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AS UNLIKELY as it seems, we have
But there is nothing funny when a major communications technology corporation offers a service to millions of potential customers, but then is unable to communicate intelligently with them.
Our world is awash in communications technology and people are drawn to it like kids to candy. But the AOLs and Verizons of the world seem to view customers more as wallets than as people who are counting on the new technology to actually work.
I bet that one day we'll be able to have a computer chip implanted in our brains that will let us send messages telepathically. For example, do you know what I think when that Verizon guy asks, "Can you hear me now?" See? It works even without the chip.
Verizon, a telecommunications giant, is the perfect example of a company that spends millions to advertise but fails to recognize its most basic customer service shortcomings. You might think that it would strive to communicate clearly with the customers it is trying to attract, but you would be wrong.
Today we are not talking about Verizon, the phone company, but rather Verizon, the DSL Internet provider, of which I recently became a home-subscriber.
On a scale that ranges from people who don't know a computer chip from a chocolate chip, to those who could take a computer apart and reassemble it with their teeth, I am somewhere in the middle. Software doesn't scare me. Internal hardware does. I've done my share of downloading, but if I've ever uploaded anything I didn't know it, I swear.
I have been in denial for years about dial-up Internet service. I figured it should be as routine as making a phone call, and that the technology would improve over time. What an absurd notion that turned out to be.DSL? No problem. Ha!
I admit it: I am an AOL subscriber and have been for seven years. Lately, AOL dial-up service has gone from generally lousy to always terrible, as if the company were sabotaging it to "encourage" me to upgrade to high-speed service. If that's the case, it worked. On one particularly awful AOL evening, I succumbed to the obnoxious pop-up ads for AOL's Verizon DSL deal--DSL for the same price as dial-up. There would be a do-it-yourself installation package to deal with, and I was leery about the required "commitment," which is common cell-phone jargon but new to me with Internet service.
Anyway, I figured that only a hapless idiot would have trouble with this. So I signed up online that night after other phone and computer usage had ceased for the night. In other words, everyone else was asleep. Verizon would ship me the equipment I needed, and would let me know when my phone line had been configured for DSL service.
I woke up the next morning thinking, wait a minute, there was all this hype about being on the phone and online at the same time, but I was never asked about using a second computer online at the same time. If you could do that, why wouldn't they pitch that feature, too? Suddenly I feared that before this was done, I would feel like a hapless idiot.
I decided I would try to reach an actual person first thing that morning. (Early morning is the best time to get through.) That person was able to call up my order and inform me that if I wanted to use another computer, I would need a router, which wasn't included in my original online order.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think there are homes in addition to my own that have more than one computer. Why AOL/Verizon didn't consider this issue for their online sign-up customers is one of life's unanswered questions.
Nevertheless, the customer service person assured me I would receive the right equipment.
Problem solved? Not so fast. Just a day later the package arrived. That was quick. Too quick. There was a modem, but no evidence of a router. Maybe it would arrive separately. A week passed. No router.
I decided to call. After pressing 10 buttons in attempting to reach a human, I was told the lines were full; call back later. Good-bye.
This is not good PR, I thought.
After repeating that scenario at different times over the next couple of days, and experiencing the same result, I became certain that this was not good PR.
A flier for Verizon DSL came in the mail with a new phone number on it. I tried it and finally got through. And I was told that I had indeed received the wrong equipment. I needed a different type of modem from the one I was sent.
Fine, but what about the router? The router is the different type of modem, said the representative, in a tone that suggested she felt she was talking to a hapless idiot. How was I supposed to know that? Also, she would send a UPS label for the return of the original modem. If I didn't return it in 30 days I'd have to pay a $100 equipment fee or they would haul me off to Verizon jail.The big day
Finally, I-Day (Installation Day) arrived. I had the right equipment, and my phone line was ready. I shoved the installation disc into the computer and followed the required steps.
Ha, I thought, you'd have to be a hapless idiot to mess this up.
Then it happened: A message appeared stating that my computer would need a network interface card before installation could proceed. A what? This is a nearly new computer, and it can't accept DSL?
As a last resort, I looked at the instruction booklet. On page 9 in print I couldn't read without my glasses and a magnifying glass, I discovered that PCs would need the NIC, but Macs do not.
This is a time when one wishes he had taken an anger management program so he could take the textbook and throw it through the computer monitor. Why was there no heads-up about this? I'm pretty sure there are many other people with PCs, just as there are many people with more than one computer at home.
Since I could still dial up, I searched for NICs and found $6 ones and $2,000 ones and a lot of gibberish about what they do. It appeared to be an internal part requiring installation. I was ready to write off DSL.
It was after midnight, but I decided to call Verizon anyway, anticipating the guilt I usually feel only after I have berated someone on the phone for making me feel like a hapless idiot.
I remained calm as I explained the situation. The guy said well, if you already have an Ethernet connection on the back of your computer, you don't need the NIC. Sure enough, there is an Ethernet plug back there; the software and instruction book lied. So he says all I need to do is to plug in (you hapless idiot) and you're good to go.
In an instant I was online with DSL, but aggravation has yet to subside.
It's not surprising that people think large corporations are clueless about customer service. Verizon's DSL advertising promises Internet nirvana, but it's inability to handle two incredibly obvious issues that many, if not most, customers will face sentenced me to a month in installation hell.
Turns out my wife's older PC doesn't have the Ethernet connection and will need an NIC before I can hook her into DSL. Got that? Ought to be simple enough, but it's just another chance for Verizon to make me feel like a hapless idiot.
Hey, Verizon, can you hear me now? Good.
RICHARD AMRHINE is a writer and editor with The Free Lance-Star.


