text:
Most business owners know that their personal credit score affects their ability to get business financing, but did you know that the reverse may be true as well? When you apply for business loans, your credit score can take a hit, which can hurt your chances of qualifying and getting the best rates.
The impact on your credit score depends on whether the lender does a hard credit pull or soft credit pull. Hard credit pulls can lower your credit score by 1-5 points, whereas soft credit pulls have no impact on your score. In this article, we'll tell you when business loan applications can dent your credit score and how to minimize the impact.
If you want to check your credit score for free before reading further, you can do so here.
Summary of How Credit Checks Impact Your Credit Score
Type of
Credit Check
When To
Expect It
Impact on
Personal Credit
No Credit Check
Certain lenders that
evaluate factors other
than credit score.
Soft Credit Inquiry
When seeking
pre-approval for a
loan or an initial
rate quote.
Hard Credit Inquiry
Before final approval
of a loan application
(some online applications
trigger hard credit
1-5 points
per inquiry
When Business Loans Can Harm Your Credit Score
A hard credit inquiry occurs when a lender checks your full credit history. When you first apply for a business loan to get pre-approved or to get a rate quote, most lenders will do a soft pull of your credit, which won't hurt your credit score. After pre-approval, however, most lenders do a hard credit check if you want to move forward in the loan process.
Every hard inquiry can dent your credit score by 1 to 5 points. The exact impact on your credit depends on your credit health when the check is done, the size of loan you're applying for, and the type of loan you're applying for. Hard credit inquiries stay on your credit report for up to 2 years and are visible to other entities that check your credit, though the impact on your credit score wears off in about one year.
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, lenders with "permissible purpose" to check your credit (which includes the following) don't require your explicit permission to run a hard credit check. However, you must initiate some kind of financial transaction, such as applying for a business loan or credit card, to trigger a hard credit pull. Also, if you ask the lender what type of credit check they will perform, they should inform you if they are doing a hard credit pull.
Tip: Minimize Rate Shopping
While a 1 to 5 point decrease per hard inquiry doesn't seem like much, each inquiry adds up, so we recommend that you apply with no more than 2 or 3 lenders when looking for a business loan. If you apply for too many loans and your credit score takes a hit, you will qualify for less favorable interest rates and loan terms. We're not saying you shouldn't shop around, but keep rate shopping to a minimum.
The consumer credit agencies have special rules that minimize the impact to your credit score when you rate shop for mortgage, auto, and student loans. When you apply for a business loan, however, your credit score gets penalized every time a lender does a hard credit check.
Some lenders do a hard credit pull even to pre-qualify you and give you a preliminary quote, so be careful before filling out one too many loan applications. Fortunately, FitBiz Loans works with a variety of loan platforms that will initially do soft credit pulls so that there's no impact to your credit score.
When Business Loans Have No Impact On Your Credit Score
There are two cases where applying for a business loan has no effect on your personal credit score. The first is when the lender doesn't check credit history at all. The second case is when the lender does what is known as a "soft credit check."
Lenders That Do Not Check Credit
Though it's not very common, some business lenders don't check your credit score at all when deciding whether to extend you a loan. They rely on other factors, such as your time in business, the size of your business revenues, and the way you charge customers and receive payments.
Examples of lenders that don't check credit include the following:
- Kickfurther– An inventory financing lender that helps you buy nonperishable inventory that you have experience selling.
- Fundbox– Invoice financing company that lends up to $100k to businesses over 6 months old.
- Square Capital – A merchant cash advance for businesses that use Square POS.
- PayPal Working Capital – A merchant cash advance for businesses that use PayPal.
Since these companies don't check credit, applying for a loan with them won't result in your credit being pulled and won't hurt your credit rating.
Soft Credit Check
Your credit rating also won't be affected if the lender does a "soft" credit inquiry. A soft credit inquiry is a summary of your credit report used by lenders to determine whether you are a good credit risk. A soft credit inquiry doesn't affect your credit score and is not visible to third parties that check your credit. It only shows up when you request a copy of your own credit report.
Most often, business lenders will do a soft credit inquiry when you are shopping around for a loan and and want a preliminary quote. However, if you decide to finalize your pre-approval offer, the lender will then follow up with a hard credit inquiry which can affect your credit score.
There are other situations where a soft inquiry occurs. For example, when you receive pre-approval offers in the mail for loans and credit cards, the company sending you the offer has most likely done a soft pull of your credit. The Fair Credit Reporting Act doesn't require lenders to get your permission before doing a soft credit pull.
Every year, you are entitled to receive one free credit report from each of the three main consumer credit agencies. Requesting your own credit report is another example of a soft credit inquiry, and it won't affect your credit score.
Your credit report will not show your credit score. If you're interested what you credit score is, you can check here for free.
Note on Business Credit
In addition to personal credit, every business has a credit score. These credit scores are tracked by Dun & Bradstreet, Experian, and Equifax. Anyone can check a business' credit history–all they need is the business' name and address.
Since it's so easy to check a business' commercial credit, you won't be penalized for inquiries into your business credit. Financing and credit-related inquiries may show up on your business credit report, but they won't impact your business credit score.
Bottom Line
It's wise to shop around when looking for a business loan, but just try to limit your rate shopping to a small handful of lenders, particularly when those lenders perform hard credit checks. Otherwise, your credit score could suffer needlessly, actually harming your ability to qualify for the most favorable loan rates and terms. When in doubt if the lender is doing a hard or soft credit pull, simply ask!


text:
Tauba Auerbach Transformed A Fireboat John J. Harvey Into A Contemporary "Dazzle Ship."
2018 marks one hundred years since the end of World War I. Flow Separation artfully threads together notions of innovation, technology, and abstraction, while it also invites us to remember this devastating world war. Flow Separation is a commission by New York-based artist Tauba Auerbach (b. 1981, San Francisco, California), which transforms the historic Fireboat John J. Harvey into a contemporary "dazzle ship." Invented by British painter Norman Wilkinson during World War I, the original dazzle patterns were painted onto ships to optically distort their forms, confusing enemy submarines tracking their distance, direction, and speed. With their geometric shapes, the dazzle designs were heavily indebted to both animal camouflage and avant-garde movements like Cubism, Futurism, and Vorticism. Thousands of vessels were dazzled in the U.K. and U.S., including in New York City at the Brooklyn Navy Yards.
Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 6: July 1 – August 12
Hudson River Park's Pier 25: August 13 – September 23
Hudson River Park's Pier 66a: September 24, 2018 – May 12, 2019

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Having delivered safety briefings to the crew and revisiting the rigmarole of immigration to clear us out we went for dinner ashore in a restaurant that seemed to me to represent the Brazilian version of Faulty Towers. The 'Amazon' crew began to chat and laugh and generally come together and I was starting to relax again in the knowledge that we would soon return to sea where the pressures and issues are entirely different and general perspective is somehow always restored.
I should have known that our trials were not yet over when Holly discovered that the fuel line on the RIB had been cut whilst she was making the first trip back to Sea Dragon with half of the crew. Fortunately or conveniently depending on ones level of cynicism one of the local fisherman who had recently been dropping us ashore whilst the outboard was being repaired happened to be passing as the engine failed and so provided a tow and subsequent lift to those of us that remained ashore. Of course we carry a spare tank and pump but it was a sad way to end our stay in Brazil and after meeting so many unique and fascinating locals that had provided us with such a warm and supportive response it was disheartening that this should be one of our parting experiences.
Sea Dragon was front page news in the local paper the following morning and I wondered if those responsible for the previous evenings thoughtless act of vandalism would feel regret should they read about our mission and the purpose of our presence in Recife. I thought back to Dakar and the reality that for many the day to day struggle to survive simply eclipses any sense of moral duty to our environment, why wouldn't it? Whatever the thinking or reasoning I was ready to go sailing again and return to the simplicity of the sea and so my spirits were high as we began to prep the boat for our final departure.
The boom cover was off the stay sail rigged and final briefings on life jackets harnesses and winches were delivered in the blazing heat as we danced around on the steel decks. The 25hp outboard was stowed carefully in the forepeak and the RIB was meticulously deflated and dismantled whilst final checks on the generator and engine were completed and the crew briefed and made ready for our long awaited departure. The corners of my mouth had started to break into a relieved smile at just the moment that the engine was turned over and started to run nicely and then as I rallied the troops ready to weigh anchor I glanced down the companionway steps to notice that both Holly and Imogen were not wearing the faces of happy sailors as they stared down into the bilge at the significant lack of activity in the sea strainer. There was no cooling water moving through the engine and that familiar brief moment of understanding that nothing in sailing is ever straightforward gave way to the mustering of energy required to begin the step by step process of troubleshooting.
Once upon a time a very clever man taught me that marine diesel engines are built of basic circuits comprising of fuel, water and electricity. If you have a problem within any of these areas, by tracing the circuit through from its start point to its end, you stand a reasonable chance of identifying the issue and thus being able to rectify things. I also learnt fairly early on in my career that if you have the option to ask for assistance from an expert then it is usually quite smart to do so and after a few hours of our own investigation it became evident at 1530 on a Friday afternoon in Latin America that we should enlist the help of Carlos the engineer that had previously fixed our Mercury outboard.
As it transpired the problem was caused by a blockage in the heat exchanger that was likely the result of some corrosion in one of the feeder pipes and Carlos was able to clear it through and restore the pressure in the system. He also strongly advised that before our departure he take the suspect piping, clean it up and replace some of the rubber hosing that had been presenting a small leak prior to our new issues all of which seemed a good idea in light of the epic journey ahead but of course would also leave us without a working engine overnight whilst on our anchor. Still, the anchorage had proven itself for almost 10 days and whilst our swing was quite impressive we hadn't shown any indication of dragging. What could possibly go wrong?
At 1800 that evening one of the new crew shouted down the companionway that she thought the boat may be moving. This didn't really stir any sense of urgency within me as often an unexperienced eye can mistake a swing for a drag and it was only upon Imogen's request for a second opinion that I became a little concerned and emerged at the top of the steps. Sure enough we were dragging our anchor and moving quite significantly. Ordinarily of course this would have been a call to start our engine and stem the tide but without this option our immediate response would need to rely on rapid and appropriate use of anchor and chain and potentially a second anchor deployment if required. The natural flow of the current kept the boat in the channel and so we weren't in any immediate danger but of course at some point the depth would drop off and we would ground if we weren't able to rectify the situation somewhat briskly. As Holly was called to work on re-inflating the dinghy, I jumped on the anchor windlass and began to deploy more chain. We had plenty left to set it and took about another 10 metres for Sea Dragon to bite and settle once again. Ironically she settled in exactly the spot that we had first highlighted when we arrived the previous week and we had a good amount of water beneath us to sustain us on every state of the predicted tide for that evening. Nonetheless it was a sleepless night for three of us and naturally we maintained a good watch throughout to be ready should we need to e ngage our newly inflated tender as a rescue vessel.
It was a beautiful still morning on Saturday and the light of the day restored a sense of confidence within the boat as so often it does when on passage. Carlos returned to us on time with our new and refurbished engine parts and successfully fitted them with some energetic advice on how to monitor and sustain the situation throughout the sail to Guyana. It was a joy to see the water flow through the system but I knew that I would be unable to relax until we were clear once again of land with our sails set and our watch system firmly in place.
Finally came the the call to lift the anchor and I found myself on the foredeck monitoring the lift from the pulpit and signalling the direction of chain back to Imogen on the helm. As metre by metre the chain lifted the crew stood aghast at the plastic, fishing debris and stinking black filth that accompanied it. With Hollies sailing knife I steadily cut free the nylon wire and bin bags placing it all carefully in a bag with the help of Rachel so as not to let it fall back into the water and reassuring myself constantly that I had updated my tetanus jab before I had left. It seemed to me to represent a significant reminder of what we were here to do and as Sea Dragon gently motored out past the small crowd of well wishers gathered on the harbour side the activity on the foredeck made literal the message behind the eXXpedition mission to make the unseen seen. Not only was it seen in fact but it was plastered all over the bow of the boat and all over me!
Finally as we rounded the sea wall the colour of water changed from brown to emerald green and Sea Dragon gently drifted back into OZ as the vista transformed back to vivid technicolor. The water maker was engaged once again and the main went up without issue. Metaphorically I suppose I was holding my breath at least until the familiar sight of an unfettered sky of stars and my old fr iends up there didn't let me down. It was good to finally breathe again.


