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This is the story of a man in China with no eyes and a funky looking guitar. It's a story of a man that has very little means compared to us. It's the story of a man about persistence, dedication, and commitment even through moments of strife.
There are a few things in life that typically will not take you to the vast far and wide places you wish to go. These are things like constant body odor, smoking (not sure if you heard, but it'll kill ya), toxic friends, and most of all, being a lazy Piece of Sh*t.
Hey, sometimes there's nothing I love more than shacking up in my Snuggie on a Sunday and watching The Office all-day-long. It's okay to be a lazy POS in moderation every once in awhile. It's good for the soul, and I love Dwight.
But what about the guy that never stops? What about the people that are doing good work and creating art and change 365 days a year, from sunrise to sundown, in rain or shine, no matter what the circumstance? What about the people that don't have the freedom to by lazy?
There's something about exploring other parts of the globe that seems to be one of the greatest catalysts in finding perspective and understanding in your life and in humanity in general.
When I compare the person I was before I lived in China for a year with who I was a year later, it is astounding that yes, at my root I am still the same goofy girl, but my overall self has grown and expanded in so many ways. (What a close-minded, narcissist I was before hand.;-) )
When you're exploring uncharted territory unlike any place you've ever been, you're bound to see things that blow your mind. You see the way a different culture and people interact – both in greater harmony than you've ever seen as well as hatred. You see their customs and traditions that are so different and so much older than your own. You see things that piss you off and humble you to a point where you think you'll never take this or that for granted again. You see So Freaking Much.
That year in China I saw one of the greatest examples of persistence, of anti-laziness, of never giving up I have ever seen.
Rain or shine, scorching heat, heavy snowfall, harsh winds, pouring rain (you get the picture) there was a man who sat outside the Shuangjing subway station a block from my apartment in Beijing from dusk until dawn playing his Chinese guitar/violin Erhu.
This man was blind. He wore the same clothes each day. He grew his hair long all winter and cut it once short in the summer. He didn't beg, he didn't lay on the ground and give up. He worked his ass off day after day without even making a frown.
He kept going. Every single day.
While I was was in China we lived through the coldest day in 60 years and the greatest snowfall in 50 years that Beijing had experienced. He was still out there playing his Erhu for the subway riders to hear.
That is commitment. That is persistence . That is dedication.
I spent a long time on those subway rides thinking about him. He humbled me every day. He taught me be thankful for what I had, showed me what a strong work ethic is, and truly inspired me. And among the many things I took away from having this man in my life for a year, I think the following two lessons are some of the ones I've held most dearly:
Keep Going – Keep going even when the odds are against you, it seems like every opportunity is escaping you, and it feels like the calm after the storm will never come. Let the story of this man humble you – someone who has been handed far less on a silver planner than you and I, and is still doing everything he can 365 days a week to live his life proudly and with passion.
Explore More – It is so amazing seeking out and experiencing things that are out of the box, be it through world travel or simply by trying new things and connecting with different people. The best way to expand your mind and to really grow as a person is to stretch your limits, open your eyes, let yourself truly, deeply feel, and simply explore the unkown. There's nothing more exciting. 🙂
Life is too short and we have too many opportunities knocking at our door to simply live a Lazy P.O.S. lifestyle. Let's take advantage of what we've got and make something great of ourselves! And hey in the process, you'll likely inspire a lot of others to do the same.
PS – It is still okay to watch the Office in your Snuggie all day Sunday. (ESPN is different haha)
What are your travel experiences that have humbled you and made you a better person?
Are you giving yourself the work ethic you deserve to reach the far & wide places you wish to go?
Image Credit
- The Illusion of Separation - January 18, 2018
- About The Food Section - January 18, 2018
- Ground Rules of Discussion, Investigation, and Information Gathering - November 22, 2017


