
Spoon an equal amount of scrambled egg mixture into each tortilla bowl. Top with avocado wedges and crumbled queso fresco. We like to garnish this breakfast taco recipe with a swirl of Mexican hot sauce. Enjoy!


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Class Name
An MGH_Container is a slightly enhanced version of an
IDL_Container. It can be set up so that the contained objects are
not destroyed with it.
DESTROY (Init, Get, Set):
Set this keyword to 0 to cause contained objects *not* to be destroyed
when container is destroyed.
This software is provided subject to the following conditions:
1. NIWA makes no representations or warranties regarding the
accuracy of the software, the use to which the software may
be put or the results to be obtained from the use of the
software. Accordingly NIWA accepts no liability for any loss
or damage (whether direct of indirect) incurred by any person
through the use of or reliance on the software.
2. NIWA is to be acknowledged as the original author of the
software where the software is used or presented in any form.
Modification History
Mark Hadfield, 1999-05:


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Sugar Plain Friends Church
With a love for Jesus Christ as our
Lord and Savior, we seek to be good neighbors who will grow into great
friends. Prayers from the heart, engaging fellowship, Bible study that
changes lives, and service to the community: that's what you'll find at Sugar Plain Friends Church.
Our worship services are simple and full of meaning. Our message is relevant yet rooted in the Christian Quaker tradition. Our fellowship is genuine and friendly.Sugar Plain Friends Church is a Christ-Centered Quaker church. We are an independent evangelical Quaker meeting. To understand us fully, you can check out What We Believe.
We desire our worship services to be
authentic and real—a place for people to come and worship in the presence of
the Holy Spirit.
We proclaim Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior who desires an intimate relationship with every person. More than an ancient historical figure, Jesus is always present when we gather in his name.
We come to experience the Holy Spirit moving in our midst.


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Surrounded by giant waves of windswept sand, this tiny desert camp is a true oasis - a bit of comfort among the sands. Adventure and warm hospitality await you near the town of Merzouga at the edge of the vast Sahara.
Property Details
Spend your days with local residents as your guides while exploring the impressive dunes. Surf the sandy sea on a powerful 4×4 desert vehicle, or take in the surrounds at a peaceful pace atop a leisurely camel. Close your evenings with a traditional Berber dinner, live entertainment and music under a neverending sky full of twinkling stars. The inky sky gives way each morning to a crimson sun rising over the dunes – an unforgettable sight well worth an early rise.
Retreat to your own private tent complete with hand-woven rugs, plush cushions, and comfortable beds. For assured convenience, each tent includes an en suite bathroom with plenteous running water and a full-size shower.Request Information


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Alliant Engineering, Inc. has an exciting opening for a Graduate Civil Engineer to join the Land Development team in our Jacksonville, Florida office.
As an entry level Graduate Civil Engineer, you will have the ability to be a part of a cohesive Land Development team. Jump start your career by becoming a part of a team that will be given the opportunity to work on a variety of design duties for design projects in Minnesota and across the country. You will work under the direction of a licensed Professional Engineer.
Job Description:
You will prepare plans, specifications, and reports to support the Land Development Group. This work will include site design, grading, earthwork analysis, storm water modeling, utility design, and street design.
Preferred Qualifications:
Required Qualifications
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by you to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This position needs the ability to use a keyboard to enter and retrieve data. You may be sitting for periods at a time or standing using a work station. You must have good eyesight to view computer monitor and phone.
We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. We are dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
This position is currently not accepting applications.
To search for an open position, please go to http://AlliantEngineeringInc.appone.com