text:
Support Visionary Culture
Evolve your consciousness and beautify your life while supporting
Visionary Culture.
Proceeds from CoSM Shop
support the building of
Entheon, Sanctuary of Visionary Art.
You may also like...
From $ 20.00Quick View
From $ 39.99Quick View
From $ 39.99Quick View
Gateways of Consciousness Pattern - Scarf
From $ 34.99Quick View
From $ 20.00Quick View


text:
Gold + success = Global InterGolds conference in Jakarta
Global InterGold's latest event held in the capital of Indonesia has been very special for both the company and its customers.
Would you like to know why? Keep on reading!
This is only the beginning
The conference in Jakarta has been the opening of a series of events known as the Global Tour 2017. This year, the conferences in Asia will focus on How to Earn with Gold!
Firing the starting gun of the Asian Golden Year
The Asian Golden Year couldn't have started in a better way: customers from Malaysia, the Philippines, Japan, Singapore, India, Australia, Ukraine, Russia, Spain, and France witnessed this incredible advancement.
A taste of the most awaited event of the season
Global InterGold's conference in Jakarta was a fascinating glimpse of the most awaited event of the season: the Global Assembly 2017, to be held in Kuala Lumpur. The best of the best will gather there to discuss news, share achievements, receive awards, and meet business colleagues. Do not miss this historic event!
Check out how epic was the Global Assembly 2016 held in Rome here.
Leaders' finest hour
This event was also the finest hour for many leaders, including one of its organizers, Vitaliy Borovyk. His address, the centerpiece of the event program, proved how much he is appreciated and respected in Asia.
The speeches of other leaders were also very special: thanks to them, the attendees were able to learn how to effectively motivate people, develop leadership, work using social networks, and train other people. The success stories told from the stage are also proof of the great results that can be achieved by hard work!
Traditional Leaders Award Ceremony
Jakarta's conference could not be held without a Leaders Award Ceremony, Global InterGold's traditional prize-giving ceremony for the most ambitious and determined clients of the company! These moments are worth their weight in gold!
This conference in Indonesia has showed that the gold business is not only about earning good money, but also about respecting the traditions,
grabbing the opportunity to fulfill our dreams,
and developing our creativity!