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According to Hollywoodlife.com, Jelena were hanging out by the pool with family and friends at a hotel in Beverly Hills. He was seen sporting baby blue swimming trunks, while she rocked a navy blue bikini.
In exclusive shots from the site, you can see Justin walk into the hotel while Selena follows. She's sporting a long, black t-shirt, that kind of makes you think it's his.
Oh, and that's not even the juicy part. An insider told them that Selena was seen sitting on Justin's lap inside a cabana by the pool. Ohh, heyyy! That screams a little more than, "just friends," don't you think?
So what's going on here? We're guessing that "Good For You" video might've changed Bieber's ways? Sel looks smokin' hot in the vid. It would make us want her back ASAP, that's for sure.
Of course, this isn't the first time these two have made their way back to each other. They've managed to do that several times over the past few years. Maybe this reconcilliation will be the final one? Perhaps they will get back together? One thing is for sure, they can't stay away from each other. Guess the heart does want what it wants, eh?
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Is it ok for a 7 year old to sit in front seat of the car (on a booster seat)?(10 Posts)
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Cherwell Announces New General Manager for Australasia Expansion
Paul Arthur Joins Cherwell to Grow Business in Australia and New Zealand
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA -- (Marketwired) -- Jul 08, 2015 -- Cherwell today announced that Paul Arthur has joined the company as the general manager of Cherwell Australia and New Zealand. With Mr. Arthur's hire, Cherwell establishes a direct presence in Australia to better serve the growing base of customers in the Australasia region.
Mr. Arthur comes to Cherwell with 20 years of experience in sales, channel and business development in Europe and Asia Pacific. He previously served as general manager with A2K Technologies and PhoenxPLM and has occupied various sales leadership roles at Autodesk and BMC.
Tweet This: Paul Arthur Joins @Cherwell Software as GM of Australia and New Zealand
"As Cherwell looks to continue its global expansion, we recognized the growing need and customer demand for best-in-class ITSM solution within Australia and New Zealand," said Craig Harper, president, Cherwell Software. "Paul's previous leadership roles and strong sales and business development background in Australia make him the ideal person to lead this charge."
"Cherwell's powerful technology, flexible licensing and deployment options and focus on the customer experience make it a great fit for both large and small companies in the region," stated Paul Arthur, general manager, Cherwell Software APAC Pty Ltd. "Working with the existing channel and customer eco-system, I am looking forward to driving growth of the Cherwell community across Australia and New Zealand."
Connect with Cherwell
Twitter (@Cherwell)
Cherwell Blog
CEO Blog
About Cherwell Software
Cherwell Software is the developer of Cherwell Service Management®, an award-winning business technology and IT service management (ITSM) platform recognized by leading industry analysts worldwide. Express Software Manager is our new, award-winning IT asset management software. Cherwell customers are part of a fast-growing, caring community using Cherwell Software to implement both ITSM solutions and business technology that goes beyond ITSM. Cherwell Software has the deepest expertise in the service management industry, including a global network of expert partners currently serving customers in more than 40 countries. Corporate headquarters are in Colorado, USA, with offices in EMEA and Australia.
Media Contact Contact: Heather C. Lowles Cherwell Phone: (719) 822-5170 Email: [email protected] Website: www.cherwell.com
Contact Profile
NewsMaker is an Australian Press Release Distribution and Social Media Marketing service founded in 2004. The company today represents over 22,000 brands who seek to share their content with journalists, bloggers and the community.
Newsmaker Editors
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Partner With Us
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Coffeehouse Thread4 posts
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Interop question
Right now the company Im working for is running Windows 7 and Microsoft Linux (SUSE) LOL, one thing I have noticed is that SUSE has really matured and gotten better and I cant help but think that has to be due to the work with Microsoft. So I was just wondering what exactly does Microsoft and Novell do at the lab, now I know someones going to say work "work on interoperability" but what I would like to hear about are the details. Maybe an idea for a Channel 9 video? For those of us that do care.
Well, this Microsoft linux is the original with all the IP intact. The other linux distributions are just a blatant rip, a bad one at that, hence the differences you see. A law suit is coming shortly.
Now seriously, linux and all the related projects have nothing to do with Microsoft (except as they might infringe on some lame MS S/W patents). All the rage today is about open source.
Microsoft's work with GNU/Linux, or rather "interoperability" was largely limited to release the specifications of their protocols which saves the Samba guys the trouble of reverse-engineering them. So it wouldn't really affect the quality of the rest of the OS. Maybe you should just give the FOSS developers some credit?
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text: Chemical Engineering and Science http://www.sciepub.com/journal/CES Chemical Engineering and Science is a peer-reviewed, open access journal that provides rapid publication of articles in all areas of chemical engineering and science. The goal of this journal is to provide a platform for scientists and academicians all over the world to promote, share, and discuss various new issues and developments in different areas of chemical engineering and science. Science and Education Publishing en 2013 Science and Education Publishing Co. Ltd All rights reserved. Chemical Engineering and Science 4 1 January 2016 2013 Science and Education Publishing Co. Ltd All rights reserved. On The Synthesis of Zeolite Y/ZSM-5 Composite via Novel Technique http://pubs.sciepub.com/ces/4/1/1 -2 µm, Lewis to Bronsted acid site ratio of 0.287, particle size of 0.816 µm, Si to Al ratio of 42, pore volume of 0.089cc/g and BET surface area of 277.3 m2/g. The characterization result for the composite showed that both zeolite Y and ZSM-5 were present in the composite. Hence, the synthesized zeolite Y/ZSM-5 possesses good acid site, surface area, pore volume, particle size, high silica to alumina ratio and crystallinity, and it is potentially suitable for use as a fluid catalytic cracking catalyst.]]> Kovo A.S., Ejiro Opuama, M.O. Edoga, Muktar Abdulkadir, A.G. Isah, I. A. Mohammed 2016-1-21 Science and Education Publishing 2016-1-21 1 4 1 4 10.12691/ces-4-1-1 Production of Biofuel from Agricultural Plant Wastes: Corn Stover and Sugarcane Bagasse http://pubs.sciepub.com/ces/4/1/2 simple sugars, starch and lignocellulose because of their low cost and huge availability. In the present study lignocellulosic substances such as suger cane bagasse and corn stover are used as feedstocks for bioethanol production by using cellulolysis process. Though agricultural wastes are cost effective, renewable and abundant but there occur several challenges and limitations in the process of converting lignocellulosic materials to ethanol such as efficient pretreatment methods for lignin removal, hydrolysis of pretreated lignocellulosic materials, using enzymes to break complex cellulose into simple sugars such as glucose and followed by fermentation and distillation. The choice of pretreatment methods plays an important role to increase the efficiency of enzymatic scarification thereby making the whole process economically viable. The study was also carried out to determine the significant influences of pH and temperature on fermentation due to its effect on yeast growth and fermentation rate.]]> H.M. Zakir, M. Hasan, S.M.S. Shahriar, Tanziman Ara, M. Hossain 2016-11-7 Science and Education Publishing 2016-11-7 1 4 5 11 10.12691/ces-4-1-2


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Noranda, a Canadian metals producer with approximately USD4 billion in sales last year, is considering entering an interest-rate swap on the back of a recent bond deal to convert a fixed-rate liability into a floating-rate one. Michael Frilegh, v.p., treasurer in Toronto, said he would like to enter a swap where the company would pay floating and receive fixed. However, with yields on Treasuries and swaps so low, he is preferring to keep the liability in fixed-rate for now and may enter a swap in the coming months if rates increase.
For example, Frilegh said the company would be receiving only about 5.2% in a fixed-rate swap, with current 10-year Treasuries now yielding around 4.7% and swap spreads at 50-60 basis points. Noranda sold the USD300 million 10-year transaction at 7.25%. As a result, he is waiting until rates rise and Noranda can enter a swap at a more favorable rate. "I don't imagine the 10-year swap rate will climb as high as 7%, but I do anticipate that over the 10-year life both Treasury yields and swap spreads will be at higher rates," he said. However, he does not have a specific threshold past which he would enter a swap.
Noranda prefers to keep its obligations in floating-rate because of the correlation between commodity prices and interest rates. "Having floating-rate debt allows us to pay higher rates when we're earning a higher revenue, while we can afford it, and when prices are depressed our rates are, too," he explained. The company selects derivatives counterparties from among its relationship banks on a competitive basis and as a means of rewarding them.
The company also uses foreign exchange options and some commodity options to hedge itself against price movements in its refining and smelting business. "Except for that we don't hedge on the commodity side, because we feel our shareholders want exposure to commodity prices," Frilegh said.
Moody's Investors Service rates Noranda Ba3 and Standard & Poor's rates it BBB minus.


