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Hotels For Sale in Costa Rica
So, what's it really like to own a hotel in Costa Rica? Do you think you have what it takes and if you do, how do you find the best location?
With more and more people leaving their inner city jobs, changing countries and moving to warmer climes, can setting up a tourist business such as hotel, be a lucrative venture? The answer? Well, it really depends on what sort of person you are!
Success is right under your nose!
Latest Entries
see our recent listings here.
Villa Paraiso Amazing 8 bedrooms Luxury Villa 8 bedroom, 8.5 bathroom, living space:6,600 sq ft, Land:17,222 sq ft – USD $2,700,000
For any questions you have about this property click here to contact the listing agent. Welcome to Villa Paraiso–where the sky meets the sea above the shimmering waters of Tamarindo Bay, Costa Rica. Originally built in 1995, the home was transformed in 2011 into an oasis of luxury featuring 8 bedrooms, 8 ½ baths plus […]
For any questions you have about this property click here to contact the listing agent. The possibilities are truly endless with this breathtaking property. The Eco Lodge is completely turn key and can be expanded as well in an already predesignated area within the stunning 154 Acre property. Located on the Caribbean Coast of Costa […]
Boutique Resort Development with 6 Hectares of Primary Rainforest – 5 BR, 6 Bathrooms – Puntarenas, Uvita – $3,400,000
If you have any questions about property in Costa Rica, click here to contact our partner agent.click here to contact the listing agent. The property in directly on the Costenera highway and consists of two pieces of land across from each other. Two pieces of titled land on the beach side and one on the […]
For any questions you have about this property click here to contact the listing agent. Gorgeous Hotel/Restaurant steps from the beach in Playa Grande, Costa Rica. This 8 bedroom 9 bath Hotel with fully licensed restaurant/bar in the area is uniquely located in a National Park and next to a very popular surf destination. The […]
For any questions you have about this property click here to contact the listing agent. Distressed seller in Los Suenos Resort is desperate to move multiple properties before the end of September and is willing to sell at very low prices. If you are a cash buyer and can move quickly I encourage you to […]
For any questions you have about this property click here to contact the listing agent. Located in one of the most pristine beach areas of Costa Rica, the property is in an ideal location for vacationers and snow birds. The property has 6 villas and a 5-star rating on Air B&B and a Certificate of […]
If you have any questions about property in Costa Rica, click here to contact our partner agent.click here to contact the listing agent. Ideal for the discerning buyer who enjoys the finest in life, Punta Gabriela offers an unrivaled opportunity to enjoy a lavish vacation home, retirement home, or income-producing property in paradise. Nestled along […]
If you have any questions about property in Costa Rica, click here to contact our partner agent.click here to contact the listing agent. Fantastic opportunity to own one of Tamarindo's most popular Boutique Hotels! 30% Owner financing offered! Great Income earner with excellent occupancy, operating history, over a 12% ROI and a top favorite on […]
For any questions you have about this property click here to contact the listing agent. Boutique Luxury Hotel / Yoga & Wellness Retreat Business Situated at an elevation of approximately 1,800 feet above sea level along the Costa Ballena overlooking the south pacific coastline of Costa Rica, the Luxury boutique hotel offers impressive post card […]
For any questions you have about this property click here to contact the listing agent. This amazing property is located in the heart of Lagunas just 10 min from the beach and the last 5 min is on a very well maintained gravel road. This property is perfect for someone that wants to continue renting […]
For any questions you have about this property click here to contact the listing agent. Located on the southwestern coast of Costa Rica and overlooking the splendor of the Pacific Ocean, you'll find these heavenly idyll Jungle Villas. This private Costa Rica resort breathes earthly delight, and for those who are interested, a unique opportunity […]
For any questions you have about this property click here to contact the listing agent. Pacific Edge Eco Lodge perched up on a ridge directly above the Pacific overlooking the rainforest canopy offering the absolute best view of all time! Over 6 acres of land with 4 comfortable cabins a 2 story main house, rancho […]
Central Pacific Hermosa Hills one-of-a-kind lodge-duplex with over 3,500 square feet of living space. US$379,000.
For any questions you have about this property click here to contact the listing agent. This beautiful Playa Hermosa Hotel and Lodge with stunning ocean views of the Pacific and panoramic mountain views, is a luxurious retreat that can accommodate up to 10 people. This property can be a hotel, BnB, or private residence. It […]
For any questions you have about this property click here to contact the listing agent. Fantastic opportunity to own one of Tamarindo's most popular Boutique Hotels! Great Income earner with excellent occupancy, operating history, great ROI and a top favorite on all major travel sites! Twenty-Two modern units plus ancillary buildings located on almost a […]
For any questions you have about this property click here to contact the listing agent. This is a spectacular hotel/cabina project in PlayaNegra. This income producing hotel is just five minutes from Playa Negra beach. It consists of a total of four complete 1/1's with kitchenette's and living, two private 2/1.5 also with kitchenettes and […]
Never underestimate the importance of attracting the local Tico tourist.
Why Are folks so Interested in Commercial Real Estate Here?
This is naturally a very competitive market, but there are many reasons to think about purchasing commercial real estate in Costa Rica. The first thing you should look at regarding what type of business you want to start or purchase here is the sector of the consumer base that you are pulling from.
Many investors thinking about setting up shop here would consider going after the high-income base from this group. It is true that many coming here are on vacation, and therefore many have disposable income. This would make one think of higher-end restaurants, surfing schools, and supply stores or perhaps Yoga studios. These are all definitely viable ideas, and could yield a profit with the right foresight and application.
When looking at the year of 2015, it is important to note that Wal-mart was operating 222 outlets in Costa Rica that year, which is an operation that relies on middle-and-low income buyers. There are opportunities for all types of businesses to enter this market, and many different ways to go about fulfilling needs that consumers develop here.
Bars and Restaurants in Costa Rica
Very useful economic data gathering affiliate Euromoniter reported over the last few years some interesting facts. As a result of the chained grocery retailer's expansion that has really become evident as of late, many consumers are heavily migrating towards discounters, hypermarkets, warehouse clubs, and convenience stores. Just as is happening in other parts of the globe, people value discount, but having a restaurant or bar here that becomes popular would still be a wonderful opportunity.
In cities such as San Jose and popular areas such as Nosara, there are bars and clubs for sale that already have a track record of proven cash flow. Turn-key businesses such as lounges that are trendy with a high-end restaurant can be found that host around 2,000 people in San Jose. An average price of what these already-flourishing locations are sold for is around $1,250,000.
On the West Coast in areas such as Puntarenas, there are fully-established businesses for sale that are bars and restaurants in the trendiest areas, at an average price of $1,400,000. One thing to keep in mind is that these are completely turn-key operations with full liquor license, employees, and contractors in place to keep the business going at the pace you need to thrive.
In areas that are incredibly attractive to the tourist and permanent resident such as Playas De Coco, some sample properties are well-run sports bars and restaurants that are listed for an average price of around $500,000, with the option for outright purchase, or a nine-year assumable lease that guarantees continual success. This is in the service and entertainment hub that is popular in the Papagayo region, just twenty minutes from the Liberia International Airport.
Costa Rica Hotels For Sale
One thing is certain: tourism is definitely popular in Costa Rica, and many come here for the beaches, jungle tours, golf, and chance to be secluded while sampling some of the most beautiful scenery of the world. Limon, Jaco, Tambor Beach, Samara, Nosara, and Los Suenos are all areas that would be beneficial for anyone to purchase a hotel for a chance at making great income while making connections in this beautiful nation, or as an investment for a partner to take the reins and have full control over.
When you are considering the all-compassing investment of a hotel from an owner's standpoint, one of the first things to consider is list price: there are bed and breakfast hotels available in locations such as Samara for an average price of around $700,000, that are already flourishing and just waiting for a purchaser.
Eco tourism is huge in Costa Rica, and it's not hard to understand why: there are some of the largest pockets of biodiversity that you can find on the Earth here, and many want to come check it out for themselves. It could be anyone from the amateur shutterbug to the doctorate student that wants to explore these diverse and wondrous areas for themselves, with comfortable accommodations to do so.
You can locate properties that are top-rated eco resorts in areas such as La Fortuna and Samara, with average occupancy rates of over 60% annually, for around $2,500,000 asking price. Amenities such as equestrian centers on site and restaurants are already in place for you to keep the business thriving after your purchase.
On the lower end of the pricing spectrum, you can locate bed and breakfasts for sale in jungle regions: dwelling with 5 bedrooms, separate apartments with terraces, and swimming pools are all found for an average listing price of around $450,000. Many hotels for sale in Costa Rica such as this don't need much improvement physically, and you may just have to look into some internet marketing or an outbound-prospect face-lift, and be well on your way to success.
Buying an Existing Business
If you have never run a tourism business before, buying an existing hotel is a great option, especially if you are moving to another country and you will already have clients and the infrastructure.
Legal Issues Regarding Commercial Property in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has no presiding general foreign investment law, and all exchange controls were lifted in 1992. Some areas where one could invest such as insurance and electricity generation prohibit private investment, as well as telecommunications, which is considered for the most part a monopoly.
As you are looking at hotels for sale in Costa Rica or thinking about having a flourishing business here, the companies laws to adhere to are fairly standard. Costa Rica law recognizes corporations, limited liability companies, general and limited partnerships, trusts, foundations, civil associations, and Co-ops.
No matter which method you pick, any enterprise doing business here requires a legal representative, and must register with the Commercial Section of the National Registry. If you still have residence in another nation, you can act as officers, trustees, directors, partners, and even execute legal contracts involving your business.
Corporations and LLC's remain the easiest to manage, and Costa Rica only taxes income that is generated within the national territorial boundaries of said nation. The tax rates for different types of entities range from 15% to 30%, and the nation's congress may provide changes to the tax code including replacement of the sales tax with a new value added tax.
Obtaining Legal Advice for Commercial Property in Costa Rica
Here in Costa Rica, there are many reasons that you will want to obtain legal advice for commercial property purchases. In this real estate climate, anyone coming here sight unseen will realize that it is pretty unregulated for how many opportunities there are. Making sure that purchases are listed with the National Registry is of dire importance, and a concrete understanding of rates is necessary.
Compared to areas in North America, the interests rates do tend to be higher when financing here. The importance of finding a good real estate agent is even more dire then in the states: they handle everything here. From title and escrow (if even applicable) to financing and developing, you really need someone here looking out for your best interest.
There are entities such as escrow companies in Costa Rica, but once you get into areas that are a bit more rural, a full-service real estate agent is necessary. You may wish to purchase land and then develop, but if you find commercial property with an existing business that is flourishing, being patient and navigating through the differences you'll find here will be well worth it.
Walk the walk and talk the talk.
One of the key factors in hotel ownership success is how well you integrate with your local community. Getting connected and networking with the locals will help you attract visitors from within Costa Rica and provide a much needed boost during low season.
But where to begin? Well, a few suggestions include reaching out to local suppliers to demonstrate your commitment to the local economy and get involved in community events and fundraisers.
Please Please Me!
Hotel owners agree that there are an endless amount of ways to please guests – with the hope that they will return and recommend your vacation accommodation to friends and family.
If you genuinely like helping and pleasing people, putting smiles on their faces, then you are on to a winner because that is what the hotel business is all about – and if you own a tourist business in one of the most beautiful places in the world – you already have a head start!
Have You Got Talent?
Most Costa Rica hotel owners would agree that you'll never know when a certain skill or talent will come in handy.
For many small hotel owners, the ability to carry out quality repairs on their property has helped them when it comes to their profit margin.
If you have a genuine competence in about plumbing, carpentry and electrics you can save yourself a fortune.
Eco Tourism Destination – South Pacific, Costa Rica
A once secluded area, the South Pacific was an unknown paradise waiting to be explored. Fast-forward to today and this area has experienced incredible growth.
Escaping mass development that has marked other coastal areas, towns such as Uvita are thriving through a measured combination of tourism, real estate and commerce.
With multimillion dollar infrastructure improvements resulting in improved highways and shorter driving times, this area is now opening up its wonders to many investors looking to profit from the hospitality industry.


