text:
Super Sons launched this week, and despite me feeling like I'm a crazy person yelling "BATMAN AND ROBIN WERE A THING! REMEMBER?!" on the corner of Rebirth and DC Don't Give a Fuck, at least Damian is in some books, even if they don't take place in Gotham because fucking I don't know. Got plenty of late night twitter rants about that...
Super Sons #1
Despite the fact that DC has pretty much thrown the concept of Batman and Robin out the window while going "Rebirth is about all the old concepts you love!" Damian is still showing up places… as long as those places are anywhere but Gotham, as his previous solo series set the precedent. REGARDLESS, boy this was fun. Damian just being a bad influence, trolling Superboy, and getting him to disobey his parents. There's some genuine funny moments in this book and I'm glad it turned out well for the first issue.
Superman #17
One off issue because this book is all about stories that don't connect to each other, I guess. Don't get me wrong, it's an enjoyable book, but I didn't see this issue as anything other than "fill up some time for the Action Comics crossover and maybe give more hints that that girl's Grandpa is weird."
Green Arrow #17
I'm beginning to lose track of how many times the public turns on Green Arrow in this book. I mean, did we not already establish, with a whole lot of people seeing it, that someone else is using green arrows to frame Green Arrow? Then the cop who just went out and said "Yo, Green Arrow is alright" gets killed by a green arrow and now the people are just like "YO GREEN ARROW BAD!" again? Like jesus christ people, where is the logic here? Also, Diggle something whatever… Good book, but when you think about it too much, it starts to show cracks.
Harley Quinn #14
Man, I'm tired of holding punches: This book sucks. It's old, it isn't funny anymore, and most of all: It's boring. You listen to the same song over and over again, and you're gonna get bored of it. I read this issue earlier in the week and to be quite honest, I can't even remember what happened, because I glaze almost instantly now. Bugs… that Terra they made… the bad guy from the "boy they're milking this fucking book, huh?" mini. I'm out.
Trinity #6
I'm honestly not sure how I feel about this book. I got super into Rebirth for the shared universe idea, so naturally putting the big three into a book seems like a must read, but then after the first arc is over it's just like "well this book is just over here doing it's own little boutique story" or something. It's fine, and done well enough, but this self contained "Mongul had an imaginary kid that Poison Ivy likes" story doesn't seem that impactful in the grand scheme of thing. Sure, there's character exploration, but to be perfectly honest, it isn't anything new. The pasts of Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman have been dug up and dissected so much, it's hard to say anything new about it. So when all is said and done, I'm left with the question of whether or not this book is for me, and I'm leaning towards "no."
The Wild Storm #1
I don't know dick about the Wildstorm universe, other than "90s Image, DC bought it, killed it, New 52 didn't help, but I guess Midnighter turned out well." That's about it. But the back matter in recent DC issues had me curious so I checked this out annnnnnd… I don't know… It's cool, I guess? But nothing really stood out to me to make me think "I'm a convert!" I've always had this issue with Warren Ellis' stuff. I know he's regarded as one of the best, but for whatever reason, I never get sucked in. I'll give it a few more issues to see what's what, but yeah, I'm not so sure.
I cancelled my WWE network immediately after the Royal Rumble, because what's the best way to ruin a decent night? Take a rumble match, turn it into the old partimer show, then send out Roman god damn Reigns as the last guy, like anyone's gonna care. Regardless, this book is fascinating, because it comic-fies a bunch of issues like overworking the talent to the point of injury, but nah, it's just a comic book storyline now! At least it also goes "Yeah, Brock Lesnar isn't the best guy to put the belt on from a business standpoint," which is going to be funny if they put that god damn belt on Goldberg this month.
Sex Criminals #16
At a certain point, I just thought this book didn't exist anymore. Matt Fraction ran off to the oblivion known as not using social media, and Chip Zdarsky was writing every other book at Marvel. But here we are, they're planning on shipping this arc monthly, and if the letters are to be believed, this issue is old as shit, so hopefully it happens. My favorite part of this book has become Jon's mental state. The depression, the deflection, it all hits a chord with me, and I think it is fantastically portrayed.
Invincible #133
I must have missed where Oliver was a double (triple?) agent? I just thought he was working for Thragg and had a change of heart once shit got real… but oh no, it's completely more fucked up than that, and given this book's nature and the fact it's coming to an end, I'm willing to bet it gets even more fucked up in the next year with a whole bunch of people dying. Run on sentences! There's a weird sense of irony going on here, Eve gives a whole bunch of shit towards Mark about how reckless he is, but when they are going "Let's go kill this dude" and then ask themselves what about their daughter, it's just a "we'll figure it out" thing. Alight?!
Kill or Be Killed #6
This issue is kind of morbidly funny in a way… We got the main character celebrating a murder (though, flippantly acknowledging it's kind of messed up), glorifying a kill… All while reality is happening around him. We get introduced to the cop who get's on his case, then on top of that, OH YEAH, the Russian mafia. That's bad. Shit happening is bad.


text:
Unique Unique ID's
Mindshare being the unique thing that it is needs a unique ID format. Each group member generates their own member ID. These ID's need to be unique, which is the usual requirement. Because the number of ID's create s small and scoped within a group the size of the ID's does not need to be that large. The 128 bit UUID format is probably overkill and Java cant generate true UUID's anyway because the JVM lacks access to several components of that format (MAC address and a high resolution timer). My initial response to this requirement was to Base64 encode some random bits.
The other requirements are more subtle. Mindshare save everyones files to disk and cares about who owns those files, something no other P2P program cares about. The user ID may be called upon to disambiguate files in cases where two files have the same name or to store each users files in a separate directory. This puts severe restrictions on the characters that can be used as ID's. For starters using Base64 encoding cant be used for file/directory names because it includes the '/' character which is either illegal or delineates directories on Unix platforms and in URI's.
Then there are the case-preserving, case-insensitive filesystems of the two popular desktop OS's. Base64 is case sensitive so raw Base64 cant be reliable used because two different Base64 strings might be the same thing as a file name.
Finally Base64 uses the '+' and '='characters. The = is easy to avoid by packing the base 64 such that no filler is needed. The '+' character falls into the punctuation group and is thusly not suitable for use in the authority section of a URI.
So for now Mindshare ID's will be 15 bytes of secure random data, encoded with Base64, resulting in a 20 byte ID. All capitol letters will be replaced with their common equivalent (id.toLowerCase()). The characters '+' and '/' will be replaced with the more URI friendly '-' and '_' respectively. There is still the possibility of collision in this scheme by virtue of the loss of capitalisation. I consider this to be unlikely or at least as nebulous as the possibility of generating identical random bits because Java doesn't have access to accurate spatial or chronological information. At some future time an encoder can be built that encodes raw bytes in the alphabet [a-z][0-9][-_] without changes to the protocol.
Basically this is a post to say I have thought about this issue but I am too busy/lazy to do the right thing at this point in time. This gets put off for 0.2 when we do crypto & security.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
"Summer Surf" by Carol Thompson
The tide is in. The surf is high. The waves roll and crash against volcanic rocks at the edge of the ocean. Sea and sky meet on the distant horizon. The heavily laden clouds hang low, waiting to spill their cargo of rain onto the summer surf below."
Artist comment:
"The grey Pacific coastline is a special place for me to see in the summer when a storm is building far out to sea and the surf is rushing in to shore. Since grey is one of my favorite colors, I was enchanted to paint this long narrow format in a monotone of those tones with a hint of the lavender-blue of floating foam."
Original Oil Painting
"Summer Surf"
is an 18" X 48" oil painting on stretched canvas
Private Collection -- Dublin, Ireland
Return to previous page
Archival Limited Edition Giclée Prints
4" X 11" image size - $26 USD + S & H*
UltraSmooth Paper**
Order Here
6" X 16" image size - $40 USD + S & H*
UltraSmooth Paper**
Order Here
9" X 24" image size - $65 USD + S & H*
UltraSmooth Paper**
Order Here
"Summer Surf"
is a limited edition, giclée print from an original oil painting by Carol Thompson. The edition includes 3600 authorized, signed, limited edition prints (3500 numbered and 100 artist proofs). Release date is March 2009. Image size and substrates vary. All prints are signed and numbered by the artist and include a certificate of authenticity. Paper prints are shrink wrapped on foam board. Canvas prints are coated with a protective spray.
Ink, Paper, and Canvas Information
Purchase with confidence
Learn more about the artist
Return to previous page
Color of images may vary slightly from the actual artwork due to variations in monitors, so if color is a critical factor, you can order a small sample to verify color accuracy.
*Please allow up to 2 weeks preparation time for your artwork to be shipped. Transit time will vary depending on your location.
Some print images may be artistically cropped or extended to accommodate the size and/or shape of the artwork.
Note: Prices do not include framing and/or matting.
Copyrighted material. All rights reserved. Artwork may not be duplicated in any way without the expressed written consent of the artist. Any reproduction for any purpose is a violation of United States copyright laws.
©2012 Carol Thompson


text:
Local News
For the first time since 1866, three lunar events will coincide on the same day; a 'Blood Moon Total Lunar Eclipse', a 'Super Moon' and a 'Blue Moon' will be visible to us today,
- Details
- Published on 31 January 2018
- Written by slbc news
- Hits: 290
For the first time since 1866, three lunar events will coincide on the same day; a 'Blood Moon Total Lunar Eclipse', a 'Super Moon' and a 'Blue Moon' will be visible to us today, at moonrise in the eastern horizon, after 6.15pm. The eclipse begins at 4.21pm and will end at 9.38pm. The eclipse in total can be seen after 6.22pm with the moon entering completely into the umbra of the Earth. The eclipse reaches its maximum at 6.59pm.
When two full moons fall on the same month, the second full moon is called the 'Blue Moon'. This is just a name and the moon does not appear blue in colour.
When a Full Moon takes place, while the Moon is near its closest orbit to Earth, it is called a 'Super moon'. As a result, the moon appears 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter.
A Micro moon, on the other hand, is when a Full or a New Moon is at its farthest point from Earth. It's also known as a Minimoon, and in this year the smallest full moon is due on the 27th of July. There will a total lunar eclipse on that day too.
A total lunar eclipse is sometimes called a 'Blood Moon', because of the reddish colour the Full Moon takes on, when fully eclipsed. As the Sun's rays pass through the earth's atmosphere, some colours in the light spectrum are filtered out, due to scattering. Red wavelengths are least affected by this effect, so the light reaching the Moon's surface has a 'reddish hue'. This causes the fully eclipsed Moon to take on a red colour.
This eclipse will be visible to many countries in Asia, Australia, the Pacific and North America.