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This mod is simple and by god it's amazing. It's a Water Shader created byNecrowizzard. I recently got a tip from CraftHub readerJeremy Karlsson and I was in for a surprise. Never in my life would I ever think Minecraft would have such beautiful water. I mean, it adds a lot of depth to the background and creates subtle beauty. The reflections from the side of buildings and grass really makes it real.
The beauty about this mod is the simplicity of installation. Drop a few files and you're ready to go. Ready for the most realistic experience of Minecraft that is. My computer has a crappy graphics card: nVidia GeForce 9200. Go look it up and you'll know what I am talking about. Thankfully, with the framerate at a moderate rate, I can run this mod with little to no problems. No lag on either side of single and multi. Either way, you should give it a try for it will make your Minecraft experience that much better.
The reason this mod isn't a review is for a few things. First of all, it's justa water shader. While it may be awesome, it's not really a thing most people will want a review on. There's only so much you can say on shaded water really. I mean, when it comes down to it, it's essentially one thing. But, you know, we all have different opinions.
sharkwingshas graciously created a 30-second video in all its glory.
Image courtesy ofJeremy Karlsson


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Local Governments Won't Say What They're Offering Amazon
State and local governments have been more than happy to play up the amenities they think make their locations the best choice for Amazon's second headquarters.
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After 2017 Breakthrough, 2018 is When Brexit Gets Tough
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New York City Ballet has decided to add an additional performance of Swan Lake to its SL run. The added performance will now take place Friday, February 11th, at 8 p.m. It will star Sara Mearns – yes!!!!!!! and will replace that evening's scheduled performance of mixed repertoire. The company decided to reschedule for the additional performance because of overwhelming demand this year: all of the regularly scheduled performances are virtually sold out at this point. Mearns will also be dancing the first regularly scheduled performance, the Sunday February 13th matinee. During both performances, her Siegfried will be Jared Angle. Casting hasn't yet been announced for the rest of the run but you know I will post it here the second it is! There will be nine SL performances total, continuing through February 26th.
Go here to buy tickets.
Above photo taken from here.


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Ruotolo, R., Donna, D., Credo, G., and Belluscio, M., "Stamped-Cover Vibro-Acoustic Optimization for Diesel Automotive Applications," SAE Technical Paper 2016-01-1772, 2016, https://doi.org/10.4271/2016-01-1772.
Current Diesel engines development is facing challenging vibro-acoustic requirements and at the same time is struggling with the need to reduce as much as possible the cost and the weight of the engine. The latter obviously has become a key player for fuel consumption reduction.Large covers are commonly used in the base engine design and their noise contribution to total radiated noise is not negligible. Typical covers architecture shows thick cast and ribbed plates, meaning heavy and expensive covers. An interesting option is represented by using thin stamped covers either in aluminum or in steel, that have to show a low vibrational response.The current paper focuses on the structural optimization of such a peculiar design, trying to mitigate as much as possible its noise radiation with the intent to avoid any additional acoustic enabler (e.g. wrapping by means of acoustic foams) that will increase the final cost of the component. Additionally, slots (filled with rubber element) are introduced in the thin-wall design to minimize radiated noise by limiting the panel dynamic response, still not jeopardizing its structural integrity and sealing.


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Jury Convicts Feeder Of $3.7B Petters Ponzi Scheme
Following a four-week trial, the jury Wednesday found James Nathan Fry guilty of all 12 counts against him — five counts of securities fraud, four counts of wire fraud and three counts of lying to SEC officials during their investigation of Arrowhead,...
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text: X Vote for "Cemetery of the Lost Tribe" in the Inspired by Israel video contest! Thank you for voting in the Israel Video Contest! Help this video win by sharing your vote with your friends: Share on Facebook Tweet You can only vote once during this contest. You can help get this video many more votes by sharing this video with your friends. Share on Facebook Tweet Cemetery of the Lost Tribe Share on FacebookTweet Whatsapp Boost this video to reach up to 1000 people Published: December 29, 2012 Add to favorites. To view your favorites click here


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Posted 04 July 2004 - 05:01 PM
Where did you purchase this item?
Is this item new or used?
Ease of Use:
Posted 07 August 2004 - 10:41 AM
Where did you purchase this item? Off brothers friend
Is this item new or used?Used
- 50 watt
- 2 channels (clean and boost)
- CD input
- Emulated Line Out
- Effects Loop
- Contour controls on boost channel
- Reverb
- Footswitch for boost (not reverb)
Sound: 5/10 A average solidstate really. Nothing special at all. Does what it needs to do. Clean is quite good on it as is the reverb. Gain is not my cup of tea, and the amp gets too trebley if you turn it up. It can handle some gigs though
Ease of Use: 7/10 Really easy to operate. I still don't know what the contour controls do though....
Reliability: 6/10 The actual amp has yet to fail me yet, but the footswitchs' lead is quite flimsy, and keeps breaking on me
Overall: 7/10 Amp is fine for a begginer to intermediate
Edited by trippenit, 15 November 2005 - 09:59 AM.
Posted 12 July 2015 - 04:08 PM
How much did you purchase this item for?
Where did you purchase this item?
Sound Shop, Drogheda, Ireland
Is this item new or used?
- 50 watt
- 2 channels (clean and boost)
- CD input
- Emulated Line Out
- Effects Loop
- Contour controls on boost channel
- Reverb
- Footswitch for boost (not reverb)
It's broke now
A bit below average for me. It does the job, but there are far better solid state amps out there for the same money
Ease of Use:
My granny could operate this. Very simple to work, in typical Marshall style
Well it died after about 5 years. When you switch it on, at first it seems ok, but after a minute this horrendous buzzing noise comes through it, rendering it unusable. It's probably a very simple fix, like a capacitor or something but I'm not techy minded enough to fix it.
Overall: 3/10 It certainly gets the job done but there are far better options out there for beginners at the same money (or maybe even less) like the Roland Cube series.
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There is a great mantra that is repeated very often in Israeli society that basically states "That is what it is." Basically it is a stoic observation of the never-ending problems, challenges, disappointments and frustrations of life. Many if not even most of these issues are far beyond one's ability to change or influence. That fact many times serves to make those problems and frustrations even more maddening.
We long to feel that we are in control of our lives and destinies but we innately realize that this, in the main, is untrue – a false assessment of our abilities and of life's circumstances. We realize that acceptance of life's situations and difficulties are a necessary trait if one is to be able to be productive and vital. We cannot be King Canute, raging against the sea and hoping somehow to accomplish much thereby.
Yet, governments and individuals spend enormous amounts of time and resources in attempting to fix the unfixable. We have made great strides at lengthening the span of lives in this past century yet we are always aware that eventual mortality awaits us all. Judaism is not a pessimistic faith. It does not limit or denigrate human ingenuity, accomplishment, potential or achievement. Yet it is not a faith that offers easy salvation and freedom from human toil and difficulties. It is this sense of the realities of human existence that allows people to say 'that is what it is' and move on with life.
There was once a senator from the state of New York, upon surveying the debris of wrecked family life, crime and societal and educational dysfunction, directly or indirectly caused by massive governmental welfare programs meant to help the poor, who said that the issues involved could benefit from a period of "benign neglect."
He was roundly chastised for this comment by the media and his fellow senators. Yet fifty years later in spite of massive funding, a bloated bureaucracy and countless new laws and regulations, all intended to help, the situation regarding welfare and the underclass of American society has gotten worse and not better. Every piece of legislation and/or governmental regulation automatically brings with it unintended consequences.
And, after fifty years of unintended consequences one should not be surprised that the situation has so deteriorated that many now despair of helping it at all. A recent survey taken here in Israel reveals that almost seventy percent of all laws passed by the Knesset over the last sixty years are either ignored by the governmental authorities themselves or are simply not enforced and are irrelevant to daily Israeli life.
Jews are supreme practitioners of the idea of benign neglect. It has stood us in good stead over our long and difficult history. Judaism has high expectations of human beings. It does not have unrealistic expectations. It takes into account human shortcomings and societal difficulties and it does not strive to eliminate them. Rather, it provides a program and a way of life as to how to live with the situation for that is what it is.
Is peace – true peace, not cold peace – ever to be attainable with our Arab neighbors? We certainly hope so but the near term prospects for achieving it are pretty dim. So we have to be prepared for all of the difficulties that the current conflict has imposed upon us. There will be daily attempts to kill Jews and our security forces will have to continue to do their utmost to foil those murderous attempts.
That is the environment we live in and it is foolish to think that there is any new brilliant plan or ingenious compromise lurking somewhere that will magically change the reality of our situation. The Oslo agreements proved the danger of being seduced by unrealistic expectations and ignoring human nature. If after seventy years of United Nations enmity and discrimination against Israel and the Jewish people, only fools would have expressed surprise at the latest UNESCO decision regarding the connection between Jerusalem, the Temple Mount and the Jewish people.
We have to continue to treasure and visit the Western Wall and build Jerusalem with all of its beauty and holiness. Because, that is what it is and it would be unthinkable for us to act differently. Changing reality is often tilting at windmills. Dealing with reality, squarely and honestly, is a necessity in Jewish national and personal life. And that, my friends, is what it is.
Shabbat shalom
Berel Wein