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For both the experienced knitter and those looking to improve their artistic mind and dexterity through a new skill. All supplies and instructions are provided.
Every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Open to all active duty, wounded warriors, caregivers and dependents. No registration needed.
Other Upcoming Events
Care Package Distribution (BWI)
Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport USO Lounge
USO International Gateway Lounge, BWI Marshall Airport, Linthicum, MD 21090
Care packages are passed out to deploying military Tuesdays and Sundays at 5:30 p.m.
Sep 22nd, 2019 5:30 PM EDT (1730Q)
Bob Hope Legacy Reading Program (BWI)
Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport USO Lounge
USO International Gateway Lounge, BWI Marshall Airport, Linthicum, MD 21090
Military deploying can choose a book for their child(ren) and video record themselves reading the book to them. The book & DVD are mailed to the family free of charge.
Sep 22nd, 2019 5:30 PM EDT (1730Q)
WTU Bingo (Belvoir)
USO Warrior and Family Center at Fort Belvoir
5940 9th Street, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060
Open to wounded, ill and injured service members, their dependents and Caregivers. Dinner is included. No registration required
Sep 23rd, 2019 5:00 PM EDT (1700Q)
Honest Soul Yoga (Belvoir)
USO Warrior and Family Center at Fort Belvoir
5940 9th Street, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060
Yoga focuses on learning physical poses and includes breathing techniques. It can help an individual relax and move his/her body in new ways. Yoga offers the greatest health benefits by enabling one to develop flexibility, strength, and balance. Thi…
Sep 23rd, 2019 5:30 PM EDT (1730Q)
Project Healing Waters (Resiliency Program - WTU Only)
USO Warrior and Family Center at Fort Belvoir
5940 9th Street, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060
Project Healing Waters provides fly tying and casting instruction, along with rod building techniques. Those who participate in the program are eligible to attend a variety of fishing outings.
Sep 23rd, 2019 6:30 PM EDT (1830Q)
Children's Art (Bethesda)
USO Warrior and Family Center at Bethesda
4565 Taylor Road, Bethesda, MD 20889
USO-Metro offers a structured art program for families to participate in on a weekly basis. Various art forms have been explored including visual art, music, acting, dance, and more.
Sep 24th, 2019 4:00 PM EDT (1600Q)
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Programs at this Location
Sign Up for Email Updates from Your USO Center
Your USO Meal (YUM)
YUM stands for Your USO Meal and we proudly host our active military and their dependents for a complimentary meal for the opportunity to r…
Movies on the Lawn
Movies on the Lawn is a program designed to foster community while giving service members a chance to enjoy free time with family and frien…
Beyond the Base
Beyond the Base provides an opportunity for service members and family members to explore the unique and diverse communities that surround …
Service members and their families are brought together in an exciting way to meet new people in their community.
Calling All Couples
This is a time for military couples to escape their normal routine and enjoy time together. Couples will have the opportunity to make memor…
Fall Fest
Fall Fest is an informational, fun, fall-themed event geared toward all military families in the region. Fall Fest offers complimentary aut…
Spring Fling
Service members and their families are brought together to celebrate the season with a variety of games, activities, and food. A fun time f…
Events for Wounded, Ill and Injured Service Members and Caregivers
The USO of Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore supports service members and their families who are recovering and receiving treatment at NSA …

subset: commoncrawl


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The Co-operative Bank is the latest brand to call on Kiwi kids to help in a campaign. However, rather than drawing to attention their incredible imagination, a series of videos, via Socialites, examines how fair they are and how much banking knowledge they have.
The first campaign video shared on the bank's Facebook page sees the kids put into pairs and given a single lamington or bowl of lollies with the challenge of finding a way to share it. Some pairs were quicker than others, but in the end all the kids appear to be happy, confirming the line at the video's end, 'It's in our Kiwi nature to be fair'. However, as some commenters pointed out, when it came to dividing the lamingtons, some were left without any cream.
But fairly dividing treats isn't all Kiwi kids have proven useful for in the campaign. A second video puts a Kiwi kid to work, to show how simple credit cards are. Using hidden-camera style footage, the video follows customers as they enter the bank and are introduced to The Co-operative Bank's newest, youngest and cheekiest employee Manahi.
Walking out it an oversized shirt, he leaves the customers in shock as he greets them and introduces himself. At first, the customers don't believe he belongs there and they share friendly banter with Manahi while he giggles in his seat. "My job, my job" he says, when questioned about what he's up to, and he soon proves his worth by explaining the bank's fair rate credit card and its 12.95 percent interest rate for purchases and cash withdrawals.
The customers appear shocked by his knowledge and happily accept a jet plane lolly from a jar—a nice touch by Socialites to complete the role reversal.
Using kids to explain products and ideas has become somewhat of a trend in the last year, however, The Co-operative Bank's Manahi has the most sophisticated knowledge.
Earlier this year, Kiwibank and Assignment Group asked Kiwi kids a series of money related questions, learning it comes from the "Money Man" and the "tooth fairy", it can buy "chocolate" and "ponies" and the best way to save it is to "keep it in a jar".
Beef & Lamb also used Kiwi kids this year in a campaign focusing on issues surrounding nutrition. It put kids a classroom and asked them what they wanted to be when they grew up. A "dinosaur", "teacher" and "Spider-Man" were included in the answers, while some chose to answer with a funny face or noise.


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Today's Above Avalon stories:
- Global Smartphone Trends for July
- Apple Event "Leaks"
- Thursday Q&A (How is the premium email going? Spoiler: It's going great.)
We kick off today's email by discussing Kantar's latest report on smartphone trends for the three months ending in July, including new data comparing iPhone 6 and 6 Plus popularity to previous iPhone models. Next, we discuss a theory of mine concerning all of these leaks leading up to the Apple event next week. We conclude with this week's Q&A which is actually about Above Avalon Premium and how the premium email is doing after four months.
These stories are available for Above Avalon members. To continue reading, click here.
Become an Above Avalon member to read today's stories and receive future stories in a daily email containing 2-3 stories (10-12 stories/week). You can use the payment forms/links below to sign up ($20/month or $200/year). For more information on membership, click here.


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February Auction Postponed
By Sealed Bid Then Public Auction
Between Two Highest Bidders
Beautiful Home in garden District
Please Check Back Soon for New Date
Auction Terms and Conditions
- Bids must be received by 10:00 am, Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017.
- All Bids must be on Ludlum Auction Bid form, & in a sealed envelope.
- Minimum starting bid of $155,000.
- Bid Forms must also contain a check for 5% of the bid price, and be made payable to Ludlum Auction Group, LLC. (Check will be returned if you are not the successful high bidder.)
- This auction is subject to OWNER CONFIRMATION.
- Property is being offered "As Is, Where Is, no Warranties expressed or Implied."
- Closing must take place within 30 days from date of acceptance of contract.
- Announcements made by Auctioneer on day of sale take precedence over this or any other promotional material.
Only the two highest bidders in the sealed bid portion will be able to bid in the public auction.
306 South Orange Ave., Dothan, AL
Gene Ludlum AL580 • Jan Arthur AL1574


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What is e On Demand?
e On Demand is a brand new service that allows you to watch some of e.tv's programs online for free on your computer, tablet or cell phone.
What content is offered on e On Demand?
Full episodes of selected e.tv shows will be available to watch online.
What do I need to be able to watch e On Demand?
You will need to have access to the following to watch e On Demand:
A reliable laptop or desktop computer with a fast internet connection
A mobile phone with a 3G connection
A tablet with access to a wireless or 3G internet connection
Who can access e On Demand?
Anyone who has access to a fast internet connection and device can register and watch e On Demand.
What does it cost me to use e On Demand?
e On Demand won't cost you anything extra than your internet connection.
Is there a limit to how many times I can view e On Demand content?
You can view the episodes as many times as you want while they are available on e On Demand.
Can I download episodes or only watch it online?
You can't download episodes onto your computer but you can watch it online as many times as you like.