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Paskris: A Swedish Easter Tree
Aunt Peaches
Look at this beautiful creation! It's called a Paskris, and it's a Swedish Easter tradition. With Spring still a few weeks off, they decorate branches with brightly colored feathers, and sometimes add eggs to bring the sunshine inside.
Though Aunt Peaches is not Swedish to our knowledge, she did an incredible job, and we're using this as a guide for our own Paskris in this house.
For more details, please visit Aunt Peaches.
(Image: Aunt Peaches)
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An Easter Egg Tree, Ostereierbaum, is a Germanic tradition and is common in countries of Germanic influence -- Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Poland, etc.
You hang Easter eggs on branches, either a tree or bush outside (or perhaps a big display of branches in a central square -- perhaps atop a well or fountain in a central square -- or inside the home, with branches stuck in a vase.
We do it every year, collecting decorative Easter eggs to do it. I've never seen feathers on such trees -- just eggs. I wonder whether it is a Swedish variant or just a creative personal touch?
It's actually spelled "Påskris", and yes, feathers are standard in Sweden. But I'm not used to seeing quite so many things packed onto the branches. You should see more branches and less decoration. "Less is more," so to speak.
That is indeed how we do it here. Easter in Sweden is a colorful and bright holiday.
When I was a kid in school we got to decorate trees with feathers and paint eggs in different colorful patterns as part of our crafts classes.
Love all of the color and whimsy!
When I first saw her tree, it BLEW MY MIND. And I had to create my own. Now I'll never have an Easter without one of these trees!!
Just read that originally the twigs involved represented flagellation! (You know, mortification of the flesh in penance...)
Sometimes when you analyze it, Christian symbology is a little morbid: crucifix, anyone??
we have these in Norway as well....called a fastelavnsris....children make them out of budded birch trees and decorate with feathers......on fastelavens sunday(think its the first sunday before easter) the children get to wake their mum and dad up by spanking then with the decorated birch sprigs....nice hey!!! very decorative....its that old scandinavian tradition of bringing nature indoors to celebrate it!! also: less is more, but there is no rules!! great job!!

subset: commoncrawl


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Race based measures will not affect non-Malays, says Najib
A raft of financial measures introduced to assist the Bumiputera community is not meant to sideline or deny the interests of other ethnic groups, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
"We are doing what is fair, we are doing what is right and we are doing what is equitable," Najib told an audience at the Chancellor's Hall in Universiti Teknologi Mara in Shah Alam today.
Najib, flanked by his deputy Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, was accompanied by most of his Cabinet colleagues and several menteris besar.
He reiterated that Putrajaya is not prejudiced against other races in Malaysia.
"Do not misunderstand the Malay economic empowerment.
"This initiative is not at the expense of or taking away the rights of any other people... There is no prejudice against other races," he said.
Najib said Malaysia's economy grew in 2011 and 2012 by 5.1% and 5.6%, respectively.
However, he lamented the fact that the gap in wealth between the Malays and non-Malays was still quite substantial.
In order to bridge this gap, Najib announced the formation of the Bumiputera Economic Empowerment Council, which will replace the Malay Economic Action Council.
He outlined five main strategies to assist the Bumiputera community in generating more wealth and bridge the gap with other races.
Najib said under the first strategy, the government would introduce more programmes to help Bumiputeras broaden their work opportunities to enable them to meet market requirements.
"Additional grants will be provided to Mara to purchase better equipment to help Bumiputeras learn new skills and be relevant. This includes the 1Malaysia Training Scheme and Graduate Employability.
"The Public Service Department and Mara will also cooperate to increase employment opportunities for graduates and to increase the professional workforce, including accountants and doctors," he added.
Under the second strategy, Permodalan Nasional Berhad will launch the Amanah Saham Bumiputera 2 scheme. Najib said 10 billion units would be launched into ASB2 and the fund will allow individuals to widen their investments beyond the RM200,000 maximum permitted under the current Amanah Saham Nasional.
"The government has conducted surveys and discovered that there are large numbers of Malays working in the cities and major towns. Unfortunately, the same does not apply to property ownership."
Najib said the number of Bumiputeras who owned property in urban areas is small, due to a number of factors, including skyrocketing property prices.
"To resolve this, government-linked companies and government-linked investment companies involved in property development will be instructed to increase the number of Bumiputera allocated lots."
For the fourth strategy, Najib announced cash aids of RM300 million for the National Entrepreneurial Group Economic Fund (Tekun) and RM700 million for Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (Ikhtiar).
Ikhtiar's partners are expected to increase from the current 350,000 to 500,000 by the year 2015 while Tekun should increase from 270,000 to 370,000 in the same period.
Chief executive officers of all GLCs will be set a target on Bumiputera participation for their company projects and this will be part of their key performance index, Najib said.
National oil and gas company Petronas has several upstream and downstream projects worth about RM20 billion annually, which should be given to Bumiputera firms.
However, Najib stressed that all these projects and goodies would be awarded based on merit.
In order to have a better delivery system, under the fifth strategy, Najib announced that Bumiputera development units would be established in each Ministry.
He also revealed that the government will set an enrollment target of 250,000 students for all Mara institutes, colleges and universities by 2020.
Najib did not elaborate on the source of funds for the initiatives he had outlined.
Dear Malaysian,, Do you understand what is ???? GOT SOUND NO PICTURE !!!!!!!!
Who are these peoples in the Gomen for the pass 56 years of Merdeka ??????????
I got US 44 billions = RM 132 billion ,,, What you Malaysians got ???????????????
Just shout Hidup Hidup,,in the press hall ,, you win,,, Did PAS say Umno make Malays stupid.


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- 866-722-3338 General Information
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|PAA 617 - Management Issues in Gerontologic Services
Course Description: This course is designed to acquaint students with the process and consequences of aging from both the individual and societal perspectives. Physical, social, and psychological aspects of aging are presented. The demographics of aging are presented. Attendant policy issues, including economic considerations, are explored.
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Welcome To GMTruckClub.com!
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Online since 2004, we are the #1 Chevy Truck & SUV forum and user community. If you have any questions about your Chevy or GMC Truck, SUV or Crossover, or just want to connect with other GM owners and enthusiasts around the world, you've found the best place on the internet to do that.
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Discussion in 'General Chevy & GM Tech Questions' started by markman34, May 20, 2010.
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OK, so I decided to see what would happen if I posted a battle between two teams of characters that are "featless", and see which "featless" characters are better.
In this case, its the Jedi Masters Kao Cen Darach and Ven Zallow from the HD Old Republic trailers Vs. Rahm Kota and Kazdan Paratus from TFU.
Round 1 is at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant
Round 2 is on Raxus Prime
For what precious little the former two have to their name, see these videos:
Note his dual-wielding a double-bladed lightsaber with a regular one, holding his own against two Sith Lords simultaneously, and at one point force pushing one of said Sith Lords back quite a bit. He also pretty casually hurls some medium-sized pieces of rubble at Darth Malgus.
Now for Ven Zallow...
Managing to trade blows with Darth Malgus for a while, force pushing an opponent back a little bit, and effortlessly cutting down two Sith Warriors while engaged in a duel with someone else.
As for Rahm Kota, he doesn't really do ANYTHING with a lightsaber of note beyond losing to Starkiller, but he does actually have some Force feats: in his duel he liberally uses lightsaber throw, and also causes a massive TIE Factory to lose its orbit over Nar Shadda and plummet. Not a bad TK feat in my book.
Like Rahm Kota, Kazdan Paratus doesn't have any lightsaber feats of note, but his TK feats are pretty impressive. Able to create "junk golems" and also the larger Junk Titans via the Force across a pretty vast distance and controlling several at once to have them attack intruders, and also animating his Jedi Temple replicas to have them fight alongside him against Starkiller. So in effect he's like a Jedi Puppetmaster.
All this in mind, who do you think wins?


