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All Pages and photographsCopyright © 1985-2008All Rights Reserved.Unauthorized duplicationprohibited by law.
NEW INFO ADDEDNovember 22 2012
If Pictures are present on a page Right Click Mouse on Picture and select View to see it full size
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Government/Institutional CorruptionandCorporate MalfeasanceJust some opinions and allegations, we'll call them
I considered putting up separate pages for each area of potential interest, but I have pulled those tabs. I'll do it all on this page when I get the time.
The stories I could tell if I wasn't being legally forced through gag orders to protect politicians, bureaucrats, universities and other institutions.
Back in 1997, a "Gatekeeper" out of Los Almos with a name like a military officer, told me that, "We supply and direct the funding and we control what people think they need." The "We" being the "Gatekeeper" and his friends in high places. It's 10 years ago, but those words still ring true, "they" do have all the control and we have given it to them by providing them the shadows in which to operate and our blind trust that they know better.
South Africa
Back when I was in South Africa, you did business with your friends, you took care of them and made sure you had a lot of friends to take care of you. I am presently searching my hard drives and old paperwork for a letter I wrote back in 1990 that gave detailed information on questionable 'situations' in business and politics. I suppose all the names, amounts and physical transfers of property could be construed as evidence, if it can all be traced back properly. But that was seventeen or more years ago and the old NP government is no longer in power. What does it matter if Ministers took carafe bottles filled with wine and Krugerands or officers received cars to facilitate private companies receiving defense contracts? Or Eskom buyers getting party girls to insure the flow of contracts, or the occasional car, pool or house addition? I'll never really understand it, why did the owners/directors have to pay people off? Should I write about this? Let me know...
December 1, 2011 - As an update, the letter, has been found. It is the one I made 10 copies of and left with people in South Africa in an attempt to secure our survival. It is also the letter I tried to give to Adrian Brazeau, the Canadian Admin Consul in Pretoria. Brazeau refused to accept the 9 page document as "this type of information get's people killed" and in reference to me that I was dead but I just didn't know it yet. That was 21 years ago just before we left South Africa and the letter has not surfaced anywhere to date.
Canada - General Corruption
I will have to be a little more careful in this area as I do live in Canada, for now. Even though the book and these web pages have been published outside of the borders of our suffrage paying, monarchy controlled, pretending to be a country, British Colony, I still have legal concessions to make in accordance with Canadian Law and any court sanctioned agreements which may be in force. Revenue Canada however, is a "funny" bunch whom I have dealt with at length. Since the law requires it, if you hand them the "smoking gun," the "body," the people who pulled the trigger, the documented motive, had the video of the crime and threw in all the paperwork fixin's", they still couldn't find their collective asses even if they were sitting on them, with all their communal hands and prosecute the perpetrators. But, Revenue Canada like a Hyena or Vulture, will only attack people or corporations that it thinks can't, or won't, fight back. Like the common person who doesn't have the money for legal resources to take them at their own game. Revenue Canada personnel definitely have a motivation to "not bite the hand that feeds them" as I have found when exposing government corruption. Unless the information is public, Revenue Canada will not attack its own kind.
Just a side note in April 2009, I did an FOIA on myself with Foreign Affairs as well. They happen to be the bunch that told Director Baronette's (RevCan Scarborough) office that I was "that mercenary back from South Africa." Well, I put in the FOIA request in October/November of 2007. I was just contacted by Foreign Affairs the other day, April 2009, concerning my request. An FOIA request requires a 30 day response BY LAW with either the information requested or a reason for refusal, not 18 months! GovCan has broken their own laws again, go figure! But this is what happens when Revenue Canada or Foreign Affairs want to protect corrupt and negligent employees and ministers.
If anyone knows how to reach R. Adrian J. Brazeau (RAJ Brazeau, past Administrative Consul during 1990 - Canadian Embassy in Pretoria) to get him to contact me, please go for it. I just need to question him.Canada - SRTC Programs
I need to say something here about the SRTC programs of the 80's, since Revenue Canada pops onto my page every once in a while to look up shit like this. I experienced the SRTC corruption in 1985/86 through a gentleman (and I use that term loosely) named Don Wilson, he ran a company named Lasertron in Mississauga, Ontario. Lasertron received a cash transfer of about 2 million for an SRTC transfer option from a rather large Japanese corporation with offices in Canada. You probably have some of their products. Mr. Wilson, against SRTC rules, purchased real estate. In his delusional concept of reality, he somehow believed he could turn 1.5 million in real estate plus $500k in cash into 20 million in applicable research in a year.
He needed someone to perform real research and that was where I cam in, I worked on die polarization macro-photography solutions, encryption systems engineering and optics for spy satellites. In the end, Wilson only really had the $800k in contracts with my company and of course the real estate costs. Simple math tells you that $1.5m plus $800k does not equal $20 million in legal SRTC expenses. I went ot the Federal government (that corrupt bunch of garbage in Ottawa) and asked them to sort out their program as I had been burned for nearly $800k. To wit, they told me it was a civil matter between Wilson and myself, but that didn't matter, they said since he was going to be charged with SRTC fraud and I wouldn't be able to get my contracts paid anyway. That's our fucked up Canadian government, always pushing bogus programs and never responsible for their outcomes.
Canada - Other Programs
I need to sit down and really try hard to explain grant programs like the Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODF), now that one is pretty corrupt from my vantage as well. I will break it down and name names soon enough. Just for a heads up if you are applying for this grant, be prepared to hire on, "someone-in-the-governments-relative-or-friend" most likely "under-the-table" or you probably won't be getting your grant. Can you tell I have dealt with these alleged people? Sure, knew ya could.
Canada - CSIS and SIRC (du Soleil)
Now here's is something that truly brings credence to Einstein's quip "There are two things that are infinite: the universe and human stupidity. And I'm not so sure about the universe."
CSIS is an organization that does two types of work, one part time and the other full time. On the part time side, they look for alleged "terrorists" and the full time side, they cover the governments ass, the known terrorists. It's that simple. Do politicians involved with CSIS and/or SIRC lie? Of course they do, I think I still have the e-mails. Yep, I do.
CSIS is like the long gun registry, they are both dead weight, money pits and need to be disbanded. Of course that also applies to 100% of our existing government, meaning MP's, MPP's, Prime Schiesters and of course useless twits like a governor general and all those lefty provincial generals. The idea of monarchy may have been beneficial in some way, though I doubt it, 500 years ago, but now it's just gotten old and stupid.
You may think that my ideas are seditious, I don't really care. Right is right and wrong is wrong and man, right now, this whole colony (Canada is not a country) of political fools is way wrong. All you have to do is the math when it comes to federal income tax and the bank of canada interest support payments to the IMF
If you want to see something really stupid go here to SIRC look at all the top secret garbage. Transparency and Accountability, my ass.
Canada - Universities, Banks, Brokers and Private Sector Companies
Well, I won't say anything here as there is a huge body of information on conflicts of interest, corporate malfeasance and fraud pertaining to the above groups in Canada, actually everywhere. One possible case is explained in the book in some detail, as I always say however, people will believe what they want. I haven't been called into court yet to give testimony, that situation depends on the federal government actually doing something honest. I made the mistake of coming down on principle on the right side, rather than the illegal side, and because of that, there's not a lot I can factually talk about outside of a court of law were I am legally compelled to provide the information. I can't name names, but I wrote the story in accordance with my court order.
Note: In reading the above, this may give you some idea as to why the book is labeled as fiction. I can't use real names which is truly a shame.
Now It's Early in 2007, 10 Years Gone...
In 1997 a mutual funds management firm, a university, a couple of government ministers, a lawyer, an very large accounting firm, a wealthy seemingly philanthropic businessman and a private sector company got together and pulled off one of the largest "unknown" tax and public funds frauds in Canadian history, this incredible event was to the tune of about $150,000,000. Do you know who they are? Of course not, this information has been buried with the help of the Supreme Court and Revenue Canada since 2001.
The Response from CSIS to my recent FOIA Request on myself
A bit on Bell Canada...
I figure this is the best place to sum up Bell Canada on their apparent lack of intelligence, structure and customer service;
"genius has its limits, stupidity knows no bounds"(A statement that reflects my opinion of Bell Canada)
I had to perform all the research on the hack attempts to my cell phone account and internet accounts, personally. Bell was not helpful at all, actually they impeded the investigation, in solving the mystery of the canceled accounts. Even though the numbers calling in to cancel the accounts were not attached to the accounts, they canceled them anyway. If you run into this problem with Bell, always ask for the number from which you supposedly called, to cancel or make changes to the account. Remember, they are supposed to put notes in your history and they do have a caller ID system. Don't let them tell you "your number" or they don't know, because that's patently bullshit.
November 30, 2009 - Now here is idiocy, more of Bell Canada... After 7 years I canceled my business internet account with Bell. During my subscription period, my account was canceled 9 times by third parties pretending to be me over the phone, even though there was a solid password on the phone-in account. I canceled my account not just because of the stupidity of third party cancelations but because of Bell's policy of DPA (Deep Packet Analysis) which is an invasion of privacy and copyright infringement. The Canadian courts have ruled that Bell are within their rights and are allowed to break the law, so we have a different rule for Bell, than for everyone else. But onto the new horse shit, re my cancellation in May 2009, it's about principals ... I did everything right, phoned in the cancellation, waited for the modem return package, sent back the modem and got the paperwork stamped and then waited. In August I called them and was told I did not send back the modem. So I faxed through the Post Office paperwork and they said I would receive my $90 credit in 4 weeks. THEY LIED! In September I called them and they said that the paperwork processing had been missed and I would have to wait another 4 weeks. MORE BULLSHIT! In October I called them again and they said that they didn't know why the cheque had not been sent and said they would note the problem on my account. MORE BULLSHIT! It's now November, 6 months after I canceled the account and 5 months after I sent the modem back and still nothing. I called again today, they gave me a cheque number and said it was issued on October 29, 2009. Well, it's November 30, 2009 and I don't think it takes 30 days to mail a cheque, so MORE BULLSHIT! Bell's policies indicate to me that they are LIARS and CRIMINALS.
Beware dealing with Bell, it seems that if they can screw it up, they will. I would suggest if you have the option to change services, DO IT! Corporate dinosaurs should be extinct!
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By Celeste Sepessy | Phoenix Magazine
Truckin' Hungry
Foodie entrepreneurs want to change how we perceive and govern mobile food trucks. Crème brûlée, anyone?
In July 2009, Jeff Kraus went to France on vacation. Kraus, a foodie confined to corporate America, avoided the tourist traps in favor of two truly French locales: the kitchen, where he learned how to prepare traditional macarons, and the local market.
The market stimulated Kraus' senses with its rustic colors, constant bustling, new textures, sharp smells and cosmopolitan tastes that rivaled those from Paris' most expensive restaurants. The vendors were approachable, warm, full of energy and passion. "These were modest people, mom 'n' pop vendors, taking everything they had to serve customers the best food possible," he says.
Kraus knew he had to bring a piece of this home to Arizona. He came back with a business idea.
In November 2009, Kraus and his wife, Erin, started Truckin' Good Food, a Parisian-style street food truck specializing in crêpes and other French goodies. Today, it's one of more than a dozen food trucks in the Valley, representing an industry that is experiencing a surge in popularity across the country.
Food trucks have been around for decades, and in worst-case scenarios faced a "roach coach" reputation. But in the past five years, mobile gourmet eateries have bucked stereotypes. The movement has been picking up serious steam in urban, pedestrian-friendly cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland and New York City, which boasts more than 500 food trucks. From crème brûlée to clam chowder, some trucks are in such high demand that lines span city blocks.
Despite the hype, Phoenix has been slow to catch on, to say the least. The Valley lacks a steady pedestrian population, and its city codes governing mobile food vendors are strict and rigid compared with other major metropolitan cities. But that's not stopping the current food truckers from rallying together to create awareness.
In September, a small group of frustrated but excited business owners came together. These foodie peers formed the Phoenix Street Food Coalition, which now boasts 25 members. But the membership is indicative of the sheer newness of the trend: Only a handful actually have ready-to-roll trucks.
In Arizona, the food truck trend is attracting home cooks and seasoned chefs alike. Eric Ireland, the coalition's member director, is a Cordon Bleu-trained chef who has been in the Valley's restaurant business for more than 20 years. His résumé includes a stint at T. Cook's at The Royal Palms Resort. Now, he runs Torched Goodness, a mobile crème brûlée truck that has become an instant hit at local farmers' markets.
Then there's Brad and Kat Moore of Short Leash Hot Dogs. The husband and wife duo perfected their fancy hot dog stand concept in 45 minutes on a lazy Sunday morning. What began as a relaxed brainstorming session has now become the Valley's leading food truck, and to be honest, Brad was a little surprised.
"I wasn't planning on quitting my job as soon as I did," he says. But six weeks after opening on June 5, he left his job in the small business lending industry to create and serve gourmet hot dogs full time.
Moore always fantasized about owning his own restaurant, but it was too cost prohibitive, he says. And he's not alone in this mindset.
Dave Danhi was one of L.A.'s prominent chefs for more than 10 years. In the fall of 2009, Danhi ditched the traditional restaurant world for The Grilled Cheese Truck, one of the most wildly popular trucks in that city.
"He saw an opportunity and said goodbye to the brick and mortar," Jason Fimbrez, the coalition's policy director, says of Danhi. "There's not a lot of overhead."
But the draws aren't just for the business owners. In fact, these trucks are a perfect fit for today's foodie. Moore says food trucks are fast, fresh and inexpensive, while maintaining a high quality comparable to their fixed-location counterparts and offering a unique product.
"It's fine dining that we can provide for half of the price," Ireland says.
Fimbrez says that growing up in west Phoenix in the late 1980s, he remembers people going to virtually any parking lot to buy tacos from a food truck. But Phoenix has grown, and now food trucks are struggling to prosper within strict guidelines. Fimbrez says they must work on private land that is commercially zoned and get the owner's permission. The vendors are currently trying to work with private property owners in high-traffic areas, but not all business owners are on board with adding more competition to their locale.
In order for the industry to develop, Kraus says regulatory changes need to happen soon.
"For street food to be successful here, the cities definitely have to open to modern times," he says.
For now, many food trucks are finding a safe haven in local farmers' markets, where they can piggyback on the markets' use permits. In November, the coalition launched its first mobile food court at the Downtown Phoenix Public Market near Central Avenue and McKinley Street. Hours of operation are Fridays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The coalition also is looking to cities with a thriving street food culture to help gain this flexibility. In particular, Fimbrez hopes to follow Santa Monica's lead and use the beachside L.A. city as an example for Valley policy makers. Food truck operators there formed a coalition and initially launched in January 2010 without the consent of the city. Eventually, truck operators agreed to pay the city a monthly fee.
"This is an opportunity for us to approach the cities with an idea that really worked in L.A.," Fimbrez says. "I'm hoping that the City of Phoenix and the council members are open-minded and willing to work with us so this industry takes off."
For now, the Phoenix mobile food court's vendor list includes Moore's Short Leash Dogs, Riteway Catering (barbecue), Paradise Melts (grilled cheese), and Sunshine and Spice (Asian fusion), among others.
It's obvious this is a food court for a new generation of eaters who are thrilled with innovation in flavors and delivery: Patrons congregate at large, family-style tables, sharing reviews of their findings and planning out which truck to try next week.
Collaboration is huge for the street trucks, Moore explains. "Me setting up shop alone probably wouldn't be very impacting," he says. "But with a group of us, it creates a destination."