text:
Black Aluminum Cable Railing
July 10, 2019
With mirror-finish columns, geometric shapes, and dark rails, this backyard patio and pool area has a strong contemporary presence that stands out dramatically against fields of grass and stone.
Bollard installation onto uneven surfaces
June 14, 2019
Bollards are needed in all sorts of places where the ground is not level. In some cases, they're used in conjunction with ramps or other access-friendly elements. In others, they're installed to help mediate a steep grade or turn, where the risk of accident increases. To install properly on these sorts of surfaces, care must be taken.
The importance of a fire safety plan in high occupancy buildings
June 6, 2019
Every residential and commercial building needs a fire safety plan to keep occupants safe in the event of an emergency. For high-occupancy buildings, the need for a fire safety plan only increases due to the sheer volume of people that need to be able to exit quickly. No matter what type of building you are designing, whether it's residential, commercial or in the hospitality industry, be sure to include a detailed fire safety plan to ensure the safe evacuation of the entire building in the event of an emergency.
T-Flex® – A Non-Lead Shielding Alternative
May 6, 2019
The T-Flex® Shielding range is a line of new radiation shielding materials, that will save you time and reduce installation frustration! No longer compromise on shielding effectiveness when protecting those difficult to access areas. T-Flex® Shielding is the industry's preferred non-leaded shielding alternative. It provides maximum shielding effectiveness while still keeping the weight to a minimum, allowing you to reach your advanced ALARA program goals.
Transform ordinary spaces into stunning spaces with railing infill options
April 29, 2019
Alternative infill solutions are growing in popularity as architects, builders and homeowners look for creative ways to personalize and differentiate spaces. Beyond being functional, infill can add an element of style that ties together the outdoor living space and the home's design aesthetic. Here are a variety of railing infill options that deliver style, function and safety.
Aluminium security windows from Armortex
April 17, 2019
Bullet-resistant security windows are comprised of a composite system of alternating glass and polymeric layers – typically polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). These dissipate the force of an impacting projectile before it penetrates through the other side of the window. Bullets are captured within the composite, providing effective protection for personnel from a variety of small arms fire.
Start your summer renovation plans and customize the railing system of your dreams
April 5, 2019
This backyard deck follows the curves of its house and overlooks a nearby river. Our bronze aluminum cable railing system keeps this beautiful view open and perfectly matches the deck furniture. The cedar top rail adds a natural touch that livens up the living space with its bright color.
Spring forward with basement door maintenance: after rough winter, take steps now to evaluate and tend to your entryway
April 3, 2019
Taking it public with CableRail cable railing
March 20, 2019
The sleek, streamlined cables work with a variety of architectural styles and can be used in both outdoor and indoor settings, including harsh environments. Perfect for public settings!
Implementing Routine Fire-Risk Assessments in the Workplace
December 28, 2018
Fires are one of the most frightening and potentially devastating events that can happen in the workplace. In order to protect your staff as well as your building, it's vital to carry out regular fire safety inspections and outfit your building with the right equipment.
New safety standard for shades keeps kids safe
December 17, 2018
A new safety standard took effect on December 15 for window coverings with operable cords that are located in areas accessible by small children. The new standard, ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2018, was developed by the Window Coverings Manufacturer's Association and the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Why Choose Glass Deck Railing?
November 26, 2018
Since modern glass making was revolutionized in the 1950s, glass has been increasingly used for interior and exterior building applications due to its visibility and versatility. Glass railings are excellent examples of this, adding visibility and versatility to decks, balconies, stairways, pool enclosures, and more. Safety is a main purpose of railings and glass railings are an unobtrusive way to provide safety where you need it, whether inside or outside.
Four Elements of Security Entrance Safety that Directly Impact Your ROI
November 7, 2018
Safety. This vital component of the security entrance selection process is often missing from the conversation upfront. A failure to consider the safety features of security entrances could quickly and tragically undermine the effectiveness and success of the entire project, negatively affecting your ROI.
Round stainless steel railing systems
November 5, 2018
Stainless steel cable railing systems are revered for their beauty, and longevity. The brushed finish, subtle curves and bold lines of our round stainless steel cable railing systems give them modern eye appeal, and class, that exceed anything on the market today.
Accuride slides a safe partner for Kaso Oy
October 24, 2018
When looking for a safe space to store valuable documents or items, such as jewellery, money, or heirlooms, you want to know that your possessions are as safe as possible. Finnish specialists Kaso Oy offer security solutions that are more than just secure – their safes are capable of protecting your valuables from burglary, fire, and other possible threats.
National Fire Protection Month
October 10, 2018
Monday marked the beginning of National Fire Prevention Month. Every October local fire stations and other fire protection and prevention agencies campaign safety, security and safe egress in the event of a fire. Dennis Hunsinger, former Regional Director of FEMA said "Annual Observances like National Fire Prevention Week and National Fire Prevention Month are excellent opportunities to focus on fire hazards – but we should all practice fire safety every day – at home, at work and at play".
Traditional + Contemporary = Transitional Design
October 4, 2018
One of the more interesting outcomes of home design websites like Houzz, Coco Lapine Design, Martha Stewart, Nora Schneider, to name a few, is an inevitable mash-up of design styles. Consider transitional home design, for example. This hybrid design approach blends the best elements of traditional and contemporary looks into a wholly distinct aesthetic that simultaneously charms and soothes with an easy-going elegance.
'Megadeck' transforms outdated home into vacation retreat
August 29, 2018
New Jersey builder, Bob Kiefer, never planned to construct one of the biggest, most elaborate decks of his life in the wilds of Vermont. But when he saw the view overlooking a pine-tree studded lake with rolling mountains as a backdrop, everything fell into place.
What industries should utilize bullet-resistant glass?
August 28, 2018
A big question that we often get from customers is what industries should utilize bullet-resistant glass? VP and GM, Rick Snelling, often asks his customers these questions to see if they fall into the category of needed bullet-resistant glass. Do you value your assets? Do you keep cash on site? Do you sell anything? Are you open during hours when most people are asleep? Are life-changing decisions made there?
SafetyRail 2000 Roof Fall Protection Guardrail System
August 11, 2018
Protect your employees and eliminate the danger of potential trip hazards with the SafetyRail 2000. This OSHA-compliant rooftop guardrail system provides a unique, non-penetrating fall protection system for workplace safety in rooftop or ground level applications.
Finding the Right Label for the Job (August 10, 2018), Black Aluminum Cable Railing (June 15, 2018), Roof top safety (May 3, 2018), Data center protection (April 15, 2018), Regulatory compliance: how a lack of clarity around the entry leads to fines (April 13, 2018), Smoke Control in High Rise Buildings (March 2, 2018), Portable security booths (February 22, 2018), Best places to use cable railing (February 19, 2018), Railing color: a hidden choice (January 24, 2018), Builder Spotlight: Jordan Iverson - Pride of Eugene, Oregon (November 13, 2017), The Benefits of Fire Retardant Curtains in Schools (October 16, 2017), Skylight guarding with SRC - Skylight Screens (October 10, 2017), OSHA's new Respirable Crystalline Silica Rule is now in effect. The deadline has passed. Are you compliant? (October 9, 2017), Cable railing ideas for indoors - stairs, lofts & more (September 14, 2017), Removable storm shutters & panels (August 30, 2017), Design A Better Shaftwall System (August 29, 2017), Blast protection and pressure relief systems (August 24, 2017), Bike lockers: The right bike parking for your site (August 16, 2017), Accuride Integrated Access Solutions: The New Frontier of Access Control (August 15, 2017), Architectural Series Roof Guardrail System (August 8, 2017), Slipnot® provides slip resistance and aesthetic display for Times Square spotlight on Broadway project (August 7, 2017), SC Railing Company: Offering a View from the Top (July 31, 2017), Gorgeous Atriums that Meet Design Aesthetic and Safety Code (July 19, 2017), Video Surveillance In 2017: 4 Things You Need To Know (July 7, 2017), ADA compliant aluminum walkway provides safe public tours at Harpoon Brewery (July 5, 2017), Floor Marking by Color (June 30, 2017), Starlings And The Grain/Agriculture Industry (June 16, 2017), Preparing Glaziers To Work With Bulletproof Glass (June 8, 2017), Slip resistant aluminum plank installed on Hilton's helipad (June 8, 2017), Summer Birds Nesting on Your Property? (June 6, 2017), Interior Corner Protection (May 18, 2017), Springtime Means Nesting Birds (April 28, 2017), Bulletproof Systems and Accessories for Every Building (April 18, 2017), EnduraLine Mobile permanent warning line system (April 5, 2017), FDOT Improving Bicyclist Safety with SlipNOT® (April 4, 2017), Guard Houses (April 3, 2017), The Original Orange Elevator Smoke Curtain (March 28, 2017), 10 Must-Have Safety Signs for OSHA Compliance (March 17, 2017), Railing Infill Face-Off: Cable vs. Glass (March 10, 2017), 6 Ways To Overcome Coastal Landscape Installation Challenges (March 3, 2017), Global changes in construction: Kalwall's insights from BAU (March 1, 2017), Active Shooter Safety: 4 Things Your High Security Entrances Must Have (February 20, 2017), High-Function Custom Bullet Resistant Solutions for Banks (February 17, 2017), Bird decoys: the hawk vs. the owl (February 10, 2017), Backyard 2.0: 2017 Deck and Railings Forecast (February 8, 2017), Flexible bollards guide traffic while avoiding costly collision damage and repairs (January 27, 2017), Mantrap Portal Solutions Eliminate Piggybacking (January 23, 2017), StonePly Success Story: Atlantis - The Cove (January 11, 2017), How to Choose the Right Product for a Nuisance Bird (January 4, 2017), Parking Booth (December 27, 2016), Architectural Glass Takes on a New Shape (December 23, 2016), Creating a Healthy, Safe, Age-Friendly Work Environment (December 7, 2016), Safety standards for slips, trips, and falls (November 30, 2016), Tunnel Vision: New York City's East Side Access Project (November 21, 2016), Rigorous Testing Standards Ensure Effective Security (November 16, 2016), Winner in NADRA 2016 Deck Competion (November 4, 2016), Critical Infrastructure Protection: U.S. Data Centers and Ballistic Barriers (October 3, 2016), Keep Pigeons from Destroying Solar Panels (September 30, 2016), The Dock Gate's custom gas struts make the vertical gate easy to open. Easy as 1, 2, 3! (September 21, 2016), What if Someone is Determined to Get into Your Building? (September 12, 2016), GuardDog Self-Closing Gate uses two stainless steel torsion springs so the gate can open in any direction (September 9, 2016), First Appearances Matter: remove the dirt | absorb the moisture | preserve your floors (August 31, 2016), Peace-of-Mind for Rural Utility Offices - Bulletproof barrier security tips & news (August 8, 2016), SlipNOT is keeping the Indians fans at Progressive Field on their feet (August 5, 2016), An orderly revolution in waste control (August 3, 2016), Antimicrobial Protection for Architectural Aluminum (July 16, 2016), Darlington upgrades good for business in Burlington (July 6, 2016), Evolution Of Revolving Door Security: Teaching Old Doors New Tricks (July 4, 2016), The Role of LEDs in Outdoor Lighting Design (June 27, 2016), Create Your Fire Prevention Plan (June 24, 2016), Slip Resistant Aluminum Flooring in Bubble Capsule (June 22, 2016), Balancing Bulletproof Security and Design (June 21, 2016), Turn your backyard into a haven (June 15, 2016), Starlings can be a Costly Nuisance, learn the facts on how to keep them away from your buildings (June 13, 2016), Hurricane Roof Equipment Screens (June 10, 2016), Slip Resistant Aluminum Grating Utilized on ASLA Green Roof (May 23, 2016), May is Electrical Safety Month: Know How to Protect Workers from Electrical Hazards (May 20, 2016), School Security and Access Control for Architects (May 9, 2016), Benefits of Slip Resistant Aluminum Plates (April 27, 2016), Why We Love Ipe and You Will Too (April 18, 2016), Broan NuTone invents new mosquito barriers for decks (April 13, 2016), Premium Ballistic Frames Offer Huge Boosts in Sustainability and Multi-Threat Risk Mitigation (April 12, 2016), Safety Bollards Protect Storefronts (February 9, 2016), Partnering with Architects to Make BulletProof Beautiful (February 3, 2016), Stay Warm: How to Protect Workers from Cold Weather Hazards (January 15, 2016), Active Design Guidelines for Walkable Communities (December 23, 2015), Hands Down: Hand Safety Tips You Need to Know (December 21, 2015), OSHA Safety and Health Guidelines (December 18, 2015), Teaching Those Who Keep Us Safe: The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (December 4, 2015), Reeder Illuminated Sign (November 23, 2015), Stop unauthorized parking using Reliance Foundry's Fold-Down Bollards (November 16, 2015), Mid-Century Modern Principles Applicable in Today's Bulletproof Barrier Design (October 30, 2015), Seton's Project Packaging Service | Seton Video (October 12, 2015), As Cooler Weather Approaches, National Home Expert Danny Lipford Launches Satellite Media Event Offering Tips for Seasonal Improvements and Healthy Homes (October 7, 2015), The Industry's 1st Monitored Light Curtain - Now Available (September 25, 2015), Flexible Bollards: Traffic & Parking Lot Posts (September 9, 2015), Bank Security: Balancing the Priorities of Security Managers, Architects, and Facilities (August 31, 2015), Introduction to Flashing/Talking Interactive Signs (August 13, 2015), Plastic Bollard Covers: Security Post Sleeves (August 7, 2015), Custom Mill Work, Bullet Resistant Barriers, and Inconspicuous Perfection (July 24, 2015), Ergonomics: When Work Really Can Be Hazardous to Your Health (July 14, 2015)


text:
Memo: The Cowboy Way/Or That's the Way They Do It In Texas
From: Sgt. Mom
To: Assorted European Intellectuals and Those Americans Who Wish They Were Also
Re: On Being Snookered by an Archetype
1. Really, people, I am getting the feeling that you have never paid attention to all those stories and jokes about smart, cosmopolitan types who ventured out into the sticks to patronize the local yokels and wound up loosing their shirts, or their wallets, or at least a couple of illusions regarding making an assumption about a person based on that persons' dress, accent, and apparent class (or lack thereof) when said yokels out-slicked the city slicker.
Sgt. Mom at Sgt. Stryker's Daily Briefing makes some observations about perceptions of the US President and how they might not be true, no matter how much some wish they were. Check out the rest at the link above.
I've had a number of people express their desire for the administration to come right out and clearly define our position and plan for the War on Terror. Over the past couple of weeks a number of speeches by the President have done exactly what those folks asked, but the closest thing to an acknowledgement I've heard is that Bush has a good speech writer.
I'll be the first to admit that the President of the United States isn't a perfect leader of the free world. But this irrational hatred of Bush and his administration illustrates the Left's lack of perspective.
Just my opinion.
The Left can ignore it all they want. But, at this point, a best case scenario for their nominee is an American economy in shambles and a sudden, massive failure in Iraq.