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Tim Herbert
Tim is a barrister sole. He is qualified as a solicitor in England and Wales and as a solicitor and barrister in New South Wales and New Zealand. Having studied law at Brasenose College, Oxford, Tim attended law school at the Oxford Institute of Legal Practice. From there, he commenced his career at Herbert Smith in London and Hong Kong, before moving to the litigation department of the London branch of US firm, Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue. After two years there, he moved to Australia where he worked for Freehills and Coudert Brothers in Sydney, before finally moving to New Zealand in 2005. After 5 years as a barrister and solicitor at LeeSalmonLong in Auckland, he commenced his own practice in 2010.
Tim is currently based at Vulcan Building Chambers, Auckland.
Tim advises generally as to commercial and civil litigation,
but particularly specialises in:
- Body corporate and unit title matters
- Contractual disputes
- Shareholder disputes
- Insurance disputes and advice
- Negligence (including professional negligence)
- Liquidation and insolvency matters
- Leaky building disputes
- Interim remedies (e.g. injunctions)
- Property litigation
- Trust disputes
Tim has appeared at all levels of the New Zealand Courts.


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South Korean police believe they have found the body of a fugitive businessman who owned the Sewol ferry that sank in April killing hundreds.
A massive manhunt had been launched for billionaire Yoo Byung-eun, the 73-year-old owner of ferry operator Chonghaejin Marine Co.
He went on the run shortly after the vessel sank killing over 300 people, most of them school children.
A body found last month by police has matched the DNA of Yoo's older brother, Yonhap news agency reported tonight, leading police to believe they have located the fugitive businessman's corpse.
Yonhap reported that the body was discovered on 12 June in a plum field in Suncheon, a city 300km south of Seoul.
"We carried out a DNA test after finding a dead body in Suncheon, and the results fairly matched that of Yoo's brother," a police official said, quoted by Yonhap.
"We need to look more closely into this, but the body is believed to be Yoo's."
Mr Yoo was wanted for questioning on possible charges of embezzlement and criminal negligence, as prosecutors investigate the extent to which the disaster was caused by a lack of safety standards and regulatory violations.


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Our gite is on the fringe of the southern Bordeaux appellation called Les Graves (gravel pebbles on soil, sand or clay). The grape varietals consist of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and smaller portions of Malbec and Petit Verdot. The exact percentage varies enormously from year to year, and between chateaux. Each year, the winemakers of this district open to the public for tastings, visits, and eating delicious food. Today, we visited 6 properties. The event runs for 2 days between 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The theme this year is wood, and its influence on the taste of wine.
Jean-Francois and sister Isabelle were waiting for us when we showed up at the cellar door of Chateau Guillemins near Langon, at the southern limit of the appellation. We were welcomed with kisses, hugs and smiles. They said they've been talking about us for a month and wondering if we would come. Amidst the antiques, paintings by J-F, honey, fruit jellies, and fermentation tanks, we tasted 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, and the 2002 sweet white wine called l'Exotique. They are still holding back the coveted 2004. We bought a case of 2000 Cuvee Margaux and regular 2000. With promises to return next year.
Our next chateau was Respide. Alfonso couldn't make it this Saturday to play salsa for the attendees. We tasted their 2004 Callipyge (50/50 Merlot/Cab) gold medal winner and 2005 (65% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon), bronze medal winner, and bought a bottle of each. Since the food was still in preparation, we moved north, to the sweet white wine district of Barsac, to the 16th century Chateau Massereau that backs up to the Ciron stream whose mists create the conditions for the noble rot that makes possible the sweet white wines of this area. They make a pricey red as well as a very expensive sweet white, so we tasted and bought their generic tank-aged 2004 Bordeaux Superieur. The chocolate maker from the Basque Country near Spain didn't show, so we phoned Chateau St . Agreves in Landiras to see if they were cooking.
Mais, oui!!! Of course, finding these obscure chateaux is never easy, with signs approximately the size of postage stamps, hand lettered. Our pointed remarks to the House of the Wines of Graves as to the danger of cars suddenly stopping and turning once they are actually able to read the tiny signs have had no effect. They continue to reuse the same minuscule signs year after year.
We were totally surprised and pleased at the warm welcome we received at Chateau Saint Agreves, including a 3 course meal (no charge). We began by tasting the 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2003 special blend, and 2004 and 2005. The percentage is 26% Cabernet Franc, 26% Cab. Sauvignon, and 43% Merlot in the 16 hectare vineyard.
The congenial hostess led us to a picnic table with a huge bowl of bread, and gave us nice napkins and 2 plates of delicious raw salmon marinated in herbs and oil. Next, the grillmaster produced duck breast, chestnut puree, squash and pumpkin, as well as a pork sausage. The dessert was prunes in armagnac. Even a coffee after the meal was offered to us! The owner's wife then toured us through their cellars, with explanations in English (she had spent time in England and Long Island ). We were off down the road with a case of the 2003 and some happy memories of conversations with the people here. This event is all about personal contact and conviviality. We'll be back!
Back across the autoroute in the community of Cerons, we visited Chateau Bourgelat, where the young owner Antoine was serving 2004 and 2005 Graves as well as 2005 Cerons and 2003 Sauternes sweet whites. The buildings were covered by red ivy that waved in the brisk wind. Water streamed down the urn fountain, glistening in the bright sun. The place to be was the duck tasting bar in the courtyard, where a sarcastic duck liver grower from the Pyrenees was telling all kinds of untruths. However, we think we won the day, because by the time we left, we had convinced the men at the bar that Steve was a Basque, that his great-great grandfather was born in Pamplona ( Irun ) and migrated to the U.S. 100 years ago. They kept telling him how good he looked in his Basque beret, and commented on his typical Basque features!
The last chateau was the Emigrant (l'émigré). The owner emigrated to Spain in 1793 after the French Revolution and his properties were sold. A recently arrived Englishman warned us that only the white wine was any good, so we tasted and bought a bottle of their sweet white wine, and headed for home.
We are looking forward to tomorrow with Jean-Paul and Rachel in the northern part of the appellation.
Claudia and Steve