subset: commoncrawl


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Sometimes it's situations & sometimes it's people, few will not stand up to their PURPOSE. Never ever go numb or sad in such time. It's all working towards removing all clutters from life to bring your best. Treat yourself as the most expensive thing you know, nobody must afford you easy. My way to stay positive/productive & remove all unworthy things/people from life is just a simple thought: "The only quality of CHEAP is; it always drifts towards it's CHEAP counterpart".
Get rid of CHEAP things/people from life without looking back. Let all negativity suck their negative nonsense. And you figure out ways to grow big & serve your purpose. A meaningful living is what we should aspire for optimum happiness.
Tap OUT..🤗


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Benton County Swimming Holes
Locations & Water Quality, 2002-2005
Fish Hatchery Swimming Hole, North Fork Alsea River (Anderson 2005).
This website is provided as a public service by ORWW and Philomath High School for Betnon County residents and visitors who enjoy swimming in local rivers and streams. Information is provided on the location of popular swimming locations and important measures of water quality during times of heaviest use, including temperature, coliform counts, dissolved oxygen, and macroinvertebrate diversity.
This website was originally posted by Benton County Soil and Water Conservation District on August 6, 2002 by Sharon Sternadel.
Click to Enlarge (Sternadel 2002).
Popular Locations, 2002-2005
Water Quality, 2002-2005
|Sharon Sternadel 2002
|Emily Anderson 2005
This website is currently sponsored by NW Maps Co., Philomath High School, George and Liz VanLeeuwen, and Wilma Hull.
©2005 Oregon Websites and Watersheds Project, Inc.


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Tour Outline:
Day 1 – Arrival in Cape Town. Transfer to hotel.
Day 2 – Full day Cape Town city, Table Mountain and Blouberg Beach tour. Dinner transfer provided.
Day 3 – Full day Cape Point tour. Dinner transfer provided.
Day 4 – Full day tour of False Bay and Kirstenbosch. Dinner transfer provided.
Day 5 – Travel to Franschhoek and visiting the surrounding area and some of the region's best wine estates. Dinner transfer provided to Rueben Riffel's Racine Restaurant located on the Chamonix Wine Estate.
Day 6 – Full day to visit Paarl and Stellenbosch, the two other major wine-producing regions in the area. Picnic lunch at the Boschendal Wine Estate included. Dinner transfer provided.
Day 7 – Travel over the spectacular Franschhoek Pass to visit the lesser known Hermanus wine route. Deli-platter included at the Bouchard Finlayson estate. Visit to Hermanus. Dinner transfer provided.
Day 8 – Day at leisure in the winelands. Transfer to airport for onward flight.
For the full detailed itinerary and prices please contact us.


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There are several reasons for deciding to go to Florida during your travel in the United States. First, getting to Florida from New York City is easy - be it by plane, by car or even by the bus. Secondly, it has great weather year around. Even if you spend just a few days at the beach, it's a good way to diversify your 'city' vacation. Thirdly, there are great amusement parks (even if you're on holiday without children) - Orlando is home to Disneyland, Universal Studios Park, SeaWorld and LegoLand.
Some useful links for planning a trip to Florida:
Universal Studios Orlando tickets


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Police State – Show Us Your Papers OR ELSE
Well, it's happened again – police arrested a man because he refused to show an ID.
This insanity has GOT TO STOP.
The police are clearly scared out of their minds that people will suddenly start asserting their rights and are pushing this hard.
Read the whole article, it's chilling.
This is the first step on the slippery slope folks. We simply must NOT allow it to become commonplace.