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The Lancer Ralliart bears some resemblance to the high-power Lancer Evolution and features a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, Mitsubishi's twin-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive. The Lancer Evolution and the Lancer Sportback, a five-door hatchback, are covered in separate reports in the Cars.com Research section.
New for 2012
A new SE model aimed at buyers in the Snowbelt features all-wheel drive, 16-inch alloy wheels, heated seats and side mirrors, and a chrome lower grille. Meanwhile, the GTS trim gets a new name, GT, and adds a Ralliart-type front end, new 18-inch wheels, new instrument-panel trim and upgraded soft-touch door trim. The Ralliart also gets new 18-inch wheels and soft-touch door trim, as well as gloss-black instrument-panel trim and black sport fabric.
A forward-leaning grille serves as the focal point for the front of the car. The Ralliart version is more aggressive, with a gaping grille and a subtle hood scoop. Exterior features include:
The Lancer sedan seats up to five and is available with an optional 60/40-split folding rear seat. A CD stereo is standard, and an optional Navigation and Technology Package includes a navigation system with a 30-gigabyte hard drive. Air conditioning is optional. Interior features include:
Under the Hood
The Lancer is available with a variety of engine and transmission choices. The SE and Ralliart have all-wheel drive, and other Lancer sedans come with front-wheel drive. Mechanical features include:
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Select up to three models to compare with the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer.
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NECHAMA - Jewish Response to Disaster Overview
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Phone: 763-732-0610
4330 Cedar Lake Rd. S
St. Louis Park
Minnesota 55416
St. Louis Park
Minnesota 55416
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Target demographics: Disaster Survivors
Geographic areas served: General United States / Long Island, NY
Programs: We are currently serving the Long Island, NY area with repair and rebuild services in response to Hurricane Sandy.
NECHAMA - Jewish Response to Disaster is a 501(c)(3) volunteer organization providing clean-up and recovery assistance to homes and businesses affected by natural disaster. Guided by the Jewish value of tikkun olam, repairing the world, performing good acts, and helping the stranger, NECHAMA offers a helping hand in the spirit of goodwill and creating mutual respect and understanding among people.
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I first met NECHAMA: The Jewish Response to Disaster in September 2005 immediately after Hurricane Katrina decimated the Mississippi Gulf Coast and, by overwhelming the poorly constructed levees, New Orleans. I was serving as lead staff for the United Jewish Communities (now Jewish Federations of ... more »
I spent a week out helping with Hurricane Sandy repair work in mid-2013. The days were very well organized, my time was well spent, I got to know the people's houses we were working on, and I learned a ton!!! I really appreciated the flexibility that the organization had - you could stay for one ... more »
I first worked with NECHAMA in January 2007 as part of their relief efforts in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. My most recent experience with NECHAMA was in July 2013 when I brought out a group to assist with their efforts on Long Island after Hurricane Sandy. Both times I found the process (... more »


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Well, I feel terrible for him! He's such a sweet guy and it's obvious he has feelings for Fiona. Still, I think that Tony should stop pining after Fiona. He deserves someone who will love him back. Although, you know, with the way the season ended with Steve leaving, who knows what could happen between Fiona and Tony?
I love him as a character, just not paired with Fiona.


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Vanderbilt University dismissed a wide receiver from the university football team and athletic program on Tuesday, four days after he pleaded guilty to helping cover up an alleged gang rape on campus, CNN reports.
High School Football Player Killed By Helmet-to-Helmet Collision
The running back was 16 years old
The Science of Sound: How Seattle Got So Darn Loud
Canopies, aluminum benches and bunched-up seating helped explain the home-field advantage for the Seahawks
NFL Roundup: Seahawks Dismantle 49ers, Manning Proves Big Brother Plays Best
Correction appended at 10:40 a.m., Sept. 16, 2013
The NFL entered its second week on Sunday and it was all about settling scores on the gridiron. In the heavily anticipated divisional grudge-match, the Seahawks' running back …
Texas A&M Takes on Alabama: Scenes from College Football's Most-Anticipated Matchup
In College Station, Texas, two powerhouse collegiate football teams came together for one of the biggest games of the season on Saturday, with Johnny Manziel and the Texas A&M Aggies hosting Alabama's number-one-ranked team in a …
Texas A&M-Alabama: Inside College Football's Supercharged Economy
From tailgating to sponsorships to early-morning beer sales, college football Saturdays are a carnival of commercialism. Except for the actual players.
If Derek Jeter Wants to Limp Around, Let Him Limp Around
Why do we insist that athletes "go out on top?" If they can work, why shouldn't they?
With a Tweet, Lance Armstrong Bids Farewell to Olympic Medal
The medal "will be in Switzerland asap," the former biking champ wrote on Twitter
Undercover Cops Will Pose as Opposing Team Fans at Seahawks Games
Seahawks take new measures to crack down on unruly fans
SI Special Report on Okla. State Football: 'Drugs Were Everywhere'
Players on Oklahoma State University's elite football team used marijuana routinely from 2001 through 2012, and in some cases dealt the drug, Sports Illustrated reports.
The Yankees And Red Sox Are Besties. For Now, At Least.
As the Red Sox wallop the Rays, the Yanks are sneaking back into the postseason race.
Jeter's Season Is Over
An ankle injury will bench the Yankees all-star for the rest of the year
For CBS, 'Johnny Cam' Drives the Manziel Mania
During Saturday's ridiculously hyped showdown between No. 1 Alabama and No. 6 Texas A&M, one camera will record Johnny Manziel's every move. Please, let's not complain about it


