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GROUND SQUIRRELS and Control Pasadena
There are five species of ground squirrels that are native to California. The ground squirrel that is most likely to be encountered is the California Ground Squirrel also known as the Beechy Ground Squirrel.
How Do I Know if I Have Ground Squirrels ?
The California ground squirrel can be identified by appearance as well as behavioral characteristics. Adult ground squirrels can reach an overall length of 18-20 inches with the body slightly trees as well as vegetables and ornamental plants. They may damage young trees, shrubs and vines by gnawing bark, girdling trunks, eating twigs and leaves, and burrowing around roots.
Ground squirrels will chew on plastic sprinkler heads and irrigation pipe. They also feed on the eggs of ground nesting birds, such as pheasant and quail. Their extensive burrows damage landscaping and undermine structures, roads, dams, and slopes contributing to erosion. When populations become unnaturally high, their burrowing and feeding activities may serve to degrade an area's biodiversity, sometimes leaving it a pockmarked moonscape. This is why people want to hire a professional pest control company like Rodent Guys to remove squirrels from their property.
Squirrel Control
California ground squirrels do very well in areas disturbed or altered by man which border a natural setting. In fact, in these areas ground squirrel populations may increase to many times the level it would be in a truly natural environment. It is in these situations that control frequently becomes necessary.
The most effective control measures for ground squirrel removal burrow fumigants and trapping. California ground squirrels are gray with lighter flecks distributed over the surface of the back and sides. The nape of the neck has a pair of dark triangular patches that extend just beyond the shoulders. A noticeable white fringe adorns the sides and tip of the tail. When frightened they always seek shelter in their underground burrow.
Ground squirrels live in open to the surface burrows in the ground that are approximately 4 inches across and are active only during the day. If you see a squirrel run up a tree when frightened this will be a tree squirrel which do not burrow and usually do not get removed from a property unless eating fruit or get into the attic. Tree squirrel removal is a rare call for us to get it is almost always for ground squirrels.
Squirrel Damage
Ground squirrels cause damage to fruit and nut trees and homeowners can have limited success with controlling them. However, due to a change in US EPA labeling requirements, poison baits distributed by the County Agricultural Commissioner offices are no longer available for sale to the general public. Remember, squirrel bait can pose a risk to pets and wildlife if used improperly- FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS VERY CAREFULLY if you are able to find squirrel poison and with to use by yourself.
Squirrel removal is best performed by a professional who knows how to remove ground squirrels for each unique situation and can buy the effective bait. How to get rid of ground squirrels is half the battle, having the correct equipment to get rid of squirrels is also key, but the experience is what separates the professional from the homeowner and makes hiring them (us) worth it.
What the law says
Ground squirrels are classified as non-game mammals by the California Fish and Game code. Non-game mammals which are found to be injuring crops or other property may be controlled at any time or in any manner that is legal and humane by the owner or tenant of the property. They may also be controlled by federal, state or county officers or employees while acting in their official capacities. If you are not sure the best way to get rid of squirrels call us to take care of the problem for you.
Rodent Guys Squirrel Control
We will choose the best and most effective manner to get rid of ground squirrels from your property. To get rid of squirrels we have to come up with a game plan that is safe for non target animals and pets as well as the homeowners family and property. Trapping can get a population lowered in a few days to a few weeks depending on population. Baiting is normally the most cost effective strategy for squirrel extermination and can give long term control if used as a monthly maintenance program. Poison methods can work in some cases days but a few weeks to a month is not uncommon. A combination of the two methods is a super fast and effective game plan to get rid of ground squirrels fast.


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About this blog
FLEFF Intern Voices
The Finger Lakes Environmental Film Festival from the interns' point of view
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Blog posting written by Sam Stahnke Cinema Production, '17, FLEFF Intern, Brooksville, Maine
FLEFF maintains a global assembly of collaborative partners including EngageMedia (Indonesia), Derive (South Africa), Voices from the Waters (India), and Chiapas Media Project (Mexico).
On the topic of geography I would like to share an...
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Blog posting by Kayla Reopelle, Documentary Studies and Production '14, FLEFF Blogger, Roy, WA
Maybe thinking about dissonance will...
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Blog Posting by Alexis Lanza, Film, Photography, and Visual Arts '15, Enfield, CT
Leila Nadir and Cary Peppermint, founders of ecoarttech, brought apps to the Finger Lakes Environmental Film Festival for the first time this year.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
EcoArtTech is an engaging new media project that engages in environmental spaces through mobile technologies – the dichotomy between nature and modernization. Co-creator Lelia Nadir, along with Cary Peppermint, is a special guest at FLEFF this year. Nadir is an Afghan-American critic, scholar, artist and writer teaching...
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Blog post written by Haley Stearns, Still Photography '15, FLEFF Blogger, Buffalo, New York
Cary Peppermint and Leila Nadir have worked collaboratively as EcoArtTech, an environmental new media collective, since 2005. Cary and Leila form a new media art duo that has been working on studying the...
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Blogging Post by Alexis Lanza, Film, Photography, and Visual Arts '15, FLEFF Blogger, Enfield, CT
I joined the FLEFF blogging team not knowing what to expect. All I knew was I wanted to learn and I wanted to write about it. My job is a blogger. I am a number; part of a group that is part of a larger group. We are the festival team.
The theme is dissonance....
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Blog posting by Kayla Reopelle, Documentary Studies and Production '14, FLEFF Blogger, Roy, WA
This week, the FLEFF Blogging team got to Skype with Dr. Leila Nadir, co-founder of Eco Art Tech, an environmental digital art collective. Nadir will be co-hosting the event "Dissonant...

subset: commoncrawl


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When it comes to a good act it can be valid or invalid, depending if there was ikhlas within the intention. We can be leaders in youth groups and feed our hungry Muslims but the good deed will be abolished if the niyyah was anything other than seeking Allah's reward. The good deed also loses its value when it is combined with some other purpose, like yearning for wealth, recognition, or status.
Prophet Muhammed (saw) said, "Certainly, Allah does not look at your shapes or wealth. But He only looks at your hearts and deeds." (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
The purpose and our perseverance for our actions are to please Allah (swt). We shall not eagerly wait for something in return but for our books to be inked with good deeds and blessings from Him. Forget expecting a thank you when we help Muslims move their belongings to a new home, or a beaming smile when we open the door for an elderly woman.
Our hearts should quiver eagerly and fervently waiting for Allah's rewards to shower on us like raindrops instead of having desire for the pleasures of this life. Let our leaves embrace us with our goodness.