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More 5 Best Design Own Floor Plan
Let's look at the materials available for your kitchen Design Own Floor Plan and weigh their pros and cons.Discover the best modern Design Own Floor Plan and more with our expert guide. One of our favorite ways to display art is with a Design Own Floor Plan. Get inspiration for your own installation with these creative arrangements of.
Get Design Own Floor Plan. Learn about Design Own Floor Plan options available for your home such as tile, hardwood, laminate, wood, carpeting and other types of Design Own Floor Plan. Bottle caps, leather belts, and pennies are just a few of the unusual materials that creative do it yourselfers have incorporated in these cheap flooring ideas. We've got cool Design Own Floor Plan, a bit on the funky side. If you're looking for some DIY Design Own Floor Plan, check out these pictures at fundamentplus.com.
Add color, design, texture and "wow!" to your bedroom Design Own Floor Plan with one of the 10 ideas shown here. No need for a paintbrush, and several work. Own a boring bedroom? Get inspired with our accent Design Own Floor Plan ideas in wood, slats, patterns, tiles, marble, upholstered headboards, pendant lighting and wallpaper. The Best Design Own Floor Plan Decor Ideas to Fill Your Small Space. Unwind at the end of a long day with these unique living room Design Own Floor Plan decor ideas. From modern to rustic to classic, find a design idea that fits your.


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Tropic 504 Ventair Cap by Kangol has a rating of 5.0 stars based on 9 reviews.


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Soledad O'Brien's interview with Rep. Joe Heck on Thursday morning grew somewhat awkward when she asked the congressman to repeat himself over and over again.
O'Brien asked Heck what he would like to learn from Gen. David Petraeus when he testifies before a congressional hearing on the attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi. She then asked him if he would prevent Ambassador Susan Rice's confirmation if the president attempted to nominate her for secretary of state.
"The fact is you can't put somebody out as the face of the issue on all the Sunday morning talk shows, and then turn around weeks later and say she knew nothing about the incident and had nothing to do with it. That's just plainly wrong," he said.
O'Brien likened the situation with Rice to Condoleezza Rice when she said that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction. "If you use that measurement...and then later you determine that the information was wrong, isn't that exactly analogous to what happened with Condoleezza Rice?"
"I don't believe so, because here we had a situation where the information was wrong, not coming back and saying the person had nothing to do with the situation. I mean Condy Rice was in a position to be able to be the face, and the information was wrong. But here we had wrong information, and then weeks later, we have the administration coming back and saying, 'Well this person had nothing to do with the situation,'" Heck said.
O'Brien said she would like to go through his response more slowly. When Heck tried to clarify, O'Brien cut him off and said, "You've lost me completely. Let's back up again. I'm sorry, forgive me. But you've lost me."
"So in both cases," O'Brien said, "you have someone who says, 'We had intelligence. The intelligence is wrong. What I said is wrong because the intelligence was wrong.' How is this not analogous?"
Heck attempted to clarify once again but O'Brien cut him off, asking fellow panelist Charles Blow to help her. "I'm not trying to be facetious. I'm trying to figure out what he's saying," she said.


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BEIRUT (AP) — Syrian state media says a government delegation has arrived to join the new round of U.N.-mediated peace talks with an umbrella opposition group that began this week in Geneva.
The arrival of the Damascus team, led by Syria's U.N. Ambassador Bashar Jaafari, comes amid an escalation in northern Aleppo province that has left 34 dead on both sides. The renewed fighting has undermined the fragility of the cease-fire that has largely held elsewhere in Syria.
The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says that of those killed in the past 24 hours in the clashes, 14 were pro-government fighters and 20 were militants.
U.N. Special Envoy Steffan De Mistura has said he hopes this round will have substantive talks on a peace process to resolve the country's five-year civil war.


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It's not uncommon to see a crazy case of wig work on film or TV, but Steven Soderbergh's Liberace biopic Behind the Candelabra really takes the cake when it comes to Hollywood hairpieces.
Both Michael Douglas and Rob Lowe sport astonishing hair in the HBO drama, joining a long list of actors who've souped up their barnets in the name of art.
From Tommy Lee Jones to Star Trek stalwart William Shatner, Bruce Willis to a silver-topped Samuel L Jackson, we take a look at 10 staggering examples of artificial screen hair.


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LONDON — Attempting to demonstrate that Britain's Conservatives are on the side of working people, Prime Minister David Cameron on Sunday announced the acceleration of a program to increase home purchases.
Mr. Cameron said on the eve of his party conference that he would immediately begin the second phase of a "Help to Buy" program scheduled for January that provided government guarantees to banks to allow home buyers to receive mortgages with only a 5 percent down payment on properties costing up to £600,000, or about $962,000.
The government will provide £12 billion, or $19 billion, to guarantee 15 percent of a mortgage, allowing lenders to provide up to 95 percent of mortgages at reduced risk. Participants will not be allowed to use the plan to buy a second property.
Mr. Cameron announced the change in interviews with right-leaning newspapers like The Sunday Telegraph and The Sun on Sunday. He told The Sun that he wanted to put young people on the housing ladder. "The need is now," he said. "What concerns me is that you can't buy a house or a flat even if you are doing O.K., you have got decent job prospects and good earnings."
Critics say the plan may accelerate a new housing bubble, especially in London. The average cost of a house in London surged by 10 percent between July and September, compared with the third quarter of 2012, reaching £331,338, or $531,000, British bank and mortgage provider Nationwide said on Friday. The average price of a house in London, the bank said, is now 8 percent higher than in 2007, just before the global financial crisis. Across Britain, the average price of a home is £170,918, about $274,000, up 4.3 percent compared with the third quarter of 2012.
Since the mortgage guarantee part of the plan was announced in March, the rise in prices, indicating a brisk market, has raised questions about whether the plan is needed at all. Britain's business minister, Vince Cable, a Liberal Democrat, has expressed his concerns about the program, saying there was a "danger of getting into another housing bubble." And the chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, last week asked the Bank of England to keep a closer eye on the impact of "Help to Buy."
Ed Balls, the Labour Party's shadow chancellor, responded on Sunday to the Cameron announcement by saying that the government should instead invest in building more affordable homes, denouncing what he said was the lowest rate of house-building since the 1920s. That was the best way for first-time buyers to get on the housing ladder, Mr. Balls said in a statement.
Mr. Cameron has also said that he would introduce tax breaks for married couples of low and medium income. These could cover about one-third of married couples and civil partnerships and save them £200 ($320) a year. He said his coalition partners, the Liberal Democrats, had opposed the idea.
In his party conference last week, Labour's leader, Ed Miliband, took a more populist stand, calling for slightly higher corporate taxes and a freeze on energy prices, which the Conservatives likened to old-fashioned price controls. Mr. Cameron told The Telegraph that such policies were "nuts."
Mr. Cameron's aides were also at pains to deny reports in a new book that the prime minister and his wife, Samantha, disliked Larry, a cat who also inhabits 10 Downing Street and has high favorability ratings. Larry, 6, was adopted from a Battersea shelter in 2011 to combat a rat infestation behind the famous black door.
Mr. Cameron is trying to appeal to the right — to attract voters who favor the anti-Europe, anti-immigrant United Kingdom Independent Party — and to the center, to win back those who voted for his coalition partners, the Liberal Democrats. Elections are expected by May 2015.


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Party Games
Games are supposed to be fun, right? But some games seem to ooze more fun than others. Sometimes we want the cerebral challenge of a chess match, but at other times we just want to let loose and enjoy something silly with our friends. That's what party games were made for.
While playing games shouldn't be about winning, most games stop being fun if everyone doesn't at least try to win. Party games are different.
What exactly is a party game? Party games usually accommodate a larger group of people. They allow you to make "sub-optimal" decisions for the sake of having fun and doing so will only increase the enjoyment of everyone else. Think about the silly things you do during a game of charades that might not help your team guess your word, but do make for a memorable experience. Party games are like that. You don't have to try to win, you just have to try to have a good time!
One of the beautiful things about party games is that they are generally so easy to learn that you could pick one up this evening and be ready to play by your social event tonight. Come in and let us show you a selection of the best. Whether you want to point foam guns at each other with Ca$h 'n Guns, experience the raucous energy of Time's Up!, or are ready to take the plunge with Codenames - a game we lovingly call Party Game of the Decade - stop by tonight and get ready to have a blast!
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Connect Cable modem to the WAN/Web port of R6300 and energy on each devices. DSL utilizes the copper wires that are already in your property phone lines to deliver your wireless service. This indicates you may possibly not get excellent reception if you are in an undulating, rural or crowded region. It is really a cable modem, wireless router as effectively as a MoCA adapter in one particular box.
The Broadband Delivery UK organization, devoted to funding rural high speed access, already has been funding pilot projects utilizing satellite ( Avanti and Satellite Internet ) fixed wireless ( Airwave , Quickline and AB Internet )and hybrid networks making use of fiber and fixed wireless ( Contact Flow and Cybermoor ).
A very good instance that numerous can relate to on a dual band router is when someone starts streaming a higher resolution Television film from the internet suddenly other folks on the exact same network will notice that the Wi-Fi speed accessible to their devices are reduced.
Much better the range is quite far now, which tends to make supporting the signal standard that a lot less expensive for providers. Hey LoneWolf, Rogers is developing a new wireless service that will give download speeds of up to 75Meg per second. I also asked users who always complain about their internet but it really is also – a NO.
Then I added the password info for the 4g Hotspot after it identified it through its wireless search of the devices I had turned on in the house. Cable web: Cable's speed does not depend on distance, given that the service runs by means of an actual cable, which implies it is usually more quickly than DSL.