text:
Men sentenced for Sears thefts
Two men who were caught in the act of stealing tires from the Sears Auto Center on Northern Avenue last September each pleaded guilty to felony theft Tuesday in Washington County Circuit Court.
John Richard Thomas Jr., 19, of 19604 Old Forge Road, was sentenced to seven years in prison with all but six months suspended, according to court records.
Circuit Judge Kennedy Boone ordered that those six months be spent on home detention with work release, court records said.
Craig Nicholas Hawkins, 21, of 315 Jefferson St., received a seven-year suspended sentence Tuesday with all but time served since Sept. 5 suspended.
Both were also charged with second- and fourth-degree burglary, possession of burglary tools and destruction of property. Those charges were dropped in exchange for the pleas.


text:
New and Used Coffee Machines arriving every week!
La Marzocco GB5 - Auto-Volumetric
The GB5 has redefined the standard for temperature stability in modern espresso equipment.
A dynamic preheater assembly ensures that water entering the coffee boiler is at precisely 170° F. 170° F water replaces hot water exiting the group, reducing temperature swings in the coffee boiler. An algorithm-based PID temperature controller further reduces temperature fluctuation in the coffee boiler. A group cap designed by Piero Bambi and an integrated ruby flow restrictor reduces channeling and ensures that water never leaves the saturated area of the coffee boiler, eliminating the introduction of temperature instability during the brewing process
This model will eliminate the guess work out of the extraction process. Your water quantity profiles can be set leading to more consistently across the board. This sort of machine is considered more user friendly, especially if you are new to brewing coffee.
- Dual PID (coffee & steam): The PID controller employs an algorithm to regulate when and for how long the heating element is engaged in the brew boiler. Allows you to electronically control coffee & steam boiler temperatures. With this level of control, temperature variability is reduced dramatically, making for a more consistent brew temperature.
- Dual Boilers: Separate boilers optimize espresso brewing and steam production.
- Saturated Groups Ensure unsurpassed thermal stability, shot after shot.
- Digital Display Intuitive programming makes it easy to adjust machine parameters.
- Hot Water Economizer Enables you to fine-tune the tap water temperature for rinsing.
- Barista Lights LED lighting allows you to focus on your extraction and the cup.
- Ruby Flow Restrictors Ruby flow restrictors resist scale formation and erosion.
- Thermal Stability System As water passes through each element, temperature is further stabilized
Taking Care of Your Machine:
For more detailed care instructions, please refer to your machine's user manual. We recommend that you also incorporate the following into your cleaning routine:
- Clean the filter basket each week
- Clean the brew gasket with a cleaning brush daily
- Soap out the drip tray every few days
- Keep the steam wand clean; make sure to wipe it down after each use
Power: 240 volts
- 2 Group – 30 amp
- 2 Group:
- 3.4L (coffee)
- 7 L (stem)
UL-197, NSF-8, CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 109
1 year parts warranty by Coffee Machine Depot USA.
We provide installation with the purchase of your machine. Please note self-installation may void your commercial warranty.
Water & Filtration
These machines have the capability to be directly plumbed into your water line at a pressure of 2 BAR or 25 PSI. We recommend http://www.livingwatersocal.com/ who can install a filtered water system, blended with reverse osmosis (RO) water using a high quality needle valve for perfect TDS.
** This model comes in a variety of styles and sizes as well, making it easy to find just the right version for your cafe.**
WARNING: California Proposition 65 Applies to this Item — LEARN MORE


text:
225 Pc Mechanic's Tool Kit
- Fully polished chrome vanadium steel socket and ratchet set with 115 sockets, 4 extension bars, and 5 socket adapters and 1/4 in., 3/8 in., and 1/2 in. drive 72 tooth ratchets with TPR grips
- 10 chrome vanadium fully polished combination wrenches and 1 adjustable wrench
- 2 chrome vanadium pliers
- Screwdriver handle with 42 screwdriver, Torx and nut driver bits
- 24 short arm hex keys and 18 long reach hex keys
- Blow mold case
|225 Pc Mechanic's Tool Kit
|Chrome vanadium, carbon steel
|SAE or Metric
|SAE & Metric
|Shipping Weight
|27.45 lbs.
|Accessories Included
|Blow mold storage case
|(3) ratchets, (115) sockets, (5) adapters,(4) extensions, (10) combo wrenches, (1) adjustable wrench,(2) pliers, (1) screwdriver handle, (42) screwdriver, star and nut driver insert bits, (24) hex keys, (18) long reach hex keys, (1) case
|Manufacturer Warranty Detail
|Lifetime Warranty. We guarantee this Tool to be free from defects in material and workmanship for the life of the product. Limitations apply.
Frequently Bought Together
Recently Viewed


text:
A Mercury-Jupiter link on your birthday suggests you know what direction you want your life to take over the coming year – now all you have to do is make it happen. Join forces with people who share your ambitions. Forge an unbreakable bond.
ARIES (March 21 – April 20):
Someone expects you to follow their lead and if you are smart you will put your pride to one side and do what they ask of you. The last thing you need now is more confrontation. It won't hurt to let them call the shots just this once.
TAURUS (April 21 – May 21):
By all means go your own way and do your own thing over the next 24 hours but make sure the people in your world can contact you if there is a crisis. Having said which, the news you receive is far more likely to be good than bad.
GEMINI (May 22 – June 21):
A new creative endeavour will be fun, and bring new responsibilities. You won't be able to do as you please, not when so many people are counting on you, but that's okay. You enjoy it when they depend on you, it makes you feel valuable.
CANCER (June 22 – July 23):
Keep telling yourself that you are the best at what you do and keep acting as if you cannot possibly fail – and you won't. According to the planets you are on the brink of a major breakthrough – and it's your belief that will make it happen.
LEO (July 24 – Aug. 23):
Why is it that whatever you say or do others seem to take it the wrong way? Is it their fault? Or is it your fault? Whatever the causes it's the consequences you need to look out for. Don't let a minor dispute escalate into a major disagreement.
VIRGO (Aug. 24 – Sept. 23):
Mercury, your ruler, links with luck planet Jupiter today, so in some way or other you will benefit from the changes that are taking place around you. Something you read in a newspaper or magazine, or maybe online, could turn out to be priceless information.
LIBRA (Sept. 24 – Oct. 23):
You may think that your latest idea is utterly brilliant, and maybe it is, but you will need to work hard to convince other people. It would appear that they don't share your optimistic outlook. Could it be they know something you don't?
SCORPIO (Oct. 24 – Nov. 22):
You only have to put a name to your dream to see it come true. That might sound far-fetched but Jupiter in your sign makes all things possible, especially for someone like you who never gives up on a project once you have started.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 – Dec. 21):
If you try to push friends and loved ones in directions they don't want to go they will dig in their heels and refuse to go anywhere. The only way you will get them moving is to inspire them with your vision. A small bribe might help too.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 – Jan. 20):
There were times of late when you went out of your way to please other people. Now you must go out of your way to please yourself. Don't worry that certain individuals might label you as selfish – in fact, treat it as a compliment.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 – Feb. 19):
All eyes are on you and you can't be sure whether you like it or not. It's fun being a celebrity but there are downsides too, not least of which is that you are under constant scrutiny. Think twice before accepting an offer that thrusts you into the limelight.
PISCES (Feb. 20 – Mar. 20):
Do you have a philosophy of life? If so, are you following it? If not, don't you think it's time that you got one? Everyone needs a set of values or a code of conduct to guide them. It's not old-fashioned. It's an ongoing source of strength.
For your extended forecast, call 1-900-783-8333, or 1-877-976-1414 for credit-card access. Calls cost $1.49 per minute.


text:
Today is International Women's Day, a great reason to celebrate at the fantastic female artists in this year's Summer Festival!
Throughout June, we reckon over 600 female performers and composers are taking part in our Summer Festival, including those performing in David Lang's Crowd Out, and the young people in our Learning & Participation programme.
Here are some musical treats to look forward to in June:
Rachel Podger leads her ensemble Brecon Baroque for a night of shimmering violin concertos at Christ Church Spitalfields. Rachel is an acclaimed musician known for her lively interpretations of classical and baroque repertoire. After performing leading roles around the world, she founded directs the annual Brecon Baroque Festival and the Brecon Baroque ensemble.
Lina Lapelyte, Lore Lixenberg, Jayne Parker, Elaine Mitchener, Amy Cunningham and Helen Petts will all have work shown at multi-sensory evening The Voice and the Lens
View original post 202 további szó


text: High performing operations A high performing operation is a prerequisite for realising the transition free from fossil fuels. Free-up the financial means Vattenfall continues to focus on improving cost and capital efficiency, redirect investments and pursue financial partnership, to free-up financial means essential to realise the transition to further electrification and renewable energy system. To secure a high performing and agile operation, in which sustainability is fully embedded, digitalisation is a key enabler. A shift towards growth investments in renewables (PDF 214 kB) Strong performance in the supply chain A high performing operation means high sustainable performance throughout the value chain, on both sourcing of fuels and procurement of goods and services. With approximately 25,000 suppliers this is a challenge, which we fulfil through direct engagement with key suppliers and through our connections in society. Resource efficiency Responsible sourcing and purchasing