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Putting a lot of faith in a forecast 10 days away is a bit risky, but there seems to be agreement among meteorologists that the Charlotte region will enjoy a warm and dry Easter this year.
And the news is good for the many Charlotte-area students who will be on spring break next week. The run of May-like weather is forecast to continue all the way through Easter weekend.
We're in need of rain, but there isn't a sign of a major rain-producing system in our forecast for at least the next 10 days. A cold front will cross the region late Tuesday, and that might trigger some thunderstorms, but the rest of the forecast is dry.
First, for Easter.
Dry conditions are likely, and forecast highs are 82 degrees from Accu-Weather and 78 degrees from the Weather Channel. NOAA's long-range forecast for that period calls for above-average temperatures, but that's nothing new. We've been basking in very warm conditions for months.
The only sticky point comes from a few computer models that indicate a back-door cold front could push into the area from the north, on the day before Easter. Accu-Weather takes stock in that, calling for a high of 69 degrees a week from Saturday. The Weather Channel ignores it, with a predicted high of 76.
So it's probably safe to plan on nice weather.
If you're off next week, prepare to have a good time. Forecast highs are in the low 80s early next week, falling back a bit to the mid 70s on Wednesday and Thursday after a weak cold front comes through.
A sad note: If you've ever been in an area which uses Pennsylvania-based Accu-Weather for its forecasts (WBT is a client here in Charlotte), you undoubtedly heard Ken Reeves give the forecast from time to time.
Reeves was with Accu-Weather for 29 years, and by all accounts, he was a friendly, helpful meteorologist and a good human being.
Reeves, 50, was killed Sunday in a freak accident at his Pennsylvania home. Accu-Weather officials say he was on the roof of his house, taking down Christmas lights, when he fell. Our prayers and condolences go to his family and the fine folks at Accu-Weather.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Great forecast for Easter ... and Easter break
Putting a lot of faith in a forecast 10 days away is a bit risky, but there seems to be agreement among meteorologists that the Charlotte region will enjoy a warm and dry Easter this year.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Saturday night: A memorable hail storm
I was up in Ohio for several days and wasn't here to experience the hail storm last Saturday evening, but it appears as if it produced some unbelievable amounts of hail in Iredell and Rowan counties north of Charlotte.
People told me large hail fell for several minutes in parts of Charlotte, too, but the amount that fell to the north of the city was truly astounding.
I returned home late Sunday afternoon, and someone in our vehicle noticed white patches on the ground near Mooresville.
"Did it snow?" someone asked.
After a few moments, it was obvious we were looking at hail -- still on the ground (in shaded areas), almost 24 hours after it fell.
The hail was so heavy, in fact, that the N.C. Department of Transportation had to send out snowplows to clear the roads in a 5-mile area between Mount Ulla and Woodleaf, in western Rowan County. The hail -- 6 to 8 inches of it -- left some of the roads impassable, according to Dara Demi of the state's DOT.
She said the hail drifted against buildings, measuring more than 4 feet deep in places.
By early Sunday morning, Demi said, the DOT sent crews out in a dump truck and a grader, to push the hail off the roadways.
"They worked for six hours to clear the roads," Demi said.
Snowplows ... clearing hail from a thunderstorm!!!
"Our crews say they have never seen anything like it," Demi added.
Fortunately, it appears as if the hail was not big enough to cause severe damage, like the storms that struck Lancaster, York, Chester, southern Mecklenburg and Cherokee counties early last April. Last Saturday's hail was the product of thunderstorms that pushed high into the atmosphere but had a pocket of very cold air at the middle levels of the atmosphere. That cold air prevented the hail from thawing into large raindrops as it fell.
You can find a page of photos from the storm at a DOT website.
Check www.flickr.com/photos/ncdot/sets/72157629308831512/
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Sky-high pollen count? Blame mild winter
The temperature isn't the only thing that has climbed far above average this March in the Charlotte region.
So has the pollen count.
The Charlotte area has reached extremely high levels of pollen count the past two days, and the total reportedly is at record levels in Atlanta. Meteorologists say we can blame it on the mild winter.
The situation is obvious to anyone who has gone outdoors. Certainly, you've noticed the coat of yellow dust on your vehicles. That's pine pollen, and it's making a mess of everything ... and probably bringing joy into the hearts of people who operate car washes.
Doctors say pine pollen is ugly but isn't the big health problem that some of its smaller brethren are. As WBTV meteorologist Al Conklin said Wednesday morning, it's the pollen we can't see that causes the problems.
And in the Charlotte area, that's oak pollen.
First, for some numbers. The Charlotte Asthma and Allergy Center says the pollen count Tuesday in the city was 9,790. That's a measurement of the pieces of pollen per cubic meter. That's a ridiculously high number. Officially, Charlotte has been in the "very high" category the past two days.
Of that 9,790 count, more than 8,800 were oak pollen. And oak pollen is particularly troublesome to a lot of people with allergies. That's why many people are miserable these days, dealing with the oak pollen. In comparison, the pollen count for pine -- which we're seeing on cars and trucks -- was about 550.
The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported that the pollen count of 8,164 Monday in Atlanta set a record -- about 35 percent higher than the previous high of 6,013 measured on April 12, 1999.
Frank Strait, a Rock Hill native who now works as a meteorologist at Pennsylvania-based Accu-Weather, says we can blame it on the mild winter.
"When it starts hitting the 60s and 70s regularly, as it did in February, you start to get the trees out of their dormant state and the flowers blooming," Strait said.
"A small part of the high pollen may also be attributed to people getting an early start to their spring gardens and flower beds, thanks to the unseasonably mild weather," he added.
There's some good news. In areas where it rained Tuesday evening, the pollen count will be lower today, although it is forecast to remain in the "high" range. And with more showers and thunderstorms forecast daily through Saturday, we can expect some relief.
Lasting relief will have to wait until the flowers and trees stop producing pollen in another few weeks, though.
Friday, March 16, 2012
How strong was Charlotte's tornado?
The tornado that touched down two weeks ago Saturday morning in the Reedy Creek area of northeast Charlotte has triggered a lot of conversation, behind the scenes, by meteorologists not only locally but across the nation.
While the somewhat unusual conditions that accompanied the tornado likely will spur some research papers, a more interesting question has surfaced:
How strong was the tornado? Or more specifically, was it really stronger than an EF2.
Larry Gabric, chief meteorologist at the National Weather Service's office in Greer, S.C., and the office's warning coordinator, Tony Sturey, visited the tornado site -- a 3.8-mile stretch from near Reedy Creek Elementary School to the Steeple Chase subdivision along the Mecklenburg-Cabarrus line -- several hours after the storm hit.
Gabric and Sturey surveyed the damage and decided it was an EF2, with top winds of a bit more than 130 mph. That rating is on the Enhanced Fujita scale, than runs from EF0 (the weakest) to EF5.
Some of the TV meteorologists in the Charlotte area, and their counterparts elsewhere, asked if the storm might have been an EF3. They pointed to some of the damage -- specifically, a house blown off its foundation; and a house losing its second story -- and said it was more typical of what you'd see in an EF3 storm.
Even Greg Forbes, the severe weather specialist at the Weather Channel, weighed in. Forbes didn't visit the area and certainly wasn't second-guessing Gabric and Sturey, but he said (based on what he was told) that it sounded like EF3 damage from winds of 145 to 150 mph.
Gabric and Sturey are sticking with their guns, however, saying the overall damage in the area is more consistent with the 130 mph winds.
Granted, to the people who lost their homes or had them heavily damaged, it seems trifling to quibble over the strength of the tornado. This is a scientific issue, but an EF3 rating would have been interesting, because since 1950 -- the start of the data base kept by NOAA -- there has not been a tornado stronger than an EF2 recorded in Mecklenburg County.
Mike Dross, a former Duke Energy meteorologist who operates the Wright-Weather website, notes that the scenario could have been much worse.
"Had this cell developed the tornado about 10 minutes earlier, it would have touched down near uptown Charlotte," he said. The amount of damage, Dross said, would have multiplied several times.
The March 3 tornado remains an interesting topic to meteorologists.
It formed from a thunderstorm with cloud tops of about 35,000 feet -- relatively shallow, compared to the 55,000-foot storm tops in the supercells that produced killer tornadoes March 2 in the Midwest and South. And the tornado developed in an area that had been locked in a cool and relatively stable air mass for much of the preceding 24 hours.
The March 3 tornado in Mecklenburg and Cabarrus counties will provide research material for the meteorologists who have studied this storm -- Dross, WCNC's Brad Panovich, WBTV's Eric Thomas and Al Conklin, and News 14's Jeff Crum, among others.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Warnings ... you can't have it both ways
Probably the biggest story to emerge from Saturday morning's tornado in the Reedy Creek area was the lack of a watch or warning preceding the storm.
Some of the same people who regularly criticize meteorologists and me for reporting about the possibility of severe weather are now complaining that there was no tornado watch and no severe thunderstorm or tornado warning issued.
(I didn't include myself among the meteorologists, because I'm not one ... and I had the high school Physics grades to prove it.)
You can't have it both ways.
The tornado watch that was issued for parts of the Charlotte area in the early-morning hours Saturday came only as far east as Gaston County, and didn't stretch above the N.C.-S.C. border. That's because a wedge front -- separating warm, unstable air over South Carolina from a cool air wedge pocket in North Carolina -- was sitting somewhere near the state line.
Mecklenburg was in the cooler, more stable side.
Obviously, in the early-morning hours Saturday, that front pushed northward -- just long enough for a line of powerful thunderstorms to roar through. No severe thunderstorm or tornado warnings were issued, and that topic has been fully covered already this week. Whether the Charlotte area needs a better radar system is another topic, for another day.
I've been told that forecasters wrestled with the issue of whether to include Mecklenburg and some other N.C. counties in the tornado watch area.
In the past, though, some people have complained that the media engages in scare tactics, warning about snowstorms, ice storms, thunderstorms and floods that never happen. The critics call it sensationalism.
I understand that. People probably feel as if they're being jerked around.
The problem is that meteorology is not an exact science. Astronomers can't figure out where the universe ends. Biologists and botanists are still discovering new types of plants and animals. Medical doctors have many, many questions that need answers.
Meteorologists don't have all the answers either. They have more resources now than they had 30 years ago, with computer modeling and satellites and more. But doctors have more information and resources than they had 30 years ago, and we still don't have a cure for the common cold or stomach viruses.
One day, long after I'm gone, meteorologists will know exactly when and where tornadoes will form, and they'll hit the forecasts on the money every time.
Until then, there's guesswork. Maybe the next time, the Storm Prediction Center and the National Weather Service offices that cover the Carolinas will be a bit more aggressive when they list counties for a thunderstorm or tornado watch area. Maybe the storms will never form. And some people will complain that TV meteorologists are scaring them needlessly.
Perhaps meteorologists can't win, in this case.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Blustery? Yes. Wet? No.
We've had so many run-ins with severe weather this winter that it seems as if we should've gotten plenty of rain. But that hasn't been the case.
A trend has developed in the last two months, and it's not the kind of trend we want.
Storm systems largely have followed a track north of the Carolinas. While clusters of showers and thunderstorms -- and, occasionally, large areas of moderate to heavy rain -- have started moving toward the Charlotte region, they've fizzled out before arriving.
A couple times, moisture in low pressure systems headed toward the western Carolinas was "robbed" by the development of thunderstorms over the Gulf of Mexico. Those storms blocked the transport of moisture into the Carolinas, and we were left with paltry amounts of rain.
And twice in the last week, areas of heavy showers and thunderstorms have rolled across the Mid-South but have disintegrated when they moved into North Carolina's mountains. Only .06 of an inch of rain fell from the system that moved through Charlotte late Wednesday and early Thursday.
We finished February with 1.3 inches of precipitation, which is a bit more than 2 inches below average for the month. January precipitation, 2.28 inches, was 1.13 inches below average. So for the year, we've received about 55 percent of what we normally get.
Another storm system is predicted to rattle the Midwest and South on Friday and Saturday, and once again, we could get little or no precipitation from it.
The cold months of the year are when groundwater supplies typically are built up, so our farms and lawns can handle the Southern summer heat. There's plenty of time to get the rain, but the pattern will have to change.