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Is it worth it to hire a publicist?
One of the participants on the Yahoo Self-Publishing list wrote:
>>â€I can only imagine how much money a new author of a self-published book will waste by hiring a publicist. How about some free marketing help? …{self-promotion}… Although they'll be happy to take your money, don't think for a minute that paying a publicist will increase your chances of getting on Oprah :-)â€
Here is my response:
Wow. I guess failure speaks louder than success.
I am an author and a long time publicist and I've worked with several thousand clients over the past 20 years. It does sort of astound me to hear you say that doing it yourself is the same as hiring a professional. The amount of (that is, the lack of) experience and personal knowledge I see you expressing here does not appear to make one particularly well qualified to suggest that others will automatically experience the same as you. Would you say the same thing about repairing your car or doing your own plumbing? How about medical procedures. Does reading free articles on Web MD qualify you to do surgery?
So I'll respectfully disagree with your recommendation and explain why.
I'm a publicist and do a lot of work with authors and publishing companies. I'm going to re-phrase your comments into a question:
"Is it worth it to hire a publicist?â€
My response: It depends.
I don't really ascribe to the amount of money invested in the book as a decision factor. The money isn't what matters. Lots of my clients have turned books that they write with blood, sweat and tears into financial success using POD. Very simply they write a good book and print on demand in small quantity. The amount of money invested in the book does not have to be considerable. The quality of the book just has to be what is expected in the marketplace by the consumers. Of course if you have invested a lot of money, then it begins to acquire the characteristics of a publish or perish syndrome. The stakes go up with the investment.
I'll be honest with you. I see lots of one-book authors try to turn a profit from publishing. I see only a few succeed. I see lots try very hard and fail. So to me, self-publishing is best viewed as a risk venture. There are so many variables. Publicity can jumpstart marketing and help you create a publishing business but there is no guarantee that it will.
For the sake of argument, let's just assume that the owner of some intellectual property can reasonably benefit from using publicity to achieve their goals. In other words, there's a quality product or service that we can work with and a market that can be reached using media.
To me, publicity is one type of marketing or promotion and it has a cost. And to really understand what we're talking about, it's crucial to get on the same page. So here's my definition of what one typically asks a publicist to do:
PR: the creation and presentation of proposed content to media (publishers or producers) to persuade them to publish or showcase a story or information that is perceived as objectively reported by their audiences, that creates interest, desire and promotes and triggers desired action (sales, votes or social action).
The question is whether the cost you invest can produce the actions you want to achieve whether it be sales, votes, or social action such as human support, financial or material donation, or attendance at a show or an event.
The goal is to have a meaningful communication with the right real people on the receiving end. The message is matters, the medium matters, and the effect matters. The real value to the recipient is what determines whether they in fact are affected to the point of action. You can't use any communication technology to trigger or motivate action without figuring out the magic words first. Can you do this yourself or do you need to have a professional publicist help you?
The cost of a publicist covers the actions needed to produce the results you want. There are lots of options for someone who needs publicity to consider from doing it yourself all the way to simply hiring someone to do it all for you. The choices range in cost from as low as the cost of acquiring a custom database all the way to hiring a full service PR, firm, or a pay-for-performance firm, all the way to hiring an in-house publicist.
Now I operate a task based service that allows people to select and deploy the simplest and most intelligent actions. For most authors and publishers this is a one-time project that involves identifying the target audience, figuring out how to galvanize them, crafting one or more news releases, creating the right custom media list to present this message to the maximum number of right people, sending them any and all additional materials the media then needs to do their job, and then calling them to persuade media who have not decided to do what you are hoping for to try to persuade them to give you the publicity and media coverage you seek.
Other publicists and PR firms do similar actions and charge more and less to do these things. But there are many different types of fee arrangements by which can acquire publicity services. There are now people and firms you can hire by retainer, by the project, by the hour, by the task, and there's also pay for performance. You should study the differences when you make your decision and do so recognizing specifically what you will get for the money you pay.
Here's a link to an article I wrote titled "Evaluating the Range of Publicity Tactics and Publicity Options"
Here's a second article that talks about how to get the most out of whichever type of publicity service you choose titled "Super Client! Getting the Most Out of Your Publicists and Copywriters".
You can choose to manage your promotions to achieve many different types of results.
There is no simple answer. There are costs (money, time, and material resources for the data needed and the technology needed) to achieve publicity success.
There is also expertise and technology required (copywriting, targeting the right media, utilizing the best technologies, communicating with clients and media, negotiating, reporting, integrating with marketing and other people and publicists who are involved).
It's important to recognize that it takes skill, capability and time to do these things well. Plans have to be created, actions need to be systematically taken, and follow up actions must be completed to close each and every deal.
These are some of the issues you need to address and factor in to the decision one makes.
The original question asks "is it worth it to hire a publicist?"
The return on investment question can be answered by evaluating the profit one makes per action triggered by your publicity effort. Let's look at some of the costs and what it means to an author/publisher.
If one makes $5 per book, then it takes 100 books to cover a $500 cost for a single news release publicity project.
You'd have to sell 2,000 books to cover a $10,000 fee for a full service PR firm or personal publicist for some dedicated time or program.
If on the other hand if you are not just an author, but also receive $3000 for a speaking engagement plus travel and per diem, then you can make $2500 or more if you even get one speaking engagement off one $500 news release outreach.
If you worked with the $10,000 PR firm, you'd nearly break even if you got three engagements and you'd make a couple of thousand with four.
Will the $10,000 firm produce more than the $500 outreach effort? This depends on what is really being done to get media coverage. It depends on the message and who gets to receive it.
There are at least five key measurement points you should use to determine your level of satisfaction with the effectiveness of your publicity efforts.
1. The first point is when you transmit a news release or conduct an outreach effort. Do you feel like the costs of performing the publicity outreach are reasonable? Do you feel like the service has been responsive to your needs?
2. The second point is immediately after the outreach is conducted and you can identify the number and quality of the media responses to your outreach.
3. The third point is when articles are actually published or when your interviews have been conducted.
4. The fourth point is when you determine whether enough of the right people respond to your message.
5. The fifth and final point is sometime later still, when you are finally able to somehow determine the overall benefits of your outreach effort and experience.
It is only now you can truly ask "Was it worth it?"
Here is a link to an article I wrote which discusses this aspect of publicity in more detail titled "Tracking Your Publicity Success and PR Effectiveness" http://www.directcontactpr.com/free-articles/article.src?ID=14
What this means of course is that publicity is more valuable when someone has multiple streams of income that can be leveraged and the branding effect triggers interest and sales in many ways. This frees people from strictly focusing solely on their product and allows them to shine again and again by helping people they can help the most in ways that really turn people on. This is how you not only trigger real interest, but trigger trust and action. This is the professional branding effect and when it works, people like what you say so much that they will buy everything you have for sale.
This is what you hope for when you hire a publicist.
So is it worth it to hire a publicist?
It depends on whether you can do what needs to be done by yourself or with the right type of help. It depends on the results you achieve when you do these things.
The one thing you really need to realize is that even if one hires a publicist, there's still no guarantee that publicity will produce sales. All you can do is try.
And like any other marketing tactic you should really evaluate the effectiveness as a business using objective measures. Look at all the factors and make an informed decision.
If it works, do more of it, and if it doesn't stop and do something else.
The only thing that is certain is that if you do not reach out to people somehow, nothing will happen.
Hope this all helps. Questions? Feel free.
And BTW, Oprah doesn't have a show any more. She has a multimedia network with lots of shows and a magazine.
action planning, media campaign, metrics, performance assessment, promotion, publicist, publicity, publicity success, targeted pr


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Lucas Oil Centers (LOC's) announced recently the grand opening of its new Westside location at 4807 W. Lloyd Expressway. A new construction state of the art, 6,000 sq.ft. full service automotive fast lube and service center "soft opened" early this month with a ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled for Thursday June 8th 4PM with city officials, dignitaries, suppliers, and a grand opening for the public this Saturday June 10 from 10AM to 2PM . At Saturday's public event there will be free soft drinks, hot dogs and hamburgers; a USAC sprint car display; USA 1 Monster Truck appearance, UMP Modified race car, and free prizes. Lucas Oil Center expects to operate with a staff size of 10-12 employees. This center will also offer light repairs.
"We believed someday Lucas Oil Centers would be populated throughout the state of Indiana and beyond", states Brenda Floyd. "We're staffed with passionate car people, delivering an outstanding experience, serving our community, one car at a time!" says founder Bill Floyd. The company, Lucas Oil Centers, is an affiliate of the renowned Lucas Oil Products headquartered in Corona California which was created by the iconic Indiana natives, Forrest & Charlotte Lucas.
Already recognized with top honors voted "The Best in Evansville" and nationally as one of the" Best Looking Lubes in America" by Automotive Oil Change Association. "We are so proud to be affiliated with and featuring "American Made" Lucas Oil on every service we perform." -states Bill Floyd.
Lucas Oil Centers has aggressive future growth plans which calls for new stores throughout the tri state area and nationally.


text: College of Southern Maryland employees volunteered through the United Way Day of Caring with Farming 4 Hunger in Benedict. From left are Benita Sneade, left, Sally Cribbs (friend of CSM), Patty Zych, Shelby Potts, Erika Wimbush-Furr and Dominique Footes. The group picked tomatoes and then packed them in boxes to be trucked to churches and food pantries in Southern Maryland. "We also learned about the program that Farming 4 Hunger has with the Department of Corrections and heard from two men about their struggles in the outside world and how the farm has helped them," said Potts, CSM assistant director of admissions and recruitment. "It was very touching and a wonderful experience." Day of Caring is an annual United Way special event that brings together employees from local businesses to volunteer at United Way partner agencies. Employees have the opportunity to spend a day engaging in meaningful volunteer projects to see, first-hand, how United Way dollars are working to meet the needs of the community.