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walk with Wickland Westcott
profileArticle Author
John Dodd
Cheshire Office
Tel: +44 1625 508100
view allPrevious Articles
25 February 2014 Finding the Perfect Match by John Milsom
19 February 2014
17 February 2014 The Rise of Narcissism by Colin Mercer
3 February 2014 Managing for growth in the manufacturing sector by Jerome Bull
24 January 2014
26 November 2013 Excellence in Talent Management by Colin Mercer
27 November 2013 Managing Your Career by Laura Oliver
8 August 2013
24 May 2013 The Changing Face of Outplacement by Diana Westlake
3 May 2013 Benchmarking against the best of the best by Rachel Ward
17 May 2013
6 February 2013 Commercial Skills Required by John Dodd
11 February 2013 Tough Conversations - practice makes perfect by Stuart O'Reilly
22 January 2013
12 November 2012 Women on Boards Event by Laura Oliver
2 November 2012 Talons Management by John Milsom
10 October 2012
31 August 2012 Allow SID to be Vicious by Keith McCambridge
1 June 2012 The Best Candidates Choose You by Keith Miller
30 May 2012
12 July 2012 Would your team win gold? by Laura Oliver
2 August 2012 Leadership teams – what goes on at 35,000 feet by Keith McCambridge
5 April 2012
14 May 2012 Don't Cut Corners on Job Analysis by Jerome Bull
18 April 2012 CSR - Who Are We Kidding? by Laurence Jackson
30 March 2012
23 February 2012 Stargazing by John Milsom
31 January 2012 Some Honest Answers by Colin Mercer
19 January 2012
16 January 2012 Embedding Talent Management by Laura Oliver
7 February 2012 Driving Behavioural Change by Liz Lawson
5 January 2012
18 November 2011 Women on the Board by John Dodd
9 November 2011 Collaborative Leadership by John Milsom
8 November 2011
10 October 2011 Does coaching make you too risky? by John Milsom
7 October 2011 Transparency with Candidates by John Milsom
5 October 2011
13 September 2011 Blinkers off - recruiting from other sectors by Jerome Bull
13 September 2011 Diversity - Make it work for your Board by John Dodd
23 August 2011
19 August 2011 The Future of Leadership by John Milsom
19 July 2011 The Non Executive Catch 22 by Mike Spurr
11 July 2011
17 June 2011 Becoming an NED - Look Before You Leap by Mike Spurr
15 June 2011 It's a Two Way Street by Jerome Bull
1 June 2011
27 May 2011 Adopting Commercial Values by Laurence Jackson
17 May 2011 Surviving in Tough Times by Laurence Jackson
15 February 2011
10 February 2011 Survival Leadership by John Milsom
7 February 2011 Private Equity - Have You Got What it Takes? by Keith Miller
19 January 2011
Candidate Guide
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17th May 2013Benchmarking against the best of the best
Wickland Westcott recently hosted a leadership event with guest speaker Christine Hardy, Leadership Development Manager at Iceland Foods. In 2009 Iceland decided to benchmark itself as a company against the best of the best by engaging with the Sunday Times Best Company survey. Only a short time later, in 2012, Iceland was ranked 1st in their category and 2nd in 2013. Christine shared her thoughts on how Iceland achieved this. From...Read more
6th February 2013Assessing for Cultural Fit
When assessing individuals, much of the data derived from application forms, interviews, psychometrics, and assessment centre exercises addresses two key questions – what the candidate can do, and what he/she will do. But they offer little direct evidence of whether the candidate will fit with the culture of the organisation. Our experience with clients has taught us that although a candidate can be technically gifted, with a well-adapted personality and an exceptional track record, they can still fail in the role....Read more
11th February 2013Commercial Skills Required
Bringing further commercial skills into certain parts of the public sector will continue to be a key priority, as the need for transformational change, financial performance and strong leadership is increasingly important....Read more
22nd January 2013Tough Conversations - practice makes perfect
A key skill for leaders and managers is handling tough conversations well. This might include telling a peer (or boss) that something they are doing is not helpful, through to addressing performance issues with a supplier. Often these conversations are ducked because individuals see them as too difficult, and justify their failure to address them by highlighting the conflict and potential disruption they might cause....Read more
12th November 2012All Change
With any senior external hire, the organisation is usually looking to introduce some type of change but over the last two years we have noticed a marked increase in clients declaring an appetite for more radical, challenging, innovative recruits. On some occasions the outcome of these searches has been extremely positive – truly transformational for the hiring business (and the executive themselves). On one or two occasions however, it has not really worked out....Read more
2nd November 2012Women on Boards Event
Women on Boards continues to be an important topic of discussion both within organisations and in the press. Wickland Westcott has carried out a number of high profile board evaluations, including Diageo, Mothercare and Thomas Cook, and recently hosted a thought leadership event with guest speaker Amanda Mackenzie. Amanda is Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Aviva plc, Non Executive board member of Mothercare plc and a member of the Lord Davies Steering Group for 'Women on Boards'. This...Read more
10th October 2012Talons Management
Maverick Eagles and Collaborative Hawks Wickland Westcott recently ran a workshop with a difference – the participants included Finch, Bolt, Walter and Aaron, all live birds of prey! Social enterprise group Hack Back use birds of prey to assist in the development of emotional intelligence in corporate leaders of all levels, drawing on the relationship between falconers and their birds to demonstrate and develop key capabilities including self awareness and regard for others. Psychologist...Read more
31st August 2012'I think I'll manage'
As featured in the Retail Talent Blog in Retail Times - August 2012 The Grocer last week reported that the BRC has unveiled a new leadership team, which includes KPMG's head of retail, Helen Dickinson, who will take over from Stephen Robertson as BRC's director general when he departs at the end of the year, and Ian Cheshire, who becomes the new chairman on 1st October....Read more
1st June 2012Allow SID to be Vicious
Imagine getting to be CEO – the freedom to act as you wish. You've spent a whole career fighting up the greasy pole, hoping for chance to wear the yellow jersey. The pinnacle, of course, is to command a Plc, fully listed, preferably in the top 250, ideally in the top 100. Now you really are in charge. Picture it – your first day as the boss....Read more
30th May 2012The Best Candidates Choose You
25% of CEOs recently surveyed by PWC reported that they were unable to pursue a market opportunity, or had to delay a strategic initiative, because of mismatches in talent or its unavailability (PWC 15th Annual Global CEO Survey 2012): "Not having the right talent in the right place is a leading threat to growth for many CEOs....Read more


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The following Environmental Law Institute (ELI) publications relate to brownfields remediation and redevelopment, and include resources on institutional controls, smart growth and land use, and environmental health. The following links will take you from the Brownfields Center Web site to the ELI Store.
To browse for publications not produced by ELI, please see the Brownfields Bibliography page.
A Citizen's Guide to Using Federal Environmental Laws to Secure Environmental Justice
A Guidebook for Brownfield Property Owners
An Analysis of State Superfund Programs: 50-State Study, 1998 Update
An Analysis of State Superfund Programs: 50-State Study, 2001 Update
Community Environmental Health Assessment Workbook: A Guide to Evaluating Your Community's Health and Finding Ways to Improve It
Estimating the Costs of Institutional Controls
Guiding Growth in Virginia: Local Incentives for Revitalization and Preservation
Institutional Controls In Use
Institutional Controls: Grand Junction
Institutional Controls: Mound Plant
Local Government Implementation of Long-Term Stewardship at Two DOE Facilities
Protecting Public Health at Superfund Sites: Can Institutional Controls Meet the Challenge
Smart Growth in Rural Towns and Small Communities: Maryland's Eastern Shore
Smart Growth in the Southeast: New Approaches for Guiding Development
Sustainability in Practice
Sustainable Redevelopment of Brownfields: Using Institutional Controls to Protect Public Health (May 1999 Environmental Law Reporter® article)
The Transition to Sustainable Development Law (Research Brief #3)


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And now I can't sleep.
I read an article about a lady who had a spider in her ear for five days.
It crawled in while she was sleeping.
I hate spiders.
But I know we have some in our house.
And now…
That article sounds…dubious. spiders usually like really super dark quiet places and there'd be a lot of noise in your ear??
I really REALLY hope it's fake, but until then I'm probably going to invest in earplugs like Meva suggested. Maybe sticky traps.