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Disabled are stuck waiting on DMV for self-driving cars
The disabled community is excited about the possibilities of self-driving cars. The freedom and flexibility that cars provide is often out of reach for many people with disabilities.
Unfortunately, the California Department of Motor Vehicles has yet to release even a draft of the operational regulations or a timeline for when the rules will be complete. We are concerned the delay is slowing the pace toward transportation that promises to revolutionize our freedom of movement.
While public transportation has improved since the passage 25 years ago of the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is not uncommon for wheelchair and walker users, as well as those using guide dogs, to be left waiting for multiple trains or buses because the lift is out of order or there simply is no more room.
Paratransit systems are a significant improvement as an alternative to public transit, but they don't usually offer on-demand service. Most systems require reservations 24 to 48 hours in advance, limit travel within a single county and force sharing rides with other passengers. Getting anyplace on time is iffy at best.
While people with disabilities stand to benefit more than most from the self-driving car, we will all benefit from reductions in traffic congestion, accidents and air pollution. Self-driving cars also promise a new era of economic growth for California and will open up employment possibilities for people with disabilities, who find it difficult to travel to jobs.
California is the cradle of this new technology. All the big global auto manufacturers have testing and development facilities in the Bay Area. Mercedes recently announced a self-driving car testing partnership with Contra Costa County. Tesla says some of its vehicles would have self-driving features this summer. And Google is already testing cars near its headquarters in Mountain View.
People in this state will be among the first to benefit from this innovation. The first person Google invited to ride in its self-driving car outside its campus was a blind Californian, Steve Mahan.
Of course, the technology will not transform our lives overnight. The first cars will almost certainly not be able to fit power wheelchairs, for example. But eventually this technology will be available to all.
In 2012, California laid claim to global leadership on self-driving cars when the Assembly passed a law – Senate Bill 1298 – directing the DMV to write regulations to govern the testing and operation of autonomous vehicles by Jan. 1, 2015. However, it has failed to do so. As a result, it has left us to only imagine how our lives and our community could be transformed by cars that drive themselves.
Teresa Favuzzi is executive director of Sacramento-based California Foundation for Independent Living Centers.


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A pseudo-random selection of quotations from Jean-Jacques Rousseau with some supporting commentary by the author.
As responsible drinkers like to know what they are drinking, responsible home brewers should be able to tell them. This article explains how to manage sugar content and alcohol production.
How to weigh a car without conventional weighing equipment or lifting gear, using only a steel tape measure and a portable tyre pressure gauge. A fun article, but the physics is sound!
Is home made wine safe to drink? It should be both safe and wholesome, but there are some dreadful recipes and methods out there on the Internet. Here's how to avoid the shockers.
A tongue in cheek but semi-serious walker's guide to coping with extreme heat and humidity. Includes photos and description of Doha, Qatar, as only seen on foot.
A quick, reliable way to make cider without specialist equipment, ingredients, or knowledge. An ideal summer drink.
The Bullnose Mercedes is a real truck. Powerful, noisy, smelly, rattly. It shakes the ground and carves up the roads. Best of all, it is bullnosed, with a big ugly vertical exhaust stack.
A collection of black and white photographs taken in Glasgow in 1979, mostly in and around the West end, University, Byres Road, Maryhill.
Tbilisi is an ancient city in an ancient country, with the pride of culture to match. This is no mere (ex) Soviet satellite. The culture is deep, unique and distinctive.
Qatar's demographics are unsustainable. 80% immigrant and heavily male biased. Something has to change.
As part of the austerity budget, the UK Government has announced a 2½% VAT increase, from 17½% to 20%. At first sight, this doesn't seem too bad. But what does an extra 2½% VAT translate to at the point of sale?
Light verse, or comic verse, is often considered the poor relation of 'real' poetry, yet it has a long and honourable pedigree of its own, with some great writers having contributed to the genre.
Regent's Canal runs East-West through North-central London, linking the Paddington branch of the Grand Union Canal to the Limehouse Basin and the River Thames. Walk the towpath!
However smoothly the defaulting company accountants may dress their message, late, short or non-payment is theft. In extreme cases it can even degenerate to slavery.
From guitars to flutes to lutes to saxophones, this hub is a personal celebration of the musical instruments that have brought me joy through life.
Synesthesia affects about one person in twenty-five. Technically, it could be considered a mental 'disorder', however most synesthetes would disagree. Now Synesthography brings synesthesia to everyone!
Government censorship of the Internet is not uncommon around the World. Is it in the public interest or is it an infringement of basic rights? Have your say.
Pastiche is the name given to a poetic imitation. It is not quite the same as parody which tends to make fun of the original, also by copying but by hamming it up for comic or satirical effect. A true pastiche is affectionate and respectful to the original.
From the writer of Tess and Jude, one would not expect a lot of jollity or gaiety, and indeed Hardy's poems tend to be sombre in tone, though often leavened with surprising metrical patterns borrowed from his local folk and church music.
St Luke's angel did not bring to the shepherds 'Tidings of Comfort and Joy'. That phrase comes from a 15th Century Christmas carol. The angel spoke only of 'great joy'. Luke chose his words with care. Joy, and not comfort, is all.
I thought I'd mark the occasion with a collection of a few of my poems on a romantic theme. I hope you find something to enjoy in them. This first one, Travellers, is about a chance encounter in a commuter train...
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is well worth a visit, even for a few days. From the magnificent Petronas Twin Towers to the lively Beach Club or Rum Jungle, there is plenty to enjoy.
"I'll say what I like. It's a free country". This has rather fallen out of fashion, to be replaced, in UK, with "I'm entitled to state my opinion", and in US, with "I'm only exercising my (Constitutional) right to free speech"
Ivan D. Illich, 1926 - 2002. Austrian born, he was an academic, a philosopher, an anarchist, a sociologist, a catholic priest, an activist, a reformer, an inspiration and a source of hope for many.
The 50 great years of thermionics were from 1920 to 1970. During this period, thermionic valves were at the heart of radio, and later, television production, transmission and reception, audio amplification and public address, radar and radio telescopy. Valves also made possible early tape recording...
Bur Dubai Panorama Hotel is an unprepossessing building. Six residential floors in low quality concrete, clad in pink crud. But Jockey's Pub and the working girls are its real claim to fame.
Still running your car on water? Move with the times guys! Be like me and run your car on nothing at all!
Doha? There is the Doha the authorities want to promote and there is the other Doha. The Doha of dusty streets, overcrowding, slum dwellings, little corner shops, juice stalls and street restaurants.
I like my sport as much as the next guy. But not stupid sports. In my book, stupid sports are the ones you'd never play or watch from choice, but have to suffer on free-to-air satellite TV.
The Cycle of Fifths unlocks Western music. It is beautiful in its symmetry, simplicity and fruitfulness. It explains harmony, transposition and accompaniment. Vital for guitarists and keyboards.
For many guitarists, locating the notes on the fingerboard can be difficult, especially in the higher positions. Here is a quick and reliable method for learning all the notes on the guitar neck.
The Classic Guitar is simply a guitar built to a classic design that has been refined but essentially not changed for about 100 years.
Two weeks ago, I knew nothing about bed bugs; now I know more than I ever wanted to. This is my bed bug story. I sincerely hope it never becomes yours, but read on, and be prepared for the worst.
One of the pleasures of living in the Middle East is to pass an evening in congenial company while enjoying a shisha (hookah) of your preferred flavour. Shisha is the traditional Arab water pipe.
Scotland's Happy Family . . That Makes Every Family Happy. The Broons first appeared seventy years ago in the Scottish Sunday Post, published in Dundee by D.C. Thomson, and are still going strong.
Aging home made wine is important. But unless wine is aged in the right way, it might spoil. This article explains how to age homemade or commercial wine for best results.
Guitarists need to understand Equal Temperament, or at least the basis of it. Why? Because their instrument is fretted for Equal Temperament and the strings have to be tuned accordingly.
An introduction to the theory of generating electricity followed by a brief summary of some of the viable ways of generating electricity on a commercial scale.
A Business Case is a rigorous (and usually financial) advocacy of a proposed course of action, clearly presented for objective scrutiny in order to win approval for a new Project. Here's how to write a successful Business Case.
It all began 1653, with a banker from Naples, Lorenzo de Tonti. While working in France, he invented an unusual investment scheme, the Tontine, which acquired some notoriety before falling out of favour.
Mary Tudor's story begins with King Henry VIII of England. Mary was Henry's eldest child, born to Catherine, the first of his six wives. Mary's brief reign was one of blood & terror.
Feedback means looking at a result, evaluating it in some way, and applying some form of correction to the process - either modifying the process itself or changing the input.
Kipling, and IF, are not threatened by their critics or parodists. The poem was voted number one in the UK publication "The Nation's Favourite Poems". Kipling's IF has wide appeal. Like Burns before him, Kipling wrote masterful but accessible and genuinely popular poetry.
Ramadan this year began on May 6th (2019). It is the holiest month in the Islamic year (1440). This article is a guide to Ramadan for non-Muslims, especially those living in the Gulf States.
The trouble with wearing the tartan /is everyone thinks you're a Spartan /who relishes cold /in the goolies. (I'm told /the best way to heat 'em is fartan!) A limerick is a short verse in a well-defined form which...
Working in the Middle East. Jobs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia. Jobs in Energy and Construction. Jobs in other fields. Live, work and stay safe in the Gulf States.
The winemaker's FAQ, where you'll find answers to most of your questions about the theory and practice of winemaking. If your question's not included, just ask!
The Filipinos are some of the best people on the planet. Here's why...
Imagine, by John Lennon, is a deceptively simple song. But behind the simplicity is an elegance of lyrical, melodic and harmonic structure that approaches genius. Please read my appreciation of this master's masterwork.
This hub explains home winemaking. When you understand the processes, you will be able to design your own 'recipes', (though, as we'll see, 'recipe' isn't really a word that applies to winemaking). If you...
Who are the scientists - what do scientists do - what is science anyway? Where does technology fit in?
A simple and reliable method for making wholesome red and white table wine from supermarket grape juice, sugar and yeast. No chemicals, no specialist equipment needed.