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Call Lynne Haines 509-981-0139 between 9AM and 9PM PST or you can email me at firstname.lastname@example.com. Don't hesitate to call me and confirm the dates you want.
All stays are booked through www.VRBO.com. See Rates for details and the calendar of available dates.
The resident cats are very friendly. If you have allergies to cats you may need to rethink this, or bring your allergy medication. So far the cats haven't been allergic to any of our guests.
I suggest researching the area on the links provided at this website. We are not offering the usual motel/hotel stay. This is a unique accommodation and our second home. We expect our guests to treat it accordingly.
Plein Air painting évents are often held here and Nature Photo Walks are popular. See Wildlife & Events on the Start page.


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Aim (2008..): This page will cover issues with the very promising v5......
V5 looks interesting indeed, but are (many) issues... check out the foums..
Migrating from v4.2:
- Update 19.12.08: v4.2 which has got to an interesting maturity, is being ignored more-or-less by Tiny. Refusing bugs, patches and translations for the v4 stable release and just hoping the next release will fix everything is immature in my opinion.
- Many people have invested time in v4.2, Tiny should hand over the commit to someone who is motivated by v4.2.
- Migration scripts are not cheap (1500 euros),...
Having now seen the migration scripts, this are highly specific and would require significant tuning. So I'd recommend starting over new for V5.
Sep'2009: For some performance/scalability testing scripts see http://www.openobject.com/forum/post42822.html (they are in the svn repository).
- it would have been nice to use Openerp for a small Irish and English organisation, but the Localisation for the UK does not seem refined, or much used. I don't see any consulting offering support either.
- My own accounting setup (with C2C Swiss localisation) was on v4.2 in Dec'02. Migrating was too painful, so a new V5 installed was started for the 2010 financial year.
- The V5 accounting has better reports, taxes are more generic and its overall easier to use. But P&L & Balance sheets are still an issue.
[Update 2010.07.25] As an opensource project basically if something is missing one should try and implement it and contribute back to the community. Since I've not been able to do this yet really with openerp, I'm reluctant to criticise strongly.
Commercial software makes (more) money ... so they have the money to employ programmers to make easier to use software... but they don't necessarily listen to their community either
All open software projects have to start somewhere, and its the community that makes the project. Openerp tries to solve complex problems and is at (very) early stages community wise.
(My favourite counter-example is Drupal which has a strong, open, vibrant community tying commercial integrators/developers with volounteers in a way I've never seen before: its a million times more motivating to work on Drupal than Openerp....)


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I am looking for a restaurant for dinner. I have the following criteria:
1. Good food - Pls no recommendations for Rainforest or any other chain restaurants! I am in SF and want something that shows off regional cuisine. Seafood is good. I live in OC so have been exposed to Asian.
2. Good atmosphere - Something with a view or patio with great people watching since we are in the city - something that will keep the kids occupied too.
3. I have two young boys. They have done well with fine dining but something a bit casual probably would be better.
4. If they take reservations that would be great.
5. North beach/Embarcardo/Union Sq area is preferred
So far we have planned:
Sotto Mare
Hog Island
Golden Gate Bakery
Liguira Bakery
Thanks for your help!!