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Defendant emailed three pictures, thinking he was communicating with two 14-year-old girls. But he was actually communicating with a police detective. And the pictures were not of defendant, but of plaintiff — a cop in a neighboring community. The pictures were not sexually explicit, but the accompanying communications were. Defendant had copied them from plaintiff's Facebook page.
Plaintiff and his wife sued defendant under a number of tort theories. Defendant moved to dismiss plaintiffs' claims for false light publicity and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The court denied the motion.
It found that the false light in which defendant placed plaintiff through his conduct would be highly offensive to a reasonable person, and that defendant had knowledge of or acted in reckless disregard as to the falsity of the identity of the person in the photo, and the false light into which the plaintiff would be placed.
As for the intentional infliction of emotional distress claim, the court found that: (1) defendant intended to inflict emotional distress or that he knew or should have known that emotional distress was the likely result of his conduct; (2) that the conduct was extreme and outrageous; (3) that the conduct was the cause of plaintiff's distress; and (4) that the emotional distress sustained by the plaintiff was severe.
Defendant argued that his conduct was not extreme and outrageous. The court addressed that argument by noting that:
[Defendant] cannot do that with a straight face. The test is whether "the recitation of the facts to an average member of the community would arouse his resentment against the actor and lead him to exclaim, Outrageous!" . . . This is such a case.
Plaintiff's wife's intentional infliction of emotional distress claim survived as well. This was not, as defendant argued, an allegation of bystander emotional distress, such as that of a witness to an automobile accident. Defendant's conduct implied that plaintiff was a sexual predator. This would naturally reflect on his spouse and cause her great personal embarrassment and natural concern for her own personal health quite apart from the distress she may have experienced from observing her husband's own travail.
Dzamko v. Dossantos, 2013 WL 5969531 (Conn.Super. October 23, 2013)


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How to bring your payroll system up to date
Small Business Guides
7 min read
If your payroll software is more than a few years old, it might be holding your business back. New systems can do much more for you in less time. So how can you bring your payroll system up to date?
Payroll is getting easier
Managing payroll is necessary for any business that employs people. Even if you're the only employee of your business, you may still be legally required to be on the payroll.
But payroll means more than just ensuring your employees are paid correctly, regularly, and on time. It also means:
- tracking employee hours
- managing benefits and healthcare
- recording pension or superannuation contributions
- paying and accounting for expenses
- complying with legislation
- handling tax reporting and payment
- tracking vacation time, maternity and paternity leave
- processing new joiners and leavers.
All of this used to be hard work. But new software is making life easier for businesses all around the world. And it's giving those businesses a competitive advantage. By saving time on payroll, they're saving money too.
A challenge for established businesses
Businesses starting from scratch today have some fantastic labor-saving options available. But where does that leave more established businesses?
The software package you chose when you launched your business might have been the right one at the time. But is it the right one now?
Technology is changing business systems
Technology is changing everything. As software becomes more connected, it's touching every area of business life. For example:
- Social media puts you in closer contact with your customers.
- Dynamic websites help you market your products and services.
- Collaborative tools let you share documents and information online.
These and other business tools are based in the cloud or online. You can access them from anywhere, logging in securely using a smartphone, tablet or laptop.
And these tools are connected – data flows between them to help you work faster and more intelligently.
Eight great benefits of cloud-based payroll systems
Conventional payroll systems don't have cloud connections. But new ones do. That opens up all sorts of time-saving opportunities. When your payroll is integrated with other systems:
- Employee hours can be tracked automatically instead of being input manually.
- Salary payments can be scheduled and made directly, via automated bank transactions.
- Employees can be given limited access, to update their personal records or apply for leave.
- Payroll data can be shared with accounting systems to reduce duplication.
- Individual tax codes can be updated automatically.
- Tax reporting and filing can be simplified with pre-filled online submission.
- Data can be mined and analyzed, with useful reporting tools.
- Backups and software updates are handled remotely.
All of this can cut your expenses significantly. But once you've decided to update your payroll software, how do you go about it? How do you get from where you are now to where you want to be?
Analyze your requirements
Any new system is only good if it meets the needs of your business. What suits a big manufacturing company might not be appropriate for a small retail business.
So make a list of your current requirements, and also think about your wish list:
- Write down exactly how you use your existing system.
- Get feedback from people in all areas of your business.
- Ask your staff what they would like to change about the current system.
- Research online forums and find out how similar businesses are using payroll.
- Talk to business mentors, partners, trusted clients – ask which tools they use.
After doing this you'll have a better idea of what you can expect when you upgrade. You will probably also have a short-list of software that might suit your business. Find out if you can run free or low-cost trials of that software, to see which would suit you.
Remember, the more research you do at this stage, the smoother the transition process will be. A good payroll system will stay with you for the life of your business. It pays to get it right.
Make sure your staff know how to use the updated system – before it's implemented.
Five steps to making a change in your software
The biggest problem you're likely to face is the transition process itself. Moving from one system to another might be complex – which can be expensive. But you can make it easier by planning carefully.
- Get the timing right
There's no point in moving to an updated payroll system in the middle of a financial quarter. Leave it until the end of the three-month period. Then you'll be able to reconcile the data and move it all across in one go. It's even better if you can wait until the end of the financial year. But then you may have to offset the ongoing cost of using your existing system for longer.
- Get professional advice
You may already have an accountant or bookkeeper. You might even be outsourcing some of your payroll work to them. So talk to them, find out how they can help you make the move to your chosen new system. Getting them involved now will help you streamline the process.
- Avoid downtime
Payroll is an ongoing job – there's always something to be done. So if the system you use is inaccessible for a day or more, that could have a big impact on your business. Try to schedule the transition for a weekend – preferably one with an extra public holiday attached. Hopefully there won't be any problems, but if there are then at least you'll have time to resolve them.
- Run parallel systems
Don't flip the off-switch on your old system straight away. Consider running the two systems in parallel for a few weeks. It will help you cross-check any errors or unexpected figures. Archive the data from the old system when you do finally switch it off. It contains valuable business information, and you may want to refer to it at some point in the future.
- Train your staff
Make sure your staff know how to use the updated system – before it's implemented. You can do this with trial accounts, online web training and documentation. All of these will be available with quality cloud-based payroll accounting software.
As with most areas of business, proper planning will help everything go smoothly. This is a fundamental part of your business, so you shouldn't simply dive in without preparing carefully. The pay-off for this work is you'll end up with a much better, flexible payroll system.
Why it's important to stay up to date
Once your payroll system is fully up to date, you'll want to keep it that way. Here's why:
- Regular updates
Cloud-based software is updated regularly and automatically. You don't have to wait six months for a new, bug-free version. Critical updates happen while you sleep.
- Subscription-based payment
Instead of paying a large lump sum for boxed software, you'll be paying on a monthly basis for access to online systems. This usually works out cheaper in the long run, and makes it easier for you to budget.
- Backed by the experts
Cloud-based software companies have professionals working full time on your payroll system. So you'll have peace of mind that your payroll data is in good hands.
- Automated backups
Your data is stored on remote servers which are securely and regularly backed up. Using a cloud-based system instead of an in-house one means there's less chance of your data being compromised.
- Strong security
Payroll data is confidential information. So storing that information on remote servers is safer than leaving it on a desktop computer in your office. With online payroll software your data is stored on a secure encrypted connection. Read our introduction to cloud security for more information.
Make the most of your updated payroll system
Once you've brought your system up to speed, you can start using it in new ways. Investigate add-on software, extra reporting features and ways of connecting to your accounting system.
Having made the jump from a traditional system to a connected online one, you'll have plenty of new opportunities.
An up-to-date system will put all your payroll information in one convenient place. It can bring you new insight into your business and its finances. This in turn will help you find ways to grow your business – without spending a fortune on payroll.


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Goldfields - Kalgoorlie
Vacancy Number: 1495
General Practitioner
DPA/DWS location - New practice in Kalgoorlie is looking for a full time general practitioner. No on call required, standard working hours 8:30am-5:30pm Monday to Friday.
- Remuneration: Independent contract agreement, 55% of billings, average GP salary $150,000 - $200,000
- Leave: 4 weeks of paid annual leave 9 days of sick leave (paid)
The Eastern Goldfields is the largest region in Western Australia. It covers almost one third of the State and has a population of about 54,000. More than half of the region's residents live in Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
Esperance, on the southern coast, is the second largest centre with a population of around 13,000.
The Kalgoorlie region has been historically significant in the development of Western Australia, as the centre of the gold rush in the 1890s. As well as reminders of those times in the buildings and institutions around the city, there is still a plethora of natural bounty to be enjoyed in its eucalyptus forests, wide sweeping plains and abundance of wildlife. The cultural mix found in the region is also rich, with a melding of Indigenous and European heritages that has created an area of unique character. To the southern edge of the region the pristine beaches provide a stunning backdrop to Australia's southern ocean, reached through a corridor of National Parks and wide swathes of unspoiled natural beauty.
The primary industries in the cooler southern part of the region are fishing and farming. The warm, dry northern areas are dominated by gold and nickel mining and industry-related services.
About 50 general practitioners work in the region across 22 practices, including Aboriginal Medical Services and the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Kalgoorlie is well serviced by specialists.