text:
So you have uploaded your products to the catalog and you are ready to publish those products to eBay. Fantastic!
Here is the step-by-step guide to completing the publish process:
1) In the "Products Catalog" page, select the products that you wish to list and then click "PUBLISH TO CHANNEL".
Note: Please select products from the same eBay category. If you have products in more than one category, you will have to do this step again later for the next category.
Also note that there will also be a horizontal scroll bar on this page. To scroll horizontally using the mouse or touch-pad, hold SHIFT and scroll.
2) In the pop-up, select the channel, eBay account, eBay site, and category, and click "CONTINUE".
Note: You must select a category number, so make sure that you only selected products within the same eBay category. The category cannot be changed on the next page.
3) You will now arrive at the "Publish setup" page where you will see the products that you had selected in the previous page. Here, for each product, you will fill-out/update the required information in order to prepare them as listings.
There are various ways to manage the information in the fields as you prepare your products for publishing. Check out this article to learn more:
Note the "Status" column on the left side -
If all information required is included, the status would show a check mark ("✔"):
If the listing is incomplete (eg. a required field is empty or invalid), the status would show a circle with a red warning symbol:
Tip: You can hover on the warning symbol to get a clarification of the issue.
Tip: To scroll horizontally using the mouse or touch-pad, hold SHIFT and scroll.
4) Once all of the required fields had been filled out, you can then click on "CONTINUE" at the bottom right corner of the page:
5) A pop-up will appear and let you know how many products are ready to publish, and how many products are incomplete.
If all products are ready to publish, you will see the following pop-up window and can click "PUBLISH PRODUCTS":
If any listings are not complete, you will be presented with two options:
- Create draft listings from products not ready to be published - This will save as a draft any products that are incomplete, so that you can go into them manually afterwards to revise and publish.
- Don't create draft listings from products not ready to be published - This will discard any products with incomplete information.
Select the option you wish to go ahead with, and then click "PUBLISH PRODUCTS".
6) You will be taken to the "LISTINGS" page to see your live listings.
If all listings published successfully, a notification will also appear at the top right corner to let you know.
If any listings failed to publish, there will be a notification as well.
Click here to learn how to review the failed listings and fix them in bulk:
If you have any more questions, you can search our Help Center or, click on the chat tool in the bottom right corner and we'll be happy to help!
tags: products catalog, catalog, list in bulk, bulk listing, list to ebay, amazon to ebay, list from amazon, multi-channel management, publish to ebay, list products, publish products, list products to ebay, publish products to ebay


text:
On September 5th, Greensboro Chamber President, Deborah Hooper, officially welcomed PIP Printing and Marketing Services of the Triad to Greensboro, North Carolina at our Ribbon Cutting Party!
Owners, Jimmy and Judy Brumley, spoke briefly about the history of PIP Triad and their reasoning for the Burlington-Greensboro store merger just before Greensboro Store Manager, Keith White, made the merger official by snipping the giant ribbon!
The Greensboro staff and guests, including members from the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, Kernersville Chamber of Commerce, Guilford County Merchants Association and many more, enjoyed a friendly ice cream social afterwords!
If you haven't already, Like Us on Facebook and watch our short video clips of the ceremony! www.facebook.com/piptriad


text:
[lmt-post-modified-info]If you have a great new business idea, product innovation, unique company name, and 99 logos design you may want to trademark it for protection from your market competitors.
LegalZoom trademark registration: file for the exclusive rights to a name, slogan or symbol that identifies your business or brand. Save 10% with promo code BEST4B19
Firstly, before you go reading and believing negative reviews of Legalzoom trademark services, mostly written by law firms selling you their services instead, ask yourself what level of trademark legal services you need:
- Do you have a straightforward company name, logo or product brand that you want to trademark?
- Are you a lean, boot-strapped startup?
If you answered yes to the two above questions, which 80% of business will, then Legalzoom trademark registration is a good choice for you.
>>Check out my in-depth review of Legalzoom legal services and get promo code to save 10%
However, if you have a complex situation which involves multiple industries and international markets you probably will be better off consulting a law firm specializing in intricate intellectual property law.
The majority of the negative reviews I have read many sites on the internet about legalzoom trademark registration are from law firms who want to switch you over to their firm, often at great expense.
I agree with these attornies that point out if you have a truly innovative and market disruptive invention, and the capital to invest in expensive intellectual property protection then you should hire a dedicated IP firm in your local area. But, most of the entrepreneurs in America are not of that type.
They are, like you, a small business owner who wants reasonable, and affordable protection for your company name and logo to prevent unscrupulous competitors to steal your customers. For you, Legalzoom trademark search and registration services are best.
Please do not DIY do it yourself and try to complete the long and complex form at the US Trademark office. As a busy entrepreneur, it is not worth your time, which would be better spent marketing your firm, than completing government forms.
Registration of your Trademark is only the start of protecting your company. If you find that other companies infringe, or use your intellectual property, you will need to defend or perform Trademark Enforcement.
The majority of the value of trademarking for small businesses is psychological for both you and your marketplace. For you, it gives you the confidence to go out and promote your product to customers and investors knowing you have protection in place. In the marketplace, it intimidates and slows down your competitors from blatantly copying your product success.
The symbol for trademark should be prominently displayed on your website, product packaging, and marketing material to deter these IP thefts.
My personal experience with trademarks was just this. In my cosmetic manufacturing company, I invented the design of a clear soap with a silk flower embedded inside. I registered the trademark, and it gave me leverage and some lead time to get ahead of my competitors. It was enough time to gain market share and become the leader in my marketplace.
Go with the legal professionals at Legalzoom, who has helped over 180,000 customers file their trademark applications successfully and is affordable.
In addition to trademark searches and registrations, they offer copyright registration and patent applications.
I recommend them because the BBB Better Business Bureau gave them an A+ Rating.
Read my review of Legalzoom and get a discount coupon
- Experience over 180,000 Trademarks Registered
- Legal Assistance – Attorney Led
- Affordability – Starts at $599
- Satisfaction Guaranteed
- Timeliness
- Not recommended for Complex Trademark Applications
- No International Protection
What Can Be Trademarked?
"Trademark" is also a remarkably elastic term. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) defines it; a signature is a single word, multiple word phrase, logo, design or symbol that identifies and distinguishes the source of the goods of one party from those of other people. Alone this technical definition just scratches the surface of this vast pool of possible trademarks.
The Options Are (Practically) Limitless: Company Names, Phrases, and Even Colors
Under US legislation, practically everything could be registered as a trademark, since the security only applies in a specific context. The main limitation is the signature cannot be functional; this is, it cannot impact the functioning of the merchandise to which it is affixed. By way of instance, while it could be possible to trademark eyeglass frames of a specific color, eyeglass lenses with a specific tint can't be trademarked, since the tinting directly impacts the performance of the glasses.
Beyond this, the sky's the limit. The USPTO and the courts have approved many trademarks which look almost bizarre. Examples include the Form of a Coca-Cola bottle as well as the NBC jingle. Even pure colors could be trademarked, following the Supreme Court judgment in the event of all Qualitex dry cleaning gear.
Not All Trademarks Are the same
But, not all logos are made equal. The magnitude of intellectual property security is dependent upon how powerful the signature is, which then is dependent upon its distinctiveness.
Arbitrary and fanciful trademarks are in one end of this spectrum; they're exceptionally distinctive, even if they're ordinary words. A complete example is Apple's trademark, which is deemed arbitrary and fanciful on account of this circumstance (software and electronics) it's employed in.
Suggestive conditions enjoy wide security, however to a lesser level compared to random trademarks.
Descriptive and generic phrases are normally not protected under trademark law and cannot be registered. The exception is when a descriptive signature becomes related to the business that produces the product, instead of using the merchandise itself.
The Way to Sustain a Trademark
Trademark protection does have constraints. A trademark owner may shed a signature if it passes everyday use and becomes more excruciating. This was the destiny of trademarks like Nylon, Aspirin, Xerox, and Band-Aid. The question often becomes not precisely what could be trademarked, but how can it stay trademarked.
A signature can be preserved by actively and making attempts to safeguard it, which might lead to its being upheld regardless of the term entering ordinary usage. As an instance, Google and Adobe have failed to stem the adoption of "to google" as a synonym for searching the net or "into photoshop" as shorthand for changing images through electronic means, however their attempts to secure their trademarks have caused continuing legal defense for those terms.
Have something in your mind that you want to trademark and not certain the way to take action? Request an attorney for aid protecting what is yours.
Legalzoom Competitors Compared Side by Side
Legalzoom vs Incfile Review and Comparision of Legal Services
LegalZoom vs LegalShield – Review of Legal Shield services for legal issues
Legalzoom vs Nolo.com – Self Service, DIY Legal Forms vs Legal Services Online
LegalZoom vs Rocket Lawyer – Comparisons of Online Legal Services
Legalzoom vs Swyft Filings – Compared online legal services for small business
Legalzoom vs Bizfilings – Side by Side comparison and review
Legalzoom vs MyCorporation legal services for incorporation and LLC business formation services


text:
Places where we serve in national as well as international.
Mawwlogistics was founded with the principal objective of providing personalized Door to Door Parcel services to all its clients on the most competitive rates.
333/2, Farm House Road, Near Tata Telco Service station, Rang puri, New Delhi (110037).
+91-9911336050, +91-8375887887+91-9891268490, +91-8375889889
All Rights Reserved copyrights 2018. Design and Developed by VCISLIVE.


text:
John Legend is learning how to swim at the age of 40.
The Ordinary People hitmaker revealed to his fans on Twitter on Monday evening that he had taken his first swimming lesson in 35 years and was committed to learning how to swim.
"I can't really swim. Today I took my first swim lesson since I was like 5. My dad learned in his 60's so I feel like I'm ahead of schedule (sic)," he tweeted.
One fan asked if he was learning alongside his children Luna, two, and Miles, eight months, and John explained that they had started lessons before him, writing, "They already started months ago!"
Another user made reference to his All of Me music video, in which John and his wife Chrissy Teigen swim underwater in a pool, and asked, "So what happened when your head was under water? Did you breathe fine? Was it all a lie?!" and the star replied, "All. Lies. Hahaha."
Social media community AfroSwimmers, founded by Noelle F. Singleton, shared his tweet on Instagram and wrote, "It is NEVER too late to learn to swim… @johnlegend you just gave me another reason to love you! I love it when celebrities use their platforms to remind us all that they are regular people with gifts…just like you. Send us those videos John."
They also sent the singer a tweet praising him for sharing his candid post and helping ignite "a discussion that needs to be more prevalent in our communities." The comment refers to recent reports stating that African-American children have fewer opportunities to learn how to swim than their white counterparts, with many authorities often offering splash parks over pools in African-American neighborhoods.
Officials at the group also work to eliminate the stereotype that African-Americans don't want to swim because they can't float, are scared of water and don't want to get their hair wet.
John Legend is learning how to swim at the age of 40.


