text:
Summary: Delivery customers may see broken pipelines starting around 3pm PST 2016-02-18 due to the release of chef-dk 0.11 at that time. There is a workaround for this issue (see further down).
Symptoms: Build systems fail with something like the following log output:
Berkshelf command failed STDOUT: STDERR: /opt/chefdk/embedded/lib/ruby/gems/2.1.0/gems/httpclient-22.214.171.124/lib/httpclient/webagent-cookie.rb:458: warning: already initialized constant HTTPClient::CookieManager /opt/chefdk/embedded/lib/ruby/gems/2.1.0/gems/httpclient-22.214.171.124/lib/httpclient/cookie.rb:8: warning: previous definition of CookieManager was here /opt/chefdk/embedded/lib/ruby/gems/2.1.0/gems/chef-config-12.6.0/lib/chef-config/workstation_config_loader.rb:159:in `rescue in read_config': You have an error in your config file /var/opt/delivery/workspace/.chef/knife.rb (ChefConfig::ConfigurationError) Gem::ConflictError: Unable to activate chef-12.7.2, because chef-config-12.6.0 conflicts with chef-config (= 12.7.2) /var/opt/delivery/workspace/.chef/knife.rb:1:in `from_string' Relevant file content: 1: require 'chef/config' 2: current_dir = File.dirname(__FILE__) 3: Chef::Config.from_file("/etc/chef/client.rb") 4: log_location STDOUT Add Comment Coll
1. Pull down the latest delivery-build cookbook from https://github.com/chef/delivery_build and then upload that to the delivery org in the chef server backing your delivery cluster. Then, run the chef-client on your builders as root. The chef-client run will use the new delivery_build cookbook that can handle chefdk 0.11.0
# on your workstation with access to the delivery server
git clone https://github.com/chef-cookbooks/delivery_build
knife cookbook upload delivery_build
# On the builders
2. Upgrade to the latest (02-19-2016) delivery-cluster cookbook which has the fix – use the standard upgrade procedure for that and it will upgrade your builders with the latest delivery_build cookbook:
2a. Change directories into your deliver-cluster cookbook on the provisioning machine
2b. Make sure you are on the master branch
2c. git pull
2d. UPGRADE DOC - https://github.com/chef-cookbooks/delivery-cluster/blob/master/UPGRADE.md

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Elections or Democracy?
We are told that we have to go to Iraq, Afghanistan, Lybia, etc., etc. to create democracies there. When elections are held in a foreign country, we congratulate ourselves.
There is a huge difference between elections and democracy. An election is a one-time act; democracy is continuous participation in public affairs. Elections are based on manipulated television pictures and 30-second sound bites; the essence of democracy is information and concern for the public good.
There have been regular elections in the most undemocratic countries of the world, like the Communist German Democratic Republic. On the other hand, Confucian China was practicing almost equal access to public offices for 2500 years without ever holding any elections.
Democracy is much more than elections. It is the self-government of informed and concerned citizens. Democracy is impossible without continuous, active participation at all levels. Democracy is only possible in highly cultured free societies where people respect each other, the public institutions, and the rule of law. It is based on peaceful negotiations, cooperation, and compromise. It also includes wide-range consultations and public criticism of both elected and appointed officials.
Public policies should be determined by reason and argument, not by counting noses. The number of votes for or against an idea or a person has nothing to do with the merits of that idea or person. Elections in their present form are as if two foxes and one rabbit were to vote on what to have for breakfast.
We all know that only those candidates have a chance to be elected who have the support of the powerful special interest groups and the media. As a result, we do not have a real choice at elections. No matter whom we elect, the interests of the country will never be as important as the special interests of those who select and support the representatives. The common interest is not represented at all. As the country becomes increasingly fragmented, it will be increasingly difficult even to define this common interest.
When everybody is somebody, then nobody is anybody: the right to vote has lost its value. A narrower suffrage meant a certain prestige that is lost now. Universal suffrage that exists today includes an unduly large segment of the population who have little idea either about the issues or about the candidates. According to a Hearst Corporation poll, 45% of Americans believes that the Communist slogan "From each according to his ability, to each according to his need" is part of our own Constitution. Such people are incapable of a rational choice; they become tools in the hands of manipulators who try to control public opinion. The universal suffrage would make better sense in case of an informed and educated citizenry. Therefore, political reform should start with a reformed educational system.
The present system of choosing office holders is unfair, and it is not accessible for most people. It is virtually impossible to be elected unless the candidate is supported by one of the two big parties or some powerful special interest group. Ideas do not count, money does.
Campaign costs are growing like a cancer. To be elected to the House of Representatives one has to raise a lot of money. A Senate seat costs millions. There are only two ways to raise that much money. Either you are so rich that you can afford to pay it from your own pocket, or you rely on the special interest groups. Political campaigns are not about ideas or issues but about visual images that can be manipulated at the will of the media. The money is mostly used for polling people's sentiments, fitting the politicians' images to the results of the polls, and for senseless negative television commercials.
The big campaign providers argue that by contributing money they exercise their fundamental right to participate in the political process. This is a hypocritical and false statement. Manipulating public opinion is coercion; buying politicians is immoral.
Money should be eliminated from the political process and replaced with an independent information system to provide a broad range of political choices. This information system should be provided free of charge to express the views of anyone who has the qualifications necessary to run for office. Government would have no control over the ideas transmitted.
Paid political advertisements and financial campaign contributions from individuals, political action committees, or corporations should be prohibited as clear examples of coercion and manipulation. The costs of all political campaigns should be financed by the public. All qualified candidates must be put on equal budgets. False campaign statements should be punished by law as any other false advertising.
All political offices should be accessible to every citizen who meets the constitutional requirements. Participation should be open to any qualified person. To become a candidate for elected office, one should meet only some elementary standards, e.g., collecting a small number of nominating signatures, and passing a simple examination on basic historical, cultural, and political issues.
As an additional step, the 'None of the Above' option should be included in the election procedure. If more people vote for this option than for any of the candidates, new elections should be held where none of the rejected candidates could participate. This would be a powerful and simple way to remove unfit people from political office.
If none of the above proposals can be accepted, then even selection of office-holders by a lottery would be a better system than the existing one.
We need a national commitment to political reform. When Americans perceive the alarming extent of the system's failure and the destructive threat it poses to the society, we must start to work to bring about the necessary changes. This effort will require traditional American idealism, energy, persistence, and practicality.
Excerpted from How to Save Our Country, Copyright (c) 1993 by Miklos N. Szilagyi.
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
It was only yesterday that Jane of Jane's Fabrics and Quilts posted her darling Conversation Heart Table Topper. :)
Do you recall how she had wanted to create a table runner and the hearts wanted desperately to be a topper?
Her conversation hearts hopped right on over and visited me yesterday afternoon and are still chatting away in the sewing room today....they want to be a mug rug too! :)
Actually this is the very thing I enjoy about blogging and creative blog hops: the inspiration and creativity everyone shares! When ideas pop into my head and keep multiplying until I 'do' something.
Jane, thanks so much for sharing your 'chatty' Conversation Hearts because now, I have a new Valentine Mug Rug! :)
Now to go hide for a bit so I can complete the Log Cabin Quilt Blocks and continue celebrating Abraham Lincoln's birthday!
May God Bless You this day beyond measure! May He pour out His richest blessings in lavish ever-increasing abundant overflowing blessings of LOVE, JOY, PEACE, HOPE and PERFECT HEALTH upon YOU!!! May your every need be met and may everything you put your hand to prosper. Know that you are His chosen child and you are Loved and Treasured by the King of Kings. God Bless You!
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Conversation Hearts Have a Mind of their own
1 comment:
Thanks for stopping by for a visit to share your thoughts, ideas and words of encouragement! May your day be filled with overflowing endless hours of Joy blanketed in Love.
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
Happy Friday! I wanted to share with all of you my favorite beauty products. I seriously can't live without ANY of these. They are amazing and I am going to tell you why I love each and every one of them.
1) T3 Featherweight Luxe 2i Hair Dryer - This hairdryer is ahhhhhhhmazing. I got it as a Christmas gift this year from my husband. I wasn't sure if I was going to keep it because of the hefty price tag but the more I used it the more I fell in love with it. The reason I love it so much is because it isn't harmful for your hair. After I use most hair dryers my hair feels very damaged and burnt. This hair dryer doesn't do that at all. It leaves my hair feeling very soft and it feels like I let my hair air dry. It also reduces my drying time. I wouldn't say that it reduces my drying time drastically but I have definitely noticed a little difference. Most of all, this hair dryer is great protection for your hair. You definitely don't have to worry about damaging your hair at all with this and to me, that's what makes it worth the price.
2) M.A.C. Nutcracker Sweet Nude Mini Lipstick Kit - I also got this little lipstick set around Christmas time and I have loved it ever since. The colors in it are absolutely beautiful. They all have a nude tint but they are all very different. I wear them all the time. I also have a huge obsession with M.A.C. lipstick. If all of you could see my vanity drawer full of lipstick you would laugh so hard. Does anyone else have this problem?? I really don't think a girl could ever have too much lipstick. ;)
3) T3 Whirl Trio Interchangeable Styling Wand - Okay, so I could go on and on all day about how much I love this wand. This is another thing that I was very hesitant to buy when I saw the price tag but trust me, IT IS WORTH EVERY PENNY. It is the best wand I have ever used in my entire life. It comes with 3 interchangeable barrels. I use the one inch straight barrel all the time. It is what I use in most of my pictures that you see. It creates the best defined waves. I also like to use the one and a fourth inch to a third inch barrel. It gives my curls a more tousled look. I haven't used the one and a half inch barrel yet but I can't wait to use it. From what I have heard, it creates full body waves. I also bought the curling iron attachment that goes with this wand. I switch between curling my hair with a wand and curling my hair with a curling iron. I love the curls that I get from both of them equally but they are very different. The wand definitely produces more defined curls and the curling iron creates more natural looking curls where the curl is more towards the end of my hair. I will give a tutorial some day on how I curl my hair with both. What I love about this wand the most is how quickly it gets hot. You can literally start using it within 3 seconds. Also, the waves stay ALL DAY. Sometimes I can go 3 full days with the same curls and my hair still looks great. I couldn't do that with any other wands that I have used. If you are on the fence about buying this wand, trust me and buy it. You will not regret it!!!! It is my favorite purchase by far.
4) Naked3 Urban Decay Eye Palette - Out of all of the Naked eye palettes, this one is my favorite. I like neutral eye colors on my eyes. I hardly ever use anything else. This palette has the perfect amount of nudes and has a lot of different options to use. The eye shadow goes on my eyelids easily and stays all day. I use this palette every single day. I love it!
5) Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Curling & Lifting Mascara - I recently went into Sephora looking for a new mascara. I didn't love some of the ones that I had been using. A sales associate pointed me to this one and I'm obsessed! I love the applicator. It perfectly divides your lashes into perfect little sections and gives that "false lashes" look. I also love how it curves my eyelashes upwards. This mascara doesn't bleed at all and lasts all day. I will definitely keep buying this one.
6) NARS Blush in Orgasm - If any of you are looking for the perfect blush color, THIS IS IT. This orgasm color is the perfect blush color hands down for any color skin tone. A lot of my friends use it as well. It gives your cheeks the perfect amount of that pinky/nude color that everyone is looking for. It also has a tiny bit of shimmer which I love. I have been using it for years. I can't say enough good things.
7) Make Up For Ever Duo Mat Powder Foundation - So I have tried many, many different powders and this one by Make Up For Ever is by far the best that I have ever used. I tend to have oily skin, especially in my T-Zone area and this powder is amazing for hiding all of that. The best part about this powder is that your skin will literally look air brushed. I get compliments on my skin all the time and always having people asking me what makeup I use. This is my secret! The brush that I linked above is a must have with it. The brush also helps give that airbrush look. I've gotten some of my friends hooked on both of these things. Ever since I started using this powder, I have never tried anything else. I am now an avid buyer of Make Up For Ever. It is a little pricey but worth every penny.
8) Oribe Royal Blowout Heat Styling Spray - A girl from work recently told me about this Oribe product. She swore by it and of course me being the hair product addict that I am, I had to try it immediately. It is AMAZING. Not only does it smell great, but it makes your hair so smooth and significantly reduces drying time. After I use this product, my hair feels the healthiest it has ever felt. Sometimes it is so smooth that I feel like I don't even need to straighten it, which is very rare for me. I spray this in my damp hair right before I start to blow dry. This product is also pricey but I do feel like it is worth it. Now that I have started using it, I don't know if I could live without it. Oribe has a huge line of hair products and I also want to try some of their other stuff. I have heard great things! If I try anything else and love it I will definitely let you guys know.
9) Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Primer - I have been using this hair product for yearsssss. Bumble and Bumble makes a great line of hair products and this is my favorite that they make. I mainly use it for protection against any heat tools that I use such as hair dryers, wands, curling irons, and straighteners. It is basically a heat protectant spray for your hair. I use it every single day right after I get out of the shower. I spray this on my damp hair first and then spray the Oribe Royal Blowout afterwards, right before I start to dry my hair.
10) Sebastian Shaper Hairspray - This is my favorite hairspray of all time and trust me, I have tried A LOT. What I love most about this hairspray is how light it is. I don't like for my hair to feel like it has a lot of hairspray in it or for it to feel really sticky after I curl it The worst is when you use hair spray and your curls look HARD. I can't stand that. This hairspray doesn't do any of that. It is very light and brushable. It leaves your curls looking very natural and you can't even tell that you put hairspray in but it does hold very well. Depending on how I curl my hair (with a wand or a curling iron), I like to brush my curls out with my fingers or with a brush. This hairspray allows me to do that easily. I section my hair when I curl it and spray a little bit of this hairspray on each section immediately after I curl it. Once I am done curling my whole head, I will spray a little more all over my entire head. This hairspray will last me all day and night. If you are someone who likes a little more hold, they also make this hairspray a little stronger. It's called "Sebastian Shaper Hairspray Plus". I have also used that one before and love it as well!
I hope you all enjoyed reading about my favorite beauty products. If you would like to see any makeup or hair tutorials please let me know. I would be glad to do some. Please let me know if you have any questions about any of these products and I will answer your questions right away. I hope you all have a great weekend!!!