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Our Trustees
The Alzheimer's Society Board of Trustees are the most senior governance group in the organisation, with overall accountability for the Society's strategic direction, the stewardship of our resources and the activities we undertake in the pursuit of our charitable objectives. They are all volunteers, who contribute a huge amount of time and wide-ranging expertise to the Society.
Trustees serve for a term of three years, and can serve a maximum of three consecutive terms. Full information about the role and responsibilities of our Board of Trustees is available in the Articles of Association.
Honorary Officers
Stephen Hill (Chair)
Appointed to the Board: September 2016
Stephen is an independent director of IG Group plc (where he chairs the Risk Committee) and of Sandaire (a multi family investment office). He also serves on the Advisory Board of the Cambridge University Judge Business School and was formerly the Chairman of Action on Hearing Loss, previously the Royal National Institute for Deaf People.
Previously Stephen was also Senior Adviser at 3iQPE (Quoted Private Equity), Chief Executive at Betfair, and CEO in Residence at Permira Partners. Until 2002 he was Chief Executive of the Financial Times Group and Member of the Pearson Management Board, and, prior to that, he had held Managing Director roles at a number of entities within Pearson in a career spanning 15 years.
Stephen has served as an independent director on the boards of Channel Four Television, Royal SunAlliance PLC, Psion plc and Aztec Ltd in the UK and as Chairman of the Board of Interactive Data Inc in the US. He was a member of the board of OFCOM, the media regulator from 2014-16.
He has an MA in Law from St John's College Cambridge, and enjoys travel, gardening, classic cars and triathlons.
Stephen has direct experience of Alzheimer's within his own family. He believes the Society has a huge opportunity to unite society against the spread of this condition, to improve the care and advice available and to significantly increase the research into the causes and treatments of dementia.
David Kelham (Honorary Treasurer)
Appointed to the Board: October 2015
David is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and held Chief Financial Officer (CFO) roles in major UK based international companies for 24 of his 34 year executive career covering 48 different Countries. In 2010 he was nominated by one of the leading accounting firms as 'an outstanding international CFO'.
Now with a plural career across non-executive directorships, business transformation consultancy and mentoring roles, David started his executive career with Shell before joining P&O European Ferries, where he advanced to Financial Director.
David then completed 19 acquisitions across a five year period at NTL (Virgin Media) and saw the customer base grow from 120,000 to over 3 million. Further transformational and turnaround work ensued at UK Telco, Courts International and Regenersis before in 2010 he joined Cable and Wireless Communications Plc quickly becoming CFO for the Caribbean region covering 14 Countries. The profitability more than doubled in his time as CFO to over US$350m.
David was a member of the Scout Association for forty years, rising to Explorer Scout Commissioner before retiring. He is also a past member and past Chairman in the Round Table organisation and a past Chairman and current member of the Ex Round Tabler's Association.
His mother lived with Alzheimer's for 10 years before her death in 2011.
Jenny Owen CBE (Vice chair)
Appointed to the Board: October 2014
Jenny brings 36 years' experience of social care in local authorities, central government and regulation. This includes eight years as Director of Adult Social Care and Deputy Chief Executive of Essex County Council and 12 years as a senior civil servant at the Department of Health. She brings extensive experience of commissioning and providing adult social care and working in partnership with health and voluntary sector organisations both nationally and locally.
Jenny is personally and professionally committed to working with people with dementia and campaigning for improved services. She worked closely with Alzheimer's Society during the development of the Government's Dementia Strategy, co-chairing the National Dementia Strategy in 2009.
An experienced Non-Executive Director, Jenny is also on the Board of Housing and Care 21 Housing Association and Vice-Chair of the Royal Free London FT Hospital. She is on the Kings Fund Advisory Board and is a member of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), having been president in 2010.
Joy Allen CDir
Appointed to the Board: October 2014
Joy is a Chartered Director and Managing Director of Leading Governance Ltd. She has been a specialist in governance and board development since 2000, following 12 years as a charity CEO, and is currently course leader for 'The Role of the Director & the Board' and 'The Director's Role in Leadership' for the Institute of Directors in London. She designed and co-delivers the 'Inspiring Boardroom Leadership' programme for the Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Administration and the 'Leading Effective Boards' programme for Queens University, and regularly delivers governance masterclasses for the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations.
Joy chairs the board of Morrow Communications Ltd and is a member of the Chartered Accountants Regulatory Board's Insolvency Licensing Committee. She is a Business Studies graduate with Masters level qualifications in both leadership and coaching. Joy previously chaired the board of Simon Community NI, and VOYPIC (Voice of Young People in Care). She was a Non-Executive Director of the Belfast Health & Social Care Trust, one of the largest Trusts in the UK, and has also been a board member of the former Ulster Community & Hospitals Trust and the Fostering Network (UK) Ltd.
As a former carer for her late parents, both of whom had dementia, Joy has experienced the effects of dementia first hand. She ran a series of creative healing weekends for former carers of people with dementia, with funding from the After Dementia Millennium Awards.
Ali Harrison
Elected to the Board: September 2016
Ali was appointed to the Board as Trustee in September 2016. She has been a volunteer for over 12 years and will continue in her role as Local Representative for Cheshire & St Helen's.
Ali worked for over 30 years in the pharmaceutical industry in a number of senior project and regulatory leadership roles. She has experience of mergers and demergers, acquisitions and partnership working. She chaired the European Industry Trade Association Committees for European and International regulatory affairs engaging with governments worldwide to shape new legislation and develop access to new medicines and therapies. She is also a Non Executive Director working with East Cheshire NHS Trust where she is Board Champion for Dementia, Chair of the Safety & Quality Committee and member of the remuneration committee. She also supports the regional work of Women on Boards, training and sharing experiences with potential new board non executive directors.
Ali cared for her late mum who had vascular dementia and for her uncle had Alzheimer's disease and continues to be moved each day by people she meets who are affected by dementia both in her personal and professional life. She hopes that her passion, experience and commitment can be put to good effect as a volunteer and Trustee for the Society.
Bernard Herdan CB
Appointed to the Board: October 2013
Bernard worked initially for British Aerospace and then for 12 years at the European Space Agency in the Netherlands where he rose to become Programme Manager for Broadcast Satellites. Back in the UK he spent six years in the private sector working as a consultant and then Managing Director of a technology licensing firm before being appointed Commercial Director at the Met Office, the start of a 21 year career in the public sector.
Bernard was subsequently appointed Chief Executive at the Driving Standards Agency, UK Passport Service, Criminal Records Bureau, Security Industry Authority and finally National Fraud Authority.
Since 2011 he has pursued a portfolio career with a range of positions including Non-Executive Director at the Disclosure and Barring Service, Member (and now Chair) of disciplinary tribunal panels at the General Medical Council and trustee of several charities including Victim Support and the Fostering Network. Bernard is also Chairman of SEDCU, a charity he has founded with his wife to support the education of disadvantaged children in Uganda.
Bernard has a close relative who is living with dementia, and this first-hand insight into the reality of the impact of dementia and how this can be mitigated to an extent by appropriate care, has inspired him to get involved with the work of Alzheimer's Society.
Bernard was appointed Companion of the Order of the Bath in the 2007 New Years Honours and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Bedfordshire in 2009.
Bernard is a member of the Finance and Audit Committee.
Sir Chris Powell
Appointed to the Board: August 2012
Sir Chris Powell has had a long and distinguished career in the advertising world and is known for many of the UK's most distinctive advertising campaigns. Alongside being a Society trustee, Chris is currently Chair of Riverside Studios arts and media centre; Royal Mail advertising advisory board and The Advertising Standards board of finance
Chris has also served as Chair of NESTA (The National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts) IPPR (The Institute of Public Policy Research) Dr Foster, the healthcare public information provider; the British Council's Creative Industries Advisory Panel; the Ealing Hammersmith and Hounslow Health Authority; and was Vice Chair of the Public Diplomacy Board.
Dr Emyr Roberts
Appointed to the Board: October 2014
Emyr is Chief Executive of Natural Resources Wales, the largest Sponsored Body in Wales, and is responsible for leading an organisation of some 2,000 people to manage a wide range of services to deliver the sustainable management of Wales' natural environment.
He began his career at the National Farmers' Union and then spent 21 years fulfilling a variety of roles in the Welsh Government, including health, economic development, social justice, public service delivery and education. Having also been Head of Finance and Compliance at the Welsh Government, Emyr has an excellent understanding of governance and how it can be used to improve the performance of an organisation.
Emyr is a Welsh-speaker and has a broad knowledge of public services in Wales, including the role of local authorities and the NHS. He is a fellow of Aberystwyth University and is on the University Council; he was previously a member of Cardiff Community Housing Association, Newport Regeneration Company and Merthyr Tydfil Youth Offending Panel.
Emyr lives in Cardiff, is married and has two teenage children.
Manish Shah
Appointed to the Board: October 2014
Manish is a senior managing director in corporate finance at FTI Consulting LLP in London. Previously, he was a senior corporate finance partner at Deloitte LLP based in London. He has over 25 years of experience in corporate and private equity transactions across a range of sectors including financial services, healthcare, leisure, and business services.
He led the Society's charity partnership with Deloitte and has been working closely with the Society since 2012, providing pro bono services and offering key strategic input and assistance. Manish is also a Trustee on the board of Alzheimer's Brain Bank UK.
Manish is an FCA (Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales) and holds an MBA (Master of Business Administration) with Distinction from Manchester Business School.
Sarah Weir OBE
Appointed to the Board: September 2013
Sarah Weir, CEO Design Council
Sarah Weir was until recently Executive Producer at the Roundhouse. Previously she was Chief Executive of Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire, home of the Rothschild collections, Chief Executive of The Legacy List, the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park charity (set up to encourage creative connections between people and the park, with a focus on arts and culture, education and skills); Head of Arts and Cultural Strategy for Olympic Delivery Authority; Executive Director, Arts Council England; London and Executive Director of the Almeida Theatre.
Sarah started her career in the Lloyd's insurance market. She worked for Aldgate Group Brokers, where she rose from office junior to non-marine managing director during a 15 year career and was the first female Managing Director in Lloyd's. Following a move from business into the arts she then worked at Purdy Hicks Gallery, Arts & Business and the Royal Academy of Arts.
Sarah received an OBE in the 2011 New Years Honours for services to the arts and was made a Fellow of Birkbeck College in 2013
Professor Gordon Wilcock
Appointed to the Board: October 2015
Gordon qualified in medicine from the University of Oxford in 1970. Following an NHS consultant post jointly in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine in Oxford, where he developed an Alzheimer's disease research programme, he moved to the University of Bristol as Foundation Professor in Care of the Elderly in 1984 and returned to Oxford in 2006.
He was Founder Chairman of Alzheimer's Society, then known as the Alzheimer's Disease Society, from 1979 to 1986, and was a Vice-President until his appointment as Trustee in 2015.
In 1978 he established the first multidisciplinary memory disorders clinic in the UK. In Bristol, he founded a Dementia Research Centre, and back in Oxford was Director of The Oxford Project to Investigate Memory and Ageing. He is still involved in clinical research He has played a significant role in the development of services for people with dementia in the UK, including chairing one of the Working Groups for the National Dementia Strategy for England, and subsequently co-chaired, with a person with dementia, the Strategy's Implementation Reference Group reviewing progress of the strategy.
Gordon received two prestigious awards in 2015:
- Silver Medal by the European Region of the International Association for Gerontology and Geriatrics 'For excellence and achievements in the Science of Ageing and in recognition of the outstanding contribution to the development of Gerontology in Europe'.
- CTAD (Clinical Trials in Alzheimer's Disease) the "CTAD Lifetime Achievement Award in Alzheimer's Disease Therapeutic Research"
Duncan Jones
Appointed to the Board: March 2017
Duncan has been a volunteer with the Society since 2012, as a member of the Warwickshire Campaign Team, the West Midlands media team and as a Dementia Friends Champion.
He became involved with the Society when his mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. Knowing little about dementia at the start, he found himself on a steep learning curve which has culminated with him joining the Board of the Society. Duncan has a passion for raising awareness about dementia and helping people whose lives are touched by the disease.
Duncan spent 26 years as a journalist with the BBC, working in several senior editorial roles, before launching a portfolio career in 2012. He continues to work for the corporation in a freelance capacity and is a senior lecturer in journalism at the University of Gloucestershire. He is also a media consultant and trainer and a coach and mentor.