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Vikidia currently has 4,365 articles. Improve it!
Join Vikidia: create your account now and improve it!
Mathias Damour
Mathias Damour (France, 1975), best known as Astirmays is a prominent user of Wikipedia in French. He is known for creating Vikidia in French on November 2006. Damour also later created several versions in other languages.[1]
Vikidia project[edit | edit source]
Following the proposal of a user from the French Wikipedia, the possibility that between the users and the Wikimedia Foundation an encyclopedia for children was evaluated. The idea was to do some Wikipedia articles which would be selected, and then tailored to a young audience. This discussion also moved on to other language versions of Wikipedia.[2]
Damour, who is an attached user to this project, (registered under the name of Astirmays), and the Wikimedia Foundation differed in which texts should be created, and edited by the children themselves. The two parties could not reach a close agreement on that discussion. That is why on November 17, 2006, Damour, based on his own autonomous decision created Vikidia independent of the Wikimedia Foundation.


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4 feet heavy stringing wire. (you could also use 22 gauge copper wire in a pinch!)
several hundred loose beads.
1 gingerbread ceramic snowflake
8 to 10 hanging clips (available at Michael's. OH! And checkout the fantastic Michael's coupon app for your smart phone! Coupons with out the clipping!)
15 to 20 art beads
crimp beads
Round nose pliers
Wire cutters
1. Layout your beads in a pattern with the snowflake pendant in the middle.
4. Loop end and crimp.
5. Run to the mail box!
6. Hang and enjoy!
Book shelf.
Table edge.


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Hello, and welcome back to… Thursdays at Quark's? So, this is late and that's the risk you run when you have a feature with the day baked right into the title. The site has been changing a lot (you may have noticed) and I've been doing a lot of the organization on that front. Rather than burn out (or get fired from my day job) I decided to give myself a buffer in completing this week's character. I think it's been worth it!
Continuing with our look at the Operations Division I have an engineer specializing in unknown and weird alien tech. I didn't want to have another member of the Starfleet Corps of Engineers but I realized it would be weird if he wasn't in the SCE and so here we are. I think it's easy to think up someone who is always trying to push the envelope and try out weird tech in new ways (leading to explosions and hybrids and the fall of Jurassic Park) so for this character I decided to go the opposite way. Cirrek is an enthusiastic analyst but he also has a healthy respect for what he studies. It also opens some doors having a Benzite and I really tried not to have Cirrek by a Mendon clone in the Engineering Department.
There are a lot of different ways to use and feature Cirrek but here are a few plot hooks to get you started.
- An item secured from a recent mission prompts a visit to a starbase where Lt Commander Cirrek is waiting to analyze the item and speak to the crew. As they debrief, though, a pair of Vorgons appears with advanced technology in order to retrieve the item. In between fighting them off the best they can and creating a ruse to fool them, can the crew and Cirrek figure out what this thing is?
- On a mission into the Shackleton Expanse, the crew is tasked with transporting Lt Commander Cirrek and his team. On their way, though, they pick up interesting signals from a nearby nebula. Cirrek looks over the scans and is instantly intrigued since the pattern matches another interesting anomaly far away near the Badlands! I asks the crew to stop but will they delay their main mission? If they don't, what are they leaving at their backs?
- The crew arrives at an uninhabited planet to pick up material gathered and prepared by Lt Commander Cirrek and his team. When they arrive, though, Cirrek says that he has hidden the equipment and is refusing to turn it over. Not even the threat of court martial can entice Cirrek to reveal the equipment's location or how he is hiding it from sensors and when he gets a chance to speak to the captain he explains why: the technology recovered is from the Borg and he believes Starfleet means to weaponize it.
Click on the image below for the PDF.


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At the recent Nordic Workshop for Bibliometrics and Research Evaluation in Helsinki, Heidi Holst Madsen, from the Royal Danish Library and Marianne Gauffriau and Lorna Wildgaard from the University of Copenhagen presented an intriguing method of conveying the limits of bibliometric analysis to clients They propose a "consumer label" explaining how a bibliometric analysis fulfills or falls short on each of the 10 principles of the Leiden Manifesto. Here is their explanation with two sample consumer labels.
In Denmark bibliometric evaluation has only very recently become a formal parameter of evaluation at Universities. The newly implemented model is inspired by the REF system, with the bibliometric evaluation informing departmental reflection as well as institutional evaluation. Unlike the universities of Bath or Bloomington Indiana there are no institutional principles for bibliometric analyses at the University of Copenhagen. We wondered therefore if the Leiden Manifesto could be implemented "bottom-up", by bibliometricians and librarians, when doing bibliometric analyses. From experience we know that what we are asked for by university researchers and administration will not conform to the Leiden Manifesto principles, and while in an ideal world one would never deliver a bibliometric analysis that does not conform to all ten principles, in practice that can be difficult.
We developed two small case studies, within health sciences at the Copenhagen University Library Bibliometric Service, and investigated if the Leiden manifesto can be 1) used as a check list for ourselves to double-check just how responsible our analyses are, and 2) given to the consumer as a "consumer label" indicating the "quality of the ingredients" of the analysis. "Consumer labels" were developed for both cases, and discussed with the department head and the grant applicant, respectively. Please see the attached slides, that show the results of the Leiden Manifest as a consumer label for both cases.
Summary of the main results
In summary we found that in evaluation of our own practice bibliometricians could do more to ensure that those evaluated verify and legitimize the analysis (LM Principle 5). Further, in interpretation of the analysis, the consumer label mediated to the consumer in a very simple manner that not all research activities and publications are covered and how this can affect the results (Principle 3). This is a great benefit for us and consumer. Often we suspect the consumer skims the part of a bibliometric report concerning the limitations and restraints regarding how to interpret the bibliometric analysis. The consumer label was a useful tool when meeting with the consumer, as it helped us create a dialog about the division of responsibilities. It became clear to both consumer and bibliometrician that it is the responsibility of the client to supply the research mission and the bibliometrician to select appropriate indicators (Principle 2). Both clients were knowledgeable about bibliometric indicators but to systematically discuss a responsible use of the indicators was unfamiliar to them both
We acknowledge the potentials in the "consumer labels", yet we also find that the implementation of the Leiden Manifesto becomes subjective. Specifically, the division of responsibilities is not described for any of the ten
principles and the standard for fulfilling a principle is not clear.
Next steps
As a consumer label it is not intuitive – for example it may not be obvious to a consumer that the principle headlines come from the Leiden Manifesto, but the text is our evaluation. The Leiden Manifesto principles themselves are not self-explanatory, and it's important that the consumers fully understand them. Further we have to question the reliability of the subjective evaluations of the Leiden Manifesto. If the evaluation is performed by a single bibliometrician, is the unreliability of this subjective interpretation too great? We do not have an answer yet. When we evaluated the analyses together, we did not immediately agree on the interpretation of all the principles and/or how the analyses conformed to it, pointing to a need for clarification of the principles.
Thus our next steps are to analyze more use cases and investigate if the Leiden manifesto needs updating/validating to increase its longevity/usefulness. Particularly we are concerned with the division of responsibilities, and how the concepts within the principles be interpreted and operationalized.
So the Leiden Manifesto is very much alive and kicking in Copenhagen and we look forward to working more with the application of the Leiden Manifesto over the coming months.
Comments are closed.


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Purchase this article with an account.
Jeewon Mok, Choun-Ki Joo; ALDH3A1 variations are strongly associated with susceptibility to Keratoconus patients in Korean. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2017;58(8):5658.
Download citation file:
© ARVO (1962-2015); The Authors (2016-present)
Purpose :
To determine the possibility of cornea remodeling related gene, aldehyde dehydrogenase 3A1 (ALDH3A1), as potential susceptibility candidate gene for Korean Keratoconus patients, we investigated whether SNPs of ALDH3A1 are associated with the Keratoconus patients.
Methods :
Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples of unrelated 200 Keratoconus patients, visited the Eye Center of Seoul St. Mary's Hospital. To screen genetic variations in ALDH3A1, we investigated using polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing. Control individuals were selected from the general population without Keratoconus.
Results :
In this study, we detected 5 SNPs (IVS3-193g>a, IVS3-170c>t, IVS3-62c>t, IVS3-43g>t, S134A) in exon 4, 4 SNPs (G309E, R314C, IVS7+33 c>t, IVS7+104 g>c) in exon 7, 3 SNPs (IVS7-41 g>t, IVS7-29 g>a, P329A;rs2228100) in exon 8 and 1 SNP (Y413Y) in exon 10. Among them, the *g/*a genotype of IVS3-193g>a (p=0.03, OR = 2.9), the *c/*t of IVS3-62 c>t (p=0.04, OR = 2.2), the *g/*t of IVS-43 g>t (p=0.03, OR = 2.9) and the *g/*a of IVS7-29 g>a (p=0.03, OR=1.9) were significantly different between patient and control groups. In exon 8, the *C/*C genotype (p=0.01, OR=2.1) and *C allele (p=0.03, OR=1.6) of rs2228100 (P329A) were strongly associated with the risk of Keratoconus in Korean population.
Conclusions :
This is the first report of genetic variation screening of cornea remodeling related gene, ALDH3A1, in Korean keratoconus patients and our results suggested that genetic variations, ALDH3A1 gene seem to be associated with keratoconus predisposition in a Korean.
This is an abstract that was submitted for the 2017 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Baltimore, MD, May 7-11, 2017.
This PDF is available to Subscribers Only