text:
Modern pulp akin to James Rollins (2/5)
From June 13, 2011
The first James Rollins book was Subterranean and I actually really liked it for its adventure. In parallel, my first Jack McDevitt book was Engines of God and I, too, really liked it for its adventure and newness. My second Rollins and McDevitt books were, respectively, Excavation and Polaris, which I both found to be just OK because even after ONE novel of each author, the writing styles were generic. I got around to my third Rollins novel, Deep Fathom, and chucked it into the garbage after completing it. Crap. While this McDevitt novel isn't quite that bad, it still feels like an aim at quantity rather than quality.
My dad likes Jack McDevitt. That should have been my first warning... he also likes James Rollins. Nevertheless, I still have rosy-tinted spectacles donned when I look at my second-hand McDevitt collection and I remember how great it was to delve into Engines of God. Where has the glamor gone?
McDevitt's stabs at characterization were pathetic; just terrible. He feels the need to mention everyone's height, how this person is one head shorter or this person well above six foot - I don't see how the reader's knowledge of the heights of the cast will reflect in any sort of empathy, especially as it plays NO part in the unfolding of the plot. Secondly, McDevitt gives passing characters names and jobs and a brief life history even though these characters have very little impact on the bigger scene. Lastly, it seems like every character has their current job because `the money is pretty good' (this is written more than three times).
As for his writing style, I can't say he earns any points there either. McDevitt's main science fiction competitors are from Britain, who lush prose and detail makes me agog with borderline reverence. Deepsix has paragraphs no longer than eight lines, usually comprised of two or three lines and splattered with liberal amounts of dialogue. There isn't a poetic narrator or a reflective first-person perspective. It much like an American best-seller- lots of dialogue to hold the waning attention of the reader. Another liberty McDevitt took advantage of was using the phrase, `thank God' to a annoyingly gregarious degree- more than a score of times, for sure.
Further, the very liberal-minded character Gregory MacAllister feels like McDevitt preaching his personal philosophies. It's all too glossy and well-refined to simply be a mere addition to the cast and to the introductions to all thirty-six chapters (a fictional quote titling each chapter). He's not a terrible character but I think McDevitt intentionally write himself into MacAllister's shoes.
And yet, I will read the next sequence, Chindi, with much reservation.


text:
Business Continuity as a Fiduciary Responsibility
A fiduciary duty is a relationship of trustbetween two or more parties. The continuity of the business structure is encompassed within that duty. This trust rests on the business's ability to bring reliable results in a systematic manner. When disasters occur from operational risk the instability can easily undermine the trust relationship in place and erode confidence in the service provider.
Every business leader has a responsibility to pursue continuity management and ensure it is given space and respect within their business. Leading an organization requires integrity and trustworthiness which is demonstrated by the steady continuity of the organization.
It is the responsibility of senior management that the company identifies, prioritizes, manages and controls risks as a part of the strategic planning process. As a part of its support for continuity planning, appointing knowledgeable people and allocating sufficient financial resources for implementing the plan are the two most critical advantages. The emphasis is on planning for the worst and committing to the development of a responsible plan to minimise the impact of harmful or unlikely events. It is also the fiduciary duty
of the management to provide reasonable complete disclosure of the actual state of the company to its shareholders.
Discovering potential improvements that can be made to the current business systems and ways of reducing the business costs is basic for devising a good business plan. It is an accepted fact that all risks cannot be fully avoided and a company may need to accept partial residual risks. Business continuity planning is the tool that is used to manage these residual risks. A good robust plan will help a company to continue its operations — even in case of a disaster.
It would not be sufficient to implement a generic business continuity plan. For the plan to be effective, it must be customized to specific risks and catastrophic scenarios like major building loss or local system failure. The necessary steps to recover from natural or man-made disasters must be understood and planned, and eventually tested for effectiveness. A look into the unforeseen future may result in improvements in the operational efficiencies in the present. The business continuity plan must be reviewed and updated at least annually depending on the changes in the organizational structure, business operations and resource requirements. The company should also create business continuity
and disaster recovery teams to create general awareness and to provide training to all the staff members. A proper plan will help in significantly reducing losses, if
the company is hit by disaster.
A business continuity plan can help protect a company's image, brand and reputation. Being known as a reliable company is always good for business. Warren Buffet said, "It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that you'll do things differently." Doing things differently means deliberately managing your ability to deliver. Business continuity planning demonstrates there are good practices in place within your organization. To find out more about how you can drive healthy continuity in your organization give us a call at 888-297-7526.


text:
- I am the first owner of all the listed items, all purchased new from reputable UK retailers.
- All in perfect working order, removed from my fully operational PCs.
Intel i5-4670K CPU
- Purchased from Scan, complete with original box and stock cooler. The cooler was used for several months before I upgraded to a Noctua so will need TIM reapplied.
- Has been used in my NAS for past few years so…
Intel i5-4670K, Crucial DDR3 16GB (2x8GB), Asus Z87I mITX MB, Aquaero 5 XT, Fractal 304 mITX case


text:
Power Cord
When compared to GRIFFIN Bead Cord, common silk and nylon threads tend to break as soon as their maximum tension is exceeded. GRIFFIN PowerCord consists of high-tech fibres with a specially dense molecular structure. Its tensile strength is unbelievable: In fact, even the thread with the smallest diameter cannot be torn apart by hand. These fibres are 15 times stronger than steel, which makes them the strongest fibres in the world. The result is absolute safety for your jewellery
There are no products to list in this category.


text:
I built the following visualization with Tableau Public, a free version of their excellent software. I appreciate that Tableau has chosen to make a free version of their product that allows people like me to analyse and share data with you. I highly suggest that you check out Tableau's blog for more great examples of what can be done with their tool.
That said, take a look at this "viz". I used USDA information to look at obesity and poverty across the United States. Give it a whirl and let me know what you think.


text:
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we receive from you as follows:
- Customizing Our App
We may use the Personally Identifiable information you provide to us along with any computer information we receive to customize our App.
- Sharing Information with Affiliates and Other Third Parties
We do not sell, rent, or otherwise provide your Personally Identifiable Information to third parties for marketing purposes. We may provide your Personally Identifiable Information to affiliates that provide services to us with regards to our App (i.e. payment processors, App hosting companies, etc.); such affiliates will only receive information necessary to provide the respective services and will be bound by confidentiality agreements limiting the use of such information.
- Data Aggregation
We retain the right to collect and use any Non Personal Information collected from your use of our App and aggregate such data for internal analytics that improve our App and Service as well as for use or resale to others. At no time is your Personally Identifiable Information included in such data aggregations.
- Legally Required Releases of Information
We may be legally required to disclose your Personally Identifiable Information, if such disclosure is (a) required by subpoena, law, or other legal process; (b) necessary to assist law enforcement officials or government enforcement agencies; (c) necessary to investigate violations of or otherwise enforce our Legal Terms; (d) necessary to protect us from legal action or claims from third parties including you and/or other Members; and/or (e) necessary to protect the legal rights, personal/real property, or personal safety of Raghunathan Rajan, our Users, employees, and affiliates.
We offer you the chance to "opt-out" from having your personally identifiable information used for particular functions, when we ask you for this detail. When you register for the App, if you do not want to receive any additional material or notifications from us, you can show your preference on our registration form.


text:
Would someone please tell me what the heck is going on here?
You guys, I am obvs in a nail polish rut. I was going through my polishes and I realized something. All my colors are a shade of pink, red, or pale pink. I make a terrible girl for reals. I should have 3,589 nail polishes in every color of the rainbow. And someone please explain why I keep buying the same shades over and over again? (I seriously think I have two of the same color in there.) Would it kill me to pick up a purple or yellow once in a while? (I am actually secretly terrified that I am not cool enough to pull off either of those colors.) Looks like it's time to hit the drugstore. I'm ready....sort of.
Wish me luck. I'll keep you posted on the new color I try.


text:
Privacy Policy
Maxisew Data Ezi assures you that your information is completely protected and that your purchases are safe. Your privacy is important to us and we work to keep your information secure.
When you shop on this Website, you would be asked for some Personal Information such as your name, e-mail address, billing address, delivery address, telephone number, product selections, credit card or other payment information and password.
We may also collect information about where you are on the internet (eg the URL you came from, IP address, domain types like .co.uk and .com), your browser type, the country where your computer is located, the pages of our website that were viewed during your visit, the advertisements you clicked on. We may collect this information even if you do not register with us. None of this data is of a personal nature and will help us improve the quality of our service.
Our secure-server software encrypts all your personal information including credit or debit card number, name and address
The encryption process takes the characters you enter and converts them into bits of code that are then securely transmitted over the Internet.
If you consent, to notify you of products or special offers that may be of interest to you. You agree that you do not object to us contacting you for any of the above purposes whether by telephone, e-mail or in writing and you confirm that you do not and will not consider any of the above as being a breach of any of your rights under the Telecommunications (Data Protection and Privacy) Regulations 1999.
We would not release your Personal Information to any company outside for mailing or marketing purposes.


text:
Properties that have not been registered at least 30 (thirty) days prior to a filing date of a lis pendens, deed-in-lieu of foreclosure or other public notice of foreclosure will be charged a $100.00 late fee which is due and payable at the time of registration. This applies to registrations and renewals.
Previously unpaid fees are the responsibility of the new Mortgagee or Trustee and are payable at the time of registration.