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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ran it on two toons early this morning. Priest run saw 3 of the brawler trinkets and the pocketwatch drop. Forget what was the 5th drop but could have been another brawler one. Ran it again with my DK and was 3 eggs, 1 remote, 1 maiden and a pocketwatch. Missed the daily reset timer by 4 minutes so wasn't able to double up on the priest runs. One I ran the second time with said the maiden dropped 4 times in the prior group they were in on their alt.


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- SERVICES FOR BUYERS AND SELLERS: Coldwell Banker Home Loans / Coldwell Banker Concierge / American Home Shield Home Warranty / Relocation Division
- Full time agent with 20 years marketing and sales experience
- Member, National Association of Realtors
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- Residential Buyer and Seller Specialist with personalized attention and professional representation
- Member, Butler County Board of Realtors
- Arizona State University, B.S. Business Administration
- University of Phoenix, MBA
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text:
WSVN -- Clara Wade has lived in her home for 30 years. She raised her kids here.
Clara Wade: "My daughter, she got married here, Crystal. Two of my daughters got married here, out of my house."
Connie and her husband had a dream, and it came true.
Connie Hull: "The only thing I ever wanted was a beautiful home, and it took me all these years to finally get that."
Connie and Clara, two people with something else most of us have in common: too many bills.
For Clara, it was soaring property taxes that she couldn't afford to pay. That fact is listed in public records, and Clara suspects a man read it and came to her home.
Clara Wade: "I was sitting in my living room, looking at TV, and he come by and told me he could help me pay my taxes."
Connie's husband got sick and couldn't work. When they fell behind on their association fees, the group tried to foreclose on them, then they reached out for help.
Connie Hull: "We were told through telephone conversation that not to worry, the government would step in and help us with a loan that could be paid back."
Connie and Clara soon had one more thing in common, they no longer owned their own homes.
Clara Wade: "I was sick, I was under distress and I thought I was fixing to die, really."
Connie Hull: "I was horrified, I was horrified. How could this have happened?"
How it can happen is simple.
How often it happens in South Florida is sickening.
Carol Lombardi of Legal Services of Greater Miami: "I have been involved in maybe 15 or 20, and we have another lawyer here that has done even more than me."
Patrick Fraser: "Dozens, hundreds, maybe even more people signing their homes away, and they say they have no idea they are doing it.
They get behind on their mortgage, their taxes, their association fees; a savior comes in and they trust him and soon the homeowner no longer owns the home.
Clara Wade: "He said he would help me pay my taxes."
Patrick Fraser: "He didn't say you had to pay him back?"
So Clara sat in her home alone with the man and signed a few pieces of paper.
Patrick Fraser: "What did you think it said?"
Clara Wade: "I didn't see anything on it."
Clara says she had no idea one of those pieces of paper was this quit claim deed, which gave her home to this man, Hencile Dorsey.
Clara Wade: "I really wasn't thinking that he could do that."
Legal services then filed suit.
Carol Lombardi: "It really enrages me sometimes."
As Carol Lombardi prepared Clara's case, she saw how Dorsey made money without even selling the property, taking out six mortgages: One for over $78,000, another for $71,630, on and on. Totalling more than $328,000.
Carol Lombardi: "They go out and get new mortgages, and they in effect take all the equity out of the property."
While he was mortgaging the property, Clara was still paying her mortgage on a home she didn't even own.
Clara Wade: "I had no knowledge, no clue, and this was not a part of the contract."
Connie thought she was signing a federally backed loan, but in the stack of papers was this warranty deed which she signed along with several other documents that turned her home over to a trust run by a company called the Florida Housing Council.
James Brady, Hull's Attorney: "They found this opportunity with this savior to be a godsend, and they in effect fell for it, and now they've risked the loss of their home."
James Brady has filed suit to try and get the Hulls' home back from the Florida Housing Council, but the company agent told us they rescued the Hulls.
Jack Moussa of the Florida Housing Council: "They were six days away from losing their house. Their home was up for foreclosure."
Patrick Fraser: "Where would they be today, if you hadn't come along?"
Jack Moussa: "They would be homeless, sir."
Moussa told us he never told the Hulls he was with a government agency and that he wrote these checks, totaling over $40,000 to stop foreclosure on the Hulls and in return they agreed to give the trust half interest in their home.
Patrick Fraser: "Did they know what they were signing when they signed it?"
Jack Moussa: "Absolutely."
Moussa says the Hulls need to follow the contract they signed, pay the trust $160,000 for its work, and they will get the house back in their names.
Jack Moussa: "They are quite aware of the American system. They do realize what a contract is."
Hencile Dorsey refused to talk to us on camera.
On the phone, when I asked him if he tricked Clara Wade out of her home, he said, "I never took advantage of her. I paid her taxes, and the property was mine, but I let her live there."
He later left a voice mail telling me he would get in contact with Mrs. Wade.
Clara Wade never heard from Dorsey, but he did email me, telling me to quit harassing him, that he had done nothing wrong, but a judge ruled against Dorsey.
Patrick Fraser: "So far his punishment was to lose title to Ms. Wade's home and to have title put back in her name."
Clara got her home back.
Patrick Fraser: "What would you say to this fellow?"
Clara Wade: "I don't know what I might do to him."
The Hulls hope a judge rules in their favor as well.
Connie Hull: "It's one of the worst things that has ever happened in our lives. I mean, I've cried countless tears over this."
Patrick Fraser: "Connie and Clara signed documents to save their homes and had no idea those documents could cost them their home."
The simple way to avoid losing your home like Clara did is to never sign any documents you don't understand without having a lawyer read them.