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Where is the 2018 Ocean Sciences Meeting being held?
The Ocean Sciences Meeting will be held at the Oregon Convention Center, located at 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Portland, Oregon, 97232.
What are the dates for the 2018 Ocean Sciences Meeting?
The meeting dates are 11–16 February 2018.
What is the expected meeting attendance?
Nearly 4,000 attendees are expected!
Do I have to be an AGU, ASLO, or TOS member to attend?
No, but the registration rates are reduced for AGU, ASLO, and TOS members. Visit the Society Membership page to join or renew your membership for AGU, ASLO, and/or TOS.
Will childcare be provided?
Yes, childcare will be provided during the week of the meeting. Online registration for Camp OSM is now available.
Can I take photographs, video, or record oral and poster sessions at the Ocean Sciences Meeting?
Attendees may be photographed for archival and marketing purposes. Meeting attendees are not allowed to photograph, video, or record information during scientific sessions.
Can I smoke inside of the convention center?
No. The center is a smoke-free environment; the organizers also discourage the use of e-cigarettes for the convenience of all attendees.
How do I submit a session proposal or tutorial?
The online session proposal tool is now closed. The deadline was 3 May 2017.
What is the review process for session proposals and tutorials?
The Program Committee will review all submissions and make final decision on the schedule.
How do I submit an abstract?
The abstract submission site is now closed.
Do I need to be a member in order to submit an abstract?
No, submitters do not need to be AGU, ASLO, or TOS members in order to submit an abstract, but were encouraged to be members. Visit the Society Membership page to join or renew your membership for AGU, ASLO, and/or TOS.
Am I automatically registered for the Ocean Sciences by submitting an abstract?
No. All attendees must register and pay to attend the meeting; this includes invited poster authors.
When will I receive confirmation of my letter of notification regarding my abstract submission?
Authors will receive letters of notification in November 2017.
May I request a refund for my abstract handling fee?
No. Abstract submission fees are nonrefundable. Once the abstract has been submitted, it is considered processed, and no refunds will be issued.
What size is my poster board?
The size of posters should be not more than 45″ x 45″ (3.75 feet by 3.75 feet) to allow two (2) presenters to utilize one side of the posterboard. Size requirements must be strictly adhered to so posters fit within the space as assigned. If your poster exceeds these specifications, it may be subject to removal.
Can I make changes to my abstract (co-authors, titles, etc.)?
Changes to abstracts can only be made up until the submission deadline, which is 6 September 2017 at 11:59 EDT, which is now passed.
How do I withdraw my abstract?
To withdraw your abstract, you should decline your invitation to present your paper, in the abstract submission tool. When you decline your invitation to present at the meeting, your abstract will be automatically withdrawn from the program. The deadline to withdraw abstracts will be posted as information is finalized.
How do I access letters of invitation?
All presenting authors will receive a letter of invitation the week following the abstract submission deadline.
How do I access receipts?
Receipts can be accessed in your User Portal by logging into the abstract submission site.
I am chairing a session. What are my responsibilities?
Session chairs are responsible for promoting and scheduling their sessions; detailed information can be found in the chair guidelines.
Will you offer a mobile app for this meeting?
Yes, the 2018 mobile app will be available for both iPhone and Android devices.
How can I submit a Town Hall proposal?
Town Hall submissions will be accepted via the online abstract tool. Details are available here.
How do I request a letter of invitation for my visa application?
If you submit an abstract to the Ocean Sciences Meeting, you will receive a letter of invitation via the abstract submission tool.
When can I reserve my hotel room?
The housing module will be available in late September 2017.
Will AGU charge my credit card to guarantee my reservation?
Your credit card will not be charged. However, your hotel may charge a deposit of one night's room and tax as early as 3 weeks prior to the Ocean Sciences Meeting. Deposit amounts may vary. Please refer to the deposit policy on your hotel confirmation.
Will I receive a hotel confirmation?
Yes. A detailed confirmation is automatically emailed to you once your reservation has been made.
What is the hotel cancellation policy?
There is a 72-hour cancellation notice required to avoid penalty. If your reservation is cancelled less than 72 hours prior to your arrival, you will incur a one-night room and tax penalty from your hotel.
What is the closest airport?
Portland International Airport is the closest airport to downtown Portland, the central location for both the convention center and the Ocean Sciences Meeting hotels.
What is the weather like in Portland during the Ocean Sciences Meeting?
Portland weather averages a daily maximum temperature for February that's between 49 and 54 degrees Fahrenheit (9 to 12 degrees Celsius). The minimum temperature usually falls between 34 °F and 39 °F (1 °C to 4 °C). The days at Portland warm steadily during February.
Will discounts be offered for air travel to Portland?
Details about travel discounts will be posted in summer 2017.
How do I register for the Ocean Sciences Meeting?
Registration is open. Please visit the registration page for more information.
What does my registration fee include?
Your registration fee includes access to the Icebreaker, both oral and posters sessions, General Sessions, exhibits, Town Hall meetings, daily refreshments, and nonticketed social events.
How do I purchase tickets to special events?
Tickets can be purchased via the online registration module. Please visit the registration page for more information.
May I bring a guest?
Registered attendees may purchase Guest Passes. A guest is a spouse, friend, or adult child (18 years old and older) who is not working in a geophysical science-related occupation or field. A colleague or associate working in a related geophysical sciences field or studying geophysics in school may not be registered and attend as a guest. Registered guests may not attend the oral or poster scientific sessions; however, they may go to the Exhibit Hall and the Icebreaker. Guests are required to purchase tickets to social events at the advertised guest rates.
Is there a registration process for childcare?
Online registration for Camp OSM is now available.
Please email any questions not addressed in the FAQs.


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- Dan, I'm pleased to report back successful Risk Roundtables across North America. A special thanks to Fred Pretorius (Director of Information Services, Mintz Levin), Wendy Richerson (PMO Project Manager, Norton Rose Fulbright), Chris DiMasi (CTO, Winstead), Kent Fredrickson (Director, Enterprise Risk Management, DLA Piper) and Ivo Nikolov (Director of IT, Davies Ward) for hosting the groups of Risk and IT leaders at their respective firms.
• Our Boston session featured a fascinating presentation by Andrew Perlman, Legal Ethics Professor at Suffolk University and Director of this institution's Institute on Law Practice Technology and Innovation. Andrew unpacked the changes made to the comments of model rule 1.6 during the ABA 20/20 commission relating to what constitutes "reasonable efforts to prevent unauthorized access to or disclosure of" client information.
- Stakeholders from Ropes & Gray and Edwards Wildman Palmer debated approaches to classifying client information during new business intake to assess data sensitivity and modify access controls as required.
- We discussed client requirements for encryption, particularly in light of the recent allegations of spying on privileged information held by Mayer Brown.
- Finally, we had a rich debate about how the vast risk exposure of electronic information has shifted a lawyer's ethical duty to protect confidentiality from an active commitment to keep information secret to a more indirect effort to prevent others from gaining access.
• Bill Freivogel, an independent consultant on legal ethics and professional responsibility, graciously joined us in Houston, Dallas and Chicago to lead three sessions on managing corporate family conflicts. Bill outlined recent case law regarding corporate family conflicts, describing two types of relationships between a corporate parent and subsidiary that were different for conflicts purposes to provide guidance on when affiliates should be consider one with corporate parents for conflicts purposes.
- As experts and ABA opinion 95-390 provide no "bright line" test for making a determination, firms are encouraged to consider whether the parent and affiliate share legal departments, IT and operational infrastructure, and large proportions of revenue. Firms, of course, are advised clearly to articulate whom they believe to be representing in engagement letters and advanced waivers.
- In Chicago, attendees compared techniques for using multiple data sources to figure out just who the affiliates of large corporate families were. The group brainstormed an idea to launch an open source platform to share individual efforts on resolving corporate affiliates across the legal conflicts and risk management community.
• Finally, our Toronto gathering featured a presentation by Malcolm Mercer on developments afoot in the Upper Canada Law Society's Alternative Business Structures Working Group. To promote access to justice across a vast consumer base, the group advocates for admission of non-law firm legal service providers as well as non equity partner investment in traditional law firms.
- We analyzed the rhetorical difference between the practice of law as a profession and the provision of legal services as a business and attendees shared strategies under development at their law firms to modify business development and pricing to stay competitive against new players like Deloitte and Price Waterhouse Coopers.
- Finally, the risk leaders discussed their efforts to collaborate with in-house counsel on Outside Counsel Guidelines, dismissing a unilateral acceptance of terms to work to understand why clients include specific requirements and how law firms might integrate them into existing processes to dampen their impact and cultivate awareness of the importance of guidelines with individual partners.
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Risk Roundtable Reports (Boston, Dallas, Houston, Chicago and Toronto Events)
Posted by Dan Bressler at 7:10 AM