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Netherlands, In re Pilz
N.B. As per the disclaimer, neither the ICRC nor the authors can be identified with the opinions expressed in the Cases and Documents. Some cases even come to solutions that clearly violate IHL. They are nevertheless worthy of discussion, if only to raise a challenge to display more humanity in armed conflicts. Similarly, in some of the texts used in the case studies, the facts may not always be proven; nevertheless, they have been selected because they highlight interesting IHL issues and are thus published for didactic purposes.
[Source: AD, vol. 17, 1950, pp. 391-392, original report in NJ, No. 681, 1950]
In re PILZ
Holland, District Court of The Hague (Special Criminal Chamber)
December 21, 1949
Special Court of Cassation. July 5, 1950
THE FACTS. In occupied Holland a young Dutchman who had enlisted in the German army attempted to escape from his unit and was fired on while so doing. The accused, a German military doctor, was prosecuted after the war for having refused to allow German personnel to give the wounded man medical attention and for having abused his authority by ordering, or at least permitting, a subordinate to shoot him. In its judgment of December 21, 1949, the Special Criminal Chamber of the District Court of The Hague held that it had no jurisdiction to take cognizance of a case of this nature. On appeal by the Public Prosecutor,
Held (by the Special Court of Cassation): that the appeal must be dismissed. The Court of Cassation agreed with the Court below that the Netherlands courts would have jurisdiction in this case only if the German doctor had committed a war crime, and that, therefore, it was necessary to enquire whether the acts for which he was prosecuted constituted a violation of the laws of war. The Hague Regulations of 1907 concerning the laws and customs of war had not, however, been violated, since the object of the Regulations, and in particular of Article 46, was to protect the inhabitants of an enemy-occupied country and not members of the occupying forces. The legal position of the latter was regulated not by international convention, but by the military law of the occupying Power. As the Court below had established as a fact, the wounded person belonged to the occupying army. Under these conditions his nationality, or former nationality, was irrelevant, since by his enlistment in the Occupant's army he had forfeited the protection of the law of nations and had voluntarily submitted himself to the laws of the occupying Power. Nor did the Geneva Convention of July 27, 1929, for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick in Armies in the Field apply, since this Convention only protected members of an army against acts by members of the opposing army. Denial of medical aid to the wounded soldier in this case and permitting his murder were, if proved, abominable crimes on the part of a military doctor, contrary to all humanitarian principles and to the calling of a physician. They did not, however, constitute war crimes, but were crimes in the domestic sphere of German military law and jurisdiction. Nor were the acts for which the German doctor was prosecuted in Holland crimes against humanity in the sense of the Charter of the International Military Tribunal, since the victim no longer belonged to the civilian population of occupied territory, and the acts committed against him could not be considered as forming part of a system of "persecutions on political, racial or religious grounds".
Please assume, for the purpose of this discussion, that the Geneva Conventions and Protocol I apply.
- Does Geneva Convention I only apply to treatment by the enemy? Does Protocol I? Does an enemy national voluntarily joining the armed forces of the power in whose hands he is lose protected person status? (GC I-IV, Arts 7/7/7/8 respectively; P I, Arts 10, 11 and 75) Is it a violation of IHL to refuse medical attention to such a person? To summarily execute such a person? (E.g., GC I-IV, Arts 50/51/130/147 respectively; GC IV, Art. 5(3); P I, Arts 10 and 75)
- Is denial of medical attention a grave breach of IHL? Even in this case? (GC I-IV, Arts 50/51/130/147 respectively; GC III, Art. 13; P I, Art. 11(1) and (4))
- Does an officer permitting a subordinate to shoot at a deserter who is hors de combat violate IHL? (GC I-IV, Art. 3; P I, Arts 75 and 85(3)(e))


text: We want to wish you all a very Happy Valentine's Day and let you know how much we luv and appreciate you! You deserve some chocolate! and while you are enjoying that chocolate why not check out our Valentine's section in the Scrap Girls Boutique and take advantage of the sale?! But hurry, sale ends at midnight (ET) Tonight, Feb. 14th.


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Steelers linebacker Larry Foote is creating several new euphemisms branching off the classic sports cliche "sense of urgency."
His object of choice? The Panic Button.
A time-honored symbol usually used to describe what teams are not doing, Foote is possibly the first athlete to ever admit flirtation of pressing the fabled button indicating a team is losing control.
Perhaps it's what the Steelers need, sitting at 2-3 and facing a must-win game at Cincinnati - their first in the AFC North.
According to Alan Robinson of the Tribune-Review, Foote said "I'm quite sure the coach (Mike Tomlin) isn't using 'panic' but I'm using 'panic,' " Foote said. "I'm going panic in my play. ... We can't lose any more. Five, six losses, you might not be in the playoffs. The panic button, we're tapping on it. We don't have two hands on it, but we're kind of nibbling on it."
So Tomlin isn't saying "panic," but the Steelers are tapping on it without the use of two hands, and they're nibbling on it.
I have no clue what it means to "panic in his play," but if it works for Foote, it works for me. If the Steelers haven't panicked yet, having lost four consecutive road games dating back to the 2011 season, maybe changing that up is a good idea.
What Foote is saying shouldn't be taken literally, of course. The team's overall performance on the road certainly needs to improve, but it's not as if the door has closed. After six weeks in which every team in the AFC has played at least five games, no one is separating from the pack. Baltimore and Houston sit on top with 5-1 records, but the mighty Texans were just decimated on Sunday Night by the visiting Packers (3-3) and Baltimore lost its best cornerback, and if Cowboys coach Jason Garrett had that elusive clock management skill, the Ravens could be sitting at 4-2.
The Steelers, for as down as followers of the league are on them, are arguably two field goals away from that same perch. And we'd have the same argument over whether they would be a good 5-1 team.
If "panic in their play" gets them a win, or at least an outstanding performance in a road environment, then consider Larry Foote a visionary. Maybe the pressing the proverbial Panic Button becomes the cool thing to do. Because winning isn't really in right now, either.


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Banished to the garden shed are 2 sublimely awful Heritage Highgrove (personal shoppers only) 'horse brasses' that Michael Fawcett the Fence had made from Miles' drawings the Duchey of Cornwall crest and the POW Feathers....fancy them.
The site is LOVELY - very good to see you on Saturday..have you survived the invasion? xxxP
A Horse Brass
Date Added: 05/09/2006 by Bathurst Dropping-Pellet


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If Warren Spector's Epic Mickey did one thing wrong, it was appearing exclusively on the Wii console. That made it essentially unavailable (or at least unappealing) to at least two-thirds of the videogame buying public. We at Co-Optimus might also suggest that it should have been a co-op game. Now don't get too excited, but if a recent rumor/leak is to be believed, both of those issues will be rectified in the sequel, Epic Mickey 2. The game has yet to be officially announced, but it's looking like a sure bet.
The source of the leak is a Disney newsletter that appeared on StitchKingdom.com. It was quickly pulled, but not before Game Informer snagged the game's description. The biggest reveal is that Epic Mickey 2 will be coming to Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and Wii this time around, greatly expanding its potential audience. It will even pack 2-player split-screen co-op, with the second player controlling Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, a classic Disney character who Mickey encountered in the first game.
If the leak is accurate, Epic Mickey 2 will debut in Fall 2012, meaning it's not too terribly far off. We'll be watching closely for an official announcement.
Image: Epic Mickey 2 cover survey
Source: Gameinformer.com


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Updated on May 12 to reflect responses from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
HHS started ending tax credits for people who either didn't amend their 2016 tax return to reconcile the amount of credits they received or verify they received the proper amount.
It's the first time this assessment has happened, per the federal agency.
Shoppers on the federally run exchange aren't eligible to receive new tax credit payments unless they prove the correct amount was paid in a prior year, according to HHS.
Enrollees were supposed to receive notices in February from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, so as to give them plenty of time to file a tax return and reconcile payments.
According to HHS, people also received notice from the federally run marketplace and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
A three-page letter provided by HHS said that people could be at risk of losing tax credits, and that another notice wouldn't be sent.
The letter mentions a variety of forms related to taxes that were either due in 2016 or received in 2017. It states the agency will stop paying advanced premium tax credits to the insurer if the 2016 tax return is not amended or filed.
Decisions can be appealed, but the members have 90 days from an eligibility notice.
The evaluation has impacted people around the mid-state.
Close to two dozen people reached out to Music Health Alliance around May 1 when the full premium was automatically withdrawn by their insurer.
Sandy Dimick of Family & Children's Service said the agency hadn't received any complaints regarding the issue.
It may not be open enrollment but the team at Music Health Alliance is inundated with complaints from people who bought insurance on the individual health insurance market. They are getting a mid-year surprise.
By mid-day on May 1, the non-profit had heard from 16 people who had been receiving tax credits against monthly premiums, but now had the full premium automatically withdrawn from their bank accounts. The cause turned out to be a review by federal officials that found missing documentation in tax records, according to Tatum Allsep, executive director at Music Health Alliance.
It's the first time a review like this has happened and people are scrambling to rectify the situation and cover the unexpected hike in premiums, said Allsep.
It's not submission of insurance related tax documents (the 1095 or 8962) but income verification, which is challenging to pin down for many in the music industry, she said.
"Everything is being checked — which is not a bad thing. That's fine. But when you're doing it and not giving people a chance to (respond) with what they are looking for, that's an issue," said Allsep. "Now if you just don't read your mail (and didn't see notices) then that's not an excuse. But that's not the problem."
A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services could not immediately comment.
The snafu is a reminder, Allsep said, that people without employer-sponsored plans have to be diligent and prepared for change on the exchange year after year.
This year the looming question is how reducing the tax penalty to $0 in 2019 will impact premiums.
This week, Dr. Tom Price, the former U.S. Secretary of Health, said the repeal of the individual mandate under the tax bill will lead to higher premiums because healthier people would not have to buy a plan — a statement that surprised industry researchers and observers given his opposition to the mandate. Price did reiterate his long-held opposition to the mandate on May 2 by saying the mandate "distorted health care markets."
Insurers wanting to sell plans in Tennessee don't have to file for their requested premiums until the end of July.
Most of the buyers in Tennessee receive federally funded tax credits that absorbed most of the big hikes in recent years. In 2018, 84 percent received tax credits, per HHS data.
Yet, the 16 percent who pay the full premium could see another round of increases if insurers price for a smaller and potentially more unhealthy pool, as many experts warn will be the case.
It will be hard to track how many people go fully uninsured or who opt for short-term plans, because the carriers don't have to report number of members to the state insurance agency, said John Graves, assistant professor at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.
People who opt for short-term insurance, which Graves called "Swiss cheese," may find it doesn't cover needed care.
In Tennessee, no short-term plans cover maternity care and 29 percent cover prescription drugs, according to a review of short-term plans by Kaiser Family Foundation.
Short-term plans will work for some and the person will just re-up every quarter, said Allsep. But others who either don't read the fine print, or find themselves needing additional care could be in for big bills.
"(Some) can't jump on an association plan with scaled down benefits and Medi-Share might sound great, but it won't cover what they need," said Allsep. "We have a problem on our hands if the mandate repeal leads to higher premiums (for those who don't get tax credits.)"
Photo by Hush Naidoo via Unsplash