text:
After a four year hiatus we're back with four great cassettes:
Conrad Schnitzler & Bjørn Hatterud – Hirschgebrüll (KULT 013), the critically acclaimed collaboration album previously issued on CD by Fysisk Format and LP by OHM Records/Synesthetic Recordings/TIBProd., is finally available as a cassette strictly limited to 50 numbered copies.
Solveig Kjelstrup & Maskinanlegg – Focus Foucault Foccacia (KULT 014) and Maja Ratkje & Bjørn Hatterud – Malleus Maleficarum Maximum (KULT 015) are two collaborations by Ratkje and Hatterud recorded at the same time. These are strictly limited to 30 numbered copies and are only sold in pairs.
There will be a release party for these three tapes at Izakaya, St. Olavs gate 7 in Oslo on May 29th from 7 pm. This also marks the release of another Hatterud tape, Bald eagle pubes will be used to build a machine gun which will shoot AIDS in the balls, issued by Take It Easy Policy, as well as his e-book Hudoverflaten er brutt, published by FK Ultra.
The fourth new release is Jono El Grande – Der Tod der Gegenwartsmusik (KULT 016), featuring two exclusive tracks by the Norwegian composer, band leader, and guitarist, and limited to 70 numbered copies.
The release party for this tape will take place at Rouleur Oslo, Ullevålsveien 16A on May 31st from 7 pm.