text:
March 2, 2018
Mark opens the show talking about the indictment of one of his clients over gun purchases. Adam and Mark then chat about the asshole cops of Burbank who do more dangerous things to give out tickets than the offensive itself. Mark then touches on why he would never want to be a judge. Ace and Mark then chat about the danger that comedians are under in the current climate and about the current controversy surrounding Ryan Seacrest. Geragos then asks Ace what the bulk of the jokes will be and how a monologue is easy as pie for Kimmel now. They also discuss the last minute changes that occur before Jimmy takes the stage. Ace and Mark then discusses the resignation of Hope Hicks and what the Russia investigation is doing to Trump's White House. They round out the conversation about the controversy surrounding the Arizona Basketball program's violation of NCAA regulations.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download


text:
For over 10 years, acclaimed St. Louis author Patricia McKissack has taught students the writing process over videoconference. During hands-on & highly interactive sessions, students discuss plot, themes, character development and more. In a series of three videoconferences, Mrs. McKissack customizes for any grade level and any part of the writing process. In the first v/c, the author meets with the teachers to discuss the goals of the author visit and what books they would like her to present. In the second, the author dialogs with students, and in the third v/c she gives feedback on the writing & illustrations they have done.
This year, we're excited to announce a new take on a favorite offering: Creative Writing – Science Fiction. This videoconference is open for 4th-12th grade students; if both elementary and high school teachers respond, we'll most likely add another time to split the groups up. For 2009-2010, Science Fiction will be offered:
Teacher Session: Thursday, April 15, 2010 @ 4 pm CT
Student Session I: Thursday, April 29, 2010 @ 11 am CT
Student Session II: Thursday, May 12, 2010 @ 11 am CT
Cost for the series of 3 v/c is $650 for New Links members; non-members $750. Please register by April 1.


text:
Career Chats
Career Chats: October 17-18, 2017
Mocktails: October 17, 2017
What is Career Chats?
Each fall, the College of Business hosts Career Chats, an annual two-day event to connect our students with business alumni from various industries. We invite our business graduates to speak to students in the classroom about real world experiences, their career paths, and career tips for landing a job in their field. This is an opportunity for our students to hear true success stories and receive resourceful, first-hand knowledge of what's happening in the business community and how to apply it to preparing for the workforce.
To participate in Career Chats, please contact Erin Henderson at firstname.lastname@example.com or 662.325.2580.
2017 Career Chats Speaker List
- Drake Bassett - President & CEO, Palmer Home for Children
- Ron Black - Director of Human Resources, Southern Pipes and Supply Company
- Cheryl Bowen - Budget Administrator of Student Affairs, MSU
- Adam Buckley - Financial Analyst, International Paper
- Toby Butler - Managing Partner of Trilogy Healthcare Solutions, LLC, Revenue Cycle Solutions, LLC, Real Estate Investments, LLC
- Barbara Coats - FIC, FICF Registered Financial Representative, Modern Woodmen of America
- Raleigh Cutrer - CPA/PFS/ABV, Shareholder & Treasurer, Matthew Cutrer & Lindsay PA
- John Daniels - Financial Literacy Coordinator, Student Financial Aid, MSU
- Arma de la Cruz - Manager, Business Development, Bulldog Sports Properties
- Robert G. Dees - Partner at Martin, Disiere, Jefferson & Wisdom, LLP
- Justin Doggett, CPA - Senior Manager, Public & Middle Market, HORNE, LLP
- Rita Floyd - Director of Organizational Development Trustmark National Bank
- Brandt Galloway - Partner, GCM Insurance
- Joe Green, CPA - Partner, HORNE, LLP
- Sheila Grogan - Vice President, Community and Public Relations, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi
- Mike Hainsey - Exececutive Director, Golden Triangle Regional Airport
- David Hopkins - Partner, KPMG
- Lisa Klutts - Director of Commmunity Development West Point, Clay County Community Growth Alliance Chamber, Mainstreet Tourism Office
- Dan Learned - Director of Global Financial Services, International Paper
- John Marchetti - President of Marchetti, Robertson & Brickell Insurance and Bonding Agency, Inc.
- Phillip May - Market CEO- Memphis, Metropolitan Bank, TN Division
- Mike McGuffie - COO, Systems Electro
- John McKie - Managing Partner, GodwinGroup
- Megan McKinnie - Senior Manager, Tax Department, BKD, LLP
- Jennifer McPherson - Senior Auditor, Office of Internal Audit, MSU
- Hunter Meriwether - Business Tax Services, KPMG, LLP
- Adrienne Morris - PHR, SHRM-CP, Human Resources Manager, Aramark
- Kasey Norton - Human Resources Recruiter Citizens National Bank
- Fred Rogan - Human Resources Practitioner (Retired)
- John D. Scott, CPA - Partner, Core Services, HORNE, LLP
- Laura Elizabeth Tate - Trust Officer, Trustmark National Bank
- Tom Thornhill - Financial Services Industry Executive (Retired)
- Kevin Williams - CEO & President of Univertical, LLC
- Jason Young - Vice President of Bottrell Insurance, Inc.


text:
And today I'm here to share a new addition to my skincare routine!
Hada Labo launches the NEW 3-in-1 Arbutin Whitening Perfect Gel for fair, bright and bouncy skin! Well it's actually not new NEW because I actually received the product back in Feb and am only reviewing it now haha! But that's also a good thing which means I've had enough time (nearly 2 months) to test out how well it work!
So....what's this new product?
Fast absorbing and non-oily in texture, this whitening gel boosts 3-in-1 skincare product benefits of Essence + Moisturiser + Paper Mask! Hada Labo 3-in-1 Arbutin Whitening Perfect Gel contains 3 trinity efficacious ingredients that penetrate within and work on the skin synergistically:
- Natural Arbutin: High concentration levels at 3% of Japanese pharmaceutical-level Arbutin to offer effective whitening results. Enhances skin fairness and targets dark spots.
- Efficacious Vitamin C Concentrate: Proven anti-oxidant enhances collagen production, inhibits the appearance of dark spots and reawakens the appearance of dull skin.
- Hyaluronic Acids (HA) and nano-Hyaluronic Acids: HA is a natural component found on skin. The duo-HA molecules instantly hydrate and lock-in moisture, keeping skin soft, smooth & bouncy.
How come I feel like I belong in all 3 targeted skin problems which needs to be corrected ah LOL
And sincere thanks to Hada Labo and SampleStore, I got the opportunity to try this out!
Honestly very excited and hope it can work like how it promises! The gel is very lightweight and translucent, I like the feeling of spreading it across my face! Somehow I can feel my skin thanking me for hydrating them well after 21 years LOL
Other than applying it just like that, I occasionally leave it on overnight. Because guess what, this can also be used as a sleeping mask to instantly repair dehydrated skin!
(Pardon my messy brows haha)
I've been using it for a period of time and I love it! For people who've heard of it and contemplating to try, please do! I know how we're always concern about products over-promising and underdeliver. I also promise you this one never lie!!!!
Wanna try samples before investing in one? Click on this link and redeem ur free sample from: https://www.samplestore.com/r/99082
Just want to faster get your hands on it? Head down to your nearest BHG, Guardian, NTUC, OG, Robinsons, Sasa, Unity and Watsons and grab it at a price of $38.90 today!
That's not al! Look out for Hada Labo 3-in-1 Arbutin Whitening Perfect Gel Snow Princess game on Hada Labo Sg Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/hadalabosg and you will stand to win this product as well!
Selfie taken recently and am very glad I look slightly fairer 😊
Fair, Bright and Bouncy skin from within with Hada Labo 3-in-1 Arbutin Whitening Perfect Gel! Start your miracle today! =)


text:
Meanwhile, Mia asks why we haven't put up the stockings. Well, we're kind of afraid that they will pull them down and conk themselves in the head with those pretty, but quite heavy, stocking holders. It made me think about how I have spent so much time over the past four years worrying about whether or not my kids will be well-adjusted, but I think for the holiday season, my goal will just be for them to survive without sustaining any serious injuries.
|{A Child-Proof Christmas Tree? Perhaps, if there is such a thing...}


text: GWM-IE Boilers Offer the Highest Efficiency that will Keep You Warm For the most efficiency in boilers, choose the Lennox® GWM-IE high-efficiency, gas-modulating condensing water boiler. This product received ENERGY STAR® certification and a 95% AFUE efficiency rating – that's up to 40% more efficient than traditional boilers. The GWM-IE proves that sometimes, less is more. More efficient, more savings, more comfort for your home. Technology is key to the GWM-IE's efficiency. For example, these boilers include a modulating burner that operates primarily on a low-flame setting and makes adjustments as necessary. This helps produce an even temperature without turning on and off, so you can have a quieter home. Additionally, the condensing water feature we mentioned earlier helps keep in the heat that would otherwise be wasted, thanks to specially designed tubes in the vertical stainless steel heat exchanger. Have we captured your attention? Let's switch gears. The GWM-IE boiler is safer and more convenient than standard boilers. A factory-installed low water cut-off switch ensures safe operation. A CPVC flue condensate collector safeguards against corrosion and leaking. A wall-hung design makes it possible to save more space. We're convinced...what about you? Take a look at the GWM-IE boiler product brochure to learn even more. Our Golden Seal Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning team in Saint Charles will help you with everything you need to purchase and install a new GWM-IE boiler. Add the most energy efficient and reliable boiler offered by Golden Seal Service Experts to your home. Schedule an appointment with one of our professionals today.