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January 26, 2017 at 10:50 am #1201996114
Complete casting has been announced for the Broadway production of Amelie…
http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Tony-Sheldon-Manoel-Felciano-More-Join-Phillipa-Soo-in-AMELIE-Full-Broadway-Cast-Announced-20170126January 30, 2017 at 9:18 am #1201999179
Abby Mueller (Jessie's sister) will take over for Chillina Kennedy as Carole King in Beautiful.
Kennedy will be taking a few months off from the Broadway production while she headlines the national tour in Toronto.February 6, 2017 at 12:35 pm #1202004301
Complete casting has been announced for the upcoming Broadway revival of Present Laughter…
http://www.theatermania.com/broadway/news/complete-casting-present-laughter-broadway_79935.html?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=06feb2017February 13, 2017 at 12:08 pm #1202011026
J. Harrison Ghee will be taking over the role of Lola in Kinky Boots from Todrick Hall starting on March 6. He previously played Lola in the musical's national tour. http://www.broadway.com/buzz/187578/j-harrison-ghee-will-strut-from-the-road-to-starring-in-broadways-kinky-boots/February 15, 2017 at 7:50 pm #1202013027
Original Hamilton cast member Okieriete Onaodowan will assume the role of Pierre in Natasha, Pierre And The Great Comet Of 1812 after Josh Groban departs the production on July 3. http://www.broadway.com/buzz/187605/hamilton-alum-okieriete-onaodowan-will-replace-josh-groban-in-natasha-pierre-the-great-comet-of-1812/February 16, 2017 at 6:06 am #1202013302
Sara Bareilles will be taking over for Jessie Mueller in her musical Waitress from March 31st-June 11th…
http://www.broadway.com/buzz/187061/sara-bareilles-will-star-in-her-own-musical-waitress-on-broadway/February 18, 2017 at 10:19 am #1202014944
Evan Todd will be taking over the role of Gerry Goffin from Jake Epstein in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical starting on March 7. http://www.playbill.com/article/broadway-beautiful-will-welcome-a-new-gerry-goffin-in-marchFebruary 25, 2017 at 9:01 am #1202021487
Chris Diamantopoulos will take over the role of Dr. Pomatter in Waitress from Drew Gehling beginning on March 31. http://www.playbill.com/article/chris-diamantopoulos-will-join-sara-bareilles-in-waitress-on-broadwayFebruary 25, 2017 at 9:17 am #1202021498
Jevon McFerrin has temporarily stepped into the titular role in Hamilton while Javier Munoz is out on medical leave following an injury. http://www.broadway.com/buzz/187684/lets-get-this-guy-in-front-of-a-crowd-jevon-mcferrin-steps-into-hamiltons-title-role/March 9, 2017 at 9:32 am #1202032905
Brian d'Arcy James may be returning to the role of King George III in Hamilton, though nothing is set in stone yet. http://www.playbill.com/article/will-brian-darcy-james-return-to-hamiltonMarch 12, 2017 at 9:25 am #1202035125
It's official! Brian d'Arcy James will return as King George III in Hamilton beginning on April 14. http://www.playbill.com/article/brian-darcy-james-sets-date-for-return-to-hamiltonMarch 13, 2017 at 2:02 pm #1202036087
Tony Yazbeck will take over the role of Billy Flynn in Chicago from Christopher Sieber beginning tomorrow, March 14. http://www.playbill.com/article/tony-yazbeck-to-return-to-chicago-as-billy-flynnMarch 20, 2017 at 7:37 pm #1202042001
Javier Munoz returns to Hamilton tomorrow. http://www.playbill.com/article/javier-munoz-sets-date-for-return-to-hamilton-on-broadwayApril 11, 2017 at 4:27 pm #1202063697
Norm Lewis and Carolee Carmello begin performances as Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett respectively in off-Broadway's Sweeney Todd revival starting tonight!April 11, 2017 at 4:36 pm #1202063703
Panic! At The Disco frontman Brendon Urie will play the role of Charlie in Kinky Boots from May 26-August 6. http://www.broadway.com/buzz/188216/panic-at-the-disco-frontman-brendon-urie-will-make-his-broadway-debut-in-kinky-boots/
Also Bianca Marroquin will play Roxie Hart in Chicago from May 1-July 2. http://www.broadway.com/buzz/188214/the-name-on-everybodys-lips-bianca-marroquin-set-to-sizzle-in-broadways-chicago/
The topic 'Casting Notes' is closed to new replies.


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'Ugly Betty' Actor Says He Killed Mother Because She Was Possessed
(NEW YORK) -- The New York City actor who eviscerated his mother with a ceremonial Freemason sword two days before Thanksgiving believes he did not kill the woman who raised him but the demon who possessed her, according to a report.
In an interview with the New York Daily News from the psychiatric ward of the hospital police brought him to Tuesday, Michael Brea, 31, said he heard voices telling him to kill his mother and he believed he was doing God's work.
Brea was arrested early Tuesday morning after neighbors called police to the Brooklyn apartment he shared with his mother, Yannick Brea, 55, when they heard the woman shrieking in pain as her son allegedly slashed her with the 3-foot-long sword.
Police entered Brea's home Tuesday and found him in a back bedroom covered in his mother's blood.
The actor, who played a bit part in the ABC show Ugly Betty, said he began having paranoid visions and hearing voices days after joining a Masonic lodge in Harlem.
Prosecutors told ABC News a court date and arraignment are pending approval from the hospital.
Copyright 2010 ABC News Radio


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I am a native Californian, born in Greenbrae, a few miles north of the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge. I majored in filmmaking at San Francisco State University and The Academy of Art University. I have been a professional photographer for over 15 years. Forever a passionate student committed to the craft.
My work has been published in magazines such as: InStyle Weddings, Martha Stewart Weddings, Utterly Engaged, Geraldine, C Weddings, Brides, Photo District News (PDN), The Knot, San Francisco Magazine, Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, Elegant Bride, Here Comes the Guide, Digi Foto, Your Wedding day (YWD), San Francisco Brides, Today's Bride, Weddingbells, Modern Bride, Destination Weddings & Honeymoons, Travel and Romance, American Motorcyclist, Audrey Magazine, and Novias among others...
My work appears in the following books: Wedding Photography Unveiled, Inspiration and Insight from 20 Top Photographers, by Jacqueline Tobin, The Knot Ultimate Wedding Lookbook, by Carley Roney, The Knot Wedding Planner In A Box, and Potterybarn's: Photo Style Recipes.
My wedding photography has been featured on blogs such as: Snippet & Ink, Style Me Pretty, Green Wedding Shoes, 100 Layer Cake, The Brides Cafe, Wedding Chicks, Once Wed and Brooklyn Bride to name a few.
A few of my travel pics are available at: www.potterybarn.com.
I have had the honor of being featured on television's Fine Living Network wedding special: "The Wedding Handbook".
"Jesse Leake loves photography, and that comes through in his charming personality and award winning skills. Jesse captures the moment with a free, elegant style, great composition and absolutely gorgeous capture of color and lighting." -The Knot Magazine
"He has won national awards, but it is his rapport with his clients for which he is most well known." -Here Comes the Guide book
"Jesse has a lively signature that often draws its visual impact from the immediate surroundings." -San Francisco Magazine


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Capitol Health conducts over 1 million procedures every year and employs over 800 staff.
Capitol Health continues to pursue a dual-track growth strategy, exploring strategic growth opportunities while benefiting from the historically robust organic demand growth influencing the sector. Increasingly, the focus has moved to driving cost efficiencies while maintaining or improving patient outcomes.
There has been substantial consolidation in the Australian radiology industry; however, Capitol Health believes there is considerable opportunity to further consolidate the industry by acquiring, and establishing new clinics that deliver bulk billed services. Capitol Health is well placed to pursue its strategy of expansion through acquisition and organic growth.
The Victorian and New South Wales markets have historically been highly fragmented, with the top six market providers accounting for roughly half the overall market share and a sizable portion of clinics remaining independently owned and operated. Capitol Health's current share of these markets is estimated at approximately 5% to 7%. Drivers for market share improvement include:
- community-based, personalised services;
- strength of brand to both consumer and referrer community; and
- efficiency gains through targeted technology investment.
Capitol Health has aligned its strategy to these drivers.
Personalisation is a focus of the strategy – through the company's geographic footprint; recruitment and retention of leading sub specialist radiologists; in-house technological developments e.g. mobile applications, data science, and other online initiatives; and broader technical investment aimed towards delivering better patient outcomes.
Capitol Health's commitment to implementing an Enterprise Imaging Platform over a vast network will enhance the accessibility of scan information, which aims to improve distribution of scans to the appropriate specialist, ultimately resulting in a more accurate and timely patient result the first time. The Enterprise Imaging Platform will drive loyalty and brand awareness, both among referrers and consumers.
Capitol Health listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) in June 2006 (ticker CAJ).


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Summer's nearly here in southern hemisphere and it's time to bring out those sunshine tunes to get us in the mood. We all know The Shins are about to release Wincing The Night Away soon, (everyones probably already heard it from the leaks all over the internet) as well as Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer? by Of Montreal who I posted about a while back. But I'm throwing in a new band from sunny California, The Little Ones who released their first EP "Sing Song" earlier this year. Smooth soft melodies and catchy singalongs are what The Little Ones are all about; think The Unicorns meets Voxtrot and The Shins. The name may suggest it but this isn't no twee record with child-like instruments so don't expect to go all mushy on it but whatever you choose to do, put on a smile. Download the songs below (perferably buy the EP), burn them onto CD compilation, give it to a friend for a summer party or play it in the car on the way to the beach. Labels: Sandra
The Little Ones Cha Cha Cha
The Little Ones Lovers Who Uncover
The Little Ones High On A Hill
By: Sandra
Labels: Sandra


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Business Blog
Cobalt Mortgage opens Bellingham branch
Cobalt Mortgage recently opened a branch in Bellingham and is already making plans for a second office.
The first office is in the Barkley Village area at 2915 Newmarket St., near Starbucks. It is the 19th office in Washington for the company, which is based in Kirkland.
Scott Ask is the Bellingham branch manager, which currently has seven loan officers. He has more than 10 years of mortgage industry experience.
The company is planning to open a second office on Tuesday, Oct. 15. It'll be in the former Stewart Title space in the Barkley area, on Rimland Drive.


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Metro's mixing of signal part brands could have caused crash, maker tells NTSB
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Metro's decision to mix different brands of signaling equipment -- despite a warning from one of the manufacturers -- could have caused the June crash that killed nine people, a senior engineer with the company said Wednesday at a federal safety hearing.
Five days before the accident, Metro crews replaced a key piece of equipment with one from another manufacturer. After the equipment was replaced, the circuitry malfunctioned, and no one at Metro detected the problem, investigators have said.
The National Transportation Safety Board, which is conducting a three-day hearing into the accident, plans to issue a formal finding on the cause by mid-June. Information released by the board has pointed to possibly faulty and aging equipment in the failure of the automated crash-avoidance system. But the information on the signaling system attempts to shift blame to Metro's maintenance, testing and installation procedures. Alstom, the equipment manufacturer, like Metro, potentially faces millions of dollars in liability judgments from victims' lawsuits.
"Alstom believes that the use of third-party components . . . presents, not only a customer quality issue, but also constitutes a serious and increasing risk to overall signaling system safety," wrote Alstom, which makes much of Metro's train detection equipment, in a Sept. 7, 2004, letter. Neal Illenberg, Alstom's site safety officer, said the letter was distributed to "hundreds of" customers, including Metro.
In the letter, Alstom said the use of non-Alstom components, without "rigorous industry design and safety standards," had resulted in a series of failures in track switch machines, a different kind of system, and had resulted in operational problems, including a freight-car derailment. Alstom warned against mixing components across all train control systems.
The information was disclosed as Illenberg questioned Metro witnesses Wednesday. Parties to the investigation, such as equipment manufacturers, are allowed to examine witnesses. The hearing, which is scheduled to end Thursday, is exploring what happened and examining broader issues of safety and oversight.
A copy of the letter and the 24-page distribution list obtained by The Washington Post shows that 19 Metro officials were on the list, including Harry Heilmann, then a supervisory engineer. Heilmann retired Feb. 1 as an assistant chief engineer for Metro but is testifying on Metro's behalf.
Asked about the letter, Heilmann said, "I'm not familiar with that correspondence."
In addition, Illenberg said an Alstom employee gave an oral warning to another Metro engineer about the risks of mixing equipment from different manufacturers during discussions about an engineering bulletin issued on the topic in October 2006. The bulletin gives instructions about installing equipment made by Union Switch & Signal in track circuits made by GRS, the company that Alstom took over. Union Switch & Signal is now Ansaldo STS USA. Alstom and Ansaldo are the two major companies that make this type of equipment.
The Metro engineer, Johann Glansdorp, "was told Alstom would not consent with the mixing of equipment," said Illenberg, the lead Alstom representative for the investigation. During the overnight shift June 16, Metro replaced the component as part of an upgrade of its aging track system.
Illenberg said the specific risk associated with using non-Alstom equipment is that it would require boosting the power level of the device. That, in turn, could increase the potential for a signal malfunction that could prevent the system from detecting a train on the tracks, causing a crash, according to industry sources.
Illenberg also quoted interviews that federal investigators conducted with Metro maintenance employees who voiced concerns about the compatibility of the mixed equipment. The NTSB released transcripts of those interviews this week.