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Franklyn MICRO USB Wall Home Charger 2AMP
Charge your cell phone in your home with the fast wall charger charges at 2 amp is very fast, and very useful.
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text:
The US remains the number one source for IAM readers, but users from China surge
The US continues to be the number one source for IAM readers, according to year-end data from Google Analytics. Just over 42% of the platform's users are based in the country, with California home to the largest number. However, China saw the most dramatic rise in users – there was a 63% surge in readers from the People's Republic during 2019.
The top 10 countries for IAM users last year were, in order: (1) the US, (2) China, (3) India, (4) the UK, (5) Japan, (6) Germany, (7) France, (8) Canada, (9) Singapore, (10) South Korea. Along with China, the US, Japan, Germany and Brazil all saw steep (30%+) rises in user numbers – the latter, perhaps, an indicator for future developments.
Overall, IAM enjoyed a hugely successful 2019. Our user numbers grew by 23.44% to reach 482,606. Digging a little deeper into the data, those users produced 759,172 sessions and 1,549,368 page views. They averaged 1.39 minutes a visit. Most pleasing of all, the average number of pages per session was 2.04 – meaning people did not read just one story, they generally stuck around to read another one, too.
The most read stories of the year were, in order:
- Patent quality, not quantity, is what really counts when it comes to standards essentiality
- How Oppo is turning handset shipments into SEP leverage
- Exclusive: Intel launches blockbuster auction for its mobile portfolio
- The world's most valuable patent revealed - and it's not owned by a pharma giant or a BigTech titan
- Intel takes patents off market and enters exclusive talks with potential buyer
- The global patent market in 10 charts
- Winners of the inaugural Global IP Awards named at gala dinner in London
- A shift in focus at Microsoft sees part of its IP team head for the exit
- Deloitte makes major IP play with acquisition of top advisory
- Nokia appoints new head of its billion euro licensing business
- Oppo got one last bite of Intel portfolio days after auction was announced
- An entire "industry revolt" hinges on judge's decision in FTC v Qualcomm
- Nanjing judge sets Chinese SEP rate in dispute between Conversant and Huawei
- "Astounding" USPTO patent assignment document reveals details of licensees to 500 assets sold by IBM
- Big German win for Nokia in its ongoing patent battle with Continental and Daimler
- Getting to the truth about 5G SEPs - part one
- Inside the IBM patent factory
- Apple buys patent portfolio from former AI home camera maker
- Continental lawsuit against Avanci could help set the terms for licensing in the IoT
- Exclusive: Ericsson IP chief Brismark exits company
From the entire IAM team, have a very happy, successful 2020. We cannot thank you enough for your support and will spend the rest of this year doing all we can to ensure it continues. Onwards and upwards!!


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Unilever has established a pioneering partnership with the European Vegetarian Union (EVU) which will see around 500 products printed with the EVU's well-known V-label on pack. This is the first time such a large collection of brands will be covered by the EVU's scheme.
Catering for the rising trend in flexitarian and vegetarian eating, the partnership will enable the company to offer its consumers a trusted, European-wide vegetarian standard for its food brands. The uniform labelling means it will be easier and quicker for consumers across the continent to identify which of their much loved Unilever brands are suitable for plant-based diets.
In the UK, household brands such as Hellmann's, Flora and Knorr will see the EVU's V-label printed on packs, showcasing these brands as suitable for vegetarians. In fact, Flora, has been tapping into the growing demand for plant-based eating with its 'Powered by Plants' initiative since the start of this year. Aimed at educating families on where their food comes from, the initiative recently published research which revealed that 35 per cent of Brits identify themselves as being 'semi-vegetarian'. This group is predicted to grow by 10 per cent this year1 indicating a clear shift in the nation's dietary tastes.
Andre Burger, VP Foods, Unilever UK and Ireland said: "Opting for a flexitarian diet is no longer a niche trend but one which has immense mainstream appeal. That's why through our partnership with the EVU, we want to make it easier for our vegetarian and flexitarian consumers to identify which of our products meet their dietary needs and to encourage more informed and healthier eating choices."
EVU spokesman, Floris de Graad, says: "This is a landmark moment for the EVU because it is the first time we have been able to partner with a company that intends to bring so many of its products under the V-Label scheme. It is also great news for anyone wanting to reduce the amount of meat in their diet. Now, they simply need to look for our V-label on Unilever's packaging and they can trust that every product featuring it meets the EVU's strict definition of vegetarian food."
By the end of 2017, around 500 of Unilever's food products will be clearly labelled on-pack with the EVU's 'V' Label. This will support the company's wider sustainability ambitions as captured in the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan. Specifically, the partnership will contribute towards the company's ongoing commitment to improve the health and well-being of its consumers and the nutritional quality of its products.


text: Eighteenth century. Cittadella is the name of this site. It is located North of the tomato farms and South of the Natural Reserve of Vendicari. A small town, this means Cittadella, a village where the Necropolis is still visible. This location shows the growth and development of the village. It apparently had incorporated one of the two Necropolis monuments of the village itself. In the Natural Reserve, after the beach area protected for nesting Turtles Caretta Caretta, is one of the most beautiful coves of Eastern Sicily, predominantly Mediterranean, pristine seas ideal for diving but also for tracking visits during the Spring or Autumn. The scenery is wonderful in Sicily, here more South then Tunisi.


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for Jen, who is making a book for her children to keep them busy spotting animals on car journeys or at the zoo.
This little chap is flying the flag for Scotland in the Star of Africa bee but he is to be found in quite a bit of Europe too - just not in much of England now and certainly not where we live in West Sussex. His American cousin is doing better down here instead and is a regular visitor to my garden.
Hope Jen's kids like him and get the chance to see him one day.
Have to say he turned out a bit fatter than I had intended but I think he is getting ready for winter and fattening up before his long sleep! Ahh ! Lucky him!


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Get involved & help create a better world
Get involved & help create a better world
Bradley Stoke Rotary Club donate £1500.00 helping us keep the Kathmandu transfusion center running.
14th July 2019 – 11th August 2019
It is with great excitement that I am able to write and share our latest news.
Trekking in the Himalayas for very sick children for Nepal Thalassaemia Society because every penny raised saves a child's life. Visit our JustGiving page to donate.
As many of you will know NTS is run largely by incredible donations given from friends, family and wonderful people who are touched by our story here in the UK.
How a school in Bristol brought a buffalo to help an earthquake devastated family with a thalassaemic child.
Going back to Nepal after a year and to see how much has changed and how the children have changed.
Shortly after the earthquake on 25th April 2015 which devastated much of Nepal, myself and Elaine Miller of the UKTS
The clinic provides health services to our thalassaemic children & a safe friendly environment for their treatment


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The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) and the U.S. Department of Education have listed Belmont University on the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for the year 2015. This is Belmont's fifth consecutive year being recognized by one of the highest honors a college or university can receive for its commitment to service-learning and civic engagement. With community initiatives such as the Welcome Week SERVE program, organizing events annually for Family Literacy Day and being a hosting site for Room in the Inn every Wednesday and Friday evening during cold months (Nov.-March), Belmont was recognized in the categories of General Community Service, Economic Opportunity, Education and Interfaith. This is the first year in which Belmont has been honored in each category.
Belmont's Director of Service-Learning Tim Stewart said, "We are very grateful to receive this recognition from the President's Honor Roll for the hard work of Belmont's students, faculty and staff towards our vision of being a leader among teaching universities, bringing together the best of liberal arts and professional education in a Christian community of learning and service. It affirms our commitment to our mission to help our students engage and transform the world with disciplined intelligence, compassion, courage and faith."
Stewart hopes to continue promoting the university's commitment to service by looking for more ways to connect students to service-learning through class initiatives. The Office of Service-Learning is already gearing up for the MLK Joint Day of Service on January 14 by working with other area colleges and universities. The office is also in the middle of its annual poetry contest for elementary school students and will soon be preparing for the 17th annual Family Literacy Day, which is set to be held on April 8.