text:
Lavender Hidcote Description
Deer & drought proof ground cover with strong foliage & flower fragrance!
Best Seller! The familiar sweet scent of the leaves and flowers is known to almost everyone! Lavender Hidcote blends well in the garden with its silver foliage and makes a low-growing hedge!
Drought tolerant and hardy, flowers begin to bloom In July and can be cut fresh for flower arrangements or dried for use in potpourri or dried arrangements.
Lavender is a mound forming sub-shrub or woody herb. The 1-inch blunt, needle like leaves are silver in tight placement along the stems. Tall, spikes produce terminal heads of 1/2" fragrant flowers. Grows 15" x 24".
Because it is an English lavender, its fragrance is sweeter than that of the other variants that we carry -- Phenomenal, which are Lavandin, or a cross between augustifolia, (English Lavender), and latifolia (the true French Lavender). The Lavandin tend have a more medicinal odor because of higher camphor content. Hidcote's sweet blooms are great for sachets!
How To Grow
Lavender is heat, drought and wind-tolerant. Grow in a light, sandy, somewhat dry soil in full sun to encourage good growth. It does not toleant heavy or wet soils.
In spring, once plants begin to grow, cut or trim them back by about a 1/3. Prune them like a shrub, so don't cut back completely. Remove any dead wood at this time.
Drying Lavender
Cut flower spikes before they fully open. Bundle stems in small groups (about an 1 inch diameter). Hange them upside down in a dry, dark area with good air circulation. Once dried, store in an airtight containers.
Garden Design with Lavender
Lavender is a staple in the herb garden, but also provide fragrance, foliage and flower interest in the perennial garden. They are quite stunning in large groupings lining a walkway or path. Drifts of Lavender combine well with other blue plants such Nepeta and Geranium Rozanne. Combine with "hot color" plants such as Gaillardia, vibrant gold Coreopsis or daylilies. Blue & Pinks are a delight - considering adding pink Knock Out Roses, Phlox Forever Pink, or Sedum Autumn Joy. Add some airy texture by intermingling Gaura in with your perennial garden design.
Special Features: Butterfly Lovers, Cold Hardy, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Dried Flower, Drought Tolerant, Easy Care, Fast Growing, Fragrance, Heat Tolerant, Long Blooming, Multi-Seasonal Interest, Winter Interest
Recommended For You:
Customers Also Bought
As low as $13.99
As low as $13.99
Quick Facts
- Botanical Name:
Lavandula agustifolia 'Hidcote'
- Common Name:
- Zone: 5,6,7,8
- Sun Exposure:
Full Sun
- Delivery:
See Schedule
- Ship Form:
1 Quart
- Soil Type:
- Soil Moisture:
- Height x Width:
18" x 24"
- Flower Color:
- Foliage Color:
- Bloom Season:
- Uses:
Container Gardening, Cottage Gardening, Edging, Ground Cover, Massing, Ornamental, Woodland
- Cannot Ship to:
- Patent #:None
More Info, How-To's, Videos and more
As low as $129.99
Soil: Grow in average, dry to medium, well-drained, alkaline soil (pH should be 6.5 or higher). Prefers a light, sandy soil with somewhat low fertility.
Light: Full sun
Water: Dry to medium -- Root rot commonly attacks plants grown in poorly drained soils. High summer humidity in southern growing zones is not appreciated. To combat high humidity, consider using rock instead of organic mulch.
Spacing: 18 - 24 inches
Fertilizing: Feed with a light application of general purpose, or time release fertilizer before new growth begins in spring.
Winterizing: Plants may not survive in winter if soils are not well-drained and/or if temperatures dip below zero degrees without protective snow cover. Prefers southwestern exposure and protection from winter wind.
Maintenance & Pruning: Remove faded flowers to promote continued bloom. Prune once or twice a year to keep plant shapely. Prune option #1: in the spring after the lavender wakes up. Wait until the lavender has signs of new growth (do not worry if it takes a while to wake up). Prune option #2: in the fall around early October. The rule of thumb in pruning is 1/3 of the plant or about 2 inches above the wood. If you prune into the wood you run the risk of the plant not coming back.
ReviewsWrite a reviewMixed emotionsNatosha | Jun 4, 2018I ordered 6 of the hidcote. Delivery was prompt and packaging was above expectations. However the product was not up to standards. Out of the 6 one looks like it will make it. Directions for care and planting very specific and helpful. Still hoping for a miracle for the other 5!Owner Response: Hope the replacements that we sent are doing well.
Surprized in size.Antonio D | May 12, 2014My order just arrived yesterday, and I just had to write and thank you. No only was the delivery prompt and very well packed, but the vivaciousness of the plants themselvers made opening each mox a pleasant surprise. Everything was fresh enough to practically walk out of the box on their own, and the soil and root balls were still quite moist, which seems to have all but eliminated any shipping trauma. I'm already looking forward to my next order...as soon as my spouse lets me have the credit card back. :))


text:
Bita Payesteh, PhD, CCC-SLP
Assistant Professor
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
College of Health Sciences
Program Area: Speech-Language Pathology
Professional Preparation
PhD, University of Minnesota, Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences
MS, University of Texas at Dallas, Communication Disorders, Speech-Language Pathology
BA, University of Texas at Dallas, Psychology
Bita Payesteh is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at TWU. She has been teaching undergraduate and graduate courses at the university level since 2015 primarily in the areas of diagnostics and assessment and treatment of children with language disorders. Prior to joining the faculty, Dr. Payesteh was a bilingual speech-language pathologist (Persian-English) working with children of all ages (early childhood through high school) with language disorders. Her current line of research is in the areas of bilingual language development and heritage language immersion in typically developing children. Dr. Payesteh is also interested in appropriate and non-biased assessment and intervention for bilingual children with language disorders, preservation of heritage languages, and diversity education for speech-language pathology students.
Selected Publications
Payesteh, B. and Fortune, T. (2016, September). Preschool Immersion Education in Persian. CARLA Immersion Project Research to Action Brief. (Retrieved from: http://carla.umn.edu/immersion/briefs/Payesteh_Sept16.pdf)
Ebert, K. D., Kohnert, K., Pham, G., Disher, J. R., & Payesteh, B. (2014). Three treatments for bilingual children with primary language impairment: Examining cross-linguistic and cross-domain effects. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 57(1), 172-186. Received JSLHR 2015 Editor's Award.
Finestack, L.H., Payesteh, B., Disher, J.R., & Julien, H.M. (2014). Reporting Child Language Sampling Procedures" for publication in Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 57(6), 2274-2279.
Page last updated 10:44 AM, October 1, 2018


text:
Ian Urquhart
The political parties won't be the only ones contacting voters with their messages in the fall's provincial election campaign.
The election campaign will also see an unprecedented level of participation by various interest groups.
These include the unions, of course, some of which have coalesced in a group called "working families" and plan to spread an anti-Conservative message.
The teachers are also marshalling their forces and targeting ridings such as Don Valley West, where Education Minister Kathleen Wynne is in the fight of her political life against Conservative Leader John Tory.
CAPTR, the property taxpayers' coalition, will target Liberals in key ridings that have seen steep increases in assessments. And parents of autistic children will be after Premier Dalton McGuinty.
The environmentalists will also be involved and, for a change, they are working together. "We're more organized than we've ever been," says Rick Smith of Environmental Defence, one of 14 groups that have formed a coalition called Priorities for Ontario's Future.
The 14 groups have agreed on six priorities: preserving the boreal forest, reducing waste, curbing urban sprawl, removing toxins from the environment, cleaning up the Great Lakes, and promoting green energy. They are to hold a press conference at Queen's Park today to update their plans and release the results of some polling they have commissioned.
The environmental groups have also pooled their membership lists and, after purging duplicate names, have a combined list with an impressive 209,000 names.
They then broke down the list by riding. The results are interesting.
Of the top 10 ridings, nine are in Toronto, including Trinity-Spadina, which has the most names on the list – 7,864, or 11.2 per cent of the eligible voters in the riding.
The bottom 10 include eight ridings in northern Ontario, including Timmins-James Bay, with just 338 names, or 0.61 per cent of the eligible voters.
Overall, 80 of the 107 ridings have at least 1,000 names on the environmentalists' list.
The question is: What do the environmental groups do with this information?
The ridings in the top 10 are mostly held by MPPs who could be considered environment-friendly, including Environment Minister Laurel Broten (Etobicoke-Lakeshore) and NDP environment critic Peter Tabuns (Toronto-Danforth), a former head of Greenpeace Canada.
As you would expect, MPPs considered unfriendly to the environment tend to represent ridings with the fewest names on the list. Timmins-James Bay, for example, is held by Gilles Bisson, a New Democrat who broke party ranks to vote against the Endangered Species Act last May.
Furthermore, even if the environment groups wanted to target MPPs, they couldn't without jeopardizing their charitable status.
But the environmentalists say they don't intend to target anyone.
Says Bruce Cox of Greenpeace Canada: "We haven't sat there and said: `This person is an enemy of the environment. We're taking him out.' Telling somebody how to vote is not our intention."
Rather, continues Cox, "We're going to educate voters on the priorities we've established." That education will include an examination of the platforms of the major parties to show how they line up with the environmentalists' priorities.
What the voters do with that information is another question. But a candidate in one of the top 20 or 30 ridings on the environmentalists' list might want to pay attention to what they are saying.


text:
By taking the time to organize your B2B content and resources, you will be better equipped for faster responses and decrease time-to-market. But how do you do this?
"Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up." — A.A. Milne
Tis the season…for spring cleaning! With the ever-improving weather, it is time to bust open the closets, clean out the drawers and pare down the clutter that can gather during colder (read: busier) seasons. By taking the time to organize your B2B content and resources, you will be better equipped for faster responses and decrease time-to-market. You might also discover some hidden treasures lost in a shared drive that can be brought back to the light and used in a campaign.
But how do you do it?
Step 1: Consider the User
"The odds of hitting your target go up dramatically when you aim at it." — Mal Pancoast
Know the target audience who will be searching for your content and what their end goal might be. If you are preparing content to be used by the sales team, consider organizing in folders relevant to popular questions they might be asked or big verticals for they might be looking for specific information. If this is mainly for your content team, organize by client or campaign project. For any changes you make, ensure that all relevant parties are alerted to the updates so they can navigate confidently.
Step 2: Purge, Dedupe, and Whittle Down Your Content Files
"Clutter is symptomatic of delayed decision making." — Cynthia Kyriazis
When you have items stored away in folders locally or in a cloud, take the time to go through and clean out duplicates, retired versions, and irrelevant material. If you already have a copy of the final files elsewhere, don't have them saved in five other places. If you aren't sure about deleting items, create folders for the older versions or background info that might prove useful in a unique folder. Keep the most relevant bits of information front-and-center so it will be easier to find later.
Step 3: Take Stock of Existing Resources (Maybe the Most Profitable Step!)
"The road leading to a goal does not separate you from the destination; it is essentially a part of it." — Charles DeLint
Now that your content is organized and searchable, take a look at what you have. In many instances, you might discover an older resource that could be repurposed with a little sprucing up. Not only will this be kind to your budget but increase the ROI on the original resource. Looking at what you have can give you a launch pad for where you could go, gaps that might need to be filled with new pieces, or future campaigns you hadn't anticipated. Taking inventory is a necessary part of the process so that you don't duplicate work and waste resources.
Step 4: Plan Ahead – Make Your B2B Marketing Plans
"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." — Benjamin Franklin
Once you have taken the time to clean up and dump out your files, it is time to start looking ahead. You don't have to wade through as much clutter with your fresh outlook due to your organizational skills and recent examination of your available resources. From there, dream up lead nurture campaigns for Q3 and Q4; plan out a content calendar of what you can syndicate now and what you want to build for later. Consider what you can revamp at minimal cost so you can continue producing high quality content without big budgets.
Now what?
While these four steps might seem overly simplified, it has been our experience that not enough companies take the time to spring clean. This can lead to a lot of confusion and extra work later on. This year, try going into Q2 and beyond with a fresh outlook and cleaned up files.
Once you know what you might need to create or revamp, we are happy to help! Contact us to learn more about our content creation and syndication services. And while you are at it, sound off below to let us know if you have any tools that help your team stay organized and on-task!
– Annika Mitic, Content Manager