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The United States Aquatic Sports annual convention provides an opportunity for USA Swimming to gather all of its delegates together for the purpose of making decisions that will affect the future of our sport. We elect our officers, vote on rules and legislation, and discuss and plan programs that will continue our tradition of excellence in the sport of swimming.
09/16/2014 - 09/20/2014
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
09/27/2015 - 10/4/2015
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
09/18/2016 - 09/25/2016
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
The 2014 United States Aquatic Sports Convention will be held September 16-20 at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront in Jacksonville, Florida. Please follow the links below for registration and hotel reservation information.
The Convention Documents section (below) is where you will find the USA Swimming convention schedule, flyers for workshops, FAQ and other information. Nomination Forms and Candidate Bios will also be posted here.
An important role of the House of Delegates is to approve the USA Swimming budget for the following year. Below is the proposed 2015 budget as approved by the Board of Directors. Members will have the opportunity to have budget questions answered by your Treasurer, Stu Hixon and senior members of the USA Swimming staff at the Budget Meeting at 3:00 PM on Thursday. In the meantime, you may also forward questions by email to firstname.lastname@example.com. Thank you.
The theme for the Wednesday Night Reception hosted by Risk Management Services is Margaritaville. There will be a contest for the best dressed in Jimmy Buffet style.


text: Comments on: Unions' power waning in progressive Montgomery Back to the article » Rachel Baye • | October 6, 2012 | 12:00 am Public-sector labor unions in liberal stronghold Montgomery County are seeing their influence fade. County lawmakers have already stripped the Fraternal Order of Police of its right to bargain any management decision, known as "effects bargaining." The union is trying to overturn the measure on the November ballot, but both the county's Democratic and Republican parties are working to prevent... Web URL: http://washingtonexaminer.com/article/2510012 Share this article on Facebook or Twitter Print this article


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"great experience that prepares you for your next position "
- Comp & Benefits
- Work/Life Balance
- Senior Management
- Culture & Values
- Career Opportunities
I worked at Zynga full-time for more than 3 years
Most creative people I have ever worked with
- Good Food
- Great perks
- Fun place to work
- Inconsistency in level-up/promotions. I have seen people that merit their award or level up, but it is very much about who you know and a lot of brown nosing.
- The test team never gets the merit they deserve, they lost their leadership and now are lead by someone that never plays a game and doesn't listen to his team, and doesn't understand gaming
- Too many producers that think they rule the world
- They keep making the same game over and over and launch with the same issues
- Great food...expect to gain weight when you work there
- HR - no consistency in hiring, salaries, promos and every raise or hire has to be approved at least 5 times. Lose good candidates because the approval is sitting on the HR heads desk
- No 401K match
- Too many execs or upper management that don't understand what is happening in the trenches
Open your eyes and look at your workforce, and give merit where merit is due.
348 Other Employee Reviews for Zynga (View Most Recent)Sort: Rating Date
4 people found this helpful
"The worst possible work environment and culture imaginable. "
- Comp & Benefits
- Work/Life Balance
- Senior Management
- Culture & Values
- Career Opportunities
I worked at Zynga full-time for more than a yearPros
There is no good reason to work here. Good food & coffee, free snacks. Video games and nice gym on main campus.Cons
CEO has no idea how to run a large company. Constant thrash and pivots. CEO says stuff like, "When you come to the conversation understanding that I'm always right you'll have a better outcome." This company cannot succeed with current management in place. Highly, highly political environment, not a meritocracy as they say. Squeaky wheel gets the grease.Advice to ManagementAdvice
Fire yourselves.Doesn't RecommendNegative OutlookDisapproves of CEO
"Hard working, hungry, ambitious company "
- Comp & Benefits
- Work/Life Balance
- Senior Management
- Culture & Values
- Career Opportunities
I have been working at Zynga full-time for less than a yearPros
Great, high quality, highly motivated and straight-shooting folks
The Zynga spirit drives the company to be successful and pushes through challenging times
The constant quest on how to be more successful, make better games, increase value for our players
Yes, the food is amazingCons
The outside reputation and perception of Zynga are at least one year behind the reality of the current culture, which I have found very positive.Advice to ManagementAdvice
Keep building up a more game development centric culture
Push to hire the best talentsRecommendsPositive OutlookApproves of CEO


text:
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Please Register as a New User or Login as Existing User to gain full access to all the photos on this site. Registration is quick and completely free.
Unregistered users can only view full size photos that have been added this month.
The Devil's Appendix and Devil's Kitchen area, Ogwen, 22 Dec 09.
© Rampikino
Route: The Devil's Appendix


text:
Guns N' Roses - November Rain
Guns N' Roses $1.5 million video for the 1992 power-ballad November Rain featured lots of aerial shots and a controversial scene where lead-singer Axl Rose walks past a gun-shop. Yet, in a sign of the times, it still saw extensive play on MTV and even garnered a Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the Music Video Awards that year.
- Commented
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- Listen to tracks from the new Nickelback album for free!
We've got our hands on five tracks from the new Nickelback album, Here And Now, which you can listen to absolutely free of charge...
Tulisa's G-A-Y night out with Johnny and The Risk
New singles from JLS, Jessie J and Bruno Mars reviewed
New albums from Susan Boyle, Cher Lloyd and The Wanted reviewed
Win tickets to see Alfie Boe perform with Matt Lucas and Mel C
- Guess who my famous singer mum is...
What could be cooler than having a music legend as a parent? Take our quiz to see if you can guess which kids belong to which famous musicians.
- Lovebox and Latitude enjoy great weather
Britain's most prolonged heatwave since 2006 has been a boon for the summer festival season...
- Rolling Stones to play Hyde Park this summer
The Rolling Stones are returning to play at London's Hyde Park as part of Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park
- Nicki Minaj posts hot video stills on Twitter
The US hip-hop superstar tweets pics of video for Lil Wayne collaboration, High School...
- Justin Timberlake brings sexy back in a tuxedo
Justin Timberlake was definitely bringing sexy back as he was spotted filming his music video in California.
- What movie is on that fingernail?
Can you name the movies that Spanish student Maya Pixelskaya has dedicated her fingernails to?
- World's most romantic hotel rooms
If these sweet suites from hotel experts Mr and Mrs Smith don't get you in the mood, nothing will!
- 10 ways to get a pay rise
Think you deserve to be paid more? Here are 10 steps to increasing your income...
Which music festival are you most looking forward to?
Thanks for being one of the first people to vote. Results will be available soon. Check for results
- V Festival
105 votes
- Reading
79 votes
- Glastonbury
246 votes
- Isle of Wight
39 votes
- T in the Park
95 votes
- Bestival
11 votes
- Tomorrowland
30 votes
- Wireless
65 votes
- Creamfields
46 votes
- Download
164 votes
Total Responses: 880
Not scientifically valid. Results are updated every minute.