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Welcome to Asterdale Primary School
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the website of Asterdale Primary School. We are a one form entry Primary School, situated in Spondon on the outskirts of Derby.
We care deeply about each and every child in the school, providing them with the nurture, care and challenge they all need to succeed.
Our school is fully accessible to wheelchair users.
We hope you enjoy looking around our school website.
Karen Forrest
GDPR Regulations
As of 25th May 2018 the new General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) come into force.
Below are links to the key elements of the new GDPR and the Privacy Notices regarding the data we collect and why we do so.
Is your child eligible for Free School Meals?
Asterdale Acorns is open!
Our before and after school club (The Acorns) is now OPEN! We can offer before and after school care for children, starting at 7.30-8.55am and again from 3.15pm (nursery) or 3.30pm (main school) until 6pm each day that school is open.
Please enquire in the school office for more details or download a registration pack from the 'forms and letters' or 'Acorns' tab on the left hand side. Enquiries can be made directly to firstname.lastname@example.com
Latest School Events
- Swimming Year 426Sep2019
9:00 am - 10:00 am
- Swimming Year 403Oct2019
9:00 am - 10:00 am
- Inset Day04Oct2019
- School Photographer07Oct2019
8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Are you eligible for help to pay for your childcare?
Government helps many families with childcare costs, whether you have toddlers or teens, you could get support.
Visit Childcare Choices to find out more about what you are eligible to receive and how to make childcare as cost effective as possible.
NHS Flu Programme information.


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Grow Your Own Chemical-Free Garden
We would all like to be healthy and live as long as possible without being sick and visiting doctors every now and then. Sadly, our lives are such that we have very little time to carefully plan our days and make sure we drink enough water and eat enough vegetables. And even if we manage to do so, how can we be sure that what we are eating is really healthy, organic, and chemical-free? The best way to know is to grow your own fruit and vegetables in your own garden; this way you will be 100% certain that your vegetables are clean and organic.
Get Dirty
There is no other way to do it – you need to get your hands dirty and you are going to like it. Feeling the soil under your fingers will make you feel connected to nature and will take you closer to your goal: chemical-free garden. Be prepared to get rid of bugs, frogs, and slugs, use gardening gloves if you don't want to catch them with your bare hands, and go out after heavy rain – they will be more likely to show up then than if it's hot, sunny day.
Choose The Place
In order to fully enjoy benefits of chemically free garden, you first need a garden which you will work on. It doesn't have to be big; if you're just starting, you can take up only a small part of your backyard or your own garden, and slowly work your way up. When you see how good you are, you will be able to take up more work. If you don't have a yard, there is still something you can do: grow plants and vegetables in pots on your terrace or even your kitchen. Some soil, natural light, and a lot of love is all your garden needs from you; plants themselves will do the rest.
Higher On Food Chain
If you're outside, install a bird feeder and you will see how your garden will be safe in no time. Encouraged with the food you'll be providing them with, birds will stay in your yard more and they will catch all the insects that could otherwise endanger your tender plants. Simple as it may seem to anyone, aphids will be eaten by tits, while thrushes will devour snails and slugs. Not only birds, but frogs can help you keep your garden neat and tidy since they will eat snails. However, frogs need water, so maybe you could have a small pond made nearby to encourage them to come and breed.
Make Your Own Solutions
Make your own weed killer at home; all you need is a gallon of white vinegar, a cup of table salt, and a tablespoon of liquid dish soap. Do however be very careful when spraying this around, since it is as harmful for grass as it is for the weeds. You can also make your own fertilizer using nothing else but a gallon of water, a tablespoon of epsom salt and one of baking powder, and half a tablespoon of ammonia. You only need this once a month on your plants and they will grow like crazy, fertilized and chemical-free.
Use Rain
Sadly, climate is such that most of our plants are seldom watered, and there are even parts of the country where there are water restrictions. Unless you want your garden plants to die of thirst, you can set up rainwater tank which will collect rainwater which you can use on hot and dry days to help your plants recover. Rapid Spray sprayer pumps have great tanks and they will install one right in your yard, so you can be relaxed and carefree about water. In addition, rainwater is dozens of times healthier than regular water because it has no chemicals and it's not filtered.
Luckily, it is very easy to grow your own little garden, even if you live in an apartment; all you need are a few pots, some sunshine, and a lot of patience. It may be tricky at first, but you will end up with amazing garden and incredibly healthy 'products' for you and your family to eat. You will be happier and healthier, and your visits to the doctor's will be few and far between.


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Microsoft (MSFT) execs want to bring MySpace Music to MSN.com and Kara Swisher reports the two parties are in early talks to get the deal done.
Kara: MSN Music consistently ranks substantially lower that other big online music properties in terms of traffic, while MySpace Music is always near the top.
Sources said Microsoft execs don't think they can do as good a job as MySpace is doing and don't see the point in striking needed but complex deals with music labels, which the News Corp. (NWS) property already has.
Bravo, Microsoft. We think MSN (and Yahoo, by the way) need to re-make their portals into places where users can consume content, play social games, and communicate.
The best way to do that isn't to build a bunch of new services, but to integrate already existing and very popular third-party services like MySpace Music (and Hulu, and Pandora, and Twitter) to MSN.com (or Yahoo.com).
Get the latest Yahoo stock price here.
Get the latest Microsoft stock price here.


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From the moment I walked into Leah's suite at Willows Lodge I knew we were going to have a fabulous day. She was so excited that she couldn't stop smiling and her excitement was contagious - within minutes, I was overwhelmed by her simple joy. This was one of my favorite weddings of the year!
Leah and Adam had their 'first glimpse' in the courtyard at Willows - perfectly secluded and quintessential Northwest. They both got a little teary, but they soon dissolved into laughter!
Meet Ben, our unbelievably adorable ringbearer and Leah and Adam's son. He was pretty tired but managed to stay awake and happy for some fun photos out in the leaves. I love the one on the right - he is watching Leah and Adam over my shoulder as I chased him around the courtyard!
This was my first wedding at the newly renovated Lynnwood Convention Center, and I confess I wasn't really sure what to expect. The room for the ceremony and reception is in the image above, which presented an impressive challenge to their designer Daniela from Bella Signature Design. I've worked with Daniela at quite a few weddings and I was excited to see what she would do with the space. Frankly, I was blown away ... the space was transformed into Leah's dream in a way that was so clever and beautiful I could barely believe it was created from such a simple room.
They started with a color pallette of red, black, and cream, and then built a masterpiece of design and creativity. I hope you love it as much as I do!
I love the sophistication of black chiavari chairs. Coupled with the dramatic lighting and the lush linens, it had an old-Hollywood feel that combined classic and modern looks seamlessly.
The dueling piano players were quite the hit (no pun intended!) Remember the scene in Top Gun where Tom Cruise did a scerenade to the tune of 'You've Lost that Loving Feeling'? Yup, you guessed it - Adam and the guys did a rendition that got everyone on their feet!
Congratulations, Leah and Adam!
The Supporting Cast:
Location: The Lynnwood Convention Center
Florist and Decor Designer: Bella Signature Design
Music: Amazing 88s Dueling Piano Players / Noteworthy Productions
Transportation: British Motor Coach
Cake: Jen's Desserts
Dress: Maggie Sottero / Belle Bridal Bellingham


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Brethren Service Center
Brethren volunteers assemble 1,700 Emergency Clean-Up Buckets in two hours
(July 10, 2013)
Why would anyone want to work on a hot summer day? On a Saturday? As a volunteer? For free? Well, 150 people from the Church of the Brethren districts of Atlantic Northeast and Southern Pennsylvania did on June 29 at Florin Church of the Brethren in Mount Joy, Pa.
Material Resources ships 27,000 pounds of clean-up supplies to Illinois, CWS appeals for help to restock
(May 16, 2013)
In response to storms and the flooding that has plagued the state of Illinois this spring, the Church of the Brethren's Material Resources program has begun shipping clean-up supplies on behalf of Church World Service (CWS), an ecumenical partner.
The Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., has been helping people in need for over sixty-five years. Owned and operated by the Church of the Brethren, it houses organizations that work in areas of relief and development, disaster response, social justice, peace education and hospitality, including
Enjoy historical photos of the Brethren Service Center.
Get the full inspiring story about the Brethren Service Center.
Contact us
Brethren Service Center
601 Main Street, P.O. Box 188
New Windsor, MD 21776-0188


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i am a student in Taiwan, and i am doing a project about wheelchair.
i am wondering if there is any chance that baby stroller can be designed or needed
do you think having a baby stroller is more convenience for people have kids or relative's kid when they need to go out or anyother circumstances
but there is few design and equipment on the market...
what do you think about that?
and i am appreciate your sharing and thank you very much.