text:
Along with plenty of aid, what the Philippines could do with at the moment is for its tourism industry to continue to thrive and have a positive impact on the country's economy.
Happily, it's a wonderful place to visit, offering powdery sand beaches, unspoiled nature and plenty of water adventure.
And there's no reason to stick to touristy Boracay and El Nido – not when the Philippines archipelago is made up of 7,107 islands. Why not head straight to beautiful Calaguas, a group of islands in the province of Camarines Norte? Haul your camping and diving gear to Halabang Baybay, a long stretch of picture-perfect beach on Tinaga Island, and sleep, eat, swim and dive in paradise.
While there are many travel companies that offer Calaguas tour packages, it's entirely possible to make your way there on your own. Daet, the capital of Camarines Norte, is the jump-off point to Calaguas, which is a two-hour boat ride away from the port via Vinzons. Embrace your sense of adventure.


text:
Countries do not have to be economically prosperous to move from a situation of high birth and death rates to low fertility and mortality rates. Education, social security, environments conducive to economic development and good value systems are what promote this, as evidenced by the recorded experiences of Asian countries as far apart as Japan and India.
Demographic transition is the theory that holds that countries move from a situation of high birth and death rates to low fertility and low mortality rates as they industrialise. However, in more recent times, the theory has been hit by contradictions and there are debates over whether industrialisation leads to declining population or whether lower populations lead to industrialisation and higher incomes.
As a country transitions, the cost of education rises creating relative poverty and promoting fertility transition, or a lowered birth rate, says Kusumoto. "At the same time the spread of healthcare and public health services promote mortality transition or lowered death rates. But with real prosperity there is potential for fertility to rise again."
Kusumoto cites the example of Japan where, even with high per-capita incomes, people live in relative poverty and find unaffordable the high cost of educating children. "It is possible to say that fertility declines, even when social security systems are in place and old-age pensions are provided for, because people will make the rational choice of avoiding the cost of having children through marriage and childbirth."nJapan's birth rate is 1.44 per woman, which has caused the population to decline by one million in the last five years. What people in Japan fail to realise, adds Kusumoto, is that without children the social security system becomes unsustainable and cannot support them in old age.
Meanwhile India, a developing country that is home to the world's second-largest population, the total fertility rate has shown a steady decline from 3.6 per woman in 1991 to 2.4 per woman by 2011. During the same period the female literacy rate increased from 39 percent to 65 percent. A closer look at the statistics at the district levels shows curious results such as that in eight Indian states, where there was a drop in the use of modern contraceptive methods, fertility had decreased, according to studies by the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) in Mumbai. Most of India's 640 districts experience substantial declines over the 1991-2011 period, no clear relationship between initial levels and subsequent changes was discernible. In the Indian experience, says Mohanty, female education and literacy have been associated with the use of modern contraceptives, higher age at marriage and birth spacing.
A World Bank report shows that Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan all had birth rates of 6 children per woman in 1950-55, but this declined by almost half by 2000. It was a decline also experienced by other former Soviet countries that previously had high birth rates. All former Soviet countries also showed increased life expectancy.