text:
Time with God - Aug. 19, 2010
Thursday 19th August
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
When you obey God it helps your relationship with Him grow stronger and more meaningful!
God is reminding us today that our Christianity is not simply a way of life or a club whose meetings we attend once or twice a week. No, we are in a living relationship with Him. The reason to make godly choices in our lives is not so that we don't feel guilty; the reason to make godly choices is to grow closer to God, to walk with Him, to show we love Him above all else.
In today's passage, God is pointing out that when we disobey Him it grieves Him. It hurts His heart of love for us. If we truly have made our relationship with God the most important relationship in our lives, then we will hate to hurt Him the most of all.
In another passage the Apostle Paul challenges us to "keep in step with the Spirit". God is inviting you to walk with Him today, and the only way you can do that is by honoring and obeying Him.
For more from John North and Ambassadors for Christ International, please click here.
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text:
Mary's ~ Embracing our Angels - an Inspired Insight into the Angelic Realm ~ book
Mary Jac's "A Pocketful of Angels" Angel Message Cards and other Angel Gifts
Attracting Abundance
Abundance, of course, is not just about wealth and money, it's about having
an abundance of love, happiness, family harmony, good health, and friendship, too,
and all those other vital things that we need to make our lives complete.
This page concentrates mostly on how we can attract financial abundance into our lives,
in order that we can meet our needs without worry, so that we can concentrate on other,
more important aspects of our everyday life.
Scroll down the page here to find the Abundance Prayer and the 7 Angels of Abundance Blessing, too.
There are 7 Affirmations of Abundance for you to use - one for every day of the week.
Simply absorb the positivity coming from the images surrounding each affirmation,
say the affirmation out loud, and BELIEVE that it is so.
You'll also discover here which Archangel to call on to guide you towards ways of attaining financial stability,
and which crystals can help attract wealth into your home, too.
♥ Prayer for Abundance ♥
♥ Affirmation of Abundance 1 ♥
"Abundance flows to me, and is around me,
♥ Affirmation of Abundance 2 ♥
"I know that all of my needs will be met, today and always."
♥ Affirmation of Abundance 3 ♥
"I am provided for today, and all the tomorrows to come."
♥ Affirmation of Abundance 4 ♥
"Abundance and peace of mind are now mine."
♥ Affirmation of Abundance 5 ♥
"I am open and ready to be guided to the means
♥ Affirmation of Abundance 6 ♥
"All that I hope for and all that I need
♥ Affirmation of Abundance 7 ♥
"I am abundant and happy in every part of my life."
♥ Archangel Ariel ♥
Archangel Ariel is the Angel to call upon for prosperity -
ask that he provides you with the guidance to find the way to
secure the financial stability you are looking for.
You may be pleasantly surprised at the inspired ideas you are then sent in return!
* Click on the image of Archangel Ariel above for more information,
and find out about how the other Archangels can help you, too.
♥ The Archangel Ariel Abundance Essence ♥
Inspired by Archangel Ariel and further guided by the 7 Angels of abundance,
I believe that I have chosen and blended 7 essential ingredients to create the most
powerful and unique essence to attract prosperity into our lives.
♥ Crystals for Abundance ♥
My personal favourite abundance crystal is Citrine - see image above.
Place it in the wealth corner of your home to attract prosperity into your life.
(you will find your wealth corner by standing just inside your front door, and,
looking towards the back of your home, choose the furthermost back, left corner).
Other crystals said to attract abundance are Carnelian, Yellow Topaz, Yellow Sapphire and Tiger's Eye.
Take a look in a crystal shop to see which one feels just right for you!
♥ The 7 Angels of Abundance ♥
~ © ~ Mary Jac
This is the official "My Angel Card Readings" Website © My Angel Card Readings/Mary Jac
Web design and Water Animations by: Mary Jac Web Design
Contact me
* If you are the original artist of any of the gifs/pictures displayed on this or any other page on this site, and do not
want them used here, please contact me by clicking on the "Disclaimer" below.
We use third-party advertising companies to serve ads when you visit our website. These companies may use information (not including your name, address, email address, http://www.google.com/privacy_ads.html
or telephone number) about your visits to this and other websites in order to provide advertisements about goods and services of interest to you. If you would like more information
about this practice and to know your choices about not having this information used by these companies, please click on the link below:


text:
jrydis asked: Is this the official Slikhaar TV tumblr? I would really appreciate if you post more here, tumblr is an awesome sharing website which can really help you spread the word, in my opinion! (:
Hi Jrydis
Yes, it is the official Slikhaar TV Tumblr :)
- The reason why it is SlikhaarStudio, is because, we open a salon, the 1st of Dec.
From then and forward we'll post a lot of nice stuff.
Test Video


text:
When considering how our students are building their digital footprints, the most obvious place to look is at social media. Sure, at AES we require our kids to have blogs devoted to academic persuits. These serve more like e-portfolios, though there is certainly room for them to grow into something a little more authentic, or ideally, a blend of both. But these school blogs are really controlled by the teachers in many ways. Most of our students do not post unless there is an assignment to do so. Meanwhile, kids all over the world are posting freely on Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and Twitter.
The goals of this first advisory lesson are:
- Introduce/remind kids of the digital footprint
- To see where kids are posting
- To make students aware of what can be seen by others (privacy settings)
Our advisory times are 20 minutes, so these are quick shots. My tendency is to try and cram too much into a session and I have some concern that this might be the case here. The lesson starts with a short video from Common Sense Media introducing the concept of the digital footprint. A guided discussion and a survey follow the video. The power of the survey is the live results that will be school wide even though each advisory will only be 10 students. I do that that begins to touch on the transformative use as it allows for discussion of valuable data across the entire 8th grade while still maintaining the integrity and small group closeness of the advisories that have been nurtured all year.
After discussing the results, the last part of the lesson shows students how to view their Facebook profile from the eyes of a stranger. In other words, it shows what the public can see of their profile. I really wanted to create lessons that were engaging and real – what matters to these students. I think the interactive nature of this lesson accomplishes that. And even though I am a little worried about the time, I don't think the amount of new information is too much. The presentation with a link to the survey, guide, and discussion question is below.
When I presented this to the 8th grade team, they were all very receptive. They were especially excited about the real time results of the google form that immediately graphs the results, making the data easier to analyze. As will all tech, I am sure there will be some hiccups. I plan to meet with members of the team to garner feedback after the lesson. This lesson also lays groundwork for moving into discussion about how to treat other with respect online. Those are the next lessons I am developing and hoping to run in the coming weeks.
It is a start and I am eager to see the results of this first attempt.