text:
Category: God
When You Don't Want what God has Given You – Part 3
I've had this post rolling around in my head for a loooonngg time. I just haven't been able to actually put my thoughts and feelings into words and even now I'm sure my words will not do justice to my feelings. It's very personal for me and I'm only writing about it because I hope it might help someone else. Because it is full of emotion, I'm going to write it and share it in three parts.
You can read Part 1 and Part 2 to catch up with this story.
We made it through Christmas and spring. I was sick. And tired. Oh, so tired. 38 and pregnant was very different from 29 and pregnant. Going up the stairs at our house was awful and I stopped going down to the school room unless it could not be avoided. I was desperate to get our school year completed before the due date and we worked steadily with very few breaks to make that happen.
We put our house on the market because we were going to need more room and we were just too far away to spend so much time driving kids around, especially with a new baby. Keeping the house ready for showings or having to get it ready at the drop of a hat was exhausting…..
But finally school was winding down and we were approaching the due date. Tony's coworkers threw us a wonderful diaper shower. It was so unexpected and gracious of them, especially considering how they had blessed us while we were fundraising to bring Essie home. Our church Sunday School class also blessed us with diapers and other necessities. I had a friend who gave us a crib and another who provided us with a car seat and stroller. God was showing up and providing for us and this baby.
I was still scared and unsure and I will admit, doubting God's plan.
We made it to May and after several nights of contractions I finally went in to labor. We woke Noah to tell him we were headed to the hospital and that grandparents would be on their way as soon as the hospital confirmed I was in labor. After the easiest labor I had so far, Jonah William was born at 8 am in the morning.
And miraculously, or maybe not, I had a heart bursting with love for this tiny little baby. I had harbored so much fear and worry for so long that I was really taken by surprise. Several weeks later I even texted Tony one day and told him how ashamed I was of my emotions and feelings while I was pregnant.
Were things going to be hard? Of course! Was everything perfect? No! But God loved me enough to stick with me even when my heart was full of doubt and fear. He loved me anyway and saw us through.
I had never enjoyed babyhood with the other babies and God is now redeeming that for me. I have enjoyed Jonah so much! Much more than I ever imagined was possible. (I would still appreciate it if he would decide to sleep at night though! haha!)
The older kids and Essie are getting a glimpse of what babies are like. They are getting a chance to baby talk and care for a little person who can't care for himself. (No teenagers have been forced to change dirty diapers!)
So while having a baby at 38 was NOT a part of my plan and was not something I wanted when I started this journey, over the course of the pregnancy and holding that little miracle bundle in my arms, He changed me. He has taught me to trust Him, even when I can't see or understand the plan. He has taught me that all gifts are good, even if they don't seem to be so at that time.
I know I have so much more to learn from Him. I know it will involve trials and hardships. But I know that trials and hardships will actually provide the biggest blessings! I am so thankful He can forgive me of my fear and doubt and worry and give me such a sweet blessing!
So on this Christmas morning as you celebrate the gift of Jesus, please remember that even the things we don't want and those things that are really hard are gifts from the Lord, even when we can't see it or understand it. Trust Him. Believe.
When You Don't Want What God has Given You – Part 2
I've had this post rolling around in my head for a loooonngg time. I just haven't been able to actually put my thoughts and feelings into words and even now I'm sure my words will not do justice to my feelings. It's very personal for me and I'm only writing about it because I hope it might help someone else. Because it is full of emotion for me I'm going to write it and share it a little at a time.
You can go read Part 1 here.
So I spent a lot of our beach trip in tears. In fear. In fear. What in the world were we going to do? Where would a baby sleep? How would I care for a baby while homeschooling the others? What would the other kids miss out on because now we'd have a baby to consider? Did God not understand that there is no way I can handle a baby!?
So the days rocked on, morning sickness set in. We had a family wedding to attend which would require travel a few weeks after we found out and because I was already sick daily we had to tell our parents or they were going to be suspicious about my lovely shade of green and early morning visits to the toilet. I was so afraid. I didn't want to hear, "How could you let this happen?" or "You already have your hands full, what are you going to do?" because I agreed with those thoughts and I had no answer.
I was so upset and afraid of these comments that I couldn't even call my mom; I texted her! She may be the only grandmother (though she goes by Beebee) that found out she was going to have her 6th grandchild by a text message! Full of grace and love, she said none of those things but was excited for another baby to love, reassuring me over and over that this must be God's plan and that it would be ok. And while I didn't agree with her on that, I was so glad there was no negativity – there was no way my spirit could have taken it.
Tony displayed more courage than me and actually called his parents. His mom said, "I didn't know y'all were thinking of having another one?" He told her we weren't, that it was a surprise and while I was not a part of their conversation, she, too, was full of kindness and none of the questions that I was so afraid to hear.
And while our moms could not have known it, their kind words were a gift. Because negative ones would have torn me down.
So we attended the wedding and things continued on. I managed to hide my sickness from the kids thanks to their lack of being attuned to others and with a little help from Zofran. I continued on with our schooling and CC and we didn't tell anyone else for a while. I was embarrassed, still shocked, worried about how I was going to handle it all.
We finally told the kids in November. All 3 of the boys were shocked and a touch upset. Essie had no clue what this really meant. To avoid having to tell everyone we knew in person and go through the potentially painful questions that I was so afraid of, I shared our news on FaceBook on November 19. The post received 200 likes and over 100 comments. Lots of the comments included, "Wow!" but thankfully none of them were negative!
As we began to see our friends in person after the announcement, we did get a few questionable comments but not like what I feared! People were probably thinking it but at least they were keeping it to themselves! It still felt very embarrassing to be 41 and 38 and having a "surprise" pregnancy.
When You Don't Want What God Has Given You – Part 1
I've had this post rolling around in my head for a loooonngg time. I just haven't been able to actually put my thoughts and feelings into words and even now I'm sure my words will not do justice to my feelings. It's very personal for me and I'm only writing about it because I hope it might help someone else. Because it is full of emotion for me I'm going to write it and share it a little at a time.
In fall of 2014 we were entering a new and exciting, but challenging, chapter in our homeschooling. Noah was starting high school, Eli was entering middle school, we were still working really hard to help Zeke overcome his reading struggles, and work with Essie to get her communicating effectively while always dealing with adoption related issues. Things were HARD. We decided to participate in Classical Conversations to give our homeschooling some additional structure. I was blessed with the opportunity to became a tutor with CC to help pay for it. We were busy. I was busy. My days were already filled with schooling and caring for my children and our home and then I added the additional responsibility of tutoring. But I quickly realized how much I had missed being in a classroom and I loved it. However, being new to CC and tutoring added another "hard" thing to my plate. I knew it was a only a season and that things would lighten up. I was doing my best to find JOY in the hard days. I was leaning on the Lord, forcing myself to give my struggles to Him daily. But I would still describe myself as overwhelmed.
Then, right before we were getting ready to take our annual beach vacation I got some shocking news. News that I was in no way prepared for.
I was pregnant.
Not planned.
I've shared before that I never enjoyed the baby phase with any of my kids. I just kept thinking how in the world can I take on even one more thing? All of my pregnancies have been difficult with lots of sickness. My babies are big making the last few months difficult and the labors hard.
With this discovery there were tears. Lots of tears. I can not even adequately share with you the emotions that I was feeling. Despair. Fear. Sadness. Why in the world would God give us another child when I was already feeling overwhelmed every day? How in the world would I cope with this? So much emotion and most of it was ugly.
You can go read Part 2 and part 3.
Adoption {1 year} – Part 2: Joy
Operation Christmas Child
I love that the boxes are collected right before Thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for and I want to teach my children to be generous. Thank you, Lord, for all of the blessings you have given to us!


text:
Shopping around for your next vacation? Check out these Cyber Monday Travel Deals! Like last year, many hotels, resorts and online booking agencies have slashed their prices for the holiday.
The Reefs in Bermuda: They are offering guests who stay four nights or more: 25 percent savings on travel from mid-March through April 30, 2012, or 20 percent savings on travel from May 1 through July 31, 2012. In addition, guests who take advantage of the Cyber Monday week-long sale also receive: Daily full-service breakfast, afternoon tea and nightly gourmet dinner and complimentary round-trip airport transfers (a $100 value).
Bolongo Bay Beach Resort in St. Thomas is offering a 50% Off Sale on all room-only rates in Oceanview accommodations. With the discount, rates are just $150 per day for two people plus tax, resort fee and energy charge. The sale is available for travel through December 22, 2011 and valid on any length of stay.
Trump Hotels is offering 30% off their hotels.
Intercontinental Chicago Magnificent Mile! Great time to go shopping for the holidays!
Pacifica Hotels is offering $50 off bookings on their California hotels by using promo code CM2011. Travel is good on stays through February 16, 2012 in California. Some exclusions and blackout dates may apply.
Kimpton's 12 hotels in Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia are launching a 72-Hour Sale, giving away top suites and specialty rooms for the price of a standard guestroom. The savings are up to 60%! Dates of travel are limited to December 15 to December 30, 2011. To book, visit and enter rate code 72SALE on the reservations page.
Affinia Hotels in NYC, Chicago, and Washington DC have their rooms discounted 10% for travel through November 28, 2012. In addition, all guests who book the Cyber Monday deal will receive a $50 credit to be used at the hotel for in-room goodies like treats from the mini bar, room service and more. Use promo code CYBER1.
Travelocity is offering savings up to 50% off. Cyber Monday Booking site: Travelocity.com/cybermonday
Loews Hotels is offering 20% off their base rates for travel between the dates of November 29, 2011 and March 31, 2012.
Starwood Hotels is offering 40% off their regular rates from January 1 – April 30, 2012. In order to access these deals you have to visit Starwood's Cyber Monday site.


text:
Project: Residence in Greenwoods Executive Village Location: Pasig City Product: Solartech Solar Water Heater 200LRead More
Project: Residence in Metro Manila Capacity: 1 x 200 litersRead More
4x200L Solartech Solar Heaters installed in San Nicolas, Ilocos NorteRead More
Project: Solartech Solar Water Heater Installation Location: Butuan City Product: Solartech Solar Water Heater Capacity: 150 Liters Yet another successful Solartech Solar Water Heater installation was completed recently in Butuan City. Just goes to show that Filipino consumers are gravitating…Read More
Project: Residence in Taytay, Rizal Capacity: 1 x 200 litersRead More
Project: Residence Capacity: 2 x 200 litersRead More
Project: Residence Capacity: 200 litersRead More
We have installed our first solar heater in Leyte, at a residence in the town of Carigara, which is 1.5 hours away from Tacloban. Join our more than 100+ customers who have joined the solar heating revolution.Read More
Another unit of our Solartech Solar Water Heater successfully installed in the hills of Antipolo.Read More
Our Solartech Solar Heater installed in the City of Pines, Baguio City, check out our Bestank Water Storage Tanks in the backgroundRead More


text:
Yoga Teacher Training Forum
Yoga Instructors: Would you like to network with fellow teachers worldwide? Here is a resource to find answers for every possible question regarding continuing education, improving your classes, student safety and much more.
April 27, 2015
There are all kinds of people who make up humanity. We need not speculate about the ranting. Vredinka started this thread and had a question. She wanted to know, "Is it possible to become a yoga teacher if you don't believe in God?" My answer is: Yes, but if you keep teaching Yoga, you'll experience spiritual growth.
Hari OM Tat Sat
Most Users Ever Online: 178
Currently Online:
11 Guest(s)
Currently Browsing this Page:
1 Guest(s)
Top Posters:
Priyah: 156
laparadis: 146
Yoga Paul: 138
ashmin: 98
Parell: 82
Gator: 77
diedwardo7: 77
Traci: 73
Yogi: 70
Don Briskin: 69
Newest Members:
Forum Stats:
Groups: 1
Forums: 24
Topics: 2788
Posts: 4276
Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 41
Members: 1889
Moderators: 1
Admins: 4
Administrators: Meredith, Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, Paul, Julie007
Moderators: techsupport