text:
MBRI Publication Archive: 2000-1989
Publication Archive
Anetzberger, G. A., Palmisano, B. R., Sanders, M., Bass, D. M., Dayton, C., Eckert, S., & Shimer, M. R. (2000). A model intervention for elder abuse and dementia. The Gerontologist, 40(4) 492–497.
Bensing, K.M. (2000, December). [Review of the book. Consumer Reports Complete Guide To Health Services For Seniors]. Library Journal, 170.
Camp, C.J., Judge, K.S., Orsulic-Jeras, S., & Schneider, N.M. (2000). Montessori-based activities in adult day care. Activities Directors' Quarterly for Alzheimer's & Other Dementia Patients, 1(1), 7–14.
Cohen-Mansfield, J., Ejaz, F.K., & Werner, P. (Eds.). (2000). Satisfaction surveys in long-term care. New York, NY: Springer.
Cohen-Mansfield, J. & Noelker, L. S. (2000). Nursing staff satisfaction in long-term care: An overview. Satisfaction Surveys in Long Term Care. 52–75.
Ejaz, F. K. (2000). Predictors of advance directives in institutionalized elderly. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 33, 67–89.
Ejaz, F. K. (2000). The influence of religious and personal values on nursing home residents' attitudes toward life-sustaining treatments. Social Work in Health Care, 32, 23–39.
Ejaz, F.K., (2000). An overview of the process of conducting consumer satisfaction surveys in nursing facilities. Satisfaction Surveys in Long–Term Care, 137–165. New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company Inc.
Ejaz, F.K., Anetzberger, G. A., & Kethley, A. (2000). Assessing consumer satisfaction with long-term care services. In L.S. Noelker, & Z. Harel (Eds). Linking quality of long-term care and quality of life. New York, NY: Springer.
Ford, A. B., Haug, M. R., Stange, K. C., Gaines, A. D., Noelker, L. S., & Jones, P. K. (2000). Sustained personal autonomy: A measure of successful aging. Journal of Aging and Health, 12(4), 470–489.
Judge, K.S., Camp, C.J., & Orsulic-Jeras, S. (2000). Use of montessori-based activities for clients with dementia in adult day care: Effects on engagement. American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 15(1), 42-46.
Noelker, L. S., Ejaz, F. K., & Schur, D. (2000). Prevalence problems in the use of satisfaction surveys: Results from research on Ohio nursing homes. Satisfaction Surveys in Long Term Care, 122-123. New York, NY: Springer
Noelker, L.S. & Harel, Z. (2000). Humanizing long term care: Forging a link between quality of care and quality of life. In L.S. Noelker, & Z. Harel (Eds.), Linking quality of long-term care and quality of life. New York, NY: Springer.
Noelker, L.S., & Whitlatch, C.J. (2000). Informal caregiving. In G.L. Maddox (Ed.), The Encyclopedia of Aging, Third Edition. New York, NY: Springer.
Orsulic-Jeras, S., Judge, K.S., & Camp, C.J. (2000). Montessori-based activities for long-term care residents with advanced dementia: Effects on engagement and affect. The Gerontologist, 40(1), 107-111.
Werner, P., Ejaz, F.K. & Cohen-Mansfield, J. (2000). Ethical issues in conducting customer satisfaction surveys in long-term care institutions. In J. Cohen-Mansfield, F.K. Ejaz, & P. Werner (Eds.). Satisfaction Surveys In Long-Term Care, 244-254. New York, NY: Springer.
Anetzberger, G. A., Ejaz, F. K., Bass D. M., & Nagpaul, K. (1999). Screening Tools and Referral Protocol for Service Providers for Stopping Abuse Against Older Ohioans: A Guide for Service Providers. Cleveland, OH: Benjamin Rose Institute.
Bass, D.M., Noelker, L.S., & McCarthy, C. (1999). The influence of formal and informal helpers on primary caregivers' perceptions of quality of care. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 18(2), 177-200.
Camp, C.J., Koss, E. & Judge, K.S. (1999). Cognitive assessments in late stage dementia. In P.A., Lichenberg, (Ed.), Handbook of clinical gerontology assessment, 442-467. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons.
Haug, M.D., Ford, A.B., Stange, K.C., Noelker, L.S., & Gaines, A.B. (1999, July). Effect of giving care on caregivers health. Research on Aging, 21(4), 515-538.
Whitlatch, C.J., Feinberg, L.F., & Stevens, E.J. (1999). Predictors of institutionalization for persons with Alzheimer's disease and the impact on family caregivers. Journal of Mental Health and Aging, 5(3), 275-288.
Bass, D.M., McClendon, M.J., Brennan, P.F., & McCarthy, C. (1998, February). The buffering effect of a computer support network on caregiver strain. Journal of Aging and Health, 10(1), 20-43.
Ejaz, F.K., Rose, M.S., Jones, J.A. (1998, January). Restraint removal and changes in social response among nursing home residents. Research on Social Work Practice, 8(1), 47-63.
Feinberg, L.F., & Whitlatch, C.J. (1998). Family caregivers and in-home respite options: The consumer-directed versus agency-based experience. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 30(3/4), 9-28.
McClendon, M.J., Bass, D.M., Brennan, P.F., & McCarthy, C. (1998, Winter). A computer network for Alzheimer's caregivers and use of support group services. Journal of Mental Health and Aging, 4(4), 403-420.
Noelker, L.S., Ford, A.B., Gaines, A.D., Haug, M.R., Jones, P.K., Stange, K.C., & Mefrouche, Z. (1998, May). Attitudinal influences on the elderly's use of assistance. Research on Aging, 20(3), 317-338.
Schur, D., Noelker, L.S., Looman, W., Whitlatch, C.J., & Ejaz, F.K. (1998, Jan/Feb). 4 steps to more committed nursing assistants. Balance, 2(1), 29-32.
Whitlatch, C.J. (1998). Distress and burden for family caregivers. In B. Winblad, A. Wimo, B. Jonsson, & G. Karlsson (Eds.), Health Economics of Dementia. London: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bass, D.M., & Noelker, L.S. (1997). Family caregiving. In K. Ferraro (Ed.), Gerontology: Perspectives and Issues, 2nd edition. New York: Springer.
Camp, C.J., Judge K.S., Bye, C.A., Fox, K.M., Bowden, J., Bell, M., Valencic, K. & Mattern, J.M. (1997). An intergenerational program for persons with dementia using Montessori methods. The Gerontologist, 37, 688-692.
Ejaz, F.K., & Rose, M.S. (1997). A stepwise approach to reducing physical restraints in nursing homes. Nursing Home Medicine, 5(2), 62-68.
Ejaz, F.K., Schur, D., & Noelker, L.S. (1997). The effect of activity involvement and social relationships on boredom among nursing home residents. Activities, Adaptation & Aging, 21(4).
Looman, W.J., Noelker, L.S., Schur, D., Whitlatch, C.J., Ejaz, F.K. (1997). Nursing assistants caring for dementia residents in nursing homes: The family's perspective on the high quality of care. American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, October, 221-226.
Stull, D.E., Cosbey, J., Bowman, K., & McNutt, W. (1997, December). Institutionalization: A continuation of family care. The Journal of Applied Gerontology, 16(4), 379-42.
Whitlatch, C.J., Feinberg, L.F., & Sebesta, D. (1997). Depression and health in family caregivers: Adaptation over time. Journal of Aging and Health, 9, 222-243.
Bass, D.M., Noelker, L.S., & Rechlin, L. (1996). The moderating influence of service use on negative caregiving consequences. Journal of Gerontology, 51B (3) S121-S131.
Bensing, K.M. (1996, August). Words of comfort: Resources for the living and dying. Library Journal, 43-46.
Ejaz, F.K., Rose, M.S., & Jones, J.A. (1996). Changes in attitudes toward restraints among nursing home staff and residents' families following restraint reduction. The Journal of Applied Gerontology, 15(4), 433-449.
Whitlatch, C.J., & Noelker, L.S. (1996). Caregiving and caring. Encyclopedia of Gerontology, 1, 253-268.
Aneshensel, C.S., Pearlin, L.I., Mullan, J.T., Zarit, S.H., & Whitlatch, C.J. (1995). Profiles in caregiving: The unexpected career. San Diego: Academic Press.
Noelker, L. S. & Bass, D. M. (1995, Winter). Service use by caregivers of elderly receiving case management. Journal of Case Management, 4, 142-149.
Noelker, L. S. & Whitlatch, C. J. (1995). Caregiving. In G. L. Maddox (Ed.) Encyclopedia of Aging, Second Edition. New York: Springer Publishing Company, Inc.
Pearlin, L.I., Aneshensel, C.S., Mullan, J.T., & Whitlatch, C.J. (1995). Caregiving and its social support. In L.K. George and R.H. Binstock (Eds.), Handbook on Aging and the Social Sciences, 4th Edition. New York: Academic.
Whitlatch, C.J., Zarit, S.H., Goodwin, P.E., & von Eye, A. (1995). Influence of the success of psychoeducational interventions on the course of family care. Clinical Gerontologist, 16(1), 17-30.
Bass, D.M., McCarthy, C., Eckert, S., & Bichler, J. (1994). Differences in service attitudes and experiences among families using three types of support services. The American Journal of Alzheimer's Care and Related Disorders & Research, May/June, 28-38.
Bass, D.M., McClendon, M.J., Deimling, G.T., & Mukherjee, S. (1994). The influence of a diagnosed mental impairment on family caregiver strain. Journal of Gerontology, 49(3), S146-S155.
Deimling, G.T. (1994). Caregiving functioning. In Lawton, M.P., & Teresi, J. (Eds.), The Annual Review of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Vol. 14. New York: Springer.
Deimling, G. T. & Looman, W. J. (1994). Predictors of the use of respite services by caregivers of Alzheimer's patients: Racial and generational differences. Sociological Practice, 11, 158-175.
Ejaz, F.K., Folmar, S.J., Kaufmann, M., Rose, M.S., & Goldman, B. (1994). Restraint reduction: Can it be achieved? The Gerontologist, 34(5), 694-699.
Ejaz, F.K., Jones, J.A., & Rose, M.S. (1994). Falls among nursing home residents: An examination of incident reports before and after restraint reduction programs. JAGS, 42, 960-964.
Hedeker, D., McMahon, S.D., Jason, L.A., & Salina, D. (1994). Analysis of clustered data in community psychology: With an example from a worksite smoking cessation project. American Journal of Community Psychology, 22(5), 595-615.
Noelker, L. S. (1994). The interface between health and social services and family caregivers. In M. Cantor (Ed.), Family caregiving: Agenda for the future. San Francisco, CA: American Society on Aging.
Noelker, L.S., & Bass, D.M. (1994). Relationships between the frail elderly's informal and formal helpers. In Kahana, Biegel, Wykle (Eds.), Family Caregiving Across the Lifespan, Newbury Park, CA: Sage Publishing.
Bensing, K.M. (1993, October). Rejuvenating Your Books On Aging. Library Journal. 55-58.
Biegel, D.E., Bass, D.M., Schultz, R., & Morycz, R. (1993). Predictors of in-home and out-of home service use by family caregivers of Alzheimer's disease patients. Journal of Aging and Health, 5(4), 419-438.
Looman, W.J., & Deimling, G.T. (1993). The maturation of a multiagency computerization effort for Alzheimer's respite services. In M. Leiderman, C. Guzetta, L. Struminger, & M. Monnickeudam (Eds.), Technology in People Services: Research, Theory, and Applications. New York: The Haworth Press.
Whitlatch, C.J. (1993). The direction of home-based community care in Quebec: The effects on caregiving families. In S.H. Zarit, L.I. Pearlin, & K. W. Schaie (Eds.), Caregiving Systems: Formal and Informal Helpers. Hillsdale: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Zarit, S.H., & Whitlatch, C.J. (1993). The effects of placement in nursing homes on family caregivers: Short and long term consequences. The Irish Journal of Psychology, 14(1), 25-37.
Bass, D.M., Looman, W.J., & Ehrlich, P. (1992). Predicting the volume of health and social services: Integrating cognitive impairment into the modified Anderson Framework. The Gerontologist, 32(1) 33-43.
Deimling, G.T. (1992). Respite use and caregiver well-being in families caring for stable and declining AD patients. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 18(1/2), 117-134.
Deimling, G.T., & Smerglia, V.L., (1992). Involvement of elders in care-related decision: A black/white comparison. Family Relations, 41, 86-90.
Zarit, S.H., & Whitlatch, C.J. (1992). Institutional placement: Phases of the transition. The Gerontologist, 32(5), 665-672.
Bass, D.M. Bowman, K., & Noelker, L.S. (1991). The influence of caregiving and bereavement support on adjusting to an older relative's death. The Gerontologist, 31(1), 32-42.
Ejaz, F.K. (1991). Social work education in India: Perceptions of social workers in Bombay. International Social Work, 34, 299-311.
Ejaz, F.K. (1991). Self-Determination: Lessons to be learned from social work practice in India. Br. Journal Social Work, 21, 127-142.
Friss, L., & Whitlatch, C.J. (1991). Who's taking care: A statewide study of family caregivers. American Journal of Alzheimer's Care and Related Disorders and Research, Sept/Oct, 16-26.
Heiselman, T., & Noelker, L.S. (1991). Enhancing mutual respect among nursing assistants, residents, and residents families. The Gerontologist, 31(4), 552-555.
Whitlatch C.J., Zarit, S.H., & von Eye, A. (1991). Efficacy of interventions with caregivers: A reanalysis. The Gerontologist, 31(1), 9-14.
Bass, D.M., & Bowman, K. (1990). The impact of an aged relative's death on the family. In K.F. Ferraro (Ed.), Gerontology: Perspectives and Issues. New York: Springer.
Bass, D.M., & Bowman, K. (1990). The transition from caregiving to bereavement: The relationship of care-related strain and adjustment to death. The Gerontologist, 30(1), 35-42.
Deimling, G.T., Smerglia, V.L., & Barresi, C.M. (1990). Health care professional and family involvement in care-related decisions concerning older patients. Journal of Aging and Health, 2(3), 310-325.
Ejaz, F.K. (1990, July). The concept of familial duty in India: Implications for social work practice. The Indian Journal of Social Work, LI(3), 437-445.
Gerace, C.S., & Noelker, L.S. (1990). Clinical social work practice with black elderly and their family caregivers. In Harel, McKinney, & Williams (Eds.), Black Aged: Understanding Diversity and Service Needs. London: Sage Publications.
Looman, W., Noelker, L., & Deimling, G. (1990, October). Using information system technology to coordinate specialized services for the elderly. Computers & Society, 20(3), 106-111.
Noelker, L.S. (1990). Family caregivers: A valuable but vulnerable resource. In Harel, Ehrlich, & Hubbard (Eds.), The Vulnerable Aged: People, Services, and Policies. New York: Springer Publishing Co.
Bass, D.M., Noelker, L.S., Townsend, A.L., & Deimling, G.T. (1989). Losing an aged relative: Perceptual differences between spouses and adult children. OMEGA, 21(1), 21-40.
Noelker, L. S., & Bass, D. (1989). Home care for elderly persons: Linkages between formal and informal caregivers. Journal of Gerontology, 44, S63-S70.