text:
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
BWCAW Permit Lottery
Quick reminder that the BWCAW permit lottery is underway. December 1 through January 15, 2010 you can apply for a BWCAW permit. It is the first chance to get a permit for the up coming canoe season. If you have specific dates or a specific entry point in mind it might be a good idea to apply for a permit now. After January 1, 2010 BWCAW permits are first come first serve. We are happy to help just call Spirit of the Wilderness (800-950-2709) to answer questions or to book your canoe trip.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
More Fish Photos
Monday, August 10, 2009
Fish Photos
Friday, July 17, 2009
Signs of Moose on Big Moose Hiking Trail
I ventured out to the
One great thing about this area is that the terrain and vegetation are prime habitat for moose. While hiking I found signs of moose everywhere I looked. There were piles of scat (poop) and tracks. One of the neatest things was looking six feet up into the Aspen and Maples and seeing all the spots the moose had been browsing (nipping tree buds off and eating them during winter). Along the trail we also found evidence of wolves, pine martins, and owls (again from scat and tracks). Some of the local flora has started to bloom such as the Large Leaf Aster with their tiny white flowers and the bright red berries on the June Berry Bushes.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
It's time to start picking Blueberries!
Blueberries tent to like acidic soil. They tend to like to be around Jack pine trees. They are typically in partially shaded wooded areas. A blueberry picking spot is something that most will keep a secret so they can return each year with out much competition.
Happy picking!
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Happy 4th of July!
Have a Happy 4th of July!
Portaging Tips for the BWCA
-Allow people portaging canoes to have the right away on the trail. They can't see as well and they may have a heavier load than people carrying packs. The quicker they can get to the end the better. If two people carrying canoes meet on a hill, the person going down hill should step off to the side and let the person going up the hill pass.
-Give people time and room to get down the portage trail. If you are paddling up to a portage and see a group, stay back until you see them walk down the trail, and give them a few minutes. Clogged portage trails are no fun, and waiting at the end of the portage trail with a canoe or heavy pack on your shoulders while someone is trying to get on the lake is tiring. Also, remember the the 9 person/4 watercraft rule. Only 9 people and 4 watercraft can be in one spot at one time in the BWCA.
-Try not to widen portage trails by walking around puddles and mud. This causes more of an impact and bigger trails.
-To minimize forgetting your favorite fishing pole or paddle on the portage trail, avoid putting your things on the ground. Your gear should go from canoe to person, and person to canoe. Another way to remember everything is to always make only one pile of gear on each side of the portage. Try not to spread out your packs, lifejackets and paddles where they can easily be forgotten.
-Watch where you place your foot when portaging. Twisting an ankle can be easy if you are walking down some of those rocky portage trails.
-Lend a hand! If you see someone struggling, offer to carry something for them if you have an extra hand. They will be so grateful. You never know when someone may return the favor to you.
-Try to wet-foot portage. This will lessen the chance of scratching, or putting a hole in your canoe by putting on the canoe while you are still in the water. Your feet will be wet while you are paddling, so make sure you sun your feet out to dry them at camp to prevent foot fungus. It's easy to prevent!
- Always load your canoe when it is completely floating in the water.
- Take one last look around before you paddle off from the portage. A quick and easy way to double check that you have all your gear. Also look around you and admire your surroundings. After all this is one of the reasons you are here.
I hope these tips will help you on your next canoe trip. Happy portage trails!!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
The walleyes are biting.
The last few days have been rainy and overcast. This photo just goes to show that when the weather is less than perfect some of the nicest fish like to bite. Walleyes typically become more active when the light conditions are low. Mornings and evenings or overcast days are great times to fish for walleyes.
For more Pictures of Fish registered at Spirit of the Wilderness go to our Facebook page Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitters.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Getting ready for a brisk week in Ely.
If you haven't experienced putting up a tent in northern Minnesota you will soon find out that there is about two inches of top soil pretty much every where you go. This is because glaciers skidded their way across Minnesota 10,000 years ago during the last ice age making it hard for us in 2009 to stake down our tents. But it isn't all bad, because they were responsible for carving out all those wonderful lake beds, cliffs, and exposed rock that make up the BWCA and northern Minnesota. Have no fear, there is another way to prevent your tent from flying into the lake. Just tie a piece rope around your stake hole, find a good sized rock, log, or base of a tree, and tie the other end to it. Repeat this process until you have all 4 corners secure.
Happy Camping!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Hegman Lake Day Trip
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Trails are clear and the ticks are here!!
It was so great to finally see the woods greening back up, tiny crocuses are finally starting to push their way up through the pine duff and into the warm sunshine. I think that all the north woods creatures are just as excited as the people are! On my 6 mile walk I saw deer, wood chuck, king fishers, and even a cow moose. Still a little too early for any baby moose or deer, but they'll be here soon by the looks of their mommas.
Just a reminder, on your way out of the woods be sure to double check yourself, and dogs if you brought them, for the infamous wood tick. I've already found a couple of the creepy crawlers climbing up my pants leg! Ticks or not it was still an absolutely amazing hike and would recommend it to anyone ambitious enough to get out and go!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Spirit of the Wilderness is open for the season!
The Minnesota Fishing opener is this Saturday, May 9, 2009. This could be considered another holiday to many that love to fish. It is the kick off to the summer. Let's hope for good weather and lots of fish.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Garden at Spirit of the Wilderness
Saturday, April 25, 2009
When will the ice go out?
Those of us that enjoy paddling canoes and kayaks can't wait for the open water of spring. The melting of the lake ice is a welcome sight. Sure, we might have enjoyed a little ice fishing, cross country skiing or snowmobiling on the frozen lakes, but it is an exciting time of year to know that the summer sports are just around the corner.
Some our smaller lakes have already seen the last days of ice cover until next winter. Driving around yesterday we were able to see how dark the ice is getting on many lakes. Dark ice is a sure sign that it will not be much longer before the ice is out.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Spring is in Ely, MN !
It is time to start spring cleaning and time to get the Spirit of the Wilderness Shop and canoes ready for another great season to canoe and camp in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
It won't be much longer now and we will be unpacking new and exciting product for the shop. It is always fun to see the new camping gear, clothing, footwear and fishing tackle that arrives every spring.
Just a few more weeks and we will be open for the 2009 season. We look forward to seeing everyone and hearing your stories about your canoe & fishing trips this summer. It's not too late to book your Boundary Waters canoe trip. Give Spirit of the Wilderness a call at 800-950-2709 to reserve your trip.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Ely Guide Company Fishing Report
Here is a fishing report from the last few days:
I made it out fishing the last few days enjoying some sunshine and warm weather at times. I was able to fish with an old buddy of mine from the twin cities Mike R.
Saturday the 28th of March: We went out on one of my favorite pan fish lakes and found our selves fishing in our tee shirts. We managed to catch some small crappies and blue gills that we decided to let go. We were using small Northland Gipsy Jigs with wax worms and crappie minnows fishing in about 10-15 feet of water on some weed lines. There was about 20 to 24 inches of ice. Remember to use caution this time of year on the ice; there are spots that are not safe. Current areas and sun beaten shorelines are opening up.
Sunday the 29th of March: With only a couple of days left in the trout season Mike and I decided to go after some lake trout. My friend Mike had never caught a lake trout. I explained to him that lake trout can be challenging at times and not to expect a whole lot of action. We went out on
Monday the 30th of March: After spending a day out on Burntside with no success I had to go out again. I wanted to end the season on a positive note. I went out on Burntside again with a friend from town. We had some action immediately with a couple hits. I was using a big spoon with half a piece of cisco. I decided to change to something smaller, so I went with an orange Rapala Jigging Rap. As soon as I let my lure to the bottom I had a fish on. I iced one Laker about 3-4lbs and dropped my jig back down and immediately caught a second fish about the same size. This was the fastest I had caught two Lake Trout thru the Ice! We were using Rapala Jigging Raps and tip ups with ciscos. We were fishing from 35 to 50 feet of water. There was approximately 24 inches of ice. We used a snowmobile to get around. Again we enjoyed the sunshine for a few hours until the clouds came in and it cooled down a bit. We managed to catch three lake trout which were a perfect eating size!
Tuesday the 31st of March: Decided to hit a crappie spot on the last day of March. I thought with the snow storm approaching the slab crappies would be hitting. With the high winds and colder temps I brought along my fish house to stay warm. I'm glad we did! It was challenging just to get the portable fish house from blowing away. With the lack of snow on the ice there was nothing to anchor the house. Well we managed to catch a few crappies in the morning enough for a good meal, and then call it a day. We were fishing in 25-30 feet catching the crappies about half way down. We used small jigs with crappie minnows.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Welcome to Spirit of the Wilderness News
We are looking forward to the arrival of spring. With a few more inches of snow the last few days it seems like it might be a bit longer before we can start paddling across open water.