text:
It dawned on me today that I haven't been posting on here nearly as much as I should be, so to kick off my re-entry into the blogging world, I figured I would do a showcase of the authors that I have managed to collect on my Facebook page. After months of liking, sharing, and commenting on their posts, I have narrowed it down to a few that not only make me laugh out loud on a regular basis, but have also proven that social networking can do wonders when it comes to increasing your target audience!
Before I get into reiterating the importance of networking as stated in my post "Do: Network", here they are!
JamieBMusings is a music addict, book lover, pet servant & NaNoWriMo survivor. When she's not busy writing posts for CultureShock, she's taking pictures for her new obsession (That Photo Blog) and spending time with her husband and pets. Her first book, The Life and Times of No One in Particular, was released in May 2012.
You can find her blog here.
You can follow her on Twitter here.
Become a fan on Facebook here.
Add her to your circles on Google+ here.
Find her on Goodreads here.
Sharon Ricklin Jones
Sharon Ricklin Jones wrote her first contemporary romance novel while homeschooling her youngest son. After several long distance moves and eventually becoming an empty nester, it was finally time to get busy editing that book. That was about five years ago. All was going well – until she had the most vivid dream she'd ever had in her life. This dream inspired the birth of the Ravenswynd Series, and Sharon started writing in a new genre: Paranormal Romance. Or as she likes to call it – Romance with a Twist.
Sharon is a member of Romance Writers of America, the author of two blogs, and somewhat addicted to social networking. Now living in a small town in Wisconsin, she is currently working on two time-travel-romance novels, finishing the final edits on her fourth Ravenswynd novel, and hopes to one day re-write and edit that elusive first book – still safely tucked away under her bed.
You can find her book, Ravenswynd Legends (book one), at CreateSpace, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Smashwords. You can become a fan of her Facebook page here.
Samantha Towle
I started writing seriously in 2008 while on maternity leave with my son. I completed my first novel in five months and haven't stopped writing since. I'm the author of The Mighty Storm, The Bringer & the Alexandra Jones series.
I can't write a single word without listening to music. I listen to Kings of Leon, Adele, One Republic, The Doors, Muse, Oasis, Fleetwood Mac, Lady Gaga, Ed Sheeran and Lana Del Rey to name a few.
I was born in Hull. I graduated from Salford University in 2002 with a BSc (Hons) in Business and Marketing. I now live in East Yorkshire with my husband Craig, son Riley and daughter Isabella.
You can find her books on Amazon and become a fan of her Facebook page here.
Amber Lynn Natusch
If you're dying to know more about me, allow me to put you at ease. I'm a sharp-tongued, sarcastic cancer, who loves vegetable smoothies, winter storms, and the word portfolio. I should NEVER be caffeinated, and require at least eight hours of sleep to even resemble a human being. At thirty-four, I just now feel like I can keep a straight face while saying the word "rectum" (which is actually a huge lie because I just laughed out loud while reading this to my husband). I live with my iPod firmly affixed to my body, drive too fast, and laugh/cry at inappropriate times.
You can find her work on Barnes & Noble and Amazon. Become a fan on Facebook here and visit her website here.
Samantha Warren
Samantha Warren is a fantasy and science fiction author who spends her days immersed in dragons, spaceships, and vampires. With her pet dragon, Anethesis, she ventured to the ends of the universe, but the cost of space travel cut into her sock fetish fund, so she sold her ship and returned home. When she isn't writing, she's milking cows or trying to feed them Pop-Tarts. She spends a lot of time in her weed patch (aka: garden), watching any show featuring Gordon Ramsay, or posting random things on her blog. I currently have 7 novellas in an urban fantasy series, 2 epic fantasy novels, a YA fantasy novel, and a soon-to-be-published paranormal romance. The paranormal romance is a fun story about a faery hunter and King Arthur.
You can find her work on her website and become a fan of her Facebook page here.
That's the list for now! If you would like to be included on my next round of featured authors, head over to my Facebook page and give me a like! Keep an eye out for my next post asking for authors who would like to be featured!
As always, happy writing!