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City of Yonkers, NYHome Sitemap Contact
Each year, more than 4,000 Americans die and more than 20,000 are injured in fires, many of which could be prevented. Direct property loss due to fires is estimated at $10 billion annually.
To protect yourself, it is important to understand the basic characteristics of fire. Fire spreads quickly; there is no time to gather valuables or make a phone call. In just two minutes, a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, a residence can be engulfed in flames.
Heat and smoke from fire can be more dangerous than the flames. Inhaling the super-hot air can sear your lungs. Fire produces poisonous gases that make you disoriented and drowsy. Instead of being awakened by a fire, you may fall into a deeper sleep. Asphyxiation is the leading cause of fire deaths, exceeding burns by a three-to-one ratio.
Take Protective Measures
Before a Fire
Smoke Alarms
- Install smoke alarms. Properly working smoke alarms decrease your chances of dying in a fire by half.
- Place smoke alarms on every level of your residence. Place them outside bedrooms on the ceiling or high on the wall (4 to 12 inches from ceiling), at the top of open stairways, or at the bottom of enclosed stairs and near (but not in) the kitchen.
- Test and clean smoke alarms once a month and replace batteries at least once a year. Replace smoke alarms once every 10 years.
Planning Your Escape
- Review escape routes with your family. Practice escaping from each room.
- Make sure windows are not nailed or painted shut. Make sure security gratings on windows have a fire safety opening feature so they can be easily opened from the inside.
- Consider escape ladders if your residence has more than one level, and ensure that burglar bars and other antitheft mechanisms that block outside window entry are easily opened from the inside.
- Teach family members to stay low to the floor (where the air is safer in a fire) when escaping from a fire.
Preventing fire
- Cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the U.S. It is also the leading cause of fire injuries.
- Deaths due to fires caused by cooking are particularly preventable.
- Never leave cooking unattended. A serious fire can start in just seconds.
- Always wear short, tight-fitting sleeves when cooking.
- Keep towels, pot holders and curtains away from flames and heating elements.
- Clean cooking surfaces regularly to prevent grease buildup which can ignite.
- If a fire breaks out while cooking, put a lid on the pan to smother it. Never throw water on a grease fire.
- Heat oil gradually to avoid burns from spattering grease. Use extra caution when preparing deep-fried foods.
- Never use the range or oven to heat your home.
- Double-check the kitchen before you go to bed or leave the house. Make sure all small appliances are turned off.
Flammable Items
- Never use gasoline, benzine, naptha, or similar flammable liquids indoors.
- Store flammable liquids in approved containers in well-ventilated storage areas.
- Never smoke near flammable liquids.
- Discard all rags or materials that have been soaked in flammable liquids after you have used them. Safely discard them outdoors in a metal container.
- Insulate chimneys and place spark arresters on top. The chimney should be at least three feet higher than the roof. Remove branches hanging above and around the chimney.
Heating Sources
- Be careful when using alternative heating sources.
- Check with your local fire department on the legality of using kerosene heaters in your community. Be sure to fill kerosene heaters outside, and be sure they have cooled.
- Place heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials. Make sure the floor and nearby walls are properly insulated.
- Use only the type of fuel designated for your unit and follow manufacturer's instructions.
- Store ashes in a metal container outside and away from your residence.
- Keep open flames away from walls, furniture, drapery, and flammable items.
- Keep a screen in front of the fireplace.
- Have heating units inspected and cleaned annually by a certified specialist.
Matches and Smoking
- Keep matches and lighters up high, away from children, and, if possible, in a locked cabinet.
- Never smoke in bed or when drowsy or medicated. Provide smokers with deep, sturdy ashtrays. Douse cigarette and cigar butts with water before disposal.
Electrical Wiring
- Have the electrical wiring in your residence checked by an electrician.
- Inspect extension cords for frayed or exposed wires or loose plugs.
- Make sure outlets have cover plates and no exposed wiring.
- Make sure wiring does not run under rugs, over nails, or across high-traffic areas.
- Do not overload extension cords or outlets. If you need to plug in two or three appliances, get a UL-approved unit with built-in circuit breakers to prevent sparks and short circuits.
- Make sure insulation does not touch bare electrical wiring.
- Sleep with your door closed.
- Install A-B-C-type fire extinguishers in your residence and teach family members how to use them.
- Consider installing an automatic fire sprinkler system in your residence.
- Ask your local fire department to inspect your residence for fire safety and prevention.
During a Fire
To escape a fire, you should:
- Check closed doors for heat before you open them. If you are escaping through a closed door, use the back of your hand to feel the top of the door, the doorknob, and the crack between the door and door frame before you open it. Never use the palm of your hand or fingers to test for heat - burning those areas could impair your ability to escape a fire (i.e., ladders and crawling).
- Hot Door
Do not open. Escape through a window. If you cannot escape, hang a white or light-colored sheet outside the window, alerting fire fighters to your presence.
- Cool Door
Open slowly and ensure fire and/or smoke is not blocking your escape route. If your escape route is blocked, shut the door immediately and use an alternate escape route, such as a window. If clear, leave immediately through the door and close it behind you. Be prepared to crawl. Smoke and heat rise. The air is clearer and cooler near the floor.
- Hot Door
- Crawl low under any smoke to your exit - heavy smoke and poisonous gases collect first along the ceiling.
- Close doors behind you as you escape to delay the spread of the fire.
- Stay out once you are safely out. Do not reenter. Call 9-1-1.
After a Fire
The following are guidelines for different circumstances in the period following a fire:
- If you are with burn victims, or are a burn victim yourself, call 9-1-1; cool and cover burns to reduce chance of further injury or infection.
- If you detect heat or smoke when entering a damaged building, evacuate immediately.
- If you are a tenant, contact the landlord.
- If you have a safe or strong box, do not try to open it. It can hold intense heat for several hours. If the door is opened before the box has cooled, the contents could burst into flames.
- If you must leave your home because a building inspector says the building is unsafe, ask someone you trust to watch the property during your absence.
For More Information
If you require more information about any of these topics, go to the U.S. Fire Administration's website at http://www.usfa.fema.gov.
The following are resources that may be helpful.
- Visit NOAA Watch for more weather-related information.
- FEMA Publications:
After the Fire: Returning to Normal. FA 046. This 16-page booklet provides information about recovering from a fire, including what to do during the first 24 hours, insurance considerations, valuing your property, replacement of valuable documents, salvage hints, fire department operations, and more.
Smoke Alarms: What You Need to Know. FA 250 This brochure describes the types of smoke alarms available for residential use and the appropriate placement and maintenance of the alarms.
Protecting Your Family From Fire. FA 130. This pamphlet was written to provide the information you need to decide what you must do to protect your family from fire. Topics include children, sleepwear, older adults, smoke detectors, escape plans, and residential sprinklers.
Fire Risks for the Hard of Hearing. FA 202; Fire Risks for the Older Adult. FA 203; Fire Risks for the Mobility Impaired. FA 204; Fire Risks for the Blind or Visually Impaired. FA 205 These reports address preparation for fire risks for populations with special challenges.


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The heartwarming story of a completely self-made African-American man's rise to success certainly sounds timely, but "Gifted Hands" — the latest Johnson & Johnson Spotlight presentation — struggles to overcome the limits of its subject matter. Cuba Gooding Jr. frames the story by playing real-life neurosurgeon Ben Carson as an adult (two gifted youngsters portray him for much of the movie), but director Thomas Carter has to work overtime to make scenes of Carson studying and executing a breakthrough medical procedure interesting. Reasonably well made, the pic proves that not every uplifting story readily lends itself to such an adaptation.
Carson is introduced at the top of his game, as head of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Children's Center, where he's asked to separate German twins perilously conjoined at the head. As he labors to achieve that miraculous feat (and let's face it, there wouldn't be a movie if he botched things), the made-for flashes back into conventional biopic territory, revealing that Carson was a poor student, pushed to excel by his illiterate single mother (Kimberly Elise, in the film's meatiest and strongest performance) and eventually climbed to the top of his field.
Adapted by John Pielmeier ("Agnes of God"), the movie keeps striking the same notes again and again: Ben underachieving, being reassured that he can do anything by mom and then scoring some surprise victory in which he's praised instead of being scolded by an authority figure.
That familiarity would carry more weight if much of the movie didn't focus so intently on Ben studying, which is a difficult endeavor to make cinematically engaging. And while Carter depicts the final surgery in gory detail, there's just no creating suspense around that protracted sequence.
"Gifted Hands" deals sparingly with instances of racism that confronted Carson as he rose into the academic stratosphere, and those scenes do resonate. Yet neither the moments of triumph nor the setbacks can quite make the movie pop emotionally, while Gooding appears constrained by his limited screen time and the narrow demands of the part.
There's nothing wrong with presenting another inspirational story, and kids could do far worse than embracing Carson's against-all-odds accomplishments as a role model. From that perspective "Gifted Hands" is an understandable choice for both TNT and the sponsor. Yet in the final analysis, this is one of those viewing experiences that help remind you — more literally than most — why creating a feel-good TV movie isn't brain surgery.


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General Motors Recalls A Half Million More Cars
General Motors is recalling more cars for problems with ignition switches. The latest involves more than half a million Chevrolet Camaros from the 2010 to 2014 model years.
GM says a driver's knee can bump the key and knock the switch out of the "run" position, causing an engine stall.
That knocks out power steering and brakes and could cause drivers to lose control.
GM says it knows of three crashes and four minor injuries from the problem.


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Inspired by Tim Bray's recent post about how many devices people carry, I got to thinking: what's the best possible combination of electronic devices to carry right now?
Obviously we'd all love to carry a single device that did everything properly, but that's some way off. So, currently, when I'm out-and-about I carry a MacBook Air, a Kindle and my phone. It suits me well: the Air is for work; the Kindle purely pleasure. The phone is obviously a given, with me at all times.
But what do you guys carry when you're on the move? And what do you think the most efficient combination is, right here, right now?
Image by cowitz under Creative Commons license


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Hi to all,
I am doing a program in java that will get the highest scores of the students and returns in list.
StudentA : 90
StudentB : 90
StudentC : 80
StudentD : 70
The result of this should return StudentA and StudentB in java list.
Sorry for my poor english.
Hope can anyone will help me and it will be greatly appreciated.