text:
How to bling anything and make it beautiful, see what a few crystals can do.
Yes I blinged a bottle of Twisted Tea for a close friend of mine.
The back of the Twisted Tea bottle
Glue options
1st thing is Glue
Glue is the most important part of the whole bling thing. If you don't have the correct glue you can forget it! So go online to Amazon or take a ride to your local hardware store and find E6000 or you can order what's called *Swarovski Crystal Two-Part Epoxy Glue* you get two tubes in one package of that glue.
The price of E6000 is around: $4.39
The price of the Swarovski Crystal Two-Part Epoxy Glue is about: $19.97 (Swarovski anything is going to cost more but it is well worth every penny).
There are a million different options for beads, it all depends on what you'd like to spend and what you are attaching the beads to.
Flatbacks: are what you would use on a flat surface
Hotfix: Beads that you would use with a tool such a the "bedazzler". These types of beads are good for blinging, outfits-purses-shoes. Do not use Hotfix beads on: leather, water resistant material and non porous surfaces
Sew on stones: These are pretty self explanatory, you use them to sew on fabric. It you want to jazz up shirts or jackets. They are cute for custom collars or switching out ugly buttons.
Iron on: This is exactly what it sounds like a pattern of stones already designed in a pattern that you iron onto fabric.
Blinged out binkie by me
Rhinestone/crystal tray
I have found that having the right accessories makes blinging everything much easier!
The tray pictured to the right is nice because you empty like 25 to 50 stones in the tray and you shake the tray in a circular motion and it automatically turns all your flat back crystals upright!
This tray should cost no more than $4.00 or so
I blinged my boring glasses!
Glue Syringe
How do you get the glue in the right place without making a mess?
I found the neatest tool, it looks a little creepy but it does a perfect job. It's a glue syringe. You suck the glue up into the syringe and then push the plunger in and you can do a stone at a time with just a dab of glue. The syringes are also reusable if you clean them out right after your finished your project.
You can buy these in a package of multiples or in a single package. They average about $1.00 per syringe.
I call this a "picker upper"
What are you going to use to pick up the stones?
The best tool I have found to pick up those tiny little stones is a pencil with a white tip, it sets the stone perfectly and then you can use a pair of tweezers to really make it stick.
This pencil "picker upper" should cost about $2.00 or less.
Bling literally makes everything look better!
What can you jazz up with some crystals or rhinestones? A million things but I will give you a few ideas to get you started:
- Watches
- Glasses & Sunglasses
- Tank tops/T-shirts
- Sneakers
- Binkies
- Wine glasses
- Photo frames
- Cell phone cases/cell phones
- iPad's or Kindles
- My daughter loves to play with boys toys, so I bling her trucks and make them look girly! She loves it.
A plain watch I blinged
One of the toys I have blinged
I told you the possibilities are endless!
To bling or not to bling
Do you think boys should bling things or is it to girly?
© 2014 Karen Ranoni


text:
We did another family shoot at Singita Sabi Sands this past June, the brief was to document their safari and take some holiday portraits, that should not be overly formal. Etienne was with the family for a single evening, so he had an afternoon and a morning game viewing activities to document the family. Central to our portrait shoots is that we don't want to interfere with the guest's time. So, we try and capture the formal portrait shots during the drink breaks and where we can capture the other moments.
From our the feedback, the whole shoot was a great success.
Etienne Oosthuizen was a delight to work with. He joined my family on our safari and was able to capture priceless moments. He blended into the background and yet still connected with us seamlessly. His eye for detail was greatly appreciated. We were so pleased with the photographs and would highly recommend his work.


text:
The 40th Anniversary of Earth Day is on April 22nd. A great way to celebrate is to go "green", this doesn't have to be "weird or ugly or futuristic", or even expensive. Appealing aesthetics in green design are in fact a sustainability achievement. Homes and buildings that appeal to everyone endure They endure for many years through design trends, market cycles and numerous homeowners.
Some important features are: high performance windows, energy efficacies heating system, low-flow toilets and durable composite decking for porches.
When building using the following concepts can assist you to achieve a greener home: site selection and use, local and regional goals, sustainable orientation of the building on the site, storm water management.
Here are a few easy low cost ideas to implement in your home to start a "greener" life:
• Use CFL or LED light bulbs.
• Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators.
• Start a compost pile.
• Plant Trees.
• Insulate hot water heater.
• Weather strip and caulk doors and windows.
• Collect rainwater to water plants.
• Paint with low or no VOC paint.
• Replace filters.
• Install a programmable thermostat.
• Plant a rain garden.
• Plant native plants.
• Place appliances or office equipment on power strips to reduce "phantom" load.
• Install motioned sensors in common areas to turn off lights when no in use.
• Install water efficient restroom fixtures.
• Take advantage of day lighting.
• Provide recycling bins.
There has been a lot of talk lately about reducing our ecological footprint sometimes called "carbon footprint". This is a site that measures that footprint: Walkability Score: http://www.walkscore.com/. The following is a list of more great websites to look up "green" living ideas:
• http://www.epa.gov/earthday
• http://www.greenseal.org/
• http://www.epa.gov/
• http://www.energystar.gov/
• http://www.thegreenguide.com/
• http://www.storyofstuff.com/
To actually see and feel some of the latest in green living attend the home show this weekend at the Big E there are plenty of opportunities to "green up" your home. There is a big push towards sustainability. This is a great opportunity to actually see all the new innovative products that are being talked about. There will be building industry experts to explain about these products and possible tax credits. There will also be some interactive booths with touch screens to show how the products are made.
The Home Show March 25th – March 28th. For more information and coupons go to http://www.westernmasshomeshow.com/.
To read about a local example of green building in our area follow this link:
A Sturbridge house built with geothermal heating, passive solar use, energy efficient spray insulation, radiant floor heating, high energy efficient windows, recycled decking, Energy Star appliances, energy efficient gas fireplaces and more.
If you are looking for something interesting to do this weekend and have been thinking of "greening up" your home, renovating, upgrading your appliances, improving your heating or cooling system this is the place to go.
If you have any ideas or would like to add anything I welcome your comments.
Moira Murphy, ABR, Green
Residential Real Estate Agent
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Website: Moira.Murphy.net
Email: email@example.com
Tel: Direct: 413.575.3643


text:
Gadgets that Zap Energy Wasters in Your Home
May 21, 2012 | Posted in: Heating & Cooling Articles
Common problems like leaky windows, drafty doors and power-hogging appliances can waste energy in your home and lead to unnecessarily-high utility bills. Thankfully, there are a slew of gadgets on the market that can identify energy drainers and lead to significant savings when it comes to heating and cooling your home.
The amount of energy products promise to save varies, but every little bit adds up to protect your wallet and keep your home cool this summer.
Programmable Thermostats
Experts say having thermostats that can't be programmed is a surefire way to waste money as forgetting to lower the heat or air conditioning while not home quickly runs up your bill.
According to Energy Star, the process of heating and cooling accounts for nearly 50% of energy use in a home. The program also estimates homeowners can save around $180 a year by properly programming their thermostats and maintaining those settings.
Prices of programmable thermostats run the gambit: they can be as little as $25 to more than $400 for high-tech models. Thermostats are available in seven day models that allow you to set air times each day, 5-2 models that use the same schedule every weekday and another for weekends, and the 5-1-1 models that keep the same schedule during the week and different schedules on each day of the weekend.
Ecobee's smart thermostat is garnering a lot of interest because it has built in Wi-Fi that enables you to monitor and manage your thermostat online or from your iPhone, iPad or Android-based smartphone.
Ecobee claims customers save 26% on their energy consumption or about $500 a year using its programmable thermostat. Prothermostats.com sells the smart thermostat for $369.
Energy Monitors
Ever wonder how much energy your TV requires, or how much energy an unused but plugged-in toaster wastes? Energy monitors show how much electricity you are consuming, and can break down consumption into different time periods, including daily or per billing cycle.
According to a 2010 study by the Electric Power Research Institute, home energy monitors result in behavioral changes that reduce electricity consumption by 20%.
Energy monitors that keep tabs on the energy usage of an entire house typically cost anywhere from $100 to $350, while single outlet monitors for one device cost as little as $25.
Electricity monitor Kill A Watt EZ plugs into your wall socket and then you plug an appliance into it and the LCD screen displays the kilowatt-hour consumption. The device costs around $50.
If you're looking for a more comprehensive system that shows a home's entire energy consumption, check out the The Energy Detective or TED. The price of the device ranges from $200 to $450, and comes equipped with two components: one that you install in your breaker panel to transmit data over your existing power line, and another that picks up the signal and provides you with information. The device provides real-time kW/hr readings along with load profiles for up to five appliances.
Air Leak Detectors
Cold air leaking out of windows, doors, electric outlets and even lighting fixtures will not only make your living space uncomfortable and drafty, but also cost you money in energy usage.
It's easy to identify leaky doors and windows, it may not be so easy to find other air leaks in your home—but that's where air leak detectors come in. These handheld devices use infrared thermometers to spot hidden leaks. Fixing these leaks is an easy way to save energy, thus lowering your monthly bill.
Black & Decker sells the Thermal Leak Detector for around $29, and is easy to use: Aim the handheld device at walls around your home and the LED will change color at hot and cold spots. The company claims the device can save you up to 20% on heating and cooling energy costs once you fix the hidden leaks.
Read more: http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2012/05/16/gadgets-that-zap-energy-wasters-in-your-home/#ixzz1vWEyKioM
HVAC Industry News
Can I Still Install a 13 SEER Unit?
There are three key questions to ask when considering installing a 13 SEER unit. Which region you are in? When was the 13 SEER system built? Was it a heat pump or straight AC? You can still install a 13 SEER unit anywhere in the U.S. if it was manufactured before Jan. 1, 2015. If … Read More »
Emerson Climate Technologies Announces The Release Of CopelandTM Brand Products For R404A/ R507A And R134a Refrigerant Alternatives
AACHEN (GERMANY), October 15, 2014 — Emerson Climate Technologies, a business of Emerson (NYSE: EMR), announces its ongoing investment in sustainable refrigerant alternatives in anticipation of European Union rules. Both the European Union and U.S. EPA have announced plans to transition new applications away from high global warming potential refrigerants (R404A/ R507A). F-gas Regulation 517/2014 … Read More »
New Air Conditioner Standards Would Rank as Biggest Energy Saver in U.S. DOE History
Proposed Standards Would Save Businesses Billions Washington, D.C.—The Department of Energy (DOE) proposed new efficiency standards today that would slash commercial rooftop air conditioner energy use by about 30%. The proposed standards would achieve the largest national energy savings of any standard ever issued by the U.S. Department of Energy. "DOE's new standards are a … Read More »
EPA Warns Against Use of Refrigerant Substitutes That Pose Fire and Explosion Risk
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is warning homeowners, propane manufacturers and sellers, home improvement contractors and air conditioning technicians of potential safety hazards related to the use of propane or other unapproved refrigerants in home air conditioning systems. EPA is currently investigating instances where propane has been marketed and used as a … Read More »