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We have previously learned that a piece of dark chocolate a day decreases stress. Now more good news… A small dose of chocolate a day could cut the risk of heart attack or stroke by nearly 40 percent. That's according to a new study, published in the European Heart Journal Wednesday. From AP:
So red wine and chocolate for the win! Have a great Sunday!


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Group Practice
I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Trauma-Informed Art Therapist at New Day Psychotherapy Group Practice. We moved into a beautiful new office space located in Westminster, within easy access to both the 22 and 405 freeways.
We are located at:
New Day Psychotherapy Group
5455 Garden Grove Blvd., Ste. 200
Westminster, CA 92683
(562) 431-8822 Ext. 125
I accept both Kaiser Permanente and Anthem Blue Cross Insurance. After contacting New Day Psychotherapy Group, the Intake Team will verify your insurance and schedule your session with me.
We also accept cash, checks, and all major credit cards for payment.
Cancellation Policy
Please observe the 24-hour cancellation policy to avoid any late fees.
Feel free to contact me by completing the form below:


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Leading the Industry
Leading the Industry
We have extensive experience in family, senior, urban, suburban, Low Income Housing Tax Credits, HUD preservation and neighborhood revitalization developments. We are currently developing several LIHTC properties in California. Our multifamily housing properties utilize the highest quality design and construction available in the development industry. Our expertise includes community planning, land development, entitlement, and financial structuring.
FDC is committed to delivering the highest quality housing and strives to make each project a positive contribution to its community. Today more than ever it is important to develop not only quality housing but quality-of-life housing that enhances a community's look and feel. To better integrate our developments into a community with the least amount of impact, we reduce our carbon footprint by using solar energy where possible and build with sustainable materials to have the lowest possible environmental impact.
Our Team
Our Team
Brandt Blanken
Gil Mizrahi
General Counsel
Craig Sheftell
Managing Director
Christian Albacarys
Capital Markets
Mike Lederer
Rose Eaton
Managing Director
Wendy Ellen
Chief Operating Officer
Ryan Songerath
Underwriting and Analysis
Strategic Partners
Strategic Partners
For the past ten years, Andrew Weissman has specialized in construction risk management, which has included the underwriting and construction oversight for developers and investors of approximately $1.2 billion in apartment projects financed with Low-Income Housing Tax Credits.
Charles Buckley
30423 Canwood St. Suite 208
Agoura Hills, CA 91301
Cash Gill
521 N 1 Mile Rd.
Dexter, MO 63841
Steve Geoffrion
300 Montgomery Ave
Oxnard, CA 93036
Robert D. Coon
Kutak Rock LLP
Omaha, Nebraska
David Herlick, CPA
Saint Louis Office
One North Brentwood
Suite 1100
Saint Louis, MO 63105
Michael Novogradac
246 First Street, 2nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94105
Telephone: 415.356.8000


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Happy September! I'm extremely excited about this post because I was nominated by Paige from Books and Belle to do the Liebster Award – thank you, Paige!
The Liebster Award is an award presented to bloggers by other fellow bloggers, with the pure intention of supporting each other! As part of being nominated, you must answer the eleven questions given by the blogger who kindly nominated you. Then, in turn, nominate eleven more bloggers and leave eleven new questions for them to answer.
My answers to Paige's questions
1. Do you prefer paperbacks, hardbacks or e-books?
I prefer paperbacks because they're lighter but I read quite a few books on my tablet too but I like having a page to turn instead of scrolling all the time.
2. Why and when did you start blogging?
I started blogging around the end of June 2017 so I'm still fairly new to it and I'm learning every day. I've written a full post about why I started blogging so you can read that here if you're interested.
3. Who's your favourite fictional villain?
Lord Voldemort! But I also love Bellatrix Lestrange too.
4. What was the last book you read, and what did you think of it?
Well, I'm currently reading the Chamber of Secrets for the 2nd time but the last book I full read was 13 Reasons Why and I really enjoyed it and I started reading it after I watched the series but I did prefer the series over the book.
5. Who inspires you the most?
That's a really hard question. I don't think I really have an inspiration, I have a few people I look up to but that's different, isn't it?
6. If you could spend one day as a character in any book, what book would you choose?
I would love to live in the Harry Potter universe so I guess it would be one of those books but awful things happen in them all so maybe Deathly Hallows but at the end😂.
7. What's your favourite cereal?
I don't eat cereal because I don't like most of them. The only one I like is coco pops but I can't eat them with milk which everyone thinks is weird but I don't like milk either😂. I also like rice crispies but only when they're either covered in marshmallows or chocolate!
8. What's a book genre that you never read?
Horror – and I don't plan on reading a horror book anytime soon!
9. Tell us something interesting about yourself
I don't really think there's anything interesting about me.
10. If you could be best friends with any fictional character, who would it be?
A fictional book character would probably be Luna Lovegood but if it was TV/Film it would be Alex Russo.
11. What's a piece of advice you would give to any new bloggers?
I would have to say use Twitter to your advantage to meet bloggers. I didn't know about this until very recently but #BloggersTribe is a great way to meet bloggers and use the follow threads that are about. That's how I came across Paige's blog.
My 11 Questions
1. What's the first book you remember reading?
2. Who's your favourite literary hero?
3. If you could meet any fictional character, who would you meet and why?
4. What's your dream job?
5. What's your favourite book series?
6. If you could live anywhere, real or fictional place, where would you choose?
7. Do you have any hobbies?
8. What's your favourite book genre?
9. Which book do you most want to be made into a film that hasn't been done already?
10. Who's your favourite author?
11. What's the biggest thing you've learned since you started blogging?
I Tag
Nicky – Introverted Bookworm
Sarah – Simply Sarah Ellen
Lily – Lily The Lost Girl
Samantha – Awkward Penguin
Steph – Social Spying
Kerry – Nekokezbeauty
Natasha – What Makes a House a Home
Sima – Style Glint
Joanna – Ginger Snappss
Bridget – Just a Travel Bee
Mari, Ola and Lauren – The Autumn Bookshelf
Don't feel obligated to do the post and I'm sorry if you've been tagged already. I don't really know many bloggers so I went through my followers and chose some people who didn't have that many followers to try and help them out a bit. I also chose some people who mentioned that they enjoy reading in their Twitter bios.
Thanks for reading, Em xo
Don't forget to subscribe and follow me on social media. If you enjoyed this post, please share it using the buttons below!


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Beautiful Time-lapse of Milky Way Over South Dakota By Randy Halverson
Over the years I have spent a good deal of time in both North and South Dakota. It is beautiful country.
In this gorgeous time-lapse, Randy Havlerson gives us an amazing glimpse of the Milky Way over the South Dakota plains. Using a Canon 60D and the Dynamic Perception Stage Zero Dolly, Randy overcame many cloudy nights and heavy winds to produce this beautiful time-lapse.


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Timing is always tricky, but one thing I've learned is that blog posts aren't as prone to timing hits and misses as social media channels, so I guess I'll just go ahead and officially announce that I have a book for sale.
This is terribly bland, and I apologize for the lack of fanfare. But, really, it's a self-published ebook of poetry, so fanfare is probably inappropriate. I guess I should maybe start going to poetry open mics or something. I'll check the search engines for local happenings maybe. My experience in Chicago was that those who were best at being interesting were notoriously bad at showing up in search engines, so probably I'll have to just throw a dart at a map and start talking to people in real life. This could get very dangerous or very boring very quickly.
Maybe something is happening in Ojai. Stuff happens in Ojai.
Anyway, yes, I am now technically officially shilling my own book for NOOK or Kindle:
It's poetry. It's drawings. Dig it.


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Posted Pamela Young on 8/15/2014 |Wellness Tips
Gratitude is good for you. Research shows a direct link between gratitude and happiness, good health and even financial stability. Best yet, gratitude is something you can actively develop. Using a gratitude jar is one simple way to do that. Here's how it works.
At the end of each day, write down one thing for which you're grateful—no matter how large or small—reflect on it a moment and put it in a jar. Soon your jar will fill with evidence of the good things in your life, but the real benefit comes from developing a mindset of positive perception—one that studies show can significantly improve your wellbeing.
Having a bleak time? Read some slips from the jar to remind you of the things you appreciate.
Gratitude jars are also great for kids. Begin by decorating a jar together as a fun craft activity. A mayo or peanut butter jar is just the right size and not breakable. With the jar ready to go, pick a regular time to write the gratitude slips—maybe at dinner or bedtime. Like you, if your child has a bad day, have her read some slips and then help her find something to add to the jar.
Over time, practicing gratitude can influence the way you interact with the world, and this, in turn, can reduce the level of stress hormones circulating in your system, improve the quality of your sleep and help you make more sound decisions. And that's something to appreciate.


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Keeping their promise to offer an alternative to the Affordable Care Act—better known as Obamacare—congressional Republicans on Thursday unveiled the Veterinary Care Act, a sweeping new health care bill that would require animal hospitals and veterinary clinics to provide medical care for people.
Under the legislation, families with a combined income of less than $250,000 per year would be encouraged to choose an animal clinic and a primary care veterinarian to meet all their health care needs. Individuals, in consultation with a veterinary technician, would have the right to opt for either a feline plan or a canine plan.
House Speaker Paul Ryan, rallying support for the bill at the Furry Friends for Christ Pet Clinic in Houston, jested that henceforth co-pays should be known as "co-paws," but then he turned serious:
"This health care plan would radically lower costs by eliminating nearly all medical services traditionally available to working people and the middle class," said Ryan. "Those who sign up for the plan—called Freedom Care—would benefit from a full range of veterinary services, such as ear cleaning, nail trimming, deworming, microchipping, and of course spaying and neutering. So-called hospital stays would take place in high-quality kennels and pet boarding facilities."
Ryan then leaned down to scratch a frightened beagle held firmly in place by a staff technician. "Don't be afraid, little poochie," said the House Speaker, "I won't hurt you—I'm not going to take away your health care; I'm just going to share it with a lot of people who can't afford human doctors and human hospitals."