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Periodontal Maintenance
A periodontal maintenance (cleaning) is a professional cleaning you receive from a periodontist or periodontal hygienist. These go beyond a "regular cleaning" because we specialize in the long-term treatment of "deep pockets" and patients susceptible to periodontal disease. Most periodontal maintenance appointments take between 45-60 minutes and are usually performed every 3-4 months. These visits include a review of your medical history, dental history, x-rays, and an update of your current dental condition.
Maintenance therapy is an ongoing program that is designed with the goal of preventing development and progression of gum disease. Complying with a program of dedicated home oral care and regularly scheduled maintenance appointments (usually every 3-4 months) with your hygienist and Dr. Mason will give you an excellent chance of keeping your teeth for a lifetime.


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scroll down to read more information located in the center
column under
the recipe.
Box Toys™
is committed to provide unique art
supplies, musical
instruments and
quality toys,
to support children in achieving their greatest potential.
We feel that our products will help children by stimulating
their senses, encouraging them to develop their natural curiosity,
activating their creativity, awakening their artistic imagination,
enticing them to explore their surroundings, teaching them
to nurture the environment, celebrating diversity, developing
a love for stories and best of all
letting their imaginations run wild!
a moist brush with these Water
Colour Pencils, you can create exciting
watercolour effects, making
these watercolour pencils ideal for sketching...Read
the review
Beeswax from Artemis will provide hours
of creative moments with your child. Feelings of form, imagination
and inventiveness are. ....
Read the review
love the
Beeswax Block Crayons from Stockmar! A child
is led away from the hard line to an experience of coloured
the review
Child's Seasonal Treasury
A beautiful collection of seasonal poems, songs, finger
games, crafts, and recipes.
Written by Betty Jones.
years of trying to obtain a copy for myself of this
treasure, only to be disappointed in the outrageously
inflated prices on Amazon due to the original copy being
out of print, I am delighted to announce that Betty
Jones has
been able to release her revised edition of "A
Child's Seasonal Treasury".
new web site http://bettyjones.us/
and discover who Betty is, how she values children and
nature, see sample pages of her book, as well as what
tantalizing gems are to be found within it's pages.
Child's Seasonal Treasury was conceived as a Waldorf-inspired
resource book for parents and teachers of young children.
This book was written to be used throughout the seasons
with songs, verses, poems, riddles, fingerplays, games,
creative drama and movement, watercolor painting, handcrafts,
healthy recipes and gratitude for life that rekindles
a sense of wonder.
will also find that this revised edition is filled with
more of Betty's own original writing and illustrations,
as well as more recipes, hands-on activities, nature-based
seasonal activities and elemental beings bringing joy
in learning the "3 R's" for the young child:
RHYTHM, RHYME & ROMP! read
are Erdkinder, Children of the Earth, Caretakers All.
for Fun with your Family
is the perfect time to share baking traditions and family
recipes with your family.
This recipe, also known as "The Easiest Loaf of
Bread You'll Ever Bake," appears on the back of
some of the King Arthur Flour bags.
• 1 tablespoon (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 cups warm water (not over 110°F)
• 5 1/2 to 6 cups King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose
Flour Cornmeal
• Boiling water
Mix It:
• Mix together the first four ingredients.
• Let this stand until the yeast, sugar and salt
are dissolved.
• Gradually add the flour to the liquid and mix
thoroughly until the dough pulls away from the sides
of the bowl.
• Turn the dough out onto a floured surface to
(This may be a little messy, but don't give up!)
Knead It:
• Fold the far edge of the dough back over on
itself towards you.
• Press into the dough with the heels of your
hands and push away.
• After each push, rotate the dough 90 degrees.
• Repeat this process in a rhythmic, rocking motion
for 5 minutes, sprinkling only enough flour on your
kneading surface to prevent sticking.
• Let the dough rest while you scrape out and
grease the mixing bowl.
• Knead the dough again for 2 to 3 minutes.
Let It Rise:
• Return the dough to the bowl and turn
it over once to grease the top.
• Cover with a damp towel and keep warm until
the dough doubles in bulk, about 1 to 2 hours.
Shape It:
• Punch down the dough with your fist and briefly
knead out any air bubbles.
• Cut the dough in half and shape into two Italian-
or French-style loaves.
• Place the loaves on a cookie sheet generously
sprinkled with cornmeal.
• Let the loaves rest for 5 minutes.
Bake It:
• Lightly slash the tops of the loaves 3 or more
times diagonally and brush them with cold water.
• Place on rack in a cold oven with a roasting
pan full of boiling water on the oven bottom.
• Bake at 400°F for 35 to 45 minutes, until
the crust is golden brown and sounds hollow to the touch.
* For a lighter, crustier bread let your shaped loaves
rise for 45 minutes.
*Preheat the oven and roasting pan with water to 500°F
for 15 minutes.
* Mist or lightly brush the loaves with cold water,
place in the oven and bake for 10 minutes.
*Lower the temperature to 400°F and bake for 10
more minutes.
Remove from the oven, let cool and devour
For heartier, more
nutritious bread, substitute 2 cups of King Arthur Stone
Ground Whole Wheat Flour for 2 cups of King Arthur Unbleached
All-Purpose Flour.
Provided by King Arthur Flour
will be archiving the crafts and poems we have used in downloadable
pdf format.
Click here
to view them
We also have a selection of informative links for Parents
You may
see those links by clicking here
If there is anything you would like to see here please email
me at:
offer a 20% discount on Art and Music Supplies to
ALL schools including Home Schools.
you have any questions about Our School Discount please
email us:
of the items in my store have been reduced to 45% of their
original price.
The exceptions are the art and music items.
All discounts coming to you will be manually subtracted from
the total when I generate your invoice.
are a very small home based business without the bells and
whistles, but we do offer personal and reliable service!
Treasure Box Toys™, it is
our goal to help you in whatever way we can.
We would like your experience with us to be enjoyable and
stress free, so we encourage you to email or call us with
any suggestions you can offer to improve our store for you,
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If you prefer not to use our checkout to place an order, you
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We are a small family owned business on the West Coast and
we pride ourselves in offering a personal human touch, so
contact us and experience the difference of shopping with:
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up to 3 lbs. are only $7.95 shipping
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... read
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Now You can Listen to them Before
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here Now
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scroll down to read more information located in
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Little Elf
A little elf
Sat in a tree
Painting leaves
To throw at me.
Leaves of yellow
And leaves of red
Came tumbling down
About my head.
here learn more about
Why leaves turn colour in the Fall.
Montessori, and Home Schooling Parents:
Please Visit the Mercurius:
Makes Sense
to see the Large selection of:
School, Art, Hobby Supplies,
Eurythmy/Dance Accesories and Musical Instruments
Whatever you see there I can Special Order for You.
Just email or call.
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text:
The SUPERBRO IS BACK to talk all kinds of stuff in the world of the shit eating wildman!
Get the awesome new Fightful t-shirt at this link!
Check out our great sponsor DraftBeast.com for the best in fantasy sports!
You can directly download the podcast at THIS LINK, or listen in the audio player below. You can also subscribe to our audio RSS feed at THIS LINK.


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Referees Monty McCutchen, Brian Forte & Sean Wright ejected Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Mike Brown for arguing a no-call (blocked shot) during the 2nd quarter of the Cavaliers-Heat game. With 3:14 remaining in the 2nd period, Cavaliers forward Alonzo Gee attempted to score a fast break layup, but was blocked by Heat forward Shane Battier, the carom rebounded by Heat center Chris Bosh. Replays indicate Battier's hand pressed atop the basketball in Gee's hand, the foul non-call was correct (NCC). Brown was issued a first technical for running onto the playing area to argue the play and a second disqualifying technical for continuing to violate the NBA's Respect for the Game guidelines. At the time of the ejection, the Heat were leading, 55-45. The Heat ultimately won the contest, 114-107.
Wrap: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Miami Heat, 12/14/13
Video: Mike Brown passionately campaigns for foul call on Battier's all-ball stuff of forward Gee
Saturday, December 14, 2013
NBA Ejections: Monty McCutchen, Brian Forte, Sean Wright
By Lindsay at 9:33 PM
Labels: Brian Forte , Ejections (NBA) , Monty McCutchen , NBA , Sean Wright , Technical Fouls
Subscribe to: Post Comments ( Atom )


text:
Create A Beautiful Family Gathering Area With A Patio Brick Installation in NJ
Landscaping your property can cover a lot of great ideas from simply planting new shrubbery or adding some walkways to completely reshaping the contours of the ground or using retaining walls to layer the property. One thing that many of these techniques have in common is the use of building materials to maintain the structure of the design. For example, numerous lawn designs use retainer walls to level various portions of the yard which can turn sloping ground into useful garden or patio areas. Another interesting technique is to divide a lawn into sections using paving materials and sidewalks.
Perhaps the best use for a portion of your lawn is installing patio brick for your house in NJ. Brick pavers allow you to create a space for mingling with family and friends or enjoying a backyard cookout while using a more homeowner friendly building product than poured concrete. Pavers are a building material often made from clay which come in a huge variety of shapes, sizes and colors. They allow talented designers to create very artistic layouts to suit the individual's requirements. For example, many swimming pools come in unique shapes and sizes which makes surrounding them with a walkway rather difficult, but placing pavers around the pool allows the homeowner the perfect means of creating a pool and patio combination that will surely make the neighbors jealous.
The beauty of using brick patio pavers is they allow for smooth installation and flat surfaces while avoiding the retention of water like solid concrete will. Plus, many pavers can provide a seamless look where concrete installations must be placed in sections which always show. However, their most important feature is the ability to easily remove and replace them whenever required. If they chip or break then you only need to remove the broken pavers to repair the problem and if you tire of the current lawn design you can easily remove the pavers and start all over. For a homeowner looking to increase the value of their property, creating a patio or walkway using brick pavers is one of the most cost effective methods available.