text:
Executive Management
Timothy McGrathPresident and Chief Executive OfficerTimothy McGrath has served as President and COO since April 2010. From May 2007 to April 2010, Mr. Mcgrath served as Executive Vice President, PC Connection Enterprises, and from December 2006 through May 2007, he served as Senior Vice President, PC Connection Enterprises. Mr. McGrath served as President of PC Connection Sales Corporation, our largest sales subsidiary, from August 2005 to December 2006. Prior to joining PC Connection, Mr. McGrath served from 2002 to 2005 in a variety of senior management positions at Insight Enterprises, Inc. Mr. McGrath served in various executive sales positions at Comark Inc. from 1999 to 2002, which was purchased by Insight Enterprises, Inc. in April 2002.
Patricia GallupChief Administrative OfficerPatricia Gallup is a co-founder of PC Connection, Inc. and has served as Chair of the Board since September 1994, and as Chief Administrative Officer since August 2011. Ms. Gallup has served as a member of our executive management team since 1982.
Stephen SarnoSenior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and TreasurerStephen Sarno joined Connection in 2018 as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer. Mr. Sarno previously served as Chief Financial Officer of Wyless, Inc., a privately held international provider of wireless data communication services. Prior to that, he served as Chief Accounting Officer of several other public companies, including Sapient Corporation and Exa Corporation, and was a Senior Manager for 10 years at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Mr. Sarno has a wide range of accounting, finance, and reporting skills, substantial public and private company experience, and is a CPA in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.


text:
Our Mission: To preserve and protect the animals, plants, and natural communities
in Indian River County through advocacy, education, and public awareness.
Home | Programs | Field Trips | Newsletter | Membership | Donate | About | Contact & FAQ
|< < < previous page - - - - Hoot Archive - - - - next page > > >
Where have all the insects gone?
The President's Hoot by
Grasshopper by Bob Montanaro.
Most folks know little about the most diverse group of organisms ever to evolve on our planet. And if they do, it is usually regarding a negative experience with mosquitoes, no-see-ums, cockroaches, wasps, termites, fire ants, or crop eating caterpillars. Usually the solution is to hire a pest control firm to try to eradicate them. These pesky insects actually are just a small percentage of the more than 920,000 described insects species found in the world. Thousands more are described yearly, and some researchers estimate that there are 15 to 30 million insect species still not described. Insects have been here a long time beginning about 350 million years ago, while humans first appeared about 100,000 years ago.
Insects represent 85 percent of all animal species (Mammals 4,000, Birds 9,000, Reptiles and Amphibians 5,500, and Fishes 18,000). There are more species of dragonflies than mammals and almost twice as many butterflies as birds. Insects play a vital role, as they are critical food sources low on the food chain for many species.
Plants are essential to life on this planet. With few exceptions, neither we nor anything else can live without them. They provide the oxygen we breathe, capture the sun's energy, which though photosynthesis turns this energy into food. Plants often are referred to as a primary producer of the "food web," and they provide animals, including humans with shelter.
Worldwide, 37 percent of animal species are plant-eating insects. These species convert plant tissue to insect tissue that provides food in the form of themselves for other species. As E. O. Wilson points out: "a land without insects is a land without most forms of higher life." Nearly all (96%) terrestrial bird species in North America rely on insects and other arthropods to feed their young. In other words, insects provide energy to animals that can't eat plants. Part of the nearly 50% population reduction in many of our bird species, within the space of 50 years, is the result of the loss of native plants that serve as food for insects that birds require to rear their young.
For the last 100 years we have created our gardens with one thing in mind: aesthetics. A new book entitled Bringing Nature Home-How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants by Douglas W. Tallamy points out: "All plants are not created equal, particularly in their ability to support wildlife." Tallamy, an entomologist, noticed that many showy alien plants do not have insect damage compared to natives. Our native insects have adapted to our native plants for food, but unfortunately most native insects are not able to eat or to survive on alien plant species. Alien plants have different chemicals that are unrecognizable, poisonous or can't be digested by our native insects. With the continued habitat destruction on our planet and the resulting loss of species, this book redefines what gardens need to be like to preserve our native flora and fauna and maintain biodiversity. Most plant eating insects (90%) are specialists feeding only on one species of plant, and10% are generalist feeding on more than one, thus we need a variety of plants to support numerous insects to support varied wildlife. Yards with large areas of grass are thus what are termed a "monoculture" meaning there is one plant species instead of a variety needed to support diverse insects.
Tallamy suggests that we fundamentally need to change the way we think about our gardens and their role in the larger landscape. Moreover, gardens with natives could be extremely important in preserving our ecosystems. He points out: "Like it or not, gardeners have become important players in the management of our nation's wildlife." They can provide the biodiversity needed to support our native plants and animals and the ecosystems that sustain them. "Gardening with natives is no longer just a peripheral ...It is an important part of a paradigm shift in our shaky relationship with the planet that sustains us."
In one study, native plants produced over 4 times more herbivore biomass than did alien species and supported 3.2 times as many herbivore species. Native plants in the study supported a whopping 35 times more caterpillar biomass than the aliens: moths, butterflies, and sawfly caterpillars were the largest diet component of insectivorous birds. Alien plants occupy space and use resources (light, water, and soil nutrients) that would otherwise have been available for a native plant, but do not pass the energy it harnesses from the sun up the food web as the insects will not be feeding on them. Interestingly, the alien buddleias or butterfly bush attract nectar-seeking butterflies and are common in many butterfly gardens, but no larvae can live on the plant! Thus adults do not lay their eggs on such plants, but only come for the nectar.
Today over 5,000 species of alien species have invaded the natural areas of North America. They become pests themselves, and they can bring in as hitchhikers, serious pests and diseases into the country. In Indian River County we have 3 recent examples:
There is no debate that we should close our borders to carriers of human diseases like SARS, mad cow disease, and avian flu virus. Why are the native plants that sustain us and our native animals less worthy of protection? We can all do a better job supporting the natural world, which is both beautiful and full of life. Why can't our yards reflect this? What if every homeowner with a yard, began planting more diverse native plants, replacing our monocultures? Native plants are more likely to survive frosts, use less water, pesticides, and fertilizer thus saving us money and reducing pollution. However, native plants put in the wrong habitat may require water or fertilizer, and therefore the 'right' native plant needs to be put in the right place.
Life began in Florida with native plants, but may end with aliens...unless we act together now.
< < < previous page - - - - Hoot Archive - - - - next page > > >


text:
Anthony Explains to Gene Lavanchy How FHFA Changes Mean Lower Down Payments for Buyers
Related blog: FHFA Announces Relaxed Mortgage Guidelines to Help More Home Buyers
Full text:
Well things are turning around a little bit in the real estate market and buyers appear to have the leverage. Here's more good news for buyers now it will be easier to get a mortgage real estate expert Anthony Lamacchia of Lamacchia Realty here to explain good to see you this morning Anthony tell us what is changing?
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have finally realized that they overcorrected. They were too loose on regulation from 2000 to 2007 and that's what got us into that mess and then they clamped down so hard that they made it very hard for people to get mortgages and as of last Friday they've announced, ok we're going to ease up a little bit.
So when people hear Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac they get glazed over a little bit. Explain what Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac set the guidelines that all the mortgage companies follow. So the mortgage companies sell a mortgage and then Fannie and Freddie buy it, but they'll only buy it if it's within their guidelines. So the guidelines they set the mortgage brokers and companies go off of.
So essentially they required to have 5% down and now they'll take 3% down.
Isn't' that what kind of got us into the big mess in the first place?
Not necessarily. Yes, they're going to lower the down payment requirement which is great, FHA already has a 3% down requirement but they're much more expensive. So they are still requiring good credit they're still requiring income verification they're still requiring for people to pay their bills and they didn't require that before.
This isn't one of those no doc loans.
No it's just that the pendulum swung too far too strict and now they're kind of bringing it back a little and that's what they need to do.
When you talk about what's going on as far as lowering that and people say oh well gee I make pretty good money and I' can put 3% down is there like an income ceiling on this on who can qualify or is this open to anyone?
I wouldn't say anybody, you have to fit into certain requirements, but as an example I don't know if you Ben Bernanke was unable to get a mortgage 6 weeks ago. He gets paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to do speeches but he was unable to get a mortgage because he doesn't have a consistent salary. So that was kind of funny news that they put out that's an example of people who can pay it but they're not qualified.
This is a reset if you will.
Exactly, it's easing up a little bit and it should help.
This is a good thing obviously.
It's a good thing and it's well timed.
It is well timed because we talked about the market we've had conversations in the summer about it, how it was really a seller's market people were getting asking price and above but that's kind of changed a little bit.
It started to change in the summer and now it's clear nobody can deny that there's no one Realtor who would say hey the market hasn't changed. It is undoubtedly back to a buyer's market and how long that will last I don't know things like will help because it will open up more opportunities for more buyers and we need more buyers to eat up the increased inventory on the market.
When did this transition kind of come in is it when people say hey the market is kind of hot I'm going to list now even though I may not want to sell and the market kind of got flooded.
Yeah I think that sellers –I've said this before—sellers got a little crazy. They see the market going up it went up all through 2013, and the very beginning of 2014, and then it started to slow down and as it started to slow down sellers said hey my neighbors' house sold for x I want to get more than that. They started putting their houses out at high high prices and then the summer hit and all of a sudden buyers pulled back and what happens: less homes are selling; price adjustments are up nationally, they're up statewide and up nationally, home sales in September were down 3% compared to last September so I don't want to sound like everything is bad news, because it's not, there are still buyers out there but it is undoubtedly slower.
So you think the excess inventory is related to overpricing for the most part.
A lot of it, yeah, and buyers pulling back a little bit. More inventory and then buyers pulling back it's like a double whammy.
What do you see happening over the winter months, around here it's a more difficult time to sell a home, not that you can't but we think of spring and fall of sort of peak times?
I certainly hope that two things help: the interest rates coming down; the interest rates are now back in the 3s, the first time in 18 months, that's very exciting news, and it will take a little time for buyers to realize this this new here that we're talking about Fannie Freddie those guidelines should be changed we're hearing by the end of the year. They've announced that they're going to do it they just haven't set a timetable yet so I'm hoping by the first of the year buyers realize hang on a second, inventory is up, interest rates are down and these guidelines are easier people can buy homes with less money down so that they have more money after a closing I'm hoping that all of that helps turn this around but I'm not going to lie to you it doesn't go from a buyer's market to a seller's market in 3 months; it takes time.
Still optimistic.
Yeah I think overall the recovery is going to continue but there's no doubt that we're seeing a pause or a little bit of a step back in the recovery.
Thanks for coming in Anthony.
Back to In the News