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Nikon Contest Faq – U Should Know
1) Can I submit if I have shot my video with any camera other than a Nikon D-SLR?
Ans) No, this contest is purely for videos shot on Nikon D-SLRs only.
2) Will a Nikon COOLPIX shot film be eligible?
Ans) No, only videos shot through a Nikon D-SLR will be accepted.
3) How many RAW footages need to be sent?
Ans) A RAW footage of any one scene of the video can be sent. It need not be a long one.
4) What is the maximum duration of the film?
Ans) The film needs to be under or at the maximum of 10 minutes.
5) How do I upload my video/ RAW footage?
Ans) The participant needs to provide a link to their short film uploaded on any video platform and a downloadable link of the RAW footage, which is mandatory.
By submitting the video in the contest, the participant is acknowledging that:
i) The owner of the submission confirms that he is the rightful owner of the content and has all the rights to the entry
ii) There's no violation of copyrights whatsoever
iii) The participant is completely accountable for the submitted video and the description.
iv) Nikon shall have the right to modify or adapt in part or in whole, any of such materials before publication at its sole discretion
Should Not
Video should not contain any watermark, website address, logo, trademark or e-mail id on it. Tampered, morphed, graphically enhanced videos will be disqualified.
Where to upload
Entries posted on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram will not be accepted. The entries should be submitted on www.iamnikon.in/ShortsOnNikon
#ShortsOnNikon entries will be accepted from 15th December to 15th February only.


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- Details
- Category: Gadsden
- Hits: 386
Blackstone Pub & Eatery
525 Broad St. Gadsden, AL 35901
Music Genres: Country, Jazz, Rock
Website: www.myspace.com/blackstonepub
- Details
- Category: Gadsden
- Hits: 459
Chestnut Station
410 Chestnut Street, Gadsden, AL 35901
Local and regional bands perform at Chestnut Station, a bar and grill located in downtown on the street from which it gets its name.
Website: www.myspace.com/chestnutstation
Booker Name: Angela
Booker Phone: 256.546.4229
Booking Tips: Email works best. Be sure to include a link to your music and any desired dates in your message. Additional Booking Contact: Mandy via facebook.
Description: Additional Website: Facebook. Genres: All. Capacity: 350. They host live music Wednesday-Saturday nights with Wednesdays and Thursdays being reserved for regular performers.