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ODOT Warns Motorists Driving in Snow: "First is Worst"
ODOT's best advice when driving in winter conditions, Ice & Snow, Take It Slow
(Friday, January 13, 2012) – As Ohioans anticipate driving in winter weather, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) says beware: "First is Worst," especially on interstates and state-maintained highways, where speeds are faster and traffic volumes higher.
Research shows that by the time the first winter storm hits, most motorists have forgotten their winter driving skills. ODOT's best advice when driving in winter conditions,
Ice & Snow, Take It Slow
"Winter driving can be challenging and unpredictable," said ODOT Director Jerry Wray. "Our snowplow operators work hard treating and plowing the roads to ensure motorists have a safe commute. We ask that you do your part and drive appropriately for the conditions."
Although winter-related fatalities on ODOT-maintained roads decreased by more than 40 percent last year – from 34 to 19 – there were still 37,751 winter-related crashes on Ohio's roadways.
With more than 65 crashes involving motorists hitting snowplows last year, ODOT reminds motorists please "Don't Crowd The Plow." Snowplows travel well below the posted speed limit and can make sudden stops and turns – don't tailgate and if you must pass take extreme caution and beware of the snow cloud.
Drivers can also do their part to be safe – whether it's the first storm or last – by following these tips:
Plan Ahead:
Before leaving home, find out about driving conditions by going to ODOT's premier website
. Safe drivers know the weather, and their limits.
See and be Seen:
Remove any snow on your vehicle's windows, lights, brake lights and signals.
Check the Clock:
Leave plenty of time to reach your destination safely. It's not worth putting yourself and others in a dangerous situation just to be on time.
Turn on your Lights:
If you need to turn on your wipers, turn on your headlights - it's the law.
Although crashes on ODOT-maintained roads make up only 30 percent of all snow and ice crashes, in the 2009-2010 winter season nearly 64 percent of all winter-related fatalities occurred on Interstates, U.S. Routes and State Routes.
For more safety tips visit ODOT's
Ice & Snow, Take It Slow
For more information, contact: Steve Faulkner, ODOT Press Secretary, at 614-644-7101,
or your local ODOT District Communications Office
The Ohio Department of Transportation
, 1980 West Broad Street, Columbus Ohio 43223
Mike DeWine, Governor
Jack Marchbanks, Ph.D., ODOT Director
Privacy Statement


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Antonin Scalia, strangely, is rarely recognized for his passion, though he certainly evinces it in dissents.
Eli Lake, of course, offered the definitive guide for wielding the catch-all term in online conversations. Lake's usage more accurately reflects my feelings about Sotomayor's dissent:
Retweet the hater's tweet, appending the phrase "I love your passion," or some variation. This may seem counterintuitive. After all, the hater has just insulted you and you respond with a compliment. But "I love your passion" is no compliment at all. It's what you hear from someone who is about to disappoint you. It's what you hear when you don't get the job.
For example, if you have just proposed that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation fund your museum tour and folk concert to raise awareness about the negative portrayal of Eskimos in the Canadian media, you will likely find the phrase baked into a polite rejection. "It is so refreshing to hear someone talk with your energy about the plight of Greenland's Yupik population. We all love your passion. But right now the foundation is focused on more tangible projects that are closer to home."
The editors at National Review took the justice to task for her results-oriented decision. The whole thing is well worth reading:
In a perfectly Orwellian dissenting opinion, which she read dramatically from the bench, Justice Sotomayor argued that the decision of the people of Michigan to end racial discrimination is itself an instance of racial discrimination and that the only way to mitigate such racial discrimination is through the mandatory maintenance of racial discrimination. In this opinion she was joined by Justice Ginsburg, with Justice Kagan recusing herself from the case. Justice Sotomayor argued that Michigan's Proposal 2, which mandates race-neutral state policies, is the sort of legislation used to "oppress minority groups." By outlawing racial discrimination, she argued, "a majority of the Michigan electorate changed the basic rules of the political process in that State in a manner that uniquely disadvantaged racial minorities."
Justice Sotomayor is here arguing in effect that if a constitutional referendum doesn't go the NAACP's way, then its effects are invalid. This is not an exaggeration: Justice Soyomayor argues explicitly that Michigan's voters would have been within their rights to, for example, lobby university authorities to adopt race-neutral admissions standards but that by adopting a constitutional amendment insisting on race neutrality, thereby transferring the decision from the education bureaucrats to the people themselves and their constitution, they "changed the rules in the middle of the game." Her opinion is legally illiterate and logically indefensible, and the still-young career of this self-described "wise Latina" on the Supreme Court already offers a case study in the moral and legal corrosion that inevitably results from elevating ethnic-identity politics over the law. Justice Sotomayor has revealed herself as a naked and bare-knuckled political activist with barely even a pretense of attending to the law, and the years she has left to subvert the law will be a generation-long reminder of the violence the Obama administration has done to our constitutional order.
This is hardly the first time the media has fawned over Sotomayor nor will it be the last. A flashback to her first, big NYT profile upon being named to the Court: "To Get to Sotomayor's Core, Start in New York: Milestones in Work and Life, Set to a City's Rhythms"
I wrote about it at the time, comparing it to the treatment other justices received in the same pages:
Such endeavors are naturally fluffy and positive, but you learn almost nothing about her judicial or political philosophies. By contrast, almost the entire first page of John Roberts' NYT profile, while nominally positive, is devoted to ferreting out just how politically conservative he actually is. The writer does not offer lyrical illustrations of Roberts' fair mind and goodness in action, but rather testimonies from friends that sound as if they came in response to the question, "So, all his friends are white Republicans, right?"
Samuel Alito's profile is similarly devoted to assurances from liberal friends that he's not insane (whew!), and discussion of whether he is now or ever has been a part of the Reagan Revolution. I guess Roberts and Alito can't expect the same treatment as Sotomayor. Did they set their "milestones in work and life to the rhythms of the city?" I think not.
What's most aggravating about the profile, however, is the implicit and common liberal conceit that compelling narratives, racial harmony, and helping others are solely the province of liberals, and particularly liberals in the Age of Obama.
If one has the patience to dig through 40 pages of NYT search results about Justice Clarence Thomas' "anger" and Anita Hill's accusations against him, one can find two or three sentences about a man who had no indoor plumbing for much of his childhood, lived in a neighborhood called "Blood Bucket" in the Jim Crow South, and was raised by an illiterate grandfather to work hard and overcome segregation to attend Yale Law and become a Supreme Court justice. Not bad, as narratives go. "Only in America" stories of overcoming obstacles to reach improbable heights did not begin with Barack Obama.
The custom of judges advising and mentoring clerks did not begin with Sonia Sotomayor. Christmas parties featuring both lawyers and janitors do not only happen in the nation's enlightened urban centers.


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Yesterday I heard a pundit talking about who might win the Mercury Prize. He mentioned James Blake in passing, not as a 'proper' contender like Bowie, but he said something interesting. Blake's music could only have been made now, he observed. If you'd heard this music twenty years ago, he said, it'd have sounded like the future.
And that's the thing. There's great music all over the place – Kwes or Goat or the riotous gloaming released by Blackest Ever Black to mention three off the top of my head. Naturally, there's also a tonne of music that is just repeating what's been done before, like a legal high with a molecule or two moved around. But something has changed.
I remember Martyn Ware talking about artists looking backwards instead of forwards. Imagine, he said, if Human League had made music that sounded like it came from two decades before – music from the 1950s? They'd have been laughed out of Sheffield. Everyone was looking ahead, using new technology and making sounds that propelled them out of their reality into something more adult, something further ahead: the future. The future was shiny, bleepy, better.
But is anyone making futuristic electronic music now?
No. Because there's no point. There's an understanding, even if we haven't clocked it overtly, that the future is going to be worse than the past, or at least more complicated and probably more difficult and that's not the easiest thing to turn into a tune. Futurism was about transportation and a belief in eternal growth, not reality. Derrick May and Juan Atkins made electronic music as a spaceship, a transporter, a time-machine that could move them forwards and outwards.
Congratulations to James Blake on his Mercury, and to everyone making music that doesn't sound like the past or like the an outdated version of future. Forward the Now-ists!


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I have tonsillitis
Kidge 10:17am Wed 10 Oct Report Abuse
People never tire of watching repeats of rubbish like folls and horses, but complain when repeats of quincy are shown.
links 8:25am Thu 10 Sep Report Abuse
Bring back Kojac
Doppelgangster 9:14am Fri 31 Jul Report Abuse
By the time this series is shown for the 100th time,I will know that pathology lab better than my living room
Doppelgangster 8:40am Thu 30 Jul Report Abuse
Once you've seen one episode you've seen them all.Quincey will almost certain get fired up at beaurocrasy and pen pushers.His vein in his temple willget apoplectic.His boss,and the cops will dissagree with him,only for him to be proved right at the end.He will make a friend out of someone he was at odds with throughout the episode,and there will be a semi raucous drink at Danny's bar at the end,with glasses raised.What a predictableload of rubbish.
Doppelgangster 9:18am Wed 29 Jul Report Abuse
Double episodes?
Doubleepisodes of Quincy? Why for crying out loud? Bring back Kojac;We love that baby
Doppelgangster 9:11am Wed 29 Jul Report Abuse
Old Favourite
The original CSI-crusading coroner is still a favourite watch
Karin 4:38pm Mon 4 Aug Report Abuse
Very entertaining
AndyHazy 11:16am Wed 21 May Report Abuse