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Saxet -- that's Texas spelled backwards...and it's a popular gun and outdoor product trade show that sets up shop on a rotating basis in cities like San Antonio, Corpus and here in Austin.
As for the Austin show at the Travis County Expo Center -- after this weekend, it's no more.
In order to renew Saxet's contract, the Travis County Commissioners Court wanted to require background checks for all sales at the show.
Gus Cargile created the trade show about 40 years ago. His response to that idea is...how can they?
"A person that's not a licensed dealer can't do a licensed background check. They're not qualified to do it, they don't have the phone, they don't have the numbers, they can't do it. We cannot prohibit 2 people from making a trade. That's against the law," Cargile said.
At this week's commissioner's court meeting, the county turned down a compromise deal from Saxet and decided to just not renew them.
Hilary Rand with the Austin chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America testified.
"No one is suggesting background checks will stop all gun violence in Travis County. But it's simply common sense to block as many illegal sales as possible and to keep guns out of the hands of those dangerous individuals who are already prohibited from purchasing guns under existing federal law," she said.
Michael Cargill with Central Texas Gun Works has a booth at the show. He says forcing the Saxet promoters to do something illegal should be illegal.
"You can do a private sale from one individual to another at [the] H.E.B. parking lot. You can go to the city council, you can go to the Travis County Commissioners Court parking lot and do a private sale from one individual to another. So there's no difference than anywhere else," Cargill said.
Gus Cargile says their contract with Travis County is worth more than 100 Grand. But he feels the county has made more money on the Saxet Trade Show than the Saxet Trade Show has.
"We give over $100,000 a year, right? How many hotel rooms do our people take when they come here for 2 days? 40, 50 rooms? Everybody has to eat here, right? We have to pay sales taxes to the county here, we have to pay sales taxes for every ticket we sell. All of our dealers have to pay sales tax. Everybody's got to buy gasoline, huh? So who's [the] loser?" Cargile said.
The Saxet folks tried to compromise with more gun safety programs and more paperwork showing proof of sales but the county rejected that.
Gus Cargile says they're still looking for a place in and around Travis County.
He says they just need 30,000 square feet, lots of parking and good lighting.


text:
Information » Money » Benefits » Personal Independence Payment
Personal Independence Payment
As of April 2013 Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will start to replace Disability Living Allowance.
Disability Living Allowance is a benefit for people who have personal care needs or problems with mobility. It has two components: care and mobility.
The care component is paid at three rates depending on how often and how much you need care.
- You must have had care needs for three months before you can claim. You don't have to be having care in order to claim
- You have care needs if you need help with 'bodily functions', like eating, washing, getting dressed and going to the toilet. These care needs can also include help which allows you to take part in social activities. You may have care needs because you need someone to supervise you to stop you being a danger to yourself and others
- There are different rates in the care component and how much you get will depend on the level of care you need. You get the lower rate if you need help with cooking a main meal or care for a significant part of the day. You get the middle rate if you need frequent care throughout the day or night or continual supervision throughout the day or night. You get the higher rate if you need frequent care or supervision throughout the day and night or if you are terminally ill
The mobility component is paid at two rates, depending on how much difficulty you have with walking.
- You have mobility needs if you cannot walk outdoors or go on an unfamiliar route without supervision. This might be the case if you are blind, in a wheelchair or have severe learning difficulties or behavioural problems
- To claim, you must have had mobility needs for at least three months that are likely to last for the next six months. If you are terminally ill, it does not matter how long you have mobility needs
- You don't need to be receiving help with your mobility needs to claim, but you must be able to prove you need it
- The mobility component is paid at two different rates. You get the lower rate if you cannot walk outdoors without guidance or supervision from another person for most of the time. This could be because of a physical or mental disability. You get the higher rate if your mobility problems are worse than this, so that you are unable to walk or virtually unable to because of pain, the effect on your health or the limitations on your walking. You can only get the higher rate of mobility component if your difficulties with walking are caused by a physical disability
Depending on your needs, you may get one component of Disability Living Allowance or both together.
- Disability Living Allowance can be paid to young people under 16, but you cannot claim it yourself. Someone else like your parents or guardian will need to make the claim for you, once they are authorised by the Department for Work and Pensions. This person will be called your appointee
- The conditions for claiming are different for under 16s and over 16s, so check with the Citizens Advice Bureau, the Department for Work and Pensions or the Benefits Enquiry Line for eligibility
- For the current rates of Disability Living Allowance go to https://www.gov.uk/dla-disability-living-allowance-benefit/what-youll-get
- You can claim Disability Living Allowance by phoning the Benefits Enquiry Line. This service will help you complete a form over the phone. You can also get a copy of the form - click here.
- TheSite - Discrimination at Work
- Starting Work - Citizens Advice
- DirectGov - Employment
- TheSite.org - Study information & Tips
- TheSite - Workers Rights


text:
The trade deadline is only three weeks away and the MLB rumors should start to fly hot and heavy. The Los Angeles Dodgers figure to be involved in quite a few after their trade with the Houston Astros for Carlos Lee fell through after Lee exercised his no-trade clause. Lee is now with the Miami Marlins and the Dodgers are still looking for a first baseman. There is one first baseman definitely on the market and that is the Chicago Cubs' Bryan Lahair.
The Cubs have made it known they are going to be sellers at the deadline and are dangling just about everyone, including Lahair who is having something of a breakthrough season at the age of 29 years-old. Lahair is hitting .286 with 14 home runs and 30 RBI, an increase over the production the Dodgers are getting from James Loney. Loney has been terrible and has basically worn out his welcome with Dodgers manager Don Mattingly. While LaHair might not be a surefire upgrade over Loney because the track record isn't there, I believe the Dodgers and LaHair are a fit together.
LaHair seems to either collect a single or home run when he gets a hit with his 14 homers surpassing his 12 doubles. That could be viewed as something of negative but consider what the Dodgers have getting from Loney and one will quickly see LaHair is an upgrade. Loney has 2 home runs and 15 doubles with a .247/.309/.333 slash line. LaHair's slash line .286/.364/.519 is a drastic improvement over Loney's and adding LaHair to a lineup with a healthy Andre Eithier and healthy Matt Kemp would be an improvement over what LaHair has been playing with at Wrigley and there is no reason to think his numbers won't get better or stay along the same path.
There is another reason LaHair could be such an attractive option for the Dodgers and that is the fact he won't cost much in terms of prospects. Yes, Cubs GM Theo Epstein is going to try to maximize his value and get the best return he can for his first baseman but the fact remains he is a 29 year-old with only 2 years of MLB experience and the asking price shouldn't be that high. LaHair could quickly become an attractive option for several teams because he should come cheaper than other first basemen on, or soon to be on the market like Justin Morneau of the Minnesota Twins or Edwin Encarnacion of the Toronto Blue Jays. The Dodgers might want to try and pull the trigger on this deal sooner rather than later.