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The challenge
The COVID-19 pandemic forced thousands of employees, in Denmark and around the globe, to work from home in the spring of 2020. In response to this, VENZO helped a Swiss mid-sized Pharma company better remote access when working from home.
The company was already planning an upgrade of the existing Remote Desktop Server (RDS) installation, but the pandemic accelerated the need for a virtualization solution that also existing users, working from home, could use to quickly, and easily, access internal company resources, including data and applications. Considering the urgency of the situation, the solution also needed to allow for fast and easy development and testing.
Our approach
VENZO IT Consulting recommended a Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD) solution. WVD allows users to access internal resources from anywhere, with an HTML5 browser, and can be implemented within a few days. WVD is easy to manage from anywhere, quick to develop, test, and deploy. It integrates easily with current management tools, supports Windows 10 multi-users sessions, and can entirely replace existing Citrix solutions. Finally, WVD is very cost effective, especially when using pooled desktops.
For all these reasons, the client chose to implement WVD to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 measures, but also as an improvement to their existing remote access infrastructure.
I was very satisfied with VENZO, and how they handled the project end-to-end. VENZO was very present from the start, and initiated discussions on possible solutions. In collaboration we found the best one.
– Principal Solutions Architect
The result
VENZO IT Consulting assisted the client's team with the analysis, design, and implementation, ensuring continuous adaptation to new possibilities and challenges.
VENZO set up the Azure configuration from scratch (including the Azure tenant, Azure Active Directory, access to on-premises Active Directory, and creation of Azure Active Directory users), configured WVD (including resource groups, storage account, network, subnet, the WVD Server and Client App, WVD Tenant Creator, and a Provision Tenant in PowerShell), and created the virtual machines.
VENZO also created automated scripts to automate the process and provided the client with all the necessary operations documentation.
VENZO drove the project very professionally, leaving no loose ends at any time. The end-result was exactly as we hoped and envisioned it, and now our employees can work hassle-free from remote locations. I can recommend VENZO for similar projects.
– Principal Solutions Architect
Once implemented, the solution was handed over to the client's external IT operator.
For more information about Windows Virtual Desktop by VENZO, please contact:
Søren Sönnichsen
IT Infrastructure Architect
+45 2843 9503


text:
Know-how Information, Newest & Well-liked Devices Evaluations, Specs, Prices, Mobile Comparability, Know-how Movies & Photos
Profit margins can be slim, as TV makers discovered long ago. And profitable devices are susceptible to being copied quickly for cut-rate costs. Xiaomi's low-cost Mi Band fitness trackers are outselling the pricier however feature-rich Apple Watch.
You should discover that focussing your attention on the exercise calms your thoughts, and you'll be off to sleep in no time. The … Read MoreRead More


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I mixed up some green eucalyptus cloud dough, Dimples is still fighting off one of winters last flu's so it was nice to take it outdoors in the sun and breathe in the fresh smell.
Interesting stuff, Dimples moulded and shaped smurf huts, and made a tunnel. He buried some smurfs and explored the concept of the mirror, peeking peering and moving everything and himself around as he played.
The cloud dough can be shaped, moulded, flattened and crumbled in


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I have finished my master's degree with internships in the automotive & venture capital industry as well as consulting experience in a big4 company & a small consultancy (but with no direct customer contact).
I also have a sponsor who can recommend me for a Bain & Company interview. However, I am not sure whether I should apply for an associate consultant position or an internship, with a possible easier interview process and hoping to get an full-time offer after the internship.
How big is the difference in difficulty between the interviews for an associate consultant position vs. internship?
Edit: I am referring to an Associate Consultant Intern vs. Associate Consultant. These are the only to option after a Master's degree in Germany.


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By Mark Del Franco, Solar Industry Magazine
Several states are using property tax abatement programs to sweeten the deal for businesses and homeowners installing solar projects. In fact, 38 states currently offer some type of program aimed at property tax exemption for renewable energy.
According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), an exemption typically excludes the added value created by the solar system to property valuations. In fact, the exemption makes it economically feasible for many. Homeowners, as an example, would not choose to install solar if faced with a property tax reassessment necessitated by the installation, notes the association.
"Markets are created when there are strong policies in place that encourage the use of solar energy, such as property tax exemptions," says Ken Johnson, SEIA spokesperson. "When people choose to go solar, property tax exemptions prevent homeowners from being penalized with increased taxes."
Such tax abatement programs come in many forms. For example, New Jersey exempts solar systems from local property taxes if the system is used to meet on-site electricity, heating, cooling or general energy needs. One tax exemption in Nevada allows businesses to apply for a property tax abatement of up to 55 percent – for up to 20 years – if solar power is generated on the property.
Given how the tax abatement programs can catalyze installations, some states, such as California, have extended existing programs. For example, in June, Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation to extend the Solar Property Tax Exclusion until Jan. 1, 2025. As noted by SEIA, the extension of the exclusion does not take funs away from any jurisdictions where taxes are currently being collected, nor does it have an impact on California's general fund. Further, the exclusion reduces wholesale solar electricity costs for utility customers while, at the same time, reducing barriers to accessing solar for customer-sited projects.
That same month, the New York legislature approved a measure to extend a state property tax abatement program for renewable energy systems, including solar, wind and other energy systems until Jan. 1, 2025. The bill carries a 15-year property tax exemption for homeowners and residences installing qualified renewable energy systems. However, local governments are permitted to disallow the exemption in their jurisdictions.
The legislation comes at a time when New York's solar industry is thriving, explains Samuel Scroggins, an associate at the law firm Foley & Lardner. In fact, the state installed nearly 69 MW of solar capacity in 2013 – ranking ninth among U.S. states.
If signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D-N.Y., the bill will have a positive effect on New York's residential solar market, explains Scroggins.
"Specifically, the bill will help mitigate the costs of installing solar electric generating systems on residential property," he says. "Further, by strengthening the existing incentive program, New York will continue to make strides and bolster its reputation as one of the national leaders in the solar energy market."
The bill is expected to reach Cuomo's desk by the end of the year.
Editor's Note: North Carolina provides for a property tax exemption for solar water heating and active space heating or cooling systems. This means that the additional value of your solar system (relative to a conventional heating or cooling system) is excluded in the appraisal for property tax purposes. North Carolina also provides a property tax abatement for photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal electric systems. The abatement exempts 80 percent of the appraised value of a PV system from property tax.


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The Linux Kernel Mentorship is Life Changing
The Linux Foundation | 09 September 2019
Guest Post By Kelsey Skunberg, Linux Kernel Mentorship Program Mentee
My name is Kelsey Skunberg and I am starting my senior year for my Undergraduate in Computer Science at Colorado State University. This summer, I had the honor of participating in the Linux Kernel Mentorship Program through CommunityBridge. Throughout the mentorship, I grew very fond of working on open source projects, learned to work with the open source communities, and my confidence as a developer has grown tremendously.
Since the beginning, I found the Linux kernel community to be very welcoming and willing to help. Many of the developers and maintainers have taken time to answer questions, review patches, and provide advice. I've come to learn contributing is not quite as scary as I first anticipated. It's ok to make mistakes, just be open to learning and new ideas. There are a lot of resources for learning, and developers willing to invest time in mentoring and helping new contributors.
Before learning of the Linux Kernel Mentorship Program, I was interested in learning how to contribute to the Linux kernel, but didn't know how and where to start. The application process alone helped me learn the basics of Linux kernel development, how to get started contributing, and more importantly how to work with the kernel community.
The application process gave me the foundation needed to contribute to the Linux kernel by teaching me how to build patches, debug, complete boot tests, and start working with open source communities. I was able to grow these new skills throughout the mentorship program while working on my selected project.
I chose to work on PCI Utilities and Linux PCI with Bjorn Helgaas as my mentor. Bjorn has been an incredible mentor who provided me with a great amount of advice and has introduced me to several tools which make the development process easier.
My project has consisted of multiple tasks that helped clean up code, and enhance existing PCI features.
I enhanced lspci to:
- Decode AIDA64 log files (Started by Bjorn Helgaas)
- Decode earlydump output (Started by Bjorn Helgaas)
I restructured and improved lspci and Linux PCI code by:
- Finding and removing unused code (functions, API)
- Moving functions to better locations
- Improved logic to improve maintainability of Linux PCI code paths
I've been able to study how PCI works, learn how to navigate the kernel tree, and gained a lot of experience working with the Linux kernel community to get patches applied successfully.
I am also very thankful for the mentorship program for bringing me to Open Source Summit 2019 in San Diego, where I've been able to learn, network, and work on my public speaking. I co-presented with Shuah Khan about my experience as a mentee. View my presentation slides.
Moving forward, I plan to continue contributing to the Linux kernel and being part of the Linux kernel community even after the mentorship ends. I've truly enjoyed the past three months and while I continue to learn, I hope I can pass on what knowledge I've gained to future mentees and others interested in learning Linux kernel development while I continue to grow myself.
Thank you Shuah and the Linux Foundation for this opportunity. I am thankful to everyone who has helped me get my feet on the ground.
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