text:
Types of life insurance in Australia
Learn the types of cover available and what's right for you
Do you remember your last tweet or Facebook status? No? Well, the Internet will, even after you have passed away. Your family and friends have a new set of digital tools to grieve over your death because your life has been recorded online.
In area 2012 tragedy, Jessica Ghawi was gunned down during a midnight screening of The Dark Knight Rises.
This was Jessica Ghawi's last tweet before she died.
For Jessica Ghawi's friends and family, their digital grieving began on the 20th of July, 2012. One of the 12 victims of the Aurora Shooting in Colorado, Ghawi tweeted her excitement to a friend about going to watch 'The Dark Knight Rises' at the midnight screening. 30 minutes later Jessica was killed after suffering gunshots to the leg and head.
A month before the Batman Massacre, the aspiring sportscaster survived a separate shooting at the Eaton Center in Toronto. She blogged about the event and the 'empty, almost sickening feeling' it left in her chest. That blog post and the last few tweets she sent out before her death have been viewed by thousands globally. Her wit, her insights and her personality are captured digitally and preserved for friends, family and well-wishers who have never met Ghawi.
In honour of her memory, people used the hashtag #RIPJessica to memorialise her death on Twitter
Outpourings from the Internet grieving Jessica Ghawi's death
After her death, Ghawi's followers banded together and #RIPJessica trended, a fitting tribute as Ghawi was an active and engaged Twitter user. Her brother, Jordan Ghawi, blogged about the moments after her death and the establishment of an Official Jessica Redfield Sports Journalism Scholarship Fund in her name.
The outpouring of support for my family is overwhelming. Hearing from people from all over the world. My family thanks you. Let us continue to focus on the victims.Jordan Ghawi
Her friend and fellow sports-writer, Jesse Spector, wrote a tribute to her on sportingnews.com. He lamented the loss of a friend that, while their relationship occurred mostly in a digital space, was very dear to him.
It was pure silliness, sharply sarcastic and made me smile. Only now, her shout of "MOVIE DOESN'T START FOR 20 MINUTES" is just haunting.Jesse Spector
Below are stories of people who left messages online before they died. These include final tweets, tumblr posts, photos, forum posts and blogs.
Ervin McKinness, aged 21, died on the 2nd of September 2012 in Ontario, Canada. He tweeted "Drunk af going 120 drifting corners #F***It YOLO" 21 minutes before the car he was in ran a red light, lost control and crashed into someone's backyard, killing all 5 within. YOLO, popularised by the hip hop artist Drake in the song 'The Motto', means 'You Only Live Once'.
At 1:20 am, McKinness, @Ink2flashyy, tweeted his final tweet: "Driving tweeting sipping the cup f*** yolo I'm turning it up." The young rapper, going by Inkyy, had reportedly just been signed to a label. Four of the twenty-something year old males (including McKinness) were pronounced dead on the scene; the other, 23 year old Marquell Bogan, died not long after in a nearby hospital.
Indiana, USA, 20 year old Declan Sullivan worked as a cameraman for the Notre Dame football team, filming the team's practice session from a scissor lift platform 12 metres from the ground. On October 27th, 2010, Sullivan tweeted "Gusts of wind up to 60mph, well today will be fun at work ... I guess I've lived long enough" at 3:22 pm, followed by "holy f*** holy f*** this is terrifying" at 4:06 pm, less than half an hour before the scissor lift toppled over at 4:50 pm.
He was rushed to Memorial Hospital in South Bend where he later died. The team's coach, Brian Kelly, issued a statement 'Our thoughts and prayers go out to Declan's family and friends" while a memorial mass was led by the Notre Dame President. A memorial was erected not far from the spot where Sullivan died.
Ryan Dunn, 34, of Jackass famously posted a picture of himself drinking on his Twitter @ryandunntv on the 20th June 2012, hours before he drove his 2007 Porsche 911 GT3 through a guardrail in PA, USA.The car flew past roughly 40 metres of trees before hitting the guardrail and exploding, killing both Dunn and his passenger, friend Zachary Hartwell. Dunn was found to have a blood alcohol level over twice the legal limit.
Roger Ebert was one of the first to publicly condemn the stuntman for his actions, tweeting about the accident. Dunn's co-host Bam Margera responded to the comment with rage, "I have been crying for a full day and piece of s**t Roger Ebert has the gall to put in his 2 cents". Ebert replied on his website with "I [...] regret that my tweet about the event was considered cruel. It was not intended as cruel. It was intended as true." #RIPRyanDunn was a top trending topic on the day of his death.
Alexandra Kogut , 18, was brutally beaten to death, reportedly by her longterm boyfriend, Clayton Whittemore, 21, on the 29th of September 2012. The two high school sweethearts exchanged happy tweets in the week leading up to her death:
The last tweet went out at 12:13 am on the day of her murder, shortly before police suspect the first year communications major student was murdered. She was found in her dorm room at the State University of New York (SUNY) at around three in the morning. Whittemore was arrested an hour later but has since pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder. Kogut's twitter account has since been turned private.
Elizabeth Nass and Rose Mayr, both 19, were sitting near the train tracks, drinking in secret, when a CSX train carrying coal derailed and killed them both. On the 21st August 2012, the two young women climbed to the walkway beside the train tracks in Ellicott City, US, and tweeted a photo of their feet dangling over the edge. Later, 21 of the freight train's 80 cars derailed and toppled over, sending tonnes of coal below to crush a group of cars and the two teens. They died asphyxiated beneath the coal, but were not actually hit by train itself. The two train conductors were uninjured.
Nass went to the James Madison University in Virginia while Mayr attended the University of Delaware. Both Nass and Mayr's twitter accounts have now been blocked from public access.
It has been a natural progression for people to share their feelings and experiences on social media the same way they share all their other experiences. The access to digital tools is giving us new ways to mourn death and loss.
Kristie West, a Grief Specialist based in London, said that collective grief can happen on a much larger and much more open scale through social media. Sharing thoughts and feelings with millions of people around the world can now be easily done with social media, which also provides a platform for interaction between them. In response to such deaths and disaster, solidarity and support are often shown through a formation of Facebook groups, as an example, bringing a community connection.
West also said that social media has changed the way we connect with others and it is transforming the method of how people express and share their grief in the event of a death. With social media, she believes that people can be more open about their experiences. It also puts the topics of death and grief in others more often, which is really important, as it adds more awareness surrounding death.
Many popular social media websites are able to memorialise a person's profile after they die, or provide the opportunity to create a shrine to a lost loved one, for example:
A new set of tools to grieve online:
Digital mourning is giving us more and more unique ways to express the feelings of grief when we lose a loved one. The cases below show how this has changed.
In Chester Township, PA, USA, the Hunt Irving Funeral Home held it's first skype service for Ronald H. James. The idea evolved from the deceased's sister, Reverend Dr. Zenobia A. James, having used the technology to undertake a Penn State University course by distance.
Relatives from around the country, California, Illinois and Columbia were able to participate in the memorial without having to incur travel expenses, time away from work and family and to pay their last respects without the sense or urgency and frantic rush of last-minute travel. With smartphone offering the Skype platform, we may see this becoming a norm at funeral services.
Derek K. Miller. a prolific blogger, detailed his battle with cancer until the day of his death. In his own words, "I was born on June 30, 1969 in Vancouver, Canada, and I died in Burnaby on May 3, 2011, age 41, of complications from stage 4 metastatic colorectal cancer. We all knew this was coming."
The post goes on to detail how he met his wife, his thoughts on death and the grandeur, or lack of, inherent in it. Family, friends and fans can read through the archive of his posts, all written in a casual and conversational tone, to relive the man and his life, from discovering he was diabetic in 1991 to listening to Adele's 27 album a few months before his death.
Today, it is possible that people find themselves memorialised digitally in some form in the future.
The following stories show how the death of public figures and celebrities ignite social media channels. Millions of fans pay their respect through blogging, videos, tweets and heartfelt messages.
The King of Pop, Michael Jackson needs no introduction. He has become a household name and icon to millions. His death, at only 50 years old, on the 25th June 2009 shocked the world and distraught fans over the whole globe turned to the internet for comfort. Web usage jumped to 4.2 million global users per minute, over double the norm. 8/10 of the top albums, 8/10 of the top music videos and 5/10 of the top songs on iTunes were his. 23% of all tweets on Twitter were MJ themed and he was trending in 9/10 of the top Twitter topics.
Jackson's memorial on the 9th July was watched by over 31 million Americans and 9.7 million streamed the service from CNN.com alone, global web traffic for the event's duration rising from 19-33%. Fans flocked to his Walk of Fame star and smothered it with flowers.
The famed 'Bodyguard' star and soulful singer Whitney Houston, aged 48, died on the 11th of February 2012. Various artists performed in her honour at her funeral ranging from R. Kelly and Alicia Keys to Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Hudson performing the deceased star's iconic 'I Will Always Love You' in tribute at the 54th Grammy Awards.
Fans of the starlet left flowers en masse outside the Beverly Hilton Hotel where she passed away from an accidental drowning, likely resulting from cocaine and various other drugs use. Over 2 million tweets and retweets were sent out in the first hour after the news broke, #IWillAlwaysLoveYou trending on the microblogging social media site. YouTube was flooded with tribute videos and heartfelt goodbyes from fans to Whitney.
On the 22nd January, 2008, Heath Ledger was found unconscious by his masseuse and his housekeeper on his bed in his loft apartment in SoHo. The award-winning actor had died and paramedics were unable to revive him. Autopsy reports found the cause of death to be an accidental toxic combination of prescription drugs commonly associated with depression, anxiety, insomnia, pain and treatment of the common cold.
The aftermath of his death was felt by many, but largely by Australians for their loss of an iconic Aussie-boy (Ledger was born in Perth), with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd publicly announcing a memorial. His work in 'The Dark Knight Rises' (his second-to-last film) was critically and publicly well received, earning him posthumous a Golden Globe and Academy Award. A few ads for the film were pulled in light of his death. He has many YouTube video tributes and a memorial website, Heathheathens.net.
Lady Di passed away on the 31st August 1997 after a fatal car crash at the Pont De l'Alma road tunnel in Paris that killed her, her companion Dodi Fayed, and their driver Henri Paul. The only survivor was their bodyguard Trevor Rees-Jones. Despite rumours of M16 involvement, the crash was deemed accidental in 2008 due to reckless driving on behalf of the inebriated driver.
It's estimated that 2.5 billion people worldwide tuned in to watch her funeral at Westminster Abbey. It's no surprise that the public has continued showing their support for the 'People's Princess' online. There are numerous websites created in her honour and Youtube videos to mourn her passing. One video features the musical rendition of 'Candle in the Wind' by Elton John rewritten specifically for the princess' funeral service.
Apple founder and head, Steve Jobs, passed away on October 5th, 2011, after an ongoing battle with pancreatic cancer. His death caused a massive stir on the internet, an unprecedented 10,000 tweets circled the loss going out every second during the height of the news. It was a global tragedy, only 68% of those tweets being in English. 11 of the top Twitter trends were Jobs related, including #iSad and inspirational quotes from Jobs flooded Facebook and Twitter.
Job's biography by Walter Isaacson flew up 418 spots on Amazon's sales ranks to nab the number one position, an increase of 41,700% in pre-sales. The book's publish date was brought forward four full weeks to accommodate the influx of buyers.
Not every celebrity death is well received. And not every celebrity death is even real.
The celebrity death hoax is not a novel phenomenon - Steve Burns and Scott Baio have been 'dead' since 1997 and Bill Cosby has 'died' no less than four times. Morgan Freeman's particular iteration of the fad began on the Facebook page 'R.I.P. Morgan Freeman' which has over 60,000 likes. He is only the latest in the morbid internet meme, and likely not the last. Freeman's representative had to publicly announce "Morgan is alive and well, and joins the long list of actors who have been victimised by this hoax" to E Online.
Facebook pages about Morgan Freeman now have written in the 'About' section "He's still alive and well, stop believing what you see on the internet."
With the internet being an open forum, these hoaxes crop up often and repeatedly. Essentially, they are harmless and easily dissipated. Less so are the cases where online memorials were 'trolled'. R.I.P Trolls are a next level in the mockery of death online.
The anonymous nature of the internet has created the perfect environment for harassment, where people known as 'trolls' make insensitive comments about other users to spread hate. Unfortunately the attacks from trolls are not limited to the profiles and pages of living users, and some trolls will even make these distasteful and hurtful comments on memorial websites and the profile pages of the deceased.
The hurt and despair felt by the family and victims of a RIP Troll is hard to imagine – on top of the grief and loss they are feeling, they see hateful comments and obscene photos posted by strangers to incite and spread anger. In the case of RIP Trolls on Facebook, the behaviour can be reported to the Facebook team, who will remove the offensive posts and disable the Troll's account. The site also relies on self regulation and careful moderation by the page owners. Self regulation through careful moderation by page owners and other users is also very important as it is the most direct and fastest form of treatment against Trolls.
While the recommended course of action for dealing with Trolls is to ignore and 'not feed the Trolls'.
Here are some simple tips to consider when protecting a loved one's profile:
The biggest threats to public memorial pages on the internet are R.I.P Trolls, but their distasteful behaviour is not without consequence. The Internet is not a wholly unregulated forum for abuse. In many countries, laws and systems have been put in place to ensure that this kind of attitude is not tolerated.
Chief among these forward-thinking nations is the U.K. with their Communications Act 2003. The legislation has already been used in the latter half of 2011 to try one R.I.P troll who defaced the memorial page of the 15 year old Worcestershire teen, Natasha MacBryde. He posted insensitive comments, calling her a 'spoiled little slut', despite never having met MacBryde, and even created a video mocking MacBryde's manner of death; she jumped in front of a train and the vandal's video, 'Tasha the Tank Engine', mocked that by using MacBryde's face on the children's character, Thomas the Tank Engine. The page became a popular spot for other trolls, inciting comments like 'I heard she caught the midnight train going no where' and images such as a Simpsons screenshot of Lisa's valentines card saying "I Choo- Choo- Choose You" with a picture of a train.
The troll responsible for the video was tried for the MacBryde comments, but also for three separate cases of trolling memorial pages. Lauren Drew, 14, Hayley Bates, 16 and Jordan Cooper, 14, were all victims of R.I.P Trolls, their families understandably distraught by the comments but consoled in that the perpetrator was sentenced to 18 weeks. Despite the defence citing his Aspergers Syndrome and alcoholism as contributing factors, he was also given an Asbo barring him from any social media access for five years.
A person is guilty of an offense if s/he sends by means of a public electronic communications network a message or other matter that is grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character
-Section 127 of the Communications Act 2003, Improper use of public electronic communications network
There are multiple cases of R.I.P Trolls who have been tried under this particular section of the legislation. The previous year, in Manchester, another troll was tried and sentenced for posting insensitive comments, defaced images and sexual slurs on the memorial pages of Jade Goody (a reality TV star who died of cancer). In this case, the prosecuting lawyer commented on the defendants attitude: 'The defendant told police that he finds the comments amusing. He said it causes reaction".
Another case of trolling concerns April Jones, the 5 year old girl with cerebral palsy who went missing from her yard in Wales in October, 2012. The comment, likening the missing girl to the Madeleine McCann case, was posted during the height of the search for the young girl, inciting the 215,000 members of the Facebook page to anger. He, being from Lancashire in the U.K, was charged under the Communications Act 2003, section 127, and sentenced to 12 weeks in an Young Offender Institution.
Social media and the internet can be used for wonderful purposes, but there do exist those who will abuse the forum to troll. Making hurtful and abusive comments online and on memorial websites, saying things they would never say to a person's face, is cowardly behaviour and it won't go unpunished.
While online memorials can help friends and family of a lost loved one find closure, recent cases have shown the power that these memorial sites have in jeopardising court proceedings as online anger surges against the accused.
In Australia, a teenager by the name of Thomas Kelly, 18, was murdered in July at Kings Cross, the well-known Sydney red light district. Kelly was walking with his girlfriend when he got struck in the head by Kieran Loveridge, 17, just after 10 PM. Loveridge, having gone on a rampage before crossing paths with Kelly, assaulted an 18-year-old boy just before and two other men after within the same area. All attacks were unprovoked and occurred in just under an hour. While the other victims survived Kelly tragically passed away two days later. Kelly's case quickly sparked strong opinions across different social media networks. Loveridge's pictures sprang up all over Facebook and Twitter with accusations of 'murderer' and "monster" along with them. An anonymous user was reported after opening a Twitter account under the name 'Kieran Loveridge', sending photos of the accused to journalists and media organisations.
Trial by social media, as they call it, caused a red flag amongst Australian legal experts as it posed a threat to criminal cases. It is important to remember that the accused has the right of presumption of innocence and for a fair trial. Associate Professor Alex Steel, from the University of New South Wales' (UNSW) law school, said that people publishing comments online on social media networks without thinking of the consequences can be problematic.
Your life is transitioning online, therefore it is important to prepare for your digital death, in the same way you would for a physical death. Plan the legacy you want to leave behind for your family to remember you by, and the thoughts, experiences and images you want to share with future generations.
As you consider how your digital self is going to live on through changes in technology, communication and data storage, consider how your family will memorialise you, and how your friends and family will continue to interact and remember you after you're gone.
Learn the types of cover available and what's right for you
You could be missing out on additional super returns.
It depends on your circumstances.
What's the average cost in Australia?
finder.com.au is one of Australia's leading comparison websites. We compare from a wide set of major banks, insurers and product issuers.
finder.com.au has access to track details from the product issuers listed on our sites. Although we provide information on the products offered by a wide range of issuers, we don't cover every available product. You should consider whether the products featured on our site are appropriate for your needs and seek independent advice if you have any questions.
Products marked as 'Promoted' or "Advertisement" are prominently displayed either as a result of a commercial advertising arrangement or to highlight a particular product, provider or feature. Finder may receive remuneration from the Provider if you click on the related link, purchase or enquire about the product. Finder's decision to show a 'promoted' product is neither a recommendation that the product is appropriate for you nor an indication that the product is the best in its category. We encourage you to use the tools and information we provide to compare your options and find the best option for you.
The identification of a group of products, as 'Top' or 'Best' is a reflection of user preferences based on current website data. On a regular basis, analytics drive the creation of a list of popular products. Where these products are grouped, they appear in no particular order.
Where our site links to particular products or displays 'Go to site' buttons, we may receive a commission, referral fee or payment.
We try to take an open and transparent approach and provide a broad based comparison service. However, you should be aware that while we are an independently owned service, our comparison service does not include all providers or all products available in the market.
Some product issuers may provide products or offer services through multiple brands, associated companies or different labelling arrangements. This can make it difficult for consumers to compare alternatives or identify the companies behind the products. However, we aim to provide information to enable consumers to understand these issues.
Providing or obtaining an estimated insurance quote through us does not guarantee you can get the insurance. Acceptance by insurance companies is based on things like occupation, health and lifestyle. By providing you with the ability to apply for a credit card or loan we are not guaranteeing that your application will be approved. Your application for credit products is subject to the Provider's terms and conditions as well as their application and lending criteria.
Please read our website terms of use for more information about our services and our approach to privacy.