text:
I remember dating a girl in high school that used to have a subscription to YM Magazine. My favorite part about the magazine was the "Say Anything" section where girls would write in about their most embarrassing moment, which nine times out of ten involved them getting their period at the wrong time.
Here is a sample from their website:
So the other day I decided to wear my super cute jeans that have holes in them. There is a small hole near the butt area, so I usually wear boy shorts with them, but I hadn't done my laundry in a while so all I had to put on was a pair of thongs. I went to school that day and during a break between classes I went to my locker. My friend came up to hang out with me, and I guess she thought it would be funny to pull on the hole, but when she did she pulled a little too hard. The whole left side of the back pocket to my jeans tore off and half of my butt was exposed for the world to see!It was a busy hallway, and everyone either laughed hysterically or stared in total shock. I had to quickly go home and change, but to this day, people still give me weird stares in the hallway – as if they've seen a little too much of me.Tessa, 17, Springfield, PA
Sigh, poor Tessa… I mean who hasn't had that happen to them? When I read this though I kind of got jealous, I mean a 17 year old got their story published in a national magazine and I have to settle for myspace/facebook/or a pointless blog? Come on! I am better than that, so I decided that it is now my new goal in life, to get published by "YM".
Now I know some of you out there are laughing and saying, "Why not Seventeen Bobby? Why are you aiming for the red headed step child of teenage girl magazines?" Well I figure if I set the bar low I wouldn't feel as disappointed if they didn't accept my submission. For a month I have been working on my "Say Anything" story and today I am going to mail it out, of course I would like your feedback. Here is my story:
So like the other day I wore my white Capri pants with a cute top that I bought at Ambercrombie. I decided to go sans panties because I like to set the trend at my school, girls look up to me and I want to make sure that they know this is how I roll. Anyways I was talking to Chaz, the guy I have been crushing on hard, and he started to back away from me in disgust.
I had just gotten my period and it started flowing really hard, it had bled through the front of my pants and it looked like I was a stab wound victim. Chaz asked if I was ok but I could only weep as my poorly timed period single handily ruined my chances of losing my virginity to Chaz, (anal and oral don't count I was so over that at 14).
For the rest of the year girls called me "Leaky Lori" and I ended up having to join chorus in order to make friends.
Lori, 16, Vancouver, CA
So what do you guys think? Is this going to get published? Should I change anything?


text:
If Baylor is going to claim its third consecutive Big 12 title, it's going to have to do it with third-string quarterback Chris Johnson in charge.
Baylor confirmed Wednesday that Jarrett Stidham will miss the rest of the season with a broken bone in the back of his right ankle that occurred in the Bears' 45-35 victory at Oklahoma State last week.
Stidham had started the previous three games in place of Seth Russell, who was lost for the season in the Bears' victory over Iowa State on Oct. 24.
Johnson completed five of 10 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 42 yards and another score in a strong effort that sealed the Bears' victory at OSU, their first in Stillwater since 1939.
But it places the Bears in jeopardy with a lack of any experience at the position behind Johnson. The only other quarterback listed on the roster is walk-0n freshman Zack Bennema.
Baylor coach Art Briles confirmed earlier this week that he's talked to several players who could play in an emergency.
Baylor running back Shock Linwood would make the most sense after playing the position in high school, but Linwood is questionable for the game against the Horned Frogs with an ankle injury.
Cornerback Travon Blanchard said that he would be ready if the Bears needed help in a pinch.
"He told me to warm up my arm, just in case," Blanchard said with a chuckle.
Even mammoth 6-foot-6, 320-pound offensive tackle Spencer Drango said he was willing to work at the position if called, although he didn't expect to be considered.
"I am not," Drango joked, conceding he would be limited only to shovel passes if placed under center. "I'm very low on the list."


text:
PhD Program
The studies curriculum will be adapted to the needs of the IT sector and tailored to the needs of course participants. It will be modified depending on the current state of development in information technologies and specific needs of the course participants. Every year of the course will end with a certificate presenting all the ECTS credits obtained, confirming the acquired competence.


text:
Posted on October 29, 2013
We specially designed our joint supplements for dogs to contain the two most effective ingredients for joint health, so your dog is getting the best there is. No filler, no artificial ingredients, just pure joint support! Help your pooch feel great for life with our joint supplements!


text:
What is CT Bone Density?
A CT Bone Density scan (QCT) is an extremely accurate way to diagnose osteoporosis and determine your risk for a future fracture. There are several different machines that measure bone density such as DEXA and QCT (Quantitative Computed Tomography). QCT is felt to be the more accurate method of determining and following a patient's bone density over time. However, patients should not switch back and forth between QCT and DEXA. Once a patient and their doctor choose QCT Bone Density analysis, future evaluations should also be performed with QCT, as the results will be a more accurate comparison of the patient's true bone density changes over time.
QCT is a three-dimensional method obtained on a CT scanner that provides true bone density of the spine and hip. DEXA bone mineral density estimates, but not QCT, may be significantly biased by severe degenerative changes of the hip or spine, vascular calcifications, oral contrast agents (from other radiology exams), and foods or dietary supplements containing significant amounts of calcium. QCT is also often more accurate in patients with obesity.
QCT targets the trabecular bone (the first to show changes of bone loss) and measures it separately from the surrounding cortical bone, degenerative changes, bone spurs and vascular calcifications, which can mask osteoporosis in many patients.
Why should I consider a CT Bone Density Examination?
Osteoporosis, is a condition that often affects women after menopause, but may also be found in men. Osteoporosis involves a gradual loss of calcium, causing the bones to become thinner, more fragile, and more likely to break. If your bone density is found to be low, you and your physician can work together on a treatment plan to help prevent fractures before they occur. CT Bone Density testing is also effective in tracking the effects of treatment for osteoporosis or for other conditions that cause bone loss.
CT Bone Density testing is strongly recommended if you:
- are a post-menopausal woman and not taking estrogen.
- have a personal or maternal history of hip fracture or smoking.
- are a post-menopausal woman who is tall (over 5 feet 7 inches) or thin (less than 125 pounds).
- are a man with clinical conditions associated with bone loss.
- use medications that are known to cause bone loss, including corticosteroids such as Prednisone, various anti-seizure medications such as Dilantin and certain barbiturates, or high-dose thyroid replacement drugs.
- have type 1 (formerly called juvenile or insulin-dependent) diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, or a family history of osteoporosis.
- have high bone turnover, which shows up in the form of excessive collagen in urine samples.
- have a thyroid condition, such as hyperthyroidism.
- have experienced a fracture after only mild trauma.
- have had x-ray evidence of vertebral fracture or other signs of osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is not part of normal aging, although many people continue to believe this is the case. With the information obtained from a CT Bone Density scan, you and your doctor can decide what prevention or treatment steps are right for you.
How is a CT Bone Density scan performed?
The technologist begins by positioning the patient comfortably on the CT table. The table will move slowly into the CT scanner. Depending on the area of the body being examined, the increments of movement may be so small that they are almost undetectable, or large enough that the patient feels the sensation of motion. The CT Bone Density examination usually takes from 10 to 15 minutes to complete.
CT Bone Density is covered by most insurance plans. Call your carrier for verification of coverage. We are happy to assist patients with appropriate payment options for this procedure. We accept payment at the time of service or payment arrangements can be made through Imaging Associates before scheduling the procedure.
How do I get the results?
A final report, produced by one of Alaska Radiology Associate's local specialized radiologists, will be available for most exams within two hours. Questions about your results should be directed to your referring health care provider. For any other questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us directly.
Who do I contact with questions?
Questions about the results of your exam should be directed to your primary health care provider. For any other questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us directly.


text:
The Declaration of Independence (adopted in Congress on 4 July, 1776) states, that all people are created equal and endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights, such as: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
The Declaration states in its preamble that the purpose of the American legal code is to form "a more perfect union…to establish justice…and to ensure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity."
The perfection of our union demands, that the establishment of justice be moved to extend the full franchise of citizenship to all Americans, regardless of their sexual orientation, or whatever it is about them that the majority does not like.
The perfection of justice demand that all of our fellow citizens be free, and be able to live out their lives in pursuit of their happiness.
To take up the pen and fight for these truths, to fight for the recognition of truth, and the equal application of these principles in the lives of all people, is the essence of what it means to be an American, or a citizen of good conscience of any nation, anywhere in the world.
To place limits on who is protected by the Constitution, to curtail the rights of individual citizens or groups, to deprive them of life or the richness of married life, to rob them of their liberty-the liberty to choose their own spouse, to censure their happiness by denying them the right of self determination, simply because they have a different sexual orientation than those in the majority, that is to argue for the establish a classist society, of the type that we Americans rejected long ago, which we rejected in principle when our founders wrote those charter documents.
I was raised in an inter-racial family.
My European-American mother was born in 1940 and spent part of her youth in the segregated South.
She remembers the era of Jim Crow, which both shames me and pains me to imagine.
In America, not very long ago, my European-American mother and my African-American stepfather would have been denied the freedom to marry one another due to the fact that they are not of the same "race" (an arbitrary classification).
If that had been the case, my younger brother would not have had the benefit of growing up in a household with married parents. I would not have had the benefit of seeing my mother's relationship with my stepfather legitimized by society. A marriage license would not have been granted to them. Even if they could have found a minister, a rabbi, a pastor or a priest to perform a wedding service, their union would not have been recognized by the state.
That would have been reprehensible, morally objectionable, and a crime against humanity.