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CPR Course Offered At The KC Main Campus
Would you know what to do if one of your co-workers, friends, or family members was choking or suddenly collapsed? This could be a life or death situation that requires knowledge and skill to possibly save their life. These skills can be learned in just a few hours' time with The American Heart Association CPR course. This course is also very beneficial to babysitters, new parents, teachers, community groups or anyone who wants to know how to react in a critical situation.
This class will be held Friday, July 26, from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm at the Kaskaskia College Main Campus. You can sign up for this 0.5 credit hour course, PARM 111, at the Admissions Office on the Main Campus at 618-545-3040.
"If the date and time does not fit your schedule, we are willing to work with you," said Lucinda Spencer, KC's AHA Training Center Faculty and Paramedicine Coordinator. "Just e-mail me with a time that would be better. If you have a group of 8 or more, I am willing to come to your location at a date and time that you prefer to do this class. Please help me increase the number of CPR providers in our area!"
For more information, please contact Lucinda Spencer at 618-545-3431 or email her at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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|An Hour with Jesus This booklet was designed to enhance your time spent with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. It includes a prayer format to use in Adoration with rosary meditations, prayers and spontaneous meditation topics. It's a terrific tool to guide your devotions. Hugely popular. Let this booklet lead you into deep solemn moment with Him.
|The 12 Steps to Holiness and Salvation, St. Alphonsus Liguori, an absolute classic whether bishops or bridge builder, housewife or professor, -- whoever takes up this book, they will agree that in it are true keys to happiness in this world and bliss in the next! By the all-time famous saint, in simple, powerful, soul-saving language that you won't easily forget!
|(120 pp) $5.45
|(198 pp) $9.00
|The Pieta Prayer Book (a classic) Many find this the most powerful little compilation of prayers they own. There are the fifteen prayers as revealed to St. Bridget. There is an ancient prayer to the Virgin. There are beautiful prayers to Jesus. There is a prayer to the Eternal Father to obtain all the graces of the world's Masses. There is a novena to the Sacred Heart. There is Divine Mercy, prayer for priests.
Gold Book of Prayers
An all-time best-selling treasury of contemporary and traditional prayers including a beautiful Scriptural Rosary, Jesus Rosary, litanies, and Seven Sorrows Chaplet. Excellent for prayer groups or individual use. A booklet that will not only help and inspire during Lent , but at all times of the year.
|(72 pg) $1.95
|( 96 pp) $5.45
|Humility of Heart, by Fr. Cajetan Mary da Bergamo, an extremely popular classic full of wisdom and gems of instruction on how we attain one of the most important characteristics of holiness -- humility deep in our spirits. From every direction, Fr. Bergamo marshals up reasons to practice humility and why it was so important in the lives of saints. No one enters Heaven without it.
Hungry Souls, Supernatural Visits, Messages, Warnings from Purgatory, by Gerard Van Den Aardweg, a new and powerful -- and fascinating -- collection of actual, well-documented cases during which the deceased made contact with the living seeking help in the afterlife -- the noises in the night, the Lutheran minister, no believer in purgatory, who learned about it by direct experience!
|(203 pp) $10.00
|(153 pp) $16.00
|How To Make a Good Confession, by Fr. John Kane, Here is the help you need to open your soul to the vast reservoir of mercy found in Confession. This down-to-earth, practical guide shows how to transform your confessions into profound experiences. 'Don't go to Confession without it!' says author Patrick Madrid. Every Catholic needs to pay more attention to this endangered sacrament.
|Confession: Its Fruitful Practice This wonderful and practical little booklet explains clearly and thoroughly how to make a good Confession --but in much greater detail than is covered in most catechisms! It includes an examination of conscience, contrition and its requirements, the actual Confession, penance, and avoidance of sins. A valuable little handbook.
|(quality cover, 130 pp) $10.95
|(79 pgs) $3.00
|Confession, a little book for the reluctant, by Monsignor Louis Gaston de Segur, this eminent and popular writer from the 19th century -- when the sacraments were taken much more seriously -- explains the sacrament with kindness and wisdom -- spurring you on to the protect and cleanliness God desires for you and your family!
|How to Go to Confession, by Ann M. S. LeBlanc, a new and suddenly popular book for those who need a fresh outlook on Confession, and especially those who have been away from the sacrament -- that we may better understand and prepare for its unique power. Presented with both humor and spiritual insight, it is a step-by-step approach on how best to participate.
|(68 pp) $3.00
|(60 pp) $4.95
|Diary of Sister Faustina, the classic writings of a new saint with a huge mystic bent, a saint who saw Jesus in visions and received dozens of potent messages on the need in our time for Divine Mercy to defeat the evil that otherwise will overcome us and lead to chastisement. This is a must for all Catholics tuned into to present time and an important devotion that has all the signs of urgency.
|Treasury of Novenas, by Fr. Lawrence G. Lovasik, a collection of prayers every Catholic should have, a true treasure trove -- more than forty of the most popular novenas carefully arranged for private prayer in accord with the liturgical year on the feasts of Jesus and Mary as well as favorite saints! A terrific daily companion with everything from Christmas novenas to Lenten prayers and much more!
|(700 pp) $14.95
|(small quality-bound, 251 pp) $8.00
|Trustful Surrender to Divine Providence, the secret of peace and happiness, by Fr. Jean Baptiste Saint-Jure and Fr. St. Claude Colombiere, a classic little book that expertly guides you on God's Will in your life, how the Lord controls events, His supreme wisdom, how trials and punishments are blessings, how to handle the natural incidents in our daily lives, overcoming all forms of adversity and even calamities and much more!
|Freed and Healed Through Fasting, by Sister Emmanuel, a little book that powerfully indicates the reason for fasting, how best to do it -- and its often dramatic effects! When divorce is 'inevitable,' when a loved one is sick, when someone is hooked on drugs, when fear is intense, turn to the true power of fasting, through which Heaven so quickly responds! Through fasting, thousands have found freedom, healing, and peace!
|(136 pp) $7.00
|(85 pg) $6.95
|Devotion to the Sorrowful Mother, this booklet explains many things about Our Lady's Sorrows that most Catholics have never considered. It is an orientation in an age that is marked by theology that poorly prepares our souls for the afterlife. Drawing on Sacred Scripture and holy traditions of the saints, it outlines the four special favors promised those devoted to the Sorrows of Mary -- so appropriate in our sorrowful time!
|Scriptural Rosary with Luminous Mysteries, a from Gospa Missions, this includes the entire original Scriptural Rosary with a passage for each bead plus the new Luminous Ones propagated by the Pope! This little booklet is one you'll want to keep close at hand in times that are so turbulent and in need of tranquility.
|(booklet) $3.50
|(small softcover) $4.95
|Padre Pio's Spiritual Direction for Every Day, excerpts from actual letters written by the incredible saint to his own spiritual directors as well as those who sought his counsel -- 365 reflections that cover some of the very most profound aspects of spirituality and Catholic devotion for inspiration all year long, compiled by Gianluigi Pasquale, a Capuchin monk in Italy who teaches at the Lateran Pontifical University in Rome! Let Padre Pio share his wisdom with you!
|Padre Pio's Rosary, CD, by Fr. Pio Mandato, two CDs that pray the Rosary the way the great saint did, adding the Luminous Mysteries and also an efficacious novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus! Try this instead of talk radio. With classical tenors Aldo Leone, Maria Incremona, and Douglas Clark -- music and prayers to drive with, to pray with at bedtime, to live by through the day!
|(251 pp) $13.99
|(two CDs) $16.50
|Large St. Benedict Cross, not the ordinary medal, but for our time, a larger seven-inch, well-made cross from Archbishop Philip Hannan's group, made in Italy, with a very substantial and holy feel as no piece of jewelry but a real tool of defense in your home! Bigger than the palm of your hand, it is nonetheless the official and sanctioned medal. Do we recommend it? We have them for our personal use, and hope everyone does the same.
|The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ, a revelation to Sister Anne Catherine Emmerich on the details of Christ's Crucifixion -- her potent, lengthy account of the Passion and death of Our Savior, with all the horrendous sufferings. This is the book that inspired the Mel Gibson movie. Whatever the minute details, it brings us into the spirit of the greatest suffering known to history.
|(St. Benedict cross-medal) $28.00
|(382 pp) $18.00
of Suffering
by Paul Mihalik
Paul Mihalik provides great insight into an area few of us understand: Suffering for the salvation of souls. Each of us has pain in our lives. Once we realize that, we transcend it -- we see the beauty of our trials, tribulations, and tests. Mihalik shows us through the lives of Jesus, Pope John Paul II, Mother Teresa, St. Therese of Lisieux, and others, the redemptive power of suffering. Don't waste your pain, offer it up for the salvation of souls.
|The Agony of Jesus, a meditation on Our Lord's agony in the garden, by St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, an actual contemplation by one of the greatest Catholic mystics of all-time, especially potent for Lenten season but useful all year round as we attend the great mystery St. Pio so loved: the Mass. During this time when we somberly look at the life and death of Our Beloved Lord, St. Padre Pio helps us get right into the very spirit of courage and surrender.
|(100 pp) $7.95
|(40 pp) $3.00
*click here for back to bookstore #1 * Click here to see pictures of covers
|Devotion to the Precious Blood, a little but powerful booklet that gives a whole new appreciation for the Blood of Our Lord -- a treasure of infinite value if used in the proper way. Included are inspiring promises of Our Lord, intriguing stories from the lives of saints, poignant revelations from people like Blessed Anne Emmerich, plus many classic Catholic prayers powerful in spiritual warfare
|Secrets of the Eucharist by Michael Brown, Heart-felt reflections on the Holy Eucharist, fresh new insights, and miracles. What did Padre Pio say? How did saints adore? What's the "real presence"? Full of insights into the Mass, the most powerful prayer possible. One of our most popular books. It will take you from Eucharistic miracles to every aspect and often the hidden side of Holy Mass.
|(56 pp) $3.00
|(96 pp) $6.95
|The Passion of Jesus and Its Hidden Meaning, by Fr. James Groenings, S.J., showing how, whether we realize it or not, all of us are involved in the sufferings of Jesus! It was because of our sins and the seriousness of these sins that Our Lord underwent a cruel torture. This book unravels: the significance of the Garden of Olives, St. Peter's denial (how it relates to all of us), the principal flaw behind Judas, the lessons of scourging -- and more!
in the Presence of Our Lord for the Holy Souls
by Susan Tassone
Nothing gives God more glory, or brings Him greater joy, than when we remember those who have died before us. This is the most comprehensive collection of the most powerful prayers of the Catholic Church for the holy souls. Pope says giving your indulgence to the souls is the "highest act of supernatural charity."
|(461 pp. $15.00)
|(176 pg) $7.95
|The Way of the Cross for the Holy Souls in Purgatory edited by Susan Tassone, a valuable bestselling little pamphlet that helps us help our friends and loved ones who have gone on before us. It follows the guidance of the Pope, who has suggested precisely this devotion, and it is endorsed by the Archbishop of Chicago. It is crucial to help the deceased! A popular book everyone should have.
|His Power is Among Us, compiled by Patricia A. Kelly, an extraordinary book on healing including subjects like the importance of applying ancestral prayers to the family, stopping family disorders as far back as the third and fourth generation. The need for forgiveness is stressed as the essence of healing.
|(47 pp) $3.95
|(156 pp) $6.95
|The Medjugorje Fasting Book, by Wayne Weible, the author who brought so many to the famed and under-study apparition site now provides an anointed look at a central message from the Blessed Mother concerning the great, hidden power -- and requirement -- of fasting. Is it tough to do? Sometimes. Can we approach it in a way that makes it easier? Yes. He unlocks the door to the purpose of fasting and offers keys to making it an enduring, transforming part of our lives!
|The Seven Capital Sins Everyone, unfortunately, will probably see himself or herself described in this booklet, since all human sins are traceable to the following roots: pride, covetousness, lust, anger, gluttony, envy, and sloth. This little booklet expertly explains the true nature of these sins -- and their often surprising disguises, so we may avoid them!
|(251 pp) $13.99
|(62 pgs.) $3.00
|Stations of the Cross, by Rosalie SanGiovanni, beautiful meditations on the fourteen Stations of the Cross in a way that is fresh and devout and to the point: solemn and powerful, as prayers in this holy Way of Jesus should be, with opening and closing supllications. Meditating on the Passion through this book is ideal for the individual, for prayer groups, and for parish services -- not only during Lent but throughout the year!
Suffering of Extraordinary Saints
by Fr. Vincent O'Malley
This book discloses the seldom-discussed temptations, failures, and sorrows of more then one hundred saints. Let these stories of the saints heal the wounds in your life and encourage you to allow God's love to transform your suffering into the eternal triumph of the saints.
|(booklet) $3.00
|(272 pgs) $12.95
|The Lion Roars: Prayers for the Remnant, by Dave VanVickle, a truly inspired and anointed little booklet of a Catholic's favorite devotional prayers collected over a lifetime -- daily prayers, consecrations, prayer for the Pope, prayer to one's angel, St. Augustine's prayer to the Holy Spirit, prayer before Communion, acts before Communion, acts after, Divine praises, Confession prayers, prayers of various saints, litanies, intercessory prayer, maxims, virtues and more!
|Recycle Your Sufferings; Others Could Use Them, by Father John Hampsch, a little pamphlet that adresses an issue we all face from time to time, lending us quick insights on how we can turn what seems like a negative -- and painful -- experience into one that helps others and goes for the glory of God!
|(46 pp) $7.00
|(pamphlet, 16 pp $1.95)