text:
The aim of prophylaxis is to offer protection against infectious diseases. Today, more and more people are turning to homoeopathy for prophylactic medications. They are disillusioned with the modern vaccination regime. Are we doing homoeoprophylaxis in the right way? Hahnemann has left no gaps in applying the principles of homoeopathy to every possible ailments of mankind. The organon of Medicine, sixth edition has given a complete set of guidelines to treating and preventing epidemic diseases. Examples of application of his methodology can be found in his Lesser Writings. In chronic diseases too, he makes a mention of how anti psoric treatment be altered when the patient is affected with epidemics. His ardent followers too made use of his wise philosophy.
Epidemic diseases attack several persons at the same time. They have the same cause; as such they present similar signs and symptoms. The epidemics may attack a person once in a lifetime, giving the person life long immunity against that disease. Or there are certain epidemics which recur frequently in the same manner.
In case taking of an epidemic disease, it should be kept in mind to view it as a new disease. The detailed case taking is essential for each break-out of the disease as the picture of the disease might be changed when they appear at different times. Hahnemann stresses on a detailed case taking of cases and not to be prejudiced by the symptom picture of a previous break out. The physician is to examine several cases, in people of different constitutions, so that the picture of the disease is clear and a suitable remedy be selected for it. The picture definitely gets clearer when the physician examines more cases. The remedy should be capable of repelling the infectious agent and eliminating the signs and symptoms as well. "...A remedy that is capable of quickly checking a disease at its onset, must be its preventive." When several patients are examined, the significant symptoms can be discerned. Hahnemann says in his Lesser Writings, that the prophylactic remedy was capable of removing the disease when the first signs of it appears. Moreover, it was effective in the treatment of after sufferings as well. The following are the details, Hahnemann wrote for the prevenion of scarlet fever in the "Cure and Prevention of Scarlet- fever" in 1801.
1. Prophylactic: In his Lesser writings, Hahnemann gives a detailed description of how he administered Belladonna during the outbreak of scarlet fever. He repeated Belladonna every seventy two hours (as the action of the drug does not last for more than 3 days) as a prophylactic. The dose is given as long as the epidemic lasts and four to five weeks thereafter. If the epidemic is violent, it would be advisable to give the second dose twenty four hours after the first, the third dose thirty six hours after the second, the fourth dose forty eight hours after the third. Thereafter, the doses may be taken every seventy two hours.
2. During the Disease : During the earlier stage of the disease, the same medicine could be given. There is usually a prodromal stage for epidemics during which the infected persons develop slight discomforts, malaise etc. Hahnemann particularly say, " I found also that the same remedy given at the period when the symptoms indicative of the invasion of the disease occurs, stifles the fever in its very birth...". The duration of the disease and the consequences could be diminished if treatment be given at this stage. But if the disease has progressed to an advanced stage the remedy will need to be altered.
3. After Sufferings : In scarlet fever, Hahnemann mentions that Belladonna was sufficient to remove the after sufferings of the disease. However, if the original disease was violent and proper treatment was not given, another remedy may be needed.
Boenninghausen mentions in his Lesser Writings that he used Thuja in 200th potency both as curative and prophylactic for small pox with favourable results.
In "Cure and Prevention of Cholera" Hahnemann says not to use the preventive until the cholera is in the locality itself or in the neighbourhood.
The use of the prophylactic remedy does not disturb the health of children or a healthy person.
In "Chronic Diseases", Hahnemann says that where epidemic diseases arise in a chronic case undergoing antipsoric treatment, the antipsoric treatment will have to be discontinued for the time being and other remedies may be used.
Hahnemann, again in Chronic Diseases mentions that the epidemics if they do not terminate quickly and pass into good health, would require an antipsoric medicine, most likely to be sulphur if the patient has not used medicines containing sulphur just before.
Those suffering from the disease should be isolated. Every possible measures should be taken to contain the germs from spreading. Hygiene should be maintained. Those not yet sick could keep to their usual food, drinks and exercise. Care must be taken to avoid excess in these. The attending physician too should be careful, lest he himself gets infected or become the source of spreading the contagion.
In Kent's Lectures, under Tuberculinum, he mentions in the introduction that it would be isopathy to use syphillinum for the cure of syphillis, medorrhinum to treat anything related to gonorrhoea. Again in the same chapter Kent mentions "If tuberculinum bovinum be given in 10M, 50M, and CM potencies, two doses of each potency at long intervals, all children and young people who have inherited tuberculosis may be immuned from their inheritance and their resiliency be restored." But do note that while speaking of tuberculinum in inheritance of pthisis, he does mention "where symptoms agree in addition to that inheritance." Hahnemann has warned in chronic diseases that the nosodes (psorin) be proved enough to recommend it as a safe homoeopathic medicine. It so happens that not all the nosodes have been proved like the other drugs.
The use of nosodes as a prophylactic is an emerging trend. The use of diphtherinum for diphtheria, pertussinum for pertussis etc. Hahnemann has clearly stated that each epidemic disease be treated as a new one and the prophylaxis should be selected accordingly. Thus how can this blanket use of a drug for a diagnosis be justified? There is even a trend of using these nosodes as a prophylactic for childhood epidemic diseases. But when Hahnemann has stated that the prophylactic drug be given when the disease is atleast in the locality or neighbourhood, how can you explain the reason behind this? If you are one to say that why my child be the first case of an epidemic disease, I am at a loss to explain. I, myself need a clarity in the matter.


text:
The Georgia House Judiciary Committee took up a bill last week that would "prohibit requiring a person to be implanted with a microchip," and would make violating the ban a misdemeanor. According to a report in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, one exchange from the hearing could have been ripped right from Dr. Strangelove.[...]
"Ma'am, did you say you have a microchip?" state Rep. Tom Weldon (R) asked the woman.
"Yes, I do. This microchip was put in my vaginal-rectum area," she replied.
No one laughed. [...]
"And who in the federal government implanted it?" Willard asked.
"The Department of Defense."
The worst part - or the best, depending on how much you appreciate the special kind of insanity that is the human race - is that, after hearing testimony that should have been evidence that they were being stupid and crazy at the same time, they passed the bill. Take that, Department of Defense!


text:
3 years ago
FARMINGTON, CT - O,R&L Commercial, LLC is pleased to announce the lease of 811 SF and 2,600 SF located 30 & 50 Stanford Drive, Farmington, CT 06032 in the Farmington Mountain Office Park. The 811 SF space at 30 Stanford Drive was leased to Intelexual Software, LLC and the 2,600 SF space at 50 Stanford Drive was leased to Executive Talent Service, LLC. Jay L. Morris and Robert Gaucher, CCIM, SIOR of O,R&L Commercial represented the landlord, Siebar Farmington, LLC and the tenants, Intelexual Software, LLC and Executive Talent Service, LLC were unrepresented.
O,R&L Commercial, LLC with offices in Branford and Rocky Hill represents landlords, tenants, sellers and buyers in the office, retail, medical, multi-family, investment and industrial markets.
O,R&L Integrated Services is a full service real estate firm that specializes in Commercial Real Estate Brokerage, Commercial Construction, and Facility Management and Maintenance. For additional information on this sale or other transactions you may contact O,R&L Commercial at 860-721-0033 or 203-488-1555 and for more information regarding O,R&L Commercial, visit online at www.orlcommercial.com.