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This post is part of our series 7 Weeks to Your Best Finances.
This series is meant to serve as a 7-week path to improving your finances. It will cover all the important topics like starting a budget, saving money, making money, investing, and more.
To find out more and see all the tips and ideas for improving your finances check out the dedicated 7 Weeks to Your Best Finances page.
With the start of the new year, now is the perfect time to reevaluate your financial goals. Have you started thinking about what you want to achieve financially this year?
There are so many steps you can take to improve your finances, no matter if you are deep in debt or if you have millions saved up. We all have room for improvement and we should never fail to set financial goals for ourselves.
Take the start of the year to commit to improving your finances drastically. No matter what stage you're in, here are 15 personal finance goals to consider.
1) Educate Yourself About Money
Perhaps one of the best things you can do for yourself financially is to educate yourself about money.
Gaining knowledge is the best decision you can make. We all know the basics of finances – debt is bad, credit cards can be either very useful or very dangerous, and you need to save for the future. But taking time to educate yourself will help you to make the best financial decisions for you and your family.
The good news is that there are thousands of resources at your disposal. You don't need to go get a finance degree to understand money. You can read some of the hundreds of personal finance blogs out there and read some of these personal finance books to get you started.
2) Spend Less
The fastest way to reach financial freedom is to spend significantly less than what you earn. Where can you cut back on your spending?
Take a look at your budget and compare it to what you actually spend in a month. Are there things you can cut out? The more spending you can eliminate, the faster you can pay off debt or build a savings.
You have to get creative and in depth with how you can save. Can you cut cable and other subscription services? Shop around for cheaper car insurance? Go out to eat less? Figure out how you can spend less and commit to it.
30 Ways to Save Each Month
One Strategy That Immediately Limits Spending
7 Ways to Save Money Without Realizing It
3) Track Your Credit Score
For some people, tracking their credit score doesn't even cross their mind. If you don't already track it, this is the year to start.
The biggest reason to track your credit score and report is to make sure no one is stealing your identity. You want to check it a few times a year to make sure there are no false claims on there that are hurting your score.
The best news is that you can check your credit score for free.
You are entitled to a free copy from each credit-reporting bureau, each year. Read this post to find out how you can get your credit reports.
4) Improve Your Credit Score
What does your credit score look like now that you've checked it? If you've never borrowed money, you may not even have a credit score.
A credit score is important for a variety of reasons. If you ever need a loan (like a mortgage or car loan), or even services like cable and internet, they will check your credit score. And why? People want to know that you can actually pay them for what you owe.
The better your credit score, the better rates you will get from lenders. So it is important to have a high score. Credit scores range from 300(low)-850(high). Here is a detailed post of exactly how to improve your credit score.
5) Become Debt-Free
Becoming debt-free might not be something you can accomplish this month, or even in the next few years, but the more debt you have, the higher of a priority it should be to get it paid off.
Think about what your life would look like without the weight of debt. You wouldn't owe anyone anything. Your money is strictly yours and you choose what to do with it.
$100k in Student Loan Debt: What I Did About It
What To Do If You Are In Credit Card Debt
Use this Spreadsheet to Track your Student Loans
6) Plan to Avoid Future Debt
If you are already debt-free, how can you stay like that?
Look ahead to the future. What will you be needing to save for? Will you need a new car in a few years? A house? Plan to go to graduate school?
Map out a plan to figure out how you will be able to afford things in the future. Remember, taking on debt is not an option!
How to Avoid Taking on More Debt
10 Examples of Unexpected Expenses to Plan For
7) Make More Money
No matter where you are on your financial journey, it never hurts to have extra money. Think about how you could make extra cash to supplement your income.
Could you ask for a raise at work? Find a higher paying job? Or start a side hustle, like blogging, freelance writing, or something else?
Any extra income you make will bolster your financial goals. Make it a goal to earn more money this year and see how much extra you can make!
5 Side Hustles that Make at Least $500 a Month
How to Start a Blog that Makes Money
50+ Side Hustle Ideas
7 Websites & Apps for Making Easy Extra Side Cash
8) Bulk Up Your Emergency Fund
A healthy emergency fund is imperative for financial success. Why? Because it covers you in times of trouble and prevents you from taking on major debt.
Can you imagine losing your job? Totaling your car? Having major medical expenses? How would you pay for that?
In tragic times, the last thing you want to worry about is money. So take this year to bulk up your emergency fund to a level where you are comfortable. Build it up to a level where you feel comfortable. If you're just starting out, a small $1000 emergency fund will help you immensely. Ideally, you would want to get to the point where you could cover 3-5 months of living expenses (at least) should something bad happen.
How to Quickly Build an Emergency Fund
Use this Hack to Make a Quick $25
9) Build Your Retirement Account
Everyone is at a different stage of saving for retirement. Some of us are trying to balance saving for retirement with paying off debt. While others of us have been saving heavily for retirement for a while.
Take time to really evaluate your retirement account. Compare where you are currently to where you want to be. Are you in the best retirement program available to you? Commit to throwing any extra money you make this year into your retirement savings.
Why an HSA is the Absolute Best Retirement Account
How $5,000 Can Turn Into $1,000,000 For Retirement
10) Review Your Insurance
Is your insurance still the best fit for you and your family's needs? Could you potentially save more money by switching insurance?
Insurance is something we can easily forget until we need it. Many people see the cost of insurance and simply go with the cheapest option, which is probably not enough to cover them should something bad happen.
There is no secret formula to tell you what you should purchase for health, car, rental, homeowners, life, or any other type of insurance. You need to evaluate your needs. If you are trying to spend less on insurance, do you have a plan of how to pay for a tragedy?
Insurance isn't cheap, but it is worth the peace of mind it provides. Shop around for the best options and prices for your family.
4 Insurance Policies All Millennials Need to Have
Why (and How) I got a Million Dollar Life Insurance Policy at 27
11) Decide How to Give Back
Many of us are organized financially until it comes to giving. Or we are afraid to give away the money we worked so hard for.
No matter your situation, someone else is struggling worse than you. Giving back is a major way to make a difference with your money.
Instead of haphazardly giving this year, come up with a plan. What organizations or groups do you want to give to? How much? Or what will you donate?
When you plan your giving, you not only will make a bigger impact on those you are giving to, but you will also protect your finances from any unexpected expenses.
12) Start a No-Spend Challenge
Want to really push yourself this year? Try a no-spend challenge.
A no-spend challenge is just what is sounds like. You avoid spending any money you don't have to. This means no extra clothes, no social events, or eating out.
This is extremely challenging, but very effective. You'll realize how little money you actually need to get by.
If that seems too intense for you, try applying a no-spend challenge to one area of your life. If you shop a lot, try a shopping ban. If you eat out frequently, vow to only cook from home.
13) Downsize
Downsizing your belongings might not save you any money immediately, but it forces a lifestyle change that will save you so much in the long run.
Think about everything you own. How much did you spend on it? Do you have to pay to maintain it?
If you don't truly enjoy everything around you, then it's time to go. By embracing a more minimal and simpler life, you'll save money and think twice while making a major purchase. As a bonus, you can sell those extra things laying around for some cash!
20 Easy Ways Millennials Can Practice Minimalism
14) Perfect Your Professional Skills
By improving your professional skills, you aren't just improving your work, but you are improving your finances.
Continue to develop the technical and personal skills you need at work. Because the harder you work, the more potential you have to earn more money. And not only that, but many of these skills translate into your personal life.
For example, if you are a skilled negotiator, you have the potential be able to save hundreds, if not more, money per year by haggling. If you work at your organizational skills in your work life, that can also improve your personal finances.
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15) Set Your Long-Term Goals
There are so many financial goals that we want to achieve now. But what are your long-term financial goals? Every financial decision you make will impact your financial future, so it's important to know what your long-term goals are.
Maybe you want to retire by 50. Or maybe you want to start a large family. Want to go back to school? Or travel the world? Your long-term financial goals should be big enough to keep you motivated on your financial journey.
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Make this year a great one by committing to improve your finances, whether it's one thing or everything on this list. Keep in mind your long-term goals to motivate yourself in the process!
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