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Appropedia is the site for collaborative solutions in sustainability, poverty reduction and international development through the use of sound principles and appropriate technology and the sharing of wisdom and project information. It is a wiki, a type of website which allows anyone to add, remove, or edit content. Registration is encouraged but not required for contributors.
What is Appropedia?[modifica | modifica sorgente]
Appropedia has been described as an "appropriate technology wiki," but it is much broader than that - it is a green living wiki and a wiki for all matters of international development and aid. Appropedia is an open site for stakeholders to come together to find, create and improve scalable and adaptable solutions. This can include sharing information and collaborating with others on how we can lighten our ecological footprint and live in harmony with nature and our environment in developed countries, or discuss eg low cost technologies for use in the developing world. A key aim of Appropedia is to provide this information, to support sustainable choices - sharing knowledge to build rich, sustainable lives. For more about our motivation, see Appropedia:Mission.
Appropedia began in April of 2006. In the earliest stages it was a collaboration between passionate people from the United States and Australia, and quickly expanded to become a global project.
A number of other similar sites have "joined with" Appropedia since its inception, bringing many content pages, readers and contributors, including:
- Sustainable Development Wikia
- WinWinWiki
- Wikigreen.org
- Village Earth's Appropriate Technology Wiki Project
- HowToLiveWiki, home of the Hexayurt
- The sGoals Wiki, a.k.a. the Sustainable Goals Wiki (sustainable business)
More details: Appropedia:A history of collaboration.
Content on Appropedia[modifica | modifica sorgente]
Appropedia welcomes contributions of many types of content:
- Project histories and project how-tos
- Textbook-style information, tables, and figures
- Best practice in sustainability, development and all related fields
- Designs
- Photographs and illustrations
- Information for finding supplies and help
- Links and information on other organizations
- Collaboration pages for co-creating solutions
- Discussion pages for commenting on work done and work that needs to be done
- More - whatever aids the causes of sustainability and overcoming poverty.
People who make Appropedia possible[modifica | modifica sorgente]
You[modifica | modifica sorgente]
The community of contributors and visitors that makes Appropedia work, and makes working at Appropedia meaningful.
Founder, admin and bureaucrat[modifica | modifica sorgente]
Founding administrators[modifica | modifica sorgente]
- Chriswaterguy, a.k.a. Chris Watkins
- Curt Beckmann
- GoodSignal, a.k.a. Gabriel Krause. Founding technical administrator.
Other administrators[modifica | modifica sorgente]
- On2Leggs, a.k.a. Ryan Legg - Senior staff at Cornell's Center for Sustainable Global Enterprise in charge of program development and management.
- Vinay Gupta of the Hexayurt.
- Jason Michael Smithson.
Technical Assistance[modifica | modifica sorgente]
- Aaron Antrim, a student of Humboldt State University consulted the original appropedia team, and provided the recommendation to use MediaWiki software.
- Jason Michael Smithson provides Technical Project Management and Systems Administration assistance. Once some of the pressing issues there are resolved he will be performing ongoing Web Optimization. (Beginning approximately April 2010.)
The Foundation[modifica | modifica sorgente]
Oversight of Appropedia is provided by The Appropedia Foundation, which has a global focus and an international board of directors. It is registered in California as a non-profit organization and has 501(c)(3) (tax-exempt) status. The Foundation's Federal EIN (Tax ID) is 20-8982657.
More questions?[modifica | modifica sorgente]
Do you have a question about how to participate? Wondering what exactly Appropedia's activities are? Starting a website and wondering how it fits with Appropedia? See Appropedia:FAQ, and if you still have questions, contact us.
See also[modifica | modifica sorgente]
- http://www.appropedia.org/Appropedia:Vision_and_mission
- http://www.appropedia.org/Appropedia:For_the_media
- http://www.appropedia.org/Appropedia:Promotion_of_Appropedia
- http://www.appropedia.org/:Category:Appropedia_press_releases
- http://www.appropedia.org/Appropedia:Citations_in_the_literature


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Cisco has announced the beta exam for the new CCIE v4.0 exam. For the reduced price of $50, this is a good opportunity for recertification for those with their digits or for those who may not have already taken the written exam and are studying for the new version of the lab.
Beta Available for CCIE Routing and Switching v4.0 Written Exam
The beta version of CCIE Routing and Switching Written Exam v4.0 (351-001) will be available for scheduling at all worldwide, Cisco-authorized Pearson VUE testing centers beginning August 11, 2009 and continuing through September 9, 2009. Candidates may schedule and take the exam on the same day. The beta exam will be offered at a discounted price of US$50, with full recertification or lab qualification credit granted to all passing candidates. Candidates preparing for this exam should refer to CCIE Routing and Switching 4.0 written exam topics for a detailed outline of topics covered. Registration on the Cisco Learning Network is required.
Click here for more information about CCIE written exam betas.
Reminders: Candidates will receive their results six to eight weeks after the close of the beta period. Therefore, CCIEs in suspended status with an expiration date before November 30, 2009 should recertify using another exam. Candidates may only attempt a beta exam once during the beta period.


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With so many different entertainment options out there for your children, we at PopcornBiz thought we'd take a moment each week to dissect one piece of family entertainment strictly from a parent's perspective, so that you know what parts are appropriate for your loved ones, and which are not. This week's COVER YOUR EYES subject: "Hugo."
"Hugo" came out on DVD last week and I screened it for my kids. Not because I thought it would be all that scary or anything. But because I wanted to know if my kids would find it all that interesting. Of all the Photoshop jobs from the "If Oscar movies told the truth" series, the one for "Hugo" is among the most biting of all:
Martin Scorsese's loving homage to the early era of cinema and filmmaking... for children. MARKETING NIGHTMARE, IN 3D.
Was this Oscar-winning financial dud really too obtuse for your little ones? Let's consider a few factors:
The "Will Parents Be Able To Tolerate It?" Factor: Probably. Like "Where The Wild Things Are" (which was awful), "Hugo" is less a child's movie than it is an inner child's movie: designed specifically to cause grownups to reminisce over the joys and pain of youth. In the case of "Hugo," we're talking about Martin Scorsese's inner child. So if you happen to have a kid who's half the size of all the other kids, talks too much, and adores watching old spools of silent movies, then I suppose "Hugo" is a good fit. But normal kids will be bored to death.
The Dead Parent Factor: Big. Jude Law dies in a fire, much to the delight of scorned women around the world. That leaves Hugo an orphan, constantly in danger of being shipped to the orphanage, where hell presumably awaits him. There's a scary moment in the film where another orphan is dragged away by Sasha Baron Cohen and locked in a cage, and that's not a terribly fun thing for kids to dwell on. They may be asleep by that part of it, though.
The Sexy Sex Sex Factor: Cohen has one passing conversation with a cop in which he asks about having "relations." There's also some light flirtation going on all about the train station where Hugo lives. Such a epicenter of romance, those Parisian train station. Gare du Amore!
The Scare Factor: Minimal. The automaton that Hugo fixes has a scary face, kind of like the Shatner mask used in "Halloween." I wouldn't sleep in the same room as that thing. Otherwise, most of the scares here involve Hugo in danger of being dragged away to the orphanage.
The Violence Factor: Minimal. Law's fiery death isn't shown in graphic detail. Baron Cohen's gimpy leg is the result of a war wound, which may cause your children to ask about what war is and why it handicaps people in such a manner. Again, if they're awake. They probably won't be awake.
The Racism Factor: It's an all-white cast. Could they not find a single black Parisian?
Age Range: 47 and up. I don't think any kid would be scarred by watching "Hugo." They'd just be bored senseless. There are very few action set pieces (Hugo hanging off the big clock is the only bone Scorsese throws to the kids). Mostly it's just talking and talking, with the occasional flashback thrown in. Movie critics loved this movie because it paid homage to all of the old obscure movies that they care about that NO ONE ELSE does. Frankly, I hate this kind of movie. It's so transparent when a movie is paying homage to movies of old that it completely takes you out of the story. Kind of ironic, actually. Anyway, your kids won't last twenty minutes through "Hugo."