text:
mux wrote:Then there's very little use - just use Brusa chargers instead. Way cheaper and you can triple them up to go three phase.
The easiest way to intercept battery messages is right at the VCM, because nothing else uses the unique battery messages. Only the computed values sent out by the VCM. So just interrupt the CAN bus behind the glove box at the VCM connector and you're golden.
If you really want to be sure to only get the LBC messages, you don't need to remove the battery pack. Just put the car on a bridge or drive it onto some wooden beams if you don't have a bridge at your disposal, disconnect the 12V, go under the car and remove the second belly panel. There you have full access to the battery signal connector, use the pinout in the service manual to tap the CAN bus. If you don't feel secure dangling electronics under the car, extend the wires (try to keep CANH/CANL equal length) and run them into the car through one of the many rubber cable glands.
mux wrote: You can build an 11kW AC charger for 1500 bucks with those, or 22kW for about 2500. Not quite as cheap as DC quick charging with a CCS retrofit, but close.


text:
224 porcelain Traditional crafts
224 porcelain
224 porcelain has its studio in Ureshino of Saga prefecture. Ureshino is famous for hot spring, Japanese tea, and "Hizen Yoshida porcelain." The products of 224 porcelain is based on this Hizen Yoshida porcelain. In fact, Hizen Yoshida porcelain has a long history as 400 years.
224porcelain is a new porcelain brand based on this Hizen Yoshida porcelain.
The products of 224 porcelain is designed by Fumiaki Goto, Akira Mabuchi and Satoshi Tsuji.
The three designers keep their own originalities, and producing what makes the users' heart rich.
Series List of 224 porcelain
Clean atmosphere! White teapot and serving platters of SUI series
[224 porcelain] Simple white teapots and serving platters of SUI series. Beautiful white porcelain makes the color of drink and food stand out. In addition to daily use, white tea sets are recommended for gifts as well.
Paper-free coffee pour over cone
[224 porcelain] Caffe hat is a ceramic coffee pour over cone. This ceramic coffee filter does not need a paper filter. Furthermore, the porous ceramics make the coffee delicious. If you are looking for a new coffee filter, this is the one!


text:
- Font:
- +
- -
BELGRADE, Serbia-Montenegro — The main suspect in a landmark trial of five Serb militiamen charged with the videotaped execution of six Bosnian Muslims said Tuesday he would have killed the soldier who filmed it if he knew it would become public.
The suspects, whose trial opened Tuesday in Belgrade, were charged after the June airing of the gruesome 1995 video showing six civilians being taken from a truck with their hands tied, lined up on a hillside near Srebrenica and sprayed with machine-gun fire.
The five face up to 40 years in jail if convicted. Serbia has abolished the death penalty.
None of the defendants entered a plea because it was not required by the Serbian judicial system. Instead, the judge immediately began questioning the accused, starting with main defendant Slobodan Medic.
No sign of remorse
Medic, the commander of the dreaded Serb "Scorpions" paramilitary unit, showed no remorse for the slayings during his opening remarks, saying that if he had known that the footage would become public, he would have "killed like a rabbit" the Serb soldier who did the filming.
As many as 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were killed when Bosnian Serb troops overran Srebrenica in 1995. It was Europe's worst mass killing since World War II.
Medic insisted he did not order the executions of civilians, but he added he could not control some of his soldiers, who were eager to kill rival Muslims after losing family members allegedly brutally slain by Bosnian Muslim fighters.
"I think I did everything the best I could, considering the circumstances," Medic said. "The footage is now in the center of attention but back then it was irrelevant. Now it can cost me my freedom."
The footage, first shown in June at the U.N. war crimes tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands, showed four Bosnian Muslim men being shot dead from behind. The two others were ordered to carry the bodies into a nearby barn where they, too, were killed.
"There is no death sentence, but I hope justice will be served for those monsters," said Sajma Saltic — whose brother Sadik, 36, was among the six executed.
The footage, which caused public outrage in Bosnia as well as in Serbia, was first shown at the U.N. tribunal's trial of former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic, indicted for atrocities during the Bosnian and other Balkan wars.
The footage was considered by some legal experts strong evidence linking Milosevic to the Srebrenica killings.
Bid to call squad members rejected
However, The Hague tribunal last week denied war crimes prosecutors their request to call the members of the killing squad seen in the video. The tribunal said the footage was not considered important enough to reopen the prosecution part of Milosevic's trial.
Medic seemed very cautious not to implicate Milosevic or other Belgrade officials. He insisted that his unit was formed by rebel Serbs in neighboring Croatia, that it was based there and came to Bosnia merely "in response to appeals for help" from fellow Serbs in Bosnia at the time of crucial territorial battles there.
The indictment read out at the Belgrade court Tuesday said the Scorpions unit numbered about 500 men and fought on three occasions in Bosnia during the 1992-95 war there.
Defense lawyer Miroslav Perkovic expressed doubt about "the questionable and obviously edited video."
"Some segments appear authentic, but it is necessary to reassess its veracity," Perkovic said, adding that the broadcasting of the footage has "created a highly prejudiced atmosphere against the defendants."
Meanwhile, Serbian war crimes prosecutor Vladimir Vukcevic said the indictment may even be expanded to include more suspects. He did not elaborate but said "more evidence keeps coming in."
© 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


text:
MSG is bad for us right? Well, it all depends on who you believe. I'm using MSG as an example here, but this situation probably occurs with every product available – which research can you trust? I saw an article today about soy milk vs cow's milk and there were so many varied and opinionated responses in the comments section that reflect how individual our diets can be.
Firstly, what most debaters can agree on about MSG, condensed into about three lines and as my best interpretation – a Japanese scientist in the early 1900s wondered why a particular type of seaweed soup tasted so good, and discovered MSG was the responsible party. He extracted the compound from the seaweed and 'bottled' it. It came to 'western' cultures after WWII, when American troops occupying a Japanese base wondered why the Japanese rations tasted so much better than their spam. They took samples home and MSG is now used in as a flavour enhancer in more items than we care to imagine.
If one is interested enough, or feels like looking, there is plenty of research to suggest that MSG causes more problems than just the occasional headache from eating Chinese food. Scientists opposed to it have linked it to many conditions/diseases like Autism, ADHD, Diabetes/Obesity and Cancer; as well as plenty of issues surrounding it's effect on unborn/newborn/ailing.
This kind of research is of course not good publicity for the fakefood* companies that depend on MSG for profit, and they try hard to push the case for it's continued use. If one purely listens to mainstream media, one is likely to come across articles such as this that seem to relieve MSG of all blame. First question that springs to my mind is – How much do such journalists get paid? Of course, this research is also conducted by scientists, so who or what to believe is still the question.
A large indicator for me that companies put profits before people is their active promotion of less transparent labeling for food, confirmed with a quick glance at the alternative names for MSG. If I see any of these names on an ingredients list –
Hydrolyzed anything
Yeast Extract
anything Protein
E621 or additive 621 or flavour 621 or anything else 620-625
– then the product goes back on the shelf. These are just the more common replacements, there are plenty more at this website. The issue for me with this list is that (yeast extract) vegemite pizza is such a good hangover cure, but we've managed to reduce our intake to about every second weekend. Chips/crisps are another problem, and a main culprit for MSG-addictiveness. I had an experience over a year ago where I ate most of a box of Pringles myself, and woke up the next morning with what felt like a hangover despite not drinking anything. After devouring a vegemite pizza, I swore off Pringles for life (successful so far), and only eat plain salted chips now. Know what – they're good enough to satisfy the junk cravings.
So, clearly my feet are firmly planted on the 'bad for us' side of the fence, for three reasons. Firstly, I believe that anytime we process or extract anything from it's natural state, we alter it in a way that changes how it behaves. So while MSG that exists in tomatoes or breast milk is fine for us, the additive is bad. Secondly, if the product is harmless (or any product for that matter), why do companies fight labelling laws? There should be nothing to hide. Lastly, I like to follow the money on these things; who has more to gain here – a huge company dependant on this product for maximizing profit, or an individual with a few book sales at best. I trust wherever the money isn't.
Small Habit, Big Change – Buy plain salted chips instead of MSG-filled ones
*fakefood is my new name for things that we put in our mouth but are not really food.


text:
Desert Shadow® Camo from King's Camo® is an innovative new camouflage option for all GunSkins Camouflage Wraps. This exclusive pattern was designed for hunting in Western Terrain. This "Desert" specific pattern offers a solution that few others provide, a perfect blend of desert sand, sage green, and natural break-up that makes hunting mule deer, elk, pronghorn, and coyote easier and safer.
Optimal locations to wear Desert Shadow include the deserts of Mexico and the open plains of Kansas. As a matter of fact, from Africa to Alberta, in the open sage brush flats to transition zones from grasses to brush, King's Desert Shadow have been proven effective throughout the world as one of the most effective hunting camouflage patterns on the market.
The "King of Camo"
King's Camo specializes in hunting camouflage. All of their camouflage designs boast diverse application and realistic colors blended with high definition designs. King's entire line of camouflage patterns offer concealment options to match any condition and any terrain on the planet. Their industry leading designs are high resolution and extremely detailed.
The market has already responded positively to King's Camo Patterns when applied to hunting apparel. King's Camo enhanced their designs to match the trends of the latest technology and demands of the modern hunter. The Performance line of King's offers hunting clothing and gear and look better, dry quicker, breath faster, wear longer and perform at a level you can only get from King's. When applied on GunSkins we're devoted to match the same quality and color you would expect from King's themselves.