text:
Thomas Torkelson
KADENA BASE, Japan -- When the 18th Wing's vice commander talks about resiliency, he uses his own experiences to illustrate the conversation.
Col. Thomas Torkelson shared his personal story of battling alcoholism with Team Kadena's Airmen during a recent Storytellers gathering.
Torkelson began drinking excessively when he entered high school, to the point of making questionable decisions with his own safety, as well as that of others.
"I never felt overt peer pressure to drink--I had grown up with it within my own home, and I felt alcohol made me funnier, popular, and accepted," Torkelson said.
The pattern continued after Torkelson graduated high school and entered the U.S. Air Force Academy.
"I looked forward to the next party, the next opportunity to drink, and if alcohol wasn't involved in the event, I wasn't interested," he said.
Torkelson didn't slow down, even after meeting Debbie, his bride-to-be.
"I could tell she wasn't really into my lifestyle," he said. "But maybe she saw something in me I did not see in myself, and knew I had potential to do better."
When he entered pilot training, he said he found a culture that embraced drinking, and he knew he would fit in.
"I was thriving, becoming accepted and known for how much I could drink," he said.
He continued partying even after he and Debbie got married.
During their first tour to Kadena Air Base, then-2nd Lt. Torkelson excelled as a tanker pilot with the 909th Air Refueling Squadron. He was popular among his peers, and largely because of his ability to drink.
Temporary duty across the Pacific region was common, and he established a habit of drinking to excess. Torkelson found that his professional existence was starting to become defined by his off-duty popularity. He also started making mistakes.
"I missed show times for flights due to oversleeping, roommates had to clean up after me in hotel rooms, and I said and did things under the influence that hurt and offended those around me," said Torkelson.
Around this time, he received a humanitarian assignment to Langley AFB, Va., to be closer to his mother, who was losing her own battle with cancer.
"She taught us all how to die with dignity, and as a devout Christian, she always took her sickness in stride and used it to tell her own story to people she wouldn't have met otherwise," he said. "She was the person I turned to when things were bad, and now she was gone."
With the death of his mother, Torkelson, 26, began to drink more at home and emotionally hurt the people he loved most. "I was to the point where I could be considered a functioning alcoholic," he said.
Torkelson's wife knew his drinking was a serious issue, and began to express concern.
Even parenthood didn't change his drinking habits. He continued partying as the couple had three children in five years. "I knew I was living a reckless lifestyle; I was jeopardizing my career, my marriage, and my family," he said.
Eventually, he began to question his legacy. His mother's death made him ask several questions. What do I want to be known for when I'm gone? What do I want people, my kids, my wife to say about me? What would make them proud?
He struggled with the idea of wanting to change, but not knowing how to do it.
In 2004, he received the opportunity to attend the USAF Weapons School as a newly pinned major at Nellis AFB, Nevada.
After yet another night out in nearby Las Vegas, with a brutal hangover, Torkelson found himself in the base chapel on one early Sunday. The chaplain's sermon involved her own battle with alcoholism, and how a recommitment to her faith helped her through her struggle. The chaplain had intended to speak on another topic that Sunday, but felt compelled to share her own story instead.
"It was like she was speaking to me directly," said Torkelson. "The whole room kind of vanished, and it was like her and God were talking to me."
Torkelson told the chaplain after the service that he felt he was the reason she delivered the sermon that day, and promised to change.
Sharing his recommitment with his classmates back at weapons school, Torkelson asked for their encouragement and support on his decision to quit drinking. He said his classmates accepted his decision, and provided him the support he needed. He said he could have never done it without their help, and without his recommitment to his religious beliefs.
Torkelson gave up alcohol on Jan. 10, 2004, that day in the chapel, taking it one day at a time with help from his faith, his family, and his friends. He said he now can clearly focus on what he wants his legacy to be by striving to be an officer who encourages others to raise their game instead of being the guy who drags others down.
He said spiritual grace saved him, his family and his Air Force career, and freed him of the destructive path he was on.
"I don't think it's coincidental that my professional accomplishments have expanded tremendously in my 10 years of sobriety," he said. "I am a better Airman now."
Subscribe to our Stripes Pacific newsletter and receive amazing travel stories, great event info, cultural information, interesting lifestyle articles and more directly in your inbox!
Follow us on social media!
Facebook: Stars and Stripes Pacific
Flipboard: Stars and Stripes Community Sites
Looking to travel while stationed abroad? Check out our other Pacific community sites!
Stripes Japan
Stripes Korea
Stripes Guam


text:
Alumni News
Matt Sears (M.A.T. '04) heads invention grant for "green" project at local high school
Nov. 9, 2009
Matt Sears
Durham's Hillside New Tech High School was recently awarded a Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam grant of $7,000 to develop a residential green roofing system. Hillside New Tech is the first North Carolina school to be selected as an InvenTeam recipient, and is one of 15 high schools chosen nationwide this year.
School of Education alumnus Matt Sears is leading a group of high school students, teachers and mentors in the endeavor.
Sears, a mathematics teacher at Hillside New Tech, will work with students to develop a project that will allow plants to grow on sloped roofs, reducing storm water runoff and providing natural shade to homes. He traveled to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in June to attend training and to prepare for the final proposal.
"It is going to be wonderful to watch our students design, build, test and implement their invention this year," said Sears. "These are dedicated students who love to solve difficult problems, and I am excited to see what they accomplish."
Sears, along with several other UNC-Chapel Hill School of Education graduates, began teaching at Hillside New Tech High School when it opened in August 2007. Hillside New Tech is a progressive school that creates a learning community focused on preparing students for college and the modern workforce through the use of technology in project-based learning and solving real-world problems.
Sears draws upon the qualities he developed at the School of Education to create an open and diverse classroom focused on student achievement.
"When you come intro my classroom on any given day, you may think you've jumped into a physics class, architecture class, forensics class or astronomy class," said Sears. "At the School of Education, I learned not to be afraid to be unconventional while trying to teach my students."
Sears was selected as a Kenan Fellow for 2006-2008 though N.C. State University, and in the fall of 2008 he traveled to India on the Fulbright exchange program. He also was the 2008 Teacher of the Year for Durham Public Schools, as well as the 2008 Golf Coach of the Year for the PAC-6 conference.
The Lemelson-MIT Program awards grants of up to $10,000 each to invent technological solutions to real-world problems. The program recognizes outstanding inventors and encourages sustainable new solutions to everyday issues.


text:
This was a recommendation to me by a friend who had visited Istanbul. The concept of the restaurant, based inside the Imperial Ottoman Hotel opposite the Old Imperial Palace, is the food of the Sultan's.
Right, I know that most Londoners if not having been to the restaurant have been to "Roast to Go" in Borough Markets but this was my first trip and it's definitely one worth a blog post.
The first thing I'll say about Shrimpy's, the service was amazing. We initially made a booking for 6, we ended up being 10 eating and and extra two just drinking and the staff didn't bat an eyelid.


text:
Zalonku Glam Team knows that sometimes we just want to take a rest from heat and styling products but still want to look cool as possible. The "I really couldn't care less" hair do is the answer to your hair-dillema! So leave your heat-tools and let the elastic bands do the job. Here are some tutorials that we have gathered to make you look fabulous in a hurry!
Lazy Hair Buns
There's a trick to upgrade your regular buns into an effortless cool one! When you want to achieve a messy hair buns, then you need a messy hair to begin with. It's a perfect time to wear a messy buns after putting your hair on a formal hair do (that involves a lot of hairspray and teased hair), or simply when you have a bad hair day.
- Pull your hair into a loose ponytail, you can make it as high or as low as you'd like it. Don't use comb, and let some strands loose.
- Tease your hair. Teasing is the essential step that totally change your hair buns-game, as it's gives you that messy textures and volume.
- After all hair parts has teased, create a bun and secure it with a bobby pin. Make sure to pin an inch from the bottom of your strands. This way, you'll leaving the ends to fray around your bun and creating a messy effect!
Half Top Knot
We've seen this up-do getting more popular in past few months, you could spot half top knot on some of the coolest fashion blogger and celebrities. We love that hair do so much as it creates a cool yet easy going vibe!
- Pull all the hair above the temple area upwards and create ponytails in your crown area.
- Teased your ponytails slightly to create volume. Now create a bun and wrap the bun using elastic band, secure with bobby pins.
- Lightly tug on your hair to create a looser top knot that gives "effortless-bed-head" statement.
French Girl Hair
If you haven't notice, all the coolest it-french-girl wear their hair like this: a disheveled, undone kind with a messy texture that just look so cool. After studying Jeane Damas' and Caroline de Maigret's hair, what we notice is that slightly fuzziness in their hair but it never looks too frizzy. So what's their secret??
- Shampoo is akaline that lift your hair cuticle up and conditioner smooth the hair shaft down. So skip the conditioner to create texture.
- Since you are not using conditioner, your hair hasn't laid its protective cuticles back down, so you need to keep away from hot tools and air dry your hair instead.
- Put your hair in a low chignon for 15 minutes and release it. Or you can simply wash your hair at night, sleep on a damp hair without brushing it, and you'll get an amazing texture in the morning!
Zalonku.com is a go-to guide for girls to discover makeup, hairstyles, nails and beauty inspirations and where to get them in Jakarta.


text:
Josh Cullen and Kevin Long called up by Republic of Ireland
Watch Republic of Ireland's European Qualifiers against Gibraltar and Georgia live on Sky Sports
Last Updated: 18/03/19 12:18pm
Burnley defender Kevin Long and West Ham midfielder Josh Cullen have been drafted into the Republic of Ireland squad for the European Qualifiers against Gibraltar and Georgia.
Long and former U21 captain Cullen, who is currently on loan at Charlton, have been called up by manager Mick McCarthy as replacements for injured duo Alan Browne and Ronan Curtis.
Preston midfielder Browne has an ankle injury, while Portsmouth striker Curtis has undergone surgery to re-attach a fingertip after catching it in a door.
Ireland begin their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign away to Gibraltar on March 23, followed by a home game against Georgia three days.
Both Group D games are live on Sky Sports.
Republic of Ireland squad
Goalkeepers: Darren Randolph (Middlesbrough), Keiren Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday), Mark Travers (Bournemouth)
Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Wolves), Richard Keogh (Derby), John Egan (Sheffield United), Shane Duffy (Brighton), Enda Stevens (Sheffield United), Kevin Long (Burnley).
Midfielders: Alan Judge (Ipswich), Jeff Hendrick (Burnley), Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), Harry Arter (Cardiff), Glenn Whelan (Aston Villa), Robbie Brady (Burnley), Callum O'Dowda (Bristol City), James McClean (Stoke), Josh Cullen (West Ham).
Strikers: Shane Long (Southampton), Sean Maguire (Preston), David McGoldrick (Sheffield United), James Collins (Luton).