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What makes a 401(k) different?
Four things differentiate a 401(k) plan from other retirement plans.
- When you participate in a 401(k) plan, you tell your employer how much money you want to go into the account. You can usually put up to 15 percent of your salary into the account each month, but the employer has the right to limit that amount. It might be worth your while to rally for a higher limit if it isn't as high as you would like it to be. The IRS limits your total annual contribution to $15,000 (for 2006).
- The money you contribute comes out of your check before taxes are calculated, and more importantly, before you ever have a chance to get your hands on it. That makes the 401(k) one of the most painless ways to save for retirement.
- If you're lucky, your employer will match a portion of your contribution. Your employer wants you to participate in the plan because of compliance issues we'll talk about later. The matched amount they offer (the free money part) is your incentive to participate.
- The money is given to a third party administrator who invests it in mutual funds, bonds, money market accounts, etc. They don't determine the mix of investments -- you do that. They usually have a list of investment vehicles you can choose from as well as some guidelines for the level of risk you are willing to take. We'll also talk about that later.
Here's what the overall process looks like:
The drawback to the 401(k)? If you withdraw your money before you are 59.5 years old, you'll have to pay the tax on it, PLUS a 10% penalty fine to the IRS.
How safe is your money?
What if your employer declares bankruptcy? How do you know your money is safe? The Employment Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) that was passed in 1974 includes regulations that protect your retirement income. It requires that all 401(k) deposits be held in custodial accounts in order to keep your money safe in the event that something happens to your employer.
It also sets requirements that your employer must follow, such as sending you regular account statements, providing easy access to your account, and maintaining compliance so that the plan is fair for everyone in the company. It also requires your employer to provide you with educational materials about the investment opportunities within your plan.


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Southern California kicker Mario Danelo was found dead yesterday about 120 feet down a rocky cliff near Point Fermin lighthouse.
The body was reported by a passer-by at about 4:30 p.m., said Martha Garcia of the Los Angeles Police Department.
Danelo, the 21-year-old son of former NFL kicker Joe Danelo, made 15 of 16 field goals this season and led the Trojans in scoring with 89 points. The junior made two field goals in the Rose Bowl on Monday to help USC beat Michigan, 32-18.
Speaking on behalf of Trojans coach Pete Carroll, USC spokesman Tim Tessalone said: �We were stunned to hear about this tragedy. This is a great loss. Mario was a wonderful young man of high character.
�He was one heck of a kicker. He was a key ingredient in our success the past two years. The thoughts and prayers of the entire Trojan family go out to the Danelo family on this sad, sad day.�


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Jace Hall is well-known for his comedy videos, but apparently he can also be a pretty serious dude when he wants to be. In a recent blog entry, the internet funnyman talks about a recent piece on "internet addiction" by CNN personality Campbell Brown.
Addiction is a tough topic, and WoW is an easy sell as a scapegoat. Like any activity you love, if you feel passionately about it, you should fight for its proper representation. Jace certainly is.
His stance on addiction:
Hall laments that news organizations and personalities seem eager to paint activities they're unfamiliar with or don't understand, like WoW, as unique and dangerous forces in addiction then countless other activities. Among those with addictive personalities or social difficulties, any activity can become addictive, and this particular report, he says, is pure fear-mongering "based ultimately on conjecture.""It is my opinion that human beings are capable of creating destructive relationships and associations with almost anything. Seeking pleasure and avoiding pain is a fundamental trait of the human condition. This trait can occasionally direct people toward the use of escapism. Sometimes this can be a necessary mode of survival and very healthy – other times is can lead to counterproductive personal and social behavior.
What that means is that, YES, someone can get so involved in watching movies, or reading books, or tweaking their myspace page, or surfing, or playing games, or swimming or drinking, or using drugs, or having sex, or ANYTHING THAT THEY FIND USEFUL TO ESCAPE WITH, that they actually begin to ignore other important aspects of their lives and it becomes a real problem."
My personal opinion on these matters is that it's difficult to pin "WoW addiction" on any particular source, and that usually, like Jace says in his article, there are circumstances that extend far outside of the game that can cause these problems.


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View more videos at: http://nbcmiami.com.
After a South Florida woman picked up her car from valet, something was left inside it – an insult written on the ticket.
"I was mortified," Sharyn Peoples said. "In handwriting it said 'play, red dress, and fat' on it."
Peoples was at Mizner Park in Boca Raton to act in a play earlier this month. She was wearing a red dress. But she said writing the word "fat" on her valet ticket crosses the line.
Peoples was so upset, she reached out to LAZ Parking of Florida.
"It's only words and it's from some kid, and that's one of the things the guy said to me on the phone. He said, 'You know, we employ 18- and 20-year-old kids.' I said, 'Sir, they're legally adults.'"
Read more news on NBCMiami.com
After their conversation on the phone, Peoples received an e-mail from Dan Silva of LAZ Parking of South Florida that started out with "Please accept our sincerest apologies." Part of it also said that moving forward "physical appearance will not be written on tickets" and that "this type of situation will never occur again."
In the e-mail written to Peoples, Silva also offered her free valet parking for next year and a gift card to a restaurant at Mizner Park.
"We deeply regret this incident and the company has apologized to the customer and the employee has been disciplined," said Luis Macedo, the general manager of LAZ Parking of Florida, in a statement on Friday. "LAZ Parking continues to be committed to providing the best customer experience possible."
Peoples said she is devastated by what happened, and doubts she is the first customer to fall victim to this kind of treatment. Now, she hopes whoever did it is fired and the insults are curbed.
"People should not accept employees slandering their patrons in any way, shape, or form," she said.
Peoples doesn't know which employee wrote the insult on her valet ticket, but she has a message for the writer.
"I feel bad for you that your parents obviously didn't raise you well enough, and I hope you understand this is not at all acceptable," she said.


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4 Results
Prices ALL in except GST. All prices, specifications and availability subject to change without notice. Contact dealer for most current information. Optional Wheel Locks can be removed for $65.00 (Only applies toward new vehicles).
Sale Price on all new vehicles include AMVIC, Tire Tax, Wheel Locks, Admin Fees.


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|Steve Stricker is a master at wedge play.
It was Stricker's 12th PGA Tour title and his first island victory. A second-round 63 gave the veteran a lead that he was able to protect the rest of the way, although it was cut to a single shot on the back nine of the final round. Then he birdied two of the last three holes and that was that.
As PGATour.com's Brian Wacker mentioned, Stricker is looking a bit like that poster child for post-40 success, Vijay Singh. Singh has collected 22 tour wins since turning 40, which helped put him into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Stricker, who turns 45 next month, has notched nine wins in his 40s, eight of them since May 2009.
"I just try to do my own thing," said Stricker, who knows his game and personality are far from flashy. He tries not to compare his game to the other guys, which he said got him into a funk back in the mid 1990s.
So what does he do?
"I chip and putt well," Stricks said. "I'm driving the ball well."
That pretty much sums up how to score in golf. Is it any wonder that this aging Wisconsinite can still fill a trophy case?
"Everybody has got a little bit different game, and that's the way I just kind of look at mine," he added.
It looks good to me, Steve. Nine-wins-in-the-40s good.
Last night I got so bored watching LSU try to move the football on Alabama in the BCS title game that I switched to the Golf Channel replay of Stricker's stroll to victory. I guess some of the putts break toward Molokai. I'll have to remember that for the next time I'm in Kapalua.
−The Armchair Golfer
(Photo credit: Keith Allison, Flickr, Creative Commons license)


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Interesting homes have become an area of intrigue here at The Blaze.
From the world's largest treehouse to some of the smallest abodes ever seen, we've covered them all.
Now, for those who find themselves dumbfounded, perplexed and curious regarding how individuals can make everyday-use of very tiny spaces, there's a new documentary coming called, "We the Tiny House People."
The film, set to release on April 23, documents the people who — whether they know it or not — are part of the so-called "Small House Movement."
Fair Companies' Kirsten Dirksen, who produced the new documentary after capturing hundreds of hours of film, explains how she first discovered the movement and began promoting the ultra-miniature homes:
I stumbled into the Small House Movement by accident of location- my parents live within miles of the tiny house poster boy Jay Shafer and his 89 square foot home-, but within a couple of years I had become a part of it as one of the few, and most likely only, videographers documenting small shelters on a regular basis. […]
I continue to discover people- who often aren't even aware there's a movement of their type (see Small House Society)- living in shipping containers, shacks, houseboats, converted garages, caves, tool sheds, former pigeon coops, Airstream trailers and treehouses. They don't all think alike, but all those I've interviewed see their decision to live small as a choice, and often as the most direct path to an examined, and happier, life. […]
I'm reluctant to claim there's some sort of magic in small abodes- I'm sure some people are watching simply for the "house porn" (as Shafer describes it)-, but it's obvious these stripped-down shelters reveal for us the essense of home, and for many, make it a bit easier to "suck the marrow out of life".
Dirksen has released an 11-minute trailer that gives a lens into the knowledge that viewers can expect to gain from the tiny-home film. Watch it, below:
Don't miss: 10 cheap upgrades that will dramatically raise your home's sale price >
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