text:
Dissertation is huge writing and research process based on strong topic or question. Master degrees and doctoral degree level students should write dissertation related on their academic task. Dissertation needs more time for investigation and research. So time losing is may come. Students are not considering time management system when writing their dissertation; therefore most of the students are struggling to complete their paper. Dissertation has many stages of writing. Before doing paper works, you have to complete your research and information gathering. After getting result you can express your statement through your writing process. Writing a dissertation give many problems and troubles. As a good writer you can solve these problems with help of best dissertation writing service. You can see abstract chapter in third page of dissertation. Abstract is not written by writer of dissertation. It written by outsider and he/she will gives a small summary about topic and what you had done in dissertation.
Abstract is a small piece of summary with 300 – 400 words. Abstract gives a picture about your dissertation to readers. It explain about dissertation with your topic importance, what and which methods and research are used in writing, about your thesis statement, methodology chapter, data resources, and suggestion, etc. abstract writing is writing in last and this is an overall review about your dissertation. Don't use words like we, I, because these words indication third person presences in abstract. If you have any doubts on writing abstract, best dissertation writing service is solution for your problems. Write my dissertation paper using our best paper writing services. We know how to handle your writing problems and our writers give best college dissertation and write my paper earlier that due date. We know many students stuck to complete and write my college dissertation abstract chapter. This service is one of best essay writing service at online. So you can approach our writer without any fear and confusion.


text:
- This event has passed.
Summer Huddles
July 9, 2018 @ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Stay connected with others this summer through one of our Summer Huddles. These are different groups that meet at different times for different purposes. A couple of our huddles are: Family Fun Nights – Monday nights at the park, and Financial Book Study – Wednesday nights. Beginning the week of June 17 and running through the end of July.


text:
The Gujarati keyboard labels conformto the Gujarati keyboard layout in Windows. The labels are printed on clear Lexan® so the original key legend shows through; this allows you to add Gujarati labels to your existing keyboard so that it becomes a bilingual keyboard (Gujarati) and the original language of your keyboard). The labels are available in blue letters on clear labels (for beige and light colored keyboards) and white letters on clear labels (for dark colored keyboards). This language is supported in Windows 7, Vista and XP; other versions of Windows will require an Input Method Editor (IME) from Microsoft or third-party software.
Gujarati labels are a very economical option for creating a bilingual Gujarati keyboard. The language labels use an easy peel-and-stick method to install. They will not damage the original keyboard key. The letters are printed on the underside of the Gujarati labels so that the lettering will not wear out. This affords you with many years of durable use.
DataCallanguage labels are designed to fit desktop and laptop computer keyboards.
Labelsize: 7/16" w X 9/16" H (11mm W X 14mm H)
How to Setup an International Language in Windows
You must first configure Windows for the international language that you wish to use. After you configure Windows, you will be able to manually select the international language when you wish to use it. For additional information on language setup, see the Windows Help file system of contact Microsoft technical support.
Setup instructions for Windows 7 and Vista
Setup instructions for Windows XP
Setup instructions for Windows ME
Setup instructions for Windows XP
Setup instructions for Windows ME
Instructions for Typing inGujarati in Windows
The AltGr Key
Many languages include more characters than can be typed on a standard computer keyboard. To solve this problem, additional characters may be assigned to the right AltGr key (the right Alt key) and/or the Shifted AltGr key. In Europe, the right Alt key is referred to as the AltGr key.In the United States, it is merely the right Alt key. It is important to note that the left Alt key cannot be used as the AltGr key.
Combination Keys
Many languages that use a complex script method of input, such as Arabic, Hebrew, Punjabi, Hindi, etc., require that you type two or more keys in combination to product certain characters. This system is different from the AltGr deadkey because it does not use the AltGr (i.e., theright Alt key) to produce the characters.
To type the combination characters, first press the key for the first letter in the combination; nothing will display on the screen. Next press the second letter required in the combination. When the combination is complete, it will display on the screen. Languages use more key combinations than can be listed here. The user should experiment with the language setup in Windows to see exactly what is required to produce the necessary characters using the key combinations.


text:
Leaded Glass San Diego, CA -
Leaded Windows, Doors, & Mirrors
San Diego Leaded Glass
SGO Designer Glass is a San Diego leaded glass company that offers beautiful template and custom leaded glass items for your residence or business.
Come visit our elegant San Diego leaded glass gallery which has many fine examples of leaded glass windows, leaded glass doors, leaded glass panels, leaded glass cabinets, and leaded glass mirrors. We have both antique leaded glass items and contemporary leaded glass items to choose from.
We use only the finest leaded glass materials to ensure our San Diego customers the highest possible quality. After visiting our showroom, we think you'll agree that the quality of our lead glass windows, lead glass doors and other lead glass items is second to none.
Leaded Glass Windows
Our leaded glass windows, leaded glass window panels and leaded glass window panes enhance the look and feel of your home, church or organization. In addition to seeing many leaded glass window examples in our San Diego leaded glass studio, you'll have the opportunity to review catalogs and pictures illustrating many different leaded glass window designs and patterns that we have done for satisfied clients.
We can also do custom lead glass windows and leaded glass window panes. Please contact us today for a quote on custom made leaded glass windows or stop by our San Diego leaded glass windows store at 4010 Morena Blvd Suite 103 in San Diego, just a few blocks from Costco.
Leaded Glass Doors
Leaded glass doors help distinguish the discriminating homeowner or commercial enterprise from all the others. Here at SGO Designer Glass of San Diego, we have many different types of leaded glass doors and leaded glass door panels for you to choose from. When you are looking to buy a leaded glass door in San Diego, please call us first. We will help you in any way we can. Stop by our San Diego leaded glass shop to see the lead glass doors we have on display.
Leaded Glass Mirrors and Other Leaded Glass Items
At SGO Designer Glass of San Diego, we also offer leaded glass mirrors, leaded glass dividers, leaded glass panels and leaded glass cabinet doors. When you want to buy a leaded glass mirror or a wide variety of other beautiful leaded glass pieces, we are the San Diego leaded glass supplier to call. Since we are one of the premier suppliers of stained glass San Diego we can also provide you with beautiful leaded stained glass doors, leaded stained glass windows and other lead stain glass items.
Custom Leaded Glass
Can't find exactly the exact leaded glass pattern you were looking for anywhere in San Diego? No problem. SGO Designer Glass is proud of our well deserved reputation as a "problem-solving" company. No matter what kind of leaded glass item you have in mind, we can assist you in the step by step development of a unique custom leaded glass design that you will love. Since we are a leading supplier of beveled glass in San Diego we can also design beautiful beveled leaded glass windows, beveled leaded glass doors, beveled leaded glass panes and other beveled leaded glass items.
Contact us today for a free quote on your leaded glass project.


text:
Custom Doors
Entry systems speak volumes about your style and home functionality. We can get manufactured pre-hung exterior doors or we can pre-hang them for you right here at our facility. There are so many choices in exterior doors and a big difference between steel, fiberglass, and wood doors — not to mention all the different glass options. With fiberglass doors you have additional paint or stain choices.
Many homeowners are steering clear of wood products because of the expansion/contraction and energy-related issues. Others insist on only wood doors for the elegant detail and color choices. We help our customers narrow down the choices based on their unique tastes. It's an emotional decision, and it is the biggest decision that ultimately could affect the future saleability of your residence.
We carry all of the top manufacturer and brand names:


text:
Letter: Insulation removal dangerous, costly
Thank you for the article "Hidden issue," June 7, on vermiculite insulation, which, if disturbed, can cause serious health risks. Although as many as 15 million American homes may contain it, it's surprising how scarce media coverage has been since the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency launched its awareness campaign in 2003.
My wife and I bought our 1953 home in 2012, but only recently discovered vermiculite insulation in the attic. We have spent countless hours researching, gathering samples, soliciting estimates and deliberating what to do about the dangerous insulation.
We sent samples for testing by the Zonolite Attic Insulation Trust, which determined that it was mined in Libby, Mont. We also had it tested by Western Analytical Lab, an asbestos testing lab, which confirmed that it contains tremolite, "arguably the most dangerous type of asbestos," the report noted.
Despite the significant cost, we are proceeding with removal by a certified contractor and are on the cusp of an expensive abatement, coupled with substantial cost in state-required air-quality monitoring, followed by additional reinsulation costs.
Though the $4,125 offered by the ZAI Trust may sound like a lot, it's a fraction of the total expense required for proper abatement, which includes a $2,000 state notification fee and $800 state variance.
It's a shame that W.R. Grace & Co., which manufactured a product proven to carry such serious risks, isn't held more accountable to assist with abatement, nor does the state provide any financial relief to help protect the health of its residents in creating a safer living environment.
Saratoga Springs


text:
After four Christmas dinners; two families, one step family, and the immediate one you can't do away with; three gift exchanges, and Santa, I think it is safe to say the party is over. The tree is down, the boxes are back in the attic, and I have already located that one decoration that I forgot to pack - there is always one.
I did learn a valuable lesson - if when asked to handle the family gift exchange and you leave one person's name out, you will be excused from that delegation of duty for life. My New Year's Resolution is to find other onerous duties I can be discharged from by a similar offense.
I guess now would be a good time to send out the Christmas cards. They could be interpreted as 2013 "Holiday" cards or damn early 2014 "Christmas" cards. Given my track record, I best go tomorrow, by a box of Valentine's Day cards and start addressing them. Perhaps by February 14th most of them will be ready to mail. A good plan - at least.
Today is the beginning of 2014 and with it the reality of seeking employment. I must return to my senses and realize that I am of the working class. And since the lottery has not come through yet, I best hope that there is a vocation out there that will have me.
And, to think I am still searching for the Christmas spirit, maybe next year. Or, is it this year?
And, to think I am still searching for the Christmas spirit, maybe next year. Or, is it this year?